
Vinod Prabhakar: I wish my parents were alive; they would've appreciated this role
Vinod Prabhakar, widely known for his intense action films, is taking a new step with Maadeva, which will hit the screens on June 6. Directed by Naveen Reddy B, this isn't the usual high-octane ride that Vinod's films are known for. Instead, Maadeva digs into emotional terrain—something Vinod admits he's exploring for the first time on screen.
'I call it an action drama,' says Vinod. 'There's emotion at the core, and action is only a layer over it. It's something I've seen plenty of at home, growing up… but rarely explored on screen. With Maadeva, I could finally do it.'

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New Indian Express
12-06-2025
- New Indian Express
Vinod Prabhakar: I wish my parents were alive; they would've appreciated this role
Vinod Prabhakar, widely known for his intense action films, is taking a new step with Maadeva, which will hit the screens on June 6. Directed by Naveen Reddy B, this isn't the usual high-octane ride that Vinod's films are known for. Instead, Maadeva digs into emotional terrain—something Vinod admits he's exploring for the first time on screen. 'I call it an action drama,' says Vinod. 'There's emotion at the core, and action is only a layer over it. It's something I've seen plenty of at home, growing up… but rarely explored on screen. With Maadeva, I could finally do it.'


New Indian Express
12-06-2025
- New Indian Express
Naveen Reddy: I believe emotion is bigger than action
Naveen Reddy B may be just one film old as a director—with Khaki marking his debut—but he brings over 20 years of experience in the Kannada film industry. Now, with his second film Maadeva set to release on June 6, he hopes this marks a defining moment in his journey: from an assistant director working behind the scenes to a storyteller confidently bringing his own vision to the screen. 'I've worked with many directors and across all kinds of films,' says Naveen. 'Luck and time need to meet. Until then, you evolve.' Unlike Khaki, Naveen has written the story of Maadeva himself. The film follows the life of a hangman, portrayed by Vinod Prabhakar, but according to the director, it is not about the technicalities of capital punishment. 'It's not about procedures. It's about the hangman's emotional life—his family, his struggles, his connection with society. It's brutal, yes, but also deeply human,' Naveen explains. Vinod, known for his image as an action star, has been given a multi-dimensional role in this film. 'I believe emotion is universal—bigger than action. In the last 40 minutes, audiences won't see Vinod Prabhakar—they'll see Maadeva,' he says confidently. Each actor was cast with intent. Sonal Monteiro plays a layered female lead, while Srinagar Kitty, Shruti, and Malashree bring complex shades to their characters. 'Shruti was surprised I approached her for a negative role. Malashree has a pivotal part that involves action. Even Cockroach Sudhir, though his screen time is brief, plays a vital role.' Vinod's physical transformation was meticulously crafted, including wearing lenses throughout the shoot. 'That alone was a challenge—shooting day after day with lenses. But it helped to show a completely different side of him.' Maadeva releases alongside Kamal Haasan's Thug Life, but Naveen remains unfazed. 'Yes, Kamal sir has a huge fan base, but in the end, it's about the story. Today, there's a shortage of strong Kannada films. Audiences are eager for meaningful local cinema. I believe they'll judge us fairly on the first day, first show.' Maadeva has stunt direction by Different Danny, Real Satish, and Vikram More, cinematography by Balakrishna Thota, editing by Vijay M. Kumar; and art direction by Guna.


Pink Villa
08-06-2025
- Pink Villa
5 Best Malayalam family dramas to watch on OTT: Sasikumar's Tourist Family to Dulquer Salmaan's Bangalore Days
Malayalam family dramas can be your best choice to watch on weekends. A wholesome entertainer in every frame, Mollywood has witnessed some of the biggest hits in this genre in comparison with any other. So, without any more ado, check out these 5 Malayalam family dramas to watch on OTT! Tourist Family A more recent release, Tourist Family, gained a hearty response from the box office as well as upon its OTT debut. The storyline follows the life of a Sri Lankan Tamil family who has faced the brutal aftermath of the Sri Lankan economic crisis. They voyage back to India in the hope of a better future and a fresh start, only to land in a completely disconnected neighborhood. However, they end up making the place their own and transforming it into a vibrant space. Drishyam Another classic pick, Drishyam remains classified as an OG watch for more than one reason. It narrates the story of George Kutty, who lives a happy and peaceful life with his wife and children. But things take a complete downward turn for him when he and his family accidentally commit a crime, which leaves him to figure out complex ways to protect themselves. Iratta The plot of Iratta revolves around the lives of twin brothers, Pramod and Vinod, who are both employed as policemen. After Vinod's surprising murder, Pramod is tasked to lead an investigation to unearth the truth. What comes out is a reflection of their tainted past, where several incidents took place that wrangled and damaged their bonding. Flashbacks of familial clashes drive the film's climax. Minnal Murali A light-hearted family watch, Minnal Murali revolves around the life of Jaison, a young tailor by profession, who gets superpowers after being struck by lightning. While his new achievements are surprising to him, he grapples with the reality of his new self. However, he must also continue to keep himself away from the evil intentions of his arch-enemy to protect his village and reflect the true version of a superhero. Bangalore Days The film revolves around a group of three cousins who grew up with the same dream of moving to Bangalore and building their own lives. As they ultimately fulfill this hope, they meet in the busiest city, still grasping the complexities of fast-paced city life. While reunion takes center stage, love, career, and other crucial themes also drive the film ahead with their poignant touches.