Kochi Film-Entertainment-Media Industry

[mohammedirshad06]

So after Trade center, next is Channel

Alleging negligence on the part of the visual media towards the business sector in the state, the Kerala Chamber of Commerce and Industry (KCCI) will launch its own business news channel in English. The channel is expected to go on air after Onam this year.

According to KCCI chairman K N Marzook, the visual media in Kerala were not giving any importance to the happenings in the business sector. “While every newspaper has allotted one or more pages for business and commerce, the visual media is ignoring it. This prompted us to think of a business news channel, promoted by the business community itself,” Marzook said.

He said that the channel would start functioning after the inauguration of the Kerala Trade Centre at Marine Drive. The Trade Centre will be inaugurated by President Pratibha Patil on August 17, the first day of Chingam.

The name of the chamber and its logo will be used for the channel too. Marzook said that the chamber was also thinking of acquiring an existing channel and rechristening it. “We are holding discussions with the authorities of certain channels but nothing has been finalised yet,” Marzook said. However, he refused to reveal further details related to the acquisition.

Perhaps a good initiative. Infact, Kerala, requires a strong 24x7 Business cum lifestyle channel, to break the notion among outsiders that Kerala is not meant for business.......

Since KCCI is a Cochin based organization and the city being Business Capital of Kerala, such a service shall be likely from Kochi. If it can relay stock movements like NDTV Profit etc, with a mega screen at Cochin Stock Exchange as well as in Marine Drive, it indirectly promotes the business friendliness of the state and city.....

[Malayaali]

Roshan Andrews, Prithviraj team's 'Mumbai Police' to shoot in Kochi

After Casanova, director Roshan Andrews is preparing for his next project Mumbai Police, with Prithviraj in the lead. Prithviraj dons the role of a police officer named Antony Moses.

Mumbai Police is a family entertainer with a realistic take on police officials. In most films, the police officers are shown as being outspoken and bold. However, the depiction of the police in the film will be very different.

Director Roshan Andrews dedicates this movie to the police department. Though it was earlier decided that the film Mumbai Police will be shot in Mumbai, technical difficulties forced the makers to shift the shoot locations to Hyderabad and Kochi.

Roshan is in search of three new faces that must be attractive, vibrant and modern. Santhosh Varma has penned the lyrics and music has scored by Gopi Sunder. Shooting for Mumbai Police will begin in June.

[vjkrishn]

Originally Posted by mohammedirshad06

So after Trade center, next is Channel

KCCI to set up 30-cr biz news channel

The Kerala Chamber of Commerce and Industry (Kwill spend Rs 30 crore to set up a business television channel, said KCCI Chairman K N Marzook. The channel is expected to be launched in September following the inauguration of Kerala Trade Centre, the chamber's new building, on August 17 by President Pratibha Patil. "We will tap funding from non-resident Indians (NRIs) in the US, UK, Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates. Our overseas division, headed by N M Sharafuddin, MD of Omega Travel and Tourist Agency, will be in charge of fundraising for the channel," Marzook said.

The new channel will be called 'KCCI', which will use the logo of the organization and operate out of the upcoming Kerala Trade Centre on Marine Drive. "The channel will function as an independent organization; we are in talks with three Mumbai-based companies to manage the channel for KCCI," Marzook said. Finding ad revenue for the new channel wouldn't be a problem, Marzook said.

"It is the members of KCCI who support the existing television channels with advertisements. Further, we just need our channel to be run on a no-loss-no-profit basis," he said. "We have prospects of getting advertisements from multinational companies as one or two teleshopping brands have also evinced interest," he said.

Kochi-based KCCI has a direct membership of 3,500 businessmen and industrialists across the state. This apart, it has 36 associated bodies, and the total indirect membership is expected to touch around one lakh. "Kerala has close to two dozen television channels. By the end of 2012, a few more channels will be added to this cacophony," observed Dominic Savio, vice-president and head of advertising firm Mudra Communications Kerala. "General entertainment channels and news channels dominate the category, and together account for 50% of the total channels. Surprisingly, we have more channels devoted to religion than movie or music channels. This is something advertisers should take note of. The proliferation of channels and stiff competition has made existing channels invest in better programs because what sells today are programs and not channels. This will probably encourage more channels to come in," he added.

[mohammedirshad06]

Another suburban theatre getting hitech.

V Cinema in Koothathukulam opened yesterday with completely redone to any top class theatre









When will the so-called A Class theatres like Sarita, Shenoys etc learn from these small theatres? Atleast Kavitha have replaced the old torn seats, though they didn't change anything to modern service levels.......

[The Adventurer]

Saritha Savitha Sangeetha is probably the most screwed up Cinema in town. They dont even have a working online booking facility. Not to mention the rats, Cleanliness and an attitude that gives you murderous tendencies!
Kavitha and Shenoys havent shown any movie worth watching in a long time so i dunno about their condition. But they dont have the attitude problem in the case of the former i reckon.

[vjkrishn]

Kochi to Host Miss Queen of India 2012

Kochi is all ready to welcome the next big beauty pageant. Miss Queen of India, a national level beauty contest bringing together beauty and talents from across the nation, is all set to happen on the 9th of March 2012 at Hotel Le Meridian. With 16 contestants from the North and South of India, Miss Queen of India will be an event where models and celebrities will come together. The event is organized by Pegasus and the main sponsors are Manappuram Group.

Auditions were held in Bangalore, Mumbai, Delhi, Calcutta etc. and the contestants are getting geared up to put forth a splendid show on the 9th of March. A blend of beauty and charisma, they are all set to take the crowd with their intelligent answers as well. And what exactly is at stake for the 16 contestants? The winning contestant gets to work with Sohan Roy in his upcoming English flick!

Kochi has undoubtedly marked its presence in the national fashion scene. And now this pageant just adds to it!

http://missqueenofindia.com/index.php

[vjkrishn]

Finally, Tollywood comes to Kochi

A city multiplex will soon see Ram Charan Teja, Chaitanya, Mahesh Babu and Rami Reddy in their super hit avtars. Rewriting Kochi's theatre definitions, the Telugu community in the city has launched a movie club and joined hands with Cinemax to screen Telugu movies for the 250-odd families here.

Members of the Andhra Cultural Association (ACA) who set up the movie club said the first screening is expected on March 25, though they are yet to decide on the film.

"We have no theatres in the city which screen Telugu movies and members of the community have to depend on DVD's to watch their favourite stars in action. The demand increased when IT professionals from Andhra started working in Kochi. For many years we have been raising this issue with theatre owners. Now Cinemax at Oberon mall has agreed to screen these movies," said S Sanjay, manager of Bharat Petroleum and member of ACA.

During the initial stages there will be only one show per month. "As per demand we will increase the number of screenings," said Sanjay.

ACA is spreading the word by email and sms. The response has been immense and if everything goes well, the first movie will be screened on March 25 after Ugadi, the New Year festival for Andhrites. T Vikram, managing director, Kerala state cooperative marketing federation, said the initiative would also bring community members closer.

"Members are able to meet only once in two months at the ACA community centre at Panampilly Nagar. The movie show will give them an opportunity to meet often, interact and bond, and thus strengthen relationship," Vikram said.

[Kochi Resident]

This is a great idea since Nucleas mall in Maradu does not have a multiplex. In my opinion an agreement should be there with Nucleas mall where the visitors to the mall can book the tickets at the mall and directly watch the movie at the multiplex after their shopping. It should be made like it is a part of the mall

Originally Posted by e_arunsid

Great stuff MI..I wonder how u get to know these things...

Good to see another multiplex coming up in Kochi..n its in marudu where there is serious shortage of good screens..

[Kochi Resident]

Koothatukulam cannot be considered a suburb of Kochi. Also Iam wondering whether it will be feasible since it is a small town which does not have much of a purchasing power.

Originally Posted by mohammedirshad06

Another suburban theatre getting hitech.

V Cinema in Koothathukulam opened yesterday with completely redone to any top class theatre









When will the so-called A Class theatres like Sarita, Shenoys etc learn from these small theatres? Atleast Kavitha have replaced the old torn seats, though they didn't change anything to modern service levels.......

[Malayaali]

i too feel Koothattukulam is little too far to be considered a suburb, even though lying in the same district.

But it's not a small town as you mentioned. It's a medium range town with adequate presence of high class who wish to outlay.

[DileepKS]

People here will gladly pay a bit extra for a better experience, even in small towns. It is to be noted that the incremental cost for a better facility and its maintenance is not too much.

The general quality of life here has grown explosively, but only TWO things didn't keep up. Line Buses and movie houses. We still have the same type of buses from 80s, and same movie houses. That is the height of 'chalta hai' attitude from a monopolistic industry.

[Kochi Resident]

Someone needs to give the idea for merging or connecting the new multiplex in Maradu with Nucleas mall since the theatre which will be closed is near to Nucleas mall and the mall does not have and will never have a multiplex. Hope it is not a bad idea

[Kochi Resident]

As far as I know people in Koothatukulam are rich rubber estate owners who can afford any price for a ticket. But not sure whether they will be movie buffs.

Originally Posted by DileepKS

People here will gladly pay a bit extra for a better experience, even in small towns. It is to be noted that the incremental cost for a better facility and its maintenance is not too much.

The general quality of life here has grown explosively, but only TWO things didn't keep up. Line Buses and movie houses. We still have the same type of buses from 80s, and same movie houses. That is the height of 'chalta hai' attitude from a monopolistic industry.

[e_arunsid]

Katrina to walk the ramp for KOCHI International Fashion Week

Mumbai: If the race is for the No. 1 Bollywood actress in the category hot and sizzling stars of the industry, Katrina Kaif wins hands down.

Following report is the testimony of that fact.

Believe it or not, but the very sensuous Kat has supposedly been offered Rs 1 crore to make her presence felt at an event in Kochi for 10 minutes!

Reports confirm that Katrina Kaif is expected to make a brief visit to Kochi to walk the ramp at an upcoming fashion do, to be held on March 25.

Talking to a daily, a source said, “Bollywood stars stand to gain a lot more than local actors. Stars from other south films manage to take home the next high amount.”

“Shreya Saran, Asin and Trisha get paid as much as `30 lakh for an appearance. Though, most often, an appearance will also include payment in kind - a gift from the place they are inaugurating”, the source added.

Among the male actors, Shah Rukh Khan commands a hefty sum which sources claim is close to Rs 2 crore to grace an event.

[mohammedirshad06]

Originally Posted by e_arunsid

Katrina to walk the ramp for KOCHI International Fashion Week

But Kochi Fashion Week is not on March, if my knowledge is right... Till now no promotions done, whereas last year, they used to do prior to 3 or 4 months before it.... Its hardly 2 weeks more.

I guess, it could be some other event, than KIFW 2012

[Arunz]

Originally Posted by e_arunsid

Katrina to walk the ramp for KOCHI International Fashion Week

kollallo !!

[Malayaali]

Originally Posted by vjkrishn

Kochi to Host Miss Queen of India 2012

Miss Queen of India to be held on 9th


cc: Manorama

[Malayaali]

Originally Posted by e_arunsid

Katrina to walk the ramp for KOCHI International Fashion Week

This is a hot news and is reported in all the main medias in the country!

[Malayaali]

Mammootty's 'Thappana' starts at Kochi

Mammootty, who is unpredictable in his order of preference of new projects has suddenly kicked off the shoot of his new movie with Johny Antony at Kochi. Titled as 'Thappana', this new movie is scripted by M.Sindhuraj. Produced by Milan Jaleel under the banner of Galaxy films, the pooja of the movie held a couple of days ago was immediately followed with the actual shoot. Charmi and Murali Gopy are also in the cast of this humorous action thriller.

Johny Antony-Mammootty and Milan Jaleel were part of the big hit 'Thuruppughulan' which came out few years ago.

[Malayaali]

'Husbands in Goa', in Kochi

Leena Maria will play a woman who distracts the
husbands in the comedy flick Husbands in Goa.

Saji Surendran’s Husbands In Goa is sure to be a comic caper going by the stills.

Starring the youth brigade of Rima, Remya, Bhama, Indrajith, Asif and Jayasurya as the couples, the shooting is progressing in Kochi.

The film will now see the entry of model Leena Maria as the girl who distracts the husbands.

The story involves a train journey from Kochi to Goa during which the husbands run into Leena.

It is similar to the role played by Rima in Happy Husbands and may well prove to be a good break for her.