On Republic Day, the makers of Prithviraj's latest film Jana Gana Mana released the trailer of the political thriller. Through a cracked glass window, we see an interrogation room with Prithviraj sitting opposite Suraj Venjaramoodu. While the latter plays a police officer, Prithviraj's character is that of a prisoner being branded a traitor by the police officer.
The scene progresses to the defiant prisoner, who is being charged for treason, saying he will escape unharmed, much to the annoyance of the police officer. When asked to confess, he replies by saying that we live in a country that sees two sides even in the murder of Mahatma Gandhi, to the sound of a booming score. It ends with the officer lighting a cigarette, even as his colleagues beat up the prisoner. But instead of a direct shot of this, we see him getting beaten in the reflection of Mahatma Gandhi's photo. Overall, a very interesting trailer that seems to focus on one scene instead of trying to give us a quick run-through of the film's plot.
Watch the trailer here:
Jana Gana Mana is being directed by Dijo Jose Antony, who had earlier made the hit college film Queen. It is being produced by Listin Stephen and Supriya Menon. The same lead duo of this film had very recently acted in the hit comedy movie Driving License, again with them being on two either side of the law.
Last week saw several announcements and trailer launches of many important Malayalam movies, ranging from Prithviraj's new film with Aashiq Abu titled Neelavelicham. Based on the legendary Malayalam writer Vaikom Mohammed Bashir's novel, the film will also star Kunchacko Boban, Rima Kallingal and Soubin Shahir. Shyju Khalid will shoot the film, which will have music by Aashiq Abu regulars Bijibal and Rex Vijayan. The film is expected to go on floors later this year.
Apart from that, a short 28-second teaser of Parvathy-starrer Aarkariyam was also released last week. In it, one can see Parvathy and Sharafudeen's characters planning a difficult trip, perhaps, to bring their daughter back home. From the looks of it, the film may be set during the lockdown, with the plot covering the difficulties a couple has to go through to secure their daughter. A Kottayam setting too is obvious, from the accents being used by the actors. It is being directed by Sanu John Varghese and the film will release on February 26.
The third big launch was that of another Parvathy starrer Varthamanan. Directed by Sidharth Siva (who had earlier made Sakhavu) the film's script is by award winning writer Aryadan Shaukat (Paadam Onnu: Oru Vilapam, Vilapangalkkappuram). The film has already created quite a bit of controversy with the regional wing of Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC) in Kerala denying the film permission to be screened. After receiving clearance, this film too is aiming for a February release.
The film also stars Roshan Mathew and Dain Davis. In the 80-second trailer, the film is being described as 'the journey of a young woman who will bring a new revolution'. Playing a Muslim student named Faiza, the trailer hints at how the murder/death of a student brings about a major change in life and politics of the major characters involved.
In other news from the south, RRR directed by SS Rajamouli and starring Ram Charan and Jr NTR gets an official release date. It is all set to have a massive release all over the world on October 13, 2021. Even Rajinikanth's Annathe has got a release date. It will hit screens on November 4 this year.