Kochi Film-Entertainment-Media Industry

[mohammedirshad06]

Another happy news for Kochi cinema goers.... One of Kochi's largest theater group- Sarita-Savita-Sangeetha theaters are soon going into multiplex mode.

I had from a reliable source that Sarita Theatre is planned to be separated into two theaters with complete revamp of its interiors soon after Christmas seasons.

Once Saritha renovation is complete, the renovation of Savitha and Sangeetha happens. They are also planning to open a food court soon.

[Malayaali]

Mutiplex will demand Multi-level parking there.

[mohammedirshad06]

Originally Posted by Malayaali

Mutiplex will demand Multi-level parking there.

Actually, they should go for a complete reconstruction, than a revamp.

They have enough space to design an urban entertainment center, with 2 or 3 storied car park. Internal renovations, won't solve the parking crisis.... Its too terrible, soon after a show gets over, making Banerjee road into traffic congestion..... In current structure, they cannot go for a car park.....

[DileepKS]

Yes, they should tear down the structure and rebuild. But they are not gonna!!

The problem is worsened by people just stopping on banerji road, waiting to enter the parking lot after the cars of the current show to leave.

[Malayaali]

"Beautiful" @ Kochi

It is a busy day at the location of director V.K. Prakash's ‘Beautiful,' at a water-front villa in Palluruthy, Kochi. As the unit prepares to shoot in one of the villa's rooms, clouds begin to darken outside, and, soon, it starts pouring. A virtual mayhem follows as the crew suddenly shifts to can the pitter-patter of raindrops.

FEEL-GOOD FILM

“‘Beautiful' is a feel-good film and I am treading on a new track, one that is different from my recent films,” says Prakash, who made the slapstick comedy ‘Three Kings,' and is awaiting the release of ‘Karmayogi,' based on Shakespeare's ‘Hamlet.'

‘Beautiful' has Jayasurya, Anoop Menon, and Meghna Raj in the lead. “The storyline took shape within a few hours, while I was chatting with Jayasurya and Anoop. It is a story of friendship, on how one guy turns his life around for the other and vice versa. It is also a love story,” says Prakash, as he watches the rehearsal for a song, which shows the three lead actors sitting in a corner and enjoying the rain.

“Stephen Louis (Jayasurya) is a paraplegic, who is full of life and has a smile on his face always. The wealthy Louis has no qualms in admitting that he is happy with his affluent lifestyle. Then there is John (Anoop Menon), a 34-year-old musician who is worried about his future. The two characters who are asymmetrical in nature share a deep friendship. However, a home nurse named Anjali (Meghna Raj) comes in between them and the dynamics of their relationship change,” says Anoop Menon, who is also the movie's scenarist and lyricist.

Jayasurya says that his character, Stephen Louis, celebrates life to the fullest. “Usually we come across people who tend to rue their disability. Stephen can only move his head and yet makes an instant impression with his positive attitude,” exlains Jayasurya.

Meghna Raj, who made her debut in Malayalam in Vinayan's ‘Yakshiyum Njanum,' and had a brief role in Shaji Kailas' ‘August 15,' says her character plays an important role in the film.

‘Beautiful' has been produced by Anand Kumar under the banner of Yes Cinema Company.

Jomon T. John is the cinematographer for ‘Beautiful' and music for the movie is by Ratheesh Vegha. Still photographer is Ajith V. Shankar.

The Hindu

[mohammedirshad06]

I happened to see the Malayalam Movie Pranayam yesterday. A typical Blessy movie, with superb performances of Mohanlal, Jayaprada and Anupam Kher

But what enthralled me the most superb shots of Fort Kochi and the beach wall was superbly shot. Infact the essence of romance is translated thro' sea-facing decks of Fort Kochi, with emphasis of mood of waves translated in every frames.

Perhaps, I would say, this year saw 3 main movies where Kochi had a strong character-like presence. While Arjuna Sakshi and Chappa Kurishu have a strong stamp of Urban Kochi, Pranayam gives the traditional laid-back colonial Kochi filled air of romance and nostalgia.

Still, one can see the stamp of urbansphere in tit n bits when the director digs on gossip culture of community living, even at some of the ultra posh apartment complexes or showcasing modern casual urban teen love etc.

Perhaps, no one have recently shot Fort Kochi, in such a romantic ways. For past couple of years, Fort Kochi has been depicted in movies as hub of goons, drug trade, slums with red street, center for Muslim terrorism and stuff like that.

Perhaps, most of the directors forgotten the fact Fort Kochi had centuries of romanticism culture. Perhaps it would be bit irony of history, a large part of Romantic shots were shot in front of Old lighthouse Bristow House, a historic house, which was once filled with envying romantic life of Robert and Lady Bristow, retold in many local tales.

[mohammedirshad06]

Just 8 more days for the much awaited beauty pageant in Kerala!! With 22 contestants across the globe, who are here to showcase their talents and smartness on stage, the show is going to be one of its kind. The D-day will host the best of performances. So, our young women are preparing for the 8th of October. Yes, with the ice-breaking sessions that were held on the 30th of September, contestants for Miss Kerala 2011 are all set to catch the limelight.



The grooming sessions were started off by Murali Menon. This actor and dramatist have proved his talents through umpteen movies and plays in which he did pioneer roles. Truly a talented soul, Murali Menon will acquaint the ladies with the basics of the grooming sessions. There is so much to explore and know about. Our contestants are in the best hands, and let us wish them all the good luck before entering the final stage on the 8th of October. The world awaits you out there, so prepare for it!

Message courtesy:- Kochivibe

[mohammedirshad06]

After success of Kochi International Fashion Week, Cochin is going to host another world-class fashion expo/week. Indian Bridal Week- 2011 Kochi, will be hosted in November, showcasing Bridal collections of leading designers all over India, highlighting the essence of Indian Bridal essence





The Original date was proposed in Oct third week, which was changed for making it more grand with immense promotions and Brand ambassadors.

Some of the celebrity designers who are planned to showcase their collections are Mir Mussafir Ali, Shahbaz Durazi, Sumeet Verma, Shivani Tijouri, Subharna Ray Choudhari, Sanjay Choraria, Rehanne, Hari Anand, Vikram Phadnis, Rocky S, Narendra Kumar.

IFL Bridal India 2011 celebrates the most auspicious occasion in India – the wedding. Weddings today are easily the most extravagant occasion in India. In today's scenario a wedding has become a lifestyle statement for the rich and famous and with the increase in expenditure in weddings, bridal wear today is the most profitable segment in fashion. We aim to tap this segment while helping the consumer to get the most out of our talented designers and lifestyle products available in the country. IFL Bridal India 2011 will be showcasing upcoming fashion trends in the bridal industry through numerous fashion shows. The entire event would stretch across a period of 3 glorious days, at the expanse of an exotic venue in the heart of Cochin (Kerala).

http://bridalindia.co/

[e_arunsid]

Sounds great..But the location SUX..

[mohammedirshad06]

The new dates for November 24th 2011 to November 26th 2011 at Gokulam Convention Center.

[mohammedirshad06]

Originally Posted by e_arunsid

Sounds great..But the location SUX..

???Why? Gokulam Convention Center is really a state-of-the-art Convention center with immense facilities. Now with Manapattyparambu cleared, there won't be anymore slums nearby. The location is almost center of the city.

[e_arunsid]

Originally Posted by mohammedirshad06

???Why? Gokulam Convention Center is really a state-of-the-art Convention center with immense facilities. Now with Manapattyparambu cleared, there won't be anymore slums nearby. The location is almost center of the city.

I know Gokulam Convention centre is second only to Le Meredien..But its in KALOOR..Its chocked there..I would have preferred some other place..definitely not City Centre

[mohammedirshad06]

Event Overview



Bridal India 2011 is a high end fashion runway which targets the crème de la crème of Kerala

Exclusive - 6000 - VVIPs & VIP - Event

15,000 - Public Foot Fall – Expo Area

South Indian Cinema Celebrity's

Bollywood Celebrity's

IFL - Connect with your market, collaborate with your associates, boost your bottom line, make new contacts, tune in to the hottest and the latest trends in the fashion and textile industry, retail and point-of-sales, and chill out with some of the hottest models ramping up the glam quotient At BRIDAL INDIA 2011



Expo Area

Bridal India 2011 is a high end expo which targets the crème de la crème of Kerala.

The 3 days Expo covers Bridal wear, Fashion wear, Semiformal, Jewellery (gold n silver), Trousseau packing accessories, Wedding cards & lifestyle products...

Our Expo captures the best of fashion industry.

[mohammedirshad06]

Originally Posted by e_arunsid

I know Gokulam Convention centre is second only to Le Meredien..But its in KALOOR..Its chocked there..I would have preferred some other place..definitely not City Centre

True, traffic is an issue!!! But venue is excellent!!

[Malayaali]

Pattanam Designory inaugurated

The inauguration of the first Academy for Make-up and Fashion in the state, Pattanam Designory, an initiative of make-up artiste Pattanam Rasheed, was held in Kochi on Sunday.
Inaugurating the academy K J Yesudas said that the academy for the fashion and make-up was a novel initiative in the field of cinema art. With young talents coming up in the film industry, the academy will earn a good reputation. He added that it will be a great success as no similar academies are present in the state.
Hibi Eden, MLA said that the academy would be an ideal investment for cinema in the future. The academy is beneficial for many students who rely on institutes in other states, he added. Actor Salim Kumar, scriptwriter J Pallassery, Pattanam Rasheed, Lalithakala Academy secretary Sreemoola Nagaram Vijayan, film producer and actor Salim Bhawan, P Rajeev MP, Kalamandalam Kshemavathi, make-up artiste of ‘Slumdog Millionaire’ Virginia Holmes, national award-winning make-up artiste Vikram Gaikwad and Bollywood make-up artiste Nahul Pise were present at the function. As part of the academy launch, a two-day workshop on make up art was held from Friday.

IBN

[mohammedirshad06]

Kochi has been the favourite fashion hot-spot in the state. We have hosted the best of beauty pageants and fashion shows. But Kochi has never been able to boast of an exclusive fashion school that would help Kochi elate her status to a complete fashion hub. But this dream is not distant anymore. Thanks to the JD Institute of Fashion & Technology. Kochi will be soon hosting a fashion school!

JD Institute of Fashion Technology was setup in the year 1988 with a vision to produce highly talented and professional designers, to cater to the manpower required for the fashion explosion of the coming millennium. The vision has now materialised into a chain of 30 state-of-the-art Colleges all over India, imparting education and the much needed industry exposure to smitten fashion enthusiasts!

JD chose Panampilly Nagar in Kochi due to its reputation as the hub for fashion and lifestyle in Kerala. It has setup a sprawling 6000 sqft wi-fi campus with state-of-the-art facilities. An industrial machine lab, flawlessly equipped resource centre, multimedia lab, pattern lab, plasma screens and projectors are just a few of the world class facilities provided for at ‘JD Fashion Villa’. The faculty and fraternity are the best in the field and will facilitate in providing an in-depth mentoring through innovative teaching methods, field exposure and workshops.

JD Institute of Fashion Technology in collaboration with the KUVEMPU University of Shimoga, Karnataka is offering Degrees in Fashion Design and Interior Design, scheduled to commence from June 2012. The best part is, admissions are already open for the courses!! Here it goes: 1year Diploma in Fashion Design, 1year Diploma in Interior Design, Diploma in Jewellery Design (6 months), and Diploma in Fashion Photography (3 months).

JD is about to take the Kochi market by storm! Come 15th October 2011, and a grand Design Show will announce their arrival, where models from across the nation will sizzle the ramp carrying the JD Designers’ stunning collections at hotel Le Meridian, Kochi.

Thus the arrival of this National Brand will put Kochi in India’s fashion map as ‘the’ destination for the student fraternity down south, to take up and experience World class Fashion and Lifestyle Education.

For more details contact:
e-mail: cochinjd@gmail.com
phone: 0484-4038000
08129459966

[mohammedirshad06]

Even the dazzling lights at the Dreams Hotel could not compare with the glowing beauty of the 20 contestants at press meet for the Hairomax Miss Kerala 2011, held in Hotel Dreams.

A beauty contest always throws up a question! Is it beauty over brains or vice versa? The upcoming Miss Kerala contest is seen as a public platform where contestants can showcase both their physical as well as their mental attributes in front of an elite panel of judges.

The contest can also be viewed as a means to fine tune the personal and mental attributes of a contestant through their pre contest grooming and fitness sessions.

The Hairomax Miss Kerala 2011 is also doing its bit for society by tying up with the Save the Girl Child programme.

All 20 contestants belong to various parts of the State with a few flying in from Dubai. They have a common aim — that of showcasing the traditional Keralite woman who is modern yet traditional in her values.

19-year-old Justina Mathew is the youngest of the bunch and the baby of the group. She is pursuing a diploma in aviation in Pathanamthitta.

Though young in years, she has already done an advertisement for Kalyan Silks and has received three film offers which she had to reject because of parental opposition.

She says, “This platform is a way to indulge my passion for fashion and also help me become more confident.’’ Justina also loves dancing, singing and public speaking.

Petite Shikha Santhosh , who is pursuing her BDS in Calicut, reveals that her urge to be in the spotlight was the driving factor behind her entering the contest.

Shikha loves dancing, music and reading and would not mind entering films if given a chance.

When asked whether beauty or brains should be the paramount criterion in judging the winner, she replies, “I believe that it should be a blend of both and I am confident that I have both the beauty and the brains to be part of this contest.’’

Though some of the contestants nurse ambitions of using the platform as a launch pad to their tinsel town chances, they would not compromise their studies to do so.

Serene and articulate 19-year-old Elizabeth Thadikkaran is pursuing a dental science course in Kochi. She is not new to beauty pageants having been crowned Navy Queen 2010.

She explains the reason why she entered the contest, “Each contest teaches us something new. This contest will be a reminder of my earlier learning. I am proud to be a true Malayali and want to showcase Kerala to the world by participating in the Miss South India and the Miss India pageants.’’

A national silver medallist in swimming, she loves public speaking and dancing. Pretty Richa Sudheer is pursuing her B.Tech from BITS Pilani, Dubai and reveals that the Miss Kerala contest has always been a dream which was why she went for the audition in Dubai.

She says, “The grooming sessions have taught me a lot about poise and posture and this contest will bring me one step closer to the Miss India title which is my ultimate dream.’’ She loves dancing and cooking.

The finals will include sari, party wear and a gown rounds with top notch personalities involved in the training and grooming.

http://www.deccanchronicle.com/tablo...eted-tiara-241

[Malayaali]

From Liverpool to Kochi

Making a film debut alongside two mega stars is not an opportunity that everyone comes by. And Priyaa Lal was lucky enough to get just that!



The actor, who impressed many with her debut in Janakan starring Mohanlal and Suresh Gopi, is back to where she wants to build a career - movies.

In her kitty are UK Productions multilingual project Kunthapura, a period film set against the backdrop of the 1920s, and Thulasidas' Killadiraman. "I have just finished filming for Killadi Raman, which is now in its post-production stage. It is a comedy film where I play the role of Radhika. The storyline revolves around what happens to this character. Right now, I'm shooting in the UK for Kunthapura, where I play Vasundhara Devi, a bold woman from the Mysore royal family who studies archaeology in the UK. There are 21 British actors in this film besides Charu Hassan. A few more projects are under discussion," says the Liverpool-based actor. "Now that I've completed my course in media and production, I will be part of the Malayalam film industry more often," she adds.

It was after the overwhelming response she got for her role in Janakan that Priyaa decided to explore filmmaking. "I enrolled for my course in Liverpool, where my family is settled down, to study cinema in greater detail. I lost many offers due to my stay abroad, but studies were a priority. I was lucky to have been introduced to filmdom through a song, Olichurunne, which went on to win the Kerala State Award."

And now that she is full-on into acting, Priya means serious business. "Although my family is based out of Liverpool, we recently bought a flat in Kochi, where we hope to shift to soon," she says. She is also considering doing films in other languages. "Language is no barrier as long as I get to experience and be part of good films and different cultures."

TOI

[mohammedirshad06]

MISS KERALA 2011 @Kochi

[mohammedirshad06]

Film director Lal Jose's ‘Spanish Masala' has an interesting blend of several ingredients to attract cine goers.



Dileep's fans hover around the massive gates of the Old Lighthouse Bristow Hotel on Beach Road, Fort Kochi, for he is in his caravan, getting ready with the make-up for the next shot of ‘Spanish Masala,' directed by Lal Jose. When he alights from the caravan, in a white chef's attire, they are happy just accompanying him till the gate, whilst he makes small talk with them.

Elsewhere, on the first floor of the hotel, a bedroom scene is ready to be shot, apparently, with the beds neatly made and the crew on one side. Kunchacko Boban, in smart formal wear, and Daniela Zacherl, the Austrian heroine of the film, cute in a black dress, are briefed by Lal Jose, while Lokanathan, cinematographer, gets ready behind the camera. He has a big ‘Do not disturb' tag round his neck, lying undisturbed on his back, like those found on the door of hotel rooms.

With the ‘action' call, Kunchacko Boban hugs Daniela gently. Emotional moments ensue, the dialogues are muffled to those around. Lal Jose gives a signal and Daniela looks up. The director's ‘cut' call is heard and the scene is done all over again twice till Lal, sitting behind the monitor, is satisfied. The film's story and scriptwriter, Benny P. Nayarambalam, also watches the scene unfold on the monitor, with the German, Clemins Berndorff who plays the heroine's cousin. All of them nod in agreement with Lal when he okays the scene.

Daniela gets back to assistant director and sound recordist Samjuktha Sunil to rehearse her lines till lunch break. Chef and TV presenter Naushad, who is the producer, sits on the verandah, scrutinising the events.

The entire movie, budgeted at Rs. 7 crore, was shot in Madrid, Spain, with just three days of shooting in Kerala. The entire movie took just 37 days of shooting and it is slated for a December release, he says. ‘Spanish Masala,' under the banner of Big Screen, is his fifth production.

All about food

“Food plays a very important role in this film. That is why I was doubly interested in it. There are many highlights. You will see a bull fight in a movie, for the last time probably, in ‘Spanish Masala,' for it has just been banned in that country. There is another beautiful surprise waiting for the audience, scenes shot at the famed Tomatina festival, on real location, when it occurs, in August. It was risky, but it paid off,” says Naushad.

For Lal Jose, ‘Spanish Masala' was the toughest project so far, he feels. “The place was new, there are five foreign characters in the movie and many new faces, but it has been very challenging and satisfying.” The foreign characters were all chosen after an audition in Spain.

The story is that of a man whose mother has a thattukada. This guy, Dileep, is a mimicry artiste and goes to Spain with a music troupe. His aim, like many others, is to stay on illegally in the country after that. He does so and when life gets really difficult, he finds that his stint at his mother's thattukada comes in handy.

Hilarious situations

“The Spanish Masala dosa he makes gets popular and the language problem leads to hilarious situations. Then follows the story,” Lal gives a gist of Spanish Masala. There is whiff of a love triangle, with Kunchacko Boban also being in the film, but no one will give out the story. Kalaranjini plays Dileep's mother. Vinaya Prasad plays an important roles while Archana Kavi does a guest appearance. Vidyasagar is the music director.

http://www.thehindu.com/arts/cinema/article2514638.ece