Latest news with #Prasanth
New Indian Express
23-05-2025
- General
- New Indian Express
Arividam Playscape to give a major facelift for Kerala Jawahar Bal Bhavan
THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: The Kerala State Jawahar Bal Bhavan in the state capital is all set for a major transformation with the launch of 'Arividam Playscape' – an innovative project that aims to enhance and enrich the child-friendly public space. Designed as a dynamic playscape exclusively for children, the initiative has been taken up as part of the Urban Rejuvenation and Beautification Scheme for Thiruvananthapuram – a scheme conceived in 2023. The plan is to implement and throw open the renovated campus by December-end. The project implemented by the Thiruvananthapuram Development Authority (TRIDA) is funded by KIIFB. 'Arividam Playscape' aims to breathe a new lease of life into the underutilised open space of the Jawahar Bal Bhavan campus at Vellayambalam. The project is designed in such a way that the new makeover will offer a more immersive experience for the children. KIIFB has already approved the detailed project report and has sanctioned Rs 4.8 crore for the project. MLA V K Prasanth, who played a crucial role in conceiving the project, said that no major development was done in the Bal Bhavan for years. 'The city lacks child-friendly spaces and this is going to bridge that gap. Summer vacation camp is the only main activity happening on the campus and once the project is implemented, it is going to be a more vibrant space where children would want to spend more time,' he said. Every year nearly 2,000 children belonging to several age groups attend the two-month-long summer vacation class at Jawahar Bal Bhavan. Knowledge Vault – a state-of-the-art digital learning hub would be set up on the campus. The interactive space which will feature content relating to history, literature, environmental science, is expected to make learning more fun. One of the other major features is the revitalisation of the historic Sea Hawk aircraft displayed on the premises. An official of TRIDA said that it is a piece of relic that is part of history. 'The area surrounding the Sea Hawk is underutilised and that area will be developed. The new generation is unaware of its relevance, and this is the only aircraft with an engine put on display in the country,' the official said. MLA Prasanth said that the roof of the Sea Hawk is in a poor state and efforts will be taken to get permission from the Indian Navy and Government of India to maintain the aircraft and fix the roof.
New Indian Express
14-05-2025
- Entertainment
- New Indian Express
Soori Interview: My family members are brutally honest critics
Familial relationships-based films are the bedrock of quintessential Indian cinema. Right from son-parents, daughter-parents, brother-sister and even grandchild-grandparent, almost all permutations and combinations of this setup have been explored in Tamil cinema. Soori's Maaman, as the title suggests, explores the maternal uncle and nephew relationship, which is integral in Tamil family setups, and has not been discussed in detail in our films. Revealing the genesis of Maaman, which is written by Soori himself, the actor reveals that it was the result of doing serious films one after another and wanting to showcase his versatility to the audience and other filmmakers. "Prasanth first came up with a different story. It was good, but I felt I was a bit of a misfit for such a story. I have the habit of writing about my life experiences and interesting people as stories. Maaman is one such story. Prasanth liked the story a lot, and he too wanted to do something different from Vilangu," says Soori, adding that Prasanth was excited about making a family drama. "I sensed him getting excited with my first narration. I wanted him to process this story and get back to me. He refused and said he wants to commence the film as soon as possible," says a beaming Soori. Opening about the film, Soori has no qualms in admitting that it isn't something that has not been seen before. In fact, Soori, tongue-in-cheek said that many could file copyright claims about Maaman since it revolves around ego conflicts that are commonplace in every family. "I play a character, who is part of every family unit, and is someone who thrives under the responsibility of doing everything right by the family. It is almost impossible to hate such a character, and he is someone who the kids flock to. The film's drama might be about the uncle-nephew relationship, but it finds its base in a brother-sister equation. Maaman will be my contribution to reinforcing family values that seem to be gradually corroding," he quips.
Time of India
12-05-2025
- Business
- Time of India
Govt set to approve title for Vattiyoorkavu Jn devpt plan
Thiruvananthapuram: State govt is set to approve nomenclature for development of the Vattiyoorkavu Junction and Road Development, which will further speed up the project. Initially titled ' Vattiyoorkavu Junction Development ', the project was later expanded to include road development from Sasthamangalam to Mannarakonam via Vattiyoorkavu. Hence, the govt earlier instructed that the project should be officially named 'Vattiyoorkavu Road and Junction Development.'The finance department also categorically informed the implementing agency, Kerala Road Fund Board (KRFB), that they could proceed with floating a tender only after changing the name of the project. The project was delayed for several months due to this to Vattiyoorkavu MLA, V K Prasanth, who is overseeing the project, the finance department is expected to approve the nomenclature this week so that the KRFB can float a tender for the construction by the end of this month. The file regarding the project is currently at the finance department. "Currently, 55% of the demolition works are completed. The demolition is expected to be completed by next month and so that the construction can start in July," Prasanth has set a 70-day deadline for completion of demolitions. The project, estimated to cost Rs 385 crore, has already faced delays due to various administrative Vattiyoorkavu development initiative has been divided into three major sections to streamline execution. The first section covers the stretch from Sasthamangalam to Mannarakonam via Maruthankuzhy. The second section extends from Mannarakonam to Peroorkada via Mannamoola, while the third section connects Vattiyoorkavu to Vazhayila via Nettayam. To support businesses affected by the expansion, a shopping complex will be built from Mannarakonam to Thoppumukku, accommodating over 200 establishments. Approximately 570 businesses will be impacted, with the govt acquiring three acres of land to facilitate their public works department (PWD) is overseeing the expansion of the 10.75km Sasthamangalam-Vattiyoorkavu-Peroorkada road. The road will be widened to 18.5m and designed as a four-lane stretch with a 0.5m median to ensure smoother traffic flow and enhanced safety for commuters.
Time of India
08-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Time of India
Soori's ‘Maaman' gets U from CBFC; runtime revealed
Actor Soori is all set to return to the big screen with his next film 'Maaman'. Directed by , who previously gained recognition for the web series 'Vilangu', this film marks another significant step in Soori's acting journey. Tired of too many ads? go ad free now 'Maaman' promises to be a heartwarming story built around emotional relationships and strong performances. Censor board awards U certificate to the film 'Maaman' has officially received a U certificate from the Censor Board, signaling that the film is suitable for audiences of all age groups. With this certification, the makers have confirmed that 'Maaman' is set for a theatrical release on May 16. A new poster featuring the censor clearance was released by the makers, generating fresh buzz around the film. The certification reinforces that 'Maaman' is positioned as a wholesome family entertainer. The rural entertainer will have a runtime of 2 hours and 32 minutes, and the film vows to be a crisp and engaging one. Soori's powerful return with a stellar ensemble and a rooted village backdrop 'Maaman' marks a significant outing for Soori after his recent performance in 'Garudan' and 'Kotukkali'. This film is expected to continue his transition from intense roles to emotionally rich lead roles. Known for tackling rooted and relatable themes, Prasanth's collaboration with Soori has raised expectations among audiences who appreciate character-driven cinema. The rural drama features a strong supporting cast that includes acclaimed actors such as Rajkiran, , Swasika, Jayaprakash, Baba Bhaskar, Viji Chandrasekhar, , , Nikhila Sankar, and Master Prageeth Sivan. The music for the film has been composed by Hesham Abdul Wahab, adding an emotional layer to the storytelling. Tired of too many ads? go ad free now An emotional tale of a child and his maternal uncle at the film's core At its heart, 'Maaman' is about the bond between a six-year-old boy and his maternal uncle. The story explores this connection with warmth and emotional depth, aiming to strike a chord with viewers across generations. With its family-friendly theme and clean content, 'Maaman' is shaping up to be a film that audiences can enjoy together, making its arrival in theatres on May 16 one to look forward to.
New Indian Express
06-05-2025
- General
- New Indian Express
Vellimalai Eklavya school will revert to co-education: Kallakurichi Collector
VILLUPURAM: Kallakurichi Collector M S Prasanth released an admission awareness booklet announcing that the Government Eklavya Model Residential Higher Secondary School in Vellimalai will revert to co-education format on behalf of the department of tribal welfare, on Monday. Collector Prasanth said that the school, located in Kalvarayan Hills, was the first residential school established in Tamil Nadu by the Tribal Welfare Department. Initially co-educational, the school has been functioning in recent years as a boys-only institution. However, responding to public demand and with continuous efforts by the district administration, the school will revert to a co-educational format. From this year, admissions will be open to both boys and girls from classes 6 to 12. "The school is known for its experienced faculty, consistent performance in public examinations, a continuous and comprehensive evaluation system, a student-teacher ratio of 30:1, a library with over 4,000 books, and secure, modern hostel facilities. Special year-round coaching for competitive exams is provided for students of classes 11 and 12," collector Prasanth said. Importantly, the school will operate entirely as an English-medium institution from the current academic year. An entrance exam for admission from Classes 6to 12 will be held on May 20, at 10 am, an official release said. The collector urged tribal families in Kalvarayan Hills to enrol their children in the school. District Tribal Welfare Officer P D Sundaram and other officials were also present at the event.
