#kochi

National Award-Winning Actor Salim Kumar Hospitalized and on Ventilator Support Salim Kumar, a National Award-winning actor, has been hospitalized and is currently receiving ventilator support. He was admitted to Amrita Hospital in Kochi on Saturday after experiencing discomfort. Hospital authorities have confirmed his critical condition but have not provided further details about his health beyond stating he is on ventilator assistance. Kumar, who previously won both the National and State awards for Best Actor for his role in the film Adaminte Makan Abu (2010), has a medical history marked by recurring health issues. His performance in the film, which was critically acclaimed, earned him recognition for his portrayal of a character facing personal and societal challenges. A known Congress supporter, Kumar actively campaigned for the United Democratic Front (UDF) during the recent state assembly elections. His efforts were focused on promoting Chief Minister V.D. Satheesan, who won from Kumar’s home constituency of North Paravur. His campaign for Satheesan, however, sparked controversy, particularly with CPI(M) supporters. Kumar’s public remarks criticizing the development shortcomings during the tenure of former Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan drew backlash. CPI(M) supporters launched a social media campaign against him, though the specific nature of their criticism was not detailed in the source. The National Platform for the Rights of the Disabled (NPRD) also lodged an official complaint with the Election Commission, alleging that Kumar’s remarks degraded mental health conditions and stigmatized patients. The organization claimed his statements contributed to the marginalization of individuals with mental health issues.#united_democratic_front #kochi #salim_kumar #amrita_hospital #v_d_satheesan

Mohanlal's Drishyam 3 Surpasses Rs 100 Crore Global Box Office Mark Mohanlal’s family thriller Drishyam 3 has achieved a significant milestone in its third day of release, crossing the Rs 100 crore mark globally. The film, which premiered on May 21—the actor’s birthday—registered Rs 13.7 crore on Day 3, boosting its domestic net collection to Rs 40.60 crore. Its worldwide gross now stands at Rs 117.17 crore, reflecting strong audience engagement across international markets. The film’s performance has remained consistent since its release, with a slight dip on Friday followed by a resurgence over the weekend. Industry tracker Sacnilk reported the Day 3 earnings, highlighting the film’s sustained popularity. The Malayalam version of the movie recorded an impressive 66.52% occupancy, with varying turnout across different show timings. Morning shows saw 48.50% occupancy, afternoon shows reached 69.42%, evening shows hit 75.42%, and night shows maintained 72.75%. The highest occupancy was observed in Kochi, where 88.3% of shows were filled across 238 screenings. Mohanlal took to social media to express gratitude to fans for their support, writing on X, “Thank you for carrying this journey with us for 13 years. ❤️ Your love, support, and belief in this story continue to humble us every day. #Drishyam3 running successfully in theatres near you.” In a prior post, he reflected on the film’s success, stating, “Drishyam 3 was made with immense love, passion, and gratitude, and seeing that love come back through your response has been deeply moving. Your reviews, your words, and the emotions you have shared mean far more to me than any number ever can. Thank you for watching, for connecting, for feeling every moment, and for embracing Georgekutty and family as your own.#kochi #drishyam_3 #jeethu_joseph #mohanlal #aashirvad_cinemas

Kerala Blasters, FC Goa Set for Crucial ISL Clash in Final Match of 2025-26 Season Kerala Blasters FC will face FC Goa in their final Indian Super League (ISL) 2025-26 match of the season on Monday, 18 May 2026, at the Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium in Kochi. The game, scheduled for a 19:30 IST kick-off, will be broadcast live on FanCode and telecast on Sony Sports TEN 2. Both teams aim to strengthen their positions in the standings as the season approaches its conclusion. With limited separation between teams in the mid-table, the result could significantly impact the final rankings. Kerala Blasters enter the match following a 3-1 comeback victory against Mohammedan Sporting Club. After conceding an early goal, they responded with a strong second-half performance to extend their unbeaten run to five matches and secure their third consecutive win. Goals from Francisco Feuillassier, Víctor Bertomeu, and substitute Sreekuttan M S were pivotal in the victory. Under head coach Ashley Westwood, the team has demonstrated improved organization and attacking intent in recent weeks, with the squad looking to carry this momentum into their final fixture of the season. Currently eighth in the league table with 14 points from 12 matches, Kerala Blasters could move to 17 points with a win, potentially securing their eighth-place finish in a tightly contested section of the table. Key contributors include Víctor Bertomeu, who has scored four goals, and Francisco Feuillassier, who has netted two goals and provided two assists. Ebindas Y has led the team in assists, while Kévin Yoke and Matías Hernández have supported the attack from wide areas and midfield, respectively. Westwood emphasized the importance of the fixture, acknowledging the quality of FC Goa. “First and foremost, we're going to try and play to win like we always do.#kochi #kerala_blasters #jawaharlal_nehru_stadium #isl_2025_26 #fc_goa

Kochi: India's 'Seafood Capital' and Its Role in the Global Market Kochi, located in the state of Kerala on the Arabian Sea, has been recognized as India's "Seafood Capital" due to its significant contributions to the country's marine economy. This coastal city, with its rich history of maritime trade, has evolved into a modern hub for seafood production, processing, and international exports. Despite its prominence in the industry, many residents and even frequent visitors may not be aware of the city's critical role in India's seafood sector. Kerala's coastal geography, spanning over 7,500 kilometers of coastline, provides abundant natural resources for marine activities. However, it is Kochi that has emerged as a standout in this sector. The city's strategic location, combined with its advanced infrastructure and deep-rooted maritime heritage, has enabled it to become a key player in the global seafood market. Kochi's seafood industry is characterized by its integration of traditional practices with modern technology, ensuring both sustainability and competitiveness. The city's seafood industry is supported by a robust network of fishing vessels, processing facilities, and export channels. Kochi's ports and backwaters serve as vital arteries for the movement of seafood products, connecting local fishermen with international markets. The city's processing plants adhere to stringent international quality standards, allowing Indian seafood to gain recognition in markets across Europe, the Americas, and Southeast Asia. Products such as shrimp, prawns, and various fish species are exported in significant volumes, contributing substantially to India's trade balance. Kochi's seafood industry also plays a crucial role in the livelihoods of thousands of people.#kerala #india #kochi #arabian_sea #seafood_industry

Markets in Kochi Thrive with Vishu Celebrations The city of Kochi is witnessing a vibrant surge of activity as the annual festival of Vishu approaches, with markets and households coming alive with preparations for the occasion. For over a decade, Resmi Balakrishnan’s family has upheld a cherished tradition that reflects the cultural significance of the festival. Each year, on the day preceding Vishu, the family meticulously cuts the yellow blossoms of the 30-year-old Kanikonna tree, also known as the golden shower tree, from their compound. These flowers are then carefully bundled and shared with neighbors, friends, family, and even strangers, symbolizing goodwill and community spirit. Mrs. Balakrishnan, who has been part of this ritual for the past 10 years, emphasized that the act is deeply personal and rooted in tradition rather than commercial intent. “I leave bunches of flowers on the sit-out for anyone to take. It feels like offering Vishukainettam, and we don’t want to monetise it,” she explained. The Kanikonna flowers, which bloom in a cascade of golden hues, are considered auspicious and are traditionally used to mark the beginning of the new year in Kerala. This practice underscores the deep connection between nature and cultural rituals in the region. As the festival’s energy intensifies, the markets in Kochi are experiencing a noticeable shift. Small cracker shops, which typically operate on a modest scale, are now bustling with activity as vendors stock up on festive items. The demand for idols of Lord Krishna, a central figure in Vishu celebrations, has surged, with artisans and traders setting up stalls across the city. These idols, often crafted with intricate details, are placed in homes and public spaces to welcome the new year.#kochi #vishu #resmi_balakrishnan #kanikonna_tree #vishu_kozhikangal

Ryan Williams, an Australian-born footballer of Indian origin, is set to make his debut for the Indian national team in the AFC Asian Cup 2027 qualifier against Hong Kong on March 31 in Kochi. The 31-year-old forward was included in the 23-player squad after FIFA approved his switch to represent India at the senior level. His inclusion follows the completion of necessary paperwork, which allowed him to join the team for the match. Williams had previously participated in the preparatory camp for the Bangladesh qualifier but was not selected due to pending administrative procedures. Born in Perth, Australia, in 1993, Williams began his professional career in England with Portsmouth FC in 2010. He made his senior debut for the club a year later against Middlesbrough FC and later played for Fulham FC and Barnsley FC. At the international level, he represented Australia in youth tournaments, including the AFC U-19 Championship in 2012 and the FIFA U-20 World Cup in 2013. His only senior appearance for Australia came in a 2019 friendly against South Korea, which was a non-competitive match. This allowed him to switch allegiance under FIFA rules, as he gave up his Australian passport last year to be eligible for India. Williams, whose mother is from an Anglo-Indian family in Mumbai, will become the second foreign-born player of Indian origin to represent the country after Arata Izumi, who played for India between 2013 and 2014. Currently with Bengaluru FC in the Indian Super League (ISL), he is set to join the Indian squad for the qualifier. India, already out of contention for qualification, aims to end their campaign on a positive note by combining experienced players with younger talents. The Indian team began their camp in Kochi on Tuesday, with 20 players and staff assembling.#india #kochi #bengaluru_fc #ryan_williams #afc_asian_cup_2027

The Indian National Congress party has finalized its list of candidates for contested assembly constituencies, with key decisions emerging from a marathon meeting held in Kochi. The party's high command, led by President Mallikarjun Kharge, resolved to avoid allowing MPs to contest in the upcoming elections, a stance that led to the resignation of K. Sudhakaran, a senior leader who had previously pushed for such a move. This decision was formalized during a critical meeting at Kharge's residence, which concluded at 2:15 PM. Notable candidates include T. T. Mohan in Kozhikode, Satish Kochu in Kondotty, and Shabari Nath in Nematth. Other selections include Abhin Varki in Aranmula, Sudhir Shah Palot in Vamanapuram, N. Shaktan in Neyyattinkara, Madhu in Ranjith, Roy K. Paulos in Ittikkurich, and Natesh in Ettumanoor. The second phase of the ticket list is set to be announced at 10 AM. The party also confirmed that five constituencies remain contested, with disputes ongoing in Udumalpet, Kottayam, and Chayamangalath. Meanwhile, the Congress's decision to exclude MPs from contesting has been met with resistance, particularly from Sudhakaran, whose efforts to push for their inclusion were thwarted. Party leaders, including Kerala Pradesh Congress Committee (KPCC) president Sunny Joseph and opposition leader V. D. Satheesh, emphasized that the final decisions on contested seats were left to the high command. Satheesh also assured that the list would be finalized today, alleviating concerns for candidates who did not secure tickets. The meeting marked a pivotal moment in the party's strategy for the upcoming elections, balancing internal dynamics with electoral considerations.#kochi #indian_national_congress #mallikarjun_kharge #kerala_pradesh_congress_committee #sudhakaran

Congress Denies Assembly Ticket to K. Sudhakaran, TO Mohanan to Contest from Kannur The Congress High Command has denied an Assembly election ticket to K. Sudhakaran, an MP from Kannur, and instead opted for TO Mohanan to contest from the constituency. The party’s decision to field only non-MPs for Assembly elections was reaffirmed, despite Sudhakaran’s recent protests against the move. The High Command emphasized that this approach aims to maintain focus on grassroots mobilization and prevent internal divisions, though it acknowledged that Sudhakaran’s dissent might have dampened worker enthusiasm. Mohammed Shiyas is expected to contest from Kochi, while Mallikarjun Kharge will finalize the candidate for Perumbavoor. Other confirmed candidates include Sudeep Suresh for Vamanapuram, N. Shaktan for Neyyattinkara, Shabari Nath for Nettathope, Abhin Varki for Aranmula, Madhu Puzhakulam for Ranjith, Roy K. Paulos for Ittekki, and Nattakam Suresh for Ettumanoor. The party’s second-phase candidate list for the Assembly elections was announced, with some constituencies still pending final decisions. Notably, K. Rajeshwaran is set to contest from Aranmula, while the selection for M. Thiru Ramesh’s constituency remains unresolved. The Congress is also considering candidates for the Mangaluru constituency, though the impact of this choice on voter sentiment remains unclear. The decision to exclude sitting MPs from the Assembly race reflects the party’s strategy to prioritize local leaders and address regional concerns. However, the move has sparked debates about balancing institutional continuity with fresh representation. As the election campaign gains momentum, the Congress will need to navigate these dynamics to consolidate its support base.#kochi #kannur #k_sudhakaran #congress_high_command #to_mohanan

Matsya Shakthi project aims to transform coastal minority communities Union minister of state for fisheries, animal husbandry & dairying and minority affairs George Kurian inaugurated a training-cum-awareness programme under the Matsya Shakthi project in Kochi on Wednesday. The initiative, aimed at empowering coastal minority communities, focuses on skill development, leadership training, and fisheries-based livelihood technologies. Kurian highlighted the project’s role in fostering inclusive growth and sustainable livelihoods for fisher communities. The programme is implemented through the Pradhan Mantri Virasat Ka Samvardhan (PM VIKAS) scheme of India’s ministry of minority affairs. Kurian stated that the project targets 690 beneficiaries, making it one of the largest capacity-building efforts for minority fisher communities in Thiruvananthapuram. During the inauguration, he presented certificates to participants who completed Phase I of the training. Under the project, 90 participants are undergoing a 40-day course to become fishery hatchery production workers. The training covers topics such as broodstock management, artificial breeding, larval rearing, feed and water quality management, hatchery hygiene, and biosecurity. Another 180 beneficiaries are being trained in cage culture fish farming, with a focus on sustainable mariculture practices. In addition, 420 women will receive exclusive leadership development training. The programme includes modules on communication skills, financial literacy, entrepreneurship, awareness of government schemes, and collective action. Kurian emphasized the importance of empowering women to emerge as entrepreneurs and community leaders.#thiruvananthapuram #matsya_shakthi_project #george_kurian #pradhan_mantri_vikas #kochi