Sreenivasan - The Woody Allen of Malayalam Cinema

Sreenivasan - The Woody Allen of Malayalam Cinema

Eda Vijaya, Enthada Dasa. 

Ellathinum Athindhedhaya Samayamundu Mone

Polandunu kurichu oru aksharam mindaruthu.

Saadhanam Kayillundo

Angane Pavanayi Shavamaayi

Those dialogues were more than just dialogues but statements that suited the middle class and unemployed people perfectly. They were written by actor - scenarist and filmmaker Sreenivasan.

April 6th 1956, Patiam, Kannur district in Kerala witnessed the birth of a boy who would later go on to challenge societal problems by using humour. Sreenivasan went on to study acting at the Adyar Film Institute. He also befriended his super senior Shivaji Rao Gaekwad who would later become Superstar Rajinikanth.

Sreenivasan passed out of his acting course and later went on to appear in some movies as an actor. He also worked as a dubbing artist and even introduced Mammootty as an actor with Mela. It was at that time that Sreenivasan met Priyadarshan who told him about a film named Odaruthammava Aalariyam in which he would cast him for the lead role, but the problem was that there was no script and thus asked him to write it. Sreeni was compelled into writing and with his script, the film became a success and Malayalam Cinema took notice of a talented writer in Sreenivasan.

His works with Sathyan Anthikkad from Gandhinagar 2nd Street till Njan Prakashan happened to make audiences laugh and think as well. Sreenivasan also wrote Sandesam which was a political satire that still stays relevant even today. His CID trilogy that featured Mohanlal and Sreenivasan as Ramdas and Vijayan who go from unemployed simpletons to police officers had its share of ROFL Moments. 

More than that, Sreenivasan unearthed his talents as a director with Vadakkunokkiyantram (1989) that spoke of insecurity complexes between a couple and Chinthavisyatha Shyamala (1998) that spoke of a teacher who is cynical about life but later comes to terms with it. It won him the National Award for Best Film on Other Social Issues.

Even when the 21st century started, Sreenivasan never lost his sheen as an actor and writer. He went on to write Kadha Parayumbol which spoke of a friendship between a superstar and his barber friend who drifted apart due to differences in their occupation. That film moved everyone to tears. His work Udayananu Thaaram that introduced Roshan Andrews had brought about a satirical view point in Malayalam Cinema.

Sreenivasan's humour and social standing through his performances and scripts made him a writer to watch out for as his films were in tune with the 80s where people were experiencing rampant corruption and unemployment.

His work, Njan Prakashan marked his last collaboration and also his last script to be written and for the first time it starred Fahadh Faasil who represented the new wave movement. He had been ailing for quite sometime and his illness started to bring some fatigue in his life. On December 20, 2025, Sreenivasan died of Triple Vessel Disease leaving Malayalam Cinema shattered. Rest in Peace Sreeni Etta. Your humour made us laugh and think better. You converted pain into humour. With your demise, we have lost our conscience keeper.

My Views on the Actress Assault Case Verdict

My Views on the Actress Assault Case Verdict

It started out as a normal night on February 17, 2017 when an actress was wrapping up shoot. She was planning to head back home. Suddenly a car came from behind and a group of people abducted and assaulted her. That night turned into a harrowing incident in the history of not just Mollywood but also that of the society in Kerala. 

She filed a case against the criminals and then got such huge backing from the women of Mollywood who decided to form an organization named Women In Cinema Collective. Suddenly a twist arrived when one of the criminals named Pulsar Suni had a letter addressed to Actor and business tycoon Dileep who is termed as a powerful insider. This twist was a shock for the entire fraternity and marked his arrest. So many of his films were under scrutiny for the misogyny that has been hidden in the name of comedy.

Dileep was not just arrested but also suspended. But the newly elected body of Association of Malayalam Movie Artists (AMMA) reinstated Dileep who was set free. This was a setback for women members who decided to quit in protest. The decision to reinstate Dileep, the alleged mastermind shows that Dileep's star power could be enough to silence the public. 

The case suddenly discovered a twist in the tail when a director named Balachandra Kumar came forward with allegations against Dileep who accessed the assault footage many times. This showed that there was a whistle blower even in tough times. Dileep's career took a nosedive post the scandal but he still had such a clout which was too powerful to resist. He had a coterie of yes sir friends in his fanbase. 

And then, came the biggest shocker. The Hema Committee Report was released on August 2024 and had opened up a pandora's box of untold abuse tales that named people like Ranjith Balakrishnan, Thulasidas, Jayasurya, Nivin Pauly, Siddique and Mukesh. That was enough to cause a rift inside AMMA and its entire body got dissolved. The WCC termed the result as a pyrrhic victory. 

The Incident reached its breaking point this month when the verdict was announced; Pulsar Suni and the others were convicted on charges of assault while Dileep the alleged mastermind was acquitted. Dileep was a free man but displayed his true character as a villain by blaming his ex-wife Manju Warrier along with the Kerala Police.

In My Opinion; Kerala witnessed the Weinstein Effect take place. I feel that ultimately the truth will come out soon. But I say it as a son of a mother and as a brother of a sister, No woman deserves to be assaulted in any kind of workplace environment, be it cinema, stage or business. Misogyny will no longer be tolerated. 

#Avalkoppam   

Dil Chahta Hai - A Film that taught us about Friendship, Love and maturity

Dil Chahta Hai - A Film that taught us about Friendship, Love and maturity

Written and Directed by Farhan Akhtar

Produced by Ritesh Sidhwani

Starring: Aamir Khan, Saif Ali Khan, Akshaye Khanna, Preity Zinta, Sonali Kulkarni and Dimple Kapadia

Music - Shankar - Ehsaan - Loy

Lyrics - Javed Akhtar

Cinematography - Ravi K Chandran 

Editing - Akkineni Sreekar Prasad

Sound Design - Nakul Kamte

Dil Chahta Hai has been close to my heart that I felt I wanted to write an article based on that. It is divided in 2 parts; Review of the film and Analysis of the film.

Review - 

I guess it's high time I went on a retro review phase. I watched Dil Chahta Hai yesterday with my mother since I was eager to watch it. Here's my review.

Performances - 

Aamir Khan a,ka Mr. Perfectionist impresses as Aakash Malhotra who is cynical and carefree but later grows up and experiences love for the first time. It's such a mammoth task to transform from the 19th century villager of Lagaan to a millennial kid but he treated it like a cake walk.

Saif Ali Khan literally portrayed Sameer who brings fun and also maturity together into his love. He also has brought a sense of innocence. 

Akshaye Khanna has handled the mature characterization of Sid Sinha who introspects and has a philosophical take on life.

Preity Zinta proves that she is more than a diva as she emotes well and brings in the vivacious beauty along with the conflict of loving someone and also wedding someone else. 

Sonali Kulkarni also has improved well as Sameer's prospective bride who ends up being his girlfriend.

Dimple Kapadia proves why she is already a powerhouse to reckon with when it comes to playing a alcoholic, divorced interior designer whom Sid loves by not confessing but rather empathizing with her.

A lot of supporting actors like Ayub Khan, Rajat Kapoor and Suhasini Mulay lend their gravitas to their performances.

Technicalities - 

Farhan Akhtar excels in his debut directorial by bringing in his dosti theme and bringing in the new cool with the funky hairdo with stylish costume. His script speaks of love, friendship and maturity which is covered in an episodic manner.

Akkineni Sreekar Prasad works his editorial magic and is a rock behind the visuals created by Ravi K Chandran. Nakul Kamte also impresses with his sync sound design making it so real. 

Shankar Ehsaan Loy are indeed the viziers of music who bring in the disco as well as melodies influenced from Hindustani Music. Javed Akhtar brings in the wordplay associated with the lyrics of each song based on the mood of each scene. 

Analysis:

The 3 friends who form the main heroes of the film represent modern culture and have some difference. Aakash Malhotra is defined as a cynical and carefree guy who doesn't believe in love and is not serious about life. Sameer Mulchandni is described as a person who acts as a bridge and is a confused lover but later finds a soulmate. Sid Sinha is described as a mature and philosophical artist. He exhibits a kind of love which is more of empathy than the usual love cliches. This makes him more of a green forest. 

The scene of the ship literally hit so hard as it spoke of how their friendship is often like a ship that sails for an unknown destination. Tara Jaiswal is described as an alcoholic and divorced woman who is navigating the complexities of life. Tara and Sid's love story is more about two humans understanding each other and being there for each other. Sonali's character comes across as a woman who is against arranged marriage who falls for a boyfriend who is so boring. Preity Zinta's character reflects the state of a woman forced into a wedding out of obligation.

More than a film, Dil Chahta Hai was a lesson on how to grow up and navigate life as an adult.

Dharmendra - Bollywood's He Man with a Poetic Heart

Dharmendra - Bollywood's He Man with a Poetic Heart

"Aj Bhi Ji Karda Hai, Pind Apne hu Janwa - It means My Heart yearns to return to my hometown. This line is about returning to own's own roots even despite the fame and sums up the legacy of Bollywood's Punjabi He - Man Dharmendra.

08/12/1935 - In the village of Nasrali located in Punjab's Ludhiana district, A Punjabi Hindu Jat family had reason to rejoice for they had a son. Living in Sahnewal, he studied at his dad's school. One day when he was 14 years of age, he saw a Hindi Movie named Shaheed that starred Dilip Kumar, the tragedy king. His admiration for Dilip Kumar lured him to the film industry which became his ambition. After convincing his parents, he left the lush fields of Punjab to make it to the city of dreams - Mumbai.

He appeared for a talent contest hosted by eminent filmmakers; Bimal Ray and Guru Dutt and won his way into their hearts. He got his first entry with Dil Bhi Tera, Hum Bhi Tere which starred Balraj Sahni - an esteemed theatre artist. He later balanced his acting with stardom and got his break with Bandini and later with Phool Aur Pathar that saw him work with tragedy queen Meena Kumari with whom he shared his love for poetry.

Dharmendra later appeared as a self sacrificing idealist in Hrishikesh Mukherjee's Satyakam which won him so much love and he also had to compete with other actors such as Shammi Kapoor, Rajendra Kumar and Rajesh Khanna. He decided against getting typecast and worked in action movies requiring him to flex his muscles. This gave him a new name - Gharam Dharam Paaji. 

Dharam Paaji got recognized in 1975 when he appeared alongside Amitabh Bachchan -the angry young man in 2 films; Sholay - A Trailblazing Curry Western by Salim-Javed and Chupke Chupke by Hrishikesh Mukherjee which saw him bring his comic brilliance to fore.

He was married 2 times; Prakash Kaur was his first wife while Hema Malini was his 2nd wife. He had 2 sons and 4 daughters; Sunny, Bobby, Vijayta, Ajeeta , Eesha and Ahana Deol. In the 80s, Dharmendra had also slowed down by appearing in B-Grade Action Potboilers that entertained the working class. He also launched his sons into Bollywood with Betaab being Sunny Deol's 1st and Barsaat being Bobby's debut. 

By the 2000s, Dharam ji while nursing a back injury started to awaken the poet in him with writing poems that reflected his solitary mood. He then appeared in character roles and starred alongside youngsters. He also made appearances in Life in a Metro bringing back the Romeo Vibes. He also started his political career as an MP from Bikaner but later left after completing his term since he was disillusioned with his job. 

He also appeared with his sons in Apne which brought the Deol Family together. In the 2020s, Dharam Paaji appeared in Karan Johar's Rocky aur Rani Ki Prem Kahani where he starred as an aged patriarch alongside Jaya Bachchan, Ranveer Singh and Alia Bhat. His lip sync to a nostalgic song "Abhi naa jao chodh kar" won our hearts even now. 

On November 2025, Dharmendra was taken to hospital for health issues. Rumours of his death floated but were rebutted by Hema Malini and Esha Deol. Dharmendra recovered enough to go home but unfortunately, his health problems relapsed and he peacefully met his death on November 24, 2025 at the age of 89 leaving Bollywood broken. At the time of his death, he had completed work on Sriram Raghavan's Ikkis which was a biopic on Second Lieutenant Arun Khetarpal where he played Arun's Father. Ikkis was his last appearance.

Dharam was more than the He -Man of Bollywood. He was a poet with a large heart and the son of Punjab who made a cinematic empire for his family. Alvida Dharam Paaji, you will be immortal in our hearts. 

Dies Irae - A Gothic Horror Movie that scared me

Dies Irae - A Gothic Horror Movie that scared me

Written and Directed by Rahul Sadasivan

Producer - S.Sashikanth and Chakravathy Ramachandra

Music - Christo Xavier

Starring - Pranav Mohanlal, Gibin Gopinath, Sushmita Bhat, Shine Tom Chacko

Editor - Shafique Mohammad Ali

Cinematography - Shehnad Jalal

One Liner - Rohan, a playboy and rich architect gets news of his classmate's suicide. Post the tragedy, Rohan's affluent lifestyle spirals out of control with supernatural entities inside his home. 

Dies Irae is a latin phrase in the Bible which means; the day of wrath. This hymn resonates with Day of Judgement. No wonder Rahul Sadasivan selected this phrase as a title for his 4th directorial film. I saw the film on hotstar and here's my review.

Performances:

Pranav Mohanlal who is fresh off from his coming of age and action packed roles has once again impressed us with his performance as a playboy who transforms into a man who seeks answers to help fight the supernatural forces that scared him.

Gibin Gopinath makes an amazing impression as a builder who has the knowledge of exorcism and helps the main hero with exploring unexpected horrors.

Sushmita Bhat and Shine Tom Chacko shined in their creepiest appearance that made me jump out of the seat. This was an unexpected surprise attack from Rahul the director.

Technicalities - 

Rahul Sadasivan proves himself yet again why he is the master of Horror. He has made the scenes look real. The screenplay and direction were what made the film stand out from other horror films.

Shafique Mohammad Ali is a wizard when it comes to the editing techniques. Shehnad Jalal made spooky images that were so horrifying from the word go.

Christo Xavier impresses yet again with the soundtrack that blends hip hop and scary music.

The Production Design Department gets a thumbs up for the sets that were eerie enough to send a shiver down my spine. 

Overall - This is an art house horror film that scared me.

IMO - Rahul Sadasivan should win a National Award for giving us a scare with his work.