Odiyan the upcoming movie of Mohanlal will be hitting the big screens by this October and is believed to break a quite number of records in the box office. The movie which s a big budget film has been creating a huge hype among the Malayalee audiences after a teaser of the movie was released a few weeks back.  The movie has been getting a good response before its release, mainly just because of the actors physical transformation for the film. The actor looks slim and younger in his character as Odiyan Manikyan. The film is directed by  V A Shrikumar Menon.

The films Hindi dubbed version has sold its satellite rights for a whopping 3.25 crores, the previous record for Hindi dubbing and satellite rights was held by the Mohanlal starrer Villain, which had graced the screens on October 2017.  Actors Prakash Raj, Manju Warrier, Siddique, Narien, Manoj Joshi, Innocent, Kailash, and others will be alongside Mohanlal in the film. The film which is said to release during the holidays is said to release in a record number of big screens.

Text Credit: Nikhil Wilson

The post Mohanlal’s Odiyan Is Breaking Records Even Before It’s Release appeared first on FWD Life | The Premium Lifestyle Magazine |.

Text Credits: Kennie Thomas

Dulquer Salmaan, affectionately called ‘Kunjikka’ by fans around the state, is the heartthrob of Malayalam film industry. Following his father, Mammootty’s footsteps, Dulquer has found success in the industry very fast.

Always taking an extra cautious step to be away from controversies, Dulquer was always tight-lipped about commenting on sensitive issues. Recently, when AMMA reinstated the membership of accused actor Dileep, many social activists questioned the reason behind the no comments stand of young actors like Dulquer and Fahad Fasil. Dulquer had chosen to be silent even on the actress abduction case as well. Actress Parvathy had made bold comments regarding certain sequences of the movie Kasaba which promotes misogynistic sentiments among the viewers. This issue had been fuelled further by the fans of Mammootty, who threatened Parvathy and her family through social media.

Image From: Samayam Malayalam

Following the limelight, Dulquer has finally broken the silence and made it clear that his movies have never and will never promote sexist sentiments among the viewers. “I have the utmost respect for women. What I can do as an artist is that I will always put them first. My movies haven’t ever or will never put women in a bad state,” said Dulquer.”I personally know my father very well. I know how he has raised me and my sister. It is not wise to evaluate him by watching his movies. I know the love and respect which women get in my family, and the respect we give to women outside the family. Everything that affects my father will obviously hurt me. I know, he can never hurt anyone deliberately,” said Dulquer about his father Mammootty.

Dulquer is all ready for his first debut in Bollywood through the movie Karwaan, co-starring Irfaan Khan and Mithila Palakar. This much-awaited movie is directed by Akarsh Khurana and is expected to hit theatres by August 3.

The post Dulquer Salmaan Breaks Silence On Anti-Feminist Issue appeared first on FWD Life | The Premium Lifestyle Magazine |.

Text Credit: Shibul Pavithran   

S(exy) Durga film made headlines when it was when it was dropped from the Indian Panaroma section during International Film Festival of India (IFFI) from Goa. Sanal Kumar Sasidharan, the director of the film, decided to approach the Kerala High Court regarding the matter. Also, the verdict too was ruled in their favour.

Considering the ruling, the film was also screened for the Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC). However, a re-examination of the film was ordered later. Eventually, the film couldn’t be screened at IFFI. The CBFC was not convinced with the way Sexy was replaced in the film’s posters. They alleged that the patches of the four letters (Sexy) covered on the poster weren’t acceptable.

On the other hand, an eight-member Revising Committee decided to review the film on January 23, 2018. However, this resulted in favour of the film. They cleared the same without any cuts. This time around, the film was screened without any such patches or replacements. Post the screening, the committee has also ordered for the makers to exhibit this particular version only. Whereas Sasidharan has already asserted that the international rights of the film have already been sold in the name of Sexy Durga. However, considering the Indian objection, he had to change the title. However, he did agree to the change and has made all the necessary changes.

Source:

Finally,  the film is all set to begin its theatrical journey and will be released on March 23, 2018, after a long struggle with government bodies like Ministry of Information and Broadcasting.

Mr. Sasidharan is also trying out a new, parallel system of distribution, involving cinephiles. S Durga will be distributed by local cinema lovers who have formed groups for the purpose. Since last week some 25 such groups, with about 100 members each, have got together across Kerala — from Thiruvananthapuram to Kasargod — to publicise the film at the grassroots and also lobby for it with the local theatres.

The groups have been negotiating with wary theatre owners in their respective localities to screen the film commercially, assuring them that even such a small indie can have a loyal, dedicated viewership; and if tapped sensibly, can yield fairly good returns. Some 20 theatres have already come on board and the number is likely to increase in the coming week.

The trailer of the film, which has won laurels at many international feats, was recently released. It offers a glimpse into the plight of a woman who travels alone in a car in the company of a few men at night, and how she goes through the dirty dance of masculinity. The film makes you question the goodness of religion and the sense in following blind rituals in today’s world, where devil might be more of Saviour than god in whose name maximum atrocities happen in the country.

The post S Durga Film Is Finally Approved And Ready To Hit The Theatres On March 23 appeared first on FWD Life | The Premium Lifestyle Magazine |.

Text Credit: Shibul Pavithran 

It is a landmark day for Malayalam film industry today. Sony Pictures International is all set to expand into Indian regional cinema with Malayalam superstar Prithviraj.

Its been only seven days since Prithviraj productions was formed, headed by Prithviraj and Journalist -turned producer Supriya Menon. It is a very supplemental step by Sony, which has major broadcasting interests in India, into country’s vast regional film industries. According to the speculations, the shoot begins sometime in mid-April. Read here know more about Prithviraj Productions.

Prithviraj Said on Twitter:

Welcome to Malayalam Cinema! pic.twitter.com/SS5YrwbHb8

— Prithviraj Sukumaran (@PrithviOfficial) March 16, 2018

The post Sony Pictures International Joins Hands With Prithviraj Productions appeared first on FWD Life | The Premium Lifestyle Magazine |.

Text Credit: Shibul Pavithran 

After a gap of five years, ace filmmaker Priyadarshan is set to make a comeback to Bollywood. The prolific director’s next movie will have Abhishek Bachchan in the lead role and will soon began shooting in Dharamsala.

This will be the 93rd film of his career that has entered in the 36th year. In Bollywood, this is going to be his 27th film as a director. Though presumptions have been doing the rounds for sometime now, it was only recently that Priyadarshan confirmed the project. Reportedly, the script works have already been completed.

Priyadarshan along with his team is now busy with the casting process. This movie will be a fun filled family entertainer in which the junior Bachchan is said to be playing the lead. It is supposedly titled ‘Bachchan Singh’ and will be produced by Rawail Grandsons and Kanz Films. Abhishek will be seen playing a corrupt police officer who develops supernatural powers in the story. They are planning to start shooting by the first week of June.

Priyadarshan’s last release was Nimir, the Tamil remake of acclaimed Malayalam movie Maheshinte Prathikaram. The movie starring Udhayanidhi Stalin, Namitha Pramod and Parvathii Nair in the lead roles failed to click at the box office whereas Abhishek’s last film was All Is Well. 

Meanwhile, there also reports about the director working on a period flick with superstar Mohanlal. This big budget movie based on the life of naval chieftain Kunjali Marakkar will be funded by Santhosh T Kuruvilla’s Moonshot Entertainment.

The post Priyadarshan’s Next Film Will Be Starring Abhishek Bachchan! appeared first on FWD Life | The Premium Lifestyle Magazine |.

Nazriya started her career as a television anchor in a Muslim oriented television quiz show named ‘Punyamasathiloode’.  From then to Bangalore days she stole every Malayalee’s heart with her chirpy character. Given below are our top 5 favorite movies of Nazriya

Palunku

Nazriya started her career in acting in 2006 as a child artist in the Malayalam movie Palunku, directed by Blessy, in which she played the daughter of Mamooty.

Image source: youtube

Om Shanthi Oshaana

 It is a female-oriented film that tells the tale of a girl Pooja, enacted by Nazriya. It got three Kerala State Film Awards along with the Best Actress Award for ‘ Nazriya Nazim’.

Image source: manoramaonline

Bangalore Days

Directed by ‘ Anjali Menon’, this film became a top hit of the year making a profit of 50 crores. It also has the specialty that, Nazriya and Fahad worked together for the first time, before their marriage

Image source: myworldofmovies 

Neram

After ‘Yuvvh’ Nazriya collaborated with the same team for the romantic comedy thriller film Neram- which was made in both, Tamil and Malayalam. The film was a huge success.

Image source:thehindu 

Raja Rani

It is the second Tamil movie of Nazriya. She plays the character, Keerthana who is the lover of the hero, John ( Arya). Nazriya became popular in the Tamil industry after this film. With a host of brilliant actors like Arya, Jay, and Nayanthara, this picture became a top hit of the year.

Image source: Youtube

After three years, Nazriya will be seen on the big screen in Anjali Menon’s next film with Parvathy and Prithviraj.

Here is wishing Nazriya, a very Happy Birthday once again!

The post Happy Birthday, Nazriya! appeared first on FWD Life | The Premium Lifestyle Magazine |.

Malayalam cinema of yesteryear had the uncanny ability to leave us rolling on the floor and laughing till our eyes watered. Whether it was some amazing dialogue delivery or some very well enacted slapstick comedy most of us remember plenty of scenes from movies that still leave us giggling at the very thought of it. This Thursday we decided to go around the FWD Media office asking our team to send us their all-time favourite comedy dialogues from old Malayalam movies. The office was echoing with laughter this afternoon and we know you’ll be LOL-ing at these timeless jokes too.

“Kozhide Manam…” scene from Kilukkam

Srinivasan learning driving from the movie Thalayanamanthram

Minnaram Comedy – Maniyan Pilla Raju

Innocent’s Choru Scene in Kalyanaraman

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=up8BcCWud88

Kochin Haneefa & Harisree Ashokan’s scene in ‘Thilakkam’

Innocent’s comedy scenes from Kilukkam

Punjabi House Comedy Scene

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IriKQjnz6xg

Mannar Mathai Speaking

Thamarasseri Churam scene from Vellanakalude Nadu

One of the Iconic Scenes from Vandhanam

Innocent’s Audition from Azhakiya Ravanan

How many kilometres from Washington DC to Miami Beach?

Old Lady scene from ‘In Harihar Nagar’

Our All-Time Favourite – Music with Body Muscles from ‘Kalyana Raman’

The post Throwback Thursday: Malayalam Movie Dialogues That Still Tickle Our Funny Bones appeared first on FWD Life | The Premium Lifestyle Magazine |.

After I walked into Allu Sirish’s room for his interview, I met the smartly dressed actor with an easy smile and was asked to sit down while he finishes up a prior meeting. I learnt in a few minutes that he was in conversation with a few fans, one of whom who flew down all the way from Bangalore for his Malayalam debut. This is the kind of dedication that the Allu family invokes many supporters and a minute or so into my interview with Sirish, I understood why his fans adored him so. With a life that revolves around movies, Allu Sirish is a born actor and singer and is very different from his elder brother Allu Arjun (other than the common trait of dedication that they give to their projects) who Malayalees have already seen and taken into their hearts. A big fan of Malayalam movies, Allu Sirish has been making a mark in Telugu for a few years and is making his Malayalam debut with a dream role in 1971: Beyond Borders – a movie by Major Ravi with Mohanlal in lead.

How does it feel like to make your Mollywood debut? What are you feeling right now?

I have been a fan of Malayalam movies for a long time and the chance I got was a happy surprise. I had mentioned to Major Ravi that I am a fan and he asked if I’d be interested and I got on board quickly and it has been a great experience. Right now, I am rather tense to see how the response to our movie will be.

The shooting itself was a grueling time as we all were going to all those locations and working. The fruit of our labor is finally reaching the screen and we hope that it manages to capture everything that all of us tried to portray. The story itself is very different than most war movies, since it is not jingoistic and is talking about war “beyond borders” as the name says.

What was it like to act with Mohanlal, a nationally acclaimed and seasoned actor?

Acting with Mohanlal was a wonderful experience. While I have seen him on screen, none of us know what goes on behind each shot. Every take was like an acting masterclass that I couldn’t have gotten from anywhere else.

With regard to 1971: Beyond Borders, being an army movie, was there any instance where you had to work really hard to do true justice to a scene?

Well, without divulging too much of the storyline, there was a moment in the movie where I had to draw on every physical trauma that I have ever sustained in life to do justice to a scene. It was the most intense attempt I have done in my life and after the scene was done, I was left physically and emotionally drained with a splitting headache.

Was there any Malayalam movie that you would have loved to have worked on?

Bangalore Days was a movie that I absolutely loved. If not the same story, it would be great to get an ensemble cast of the latest Telugu actors, all of whom grew up together and went to the same school, and make a nice feel good movie.

You have a great fan and social media following, have there been any bizarre incidents online?

(Laughs) Other than the usual things of young girls professing their love and proposing marriage, there haven’t been much bizarre online situations. My favorite moment is when fans send me art works, maybe from a movie or an image of me. Recently someone send me a handwritten letter about a movie and what they felt at different times during the movie, complete with sketched and illustrations. I do try and keep in touch with my fans and in fact have a dedicated number that I give to people who are really big supporters.

Beyond movies and personal interests, are there any causes that are close to your heart?

I have not taken up any causes as of now, but I am a very outdoorsy person and looking out at the Kochi skyline, there is so much of greenery here, along with concrete buildings. I would really love to create awareness and help encourage people to live a more sustainable life. If we don’t try to rein in our exploitation of the planet, we just might end up get to a point of no return for the planet in a century or so.

Words by: Fathima Abdul Kader

Images: Various sources

The post In Conversation With The Telugu Star Allu Sirish On Making His Mollywood Debut appeared first on FWD Life | The Premium Lifestyle Magazine |.

The post Odiyan: Costliest movie ever in Malayalam to begin shoot soon appeared first on FWD Life | The Premium Lifestyle Magazine |.

It was a tight schedule; an overnight shoot and Raai was on her way back from an event at Thodupuzha. But if we expected her to be grumpy, we would have been wrong.

Photos: Toonus

There she was, walking in confidently, looking every bit the star she is. Her long almond coloured hair trussed to perfection, dressed in grey leggings and a casual top with a hint of gold on her eyelids, Raai knows her style and how to get it right. We decided to talk on our way to the location in Mattancherry. Just like the coiled roads of the old town, the hectic life of a celebrity is put forth. Ignoring Kochi’s rush hour traffic outside, Raai Laxmi opened up about life, cinema, controversies and fashion.

Mollywood

I ask Raai about her busy schedule, and she says, “I just landed from abroad and had to attend an event here. There are a couple of films that I am working on in Tamil, but nothing concrete in Malayalam.”

When it comes to Mollywood and the Big Ms – Mammootty and Mohanlal, Raai has a million words. “There are no similarities between them. They are both from different categories, but both have made me comfortable while working with them”, Raai talks about the two big stars in Malayalam industry. Her latest in M-town, Rajadhiraja, was a hit and so was Annan Thambi, 2 Harihar Nagar, Oru Marubhoomikadha and many more. Raai proudly declares that Malayalam cinema changed her career. Her debut with Mohanlal in Rock’n Roll is enough proof. Ever since then, she has had back-to-back offers for roles that extract potential. Raai looks for the strength and not the length of the role. Be it a dance number or a special appearance, she makes sure that she gets the deserved attention.

Perfection

The effort to attain perfection does not stop with acting. Raai Laxmi has clear opinions about how she is portrayed as a celebrity to the public. As she gets ready for the shoot, the makeup artist and stylist receives a steady stream of suggestions and instructions from her. She’s very poised as she models. As dramatic as shadows, she can change expressions in a single turn and can pull off different stances with panache. She wore a cropped top with a high waist skirt dappled in so many colours.

She was carrying it off with an upbeat personality. Then the mood is suddenly transformed as she gets into a classic navy blue bandage dress. Talking about transformations, we come to the topic of her name change. “It’s not exactly a change; I just re-shuffled my name a bit.” She says that no one, even at home has ever called her Lakshmi. It has always been Rai or Lakshmi Rai for those who know her. “Raai” certainly suits her bold personality better than “Lakshmi”, we think.

Controversy

It was not just the transformation from “Lakshmi Rai” to “Raai Laxmi” that had her name flashed across the news. Raai is no stranger to controversies and gossip either. News about her is news to her. She mostly ignores it and thinks that if reading the gossip column makes someone happy, then let them be – as long as it does not affect her. What is important to her is the fans, and she keeps them happy by trying to do what they like – sharing her latest photos on Facebook or retweeting their wishes on Twitter. Her goal is to entertain, and she would do it in style.

Fashion

Fashion and personal style, Raai believes is integral to her career, and she does have a good fashion sense. It is important to be conscious about what you wear when you step out, especially for a celebrity. At a public event, there are many people who capture your look in photographs or videos and these images stay forever.

She also says that glamour is important for a movie to be successful, and she has never shied away from it. Though she stepped into films from modelling, Raai hasn’t walked a lot of ramps. Now, she often appears as a showstopper.

We remember her presence at the Chennai Fashion Week. If you ask her for fashion advice, Raai just says that fashion is all about flaunting confidence and a stylish look with ease. Her personal style concentrates on well-fitting clothes that accentuate her curves.

The shoot is in full-swing until the wee hours of the morning, but not a shade of exhaustion passes over Raai Laxmi’s face. She has no reservations as she enjoys a glass of Sulaimani with the team. Despite long hours of work, the photographer is delighted to capture so many effortless expressions on the same face. And then you realize, it’s not all about the glamour and fun. The same is true for Raai Laxmi and her journey through acting. But, she is perfectly happy with where she is today.

The post Mollywood’s Lucky Raai appeared first on FWD Life | The Premium Lifestyle Magazine |.