Latest news with #Narivetta
Time of India
3 hours ago
- Entertainment
- Time of India
Fahadh Faasil still uses a minimalistic keypad phone, but what's behind its whopping ₹10 lakh price tag?
In an age of ultra-slim foldables and AI-powered smartphones , Malayalam actor Fahadh Faasil has sparked a surprising conversation—not about his upcoming films, but about his phone. At a recent puja ceremony in Kerala for Abhinav Sundar Nayak's next film starring Naslen, the soft-spoken superstar was spotted carrying what looked like a basic keypad phone. But fans and tech buffs alike were stunned when they discovered the true cost of that humble-looking device. According to a report by Mid-Day, the device isn't just any old keypad phone. It's a Vertu Ascent Retro Classic—a luxury model handcrafted by Vertu, the world-renowned maker of elite mobile phones. The model currently sells for a jaw-dropping $11,920, or around ₹10.2 lakh. What looks like a throwback to the early 2000s is, in fact, an elite fashion statement wrapped in titanium, sapphire crystal, and top-tier leather. Explore courses from Top Institutes in Select a Course Category Technology healthcare others Data Analytics Finance Leadership Digital Marketing Cybersecurity Operations Management Artificial Intelligence PGDM Management Public Policy Project Management Degree MBA MCA Data Science Design Thinking Others Product Management Healthcare CXO Data Science Skills you'll gain: Duration: 12 Weeks MIT xPRO CERT-MIT XPRO Building AI Prod India Starts on undefined Get Details Skills you'll gain: Duration: 12 Weeks MIT xPRO CERT-MIT XPRO Building AI Prod India Starts on undefined Get Details Vertu: Vintage outside, opulent inside Vertu was founded in 1998 as a luxury arm of Nokia and quickly became the go-to brand for celebrities, royalty, and high-net-worth individuals who wanted their phones to be more than just functional—they had to be fashionable. The Economist once captured Vertu's ethos perfectly: "If you can spend $20,000 on a watch, why not on a phone?" The brand was designed to elevate the mobile phone to the level of jewelry, and Fahadh's model reflects exactly that. Vertu, a luxury arm of Nokia founded in 1998 became the go-to brand for celebrities, royalty, and high-net-worth individuals. (Images: Vertu) More than a phone, a philosophy? Fahadh Faasil's decision to carry a keypad phone might seem odd to some, but it aligns with the actor's minimalistic public persona. Known for his intense, layered performances in Malayalam cinema and beyond, Fahadh keeps a low profile off-screen. While many celebrities are launching apps or flaunting foldable tech, his old-school choice suggests a certain intentional detachment from the hyper-connected world. You Might Also Like: From Narivetta to Moonwalk: Watch these Malayalam OTT releases on Netflix, Prime Video, JioHotstar Perhaps it's a nod to a simpler time, or perhaps it's a conscious effort to stay grounded while riding the high waves of stardom. Either way, it speaks volumes—quietly. 'Mareesan' gears up for release Fahadh is all set to return to the big screen in Mareesan, a travel thriller directed by Sudeesh Shankar. The film, which also stars legendary Tamil actor Vadivelu, has already created buzz with its teaser and soundtrack. The recently released single 'Fa Fa', written by Madhan Karky and composed by Yuvan Shankar Raja, blends philosophy and humour in a way few others can. The teaser cleverly uses the iconic track 'Aaha Inba Nilavinile...' from Mayabazaar to hint at tension and adventure between the lead characters as they embark on a journey through fields, towns, and hidden corners of South India. The film, which features actors like Vivek Prasanna, Renuka, and Sithara in key roles, is scheduled to release on 25 July, 2025.
Indian Express
16 hours ago
- Entertainment
- Indian Express
Narivetta: They won't let you watch the shadow-banned Santosh, so you should watch Tovino Thomas' blazing new film 10 times as revenge
The Central Board of Film Certification's screening process can often be arbitrary. Only recently, Indian audiences complained about the CBFC's decision to have a 30-second kiss shortened in the film Superman. A person on social media pithily observed that the scene would've made the cut had Superman been slapping Lois Lane instead of making out with her. There is an element of truth to this, of course. It wasn't too long ago that the CBFC deemed Marco — a movie in which many children die cruel deaths — fit for public viewing. At the same time, they've stalled the release of films such as Honey Trehan's Panjab 95 and Sandhya Suri's Santosh. Sometimes, however, this chaotic approach to film certification allows certain movies to slip through the cracks. Narivetta is one of them. Directed by Anuraj Manohar and starring Tovino Thomas, the mere existence of the Malayalam-language film is enough to suggest that the movie gods have a sense of humour. The CBFC can block Santosh, but while they were abusing their power, Narivetta snuck under its nose. A more populist cousin to Santosh, the film fixates on many of the same themes. Narivetta is about the systemic oppression of minorities, and mass corruption in organisations meant to serve and protect; but more than anything else, Narivetta dares to raise objections about police brutality at a time when Rohit Shetty's cinema has basically coated the concept in Teflon. Also read – Rekhachithram: Indian movies have been mistreating women for decades, but Asif Ali's Malayalam thriller attempts to redeem the entire industry Like Shahana Goswami's character in that film, Varghese Peter in Narivetta had no intention of being a cop. He stumbles into the position, and makes it clear to everybody around him that it isn't his cup of tea. Even though Santosh carefully avoids drawing any overt parallels to real-life incidents, and goes to the extent of setting its drama in an unnamed Indian state, the movie has been shadow-banned by the CBFC for a centrepiece sequence in which the titular character essentially murders a Muslim murder suspect in a blind rage. It is made quite obvious that the suspect was innocent, and that Santosh's actions were influenced by her prejudices and peer pressure. Varghese goes through similar turmoil in Narivetta. When he raises his hand against a protester, he is told to rein it in. 'Don't be an action hero,' is the advice he gets from his bosses. One of them, a man named Basheer, offers kindness instead. Played by Suraj Venjaramoodu — the husband from The Great Indian Kitchen — Basheer takes Varghese under his wing, and advises him to do his job with utmost sincerity. Narivetta goes out of its way to highlight Basheer's Muslim identity. You wonder why; there has to be a reason. And there is. Not too long afterwards, a platoon of cops including Varghese and Basheer is deployed in a nearby jungle, where a group of tribal folks is protesting against the government's encroachment over their land. Tensions are high; the peaceful protest could erupt into violence at any moment. Basheer instructs Varghese to remain calm and follow orders. Their superiors tell them that the tribals are, in fact, being used by Maoist terrorists as proxies in their war against the government. They've hidden caches of weapons in the jungles; it's a trap! Two teams are sent to locate the artillery; Basheer and Varghese are separated. Only one of them returns, and that, too, empty handed. A concerned Varghese begs the bosses to send out a rescue party for Basheer, and after a while, they do. He's found in a river, tied to a chair, dead for hours. This gives the police enough of a reason to launch an all-out attack against the tribal protesters, many of whom are killed mercilessly in the ensuing massacre. Narivetta asks questions that perhaps never even crossed the minds of the people behind Kesari Chapter 2, a movie so blindly devoted to its masters that it was willing to manipulate the truth. Certainly, nobody behind the Cop Universe films would even want to consider the possibility of nuance. Why craft a real character when you can have them jump out of a car instead? In Narivetta, the police are shown to be no different from the stormtroopers in Star Wars, or the German infantry during World War II. They are the foot soldiers of authoritarian regimes built on the back of bloodshed. They are the villains who murdered one of their own — a member of the minority himself — just to find an excuse to commit an even more horrific crime. Varghese takes the role of a conscientious objector. Read more – Officer on Duty: Cruel and convoluted, Kunchacko Boban's woman-hating washout could give Bollywood a run for its money Varghese is shocked by his discovery; Basheer was sacrificed like a pawn in the government's scheme to quell the protest. The reluctant hero, mocked in the first act for being an aimless loafer, finally finds his purpose. In his trauma, he has a moment of clarity. Varghese is ridden by guilt for his complicity in the crime. He resolves to blow the lid on the operation, which was covered up — quite literally — by the cops in charge. The tribal protesters did nothing wrong, and yet, they were murdered for exercising their democratic rights. Disillusioned by his experience, Varghese confides in his girlfriend, who can't believe her ears. Not only is Narivetta critical of governments, it's also quite plainly suspicious of the institutions that serve under them. One of these institutions is the film industry itself. By dedicating thousands of theatres to slop, and by allowing the continued silencing of films such as Santosh, the industry is playing into the hands of power. It doesn't realise that by contributing to the erosion of basic free speech and by kowtowing to the crown, it is essentially dooming its own future. Post Credits Scene is a column in which we dissect new releases every week, with particular focus on context, craft, and characters. Because there's always something to fixate about once the dust has settled. Rohan Naahar is an assistant editor at Indian Express online. He covers pop-culture across formats and mediums. He is a 'Rotten Tomatoes-approved' critic and a member of the Film Critics Guild of India. He previously worked with the Hindustan Times, where he wrote hundreds of film and television reviews, produced videos, and interviewed the biggest names in Indian and international cinema. At the Express, he writes a column titled Post Credits Scene, and has hosted a podcast called Movie Police. You can find him on X at @RohanNaahar, and write to him at He is also on LinkedIn and Instagram. ... Read More
Hindustan Times
3 days ago
- Entertainment
- Hindustan Times
Tovino Thomas drives the action in Narivetta, a film that suffers from the point of perspective
(SPOILER ALERT) There's a crucial scene at the very end in Anuraj Manohar's Narivetta, where Tovino Thomas' character Varghese comes face to face with Thaami (Pranav Teophine), one of the men from the tribal community. Both of them are in the middle of a riot, and as Thaami picks up his wooden spear to take aim, for a split second, Varghese thinks that the spear is aimed at him. But it's not. The spear zooms ahead just above his head and lands straight on the front glass shield of the police van. Tovino Thomas plays a righteous police officer in Narivetta, now available to watch on SonyLiv. The hook of the story is Varghese This marks a clear-cut statement: Thaami is not angry at one specific police officer because of personal grudges; it is the entire corrupt system that is the main issue. Narivetta, a compelling and gritty new film that dramatises the 2003 Muthanga incident, almost makes a case for itself. It remains narratively propulsive and richly performed, but the film has one crucial problem: it suffers from the problem of perspective. The film pivots from the standpoint of a male protagonist (Varghese) whose story of righteousness and integrity takes the upper hand over the main motivations of a story that is dipped in brutal violence and systemic corruption. Whose story must the viewer care for in Narivetta? Whose story is it to tell at the end of the film? The answer that is implied from the beginning is Varghese. It is through Varghese that the viewer enters the story; his perspective is the narrative focus of the film, as he reluctantly takes up the offer of a police constable as a last-minute chance to make things better for his family. We see him whiling away his time at the village, and the meet-cute interactions with his girlfriend Nancy (Priyamvada Krishnan) position him as a good guy who wants to do something better with his life. His noble intentions make life a lot tougher as he joins the force, and is then forced to confront the injustices and casualties that occur in the shadows of state machinery. Meanwhile, the narrative has a parallel track where we see Thaami's lifestyle, as a member of the tribal community, routinely mistreated and humiliated by the village members. He shares the concerns with the tribal populace, who have been residing on their ancestral lands for generations, and now face the call for eviction under the pretext of forest conservation by the state. They have no other choice but to protest, because if they don't fight for their own lives, then who will? He is joined with the rest of the community as they continue a sit-in protest inside the forest, refusing to leave the land until their demands are met. But in Narivetta, the very concern of this community is dramatised in a way that feels passive and rudimentary in approach. The viewer knows about these people and their demands only through the eyes of Varghese. Therein lies the irony of this story, where a story about the trauma and violence meted out on a community is viewed from an outsider's lens. It almost reflects the real-life loss of control and ownership that the community protested unintentionally. The viewer does not have access to the reality of these men and women except for a few scenes in the beginning, which merely offer a detached and orderly exposition. The problem of perspective The decision to centre this story on Varghese highlights the crucial issue of perspective. Is Narivetta a story that is ultimately for Varghese to tell? The righteousness and integrity of the male protagonist are the film's final telling card, a rather persuasive reminder that such men, and such moral consciousness, exist. But this constructed narrative authority makes me wonder why the film, as powerful and necessary as it is, chose this interpretation in the first place. Thaami's story deserved a more nuanced and astute focal point. He becomes a supporting figure in a story that finds its main character's energy through the tragedy inflicted on his own kin. Varghese's presence highlights the systemic power play and corruption that is deeply entrenched in the state governance at large. The attention to these details could have made for a separate film altogether, solely revolving around Head Constable Basheer's (played by a terrific Suraj Venjaramoodu) fate. That Varghese is able to unpack the bewildering truth behind these acts of brutality inflicted upon the people around him gives his character the direction to lead the story forward. The film bends towards that stamp of responsible proclamation. Nevertheless, Narivetta still remains quite effective, and even as it embraces a rather fundamentally reasonable denouement, it demands your absolute attention. Narivetta is available to stream on SonyLiv. This is The Fault in Our Films, where Santanu Das writes about one acclaimed film/series and what stops the 'good' from becoming 'great'.
Economic Times
3 days ago
- Entertainment
- Economic Times
From Kuberaa to Narivetta to Mr & Mrs Bachelor: Check out latest OTT releases on Netflix, Prime Video, JioHotstar
Get ready for a July filled with exciting OTT releases. Dhanush stars in 'Kuberaa' on Prime Video. Tovino Thomas and Suraj Venjaramoodu feature in 'Narivetta' on SonyLIV. Aha Video streams the psychological thriller 'Saaree'. Disney+ Hotstar and JioCinema present the nostalgic 'Moonwalk'. SunNXT brings 'Karki'. Netflix offers '8 Vasantalu'. Lionsgate Play has 'Mr. Rani'. Tired of too many ads? Remove Ads Kuberaa (Streaming from July 18 on Prime Video) Narivetta (Streaming from July 11 on SonyLIV) Saaree (Streaming on Aha Video) Moonwalk (Streaming on Disney+ Hotstar and JioCinema) Tired of too many ads? Remove Ads Karki (Streaming on SunNXT) 8 Vasantalu (Streaming on Netflix) Mr. Rani (Streaming from July 11 on Lionsgate Play) Mr & Mrs Bachelor (Streaming from July 11 on Manorama Max) If you're looking for fresh, binge-worthy content this July, the OTT universe has answered. From a high-stakes manhunt led by Dhanush to a psychological obsession unraveled by Ram Gopal Varma, this month's lineup spans genres, languages, and emotional tones. Whether you're a fan of suspenseful thrillers, political dramas, nostalgic journeys, or laugh-out-loud comedies, there's something for everyone. Here's a rundown of seven upcoming OTT releases that promise to shake up your a roaring box office run, Kuberaa is set to explode onto Prime Video. Dhanush leads the charge in this intense action-thriller directed by Sekhar Kammula. He plays Deva Kallam, a humble wanderer caught in a ruthless corporate conspiracy driven by a disgraced CBI officer (Jim Sarbh) and a powerful business tycoon. Rashmika Mandanna and Nagarjuna add star power and depth. With dubbed versions in five languages and a gripping storyline that dives into the dark corners of Mumbai's underworld, Kuberaa promises edge-of-your-seat Tovino Thomas and Suraj Venjaramoodu, Narivetta boldly unpacks state-sponsored oppression of the marginalised while balancing sharp political critique with mainstream appeal. Set in Kerala, the film blends investigative grit with commercial flair, making it both a socially relevant watch and an entertaining psychological thrillers are your thing, Saaree is one to watch. Directed by Giri Krishna Kamal and written by Ram Gopal Varma, the story follows a man whose romantic curiosity about a mysterious woman in a saree turns into a dangerous obsession. With an eerie premise and unsettling tone, this one's perfect for fans of mind-bending back into the 1980s with Moonwalk, a nostalgic tribute to youth, dreams, and Michael Jackson's iconic dance moves. Set in Kerala, this feel-good drama follows a group of young dancers who find purpose and identity through rhythm. It's heartfelt, inspiring, and drenched in retro vibes.A Kannada adaptation of Pa Ranjith's critically acclaimed Pariyerum Perumal, Karki tackles caste, education, and resistance. It tells the powerful story of a law student whose bond with an upper-caste classmate draws brutal backlash. With a socially charged narrative and emotional depth, it's a must-watch for fans of issue-based Telugu coming-of-age story centres on a 17-year-old girl who is equally skilled in poetry and martial arts. As she navigates heartbreak, family expectations, and personal growth, 8 Vasantalu paints a rich portrait of adolescence and identity, offering both tenderness and strength in its Rani delivers quirky comedy with a twist. When aspiring actor Raja is forced to impersonate a woman to chase his Bollywood dreams, chaos—and hilarity—ensues. This offbeat Kannada film promises hearty laughs with a dash of social this Malayalam drama, Anaswara Rajan plays Stephy, a bride who flees her wedding only to cross paths with an older bachelor played by Indrajith Sukumaran. What follows is a charming story of unlikely companionship, identity, and unexpected turns.
Time of India
3 days ago
- Entertainment
- Time of India
From Kuberaa to Narivetta to Mr & Mrs Bachelor: Check out latest OTT releases on Netflix, Prime Video, JioHotstar
If you're looking for fresh, binge-worthy content this July, the OTT universe has answered. From a high-stakes manhunt led by Dhanush to a psychological obsession unraveled by Ram Gopal Varma, this month's lineup spans genres, languages, and emotional tones. Whether you're a fan of suspenseful thrillers, political dramas, nostalgic journeys, or laugh-out-loud comedies, there's something for everyone. Here's a rundown of seven upcoming OTT releases that promise to shake up your watchlist. Kuberaa (Streaming from July 18 on Prime Video) After a roaring box office run, Kuberaa is set to explode onto Prime Video. Dhanush leads the charge in this intense action-thriller directed by Sekhar Kammula. He plays Deva Kallam, a humble wanderer caught in a ruthless corporate conspiracy driven by a disgraced CBI officer (Jim Sarbh) and a powerful business tycoon. Rashmika Mandanna and Nagarjuna add star power and depth. With dubbed versions in five languages and a gripping storyline that dives into the dark corners of Mumbai's underworld, Kuberaa promises edge-of-your-seat viewing. Narivetta (Streaming from July 11 on SonyLIV) Starring Tovino Thomas and Suraj Venjaramoodu, Narivetta boldly unpacks state-sponsored oppression of the marginalised while balancing sharp political critique with mainstream appeal. Set in Kerala, the film blends investigative grit with commercial flair, making it both a socially relevant watch and an entertaining ride. Saaree (Streaming on Aha Video) If psychological thrillers are your thing, Saaree is one to watch. Directed by Giri Krishna Kamal and written by Ram Gopal Varma, the story follows a man whose romantic curiosity about a mysterious woman in a saree turns into a dangerous obsession. With an eerie premise and unsettling tone, this one's perfect for fans of mind-bending drama. Moonwalk (Streaming on Disney+ Hotstar and JioCinema) Step back into the 1980s with Moonwalk, a nostalgic tribute to youth, dreams, and Michael Jackson's iconic dance moves. Set in Kerala, this feel-good drama follows a group of young dancers who find purpose and identity through rhythm. It's heartfelt, inspiring, and drenched in retro vibes. Karki (Streaming on SunNXT) A Kannada adaptation of Pa Ranjith's critically acclaimed Pariyerum Perumal, Karki tackles caste, education, and resistance. It tells the powerful story of a law student whose bond with an upper-caste classmate draws brutal backlash. With a socially charged narrative and emotional depth, it's a must-watch for fans of issue-based cinema. 8 Vasantalu (Streaming on Netflix) This Telugu coming-of-age story centres on a 17-year-old girl who is equally skilled in poetry and martial arts. As she navigates heartbreak, family expectations, and personal growth, 8 Vasantalu paints a rich portrait of adolescence and identity, offering both tenderness and strength in its storytelling. Mr. Rani (Streaming from July 11 on Lionsgate Play) Mr. Rani delivers quirky comedy with a twist. When aspiring actor Raja is forced to impersonate a woman to chase his Bollywood dreams, chaos—and hilarity—ensues. This offbeat Kannada film promises hearty laughs with a dash of social satire. Mr & Mrs Bachelor (Streaming from July 11 on Manorama Max) In this Malayalam drama, Anaswara Rajan plays Stephy, a bride who flees her wedding only to cross paths with an older bachelor played by Indrajith Sukumaran. What follows is a charming story of unlikely companionship, identity, and unexpected turns.
