When Dhyan Sreenivasan takes the microphone, laughter is usually guaranteed. But when you add Fahadh Faasil to the mix, it becomes a viral moment. A recent stage interaction between the two stars at the Blue Hill Foundation event has left fans in splits.
The “Script Narration” Story During his speech, Dhyan recalled an incident from years ago when he visited the set of Maheshinte Prathikaaram to pitch a story to Fahadh.
“About five or six years ago, I went to narrate a story to him. Instead of listening, he started telling me a story back! By the time he was done advising me, I felt like there was no point in doing movies at all,” Dhyan joked, implying he was playfully discouraged by Fahadh.
Fahadh’s “Mass” Reply Not one to stay silent, Fahadh Faasil immediately grabbed the mic and gave a witty counter-reply that brought the house down.
“It wasn’t six years ago; it was ten years ago! And that story he started telling me back then… he still hasn’t finished telling it!” Fahadh quipped, poking fun at Dhyan’s storytelling skills.
The “Third Account” Request Dhyan also shared a piece of advice he received from a friend of his father, Sreenivasan. The advice was to maintain three bank accounts: one for personal expenses, one for paying taxes, and a third one exclusively for charity to find true happiness.
In his signature style, Dhyan jokingly requested Fahadh Faasil—who is currently one of the biggest stars in India—to activate that “third account” for charity, hinting at the actor’s massive success and remuneration.
The video of their candid and funny exchange is now trending across social media platforms.
ANOMIE Review: A Brilliant Concept Trapped Inside Its Own Hesitation.
A Review by Aaliya Ansar
RELEASE DATE: 06/02/2026
LANGUAGE: Malayalam
DURATION: 2hours 32minutes
DIRECTOR: Riyas Marath
GENRE: Sci-Fi/ Triller
Positives:
1: Unique Concept
2: VFX
3: Detailed Research
4: Performance of actors
5: Climax
6: Cinematography
7: Colour grading
Negatives:
1: Underutilization
2: Pacing
3: Imbalance
4: Repetitive emotional balance
5: Thriller Elements Lack Urgency
5: Inconsistent
Story
Anomie’s cramped apartment setting in Kochi beautifully portrays two very different ways of dealing with the tragedy that has befallen their lives. While Zaara seeks to move forward by stepping out into the world, riding her bike every day, Ziyaan does exactly the opposite, stuck in a cycle of medication he cannot escape.
New gears are turned in the plot as it is revealed that Ziyaan died due to suicide. However, as the news sinks in, one realizes that things just do not add up. What began as a character study of the grieved family gradually transitions into a mystery novel as Zaara starts to explore the untapped angles of her brother’s life.
In parallel with this, we are also introduced to Jibran, a cop also haunted by a case he could never close. During the investigation of Ziyaan’s death, Jibran senses that this was not a tragedy by chance, as the action unfolds in a palpable and heavy tension, skipping the fast-paced action scenes in the film.
REVIEW & ANALYSIS OF THE FILM:
Anomie: The Equation of Death is an entry into the world of psychological thrillers, but Anomie does so rather patiently—and when one watches this film, often in a manner that suggests the filmmakers believe the audience has an equal reservoir to draw on. Anomie is a film set within a confined apartment in Kochi, where the atmosphere is slowly constructed in a state of silence, stillness, and emotional weight. While the filmmaker does a wonderful job of setting the atmosphere, there are times when the stillness stretches to a degree where the audience might think the film is not just being serious, but is actually meditating.
The performances are also among the strongest aspects of the film. The character of Ziyaan convincingly portrays the ideas of unresolved tragedy and emotional breakdowns. He delivers a performance that seems to be internalized and subdued, which works well in this film. Zaara is the emotional contrast to Ziyaan’s character, portraying the ideas of movement and the attempt to keep a semblance of normalcy in the midst of tragedy. Jibran’s character brings in the investigative aspect of the film, which creates an element of surprise and intrigue, and also carries emotional scars, since, as any rational individual would tell you, emotional well-being is not something this film is concerned with portraying in any of its characters.
From a directional standpoint, Riyas Marath has a very defined artistic vision, which is more heavily aligned with a storytelling sense of mood rather than the conventional elements associated with a thriller narrative. He does make great use of the apartment setting to effectively create a sense of claustrophobia within the narrative, much in the same way that the characters are confined to their own sanity throughout the story. At times, the direction feels almost too confident in its approach to pacing, particularly in a slow-burn sense, to the point where some scenes drag on well beyond the need for the story to progress them, making the viewing experience feel almost an endurance effort on the viewer rather than an immersion experience.
The change in genre from psychological drama to thriller is managed well, but the movie does seem a little undecided as far as the genre is concerned. The mystery is certainly revealed at a good pace, and the emotional content is well developed. However, in terms of the thriller genre, the movie could have shown a little more urgency and determination in some scenes related to the investigation. The movie does seem more keen on maintaining the atmosphere than in building narrative tension. Overall, a great work of craftsmanship that could have had a little more movement in terms of the narrative.
The level of concern with emotional depth and exploration of the mind is significant in the screenplay of Anomie, as it enhances the plot through the mood, behavior, and inner conflict of the characters instead of adhering to the plot progression method. The screenplay wonderfully explores the coping strategies of the characters, especially through the emotional detachment of the characters, Zaara, and Ziyaan. In general, the dialogues are quite natural and subtle, refraining from dramatization unnecessarily.At the same time, the screenplay also suffers from a measure of narrative clarity. While the emotional layers are well developed, there are times when the screenplay circles around the same emotions without moving the story forward. Accordingly, the investigative aspects offer the intrigue needed, yet there are times when the screenplay is hesitant to further develop the thriller potential of the work. As a result, the narrative feels like it is being stretched instead of expanded for the film.The film clearly wants to be a work of atmosphere and introspection, but this is at the expense of pacing and clarity within the work itself.
The cinematography excels in playing on the use of closed spaces, dim lighting, and deliberately posed shots to bring forth the emotional numbness of the two main characters, bringing the Kochi apartment to a kind of witness role in the psychological meltdown that follows. The use of natural lighting, particularly the morning light, helps imbue the story with some sense of realism and provides a beautiful contrast between the bleakness and the emotional numbness. The stark contrast in Zaara’s outdoorsy movements and the closed-quarters existence that is imposed upon Ziyaan does manage to effectively convey the psychological state of the two leads without resorting to unnecessary dialogue sequences. The film’s focus on static poses and deliberately posed movements does, however, feel to be just a shade too committed, as if the film is determined to sit and ponder the meaning of life a little longer than the viewer is comfortable watching. Even as it does feel to be just slightly too indulgent in the stillness, the cinematography is one of the film’s undeniable strengths and manages to pull the viewer effectively into the heavy emotional landscape that the film presents.
The pacing of the edits is faithful to the philosophy behind a slow burn, where narrative interest takes a strict backseat to emotional continuity. The cuts are seamless, almost invisible, allowing scenes to bleed into one another with a calmness that’s simply impressive, as if the editor were of a mind that time was merely a social construct. There are some emotional scenes that are given as much space as they need, sometimes so much that they feel as though they’ve fetched a long-term apartment in the narrative. Though these scenes do allow the performances and emotions to land, they’re so drawn out that some sequences feel as though the film is less progressing narrative than simply politely taking a break to admire its mood.The investigation scenes, which should almost certainly inject more momentum, are cut at a similar level of restraint as if suspense itself was requested to slow down and take a moment to reflect upon life choices. Perhaps a slightly tighter approach in cutting could have raised the suspense considerably and spiked the structure of the narrative approach. However, the film continues to indulge in this pacing at admirable consistency. Though overindulgent at times in these long scenes of lingering, the editing does approach a level of tonal consistency and support for the psychological nature of the work well, even if the approach it takes feels to be done so emotionally.
The background music and the score in Anomie are minimalist, opting for understatement rather than dramatic presentation. Rather than constantly directing the audience’s emotions, the film’s soundtrack is quiet in the background, giving space to the role of silence, too, in the betterment of the psychological themes of the film, as the minimalist sound design effectively complements the emotional detachment of the characters in the story. The film does not utilize unduly loud music, which suits the film’s overall understated themes.However, at some points, the background score realistically appears to be too apprehensive, afraid to take the bold step and leave an emotional mark. While this approach has benefited some scenes, there are moments, especially during the mystery-packed scenes, where a bit of emphasis could have helped the overall tension build-up from its music perspective. The background score continues to remain fitting to the overall mood and tone of the scenes, without crossing that edge to make it stand out and define the scenes away from its emotional support status.
Despite all these limitations, the movie has managed to deliver an experience that is haunting and full of depth. This is, however, not intended to be a thriller movie, and the pace and story also convey a sense of psychological and emotional exploration. While the movie can be appreciated from an intellectual point of view, especially to fans of slow movies, the common viewer might end up appreciating the movie but not necessarily getting full entertainment out of it.
SO WHAT’S HOT:
1: Brilliant & Unique Concept
The movie takes the risk of exploring new cinematic territories by offering a scientific concept that feels distinct from the norm established in most thrillers. It is liberating to see a movie that prefers to bank on research and logic instead of dramatic cliches.
2: Detailed Research & Conceptual Depth
The amount of work that has gone into developing the scientific and psychological basis of the story is evident. There is confidence demonstrated in presenting its ideas in an organized and believable fashion.
3:Decent VFX Execution
The film succeeds in achieving this effect properly, and this shows that they really wanted to implement what they said they would in interviews instead of leaving it as a several-interview-later promise.
SO WHAT DIDN’T WORK OUT:
1: Underutilized Scale of the Concept
The movie poses a concept that has tremendous storytelling potential, but instead of delving deeper into the idea, the story navigates the concept with the same care an individual might take when holding a cup of coffee on a crowded bus. The scope is enormous, yet the story wanted to remain comfortably small, in a sense that seems afraid the ambition might get too ambitious itself.
2:Delayed Conceptual Payoff
A lot of the scientific and thematic brilliance is saved until the very end, which creates the feeling that the film was holding back the good stuff, or at least, it was the surprise gift—but just as you’re about to leave the party, that gift is presented in the final five minutes. The revelations made in the film may be interesting, but it is a slightly uneven feel thanks to the information dump towards the end.
3: Inconsistent Narrative Momentum
The slow pace initially evokes curiosity, but the movie eventually develops a rhythm that is less like telling a story and more like taking a long, reflective breath. Some scenes are extended to such a leisurely place that they seem to be competing for emotional awards.
4:Overdependence on Mood Over Plot Progression
The film is very committed to the tone, sometimes to the point where the plot appears to take a backseat, as if the film is more concerned with ensuring that the mood is kept rather than the plot progressing into something of substance.
5: Thriller Elements Lack Urgency
Despite wearing the tag of a mystery thriller, the investigation sequences unwind with admirable calmness, as if suspense itself was told to keep its emotions in check. The tension builds up gradually and seldom reaches a level that really grips the audience.
6. Missed Opportunity for Experiential Storytelling
The prospect promises sufficient power to construct both a visually and ideologically expansive cinematic experience, yet the film settles on revealing larger themes only in brief flashes. The experience is akin to being offered a peek at a great scientific experiment through a slightly ajar door.
7. Repetitive Emotional Beats
The movie revisits the same emotional content again and again, almost as if to say, “Just in case you forget, everyone is still sad.” While thematic consistency is maintained, revisiting emotional content slightly detracts from the novelty of the journey itself.
CONCLUSION:
The movie deserves genuine appreciation for its visionary thinking and for finally moving out of the conventional storytelling comfort zone. The concept itself feels fresh, with notable effort in detailed research, especially an attempt to present its idea through a scientific and logical backdrop rather than relying on cinematic exaggeration. Though it sounds pretty intelligent, the attempt to introduce a relatively new narrative approach is commendable, with clear confidence provided by the makers to travel with complex themes. Technically, the film also needs some appreciation for convincingly executing the visual effects, which prove that the creative vision was not just written on paper but was practically detailed with decent technical support.
However, while it presents an interesting idea, it often seems to be holding its own potential with surprising reservation. There is scope for expansion in the story that would have allowed for this interesting concept to be explored on a grander, more immersive level, but it seems determined to keep all this potential locked away politely. There is room for the scientific and conceptual content to be explored, which it does gradually before heavily focusing on it for the climax, as if the film realized it has some strong ideas to include before the credits roll.
This film, without a question, excels in creating a sensation around a new and different premise and offers wonderful glimpses of artistic brilliance, but it also leaves the viewer with the nagging feeling that the entire experience could have been much more if the ideas had been further developed and explored throughout the film instead of saving them for the very last stretch, which ends the film with an intellectually stimulating yet somewhat dissatisfying feeling, as if promising a grand revelation in the world of science and still having to sit through the entire lecture to get to it.
Final Verdict
The film is a bold attempt at a psychological drama that incorporates scientific and investigative aspects, accompanied by good performances and thoughtfulness in the technical aspects of filmmaking. The film offers a new and interesting concept, well-researched and well-intentioned in terms of creative brainstorming. However, the film could have delved deeper into the potential it offered and was saved for the latter parts of the film, with a slightly slower pace and repetitive moments slightly affecting the otherwise good film.Recommended for those who enjoy slow-paced, mood-driven psychological thrillers, this film might seem a bit slow and restrained for those expecting it to be fast-paced and thrilling.
DUBAI – Indian educator and social activist Rouble Nagi has been named the winner of the prestigious Global Teacher Prize 2026. The announcement was made during the World Government Summit in Dubai, where she was awarded the USD 1 million prize in recognition of her transformative impact on education in India’s most underserved communities.
Transforming Slums into Classrooms
Rouble Nagi, through her Rouble Nagi Art Foundation, has spent years bridging the educational gap for children in rural areas and urban slums. Her most celebrated initiative, “Living Walls of Learning,” uses art as a tool for literacy. By painting vibrant educational murals on abandoned walls and shanties, she transformed entire neighborhoods into open-air classrooms.
To date, Nagi has established over 800 learning centers across 100 communities. Her innovative approach has not only brought children into the fold of formal education for the first time but has also successfully reduced school dropout rates by over 50 per cent.
Empowering the Future
Beyond primary education, Nagi has trained hundreds of local educators, creating a sustainable model of community-led growth. Upon receiving the award, she expressed her commitment to scaling her mission.
A Vision for Digital Literacy
Nagi plans to utilize the $1 million prize money to establish a free training institute focused on vocational skills and digital literacy. This new venture aims to empower millions of young people across India with the technical skills required for the modern job market, ensuring that geography does not dictate a child’s destiny.
The Global Teacher Prize, organized by the Varkey Foundation in collaboration with UNESCO, continues to highlight the vital role teachers play in shaping a better world.
New Delhi / Washington D.C. — In a definitive move to reshape global supply chains, India and the United States have officially unveiled an Interim Trade Framework. This agreement marks a critical milestone toward a comprehensive Bilateral Trade Agreement (BTA), aimed at fostering reciprocal trade and deepening strategic ties between the world’s two largest democracies.
The deal centers on a “give-and-take” model: India will open its vast domestic market to American industrial and agricultural goods, while the US will provide significant tariff relief and sectoral access to Indian exporters.
Key Highlights: What the US Gains
India has committed to dismantling several long-standing trade barriers to make American products more competitive.
Industrial Goods: India will eliminate or sharply reduce tariffs on almost all US industrial products.
Agricultural Access: Duties will be slashed on a variety of US food products, including:
Animal feed (DDGs and red sorghum)
Tree nuts and fresh fruits
Soybean oil, wine, and spirits
Regulatory Reforms: India has agreed to resolve non-tariff barriers within six months, specifically targeting medical devices and ICT (Information and Communication Technology) products, aligning them with international standards.
Major Wins for Indian Exporters
The United States has offered a structured roadmap for tariff relief that benefits India’s core export sectors.
Lower Reciprocal Tariffs: For now, the US will apply a 18% reciprocal tariff on Indian goods, including textiles, leather, chemicals, and machinery—a significant drop from previous levels.
Zero-Tariff Roadmap: Once the interim deal is fully implemented, the US will remove tariffs entirely on:
Generic Pharmaceuticals (subject to ongoing reviews)
Gems and Diamonds
Aircraft and Aircraft Parts
Metals & Auto Parts: India will receive relief from national security tariffs on aircraft parts made with steel and aluminum, alongside a preferential quota for auto parts.
The $500 Billion Commitment
Perhaps the most ambitious part of the framework is India’s indication to purchase $500 billion worth of US goods over the next five years. This massive procurement plan includes:
Energy: Oil, gas, and coking coal.
Aviation: Commercial aircraft and parts.
Tech: Data center equipment and high-end Graphics Processing Units (GPUs) for AI development.
Strategic Realignment: The China Factor
While not explicitly named in the joint statement, the agreement is widely viewed as a move to counter the “non-market practices of third countries”—a clear reference to China. Both nations have pledged to collaborate on investment screening, export controls, and supply chain resilience to ensure economic security.
What’s Next?
The interim framework is set for rapid rollout. Negotiators from both sides will continue working toward a final Bilateral Trade Agreement (BTA), which is expected to include more robust rules on digital trade and further reductions in compliance hurdles for businesses.
As Prime Minister Modi noted, this deal strengthens the “Make in India” initiative by opening doors for MSMEs and farmers to a $30 trillion US market.
Thiruvananthapuram: Following the resolution of disputes between the KSRTC and the Thiruvananthapuram Corporation, the rescheduled electric bus services officially commenced operations today. Thiruvananthapuram Mayor V.V. Rajesh flagged off the inaugural service.
The first bus began its journey from Kulasekharam in the Mayor’s ward (Kodunganoor) to East Fort. The service, which started at 7:30 AM, covers the route via Kuruvikkad, Thittamangalam, Kunnanpara, and Kundamankadavu.
Key Highlights:
New Routes: Electric bus services are being launched on 23 side roads within the Corporation limits.
Context: The services were rescheduled following discussions between the Mayor and Transport Minister K.B. Ganesh Kumar, settling earlier disagreements regarding route selection and operations.
Timing: The buses are scheduled to operate primarily during peak hours in the morning and evening. The selected routes are largely on side roads that previously lacked sufficient KSRTC coverage.
Mayor V.V. Rajesh expressed his satisfaction in fulfilling the promise made to the public to improve connectivity in these areas.
ONE WORD: An Emotion-Driven Family Drama Elevated by Strong Performances and Narrative Treatment
A Review by Arunjyothi R
LANGUAGE: MALAYALAM
DURATION: 02 Hours 12 Minutes
GENRE: Family Drama
•POSITIVES:
1: Direction
2: Performance of Jayaram and Kalidas Jayaram
3: Screenplay
4: Good Situational Humours
5: Well established emotional arch
6: Background Score
7: Climax
8: Cinematography
•NEGATIVES:
1: Predictability
2: Familiar story backdrop
3: Duration of the film
4: Slight drag at some points
STORY:
Ashakal Aayiram revolves around dreams that arrive late—and the conflicts they create. Ajeesh (Kalidas Jayaram) is a young man passionately chasing his ambition of becoming a film actor. His father Hariharan (Jayaram), a medical representative, leads a routine middle-class life, struggling to meet daily expenses while silently carrying the weight of unfulfilled aspirations. Their relationship is calm but distant, shaped by unspoken expectations and financial realities.
Life takes an unexpected turn when a film shoot happens near their house, drawing huge crowds for the arrival of popular star Sumith Raghavan. Due to a sudden situation, Hariharan and his neighbour are selected as junior artists. On set, Sumith struggles to act comfortably in front of the public, leading to repeated takes. During one such moment, a casual joke from the neighbour makes Hariharan laugh, which catches Sumith’s attention and hurts his ego. An argument breaks out publicly, and in a moment of arrogance, Sumith challenges Hariharan to perform the scene in a single take if he truly believes acting is easy.
To ease the tension and prevent further disruption, the film crew persuades Hariharan to accept the challenge. What follows is a surprising turn of events—Hariharan delivers a powerful and natural performance that stuns the director, crew, and gathered crowd. The moment goes viral on social media, and to calm the situation and dilute the controversy around the star, the crew offers Hariharan a proper role in the film. His performance is widely appreciated, receiving strong applause in theatres and earning him unexpected popularity.
Encouraged by the response, Hariharan decides to pursue acting seriously and quits his job, stepping into a world he had never imagined for himself. However, this sudden rise creates emotional distance at home. Ajeesh, who has been struggling for opportunities, finds himself overshadowed by his own father’s success. What began as a moment of pride slowly turns into insecurity and resentment, leading to clashes between the two.
REVIEW & ANALYSIS OF THE FILM:
POSITIVES:
1: Direction:
G Prajith, who earlier delivered the popular Oru Vadakan Selfie, handles Ashakal Aayiram with clarity and emotional control. His primary intention—to present a full-fledged family drama rooted in emotions and a strong father–son bond—is clearly visible throughout the film. He focuses more on feelings than gimmicks, allowing the story to flow naturally. The emotional arcs are carefully shaped, and the drama never feels exaggerated or artificial, which works strongly in the film’s favour.
The making style suits the genre well. Prajith understands how to build emotions gradually—introducing conflicts softly, allowing them to grow, and finally letting them explode at the right moments. Sentimental scenes are handled with restraint, avoiding melodrama, while still ensuring they connect with the audience. He balances emotional depth with engagement, making sure the film never feels dull despite its familiar setting. The pacing of emotional beats, silences, and reactions is thoughtfully designed.
One of the director’s biggest strengths is how he uses Jayaram and Kalidas Jayaram together. Their chemistry feels organic and lived-in. Prajith smartly places their confrontations, fun moments, and emotional exchanges to strengthen the screenplay. The climax, in particular, carries a strong emotional impact because of how well he stages the performances. Even lighter moments between the father and son are placed effectively to lift the narrative. The film has many occurrences and plot points, yet almost everything feels connected, leading to a satisfying and emotionally fulfilling ending.
2. Performance of Jayaram and Kalidas Jayaram
Jayaram delivers a deeply moving and restrained performance as Hariharan, portraying the emotional journey of an ordinary man discovering an unexpected second chance at his dreams. His acting is rooted in subtle expressions rather than loud dramatics, making the character feel realistic and relatable. From moments of quiet frustration and self-doubt to scenes of pride and emotional fulfilment, Jayaram maintains complete control over his performance. His dialogue delivery is precise, his emotional modulation is impressive, and his screen presence carries immense weight, especially during emotionally charged sequences.
Kalidas Jayaram complements his father with a mature and emotionally layered performance as Ajeesh. He convincingly portrays the internal conflict of a son who admires his father yet struggles with insecurity as his own dreams begin to fade. Kalidas excels in expressing anger, disappointment, and helplessness through silence and body language. His emotional scenes never feel forced, and his reactions feel honest, particularly during confrontations and breakdown moments. The vulnerability he brings to the character makes Ajeesh’s journey emotionally engaging.
The chemistry between Jayaram and Kalidas is the backbone of the film. Their father–son bond feels natural and lived-in, enhancing both the emotional and lighter moments. Their fun, situational exchanges add warmth, while their intense confrontations carry raw emotional power. Both actors deliver standout performances in the climax, where emotions peak and performances reach their strongest point. Together, they elevate the emotional impact of the film, making their relationship the most memorable aspect of Ashakal Aayiram.
3: SCREENPLAY:
The screenplay stands out with its well-written emotional structure. The father–son bond is established effectively from the beginning, giving the audience enough time to understand their relationship, expectations, and silent conflicts. The emotional arc grows naturally, making the audience invest in both characters. The script is filled with ongoing situations, and most of them are well connected, leading smoothly into the next occurrence. Nothing feels forced or randomly inserted. Each scene contributes to character development or emotional progression. From the first half to the climax, the narrative remains engaging, with the emotional payoff arriving at the right time.
The emotions carry the film strongly. Dialogues are simple yet powerful, especially in father–son scenes, with several moments that genuinely move the audience—particularly during the climax. Situational comedy works well in the first half and feels organic rather than deliberately inserted. The cute and light moments between the father and son are nicely written, adding warmth to the narrative.
Scenes showcasing determination, passion, failure, and giving up are handled maturely, pushing the story forward naturally. The surprises in Jayaram’s character during the climax are presented convincingly without feeling unnatural. The screenplay also beautifully captures a father’s love, fear, hope, and emotional struggle, which becomes one of the film’s major strengths. Even the antagonist character is written effectively, serving the story without overpowering it.
4: Good Situational Humour & Well-Established Emotional Arc
The situational humour works well and blends naturally with the narrative. Instead of forced jokes, the film relies on character-driven humour and everyday situations, especially involving the father–son dynamic. These moments bring relief, add charm, and make the characters more relatable without disturbing the emotional flow. The emotional journey of the film is carefully constructed. The gradual shift from a routine middle-class life to emotional conflict and reconciliation feels smooth and believable. The emotions are layered, allowing the audience to connect deeply with both characters. The film maintains emotional consistency throughout, ensuring that conflicts don’t feel sudden or shallow. Each emotional moment builds upon the previous one, making the climax emotionally rewarding and impactful.
5: CLIMAX
The climax is beautifully crafted and stands as one of the film’s strongest highlights. The emotional focus remains firmly on the father–son relationship, and the scenes are staged with sensitivity and restraint. Jayaram and Kalidas Jayaram deliver powerful performances, allowing emotions to flow naturally without excessive dialogues or dramatic exaggeration. The emotional tension that has been building throughout the film finds a meaningful release here, making the payoff satisfying and heartfelt. Kalidas shines with an intense and emotionally charged performance in the final stretch, capturing vulnerability, pain, and emotional maturity with remarkable control. Jayaram complements this with a restrained yet deeply affecting portrayal, making their combination work exceptionally well. The surprise appearance of Asha Sarath adds an additional emotional layer, strengthening the impact of the final moments. The climax carries genuine emotional weight, bringing tears to many and leaving the audience with a sense of closure, warmth, and emotional fulfilment.
6: CINEMATOGRAPHY, EDITING & BACKGROUND SCORE:
The cinematography is simple but effective, serving the story well. Close-up shots add emotional depth and highlight the acting strengths of Jayaram and Kalidas. Visuals never distract from the narrative and remain grounded throughout. Editing is decent, with smooth transitions between scenes, though the runtime could have been slightly trimmed for better impact. The background score plays a crucial role in lifting the emotional scenes. The use of music enhances key moments without overpowering them. The placement of a song from Jayaram’s old hit films is particularly effective, creating a nostalgic, emotional, and joyful moment inside the theatre. The climax is beautifully elevated by the background score, making the scenes more touching and memorable.
NEGATIVES FELT:
1. Predictability
One of the noticeable drawbacks of Ashakal Aayiram is its predictable narrative structure. Many major plot developments, especially concerning the rise of Hariharan and the emotional conflict between father and son, can be anticipated well in advance. For viewers familiar with family dramas, the trajectory of the story rarely offers surprises. While the emotional execution remains effective, the lack of narrative unpredictability slightly reduces the overall impact and suspense.
2. Familiar Story Backdrop
The film unfolds within a familiar and often-explored backdrop of middle-class family struggles, generational conflict, and unfulfilled dreams. Several scenes and emotional beats follow patterns commonly seen in similar genre films. This sense of déjà vu makes certain moments feel routine rather than fresh. Although strong performances elevate the material, the familiar setting and storytelling approach prevent the film from standing out as a truly unique experience.
3. Duration of the Film
The runtime feels a bit stretched, particularly in the middle portions. Some scenes tend to linger longer than necessary, slightly affecting the pacing. A tighter edit could have sharpened the narrative and made the emotional beats land more effectively. Trimming repetitive emotional exchanges and a few transitional sequences would have resulted in a more compact and impactful viewing experience.
4. Slight Drag at Some Points
There is a noticeable drag in a few portions of the film, especially in the first half and select scenes in the second half. Certain sequences feel prolonged without adding much to character development or story progression. These moments slow down the narrative flow and briefly test the audience’s patience. While the film regains momentum later, a more controlled pacing could have improved the overall engagement.
CONCLUSION:
Ashakal Aayiram is an emotionally driven family drama that finds its strength in sincere storytelling and powerful performances. G Prajith’s direction keeps the focus firmly on emotions, allowing the father–son relationship to evolve naturally. Jayaram and Kalidas Jayaram deliver deeply convincing performances, and their chemistry gives the film its emotional backbone. The screenplay, supported by an effective background score, ensures steady engagement, leading the narrative toward a well-earned emotional high point.
The climax stands out as the film’s most impactful segment, bringing together performance, emotion, and music seamlessly. The father–son moments in the final stretch are handled with sensitivity and emotional weight, leaving a strong impression and providing a satisfying sense of closure. Despite a predictable storyline, familiar setting, and a slightly stretched runtime, the film succeeds in touching the heart. Ashakal Aayiram may not break new ground, but it offers a warm, emotional, and memorable experience, especially for viewers who appreciate heartfelt family dramas with a strong and emotionally rewarding climax.
In a historic showdown in Harare, Team India clinched their sixth ICC U19 World Cup title, defeating England by a massive 100-run margin. The final was defined by a record-breaking performance from 14-year-old prodigy Vaibhav Suryavanshi.
Match Highlights:
A Mountain of Runs: After winning the toss and choosing to bat, India posted a colossal total of 411/9 in 50 overs, setting the record for the highest team total in an U19 World Cup Final.
Suryavanshi’s Masterclass: Opener Vaibhav Suryavanshi played a knock for the ages, smashing 175 runs off just 80 balls. His innings, which included 15 fours and 15 sixes, is now the highest individual score in the tournament’s final history. He reached his century in just 55 balls.
Solid Support: Captain Ayush Mhatre (53), Abhigyan Kundu (40), and a quick-fire unbeaten 37 from Kanishk Chauhan helped propel India to their record score.
England’s Chase: Chasing a daunting 412, England fought bravely but were bowled out for 311 in 40.2 overs. Caleb Falconer stood tall with a brilliant century (115), but the target proved too steep.
The Bowling Attack: R.S. Ambarish led the Indian attack with 3 wickets, while Deepesh Devendran, Ayush Mhatre, and Kanishk Chauhan claimed 2 wickets each to seal the victory.
Vaibhav Suryavanshi was named both Man of the Match and Player of the Tournament for his sensational run. This victory cements India’s dominance in youth cricket, extending their record to six World Cup triumphs.
Thiruvananthapuram: Noted Malayalam actor and producer Maniyanpilla Raju was arrested by the Museum Police on Friday in connection with a hit-and-run accident that left two youngsters injured. The actor was later released on bail after completing the necessary legal formalities.
The Incident The accident occurred late Thursday night, around 10:00 PM, in front of the Trivandrum Club. According to police reports, a car (Registration No. KL 01 CJ 04) driven by the actor collided with a motorcycle carrying two youths. Instead of stopping to help the victims, the vehicle reportedly sped away from the scene.
The injured individuals, identified as Nivedith Krishna and Sooraj, were rushed to private hospitals. Nivedith suffered leg fractures, while Sooraj sustained injuries to his spine.
Police Investigation The Museum Police initiated an investigation after tracking the vehicle’s registration details, which were listed under the name Sudheer Kumar Raju (the actor’s official name). Although the actor’s name was not initially mentioned in the FIR, the police confirmed his involvement after he surrendered at the station on Friday morning. He was charged with dangerous driving and causing hurt by an act endangering life.
Actor’s Response Speaking to the media after his arrest, Maniyanpilla Raju admitted to the lapse but clarified the circumstances. “It is true that I didn’t stop, and that was a mistake. The bike actually hit the back of my car. Being a cancer patient, I panicked when I heard the loud noise and immediately left the spot. However, I did call a friend shortly after to inform them about the incident,” the actor stated.
After his statement was recorded and a medical examination was conducted, the actor was granted bail as the offences were bailable.
In a remarkable example of resilience and integrity, the Avinissery Khadi Village Industries Association has fully repaid a ₹40 lakh interest-free loan provided by actor and Union Minister Suresh Gopi. The fund, which was sanctioned a year ago through a charitable trust named after his late daughter, was instrumental in reviving the unit’s ‘Sliver Plant’ that had been shut down for over six months.
Suresh Gopi took to social media to express his deep satisfaction and pride regarding the development. He noted that the survival of over 1,800 workers was his primary concern when he stepped in to help.
“The satisfaction some moments bring to the heart is beyond words,” the actor shared. “Exactly a year ago, I provided a ₹40 lakh interest-free loan to reopen the Sliver Plant at the Avinissery Khadi unit. My only prayer then was that the livelihood of more than 1,800 workers should not be cut off.”
A Triumph of Hard Work
The actor emphasized that this was more than just a financial transaction. He credited the administrative committee’s vision and the relentless hard work of the employees for the successful turnaround of the institution.
“I bow my head before the determination of those workers who shed their sweat to bring back a collapsing institution,” Suresh Gopi added, congratulating the staff and administration for their sincerity and for honoring their word by repaying the amount on time.
The revival of the Avinissery Khadi unit is seen as a significant boost to the local traditional industrial sector, proving that timely intervention and collective effort can breathe life back into struggling enterprises.
ONE WORD: An Honest Attempt That Gradually Loses Its Way in Writing and Pacing
LANGUAGE: MALAYALAM
DURATION: 02 Hours 40 Minutes
DIRECTOR: Johnpaul George
GENRE: Comedy Drama
•POSITIVES:
1: Production Quality
2: Performance of Indrans
3:Performance of every actors
4: Music and Background Score
5: Art Department
7: VFX
8: Situational Comedies
•NEGATIVES:
1: Direction
2: Story and Screenplay
3: Melodramatic Second Half
4: Emotional arch lacks depth
5: Slow paced
6: Editing
7: Movie lags at many areas
STORY:
Anand is a true cinema lover who dreams of directing a feature film one day. He is also good at VFX, but his only chance to enter the film industry comes when he starts assisting popular director KRS. Once known for back-to-back hits, KRS is now struggling after many flops. Hoping to make a strong comeback, he takes a big risk by selling his own property to produce a new film. The story needs a special location, a flat with a circular design. The crew searches everywhere but fails to find one. Anand then suggests a flat where his friend lives, solving a major problem for the team. Because of this, Anand officially joins the project as an assistant director. But the flat is under the control of Aashan, a well-known and friendly person in the community, who also dreams of working in cinema. Through his friend, Anand meets Aashan and requests help. Aashan agrees to give the flat for shooting, but only on one condition, he wants a role in the film. Without informing the director, Anand agrees. Soon, Anand and Aashan become close friends, connected by their love for movies and shared dreams. When the shooting begins, things slowly start to fall apart. Problems increase, pressure builds, and the reality of the film industry hits hard. Anand and Aashan face many struggles as they try to hold on to their dreams, learning that cinema is not just about passion, but also about sacrifice and survival.
REVIEW & ANALYSIS OF THE FILM Aashaan:
POSITIVES:
1. Production Quality
Aashaan maintains a commendable level of production quality throughout its runtime. Even though the film is made within a limited budget, the makers ensure that it never looks compromised. The visual clarity, lighting choices, and overall presentation feel controlled and well-planned. Every technical department works within its limits, giving the film a clean and polished finish that supports the realistic tone.
As both director and producer, John Paul George shows clear responsibility in handling the film’s production values. The film avoids unnecessary extravagance and instead focuses on consistency and quality. This approach helps the audience stay engaged and gives the film a professional look, especially important for a story set within the filmmaking world.
2. Performance of Indrans
Indrans delivers one of the most emotionally effective performances in Aashaan. His acting is subtle yet powerful, relying heavily on facial expressions, body language, and silence rather than loud dialogue. In the emotional scenes, he conveys pain, disappointment, and helplessness with remarkable ease. A slight change in his eyes or posture is enough to communicate what the character is going through, making these moments deeply believable. These scenes stand out because of how naturally Indrans internalizes emotion instead of projecting it.
One of the film’s most memorable aspects is the Kathakali-related portions, where Indrans brings grace and dignity to the performance. His involvement in these scenes feels authentic and respectful, adding cultural depth to the character. The humour scenes involving Indrans also work well, as his timing is effortless and never forced. Even in lighter moments, he maintains realism and avoids caricature. The humiliation scene, in particular, is handled brilliantly—Indrans portrays shame, confusion, and quiet anger with great restraint. Without overdoing the emotion, he makes the audience feel the weight of the moment. This scene alone shows his mastery as an actor and becomes one of the film’s strongest highlights.
3. Performances of Joemon Jyothir and Supporting Actors
Joemon Jyothir delivers a refreshing and convincing performance, proving that he is capable of much more than just humour roles. While he is already known for his comic timing, Aashaan gives him the space to explore emotional depth, and he uses it effectively. His expressions feel natural and unforced, especially in scenes that demand vulnerability and inner conflict. He handles emotional moments with restraint, avoiding exaggeration, which suits the realistic tone of the film. His dialogue delivery is another strong point. Joemon maintains clarity and emotional balance, making even simple lines feel meaningful. The character represents the dreams and struggles of a young filmmaker trying to find his place in the industry, and Joemon portrays this journey with honesty. The frustration, hope, desperation, and silent determination are clearly visible in his performance. More importantly, his acting adds strength to the film whenever the narrative slows down. Through his sincere performance, Joemon Jyothir becomes a key emotional support for the film, making the character relatable and believable despite the screenplay’s limitations.
The supporting cast and lead actors deliver uniformly good performances. No character feels out of place, and the acting remains realistic and controlled throughout. The actors clearly understand the film’s tone and avoid overacting, which helps maintain the film’s grounded nature. What stands out is how the performances help the film survive its weaker writing. Even during slow or melodramatic scenes, the actors manage to hold the viewer’s attention. Their sincerity and commitment add value to the narrative and prevent the film from completely losing its emotional grip.
4. Music and Background Score
The music of Aashaan, composed by John Paul George, carries a familiar emotional texture of the song in Guppy and Ambili. While it may remind audiences of his earlier works, the songs fit well within the film’s mood. They are soft, pleasant, and easy on the ears, adding emotional support rather than dominating the narrative. The background score is used carefully and effectively. It enhances key moments without becoming overpowering or distracting. This restrained use of music aligns well with the film’s realistic approach and helps maintain emotional continuity across scenes.
5. Art Department
The art department plays an important role in shaping the film’s setting. The circular flat and shooting environments are designed with attention to detail, making them feel natural and functional rather than artificial. These spaces add credibility to the film’s behind-the-scenes filmmaking theme.
The interiors and props reflect realism and support the characters’ world. The art direction quietly strengthens the storytelling by creating believable spaces where the drama unfolds. This subtle but effective work adds depth to the film’s visual experience.
6. VFX
Considering the film’s limited budget, the VFX work is impressive and well-executed. The effects are clean, stable, and properly blended into the scenes without drawing unnecessary attention. The makers focus on quality rather than quantity, which works in the film’s favour.
The climax sequences, in particular, showcase well-handled VFX that add visual impact. The technical team clearly understands their limitations and delivers effects that look convincing. This smart and controlled approach enhances the overall production value of the film.
7. Situational Comedy
The situational comedy in Aashaan, especially in the first half, adds a light and refreshing touch. The humour is subtle and situational rather than loud or forced. These moments bring small smiles and help ease the seriousness of the film’s theme. Though the comedy is not meant to create continuous laughter, it works well within the narrative. It helps establish characters and situations naturally, making the early portions engaging and watchable. This gentle humour plays a key role in making the first half enjoyable.
NEGATIVES FELT:
1. Direction
John Paul George returns with Aashaan after Guppy and Ambili, choosing a subject that revolves around film shooting and the filmmaking process. While this idea is interesting on paper, it automatically limits the film’s reach. Audiences who are familiar with cinema, shooting locations, and the behind-the-scenes world may find the concept engaging. However, for general viewers, the incidents and situations may feel less relatable and emotionally distant. The major issue with the direction is not the making style but the narrative grip. John Paul George’s realistic approach works initially, but the film moves on a flat emotional graph.
The story neither rises to impactful highs nor falls into gripping conflicts. This steady, almost stagnant flow reduces audience involvement. The director’s choice to stay away from commercial elements further weakens the film’s ability to hold attention for its full runtime. In the second half, the direction slips into melodrama at several points. These moments feel forced and repetitive, affecting the viewing experience. The promising beginning slowly fades due to predictability and lack of emotional depth. Though the director tries to portray struggle and pain, the emotional connection fails to fully translate on screen. The lack of strong scene connectivity also affects the flow, as events occur one after another without leaving a lasting impact.
2. Story and Screenplay
The story of Aashaan has the basic elements needed for a good emotional drama. Dreams, struggles, ambition, and cinema itself form a strong foundation. However, the execution of these ideas remains strictly average. The writing does not explore these themes deeply, resulting in a surface-level emotional experience. The film had the potential to be a moving feel-good drama, but the script fails to extract that emotional strength.
Predictability is a major issue throughout the film. From beginning to end, most events can be easily guessed. Predictability alone is not a problem, but here it becomes an issue because the screenplay lacks engaging moments to compensate for it. There are very few scenes that surprise or emotionally move the audience, making the narrative feel monotonous.
The screenplay is one of the weakest aspects of the film. Anand and Aashaan are the central characters, and the story focuses on their dreams and struggles. However, the emotional depth of these characters is not fully developed. Scenes are written in a way that maintains the same emotional tone throughout, without building tension or attachment. Even the climax, which should have created a strong impact, feels underwhelming. Apart from the VFX, the emotional payoff remains minimal.
3. Melodramatic Second Half
The second half of Aashaan heavily depends on melodrama, which becomes one of the film’s biggest drawbacks. Emotional moments are repeatedly stretched, making several scenes feel forced rather than organic. Instead of allowing emotions to flow naturally, the film often pushes them too hard, reducing their impact. What could have been subtle and powerful ends up feeling predictable and emotionally exhausting.
This melodramatic approach also affects the film’s realism. Since the first half maintains a grounded tone, the sudden emotional heaviness in the later portions feels inconsistent. These repeated emotional beats slow down the narrative and weaken audience engagement. If handled with more restraint, the second half could have felt far more effective and believable.
4. Emotional Arc Lacks Depth
The film focuses on dreams, ambition, and struggle, but the emotional journey of the characters lacks sufficient depth. While the audience understands what Anand and Aashaan want, the film fails to make us strongly feel their inner conflicts. Their pain, frustration, and desperation are shown on screen, but they rarely translate into a deep emotional connection.
The emotional progression of the characters remains mostly flat throughout the film. There are no strong emotional peaks or turning points that leave a lasting impact. Because of this, even important moments fail to resonate deeply. Stronger emotional writing and more layered character development could have significantly improved the film’s emotional strength.
5. Slow Pace
Pacing is a major issue, especially in the second half of the film. Many scenes take longer than necessary to reach their point, resulting in a sluggish narrative flow. The lack of urgency in the storytelling makes the film feel longer than its actual runtime, testing the patience of the audience.
This slow pace could have worked if the scenes offered strong emotional or narrative payoffs, but that rarely happens. Instead, the film spends too much time establishing events without pushing the story forward. A tighter screenplay and more focused scene execution would have greatly enhanced the film’s rhythm.
6. Lag in Many Portions
The combined effect of slow pacing, melodrama, and average screenplay results in noticeable lag at several points in the film. Certain scenes feel repetitive and unnecessary, adding little value to the overall narrative. These lags disrupt the flow and reduce viewer engagement. The lag becomes more evident in the second half, where scenes could have been trimmed or edited more sharply. With better editing choices and tighter storytelling, the film could have maintained a more engaging tempo. Unfortunately, these frequent lags weaken the overall impact of Aashaan and hold it back from reaching its full potential.
7. Editing
Editing is one of the areas where Aashaan clearly needed more refinement. Several scenes run longer than necessary, even when they do not add much emotional or narrative value. A tighter edit could have improved the film’s pacing and helped maintain audience interest, especially in the second half. Transitions between scenes felt okay, mismatched feel was not felt but the film required a sharper and more decisive editing approach. Many moments that repeat the same emotional beat could have been trimmed or merged. Instead of building momentum, the editing often allows scenes to linger, which weakens their impact. A more aggressive edit would not only have reduced the runtime but also strengthened the emotional weight of key scenes by keeping the storytelling focused and crisp.
8. Lag in Many Portions
Lag is a recurring issue throughout the film, becoming more noticeable as the story progresses. This lag is mainly caused by slow pacing, stretched scenes, and repetitive emotional moments. Several sequences feel like they exist only to fill time rather than move the story forward. As a result, the audience may feel disengaged during these portions.
The lag is particularly evident in the second half, where the film struggles to maintain narrative energy. Scenes that could have been resolved quickly are prolonged, reducing the overall impact of important events. With better editing and tighter screenplay execution, these lags could have been easily avoided. Unfortunately, these prolonged moments weaken the film’s grip and affect the overall viewing experience.
CONCLUSION:
Aashaan is a film driven more by intent than impact. It carries a genuine affection for cinema and the filmmaking process, which reflects in its solid production values, neat technical execution, and well-thought-out art direction. The performances, especially by Indrans and Joemon Jyothir, become the film’s strongest pillars. Their restrained acting, emotional honesty, and natural screen presence add weight to several scenes and keep the narrative grounded even when the writing falters. The film’s subtle humour and realistic tone further add to its sincerity.
At the same time, Aashaan struggles to rise beyond its limitations. The screenplay remains predictable, the pacing slows considerably in the second half, and melodramatic stretches dilute the emotional effect. The lack of a strong emotional build and tighter editing results in frequent lags, making the experience uneven. I would recommend Aashaan to viewers who appreciate realistic, character-driven films and stories rooted in the world of cinema. For those looking for engaging drama or commercial excitement, this may feel underwhelming. Overall, it is an honest attempt that works in parts but falls short of becoming truly memorable.
