Bangalore Days - 2nd Biggest grosser of All time !!

Bangalore Days - 2nd Biggest grosser of All time !!

Bangalore Days finally over took Mayamohini & T20 to reach 2nd spot (from 4th) in the list of all time biggest Malayalam grossers, a table lead by Drishyam which is miles a head. According to latest reports the film has grossed about 25 crores with distributors share crossing 10 crores mark. In the rest of Kerala, Overseas markets also its the 2nd biggest grosser following Drishyam, but the gap here is not as huge as its the case in Kerala, thanks to the presence of subtitle and lack of competition from other language movies. Drishyam had to battle with Dhoom 3, Jilla, Veeram, Jai Ho etc during its Outside Kerala run. BD has crossed Drishyam in Hyderabad, where the film had extraordinary run, and is still playing there, which is unbeleivable. The film has also beaten Drishyam in selected markets outside Kerala like UK. Even though exact reports from other locations are not available according to a leading distributor BD will not be crossing Drishyam considering Rest Of India & Overseas final total. 

The collections for Bangalore Days hit rock bottom during the Ramzan fasting period, but most of the screens chose to continued with the film due to lack of options. But the film has picked up since EID, largely thanks to the not so encouraging reports for EID releases. The film might add couple of more crores to its kitty and wind up under 30 crores.

 With 2 record breakers inside 6 months its booming time for Malayalam films, especially in outside Kerala markets.

Top 5 Grossers

1. Drishyam

2. Bangalore Days*

3. Twenty 20*

4. Maya Mohini

5. Classmates*

* - Multistarers

Dawn of the Planet of the Apes - Movie Review

 

Dawn of the Planet of the Apes - Movie Review

 

Rise of the Planet of the Apes was not only the surprise hit of 2011, was technically brilliant and a great movie too. Dawn of the Planet of the Apes, sequel to RotPotA was eagerly awaited hence.

RotPotA told the story of a shrewdness of apes, who were held captive for research purposes, escaping into the woods, not before exposing themselves to the  viral drug (ALZ-113, believed to be the cure for Alzheimer's) which makes them as smart & intelligent as Humans. The film ends hinting us a viral outbreak, upon using the medicine on humans. DotPotA begins 10 years after events in RotPotA. Even though humanity is on the verge of extinction, thanks to the viral out break, the apes have been building up a civilization, their colony, deep in the woods and living peacefully there. Fight for survival cross the paths of humans and apes once again. Even though Caesar, leader of the Apes, hopes for a peaceful co-existence with the humans, there are some forces on either sides who doesn't agree to the idea. Will it be the dawn of a new era or will it lead to extinction of humans & apes, watch the film to know more.

The are films that make sequels just for monetary benefits and there are few who demand future additions. RotPotA & DotPotA belongs to the later category. Just like the prequel, the sequel too has a story to tell and does it in a convincing manner, that engages and entertains. The movie offers everything for the movie goers like great script, nice story, good dialogues, great acting etc. Plus the important aspects of any Hollywood summer blockbuster, VFX/CGI, 3D, Action sequences etc are there in the film too. Likke the prequel the otion Capture technology, combined vith VFX/CGI is outstanding in DotPot. The apes looks life like even in extreme close ups and the emotions on their face, especially that of Caesar is PERFECT!. 3D is Okay, but not a must watch.

DotPotAis undoubtedly the best movie to come out of Hollywood this year that appeals to every single one. If you loved the prequel, if you love animals, if you like having a great time at the movies, go watch this one. Its one movie that you shouldn't MISS !! The way the movie ends hints the sequel, which looks like is going to be the conclusion of the epic Human-Apes saga [Hope they don't stretch beyond possible limits, just the the former category guys I mentioned above]

In all Dawn of the Planet of the Apes is an entertaining, intelligent movie that also enlightens the viewers

  Rating: 4/5

Verdict: Excellent

Last Word: The best sequel since 'The Dark Knight'

 

 

Humpty Sharma Ki Dulhania - Kerala Theaters List - Alia Bhatt, Varun Dhawan, Karan Johar

Dawn of the Planet of the Apes - Kerala Release Paper AD with theater list

Kerala Summer (April - May) Box Office 2014 - Exclusive Report

Kerala Summer (April - May) Box Office - Exclusive Report

2 month long Summer Holidays will be official over by today marking an end to one of the biggest seasons for Movie makers and goers. Schools, Colleges will reopen and Monsoon is expected with in a few days creating a dent in collections, especially with Ramzan to come later this Month. Let's see what all movies during Summer 2014 at Kerala Box Office

Ring Master - The highest grossing film this summer and this year, so far. A fun film targetting Ladies and Kids even though didn't take a great opening, was rock steady through out the first month or so. Movie is still registering good collection at major centers.

Budget: 9 Crore

Last Reported Gross: 12.95 crores

Satellite Rights: about 6 crores

7th Day - Film took very good opening, but couldn't sustain it in the following weeks.

Budget: 5.5 crores

Gross - around 9-10 crores

Satellite Rights: 2.5 crore

Mr. Fraud - Film took the biggest opening for a Malayalam movie (till then) and had a smashing first week. But average reports had its effects from 2nd week.

Budget: 7.5 crore

Gross - 9 crore+

Satellite Rights: 5.5 crore

How Old Are You - Good hype, tremendous word of mouth, superb rush of Ladies crowd from Day 1, this very well can be called movie of the Season (Summer). Manju Warrier made a rocking come back to Movies.

Budget - 6 crore

Gross - 8 crore+

Satellite Rights: Not Sold

God's Own Country - Even though film got good reviews lack of publicity affectred the movie. By the time people came to know about it was removed from many stations. Have made come back in few of them this week

Gross - 4.25 crore+

Budget - 3.9 crore

Satellite: 2.6 crore

Pauly Technic - 4.20 crore

Mosayile Kuthirameenukal - Gross 3.95 crore

Drishyam - 46 crores (Kerala) 56 crores (All India)

Bangalore Days which released on May 30th has taken the biggest opening for a Malayalam film this year, details will be updated later.



* Figures are approximate values, till last available udpate, may not necessarily be exact. 

Mr.Fraud takes Thunderous opening - Exclusive Box Office Report

Mohanlal's latest release Mr. Fraud took a thunderous opening all across Kerala. Being the next release after Drishyam and making lot os news in the past weeks the film released to awesome response from movie goers, last Saturday. The Day 1 gross was about 1.35 crores with distributors share of about 65 lakhs (approx). Eventhough the film got mixed response from general public the fans have been extremely happy with the way Mohanlal has been portrayed, especially in the first half. So the second day the business zoomed to 1.42 crores gross, with a distributors share of 1bout 68 lakhs(approx).

The 2 days total from Kerala Box Office is 2.77 crores with distributors share of 1.33 crore (approx). The film had a regular drop today, being Monday. But main centers are still super strong, Multiplexes which began on a slow note also showed improvement towards matinee and night shows. The film also took great opening Rest of India too. The film got the biggest release outside Kerala, releasing in same amount of screens as in Kerala. Addition of subtitles helped many non-Malayalees thronging theaters to watch the film, thanks to Drishyam.

As per early estimates the gross should be around 70-80 lakhs today taking the total to 3.5 crores and by tomorrow it looks like will cross the life time gross of Gangster. With music, video rights being sold for record breaking figures and satellite rights close to 6crores and the film yet to release in overseas markets, it looks like producers will be laughing all the way to the banks...


Kerala gross in 2 days 2.77 crores
Kerala Distributors share in 2 days 1.33 crores
All India Gross in 2 days: - About 3.5 - 4 crores (Yet to confirm)


* Update - 3rd Day All Kerala Gross 80 lakhs
 All Kerala Gross in 3 days  3.57 crores
 All Kerala Distributors share in 3 days 1.71 cr  (approx)

Mr. Fraud - Malayalam Movie Review - Mohanlal, Unnikrishnan B

 Mr. Fraud Malayalam Movie Review

Crew

Director: B.Unnikrishnaan
    Producer: A.V Anoop
    Executive Producer: B.Unnikrishnan

Banner : AVA Productions
    Script: B.Unnikrishnan
    Cinematographer: Satheesh Kurup
    Makeup: Pradeep Rangan, Liju Kumar S
    Music: Gopi Sundar
    Playback Singers: Shankar Mahadevan, Shakthisree Gopalan, Sithara & Gopi Sundar
    Editor: Manoj
    Lyrics: Hari Narayanan, Chittoor Gopi & Santhosh Varma
    Costume: S.B Satheesh, Murali
    Art Director: Joseph Nellikal
    Stills: Sinat Savier
    Production Controller: Aroma Mohan

Cast

      Mohanlal as 'Fraud'
    Dev Gill
    Pallavi Purohit
    Mia George as Saraswathi
    Manjari Phadnis
    Vijay Babu
    Vijayakumar
    Siddique
    Sai Kumar
    Suresh Krishna
    Rahul Madhav
    Ashvin Matthew
    Rajeev Parameshwar
    Arjun Nandhakumar
    Balaji
    Sathaar
    Devan
    Gopi Sundar (cameo appearance)
    Amritha Anilkumar

Mohanlal plays a 'Fraud' who has many names and many faces, a non sympathetic cunning hi-tech robber. He gets offered a job with enough money that he can very much retire after this. But its not easy as it seems and is 'one of the most difficult mission' he has come across as the character says. The treasure belongs to an Old Kovilakam and they are going to open the chest for the first time in 41 years with all the relatives, police and top level private security team guarding it. So will he able to do it forms the rest of the story.

Mr Fraud is a heist movie presented in a mass masala packaging, so there's no logic in asking for a unique or different storyline as all of them have universally one theme. The first half is racy and entertaining largely thanks to Mohanlal who was simply free flowing and outstanding making even minutest expressions and simple dialogues clap worthy. The Director being a Lal fan has added elements to please the fans. The packaging and the way everything is setup in the first half is really good. Its in the second half the movie suffers a bit. Totally its an above average 2nd half with an average, rushed up climax. The first half makes us prepared for a better 2nd half which the film couldn't provide, also the unnecessary sentimence ruins the pace. It would have been great if the film had a climax like 'Mankatha' or 'Don' (SRK's).

With the limited budget Malayalam can afford Director was able to show the heist scenes convincingly. May not be a patch on Hollywood counter parts, but still they serve the purpose. Unnikrishnan B is definitely improving every time as a director, and this one is his best Directorial outing. Even though his scripting faltered here and there in the 2nd half, for most of the run time it was engaging. The dialogues as always were good, made look even better by Mohanlal.

It can be called a one man show by Mohanlal, after a long time Malayalees gets to see his Mass entertainer side which he did with elan. He carries the movie in his entire 'slanting' shoulder. Siddique, Mia George, Sai Kumar, Ashwin were good. Vijay & Manjari was okay. rest of the cast did their role. Dev Gill's villain character was a disappointment, as it was an underwritten role, the film could have had a better villain character.

Gopi Sunder is back in full form after a long back as both his songs and BG are very good. Back Ground score infact is a great plus for the movie. Cinematography was good, editing was sharp. VFX team have done a great job. Art work was superb. Action choreography was average.

Over all Mr Fraud is a Mass-Heist movie - must watch for fans, one time watch for others

After 150 days of delivering 'Class' to the world, its time to give some MASS with Class, good old Lalettan way, which no one can replicate

Rating 3/5

Verdict: Good

.

Godzilla 2014 - Exclusive Movie Review - Monster of a Movie

Crew

 Directed by     Gareth Edwards
Produced by   Thomas Tull, Jon Jashni, Mary Parent, Brian Rogers
Screenplay by     Max Borenstein
Story by     David Callaham
Based on     Godzilla by Toho
Music by     Alexandre Desplat
Cinematography     Seamus McGarvey
Editing by     Bob Ducsay
Studio     Legendary Pictures, Warner Bros. Pictures
Distributed by    Warner Bros. Pictures (International), Toho (Japan)
Release dates   May 16, 2014 

Running time     123 minutes

Country     United States
Language     English
Budget     $160 million

Cast

Bryan Cranston as Joe Brody
Aaron Taylor-Johnson as Lieutenant Ford Brody
Ken Watanabe as Dr. Ishiro Serizawa
Elizabeth Olsen as Elle Brody
Juliette Binoche as Sandra "Sandy" Brody
Sally Hawkins as Dr. Vivienne Graham
David Strathairn as Admiral William Stenz
   

 Godzilla is a pop cultural icon in Japanese and the worldwide audience got a glimpse of it in the infamous Roland Emmerich's 1998 version. Even though I liked it, the film is universally hated for just being a Jurassic Park, making the iconic Monster an iguana faced evil villain who gets killed in the end. So hopes were high on this project to get a 'Godzilla' flick set in the modern world, more grounded to the CGI reality of current movies and one that doesn't treat the 'Icon' as just another monster. The posters the teasing trailers have done their trick and this is undoubtedly one of the most awaited movie this season.

Joe  and his wife has been working in a Japanese nuclear plant till one day a seismic activity leaves him alone in the world with his child. Studying the unusual readings of the day Ford came to conclusions, that it wasn't an earth quake or at least ain't normal one, which were ignored by everyone. Cut to 15 years later, his son has grown up but Ford is still living on the memories of that day, wanting to find the reason his Wife died. slowly starts believing in his father's conspiracy theories. As they go to the site of the plant to recover any possible evidence they come to know about secret scientific studies and the classified Government facility where they have kept an unidentified organism locked up for research. The beast  escapes captivity and wrecks havoc in the city and that's when our Hero/Villain makes his entry. What happens next in the war of the villains? who ever wins we loose......

Godzilla is a kind of Kaiju (collective names for such monsters) and Last year's 'Pacific Rim' also dealt with 'Kaiju's', and both film have similar story lines, but the way the movies have presented they look diametrically opposite. While PR was more a color ful, swash buckling mass masala kind of a monster movie Godzilla is rooted more to reality, emotions and keeping in check with the original mythology. The movie has a call against the harms humans do to Mother Nature, as each and every exploitation will have an impact and in the war with the Nature humans can't win they only can adapt to whats left. 'Godzilla' being a heroic villain represents the force of Mother Nature, the term 'God' is not just for the sake of it as the myth treats it that way (The very reason why 'God' was dropped from the Iguana shaped creature featured in 98 movie).
There is also adaptation from Hindu mythology, according to which when all hell breaks loose (Kalyug) Lord Vishnu takes his 10th Avatar, Kalki which fights the evil, restores the earth and a new cycle of life begins after wards. 'Godzilla' is the Hollywood representation of 'Kalki', that's the myth the film creates. Apart from a blockbuster graphics heavy Hollywood movie it is tied up to reality, mythology at very deep routed levels which is what makes the film stand out.

The film is slow to take off as it takes its own time to level all cards on the playing field before a final extravaganza. Breaking Bad fame Bryan Cranston as always is Outstanding. Ken Watanabe also did a great job. Rest of the cast doesn't get much scope even though there are names like Aron Taylor, Olesen etc. The cinematography is excellent. The CGI work is super cool. 3D effects are there, but nothing much to speak about. Background score is awesome. Godzilla the creature and its sound definitely deserves a special mention, for coming up with a gigantic, realistic, monsterestic, more closer to the classic 'Godzilla' and giving it an Iconic 'Roar' - KUDOS !!. Editing could have been better as it drags slightly in between.

In all Godzilla is a must watch movie for the fans of 'Godzilla', monster movies, disaster movies, huge Graphics spectacles and almost everyone who doesn't demand great acting, dialogues and strong story lines. Being a fan boy the film satisfied all my expectations and the final battle sequence were jaw droppingly awesome and scream/clap/whistle worthy....

Godzilla is a Mind blowing, epic, gargantuan, out of the world, blockbuster, Monster movie

Rating: 3.75/5

Verdict: BLOCKBUSTER !!!!

Last Word: What the Hellll..... still reading...go grab your tickets !!!


PS: Please try to watch the film in Imax and Dolby Atmos - Would blow you mind, Guarantee - [if both available in same screen - AWESOME, you are one lucky guy !!]

Godzilla - Kerala Release Paper AD with theater list

The Amazing Spider-Man 2 - Movie Review

 The Amazing Spider-Man 2 - Movie Review

Thought the prequel was an average one as it couldn't bring much into the table and Rami-Maguire version was still fresh in everyone's' minds. Also the promises of revealing the truths about Mr & Mrs. Parker also wasn't fulfilled. The Amazing Spider-Man 2, from the plethora of trailers Sony released, looked a much better product with more at the stake for Spidey/Parker & Stacey.

Peter Parker is still in search for the mystery behind the sudden disappearance of his parents. He torn between the love for Gwen Stacy & the promise he has give to Gwen's father to stay away from her. Plus his alter ego has to fight noot one but 3 super villains. Max Dillion, a mentally unstable Oscorp employee, who gets electrical powers (ELECTRO) after felling into a tank filled with genetically modified Electric Eels. Harry Osborn, who inorder to save his life from the rare genetic condition, injects himself with some sortt of venom and becomes 'Green Goblin'. A thug who Spidey got arrested while trying to hijack truck of plutonium, who later with the hel of 'Mystery man' becomes 'Rhyno'. Will Peter find out the truth about parents, what will happen to Gwen, how will he defeat the villains forms the rest of the plot.

Everything has been stepped up a bit compared to its sequel. The plot is more complicated, there are more at stake for Peter/Spidey & of course, New York. With Marc Webb's direction it ends up a notch above the predecessor, but still no where near to the Marvel CU/Avengers movies or Nolan's Dark Knigt trilogy.

Also the movie still couldn't justify the need of the sudden reboot, despite Sony's 'hold onto rights'. The script could have been more focused and clear. The story is your usual Super Hero movie story line, which Webb tried to make interesting as possible.

The action blocks have been well executed. There are tons of CG, which has been done neatly too. Surprisingly the 3D is more effective than many of the recent releases too. As all Spidey movies its more on emotional content and lighter on the lighter side. Plus too much villains has also created bit of confusion and gives over done or too much feel to the audience. The movie also has a shocking/sad end, for the fans. The film also throw hints at expanding the universe and possible future villains and factions.


The technical crew has done an excellent job. Great direction, excellent CGI and 3D. Good Cinematography and editing. Acting was Good.Even though they shot for few days with Shailene Woodley as Mary Jane Watson, decided to drop that role and reserve it for future, But Shailene who got a hit franchise under her belt in Divergent, looks reluctant to return.

Fox's X-Men was reportedly attached to TASM2 (which I missed) should be a great sign for future, Hope Sony allows Spidey to partner with the Avengers too, pretty soon. Its high time Spidey saved people from other Cities/Countries too

Rating: 2.75/5

Verdict: Above Average

Lucky The Racer [Race Gurram] - Malayalam Movie Review - Allu Arjun, Shruti Haasan

Crew

 Directed by     Surender Reddy
Produced by     Nallamalapu Srinivas (Bujji)
Dr. Venkateswara Rao
Written by     Vakkantham Vamsi
Music by     S. Thaman
Cinematography     Manoj Paramahamsa
Editing by     Goutham Raju
Studio     Sri Lakshmi Narasimha Productions
Distributor E4 Entertainment
Release dates  April 25, 2014

 Cast

    Allu Arjun as Lakshman (Lucky)
    Shruti Hassan as Spandana
    Shaam as Ram
    Tanikella Bharani
    Saloni as Swetha
    Ravi Kishan as Maddhali Siva Reddy
    Prakash Raj as Bheem Prakash
    Pragathi as Spandana's mother
    Pavitra Lokesh as Ram & Lakshman's mother
    Bramhanandam as Kill Bill Pandey
    Ali as Dr. Bali
    M. S. Narayana
    Raghu Babu
    Jaya Prakash Reddy
    Kota Srinivasa Rao
    Mukesh Rishi as Peddi Reddy
    Srinivasa Reddy
    Posani Krishna Murali as Govardhan
    Sayaji Shinde
    Debi Dutta in Item song

Lakshman aka Lucky and Raam are brothers who are at each others throat from their School time. Lucky grows up to be a our normal Telugu movie hero, No job [His ambition is to go to US and work there], boy next door, partying, dancing, bashing up goons etc while Ram grows upto be your typical 2nd hero/ Hero's brother Good, well educated, sophisticated, plus he is a Police Officer too. & as usual the paths of Hero and villains cross, Hero fell head over heels for our heroine at the very first sight and the rest of the story is how Hero ends up with heroine, bash up villains, patch up with brother and fly to America.

 'LTR' is your typical Telugu non-brainer mass masala entertainer, with a story (if there is one) that is ages old. But still the film works to a larger extent thanks to the packaging and tons of Humor embedded into the script. Plus most of the cast also did impressive job, to keep us entertained through most of its run time.

The film may not have 'logic' in most of the scenes, action sequences may be over the top, will break into songs unnecessarily every often, so it may not be your cup of tea if you are not accustomed Telugu brand mass movies. The scripting is what covers many of is flaws and it movies at rapid pace. In the 2nd half  the pace lags a bit, but with the into Kill Bill Pandey the movie reaches the crescendo. For the 20 mins or so following that, you may not really get sense of whats happening, but its damn sure that you will be clapping, whistling, screaming and even rolling on the floor laughing. One of the outrageously entertaining sequences in the recent memory. In that small run time Brahmanandam walks away with the trophy. 

Its a typical Allu Arjun mass vehicle where he has done everything to cater his fan base, especially kids and teenagers [in Kerala]. Those who expects jaw dropping dance moves might be slightly disappointed. He was good in Action, comedy sequences too, as always. Jis Joy, the voice of Mallu Arjun did a neat job, but the 'Eeshwara' couldn't make the same impact as 'Devudaa'. The only thing striking about Shruti Hassan was her lips [Jobbed or Pumped like Anushka Sharma said?]. She has nothing much to do than the regular heroine of mass movies. Brahmanandam as I said before was a scream, brought down the entire house with his Kill Bill Pandey act. Ravi Kishan was able to bring some difference to the villain act. Shaam got a good role after a long time and he was convincing. Posani Krishna Murali rocked in the short role. Think Prakash Raj should stop doing such an unimportant roles (May be to fund his 'Duet Movies').

Direction was good, packaged the whole film without giving people much time to think. Scripting was efficient for a mass film. Dialogues were okay. Music was good, even though the Malayalam lyrics were laughable as always. Background score was superb, especially the Lucky theme and Kill Bill Pandey theme. Cinematography was okay, editing was perfect.

In all if you are a fan of Allu Arjun movies or like Telugu mass movies, you won't be disappointed with 'Lucky The Racer' aka Race Gurram.

Rating: 2.75/5

Verdict: Above Average

Box Office: Telugu version is already a Blockbuster and Allu's biggest hit ever. LTR has taken a superb opening across Kerala too, looks like will end up Allu's biggest hit in Kerala too.

Mollywood comes to a standstill in Satellite Rights Issue ?

There are about 10-15 General entertainment Channels (GEC) in Malayalam, with many waiting to get launched. There will be a fight, naturally, to grab the eyeballs. One of the major source of revenue for channels in Movies. Due to the growing demand for grabbing rights, the satellite rates have gone through the roof, especially in the past 2 years. For small films the rights makes up most of their production budget, and for superstar films they could even cover the budget. Since each channel is involved in a mud fight, who want the movies at any cost, weren't at first concerned about the inflating rights, even though every now and then news of stopping irrational buys come up.

The situation got worse in the past few months. A new generation film which was super hit at Box Office when premiered on TV got shockingly low TRP ratings. There were many other examples too, most of them belonged to the so called new generation films. A superstar film that released last year a figure as satellite right that was more than the film's budget, but was disaster at the Box Office. So with the number of hit films dwindling down and most of the hit film not catering to family audience channels have now decided to put a break on the mad rush to buy satellite rights at explosive rates.

This has put Mollywood in a spot of bother. Now a days many films are being made think only about Satellite Rights in mind, as the producers will get the full sum before film hits the theaters, they don't really have to worry about the fate of the film at Box Office and the channel heads end up with red face. But there are a lot of genuine film makers who got into trouble as instead of lending money from bankers or 'Shylock's', which was the usual practice till few years ago, they depend on satellite rights. Lots of movies are stuck up in cans due to this. Many announced films got cancelled or postponed indefinitely, many are stuck half way filming. Law Point which was about to release last week got postponed. Films of Mohanlal, Dileep, Mammooty won't be much affected by the regulations as even their flop movies have respectable ratings on TV. For all others it depends upo Director, songs, Box Office fate etc.  Even though there was an adalat organized by Kerala Film Producers Association for a common place for channel and movie people to interact and address the concerns and complaints of producers. But nothing much came of it either.

In a way its harsh on channels as i most of the cases they loose tons of money for no reason of their on. So strict regulations are needed. But it will not be fair to but films based on theatrical run as there are many good films, sans any stars, which don't get much of a theatrical run, for various reasons. So

1. Either show the film or selected clips from it to respected authorities of channels, like they show it to distributors
2. Give the full script to channel authorities to read
3. A Contract by which they can return a % of money if it the ratings aren't great during premiere and doesn't improve after 2/3 airings [Father's Day (2012) had better ratings durin 2nd and 3rd airings than premiere show]
4. The loss made in the film should be compensated in the future film of the studio or star or producer or director
5. Delay CD-DVD release till TV premiere

Drishyam - Magnificent 100 Days - Exclusive Report

 So finally the day is here, 100th day since the film that changed Malayalam film industry for good hit the screens. Released on December 19th as a small scale family film for Christmas - New Year season in now, after 3+ months, 100 days, entering the Summer holidays season. As they big things do come in small packages. The difference between Drishyam and all the all time blockbusters of recent times in other languages is that its purely the victory of good old 'Word of Mouth'. It didn't trend on twitter before release, it still has only 50k likes in Facebook, the trailer songs didn't go viral in YouTube, but most importantly it delivered where it had to, at the Box Office, and that too in style. Everything about the movie was low key, not even 1% of extra gimmicks for commercial purpose. Even the director before release its a small simple family thriller. But boy, he did had a trump car under his sleeves.

Drishyam  today celebrates 100 days @ about 50 centers, which is about twice the number of theaters the previous best, Thenkashipattanam, had. But it was before the era of wide releases & Multiplexes, in which Ordinary did 100 in 1/4th or 1/5th the no. of screens. Plus the film is running is 25 odd other theaters including B, C class and late release A class making it a total of 75 theaters. Plus it wil lhit 100 in Chennai & Coimbatore. Its still running in Pune, Oman, Abu Dhabi.

Drishyam is the first Malayalam film to gross 25, 30, 35 crores from Kerala. The Kerala gross is about 38.50 crore in 100 days with a distributor share of over 16 crores. The Rest Of India gross is estimated to be around 11 crore mark The film also had tremendous run in overseas, especially USA, UK, UAE, where it grossed about 9+ crores. Within a few days the film will become the first Malayalam film to enter the 50crore club (India alone) and 60 crore club (Worldwide). The film which beat the record of 'Twenty 20' being the biggest grosser ever, in just 30 days, is also doing great business in Home Video Pre-Order sales.

The played more than 24, 000 shows in theaters across Kerala, which is 9,000 more than the previous best Kerala Varma Pazhassi Raja.Rest of India show count is about 3200 and overseas show count of about 1000-1500. making it close to 29 K shows worldwide. 

So lets take a moment to celebrate the work of Team Drishyam and shower all the accolades on them that we could possibly get.
  

Crew

 Directed by     Jeethu Joseph
Produced by     Antony Perumbavoor
Written by     Jeethu Joseph
Music by     Anil Johnson
Vinu Thomas
Cinematography     Sujith Vaassudev
Editing by     Ayoob Khan
Studio     Aashirvad Cinemas
Distributed by     Aashirvad Release Through Maxlab

Designs Collins Leophil

Cast

Mohanlal as Georgekutty
Meena as Rani George
AnsibaH as san as Anju George
Baby Ester as Anu George
Kalabhavan Shajon as Constable Sahadevan
Siddique as Prabhakar
 Asha Sarath as IG Geetha Prabhakar
Aneesh G Menon as Rajeesh
Roshan Basheer as Varun Prabhakar
Neeraj Madhav as Monichan
Irshad as SI Suresh Babu
Kunchan as Madhavan
Kozhikode Narayanan Nair as Sulaimanikka
BaijuV.K as Soman
P.Sreekumar as Rani's Father
Shobha Mohan as Rani's Mother
Koottickal Jayachandran as Murali
Kalabhavan Rahman as Bus Conductor
Kalabhavan Haneef as Theatre Operator
Antony Perumbavoor as Antony
Balaji
Pradeep Chandran

 Credits also to those uncredited in the Wiki page, the light boys, spot boys, drivers, caterers, make up man etc & also theaters, poster men, security, fans, audience, internet fans etc

Few articles about Drishyam

Drishyam sets another record !!

Drishyam completes 50 Glorious days - Exclusive Report

Drishyam - All Time Blockbuster - Exclusive 27 days Box Office Update

Jeethu Joseph clears the air about Drishyam controversy

KICK - After Aamir, its Salman Khan's turn to do robbery !!

Playing a robber Aamir Khan looted worldwide and Dhoom 3 is sitting top of Bollywood Box Office record books with considerable lead. Now its Salman Khan's turn to play a robber in his latest flick 'Kick'. Kick is the remake of Telugu blockbuster with the same name. Salman Khan plays a guy who will not do anything in his life unless it gives him a 'Kick'. There is also a vigilante/robber kinda face to the character too which will be the suspense part of the film.

Kick marks the directorial debut of Producer 'Sajid Nadiadwala' and is scripted by Writer Chetan Bhagat, who also makes his debut as full time movie writer. Other cast includes Jacqueline Fernandez, Nawazudin Ziddiqui, Randeep Hooda etc. Salman will be back to his lucky EID slot as the film will hit the screens on July 27th, 2014.

Kick Shooting Stills

Ohm Shanthi Oshaana & 1983 - Box Office Update

The hit parade continues in Mollywood and after a disappointing start we got 2 hits in 2 weeks, both starring Nivin Pauly. '1983' which released on Jan 31st and OSO on Feb 7th have turned profitable for makers (or will pretty soon) from theatrical alone. The good trend that Drishaym and OIPK started is continuing through these films.

OSO has grossed about 6.50 crores from All India Box Office, acccording to latest reports, with Kerala contributing with about 5.5-5.75 crores and Rest Of India doing 75 lakhs plus. The film had an outstanding run outside Kerala, and is still running. The new found interest towards Malayalam film and market, thanks to Drishyam, was capitalized well by the movie as it is one of the biggest grosser ROI considering the names associated with it. Special credits also to Fox Star India, for taking such ventures and giving them a proper release with enough publicity [OSO got one of the biggest release outside Kerala] - Super Hit

'1983' even though moderately promoted had worked magic thanks to the super positive Word of Mouth. The film has grossed more than 5.5 crores so far - HIT

Salaam Kashmir - Malayalam Movie Review

Salaam Kashmir Malayalam movie review

Cast

 Directed by     Joshiy
Produced by     Mahaa Subair
Written by     Sethu
Music by     M. Jayachandran
Cinematography     Manoj Pillai
Editing by     Shyam Sasidharan
Studio     Varnachithra Big Screen
Distributed by     Varnachithra Release
Release dates   8 February 2014
Country     India
Language     Malayalam

 Cast

    Suresh Gopi As Tommy Eapen Devassy
    Jayaram As Sreekumar
    Mia George
    Krishna Kumar
    Lalu Alex
    Vijayaraghavan
    Ponnamma Babu
    Krishna Prabha
    Gayarthri

The movie has been in the cans for about an year. Delay in getting NOC from Indian Army, non availability of theaters, financial issues delayed the film. Finally after postponing the release at the very last moment the film has hit the screens.

Sreekumar is leading a happy life with his wife (played by Mia) and kids. While his wife goes out for work he takes care of 'home affairs'. To their peaceful, happy life enters Tommy Eapen Devassy  that jeopardize Sreekumar's simple life. Who is Tommy, what's Sreekumar's past, how their life gets changed forms the rest of the story.

 Salaam Kashmir is the 3rd time Director Joshiy has been attempting to tell a story with an Indian Defense force as backdrop (Nair Saab - Army, Sainyam - Air force). This time there is importance to family, comedy as well and did that work, sad to say it didn't.

The entire first half is dedicated Sreekumar & his family life, which is cliched to the core. Scenes reminding many Jayaram films of the past. Tried to add humor, sentiment, bit of mystery to appeal to a wide audience which actually falls flat. the second half, which deals with Sreekumar's mission in Kashmir, is actually better. But still it doesn't that level to cover up the unholy mess of a first half.

Performances by lead cast were okay, nothing exceptional.Writing was bad. There is belief that Joshiy can magic with even an average script, but sadly this is a below average script and there was nothing he could have done to lift it, just like Lokpal. Camera work was good especially in the Kashmisr portions. Music was below average and BG score was okay. Editor could have saved the audience by cutting of few scenes.

Salaam Kashmir is a mission gone wrong

Rating 2/5

Verdict: Disappointing

Last Word: Stay Away

Ohm Shanthi Oshaana - Opening Weekend Box Office Update

 Ohm Shanthi Oshaana - Opening Weekend Box Office Update

Ohm Shanthi Oshaana which released in 150+ screens last Friday (Feb 7th) has taken a very good opening across India, especially in Kerala. The film has got good WOM and was growing in strength day by day. The much awaited Rom-Com got one of the biggest release Outside Kerala thanks to Fox Star India & of course the all new interest to Malayalam films due to 'Drishyam' phenomenon. The film released with English subtitles which also helped the film or will help in the long run.Here is the Box Office update of OSO in its opening weekend.

Day 1 Kerala 56 lalkhs Rest Of India (ROI) 10 lakhs 

Day 2 Kerala 58 lakhs ROI 20 lakhs

Day 3 Kerala 68 lakhs ROI 20-25 lakhs

Total 3 day Gross Kerala 1.82 crore ROI 50-55 lakhs

All India gross in 3 days 2.32-2.37 crore

Drishyam completes 50 Glorious days - Exclusive Report

 Drishyam which released on December 19, 2013, completes 50 days of run today in Kerala few centers outside Kerala. It has not only become the biggest grosser & hit ever in the 85 year long history of Malayalam Cinema, has also sort of created record for setting/breaking more records than any other movie.
What ever be the records, all of them were set in record time too.

Drishyam released in about 85 theaters in Kerala and is still continuing in about 71 theaters. The film has completed (or will by this weekend) about 21,000 shows worldwide.The film has crossed 3 crore mark in Ernakulam city alone, 2cr from Calicut city, 1cr from Trivandrum, Thrissur etc and close 1cr mark in Palakkad, Kollam, Kottayam etc. The film has set records in every single center that it has released.

Total Gross from Kerala alone has crossed 30 crore mark, with 5-6 crores expected from Rest of the world. Adding satellite, video & music rights the total revenue should be around 43-44 crores. Even though its still running in many theaters, can't expect the total revenue to touch 50 crore mark, or it might just do it, looking at the rush at main centers this past weekend. 

The remake's have already began pre- pre-production talks. Tamil version will directed by Jeethu himself with Kamal Haasan playing the lead. Crazy Star Ravichandran - P Vasu combo in Kannada. Victory Venkitesh will be doing the Telugu version and rumors says Ajay Devgn might do Hindi version.