Latest news with #Rekhachithram
Hindustan Times
7 hours ago
- Entertainment
- Hindustan Times
Love Malayalam thrillers? Here are intriguing films that you should not miss out on OTT
Malayalam has released several thrillers over the years that are notable for a variety of reasons, including their plots and performances. Some of these films focus on a crime investigation, while others feature captivating narratives that intrigue the audience from start to finish. If you enjoy watching Malayalam thrillers, you should not miss these flicks on OTT. Ela Veezha Poonchira, Kunchacko Boban's Anjaam Pathiraa Stream Malayalam's latest thrillers such as Pravinkoodu Shappu, Rekhachithram and more on OTTplay Premium Anjaam Pathiraa (Sun NXT, OTTplay Premium) A serial killer is at large, brutally killing police officers. Anwar, a consulting criminologist, joins the investigative team in order to find the offender. As the investigation progresses, it becomes clear that the case is about seeking retribution for the wrongs done to the culprit's family. Kunchacko Boban stars in the lead role in this film, helmed by Midhun Manuel Thomas. Ela Veezha Poonchira (Amazon Prime Video) The main characters of the movie are police constable Madhu and another officer who are assigned to the hilltop. The plot twist starts when a woman's body parts are discovered strewn about in the region they are on duty. The movie's climax is popular for shocking audiences. Noted screenwriter Shahi Kabir has helmed this film, which features Soubin Shahir in the lead role. Rekhachithram (Sony LIV, OTTplay Premium) Starring Asif Ali, the movie centres on Vivek Gopinath, who looks into the disappearance of an actress during a 1985 movie shoot and a mysterious skeleton they retrieve in a forest. Buried secrets come to light as he investigates, exposing a crime that was kept hidden for 40 years. Anaswara Rajan plays the other key role in this film. Joseph (Amazon Prime Video) A retired police officer who is renowned for his investigative skills is portrayed in the film. He discovers a criminal case involving organ trafficking after his wife passes away in an accident. This is among actor Joju George's finest performances to date. Vettah (Sun NXT, OTTplay Premium) The inquiry into the disappearance of an actress is the primary focus of the film. The investigating officers deal with an offender who confesses to the crime but then begins to play mind tricks and refuses to disclose anything about the case to anyone else. The plot and performances of Manju Warrier, Kunchacko Boban, and Indrajith Sukumaran were lauded by moviegoers. Grandmaster (Sun NXT, OTTplay Premium) An IPS officer named Chandrasekhar is challenged by a serial killer, who chooses victims based on alphabetical order, in this movie. He progressively overcomes the disappointment of his split from his wife and works on the most challenging case of his career. In this thriller, Mohanlal portrays Chandrashekhar.
Pink Villa
19-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Pink Villa
Kerala Box Office: Asif Ali's Sarkeet to end poor theatrical run grossing JUST Rs 2.15 crore
Asif Ali is among the most prolific new-gen actors of Mollywood. The actor has delivered the kind of performances that would get every other actor of his generation to envy. His run before the release of Sarkeet was exceptional with both Kishkindha Kaandam and Rekhachithram emerging major blockbusters. Sarkeet has changed the tides in a way that no one could have imagined, and it is for the worse. Sarkeet, an intended feel-good drama, opened to a very poor number of Rs 35 lakh gross and the trend of the film has also not been too good. By the end of the 2nd weekend, the movie has amassed Rs 2.03 crore gross in Kerala and the lifetime run should end in the vicinity of Rs 2.15 crore or so. These numbers are much lower than what Asif Ali's previous two films Kishkindha Kaandam (41 crore) and Rekhachithram (27 crore) earned in the state. Sarkeet has been running parallely with two films that are doing reasonably well in the state, namely Prince And Family and Padakkalam. Not to forget, holdover release Thudarum is wrecking the Kerala box office like no one's business and is the number one film in the state since its release. With Rs 109 crore gross at the Kerala box office by the end of the 4th weekend, it is safe to assume that the Mohanlal starrer will become the first Indian film to breach the Rs 125 crore club in the state as well. Watch the Sarkeet Trailer Asif Ali will be analyzing all of his film Sarkeet's theatrical shortcomings when it drops on OTT in a little over two weeks. Sarkeet has not really been panned by those who watched. It is just not preferred over the other concurrently running films. From our analysis, we believe that audiences enjoy watching Asif Ali in thrillers more than any other genre. Mollywood audiences have yet again shown that while they can take a film to the highest of highs, they can also collectively ensure that a film sees a fate similar to Sarkeet, if they don't like it as much. They are generally indifferent about the actors performing and thus we see such contrasting collections of the same actor's films. Pinkvilla shall closely be monitoring the theatrical biz of Asif Ali's upcoming films. Stay tuned for more news on Asif Ali.
Pink Villa
19-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Pink Villa
Asif Ali opens up about being bedridden and wheelchair-bound during Tikitaka shoot: 'Cried like a child...'
Malayalam actor Asif Ali is all set to entertain audiences once again with his new film titled Tikitaka. The action-packed movie began production in 2023, but an unfortunate incident forced the shoot to be halted midway. Recently, the actor took to his social media handles to share a detailed note about the harrowing journey he experienced while working on the film. In his note, Asif Ali spoke about playing the character of John Denver in Tikitaka. He described Denver as a fighter—resilient, determined, and never willing to give up. Interestingly, the actor said that his own journey while working on the film mirrored the struggles of his character. The Rekhachithram actor revealed that Tikitaka demanded immense physical effort. He had to undergo months of training and physical transformation to fit the role. "When we started rolling in 2023, an unfortunate accident hit me during fight training, followed by bedridden days, several weeks on a wheelchair, and the worst part-losing all the progress I had made over a year to prepare for the character. Unlike John Denver, I cried like a child on the hospital bed," added Asif Ali. Now, nearly 18 months later, filming has resumed. Asif Ali is once again giving it his all, even while recovering from meniscus and ligament tears. He said that Tikitaka would be released by the end of the year and described it as a high-energy film made with great conviction. He added that while Malayalam cinema is currently thriving, this film aims to give audiences a new kind of mass entertainer. Asif Ali concluded his note by thanking fans for their support and expressed hope for continued encouragement from cinema lovers. Take a look at his post below: On the work front, Asif Ali was last seen in the Malayalam family drama Sarkeet. The film was released in theaters on May 8 and featured Divya Prabha in a prominent role. Some of his recent notable works include Kishkindha Kaandam, Rekhachithram, Level Cross, and more.
Pink Villa
16-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Pink Villa
Narivetta FIRST review: 'One of the finest movies,' says netizen after watching preview of Tovino Thomas' film
Narivetta, starring Tovino Thomas, is all set to hit the big screens next week on May 23, 2025. Directed by Anuraj Manohar, the film is inspired by real-life events and promises to be an engaging Malayalam cop thriller. While fans are looking forward to the release, a review of the movie has recently surfaced online. PRO Vaisakh C took to his X handle to share his emotional reaction after watching the preview of Narivetta. He called it "one of the finest movies" to emerge from the Malayalam industry. The person praised director Anuraj Manohar for crafting what he described as a "classic." Tovino Thomas was highlighted for delivering one of the most commendable performances in recent times among young actors. The viewer also lauded Jakes Bejoy for his music and believed it breathed life into the film. Shameer Mohammed was appreciated for his consistent quality, referencing his work in ARM, Marco, Rekhachithram, and now in what they called a "cult classic." Veteran actor Cheran was praised for the strong control he brought to every frame. Suraj Venjarammood was described as being at his best, while Vijay was credited for delivering outstanding cinematography. The viewer also applauded Arya Salim for a striking performance and said Pranav left him speechless. Finally, the individual acknowledged Indian Cinema Company, Tippu Shan, and Shiyas Hassan for their belief in the film and their impactful debut as producers. Take a look at the first review below: Set in a tribal village, the story of the film explores the locals' battle to safeguard their land from exploitation, exposing deep-rooted injustice and political interference threatening their very existence. Directed by Anuraj Manohar and written by Abin Joseph, the film features Suraj Venjaramoodu and Priyamvada Krishnan in key roles. It is produced by Shiyas Hassan and Tippu Shah under Indian Cinema Company. With cinematography by Vijay and editing by Shameer Muhammed, the music is scored by Jakes Bejoy.
Time of India
13-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Time of India
From 'Manjummel Boys' to 'Thudarum': Malayalam Films That Found Strength in Real Stories
Mollywood has long drawn attention from other film industries for its consistent focus on realistic storytelling and compelling narratives. While industries like Bollywood have produced notable biopics and tribute films, Mollywood stands apart for infusing its projects with a distinct artistic essence. Rather than presenting subjects overtly, these films often explore themes with subtlety and depth. The true beauty of this approach lies in how socially relevant stories are woven into visually rich and artistically nuanced storytelling. In recent films such as ' Manjummel Boys ', ' Thudarum ', and ' Rekhachithram ', what resonated deeply with audiences and critics alike was the emotional and artistic transformation of well-known real-life incidents. One of the most striking aspects of such films is their ability to draw audiences to cinemas purely on the strength of storytelling—without relying on heavy promotions or high-octane action sequences. Rooted in familiar landscapes, these films explored emotions of survival, friendship, and family, making them feel deeply authentic. Audiences responded with heartfelt reviews, helping these films achieve record-breaking success at the box office. This renaissance unfolded during a time of financial uncertainty in the Malayalam film industry. The Kerala Film Producers' Association had recently released a list of films that succeeded and flopped in 2024, causing concern among fans and sparking opposition from industry insiders over the public disclosure of such confidential data. The report also highlighted that films like Manjummel Boys, The Goat Life, Aavesham, Premalu, and ARM had crossed the Rs 100 crore mark at the box office. Let's take a closer look at the thematic brilliance of the films that struck a chord with fans—and achieved box office glory without lavish promotions. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like 'Swing is King': Mr. Hemant's Strategy Finally Explained in Free Session TradeWise Learn More Undo 'Thudarum' Mohanlal 's 'Thudarum', which hit theatres on April 25 , 2024, became one of the most celebrated films of the year. The film crossed Rs 200 crore globally, including over Rs 100 crore from Indian theatres alone—achieved within just 17 days of its release. It continues to attract family audiences across Kerala, especially the elderly, creating a rare theatrical phenomenon. Discussions surrounding 'Thudarum' often centred on Mohanlal's vintage look and his return as a complete actor, evoking nostalgia among long-time fans. But the film also delved into themes of family bonding and togetherness, drawing inspiration from a tragic real-life incident—an honour killing that occurred in Kerala in 2018. Kevin Joseph was reportedly attacked and killed by his girlfriend Neenu's brother. A gang led by her brother kidnapped Kevin and his friend, ultimately murdering him. Kevin had reportedly initiated legal proceedings to marry Neenu, which provoked her family's wrath. In an interview with Manorama Online, 'Thudarum' actress Aarsha Baiju revealed that director Tharun Moorthy had referenced Kevin and Neenu's story while narrating the script. In the film, Aarsha's character Mary loses her boyfriend—murdered by her father, police officer George Mathan (played by Prakash Varma ). The emotional impact of this honour killing deeply moved audiences and enhanced the film's resonance. Filmmaker Jithin Raj recently told ETimes, 'If we take Rekhachithram and Thudarum as examples, they are entirely different. Thudarum benefited from Mohanlal's star power, while Rekhachithram intrigued viewers with its alternative history concept. I don't have a perfect definition for it, but the film is magical. Today, a film's quality determines its fate. Commercial success must at least ensure that the producer doesn't incur a loss. Only then can we call it a true success.' 'Manjummel Boys' Directed by Chidambaram, 'Manjummel Boys' is based on a true event from 2006 involving a group of friends from Kerala. During a trip to the Guna Caves in Kodaikanal—popularised by the Tamil film Gunaa—one of the friends, Subhash, accidentally fell into a dangerously deep pit within the caves, infamously known as 'Devil's Kitchen' due to their narrow, treacherous openings. Against all odds, Subhash's friends launched a spontaneous and daring rescue mission, navigating the perilous terrain without professional help. Their relentless efforts ultimately saved Subhash's life—marking one of the few successful rescues from the cave. The film transforms this emotionally charged episode into a cinematic celebration of friendship, bravery, and the human will to survive. Made on a relatively modest budget of around Rs 20 crore, Manjummel Boys turned out to be a colossal success. According to Sacnilk, it grossed approximately Rs 241 crore worldwide, making it one of the highest-grossing Malayalam films ever. In India alone, it earned about Rs 142.08 crore, with an additional Rs 73.4 crore from overseas markets. The film was especially well-received in Tamil Nadu, where it became the highest-grossing Malayalam film in the state's history, earning around Rs 58.5 crore. Strong word-of-mouth, emotionally resonant storytelling, and the grounded portrayal of a true incident drove its box office run. Director Chidambaram also leveraged the emotional legacy of 'Gunaa', using the classic song 'Kanmani Anbodu' to promote the film. This nostalgic connection helped draw huge crowds to theatres, promising an emotionally gripping narrative. 'Aadujeevitham: The Goat Life' Blessy's Aadujeevitham – The Goat Life is a stirring adaptation of the bestselling Malayalam novel by Benyamin. The film draws its emotional core from the real-life story of Najeeb Muhammed, a Malayali migrant worker who was trapped in slavery in the deserts of Saudi Arabia during the 1990s. Deceived by the promise of a better job, Najeeb was instead forced to live in near-isolation, herding goats and camels under harsh, inhumane conditions, with little access to food, water, or human contact. His harrowing journey of survival and eventual escape forms the backbone of this haunting and inspiring narrative. Prithviraj Sukumaran delivers a physically and emotionally demanding performance as Najeeb, undergoing extreme physical transformations and filming in real desert locations to authentically portray the brutality and loneliness of the experience. The film's haunting visuals, shot extensively in Jordan and Algeria, along with AR Rahman's evocative music, further amplify the emotional depth of the story. The real-life story of Najeeb, long familiar to Malayalam-speaking audiences since the global acclaim of Benyamin's novel, continues to resonate deeply and emotionally impact viewers. The Goat Life has emerged as a massive commercial success. Made on a budget of approximately Rs 85 crore, the film grossed over Rs 157.62 crore worldwide within just a few weeks of its release, making it one of the highest-grossing Malayalam films of all time. It was particularly well-received in Kerala, the Middle East, and overseas markets such as the USA and Australia, where diaspora audiences strongly connected with its migrant narrative. 'Rekhachithram' Directed by Jofin T Chacko, 'Rekhachithram' is a Malayalam mystery drama inspired by real-life experiences and unsolved mysteries within the film industry. Set during the production of the 1985 film ' Kathodu Kathoram ', the story follows the sudden disappearance of an aspiring actor. Though fictional, it reflects the hazy truths, hidden traumas, and long-buried secrets that often linger behind the scenes of the entertainment world. Vinothraj on Koozhangal winning at IFFR Blending societal memory, folklore, and plausible reality, the film crafts a suspenseful narrative exploring themes of loss, forgotten history, and the unsettling silence within creative spaces. Released on January 9, 2025, Rekhachithram was a surprise box office success. Made on a budget of Rs 6–9 crore, it grossed over Rs 56.75 crore globally—Rs 31.25 crore from Indian theatres and Rs 25.4 crore from overseas. Actor Asif Ali later expressed his gratitude for the film's performance, noting that it was the only commercially successful Malayalam film released that month, even outperforming Mammootty's highly anticipated Dominic and the Ladies' Purse. Speaking at a public event, Asif shared, 'When they say Rekhachithram was the only hit among January 2025 releases, it's a dream come true. Even during my low phase, Ramu John and my favourite Jofin (the director) believed in me. Thank you for trusting me.' He added, 'This is the most successful film of my career. The confidence Rekhachithram has given me is immense.' Visibly emotional, he credited the cast and crew for their hard work and support. The film's nostalgic theme, linked to Mammootty's 1985 classic 'Kathodu Kathoram', resonated with audiences, while its tight storytelling and suspenseful direction helped it succeed—especially in overseas markets. Its box office performance further proved the growing global appeal of Malayalam cinema. Check out our list of the latest Hindi , English , Tamil , Telugu , Malayalam , and Kannada movies . And don't miss our picks for the best Hindi movies , best Tamil movies, and best Telugu films .
