Latest news with #Premkumar
The Hindu
4 days ago
- Entertainment
- The Hindu
International Environmental Film Festival begins in Irinjalakuda
'Humanity has turned into a society that exploits nature every passing moment,' said actor and Kerala State Chalachitra Academy chairperson Premkumar. He was speaking after inaugurating the second edition of RITHU, an International Environmental Film Festival at St. Joseph's College, Irinjalakuda, on Friday. Highlighting the irreversible ecological damage caused by modern lifestyles, he stressed that humans now live in direct contradiction to the rhythm of nature. 'We have lost all sense of seasonal balance. Every art form has the power to spark transformation in the human mind. Cinema is not just entertainment, its true mission is fulfilled when it becomes a tool for social reform,' he said, The inauguration ceremony was presided over by C. Blessy, Principal of the college and chairperson of the festival. The festival opened with Kaad, Kaadar, Onkal, a striking documentary by Chennai-based filmmaker Aravind Mohanraj, exploring the deep-rooted connection between the Kadar tribal community of Athirappilly and hornbills. Over two days, the festival will screen 13 thought-provoking films in multiple languages, each addressing diverse dimensions of environmental crises and ecological resilience. The event is being jointly organised by Thrissur Chalachitra Kendram, Irinjalakuda Film Society, and the Induchoodan Foundation. Thrissur Chalachitra Kendram chairperson Cherian Joseph, Irinjalakuda Film Society patron P.K. Bharathan, festival director Lity Chacko, core committee member Nayana M.M., and student representative Gouri Nandakumar participated in the inaugural session.
Pink Villa
09-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Pink Villa
Meiyazhagan director Prem Kumar calls out movie reviewers, highlights 'big problem of negative reviews'
Meiyazhagan director Prem Kumar was recently spotted at the Indian Screenwriters Conference. During his interaction alongside his contemporaries, the director discussed how Tamil cinema is suffering from a huge problem of negative reviews. Speaking at the event, the Meiyazhagan director said, 'In Tamil cinema, the negative reviews have become a big problem for us. It is a huge problem, and it is getting bigger day by day.' 'We used to have reviewers around us, but what we see today… the breed, they are not reviewers. They have their own targets, and they are uncivilised, is what I would say. The language they use, their agenda is very negative, and they are targeting the first week's revenue.' Premkumar continued that in Tamil cinema, around 90% of online reviewers are paid reviewers and only 10% give honest reviews. However, even these honest reviewers don't have the talent or capacity to properly review a film. The director highlighted how only 1 or 2 understand the practice of reviewing a film, but they will have a particular niche audience. In the meantime, most audiences will be listening to negative reviews. Prem Kumar added, 'This creates a big impact on the movies because many people would decide to watch a movie or not based on these negative reviewers. I don't know about other states, but this is a huge problem we face in Tamil.' Prem Kumar's latest movie Director Premkumar last hit the big screens with his film Meiyazhagan, which starred Karthi and Arvind Swamy in the lead roles. The movie narrates the tale of a middle-aged man who returns to his hometown after 22 years following the loss of his ancestral home. Even though nervous and uneasy to return, the man is accompanied by a younger person, claiming to know him well. What follows is a night-long journey of bonding and remembrance, taking us through a touching tale of brotherhood and relationships. The film was well-received by critics, praising the plot and performances, but received criticism from YouTube reviewers for its runtime. Moving ahead, director Prem Kumar is next set to helm the film 96: Part 2. The upcoming flick will be a sequel to 96 (2018) with Vijay Sethupathi and Trisha Krishnan expected to reprise their roles.
The Hindu
29-06-2025
- The Hindu
Three including a juvenile arrested for killing a man
The Amruthalli police have arrested three youths, including a juvenile, for bludgeoning a 35-year-old man to death over a trivial row on Monday. The police had initially filed an Unnatural Death Report (UDR) after discovering the body of Anjinappa at an isolated place in Manyata Tech Park in Akashavani Nagar, suspecting that Anjinappa, an alcoholic might have fallen down in inebriated state and died. However the autopsy report revealed the cause of death as a fatal blow on the head indicating that he was killed. Following this, the police launched a murder probe and zeroed in on Premkumar, 18, and his associates Darshan Nanjunda, 20, and a juvenile. Inquiry revealed that Anjinappa was mentally disturbed and became an alcoholic after his wife deserted him. He used to beg and do odd jobs to eke out a living. While he was shepherding in Akashavani Layout, three months ago, he had assaulted Premkumar for trying to steal the sheep. Enraged Premkumar wanted to avenge, and on Monday night the accused who were returning home after consuming alcohol, confronted Anjinappa, assaulted him with a club and coconut husk found near-by, due to which he died. The accused have been booked under murder and taken into custody for further investigations.
The Hindu
21-06-2025
- Entertainment
- The Hindu
Chemancheri's legacy lives on in Kathakali
Four years after Padma Shri Guru Chemancheri Kunhiraman Nair's passing, his great-nephew Kalamandalam Premkumar is working to revive his legacy at the Cheliya Kathakali Vidyalayam in Koyilandy — a school the maestro founded 42 years ago to offer free Kathakali training to students. 'He was an extraordinary talent,' said Mr. Premkumar, recalling childhood days spent watching his uncle command the stage as Krishna. 'I was always fascinated by it, so I joined Kerala Kalamandalam right after Class X,' he added. The centre, which offers training in both Kathakali and Bharatanatyam, currently trains over 300 students in disciplines such as Kathakali Sangeetham (music), Chenda, Maddalam, Keralanadanam, and even the intricate art of Chutti (Kathakali makeup). Over the years, more girls have started learning Kathakali at the school, breaking into what was once a male-dominated art form — 'a positive change,' says Premkumar. The Union government currently provides financial assistance to the school. Once deeply rooted in temple festivals, Kathakali is now gradually disappearing from Malabar stages. To combat this fading public familiarity, the school organises the annual Kathakali Padana Shibiram (Kathakali learning workshop) during April and May. Eleven-year-old Thanmayi Renjith, a participant in the workshop, has now enrolled in the regular classes. 'Initially, I was reluctant to join, but once I started learning, I loved it,' she said. For Anagha M.S., it was watching Kuchelavrittam that inspired her to take up the classical dance-drama. 'I was awestruck by its grandeur,' she said. 'It takes hours to perfect the minute details. The costume, with its many layers and heavy headgear, can be difficult to manage. That's what makes Kathakali so unique,' Anagha added. 'The school is carrying forward Kunjiramettan's legacy,' said Vijayalakshmi K., a resident and Kathakali enthusiast, fondly remembering Guru Chemancheri, who passed away in March 2021 at the age of 104.
Time of India
14-06-2025
- Sport
- Time of India
Prayagraj to host U-20 nat'l jr athletics c'ship from June 22
Prayagraj: The Sangam City is all set to host the Under-20 National Junior Athletics Championship for the first time. Scheduled from June 22 to 24, the championship will take place at the Madan Mohan Malviya Stadium, which was chosen by the Athletics Federation of India (AFI) for its upgraded infrastructure, including a newly laid international-standard synthetic track. The championship will witness participation from around 1,400 young athletes representing various states across the country. A wide array of events will be held, including sprints (100m, 200m, 400m), hurdles (110m, 400m), relays (4x100m, 4x400m), and middle and long-distance races such as the 800m, 1500m, 5000m, 10,000m, and 3000m steeplechase. Racewalking and field events like high jump, long jump, triple jump, pole vault, javelin throw, discus throw, hammer throw, and shot put will also be featured. The heptathlon and decathlon will be part of the competition as well. To ensure the championship meets AFI standards, several key arrangements have been made at the venue, including a fully equipped doping control centre, digital timing systems, medical and rest facilities for athletes, and accurate measurement tools. According to Regional Sports Officer (RSO) Premkumar, comprehensive preparations, including technical inspection of the stadium, security measures, transportation, and accommodation for athletes, are underway. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like 5 Books Warren Buffett Wants You to Read In 2025 Blinkist: Warren Buffett's Reading List Undo The technical delegates from AFI will oversee the implementation of these standards to ensure a fair and smooth event. Coach Devi Prasad said that the championship would significantly boost Prayagraj's image as a national sports hub. Coach Satyendra Kumar highlighted the opportunity for local athletes to compete on home ground, which can boost their confidence and offer them exposure to high-level coaching and competition. The presence of AFI's technical delegates will further ensure the championship maintains high standards in track measurements, equipment checks, time accuracy, and record verification. Their role will also be vital in managing doping tests and resolving any disputes. This historic championship not only represents a leap forward for Prayagraj's sporting ambitions but also serves as a platform for nurturing the next generation of India's athletic talent, said the RSO. Follow more information on Air India plane crash in Ahmedabad here . Get real-time live updates on rescue operations and check full list of passengers onboard AI 171 .
