Latest news with #BasilJoseph
New Indian Express
28-05-2025
- Entertainment
- New Indian Express
Basil Joseph Interview: We knew Maranamass would divide opinions
Basil Joseph is currently the man for all seasons in Malayalam cinema. Whether behind the camera or in front of it, he has consistently demonstrated a sharp instinct for engaging audiences. After establishing himself as a director with hits like Kunjiramayanam, Godha, and the game-changing Minnal Murali, he has also steadily grown into one of the industry's most dependable actors. The latest film to showcase his flair for blending wild and unpredictable humour with surprising emotional depth was Maranamass. As Maranamass premieres on SonyLIV today, Basil discusses playing Luke PP, his dynamic with director Sivaprasad, his evolution as an actor, and more. 'We're currently working on my next directorial, and I hope to begin shooting next year," says Basil when asked about his much-awaited return to direction. Even while asserting that it won't be a Malayalam film, Basil remains tight-lipped about whether it will be the much-hyped Ranveer Singh project. Excerpts:
Pink Villa
28-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Pink Villa
Basil Joseph EXCLUSIVE Interview: 'It is always good to be alongside Tovino Thomas'
Basil Joseph was recently seen in the movie Ponman, which was released on January 30, 2025, and is running successfully in theaters. In an exclusive interview with Pinkvilla, the actor-director spilled the details about his movie, upcoming projects, and strong friendship with Minnal Murali's Tovino Thomas. Basil Joseph Interview 1. The trailer of Ponman depicted a tale of dowry, which is a tumultuous subject even today in our society, but used a narrative of humor to present it. How did such a story materialize, and how did you get involved in it? Ans. Yeah. It's like a different point of view that's the most exciting thing about Ponman. You know, when you talk about dowry and its problems, you'll always end up with the clichéd, melodramatic version of a point of view from the women, the victims… the women who were affected by the dowry. Dowry is something, you know; it's like a business when a girl is about to get married. It's not just about the girl who is going to be affected by this thing. It's about the girl's brother, the girl's father, and the girl's mother, who have to struggle their way out to get money for the girl to get married and get the money for the dowry. Even parents plan their careers and their lives when the girl child is born, depending on how to get her married and how to get financial support for that. So they even plan their financial plans according to that. So it's kind of a thing, which is like a system that has been brought into it. But the best thing about the writing of this film is its point of view through the male victims, male victims rather than the tears of a woman. So, the male point of view eventually finds fighting ways to get hold of this gold, which is associated with the dowry of this woman. Also, we switch to women's perspectives at some points, but certainly not this is like the antagonist and the protagonist are both men in the film fighting for the dowry and in a very David versus Goliath template. 2. As we can see, you are co-starring with Aavesham's Sajin Gopu, who was amazing as Ambaan with Fahadh Faasil. This is your second appearance with him after Jan-E-Man. How has it been working with him? Ans. Yeah. It's very exciting for me as well. We actually had our first roles in Jan-E-Man. I am so excited to see his growth as an actor, also. He played that very different role in Avesham, playing Amban, which is a cult, popular character, a very humorous character. So completely contrasting to what he had done in Jan-E-Man. Coming to Ponman, we cannot see anything like the traits of Amban from Avesham in this film. So he's completely in a different zone. If Amban was a very comedic character, this guy is the villain, a domestic abusive character, played by Sajin. He's like a good friend of mine also. 3. We all know that you and Tovino are such good friends, especially with your online banters and funny situations of missing handshakes. How is the actor as a producer as you're working on the film Marana Mass under his production? Ans. Yeah. He's not a producer who's always on the set and saying things. He's just someone, you know, who just enjoys the process. That's it. We don't come to set up to call often or anything. His brother and friends are taking care of the production, but he's always a chill guy, always has been and always is, actually. We have a good vibe every time we come together on-screen, off-screen, whenever it is. So even the 'handshake' universe, which is happening, is something that is part of pop culture right now. People are always looking for us missing handshakes and everything. I mean, it's so nice to see all these things. It's always good to be alongside Tovino every time. So I'm also happy about his success. We all started together in the film. Godha was kind of his first role as a heroic character, which was directed by me. So we started from the roots. That's the kind of relationship we have, a very rooted relationship, not a relationship with an actor or director after being so successful or anything. So, yeah, we started together. So that's where the warmth of that relationship is. Whenever we go and wherever we go, we interact. We see ourselves as those kids who see big stars and big films for the first time every single time we go out, or to functions, or anything. So we have that excitement and curiosity within ourselves. We have little kids inside us, we believe. So that's what matches every single time. I'm always happy with this company and what is happening around me, and I'm so happy to be a part of this production as an actor also. For this film, I'm looking forward to that film. And so it's directed by one of my associate directors, Sivaprasad. He was part of Minnal Murali in the direction team. So it's his debut film as well. So it's a very personal, close-to-heart film. 4. Talking about Tovino, the Minnal Murali universe is expanding with the producers making the movie Detective Ujjwalan. Are you involved in any future upcoming projects of the same universe and what about rumors regarding working with Mohanlal and Mammootty? Ans. Nothing is official, or anything about it yet. And like, being a director, I cannot talk about any of my future films or anything at this moment. I just… I'm just waiting for the official announcements and everything. So I'm just keeping it on hold. So as an actor, it's Marana Mass coming up next. Also, there is nothing announced on working with Mohanlal or Mammootty sir. It's just these rumors happening on social media every single time that Twitter, you know, so many things happen with names associated with it. So, I cannot confirm or deny anything. It's just that whenever there is a confirmation, there will be an announcement, for sure, an official announcement. There isn't anything like that at this moment, which I can reveal right now. But as an actor, it's Marana Mass coming up in April. 5. As an actor, you have a consistent record of churning out hits. Be it whatever genre of film, people enjoy seeing you act. How would you describe this streak of success, and does it make you worry about your upcoming releases? Ans. I am so happy to have that space of a successful actor, a very bankable actor. People call it different names for that. So happy and see the love of people. It's always representing the common man's lovable boy-next-door role. So people see me personally as one of them in houses, or mothers see me as their own son. So, like a boy-next-door kind of a sweet. It's a very, you know, very subtle space as an actor, as a human being, to be loved so much by other people. I am happy to be in that position. So lucky to be in that position. It's not something you get every day for everyone. So it's a very rare thing that will happen in someone's life. I'm so glad to be in that position. I'm so grateful to be in that position. I do have that pressure on me to choose a film from now on to maintain that consistency, to maintain that minimum guarantee. It's always there. But it's all about, but you don't have to worry too much about the numbers or anything like that. It's all about this film, the character, how exciting it is for you, how exciting the film is for you, how entertaining the film is, or how relevant the film is. It's not about how I have been planning to choose my films until now. So I don't have plans to change, depending on the success or anything.
News18
22-05-2025
- Entertainment
- News18
Maranamass OTT Release: When And Where To Stream The Malayalam Dark Comedy
Malayalam dark comedy Maranamass has made its debut on OTT platforms. Sivaprasad's debut directorial is now available on SonyLIV and OTTplay Premium in various languages, including Malayalam, Tamil, Telugu, Kannada, and Hindi. The genre-bending dark comedy thriller features Basil Joseph in the lead along with Anishma Anilkumar, Babu Antony, Rajesh Madhavan, and Suresh Krishna in prominent roles. The film is a blend of dark humour and crime, offering a fresh take on the serial killer genre. Maranamass was released in the theatres on April 10. The plot of Maranamass revolves around Luke, a local troublemaker who is suspected as a serial killer after a series of murders in Kerala. The story takes an unexpected turn in a fateful bus journey when the killer, his target, a woman, her boyfriend, and other people find themselves in the same vehicle. The bus journey follows a gripping and unexpected set of events, promising to leave the viewers stunned as the film reaches its climax.
India Today
21-05-2025
- Entertainment
- India Today
Maranamass director discusses crafting unconventional dark comedy with Basil Joseph
Malayalam director Sivaprasad made his commercial cinema debut with the 2025 film 'Maranamass', produced by Tovino Thomas. The dark comedy thriller stood out for its unconventional storytelling. In a candid chat with the debutant director opened up about how his latest Malayalam film - featuring Basil Joseph and an ensemble cast - came to previously worked on emotionally intense, genre-bound projects, he revealed that he had been waiting for something distinctly different."I had worked in different genres before my debut, but most of them were serious or emotionally driven. So, I couldn't find the right fit for a conventional film in the Malayalam industry. I was waiting for something unique, something offbeat. That's when Siju (Sunny), also the writer of the film, approached me with the core idea of Maranamass," the director further added that the idea was so compelling that it naturally led him to collaborate with actor-producer Tovino Thomas.'When Tovino and I started discussing the script and potential casting, Basil Joseph's name came up. We weren't sure if he'd agree, but he came on board and it turned out to be one of our best decisions,' he said, praising Basil's unique comic timing. Watch the trailer of 'Maranamass' here: View this post on Instagram A post shared by Sony LIV (@sonylivindia)Sivaprasad, acclaimed for multiple short films, continued, 'He brings a different wavelength of humour, and we were clear from the start that this wasn't a hero-centric film. It's an ensemble story where each character is equally important.'advertisement"That's what excited me - the idea itself demanded such characters," he director initially envisioned the film as a dark genre piece, but as it developed, it took on a more experimental tone. 'It started as a dark comedy, but eventually, the film became a mix of genres with tonal shifts, especially in the second half,' he about the cast, which includes Suresh Krishna, Rajesh Madhavan, Anishma, and others, the filmmaker expressed gratitude for the team's chemistry. "All the actors had a great sense of humour, which made a big difference. Their input was vital in shaping the comedic tone," he said. "Each character carried a thread of dark humour (laughs), which really worked in the film's favour, and helped me pull it off."He also confirmed that casting Siju in the film was his own decision. "He had experience in similar roles, and I knew he could bring the right energy," he said excitedly.'Maranamass' hit theatres on April 10. India Today reviewed the film, saying, "It tries to end on a high. However, due to one-too-many subplots, the viewers tend to get tired by the time they reach the climax, which is set in a dumpyard. Even there, you get a handful of funny moments. Not just Basil and JK, even Anshima's performance in that particular sequence adds to the hilarious quotient of the film."'Maranamass' is currently streaming on SonyLIV.
Time of India
15-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Time of India
‘Maranamass' OTT release: When and where to watch Basil Joseph's comedy film
's latest dark comedy ' Maranamass ' has made a surprise early debut on OTT. The film is now available for streaming on OTT a day ahead of the expected release date. Fans can enjoy this genre-bending thriller in Malayalam, along with dubbed versions in Tamil, Telugu, Hindi, and Kannada. Tired of too many ads? go ad free now A dark comedy with a killer twist 'Maranamass' marks the directorial debut of , who also co-wrote the screenplay with Siju Sunny. Set against the backdrop of a city terrorized by a serial killer, the story takes a wild turn when the murderer, his target, a young woman, her lover, and others all find themselves on the same night bus. What follows is a gripping, bizarre chain of events filled with unexpected twists and a climax that promises to leave viewers stunned. Maranamass | Song - Massmarikam Stellar performances in an offbeat narrative The film stars Basil Joseph in the lead role, supported by a strong ensemble cast including Anishma Anilkumar, Rajesh Madhavan, Babu Antony, Suresh Krishna, and Siju Sunny. With its mix of dark humor, crime, and psychological tension, Where and how to watch Maranamass is now streaming on SonyLIV and OTTplay Premium. Viewers across India can watch the film in their preferred language, making it widely accessible to fans of thrillers and dark comedies alike. Want to watch 'Maranamass'? Just take a look at what netizens are saying about the movie. One Twitter user wrote, 'A decent dark comedy that delivers just enough no more, no less. Definitely not everyone's cup of tea.' Another Twitter user wrote, 'Interesting plot. Gud Perf frm Basil, Siju & Anishma. Show stealers r RajeshMadhavan & SureshKrishna. Takes a while to get into the main conflict, from then its a hilarious ride till end. Tired of too many ads? go ad free now Baring few lags, its a WATCHABLE Black Comedy film!.' A third review reads, '#Maranamass is a fun and crazy comedy that mixes the confusion of Nunakkuzhi and the relatable fun of Vaazha. The movie follows a funny internet star, Luke, and a serial killer story that keeps you guessing. Basil Joseph shines as Luke, and the film gives importance to every character.'
