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Kerala News Archive: January 2007
Saddam
Wednesday, January 31, 2007 | MP
Filmmaker Johny Antony is teaming up with Suresh Gopi in his next project which has been titled as Saddam. John Antony who made hits with Dileep had just had his latest film Inspector garud with Dileep again. The new film will have Suresh Gopi playing the role of a local market leader who turns out to be people's hero. He is fondly known as Saddam Xavier. Cochin Haniffa, Vijayaraghavan, Jagathy etc are there in the cast. and others. K.S. Naushad pens the script for the film. The film will start rolling in February.
Kaiyoppu
Wednesday, January 31, 2007 | MP
Kaiyoppu directed by Renjith is a short but thoughtful film. The story revolves around a struggling writer and his real life incidents. Mammootty excels with a superb performance. So is Medumudi Venu, Kushbboo and Mukesh in their respective roles. The dialogues are impressive and the twist in the climax makes it all the more touching. The film could have been made little more interesting if the pace had been bit fast. There is hardly any song. Overall a meaningful film and great effort form Renjith that is not to be missed.
Govt put strict no-no on plastic
Wednesday, January 31, 2007 | MP
Kerala government which put a ban on the usage of plastic bags in the State is taking strict measures to ensure that the order is enforced by the retailers across the State. Under the recommendation of the State Pollution Control Board, the Govt had banned the use of plastic bags below 20 microns and the traders were allowed a time period till January 20th to dispose their existing stocks. And now officials of the concerned bodies are also being warned and those failing to follow the rule got to face strict action in this regard. The Government is also urging the public to encourage the usage of cotton bags and covers instead of plastic bags.
Good going for Inspector Garud
Tuesday, January 30, 2007 | MP
Dileep's latest film, Inspector Garud which has graced theaters this week is said to be making good collections. The film had a wide release screening at 45 centres and said to have collected over 74 lakhs in the first three days of its opening. The film directed by Johny Antony is a mass entertainer and is much in taste providing all the masala for the Dileep fans and the family viewers. The film features Kavya along with Dileep and is expected to make it to a hit.
Prithvi, Jayasurya again with campus film
Tuesday, January 30, 2007 | MP
Inspired by the success of the recent campus film, Classmates more filmmakers are daring to opt for the subject told on the backdrop of campus life. Lately Roshan Andrews took a film, Notebook told on a similar storlyline. Now director Shafi is planning to make a film that would be another movie themed on college life and students. Interestingly the lead actors Prithviraj and Jayasurya who starred in Classmates are being roped in for the Shafi film. Apart from them, new faces would be there in the cast which are yet to be decided.
Film Critics award for Karuthapakshikal
Tuesday, January 30, 2007 | MP
Malayalam filmmaker Kamal's Karuthapakshikal has won the Atlas Film Critics award for the best Malayalam film in 2006. Kamal who directed the film had won the best director award. Mammootty won the best actor award (Karuthapakshikal, Kayyoppu) while actress Padmapriya made it for her performance in Karuthapakshikal and Yes Your Honour. Other awards went to Jagathy Sreekumar, Mohini(second best actor/actress),Alex Paul (best music director), M.G.Sreekumar and Manjari (best singers). The second best film award was shared among 3 films: Raathrimazha, Anandabhairavi and Kayyoppu.
Modi makes short visit to Kerala
Tuesday, January 30, 2007 | MP
Amidst wide protests in various parts of the State, Gujarat Chief Minister Narendra Modi made a short visit to Kerala on Monday. Several organisations including the Left and Muslim parties had held protest against his visit burning effigies and staging protest marches. Modi who had a short 4 hr visit reached the airport at 4:40 pm, took part in the RSS otrganised Hindu Mahamela where he ddressed the religious conclave and later left by a special flight at 7.45 pm.
Mamta replaces Padmapriya in Big B
Monday, January 29, 2007 | MP
The latest reports are that Malayalee actress Mamta Mohandas is replacing Padmapriya in Amal Neerad's Big B. Though the reason for the heroine swap is not known, Padmapriya's loss is considered as Mamta's gain. Mamta will be playing the heroine opposite Mammotty in the film. Mamta who made her debut with Mayookham had earlier worked with Mammootty in the film, Bus Conductor. The film is progressing with its shooting in Ottappalam and is expected to reach theaters for Vishu season.
Kerala's capital city declared beggar free
Monday, January 29, 2007 | MP
In an effort to curb child beggary in the State, Kerala's capital city Thiruvananthapuram has been declared a child beggary free district. The Social Welfare Minister took part in the event which was organised by the Social Welfare Department in which she informed that 115 children were rescued as a part of the programme who were either handed over to their parents or rehabilated in rescue homes. The project aims to completely eliminate child beggary and called upon more support for building juvenile homes for child care. Child helplines have been launched in Palakkad, Kannur, Malappuram and Kasaragod districts and will be extended to other major cities in the state.
Govt to amend temple authority rules
Sunday, January 28, 2007 | MP
The LDF led Kerala government is proposing amendments to the rules to the Travancore Devasom Board (TDB) which controls and administers most of the Kerala temples including the popular Sabarimala Ayyappa temple. Among the changes suggested includes bringing down the term of the board from the present four years to two years. Another recommendation is to include a woman representative from backward class in the 3 member board. Since the LDF came to power TDB had been facing severe difficulties and even alleged with corruption charges following which HC ordered a probe against the board members.
Kathaparayumbol
Saturday, January 27, 2007 | MP
Kathaparayumbol is being directed by debutant Mohan. Mammootty plays the lead role in the film. The film tells the story of two friends who meet after a long while. Sreenivasan,Jagathy Sreekumar and Innocent plays the other key roles in the film. Also features Shobhana back after a long time. Actors Mukesh and Sreenivasan produces the film. Sreenivasan pens the story, script and dialogues for the film which is expected for release later this year.
Azhikode rejects Padma award
Saturday, January 27, 2007 | MP
Renowned Malayalam literary critic and orator Dr Sukumar Azhikode has turned down the Padma Shri award saying it was not an honor for him. Azhikode who termed the Padma awards as unconstitutional said: “According to the constitution, no citizen should be awarded because it leads to discrimination. This is not like a literary award.” The other awardees from Kerala includes former Supreme Court judge K T Thomas, dramatist Kavalam Narayana Panicker both who got the Padma Bhushan. Master weaver P Gopinathan has got the Padma Shri.
Kozhikode to be the next IT hub in State
Friday, January 26, 2007 | MP
A group of premier institutions in Kerala is coming together to strengthen Kozhikode as the next Information Technology(IT) destination of the State. After the Technopark in Thiruvananthapuram and Kochi's Info Park, an IT park by the name Cyber Park is being campaigned by a team of core group which consisits of 6 organisations. This includes the Malabar Chamber of Commerce (MCC), Indian Institute of Management-Kozhikode (IIM-K), National Institute of Technology (formerly known as REC), Kerala Builders Forum, the IT Forum of Kozhikode and the Calicut Management Association. The move for The IT park is also supported by the Kerala CM in his recent State IT policy draft. Many leading IT firms like IBS, US Technology and NeST had also offered to invest in the Cyber park.
Mohanlal films lined up
Friday, January 26, 2007 | MP
Malayalam's popular star Mohanlal is busy with handful of projects this year. He has already completed couple of offbeat films like Pardeshi, Akashagopuram etc which are awaiting release and is currently shooting for Anwar Rasheed's Chotta Mumbai in Kochi. Meanwhile he is also done with Ram Gopal Varma's Hindi remake of the yesteryear classic, Sholay which is scheduled for May release. Lal's other projects in the pipeline are Rafi Macartin film Halo, then another with Shaji Kailas, one with Sibimalayil and another with T S Suresh Babu.
Goal
Thursday, January 25, 2007 | MP
Goal is the name of Kamal film in the making. The film is said to be a thoughtful film themed on school kids. The film will star mainly newcomers. Rahman is playing a key role in the film as a football coach. Others in the cast are Mukesh, Kunchan,Salim Kumar etc. Vidya Sagar composes the music for Vayalar Sharat Chandra Varma lyrics. Kalavoor Ravi Kumar has the script. Goal is produced by Neelagiri Productions. The film will start with its shooting shortly at the International School premises in Thiruvananthapuram.
Kannur hosting Science Congress from Jan 29
Thursday, January 25, 2007 | MP
The 19th Kerala Science Congress organised by the Kerala State Council for Science, Technology and Environment (KSCSTE) will be held in Kannur from Jan 29th- 31st. Kannur University is hosting the event which will be inaugurated by the Kerala Chief Minister. The event will also have programmes on different subjects and as many as 750 delegates will take part in the programme. 379 papers have been selected for presentation and there will be sessions on general papers, contest papers and posters in identified subjects.
Cine artists fight against video piracy
Wednesday, January 24, 2007 | MP
Entire film industry of Malayalam movies has taken a day off from their busy schedules to voice their protest against the increasing video piracy menace in the State. Screening of movies were put off and various film personalities including filmstars, directors, technicians and distributors took on to the streets holding demonstrations across the State. The Malayalam film faternity called on the government to take stern action against the video piracy which was in turn creating adverse effects on the future of the film industry itself.
Multi star cast for Joshy's AMMA film
Wednesday, January 24, 2007 | MP
The Malayalam Movie Artists association, AMMA is making a film that is to be directed by filmmaker Joshy. It is learnt that the project will be a multi star cast studded film with all of the major Malayalam artists like Mammootty, Mohanlal, Jayaram, Dileep etc wielding the lead roles. Superstars Mammootty and Mohanlal will be featuring as rowdies in the film while Dileep is cast as a thief. Jayaram plays an advocate who helps to get them out of jail. Udaya Krishna- Sibi K Thomas handles the script for the film.
Inspector Garud to hit theaters this week
Tuesday, January 23, 2007 | MP
Dileep's Johny Antony film, Inspector Garud is all set to reach theaters this week. This Dileep film which is in tunes with his earlier hit film like CID Moosa is a thriller cum comic entertainer which tells the story of a police officer's strange ways of getting things work done. The film portrays Dileep as Inspector Madhavan Kutty who plays a character with some grey shades. The others in the cast are Kavya, Vijaya Raghavan, Innocent, Salim Kumar etc. The film is mainly shot in Kochi with some song sequences shot abroad.
CPI-M politburo warns Kerala unit
Tuesday, January 23, 2007 | MP
After fresh controversies over remarks made by Kerala CM on the ADB loan issue, CPI-M's party politburo has warned the Kerala unit including the CM for making such open comments on crucial issues publicly. The decision on this regard was convened to the party office-bearers at a regional meeting in Kochi addressed by the party general secretary Prakash Karat. Meanwhile in fighting within the party over factionalism and differences in views were also debated during the party meeting.
Nafisa Ali to play Mammootty's mother in Big B
Monday, January 22, 2007 | MP
After pop star Usha Uthup its Nafisa Ali to enact mother role in a Mammootty film. Former Miss India and veteran Bollywood artist Nafisa Ali will be playing Mammootty's mother in Amal Neerad's forthcoming film Big B. This model turned actress and swimming champion is also a leading social activist. She had earlier done few notable Hindi films like Junoon, Major Saab etc. In Big B, Nafisa plays the character of Mary, a mother who has many sons. Sumit, Tamil actor Bala and Manoj K Jayan play as Mammootty's brothers in the film.
Kerala to become medical tourism hot spot
Monday, January 22, 2007 | MP
Kerala's Tourism Minister has said that Kerala would be made one of the most popular medical tourism destinations of the world by the year 2010. According to the plan 'Vision 2010', Kerala intends to attract 1,00,000 tourists every year by 2010 and the govt would soon draft a Medical Tourism Policy based on the findings on the opportunities in medical tourism sector in the State. The Minister also said that the govt was also working with National Accreditation Board to accredit the Staet hospitals so as tohe attract more international medical tourism patients from around the world.
Thousands bade farewell to Mar Baselios
Sunday, January 21, 2007 | MP
Thousands bade farewell to the first Major Archbishop and Catholicos head of Syro Malankara Catholic Church, Cyril Mar Baselios on Saturday when he was laid to rest at the St. Mary's Cathedral, Pattom, Thiruvananthapuram with full State honours. Many people attended the funeral service of Mar Baselius including representatives from Vatican and various other churches and walks of life. It was during his service as Archbishop in February 2005 that the Malankara Catholic Church was elevated to Major Archiepiscopal status.
Asianet Film awards for Classmates, Lal, Padmapriya
Sunday, January 21, 2007 | MP
The 9th edition of Ujala-Asianet Film Awards 2007 was announced on Saturday with last year's popular hit, Classmates winning the best film award. Mohanlal was chosen for the best actor award while Padmapriya made it for her performance in `Karuthapakshikal' and `Vadakkumnathan'. Major Ravi won the best director award for his film `Keerthichakra'. Other awards included best character actor for Saikumar(Chakkaramuthu), Radhika(Classmates), G. Venugopal(best male singer), Manjari (best female singer). The winners were chosen on basis of an opinion poll held among the Asianet viewers.
Dileep, Meera in Blessy's next
Sunday, January 21, 2007 | MP
Malayalam's popular filmmaker Blessy had recently announced his next project which is said to be totally different from his earlier films. The director who had featured his earlier films with superstars is now roping in Dileep for his next film. And none other than award winning actress Meera Jasmine is being paired oposite Dileep in the film. Meera infact made her debut into films with Dileep in the film, Soothradharan. And one can hope for a magic to be recreated with Blessy teaming up with these talented youngsters for the first time. The film is said to be totally shot in Kolkatta.
No row over SEZs : CM
Friday, January 19, 2007 | MP
Kerala Chief Minister had ruled out reports that his government was against the establishment of Special Economic Zones(SEZs) in the IT sector. The CM claimed that his remarks on SEZs were misinterrupted as what he meant was that the govt would not let the concept of SEZs to be misused. He also clarified that the govt and Left parties had clear policies regarding establishment of such zones and said that the Industries and IT departments too had similar views on this regard.
Rajni film, Sivaji fetched for Rs 3.1 cr in Kerala
Friday, January 19, 2007 | MP
The much hyped Rajnikant's Tamil film, Shivaji has been acquired by a distributor in Kerala for a huge sum of Rs 31 million, ie Rs 3.1 crore. Palakkad Govindhan of GSR Combines is said to have bought the rights for this big budget film, Sivaji which is slated for release in May. Shankar directs the film which has Rajinikanth, Shreya in the lead. AVM is the producer and A R Rahman has the music.
Govt releases IT policy draft
Thursday, January 18, 2007 | MP
Kerala government has released the draft information technology (IT) policy for the State. The draft proposes various initiatives including setting up and expanding IT parks, promoting free software and developing technologies. Govt has also promised to expand the IT parks at Technopark in Thiruvananthapuram and Infopark in Kochi. It also proposes developing of Free and Open Source Software for e-governance projects and opening of 'finishing schools' to train students passing out from various engineering colleges in the State.
Mohanlal done with Sholay shooting
Thursday, January 18, 2007 | MP
Superstar Mohanlal who was engaged with the shooting of the remake film of the Bollywood classic, Sholay has completed with its shooting. The remake directed by Ram Gopal Varma has Mohanlal playing the role of polic officer, Thakur which was orginally enacted by Sanjeevkumar. However there has been slight variations made to the new version of his character which is said to be totally in fit with Lal's acting adaptabilities. Lal plays the role of a South Indian City Commissioner in the film.
Arabi Kadha
Wednesday, January 17, 2007 | MP
Arabi Kadha is the name of the upcoming Lal Jose film, with Sreenivasan playing the lead. The film deals with the problems faced by Pravasi Malayalis and their fight for justice. The film will have a Chineses heroine. Other cast include Jagathy Sreekumar, Indrajit, Samvritha Sunil etc. Hussain under the banner of Micro Coms produces the film. Iqbal Kuttipuram has the script while Manoj Pilla does the cinematography. Biji bal composes the music. Anil Pachooran is the lyricist. Themed on the backdrop of labor camps, the film will be exclusively shot in Dubai from Feb mid.
HC orders CBI probe into Lavlin case
Wednesday, January 17, 2007 | MP
What comes as a major setback to the LDF govt, Kerala High Court has ordered a Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) probe into the Canadian firm SNC Lavlin corruption case which involves CPM's State secretary. The former UDF govt was one that has recommended for a CBI inquiry after the Comptroller and Auditor General of India (CAG) report found deviations in the modernisation projects. And following the LDF govt's takeover of power, the govt had filed a special review petition at the HC against the inquiry but this was rejected by the court bench asking the govt to explain why it was opposed to go ahead with the CBI probe.
Space training institute to be set up in Tvm
Tuesday, January 16, 2007 | MP
Kerala will get a space training institute which is aimed to help and train scientists to get equipped with space missions at a young age. The proposed institute is to e set up in Thiruvananthapuram that will be housed in a 100 acre land. This was stated by the ISRO chief who said that the project proposal is being made by the ISRO to be submitted before the HRD ministry. The center would be either a training institite or a university that will serve as an expansion unit of the Vikram Sarabhai Space Center in Tvm.
Parvathy Milton heroine for Hello
Tuesday, January 16, 2007 | MP
US based, NRI and Telungu actress Parvathy Milton is making her debut in Mlalayalam with Rafi Macartin film, Hello. This model turned actress who had made waves in Telungu industry with sizzling numbers is paired opposite Mohanalal in the Rafi film. The film is said to be a hilarious entertainer in which Mohanlal plays an advocate who makes cases on his own and wins them. The film will start off with its shooting after Lal's ongoing project, Chotta Mumbai.
Ash, Abhishek to visit Guruvayoor temple
Tuesday, January 16, 2007 | MP
Bollywood's celebrated stars Abhishek Bachchan and Aishwarya Rai who got engaged on Sunday is expected to visit the Kerala's famous Sree Krishna Temple in Guruvayoor to seek blessings. The star couple will be accompanied by the Bachchans and will be visiting the temple in early February before the couple's marriage which is likely to take place before Feb end. There are also reports that Amitabh is to offer an elephant to the temple during the visit.
Malabar Shoping Fest to be on till Jan 31
Monday, January 15, 2007 | MP
The ongoing month-long Malabar Shopping Festival which is being organised at Kozhikode by the city corporation and district administration is drawing huge crowds. In view of the good response, the festival which was earlier announced to be ended on Jan 20th will now be extended to January 31st. A large number of events like food festival,cultural programmes, property fair are being held as a part of the extravagenza. Malabar Mahotsavam, to promoting the art forms of north Kerala and noted artistes, will be held from January 27 to 31.
My next film will be a mix of comedy, black magic and romance: Blessy
Monday, January 15, 2007 | MP
Malayalam's popular director Blessy who had made hits with all of his films is planning to change his track of filmmaking. The filmmaker feels that he could tell a much more creative film dealing on entirely different subjects. "My next film will be a mix of comedy, black magic and romance," says Blessy. The new film will be shot entirely in Kolkotta and will have Dileep and Meera Jasmine playing the lead roles. The film is also said to be produced by a US based NRK.
Mohanlal joins Chota Mumbai sets
Monday, January 15, 2007 | MP
Megasatr Mohanlal has joined the sets of the ongoing shooting for Anward Rasheed's Chotta Mumbai. The star had been shooting for the film since January 10th and will be engagaed with the project for 25 days. The shooting is progressing in Kochi in which Lal plays the character by the name, Vasco de Gama. Actress Bhavana is paired opposite Mohanlal in the film who enacts the role of an auto driver.
O Positive
Saturday, January 13, 2007 | MP
O Positive, the title of the film may sound strange. But that is what filmmaker Shaji Kailas has chosen as the title for his forthcoming film with Suresh Gopi in the lead. The film is being scripted by by S.N.Swamy who has scripted for the recent Shaji Kailas-Mohanlal starrer, Baba Kalyani which in turn became a hit. Besides Suresh Gopi popular Malayalam actress Urvasi is playing dual role in the film. Other cast includes Biju Menon, Jagathy Sreekumar, Sai Kumar etc. Gopan under Bhagyachithra banner produces the film. Alex Paul has the music while Vayalar Sharathchandra Varma is the lyricist. The film will start with its shooting later this month in Tamil Nadu.
Kovalam palace to become heritage museum
Saturday, January 13, 2007 | MP
As a part of the State's tourism initiatives, the State govt intends to set up a history museum at the Halcyon Castle palace at Kovalam beach resort. This was informed by Kerala's Tourism Minister. Calling upon the attention of the locals in the region, the Minister sought the intervention of the public to convert the tourist destination of Kovalam into a better place by keeping the sea shores and premises clean. He also said that a Craft Village was proposed to start at Vizhinjam that would exhibit the ethnic tradition of the State which is expected to create jobs for people living in and around these places.
Decison on Smart city project in a week: CM
Friday, January 12, 2007 | MP
A final agreement on the long pending Smart City project is expected to be announced shortly. This was stated by Kerala Chief Minister who said 'We will let you know all other details about this in a week's time,'. The project which was inked during the Chandy govt was been hanging for a while ever since the LDF government's takeover of power. The LDF govt was opposed to some conditions in the deal as agreed by the earlier govt. According to the new deal, Kerala would lease 210 acres of land to DIC for Rs.800 million and no land would be given to them on free of cost.
Tamil actor Pasupathy debuts in Malayalam
Thursday, January 11, 2007 | MP
Tamil actor Pasupathy noted for his villain roles is making his debut in Malayalam with Amal Neerad's forthcoming film, Big B. Pasupathy had already made a name in Tamil, Telungu with films like Veyyil, Veermandy, Mumbai Express, Dhool etc. In Big B, Pasupathy does a police officer's role as A.C.P Balaji who is assigned to Kochi with the job of packing off underworld mafia in the city. Mammootty plays the lead in the film which has scripts by Renjith.
Rajasenan joins hands with Dileep
Thursday, January 11, 2007 | MP
Filmmaker Rajasenan who is known to have teamed up with Jayaram in majority of his films is going for a change. His latest Jayaram starrer Kanaka Simhasanam too was not much appreciated at the box office. After 2 successive films with Jayaram, now the director is planning to have Dileep in the lead role in his next film. Rajasenan is also roping in Rafi Macartin to pen the script for the film.
Govt keen to promote home stay concept
Thursday, January 11, 2007 | MP
To meet with the increasing tourist inflow of the season, Kerala government is making aggressive plans to promote the home stay concepts in various districts in the State. The recent years, Kerala had witnessed a significant rise in the tourists arrivals and to meet with the demands, 10000 more rooms under homestays are in need. Wayanad and Ernakulam districts are widely offering homestay accommodation in Kerala while this needs to be extended to other districts as well, said Tourism Minister.
Vineeth Sreenivas turns hero
Wednesday, January 10, 2007 | MP
Young and talented singer Vineeth Sreenivas who made a note with his singing skills is venturing into acting department. Being the son of noted actor Sreenivasan's son, acting may not be strange to Vineeth who had already expressed his willingness to act in a film. Lately director Renjith is roping in Vineeth who had offered him the hero's role for his upcoming film. Lets wait and see what Vineeth has got in store for us.
CPI-M for new amusement park in Kannur
Wednesday, January 10, 2007 | MP
An amusement park in Kannur in Kerala is in the offing which is being primely promoted by the CPI-M party. The park will be set up by by the Malabar Tourism Cooperative Society near Parassinikadavu temple on the outskirts of this nortern Malabar city. The Rs 250 million park project, named Vismaya Vijnana Kendram will be made based on North Kerala traditional and architectural styles and wll have an artificial lake spread over two acres of land. A history museum and an art gallery are the other attractions of the park which will is likely to be opened to the public by April this year.
CM assures to protect CD video piracy
Tuesday, January 9, 2007 | MP
Kerala government has assured the film industry every support to tackle with the growing CD-Video piracy in the State. Kerala CM has said that the govt efforts to hunt down the video priacy would continue and stringent measures will be taken against those involved with the data theft. He also said that the pirated CD's were creating a huge drop in theater collections which forced many theaters to close down and inturn having a negative impact on the the Malayalam film industry itself.
Lal-Jagathy combo returns
Tuesday, January 9, 2007 | MP
The magic combination of Mohanlal and Jagathy Sreekumar pair is to return to screens in another laughter filled film titled Hello. The duo is known for their unbeatable pairing and has delivered many a comedy hits, Kilukkam being the most favourite. The new film Hello directed by Rafi Macartin promises to be of good taste with action, comedy and romance all weaved in together and the audience can hope for another rip roaring entertainer from the team.
Mammootty plays Big B
Monday, January 8, 2007 | MP
Mamootty's new year project will be Big B which will commence with its shooting in Kochi by Jan mid. Popular cinematographer Amal Neerad is directing the film and has scripts by Renjith. Mammootty plays the title role as a body guard named Bilal who works for VIPs in Mumbai which eventually earned him the name, Big B. He is experienced with involvements of crimes in the city and rest of the film tells the sequence of incidents that take place on his return to Kerala after a long gap. Big B is slated for vishu release.
Chotta Mumbai shooting begins
Monday, January 8, 2007 | MP
Anwar Rasheed's Mohanlal film has begun with its shooting in Kochi. The film will have its entire shooting in one schedule over a span of 45 days. Hero Mohanlal will be joining the sets from Jan 10th. Lal plays the character of a young man by the name Vascodegama who spend his life doing nothing. Bhavana pairs with Lal in the film who inturn enacts the role of an auto driver. Also stars Kalabhavan Mani in a negative role. The film promises to be an action entertainer and is projected to reach theaters in March.
Kerala athletes to train under Carl Lewis
Monday, January 8, 2007 | MP
Kerala government has unveiled its plans to send four Kerala athletes to be trained under the legendary American sprinter and long-jumper, Carl Lewis. The State government has proposed the move with the aim of winning a gold medal at an Beijing's Olympics in 2008 and the 2012 London Games, said Kerala's Sports Minister. As per the programme proposed, the athletes training could cost Rs 14 crore and hence being consulted with the Union govt for a final decision.
Govt staff told to wear handloom clothes
Sunday, January 7, 2007 | MP
In an effort to revive the State's drowning handloom industry, Kerala government had suggested all its government employees to wear clothes made of handloom materials once a week on every Saturday. Though not compulsory the Kerala CM urged the govt officials to follow it as it would turn out for a good cause. This comes after the govt's earlier initiative to introduce khadi uniforms to children in government schools once a week from next academic year onwards. There are around 40,000 handloom workers and 15,000 khadi workers in Kerala and the move is expected to bring in good news to the handloom industry.
Kerala wants to know TN's withdrawal reasons
Saturday, January 6, 2007 | MP
Kerala's Water Resources Minister asked for an explanation on the Tamil Nadu's stance to unilaterally withdraw from talks on the Mullaperiyar dam issue. He also maintained that Tamil Nadu PWD Minister should explain why he had turned back from the discussions after his Dec 12th assurance that the talks would continue. "Tamil Nadu has realised that its opposition to construction of a new dam is not logical", he said. The plastering damage on the dam also reinforces the Kerala's concern that the dam is aging and is posing serious threat to life and property to the people nearby.
Shaji's next with Mammootty
Saturday, January 6, 2007 | MP
Shaji Kailas who just did Baba Kalyani with Mohanlal has announced his next project with the other superstar Mammootty. Shaji who had earlier done 3 films with Mamootty is coming together again to tell another action packed thriller with his new project. A K Sajan who did the script for 'Valiyettan' will do the script for this new film. Santhosh Damodar produces the film. More news on this awaited.
Multiplex theaters coming up in Kerala
Friday, January 5, 2007 | MP
Multiplex theaters are mushrooming all over the major cities in India. And multiples are coming up in Kerala too, the first to open up in the State being in Kannur. By the coming March, 4 such highly equipped multi screen cinema halls are expected to start operation in Kannur financed by the Goodway Films Corporation. The company also announced its plans to launch a multiplex complex with 12 theaters in Thrussur this year.
Kathakali maestro Govindankutty no more
Friday, January 5, 2007 | MP
Renowned Kathakali artist Govindan Kutty passed away on Friday morning. The 80 year old suffered of lung cancer and was hospitalised at Thakurpukur cancer hospital in Kolkatta. Though born in Kerala he had moved to Kolkatta and was involved with running dance institute Kala Mandalam, and other works there. He is survived by wife Thankamani Kutty, also a popular Kathakali dancer, and three sons. Govindan Kutty was honoured with the 'Uday Shankar Puraskar' by the West Bengal government, and also with 'Kala Prathibha Puraskaram' by the Kerala Sangeetha Nataka Academy.
HC strikes down key provisions on pvt college
Friday, January 5, 2007 | MP
The new Kerala Education Act enacted for the self-financing professional colleges that was passed six months ago by the LDF led govt recieved a major blow with the Kerala High Court striking down four key provisions of the new law. The sections declared null and void include admission to professional self-financing colleges through a single entrance exam. The court also struck down the govt's power on providing reservation to SCs and STs and decide on the fee structure.
Anamika
Wednesday, January 3, 2007 | MP
Anamika is the Malayalam film in the making by director K.J. Abraham Lincoln. He had earlier made films Mazha Peyyumbol and Krishnapakshakilikal. Anamika tells the story of a woman who goes through trauma and guilt after opting to abort her unborn child. Samvrita Sunil play the lead role in the film. Also features Arun of 'For the People' fame in the male lead. Rajan P. Dev, Ponnamma Babu, Salim Kumar, T.G. Ravi, Shobha Mohan etc are there in the cast. M.K. Arjunan composes the music for the film while newcomer Manu Ramesh scores the background music. Anamika is produced by K.P. Venu under the banner of Cine Creations.
Kerala not to let any central forces at Mullaperiyar
Wednesday, January 3, 2007 | MP
Kerala government has made it clear that it would not let any Central security forces to be deployed at the Mullaperiyar dam in Idukki district. "Under no circumstances, Kerala would accept Tanmil Nadu's move to have the security of the dam entrusted with central forces," said Kerala Water Resources Minister. This comes after the TN Chief Minister request to the PM asking for the same who also claimed that there were damages in the parapet wall of the dam. The minister indicated that a team has inspected on the dam walls and damages reported were purely on account of natural causes and maintained that the Kerala Police were capable and well equipped to handle any situation at Mullaperiyar.
Sindhu Menon bags lead role in Satyan film
Tuesday, January 2, 2007 | MP
Actress Sindhu Menon who is popular among the South Indian film industry has already made a name in Malayalam with films like Vaasthavam, Pathaka, Pulijanmam etc. Still she is yet to be featured in a big film against popular stars. Lately the good news is that Sindhu is being roped in as heroine for Satyan Anthikad's next film which has Dileep, Mukesh in the lead roles. She also has another lead role in her kitty with Sharath Chandran Vayanad's film Nanma.
Dileep escapes boat mishap while shooting
Tuesday, January 2, 2007 | MP
Actor Dileep has come across an accident while shooting on the sets of his upcoming film, Inspector Garud. The mishap occured while Dileep was doing a climax scene on a boat loaded with filmi bomb near the Vypin water front land of Kochi. But the bomb blasted before expected and a part of the boat was torn apart in the blast. There were moments of panic as the actor fell into the water but he was immediately pulled out of the water and succumbed only to minor injuries.
Another Malayalee gets key post in UN
Tuesday, January 2, 2007 | MP
After Shashi Tharoor, another Malayalee and Tharoor's fellow compatriot Vijay Nambiar has been chosen to take charge as a key official in the United Nations new panel under the new Secretary General, Ban Ki-Moon. Mr Nambiar has been appointed in the UN Secretariat top managment post as Moon's Chef de Cabinet(Chief of Staff) which is formally ranked number three in the UN system. Nambiar had joined the UN last march and had earlier served as deputy national security adviser to India govt and held many high posts of India's high Commisioner to many foreign countries.
Kerala witness huge liquor sale on newyear eve
Monday, January 1, 2007 | MP
Kerala's new year liquor sale is said to have crossed a huge sum of Rs.213 million in the last couple of days of 2006. Sources indicate that liquor worth Rs.67 million was sold on Dec 30 while it reached a record of Rs.145 million on Dec 31. Chalakudy in Trissur district reported the highest turnover in liquor sale with Rs.1.8 million in the two days while Tirur in Malappuram district came second with Rs.1.5 million.
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