ENTERTAINMENT

A con artiste and murderer who got away and a legendary naval captain heralded the Covid-hit Malayalam film industry's revival in the last three months. The Dulqar Salman starrer, Kurup, made over Rs 50 crore worldwide and the Mohanlal starrer Marakkar: Lion of the Arabian Sea saw a first-week opening of over Rs 20 crore (huge by Mollywood standards). They brought cheer to the industry when half the state's estimated 700 theatres reopened on October 25 (Marakkar, though, flopped as it couldn't recover its budget, reported to be Rs 100 crore). Two years of consecutive floods (from 2018 on) and over 18 months of the Covid-19 shutdown resulted in industry losses estimated at over Rs 800 crore.

When Kerala reopened its 700 screens, including multiplexes, with 50 per cent capacity on October 25, they saw more hits like the Asif Ali starrer Kunjeldho, Ajagajantharam with Antony Varghese and Joju George and the Kunjako Boban headlined Bheemante Vazhi.

Sushmita Sen hardly ever fails to motivate and inspire people. The former Miss Universe is widely loved, admired and respected for her articulate and charming personality. Although Sushmita does not feature on the big screen as often as we would like her to, she ensures to keep in touch with her millions of fans by being active on social media. Sushmita regularly posts on her Instagram space, and treats fans to glimpses of her personal and professional life. Speaking of which, yesterday, the diva posted a video with her daughters Renee and Alisah, and it’s all the fitspiration you need for the coming week. 

Allu Arjun and Rashmika Mandanna starrer Pushpa: The Rise Part 1 has collected a whopping amount at the box office. The worldwide collection of the movie is more than Rs. 300 crore. The Hindi dubbed version has surprised one and all; it has collected Rs. 70 crore in 20 days. Now, the movie is all set to premiere on Amazon Prime Video today in four languages, Telugu, Tamil, Kannada, and Malayalam. So, if you haven't watched the movie in the theatre, you can watch it on the OTT platform. But, do you know how much Amazon Prime Video has paid for the streaming rights of the film?

According to a report in Mirchi9, the OTT giant has paid Rs. 22 crores for the post-theatrical digital streaming rights of the film. Well, this amount is a bit less for a blockbuster movie like Pushpa. But, it looks like the makers had done the deal before the release of the movie.

Telugu star Mahesh Babu has been tested positive for the novel coronavirus. On Thursday (January 6), the actor took to Instagram and informed his fans about his health. He shared that he has mild symptoms and is currently in home isolation. "To all my fans and well-wishers, Despite taking all the necessary precautions, I've tested positive for COVID-l9 with mild symptoms. I've isolated myself at home and have been following medical guidance," he wrote.

"Request all those who came in contact with me to get themselves tested. I urge everyone who's not taken their vaccination to do so immediately, as it reduces the risk of severe symptoms and hospitalization. Please follow the COVID norms and stay safe. Can't wait to be back. Love," he added.

With the makers of Prabhas and Pooja Hegde's much-awaited love saga 'Radhe Shyam' announcing the postponement of the movie's theatrical release on Wednesday, industry insiders are suggesting that it's headed for an OTT release. Pay Per View (PPV) is another option that is also being considered.

As of now, there's no official word from the producers on their next course of action, although in their social media announcement, they did say, "We will see you in cinemas soon."

Helmed by Radha Krishna Kumar, 'Radhe Shyam' stars Prabhas, who plays Vikramaditya, a palmist, and Pooja Hegde, his love interest. Their love story and the role of destiny is the crux of the movie.