Prithviraj Sukumaran Reflects on Collaborations with Mohanlal and Mammootty, Hints at Khalifa 2's Legacy Actor Prithviraj Sukumaran recently opened up about his long-standing professional and personal relationships with veteran stars Mohanlal and Mammootty, describing them as mentors and family figures. During an interview on Jio Hotstar’s special talk show Khalifayude Onavirunnu, hosted by Chef Pillai, Sukumaran emphasized the unique bond he shares with both actors, highlighting their roles in shaping his career and the cultural significance of their collaborations. Sukumaran, who starred alongside Mohanlal in the 2025 action film Khalifa, recounted how their partnership extended beyond the screen. He noted that Mohanlal, whom he refers to as an "elder brother," and Mammootty, whom he calls a "father figure," have been part of his life since childhood. "Mohanlal is the actor I’ve spent the most time with in the industry," Sukumaran said, adding that their connection began through his parents, who were close to both actors. He also mentioned spending time with Mammootty’s family, including actor Dulquer Salmaan and his daughter Surumi, which deepened their personal ties. The actor described Mohanlal’s character, Mambarakkal Ahmed Ali, as a central figure in Khalifa and its upcoming sequel, Khalifa 2: The Legacy. While Mohanlal’s cameo in the first film was brief, his role as the grandfather of Sukumaran’s character, Aamir Ali, became a focal point of the story. Sukumaran praised Mohanlal’s performance, calling it a reflection of their real-life chemistry. "Bro Daddy is the film that best captures the real-life bond between Mohanlal and me," he remarked. The sequel, Khalifa 2, is set to expand on Ahmed Ali’s legacy, with Mohanlal playing the protagonist.#khalifa #prithviraj_sukumaran #mohanlal #mammootty #khalifa_2
The Malayalam film Rappakal (2001), directed by Shyamaprasad, initially garnered critical acclaim and commercial success for its exploration of family dynamics, social hierarchies, and the complexities of human relationships. However, over time, it has become a subject of intense online criticism and trolling, reflecting shifting societal values and the evolving role of social media in shaping public perception. Here's a breakdown of its journey and the factors contributing to its polarized reception: Initial Success and Themes Commercial and Critical Reception: The film was praised for its nuanced portrayal of a servant (played by Mammootty) navigating the complexities of a traditional household. Its themes of loyalty, moral dilemmas, and the tension between personal ethics and societal expectations resonated with audiences. Cultural Context: As a Malayalam film, it addressed issues relevant to Kerala's social fabric, such as caste dynamics, family traditions, and the role of servants in a patriarchal society. Its storytelling and performances were lauded for their authenticity. Shift in Public Perception Criticism Over Time: Decades later, the film faced backlash for its portrayal of the protagonist, Krishnan, as overly passive and naive. Modern audiences, influenced by progressive values, found his character outdated, as it perpetuated stereotypes about servants being subservient and lacking agency. Social Media Amplification: The film became a target for online trolling, with critics mocking its narrative as clichéd or overly sentimental. Some users even altered Wikipedia entries to reflect negative opinions, highlighting the power of digital platforms in reshaping historical critiques.#kerala #wikipedia #mammootty #rappakal #shyamaprasad
Vijay Amritraj, Mammootty, Rohit Sharma, Alka Yagnik take home Padma awards President Droupadi Murmu presented the second set of 65 Padma awards at the Rashtrapati Bhavan on June 23, 2026, honoring individuals across diverse fields for their exceptional contributions. The ceremony, held at the Ganatantra Mandap, marked the continuation of the annual civil investiture event, following the first ceremony on May 25, which had awarded 66 of the 131 total Padma awards announced on Republic Day. The awards, which include the Padma Vibhushan, Padma Bhushan, and Padma Shri, recognize outstanding achievements in art, science, public affairs, sports, and other disciplines. Among the recipients were tennis legend Vijay Amritraj, actor Mammootty, cricketer Rohit Sharma, and playback singer Alka Yagnik, who were honored with the Padma Bhushan. Sharma, who led India to victory in the 2025 T-20 World Cup, received the award for his sports contributions, while Yagnik was recognized for her work in the music industry. Amritraj, a former Wimbledon champion, and Mammootty, a veteran Malayalam actor, were also celebrated for their respective fields. The Padma Vibhushan, the highest civilian honor, was conferred on former Supreme Court judge K. T. Thomas for his work in public affairs and on Malayalam journalist P. Narayanan for his contributions to literature and education. Additionally, American oncologist Dattatreyudu Nori and industrialist S.K.M. Maeilanandhan were awarded the Padma Bhushan, as were social worker Vellappally Natesan and Rupi Soren, who received the honor on behalf of her late husband, Jharkhand Mukti Morcha founder Shibu Soren.#droupadi_murmu #rohit_sharma #vijay_amritraj #mammootty #alka_yagnik
Om: Dhanush-Rajkumar Periasamy film gets a title and release date 19 Jun 2026, 3:06 am The makers of the upcoming film starring Dhanush and directed by Rajkumar Periasamy announced its title and release date earlier this week. Previously known as D55, the film has been renamed Om and is set for an October 16, 2026, theatrical release. The announcement was made on June 19, 2026, marking a key milestone in the production. The film features Dhanush, Sai Pallavi, and Mammootty in pivotal roles. Sai Pallavi, who made her Tamil debut in the 2026 film Parasakthi, joins the project as part of her growing presence in the industry. Mammootty, a veteran actor, is set to return to Tamil cinema after his 2018 film Peranbu, adding anticipation for his performance. The cast also includes Sreeleela, Indrans, and other notable actors. Rajkumar Periasamy, known for his critically acclaimed work on Amaran, which starred Sivakarthikeyan as Major Mukund Varadarajan, a character posthumously honored with the Ashoka Chakra, is returning to collaborate with Sai Pallavi. This marks their reunion after their roles in Amaran, where Sai Pallavi portrayed Major Mukund's wife, Indhu Rebecca Varghese. Dhanush, meanwhile, is set to reunite with Sai Pallavi after their collaboration in Maari 2. The film is produced by Dhanush under his Wunderbar Films banner alongside Shraddha Agrawal of R Take Studios. The technical team includes composer Sai Abhyankkar, cinematographer Ezhil Arasu, editor Kalaivanan, choreographer Sandy, and stunt director Yannick Ben. While specific plot details remain undisclosed, the recently released promo features burning vehicles, protesters, stock market visuals, and a dramatic sequence of Indian currency notes raining from the sky.#sai_pallavi #dhanush #mammootty #rajkumar_periasamy #wunderbar_films
ZEE5 Unveils New Thriller Lineup: Karishma Kapoor's 'Karak Police' and More ZEE5 has launched an exciting lineup of suspenseful and thrilling content to entertain audiences over the weekend. The platform’s latest additions include a dark-thriller series starring Karishma Kapoor, a political action-thriller featuring Mammootty and Mohanlal, and a horror-mystery series that promises to keep viewers on edge. These titles are designed to deliver high-stakes storytelling, intricate plots, and gripping performances. Brown (Brown) This psychological crime thriller follows a police detective, Rita Brown, as she investigates a high-profile murder case involving a wealthy family. Rita struggles with personal demons, including alcohol addiction and trauma, while uncovering a web of corruption and hidden truths in the city. Karishma Kapoor delivers a powerful performance as the exhausted yet determined officer, supported by a stellar cast including Surya Sharma, Sony Rajdhan, Jishnu Sen Gupta, and Helen. Patriot (Patriot) A political espionage and sci-fi action thriller, Patriot explores the dangers of an invasive surveillance technology and the political conspiracy behind it. The story centers on a former defense research wing officer and a retired colonel who team up to expose a global surveillance system. The film features the rare pairing of Mammootty and Mohanlal, along with Fahad Fazil and Kunchacko Boban, and is directed by Mahesh Narayanan. KD: The Devil (KD: The Devil) This crime thriller follows a man trapped in a bizarre and dangerous situation, exploring themes of suspense, crime, and human relationships. The series delves into the protagonist’s struggle to survive while navigating a system that threatens his identity and existence.#zee5 #mohanlal #karishma_kapoor #mammootty #fahad_fazil
