More stars migrating to Mollywood!
It sure looks like Malayalam cinema is in vogue with the film fraternity across all languages. Several young actors, established superstars as well as veterans are making a rendezvous with Malayalam films, an industry which is well-known for its artistic films, subtle story lines, intelligent comedies and brilliant performances. A look at some of the recent entrants:
It doesn't get bigger than him in Indian cinema. Amitabh Bachchan, the face of Indian films across the globe, is making his debut in God's own country with Kandahar. He will be sharing screen space with Mohanlal in this Kandahar hijack-inspired Major Ravi movie.
In the same movie, upcoming actor Ganesh Venkatraman also makes his debut in Malayalam with an important role. Ganesh has entered the big league with his first movie Abhiyum Naanum (Tamil). He acted with Mohanlal and Kamal Haasan in Unnaipol Oruvan and now, he plays Big B's son in Kandahar.
Kamal too is returning to Malayalam after 23 years in Four Friends (directed by Saji Surendran) in which he will make a cameo appearance. Four Friends stars his good friend Jayaram with whom he has appeared in the classic comedies Thenali and Panchthanthiram.
Another actor who is returning to Malayalam is Vikram. He will start work on Roshan Andrews' film some time next year. Vikram has acted in about 10 Malayalam films and is one of the most loved Kollywood actors in Kerala. To reciprocate the love of his Malayalee fans, he would be doing this new movie for free!
With so many men in the fray, can the women be left out?
Sexy siren Namitha made her debut in Malayalam in the recent past with Black Stallion which did resonably well at the box office.
Nayantara started her acting career with Malayalam but moved on to Tamil and Telugu movies and returned to her home turf with a dance number in Twenty:20. She followed it up with the lead role in Bodyguard with Dileep and is now working on Shyamaprasad's Electra. Manisha Koirala, who is returning to cinema after quite some time, is also making her debut in Mollywood with Electra as Nayantara's mother.
Shriya made her Malayalam debut this year with the hit film Pokkiri Raja starring Mammootty and Prithviraj.
It is good to see so many talented actors becoming a part of Malayalam films. Hopefully there will be many more such entrants creating better films with their cross-cultural pollination.
