Latest news with #Maranamass
New Indian Express
2 days ago
- Entertainment
- New Indian Express
‘Tunes come out of nowhere, even in my sleep'
Jay Unnithan aka JK didn't grow up in a musical household. But somewhere between A R Rahman tracks on loop, old keyboards and hotel gigs, a composer began to take shape. Today, JK's songs are catching on — from the peppy, feel-good Trishanku tracks to the punchy score of Maranamass. Excerpts from a quick chat: Has music always been a part of you, or was it a chance stumbling? I was around 12 when music really caught my attention. My dad sang well, but we didn't have a musical background. It was A R Rahman's tracks, especially Chandralekha, that got me hooked. My sister and her friends had it on loop. I thought, 'Someday, maybe I will make music like that.' At 14, I joined keyboard classes, but didn't have my own instrument. I practised at my neighbour's place. In Class 10, I was picked for the school band. That boosted my confidence. Music soon became an integral part of my life. When did music become something core to you? Knowingly or unknowingly, music always stayed with me. I pursued engineering. By third year, I was performing in hotels, backing a singer. After graduation, I moved to Mumbai for a job but got frustrated. I quit and joined a music school. That might've seemed like an odd move, but it was a turning point. Subsequently, I was asked to join as a faculty member. Soon, I started performing in clubs across Mumbai and even played for artists such as Shaan, KK, Jonita Gandhi, Ayushmann Khurrana, and Shankar Mahadevan. As the shows picked up, I left teaching. A part of me always wanted to compose. So, I began reaching out to composers, taught myself the technical side, bought gear, and built a home setup. In many ways, I am a self-taught composer. How did you land your debut project, Trishanku? Technically, Trishanku was not my debut. It was just the first to be released. Between 2018 and '19, while juggling shows and ad jingles, I met Vishnu Shyamaprasad, son of director Shyamaprasad. He narrated a film, I sent a sample, and got on board. That film, however, is yet to be released. Later, Vishnu produced Trishanku and brought me in. I began working on it in 2021, but it was released in 2023 due to Covid delays. That downtime helped. With shows and ads paused, I had space to experiment. I had no studio experience or team — Trishanku was my solo production. And then came Maranamass. How did that happen? The director (Sivaprasad) and I had collaborated on an ad project, and discussed doing a film together. Soon after, he reached out for Maranamass. Within a month, we started composing. That project taught me how to manage a team.
Time of India
04-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Time of India
I finally feel like I am an actress: Anishma Anilkumar
Anishma Anilkumar , who had a breakthrough this year with Maranamass and I Am Kathalan, is now all set to make her Tamil debut, too. The Poovan actress speaks to us about working in Maranamass with Basil Joseph , her Tamil entry and more. 'Now, people recognise me' Anishma, who has became a household name with Marana mass, says she is now recognised more often. 'Now, I finally feel like – 'Oh, I am an actress!' People recognise me and come to tell me how much they enjoyed my film, which is heartening,' she says. Does such recognition leave an impact on her? 'I haven't changed much as a person. I'm still the same. Perhaps my parents and grandparents played a big role in keeping me grounded. ' Speaking about her expectations for her future, she says, "I just want to be part of films and do good roles – characters that people will remember. I have a wish list of directors I would love to work with." 'I have always wanted to do a humorous role' I did Maranamass after a gap. I had gone through several auditions around that time and was selected for this one after many rejections. I felt very lucky when I heard about the rest of the team. It was Sivettan's (director Sivaprasad ) call. Even I Am Kathalan hadn't released back then; only Poovan had hit screens. He decided to cast a newcomer. My role as Jessy in the film was something I had long hoped for – a humorous one. Rajeshettan (Rajesh Madhavan), Sureshettan( Suresh Krishna ) and Siju Sunny also helped a lot during the filming. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Wireless Charging Under ₹20k? Tecno Pova 7 Pro Yes TECNO Mobile Buy Now Undo On working with Basil Joseph On working with Basil Joseph in Maranamass, the actress says, 'Basil chetan is very spontaneous. I've always been a big fan of his work. As both director and actor, he offers suggestions and is receptive to our input. I was able to do most of my scenes well because Basil chetan was opposite me." She adds, "He lets us know if something is good and offers suggestions. His humour is fantastic, and he even shows us how to do certain things. His support gives us great confidence. The entire set would light up as soon as he arrived. There's so much to learn from him; his presence of mind is remarkable, and he improvises quickly.' 'I play a village girl in my Tamil debut' Making her entry into Tamil films, Anishma says she had her concerns as she was heading to a new place. 'When I started shooting in Tamil, I was worried about the industry being unfamiliar. And I had scenes with Vikram Prabhu (the film's lead) right at the beginning. I wasn't sure if I was communicating well with him at first as we didn't get a chance to talk before the scene. But he turned out to be very kind and often helped me during the shoot. Later, he asked me about my films and I felt he really likes Malayalam films. He plays a cop in this one, and I play a village girl.' 'I should thank Tamil films for my fluency in the language' Was she worried about her Tamil and dialogue delivery? Of course! 'I learnt to read and write Tamil from old posters, films and the like. But only now have I become fluent in the language. During the time I lived in Chennai to prepare for the role, I did gain some confidence, but there was always this anxiety about how it would pan out. I should thank all the Tamil films I've watched,' she says. Her favourite Tamil films include those of Mani Ratnam , and she adds, 'My father and I are big fans of Kamal Haasan 's films." 'The director would act out some scenes for us' Anishma also attended an acting workshop before the shoot and feels it "helped me immerse myself in the role'. Suresh, who has worked as an associate director with Vetri Maaran, is directing the film. Anishma says, 'The director had a lot of confidence in us and a clear idea of what he was doing. He would act out some scenes for us. He has a solid grip on his craft and knew exactly what he wanted. That gave us more confidence.' 'Kochi has become a home for me' Anishma is currently living in Kochi, which has become a home of sorts, and she has also made many friends in the industry. 'I know all the routes here. My school friends are all in Thiruvananthapuram – not that I've ever had a very large friends circle. But in Kochi, most of my friends are from the film industry. The people I've worked with in the past are now friends more than colleagues,' she says.
Hindustan Times
18-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Hindustan Times
Vysanasametham Bandhumithradhikal director S Vipin on Anaswara Rajan's professionalism: ‘I need to give her a...'
Vysanasametham Bandhumithradhikal, the latest Malayalam film starring Anaswara Rajan, is getting positive reviews from viewers for its straightforward but intriguing plot, which is delivered humorously. The film's director, S Vipin, discussed how each actor's performance surprised him in an exclusive conversation with OTTplay. Tune in to OTTplay Premium for access to the latest Malayalam OTT releases like Alappuzha Gymkhana, Maranamass among others According to Vipin, he respects Anaswara Rajan's professionalism and capability to perform. He stated, "I just need to give her a briefing about a scene, and she does it brilliantly and keeps the emotional continuity for the next scenes without any prompting." The filmmaker, who made his directorial debut with Vysanasametham Bandhumithradhikal, added that every actor's on-screen performance surprised him, and it is difficult to pick the best one among them. Azees Nedumangad, for example, studied the local store proprietors and skillfully mimicked their demeanour on screen. He also mentioned how successfully Joemon Jyothir adapted to his quirky role of Shakthi. The director further commented that Mallika Sukumaran and Baiju Santhosh performed their parts with ease. 'Acting on reactions, in my opinion, is a true ability, and the impact would be greater,' Vipin stated. He claimed that he prefers actors to perform according to the script and does not support impromptu alterations while filming. He did, however, allow some modifications, such as Joemon's character startling an elderly guy by abruptly revving up his motorbike. The screenplay for Vysanasametham Bandhumithradhikal, which is based on a funeral and the surrounding circumstances, was written by the director himself. When writing the script, Vipin said he did not have any actors in mind. "I like to pick the appropriate ones once the screenplay is finished and the project is underway," he remarked. The debutante went on to remark that he thinks a strong story is more vital than writing for a specific star. He continued, "You would be able to decide who is best suited for it after writing a script." Also Read: Vysanasametham Bandhumithradhikal review: Anaswara Rajan-starrer strikes the right balance between hilarious & heartfelt moments in a film on funeral
Hindustan Times
18-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Hindustan Times
Malayalam movies like Alappuzha Gymkhana to watch on OTT that take you on a fun ride
The Malayalam film Alappuzha Gymkhana, starring Premalu-fame Naslen in the lead, recently made its way to OTT on SonyLiv and OTTplay Premium. Khalid Rahman's sports comedy follows a bunch of laid-back youths as they plan to secure college admission by competing in state-level boxing competitions. With its breezy approach and witty dialogues, Alappuzha Gymkhana won over audiences both during its theatrical run and upon its OTT premiere. If you are looking for other Malayalam movies like Alappuzha Gymkhana, check out Maranamass, Chotta Mumbai and more on OTTplay Premium that promise to take you on a fun ride. Watch all the latest hit Malayalam films like Alappuzha Gymkhana, Maranamass and more on OTTplay Premium After Shinto, the goody boy of the family, goes missing, his younger brother sets out to find him. Shinto's friend Shabeer, his ex-girlfriend Aishu, ethical hacker Hariharasudhan and local goon Courier Babu join him in this quest as they head to Coorg to find Shinto. The lively banter within the group, especially in Aishu's Kasaragod slang, adds to the fun quotient of the film. Arjun Ashokan, Mathew Thomas, Mahima Nambiar, Kalabhavan Shajohn and Premalu actors Sangeeth Prathap and Shyam Mohan play the vibrant cast. Also read: Bromance review: Sangeeth Prathap steals the show as Arjun Ashokan and Mathew Thomas-starrer oscillates between fun and chaos Luke PP, who is already proving to be a headache to his townsfolk, once again comes under the radar when a serial killer targets elderly people. In an interesting turn of events, Luke, his girlfriend Jessy, the serial killer, and a corpse all end up on a bus one fateful night. Malayalam actor-director Basil Joseph leads this film along with Anishma Anilkumar, Siju Sunny, Suresh Krishna and Rajesh Madhavan in other key roles. Minnal Murali-fame Tovino Thomas co-produced this film, helmed by Sivaprasad. Also read: Maranamass movie review: Basil Joseph's dark comedy is a bumpy ride, but one packed with laughs Malayalam actor Dileep stars in the titular role of CID Moosa. The film revolves around Sahadevan who decides to become a private detective after he fails to become a police officer. Director Johny Antony's film has a cartoonish vibe to it, with oddball characters, their misadventures and chaotic fun. The scenes between Sahadevan and his brother-in-law SI Peethambaran (Jagathy Sreekumar) are a hoot. Harisree Ashokan, Cochin Haneefa, Salim Kumar, Captain Raju, and Oduvil Unnikrishnan play other hilarious roles. Malayalam superstar Mohanlal headlines this vibrant film as Vasco or Thala, as his friends call him. Thala and his motley gang of friends spend their time in Fort Kochi, making money through minor but fraudulent activities. Bhavana appears as Lata in this 2007 film, which is now creating waves at theatres upon its re-release. Songs such as 'Thala', 'Vasco Da Gama' and even the yesteryear 'Chettikulangara', featuring Mohanlal in a fluorescent pink, are still popular. The trio of Prithviraj Sukumaran, Jayasurya and Indrajith lead this film as happy-go-lucky chaps from Kochi. The Nadirshah directorial tracks the youths as they try to woo girls, juggle odd jobs and dream of going to Pattaya. With an ensemble supporting cast, including Namitha Pramod, Saju Navodaya, Kalabhavan Shajohn, Meenakshi Anoop, Srindha, KPAC Lalitha, and Abu Salim, the film features several laugh-out-loud moments.
Hindustan Times
15-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Hindustan Times
Alappuzha Gymkhana star Sandeep Pradeep on performing the body-swap sequences in Padakkalam
Malayalam actor Sandeep Pradeep is enjoying the attention he is receiving for Padakkalam in addition to the success of his most recent movie, Alappuzha Gymkhana. Many people have praised his portrayal of Jithin in this fantasy thriller as a complex and enjoyable performance. The Falimy star talked about his experience working on the body swap scenes in the film in an exclusive interview. Watch Malayalam's latest flicks such as Alappuzha Gymkhana, Maranamass and more on OTTplay Premium Sandeep underlined that his impressive act was made possible by the performances of his fellow actors. "We were familiar with these characters from reading the script, but during filming, all of their eccentricities were revealed. When the performances started, we were able to understand each character better," he stated. The rising star continued by saying that both Sharaf U Dheen and Suraj Venjaramoodu had incorporated their unique styles into their roles. "If I portrayed the body swap moments in my own way, there was a potential I would make mistakes. So all I did was do my best to replicate what they accomplished in a convincing way," he continued. Effective communication, both on and off screen, greatly improved their performances, the Padinettam Padi actor added. After making a decent run in theatres, the fantasy thriller is now getting further recognition after making its digital debut this week on JioHotstar. Sandeep said that his top goal is to stay in the industry because he does not now have the luxury of screening the scripts that are presented to him. The actor stated that he could not be adamant about portraying a specific character or acting in a specific genre. He went on to say that he hopes to be in quality films that will not let the viewers down. Sandeep is currently working on Kishkindha Kaandam-fame Dinjith Ayyathan's next directorial. He is currently in talks for a couple other projects, which are likely to be revealed shortly.
