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Tag: Shyamaprasad

  • ZEE5 announces Malayalam anthology, ‘Manorathangal’

    ZEE5 announces Malayalam anthology, ‘Manorathangal’

    Mumbai: ZEE5 has announced the launch of ‘Manorathangal,’ a monumental series that heralds a new epoch in Malayalam cinema. Set to premiere on 15 August, this magnum opus, conceived to honor the 90-year legacy of the literary titan Madath Thekkepaattu Vasudevan Nair, affectionately known as M.T., brings together an unparalleled constellation of South’s most illustrious actors and filmmakers. ‘Manorathangal’ is a cinematic tour de force, exploring the intricate duality of human nature against the backdrop of Kerala. Penned by the venerable M.T. Vasudevan Nair himself, the series unites the pinnacle of Malayalam cinema’s acting and directorial talent. Through nine interconnected stories the series spotlights paradoxes of human behavior, showcasing our capacity for both great kindness and base impulses. By probing the interplay between our noble and primal sides, this series offers a rich, nuanced portrayal of humanity that speaks to universal experiences and emotions. For the first time ever, such a huge cast and directors are coming together on ZEE5.

    The anthology comprises nine compelling stories introduced by Padma Vibhushan, Dr Kamal Haasan: ‘Ollavum Theeravum’ (Ripples and the River Bank), starring the legendary Mohanlal and directed by the acclaimed Priyadarshan, sets the tone for this extraordinary series. ‘Kadugannava Oru Yathra Kurippu’ (Kadugannava: A Travel Note) features the incomparable Mammootty under the direction of the talented Ranjith. ‘Shilalikhitam’ (Inscriptions) brings together Biju Menon, Shantikrishna, and Joy Mathew in a Priyadarshan-directed segment. ‘Kazhcha’ (Vision) stars Parvathy Thiruvothu and Harish Uthaman, directed by the visionary Shyamaprasad. ‘Vilpana’ (The Sale) features Madhoo and Asif Ali, helmed by the promising Aswathy Nair. ‘Sherlock’ showcases the versatile Fahadh Faasil and Zareena Moidu, directed by the innovative Mahesh Narayanan. ‘Swargam Thurakkunna Samayam’ (When the Doors of Heaven Open) boasts an ensemble cast including Kaillash, Indrans, Nedumudi Venu, Enji Panicker, and Surabhi Lakshmi, under the direction of Jayarajan Nair. ‘Abhyam Theedi Veendum’ (Once Again, In Search of Refuge) stars Siddhique, Ishit Yamini, and Nazir, directed by the renowned Santosh Sivan.

    ‘Kadalkkaattu’ (Sea Breeze) features Indrajith and Aparna Balamurali, directed by Rathish Ambat.

    ZEE5 India chief business officer Manish Kalra stated, “With ‘Manorathangal’, ZEE5 is bringing together an unprecedented array of Malayalam cinema’s finest talents under one roof. It is a celebration of the reverence and admiration MT Vasudevan Nair commands in the industry. His 90-year legacy as a literary giant and cinematic visionary is unparalleled, and we are deeply honored to have his story on ZEE5. This anthology not only celebrates MT Sir’s brilliance but also showcases the exceptional creativity of Malayalam cinema, which has garnered a devoted following across India and beyond. Recognizing the growing fandom and the universal appeal of these stories, we are dubbing ‘Manorathangal’ in Hindi, Tamil, Kannada, and Telugu languages so the viewers could watch it in their local language. At ZEE5, we are really looking forward to the premiere.”

    The director, Priyadarshan, stated, “Dreaming is a part of life, and I had dreamt of making films. It was a dream come true to make a film with MT Vasudevan Nair. This moment is very special to me as I am now making my 97th film. In the past, I had tried to create a film with MT Vasudevan Nair but couldn’t. I had almost given up on that dream, but then this opportunity happened, for which I thank God. I have fulfilled a big dream and have done two films in Manorathangal: ‘Olavum Theeravum’ and ‘Shilalikhithangal’. As Mohanlal mentioned before, my desire to make a film began with reading the script of ‘Olavum Theeravum’. I thank God for making this dream come true and wish MT Vasudevan Nair a very happy birthday.”

    Indrajit stated, “Manorathangal is the second film in which I had the opportunity to act as a hero in a script by MT Vasudevan Nair. Before this, I had acted in a full-length film under MT sir’s script, a privilege that might not be common among actors of my generation. I consider this experience the greatest gift I have ever received. MT has a close relationship with my father, and I have done a segment called Kadalkkattu based on MT sir’s short story Bandhanam. Although the stories were different, my father also acted in a film titled Bandhanam written by MT sir, which is one of my favorite films featuring him. I recall visiting MT’s house and speaking with him multiple times, and people close to MT have told me that MT loves me. I extend my best wishes to MT on this occasion.”

    Biju Menon stated, “Happy birthday, MT Vasudevan Nair! I have always wanted to act in a film by MT Sir, though I was uncertain if it would ever happen. Fortunately, it did, and the experience was a dream come true. I am happy to see many legends and share the stage with them. Wishing everyone a lot of luck and happiness.”

    Mammootty stated, “This evening is unique for Malayalam cinema, as anthology films are rare in our industry. Manorathangal will be an anthology that can be presented with pride, a vision running through the mind of the writer. There could be no other apt name for it. I have a close relationship with MT Vasudevan Nair and admire his youthful spirit. MT’s up-to-date knowledge of contemporary literature, new authors, and books in various languages is remarkable. Although I couldn’t read a book MT recently gave me, my daughter loved it, highlighting MT’s ability to stay relevant with the latest generation’s tastes. Initially, Ranjith and I planned to make the story of Kadugannava into a two-hour feature film. However, for this anthology, we decided to use that story, which I describe as a piece of MT’s soul. The film was shot in Sri Lanka and aims to evoke nostalgia among those who grew up reading MT’s works. Malayalees realised the literary value of scripts through MT’s writings, and I have tried to read all of MT’s stories. We recently agreed to have a short story by MT read in my voice. I extend my heartfelt congratulations to MT on the initiative of Manorathangal and wish him good health and long life as he celebrates his birthday.”

    Asif Ali stated, “Happy birthday, MT Vasudevan Nair! I am happy and proud to be present at this event. My first audition in front of MT sir was for the film Neelathamara, but I was told I didn’t have a Malayali look and couldn’t participate. It took thirteen long years before I was finally able to play a character written by MT sir. I acted in the film directed by MT sir’s daughter Aswathy, where I starred alongside Madhubala, and I am very happy about that.”

    Nadiya Moidu stated, “Happy birthday, MT Vasudevan Nair! I am proud to be a part of this project. After the film ‘Panchagni’ directed by Hariharan, I got another opportunity to act in an MT sir’s script through the film ‘Sherlock’ in Manorathangal. It was a privilege to work with Mahesh Narayanan and Fahadh Faasil. In addition to Fahadh, a cat was one of the main characters in the film. The script was very enjoyable, and I thank MT sir for making us all a part of history. It is a blessing to be here.”

    ZEE5 Original, ‘Manorathangal’ premieres on 15 August, bringing MT Vasudevan Nair’s literary genius to screens worldwide.

  • Amrita TV to start airing family chat show ‘Malayali Durbar’ from 12 July

    Amrita TV to start airing family chat show ‘Malayali Durbar’ from 12 July

    BENGALURU: Malayalam channel Amrita TV will start airing a weekly family chat show Malayali Durbar (MD) every Saturday during the primetime slot of 8-9 pm starting 12 July. The show will focus on family and social issues. MD replaces the reality show Super Star Junior (SSJ).

     

     Amrita TV chief creative head Shyamaprasad said to www.indiantelevision.com, “Malayali Durbar must ideally be called a debate-show, instead of a typical talk-show, as this fun-filled programme uniquely stays clear of the usual expert jargons and the chaotic and numerous viewpoints presented on a typical talk-show. Here, an issue which has a relevance to every family, is debated with two sides clearly de-marked, eliciting laughter and plain speak.  The show presents a high energy, super-focused tussle between two opposing viewpoints, deftly steered by the inimitable comedian Maniyan Pilla Raju.”

     

    MD will be hosted by Mollywood actor and producer Maniyan Pillai Raju. Joining him on the show will be celebrity couples; along with real life parents, spouses, children, siblings who could be expressing their views on a wide range of subjects that plague Kerala society in particular, and Indian families in general.

     

    According to the channel, some of the topics that could be discussed include -How do mothers deal with the aspirations of their teenage daughters when they come into conflict with their own beliefs? Which are the areas and what are the degrees to which working spouses should agree with each other’s judgments on matters? Is the growing extravagance on weddings a necessary evil in today’s social fabric? A post mortem of a divorce, 10 years later—do things look different in retrospect for the parted spouses?

     

    The channel says that the format of the show envisages formation of opinion groups, where the male celebrity may team up with the husbands, while the female celebrity joins hands with the wives. Or a celebrity mother may join forces with the mothers in the show, whereas the daughter of the celebrity will become a votary for the youth in the show. The host will use his dexterity and experience in navigating the issue at hand to a judicious conclusion.

     

    MD is produced by Supa Sudhakaran, who has been with Amrita TV since its inception in 2005, and has produced and directed independently four shows ranging from a reality show on citizen journalism viz Amrita TV’s Best Citizen Journalist to the currently running social justice real-life show on prime time, Kathayalla Ithu Jeevitham.

     

    The channel is in talks with sponsors for the show and will be announcing the title sponsor soon revealed a source at Amrita TV.  Advertisers on SSJ included Chungath Jewellery, Britannia Nutrichoice, Lamiya, Santoor and Pooja Bumper Lottery. The channel is confident of bringing them along with other brands on board for MD.

  • Amrita TV announces couples avatar of ‘Let’s Dance’ reality show

    Amrita TV announces couples avatar of ‘Let’s Dance’ reality show

    BENGALURU: Malayalam television channel, Amrita TV, has called for entries from couples for a new edition of its reality show ‘Let’s Dance’.

     

    Amrita TV creative head and Malayalam film director Shyamaprasad says, “The enthusiasm from the youth across the state, in hundreds, proves to us that this show has an engaged audience. Dancing in pairs, with musical support from the rich repertoire of South Indian films creates such emotional rapport with the audience and hence I believe there is this clamour for more, which lead us to launch Lets Dance new season.”

     

    The competition, which will include a wide range of different and international dance styles, will be a round-by-round elimination contest says the channel. A team can comprise of pairs in the 15-30 age group. The last date for receiving entries is June 15.

     

     The channel says that while the earlier trendsetting shows of Amrita TV ‘Super Dancer’ and ‘Super Dancer Junior’ nurtured individual dancing talent, the new show would focus on encouraging pairs to showcase their skills, with professional choreographers of contestants working with each team to infuse innovation and energy to the show.

     

    The channel has not yet announced sponsorship and advertiser details for the new show that will be aired Monday to Thursday between 7 and 8 pm starting 21 July with 100 episodes planned. For the earlier avatars of the show, Amrita TV had roped in Kerala based Prime Footwear as sponsor. The show replaces season two of ‘Let’s Dance’. The channel plans to continue with Malayalam actress Sija Rose as anchor.

     

    “We have received entries from over 500 pairs across Kerala and expect many more. Twenty couples will make it to the show and the final pair will emerge victorious over a span of about 100 one hour episodes,” reveals a source at Amrita TV.

     

     “’Let’s Dance’ will be mounted on spectacular sets with dazzling lights, LED Walls and stunning sound systems. The show’s format will throw open immense opportunities to competing  pairs and enable them to showcase a  variety of Indian, cultural and international dance styles ranging across a broad spectrum of classical, contemporary, Bollywood, hip-hop, jazz, Kalarippayattu, Salsa, Samba and musical theatre styles, amongst others, with many sub-genres within these categories represented,” adds the source.

  • Onam Special Programmes From Amrita TV

    Onam Special Programmes From Amrita TV

    Uthradam, the first day of Onam on September 15th begins with a special episode of Taste of Kerala at 7.00am in which the show along with Renjini Menon the anchor, treks deep into the heart of Wynad to the Coffee County Farm Resort where in a hundred year old tharavadu,they tuck into a lavish Onam repast picking up tips on the proper ways of serving a sadya. In Ona Sparsham at 7.30 am Amrita TV strives to bring a touch of warmth and joy to the star-crossed sections on the fringes of society who are shut out of the Onam festivities and in its 1st edition, actress Sarayu who celebrates Onam with differentially abled children is amazed at the depth of their artistic talent. Narrated in the soft shades of a British autumn, Shyamaprasad’s English, which braids together the lives of 4 immigrants in London, co-stars Jayasuriya, Mukesh ,Nadiya Moidu and Nivin Pauly is aired for the first time on Television at 8.45 am.

     

    Ona Sadya at 12.30 pm spreads its plantain leaf at the homestead of legendery vegetarian chef Pazhayidom Mohanan Namboothiri, to relish the taste of a typical, traditional Thripoonithara Onam feast as he prepares pineapple payasam and kay varuthathu specially for Uthradom. Mammootty in a custom made role of a wronged cop who decodes a gruesome murder mystery, shares screen space with Roma and Ragini Dwivedi in the spine chiller thriller Face to Face slated for its grand TV premiere at 1.15 pm. Sweta Menon opens up her heart and mind in an interview at 5.30 pm. In Akathalakkaryam at 6.25 pm, an interview series that holds in confidential conversation the better halves of famous celebrities, Saboora wife of director Kamal thinks back to their courtship days when Kamal’s mother used to indulge in ‘match fixing’ eligible girls in the neighbourhood for Kamal to which his reply was always an emphatic no, but when Saboora came to stay with them one summer holidays, his usual nay changed to a resounding yes; Saboora is a true soul mate to Kamal, literally being with him through thick and thin, sharing his highs and supportive in his lows. Amrita Sandhya , an exhilarating combination of dances ranging from the irresistible seductiveness of the Arabic belly dance, the controlled finesse of the Chinese dragon dance, the mesmerizing grace of Indian classical, the foot-tapping variety of Hindi cinematic, is made headier by songs from the winners of the top music reality shows, led by playback singer Akila Anand follows at 7.00pm. Bhama shares her happiness at the upswing in her career graph, ;her delight at how well her transformation from country lass to city gal was received by her fans and so on in a cozy chat at 8.00pm. VVS Laxman in his 1st ever interview to a Malayalam channel ,Very Very Special Onam at 8.30 pm divulges that as the son of a doctor couple, he joined for medicine but chose cricket as a career; recollects the grand debut in the Under 19 team where he top scored against Australia; the hurt at being dropped towards the end of his career; hints at his entry into the National Cricket administration through the Hyderabad Cricket Association. Prime time highlight belongs to Mohanlal in Hridayapoorvam Lalettan at 9.00pm which catches him in a rare pensive mood.

     

    September 16th ,Thiruvonam day’s shows begins with a special episode of Udayamritham at 6.30pm. Mandahasa Pushpam, an interview with Lekshmi Gopalaswamy follows at 7am.Ushering into the mainstream those who had been sidelined during the Onam revelry, Amrita TV visits the Attakkulangara Vanita Jail with actress Lekshmipriya in Ona Sparsham at 7.30 am who spends quality time with its inmates interacting, dancing and sharing a sadya with those unfortunate souls who had stepped over the boundaries drawn by the law. Shaji Kailash switches to a new genre in the chirpy action comedy entertainer Madirasi, high on humor and hilarity with Jayaram, Tiny Tom and Meghna Raj providing the guffaws, making its debut screening on TV at 8.15 am. Pazhayidom Mohanan Namboothiri whose culinary wizardry had delighted thousands of hungry students at State Youth festivals shares the secrets of his trademark Palada Pradhaman, making it from scratch in Ona Sadya at 12.30pm. Seasoned director Joshiy and actor non-pareil Mohanlal joins forces in the SN Swamy penned runaway hit Lokpal, boasting of Kavya Madhavan and Manoj K Jayan also in the lead, appearing for the 1st time on the TV screens at 1.15 pm. Akathalakkaryam at 6.25 pm, features Saraswathy teacher, the 2nd wife of celebrated novelist and scriptwriter MT Vasudevan Nair, as she skims over the years to the time she got acquainted with MT as his daughter Sithara’s music mistress; how she succeeded in toning down her abrasive and caustic husband to a mellower self; MT’s fondness for their daughter Aswathy with whom he discusses everything under the sun, to which Saraswathy is a silent listener. Amrita Sandhya, an international medley of dances from far and near with popular songs by talents on the doorstep of fame lend rhythm and melody to Malayalee’s global festival at 7.00pm. Appearing for the 1st time on a Malayalam channel ,Kapil Dev in Kapil Devinoddoppam at 8.30pm recalls the intoxicating days of the World Cup win, the defining moment of Indian Cricket history; how he was sure towards the end that his devils were a match for the mighty Windies; regrets the crass commercialization that is gobbling up the sport; reveals the shock and disbelief he felt on being stripped off his post as Head of National Cricket Academy without prior warning or notice. Mohanlal’s meditative mood continues in the rendezvous Hridayapoorvam Lalettan on Thiruvonam at 9.00pm.Dileep is his usual exuberant self in an uninhibited dialogue at 9.30 pm in Chiri Noolizha Naitha Onappudava.

     

    Avittom starts off with the pleasing harmony of traditional folk music in Nadanppattukal at 7.00am in which Nattuppolima, an organization dedicated to popularizing our ancient folk legacy re-creates the spirit and soul of the folk songs sung by peasants during the Onams of yore. Carrying on with the concept of a different Onam for those forsaken by Fate, Amrita TV and Anila Sreekumar revel in its spirit, with the inmates of Asha Bhavan, a rehabilitation centre for destitute female mental patients in Ona Sparsham at 7.30am.Lucky Ali, in his first ever appearance in a Malayalam channel sketches the notes of his musical journey past, present and the plans he has drawn up for his future in Good Luck at 8.15 am. Premiering for the premier time on television, Players that veers off the beaten track to speed along the fast lane, tells the tale of a band of young bike riders comprising Jayasurya, Jishnu, Nishant Sagar with Kavya and Siddique riding pillion at 8.45 am. Pazhayidom Mohanan Namboothiri, connoisseur of the vegetarian wonders of Kerala cuisine serves up rose munthiri payasam and olan in Ona Sadya at 12.30pm. Providing good value for money with its theme of a middle-aged man’s infatuation for a teenager, is the Sreenivasan starrer Money Back Policy with Sarayu, Nedumudi Venu and Sreeith Vijay also in the credit list, in its inaugural appearance on the small screen at 1.15pm.

     

    Villain turned comedian and occasional hero Baburaj discusses his make over in a get together at 5.30 pm. In the Akathalakkaryam series at 6.25 pm, Sheela wife of business tycoon Kochouseph Chittilappilly and herself hailing from a wealthy family was dismayed when her bank employee husband resigned to start his own venture V-Guard; she didn’t dare protest when Kochouseph donated his kidney for fear that if she did, he ‘d donate both his kidneys; but donation was beneficial after all for after being relieved of a kidney, her grouchy husband was a much easy going man now. It is a red letter day in Deepak Dev’s life when Dev and his family, Sayanora and her baby and the families of the Super Star Junior contestants get together for a free wheeling chat session and watch Dev’s twin daughters make their Arangettam on the Super Star Junior stage in a Utsava Thalam at 7pm. Dev marvels at the impishness of Fate which earmarked the same stage that skyrocketed him to household fame for the musical debut of his daughters. Celebrities join in the fun and frolic as TV serial stars Aneesh Ravi buttonholes festival visitors splashing about in the rides at the Wonderland Water Theme Park and bamboozles them with teaser questions on Onam in Ona Sallapam at 8.30pm. Kunchako Boban analyses his latest releases and the reasons for his dream run at 9.00pm in Ona Thillakavum Chakkochanum. Dileep’s frank and forthright views continue in the informal talk Chiri Noolizha Naitha Onappudavaat 9.30 pm.

     

    Chatayam , the last day of Onam, gets going with attempts to revive our folk heritage to entertain us with the lilt and tempo of authentic folk music in Nadanppattukal at 7.00am .Ona Sparsham continues to cast a ray of hope on sections bypassed by society at 7.30 am.

     

    Dance and Music at 8.15 am serves as a early preamble to the visual extravaganza to follow with riveting performances from previous editions of Super Dancer Finales.Tracing the thread of the stirring story of a young widow woven into the backdrop of the rigidly traditional Palakkadan Brahmin community of the pre -Independence era, Gramam starring Nishan , Samvrutha Sunil Mohan Sharma etc celebrates its 1st showing on TV at 8.45 am.Pazhayidom Mohanan Namboothiri shows glimpses of his lip smacking repertoire with the flavours of Ari Payasam and pineapple pachadi in Ona Sadya at 12.30pm. A taut political satire that will etch a place on the mental map of the audience, Bhoopadathil Illatha Oridam with Sreenivasan , Iniya and Nivin Pauly heading the starcast makes its inaugural appearance on the small screen at 1.15 pm. Mazhaneerthullikal, an interview with Meghna Raj and VK Prakash comes on at 5.30 pm. In Akathalakkaryangal at 6.25 pm, cine actor Sudheesh’s wife Dhanya who surpasses him in witticisms and sense of humour remembers their ‘bride seeing ceremony during which how they were ushered into a room for a private conversation, only to discover that a couple of inquisitive young cousins had taken position under the bed to eavesdrop on them; Dhanya an artist by profession had developed a crush on her arts master at college but found him snatched away by her best friend. Celebrity Onam questionnaire continues in Ona Sallapam at 8.30pm, as those who waded in Onam celebrations at a water theme park find themselves in deep waters under the teaser queries. Interview with Anoop Menon Puthumayude Ponnonam will be telecast at 9.00pm followed by Festival of Colors ,a intimate chat with Fahad Fazil at 9.30pm.

  • Amrita TV plans to enter feature film production

    Amrita TV plans to enter feature film production

    MUMBAI: Amrita Enterprises Pvt Ltd (AEPL), the promoters of Malayalam channel Amrita TV, is planning to set up a separate division for feature film production. Though the business plan is still in its primary stages of evolution, the company is targeting a February 2007 launch of the initiative.

    “We are getting into Malayalam feature film production and the plan is to start the operations within the next six months. We are in the process of working out a business plan,” Amrita TV director and CEO Sudhakar Jayaram told Indiantelevision.com.

    At a time when the number of films produced in Malayalam has gone alarmingly down and consecutively the acquisition rates have shot up, Amrita TV attempts to change the picture in association with industry experts. The plan is to leverage on its in-house film expertise and thus put an end to the scarcity of films available in the acquisition market.

    “The plan is to enter into partnership with key stake holders in the market such as producers and distributors and offer our expertise in this field to launch feature film projects. We will be also launching solo projects as well, making us an independent producer. An important objective of the initiative is to solve the supply demand issue, which is threatening the television business presently,” says Jayaram.

    AEPL’s strategy, according to Jayaram, is to leverage on the creative and infrastructure strengths it already has in the area of film production. He feels that these key assets would attract similar minded players and thus provide a good start to the initiative.

    “We have a nationally well acclaimed film director in our programming head Shyamaprasad. Then there are various other talented filmmakers, who are part of our programming wing. We have a state-of-the-art production infrastructure and we expect that all these elements would come together to give shape to this initiative,” he says.

    When queried on the investments planned, Jayaram says it is too premature to talk about the money part. “It will actually vary from project to project. We will be looking at big, medium and small budget projects. We are yet to finalise details of the initial investment to be made,” says Jayaram.

    Amrita TV draws inspiration from its successful telefilm production experience. In 2005, the channel produced 22 telefilms of 90 minute duration each and all the films were well-acclaimed by the critics as well as the viewers, according to Jayaram.

    However, getting into feature film production doesn’t mean that the AEPL would shift its focus totally. “We will be producing almost the same number of telefilms this year as well. We have already lined up four telefilms for the upcoming Onam festival,” informs Jayaram.

    AEPL, promoted by a group of investors closely associated with Mata Amritanandamayi Devi, launched Amrita TV in 2005 April. The channel is presently making its best efforts to emerge as a tough competitor to market leaders Asianet and Surya TV. In its first year of inception, the channel swept the Kerala State TV awards, winning 15 of the top laurels.