Category: Film

Filmmakers Sanjeev Sivan and Deepthi Pillay have embarked on a feature docu-drama exploring the compelling life story of Rajan Pillai, famously known as the ‘Biscuit King’ of Kerala.

Rajan Pillai’s life and legacy, marked by both success and controversy, are set to be chronicled in a new feature docu-drama by filmmaker Sanjeev Sivan and his wife, Deepthi Pillay. Pillai, a renowned businessman, remains a figure of fascination, known for his meteoric rise and tragic fall.

Sanjeev Sivan, who hails from the same region as Pillai, spoke with IANS about the project. Although he never met Rajan Pillai personally, Sanjeev was deeply influenced by Pillai’s reputation during his formative years. “He was what most young Malayalis of our generation aspired to become,” Sanjeev said, describing Pillai as an emblem of success and vision. The filmmaker’s connection to Pillai’s family extends through his own father, Sivan, a celebrated filmmaker who was a close friend of Rajan’s father, Janardhan Pillai.

Rajan Pillai’s story is one of transformation and ambition. He started as a cashew exporter, eventually becoming a key player in Britannia, a major name in the food industry that brought immense pride to Kerala. However, Sanjeev notes that Pillai’s trusting nature played a significant role in his downfall, describing it as his most fatal flaw.

The Sivan family is steeped in cinematic heritage; Sanjeev’s father was a National Award-winning filmmaker, while his brother, Santosh Sivan, is a celebrated cinematographer. Another brother, the late Sangeeth Sivan, was a noted director.

The docu-drama stems from exhaustive research undertaken by Sanjeev, Deepthi, and writer-researcher Anirban Bhattacharya. To craft the narrative, they have enlisted top international talent, including Zach Sklar, known for scripting Oliver Stone’s Oscar-winning film JFK.

A critical part of the film’s preparation involved connecting with Rajan Pillai’s widow, Nina Pillai, and their sons, Shiva and Krish. Sanjeev acknowledged that gaining the family’s trust was a significant hurdle. Nevertheless, the encounter became a pivotal moment, revealing untold stories and hidden aspects of Pillai’s life. “Nina now trusts us fully — we’re like family,” Sanjeev remarked, emphasizing their commitment to unveiling the true narrative of Rajan Pillai’s life.

The filmmakers aim to portray not only the triumphs of Rajan’s life but also the elements of trust and betrayal that led to his downfall. “His story is shrouded in mystery, but we’re determined to bring it all to light,” Sanjeev said. He views the project as not only a tribute to Rajan Pillai but also as a cautionary tale rich with lessons about misplaced trust and political manipulation.

As work on the feature docu-drama progresses, Sanjeev Sivan and his team are dedicated to presenting a comprehensive account of Rajan Pillai’s life. “This is the least I can do for a man who inspired an entire generation of Keralites to dream big,” Sanjeev stated, underscoring the importance of preserving and examining this remarkable figure’s legacy for future generations.

According to World Malayalee Voice.

Source: Original article

The Bollywood film Chhaava, featuring Vicky Kaushal, Rashmika Mandanna, and Akshaye Khanna, is gearing up for its OTT release. The movie, which presents a gripping historical drama based on the life of Sambhaji Maharaj, has captured significant attention since its theatrical debut. With an expected release on Netflix, audiences will soon be able to witness this epic tale from the comfort of their homes.

Chhaava made its theatrical debut on February 14, 2025, earning widespread acclaim from critics and viewers alike. The film’s compelling storytelling and rich historical narrative contributed to its success at the box office. Given its strong performance in theaters, anticipation has been steadily building for its digital release, allowing a broader audience to experience the cinematic grandeur of the movie.

The movie boasts an impressive cast led by Vicky Kaushal, who portrays Chhatrapati Sambhaji Maharaj. Rashmika Mandanna plays the role of Maharani Yesubai, while Akshaye Khanna takes on the character of Mughal Emperor Aurangzeb. The film’s star-studded lineup enhances its authenticity, making it a must-watch for fans of historical dramas. The performances by the lead actors bring depth to the portrayal of these significant historical figures, adding to the film’s overall impact.

OTT enthusiasts can look forward to watching Chhaava on Netflix, where the film is set to be released. While the exact release date has yet to be confirmed, subscribers can expect the film to arrive on the platform soon. With its gripping storyline and stellar performances, the movie promises to be a compelling watch for global audiences.

Bollywood films typically make their way to OTT platforms within 45 to 60 days after their theatrical release. If Chhaava follows this trend, it is likely to be available for streaming on Netflix by early April 2025. This timeline aligns with recent Bollywood releases that have transitioned from theaters to digital platforms, allowing fans to revisit the film without waiting too long.

The movie draws inspiration from the book Chhaava, which explores the courageous journey of Sambhaji Maharaj and his relentless fight to protect the Maratha empire. Through its historical depth and emotional storytelling, Chhaava offers an immersive cinematic experience, highlighting the valor and resilience of its central characters.

As fans eagerly await the OTT release, Chhaava remains a testament to the power of historical storytelling in Bollywood. The film’s arrival on Netflix will provide an opportunity for a wider audience to appreciate the legacy of Sambhaji Maharaj and the rich history of the Maratha empire.

One of the most defining traits of a great actor is their ability to display a wide range of emotions. Another important quality is how well they interact with their co-stars. However, the most compelling sign of an exceptional performer is their capacity to be so convincing in a role that audiences fail to see the actor behind the character.

This was precisely the case while watching Chhaava. As the film ended and the credits rolled, the name Akshaye Khanna appeared on screen, leaving me puzzled. I had completely missed the promotional material that revealed he was portraying the Mughal emperor Aurangzeb.

Akshaye Khanna, known for his impressive acting prowess, delivered a subtle yet powerful performance as Aurangzeb, a ruler who valued kingship over kinship and had no hesitation in eliminating family members to retain power. His quiet yet menacing presence was the perfect foil to Vicky Kaushal’s intense and war-driven portrayal of Chhatrapati Sambhaji Maharaj.

Aurangzeb has long been a captivating figure in Indian cinema, much like the Mughal Empire itself. The grandeur of its courts, decorated with intricate ornaments, rich golden and crimson drapes, and vast, lush gardens, has often inspired filmmakers to reimagine this historical period. Over the years, emperors have been depicted in various lights—from the stern and disciplined Akbar in Mughal-e-Azam (1960) to the romantic and visionary Akbar in Jodhaa Akbar (2008).

Chhaava continues this tradition by presenting yet another cinematic perspective on Mughal history, this time centered on one of its most feared emperors. As one of the most controversial figures in Indian history, Aurangzeb has been portrayed in different shades, ranging from a ruthless despot to a calculated strategist.

Several historical dramas have depicted Aurangzeb’s reign, which spanned nearly five decades from 1658 to 1707. He took the throne by imprisoning his father, Shah Jahan, and ordering the execution of his elder brother. In Shyam Benegal’s acclaimed TV series Bharat Ek Khoj (1988), Om Puri gave a remarkable performance as a proud and imperious Aurangzeb, perfectly embodying the character’s complexities.

Actor Ashutosh Rana, who plays Hombirrao Mohite, Sambhaji’s uncle in Chhaava, also took on the role of Aurangzeb in MX Player’s 2021 web series Chhatrasal. This 20-episode historical drama chronicled Maharaja Chhatrasal’s struggle for Bundelkhand, and Rana delivered a chilling performance as a merciless usurper.

Reflecting on the challenges of portraying historical figures, Rana once remarked, “The biggest challenge in playing a historical character is that people have already read about that character and have formed his/her image in their head. An actor never knows of that image, so meeting that expectation of the audience is tough.”

He further elaborated that an actor must capture not only the physical presence of a historical figure but also their emotional, psychological, spiritual, and social dimensions. “All that needs to be done is to get the psyche of a character right,” he explained. Before stepping into Aurangzeb’s shoes, he sought to understand the ruler’s core nature and instincts.

In Marathi television, Yatin Karyekar earned widespread acclaim for his portrayal of Aurangzeb in Swarajya Saudamini Tararani and Raja Shivchhatrapati, proving that the character continues to captivate audiences across different platforms.

In Chhaava, Akshaye Khanna presents Aurangzeb as both formidable and composed. While the film primarily revolves around Chhatrapati Sambhaji Maharaj’s courage and resilience, Akshaye ensures that Aurangzeb is more than a one-dimensional antagonist. Instead, he captures the emperor’s calculated brutality with a measured performance. His silence alone conveys an overwhelming sense of menace.

Even after leaving the theater, one cannot help but appreciate Akshaye’s ability to emote through facial expressions rather than dialogue, especially when considering the film’s otherwise unimpressive lines. His performance proves that sometimes, less is more.

One particularly chilling moment involves Diana Penty as Zinatunissa, Aurangzeb’s fearless daughter, who delivers a monotonous dialogue about Sambhaji resisting their torture. Meanwhile, Akshaye does something far more powerful—he merely munches on grapes and subtly signals for Sambhaji’s eyes to be targeted next. This quiet but ruthless gesture sends shivers down the spine, making the audience wonder what horrors will unfold next.

Even three centuries after his death, Aurangzeb remains a figure of intrigue in Indian historical dramas, frequently portrayed as a tyrant, a religious zealot, or a ruthless ruler who prioritized power above all else. Many actors have taken on this complex role, yet Akshaye Khanna’s portrayal in Chhaava stands out as one of the most compelling in Indian cinema.

Ironically, Vicky Kaushal was originally set to play Aurangzeb in Karan Johar’s now-shelved film Takht. However, fate had other plans, paving the way for Akshaye Khanna to deliver a masterclass in restraint. His greatest strength lies in his quiet authority, which is evident in Chhaava’s opening sequence. Rather than reacting emotionally to the news of Shivaji Maharaj’s death, Aurangzeb surprises both his courtiers and the audience by coldly declaring state-wide celebrations.

Akshaye’s Aurangzeb lingers in the mind long after the film ends, proving that the most terrifying rulers do not need to shout or rage—they simply need to exist.

Shah Rukh Khan made his debut in the film industry with the 1992 movie Deewana and eventually rose to become the most prominent superstar in Indian cinema.

One distinctive feature of Shah Rukh Khan’s extensive film career is that, despite being in the industry for over three decades, he has appeared in only a handful of remakes and just a single sequel.

At a time when many leading actors are leveraging sequels to deliver major box office successes, Shah Rukh Khan remains one of the few superstars who has taken on only one sequel as a lead actor throughout his career.

That lone sequel came in 2011 when Farhan Akhtar directed him in the heist action thriller Don 2: The King is Back.

Don 2 was a follow-up to the 2006 hit Don: The Chase Begins Again, which itself was an official remake of the 1978 film Don, originally starring Amitabh Bachchan.

Released on December 23, 2011, Don 2 performed well both critically and commercially, achieving box office success with worldwide earnings of Rs 202 crore against a budget of Rs 76 crore.

Although Don 2 remains the only sequel in which Shah Rukh Khan played the lead, he did reprise his role in another sequel—Bhoothnath Returns, released in 2014.

Shah Rukh Khan made a special appearance in the 2008 film Bhoothnath, which featured Amitabh Bachchan in the lead role. In its sequel, Bhoothnath Returns, he reprised his character in a brief cameo, appearing in just one scene, while Amitabh Bachchan once again played the protagonist.

Shah Rukh Khan’s Upcoming Sequel

After a gap of 16 years since Don 2: The King is Back, Shah Rukh Khan is set to return for another sequel—Pathaan 2.

The film will serve as a continuation of his 2023 blockbuster Pathaan and is expected to begin production by the end of 2026.

Pushpa 2: The Rule (Reloaded Version) has taken the global streaming scene by storm, securing its place on Netflix’s Global Top Ten Films (Non-English) for the second consecutive week. Currently ranked #3 worldwide, the film is trending in 14 countries, amassing an impressive 9.4 million views over two weeks. This milestone underscores the massive reach of the action-packed blockbuster and the electrifying screen presence of its star, Allu Arjun. Available in Telugu, Hindi, Tamil, Kannada, Malayalam, Bengali, and English, the film continues to captivate audiences across cultures and languages.

Star-Studded Ensemble and Visionary Filmmaking

Directed by Sukumar and produced by Mythri Movie Makers in collaboration with Sukumar Writings, Pushpa 2: The Rule features a powerhouse cast, including Allu Arjun, Rashmika Mandanna, Fahadh Faasil, Jagapathi Babu, Sunil, Anasuya Bharadwaj, Rao Ramesh, and Ajay.

Allu Arjun, whose stellar performance has won hearts worldwide, expressed gratitude for the film’s overwhelming success. “The love and adulation for Pushpa 2: The Rule (Reloaded Version) from across the world is truly overwhelming. This film was made with blood, sweat, and heart — and to see it connect with audiences at such a massive scale is beyond gratifying. I am incredibly proud of the film’s success on Netflix. Through the platform, our story is reaching millions across different countries, breaking language and cultural barriers. And I’m deeply grateful to the fans whose unwavering support and excitement continue to fuel this journey,” he shared.

Director Sukumar highlighted how the film builds upon its predecessor’s legacy. “Pushpa: The Rise set the stage for a world and a character that audiences embraced wholeheartedly, and with Pushpa 2: The Rule, we wanted to take that legacy forward in an even bigger, more immersive way. The film’s success on Netflix is a testament to the universal appeal of Indian cinema, and I’m grateful for the love it continues to receive,” he said.

Netflix Celebrates the Blockbuster’s Success

Monika Shergill, Vice President of Content at Netflix India, emphasized the film’s impact. “Pushpa 2: The Rule Continues, India’s biggest blockbuster, is now one of the most-watched films on Netflix. The raw intensity of its characters, combined with the fearless vision of director Sukumar and the teams at Mythri Movie Makers, has set new benchmarks for Indian cinema. We are proud to bring this reloaded edition featuring new scenes that deliver an even more thrilling experience for our audiences. As its influence continues to break boundaries, this reloaded edition stands as a must-watch for our audiences all over the world,” she stated.

A Cultural Phenomenon

With its high-octane action sequences and the now-iconic ‘Jathara’ scene, where Arjun dons a saree, Pushpa 2: The Rule has earned widespread acclaim from both fans and critics. From India to international markets, the film is redefining mass entertainment, proving that the fire of Pushpa’s legacy burns brighter than ever.

Pushpa 2: The Rule (Reloaded Version) is now streaming on Netflix in Telugu, Hindi, Tamil, Kannada, Malayalam, Bengali, and English.