Latest news with #OnManorama
Time of India
17 hours ago
- Entertainment
- Time of India
Sandra Thomas stands firm as FEFKA union slaps Rs 50 Lakh defamation suit over comments on production controllers
(Picture Courtesy: Facebook) Malayalam film producer Sandra Thomas has landed in legal trouble following a controversial interview where she openly criticized the relevance and functioning of production controllers in the Malayalam film industry. As reported by On Manorama, the FEFKA Production Executive Union has now filed a defamation case against her, accusing her of making derogatory and damaging remarks that allegedly tarnish the image of their members. Reportedly, the union has approached the Ernakulam sub-court seeking Rs 50 lakh in damages, stating that Sandra's comments undermined the vital role production controllers play in filmmaking. Thudarum - Official Trailer 'I stand by my words,' says Sandra Thomas Reacting to the case, Sandra Thomas maintained her stance. In a Facebook post she wrote,' Standing firm in the stand ! No step back from what was said, will face the case legally. No official notification has been received from the legal systems other than the information through the media, appropriate legal actions will be taken as soon as possible.' 'I said it out of sheer frustration' In an interview, given to a YouTube channel two months ago, Sandra did not mince words. She claimed that many production controllers are functioning more like artist managers than production professionals, "They are now functioning more like artist managers. The title should be changed from 'Production Controller' to 'Artist Manager'.' She further said that the production controllers don't even have a basic understanding of production control. She further alleged widespread misuse of the role, claiming that many have personally benefited. "When a production controller gets involved, everything gets cut. Many of them have gone on to buy flats, houses, and cars," she said. Sandra Thomas further alleged, "I've even told some of them — if you're going to take something, at least do it in a way that I don't catch it. Yes, I said it out of sheer frustration." Sandra also accused FEFKA of exerting pressure to retain production controllers, saying producers lack the freedom to replace them. Check out our list of the latest Hindi , English , Tamil , Telugu , Malayalam , and Kannada movies . Don't miss our picks for the best Hindi movies , best Tamil movies, and best Telugu films .
Time of India
2 days ago
- Entertainment
- Time of India
Malayalam actress Anju Aravind opens up on divorce and finding love again with her first crush
(Picture Courtesy: Facebook) Anju Aravind, a celebrated actor and dancer known for her work across Malayalam, Tamil, Telugu, and Kannada films, is in the spotlight after candidly sharing details about her journey in a recent interview with a Tamil YouTube channel. As reported by On Manorama, she revealed that her first marriage ended in divorce, while tragedy struck soon after her second marriage with the untimely passing of her husband. Despite these painful chapters, Anju has emerged strong, continuing her artistic pursuits and personal growth. Reunited with her school crush Anju revealed that she has been in a live-in relationship for the past five years with Sanjay Ambalaparambath — a connection that feels almost destined. 'Sanjay was my first crush back in Class 8,' she shared with a smile, noting how their love story could easily inspire a film. They first met at a dance school during their youth, drifted apart over the years, and surprisingly reconnected later in life. Thudarum - Official Trailer Watching the Tamil film '96' together even stirred up nostalgic memories of their school days. Sanjay, who has a background in dance, left his IT career to focus on writing and social work, and has become an integral part of Anju's personal and professional life. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Trading CFD dengan Teknologi dan Kecepatan Lebih Baik IC Markets Mendaftar Undo Building a new life together It was Sanjay who helped Anju settle in Bengaluru, offering her an address and support as she transitioned into her role as a dance teacher. Together, they established the Anju Aravind Academy of Dance, where Anju now shares her passion with the next generation of dancers. Work front Anju Aravind has played memorable roles in several Malayalam films including 'Aksharam', 'Swapna Lokathe Balabhaskaran', 'Kidilol Kidilam', and her last outing was in the film 'Avakasikal'. She also played a pivotal role in the Jayaram starrer action thriller 'Achayan', which hit the big screens in 2017. Check out our list of the latest Hindi , English , Tamil , Telugu , Malayalam , and Kannada movies . Don't miss our picks for the best Hindi movies , best Tamil movies, and best Telugu films .
Mint
22-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Mint
Who is Sandra Thomas? Actor-producer claims 'budgets' are allotted for drugs in Malayalam film industry
Amid several claims of rampant drug use in the Malayalam film industry, actress-producer Sandra Thomas alleged that drug abuse has been normalised on film sets. She said that separate rooms and dedicated budgets are being allocated for drugs in the industry now. In an On Manorama interview, Sandra said, "A special budget is being allotted exclusively for this. Even separate rooms are allotted for this purpose." She also slammed the industry people for not taking a stand against the situation despite one after another incident. Sandra Thomas is best known for starring in Malayalam films like Amen, Mimics Parade, O' Faby, Peruchazhi, Aakashvani, Aadu, Kili Poyi and Zachariayude Garbhinikal. Besides acting, Sandra co-founded the production company Friday Film House, with producer Vijay Babu. Later, Sandra and Vijay Babu had a fallout and she moved on to establish her own production banner, Sandra Thomas Productions. She has also backed projects like Zachariayude Garbhinikal and Philips and the Monkey Pen. Sandra is married to Wilson John Thomas who is a businessman and owner of an event management company. Together they have twin daughters who were born in 2018. She is quite popular on Instagram. She also has a YouTube channel with 180K subscribers. Sandra recently made headlines when she opened up about the alleged drug situation in Mollywood. She said that the industry associations should have taken a 'proper stand' against drug abuse five to ten years ago to avoid the current state of the industry. She said, 'Everyone was aware of what was happening on sets. But no one took corrective steps, as they needed these people for future projects. Now, a special budget is being allocated exclusively for this. Even separate rooms are allotted for this purpose. However, the associations say the entire industry cannot be blamed just because of one or two people.' Sandra even called out producer Listin Stephen for not taking a stand. She said people irrespective of their status now indulge in drug use. She added, 'Aren't people like Listin aware of this problem? Don't they know that drugs are lavishly available and are being used on sets? They have refused to take a step against it. It has now reached the stage where both men and women, and everyone, irrespective of their status, use it. Producers are unwilling to raise a complaint because of the fear that it will stall their projects. If someone is caught on the sets, the shooting gets stalled. It also ruins the goodwill of the actor.'
Time of India
22-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Time of India
Actor-producer Sandra Thomas alleges drug rooms on sets: ‘Special budgets are allotted' in Malayalam cinema
(Picture Courtesy: Facebook) Producer Sandra Thomas has reignited the debate around drug use in the Malayalam film industry with a series of serious allegations in a recent interview. She revealed that not only is drug use rampant, but the practice has become so normalized that separate rooms and dedicated budgets are now allegedly allotted for it on film sets. Sandra Thomas drops bombshell on drug use 'A special budget is being allotted exclusively for this. Even separate rooms are allotted for this purpose,' she said to On Manorama, adding that industry associations have failed to act decisively. Her statements come nearly two years after she first raised concerns in 2023. Despite the growing awareness and previous warnings, Sandra believes that drug use on sets has worsened, not improved. 'Everyone knows, but no one acts' Sandra highlighted the industry's silence and inaction, pointing out that many insiders are aware but unwilling to intervene. 'Producers are unwilling to raise a complaint because of fear it will stall their projects,' she explained. According to her, being associated with drug controversies can ruin an actor's reputation, making it difficult for films to proceed or succeed. Sandra Thomas' family celebrates Maundy Thursday She also referred to producer Listin Stephen's recent remarks, where he implied that a few individuals cannot tarnish the entire industry. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Giao dịch vàng CFDs với mức chênh lệch giá thấp nhất IC Markets Đăng ký Undo Sandra questioned whether people like him are truly unaware of the extent of the issue or simply choose to turn a blind eye. 'Drugs are now openly available on sets' Sandra Thomas emphasized that drug use isn't limited to a specific group — it spans genders and hierarchies in the industry. 'Drugs are now openly available on sets and used by people of all genders and statuses,' she said. Additionally, she stressed the importance of women producers being part of Internal Complaints Committees (ICCs) to ensure safer, more accountable work environments and faster justice for victims of harassment. Check out our list of the latest Hindi , English , Tamil , Telugu , Malayalam , and Kannada movies . Don't miss our picks for the best Hindi movies , best Tamil movies, and best Telugu films .
Time of India
22-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Time of India
Mohanlal unveils ‘Hridayapoorvam' first look: Malavika Mohanan calls it an 'Absolute honour' to work with him
The first look of ' ', the much-awaited Onam release starring Malayalam superstar and directed by , has finally been unveiled, generating excitement among fans. The poster shows Mohanlal walking alongside co-stars and Sangeeth Prathap in a serene, heartfelt setting, hinting at the film's emotional and family-oriented narrative. Tired of too many ads? go ad free now Mohanlal took to social media to share the poster with the caption, 'Straight from the heart, with my favourites by my side,' capturing the film's warm and intimate tone. A family drama with a fresh approach Touted as a heartfelt family drama, 'Hridayapoorvam' marks the return of the Mohanlal-Sathyan Anthikad combo, but with a refreshing twist. While Sathyan Anthikad is known for his signature feel-good storytelling, as reported by On Manorama, Mohanlal has revealed that 'Hridayapoorvam will stand apart from the director's earlier works in terms of tone and narrative depth. The screenplay is written by Sonu T. P. based on a story by Akhil Sathyan, the director's son. Thudarum - Official Teaser The film features a stellar ensemble cast, including Sangita Madhavan Nair, Sangeeth Prathap, Siddique, Baburaj, Sabitha Anand, Nishan, Lalu Alex, Janardhanan, and S. P. Charan. It is Malavika Mohanan's first Malayalam project opposite Mohanlal. Malavika Mohanan says - It's been nothing short of an absolute honour Malavika Mohanan took to Instagram to share the first-look poster and wrote a heartfelt message: 'Wishing you the happiest birthday @mohanlal sir! It's been nothing short of an absolute honour to share the screen with you, get to know you over the course of the last few months & be in absolute awe every time I see you bring magic to life. #Hridayapoorvam.' Her words have struck a chord with fans, highlighting the admiration and respect she holds for the legendary actor. Onam release hype builds With its release slated for the festive Onam season, 'Hridayapoorvam' is surely one of the most awaited films of the superstar.
