The Malayalam film Ponman, a promising adaptation of G.R. Indugopan’s novel Nalanchu Cheruppakar, premiered in theatres on Thursday, January 30, generating significant buzz among moviegoers and critics alike. The film marks the directorial debut of veteran production designer Jothish Shankar, who masterfully brings Indugopan’s compelling narrative to the screen. The screenplay, a collaborative effort between Indugopan and Justin Mathew, seamlessly blends the novel’s essence with a contemporary cinematic flair.

Leading the cast is the versatile Basil Joseph, who takes on a pivotal role, showcasing his acting prowess beyond his acclaimed directorial ventures. His performance is complemented by a strong ensemble cast including Sajin Gopu, Lijomol Jose, Deepak Parambol, Anand Manmadhan, Rajesh Sharma, and Jaya Kurup, each contributing to the film’s rich tapestry of characters and relationships.

Ponman represents a significant return to acting for Basil Joseph, who has previously garnered attention for his directorial work, including the critically acclaimed superhero film Minnal Murali (2021). His recent acting credits include roles in Sookshmadarshini (available for streaming on Disney+ Hotstar), alongside Nazriya Nazim, and Pravinkoodu Shappu, featuring Soubin Shahir and Chemban Vinod. This diverse range of roles highlights Joseph’s commitment to exploring varied characters and pushing the boundaries of his craft.

The film’s release has been met with enthusiastic reception on social media. Audiences are particularly praising the faithfulness of the adaptation to the source material, hailing it as one of the best cinematic interpretations of G.R. Indugopan’s work to date. Basil Joseph’s performance has also received significant commendation, solidifying his reputation as a talented actor. Beyond the performances, the film’s technical aspects, including cinematography, editing, and sound design, have also garnered positive feedback.

One of the users said, “Ponman is an amazing movie with a solid script. A sure shot winner. Basil Joseph, what are you up to? What a wonderful performance @basiljoseph25 Sajin Gopu and Lijo Mol also delivered fine performances. The story and treatment of the movie is the key.”

Another said, “The best film adaptation of GR Indugopan novels so far. Last thirty minutes were terrific. Undoubtedly Basil Joseph’s career best performance is in this film. Jyothish shankar’s debut, Loved it terribly.”

Meanwhile one said, “A gripping drama movie with good performance from Basil Joseph…thin storyline with slow-paced screenplay .. partly engaging.. Last 30 mins were good enough.. Cast did their part well.. felt screenplay is flat and slightly underwhelming in most places but last 30 mins were good enough .. ending conversation between lijomol and basil Joseph. Overall a very okayish movie.”

Beyond Ponman, Basil Joseph’s future projects hold considerable anticipation. Rumours of a collaboration with renowned actor Suriya on a new film, potentially backed by Mammootty Kampany, have ignited significant excitement among fans. While this collaboration remains unconfirmed, it speaks to Joseph’s growing influence and potential within the Malayalam and broader Indian film industries. The success of Ponman undoubtedly strengthens his position as both a highly sought-after actor and a promising director.

The highly anticipated collaboration between Sivakarthikeyan, Atharvaa, Ravi Mohan, and director Sudha Kongara has finally received a title: Parasakthi. This announcement, made on Wednesday, January 29th, comes with the release of a captivating teaser from Dawn Pictures, the production banner behind the film. The teaser immediately establishes a period setting, plunging viewers into a world of student activism and political intrigue.

Sivakarthikeyan takes centre stage as a compelling and enigmatic student leader, rallying the students of Pachaiyappa’s College to form a powerful, unified force. His charisma and determination are palpable, hinting at the revolutionary spirit that drives the narrative. Atharvaa plays a fellow student, his character intertwined with Sreeleela’s, who appears to be his romantic interest. Their relationship adds a layer of personal stakes to the unfolding political drama.

In stark contrast to the student revolutionaries, Ravi Mohan portrays a menacing antagonist, his presence a constant threat to Sivakarthikeyan’s ambitious plans. The dynamic between these characters promises intense conflict and high stakes.

The choice of title, Parasakthi, carries significant weight. It evokes memories of the legendary 1952 film of the same name, directed by Krishnan–Panju and written by M. Karunanidhi, starring the iconic Sivaji Ganesan. Parasakthi remains a cinematic landmark in Tamil cinema, particularly celebrated for its powerful courtroom scene. This new Parasakthi aims to build on that legacy, inheriting the mantle of a powerful narrative with a focus on social and political themes.

The teaser successfully hints at the film’s scope and ambition. With Sudha Kongara’s sharp direction and a screenplay co-written with Arjun Nadesan, Parasakthi promises a gripping tale of student politics and social change. The technical crew further enhances anticipation, featuring the exceptional talents of Ravi K Chandran (cinematography), Sathish Surya (editing), and GV Prakash Kumar (music).

This marks a significant milestone for Prakash Kumar, as it is his 100th film as a composer. Aakash Baaskaran, under his Dawn Pictures banner, completes this impressive team, producing a film with high expectations.

Coldplay’s recent India tour culminated in a memorable performance in Ahmedabad, punctuated by a playful exchange between frontman Chris Martin and the enthusiastic Indian audience. The final concert of the series saw Martin engage in some lighthearted banter, significantly altering the band’s perceived geographic origins.

After thanking his bandmates for their 29 years of musical camaraderie and shared laughter, Martin declared, to the delight of the crowd, that Coldplay was now officially an “Indian band.”

This bold statement was followed by a humorous geographical reassignment of the band members. Martin, with a twinkle in his eye, announced his own origins as being from the southern Indian state of Telangana. This immediately resonated with the audience, given the strong regional pride associated with the state.

He continued the charade by assigning bassist Guy Berryman to Tamil Nadu and drummer Will Champion to Gujarat, specifically Ahmedabad, emphasizing Champion’s “100 per cent Gujarati” status. The playful declaration of Martin’s Telangana roots was particularly striking, adding an extra layer of humour and an unexpected connection to the performance.

This lighthearted moment didn’t go unnoticed. Actor Vijay Deverakonda, a prominent figure in the Telugu film industry, shared a snippet of the video on his Instagram stories. His response was as engaging as Martin’s joke.

Deverakonda expressed his appreciation for Martin’s humorous appropriation of Telangana identity, playfully suggesting a mashup of the Coldplay concert footage with “Podusthunna Poddumeeda,” a celebrated song from the 2011 Telugu film Jai Bolo Telangana. This song, composed by the late Chakri and featuring lyrics and vocals by Gummadi Vittal Rao, holds significant cultural importance as an anthem of the Telangana movement.

The suggestion highlighted the cultural depth and resonance of Martin’s seemingly spontaneous comment, transforming a simple joke into a celebration of both musical artistry and regional identity.

The interaction between the global music icon and the popular Indian actor underscored the impact of Coldplay’s India tour and the lasting impression left by Martin’s unexpected declaration. The event serves as a testament to the power of music to bridge cultural gaps and foster a sense of shared joy and connection.