Manorama

Omar Lulu's comedy entertainer ‘Bad Boyz,’ after a theatrical run that began on September 14, 2024, is now available for streaming on ManoramaMAX. The film follows a group of carefree youngsters who find themselves battling a dangerous drug mafia to protect their town. Audiences are sharing mixed reactions, with some praising its mindless humor and Rahman's performance.

The Ernakulam Additional Sessions Court has criticized police for lapses in the 2015 drug bust case involving Malayalam actor Shine Tom Chacko, leading to his acquittal. The court highlighted failures in verifying drug consumption, improper chemical analysis, and illegal search procedures, particularly the absence of a female officer during the search of a female suspect. Shine Tom Chacko claims innocence, citing lack of influence.

Malayalam actor Vincy Aloshious has apologized to Kerala Film Chamber general secretary Saji Nanthiyattu after initially believing he leaked the name of an actor she accused of misconduct. She clarified that she was misinformed and will cooperate with the chamber's investigation. The complaint, reportedly involving Shine Tom Chacko, has also prompted a police investigation into potential drug use.

Vincy Aloshious, the Malayalam actress, expressed disappointment over the leak of Shine Tom Chacko's name in connection with her grievance, which she had confidentially submitted to film organizations. Despite confirming Shine Tom Chacko was the subject of her complaint, she clarified that she won't pursue legal action, fearing repercussions for the film and his career.

Actor Shine Tom Chacko and associates reportedly fled a hotel room during a police drug raid. This incident follows actress Vincy Aloshious's allegations of misbehavior against Chacko on the set of 'Sootravakyam,' claiming he was allegedly under the influence of drugs. Vincy filed a complaint with the Film Chamber and ICC, expressing trauma and a decision to avoid working with drug users.

Following Shine Tom Chacko's arrest in a drug case, Unni Mukundan defended the film industry, asserting that cinema doesn't cause societal drug abuse. He questioned how narcotics enter Kerala and reach schools, emphasizing that movies reflect reality rather than promote harmful behavior. Mukundan believes blaming cinema is a scapegoat, urging focus on preventing drug flow and increasing vigilance.

In April 2025, several South Indian films and web series debut on streaming platforms. Key releases include 'Test,' a Tamil cricket drama on Netflix, 'Kingston,' a supernatural film on Zee5, and 'Bromance,' a comedy now on OTT. Additionally, 'Sabdham,' a thriller, is available on Amazon Prime, and 'Home Town,' a Telugu series, streams on Aha.

Gopika Govind, hailing from Kerala's Karimbala tribal community, overcame financial hardships and societal barriers to achieve her childhood aspiration of becoming an air hostess. After initially pursuing a BSc in Chemistry due to practical constraints, she reignited her dream and enrolled in an aviation course.

Despite controversies, 'Empuraan' achieves massive success in Malayalam cinema. Producer Antony Perumbavoor congratulated director Prithviraj Sukumaran and writer Murali Gopy, sharing affectionate photos with the caption "Everything's okay, right, brother?" Prithviraj responded with “Indeed.” However, amidst the celebration, both Prithviraj and Antony Perumbavoor have received Income Tax notices, reportedly linked to past financial dealings, unrelated to 'Empuraan'. Prithviraj's mother, Mallika Sukumaran, defended her son, asserting his innocence and expressing confidence in the investigation.

Prithviraj Sukumaran has been issued a notice by the Income Tax Department regarding his film remuneration in 2022, amid ongoing controversies around his film 'Empuraan'. The movie has ignited political debate due to scenes related to the 2002 Gujarat riots. His mother, Mallika Sukumaran, expressed confidence in her son’s integrity. Mammootty offered emotional support during this period, with a heartfelt message that deeply moved Mallika. She emphasized Mammootty’s kindness despite his high stature.

Singer M.G. Sreekumar has been fined ₹25,000 for dumping waste into Kochi backwaters from his residence in Mulavukad Panchayat. The violation, captured on video by a tourist and verified by authorities, led to the fine under the Panchayat Raj Act. Minister M.B. Rajesh confirmed the action and encouraged reporting of such violations via a government WhatsApp number. Whistleblowers will receive incentives for accurate reports. Sreekumar has not yet commented, and he recently performed 'Kanmanipoove' in the film 'Thudarum'.

Apple has collaborated with Amazon to offer Apple TV+ through Prime Video in India, aiming to expand its user base amid growing competition. Indian Prime members can now subscribe to Apple TV+ for Rs 99 per month, gaining access to popular Apple Originals.

Malayalam comedy-drama 'Get-Set Baby,' featuring Unni Mukundan, is set for its digital debut on Manorama Max in the last week of April. Directed by Vinay Govind, the film follows Dr. Arjun Balakrishnan, a gynecologist specializing in fertility treatments, whose journey is influenced by personal and professional challenges. His bond with his mother and his relationship with his wife Swathy shape his path. ETimes rated the film 3 out of 5, highlighting its compelling narrative and Unni Mukundan's stellar performance.

Empuraan producer Gokulam Gopalan responded to controversy over the film, instructing director Prithviraj Sukumaran to make alterations if any scenes offended viewers. While some words have been muted, the producer emphasized Empuraan underwent proper censorship, and CBFC only suggested minimal edits. Implementing further changes would be costly, with estimates of at least Rs 40 lakh needed. Despite the buzz, the movie is getting mixed reviews and its box office success remains uncertain.

Actor Asif Ali addresses the controversy surrounding L2: Empuraan, emphasizing that cinema should be seen as entertainment without real-life connections. Criticizing social media for its indiscriminate attacks, he stresses the personal choice in allowing cinema's influence. The Film Employees Federation of Kerala (FEFKA) supports the Empuraan team and condemns online abuse against director Prithviraj and lead actor Mohanlal, advocating for creative criticism over personal attacks. They express solidarity with the film's team, emphasizing the resilience of art and artists.

Prithviraj's mother, Mallika Sukumaran, revealed that amid the L2: Empuraan controversy, Mammootty reached out personally to offer support, despite being on a break. This gesture deeply touched Mallika. She mentioned that Mammootty and producer Saji Nandiyattu were the only film industry members to contact her directly. Mallika praised Mammootty's kindness and mentioned that many others, including Mohanlal, had shown their support. Addressing Major Ravi's statement, she insisted Mohanlal was fully aware of the movie's content.

Prithviraj Sukumaran’s film ‘Empuraan’ is embroiled in political controversy for its portrayal of a Hindutva leader as the antagonist, sparking criticism from right-wing groups. Despite this, the Censor Board of Film Certification (CBFC) recommended minimal cuts, which the filmmakers complied with, reducing the duration by only 10 seconds. Writer Murali Gopy chose to stay neutral, stating, 'Let them fight it out.' Despite the backlash, the film remains a box office success, grossing over Rs 100 crores.