Here are the top stories of the week!
Through Pariyerum Perumal, first-time filmmaker Mari Selvaraj attempts to take Tamil cinema to his roots. His hometown – Puliyankulam village in Thoothukudi district – figures prominently in the film, as do its people and the traditions and prejudices Mari had encountered while growing up there. His writings have traversed the same path, too.
Read full interview: Mari Selvaraj, Director Of ‘Pariyerum Perumal’: A Profile
Whether it’s the subject of anti-nationals or the farmers’ crisis, Fully’s videos tap into current trends to tell a story. Sometimes, they also use art-forms to get the message across.
Read full story: Behind Fully’s Viral Videos, A Tale Of Art & Awakening
Filmmaker-actor-VJ Soumya Sadanandan won a National Award (Special Jury Mention) in 2017 for her debut directorial, Chembai – My Discovery of a Legend, a documentary on the life and music of Chembai Vaidyanatha Bhagavathar. A year later, the 33-year-old former engineer is ready with her maiden feature film, Mangalyam Thanthunanena, a comedy starring Kunchakko Boban and Nimisha Sajayan in the lead roles. The film is releasing in theatres today.
Read full interview: ‘Mangalyam Thanthunanena Has The Power Of Simplicity’: Soumya Sadanandan On Making The Light-Hearted Film
KS Gopalakrishnan’s Kurathi Magan, while showcasing the lives of the nomadic Kuravar tribe and the efforts of a lone woman to improve their lot, is an exploration of chastity in the seventies, and how deeply a woman’s virtue was tied to the honour of her man, and by extension, his tribe/family.
Read full story: Silverscreen Recommends: KR Vijaya’s Moving Performance In ‘Kurathi Magan’
Recommended
Prashanth was the quintessential laid-back guy on the 90s screen. He could beat up a few thugs if the need ever arose, but more often than not, he was seen resisting the romantic efforts of his best friend, or playing the charmer who could conduct an entire relationship over the phone. His luck waned over the years though, and the actor has tried to reinvent himself with time – but in vain. With Johnny, a remake of the Bollywood film Johnny Gaddar, Prashanth says he’s well into the ‘third act’ of his career – something which he hopes will silence his critics.
Read full interview: ‘Johnny’ Is Not My Last Shot; It’s My Third Act: Actor Prashanth
Bollywood stars have been trying their luck at podcasts for a while now. Neha Dhupia was the first to jump onto the bandwagon. Titled #NoFilterNeha, her show premiered in 2016 on Saavn. The success of the show spawned another season last year and a third one is currently under production.
Read full story: Bollywood Podcasts: When Stars Take Over The Air Waves