Asif Ali

Sivakarthikeyan recently participated in the Pinarayi Peruma cultural festival in Kerala, sharing the stage with Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan and other prominent figures. Expressing his joy on Instagram, he thanked the people of Kerala for their warm reception. His previous film, 'Amaran,' achieved blockbuster success, and he is now working on 'Madharasi' and 'Parasakthi'.

Kerala gears up for Vishu celebrations. Malayalam TV channels plan a vibrant lineup. World TV premieres include Rifle Club, starring Vijayaraghavan and Identity, starring Tovino Thomas. Pushpa 2 and Vettaiyan will also premiere. Vishu special programs feature popular stars. Ith Item Vere and Enkile Ennodu Para will air special episodes. The festive season promises a delightful treat for viewers.

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.

In 2025, Mollywood has excelled in delivering gripping crime thrillers. Films like ‘Rekhachithram’ and ‘Officer on Duty’ have captivated audiences with their intense narratives and strong performances. 'Rekhachithram,' directed by Jofin T. Chacko, became January’s only hit. Asif Ali praised its success, marking his career resurgence. Stellar editing, particularly in 'Officer on Duty,' played a pivotal role in engaging viewers. Malayalam cinema’s thrillers, marked by realism and emotional depth, have dominated the box office and stimulated significant discussions within the genre.

Soubin Shahir and Deepak Parambol reunite for 'Thattum Vellattam,' directed by Mridul Nair. The film's screenplay is penned by Kerala Sahitya Akademi awardee Akhil K., marking his cinematic debut. Set against the backdrop of Theyyam, it explores intense ego clashes between a Theyyam performer, played by Parambol, and a non-performer. The film is expected to be a mass entertainer with action and drama. Produced by The Filmy Joint, it features cinematography by Manoj Kumar Khatoi and PRO Manju Gopinath.

Pakistan's President Asif Ali Zardari, age 69, has tested positive for COVID and is currently in isolation. After experiencing respiratory issues, infection, and fever, he was admitted to a private hospital in Karachi. His condition is being closely monitored. Zardari had a previous COVID infection in July 2022, and has faced various health issues in recent years.

Poorna Jagannathan fondly recalls her experience working with Ranbir Kapoor on 'Yeh Jawaani Hai Deewani', appreciating his generosity in funding her play 'Nirbhaya'. Currently earning praise for her role in 'Deli Boys', she highlights the show's humor and its significance in representing South Asian stories and culture.

Asif Ali's 'Rekhachithram' previously held the highest worldwide box office collection in 2025, but in Kerala, 'Officer On Duty' starring Kunchacko Boban has overtaken it with Rs 27.5 crore. Asif Ali thanked his team for 'Rekhachithram's success during a public event, while Kunchacko Boban credited his wife for 'Officer On Duty's achievement in a heartfelt Instagram post. 'Officer On Duty' remains popular in theaters, followed by 'Ponman' and ‘Dominic and the Ladies’ Purse’ in third and fourth place respectively.

The newly released song ‘Heartbeat Koodanu’ from Dileep's 150th film ‘Prince and Family’ is making waves, reaching the top spot on trending charts. Sung by Afzal, who returns after a decade, the song's success is amplified by shares from prominent industry figures. Directed by Binto Stephen and produced by Magic Frames, the film promises to be a grand family entertainer with a strong supporting cast and is set for release during Vishu.

Malayalam actor Asif Ali discussed gender pay disparity in the film industry and attributed it to market value rather than discrimination. He celebrated the success of his latest film 'Rekhachithram,' which was the only profitable film in January 2025 and received positive reviews.

After a successful theatrical run, Kunchacko Boban's 'Officer on Duty' is set for an OTT release on Netflix from March 20 in multiple languages. Directed by Jithu Ashraf and written by Shahi Kabir, the film boasts a strong cast including Vishak Nair and Priyamani. It has become Kerala's highest-grossing film of 2025, surpassing 'Rekhachithram.' Kunchacko Boban expressed gratitude to his wife and the team for their support. ETimes rated the thriller 3 out of 5 stars, noting its gripping narrative.

The Malayalam crime thriller 'Rekhachithram' by Jofin T. Chacko is now streaming on SonyLIV. Starring Asif Ali and Anaswara Rajan, the film follows SHO Vivek Gopinath as he investigates a shocking suicide case. The investigation leads him to uncover a long-buried crime from 1985 involving powerful figures and a missing actress. The film draws inspiration from real events.

Malayalam film Level Cross won the Second Best Indian Film award at the 16th Bangalore International Film Festival (BIFFes) 2025. Directed by Arfaz Ayub, the film received accolades for its psychological depth and technical brilliance, standing out in tough competition.

Christopher Nolan claims AI will impact filmmaking, but storytelling remains human. The Malayalam film 'Gaganachari' integrates AI imagery with real visuals to create a post-apocalyptic Kerala on a budget. Director Arun Chandu praises AI's role in elevating the viewing experience. Meanwhile, 'Rekhachithram' uses AI for de-aging with remarkable success, contrasting with less effective big-budget films like 'Indian 2'. Director Jofin T Chacko credits his team for capturing Mammootty's essence. AI may allow Malayalam cinema to overcome past limitations and revive legendary actors on screen.

Indian-American actress Poorna Jagannathan's journey from Bollywood to Hollywood highlights the evolution of South Asian representation in global entertainment. She credits creators like Mindy Kaling for crafting relatable narratives. Jagannathan notes greater opportunities for depth in web series compared to films, both in Hollywood and India, with 'Deli Boys' showcasing such change.

Asif Ali's latest film 'Rekhachithram' has become the only profitable Malayalam film in January 2025, outperforming even Mammootty’s 'Dominic and the Ladies' Purse'. At a public event, Asif Ali expressed his joy and gratitude to those who supported him during tough times, particularly Ramu John and director Jofin. 'Rekhachithram' is being hailed as the biggest film of his career and has significantly boosted his confidence. The film will begin streaming on OTT platforms from March 7.

'Mr. & Mrs. Bachelor' director Deepu Karunakaran accused Anaswara Rajan of neglecting promotional duties. Anaswara countered, stating she actively participated and shared content on her social media. She denied claims of refusing to shoot over payments, adding Deepu restricted her during a payment issue. Anaswara criticized Deepu for unfairly targeting her, addressing issues with various actors, and speculated biased treatment due to her being a young female artist. She filed a complaint with AMMA and remains open to future promotions with proper notice.