Mammootty’s ‘Face To Face,’ an investigative thriller
Mammootty in another cop role? “But this police character is different,” said Malayalam director V.M. Vinu, talking about his upcoming film, ‘Face To Face,’ which will be hitting Indian screens this weekend.
Based on Manoj Payyannoor’s story and produced by M.K. Nasser, this story features the veteran actor in the role of Inspector Balachandran.
“Balachandran is cool and calm, devoid of loud and long dialogues or heroic actions as seen in the other cop roles that Mammootty has played,” explained Vinu, who has directed the actor in three films.
Balachandran is an honest police officer whose good work often becomes a thorn in the powers that be and results in his suspension due to political interference.
“He loses his family too, making him realize that his uniform was going against his good intentions. So he turns to real estate business.”
Balachandran finds himself on an investigative journey when a couple of murders occur and transforms into a one man army to unravel the mystery.
Other cast members include Roma Asrani, Ragini Dwivedi, Siddique, Kalabhavan Mani, Vijayaraghavan and Mammukoya. Music is scored by Alphonse Joseph and cinematography is by Ajayan Vincent. The film was shot in Ernakulam, Munnar and Vizag.
Sixteen films old Vinu is the son of Malayalam novelist cum dramatist Vinayan, who has played an influence in his love for the stage.
“I have been acting since class 5 in AIR programs and even written dramas,” said Vinu who after a course in direction from School of Drama, Trichur assisted noted Malayalam director Viji Thampi before going solo.
Audio launch of ‘Paradesi’ held
The music album of Tamil director Bala’s upcoming film, ‘Paradesi,’ was released in Chennai on Nov. 25 in the presence of noted director Balu Mahendran and actors Vikram and Surya.
‘Paradesi,’ a period film set in the 1940s stars Atharva, (son of late Tamil actor Murali) of ‘Muppozhudhum Un Karpanaigal,’ fame, Dhansika and Vedhika. Music has been scored by G.V. Prakash. Interestingly, lyricist Vairamuthu wrote the lines after the song sequence was shot and then music was composed for it.
Watch this space for more buzz on ‘Paradesi.’
Wedding of Shobi and Lalitha
Shobi, (the choreographer who made actors Vijay and Kajal Aggarwal dance to the foot tapping number, ‘Google Google,’ in Tamil film, ‘Thuppakki’) married his sweet heart Lalitha, (also a choreographer) in Chennai on Nov. 23.
Sivaji Ganesan’s ‘Vasantha Maaligai’ to hit screens again
If you have not watched legendary actor, Sivaji Ganesan’s romantic hit of 1972, ‘Vasantha Maaligai,’ here is your chance.
On Dec. 7 the digitally restored version of this K.S. Prakash directed film will be released in Tamil Nadu. This film starred Vanisree as leading lady with Balaji Sukumari and Nagesh in significant roles.
Taking this initiative is Sai Ganesh Films which recently screened ‘Karnan,’ another restored film of Sivaji Ganesan. On the anvil are plans to bring more films of the thespian to the younger generation.
‘Vasantha Maaligai,’ had music scored by K. V. Mahadevan. Jogging down memory lane might probably have you humming its evergreen numbers like T.M. Soundararajan’s ‘Oru Kinnathai,’ and P.Susheela’s ‘Kalaimagal.’ Not to forget the duet sung by this duo, ‘Mayakam Enna.’
