Kollam Thulasi turns hero
Kollam Thulasi has been cast for long in villainous roles only, and that too in so many films that he is perhaps identified with such roles only. And now when he has completed 100 films and he has even bagged a good role in a Tamil film (the Vikram-starrer Samurai. , directed by Balaji Shaktivel). Kollam Thulasi is, for the first time, being cast as the hero in a Malayalam film. The film, Mohitam, to be produced by Sajith and Gireesh under the banner of Image India International, is to be directed by Saleem Bawa, who had earlier made Rapid Action Force. Scripted by John Zachariah, the film will have lyrics by Vayalar Sharath Chandra Verma and music by Sreemoolanagaram Thilak. Besides Kollam Thulasi, Mohitam will feature in the cast Riyaz, Anzil, Maala Aravindan, Saththaar, newcomer Swapna (as the heroine), Kanakalatha and Maria.

Nadirsha’s maiden venture
Nadirsha, the name is, of course, very much familiar to Kerala and Keralaiites. Nadirsha has established himself as one of the most sought-after mimicry artists and has also been busy as a TV artist. Of course he has done some films too. And now, Nadirsha seems to have decided to change tracks. He seems to be prepared to don the mantle of a director. And when Nadirsha takes up the megaphone, it is none other than his longtime friend Dileep who will play the hero. The film will be produced by Kireedom Unni under the banner of Kripa Films.

Prathap Pothan to direct Navodaya’s 3-D venture
Popular film director Prathap Pothan, who has churned out many a hit films in Malayalam and Tamil, is to direct Navodaya’s second 3-D film. The film, made by the production house that had made My Dear Kuttichaathan, India’s first 3D film, will have teenage sensation Kunchacko Boban in a major role. Though it was first to be directed by Jijo, he wouldn’t be able to do it on account of being busy with the activities of Jeevan TV.

Viji Thampy’s Naaranaththu Bhraanthan
to get a new name
Viji Thampy’s new venture, the Jayaram-starrer produced under the banner of Aroma Films, which had earlier been named Naaranaththu Bhraanthan is to get a new name which is yet to be finalised.

Suresh Gopi to team up with K Madhu in Officer
Director K Madhu, who had delivered many hits and superhits in Malayalam, has announced his next venture Officer with action hero Suresh Gopi in the lead. Scripted by SN Swami, the man behind many of K Madhu’s hit films, Officer will commence shooting soon and will be shot mainly in Thiruvananthapuram.

Unni R Nair>>>