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ReviewTovino plays the protagonist writer with nuance and restraint, while Rima is charming as Bhargavi. The actors, however, struggle to deliver their lines from a 60-year-old script in a manner that suits modern sensibilities.There is a scene about halfway through Aashiq Abu’s Neelavelicham. The film’s unnamed writer protagonist (Tovino Thomas) is walking towards his rented bungalow, only to suddenly stop in his tracks, his eyes wide, staring spellbound at the vision in front of him. Bathed in a magical blue glow, the house, famously inhabited by a forlorn ghost, is beckoning him to come in and finish writing her story. As he enters the house in awe, transcendent blue hues enveloping him, he thanks his dear ghost, Bhargavi, for giving him this ‘neela velicham’ (blue radiance). It is at this point that Aashiq’s vision as a filmmaker, to remake A Vincent’s 1964 classic Bhargavi Nilayam, truly comes alive.

MollywoodAashiq Abu’s 'Neelavelicham', Ashraf Hamza’s 'Sulaikha Manzil' and other anticipated films are releasing in time for Eid celebrations.Still from Sulaikha ManzilFor the Ramzan weekend, at least four Malayalam movies are releasing in theatres, including the much-awaited Neelavelicham. There could be more releases announced mid-week, as part of the festival fun. Here is the list of this week's releases announced so far. 1. Neelavelicham - One of the most awaited films of the year, Aashiq Abu's Neelavelicham is ready for release this week. The team behind the film has been giving out bits and pieces about what's in store. Starring Rima Kallingal, Roshan Mathew and Tovino Thomas, the film is based on Vaikom Muhammed Basheer's story of the same title, and his later script for the 1964 film Bhargavi Nilayam. It falls into the horror genre and is set in an earlier decade. Evergreen melodies of legendary musician Ms Baburaj,...

MollywoodThree songs from the 1964 film ‘Bhargavinilayam’, composed by Ms Baburaj and written by P Bhaskaran, have been reused in the upcoming ‘Neelavelicham’, directed by Aashiq Abu.Two days after receiving a legal notice, the team behind Neelavelicham, an upcoming Malayalam film, released a statement. The notice was regarding three songs used in the film, which were originally from the 1964 movie Bhargavi Nilayam. Aashiq Abu, the director and co-producer of Neelavelicham, said in the statement that the team had received the necessary rights and permission to recreate and reuse the older songs. Both Neelavelicham and Bhargavinilayam are movies based on a story written by legendary writer Vaikom Muhammed Basheer. Three of the original songs in Bhargavi Nilayam, which have been celebrated as masterpieces of the late composer Ms Baburaj, with lyrics penned by the great writer P Bhaskaran, have been reused in Neelavelicham, composed by Bijibal. These are ‘Thamasamenthe Varuvan’, ‘Anuraga...

MollywoodPromos and video songs from Neelavelicham have been creating ripples among those who remember the old settings in Basheer novels, and the music of Baburaj. With a telling tune in the background of a picture of Tovino Thomas, the Neelavelicham team has announced the date of the film’s release. Director Aashiq Abu's newest, based on a short story by the legendary writer Vaikom Muhammad Basheer, Neelavelicham (The Blue Radiance) is slated for worldwide release on April 21. Aashiq has also produced this film along with Rima Kallingal, his partner for the Opm Cinemas banner, as well as the female lead of the movie. Roshan Mathew also plays an important role in the film. Promos and video songs from the film have been creating ripples, with more than a small touch of nostalgia for those who remember the old settings in Basheer novels, and the music of Baburaj. Legendary musician...