The Supreme Court will hear on May 15 a plea against the Kerala High Court order refusing to stay the release of the controversial multilingual film “The Kerala Story”. Senior advocate Kapil Sibal on Tuesday mentioned the matter for urgent listing before a bench comprising Chief Justice D Y Chandrachud and Justice P S Narasimha, reports said.

When the bench inquired whether the high court has passed an order in the matter, Sibal said it has refused to stay the release of the film. “We will keep it on Monday (May 15),” the bench said. On May 5, the high court refused to stay the release of the movie and said the trailer does not contain anything offensive to any particular community as a whole.

The high court noted the producers’ submission that they do not intend to retain an “offending teaser” which contained a statement that “32,000 women” from Kerala were converted and joined a terrorist organisation. It said the Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC) has examined the movie and found it suitable for public exhibition.

The high court also noted that the producers have published a disclaimer along with the movie which specifically says it is fictionalised and a dramatised version of events and that the film doesn’t claim accuracy or factuality of historic events. “The Kerala Story” starring Adah Sharma was released in cinemas on Friday.

The post SC to hear plea against Kerala HC order on ‘The Kerala Story’ on May 15 appeared first on The Gulf Indians.

The post Aishwarya Lekshmi’s next is ‘Archana 31 Not out’ appeared first on The Gulf Indians.

After days of anxious wait, the makers of Minnal Murali have released the official teaser of this flick on August 31, 2020. Interestingly, the teaser of Minnal Murali was released just a few hours after the premiere of Tovino’s ‘Kilometers and Kilometers’.

In the initial moments of the teaser, the director introduces the character of Minnal Murali. The initial scenes reveal that Minnal Murali is a masked man, who is also performing some heist activities.

Later, Tovino Thomas graces the screen in style, and he looks absolutely charismatic. With a clean shaved look, Tovino literally resembled the boy-next-door, and in all probabilities, the character of Minnal Murai will elevate his stardom in Mollywood.

In the final moments of the teaser, audiences come to know that Minnal Murali is not an ordinary man, and he possesses some special skills, which make him a desi superhero.

Basil Joseph, who has previously helmed movies like Kunjiramayanam and Godha is directing Minnal Murali. The director is a master in crafting commercial entertainers, and audiences expect the same from Minnal Murali as well.

Sophia Paul who has previously bankrolled for films like Bangalore Days and Munthirivallikal Thalirkkumbol is producing Minnal Murali, in the banner of Weekend Blockbusters. An official announcement regarding the release date of this movie will be unveiled in the coming days.

Click here for the video

The post Minnal Murali teaser released; Tovino to enthrall audiences as desi superhero appeared first on The Gulf Indians.

In Kerala they say during Onam, ‘Even if you have to sell your most valuable things, you have to relish Onam feast’ (Kaanam vittum Onam unnanam’). This time another saying would come to their aid, ‘Enjoy Onam with what you have’ (Ullathu kondu Onam pole). Onam 2020 will be like no other in recent memories.

Malayalis rush home to Kerala from all corners of the world if they can to celebrate the harvest festival of Onam. This year, Onam for Malayalis across the world would be a much subdued affair. Gone is the rush to the bazaars on Uthradom day to stock up for the feast during Onam days. With social distancing the norm, and COVID-19 playing truant, Malaylis can’t come together to revive the old memories at their ancestral home this year. Some have planned an Onam online. Even as the government claim that the death rate and infection rate is way below the average, this unusual times call for vigil and caution.

Even Kerala Tourism has taken the grand celebrations online. Its 10-day festival started on August 22 and will draw to a close on September 2. The Tourism Department’s ‘Onam Fest Kerala’ features a bouquet of heritage arts and celebratory rituals alongside new-age cultural programmes—all of it online. Of the events beamed so far, the Panchari Melam ensemble alone earned as many as one million eyeballs.

Grand feasts, enthralling boat races, traditional art forms and a pookalam in each courtyard, #Onam is #Kerala at her prettiest. #HappyOnam pic.twitter.com/3QrH2LPDJi

— Kerala Tourism (@KeralaTourism) September 4, 2017

On the day of Thiruonam (August 31) is a Kathakali show, followed by a live band performance and an Onam theme film the subsequent days. On August 29 was Family Onam Celebrations and Job Kurian’s music show (is on Sunday). All programmes are at 7 pm.

The ‘Sadya’ banquet was up on social media on the afternoon of August 27, with a row of people in ethnic Kerala dress sitting cross-legged on floor-mats and eating with the hand an array of dishes for the rice served on banana leaves. The classical value of different types of curries, fried vegetables, rounded pappadams, pickles, chutneys and two courses of payasam desserts came to the fore with the anchor explaining (in English) the order and manner of serving each dish, besides a brief on their ingredients and recipe.

A message Kerala Tourism’s Facebook page says is quite relevant during this testing times. ‘This Onam, let us relive the good times when Mahabali ruled the land and people lived in peace and harmony’.

For the past three years, various natural disasters have struck this small piece of land on the southern tip of India. Legend has it that Lord Parashuram threw his axe and the seawater receded to reveal the land that is Kerala. The past three years have seen the verdant land struck repeatedly by floods throwing normal life out of gear. As if the waters are claiming back what is rightfully theirs.

Each time when it overcomes misfortunes and tragedy and gets into a celebratory mood, misfortune strikes the land and the people again. It is in the midst of this that Keralites are celebrating Onam 2020. Donning new traditional clothes (shirt and dhothi for all men and traditional Saree for women) and relishing the Onam feast is de rigueur for the Malayali anywhere in the world. Be it in Kerala, anywhere in India, in the Arab world or the western nations, the Malayali has to don their traditional dress and sitting down on a mat on the floor, they eat from a plantain leaf, considered the most traditional way of celebrating the festival.

While the preparations for the feast start a day earlier, the food itself is cooked and laid out by afternoon in most houses in Kerala. And any guest who walks in on the day of Onam is considered as Mahabali, the Asura king who is believed to have ruled this beautiful land, and is offered a full meal in all houses. Such incidents have been recounted by old timers.

The ten-day long floral carpet or the athapookalam is another ritual that was an integral part of Onam celebrations for children and there were often competitions held by various organisations for the best floral carpets. This is another custom that has been observed in a subdued manner this time round.

Even though Kerala’s Onam celebrations have sort of transformed into a communal affair with successive governments spending huge amounts to hold various programmes for over three decades now, Onam 2020 would be the most subdued one in recent memory. Onam celebrations had also transformed into more of a tourist attraction with lots of foreigners making a beeline for God’s Own Country come August-September. The elephant pageantry and the various cultural programmes organised across the State were huge attractions for tourists both Indian and foreign. This year all such celebrations have been cancelled and few tourists were seen in the cities of Kerala.

A shocking change from the past is in the Malayalam cinema industry. COVID-19 had stopped the movie industry on its tracks and departing from tradition no Onam releases have been announced, that too during a season when cinemas of Malayali heartthrobs Mammooty and Mohanlal become huge grossers. OTT releases have been planned but crowds at the cinema halls will be missed and the huge earnings from this industry that feed thousands won’t materialise pushing many into hardship.

Like they say, changes are inevitable and all these new precautions, hygiene standards, and health protocols would hopefully pave way for a new society that is more caring and mindful of others in the community. We will hopefully enjoy a more vibrant Onam next year that harks back to the past glory of this wonderful land.

The post Celebrating Onam in the shadow of a pandemic appeared first on The Gulf Indians.

“Some actresses do consume drugs at the parties. I am aware that they consume the banned substances inside the vanity vans on the sets. It’s true that there is a link between Sandalwood and the drug mafia. I’ve heard that some budding artistes and those wanting to hog limelight within no time consume drugs at rave parties,” said Lankesh.

As the revelations made by Lankesh have now gone viral, the Central Crime Branch has issued a notice on him and has asked him to disclose further details regarding the operation of drug mafia in the industry.

Indrajit Lankesh who is also a noted journalist revealed that he is ready to pass all the information he knows to the police. However, he urged the government to ensure his security, so that he can divulge all the details without any hesitation.

Lankesh also made it clear that no big stars in Sandalwood are involved in drug usage, as they are well bothered about their image. The director also urged the police to conduct a thorough investigation to curb the clandestine clutches of drug mafia in Sandalwood.

“Why was the autopsy not conducted after the death of an actor recently? A car was involved in an accident some years ago at South End Circle in Bengaluru. It was reported that drugs were recovered from inside the car and there were some artistes inside. What is the status of the case? Why did the police not conduct a thorough investigation? Why did the police not initiate action against those inside the car,” added Lankesh.

He also requested police officers to determine whether any politicians are also involved in the drug racket.

CCB joint commissioner of police Sandeep Patil revealed that Indrajit Lankesh will record his statement on Monday. He also added that inputs from people like Lankesh are quite crucial to demolish drug mafia.

The post Kannada filmmaker makes shocking revelations about drug abuse in industry appeared first on The Gulf Indians.

Recently, investigation officers had recorded statements of three psychiatrists and one psychotherapist in connection with the alleged suicide case of the actor. One among the psychiatrists who recorded his statement informed police officials that the actor was suffering from bipolar disorder.

“The actor used to change his doctors after two to three visits. He has not visited the three psychiatrists more than three times each. The doctor he last visited had given him some medicines for the disease he was diagnosed with but the actor took them for about two months. He had consulted the psychiatrist over the phone during lockdown but he did not follow his advice,” said an officer on request of anonymity, Mid Day reports.

However, the other medical experts revealed that Sushant was leading a stressful life, but they did not claim that he was suffering from bipolar disorder. All the mental health experts who gave their statement informed the police that the actor was in a very stressed state, and was not taking the prescribed medications.

According to reports, the actor had consulted a Mumbai-based British psychotherapist to address his worsening mental state. However, after consulting the psychotherapist, Sushant apparently stopped taking medications as prescribed by psychiatrists.

The post Sushant Singh Rajput had bipolar disorder, say experts appeared first on The Gulf Indians.

In his Facebook post, the director of Ennu Ninte Moideen has said that Vashu Bhagnani Pooja Entertainments, the renowned production house in India, has affirmed to back the film, to be written and directed by Vimal.

A super star will essay the character of Dharma Raja who has written his glory in the annals of the history of Travancore. Vimal is now busy with his second project Karnan. This mega project will in all likelihood be taken up after the completion of Karnan staring Vikram.

The technical expertise of Prajay J Kamat would compliment the virtual production experience done through at Aisole, London along with Pooja entertainments. The film shall be made in Malayalam, Hindi, Tamil and Telugu.

In his note director R.S Vimal says, “This is a devotional dedication at the lotus feet of Lord Sree Padmanabhaswamy, Thiruvananthapuram.
Front the backdrop of the legendary history of travancore, comes to life a true hero. The ecstatic crowd puller, the Superstar of Malayalam, has committed to the role.”

The post Vimal to direct big budget film depicting Travancore history appeared first on The Gulf Indians.

T 3590 -I have tested CoviD positive .. shifted to Hospital .. hospital informing authorities .. family and staff undergone tests , results awaited ..
All that have been in close proximity to me in the last 10 days are requested to please get themselves tested !

— Amitabh Bachchan (@SrBachchan) July 11, 2020

The veteran actor said in his message that his family and staff had undergone tests and the results are awaited.
Doctors had confirmed that Amitabh Bachchan was symptomatic and was self-isolating at home before being taken to the Nanavati Hospital on July 10 evening.
While the actor had been staying at home ever since the lockdown began on March 25, he had recently shot promotional content Kaun Banega Crorepati and other projects at his home and hence had contact with the production crew who came to his house.

Breaking news!

After @SrBachchan, @juniorbachchan tests positive for COVID-19.https://t.co/zBK9e9VF7K

— Filmfare (@filmfare) July 11, 2020

The post Amitabh Bachchan, Abhishek confirmed with COVID-19 appeared first on The Gulf Indians.

Governor of Kerala Arif Mohammed Khan greeted Suresh Gopi MP on his birthday. Mr. Gopi had visited Raj Bhavan for the inauguration of the Drinking water project at Vattavada in Idukki district. The project was completed with aid from MPLAD fund of Mr. Gopi. On June 26, Suresh Gopi turned 61.
The Koviloor drinking water project worth Rs.73 lakhs was inaugurated by the governor via video conference. The actor, S Rajendran MLA, Idukki Collector H. Dineshan and Devikulam Sub-Collector S. Prem Krishnan attended the function.
The project will provide drinking water to more than 900 families in five wards of Koviloor in Vattavada panchayat.
The project is being implemented by taking water from Choolakkalu in Vattavada to Kulathumatta in Koviloor and then filtered and distributed.
A water tank of 1.6 lakh litre capacity has been installed at Kulathumatta. The pipe connections to houses and the water tank at the source Alankalachi was installed by the panchayat.

The post Governor greets Suresh Gopi on his birthday appeared first on The Gulf Indians.

Prithviraj will essay the role of Variyan Kunnath Haji, a self-made Sultan, who established his own parallel government and formed an army to fight against the British. In his post announcing the film, Prithviraj wrote: “He stood up against an empire that ruled a quarter of the world. Etched out his own country with an army that waged a never before war against the British. Through history was burned and buried, the legend lived on! The legend of leader, a soldier, a patriot. A film on the man who became the face of the 1921 Malabar Revolution.# Vaariyamkunnan.” According to the team, the film will narrate the untold story of this legendary revolutionary and his fight against the British.

The post Prithviraj to unite with Aashiq Abu for a period film appeared first on The Gulf Indians.

Fahadh Faasil’s upcoming movie landed in trouble with Kerala Film Producer’s Association. The association expressed their disagreement about the shoot of Fahadh’s upcoming movie ‘See You Soon’ directed by Mahesh Narayanan. The association had decided not to start the shooting of new films considering the COVID-19 situation.
The producer’s association strictly opposed the shooting of the movie and clearly said that movies that do not adhere to the decision will not be released in theatres in the future. The association claimed that the crew was planning to start the production of the Fahadh starrer on June 21 without their knowledge.
The decision was to resume shooting of films that had come to a standstill because of the nationwide lockdown. Around 60 movies ceased their work due to lockdown and most of them were completing the post production and due for release. Hence Kerala Film Producers’ Association decided not to start new projects anytime too soon. Kerala Film Chamber also supported the decision and has notified the directors.
The Kerala Government has granted permission to filmmakers to resume shooting of films, but inside a studio following all the health protocols. A maximum of 50 people, including the cast and crew, are allowed to participate in the indoor filming process. However, theatres are closed indefinitely until a proper protocol comes in place.
Films like Mammootty starrer The Priest, Manju Warrier’s Lalitham Sundaram and Jean Paul’s Tsunami and several others had to postpone shoot due to the pandemic. Tsunami has already started it’s indoor shooting.
It was reported here earlier that the movie under production is ‘Malik’, which is yet to be released.

The post Fahadh Faasil’s next movie lands in trouble appeared first on The Gulf Indians.