Latest news with #PrakashVarma


The Hindu
27-05-2025
- Entertainment
- The Hindu
‘Thudarum' on OTT: When and where to watch Mohanlal's blockbuster
Malayalam movie Thudarum, starring Mohanlal, is set for its OTT release. Directed by Tharun Moorthy, the movie has had a sensational run at the box office. Thudarum, which hit the screens on April 25, 2025, reunited the evergreen pair of Mohanlal and Shobhana on the big screen after 15 years. The two has acted together in more than 50 Malayalam movies. A family drama with enough thriller elements, Thudarum follows the Drishyam template of an ordinary man ready to go any lengths to save his family. Mohanlal plays Benz aka Shanmugham, a taxi driver who is extremely fond of his car, a black Ambassador. The movie will stream on JioHotstar from May 30, 2025. Thudarum, which has plenty of nostalgic references to the die hard fans of Mohanlal, is further helped by the powerful performance of debutant Prakash Varma, who essays the antagonist. Prakash Varma, a well-known name in the world of advertising, was praised by critics and fans alike after the film's release. Produced by M Renjith under the banner Rejaputhra Visual Media, Thudarum made history by becoming the first Malayalam film to cross ₹100 crore at the Kerala box office. Having become the second fastest Malayalam movie to collect a worldwide gross of ₹100 crore, Thudarum has so far earned more than ₹200 crore at the global box office. The movie also stars Maniyanpillai Raju, Binu Pappu, Irshad Ali, Farhaan Faasil and Aarsha Baiju. In the film, written by K R Sunil and Moorthy, the police seizes taxi driver Shanmughan's car, and he goes to great lengths to get it back. However, his attempts lead to an unexpected revelation. ALSO READ:Mohanlal's 'Thudarum' becomes highest-grossing film in Kerala, surpasses '2018' The Hindu review of the film said, 'The lack of a convincing antagonist with well-written lines and a weighty background story has been sorely felt in some recent mainstream films. But, here we have someone who stands on an almost equal footing with the hero, challenging him at every corner and making it seem like a fight which is hard to win. This is one factor which helps Thudarum even when it gets caught in a run-of-the-mill revenge drama plot near the end.'


New Indian Express
08-05-2025
- Entertainment
- New Indian Express
Prakash Varma Interview: I'll pursue roles that scare or challenge me
Known for masterminding iconic campaigns like the You and I, in this Beautiful World for Hutch and the legendary ZooZoo for Vodafone, ad guru Prakash Varma stunned audiences with his maiden acting gig in the recently released film Thudarum—and what an entry it turned out to be! Playing one of the most detestable antagonists in recent Malayalam cinema, Prakash's portrayal of George Mathan, a seemingly friendly senior police officer with a hidden sinister side, in this emotionally charged thriller sent chills down spines. Right from the first show of Thudarum, people wanted to know more about this actor. While he enjoyed donning the cloak of anonymity despite his towering stature as an ad filmmaker, Thudarum has changed that status quo. His face is everywhere, and with good reason. As the Mohanlal-starrer continues to run to packed houses, we caught up with him to chat about his leap into acting, the art of storytelling, working alongside his childhood inspirations, and more. Excerpts:


Time of India
02-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Time of India
‘George sir' aka Prakash Varma shares his experience on working with Mohanlal: My hero, my inspiration, my mentor
(Picture Courtesy: Facebook) While Mohanlal 's emotionally gripping performance in ' Thudarum ' continues to earn widespread acclaim, another name is steadily making waves—Prakash Varma, who plays the composed yet chilling antagonist, Inspector George Sir . Impressive performance Prakash Varma 's portrayal of the calculating police officer is being celebrated for its restraint and depth, standing out in a film packed with powerful performances. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like 3 Reasons to Plug This Into Your Home Today elecTrick - Save upto 80% on Power Bill Learn More Undo Audiences have been particularly captivated by George Sir's now-iconic line—'Hello'—delivered with an eerie calm that lingers long after the scene fades. Without relying on over-the-top villainy, Prakash Varma managed to instill unease with his stillness, gaze, and quiet intensity. Critics and fans alike have praised how his performance balanced perfectly with Mohanlal's emotionally driven Shanmugham. Thudarum | Song - Kondattam 'The simple act of caring is heroic' Taking to Instagram, Prakash Varma shared a candid behind-the-scenes moment with Mohanlal, writing, 'The simple act of caring is heroic' - Edward Albert (actor) 'My experience with 'Thudarum' is nothing short of magical. I found myself, I found a new home and a new family. Gratitude is the only feeling I have. My biggest bounty is what I got from Lalettan. He is my hero, my inspiration, my mentor, my brother, a teacher and a friend. Here is a glimpse of our invaluable shooting moments where he cared for me more than I can describe or could imagine. Forever grateful. Varma aka George Sir Hello.' One of the best films of this year Directed with a gripping mix of emotion and suspense, 'Thudarum' follows Shanmugham (Mohanlal), a humble taxi driver, whose life spirals after a drug case leads to the seizure of his vehicle and the mysterious disappearance of his son. Alongside Shobana as Lalitha, and now with Prakash Varma's breakout act, the film is being hailed as one of the most impactful Malayalam releases of the year. Meanwhile, Tharun Moorthy has announced his next film titled 'Torpedo'.


Time of India
01-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Time of India
Watch: Mohanlal turns on the beast mode between ‘Action' and ‘Cut' in ‘Thudarum'
continues to prove why he is considered one of Indian cinema's finest performers. ' Thudarum ' BTS video Director recently shared a gripping behind-the-scenes (BTS) video from the sets of 'Thudarum', showcasing the actor's effortless transformation into character during an intense action sequence. Tired of too many ads? go ad free now Mohanlal's quick transformation Set against the backdrop of a gritty scene, the video captures Mohanlal stepping into action mode in the blink of an eye. With minimal cues, he transitions from his natural self to a fully-formed character, radiating authority and intensity. The scene also features actor , and the two are seen sharing the frame in what promises to be a high-stakes moment in the film. Thudarum | Song - Kondattam Tharun Moorthy, known for his grounded storytelling and authentic filmmaking style, captioned the post to emphasize the energy Mohanlal brings to the screen. His caption read, 'The Unassailable Thespian @mohanlal.' 'That Smile' The performance left even the crew in awe. Actor Farhaan Faasil's comment on the video — simply stating, 'That smile' — added to the intrigue surrounding the scene, hinting at the emotional layers in the narrative. One netizen commented, 'That shivering after action, after that shivering he is switching into the character completely.' Another comment read, 'Transition after action call.' A third comment read, 'The Master mode on after hearing Action.' Thudarum, which marks the collaboration between Mohanlal and Tharun Moorthy for the first time, is receiving magnificent reviews from the audiences for its gripping screenplay in a simple and predictable storyline. George sir takes on the charge Not only Mohanlal, the debutant actor Prakash Varma is getting much adulation for his stunning performance in the movie. From his unique 'Hello' introduction to his stunning performance as an antagonist, Prakash Varma has already become a favourite among the Malayali audiences. The film also features Shobana in the female lead.


Time of India
28-04-2025
- Entertainment
- Time of India
Meet Prakash Varma from Mohanlal's ‘Thudarum', who worked with Michael Bay's advertisement film production house, SRK, Deepika Padukone, and more
(Picture Courtesy: Facebook) Prakash Varma , who has marked his stunning acting performance in Tharun Moorthy's ' Thudarum ', is receiving widespread praise for his intense portrayal of CI George Mathan . Who is Prakash Varma? Prakash Varma, a well-established ad filmmaker, ventured into acting after an illustrious career in the advertisement world, having worked with some of the biggest names in the industry. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Invest $200 in Amazon without buying stocks to earn a second salary Marketsall Sign Up Undo Worked with SRK, Deepika, and Anushka Sharma According to Hindustan Times, before stepping into the acting world, Prakash Varma founded a film production company with his wife, Sneha Iype, in 2001. Thudarum - Official Trailer Based in Bengaluru, his production house became known for creating compelling ads for top brands. His collaborations with Bollywood stars such as Shah Rukh Khan, Deepika Padukone, and Anushka Sharma have made him a prominent name in the advertising industry. He even directed tourism commercials for Kerala and Dubai, earning accolades for his creative vision. In 2009, he expanded his reach internationally when he was brought on board by Michael Bay's advertisement film production house to direct commercials. 'Thudarum' George Mathan steals hearts In 'Thudarum', Prakash Varma's role as George Mathan has become one of the most discussed elements of the film. George is a cold-blooded, ruthless figure who has left the audience in awe of Prakash Varma's unexpected transformation from a normal side character at the start of the film. Netizens are raving about his performance in the Mohanlal starrer. One viewer tweeted, 'And welcome to a terrific new actor who just stole the show with an unbelievable debut performance. The maverick ad filmmaker #PrakashVarma You were mind-blowing, sir!' Another review reads, ''Thudarum' is Mohanlal in absolute beast mode. A gripping family drama loaded with meta references and fan service. His stunning performance will be discussed among cinephiles for years to come along with the antagonist Prakash Varma. Never thought a family drama could pack in more hero elevation moments than most so called mass films. Overall, it gave off an Oppam meets Drishyam vibe, but with a more predictable narrative.'