Latest news with #AnuragaKarikkinVellam
New Indian Express
09-05-2025
- Entertainment
- New Indian Express
Sarkeet Movie Review: Asif Ali's stirring performance anchors this heartwarming ride
There's something beautiful about watching Asif Ali crying on screen. At the risk of sounding sadistic, Asif does have the knack for convincingly portraying emotional moments. What makes it all the more special is that he acquired this knack through years of constant chiseling of his abilities. We have seen him ace emotionally charged moments in films like Anuraga Karikkin Vellam (2016), Uyare (2019), Kettyolaanu Ente Malakha (2019), Kishkindha Kaandam (2024), etc. And with Sarkeet, he takes it a notch higher. The film rides high on Asif's beautifully understated performance and his rapport with child actor Orhan. Director: Thamar KV Cast: Asif Ali, Orhan, Deepak Parambol, Divya Prabha, Swathi Das Prabhu, Prasanth Alexander Like his directorial debut 1001 Nunakal (2022), Thamar KV has chosen a Gulf backdrop for Sarkeet. Ameer (Asif Ali) is on his second visit to the Gulf, but is yet to find a job. He faces constant setbacks during interviews, yet tries to hold the hope of a better future. Parallely, we also see a middle-class couple trying hard to find their work-life balance. Balu (Deepak Parambol) and Stephy (Divya Prabha) are extremely stressed with their jobs, but their biggest worry is their son Jefron aka Jeppu. He is shown as an unruly child who is diagnosed with Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD), and it is clear that the parents aren't equipped enough to handle him. And that's when Ameer unceremoniously enters their lives. Sarkeet brings back pleasant memories of Kamal's sweet little film Pookkalam Varavayi (1991), starring Jayaram and Baby Shamili, especially how the heartwarming relationship between a child and an adult is depicted. The kids in both films crave love and care, which they eventually get from strangers. Though Ameer finds himself stuck with Jeppu, he handles the child with a lot of warmth and patience. He understands the child better and acts like a guardian, probably because he knows the value of a father figure. This minute detail about Ameer's past adds depth to the character and his bond with the child. Orhan's role and his antics might come across as irksome, but that's the nature of the character, and he plays it effectively. Deepak Parambol and Divya Prabha also deliver sincere performances, despite their limited scope. While there was immense scope for melodrama, Thamar shows restraint in depicting the couple's rocky lives. We see them leading their lives mechanically, without even smiling at each other. While the father is clueless about his son's disorder, Stephy, despite being a nurse, doesn't seem to know any better. Their only solution seems to be locking him up, which ultimately leads to all the chaos. The film is a reminder of how parents have the responsibility to not just provide but also nurture. Thamar, being a Gulf Malayali himself, paints a realistic picture of life there. Interestingly, he keeps the melodrama of expat struggle to a minimum. Instead, we see the harsh reality of broke youngsters, who resort to shady jobs like distributing visiting cards of massage parlours, and even exploiting people by making them work for free in the pretext of interviews. There's also the other side, like a hotel owner serving Ameer free food. It is not something we haven't seen before, but it is important to reiterate the power of goodness. After an engaging first hour, Sarkeet loses a bit of steam and starts going in circles, especially with Ameer's struggles with Jeppu's growing tantrums. While their encounters are mostly realistic, Thamar's treatment becomes oddly cinematic during two episodes—when Ameer tries to engage the child with shadowplay and later during stargazing. The dialogues in these scenes are too pretentious for a child to decipher. It felt like the characters were addressing the audience rather than conversing amongst themselves. Despite all this, Asif, Orhan, and their wonderful chemistry manage to keep things alive. The sarkeet (outing) initially comes across as a much-needed getaway for the child, but as the night progresses, we see Ameer also momentarily forgetting all his troubles and enjoying his time. In a broader sense, the film can also offer a similar experience if you're just willing to overlook some flaws.
Gulf News
28-04-2025
- Entertainment
- Gulf News
Who is Khalid Rahman? The Malayalam director making headlines amid drug scandal in Kerala
Khalid Rahman, the acclaimed Malayalam filmmaker behind hits such as Thallumaala and Alappuzha Gymkhana, was arrested on April 27, 2025, in Kochi after being found in possession of 1.63 grams of hybrid cannabis. According to reports, he was arrested along with fellow director Ashraf Hamza and their associate Shalif Mohammed during a pre-dawn raid conducted by the Excise Department at a flat reportedly rented by cinematographer Sameer Thahir. The arrests are part of a broader crackdown on drug use within the Malayalam film industry, following a spate of high-profile cases. While Rahman and Hamza were released on station bail due to the small quantity of cannabis seized, the Film Employees Federation of Kerala (FEFKA) has suspended both directors from the Directors' Union pending further investigation. The case has reignited debates around the prevalence of substance abuse among celebrities and highlighted the growing demand for stricter enforcement of drug laws in the entertainment industry. But who's Khalid Rahman? Known for his innovative storytelling and distinct visual style, Rahman made his directorial debut with Anuraga Karikkin Vellam (2016), a film that was both a commercial and critical success. Over the years, he has established himself as one of the most dynamic young filmmakers in Malayalam cinema, with a career marked by diverse projects like Unda (2019), Love (2020), and the vibrant, action-packed Thallumaala (2022). Born into a family deeply rooted in the film industry, Khalid's creative journey seemed almost destined. He is the son of the late actor V.P. Khalid and the brother of noted cinematographers Shyju Khalid and Jimshi Khalid. This strong artistic background significantly shaped his early exposure to cinema and storytelling. Khalid began his career behind the scenes as an assistant director, contributing to acclaimed films such as Ustad Hotel (2012), North 24 Kaatham (2013), and Sapthamashree Thaskaraha (2014). Alongside assisting, he also made brief cameo appearances in films like Parava (2017) and Mayaanadhi (2017), showcasing his versatility in front of the camera. His directorial debut, Anuraga Karikkin Vellam, was praised for its fresh narrative style and relatable characters, earning him the Vanitha Film Award for Best Debutant Director in 2017. Khalid's second directorial venture, Unda, starring Mammootty, addressed the challenges faced by police officers deployed in Maoist-affected regions, earning critical acclaim for its sensitive portrayal and nuanced storytelling. In 2020, during the COVID-19 lockdown, Khalid directed Love, an experimental psychological thriller filmed entirely indoors. Released on Netflix, the film stood out for its intense performances and tight narrative, further establishing his reputation as a bold and adaptive filmmaker. Rahman's Thallumaala (2022) marked a turning point in his career. With its vibrant, non-linear storytelling and stylized action sequences, the film was a commercial blockbuster. It broke away from Malayalam cinema's traditional realism and resonated strongly with younger audiences, earning him widespread acclaim. In 2025, Khalid delivered another surprise success with Alappuzha Gymkhana. Initially flying under the radar, the film grew steadily through strong word-of-mouth and became one of the sleeper hits of the year. Critics praised its grounded storytelling, emotional depth, and Khalid's signature flair for blending humor and drama seamlessly. Apart from directing, Khalid has also appeared in cameo roles in films like Sulaikha Manzil (2023) and Manjummel Boys (2024), where he played the character Prasad. He even showcased his musical talent as a playback singer for the popular track "Thoottikkanoda Patha" in Thallumaala. Despite recent controversies, including his name surfacing in a drug-related case, Khalid Rahman's contributions to Malayalam cinema remain significant. His ability to evolve, experiment, and consistently push creative boundaries has made him one of the most exciting filmmakers of his generation. Overview of the incident Arrest of Prominent Directors: Malayalam film directors Khalid Rahman (known for Thallumaala, Alappuzha Gymkhana) and Ashraf Hamza (known for Thamaasha, Bheemante Vazhi) were arrested for possession of hybrid drugs. Here's the key highlights of the Malayalam film directors' arrest for drug possession: April 1, 2025: Excise officials arrest Thasleema Sulthana and K Feroze for allegedly selling hybrid drugs. Sulthana's husband, Sultan Akbar Ali, is later arrested. Around April 1 (Ongoing Investigation): The probe team suspects Thasleema Sulthana supplied drugs to actors Shine Tom Chacko and Sreenath Bhasi. April 21 : Actor Shine Tom Chacko is arrested for alleged drug use in connection with a narcotics raid at a Kochi hotel. He is released on station bail the same day after interrogation. April 25: Actor Sreenath Bhasi approaches the Kerala High Court seeking anticipatory bail in the drugs case but withdraws his petition on the same day. Recent (Prior to April 27): The Excise Department issues notices to actors Shine Tom Chacko and Sreenath Bhasi, directing them to appear for questioning on April 28. Early Morning, Sunday, April 27 (approximately 2:00 am local time): Excise Department conducts a raid at a flat near the Gosree Bridge in Kochi. The flat reportedly belongs to cinematographer Sameer Thahir. April 27: Directors Khalid Rahman and Ashraf Hamza, along with Shalif Mohammed, are arrested during the Kochi flat raid for possession of 1.6 grams of hybrid ganja.
Indian Express
27-04-2025
- Entertainment
- Indian Express
Alappuzha Gymkhana director Khalid Rahman and Bheemante Vazhi helmer Ashraf Hamza among 3 arrested in Kochi with hybrid ganja
Days after Malayalam actor Shine Tom Chacko was arrested on drug charges, renowned film directors Khalid Rahman and Ashraf Hamza, along with one other person, landed in the police net for alleged possession of hybrid ganja. The Excise Special Squad nabbed the trio from a flat near the Goshree Bridge in Ernakulam early on Sunday morning. About 1.63 grams of hybrid ganja were also seized from their possession in searches based on a tip-off. The third person has been identified as one Shalif Mohammed, and the trio were nabbed while they were gearing up to use cannabis at the flat that reportedly belongs to cinematographer-turned-filmmaker Sameer Thahir. All three were, however, granted bail after their arrests were formally recorded as the amount of contraband found on them was below the limit necessary to charge them with commercial quantity offences under the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances (NDPS) Act. It is learnt that Sameer will be summoned for questioning soon. ARTICLE CONTINUES BELOW VIDEO 'We went there after getting information. They were arrested from an apartment near the Goshree Bridge. The directors were arrested as they had possession of cannabis. It was a case in which they got station bail. They were there for a cinema discussion, and from what we were told during the questioning, they have been using it for years,' The News Minute quoted an excise officer as saying. Excise officials told the media that they had also received information from the trio about the person from whom they purchased the ganja and that an investigation into this angle was underway. In the wake of their arrests, the directors' union Film Employees Federation of Kerala (FEFKA) has decided to suspend both Khalid and Ashraf. Instructions in this regard have already been given to the union by its president, renowned filmmaker Sibi Malayil. It is learnt that the Kerala Film Producers' Association (KFPA) has also extended their support to the FEFKA move. Known for helming critical and commercial hit movies such as Anuraga Karikkin Vellam (2016), Unda (2019), Love (2020) and Thallumaala (2022), Khalid's arrest comes at a time when he's revelling in the success of his recent sports comedy Alappuzha Gymkhana that hit the screens just over a fortnight ago. Rahman is the brother of renowned cinematographers Shyju Khalid and Jimshi Khalid. Ashraf Hamza, meanwhile, rose to fame by helming movies such as Thamaasha (2019), Bheemante Vazhi (2021) and Sulaikha Manzil (2023).
Gulf News
27-04-2025
- Entertainment
- Gulf News
Malayalam film directors Khalid Rahman of 'Alappuzha Gymkhana' fame, Ashraf Hamza arrested in Kochi drug raid: Reports
Acclaimed Malayalam film directors Khalid Rahman and Ashraf Hamza were arrested in the early hours of April 27, 2025, in Kochi, along with their associate Shalif Mohammed, for possession of hybrid cannabis, according to reports. Reports published by Mathrubhumi English reports that the Excise Department conducted the operation at around 2am, acting on a tip-off about suspected drug use. The raid took place at a flat near the Gosree Bridge in Kochi, reportedly owned by noted cinematographer Sameer Thahir. During the search, officials recovered 1.6 grams of hybrid ganja, a refined form of cannabis that has seen growing usage among urban youth and the entertainment fraternity. While the quantity seized was small — below the threshold required to charge them under commercial quantity offenses of the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances (NDPS) Act — possession of any banned narcotic remains a punishable offense. The three individuals were taken into custody and later granted station bail. Khalid Rahman is known for his films Anuraga Karikkin Vellam, Unda, Thallumaala, and the recently released Alappuzha Gymkhana. Ashraf Hamza made his mark with critically acclaimed movies like Thamaasha and Bheemante Vazhi. Both are considered among the new-age storytellers redefining Malayalam cinema's narrative style. The arrests have sent shockwaves through the Malayalam film industry, which is still reeling from previous controversies involving substance abuse. Just a few days ago, actor Shine Tom Chacko was arrested under similar circumstances, raising concerns about a disturbing trend among artists and technicians in Kerala's flourishing entertainment sector. Authorities emphasised that the arrests were not random but the result of focused surveillance based on specific intelligence inputs. Speaking to the media, an Excise Department official said, "Our team acted on confidential information. Though the amount recovered was small, our message is clear — no one is above the law." Following their release on bail, neither Rahman nor Hamza issued any public statement. Industry insiders say the duo was working on upcoming projects and were reportedly staying together at the Kochi apartment to discuss scripts and collaborations. The owners of the flat, including cinematographer Sameer Thahir, have not been charged with any wrongdoing as of now. Excise officials clarified that the case currently focuses only on those found in possession of the narcotic substance. The Malayalam film industry has, in recent years, witnessed a string of high-profile incidents involving drug-related offenses. Several artists have faced scrutiny, prompting public discourse about the pressures of fame, the demands of a creative lifestyle, and the challenges of substance misuse. Organizations like the Association of Malayalam Movie Artists (AMMA) have previously pledged to support de-addiction efforts and counseling initiatives for their members. However, incidents such as these underline the urgent need for stricter internal mechanisms and awareness programs. Veteran filmmakers and actors have also voiced concern over the "normalisation" of drug use within creative circles. Meanwhile, Excise officials indicated that investigations are ongoing to determine the source of the hybrid cannabis and whether a broader network is involved.
