Kerala News Archive: August 2006

Jazeera Airways starts Kuwait-Kochi flights
Thursday, August 31, 2006 | MP

Kuwait's new national airliner, Jazeera Airways has started flights between Kuwait and Kochi sectors from August 30th. The airline will operate three flights a week on Monday, Wednesday and Friday. This is Jazeera's third destination in India besides Mumbai and Delhi. Airbus-320 model aircraft is being used for the Kochi bounded service and the flight is scheduled to arrive in Kochi at 4.10 p.m. and will return after an hour.

Kerala Tourism for week long Onam events
Wednesday, August 30, 2006 | MP

Kerala's Tourism Department is set to celebrate the State's biggest festival in a big way. A week long Onam events by the name, 'Onam Celebrations' has been announced by the Tourism Minister that would be held from Sept 3-9th. The major activities will kick off in Thiruvananthapuram's Chandrasekheran Nair stadium with colourful cultural events that would showcase the State's cultural richness which is expected to attract a lot of tourists. The other major venue being Kanakakkunnu Palace campus which will hold events like food festival and a trade fair. Apart from this events are being organised within local communities across the state.

Bhargava Charitham Moonam Khandam
Wednesday, August 30, 2006 | MP

Bhargava Charitham Moonam Khandam diected by Joemon is Mammooty's Onam release that has hit the theaters. The film is an adaptation of the Hollywood flick, Analyze This where an underworld don meets a psychiartrist for help to boost the former's confidence. However Sreenivasan's script falls short of the expectations. Though the story looked refreshing the comedy scenes could have been better handled. Mammoooty does justice to his character. The film overall serves as an entertainment thriller but with many a Onam releases hitting the marquee, only time would tell whether it would be a tough going for Bhargavan at the boxoffice.

Abraham & Lincoln
Wednesday, August 30, 2006 | MP

Abraham & Lincoln is directed by filmmaker Pramod Pappan who made films of the like Vagram , Taskaraveeran etc. Fab Creations produces the film. Kalabhavan Mani plays the hero in the film who plays double role. Also has actor Rahman roped in. Tamil actresses Kiran and Mumtaz are being projected as the female lead. Denis Joseph is the scriptwriter. Ouseppachan has the music department.

Kerala schools to log in to Linux
Wednesday, August 30, 2006 | MP

The LDF government in the state is launching a campaign to promote free software like Linux in govt aided schools and colleges. Kerala's Education Minister stated the move as a campaign against monopoly in the software industry.“We are not against Microsoft and have not banned it. What we are opposing is monopoly and we’re going to encourage free software,” he said. The govt has proposed the usage of Linux software in 12,500 high schools.

Photographer to release during Ramzan
Tuesday, August 29, 2006 | MP

Ranjan Pramod's Photographer, a film inspired by the Adivasi Muthanga tragedy is set to reach theaters during the Ramzan holidays.The movie has Mohanlal playing the lead role as a press photographer. Saranya plays heroine.Other casts are Murali, Manoj K. Jayan, Ganesh, Biju Menon etc. Renowned cameraman Azhagappan handles the camera. This is the first time Ranjan Pramod is leading a director's role.

Kerala to experiment Lucky VAT system
Tuesday, August 29, 2006 | MP

Kerala will launch today the `Lucky VAT'lottery system that is aimed to encourage tax compliance among consumers. This allows shoppers to take a coupon in return of every purchases worth Rs 1000 or above under the VAT system. The scratch coupon may carry a prize amount or not and the consumer can claim the prize if any. Prizes upto Rs 5000 will be paid by the shopkeeper while for those beyond Rs 5000 can be claimed at the nearest branch of the State public sector Kerala State Financial Enterprises (KSFE). The highest prize money offered y the Lucky coupon is Rs.1 lakh.

Ente Veedu Appoontem goes to Beijing fest
Monday, August 28, 2006 | MP

The much acclaimed Sibi Malayail film, Ente Veedu Appoontem which won him the State award for the best director is being chosen for the upcoming film festival in Beijing. The film will be screened along with other Indian films at the 'Film Festival of India' in Shanghai and Beijing which is being organised by the Indian Embassy in China. The film had even won many awards for child actor and actor Jayaram's son, Kalidas Jayaram who portrayed the feelings of a neglected kid to perfection.

Paayum Puli
Monday, August 28, 2006 | MP

Paayum puli is Mohan Kupleri's film. Kabir Palakkad under the banner of Kingdom Movies produces the film. The film has Malayalam actor Kalabhavan Mani playing the lead role of an auto driver. He had earlier acted in Kupleri's own film Savithriudey Aranjanam. Biju Devassy pens the script for Paayum puli. The film has also got leading comedians in its casts like Jagathy, Harishree Ashokan, Salim Kumar etc.

Bhagyaraj's daughter to debut in Malayalam
Monday, August 28, 2006 | MP

Tamil actor and director K.Bhagyaraj's and talented Malayalam actress Poornima Jayaram's daughter, Saranya is making her mark in Malayalam. She will be making her debut in Malayalam with Mohanlal in the film, Photographer.Saranya is a visual communications student and her first film was her father's own Tamil film,Parijatham opposite hero Prithviraj.

Anantham
Monday, August 28, 2006 | MP

Anantham is directed by Kukku Surendran who made his debut with `Oraal' .The film is being produced by Open Channel Productions. Prithviraj plays the lead role in the film. Actress Padmapriya pairs opposite Prithvi in the film.Other casts are Murali, Rekha, Jagathy Sreekumar, Salim Kumar etc. Vayalar Sharatchandra Varma pens the songs.The director himself does the script and screenplay.The film will go on floors in September.

Onam festivities begin in State with Attham
Monday, August 28, 2006 | MP

With the onset of Attham, Kerala has begun celebrations for its colorful state festival,Onam the legendery festival celebrated to welcome King Mahabali. The 10 day Onam festivities begin with the mark of Atham, the first day and lasts till the last day Tiru onam that falls on September 5th this year.Kerala Chief Minister V.S. Achuthanandan had inaugurated the festival flagging off the State celebrations at Tripunithara. The event had spectacular show and floats starting with Attham processions or Atthachamayams which showcased Kerala's fork art forms like Theyyam, Kummatti, Kolkali, Mayilattom, Karakattom, Kummi, Poykal, Kathakali etc.

Hutch launches ‘PlanetHutch’ – GPRS services in Kerala
Saturday, August 26, 2006 | AA

Kochi, August 23, 2006: Hutch, India’s only pure play cellular service provider today announced the launch of PlanetHutch, an interactive GPRS based service, for its customers in Kerala. Hutch Customers with GPRS and EDGE enabled phones can now download their favourite songs, polyphonic ringtones, wallpapers, greetings, movie clips and games any time and anywhere and get the latest national and international news updates, book railway tickets. They can also MMS their favourite pictures. Speaking on the occasion, Samuel Selvakumar, Operations Director, Hutchison Essar Ltd., Kerala, said, “Hutch believes in empowering its customers by giving them a fast and easy access to innovative value added services. With PlanetHutch, Hutch customers in Kerala will find their GPRS enabled handsets becoming a one stop shop for all their infotainment needs.” PlanetHutch in Kerala comes with no monthly rentals. Customers will be charged the standard rate of 10paise/10kb as usage charges while accessing PlanetHutch. Regular download charges varying from Rs. 3 to Rs. 150 will apply for downloads. Hutch customers can track their PlanetHutch usage through the GPRS data counter available on most GPRS compatible handsets. Simultaneously, Hutch is also rolling out EDGE, a technology that will give high speed connectivity to its customers in Kerala, thereby reducing the download time. Enhanced Data for GSM Evolution (EDGE) standard has the capability to provide high speed, multimedia mobile services such as video streaming on mobile phones. EDGE can deliver higher speeds of download using existing GSM spectrum and is being deployed by leading GSM operators globally. Currently, the service is available in 3 cities – Kochi, Trivandrum and Calicut. Hutch customers who have data enabled handsets have been preactivated, or can get PlanetHutch activated by calling Hutch care or sending PH as an SMS to 123. To get a list of compatible handsets and know more about PlanetHutch, customers can visit the nearest Hutch Shop or log on to www.hutch.in/PlanetHutch.

Boots
Friday, August 25, 2006 | MP

Boots is to be directed by Anil C Menon who had his recent film, Rastram with Suresh Gopi. Action hero Suresh is playing the lead in this film too. Suresh Gopi who had handled many a political roles in films will be for the first time enacting the role of a District Collector with this film. Rajesh Jayaraman is writng the script for the film.Teh film is being projected for early next year.

Kerala to support usage of free software
Friday, August 25, 2006 | MP

Kerala government has come in support of popularising the use of free software. The move by the free software promoters got support with Chief Minister saying that Kerala would support the initatives to promote the free software so as to put an end to the monopoly of the proprietary softwares. Chief Minister was attending a seminar on “The importance of free software for the development of Kerala”. The State's Akshaya project on e-literacy programme are also in the move to strengthen free software for IT development and for more job oppurtunities in Kerala.

Mammootty in Major Ravi's next
Thursday, August 24, 2006 | MP

Inspired by the success of Keerthichakra, a film on the soldiers' life fighting against terrorism, debutant director Major Ravi is taking another film themed on military subject. Major Ravi a former army officer is highly in demand these days and is next film will have Mammootty playing the lead role. Besides this, the filmmaker has also plans to make a sequel to Keerthichakra with Mohanlal.

Kerala to go ahead with softdrinks ban
Thursday, August 24, 2006 | MP

Even after the Center govt giving clearance to the Cola firms, Kerala govt has maintained that it would go on with the state ban on the softdrinks production and sale in the state."We have banned them for people's welfare,"said Kerala's Health Minister. Meanwhile the Cola firms had moved the court challenging the ban, seeking a Court directive to prohibit the state government from taking action against them. Besides both Cola and Pepsi has bottling plants in Kerala at Plachimada and Puthussery respectively and the ban would mean a severe blow to these units.

Poet Dr. Ayyappa Paniker passes away
Wednesday, August 23, 2006 | MP

Well known Malayalam poet and literary critic, Dr.K Ayyappa Paniker has passed away on Wednesday. Paniker who was honoured with Padmasree had won several awards including Kerala Sahitya Academy Award, Bharatiya Bhasha Parishad award etc. His famous Malayalam literary works are 'Kurukshetram' and 'Gothrayanam'.He who was specialised in English literature was head of the Institute of English of the Kerala University for a long time.

Rs 900 crore for KINFRA film and video park
Wednesday, August 23, 2006 | MP

The KINFRA promoted Film and Video Park at Kazhakuttam near Thiruvananthapuram is attracting major investments with many production houses coming forward to set up their units in the park. Around Rs 900crore is being shelved into the project to develop this state of the art center for the entertainment industry spanning 75 acres of land. The park which is getting completed soon would provide recording studio complexs, shooting floors and locales, a preview theatre, an open air auditorium, bank, hotel and other facilities required for film production and digital content creation. About 25 acres have been kept apart for developing a special economic zone (SEZ) in the park.

Jyothirmayi back with offers
Tuesday, August 22, 2006 | MP

Actress Jyothirmayi who made a popular entry into Malayalam cinema with an item song is back with Malayalam film industry with few new offers. Lately she is playing the lead opposite Jayaram in Moonamathoral and opposite Kalabhavan Mani in Chacko Randaman. She is also being signed for a key role in Suresh Gopi's upcoming Vijy Thampi film Badaa Dhosth. Meanwhile she is also busy in Tamil and Telungu industries as well.

Salim Kumar win Film City Best actor award
Tuesday, August 22, 2006 | MP

Malayalam actor Salim Kumar had won the best actor award instituted by the Film City magazine for his role in 'Achanurangatha Veedu'. Actress Bhavana bagged the best actress award for Deivanamathil while Satyan Anthikkadu was honoured with the Best director award for the film Achuvinte Amma. Also veteran actress Kaviyoor Ponnamma was honored with Chalachitraratnam award for her various contribution to Malayalam cinema.

CUSAT plans for MSc in Nanotechnology
Tuesday, August 22, 2006 | MP

The Cochin University of Science and Technology (CUSAT) which offers various educational programmes in the field of science, engineering, law, technology etc. is planning to begin post graduate courses in state-of-the art nanotechnology. Cusat plans to offer MSc programmes in the areas of nanotechnology and nanoscience by next academic year onwards by setting up a Center for nanotechnology in the campus with the support of the Naval Physical and Oceanographic Laboratory (NPOL) in Thrikkakara, Kochi.

Youth films set for Onam, Ramzan
Monday, August 21, 2006 | MP

Along with the biggies hitting the theaters this festival season, there are few youth films awaiting their releases. There are two films plot on the story on youth and their related issues.One is young talent and filmmaker Roshan Andrews film Notebook that tells a teenage romance filmed in Ootty and has a team of whole lot of new faces in its cast and crew. And the The film is likely to reach theaters during Ramzan.Other is Lal Jose film,Classmates starring Pritviraj, Indrajeet, Jayasurya,Kavya Madhavan etc another campus love story scheduled for release during the Onam.

Ekantham
Monday, August 21, 2006 | MP

Ekantham is directed by newcomer Madhu Kaithapuram, a thoughtful film that deals on real life issues. The story is about 2 brothers who suffers lonliness in their lives inspite of people around them.Veteran actors Thilakan and Murali play the elderly brothers. Other casts are Manoj K.Jayan, Meera Vasudev etc.

Badaa Dosth
Monday, August 21, 2006 | MP

Badaa Dosth is being directed by Vijy Thampy. The film has action hero Suresh Gopi playing the lead role. Suresh Gopi was the hero for Vijy Thampi's earlier hit 'Satyameva Jayathe'. Actor Siddique is producing the film under the banner of Corporative Cinema. Babu Pallasseri is the scriptwriter and the film is said to be different one from that of the usual Suresh Gopi films. The shooting of the film will be held in Cochin soon.

Bhargavacharitam set for Aug 24th
Monday, August 21, 2006 | MP

Mammootty's Bhargavacharitam Moonam Khandam will be the first to reach theaters among the Onam films. The film which got the Censor Board's 'U' certificate is set for release this week on Aug 24th. Directed by Joemon, the film is said to be an action comedy entertainer featuring Mammootty, Sreenivasan, Padmapriya in the lead roles. Sreenivasan plays a psychiatrist in the film and the actor himself has written the script for the film.

Cola, Pepsi move court against govt ban
Monday, August 21, 2006 | MP

In the wake of the Kerala government's recent ban on the softdrinks, Coca Cola and Pepsico had filed petition at the High Court challenging the state's ban on their products. The firms claimed that their products were safe with independent tests being conducted at accredited laboratories in and outside India confirming the beverages to be absolutely safe for consumption. "It is unfair to ban the sale of our products on the basis of findings of a non-governmental organisation. We are challenging the ban," said Pepsi India chief.

Old hit, Bhargavi Nilayam to be remade
Sunday, August 20, 2006 | MP

The 1964 hit Malayalam film, Bhargavi Nilayam based on Vaikom Muhammed Basheer's story which starred Prem Nazir, Madhu etc is being planned for a remake by MACTA, the Malayalam Cinema Technician's Association. The story and dialogues which was orginally written by Basheer will undergo some changes and will be presented in a revised form and renowned Malayalam film directors like Vinayan, Fazil,Joshy etc will jointly make the film. Also the lead character is said to be played by one of the superstars of the Mollywood.

International Travel Expo during Onam
Sunday, August 20, 2006 | MP

Coinciding with the weeklong Onam Celebrations in the State, an internationl tourism expo is being organised by the Kerala Tourism Department. The exhibition,`International Travel Expo 2006,' will showcase the various stakeholders in the travel and tourism industry.International seminars and cultural programmes are other being conducted as a part of the of the event which is expected to be attended by many from India and abroad. International tourism boards, state tourism boards, travel agents, tour operators, hotels and resorts, airliners, ayurveda, adventure, medical tourism promoters etc will take part in the event which will be held from September 7 to 9 at St. Joseph School Exhibition Centre in Thiruvananthapuram.

Bhaarath TV from Aug 27th
Sunday, August 20, 2006 | MP

A new channel by the name Bhaarath TV will be launched in Kerala from August 27th. The channel will serve as a multi lingual TV entertainment channel that will have programmes in Malayalam, Tamil, Telungu and Hindi.The channel is being supported by the non resident Keralites across the country. Malayalam Actor Mukesh is the brand ambassador for the channel.

Kerala seek Vizhinjam Port clearance
Friday, August 18, 2006 | MP

The Kerala government is seeking clearance from the Center for the proposed Rs 4,500-crore international Container trans-shipment terminal at Vizhinjam Port. A delegation from the State consisting of leaders from various political parties will be visiting New Delhi to meet Prime Minister by the month end to resolve the issue relating to the project clearance. The project was delayed due to Center's refusal for giving security clearance to the project.

Dileep-Kavya pairs again
Thursday, August 17, 2006 | MP

Malayalam's lucky pair Dileep and Kavya Madhavan are pairing together again with Lohitadas film, Chakkarpottan. The duo had lastly paired together in 'Lion' and has already acted together in a dozen of films including hits like Meesa Madhavan, Thilakkam, Kochi Rajavu,Thenkkasi Pattanam, Runway etc. Chakkarpottan is made under the banner of Seven Arts has script and screen play done by the director himself.The film which is underway in Shornur is projected for Ramzan release.

Usha Utup to sing and act
Thursday, August 17, 2006 | MP

Pop singer Usha Utup is making news with her debut entry into Malayalam films with Joshy's upcoming film, Pothenvava. She will play a powerful character of a mother and a successful lawyer in the film. Besides she is also set to enthrall the music lovers with a song number for the film.She has lended voice for a melodic song composed by Alex Paul to the lines of Sharathchandran.

Demand made for more flights during Onam
Thursday, August 17, 2006 | MP

To meet with the Onam rush, Kerala Chief MInister V S Achuthanandan had asked the Center to allow more flights to Gulf sectors for the Onam season. In his letter to the Prime Minister, Achuthanandan has also urged the airlines to consider bringing down the hike in ticket prices as there were not enough flights to meet the traffic demand. With festival occasions nearing there is an increased flow of travellers visiting Kerala and those returning to Gulf after the school vacations.

KTDC to promote tender Coconut water drink
Wednesday, August 16, 2006 | MP

Tender Coconut water is getting popular among crowd these days. And with the recent ban on softdrinks like Pepsi and Cola, Kerala tourism too is making an effort to promote the nutritional drink in the state. Tourism Dept is planning to promote the tender coconut water as a healthy refreshing drink with medicinal properties. Lately packaged tender coconut water from Kerala is gaining popularity in other states as well. Besides being a pure and natural drink, it also contains sufficent minerals and vitamins and is highly beneficial in the treatment of digestive system disorders.

IIT in Kerala will soon be a reality: VS
Tuesday, August 15, 2006 | MP

Chief Minister VS Achuthanandan had assured that Kerala would soon get an Indian Institute of Technology (IIT). "An IIT in Kerala will soon become a reality. It would come up in a 250-acres area at a cost of Rs 8 billion," said the CM during the Independence day address. He also said that Kerala would create over 2 lakh IT jobs in the next five years with the development of the Infopark in Kochi and the Technopark at Thiruvanathapuram.

Padmapriya heroine for Chota Mumbai
Tuesday, August 15, 2006 | MP

Anwar Rasheed's upcoming film, Chota Mumbai has actress Padmapriya playing the female lead. She will pair opposite Mohanlal in the film. The duo had paired recently in the musical flick, Vadakkumnathan. Anwar pens the story, screenplay etc for the film. The film plot on Mumbai's underworld story will start rolling in November.

Pothenvava progresses at Eranakulam
Monday, August 14, 2006 | MP

Joshy film, Pothenvava is currently underway with its shooting in Eranakulam. Heroine Gopika has joined the sets of the film in which she plays an advocate pairing opposite Mammootty. Mammootty is to join the sets after the filming of Kamal film, Karutha Pakshikal. The story is that of a successful lawyer and her worthless son. Popular Pop Singer, Usha Uttuppu plays Mammootty's mom's role as Kurishummottil Mariamma.

Manorama News channel from August 17
Monday, August 14, 2006 | MP

The leading Malayalam daily, Malayala Manorama group is launching its 24 hour news channel on Television from August 17th.The channel, MMTV will focus on news based programmes and current affairs.MMTV also plans to have three separate feeds of 4.5 MHz for different regions of the state. Kochi feed will cater to the Central Kerala while Trivandrum feed meant for the South Kerala and the Kozhikode feed for the North Kerala.

KAPL for new Ayurveda academies in the US
Saturday, August 12, 2006 | MP

The Kerala based pharmaceutical company Kerala Ayurvedic Pharmacy Ltd. (KAPL), has announced its plans to open 10 new Ayurveda academic centers in the US and Canada under its flagship institute, the Washington based 'Ayu' academy. The ten new centres will be set up in New York, San Francisco, Vancouver, Los Angeles, Orlando, Miami, Houston , Toronto, Portland and Hawaii. AYU is a leading academy in the US ofering advanced training in Ayurvedic sciences. The course programmes include Certified Ayurvedic Practitioner, Advanced Ayurvedic Practitioner etc. The Academy is also approved by the State of Washington, International Academy of Ayurveda in Pune and the International Holistic Health Institute in Bangalore.

Blessy film with Mammootty in Oct
Saturday, August 12, 2006 | MP

Malayalam filmmaker who debuted with Kaazcha with Mammootty in the lead is coming together with the actor again in another project. The film yet to be titled will be another emotional film targetted for the family audience. Blessy who has delivered good cinemas like Kaazcha and Tanmatra is writing on the script and the film which will go on floors in October. Dream Team Production is producing the film.

Thantra
Friday, August 11, 2006 | MP

Thantra directed by debutant K J Bose is a flick on thantric powers of magic and mystery. The film is similar in taste with that of the Manoj K Jayan starrer Anadhabadram but falls far short in comparison.Siddique , Aravind Aakash of Nandanam fame, Sweta Menon etc casts in the film. But the film fails to keep the standards of a thriller neither with the story nor the screenplay.

Mohanlal back with Photographer
Friday, August 11, 2006 | MP

Mohanlal who was shooting for Akashagopuram in London is back. He is currently shooting for scriptwriter turned director Ranjan Pramod's new project Photographer. The shooting is progressing at Kozhikode. Lal plays a photographer in the film which is plot on the backdrop of the tribal Muthanga incident.

Ficci to appeal to CM on softdrinks ban
Friday, August 11, 2006 | MP

The Federation of Indian Chambers of Commerce and Industry (Ficci) has said that it would appeal to Chief Minister V S Achuthanandan on the State's decision to ban Cola and Pepsi. Talking to the media FCCI chief said that the country need to have proper laws and regulations to establish norms and called upon the government to set clear standards. He also pointed out that the ban will impact India's image as an investment destination. 'We will appeal to the Kerala Chief Minister to validate the charges of pesticide content made in the CSE report and then take any action on the issue,' he said.

Anachantham
Thursday, August 10, 2006 | MP

Anachantham directed by Jayaraj is a story of an animal lover and his love and deep relation with the elephant.The film makes a good entertainer with Jayaram roped in aptly in the role of the elephant lover.New comer Ramya Nambeesan who plays the heroine is impressive. Humour plays a good part in keeping the mood of the film but sentiments too is equally weaved in. Actors like Jagathy, Innocent, Cochin Haneefa, Jagadeesh and KPAC Lalitha etc adds flavor to the film. Another new found talent Jaison deserves a mention for the melodious music of the film. Alltogether the film serves as a good entertainer.

Mammootty writes book
Thursday, August 10, 2006 | MP

Malayalam superstar Mammooty is horning his skills as a writer. His book, titled Kazchapaadu recently made its release. The book is a collection of various articles he had penned in various journals. None other than the renowned legendery writer M T Vasudevan Nair released the first copy of the book.

Cable TV monthly charges to go up
Thursday, August 10, 2006 | MP

The monthly subscription charges towards cable TV services are to go up from October onwards. This was informed by the Cable TV operators group in the State. An additional Rs 50 will be charged in the monthly fees inorder to meet the operating expenses for the Cable TV services. The introduction of service tax and luxury taxes had also said to have attributed to the rate hike.

Ban on Cola and Pepsi in State
Wednesday, August 9, 2006 | MP

Following other states, Kerala government too has banned the major softdrinks Coca-Cola and Pepsi in the state. The ban is said to be imposed after findings that these drinks contained high levels of pesticides that are unsafe for human consumption. The ban on the production and sale of these aerated drinks came after a cabinet meeting and was informed by the Chief mInister who also said that administrative and legal steps will be taken for the effective implementation of the ban.

Keerthi Chakra
Wednesday, August 9, 2006 | MP

Major Ravi's Keerthichakra which hit the theaters last week is said to have made a good opening. This big budgeted action film is set on the backdrop of Kargil war and terrorism. Mohanlal as army major does justice to his role. Tamil actor Jeevan plays another main role in the film. The film stands out with a different theme and debutant Ravi had succeeded in giving it a fresh touch. Thrilling and action packed dialogues adds flavor to the film. But the film lacks pace at times. The heroines Gopika and Laxmi Gopalaswamy has nothing much to offer in the story except for some songs.

Fokana set for airport in Pathanamthitta
Wednesday, August 9, 2006 | MP

Federation of Kerala Associations in North America(Fokana), a social cultural association of Malayalis in the US and Canada had plans for setting up a domesic airport in Aranmula of Pathanamthitta district in Kerala. The proposal is said to have recieved a positive note from the government with Chief Minister Achutanandan giving full support to the move. Govt will have 20% stakes in the project. Pathanamthitta has a lot of NRK's residing in the US and Gulf and the proposed airport at Pathanamthitta would make it the 5th airport in Kerala.

Smart City deal to be finalised soon
Tuesday, August 8, 2006 | MP

Kerala Chief Minister V S Achuthanandan has said that a deal on the Smart City project in Kochi could likely be made in a month's time."Both sides are hopeful that an agreement could be possible in a month," said CM after a meeting with the Dubai Internet City officials. The project which was shelved after the political changes in Kerala is now hopeful of going on with agreement without any further delay.

IT firms set for campuses at Infopark
Sunday, August 6, 2006 | MP

More IT firms are acquiring land at the Infopark campus at Kakkaanad, Kochi for expanding their operations. IT majors like Tata Consultancy Servics(TCS) and Wipro has already taken up land for building their campuses. Wipro who has already acquired 25 acres of land at the Infopark campus is looking out for more. Larsen and Turbo too is setting up a campus at Infopark.Besides many US, Europe and West Asian IT firms are also said to be are making enquiries on entering the Infopark at Kochi.

Acchante Ponnu Makkal
Sunday, August 6, 2006 | MP

Acchante Ponnu Makkal is a serious film themed on family relations. The film is from Akhilesh Guruvilas and is produced by Vikram G.Thiruvallur. Veteran actor Murali plays the lead charcater in the film. Saikumar too plays a key role in the film. Other cast are Sudheesh, Premkumar, Saadiq, Mala, Karthika, Sona Nair etc. Suresh Pathysery is the script writer.Lumiere films is bringing it to theaters which is expected to reach theaters in August.

MACTA to make a film
Sunday, August 6, 2006 | MP

After AMMA (Association of Malayalam Movie Artists) announcing its movie plans, MACTA (Malayalam Cine Technicians Association) is also set to make a film. The move is aimed to boost the welfare activities of the cine association. The MACTA produced film will be a collaborative effort put in by the leading Malayalam film directors like Priyadarshan, Faazil, Joshy, Kamal, Vinayan, Siddhique, Shaji Kailas, Blessy.The film will have 2 new comers playing the lead roles and the proceeds from the film will be used to provide financial aid to the federation members.Goodway Business Corporation will fund the film which is estimated at a cost of Rs 75 lakhs.

Alapuzha set for 53rd Nehru Trophy Boat Race
Thursday, August 3, 2006 | MP

Alappuzha's Punnamada Lake is getting readied for the renowned Nehru Trophy Boat Race. Named after India's first Prime Minister,Jawaharlal Nehru who visited Alapuzha in 1952, this year marks the 53rd Nehru Trophy Boat Race which is normally being held on the second Saturday of August every year. The spectacular event features boat races in various events like Chundan, Churulan, Veppu vallam etc. The major attraction is the competition of snake boats or chundanvallams and organisers are making elaborate arrangements for this grand cultural event which attracts a lot of people including domestic and international tourists from all over the world.

Pathaka delayed to Onam
Thursday, August 3, 2006 | MP

Pathaka, another political thriller of action star Suresh Gopi has been in the news for a while. The film also features Malayalam's veteran actress Sheela in a significant role. However the film is facing frequent delay in its release. Lately the film is said to be postponed till Onam. Pathaka might be Suresh Gopi's Onam release and hence the other Suresh Gopi film, Janmam which was set for Onam is likely to be put off for a later date.

Chota Mumbai
Wednesday, August 2, 2006 | MP

Chota Mumbai is directed by Anwar Rasheed who made a great hit with his debutant film, Rajamanikyam. Anwar teams up with Mohanlal in this film who plays the lead. The film is produced by actor Maniyan Pillai Raju along with Ajayachandran and Reghuchandran under the banner of Shreebadra Films . Padmapriya plays the heroine in the film. The story of the film revolves on the underworld connections. The director himself pens the script for the film. Vaishak Films will bring the film to theaters which is set for release in early 2007.

8 hour duty shift implemeted for Kerala Police
Wednesday, August 2, 2006 | MP

Kerala government has formally introduced the eight hour duty shift for the police force in the State. The 8 hour shift system was officially launched by the Home Minister at a police station in Thiruvananthapuram.The fixed shift duty system aimed at improving the efficiency of the policemen would be in its initial phase be implemented in 17 selected police stations across the state. The Minister also stated that steps were being taken to fully computerise policestations at major districts of the state.

Onam releases lined up
Tuesday, August 1, 2006 | MP

Kerala's celebrated season of Onam is just a month away. And Mollywood too is gearing up to welcome the biggest Kerala festival in a big way. A number of movies are being projected for the Onam time including that of superstars Mammootty, Mohanlal and other favourites of the like Dileep,Suresh Gopi, Kavya Madhavan, Gopika, Padmapriya, Jayaram, Prithviraj, Kalabhavan Mani etc. Mohanlal's Mahasamudram, Mammootty's Bhargavacharitram Moonam Khandam are the superstar films headed for Sept 1st. Dileep's Don and Suresh Gopi's Janmam slated for Sept 5th while Jayaram's Anachandam, Kavya-Prithvi starrer Classmates, Mani's Red Salute are all on the list among the Onam flicks.

SC stays HC ban on VIP darshan at Sabarimala
Tuesday, August 1, 2006 | MP

The Supreme Court had stayed the Kerala High Court order on banning VIP darshan inside the special enclosure at the Ayyappa temple in Sabarimala. Earlier Kerala HC order had banned VIPs having darshan near the 'Sri Kovil' as it caused hinderance to other devotees visiting the temple. With the Supreme Court's interim order, now VIPs will be allowed to have darshan from the special enclosure.

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