Latest news with #StateAward-winning
The Hindu
36 minutes ago
- Entertainment
- The Hindu
M.T.'s life retold in vivid detail
His was an extraordinary life. M.T. Vasudevan Nair influenced the language and society in the way no other writer did. With his novels, short stories and screenplays, he enriched Malayalam literature and cinema like nobody else. He was also an exceptional literary journalist. It cannot be easy to write the life story of such a man. It took K. Sreekumar three years to come up with the biography of M.T. That time seems to be well spent. M.T. Vasudevan Nair, published by Mathrubhumi Books, succeeds in telling the reader, vividly and in detail, about every aspect of the genius. The book is more than a mere biography; it is also a study of M.T.'s works. His novels, short stories and films have been discussed. And M.T. himself reveals how his much-loved characters and plots have taken shape in his mind. Importantly, it is not just his fiction and cinema that fill the pages – more than 1,000 of them – but other aspects of his creativity, such as drama. Not many people may know that M.T. was a State Award-winning playwright and drama director. His contribution to children's literature and career in Mathrubhumi Weekly, where he had two stints as editor, also features prominently in the book. You could even read about M.T.'s failed business ventures: he had run a pharmacy for a while and founded a publishing house which had done very well initially, having brought out Vaikom Muhammad Basheer's Anuragathinte Dinangal and Sukumar Azhikode's classic Thathwamasi. The students and admirers of M.T. will appreciate that Sreekumar has managed to include in the book some of the lesser-known works from the master storyteller. You could read M.T.'s play Gopuranatayil, the songs he wrote for films and drama, and even some of his work as a student. By talking to various people connected with M.T. and anthologising tributes to him in little-known publications, the author gives insight into his personality as well. Liberal use of photographs and clippings from old newspapers and magazines embellish the book. For Sreekumar, it was a labour of love. 'The suggestion about the biography came from M.T.'s close friend and literary critic M.M. Basheer,' he says. 'I was glad that M.T. allowed me to write the book; I have known him for a long time and worked with him at Mathrubhumi Weekly. My only regret is that I could not complete it in his lifetime. I know he was looking forward to it.'
Indian Express
20-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Indian Express
Producers set to weed out drug abuse in Malayalam film industry; violators must compensate for losses: report
Following multiple allegations, complaints and reports pointing to rampant drug abuse in the industry, Malayalam film producers have decided to take the first concrete step against it. Under the proposed plan, anyone associated with a film's production will have to pay the price, quite literally, if they are found indulging in such practices. According to a report, the Kerala Film Producers' Association (KFPA) is mulling making all artistes and technicians sign a 'no drugs' affidavit alongside their remuneration contracts. Interestingly, the affidavit goes beyond being a mere self-declaration. According to OnManorama, those who violate the terms will be held accountable and required to compensate the producer for any losses incurred due to their behaviour, as it poses a breach of contract. The rules will apply not only at shooting locations but also at accommodation facilities provided by the production team. Given that film productions involve numerous persons offering various services, the KFPA has reached out to the actors' federation, the Association of Malayalam Movie Artistes (AMMA), as well as the directors' and technicians' union, the Film Employees Federation of Kerala (FEFKA), sharing a sample of the proposed affidavit. Reportedly, FEFKA has responded positively, while AMMA is set to discuss the matter at its general body meeting scheduled for June 22 (Sunday) before making a final decision. The KFPA has requested AMMA to communicate its stance by June 24 and aims to implement the guideline on June 26, coinciding with the International Day Against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking. It may be mentioned here that a controversy had erupted recently after State Award-winning actor Vincy Aloshious filed a complaint with AMMA, accusing her Soothravakyam co-star Shine Tom Chacko of harassing her while under the influence of drugs. In the aftermath, producer-actor Sandra Thomas alleged that filmmakers are now allocating a portion of their budgets specifically for drugs. 'Now, a special budget is being allotted exclusively for this. Even separate rooms are allotted for this purpose. It has now reached a stage where both men and women and everyone, irrespective of their status, use it,' she said during an interview last month.
Time of India
18-05-2025
- Business
- Time of India
With BrahMos replica, Kashi pink enamel craft shoots to bigger fame
Varanasi: The demand for pink enamelled as souvenirs and home decoration items rose significantly, especially after their use in Operation Sindoor and the inauguration of the BrahMos Aerospace Integration and Testing Facility in Lucknow. Tired of too many ads? go ad free now By spreading the message of patriotism, the artisans involved in the production of these GI and ODOP items are crafting this piece in Kashi. This creation showcases a remarkable blend of traditional craftsmanship and modern technology, said National Award-winning pink enamelling artisan Kunj Bihari Singh, who crafted the BrahMos figurine. "This creation of mine is dedicated to Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath, who are also brand ambassadors of our art and products on behalf of all artisans," he said, mentioning that artisans wish to present this unique object of art to the PM and CM. He recalled how Yogi govt revitalised pink enamelling by providing work to every artisan, allowing this GI and ODOP craft to gain global recognition. Orders for this replica could boost local artisans and the economy. The annual turnover for pink enamelling is approximately 12 to 15 crores, involving over 250 artisans. During inauguration of the Ram Temple in Ayodhya, there was an increased demand for Ram Temple models crafted with Banaras' pink enamelling. Now, artisans are receiving a growing demand for BrahMos missile replicas. Currently, hundreds of orders have been received from various parts of the country. The price for these crafts, available in different sizes, ranges from Rs 10,000 to Rs 25,000. State Award-winning artisans Shalini Yadav and Prabhat Vishwakarma said these objects are made with intricate use of gold and silver, requiring significant time to create. Tired of too many ads? go ad free now Artisans Babu Soni and Deepak Vishwakarma said the Banarasi pink enamelling products are highly favoured as gifts, souvenirs and home decorations, with orders coming in throughout the year. PM Narendra Modi and CM Yogi Adityanath frequently present to foreign diplomats and dignitaries, encouraging others to do the same.
New Indian Express
05-05-2025
- Entertainment
- New Indian Express
Basil Joseph and Vineeth Sreenivasan join zombie film Vala
Basil Joseph and Vineeth Sreenivasan are part of the ensemble cast of Vala, the upcoming zombie film helmed by Gaganachari director Arun Chandu. Their involvement was revealed through an exclusive four-minute sneak peek screened at Kerala PopCon 2025, a pop culture convention held in Kochi on Sunday. The makers have stated that the aforementioned glimpse will be released to the public later this week. Vala marks the return of veteran actor Jagathy Sreekumar in a significant role. He plays Professor Ambili, also referred to as Uncle Luna.R, a wheelchair-bound, tech-savvy character modelled on the English theoretical physicist and cosmologist Stephen Hawking. A character poster featuring Jagathy in a post-apocalyptic setting was released earlier on his birthday. Director Arun, speaking to CE, confirmed that the first schedule of the film's principal photography has been completed, with the next schedule slated to begin in June. The film is now planned for release in 2026. Co-written by Arun and Tyler Durden, it reunites several members of the team behind the State Award-winning mockumentary Gaganachari.
New Indian Express
22-04-2025
- Entertainment
- New Indian Express
Krishand's next film Masthishka Maranam announced, first-look posters unveiled
On Sunday, the upcoming Malayalam film Masthishka Maranam (A Frankenbiting of Simon's Memories) , written and directed by acclaimed filmmaker All We Imagine As Light actor Divya Prabha, Jagadish, Suresh Krishna, Ann Saleem, and Rahul Rajagopal. It also stars Nandu, Santhy Balachandran, Zhins Shan, Manoj Kana, Sreenath Babu, Anoop Mohandas, and Jain Andrews. Masthishka Maranam is produced by Vinayaka Ajith under the banner of Ajith Vijayaka Films, in association with Krishand Films. The two production houses previously collaborated on Arun Chandu's State Award-winning science fiction mockumentary . Meanwhile, Krishand's previous directorial Sangarsha Ghadana (The Art of Warfare) , which premiered at the International Film Festival of Kerala (IFFK) in the Malayalam Cinema Today category in 2024, is awaiting a wider release. The Aavasavyuham director is also helming an upcoming web series for the streaming platform SonyLIV, titled Sambhava Vivaranam Naalara Sangham (The Chronicles of the 4.5 Gang) . Billed as a quirky gangster drama set in Thiruvananthapuram, the show features an ensemble cast including Darshana Rajendran, Zarin Shihab, Vishnu, Jagadish, Indrans, Santhy, and Hakkim Shahjahan, among others.
