Latest news with #Malar
The Hindu
7 days ago
- Entertainment
- The Hindu
Tamil play The Meaning of Malar explores relationship and gender dynamics
A small, cozy space with minimal lighting, floor-level performance area and props thoughtfully arranged was the unpretentious yet evocative setting of Karpanai Kudirai's Tamil play, The Meaning of Malar, written and directed by Vedarun, and staged at IDAM, Kodambakkam, Chennai. There were no backdrops or curtains the space felt less like a stage and more like an extension of a living room, inviting the audience into an intimate, almost confessional atmosphere. From the outset, the design and lighting choices set the tone for a theatrical experience that privileges emotional authenticity and psychological depth over spectacle. And that's how the viewers were drawn into the drama unfolding in Malar's life. The play's non-linear structure eschewed chronological storytelling, instead wove together moments from Malar's childhood and late twenties, revealing how past and present coexist in a continuous emotional dialogue. This dramaturgical choice mirrored the fragmented nature of memory and trauma, compelling the audience to actively piece together the narrative while inhabiting the emotional states of the characters. The absence of scene breaks or interval, created a temporal and spatial continuum. This uninterrupted flow functioned as a metaphor for unresolved emotions and silences that permeated Malar's relationships. Malar, portrayed with remarkable subtlety by Snehaa Sesh, is a woman caught in the complex web of her relationships with two men, Kumar (Sadasivam Suryanarayan) and Benjamin (Rajbarath Balamurali). Through these relationships, the play probes the ambiguities of attachment. The interactions of the two men with Malar oscillate between tenderness and tension, reflecting the messy, often contradictory nature of human bonds. The play's themes of emotional fragility, miscommunication, and the quest for freedom resonate universally, yet are deeply rooted in Tamil cultural idioms. The symbolic use of Malar (flower) evokes notions of beauty intertwined with impermanence and resilience. With subtle humour, the play speaks raw, balancing moments of levity with unflinching honesty. Post show, Vedarun shared that he loves reading books on psychology. And one such is Amir Levine's Attached. 'I drew inspiration from it while working on the play', he said. This influence was evident in the nuanced depiction of relationship dynamics that defined The Meaning of Malar.
Hindustan Times
29-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Hindustan Times
10 years of Premam: Why do we know so less about Sai Pallavi's Malar?
Revisiting a film like Premam after a decade is somehow fitting in the most cinematic way. One of the many aspects about this unruly, poignant coming-of-age drama directed by Alphonse Puthren that sticks is the way in which it asks the viewer to stay beside its protagonist George David. Played strikingly by Nivin Pauly, Premam sees George through three stages as he falls in love: childhood, teenage and then adulthood. He makes mistakes, stumbles and deals with heartbreak. Somewhere along the way, Premam insists that it all matters. (Also read: 10 years of Piku: Shoojit Sircar's slice-of-life film refuses to age) When I had watched Premam for the first time, I was somewhat in the same phase as George David in his college. In Premam, this chapter comes midway, when George David first meets Malar- the beautiful guest lecturer in his college played by Sai Pallavi. He is besotted by her from the first moment, and Malar responds to his awkward and flirtatious advances with glee. Puthren films this chapter in glorious, novelistic detail; traversing the classrooms and canteens, carefully creating a rich interiority in the space of the college. Nivin and Sai conjure up an effortless chemistry on-screen, so beautifully registered when the song Malare erupts. It is the film's most thrillingly realized moment, like a dreamscape of sorts for George David when he cannot see, feel or proceed anything else but this all encompassing love for Malar. George David wakes up from this dream soon enough, with the cruel reminder that simply loving is not enough. At the first watch, I was truly dumbstruck by this narrative decision, as Malar fails to recognise George after losing her memory in an accident that occurs entirely off-screen. The unfairness of it all felt too harsh, too unforgivable. Upon a revisit, I could not shake off the notion of how little we know of Malar from the first place itself. Premam is a film that is in no hurry to anywhere real soon, but then suddenly realizes that it is time to move on. The scapegoat in this narrative template is the Malar episode, where George's vulnerability is of greater urgence than grounding Malar's subjectivity. Watching Premam after all this years is an act of recognition that the film operates strictly from a limited perspective. Stretches of the film is devoted to George David's awfully careless and languorous attitude towards the present. Malar exists in Premam only till the extent to which George David can dream and care about- there is no outer life beyond his point of view. We do not know where she comes from, what makes her fall in love with a student, and whether she ever realises that this was a mistake after all. Why do we know so little about Malar even after the film spends so much time with her character? Sai Pallavi carries this effortless magnetism and screen presence that makes Malar reliable even at her worst impulses, but there is no denying that hers was the most underwritten part in the film. The camera is so obsessed with George David growing up that it fails to recognize the other grown up people in his surroundings also exist. Not just Malar, we see very little of Mary and Celine too. Celine's arc, which arrives with a note of predestined urgency later, feels calculated even more now after a revisit. The persistent tone of Premam might have felt cutesy and charming at first, but ten years later, it reinforces a sort of male fantasy that love is the great equalizer after all. Premam's focus rests in underlining what George David cares about, who he talks to, what he feels. Yes, that is important in the context of the film in all fairness, but this subjectivity never really reaches a clarity of purpose. We know very little of how George David ended up running that café with his childhood friend Jojo. Whether he had any setbacks after college, what life taught him in all these years. There is a hidden meta-ness in this revisit of a film I liked so much, especially for a character like George David for whom I once felt such a deep allegiance. His vulnerability was extraordinary to witness. But after 10 years, this viewer has grown up to see so little of the man George David grew up to be, that the initial imprint wears off. Premam is still quite moving in its sensitivity, and Nivin Pauly is undeniably great in it. However, I could not shake off the feeling that this is a film that pursues the idea of finding purpose for its protagonist and fails to do the same for itself. Ten years later, George David certainly has wandered off somewhere and is still looking for love, isn't he? Premam is available to watch on JioHotstar.
Time of India
18-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Time of India
Television actor Surendar joins the cast of ‘Manasellam'
In an exciting development for Tamil television enthusiasts, actor Surendar has officially joined the cast of the popular TV serial Manasellam. Surendar, known for his versatility as a social media influencer, actor, and model, is set to play the character of Arul, adding a new layer of intrigue to the gripping storyline. Since its premiere in January 2025, Manasellam has consistently ranked high on the TRP charts, captivating audiences with its engaging plot and powerful performances. The addition of Surendar is expected to further elevate the show's entertainment quotient, with his experience in short films and web series anticipated to bring fresh energy to the narrative. The actor acted in various serials like Malar, Thairumagal, and Oviya. The show, helmed by director Brahma G. Dev, features a stellar cast that includes Deepak Kumar, Venba, and Parameshwari Reddy in lead roles. The ensemble cast is further strengthened by Uday Mahesh, Surendar Raaj, Bagyalakshmi, Sindhujaa Vijii, Devi Teju, Vasavi, Dhachayani, DheekshiJansi, and Sumathi Sri, all of whom contribute significantly to the show's success. As Surendar steps into his role as Arul, fans can expect heightened drama and captivating plot twists, promising a must-watch experience for viewers. His entry is poised to bring a fresh dynamic to the storyline, keeping audiences hooked to their screens.
Time of India
18-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Time of India
Actor Jai Bala announces his exit from TV show 'Manasellam'; Surendar to replace him as Arul?
Popular TV actor Jai Bala has officially confirmed his departure from the hit show Manasellam . While rumours about his exit had been circulating for a while, the actor recently broke his silence and addressed the speculation, sharing a heartfelt message with his fans on social media. Taking to Instagram, Jai Bala expressed his gratitude to his co-stars, the production team, and his loyal audience. Reflecting on his journey, he wrote, "A Difficult Goodbye... After an incredible journey of 102 episodes and nearly 6 unforgettable months, the time has come for me to bid farewell to Manasellam. To my ever-supportive co-artists and hardworking technicians—thank you from the bottom of my heart. Every moment spent on set, every scene shared, and every laugh between takes will forever remain close to me. We created not just a show, but memories that will live with me always. It's not easy to say goodbye, especially to something that became a second home. But life moves forward, and with it, so must I. My heartfelt gratitude to our director and cameraman, who believed in me and gave me the chance to bring Arul to life. It's been an honour. And to my most precious audience, my dear brothers and sisters who loved me like your own, who made Arul reach heights I never imagined—thank you. Your love, support, and constant encouragement touched me deeply. Every message, every cheer, every smile. I felt it all. You made Arul who he is, and I'll never forget it. This isn't just a goodbye. It's a salute to every person who walked with me on this journey." While Jai Bala bids farewell to his role as Arul, speculation about his replacement has been buzzing. According to sources, actor Surendar , known for his performance in Malar, is likely to take on the character in the upcoming episodes. An official confirmation regarding the casting change is still awaited. Fans of the show have expressed mixed feelings about the transition, with many sharing their appreciation for Jai Bala's portrayal of Arul while remaining curious about the new dynamics Surendar might bring to the role.
