16th Sharjah Biennial Diasporic dreams
Every two years, Sharjah opens its doors to a compelling range of art, fostering dialogue from the heart of the UAE to the world beyond. Under the theme 'Thinking historically in the present', the 16th Sharjah Biennial, on till June 15, sprawls across five cities and towns in the emirate, transforming spaces into sites of creative reckoning. Over 300 works are on display, spanning everything from sonic experiments to film, performance and visual storytelling. The common denominator? Exploring memory, identity and belonging.
An archival presentation of the choreographer Chandralekha
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Time of India
10 hours ago
- Time of India
Why ‘Chotta Mumbai' still rules as Mohanlal's ultimate commercial entertainer
(Picture Courtesy: Facebook) Released in 2007, 'Chotta Mumbai' continues to hold a special place in the hearts of Malayalam cinema fans as Mohanlal 's quintessential commercial entertainer. Directed by Anwar Rasheed , this action-comedy gem blends humor, heart, and high-energy performances, with Mohanlal's iconic portrayal of Vasco da Gama (Thala) stealing the show. Mohanlal's comic brilliance and charisma Mohanlal's portrayal of Thala, a lovable rogue leading a gang of petty criminals in Kochi, is a masterclass in comedic timing and effortless charisma. — Mohanlal (@Mohanlal) His ability to switch between slapstick humor, emotional depth, and action-hero swagger makes the character unforgettable, reminiscent of his 80s and 90s classics like Chandralekha. Even in the most emotional moment where Vasco interacts with his father, there is a comical element which is very uncommon in the majority of films. The line where Mohanlal said, 'I failed 10th grade because I was into gusthi (wrestling) during my school days. Who would give a job to someone who failed the 10th? If you have a thattukada (roadside food stall), can I really start another business? Still, I've made dosas and washed dishes here. Maybe Appan has forgotten all this — but I haven't. How should I improve myself now? Tell me, give me some lehyam so I can become better,'— this line, delivered by Mohanlal with a perfect blend of humor and emotion, doesn't reveal the true tone of the film. Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Egypt: New Small Electric Car For Seniors. Prices Might Surprise You. Electric Cars | Search Ads Undo 'I have never denied a role' - Sidhique (Picture Courtesy: Facebook) Even though there are several interesting characters in 'Chotta Mumbai', the iconic Mullan Chandrappan stands apart from all of them and all thanks to actor Sidhique, who has a special ability to portray any kind of role. Earlier in an exclusive interview with ETimes, the actor said, 'I have never denied a role. All the characters I have received were good. Once when Jis Joy narrated a story, he also told me about the cast, but upon reaching the set, I was surprised to see one of the cast being replaced. Jis had approached an actor to play the role of a Sub Inspector, however, the actor denied citing that he won't play a cop that has a rank below SP. Since SP is not suitable for the story, Jis Joy had to replace the actor. I was wondering, why that actor would have denied the role, but perhaps it would be the right thing to do according to him. On what criteria, would I tell the makers that I won't do a role? I am the clay, and the image doesn't really matter to me.' He further said, ' I have hardly denied any role, nor did I think, that I have the right to say a story is not good. And the ones I couldn't do were purely because of time constraints. I haven't said no to a character, If I did, it would mean that I don't have what it takes to make it a success. My only effort is to have the opportunity to work with all of them, and make sure to not become the uninvited one.' Nostalgic replay value Nearly two decades after its release, 'Chotta Mumbai' remains a cultural touchstone in Mollywood, with its dialogues and scenes etched into pop culture. Its re-release in theaters has sparked excitement among fans and new audiences alike, with students and cinephiles cheering its return. New Year Special Party Song: Check Out Popular Malayalam Music Audio Song - 'Vascodagama' Sung By Afsal' Featuring Mohanlal The film's repeat watchability is mainly fueled by its vibrant ensemble cast (including Kalabhavan Mani and Jagathy Sreekumar) and Rahul Raj's catchy soundtrack. Who can forget Mohanlal's intro song ' Vasco da gama went to the drama puthu varsham kanaan kavilelumma…' from the movie? Perfect Blend of Humor, Action, and Emotion 'Chotta Mumbai' strikes a rare balance that defines a great commercial entertainer. The film's thin yet engaging storyline, centered on Vasco and his gang's misadventures against a corrupt cop, delivers laugh-out-loud moments, thrilling action, and heartfelt camaraderie. Check out our list of the latest Hindi , English , Tamil , Telugu , Malayalam , and Kannada movies . Don't miss our picks for the best Hindi movies , best Tamil movies, and best Telugu films .
The Hindu
09-05-2025
- The Hindu
The fall of Gemini Studios in Chennai through the lens of writer Ashokamitran
There is nothing in Chennai to indicate the existence of Gemini Studios, a landmark, except the Anna Flyover that continues to be referred to as Gemini Flyover. The once glorious studio, its owner S.S. Vasan, the memorable films he made, the heroes and heroines, and innumerable workers of the film industry of a previous era continue to live through the evocative writings of Ashokamitran. Karaintha Nizhalkal is a novel, and My Years with Boss is an account of his experience as an employee of Gemini Studios. In a way, Karaintha Nizhalkal is a fictionalised version of My Years with Boss. The fall of men who once dominated the tinsel world and how easily the world moves forward without them is the central and poignant theme of both books. 'Vasan must have found himself dwelling more and more on the earlier times. Ah, Chandralekha! Ah, Nishan! Ah, Mangala! Dazzling women, gorgeous palaces, galloping horses, the swish of rapiers criss-crossing against a taut musical score... Vasan had made up his mind about the next film,' writes Ashokamitran about Vasan, who was addressed as Boss. The biggest flop The next film Raj Tilak had a stellar cast: Vyjayanthimala, Padmini, Gemini Ganesan, Pran, and Meenakshi. In Tamil, it was Vanjikottai Valiban. 'It was the last time Vasan yielded to his obsession to make a second Chandralekha. Of course, he couldn't, for everyone now knows that Raj Tilak was the biggest flop Gemini ever made. The cycle had indeed come to an end,' he writes. Gemini Studios, which once produced blockbusters like Chandralekha and Avvaiyar, faded into oblivion. Vasan being Vasan, who was also the owner of Ananda Vikatan, managed to keep up appearance. Ashokamitran wrote the novel after he quit Gemini Studios, and it is haunting. In the novel, film producer Reddiyar was also losing his standing in the film world. Changing times, however, proved cruel to people like Nataraja Iyer, a character in Karaintha Nizhalkal. Iyer, the production manager of Reddiyar, who knows the film world like the back of his hand, ends up begging at the Saidapet bus stand. Ashokamitran would have fashioned the character of Iyer and others after real-life figures from Gemini Studios. Sampath, a character in the novel, recounts a heart-wrenching account: 'I am not able to face him. He is suffering. Both his legs are swollen. Not able to go to hospital. He said he did not have money for vehicle. I felt like crying. What is cinema? It is car and food. So long as films are made, even an ordinary worker will not eat food which is less than ₹5 or ₹10. Two cars will go to Sowcarpet, eight kilometres away, to buy beedis which cost just 10 paisa.' Both books offer insights into the dynamics of film-making while remaining windows to the Tamil film world. Ashokamitran makes a particularly sharp observation about Parasakthi. 'There was a great deal of contemporaneity in it; almost every line had an allusion to the political and social scene in Tamil Nadu. The makers of a film like Parasakthi represented a real threat to the supremacy of Gemini Studios,' he writes, hinting at Vasan's failure to adapt himself to the changing cinematic trends and contemporary and socially relevant subjects. The film had a far-reaching impact not only on Tamil film world but also on Tamil Nadu's political landscape. Serialised in a magazine Ashokamitran's prowess as an ace-storyteller is evident throughout the novel, which was first serialised in 1967 in Deepam, a literary magazine launched by Na. Parthasarathy. The film world he had written about and the characters he had populated in the novel belong to a period when modernity had not fully made its presence felt in Tamil film-making. The essence of the novel, however, remains contemporary even after more than half-a-century. Film producers, directors, actors, extras, music directors, outdoor unit organisers, and scores of faceless workers who contribute to the making of a film today bear resemblance to the characters of the novel. One scene stands out. Going through difficult times, Reddiyar visits the house of heroine Jayachandrika, who fails to turn up after committing herself to his film. After hurling abuses at her, he shifts his tone. 'Don't take these words to heart. I can say one more thing. I have known your mother for 30 years since she came from Vaitheeswarankoil. Maybe, I am your father. Who knows?' says Reddiyar. The words, like a slap in the face, also capture the darker side of the film world and the countless stories about the survival of women in the industry.
The Hindu
08-05-2025
- The Hindu
The fall of a great studio through the lens of writer Ashokamitran
There is nothing in Chennai to indicate the existence of Gemini Studios, a landmark, except the Anna Flyover that continues to be referred to as Gemini Flyover. The once glorious studio, its owner S.S. Vasan, the memorable films he made, the heroes and heroines, and innumerable workers of the film industry of a previous era continue to live through the evocative writings of Ashokamitran. Karaintha Nizhalkal is a novel, and My Years with Boss is an account of his experience as an employee of Gemini Studios. In a way, Karaintha Nizhalkal is a fictionalised version of My Years with Boss. The fall of men who once dominated the tinsel world and how easily the world moves forward without them is the central and poignant theme of both books. 'Vasan must have found himself dwelling more and more on the earlier times. Ah, Chandralekha! Ah, Nishan! Ah, Mangala! Dazzling women, gorgeous palaces, galloping horses, the swish of rapiers criss-crossing against a taut musical score... Vasan had made up his mind about the next film,' writes Ashokamitran about Vasan, who was addressed as Boss. The biggest flop The next film Raj Tilak had a stellar cast: Vyjayanthimala, Padmini, Gemini Ganesan, Pran, and Meenakshi. In Tamil, it was Vanjikottai Valiban. 'It was the last time Vasan yielded to his obsession to make a second Chandralekha. Of course, he couldn't, for everyone now knows that Raj Tilak was the biggest flop Gemini ever made. The cycle had indeed come to an end,' he writes. Gemini Studios, which once produced blockbusters like Chandralekha and Avvaiyar, faded into oblivion. Vasan being Vasan, who was also the owner of Ananda Vikatan, managed to keep up appearance. Ashokamitran wrote the novel after he quit Gemini Studios, and it is haunting. In the novel, film producer Reddiyar was also losing his standing in the film world. Changing times, however, proved cruel to people like Nataraja Iyer, a character in Karaintha Nizhalkal. Iyer, the production manager of Reddiyar, who knows the film world like the back of his hand, ends up begging at the Saidapet bus stand. Ashokamitran would have fashioned the character of Iyer and others after real-life figures from Gemini Studios. Sampath, a character in the novel, recounts a heart-wrenching account: 'I am not able to face him. He is suffering. Both his legs are swollen. Not able to go to hospital. He said he did not have money for vehicle. I felt like crying. What is cinema? It is car and food. So long as films are made, even an ordinary worker will not eat food which is less than ₹5 or ₹10. Two cars will go to Sowcarpet, eight kilometres away, to buy beedis which cost just 10 paisa.' Both books offer insights into the dynamics of film-making while remaining windows to the Tamil film world. Ashokamitran makes a particularly sharp observation about Parasakthi. 'There was a great deal of contemporaneity in it; almost every line had an allusion to the political and social scene in Tamil Nadu. The makers of a film like Parasakthi represented a real threat to the supremacy of Gemini Studios,' he writes, hinting at Vasan's failure to adapt himself to the changing cinematic trends and contemporary and socially relevant subjects. The film had a far-reaching impact not only on Tamil film world but also on Tamil Nadu's political landscape. Serialised in a magazine Ashokamitran's prowess as an ace-storyteller is evident throughout the novel, which was first serialised in 1967 in Deepam, a literary magazine launched by Na. Parthasarathy. The film world he had written about and the characters he had populated in the novel belong to a period when modernity had not fully made its presence felt in Tamil film-making. The essence of the novel, however, remains contemporary even after more than half-a-century. Film producers, directors, actors, extras, music directors, outdoor unit organisers, and scores of faceless workers who contribute to the making of a film today bear resemblance to the characters of the novel. One scene stands out. Going through difficult times, Reddiyar visits the house of heroine Jayachandrika, who fails to turn up after committing herself to his film. After hurling abuses at her, he shifts his tone. 'Don't take these words to heart. I can say one more thing. I have known your mother for 30 years since she came from Vaitheeswarankoil. Maybe, I am your father. Who knows?' says Reddiyar. The words, like a slap in the face, also capture the darker side of the film world and the countless stories about the survival of women in the industry.
