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Indian superstar Yash has officially set a release date for his highly anticipated film Toxic – A Fairy Tale for Grown-Ups. The action-packed film is scheduled to hit cinemas on March 19, 2026, promising an exciting cinematic experience.

The release date strategically coincides with major Indian festivals like Ugadi, Gudi Padwa, and Chaitra Navratri, which all fall on the same day.

Additionally, the Eid-al-Fitr celebrations will take place on March 20 or 21, making it an extended holiday period. With a four-day weekend on the horizon, Toxic is positioned for a massive box office opening.

The film will face competition from Sanjay Leela Bhansali’s much-awaited project Love & War, featuring Ranbir Kapoor, Alia Bhatt, and Vicky Kaushal, which is set to release on March 20, 2026.

Directed by Geetu Mohandas, known for festival-favorite Moothon, Toxic marks a significant milestone for Kannada cinema. The film is making history by being the first major Indian production to be conceptualized,...

Indian superstar Yash has claimed prime box office real estate for his upcoming tentpole “Toxic – A Fairy Tale for Grown-Ups,” planting its flag on March 19, 2026.

The announcement positions the high-octane actioner to capitalize on a perfect storm of festivities — with festivals Ugadi, Gudi Padwa, and Chaitra Navratri all falling on the release date, and Eid-al-Fitr celebrations following on March 20/21.

The Thursday bow creates a potentially explosive four-day weekend that spans multiple cultural celebrations across the subcontinent, giving “Toxic” runway for a box office blitzkrieg.

Currently, Sanjay Leela Bhansali’s much-anticipated “Love & War,” starring Ranbir Kapoor, Alia Bhatt and Vicky Kaushal, is due to release on March 20, 2026.

Yash, the Kannada-language film industry actor who rose to pan-Indian stardom with the “K.G.F” franchise, has become one of the most sought-after stars in Indian cinema. Known for his portrayal of Rocky Bhai in “K.G.F: Chapter 1” (2018) and “K.G.F: Chapter 2” (2022) Yash’s...

Indian cinema heavyweight Yash marked his 39th birthday with the release of a first-look video from his upcoming feature “Toxic – A Fairy Tale for Grown-Ups,” his first project since the blockbuster “K.G.F” franchise.

The footage presents Yash in a white suit and fedora, cigar in hand, as he moves through an upscale nightclub setting.

Yash, the Kannada-language film industry actor who rose to pan-Indian stardom with the “K.G.F” franchise, has become one of the most sought-after stars in Indian cinema. Known for his portrayal of Rocky Bhai in “K.G.F: Chapter 1” (2018) and “K.G.F: Chapter 2” (2022) Yash’s transformation into a larger-than-life action hero propelled the films to unprecedented box-office success, breaking language barriers. The second instalment in the franchise is the fifth highest Indian grosser of all time. While the “K.G.F” series cemented his star power, Yash’s early career in Kannada-language films showcased his versatility, with notable performances in projects such as “Mr.

Picking the best Shyam Benegal movies is an embarrassment of riches. His body of work is unprecedented for Indian cinema. My delightful dilemma was not about which ones to choose but about the ones to abandon. He interrupted Hindi film’s archetypal romance, drama, and comedy strips. Shyam Babu (as he is fondly referred to) stubbornly defied the saleable account with social pragmatism. He also spearheaded the fractures that were commencing to surface in the society due to the chaotic socio-political environment of a young nation in 1974, the year he debuted. He triggered and became the colonizer of parallel cinema in India with his path-breaking debut feature, Ankur (1974). Mr. Benegal has won seven National Awards for Best Feature Film in Hindi throughout his career!

Self-admittedly, Shyam Benegal’s style of filmmaking is heavily inspired by the works of Satyajit Ray. And if you observe closely, you could also find impressionable,...

Anurag Kashyap is back to work with renewed vigour. Even before finishing his upcoming film with Bobby Deol, the filmmaker has quietly started shooting for another project. Peepingmoon.com has exclusively learned that the Gangs of Wasseypur director is now teaming up with Amazon Prime Video on a thriller movie starring Shiv Sena supremo Bal Thackeray’s grandson, Aaishvary Thackeray, in his debut leading role.

Thackeray will star alongside Vineet Kumar Singh (Mukkabaaz), Mohammed Zeeshan Ayuub (Article 15), and Kumud Mishra (Ram Singh Charlie) in this yet-untitled project. Plot details are being kept close to the vest, but sources describe the film as an edge-of-the-seat thriller. Ajay Rai and Alan McAlex are producing it under Jar Pictures, which is popularly known for making critically praised independent films such as Liar’s Dice, Nil Battey Sannata, Gurgaon, Bamfaad, Moothon, Chocked, and the Disney+Hotstar series, Grahan. The film has already been shot for...

Indian star Yash, known internationally for his role in the K.G.F. franchise, is working with award-winning director Geetu Mohandas on his next project, Toxic – A Fairy Tale For Grown-ups.

The pan-Indian film is being produced by Venkat K Narayana through two Bangalore-based production houses – Kvn Productions and Monster Mind Creations. It will be shot in multiple Indian languages.

Yash and Mohandas have been working together over the past year on the story of the film, which Mohandas will direct with Yash in the lead role. The producers have set a release date of April 10, 2025.

Yash starred in both K.G.F: Chapter 1, the first Kannada-language film to be a hit across India when it was released in 2018, and Kgf: Chapter 2, which was the highest-grossing film in India in 2022. Toxic – A Fairy Tale For Grown-ups is his project since Kgf: Chapter 2.

Mohandas is a director and actress...

Actor Yash, who is known for ‘K.G.F.’ franchise, will be soon seen in his upcoming film ‘Toxic – A Fairy Tale for Grown-ups’. The film is helmed by director Geetu Mohandas. A video announcing the title of the film was unveiled on Friday and it sets the tone for the film increasing the anticipation for the film which is currently under production. The film will arrive in theatres on April 10, 2025.

Sharing her thoughts about the film, Geetu said: “I’ve always experimented with my style of narratives. Although ‘Liar’s Dice’ and ‘Moothon’ were received well internationally, I’ve always craved to find my own audience in my country . This project stemmed from that thought. This film is an amalgamation of two opposite worlds and aesthetics in story telling coming together and I found Yash . Who is one of the most brilliant minds I have come across and I’m excited...

Actor Yash, who is known for ‘K.G.F.’ franchise, will be soon seen in his upcoming film ‘Toxic – A Fairy Tale for Grown-ups’. The film is helmed by director Geetu Mohandas. A video announcing the title of the film was unveiled on Friday and it sets the tone for the film increasing the anticipation for the film which is currently under production. The film will arrive in theatres on April 10, 2025.

Sharing her thoughts about the film, Geetu said: “I’ve always experimented with my style of narratives. Although ‘Liar’s Dice’ and ‘Moothon’ were received well internationally, I’ve always craved to find my own audience in my country . This project stemmed from that thought. This film is an amalgamation of two opposite worlds and aesthetics in story telling coming together and I found Yash . Who is one of the most brilliant minds I have come across and I’m excited...

Nivin Pauly, the versatile actor who has impressed the audience with his performances in films like Premam, Bangalore Days, and Moothon, is all set to play a movie star in his next film Thaal. The film is based on true events and is produced by Great American Films. The film is directed by Rajasaagar. The script is written by Dr. G Kishor, a renowned writer and journalist. The cinematography is by Sinu Sidharth, who has captured the scenic beauty of Kerala in many films. The music is composed by Bijipal, who has given some memorable songs in Malayalam cinema.

Thaaram is expected to release in 2023, which is surprising as the film has only a few months left for completion. The film’s poster was recently released and it has created a lot of curiosity among the fans. The poster shows Nivin Pauly in a stylish avatar, with a blue sky...

Fans of Malayalam cinema are in for a treat as the director of the hit comedy-drama Njandukalude Nattil Oridavela, Althaf Salim, is teaming up with two of the most talented and popular actors in the industry, Fahadh Faasil and Kalyani Priyadarshan, for his next project. The film, titled Odum Kuthira Chadum Kuthira which is said to be a romantic thriller, is expected to hit the screens on July 24, 2024.

The film marks the second collaboration between Althaf Salim and Kalyani Priyadarshan, who made her Malayalam debut with his 2020 film Varane Avashyamund. The actress, who is the daughter of veteran filmmaker Priyadarshan and actress Lissy, has been making waves in the South Indian film industry with her performances in films like Hello1, Chitralahari2, Hero3, and Maanaadu4. She won the Filmfare Award for Best Female Debut – South and the Siima Award for Best Female Debut – Malayalam for her role in Hello5.

Njandugalude Naatil Oridavela Trailer

Fahadh Faasil,...

Rocking Star Yash, who is currently an household name with the massive success of his much-awaited film Kgf: Chapter 2, has reportedly signed his next project with Malayalam filmmaker Geethu Mohandas. The film, which is tentatively titled #Yash19, is said to be a crime thriller set in Goa, revolving around the drug mafia that operated in the 1960s. Shooting will start at December 23.

According to sources, Yash was impressed by the unique storyline and the director’s vision, and agreed to be a part of the film. Geethu Mohandas, who is known for her critically acclaimed films like Liar’s Dice and Moothon, has already completed the script and is planning to start the pre-production soon. According to rumours, The film will be produced by Hombale Films, the same banner that backed the Kgf franchise.

Kgf Chapter 2 Song

The film will also explore the political nexus and the involvement of...

Interview‘Paradise’, directed by Sri Lankan filmmaker Prasanna Vithanage, is about a Malayali couple who land in Sri Lanka during the economic crisis. The film has Darshana Rajendran and Roshan Mathew in the lead.Still from 'Paradise'Across a phone call, Prasanna Vithanage’s voice fades mid-sentence. It must be the weather, he says when he is back. As I picture Sri Lanka in the rain, he asks, is it pouring hard in Kerala. It isn’t, but there has been a spell or two, right in the middle of Onam. Ah, Onam, he says fondly of Kerala’s biggest festival. Everything about Kerala appears very dear to this filmmaker in Sri Lanka, who has been coming to the state’s annual film festival (Iffk) year after year since it began in the mid-1990s. It seems apt that after decades of making many noticeable films, Prasanna has now made a...

Nivin Pauly, the versatile actor who has impressed the audience with his performances in films like Premam, Moothon, and Thuramukham, is all set to entertain the fans with his upcoming heist comedy, Ramachandra Boss & Co. The film is written and directed by Haneef Adeni, who previously collaborated with Nivin in the action thriller Mikhael . The film also features Vinay Forrt, Jaffer Idukki, Mamitha Baiju, and Aarsha Chandini Baiju in supporting roles.

The title poster of the film was released by actor Suresh Gopi on his social media handles on Saturday. The poster shows a group of people standing on a pier overlooking a city skyline and a sunset. The tagline of the film reads “Lights; Camera; Heist !!!”. Nivin also shared the poster on his Instagram account and wrote, “Rolling the common man’s journey filled with fun, thrills and hope.”

Boss and Co Video

The plot details of the film are yet to be revealed,...

Samara, the upcoming multi-lingual film starring Bharath and Rahman in the lead roles, has released its first look poster on Saturday. The film, directed by debutant Charles Joseph, is touted to be a forensic-based crime procedural that revolves around a mysterious case. The poster features both Bharath and Rahman in a serious look with nerdy glasses on. They are seen standing on a flight of stairs, suggesting that they are on a mission to unravel the truth.

The film also marks the second Malayalam outing of Moothon fame Sanjana Dipu, who plays an integral character in the film. The film also features Rahul Madhav, Binoj Villya, Neet Chowdary, Shabareesh Varma, and others in supporting roles. Bharath is said to be essaying a significant character in the film, while Rahman plays an investigator.

Charles Joseph has written the story and screenplay of the film, while co-writing the dialogues with Shabareesh Varma.

The 2022 Indian Film Festival of Los Angeles (Iffla) announced details of its Closing Gala presentation, the addition of a Master Class with celebrated filmmaker and Iffla alum, Anurag Kashyap, and the film festival’s annual One-on-One program to connect its filmmakers to industry executives and encourage further career development. This year’s jury members were also revealed.

The 20th annual edition of the internationally acclaimed film festival will wrap up with a first look at Iffla alum Kahlil Maskati’s feature screenplay, Alim Uncle, presented as a live table read featuring a dozen of top Los Angeles-based talent, and a preview of Nimisha Mukerji’s Warner Bros. Discovery 150 supported project, New Country. The evening, taking place at Regal LA Live (1000 W. Olympic Blvd.), will also include the Awards Ceremony and will be bookended by red carpet entrances and one of Iffla’s signature afterparties at The Continental Club (116 W 4th...

Kino Lorber has acquired U.S. rights to writer-director Ajitpal Singh’s debut feature, “Fire in the Mountains,” which premiered in the World Dramatic Competition of the Sundance Film Festival in 2021.

A powerful feminist tale set in a tourist homestay in the Himalayan foothills of northern India, the film centers around a woman (Vinamrata Rai), the sole breadwinner of the household, who scrimps and saves for her son’s medical treatment, while her alcoholic husband believes that an expensive shamanic ritual is the answer to all their woes.

The film is produced by Alan McAlex and Ajai Rai of prolific Indian arthouse producers Jar Pictures alongside Mauli Singh and Amit Mehta. Jar previously produced Busan title “Children of the Sun” and Toronto title “The Elder One.”

Kino Lorber will open the film at Film Forum in New York this spring, followed by a theatrical rollout in the U.S. and...

Known for its humanistic scripts, diverse roles and thought-provoking approach to filmmaking, Malayalam cinema has created a new wave in the Ott streaming services since the pandemic. Expanding its regional library with meaningful content on India’s 73rd Republic Day, ZEE5 Global premiered Asif Ali and Rajisha Vijayan starrer Ellam Sheriyakum as well as Aaha, starring Indrajith Sukumaran and Santhy Balachandran, on January 26, 2022.

Helmed by ace director Jibu Jacob, Ellam Sheriyakum is a war of genres – romance, a political thriller, family drama – all rolled into one. While the film’s plot focuses on interfaith marriage and differing political views, it phenomenally makes the political satire non-ideological, with a balanced outlook on family. This film is the fourth directorial release of Jibu Jacob. His previous three films – Vellimoonga, Munthirivallikal Thalirkkumbo and Vattamesha Sammelanam, were also family dramas built against the backdrop of politics.

Meanwhile, Aaha directed by Bibin Paul Samuel is a sports drama,...

“The Lunchbox” casting director and producer Seher Aly Latif died in Mumbai on Monday of a renal failure. She was in her early 40s.

Latif was one of the most sought-after casting directors for international projects set in India or with a significant India component. Her casting director credits include “The Best Exotic Marigold Hotel” and its sequel “Million Dollar Arm,” as well as recent Bollywood films such as “Shakuntala Devi” and “Durgamati: The Myth.”

Latif’s credits for casting in India include “Eat Pray Love,” “Zero Dark Thirty,” “McMafia,” “Sense8,” “Furious 7” and “The Hundred-Foot Journey.”

Along with her associate Shivani Saran, Latif founded Mutant Films in 2016. The company produced Netflix film “Maska,” Netflix series “Bhaag Beanie Bhaag” and also co-produced the sports drama “Gold,” starring Akshay Kumar.

Nimrat Kaur, one of the leads of “The Lunchbox,” tweeted: “One of the kindest, most loving people Mumbai gifted my life with.

Interview'Thuramukham' revolves around the workers' struggle against the 'Chappa' system which was practised at the Mattancherry harbour in Kochi. Subhash K JhaFacebook/Nivin PaulyThe teaser for Nivin Pauly's upcoming film Thuramukham set the internet on fire recently. Directed by Rajeev Ravi, the film is said to be a historical drama and also stars Nimisha Sajayan, Darshana Rajendran, Poornima Indrajith, Manikandan, Indrajith and others. Nivin's last release was the critically acclaimed Moothon, directed by Geetu Mohandas. Thuramukham is set to premiere at the 2021 International Film Festival Rotterdam. The story revolves around the workers' struggle against the 'Chappa' system which was practised at the Mattancherry harbour in Kochi. Set in the 1940s and '50s, the film documents how metal tokens called chappa would be thrown at the workers who would then have to fight to obtain it to get a day's work. From the loverboy image of his early films,...

Premiering at Toronto International Film Festival and associating with the likes of Anurag Kashyap had given this movie the impetus it needed. But once audience got their eyes on the prize, it was reason enough be talked about and discussed.

Mulla (Sanjana Dipu) is frustrated with life in Lakshadweep with his uncle Moosa (Dileesh Pothan). His parents are no more and the only other relation is his elder brother (Moothon in malayalam) who had run away to Mumbai many years ago. One night when it gets unbearable, Mulla leaves on a fishing boat towards Mumbai. The boat capsizes and he is rescued by a ship which drops him off in Mumbai. He escapes from an orphanage and ends up with a boisterous bunch of kids led by Bhai (Nivin Pauly). As he keeps searching for his elder brother, there are things Mulla uncovers about himself and the people around him.

InterviewIn a chat with Tnm, Roshan talks about working through the Covid-19 crisis, debuting in Bollywood, and his upcoming projects.Subhash K JhaFacebookActor Roshan Mathew’s rise in the last five years has been swift and surefooted. With diverse, powerful characters and performances in Viswasapoorvam Mansoor, Moothon, Kappela, C U Soon and Aanum Pennum, Roshan is rapidly acquiring the reputation of the most promising actor of the post-Fahadh generation. You have been working right through the Covid-19 crisis. What’s it been like to be out there? I’m very thankful I got to do a bit of work in between everything that’s been happening. It was much needed, and in more ways than one it’s what has kept me going. The experience of working since the onset of Covid-19 has been strange for sure, but mostly only until you start shoot. Especially when it’s a bio-bubble shoot,...

MollywoodDirected by Abrid Shine, the film also stars Asif Ali and Shanvi Srivastava.Tnm StaffInstagram/ Nivin PaulyPopular Mollywood actor Nivin Pauly recently wrapped up shooting for his upcoming movie Mahaveeryar. Sharing the news with fans on Instagram, Nivin Pauly wrote a note thanking the director as well as other cast and crew members for being part of the journey. He also highlighted how they had to face so many challenges due to the pandemic. “And that’s a wrap for @mahaveeryar !!! What a journey this was amid the challenges faced due to the pandemic...A big thank you to everyone who are part of this film directed by @abridshine,” Nivin wrote on Instagram. View this post on Instagram A post shared by Nivin Pauly (@nivinpaulyactor) The Abrid Shine-directed film also stars actor Asif Ali. Prior to Mahaveeryar, Nivin and Asif had teamed up for the movies Traffic and Sevens. They...

CinemaRoshan Mathew made his Bollywood debut with the Anuraag Kashyap directorial ‘Choked: Paisa Bolta Hai’. Tnm StaffMollywood actor Roshan Mathew, who made his Bollywood debut with Anuraag Kashyap’s Choked: Paisa Bolta Hai, is now gearing up for his second Hindi movie, Darlings. He will be sharing the screen with actors Shah Rukh Khan and Alia Bhatt in the lead roles. Darlings is produced by Shah Rukh and Gauri Khan’s home banner Red Chillies Entertainment and Alia Bhatt’s Eternal Sunshine Productions. Shah Rukh Khan took to Twitter to make an announcement about the upcoming movie on Monday. The dark comedy film also marks the directorial debut of Jasmeet K Reen. “Life is tough Darlings, but so are you... both! Unleashing our Darlings onto the world... Caution is advisable. Ps: yeh comedy thodi dark hai…,” his post read. Life is tough Darlings, but so are you....both! Unleashing our #Darlings onto the world.

MollywoodThe films include 'Marakkar Arabikadalinte Simham', 'Jallikattu', 'Virus', 'Kumbalangi Nights', 'Moothon', 'Sameer', 'Vasanthi', and 'Ishq' among others. Digital NativeThis is perhaps the golden era for the Malayalam film industry with 17 films entering the final screening process for the 67th National Film Awards in various categories. Grapevine has it that 17 Malayalam films including Marakkar Arabikadalinte Simham, Jallikattu, Virus, Kumbalangi Nights, Moothon, Sameer, Vasanthi, and Ishq, have been shortlisted for the final rounds. Marakkar Arabikadalinte Simham, which was censored in 2019, has Mohanlal playing the lead role with Priyadarshan directing it. It is a star-studded film that also has Suniel Shetty, Arjun Sarja, Siddique, Prabhu Deva, Sudeep, Prabhu, Madhu, Manju Warrier, Paresh Rawal, Keerthy Suresh, Kalyani Priyadarshan, Pranav Mohanlal, Suhasini Maniratnam, Nedumudi Venu, Ashok Selvan, and others in pivotal roles. The film’s technical crew includes cinematographer Tirru and editor Ms Ayyappan Nair. Ronnie Raphael...

Feature directing debutant Ajitpal Singh’s “Fire In The Mountains,” the lone Indian film in Sundance 2021’s World Cinema Dramatic Competition, is a powerful feminist tale told by a male who learnt to face down his own prejudices.

Set in a tourist homestay in the Himalayan foothills of northern India, the film centers around a woman (Vinamrata Rai), the sole breadwinner of the household, who scrimps and saves for her son’s medical treatment, while her alcoholic husband believes that an expensive shamanic ritual is the answer to all their woes.

Singh, who had previously directed several shorts, including the Oberhausen festival-winning “Rammat-Gammat” (2018), says that he found himself not heeding advice from his wife, sister and mother, while having plenty of time to listen to the men of the house.

“I understood my own prejudices, how it’s so deep-rooted, and how just with education and by reading books, it doesn’t just go away,...

FilmThe film, directed by Geetu Mohandas, was a bilingual made in Malayalam and Hindi.Digital NativeThe Indian Film Festival of Melbourne (Iffm) commenced on October 23 this year, featuring over 60 films in 17 languages including shorts, feature films, and documentaries made locally and across the globe. The event concluded on October 30, during which the Malayalam/Hindi bilingual film Moothon was screened. Due to the pandemic, the Iffm was held virtually this year and the response for it was good as ever. This year too, several films were featured in this prestigious event. On Moothon being chosen as the closing film this year, the festival director Mitu Bhowmick Lange said: “Yearning for your loved ones and feeling the pangs of separation has been a lingering mood this year. There's no better time to watch Moothon. We are elated to have the movie be the finale film at the festival because of its distinct voice.

The 9th edition of the Dharamshala Film Festival is going online for the first time. Its highlights include the Indian premiere of Massoud Bakhshi’s Sundance grand jury prize winner “Yalda, a Night for Forgiveness,” and a conversation with Oscar-winner Asif Kapadia (“Amy”).

Nestled in the foothills of the Himalayas, Dharamshala is best known internationally as the seat of the Dalai Lama, who has been based there since being exiled from Tibet in 1959. The festival directors Ritu Sarin and Tenzing Sonam are filmmakers in their own right. Their chronicles of the Tibetan condition like 2005’s “Dreaming Lhasa,” 2010’s “The Sun Behind the Clouds: Tibet’s Struggle for Freedom” and 2018’s “The Sweet Requiem” have received considerable festival play, including at Toronto and Manila.

The Dharamshala festival directors will be in conversation with Kapadia and also with Chaitanya Tamhane, director of this year’s Venice and Toronto award-winning title “The Disciple.

Directed by Mahesh Narayan, the Cu Soon stars Fahadh Faasil, Roshan Mathew and Darshana Rajendran in the lead roles.

Cu Soon will globally premiere in Malayalam on September 1, 2020 on Amazon Prime Video.

Following the successful world premiere of Aditi Rao Hydari and Jayasurya Sufiyum Sujatayum, Amazon Prime Video today announced the direct-to-service world premiere of Malayalam film Cu Soon.

Also Read: Netflix announces the launch date for season 4 of The Crown

Edited and directed by Mahesh Narayan (Take Off), the gripping drama stars superstar Fahadh Faasil along with Roshan Mathew and Darshana Rajendran in pivotal roles. Cu Soon is a gripping drama about a software engineer from Kerala who has been assigned by his family to help his Dubai-based cousin find his missing fiancée, after she leaves behind a video-based suicide note.

This feature film is unique for being shot with a phone in a controlled and restricted environment during the lockdown.

Cinema While Nivin Pauly won Best Actor (male) for 'Moothon' at the New York Indian Film Festival, Garggi won Best Actor (female) for 'Run Kalyani'.Tnm StaffNivin Pauly won the Best Actor award for Moothon at the New York Indian Film Festival (Nyiff). The Geetu Mohandas film bagged three awards after it was selected for the competition on July 24. While Sanjana Dipu won Best Child Actor for her role in the movie, Moothon also won an award under the 'Best Film' category. Set in Lakshadweep and Mumbai, Moothon is about a 14-year-old boy who lands up in Mumbai in search of his elder brother. The film is a bilingual drama in Hindi and Malayalam and has a cast which includes Nivin, Sanjana, Roshan Mathew, Shashank Arora, Sobitha Dhulipala, and others. While it is director's Geetu Mohandas's third project as a filmmaker, Moothon is also Geetu Mohandas’s first full-length film.

Mollywood The film was recently selected for competition at the New York Indian Film Festival between July 24 and August 2. Tnm StaffThe much awaited digital release of Moothon (the elder one), directed by Geetu Mohandas, and starring Nivin Pauly in the lead, is set for July 24, Friday. The film, which premiered at the Toronto International Film Festival (TIFF) in September 2019, will release on the Ott platform ZEE5. Moothon, set in Lakshadweep and Mumbai, is about a 14-year-old from Lakshadweep who lands up in Mumbai in search of the elder brother. The film is a bilingual drama in Hindi and Malayalam and stars Nivin Pauli as Akbar (the elder brother), Sanjana Dipu, Shashank Arora, Roshan Mathew, Shobitha Dhulipala and others. The film is Geetu Mohandas’s third outing as a filmmaker and her second full-length feature film. Her second film, Liar’s Dice, won international acclaim and catapulted her to popularity as a reputed filmmaker.

MollywoodThe thing about Roshan is that he dons every character skillfully — from a rapist to a reckless college student to a gay man with speech disability.Neetha JohnRoshan Mathew's progress in the Malayalam film industry has been very evident — slowly, slowly and then bam! It wouldn’t be wrong to say that during this lockdown, with movies being exclusively released on Ott platforms, his face has been the most prominent from the Malayalam film industry. The first time that Roshan Mathew wriggled into our constantly updated favourite-actors list with his curly hair and his disarming smile was with Aanandam (2016). His position in our ever changing list was consolidated by his role in Anjali Menon’s Koode (2018). Roshan, not much later, strengthened his presence in the smaller but mightier kingdom of talent-dom with his roles in Geetu Mohandas’s Moothon (2019) and Anurag Kashyap’s Choked (2020). How about a stroll down the...

MollywoodThe film will be directed by debutant Rajesh Ravi and will also star Vinay Forrt.Tnm StaffA new Malayalam film with Nivin Pauly and Aishwarya Lekshmi in the lead has been announced. Titled Bismi Special, the film will be directed by debutant Rajesh Ravi. Filmmaker Aashiq Abu put up the poster on Facebook, congratulating Rajesh. The film also stars Vinay Forrt, Rajesh wrote in a post. "Angine athum sambavichu (So, that too has happened)," he wrote, putting up the poster. He has written the film with Rahul Ramesh and Sanu Majeed. Sanu Varghese is the director of photography. Music is by Sushin Shyam and the editing by Shafique Mohamed Ali. The lyrics are by Anwar Ali. Sophie Paul is presenting the film. The film will start rolling soon, says the poster. Incidentally, Nivin Pauly completes 10 years in cinema on Friday. Malayalam films did not resume shooting for a long time...

Moothon

Starring Nivin Pauly, Roshan Matthews, Sanjana Dipu

Written and Directed by Geetu Mohandas

In her sophomore film, the Malayalam masterpiece Moothon, which should be on everyone’s must-see list of lockdown films, director Geetu Mohandas (whose debut film Liars Dice is an undiscovered gem) has actually yoked two films together into a work of stunning impact.

On the surface Moothon is a travel tale of a 15-year child’s search for his missing elder brother. Amir has gone missing in the bustle of Mumbai. The male child, played by a female actor Sanjana Dipu, travels to Mumbai alone and gets sucked into the city’s brutal underbelly with barely space for anyone to breathe.

Geetu Mohandas recreates an asphyxiating Mumbai, filled with seedy bars and bustling brothels, with Shobha Dhulipala bringing in a little too much lipsmacking joy into her whore’s part. I know she’s a happy whore.

The 20th edition of the New York Indian Film Festival will go online, powered by Movie Saints, following in the footsteps of many other fests.

Running July 24-Aug. 2, the digital Nyiff will open with the streaming of Geetha J’s Malayalam-language “Run Kalyani,” about a woman who works as a cook while caring for her ailing aunt. An Indian cover of Ravel’s “Bolero” accompanies her daily life.

“‘Run Kalyani’ is a gorgeous film and got a lot of love from our programming committee,” said Aseem Chhabra, Nyiff festival director. The festival is presented by the Indo-American Arts Council

The fest will close with Geethu Mohandas’ “Moothon,” produced by Anurag Kashyap. Mohandas’ “Liar’s Dice” played in the festival in 2013 and the film was entered in the 2014 Oscar foreign-language race as India’s entry. “Moothon” is described as a film about love and loss.

Two documentaries will be featured as the festival’s centerpieces.

Controversy Without taking names, Stephy Xavior had alleged that Geetu had removed her from the film ‘Moothon’ without a clear explanation. Tnm StaffFilmmaker and Wcc member Geetu Mohandas took to social media to respond to allegations raised against her by costume designer Stephy Xavior. Stephy, a state award winning costume designer, had earlier alleged that Geetu had removed her from the film Moothon without a clear explanation and without compensating Stephy for her services. On Wednesday, Geetu said that there was a lot of misinformation in Stephy’s allegations. The Moothon director also added that her collaboration with Stephy for the film was not effective. “As a director, my work expectations were different to the outcomes produced by you and this was in my opinion communicated to you in person. I believe that it could be my mistake that I failed to inspire you to deliver better or maybe failed...

The Bagri Foundation London Indian Film Festival and Birmingham Indian Film Festival have joined forces to offer a spectacular showcase of films and “In Conversation” interviews by leading South Asian talent from 25th June to the 5th July.

This includes the UK Premieres of much awaited films including Bollywood Director Prakash Jha’s upward mobility schooling drama Pareeksha, the searing gangster feature Moothon and the ‘American Pie’ style comedy The MisEducation of Bindu, among others.

After being challenged by the global pandemic, the festival has morphed into an online offering with www.LoveLIFFAtHome.com as the UK and Europe’s largest showcase of Indian Subcontinental cinema, showcasing the UK’s lockdown audiences a free programme, filled to the brim with great movies including rarely seen classics such as Kerala stalwart, Adoor Gopalakrishnan’s BFI Sutherland Trophy winner Elippathayam (Rat-Trap), Bengali master, Buddhadeb Das Gupta’s epic award-winning tale Uttara (The...

InterviewThe lead actors speak about their characters and what it was like to work with Anurag Kashyap.CrisIn the trailer of Choked, a Hindi Netflix film which will release on June 5, you see a woman clutching a bus-strap, rushing between a bank job and a family of three, a tired look on her face. It is Sarita Pillai’s story, the film - her hardship, struggles to make ends meet as a middle class woman living in Mumbai, with a husband and son dependent on her. Both Saiyami Kher, playing Sarita, and Roshan Mathew, playing the husband, confirm that this is so. In two separate interviews to Tnm, the actors speak about the film and its beloved director Anurag Kashyap. “Writers writing such a strong part for a woman – it does happen these days. And there is no one better than Ak to capture the struggles of this mundane middle class life,...

While Indian cinemas remain closed due to the coronavirus pandemic, Sony Pictures Networks and Phantom Films’ “Ghoomketu” will become one of the first Bollywood films to release directly on an Ott platform when it begins streaming from May 22 on Zee5.

Indian filmmaker Anurag Kashyap (“Sacred Games”) features as a bumbling cop in “Ghoomketu,” a Hindi-language satire starring Nawazuddin Siddiqui (“Manto”) as an aspiring Bollywood screenwriter. Several top Bollywood actors including Amitabh Bachchan (“Badla”), Ranveer Singh (“Gully Boy”), Sonakshi Sinha (“Mission Mangal”), Chitrangada Singh (“Baazaar”) and Lauren Gottlieb (“Abcd”) play themselves in cameos, as does filmmaker Nikkhil Advani (“Batla House”).

Pushpendra Nath Mishra, who wrote and directed 2020 Netflix series “Taj Mahal 1989”, directs.

Kashyap said: “Every film is a labour of love and I saw the conviction in the director of “Ghoomketu” and hence decided to do something which is my least favourite thing to do, which is act.”

Despite his reluctance,...

MollywoodWhether it's Ayyappan and Kannamma from 'Ayyappanum Koshiyum' or Aju and Sarah from 'Bangalore Days', these relationships move away from the conventional.Tnm Staff There are many love stories and romances in Malayalam cinema which have left an indelible mark in the hearts of the audiences. In contemporary cinema, from the start of the new decade, we have seen a shift in how these relationships are portrayed. From conventional man-woman love where the goal is marriage or confronting the problems within a marriage, new films explore and question what it means to be in a relationship in the first place. The couples take their time to think about what they want from each other and how they should prioritise romance in their relationship. The problems that they confront together have also seen a shift -- from family and livelihood matters to larger issues.   Here are some new Malayalam...

The Indian Film Festival of Los Angeles (Iffla) today announced its full lineup of narrative and documentary features, and shorts for the festival’s 18th edition, which boasts 5 World, 1 North American, 4 U.S. and 10 Los Angeles premieres, spanning 12 languages, with 50% of all films premiering directed by women. The renowned premiere global showcase for groundbreaking Indian cinema, Iffla will take place this year April 1-5 at Regal L.A. Live: A Barco Innovation Center in Los Angeles. The Opening Night Gala presentation will take place at ArcLight Hollywood, with an after-party to follow hosted by Spice Affair in Beverly Hills. Passes and Gala tickets go on sale today, February 19. Individual tickets will go on sale on February 25 at www.indianfilmfestival.org.

The festival will open with An Evening with Imtiaz Ali, one of Hindi cinema’s most respected and charismatic writer-directors. Ali will be joined onstage by celebrated Indian filmmaker Anurag Kashyap (Gangs of Wasseypur,...

KollywoodSobhita Dhulipala who was last seen in Geethu Mohandas's 'Moothon' and the web series 'Made in Heaven', has landed a key role in the film.Digital NativeThe shooting of Mani Ratnam’s dream project Ponniyin Selvan finally went on floors last December in Thailand after nearly a year of pre-production. The cast so far includes Vikram, Jayam Ravi, Karthi, Aishwarya Rai Bachchan, Amala Paul, Parthiban and Jyothika among a few others. The latest we hear is that Sobhita Dhulipala last seen in Geethu Mohandas's Moothon and the web series Made in Heaven, has landed a key role in the film. According to sources from the film's camp, Shobita would have combination scenes with Jayam Ravi and she will be seen majorly in the second half of the film. She will be joining the sets of the film by the end of this month. The team,...

Awards‘Moothon’ was the inaugural film at the Ffsat, which started on January 27.Tnm Staff “Thank you to my entire crew and cast and especially my amazing producers! Our first International award,” Geetu Mohandas, who wrote the story, announced the news on Facebook on Monday. Congratulating Geetu, actor Nivin Pauly said, “Congrats Geetu Mohandas! You deserve all the accolades. Congrats to our entire team! This is truly an honour.” Nivin plays the central role in the bilingual film. He plays the role of ‘Bhai’, a member of a gang in Mumbai. The movie also stars Roshan Mathew, Sobhita Dhulipala, Shashank Arora, Melissa Raju Thomas and Sanjana Dipu, among others. The action thriller revolves around a 14-year-old named Mulla, who leaves his home in Lakshadweep, and goes to Mumbai in search of his elder brother (or moothon), who left the shores years ago. Moothon was first premiered at the Toronto International...

Mollywood The 4th edition of the awards ceremony will take place on February 16 at the Ima hall in Kochi. Tnm StaffThe 4th edition of the Cinema Paradiso Club Awards ceremony is around the corner and the online fraternity of movie buffs has announced the winners of the 2019 awards in Malayalam cinema. While Aashiq Abu won Best Director for Virus, Kumbalangi Nights which released to packed houses and went on to become a blockbuster, won Best Film. For films Vikruthi, Android Kunjappan Version 5.25 and Driving License, actor Suraj Venjaramoodu won Best Actor in a Lead Role. Anna Ben, who made her acting debut in Kumbalangi Nights, won Best Female Actor in Lead Role for her first film as well as Helen. For Best Actors in Character Roles, Roshan Mathew and Grace Antony won for Moothon and Kumbalangi Nights respectively. Writer Syam Pushkaran bagged the award for Best Script for Kumbalangi Nights.

A strong selection of Indian films is among the highlights of the 21st Mumbai Film Festival. The festival, which runs Oct. 17-24, announced its lineup on Thursday.

The festival’s Spotlight strand boasts of five world premieres, including Arati Kadav’s much awaited sci-film “Cargo,” actor Seema Bhargava Pahwa’s directorial debut, the family drama “Ram Prasad Ki Tehrvi,” Deepti Gupta’s document of a female artist’s fight for equality in modern India “Shut Up Sona,” Kamal Swaroop’s portrayal of a theatre troupe staging a mythological play “Samudra Manthan” and R.V. Ramani’s “Oh That’s Bhanu.” The strand also includes Goutam Ghose’s “The Wayfarers” that has its world premiere at the Busan International Film Festival.

The Mumbai festival’s India Gold competition features further Busan titles, Gurvinder Singh’s “Bitter Chestnut” and Kislay’s “Just Like That,” and Gitanjali Rao’s hand drawn animation festival favourite...

Actor-turned-writer-director Geetu Mohandas’ second feature, “The Elder One,” is a considerably busier enterprise than her first, 2014’s well-received road drama “Liar’s Dice.” Where that essentially two-character piece was linear, low-key and leisurely, this follow-up tells a more complicated tale involving flashbacks and hidden identities that is unnecessarily confused by a too-frenetic editorial approach.

A less flashy presentation would have heightened the emotional impact. Still, . Its gay angle should help access some commercial placements after festival travel.

What at least visually appears to be a fairly idyllic life for adolescent Mulla (Santana Dipu) on a picturesque isle in the Lakshadweep archipelago is in fact rather bleak. Sans parents (they both died), our protagonist has been sloughed off on a fisherman relative who treats his ward like an unwanted burden. When Mulla can take it no more, he steals his uncle’s boat — barely surviving the storm he rides straight into.

MollywoodThis is probably the first time a Malayalam film is opening at the Mami.Digital NativeNivin Pauly starrer Moothon directed by actor-turned-director Geethu Mohandas has been chosen to be screened as the opening film at this year’s 21st edition of Jio Mami festival which will be held from October 17-24 in Mumbai. This is probably the first time a Malayalam film is opening at the Mami. The film will be screened at the 21st opening ceremony of the festival, which will commence on October 17. .@geetumohandas’s gritty & poignant #Moothon will open our 21st edition. Thank you #anuragkashyap @geetumohandas for sharing your film with us. @NivinOfficial @sobhitaD #roshanmathew @ShashankSArora @JarPictures #goodbadfilms #MiniStudio #OpeningFilm #JioMAMIwithStar2019 pic.twitter.com/aYZBU6vVJX — JioMAMIwithStar (@MumbaiFilmFest) August 12, 2019 Reports are that Nivin Pauly will be playing a doctor in this flick. Besides Nivin Pauly, it stars Unni Mukundan in an important role as well. The film...

MollywoodThe film is directed by debutant Abhijith Ashokan and produced under the banner August Cinemas.Digital NativeGovind Vasantha, one of the most sought-after music composers in the film industry right now, confirmed being on board the Malayalam film Prithvi. The film is directed by debutant Abhijith Ashokan and produced under the banner August Cinemas. Confirming the news, Govind wrote on his social media page, “I’m so glad to announce My first Malayalam film I committed after 96. Prithvi directed by @Abijith Asokan is a movie with a beautiful beautiful storyline and some great moments. And this one is close to my heart because I got two artist extraordinaires to sing my songs. @Bombay jayshree and The best Bijibal Maniyil.” Besides Prithvi, Govind Vasantha is also composing music for Padavettu. Starring Nivin Pauly in the lead role, the film is bankrolled by actor Sunny Wayne under his banner. The shooting of...

MollywoodThe actor put a Facebook post remembering the day from nine years ago, when he got to make his debut with the Vineeth Sreenivasan directorial ‘Malarvaadi Arts Club’.Digital NativeNine years ago, Nivin Pauly made his acting debut with the Vineeth Sreenivasan directorial Malarvaadi Arts Club and since then there was no looking back for the techie turned actor. Recalling the day, nine years later, he wrote, “This day, 9-years ago, #Malarvadi changed my life forever. A big thank you to Vineeth Sreenivasan and to everyone for the love & support!” Along with the post he put a screenshot of the opening credits when it says, ‘Introducing Nivin Pauly’. The film turned out to be a massive success paving way for Nivin to bag some of the best roles in his career. It was also the directorial debut of Vineeth Sreenivasan, and acting debut of Aju Varghese and Bhagath Manuel. The...

MollywoodThe film will be directed by debutant Liju Krishna, who has earlier made the play ‘Moment Just Before Death’. Digital NativeNivin Pauly’s next film in the pipeline will be Padavettu and it will be bankrolled by actor Sunny Wayne. Liju Krishna will be debuting as director with this film and he has scripted it as well. The first look poster was released to positive comments and has created a lot of hype already. It may be noted here that Liju Krishna and Sunny Wayne have earlier worked together, when the latter produced the former’s play Moment Just Before Death. Nivin Pauly is in the meantime expecting the release of two films – Love Action Drama and Moothon - this year. The shooting of the Dhyan Sreenivasan directorial, Love Action Drama, has finally been wrapped up successfully. Besides directing the film, actor turned filmmaker Dhyan has also penned the script.

MollywoodDirector Geetu Mohandas announced in a Facebook post that actor Roshan Mathew, who is part of her film 'Moothon', has landed a role in Anurag’s next.Digital NativeDirector Geetu Mohandas has announced on her social networking page that actor Roshan Mathew, who is part of her film Moothon, will be doing the lead role in a film by noted Bollywood filmmaker Anurag Kashyap. Her Facebook post says, “When I was filming Moothon, I got close to all my actors, rooting for them and wanting the best to happen in their lives always . That ‘want’ will be forever. I’m so proud to announce that my actor and good friend, Roshan Mathew with his unbelievable performance in Moothon, has landed himself a beautiful project as the lead in none other than the maverick filmmaker Anurag Kashyap ‘s latest. The shoot commences tomorrow in Bombay. I wish you the world Roshan.