Mollywood

7 days ago

2838 views

Lokah Chapter 1 - Chandra Box Office Preview: Kalyani Priyadarshan's Superhero Saga Aims To Achieve What Minnal Murali Missed

Kochi, August 28 - The Malayalam cinema is ready to strike again, and this time, in the most unfamiliar territory, superhero, with Kalyani Priyadarshan-fronted Lokah Chapter 1: Chandra. Indian superhero space has always been a tricky one, unlike Hollywood, which churns out global blockbusters. Here, we have only seen a handful of attempts in the genre, and when it comes to Malayalam, the examples are minimal. Before Lokah, the Mollywood industry had a chance to shine at the box office with Tovino Thomas' Minnal Murali (2021) in the superhero genre, but the makers' reluctance and lack of patience amid the growing impact of the COVID-19 pandemic didn't let that chance become a reality. Director Basil Joseph's film stood tall as a genuine masterpiece — a film that blended local flavour with superhero spectacle. Yet, despite the critical acclaim and the public approval, Minnal Murali never had the chance to prove itself at the box office, owing to its direct-to-digital release on Netflix during the pandemic. Well, the Mollywood, widely regarded as the content factory, has another opportunity to strike gold at the box office with a superhero, and this is where Lokah Chapter 1 – Chandra steps in. Headlined by Kalyani Priyadarshan, the film is already drawing attention as one of the most ambitious superhero outings in Mollywood. The initial word of mouth of the film is highly positive, with early audiences praising its ambitious universe that blends entertainment with heroism beautifully. It is the first instalment in the planned Wayfarer Cinematic Universe, from filmmaker Dulquer Salmaan's Wayfarer Films. Lokah managed to score decent advances of around 1 crore for the opening day, and seeing the early reception, the superhero film is in for a blockbuster ride at the box office. The movie is already seeing a surge in advance sales for the evening and night shows, putting itslef on course to take a very good opening domestically. For Kalyani Priyadarshan, Lokah could be a career-defining moment. While she has impressed in various roles across Malayalam and Tamil cinema, stepping into the shoes of a superhero puts her in a rare league, especially as one of the few female leads spearheading a superhero saga in Indian cinema. Stay tuned...

Mollywood

848 days ago

4549 views

Tovino Thomas Confirms Superhero Movie 'Minnal Murali 2' Will Release Only In Theaters

Mumbai, May 10 - Malayalam star actor Tovino Thomas is on cloud nine after the massive success of his latest film 2018 which is based on the true events of the Kerala floods in 2018. The movie has grossed over 40 crores worldwide so far and now, the makers are gearing up to release it in other languages. ## Before "2018", Tovino Thomas made his way into the hearts of the nationwide audience with the fun critically acclaimed superhero movie Minnal Murali (2021). The audiences, however, were left disappointed that it didn't release in theaters after Netflix acquired rights for direct streaming. ## Since the movie turned into a huge success on OTT, Tovino confirmed in a recent interview that a sequel was in early development. Now, in an interview with Bollywood Hungama for "2018" promotion in Mumbai, the actor confirmed Minnal Murali 2 is being written, and this time, it will release only in theaters.## "We will release Minnal Murali 2 only in theaters. After it releases in the theaters, I want Netflix to acquire its OTT rights", said the actor.## The actor further said the movie was made keeping theaters in mind but due to the covid-19 pandemic and restrictions on theaters, it was not possible for the makers to release it on the big screens. He also lauded the efforts Netflix put into promoting the film on a wide scale which made Minnal Murali a nationwide sensation. ## "Having said that, when the second part (Minnal Murali 2) releases, I want it to be released in theaters only", he added.## The movie was directed by Basil Joseph from the script written by Arun Anirudhan and Justin Mathew. It stars Tovino as Jaison, a young tailor who gains superpowers after being struck by lightning and transforms into a superhero. Guru Somasundaram plays the antagonist as Shibu, a social outcast, who works in a teashop and also gets struck by lightning and gains superpowers.## Stay tuned...

Bollywood

1050 days ago

1190 views

Malayalam Director In Talks To Direct Sony Pictures' 'Shaktimaan' Trilogy

Mumbai, October 20 - It has been nearly 8 months since Sony Pictures India in association with Mukesh Khanna's Bheeshm International, and Brewing Thoughts Private Limited announced big screen adaptation of the popular television superhero show Shaktimaan. ## Ever since the announcement, the makers have been searching for a director to helm this trilogy, and it seems they have finally found the one. According to Pinkvilla, Malayalam director Basil Joseph, who directed the critically acclaimed desi superhero movie "Minnal Murali", is in the advance talks to helm "Shaktimaan" trilogy. ## The report says that Basil is himself a huge Shaktimaan fan and has shown keen interest in directing this film. ## "The director has already met the Shaktimaan team multiple times and is keen to come on board the film. The producers have asked Basil to come up with his own version of the screenplay to know if he is on the same wavelength as the team on the visual and story-telling front", Pinkvilla reports.## The "Shaktimaan" trilogy will be made on a huge budget and the makers are looking for the best artists to come on board the film. The makers are believed to be in talks with several directors and Basil is the front-runner to be at the helm of affairs, as all the meetings have met with a positive response.## Meanwhile, the makers are yet to lock in the lead actor to play this iconic role which made the childhood of the 90s kids awesome. Ranveer Singh has been approached and he is currently being considered to play "Shaktimaan". The first part of the trilogy is likely to go on floors by 2023. ## Stay tuned...

Mollywood

1333 days ago

1017 views

Karan Johar Congratulates Tovino Thomas For 'Minnal Murali', Actor Shares Message On Insta

Mumbai, Jan 10 (IANS) Tovino Thomas, who has been basking in the success of his recent Malayalam superhero film 'Minnal Murali', recently received praise from Dharma Productions head honcho Karan Johar, who sent a personalized text on the actor's WhatsApp.## To express gratitude for the same, Tovino took to his Instagram and shared a screengrab of the message.## The message shared by Karan reads, "Hey Tovino! I finally got the opportunity to watch Minnal Murali last night and has so much fun! So smartly made and keeping the entertainment quotient right through! Was a clutter breaker superhero film! And of course you were and are incredible! Congratulations! Such a joy! (sic)".## To which Tovino replied with a humble, "Thank you so much sir! It means a lot to us".## Speaking about it, Tovino said, "It is always wonderful to be appreciated and 'Minnal Murali' proves that good cinema goes beyond geographies and powerful stories are not just viewed but loved by all".## He added, "To play 'Minnal Murali' and to see our film touch so many people, globally, is still unbelievable. This is huge not just for our film but for industries, creators and talent who make cinema".## Stay tuned...

Tollywood

1342 days ago

1050 views

SS Rajamouli Praises Tovino Thomas starrer Minnal Murali

Hyderabad, Jan 1, 2022: Tovino Thomas’s latest superhero outing on Netflix “Minnal Murali” is receiving extraordinary reviews from the audience and critics alike. Director SS Rajamouli who is known to make larger-than-life movies like Eega, Bahubali series and now RRR, has praised Minnal Murali and congratulated Tovino Thomas for scoring a hit with the film. ## Rajamouli also expressed his gratitude to Tovino Thomas for appearing at the RRR promotional event in Kerala and said, “Minnal Murali is indeed a great film. Everyone here has always wished that we should have a superhero of our own, and it’s evident, we have a superhit superhero now.” With Tovino being a diverse actor, Jr. NTR stated how he is in love with this quality. ## Adding to that, Jr. NTR who was also present at the press event lauded the actor by saying, "Tovino is like my brother. I watched his recent film Minnal Murali. He is a wonderful actor," ## Minnal Murali narrates the story of an ordinary man Jaison from a small town and how he becomes the superhero Minnal Murali and talks about how this event changes his life. Produced by Weekend Blockbusters and directed by Basil Joseph, Tovino Thomas plays the titular role of Minnal Murali alongside Guru Somasundaram, Harisree Ashokan, and Aju Varghese. The film premiered on 24th December on Netflix. ## Stay tuned.

Tollywood

1343 days ago

1145 views

At 'RRR' Event, Rajamouli Applauds Tovino's 'Minnal Murali'

Thiruvananthapuram, Dec 30 (IANS) Ace film director S.S. Rajamouli has lavished praise on 'Minnal Murali' and congratulated its lead actor Tovino Thomas for scoring a hit with the film.## Rajamouli, who has crafted blockbuster hits like 'Eega' and the 'Baahubali' series, is preparing for the release of his latest directorial venture 'RRR'.## Rajamouli also thanked Tovino Thomas for appearing at the 'RRR' promotional event and said, "'Minnal Murali' is indeed a great film. Everyone here has always wished that we should have a superhero of our own, and it's evident, we have a superhit superhero now".## Actor Jr NTR who was also present at the media event, stated how he is in love with this quality of 'Minnal Murali'.## Jr NTR who stars in 'RRR' with Ram Charan, was also present at the press event, lauded the actor by saying, "Tovino is like my brother. I watched his recent film 'Minnal Murali'. He is a wonderful actor".## Malayalam actor Tovino Thomas' latest superhero outing on Netflix 'Minnal Murali' is receiving rave reviews from the audience and critics alike.## The movie is raising the bar for Malayalam cinema, and drawing parallels with Rajamouli's superhit film 'Eega' which was one of the first breakout crossover films from Telugu cinema, long before 'Baahubali' became a national phenomenon.## 'Minnal Murali' traces the transformation of Jaison, an ordinary small-town man, to the superhero 'Minnal Murali', and talks about how this event changes his life.## Produced by Weekend Blockbusters (Sophia Paul) and directed by Basil Joseph, Tovino Thomas plays the titular role of Minnal Murali alongside Guru Somasundaram, Harisree Ashokan, and Aju Varghese. The film premiered on December 24 on Netflix.## Stay tuned...

Mollywood

1349 days ago

1190 views

'Minnal Murali' teleports to UAE, film's AV montage lights up Ain Dubai

Mumbai, Dec 25 (IANS) The audio-visual montage from Tovino Thomas-starrer 'Minnal Murali' was recently displayed at the Ain Dubai observation wheel. ## Ain Dubai, which is located on Bluewaters Island, is known as the world's largest observation wheel. ## Tovino, who plays the titular superhero in the film, took to his Instagram and shared a video of the same with the film's team enjoying the beam show. He wrote in the caption, "This video is proof that Minnal Murali can take you for a HUGE spin. Minnal Murali, now streaming in Malayalam, Tamil, Telugu, Kannada, Hindi and English." ## The film, which was released on Friday, has garnered a positive response from the audience and critics alike. ## Talking about the response to the film, director Basil Joseph said: "Hard work always pays off, and I am so glad our labour of love is being appreciated by the audience. I am overwhelmed with the kind of response and messages I have been receiving since the launch of 'Minnal Murali'". ## He added: "It's just been a day and my social media is flooded with messages. I couldn't have imagined anything better than this ever. Thank you to all the people who have loved and appreciated our work. A huge shoutout to Netflix and Weekend Blockbusters, our producers for always supporting us and helping us take this movie across the globe." ## Expressing his excitement, Tovino Thomas said: "No words can express how I'm feeling at the moment, it's been a dream come true to see such a wonderful response from everyone around. Becoming 'Minnal Murali' was challenging but the output has been wonderful. Basil is a visionary and I'm thrilled that he trusted me with this role. I want to thank our producer Sophia Paul for backing us through this mammoth project and Netflix for taking this to the world." ## Producer Sophia Paul said: "'Minnal Murali' was, is and will always be the most special project of my life. We had a vision which was executed brilliantly by the entire team. They gave it their 100 per cent even through all the odds and that's why making this movie was possible. I want to thank all my actors, the entire crew and especially Netflix for supporting us and making this dream come true." ## In addition to Tovino, the film stars an ensemble of versatile actors in pivotal roles, including Guru Somasundaram, Harisree Ashokan, and Aju Varghese and is available to stream on Netflix. ## Stay Tuned To Sacnilk For More Such Updates.

Mollywood

1349 days ago

3417 views

Tovino Thomas calls 'Minnal Murali' co-star Guru Somasundaram a 'mentor'

Chennai, Dec 25 (IANS) Actor Tovino Thomas, whose just-released superhero film 'Minnal Murali' has been getting rave reviews, says he has not just found a friend in Tamil actor Guru Somasundaram but also a mentor as well. ## Posting pictures of himself with his co-star Guru Somasundaram on social media, Tovino said, "For obvious reasons, I had to wait for so long to post these pictures. But here's to having met one of the most sweetest persons, with whom I have had endless conversations about cinema, life and what not." ## "It was important to have a connection and chemistry for us to play Jaison and Shibu, and my bond with him has been one of the biggest takeaways from 'Minnal Murali'. I'm happy beyond words in having found a friend who I see in the place of a mentor and Guru as well. Guru Somasundaram Sir! Thank you for joining hands with us in making history. Cheers to many more." ## Guru Somasundaram, best known for his brilliant portrayal of Mannar Mannan in the critically accalimed superhit Tamil film 'Joker' which won over 12 awards including two National Awards, plays Shibu in 'Minnal Murali'. ## Directed by Basil Joseph and produced by Sophia Paul, 'Minnal Murali' has music by Sushin Shyam and cinematography by Sameer Thahir. ## The film, which was originally supposed to release in theatres, is streaming on Netflix. ## Stay Tuned To Sacnilk For More Such Updates.