Latest news with #LubberPandhu
New Indian Express
19-05-2025
- Entertainment
- New Indian Express
Suriya 46 officially launched; Mamitha Baiju, Raveena Tandon join cast
Suriya's upcoming 46th project with director Venky Atluri has been officially launched with a pooja ceremony in Hyderabad. Director Trivikram Srinivas graced the occasion and gave the first clap for the film which is set to begin shooting by the end of May. The yet-to-be-titled film marks the first collaboration between Suriya and Venky Atluri. The film will have Mamitha Baiju playing the female lead. Senior Bollywood actor Raveena Tandon is also part of the project. The film has her acting in a Tamil film after 24 years, her last project being Kamal Haasan's Aalavandhan (2001). Radikaa Sarathkumar is set to play a prominent role as well. On the technical team, GV Prakash will be scoring the music for Suriya 46. He is reuniting with Venky Atluri for the third time after Vaathi (2023) and Lucky Baskhar (2024). This is also the composer's second film with Suriya after Soorarai Pottru (2020). Interestingly, GV Prakash and Mamitha Baiju also worked together in last year's Rebel, directed by Nikesh RS. The film marked her Tamil debut. Backed by Naga Vamsi's Sithara Entertainments, Suriya 46 is scheduled to be released in theatres during the Summer of 2026. Mamitha Baiju is working on a slew of Tamil Films with leading stars including Vijay's last film Jana Nayagan, Pradeep Ranganathan's Dude and Vishnu Vishal's Irandu Vaanam. Suriya was last seen in Retro, directed by Karthik Subbaraj. Up next, he has the tentatively titled Suriya 45, directed by RJ Balaji. The film stars Trisha as the female lead, along with Yogi Babu, popular Malayalam actor Indrans, Lubber Pandhu star Swasika, Sshivada, Natty, Supreeth Reddy, and Anagha Maya Ravi.
New Indian Express
17-05-2025
- Entertainment
- New Indian Express
Maaman Movie Review: Aishwarya Lekshmi shines bright in this Soori-fronted melodrama that needed fewer detours
The sole voice of reason in the entire film is Aishwarya's Dr Rekha, who time and again, tries to reason out with Inba and his extended family that their actions are nonsensical at best. While it is pertinent to point out that the film doesn't paint her as this 'monster' who wants to break the family, they don't do enough to remove that aspect completely. She just wants to be with her husband without the kid wreaking havoc in their personal space. But Aishwarya is terrific in a role that is quite layered, but is never given the breathing space to become something more prolific. She is the moral compass of the film, and steals the show with her portrayal that showcases love and vulnerability, respect and shame, and rightful rage. It is odd that Soori, who has written the film himself, has given him a rather one-dimensional character. While he is quite effective as the titular maaman, he is even more convincing as the romantic lead of the film. It is beautiful how a throwaway line about this pairing doesn't focus on the more obvious low-hanging fruit of 'looks' but touches upon the difference in their professions. It is a wonderful touch, and full points to the makers and the actors for convincing us that Soori has it in him to pull off romance too. But he paints himself into a corner with the writing not complementing his strengths. In addition, Prasanth packs the film with so many detours that Maaman, unfortunately, is forced to pull back a lot of punches. There are so many characters who just fill up the scenery and have nothing to do. Apart from Rekha, all the other characters are given just one layer to work on. Girija has to oscillate between crying her heart out and breathing fire. But there's this one pivotal scene featuring just her and her mother (Geetha Kailasam), and both of them oscillate from rage, understanding, vulnerability, apologetic, and simply helpless. It is a beautiful scene, and it is a pity that both actors, who continue from where they left off in Lubber Pandhu, don't get enough in the film. The precocious kid Nilan (Prageeth Sivan) doesn't have much to do except be a bundle of annoyance, and he is supremely effective in the role. We feel bad for Nilan because he is a product of poor parenting choices and convenient writing choices. But he is annoying to a fault, and in the larger scheme of things, it is a convincing portrayal, for sure. After a terrific first half twist, which genuinely touches upon an issue that was neglected throughout the first half, the film loses steam because it tries to do various things. Maaman worked as long as it was just about the primary conflict. However, in an attempt to make an overarching commentary on marriages and masculinity, the film misses out on delivering a more complete film. Even that commentary was more effective when it was delivered through a gag where Bala Saravanan's Poongavanam steals the thunder rather than the drawn-out parallels between Inba-Rekha and Singarayar-Pavunu. Also, Bala Saravanan has the best lines in the film, and he aces it with a lot of panache. In some ways, it is a role we have often seen Soori playing in his days as a comedian, and the reversal of roles is quite a nice nod to the rise of the actor. One can't really fault the performances of the principal cast because it is filled with veterans who understood the assignment, but weren't given enough sheets to fill in. Make no mistake, Maaman is a film that is based on the idea that Karan Johar popularised at the turn of the millennium, and one that Visu tried to subvert even in the 80s. For every "It's all about loving the family" there was a 'Distance makes the heart grow fonder,' and Maaman tries to do both in the same film, only to end up as a meandering mess despite having the potential to become this generation's Samsaaram Adhu Minsaaram. If only this was a film titled Athai, instead of Maaman. If only.
Time of India
15-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Time of India
Now, there's a lot of confusion about what the audience wants: Aari
Aari is currently playing the lead in 4th Floor , directed by LR Sundarapandi, an assistant of Hari. Actor Aari Arujunan says he finds a deep sense of fulfillment in balancing the demands of film shoots and hosting a TV show. In a conversation with us, Aari opens up about his upcoming action-thriller 4th Floor , how he manages his dual roles in cinema and television, the comparisons between his show, Vaa Thamizha Vaa , and Neeya Naana , and on the recent success of low budget films over high-budget productions... 'TODAY, MARKETING A FILM WELL IS JUST AS IMPORTANT AS MAKING A GOOD FILM' Reflecting on the current trends in the film industry, Aari says he's inspired by the growing success of low-budget films at the box office. 'Films like Lubber Pandhu and Love Today are great examples of low-budget movies that have done really well at the box office. They may not be ₹100 crore projects, but they've made a big impact,' he says and adds, 'The film industry is going through a phase of change. There's a lot of confusion about what the audience really wants, which makes it hard for producers and actors to choose the right scripts. Promotion has also become a big challenge. Today, marketing a film well is just as important as making a good film. Even getting media attention is harder now, as many promotions are paid. 'MY NEXT IS AN ACTIONTHRILLER WITH EMOTIONAL & PSYCHOLOGICAL ELEMENTS' by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Free P2,000 GCash eGift UnionBank Credit Card Apply Now Undo Aari is currently playing the lead in 4th Floor , directed by LR Sundarapandi, an assistant of Hari. Speaking about the project, he says, ' 4th Floor revolves around the blurred line between dreams and reality. The protagonist faces a psychological dilemma — he's unsure if the problems he faces are the result of a dream or just illusions. After moving to the fourth floor, a series of strange dreams and issues unfold, forming the crux of the story. It is an action-thriller with emotional and psychological elements.' 'HOSTING A TALK SHOW GIVES ME A SENSE OF FULFILLMENT' Aari admits that he was initially hesitant about managing both TV and cinema. 'I have two shoot schedules per month for the show, and I plan my film work accordingly around that,' he shares. 'Each episode gives me the opportunity to interact with around 50 individuals, where I can engage with people from diverse backgrounds. That gives me a deep sense of fulfillment. Witnessing the positive impact of the show on people's lives brings me joy,' he adds. 'I HAVE IMMENSE RESPECT FOR GOBINATH SIR' Addressing the comparisons between the show and Neeya Naana , Aari says, ' Neeya Naana 's contribution to fostering diverse discussions is truly commendable. I have immense respect for Gobinath sir. Hosting a show consistently for over 15 years is no small feat. I cannot replicate what he does. The real question I ask myself is: what kind of identity am I building for myself? This isn't about competition — it's about crafting a meaningful show that resonates with people and offers thoughtful solutions.' The actor feels that talk shows serve as important platforms for public dialogue. He elaborates, 'In a densely populated state like ours, such avenues are essential for sharing varied perspectives. Even if there are thematic similarities between the shows, there is always something meaningful to take away from each. Over the years, people have identified me through many roles — initially as an artiste, then as Bigg Boss Aari, and now, as Vaa Thamizha Vaa Aari. These titles were bestowed upon me by the audience, so I wear them with pride.' On his upcoming projects... Talking about his upcoming releases, Aari shares, 'My next film is with Hansika. The shooting is complete, and post-production is currently in progress. I'm also working on Goli Soda 3 with Bharath and Paal Dabba . It's a multi-starrer featuring Telugu actor Suniel along with several other Telugu stars.' Addressing the delay in some of his projects, he explains, ' Bagavan is a mythological period film. We've completed a few portions, but we need more time to work on the CG. As for Aleka , the film is complete, and ready for release.'
