Cover Story
UNIQUELY UNNI with Unni Mukundan
The angry young man of Malayalam cinema gets chatty.
A man or someone who knows a man well enough, knows how hard it is for one male Homo Sapien to say something nice about another. Especially after just a single meeting; more so when these are competitive men in their 20s trying to force their way into greatness. On most regular occasions, you would find us employing the choicest of abuses to describe each other. In almost an antithesis to this ‘Universal Law of the Male Ego’, I was taken aback to find myself liking Unni Mukundan( as much as a straight-as-a-line man is allowed to like another). Well, I could just be a dismal writer that the world gives two hoots about, but the Law of Male Ego applies to me almost always and this exception surprised me, pleasantly. We struck a bond almost instantly and got talking about life, success, the world, philosophies and a common fascination that we shared at some point in time, Osho. It was the typical Guys’ conversation, random, all-encompassing and also included a few things about Unni Mukundan, the actor and the person.
For a remarkably good looking actor, ripped and in such fabulous shape that he is in, Unni, has surprisingly done just a countable number of photo shoots. Surprised as I was about this unusual reluctance from an actor towards the still camera, I questioned him about it. Photo shoots are not something he totally enjoyed, he admitted. No, he had nothing against photos or photography; it was a just personal preference just like certain people not preferring a certain fruit or flavor. Well, I think he sort of got over this unexplainable disinterest in photo shoots during ours, for at some point he voluntarily took off his tee-shirt to give us a few great shots of his sculpted torso. Such a shame that we could not publish them here but that is solely because the other ones were better. Our apologies, nonetheless.
Winds of change
Eid in Malayalm filmhood had a very Malappuram flavor to it this season as KL 10 Patthu, staring Unni set the screens alive with its Malappuram brand of comedy. The movie has been something of a transition for Unni, from the biceps flexing, barrel-chested good boy that he has been playing since eternity (not really, but isn’t that what generally people think of him?) He plays Ahmed in the movie, a young carefree lad of 21 and he who has no clue as to what he wants in life and how he would get there. Mohsin, the director and Unni share a friendship of few years. Unni knows him as the fun loving, easy going guy and not the perfect man that he has been made to portray often in many of his movies. It was this knowledge that must have made Mohsin ask Unni to play the role and to his credit, Unni pulled it off with ease, exceeding everybody’s expectations.
As good reviews for KL 10 Patthu keeps pouring in, Unni says he is happy about having moved out from the stereotypical characters that he had been boxed into. “People still walk up to me and tell me that they loved watching me in Mallu singh and vikramadityan. But Mallu Singh realeased about two years ago.” Though praises are always what artists want to hear, they also reminded him that he was not doing enough movies. 14 movies in 4 years are not great numbers considering that other actors manage to do the same number of movies in one year. But that was a conscious decision, he says. When he had to play Vikraman in Vikramadityan, he took his time out to look the character, building a lot of muscle.” I did not want to look ike a random guy who plays the cop because he is the lead actor.” That’s how Unni has been, most part of his career. I was told very early in my career that you are a good actor only if you deliver hits. It did not strike a chord with me then, but now I know the immensity of that statement. These days as I look at scripts, I think of the commercial viability of them first.” So has stumbled on the secret to picking up a script that would be an assured hits, I ask him? “Not really, ” he laughs.
Rebellion
Unni makes it very clear that he is hardly the perfect man that he has portrayed in his movies. So is he like Ahmed, lost? For somebody who grew up in Gujarat, a thousand miles away from the Malayalam filmdom with no connections whatsoever within the industry, to decide at the age of twenty that he wanted to walk into it is unlike someone who is lost. Unni made the “hmm” sound, the sound you make when an answer cannot be shrunk into a single word or phrase and a story has to be told.Born to parents, who he says is a perfect blend of orthodoxy and broad mindedness, Unni was brought up in a strict, academic atmosphere. As he moved from school to college, he says he found the freedom wayward, lousy and in some ways even stifling. So he dropped out of college and has largely been self-educated ever since. The choice of dropping out of college propelled him to think about acting and this thought got a shot in the arm especially after he won a few major modeling events. Spending time with like- minded friends who were doing amateur theatre and cinema, he started taking baby steps into cinema, directing plays.
Shovels and Spades
Being an outsider to the film industry, Unni has had to shovel and sweat his way into the cine world. It has not been easy at all. A few of his early movies have not seen the light of the day even now. So it was understandable when at some point he said,” I am not the guy who can just listen to whatever people talk about me and take all of it in my stride. No I cannot do that. I am just a normal guy who is affected by small, sometimes etty things.” But Unni has fought his way up, sometimes fighting his own shortcomings like the speech disorder that haunted him till about three years back. Unwilling as he was to disclose it to anyone, those were times that he spent withdrawing into his shell secretly battling it out to utter the words that he wanted to. Choosing to take professional help, he can speak as fluently as anybody now. As fortune would have it, he was asked to play the role of the stammering Suryan in Thalsamayam Oru Pennkutty. Playing this role, the memories of his own plight came back to him.
Right now, something unusual is brewing up for Unni: Style, his next ovie and he is super excited. Style is going to be something of a shock treatment for the Malayali folk who turn towards dubbed telugu and tamil movies when they want serious entertainment. Style is a youthful movie with a lot of energy. The Unni that you see is what he had to be for his role in Style. It has great dance sequences. Unni has his hopes pinned high on Style and assures us that Style would be something that Malayalam cinema has not seen in the last ten years.
A QUICK UNNI
What in a woman turns him on?
The nose, he says.
Is it a specific nose we wonder. Okay let’s get into specifics then: Sonakshi Sinha, Alia Bhatt or Nargis Fakhri?
Sonakshi SInha, he shoots.
What does he tell himself to pull COVER STORY UNNI MUKUNDAN himself out of his bed?
Just Do it! (Sounds familiar!)
One word to describe the cine world.
Magical.
Would magical mean deceptive?
That too, he admits.
Text: Varun Kannan Photos: Jinson Abraham
Cover Story
Starlit Wedding – Diya Krishna
Actor Krishna Kumar’s daughter, Diya Krishna, a popular social media influencer, recently married Ashwin Ganesan, a software engineer, after a long-term relationship. The couple celebrated their special day with a beautiful ceremony at a luxurious hotel in Thiruvananthapuram. Diya’s family, including her siblings Ahaana, Ishani, and Hansika, along with her parents Sindhu Krishna and Krishna Kumar, looked radiant in coordinated light pink ensembles. The wedding was an intimate gathering, attended by close family and friends. Here are all the details of their magical day.
Haldi
For the Haldi ceremony, Diya and Ashwin were spotted in coordinated white outfits by Santini. The look was beautifully elevated with a pop of color from Diya’s pink dupatta and stunning floral jewellery by Florita Florals, adding a fresh, vibrant touch to the celebration.
Diya’s Outfit : Santinni
Aswin’s Outfit : Santinni
MakeUp : Amala Brahmanandan
Jewellery : Florita Floral
Event Planner : Grand Oyster
Photography : Abhijith SK
Location : Taj Green Cove Resort & Spa
Mehendi
Diya looked effortlessly chic in a vibrant multi-colored skirt set by Mahek Designs for the Mehendi celebration. Ashwin complemented her perfectly with a multi-hued jacket by Santini, completing their joyful and lively Mehendi look.
Diya’s Outfit : MAHEK DESIGNS
Aswin’s Outfit : Santinni
Mehandi : MISHMA KAMAL
Event Planner : Grand Oyster
Photography : Abhijith SK
Sangeeth
Diya and Ashwin absolutely rocked their Sangeet in stunning black outfits by Santini, exuding elegance and style as they celebrated the night in perfect sync!
Diya’s Outfit : Santinni
Aswin’s Outfit : Santinni
Jewellery : Atelier by Regal Jewellers
MakeUp : Laxmi Venugopal
Event Planner : Grand Oyster, Decor Lab Events
DJ : TONIQ SQUAD
Photography : Abhijith SK
Wedding
For the wedding, Diya truly dazzled in a polished pastel-themed saree designed by the talented M Loft by Joel. Styled in a manner reminiscent of Bollywood star Alia Bhatt’s iconic fashion sense, the saree was a vision of beauty, adorned with elegant detailing, intricate embroidery, and flowing glamour, imparting a regal charm to her bridal look.
Diya’s Outfit : M LOFT
Aswin’s Outfit : M LOFT
Jewellery : Atelier by Regal Jewellers, Regal Jewellers
MakeUp : Laxmi Venugopal
Draping : Aamee Hafsa Nazar
Event Planner : Grand Oyster, Decor Lab Events
Garlands : Black Gold Flowers
Photography : Abhijith SK
Wedding Second Look
For her second wedding look, Diya embraced a simple yet elegant white Kerala traditional set mundu, perfectly complemented by traditional jewelry from Bhima. Ashwin matched the aesthetic, dressed in a silk shirt and mundu by M Loft, creating a timeless and graceful duo.
Aswin’s Outfit : M LOFT
Jewellery : Bhima
MakeUp : Laxmi Venugopal
Draping : Aamee Hafsa Nazar
Event Planner : Grand Oyster, Decor Lab Events
Photography : Abhijith SK
Reception
At the Delhi reception, Diya stunned in a maroon saree, perfectly capturing the elegance of a newlywed. The North Indian-style chooda added a beautiful touch to her look. Ashwin complemented her effortlessly, looking sharp in a sleek black suit by Santinni.
Diya’s Outfit : Shazara Design Studio
Aswin’s Outfit : Santinni
Cover Story
Onam Elegance: Decoding the Traditional and Modern Looks of M-Town Celebs
Onam, the grand harvest festival of Kerala, is a celebration of tradition, culture, and elegance. Each year, Malayalam movie celebrities embrace the essence of the festival by donning a mix of timeless traditional outfits and contemporary styles that reflect their unique flair. From graceful sarees to classic set mundus, the stars bring out the best of Kerala’s sartorial heritage. In this lookbook, we decode the standout fashion moments from your favorite M-Town celebs, showcasing how they beautifully combine tradition with modern elegance to make a statement this Onam season.
Anushree
Anushree looked stunning in a double-colored set mundu from Naithu by Sruthi Prasanth, beautifully accessorized with exquisite jewels from Malabar Gold and Diamonds. Her look was perfectly complemented by flawless makeup by Sajith & Sujith.
Mahima Nambiar
Mahima Nambiar looks stunning in T & M Signature’s Onam collection, “Thumbayum Thulasiyum.” Her festive look is perfectly complemented by exquisite jewelry from MOD Signature. Styled by Jobina Vincent, the ensemble is further enhanced with flawless makeup and hair by Pinky Visal, creating a captivating Onam look.
Ahaana Krishna
Ahaana Krishna exudes her signature charm with a simple yet effortlessly stylish look for this Onam in Black Set Mundu. Staying true to her unique “Ahaana style,” her minimalistic makeup and elegant hair were beautifully crafted by Amala Brahmanandan, perfectly complementing her festive vibe.
The Sukumaran Family
The Sukumaran family radiates elegance in their traditional Onam attire. Indrajith and Prithviraj opted for timeless simplicity, donning classic white shirts paired with mundus, while Mallika Sukumaran exudes a proud motherly grace in a beautiful, classic Kerala saree, perfectly capturing the spirit of the festival.
Shilpa Bala
Shilpa Bala looks stunning and stylish in a white and orange traditional salwar by Kalaakari, exuding festive charm. The look, styled by Rashmi Muraleedharan, is perfectly complemented by elegant jewelry from Pure Allure. Her radiant makeup and hair, done by Sanaah, complete this beautiful Onam ensemble.
Anikha Surenderan
Draped in the stunning ‘Nila’ saree by Anusha Reji, Anikha Surendran mesmerizes with her grace and style. Styled to perfection by Mehaka Kalarikkal, her look is elevated by exquisite jewelry from Goldencup Bridal Rental Jewellery. With flawless makeup and hair by Ashif Marakkar. Anikha’s Onam look is truly captivating.
Nikhila Vimal
Like a muse straight from Raja Ravi Varma’s timeless canvas, Nikhila Vimal exudes ethereal charm in a stunning Pen Kalamkari Kanchipuram saree by The Saffron House. Styled by Smiji, her look is further elevated by flawless makeup and hair by Femy Antony
Dulquer Salman
Dulquer Salmaan looks ravishing in a classic white kurta set, effortlessly blending tradition with chic style. His Onam look radiates simplicity and elegance, making a timeless fashion statement for the festive season.
Pearly Maany
Pearly Maany looks stunning in a saree from T & M Signature’s Onam collection, “Thumbayum Thulasiyum.” Her elegant look is perfectly complemented by exquisite jewelry from MOD Signature Jewellery, with flawless makeup and hair by Touch by SiRe. The saree draping, beautifully done by Krishnapriya P V, completes Pearly’s enchanting festive ensemble.
Arya Babu
Arya graces this Onam in a pure Kerala handloom set saree by Kanchivaram.in, embodying the true essence of tradition and festivity. Styled by Sabari Nath, her look is beautifully complemented by elegant jewelry from Gemforher, with flawless makeup and hair crafted by Manju Michael’s Salon. Arya’s ensemble is a perfect reflection of timeless Onam elegance.
Navya Nair
Navya stuns in her Onam look, wearing a beautiful outfit by Jugalbandhi. Her flawless makeup and hair, crafted by Sijan Joseph, enhance the festive charm. Adorned with exquisite jewelry from R. Giri Pai Jewellery, the look is captured to perfection by Black Lenzio, making Navya a vision of elegance this Onam.
Priya Prakash Varrier
Priya Prakash Varrier looks gorgeous and modern in a stunning saree by Mloft. Styled by Asaniya Nazrin, her look is flawlessly complemented by makeup and hair crafted by Unni, making her stand out with a perfect blend of traditional elegance and contemporary chic.
Aparna Balamurali
Aparna Balamurali looks traditionally beautiful in a Kerala saree by R O U K A by Sreejith Jeevan. Styled by Rashmi Muraleedharan, her look is complemented with flawless makeup and hair by Sruthi Sai. The ensemble is completed with exquisite jewelry from Nakshathra Gold and Diamonds, making Aparna’s Onam look timeless and elegant.
Amala Paul & Family
Amala Paul’s family Onam picture is an absolute dream, with the family dressed in stunning red and white outfits. Amala shines in an elegant ensemble by Made by Milan, while Jagat looks dapper in his outfit from House of Messcal. Styled by Sapna Fathima Kajha, the look is further enhanced by flawless makeup and hair by Sajith & Sujith, and exquisite jewelry from Cressida Signature Jewels. Together, they capture the perfect festive spirit in this beautiful Onam portrait.
Rajisha Vijayan
Rajisha looks stunning in a leaf-printed saree by ALDA Designer, effortlessly blending tradition with a modern twist. Styled by Amritha Lakshmi, her look is perfectly complemented by makeup and hair by Laxmi Venugopal. The ensemble is enhanced with elegant jewelry from TT Devassy Jewellery, and the draping, beautifully done by Exotic Makeover’s Elizabeth Shinitha, completes this mesmerizing Onam look.
Miya
Miya embraces the spirit of Onam in a pure Kerala handloom Kasavu saree by Kanchivaram.in, radiating traditional elegance. Styled by Sabari Nath, her look is beautifully complemented by makeup and hair by Sijan Joseph. The ensemble is further enhanced with exquisite jewelry from Mayoora Jewelry Designs, and the saree draping, skillfully done by Krishnapriya P V, completes this timeless Onam look.
Cover Story
Sarees of India : Punjab’s Phulkari
The traditional Punjabi art form ‘Phulkari,’ derived from the terms ‘phul’ and ‘kari,’ meaning flower and effort, is thought to have begun in Punjab in the 15th century by Punjabi women. Bright and bright textile art uses needlework and the most basic designs to create a fascinating, appealing, and ornamented result. Phulkari work is reported to be mentioned in Heer Ranjha’s Waris Shah love romance. References to this needlework tradition can also be found in the Vedic period. Women’s phulkari chadar, dupattas, sarees and other veil garments were traditionally exchanged as bridal gifts or heirlooms.
The inspiration for the Phulkari motifs would originate from their imaginations based on their surroundings, nature, animals, birds, gardens, or even a mother-daughter conversation. Marigolds, jasmine, peacock, and mustard flowers were frequently used as a means of expressing their feelings, inventiveness, and expressiveness.
Because Phulkari is made out of symmetrical designs, the craftsmen and women must count the amount of stitches on each side before proceeding, making Phulkari a time-consuming method. However, as time passed, people moved on to new techniques, and in addition to coarse khaddar fabrics, silk, georgette, chiffon, and normal cotton began to be used. Darning stitch- the most significant stitch- was used to border the khaddar in the past. Other stitches like herringbone, buttonhole, and running stitch were also utilized. These stitches were employed to make a unique motif or as a border.
The use of colors is extremely important in Phulkari art. Traditionally, just four hues were utilized, each with its unique meaning. For example, white is appropriate for elderly women and widows, red is appropriate for young girls and brides-to-be, and blue, black, and dark tones are appropriate for everyday use. Red was the most commonly used color to express enthusiasm, followed by orange for vitality and green for fertility.
In India, there is not just one sort of Phulkari, but numerous. What distinguishes one Phulkari from another is the darn stitching process, which is done on the reverse or wrong side of the fabric, which makes this handcraft unique. Here are some of the most popular Phulkari designs.
Bagh– A design in which horizontal, vertical, or diagonal stitching cover the entire fabric surface.
Chhamas – Chhamas fabric has mirrors stitched or woven onto it with yellow, grey, or blue threads.
Neelak– Neelak patterns have a black or red backdrop with bright yellow or red embroidery on top. For a distinct shining texture, the design is combined with metal or copper threads.
Chope– Chope is traditionally done in yellow and red threads and involves embroidering on both sides of the fabric. This embroidery is made out of a series of triangles or a step-ladder pattern.
There used to be 52 different types of Phulkaris, but that number has since been reduced to only a few. The states that use the Phulkari traditional art and needlework the most are Punjab, Haryana, and Rajasthan.
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