Latest news with #Sookshmadarshini
The Hindu
11 hours ago
- Entertainment
- The Hindu
Composer Christo Xavier on his latest track ‘Aspirin', Diés Iraé and more
Whether it is 'Dhurooha mandahasame' from Sookshmadarshini, 'Age of Madness' from Bramayugam; or 'Kalyana raavaane' from Journey of Love 18+, composer Christo Xavier is known for the trippy temperament of his tracks. However, he often experiences a creative dry spell after producing such chartbusters. That is when he goes out into nature, spends time alone, records sounds from the surroundings, and realises the 'insignificance of existence in the larger scheme of things'. This idea has inspired Christo's latest single, 'Aspirin'. 'I composed this track in 2021 and have been thinking whether we should make a music video. Since I wanted to shoot this one, I waited and saved money. And we have finally put it out,' says Christo, over phone from Kochi. The video is directed by filmmaker Ramith Kunhimangalam, an assistant director in Madanolsavam, Christo's maiden project as a music director. 'I have often seen him capture moments very beautifully. You could see that his visuals have life. When I mentioned this track to him, we wanted to make something original, without any references.' The video, featuring Christo and Maithreyi, was shot over three days at Munnar. The video portrays the hill station reflecting Christo's vision on life. 'Aspirin' belongs to the line-up of tracks showcasing Christo's love for electronic elements in his music. 'Even in a romantic song, I try to bring in electronic elements without losing the soul of the song,' says Christo. 'I am inspired by artists like John Lennon and the way they deliver their lines, like a poem. My aim was to create a poem with electronic music as a medium.' The composer uses a modular synth as opposed to a traditional synthesiser for the track, which offers the user the option to choose the components within it. 'We do not use modular synth much in Malayalam. I wanted to show that it's not only for foreign musicians; we can also make music with it.' 'The bird sounds in the song were pre-recorded and blended with sounds of nature. I also treated vocals as instruments; for instance, there is a high-pitched portion in the beginning, which was recorded as vocals and later processed to sound like an instrument,' explains Christo, who built a custom waterphone instrument for his soundscape in Bramayugam. The composer confesses he carries a recorder or a phone to capture any sound that interests him, even when he is on a break. 'The person you see in the video is who I am.' The Kochi-based musician made his entry into films with the Fahadh Faasil-starrer Trance in 2020, assisting ace music director Sushin Shyam. The duo worked together on Bheeshma Parvam, Kurup, Minnal Murali, Malik, and Kappela. His last project as a composer was in the Tamil movie, Sorgavaasal(2024) and his latest work in Malayalam is the Mammootty-starrer Turbo. He also sang all the songs in Bramayugam. 'I have a background in Carnatic music and that has helped me. I started as a singer and then realised I liked composing more than singing. Even though I studied classical music, I was always listening to Coldplay, Linkin Park, Skrillex, Michael Jackson and so on.' Christo is currently working on a Telugu movie and Rahul Sadasivan's much-awaited Pranav Mohanlal-movie, Diés Iraé. He says, 'I am not going to say anything about it right now. Just watch the movie, it's an interesting project.'
Buzz Feed
5 days ago
- Entertainment
- Buzz Feed
13 Must-Watch Malayalam Movies On OTT
Of late, Malayalam films have been slaying at the Box Office, from Aavesham to Manjummel Boys surpassing Hindi films by a mile. But there's one hill I'm willing to die on: no one does thrillers better than Malayalam cinema. From psychological thrillers to survival thrillers and straight up horror, there's a barrage of films from the past few years that prove just how brilliant Malayalam films are. If you're new to the regional wave, let me take you in: here are some mind-blowing Malayalam thrillers and horrors you need to watch, like, yesterday: Thudarum (2025) Where to watch: JioHotstarAfter its recent massive success in the theatres, this Mohanlal and Shobana starrer has proven yet again the potential of Malayalam cinema. The story: a taxi driver's life takes a dramatic turn when his beloved Ambassador car is seized under mysterious circumstances, which leads to a quest for justice that will make you sit at the edge of your seat the entire time. If thrillers are your jam, don't skip this one. Kishkindha Kaandam (2024) Where to watch: JioHotstarIdk what to tell you, but Malayalam cinema does thrillers really well. With mighty critical acclaim for its production, Kishkindha Kaandam is a gripping story around a monkey-inhabited village, where disturbances prompt a newly-wed couple to investigate its root cause. Watch if you're into well-crafted mystery thrillers. Sookshmadarshini (2024) Where to watch: JioHotstarStarring the effervescent Nazriya Nazim, Sookshmadarshini is the story of a curious homemaker who suspects that her new neighbour is more private than normal. Her gut feeling gets the best of her—which spirals into a suspenseful game of cat and mouse. Rekhachithram (2024) Where to watch: SonyLIVAfter a suspension due to a gambling scandal, Inspector Vivek Gopinath returns to duty, seeking redemption by unraveling a 40-year-old murder case involving a faceless victim. His investigation leads him into the Malayalam film industry's past, uncovering secrets that intertwine cinema and crime. Bramagyugam (2024) Where to watch: SonyLIVMade entirely in black-and-white, this Mammooty starrer is a nod to Kerala's folklore. The story revolves around a runaway folk singer in 17th-century Malabar, who stumbles upon a haunted mansion. From there on, a game of deception and dark magic takes place. Watch for its beautiful cinematography, production design, and, of course, one of the best stars Malayalam cinema has to offer. Did the poster scare you? Yeah, you should definitely watch this one. Romancham (2023) Where to watch: JioHotstarSet in 2007 Bengaluru, 7 carefree bachelors experiment with a Ouija board, and end up inviting a spirit into their lives—leading to a series of hilarious and spooky events that test their friendship and sanity. Watching Soubin Shahir doing what he does best has never been a bad idea. Bhoothakaalam (2022) Where to watch: Amazon Prime VideoWith power-packed performances by Revathy and Shane Nigam, Bhoothakalaam is a fantastic horror film. The story: a grieving mother and her troubled son begin to experience terrifying events in their old house—blurring the line between mental illness and something far more sinister. Joji (2021) Where to watch: Amazon Prime VideoIf you're interested in renditions of Shakespeare's works, Joji is the film to watch. Inspired by Macbeth, Joji reolves around a man belonging to a wealthy family who sees a shot at power, and plots a twisted plan to get there. The story unfolds into a dark, witty tale of ambition and guilt. And need I say, Fahadh Faasil? Nayattu (2021) Where to watch: NetflixStarring three of the finest actors in Malayalam cinema, Nayattu is a story of 3 police officers who become fugitives after an accident entangles them in a political mess, forcing them to confront the system they are part of. Trance (2020) Where to watch: Prime VideoA psychological thriller featuring the GOAT Fahadh Faasil, Trance revolves around a struggling motivational speaker who gets taken under the wing of corporate masterminds and turned into a flamboyant pastor. The film explores mental health, religious exploitation, and the commercialization of spirituality. Watch it specifically for the brilliance that is Fahadh Faasil's performance. Moothon (2019) Where to watch: Zee5This film is heartbreak in a package. The story: A young boy from Lakshadweep embarks on a journey to Mumbai in search of his missing elder brother, and ends up in confronting the harsh realities of the city's underworld. Starring the ever-so-flawless Nivin Pauly in arguably his best avatar, this film is beautiful, tragic, and well-made. Not to mention: it premiered at prestigious film festivals around the world, and brought back SEVERAL accolades. Jalikattu (2019) Where to watch: NetflixMalayalam cinema cannot get better than this. The story: when a buffalo escapes from a slaughterhouse in a remote Kerala village, the hunt by the townspeople spirals into chaos, revealing the primal instincts lurking beneath their otherwise civilized upbringing. Special Mention: Manjummel Boys (2024) Where to watch: JioHotstarOne of the most successful films of 2024, missing this film is not an option. The story revolves around a group of friends who embark on a vacation to Kodaikanal, where an impromptu visit to the infamous Guna Caves turns into a nightmare when one of them falls into a pit. All you thriller and horror fans—you're absolutely welcome. There's no going back now!
Gulf News
16-04-2025
- Entertainment
- Gulf News
Nazriya Nazim Fahadh opens up about mental health and emotional well-being struggle in a new post
Dubai: Actress Nazriya Nazim Fahadh on Wednesday took to social media to reveal that she has been grappling with emotional struggles over the past few months. In a candid Instagram post, the Malayali talent said she has been feeling out of sorts for the last few months. 'I want to take a moment to share why I have been absent for a while. Many of you know I have always been an active member of this wonderful community. However, over the past few months, I have been struggling with emotional well-being and personal challenges that have made it difficult for me to be present.' Nazriya admitted that her poor emotional health forced her to step back from public life. She missed her 30th birthday celebrations, New Year's, and even the success of her film Sookshmadarshini —milestones she had looked forward to—all while focusing on healing and recuperating.
