Gautham Vasudev Menon, a prominent name in Tamil cinema, ventured into the Malayalam film industry with his directorial debut, “Dominic and the Ladies’ Purse,” a mystery thriller that captivated audiences upon its release on January 23. The film, a Mammootty Kampany production, stars the legendary Mammootty in the titular role of Dominic, a private investigator navigating a complex web of intrigue.

The ensemble cast boasts a stellar lineup of actors, including Gokul Suresh, Lena, Siddique, Vijay Babu, and Viji Venkatesh, each adding depth and nuance to their respective characters. Sushmitha Bhatt and Meenakshi Unnikrishnan portray significant roles, alongside Vineeth, Shine Tom Chacko, Wafa Khadeeja, and Harshitha Pisharody, enriching the narrative tapestry. Adding a unique touch, director Gautham Vasudev Menon himself makes a cameo appearance as a police officer.

The film’s production journey began in July 2024, initially known as “Production No: 6.” The official title was unveiled in September 2024, coinciding with the commencement of principal photography in Kochi.

The cinematic experience is enhanced by the skilful contributions of a talented technical team. Darbuka Siva’s music sets the mood, while Vishnu R Dev’s cinematography captures the essence of the narrative. Lewellyn Anthony’s editing brings precision and flow to the film’s pacing.

The production design by Shajie Naduvil creates a visually appealing atmosphere, complemented by the dynamic stunts choreographed by Supreme Sunder and Kalai Kingson. Brinda Master’s choreography, Sameera Saneesh and Abhijith’s costume designs, and the dedication of the sound, VFX, and digital marketing teams contribute to a comprehensive and polished final product.

George Sebastian served as the executive producer, ensuring the smooth execution of the project. Dr. Neeraj Rajan penned the story, collaborating with Dr. Sooraj Rajan and the director on the screenplay and dialogues. Wayfarer Films facilitated the film’s distribution, bringing together an accomplished crew to create a cinematic masterpiece.

Early audience reactions paint a positive picture of the film. Viewers have praised Mammootty’s performance, the gripping storyline, and the thrilling climax, while acknowledging the film’s slower pace, which some viewers might find less engaging. However, the overwhelming response suggests a captivating cinematic experience that will resonate with mystery thriller enthusiasts.

Netizens have reacted to the film. One user said, “Dominic and The Ladies’ Purse is a gripping investigation drama with a GVM vibe. Mammootty shines in the lead, and the Sherlock Holmes nods are a nice touch. The slower pace might not work for everyone, but I liked the realistic approach.”

“This movie starts off lighthearted but ramps up to an intense, thrilling ride. The final 35 – 40 minutes are pure brilliance that’ll stay with you! Go watch it! Can’t go wrong with Dominic! He always pulls through!” another said.

The Department of Consumer Affairs is investigating allegations of discriminatory pricing practices by ride-hailing companies Ola and Uber. The investigation, spearheaded by the Central Consumer Protection Authority (CCPA), follows reports and social media posts suggesting that iPhone users are consistently charged higher fares than Android users for identical rides at the same time and location.

Union Minister of Consumer Affairs, Food and Public Distribution, and New and Renewable Energy, Pralhad Joshi, publicly announced the investigation via a post on X (formerly Twitter), confirming that notices have been issued to both companies demanding their responses.

The controversy erupted after several social media users, including one who goes by the name Sudhir, shared their experiences of observing fare discrepancies between iPhones and Android devices.

Sudhir’s post, which gained significant traction, included screenshots allegedly showing a substantial price difference – reportedly ₹50 – for the same Uber Auto ride booked simultaneously on two different phones. This seemingly corroborated numerous anecdotal accounts claiming similar experiences. The visual evidence, showing a lower fare on an Android device compared to a higher fare on an iPhone for the same journey, fueled public outrage and prompted the CCPA’s intervention.

The CCPA’s investigation is focused on determining whether Ola and Uber are engaging in unfair pricing strategies that disadvantage users based solely on the type of mobile device they use. This raises significant concerns about potential violations of consumer protection laws and fair competition principles.

The investigation will likely examine the pricing algorithms used by both companies, seeking to understand if device type is a factor in determining fares. The potential for targeted price discrimination based on perceived consumer purchasing power represents a serious issue, particularly given the popularity and reliance on these ride-hailing services.

Both Ola and Uber are yet to publicly respond to the notices issued by the CCPA. The outcome of the investigation remains to be seen, but it highlights the growing need for greater transparency and accountability in the algorithms that increasingly govern our daily lives and transactions.

The potential ramifications extend beyond the immediate impact on consumers, posing questions about the broader ethical implications of algorithmic pricing and its potential for exploitation.

Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) national convenor Arvind Kejriwal made a bold promise to the people of Delhi on Thursday: the eradication of unemployment within five years. With the Delhi Assembly elections looming just two weeks away, Kejriwal’s pledge forms a central plank of the AAP’s campaign platform.

In a recent video message, he underscored his commitment to job creation, emphasizing that this issue represents his top priority. He revealed that his team is diligently working on a detailed plan to tackle the multifaceted problem of unemployment in the nation’s capital.

Kejriwal pointed to the AAP government’s performance in Punjab as a testament to their ability to deliver on this promise. He highlighted the creation of 48,000 government jobs and the facilitation of over 300,000 private-sector jobs in less than two years.

This track record, he argued, demonstrates their understanding of job creation strategies and their genuine commitment to addressing unemployment. He expressed confidence that with the support of the Delhi electorate, the AAP can replicate and even surpass this success in the national capital.

The upcoming elections, scheduled for February 5th, with results to be announced on February 8th, will be a crucial test of this ambitious pledge. The AAP is seeking an unprecedented third consecutive term in power, facing a strong challenge from the BJP.

Beyond his focus on employment, Kejriwal has also unveiled a comprehensive seven-point “middle-class manifesto,” aimed at addressing the concerns of this vital segment of the population.

This manifesto includes demands for a significant increase in the education budget (from 2% to 10%), coupled with regulations on private school fees. He also advocates for subsidies and scholarships for higher education, mirroring the AAP’s commitment to accessible and affordable education.

In the realm of healthcare, Kejriwal calls for a similar increase in the health budget (to 10%) and the removal of taxes on health insurance. Further proposals include raising the income tax exemption limit from ₹7 lakh to ₹10 lakh, removing GST from essential items, and implementing robust retirement and pension plans along with free healthcare for senior citizens in both public and private hospitals.

Finally, he has called for the reinstatement of a 50% railway concession for senior citizens. These proposals, unveiled weeks before the elections, showcase the AAP’s comprehensive approach to addressing the concerns of the middle class and position them for a strong electoral contest.