Latest news with #JigarthandaDoubleX
India Today
23-05-2025
- Entertainment
- India Today
Narivetta review: Tovino Thomas headlines powerful film on systemic oppression
What do 'Jigarthanda Double X', 'Viduthalai 2', and 'Narivetta' have in common? It has protagonists who fall victim to systemic oppression - a hero who represents a system, later realises the truth, who represents the right, and who fights for what's right, even if it means an end to one's Peter (Tovino Thomas) is a man, much like his father. The two men are not interested in doing simple jobs to pass the day. They aim high, which is a testament to their potential. Varghese lives with his mother after his father took his life. He is awaiting calls for two jobs – a village assistant and a police constable. Varghese, who doesn't think twice about borrowing money from the women in his life, is uninterested in both a constable will limit his abilities, he says. However, his situation and the shame of his girlfriend's father force him to take up the constable job. When Varghese dons the uniform, he is an angry man. Basheer (Suraj Venjaramoodu) guides him and keeps his anger in check. When they are posted in Wayanad, they are forced to evacuate a bunch of Adivasis who are protesting for land rights. Director Anuraj Manohar takes a straight approach with 'Narivetta'. It starts with Varghese's life as a man who depends on the women in his life and ends with the moment he finds the true purpose of his life. Of late, Malayalam cinema has cracked the code with cop thrillers. But 'Narivetta' takes a different approach. It follows a non-linear format and takes the story back and initial stretches of 'Narivetta' begin on a slow note as we are introduced to Varghese and his tryst with multiple jobs that he is not satisfied with. Then, we see Varghese romancing his girlfriend (Priyamvada Krishnan), who takes care of his needs. It's only after a temporary separation from her that he lands himself the constable job. This is where the film picks up momentum. It is easy to say that 'Narivetta' could feel like two different films pre- and post-interval. The politics of 'Narivetta' is quite strong. It exposes a corrupt police system and makes us squirm in our seats with every selfish move they make. Keshavadas (Cheran), who initially pretends to be a good cop, changes his colours, much to the shock of Varghese. When the new cop begins to understand the politics behind the Adivasis' protest, it changes his perception and makes him realise his true Thomas is extraordinary in 'Narivetta', especially during the police vs Adivasis stand-off sequence towards the climax. It is brilliantly shot by cinematographer Vijay. And Jakes Bejoy's music lends tension during the moments when there's injustice meted out to the Adivasis. Suraj Venjaramood as the empathetic Basheer makes one believe there are good cops amid many corrupt ones. Cheran, a popular director in Tamil cinema, plays a grey-shaded character. While he is mostly effective, he has a one-tone expression, which dampens the 'Narivetta', the filmmaker exposed police brutality with scenes that shed light on custodial torture and illegal detention. While the film's politics is straightforward, the storyline could have been gripping.3 out of 5 stars for 'Narivetta'.
Hans India
11-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Hans India
Raghava Lawrence's gesture proves true stardom lies in service
Actor, director, and producer Raghava Lawrence has once again demonstrated his compassion and generosity by stepping forward to support a farm labourer's family who tragically lost their hard-earned life savings to termites. The family, who had buried a box containing ₹1 lakh in the ground to safeguard their savings, was devastated to find the money completely destroyed by termite infestation. The heart-wrenching story, which gained attention after being aired on several television news channels, moved many, including Lawrence, who is known for his philanthropic nature. Upon learning about their plight, the actor took swift action to replace the lost amount. Taking to his official X (formerly Twitter) handle, Lawrence shared his response: 'Hi Everyone, I came across the news that a coolie family lost one lakh of their many years of savings due to termites. My heart sank thinking about what they must've gone through. So, I'm happy to contribute the lost money for them. Thanks to the media and people involved in reaching this news to me. #Maatram #Serviceisgod.' Lawrence also posted a touching video where he is seen personally handing over a box containing ₹1 lakh to the affected family, recreating the moment in a way that offered not just financial relief but emotional comfort. Praised widely for his kindness, Lawrence has a consistent record of placing people over publicity. In 2023, during the promotions of Jigarthanda Double X, he publicly requested his fans not to attend his film events, stating that he didn't want to waste their time or money. 'You spend on bus fare, stay, and food. Instead, spend that money on your parents,' he had said. This latest gesture reaffirms Raghava Lawrence's belief that true stardom lies in service, not spectacle.
India.com
09-05-2025
- Entertainment
- India.com
Kanchana Fame Raghava Lawrence Gives 1 Lakh To Poor Labourers Who Lost Money To Termites
Chennai: Well known actor, director and producer Raghava Lawrence has come to the rescue of a farm labourer, whose family had lost their life time earnings of a lakh to termites. Recently, television news channels had reported the case of a poor farm labourer's family that was in distress as the money they had been saving by putting it in a box and burying it in the ground was destroyed by termites. The poor labourer and his family were in shock when they discovered that their hard earned money had been destroyed by termites. Actor Raghava Lawrence, who happened to learn of their condition through news channels, has now returned to them whatever they had lost. Taking to his X timeline, the actor wrote, "Hi Everyone, I came across the news that a coolie family lost one lakh of their many years of savings due to termites. My heart sank thinking about what they must've gone through. So, I'm happy to contribute the lost money for them. Thanks to the media and people involved in reaching this news to me. #Maatram #Serviceisgod." He also posted a video in which he surprised the family by placing a sum of one lakh in a box and returning it to them. Raghava Lawrence, who is known to be a philanthropist, came in for widespread appreciation when in an event in 2023 he told his fans that he did not want them at his film functions because he did not want to encroach on their time. While working on director Karthik Subbaraj's Jigarthanda Double X, the actor told his fans, "I've got to know that you, my fans, are feeling bad about me not inviting you to film events. I will not assign responsibilities nor will I invite you to my film functions for I do not wish to encroach upon your time. I know how much you will have to spend if you have to come here. That is because I too was a fan before I became a star. I don't need your claps for any stage or in any audio function. You spend on bus fare to come here and also to stay in hotels and on food. Please spend that money on your parents. Spend your time on your work. I will not use you. You are already helping us a lot by watching our film."
Time of India
06-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Time of India
Karthik Subbaraj admits Suriya's 'Retro' carried the responsibility of featuring a big star; plans to make a small-budget indie film
Karthik about next movie Varun, Mrunal & Pooja Turn Heads at London Retro Screening Creative aspects of 'Retro' About Suriya's 'Retro' Director Karthik Subbaraj recently collaborated with Suriya for the action thriller 'Retro', which hit theatres on May 1 to lukewarm responses. Although the film was one of the most anticipated in Kollywood following Suriya's setback with 'Kanguva', many audience members and critics were left disappointed. Amidst the underwhelming reception, Karthik has spoken about the pressure of casting a leading star in a known for his realistic and raw storytelling in films like 'Petta' and 'Jigarthanda Double X', revealed that he is ready to return to his roots with an independent film that has long been in the pipeline. In an interview with The Hollywood Reporter, he shared that his next venture could depart from mainstream cinema.'After Jigarthanda Double X, I wanted to make an indie film—just make it and send it to festivals. Maybe after a year, it will release in theatres. I've had that script ready for a long time. But then Retro happened. Now I think I should do that,' he further explained that independent cinema offers a different kind of creative freedom, which was limited in 'Retro' due to Suriya's stardom. 'Retro is also told in my way, but it comes with the responsibility of a big budget and a big star. That indie film doesn't need known artistes or stars. It's a small-budget story I've wanted to make for a long time,' he recently praised Karthik's Retro. The film was initially planned with Rajinikanth before the lead role went to Suriya.'Retro' also featured Pooja Hegde , Joju George, Jayaram, Prakash Raj, and Vidhu in key roles. Despite receiving mixed reviews, the film has managed to earn over Rs 80 crore globally.
India Today
06-05-2025
- Entertainment
- India Today
Karthik Subbaraj on his next after Retro: Want to make an indie film
Director Karthik Subbaraj, who is currently promoting his recent release 'Retro' starring Suriya and Pooja Hegde, has confirmed that his next project could be an independent film. In an interview, the 'Petta' director further revealed that he has been keen on making an indie film, and it is going to feature new artists. Speaking to The Hollywood Reporter, he said, 'After 'Jigarthanda Double X', I wanted to make an indie film, just make it and send it to festivals. Maybe after a year, it will release in theatres. I've had that script ready for a long time. But then 'Retro' happened. Now I think I should do that.' Talking about his reasons for making an indie film, he said, "Retro is also told in my way, but it comes with the responsibility of a big budget and a big star. That indie film doesn't need known artistes or stars. It's a small-budget story I've wanted to make for a long time,' he added. Here's the post: Meanwhile, superstar Rajinikanth, who previously worked with Karthik on 'Petta', recently watched 'Retro' and praised the film. Karthik shared a special poster featuring Suriya as Paari alongside Rajinikanth in his 'Jhoony' look and revealed that the superstar appreciated Suriya's performance and particularly praised the film's final 40-minute stretch. Here's the trailer for Retro: 'Retro', produced by Stone Bench Films in association with 2D Entertainment, also stars Joju George, Jayaram, Prakash Raj, and Vidhu. Despite a mixed response from critics and audiences, the film has grossed over Rs 80 crore globally.
