Latest news with #Padakkalam
Hindustan Times
10 hours ago
- Entertainment
- Hindustan Times
Alappuzha Gymkhana actor Sandeep Pradeep on whether trolls affected his bond with Naslen
Sandeep Pradeep is among the new crop of Malayalam actors who has been hogging much attention these days, thanks to two of his latest releases – Naslen-starrer Alappuzha Gymkhana and Padakkalam. But as Padakklam started getting more traction online, it led to online discussions and trolls that Sandeep could pose a challenge to Naslen, who has already established himself as a young Malayalam star with Premalu. Yet to watch Alappuzha Gymkhana and Premalu? Tune into OTTplay Premium and catch all the fun Malayalam films right now Naslen leads the 2025 Malayalam film Alappuzha Gymkhana, which features Sandeep Pradeep as his friend Valuth Sharif. In a recent chat with The Cue Studio, Sandeep addressed the trolls that drew comparisons with the two young actors. Reacting to this, Sandeep said that there are a lot of such discussions on social media, but he doesn't delve too much into it. Explaining further, 'Naslen is a very popular star, and he has been around for quite some time now. I just came now. When a new person comes in, it would naturally lead to comparisons.' Naslen, who made a mark with his debut as a schoolboy in Thanneer Mathan Dinangal, went on to do notable roles in films such as Home before catapulating to fame with Premalu, which also starred Mamitha Baiju. Reacting to his Alappuzha Gymkhana star's popularity, Sandeep said, 'Naslen is in the frontline of heroes in the teenage category. After that only, we all came. I hope more people come. Anyways, our friendship hasn't been affected in any way because of all this.' Sandeep Pradeep joined Naslen in director Khalid Rahman's film, Alappuzha Gymkhana, a buddy sports comedy. The film revolves around Jojo (Naslen) who along with his friends try to secure college admission by participating in sports competition after failing in their plus-two exams. You can stream Alappuzha Gymkhana on SonyLiv and OTTplay Premium in multiple languages, including Hindi. Sandeep also played one of the lead roles in Padakkalam, which also featured Malayalam actors Suraj Venjaramoodu, and Sharaf U Dheen. The film, which weaves in fantasy elements, is streaming on JioHotstar.
Hindustan Times
6 days ago
- Entertainment
- Hindustan Times
Alappuzha Gymkhana star Sandeep Pradeep on performing the body-swap sequences in Padakkalam
Malayalam actor Sandeep Pradeep is enjoying the attention he is receiving for Padakkalam in addition to the success of his most recent movie, Alappuzha Gymkhana. Many people have praised his portrayal of Jithin in this fantasy thriller as a complex and enjoyable performance. The Falimy star talked about his experience working on the body swap scenes in the film in an exclusive interview. Watch Malayalam's latest flicks such as Alappuzha Gymkhana, Maranamass and more on OTTplay Premium Sandeep underlined that his impressive act was made possible by the performances of his fellow actors. "We were familiar with these characters from reading the script, but during filming, all of their eccentricities were revealed. When the performances started, we were able to understand each character better," he stated. The rising star continued by saying that both Sharaf U Dheen and Suraj Venjaramoodu had incorporated their unique styles into their roles. "If I portrayed the body swap moments in my own way, there was a potential I would make mistakes. So all I did was do my best to replicate what they accomplished in a convincing way," he continued. Effective communication, both on and off screen, greatly improved their performances, the Padinettam Padi actor added. After making a decent run in theatres, the fantasy thriller is now getting further recognition after making its digital debut this week on JioHotstar. Sandeep said that his top goal is to stay in the industry because he does not now have the luxury of screening the scripts that are presented to him. The actor stated that he could not be adamant about portraying a specific character or acting in a specific genre. He went on to say that he hopes to be in quality films that will not let the viewers down. Sandeep is currently working on Kishkindha Kaandam-fame Dinjith Ayyathan's next directorial. He is currently in talks for a couple other projects, which are likely to be revealed shortly.
Economic Times
13-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Economic Times
From DD Next Level to Alappuzha Gymkhana to Prince and Family: Watch these Malayalam OTT releases on Netflix, Prime Video, JioHotstar
June brings a diverse slate of Indian films to OTT platforms, including the horror-comedy 'DD Next Level' on ZEE5, which satirizes film criticism. SonyLIV features 'Alappuzha Gymkhana,' a sports drama about friendship and ambition. Family audiences can enjoy 'Prince and Family' on ZEE5, while JioHotstar streams the supernatural comedy 'Padakkalam,' and ManoramaMAX offers the action thriller 'Azadi'. Tired of too many ads? Remove Ads Tired of too many ads? Remove Ads June is shaping up to be a packed month for Indian OTT audiences, with a wide range of films premiering across platforms. Whether you're in the mood for an eerie horror comedy that breaks the fourth wall, a heartfelt sports drama about friendship and ambition, or a wholesome family entertainer, there's something for every kind of viewer. Here's a rundown of the latest films landing on streaming platforms this month—so get your popcorn ready and mark your 13A unique blend of horror, comedy, and self-aware satire, Devil's Double Next Level (formerly DD Next Level) hits ZEE5 on June 13. Written and directed by S. Prem Anand, this fourth instalment in the Dhilluku Dhuddu franchise features Santhanam as Kissa, a brutally honest YouTube film critic who finds himself pulled into the very movie he's been invited to review. What starts as a private screening turns into a twisted supernatural trap when Kissa's family and fellow reviewers are sucked into a cursed film, all orchestrated by Hitchcock Iruthyaraj—a failed filmmaker turned vengeful ghost. Packed with Tamil cinema tropes, ghostly surprises, and self-referential humour, DD Next Level offers a wild, meta-cinematic ride that explores not just scares, but also the ethics of film criticism 13Alappuzha Gymkhana arrives on SonyLIV after a theatrical run that resonated with fans of grounded sports dramas. Directed by Khalid Rahman, the film dives deep into the lives of five school-leaving friends—Jojo, DJ, Valthu, Cherthu, and Shanavas—who are grappling with their failed 12th-grade exams and a bleak future in small-town Alappuzha. While one of them manages to pass, the rest find themselves lost and searching for purpose. Set against the backdrop of an old-school boxing club, the film tells a coming-of-age story with heart, grit, and resilience. With strong performances and an emotionally layered narrative, this underdog tale is as much about friendship and failures as it is about the 20Premiering on ZEE5 on June 20, Prince and Family has already made a mark in theatres as Dileep's highest-grossing film since Ramaleela. The family entertainer follows Prince Chakkalakkal (Dileep), a beloved bridal boutique owner from central Travancore who, despite his eligibility and age, remains unmarried. With a cast including Siddique, Raniya, Dhyan Sreenivasan, Johny Antony, and Manju Pillai, the film explores themes of responsibility, familial expectations, and love through a light-hearted and emotional lens. Set in the lush landscapes of rural Kerala, Prince and Family promises an engaging mix of humour, sentiment, and strong performances that will likely strike a chord with family audiences NowIf you're in the mood for something fantastical and fun, Padakkalam is already streaming on JioHotstar. This Malayalam supernatural comedy stars Suraj Venjaramoodu, Sharafudheen, and Sandeep Pradeep, and has emerged as a box office hit. Written and directed by Manu Swaraj, the film combines ghostly chaos with heartwarming humour, weaving a tale that's equal parts whimsical and meaningful. The narrative is set in a world where spirits and humans collide in unexpected ways, with the cast delivering laugh-out-loud moments amid supernatural madness. It's the kind of film that makes for a perfect group watch, blending fantasy, family drama, and lively comedy in just the right 27After garnering both critical praise and audience applause in theatres, Azadi is making its way to ManoramaMAX on June 27. This Malayalam action thriller is directed with intensity and flair, telling the story of rebellion, power, and justice. The plot unfolds in a politically charged setting, following a protagonist who dares to challenge a corrupt system, risking everything for freedom, both literal and ideological. With tight storytelling, impactful performances, and stirring action sequences, Azadi offers a gripping cinematic experience. It's not just a film—it's a call to question authority and stand up for what's right, making it a timely addition to your watchlist.
Time of India
12-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Time of India
Movie recommendation: Before ‘Padakkalam', there was ‘Ithihasa': Shine Tom Chacko's body-swap comedy film
(Picture Courtesy: Facebook) The recent Malayalam release 'Padakkalam' has sparked fresh interest in the body-swapping comedy genre. But while 'Padakkalam' might feel like a new entry in the genre for many, let's take a look at the time when the actor Shine Tom Chacko impressed the audiences with the film 'Ithihasa' which deals with the same premise of body swapping. The movie was released in the year 2014 and was a superhit. 'Ithihasa': The body-swap tale Directed by Binu Sadanandan, 'Ithihasa' is widely regarded as one of the first Malayalam films to bring the body-swapping concept to mainstream comedy. 'Ithihasa's story follows Alvy, a clever pickpocket, and Janaki, a reserved IT professional, who find themselves waking up in each other's bodies after wearing a pair of mysterious magic rings. Ithihasa: Official trailer Alvy's mischievous life and Janaki's disciplined world collide and this leads to a series of laugh-out-loud moments as each tries to adapt to the other's life. The supporting characters — including Janaki's traditional family and Alvy's partner-in-crime — add to the hilarity as they navigate the confusion. With perfect amount of fun, action and suspense, 'Ithihasa' is surely one of the best entertainers in Mollywood. Shine Tom Chacko's performance also deserves much praises. ETimes gave the movie a rating of 3 stars with our official review reading, "The film is technically brilliant, with breath-taking cinematography by Sinoj Ayyappan. There are plenty of slow motion scenes, but they have the desired effect. There are many obvious loopholes – for example, the girl and her friends are supposedly working in a private firm but for a full 15 days, they do nothing but struggle with the situation all day. But, the director has done a decent job and the film, with all its absurdity, makes for a cute, light-hearted entertainer." Padakkalam plot 'Padakkalam' reinvents the body-swap formula for a younger audience. Set in an engineering college, the film centers around two professors who unexpectedly switch bodies. The movie features Suraj Venjaramoodu and Sharafudheen in the lead. Our official review for 'Padakkalam' reads, 'Padakkalam is a riotous blend of comic chaos and supernatural spice, wrapped in sharp sound design and vibrant visuals."
Time of India
12-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Time of India
Latest OTT releases this week: The Traitors, Rana Naidu season 2 & more on Netflix, Prime Video and others
Latest OTT releases this week: Wondering what to watch on OTT platforms this week? Get ready for a packed lineup of new web series and movie premieres across Netflix, Prime Video, and more. Top picks include the highly anticipated Rana Naidu season 2 and the hit reality series The Traitors, along with a diverse mix of fresh releases spanning multiple genres. Take a look at the list below and pick what you want to watch over the weekend. Latest OTT releases this week Padakkalam - JioHotstar, 10th June Suraj Venjaramoodu effortlessly channels Ranjith's subtle charm, adding depth with well-timed gestures and sharp one-liners that consistently hit the mark. Opposite him, Sharaf U Dheen shines as the perplexed Shaji, wide-eyed, frustrated, and always quick with a witty retort. Snow White - JioHotstar, 11th June Featuring West Side Story breakout star Rachel Zegler as the lead, Snow White is the newest classic to be reimagined for modern audiences. Based on the 1937 animated film Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs, the movie follows a young princess fleeing from her evil stepmother. The Traitors - PrimeVideo, 11th June Set in the opulent landscape of Rajasthan, The Traitors brings together a dynamic cast of 20 celebrity contestants for an intense and entertaining game. Hosted by Karan Johar, the show features a star-studded lineup including Karan Kundrra, Anshula Kapoor, Ashish Vidyarthi, Elnaaz Norouzi, Harsh Gujral, Jannat Zubair, Janvee Gaurr, Apoorva Mukhija (aka The Rebel Kid), Jasmine Bhasin, Lakshmi Manchu, Maheep Kapoor, Mukesh Chhabra, Nikita Luther, Purav Jha, Raftaar, Uorfi Javed, Raj Kundra, Sahil Salathia, Sudhanshu Pandey, and Sufi Motiwala. Titan: The OceanGate Disaster - Netflix, 11th June Helmed by director Mark Monroe, the documentary offers a fresh take on the tragedy, attributing the expedition's fatal outcome to a mix of professional carelessness, years of ignored safety protocols, and the CEO's relentless quest for fame. Fubar season 2 - Netflix, 12th June, 2025 Arnold Schwarzenegger takes on the role of Luke, with Barbaro portraying his daughter and fellow operative, Emma. Season 2 introduces Moss as Greta, Luke's former lover turned rival, who becomes the key figure in a dark scheme threatening to throw the U.S. and eventually the entire world into turmoil. Rana Naidu season 2 - Netflix, 13th Jun 2025 Rana Naidu Season 2 amps up the drama with a powerful emotional layer at its center. As gang wars and power plays rage on, Rana's journey takes a more personal turn. The series features Rana Daggubati and Venkatesh Daggubati, with Arjun Rampal joining the cast this season. In Transit - Prime Video, 13th June Produced by Reema Kagti and Zoya Akhtar under the Tiger Baby banner and directed by Ayesha Sood, the series explores the real-life journeys of nine transgender individuals from different parts of India.
