Basil Joseph

Basil Joseph's upcoming dark comedy thriller 'Maranamass,' co-produced by Tovino Thomas, faces hurdles in the Gulf. Saudi Arabia reportedly banned the film due to a queer actor in the cast. Kuwait cleared it only after editing out scenes featuring the actor, adhering to local censor demands. Director Sivaprasad emphasized that the actor's gender identity was irrelevant to casting, aiming to normalize LGBTQIA+ representation. The filmmakers issued a statement informing Kuwaiti audiences about the edits.

The Malayalam thriller 'Pravinkoodu Shappu,' initially released in theaters on January 16, 2025, began streaming on SonyLiv on April 11, 2025. Directed by Sreeraj Sreenivasan, the film features Basil Joseph as Inspector Santhosh, investigating the murder of a village leader. Soubin Shahir plays Kannan, a toddy shop worker entangled in the mystery. The movie, set in a village filled with secrets, combines dark humor with suspense.

The trailer for 'Maranamass', starring Basil Joseph, has been released, revealing a blend of dark humor and serial killings. Directed by debutant Shivaprasad, this movie will hit theaters on April 10. The film features prominent actors like Suresh Krishna and Anishma Anilkumar, with music by Jai Unnithan and cinematography by Neeraj Ravi. The storyline, crafted by Siju Sunny and Shivaprasad, promises an unconventional cinematic experience filled with laughter and intrigue. Expectations are high following Basil Joseph's comeback success with 'Ponman'.

Aamir Khan, impressed by the Malayalam film 'Jaya Jaya Jaya Jaya Hey' and its empowering message, considered a Hindi remake. However, the project was shelved due to difficulties in finding suitable Bollywood actors for the supporting roles. The original film, directed by Vipin Das, received high praise from Khan for its unique treatment and well-written characters.

Nadira Mehrin, celebrated for her role in 'Maranamass,' expresses joy over portraying a 'normal' character, a significant step for transgender representation in Malayalam cinema. She highlights the impact of breaking typecasting and hopes for continued normalization in film. Despite a ban in Saudi Arabia, Nadira appreciates the team's support and looks forward to future roles without predefined 'brackets'.

Mammootty's action thriller 'Bazooka,' released on April 10, has been leaked online, impacting its box office prospects after a strong opening of Rs 3.25 crore. Pirated versions in multiple formats are circulating, with keywords like 'Bazooka Movie Download' trending. Despite positive initial reviews praising the action and performances, the leak poses a significant challenge. Several Malayalam films, including 'ARM' and 'Sookshmadarshini,' have recently faced similar piracy issues.

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.

Cameo roles in Malayalam cinema, exemplified by Mammootty in 'Abraham Ozler' and Nivin Pauly in 'Varshangalkku Shesham', can significantly elevate a film's impact and appeal, particularly among family audiences. However, the effectiveness of cameos, such as Rick Yune in 'L2: Empuraan' and Vijay Sethupathi's voice cameo in 'Turbo', depends on their relevance to the story and audience connection.

Basil Joseph's 'Ponman' has captivated audiences with its OTT release, garnering widespread acclaim for its sensitive portrayal of human emotions. A standout scene features Basil's character addressing suicide, resonating deeply with viewers. Praised as one of Malayalam cinema's finest, the film has also won over Tamil audiences. Tweets highlight Basil's exceptional performance and the film's relatable middle-class struggles. Comparisons with other industries emphasize Malayalam cinema's excellence. Positive reviews applaud the script and strong performances, marking a significant achievement in Basil's career.

Basil Joseph is gearing up for his next film 'Maranamass' after the success of 'Ponman'. The movie, directed by debutant Shivaprasad and produced by Tovino Thomas, addresses the recent rise in youth crime in Kerala with a humorous twist. With Basil Joseph in the lead role, the film features a unique narrative and character styling. The screenplay, co-written by Siju Sunny and Shivaprasad, promises an entertaining experience. 'Maranamass' is set to release during the Vishu festival, featuring a talented ensemble cast.

Sivakarthikeyan's 25th film 'Parasakthi,' directed by Sudha Kongara and featuring Ravi Mohan as the antagonist, is set for a grand Pongal 2026 release. Filming is underway in Sri Lanka and will move to Chennai soon. The film will face a box office clash with Vijay's 'Jana Nayagan,' releasing on January 9, 2026, creating huge anticipation among fans.

Pravinkoodu Shappu, starring Basil Joseph and Soubin Shahir, will be available on SonyLIV from April 11 after a lukewarm performance in theaters. Directed by Sreeraj Sreenivasan, the film revolves around a murder mystery in a village toddy shop. It features a strong supporting cast and blends dark humor and suspense. Despite mixed reviews, it is expected to gain a wider audience on OTT platforms.

Pranav Mohanlal will star in the film 'NSS2', directed by Rahul Sadasivan. Their new horror thriller aims to release by the end of 2025. The screenplay is by Sadasivan and other crew members include Jyotish Shankar for art direction and Shafique Mohammed Ali for editing. The film is eagerly anticipated and the production has begun.

If sources in the industry are to be believed, well known Malayalam actor Basil Joseph has now joined the sets of director Sudha Kongara's eagerly-awaited period action drama, 'Parasakathi', featuring Sivakarthikeyan in the lead.

Mollywood actor Basil Joseph has impressed audiences with the black comedy film 'Ponman,' directed by Sivaprasad and based on GR Indugopan’s novel. The film, about a financier trying to reclaim gold he gave for a wedding, stars Basil Joseph and Lijomol Jose. 'Ponman' grossed Rs 2.82 crores worldwide in 14 days and Rs 8.67 crores in India. Catch the digital premiere on Jio Hotstar starting March 14. ETimes rated it 4.5 out of 5 for its compelling suspense and character depth.

The three-day workshop 'Kathakku Pinnil' wrapped up at Gokulam Park Hotel, Ernakulam, as a tribute to late screenwriter Dennis Joseph. It featured masterclasses from prominent filmmakers like Basil Joseph and Manju Warrier, who also inaugurated the event. Organized by FEFKA Writers’ Union and Luminar Film Academy, it aimed to empower budding filmmakers with insights from industry experts such as Lijo Jose Pellissery and B. Unnikrishnan. Certificates were distributed to participants at the closing ceremony.

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.

‘Painkili’, featuring Sajin Gopu and Anaswara Rajan, is set for an OTT release on Manorama Max. Directed by Sreejith Babu, the romantic comedy tells the story of a young man’s life changing when he meets a lively girl. Despite its average theatrical performance, the film is anticipated to attract more viewers online. Also, Sajin Gopu’s film ‘Ponman’, starring Basil Joseph, is available for streaming.

Malayalam dark comedy 'Ponman', starring Basil Joseph, Sajin Gopu, Lijomol Jose, Anand Manmadhan, and Deepak Parambol in key roles, is all set for its OTT release after a successful theatrical run. The film, which hit cinemas on January 30, is based on GR Indugopan's novel Naalanchu Cheruppakar and has been widely praised for its engaging storyline and box office performance.

With the festivities of Holi approaching, several OTT platforms are unveiling an exciting lineup of new releases. Highlights include 'The Wheel of Time: Season 3,' 'Moana 2,' and 'The Electric State,' each offering a mix of fantasy, drama, and sci-fi entertainment available from March 13 and beyond.