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Jagadish and Suresh Krishna Sport Gritty Avatars in Krishand’s Sci-Fi Noir ‘Masthishka Maranam’

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Following the cult success of Gaganachari, director Krishand is back with another ambitious venture. The makers of his upcoming film, “Masthishka Maranam: A Frankenbiting of Simon’s Memories,” have officially kicked off their character reveals by dropping the first look posters of veteran actors Jagadish and Suresh Krishna.

The posters showcase the actors in high-octane, stylish “mass” avatars, signaling a significant departure from their usual roles. Jagadish portrays a character named Praveen Shashank, while Suresh Krishna steps into the shoes of Charlie.


Welcome to Neo-Kochi: 2046

Billed as a science-fiction investigation comedy, the film is set in a futuristic version of Kochi, dubbed “Neo-Kochi,” in the year 2046. The project promises a “madness-filled” narrative style with an international visual language, drawing comparisons to legendary sci-fi worlds like Blade Runner.

Key Highlights of the Project:

  • Genre: Sci-Fi / Investigation / Comedy / Neo-Noir.
  • Director: Krishand (famed for Aavasavyuham and Purusha Pretham).
  • Producer: Vinayaka Ajith under the banner of Ajith Vinayaka Films.
  • Release Date: Set to hit global theaters on February 27, 2026.
  • Music: The film’s soundtrack is already a sensation; tracks like “Komala Thamara” and “Aradhakan” have gone viral on social media.

A Star-Studded Ensemble and Technical Brilliance

While Jagadish and Suresh Krishna take center stage in the latest update, the film boasts a massive ensemble cast including:

Rajisha Vijayan, Niranj Maniyanpilla Raju, Divya Prabha, Shanthi Balachandran, Vishnu Agasthya, and many more.

On the technical front, Prayag Mukundan handles the cinematography, while the music is composed by Varkey. Interestingly, director Krishand is also doubling as the film’s Editor and Art Director (alongside Alvin Joseph).

Expanding the Universe

The buzz surrounding the film is so high that reports suggest a sequel is already in the pipeline, with filming scheduled to begin in July 2026. With its heavy emphasis on high-quality VFX and a unique “Frankenbiting” narrative, Masthishka Maranam is poised to be a landmark entry in Malayalam cinema’s growing sci-fi library.

Kerala Government Extends Bar Timings: Outlets to Remain Open Until Midnight; 5-Star Hotels Until 3 AM

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Thiruvananthapuram: In a significant move, the Kerala government has issued an official order extending the operating hours of bars across the state by two hours. Under the new regulations, 884 bars and beer-wine parlors in the state are now permitted to serve liquor from 10:00 AM to 12:00 AM (midnight).

New Timing Regulations

While general bars and beer-wine parlors see an extension until midnight, the government has granted even further relaxation for five-star hotels. These establishments can now serve liquor until 3:00 AM, provided they obtain special permission by paying an annual fee of ₹5 lakh.

However, the government clarified that these extensions will not apply to clubs.

The Move to Unify Timings

The government maintains that this decision aims to “unify” bar timings across the state. This follows a January 2025 order that increased the number of designated tourism zones from 14 to 98. Previously, only bars located within these tourism zones were allowed to operate until midnight, while others had to close earlier.

This disparity led to several issues:

  • Business Imbalance: Bar owners in non-tourism zones complained that neighboring bars in tourism zones were attracting all the business.
  • Operational Disputes: In some areas, bars on one side of a road (falling under a tourism zone) stayed open until 12 AM, while those on the opposite side had to close at 11 PM. Excise reports indicated that this inconsistency often led to heated arguments between customers and bar staff.

Political Context and Allegations

The timing of this decision—coming just months before the Assembly elections—has sparked political debate. Critics allege that the move is an attempt by the state government to favor bar owners.

The growth in the number of bars has also come under scrutiny. When the first Pinarayi Vijayan government assumed power in 2016, there were only 29 bars in the state. Since the start of the second Pinarayi government’s term, licenses have been granted to 131 new bars, significantly increasing the total count.

From On-Screen Rivals to Real-Life Romance: Are ‘The Glory’ Stars Lee Do-hyun and Lim Ji-yeon Tying the Knot?

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The world of K-Drama is abuzz with excitement as speculation mounts regarding a potential wedding between stars Lee Do-hyun and Lim Ji-yeon. The couple, who first captured global attention as bitter on-screen enemies in the smash-hit Netflix series The Glory, have become one of South Korea’s most beloved real-life pairs.

The Spark for Marriage Rumors The latest wave of marriage rumors began circulating when eagle-eyed fans noticed a subtle but significant detail on Lim Ji-yeon’s Instagram account. The actress recently started following a wedding planning account known as ‘Mrs. Quokka.’ This seemingly small action has led netizens and media outlets to speculate that the couple might be taking the next big step in their relationship.

A Love Story Born on Set Lee Do-hyun and Lim Ji-yeon’s relationship is a classic case of reel-to-real romance. They met during the filming of The Glory, where they played characters on opposite sides of a brutal revenge plot. Despite their on-screen animosity, the two developed a close friendship behind the scenes, which eventually blossomed into love.

The couple officially confirmed their relationship on April 1, 2023, with their respective agencies stating that they had gone from “close colleagues to cautiously getting to know one another with positive feelings.”

Going Strong Through Military Service Their bond has notably withstood the test of time and distance. Even while Lee Do-hyun fulfilled his mandatory military service starting in August 2023, the couple remained strong. Lim Ji-yeon was vocal about her support for him, and they were frequently spotted on casual dates whenever he was on leave.

Most recently, in September 2024, the couple made headlines again when they attended a friend’s wedding together, with Lee Do-hyun serving as the MC. Their appearance together delighted fans and further fueled the narrative that they are serious about their future together.

What’s Next? While neither agency has released an official statement regarding a wedding, the couple’s steady relationship and recent social media hints have fans eagerly awaiting good news. For now, they remain one of the industry’s ultimate “power couples,” proving that even the fiercest on-screen rivalries can turn into the sweetest real-life love stories.

Nissan Gravite MPV Launch: Price, Specs, and Features Revealed

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Nissan India has officially entered the subcompact MPV segment with the launch of the all-new 2026 Nissan Gravite. Priced aggressively at an introductory ₹5.65 lakh (ex-showroom), the Gravite aims to disrupt the market currently dominated by its cousin, the Renault Triber. With a fresh design, tech-loaded cabin, and practical 7-seater configuration, the Gravite is set to be a game-changer for budget-conscious family car buyers in India.

Key Highlights:

  • Aggressive Pricing: The starting price of ₹5.65 lakh is applicable for the first 1,001 bookings, making it one of the most affordable MPVs in the country.
  • Distinctive Design: While based on the Triber, the Gravite sports a unique identity with Nissan’s signature V-Motion grille, split LED DRLs, reworked bumpers, and stylish alloy wheel covers.
  • Spacious & Practical Interior: The MPV features a flexible 2+3+2 seating layout. The third row is removable, expanding boot space from 84 litres to a massive 625 litres.
  • Tech & Features: Top trims come loaded with a touchscreen infotainment system, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, wireless charging, push-button start, and a premium 360-degree camera.
  • Safety First: Standard safety tech includes 6 airbags, ABS with EBD, Electronic Stability Control (ESC), Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS), and ISOFIX child seat anchors.
  • Engine & Performance: Powering the Gravite is a 1.0-litre naturally aspirated petrol engine delivering 71 bhp and 96 Nm of torque, paired with either a 5-speed manual or AMT gearbox. A dealer-fitted CNG option is also available.

Market Competition: The Nissan Gravite directly rivals the Renault Triber (priced between ₹5.76 lakh – ₹7.91 lakh). It also serves as a budget-friendly alternative to larger MPVs like the Maruti Suzuki Ertiga and Toyota Rumion, offering 7-seater practicality at a significantly lower price point.

Conclusion: With its bold styling, feature-rich package, and highly competitive pricing, the 2026 Nissan Gravite is poised to attract Indian families looking for a versatile and economical 7-seater vehicle.

Kerala Ramadan 2026 Date Announced: Fasting Starts Thursday, February 19

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KOZHIKODE: The holy month of Ramadan will commence in Kerala on February 19, Thursday, Panakkad Sayyid Sadiq Ali Shihab Thangal has announced.

The decision was taken after the Ramadan new moon was not sighted anywhere in the state on Tuesday evening.

Key Highlights:

  • Moon Sighting: The crescent moon was not visible on Tuesday.
  • Shaban 30: Wednesday will mark the completion of Shaban 30.
  • Ramadan 1: The first day of fasting (Ramadan 1) will be on Thursday, February 19.

Since the moon was not sighted, the month of Shaban will complete its full 30-day cycle on Wednesday. Consequently, believers in Kerala will begin their holy fasting from Thursday morning, as confirmed by the Qazis and religious leadership led by Panakkad Thangal.

Attukal Pongala 2026: Holiday, Liquor Ban, and New Health Guidelines You Need to Know

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Thiruvananthapuram: In view of the Attukal Pongala festival, the District Collector has declared a local holiday for Thiruvananthapuram district on March 3.

All educational institutions, government, and quasi-government offices within the district will remain closed on this day. To ensure public order and safety, a liquor ban has been imposed across all wards of the City Corporation and the Vellar ward of Venganoor Grama Panchayat. The ban will be in effect from 6:00 PM on March 2 until 6:00 PM on March 3.


Strict Food Safety Protocols

The District Medical Officer (DMO) has issued a comprehensive set of guidelines to ensure health and hygiene during the festivities. Organizers and food stalls are mandated to follow these protocols strictly:

  • Water Quality: Only purified water should be used for cooking and drinking. Water sources in the festival zones must be chlorinated, and institutions must hold a water test certificate from an authorized lab.
  • Hygiene Standards: Food handlers must possess a valid Health Card and maintain high personal hygiene. Food must be prepared and stored in clean, closed environments—cooking in open spaces is prohibited.
  • Oil and Ingredients: Reusing oil for frying is strictly forbidden. All fruits and vegetables must be thoroughly washed before use.
  • Licensing: All food establishments must have FSSAI registration/license. The Food Safety toll-free number (1800 424 1125) must be clearly displayed at cash counters.
  • Green Protocol: Organizers of Annadanam (mass food distribution) must adhere to the Green Protocol. The use of prohibited plastics and wrapping food in newspapers is banned.
  • Waste Management: Solid and liquid waste must be disposed of scientifically on the same day.

Health and Public Safety

The DMO further specified that individuals suffering from infectious diseases like jaundice, typhoid, or diarrhea are prohibited from cooking or serving food.

Important Note: Public displays of “No Smoking” signs are mandatory, and the sale of tobacco or intoxicating substances is strictly prohibited in the festival area.

Furthermore, the public is advised to avoid getting tattoos or piercings from unlicensed stalls at the festival grounds to prevent health risks.

Breaking News: Major Fire Outbreak at Jayalakshmi Silks, Kozhikode

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A massive fire has broken out at the Jayalakshmi Textiles showroom in Kozhikode city. According to preliminary reports, the blaze is concentrated on the second and third floors of the building, with flames spreading rapidly through the premises.No casualties or injuries have been reported so far.

While the cause of the fire is yet to be determined, emergency services are working to contain the blaze and prevent it from spreading to nearby buildings in the busy commercial area. Further details are awaited as the situation develops.

Kerala Bar Timings Extension: Govt Plans to Allow Operations Until 12 AM; 3 AM for Tourist Spots

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Thiruvananthapuram: The Kerala government is actively considering a revision of the operating hours for bars across the state, a move that could see liquor being served for longer durations. According to reports, an official order regarding the extension is expected to be issued soon.

Under the proposed changes, bars in Kerala may be permitted to operate from 10:00 AM to 12:00 AM (midnight). Currently, the standard operating time for bars is restricted to 11:00 AM to 11:00 PM.

Addressing Industry Demands The move comes after persistent demands from bar owners who highlighted disparities in the current system. At present, bars located within designated tourism zones are allowed to function until midnight, while those in adjacent non-tourism areas must close by 11:00 PM. This created a competitive disadvantage for many establishments, prompting the government to consider a uniform extension for all license holders.

Boost for Nightlife and Tourism In a significant bid to boost the state’s nightlife and ‘Business Tourism’ sector, the government is also exploring the possibility of allowing bars in major tourism centers to remain open until 3:00 AM.

  • Special Permits: Facilities may be introduced to serve liquor until 3:00 AM for specific events related to business tourism, such as conferences, trade fairs, and official gatherings.
  • Fee Structure: Establishments opting for these extended hours or special permits will likely have to pay an additional fee.

Current Liquor Landscape As of January 31, 2025, Kerala has 847 active bar licenses. This is in addition to the 289 retail outlets operated by the Kerala State Beverages Corporation (BEVCO). The potential revision in timings is seen as part of a broader effort to modernize the state’s approach to tourism and hospitality.

Onam Pookalam Photos And Simple Pookalam Designs Photos

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‘The Kerala Story 2’ Trailer Released: Sequel Sparks Fresh Debate with Controversial Message

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Mumbai: The makers of the controversial 2022 hit The Kerala Story have unveiled the trailer for its sequel, titled The Kerala Story 2 – Goes Beyond. Produced by Vipul Amrutlal Shah and directed by Kamakhya Narayan Singh, the film is set to hit theatres on February 27, 2026.

Just like its predecessor, the sequel’s trailer has immediately sparked debate. It opens with a provocative warning claiming that India could turn into an Islamic state within 25 years. The narrative follows the lives of three Hindu women—played by Ulka Gupta, Aditi Bhatia, and Aishwarya Ojha—across different states, including Rajasthan, Madhya Pradesh, and Kerala. The trailer depicts their struggles with interfaith relationships, alleged deceit, and forced religious conversions.

Sharing the trailer on social media, the makers issued a strong statement: “They targeted our daughters. They broke their trust. They stole their futures. This time, we do not stay silent. The story goes beyond.”

The film aims to expand the narrative beyond the setting of the first movie, portraying personal conflicts involving identity, faith, and family. With its “alarming message” and sensitive subject matter, The Kerala Story 2 is expected to reignite the intense discussions that surrounded the first installment.