Kerala News

Lynching Incident: Kerala CM Assures Justice, Orders Strict Action

The government will also review the matter and ensure appropriate compensation to the victim's family, Vijayan added

Kerala mob lynching: CM Pinarayi Vijayan vows strict action after mob beats Dalit labourer to death; orders probe

Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan assured strict action and justice for Ram Narayan Bakel, a Dalit migrant labourer from Chhattisgarh, who was beaten to death by a mob in Walayar, Palakkad. A special investigation team has been formed to probe the incident, which the CM termed unacceptable in a progressive society.

Wild elephant triggers panic at Ayyankunnu in Keralas Kannur

Prohibitory orders imposed in four wards

Tiger trapped in Keralas Pathanamthitta after repeated attacks on livestock

Forest officials say the tiger had killed buffaloes, dogs and goats belonging to farms and residences at Kumbalathamon, which is located close to forest area

Kerala Lottery Result Today Live: Bhagyathara BT-34 Winning Numbers For December 22, 2025

Kerala Lottery Result Today Live Updates, 22-12-2025: Heres Guessing Numbers for Bhagyathara BT-34 for Monday, December 22. Check the full list of winning numbers from 3 pm.

Mayor suspense grips Thiruvananthapuram; BJP to announce on Dec 26

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: The suspense over who will be the next mayor of the Thiruvananthapuram corporation continued on Sunday, even as councillors took oath amid keen public and political interest. While the ceremony drew several leaders and supporters, the question about the partys mayoral choice prevailed among those present. Several senior BJP leaders had expected the party to announce its mayor before the oath-taking ceremony. When asked, BJP state president Rajeev Chandrasekhar told TNIE that the party would announce its mayor on December 26. He, however, refrained from revealing further details about the candidate. Sources said the BJP had secured the support of an independent councillor and was confident of forming the mayoral front. According to senior leaders, the party is likely to hold a crucial meeting of its councillors and senior leaders ahead of the formal announcement. However, the delay in announcement has triggered concern among some grassroots workers over the possibility of an independent councillor being elevated to the mayors post, especially after an independent councillor reportedly expressed willingness to take up the position. When asked about the prospect of an independent becoming mayor, Chandrasekhar responded with a brief, No comments. At the same time, party insiders emphasised that the mayor will be from the BJP itself, however, the supporting independent councillor was likely to be given a prominent role in one of the corporations standing committees. Asked whether the partys central and state leadership have finalised R Sreelekha or V V Rajesh for the post, a senior leader said, Wait for a few more days. The party will officially announce the mayor. We assure a corruption-free administration and accelerated development of the capital, as promised. R P Sivaji in fray as CPM mayoral pick The CPM is likely to field a candidate for the mayoral election in the Thiruvananthapuram corporation, with Punnakkamugal ward councillor R P Sivaji being considered as partys nominee Ayyappa chant, Constitution in hand mark corp oath-taking TPuram: The oath-taking ceremony of the newly elected Thiruvananthapuram corporation councillors on Sunday witnessed several noteworthy moments that drew attention in the council hall. BJP councillor Karamana Ajith took his oath in Sanskrit, standing out amid the proceedings. Congress councillors K S Sabarinadhan, Vyshna Suresh and a few others chose to take the oath while holding the Constitution in one hand, underlining their commitment to constitutional values. Adding a devotional touch to the ceremony, Congress councillor Mary Pushpam chanted Swamiye Saranam Ayyappa after taking the oath, with several other councillors echoing the chant in response. Another detail that sparked interest was the bouquets distributed to councillors after the oath, which were wrapped in green and saffron-coloured cloth ironically mirroring the BJP flag. The session also saw a group of BJP workers reciting the Ganageetham inside the council hall, adding to the mix of political symbolism and ritual observed during the ceremony.

Call for resignation of Vinod Kumar from Kerala University Syndicate intensifies

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: The Left-backed syndicate members of the Kerala University have called for the resignation of chancellors nominee Vinod Kumar from the syndicate. A staffer of the Jawaharlal Nehru Tropical Botanic Garden and Research Institute (JNTBGRI), Vinod Kumar was recently removed from the post of principal scientist in the institution. A statement issued by Adv G Muraleedharan said Vinod Kumar should either resign or the Governor should withdraw his nomination in the wake of the development. Vinod Kumar, a bachelors degree holder in Ayurveda, joined the JNTBGRI as a junior scientist. However, he later secured appointment as principal scientist illegally, said the statement. Only those up to the age of 40 could apply for the principal scientist post and the qualifications required were first class postgraduate degree and PhD. However, Vinod Kumar lacked these requirements and secured the posting using his political influence. The criteria of five years of experience was changed to 10 years to facilitate his appointment and exclude other eligible candidates, the statement said. The JNTBGRI has found his appointment ineligible and removed. Vinod Kumar should quit the positions in the senate and syndicate immediately, the statement added.

Higher EPS 95 Pension: For employees' higher pension employer cant contribute retrospectively to EPS above the statutory limit, rules Kerala HC

Kerala High Court ruled against retrospective higher pension claims for 67 CIAL employees. Despite CIAL offering retrospective contributions with interest, the court emphasized that EPF operates on an accrued investment basis. Employers cannot retrospectively contribute beyond statutory limits to gain benefits not available earlier, upholding the fund's financial sustainability.

INTERVIEW| We dont treat BJP as untouchable, but concerns remain

You have been actively taking up the cause of farmers. Are you too from a family of farmers? Yes. I come from a farming family that migrated from Travancore to Malabar. There was a large migration from the Meenachil taluk of Kottayam district during my grandfathers time, when land in Travancore was controlled by feudal landlords. These migrants settled in Malabar, bringing with them their faith, lifestyle, and farming traditions, which gradually shaped the region. Since they were primarily farmers, their struggles and concerns have been part of my life from a young age. I dont need to study farmers issues academically they are my lived experiences. Parents now accompany children to school fearing animal attacks. What was it like during your childhood? There was fear in the early years of migration but direct encounters were rare. Wild boars existed then too, but they fled at the sight of humans. We never saw them attacking people. Elephants occasionally entered our land; we watched them and they returned to the forest. Serious humananimal conflict began only in the last 2025 years. The ecosystem has been disrupted. The forest department bears some responsibility large areas, especially in Wayanad, were replanted with eucalyptus and acacia, which are hostile to wildlife and drain water resources, lowering the water table. Another factor is that much farmland is now left idle. Earlier, every inch was cultivated. Today, labour shortages, migration of youth abroad, and fear of animal attacks have pushed farmers to abandon land, especially hilltops. Farmland near forests increasingly resembles forest itself, blurring boundaries and intensifying conflict. Farmers have realised agriculture is no longer a viable livelihood. There is a perception that settlers damaged Malabars ecology... That is not true. This narrative is pushed by armchair environmentalists who have not studied Malabars ecology. Historical records show that settlers protected forests. Large-scale deforestation was carried out earlier by feudal landlords in collaboration with the British who even built rail lines to transport timber. By the time the settlers arrived, much of the land they purchased from the government officially recorded as early as 1926 consisted largely of shrubs and low vegetation. Far from destroying forests, settlers converted barren land into fertile plantations of coconut, cashew, and other crops. There were isolated cases, such as the Kottiyoor land issue, where land sold by the Devaswom shouldnt have been alienated. And settlers were later evicted. But branding settlers as forest destroyers is a gross misconception. These claims are often used to portray farmers as anti-environment, which is fundamentally incorrect. Perhaps the misconception persists because the Church was at the forefront of agitations against the Gadgil and Kasturirangan reports... Whether it is the Gadgil report, Kasturirangan report, or the latest Oommen V Oommen report, our approach has always been fact-based. It is true that these agitations were often portrayed as Christian because the Church is a highly organised institution, and many priests were visible at the forefront. But in reality, people of all faiths Hindus, Muslims, and Christians were equally affected and stood together. We do not oppose scientific studies. If objective research proves a land to be ecologically sensitive, we accept it. The problem arises when experts suggest the eviction of thousands without addressing where they would go. That becomes a question of survival and identity. We reject the extremist view that the environment belongs only to plants and animals, excluding humans. Kerala has a green cover of around 30%, higher than the national average. This was created largely by farmers. You cannot brand those who maintain rubber, cashew, and coconut plantations as anti-environment. When these lands were marked as buffer zones, land values collapsed overnight, destroying the only asset many families possessed. Farmers reacted emotionally because they were never treated as stakeholders. The Christian belief that God created the world and other life forms for humans could also be the basis of such perceptions No. Thats a misunderstanding popularised in the 1960s. The Bible does not promote exploitation. Man is Gods representative on earth, entrusted with stewardship, not destruction. The Old Testament even discourages cutting trees. Christianity is inherently eco-friendly. Farmers allege overpopulation of wild animals has intensified humanwildlife conflict... It is a fact that wild animal populations have increased. Species once rare are now common and this imbalance has led to conflict. Conservation does not mean ignoring ecological balance. Just as we regulate human population, we need scientific measures to control animal populations. All developed nations do this. Failure to intervene has worsened the crisis. The Christian communitys low population growth is now seen as a disadvantage. How serious is this? It is a real concern. For population stability, the average should be 2.2 children per family. Among Christians, it is around 1.6. If this continues, the community could virtually disappear by 2080. Pastoral letters addressing this arent irresponsible, as critics claim. Our diocesan data show a sharp fall in Sunday school enrolments. But hasnt migration to foreign countries caused the drop in population? Migration is one factor, but the numbers matter. Only around 46% of people have migrated abroad. Compared to the sharp decline in student enrolment and birth rates, migration plays a relatively minor role. It cannot be cited as the primary reason for the population decline. The Christian community seems to have lost political clout. Is population decline the reason? Leaders like P T Chacko, Oommen Chandy and A K Antony are no longer there We have realised that mistakes were made. The Church failed to motivate students to see politics as a serious and dignified vocation. In fact, we consciously removed student politics from many Church-run colleges, which discouraged Christian youth from entering public life. Families prioritised education, jobs, and financial stability often abroad and politics was sidelined. There was a widespread belief that politics was unsuitable for students from respectable families, that it was meant for the lazy or indolent. This created an apolitical mindset among the new generation, especially in central Kerala. In Malabar, however, we dont support banning campus politics. Political engagement is essential to develop civic sense and democratic values. Does the Church recognise that the possibility of another Christian chief minister in Kerala is remote? The Church does not think in terms of having a Christian chief minister. We do not believe a Christian CM would automatically benefit the community. Kerala has had Christian chief ministers before. Did they do anything exclusively for Christians? No, and we never demanded such favours. We focus on our legitimate rights as citizens, irrespective of who is in power. In fact, the Church led major protests even during Antonys tenure. Our position isnt based on the religion of those in office. With the decline of the Kerala Congress after K M Mani, hasnt the communitys bargaining power weakened? That is true. From the time of the Liberation Struggle (1958-59), the Kerala Congress gradually evolved into a force that also sought social balance. There was a period when the party had as many as 25 MLAs, a strength that even mainstream political parties feared. Over time, repeated splits driven by personal ambitions weakened it. The idea that a party grows by splitting proved disastrous... today, it continues to split without growing. Some suggest the Church should unite Kerala Congress factions. We are not interested in such political exercises. If like-minded people unite on their own, we would welcome it, but the Church will not take the initiative. Was Kerala Congress (M) joining the LDF a mistake? At the time, they themselves were uncertain about whether to stay or leave. In that situation, a leader from the front (UDF) publicly stated that they had been expelled. They immediately took advantage of that statement and exited. Whether that decision proved beneficial or harmful is something they alone must assess. In the elections that followed, they did achieve certain political gains. By becoming part of the ruling front, they also gained a sense of security and political cover. The Church often intervenes in political issues. How do you view this? We dont see this as political involvement, rather as addressing survival issues. When we demanded a higher rubber price, I said I would support whoever delivered it LDF, UDF, or BJP. Many in the media interpreted this as I abandoning the LDF and the UDF in favour of the BJP. But my position was clear. Rubber farmers abandoned cultivation after trusting government assurances that later failed them. Doesnt the government have a responsibility to protect such livelihoods? The Church does not engage in party politics, but we take firm stands on existential concerns. The Liberation Struggle is often misread as anti-communist. In reality, it was about protecting educational autonomy, not ideological hostility. Historically, Christians in Kerala have never treated the Communist Party as untouchable. The Catholic Church had an anti-Left stance from the Liberation Struggle era. But in recent years, there seems to be some rethinking. Why? The Churchs earlier opposition stemmed from ideological differences. Communism is rooted in atheism and dialectical materialism, while the Church believes in individual moral transformation as the basis of social change. Over time, however, the Communist Party has liberalised and moved away from rigid positions. We welcome positive changes in the Lefts approach to religion, though it is not for me to judge whether these shifts will ultimately benefit the party. The Syro-Malabar Church has faced prolonged unrest over the Uniform Holy Mass, with even papal orders being resisted... Initially, I too believed this was defiance of the Pope. But after discussions, it became clear that the priests were not anti-Pope. Their objection was that decisions were taken without hearing them. To prevent the archeparchy from breaking apart, we adopted a reconciliation formula after consultations with the Pope and the Vaticans Dicastery for the Eastern Churches. There was no anti-papal movement here. Did the crisis alienate the youth? Unfortunately, yes. Protests and violence disillusioned many, especially youngsters. We recognise this and are working on corrective measures. There are rumours that the ErnakulamAngamaly Archeparchy may be split. Is there any truth to this? No. The redrawing of boundaries approved by the Pope is unrelated to this archeparchy. A diocese cannot exist independently outside a rite. The priests here remain loyal to the Pope. Is there a deadline to implement the Uniform Holy Mass? No deadline has been fixed. Both sides went through severe trauma. The Synod decided to allow time and move forward only through dialogue. A top-down approach would only worsen matters. The protests, including those involving priests, shocked even non-believers. Has this hurt the Churchs image? Sadly, yes. It caused embarrassment. Some incidents were instances of indiscipline rather than criminal acts. The leadership has acted where necessary and is focused on ensuring unity and preventing a repeat. Does the Church direct its members to support any political party? No. We do not tell people whom to vote for. Our role is to raise social issues like rubber prices or human-animal conflict and place them before governments. People assess parties based on how they respond. Voting is an individual right. The BJP has fielded many Christian candidates. Has it ceased to be untouchable? We do not treat the BJP as untouchable. But concerns remain about attacks on churches and nuns in north India. Friendship with Christians cannot be limited to Kerala. Equality and constitutional rights must be ensured nationally. Do Christians feel safe under BJP rule? I wont generalise, but repeated incidents raise doubts. Discrimination must be called out. Protecting constitutional freedoms is the governments responsibility. Theres talk of Christian votes shifting to the BJP, especially after the Thrissur Lok Sabha election result Electoral outcomes may reflect protest votes or anti-incumbency. Such claims often mask parties reluctance to introspect and correct themselves. There is a common narrative that whenever the BJP wins, it is because of Christian votes. This argument only highlights the failure of political fronts to introspect. If some Christians voted for Suresh Gopi, it may have been because they viewed him as a familiar and popular public figure. That cannot be interpreted as the Christian community as a whole backing the BJP. So the Church doesnt get the credit in Suresh Gopis victory? There is no data to prove that Suresh Gopi won because of Christian votes. The diocese does not claim any credit for Suresh Gopis victory. In Kerala, power alternates between the UDF and the LDF. Does the diocese see either front as more pro-Christian? We dont seek a pro-Christian stance. We only expect governments not to be anti-Christian. The Christian community has never demanded anything beyond its constitutional rights. Our position is that rights should be distributed fairly, in proportion to population, in line with court directives. It would also be better if major parties within a front handled key departments, instead of these being seen as controlled by particular communities. When the Congress or the CPM themselves handle such portfolios, decisions tend to be more balanced. Is this a reference to the education department and the IUML? Im not naming anyone. We have never demanded that a particular person be made minister. Our concern is about avoiding injustice to any section. Theres a perception that the UDF listens more to the Church, compared to the LDF... We dont receive anything illegal from any side. Earlier, some Congress leaders interacted with us more. Today, LDF leaders also maintain cordial relations. For instance, Speaker A N Shamseer frequently visits the Thalassery Bishops House. Even Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan has personally spoken to me several times. These interactions show that the Left does not carry an anti-Christian mindset. During discussions on human-wildlife conflict, several proposals we submitted were included in the Wildlife Protection Bill, which I have publicly acknowledged. Has the Christian communitys traditional support for the Congress changed? There has been no drastic shift. The recent local body elections show that Christians are analysing issues independently. We dont force political choices, but the community continues to play a decisive role. Will this trend continue in the assembly elections? Unless something extraordinary happens, the general stand is likely to remain the same. While the Christian influence in politics is declining, the political clout of the Muslim community seems to be growing In a democracy, numbers matter. The Christian population has declined, while the Muslim population has grown, relatively. This naturally affects political influence and should not be viewed with resentment. Another factor is division within the Christian community, especially splits within the Kerala Congress. Political immaturity and fragmentation weakened bargaining power. Unlike Muslims, Christians dont have a unified political thought, which has both advantages and disadvantages. Your thoughts on the perception that the Muslim community decides who rules Kerala Hindus remain the majority in Kerala. Like Christians, they (Hindus) are not politically polarised. Kerala has largely resisted religion-based politics, which has benefited its social and cultural fabric. This balance is one of the states strengths. Is the Catholic Church still worried about love jihad? Our position is that love should not be used as a trap. We respect interfaith relationships in a society where communities mingle freely. The issue isnt love, but cheating and exploitation in some cases. Certain radicalised individuals misuse relationships, and we condemn that. At the same time, the word jihad is sacred for Muslims, as their own leaders have told us. They have asked us not to use the word jihad as it wounds religious sentiments. We respect that. But the social problem exists and has to be addressed. Whats the relationship between the Church and CASA? CASA represents a far-right ideological group of Christians. They dont coordinate with the Church leadership. Their activities align more with certain political agendas and arent associated with us. Your Christmas message Peace on earth to people of goodwill. Goodwill means giving space to others in our lives, just as Christ was given space in a manger. When we learn to share, empathise, and include others, peace follows. Thats the timeless message of Christmas.

Chennai firm CEO, Ballari jeweller played key role in Sabarimala gold theft case: SIT remand report

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: Pankaj Bhandari, chief executive officer of Chennai-based Smart Creations, and Govardhan, a Ballari-based jeweller, had a key role in Sabarimala gold theft case and their involvement was revealed by the key accused Unnikrishnan Potti, the remand report said. The remand report filed by the Special Investigation Team (SIT) before the Kollam Vigilance court said evidence revealing the involvement of the duo in the subterfuge were accessed during the course of the probe. The two aided in the gold theft and later tried to mask the offences committed by the main accused by giving false testimony. The two were arrested by the SIT on Friday after questioning them for hours, which revealed that the gold theft had an inter-state link. The gold-plated sheets from the Sabarimala door frame and dwarapalaka idols were taken to Smart Creations on the pretext of carrying out maintenance work. The gold from the sheets was extracted and a part of that was later sold to the Ballari-based jeweller. The SIT had earlier recovered about 400 g of gold from the Ballari jewellery, which they said was part of the booty. The SITs suspect that the rest of the stolen gold might have been sold for a high price on account of its religious value, the sources added. The SIT during the course of its investigation found that Govardhan had connected prime accused Unnikrishnan Potti with Bhandari.

Family refuses to accept Palakkad mob lynching victims body

THRISSUR: The family of Palakkad mob lynching victim Ramnarayan Bhayar on Sunday refused to accept his mortal remains until all those involved in the incident were brought to book. The family also demanded that the police invoke murder charges and provisions of the SC/ST Atrocity (Prevention) Act against the accused. Ramnarayans wife, two children, brother and mother-in-law arrived at the Government Medical College mortuary to identify his body. Ramnarayan, from Bilaspur in Chattisgarh, came to Kerala seeking job on December 13. He was killed on December 17, and found with severe wounds all over the body. It is alleged that a group of locals beat him to death over allegations of attempt to theft. According to Abdul Jabbar, convenor of Justice for Ramnarayan Bhayar Council, he was the sole hope of the family including two little children. The family should be compensated as their future is now uncertain. A compensation of `25 lakh should be sanctioned for the family.

Kerala sadya served for annadanam in Sabarimala

PATHANAMTHITTA: As part of the annadanam initiative, a traditional Kerala sadya has begun being served to pilgrims at the Sabarimala Sannidhanam. The sadya includes parippu, sambar, rasam, avial, achar, thoran, pappadam and payasam. While the varieties of avial and thoran will change daily, one among moru, rasam or pulissery will be included each day. A different variety of payasam will also be served daily. The Kerala sadya will be offered on alternate days in the coming period. At noon, Devaswom Executive Officer O G Biju lit the traditional lamp and offered the sadya to Lord Ayyappa, following which it was served to devotees who had gathered for annadanam. Steel plates and steel tumblers are being used for serving the meal. The executive officer said the commencement of the sadya was delayed due to the time required to set up technical facilities. He expressed hope that, with the blessings of Lord Ayyappa, the annadanam would continue smoothly in the days ahead. The decision to serve sadya was taken with the aim of introducing devotees arriving from different parts of the country to the taste of traditional Malayali cuisine, which is also an integral part of Keralas culture. Authorities expressed confidence that devotees would wholeheartedly welcome the initiative. Around 5,000 devotees take part in annadanam every afternoon, with arrangements made to serve meals to more than 5,000 people. On alternate days, sadya and pulao will be served in rotation. Sannidhanam Special Officer P Balakrishnan Nair also visited the annadanam mandapam on the occasion.

Kerala High Court sets aside Sabarimala airport land acquisition

KOCHI/PATHANAMTHITTA : The Kerala High Court has nullified key stages of the land acquisition process for the proposed Sabarimala greenfield airport, ruling that the state government failed to determine the minimum extent of land required for the project as mandated by law, and directed the authorities to restart the process after a fresh assessment. On December 30, 2022, the state government issued an order granting sanction for the acquisition of 2,570 acres of land, comprising the Cheruvally Estate and an additional 307 acres located outside it. Justice C Jayachandran, delivering the judgment on a writ petition filed by Ayana Charitable Trust (formerly Gospel for Asia) and its managing trustee Dr Siny Punnoose, ruled the decision-making process under the Right to Fair Compensation and Transparency in Land Acquisition, Rehabilitation and Resettlement Act, 2013, was legally flawed. Questioning the land acquisition of 2,570 acres of land, the court also noted that even for the highest type of aircraft, in an airport contemplating IFR (Instrument Flight Rules) operations, the land required in the ideal scenario is 1200 acres. On the petitioners allegation of fraud on power and colourable exercise of authority, the court did not give a final finding. It held that this issue is closely linked to determining the minimum land required and can only be examined after that exercise is properly completed. It is not ripe for this Court to conclude that the acquisition proceedings are vitiated by fraud on power, the order read. Social impact assessment report and govt order declared invalid by court The court, in its December 19 order, directed the state to restart the process by conducting a fresh social impact assessment (SIA) limited to examining the minimum land requirement, followed by a fresh appraisal by the expert group and reconsideration by the government. The petitioners had challenged several government actions, including the SIA report, the expert committee appraisal, the state government order approving the acquisition, and the subsequent notification under Section 11 of the 2013 Act. The land in question, mainly the Cheruvally Estate in Pathanamthitta district, is proposed to be acquired for building a new airport intended to serve Sabarimala pilgrims. The court found that while the state is entitled to acquire land for public purposes, the law clearly mandates that only the absolute bare minimum extent of land required for a project can be acquired. According to the court, this mandatory requirement under Sections 4(4)(d), 7(5)(b), and 8(1)(c) of the 2013 Act was not properly complied with. Justice Jayachandran observed that the authorities had shown manifest non-application of mind in assessing how much land was genuinely necessary. As a result, the SIA report, the expert committee report and the government order were declared invalid to the extent they failed to address this crucial requirement. Since the Section 11 notification could only be issued after a valid completion of these steps, it too was quashed. Before concluding, the court suggested that for technically complex projects like airports, the state should include technical experts in the SIA team to ensure informed and lawful decision-making. The writ petition was accordingly allowed, keeping other issues raised by the petitioners open for future consideration.

Amid mourning and recollections, Sreenivasan committed to memory

KOCHI: Sreenivasan s residence in Kandanad, near Tripunithura, swarmed with mourners from Sunday morning as people from the movie industry and fans gathered in their thousands to pay their last respects to the veteran actor and writer who passed away on Saturday. Among those who paid tributes was Tamil actor Suriya, who travelled from Chennai to visit the family. I am a fan of Sreeni sir. I have followed his work, his writings, and his contributions. I pray for his soul, Suriya told reporters. Actor Jagadish, who had worked with Sreenivasan on several films, recalled Sreenivasan writing the script to his second film, Odaruthammava Aalariyam. That is when our friendship began. For me, he was a friend, brother, and mentor. Sreeni is a writer who raised the standards of humour inMalayalam cinema, he said after paying last respects. There were emotional scenes when the body was taken to the pyre, as family members, friends and co-artists broke into tears. Following prayers and rituals, filmmaker Sathyan Anthikad, a close friend and collaborator, placed a pen and paper on Sreenivasans body to mark his contributions as a writer. The last rites were performed with a police guard of honour around noon on the premises of the family residence. One of the most influential writers in Malayalam cinema, Sreenivasan had been suffering from health issues for several years. He was being taken for dialysis to a private hospital in Kochi when his condition worsened. The 69-year-old was immediately moved to the Tripunithura Taluk Hospital, where he breathed his last. Director Sathyan Anthikad consoles Dhyan Sreenivasan who broke down during the funeral service of his father Prominent movie personalities including Prithviraj, Mukesh, Parvathy Thiruvothu, Renji Panicker and Rajasenan, political leaders M V Govindan, V D Satheesan, and Ramesh Chennithala paid their last respects. At a commemorative meeting held later in the day, minister P Prasad, Sathyan Anthikad, CPI state secretary Binoy Viswom, actor-politician Mukesh, and representatives of the Association of Malayalam Movie Artists (AMMA) remembered Sreenivasans legacy. Suriya pays tribute Among those who paid tributes was Tamil actor Suriya, who travelled from Chennai to visit the family. I am a fan of Sreeni sir. I have followed his work, his writings, and his contributions. I pray for his soul, Suriya told reporters

Rare honour for Malayali nurse in UK

ALAPPUZHA: Naveen Harikumar, a native of Thiruvambadi in Alappuzha, has been honoured with the prestigious Rising Star award by the Royal College of Nursing (RCN). The award acknowledges his outstanding patient care, exemplary mentorship to colleagues, and innovative contributions to nursing practice. His achievement is a pride and inspiration for hundreds of Malayali nursing professionals working across the UK. The 32-year-old Naveen currently serves as a Clinical Practice Educator at Northwick Park Hospital under the North West London National Health Service Trust. He also contributes as a quality improvement coach and a professional nurse advocate. Despite having just six years of service experience in the UK, he has made remarkable professional strides.

Bank accounts linked to Kerala prisons DIG received Rs 1.5 crore last year: Vigilance

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: The Vigilance and Anti-Corruption Bureau has filed a report with the state government, seeking tougher action against Prisons Deputy Inspector General of Police (DIG) M K Vinod Kumar, against whom the state government agency has filed a case for corruption. The officer, who is set to retire next year, has been accused of receiving kickbacks from inmates to help them get parole and facilitating their illegal acts within the prison, including smuggling of drugs and alcohol. The report, sources said, has searing remarks against the officer and mentioned about the large volume of cash transactions via bank accounts of the officer and his wife, who is a homemaker. In the last one year, the two accounts collectively received about Rs1.5 crore. The vigilance conducted a preliminary inquiry against the officer on the basis of intelligence reports, which indicated widespread irregularities on the part of the officer. Sources said he had received varying amounts of cash from inmates for extending their parole periods as well as facilitating smuggling of contraband to the prisons. A strong CPM sympathiser, Vinod grew close to the party leadership following an incident in Viyyur high security prison in 2014 when nine convicts in the T P Chandrasekharan murder case were allegedly tortured there, highly-placed sources told TNIE. The officer reportedly kept himself away from the act that was deliberately orchestrated by prison staff as the TP case convicts were brought there from Kannur central prison. This incident brought him into close contact with the party leadership. Strangely, he took kickbacks from the TP murder case accused as well, which sources claimed were for facilitating their drug and alcohol use within the prisons. Sources added that its because of Vinods connections that the prisons department is yet to take any disciplinary action against him. However, with vigilance sending a report flagging grave misconduct from his side and recommending immediate action, the government is all likely to drop the cudgels soon.

Cashing in! UPI transactions soar as Keralas digital aspirations take flight

KOCHI: Its a digi-tell all! In a clear pivot from cash, Kerala is increasingly taking to the Unified Payments Interface (UPI). National Payments Corporation of India (NPCI) figures reveal that 444.9 million UPI transactions were processed in the state in November, marking a 29.6% year-on-year increase. The value of these transactions rose 28.6% to `59,793 crore. Per capita usage climbed to 12.7 transactions a month, up from 9.8 a year earlier, indicating not just wider adoption but also more frequent use. Over the past three years, rising merchant acceptance, expanding smartphone penetration and a sustained, state-supported push towards cashless behaviour have together reshaped everyday money interactions in Kerala. The states performance mirrors a broader national surge. An NPCI-Boston Consulting Group (BCG) report released at the Global Fintech Festival 2025 highlights the scale of UPIs expansion across India. As of August, the country had 504 million unique UPI users nearly half of the adult population and close to 65 million merchants accepting UPI payments. UPI now accounts for 84% of all digital retail payments, with monthly transaction run rates 34% higher than a year ago. Within this nationwide expansion, Kerala contributes around 4% of Indias total UPI transaction volumes, placing it between ninth and eleventh nationally, depending on the month. Larger states such as Maharashtra, Karnataka, Uttar Pradesh and Tamil Nadu continue to dominate the top tier with double-digit share of the pie. In several pockets, UPI is already the default mode. In others, adoption is rising sharply, said Indraneel Ajitkumar Pandit, executive vice-president and chief digital officer, Federal Bank. Kerala stands out for its exceptional engagement among senior citizens, with digital literacy among the elderly reaching near-universal levels through systematic campaigns, he added. UPI-first state ESAF Small Finance Bank executive director George K John described Kerala as a true UPI-first state, citing women-led digital participation through Kudumbashree networks, senior-citizen digital literacy initiatives and near-universal merchant QR code adoption as defining features. In urban centres such as Kochi, Thiruvananthapuram, Kozhikode and Thrissur, UPI penetration is close to universal, especially for small-ticket payments across retail, transport, healthcare, hospitality and education. Merchant acceptance is extremely high, with even micro-merchants routinely using QR codes, he pointed out. According to Madhavankutty G, chief economist, Canara Bank, Keralas broader socio-economic profile also plays a role. It is a state with a high degree of consumerism. Banking penetration is very high, implying the number of bank accounts per capita is well above the national average, he said. High levels of urbanisation and internet penetration further support digital payments, while the large migrant workforce using UPI to send money to home states adds to transaction volumes, he added. Indraneel also pointed to the growing link between digital payments and credit growth. Studies show that business loan growth has a strong correlation with UPI adoption. Districts recording over 100% UPI growth reported a 4.2 times higher CAGR in business loans, he said. EMI collections and debt repayments through UPI have doubled over the past two years, underlining the rise of high-value and recurring transactions on the platform.

With fewer stops and higher earnings, KSRTC premium fleet drives revenue

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: KSRTC has shifted into high gear with its premier revenue earners, particularly the new premium superfast AC services that stop at fewer stations and generate higher earnings per kilometre (EPKM). Despite operating on fewer routes, the premium services have significantly boosted collections. KSRTC recorded its highest-ever single-day revenue of Rs 11.53 crore on December 15, nearly Rs 3 crore more than last year. Transport Minister K B Ganesh Kumar attributed the rise to improved operational efficiency, highlighting the strong performance of premium services. Though premium AC buses account for a small share of the fleet -- only 60 are currently in service -- they contribute disproportionately due to higher fares and strong demand. The fleet is set to expand further, with 120 new buses to be inducted soon. While KSRTC has not implemented a general fare hike, premium superfast services levy a 5% surcharge over regular superfast buses. To make the service more attractive, running time has been reduced and passenger amenities improved. Compared to regular superfast services, the number of stops has been cut by more than half. On National Highways, stops were reduced from 107 to 44, while on MC Road they came down from 108 to 46. Fewer stops have also helped cut fuel costs. According to official estimates, each bus station visit consumes 3-4 litres of diesel. Services such as the Lightning Express, which stop at only one location per district, have emerged as major revenue earners. These measures have reflected positively on EPKM. Before the Covid pandemic, KSRTCs EPKM stood at Rs 38.56. By August 2025, it had risen to Rs 49.58. To further improve earnings, KSRTC has reduced idle buses in garages and reviewed operations on less profitable routes. Services covering nearly 50,000km were modified to enhance revenue, while an additional 36,000km were discontinued. All 93 depots have been assigned revenue targets, which are closely monitored by the chairman and managing director, an official said. Further optimisation is planned with the rollout of an AI-powered schedule management system next year. Payroll, HRMS and fuel ERP systems will be integrated with the new platform. Launched a year ago, the premium superfast AC services have proven profitable, earning daily profits of around Rs 10,000 per bus. Encouraged by the response, KSRTC has steadily increased the fleet from an initial 10 buses to plans for nearly 200. The services currently operate on the Thiruvananthapuram-Kozhikode and Thiruvananthapuram-Palakkad routes. KSRTC has also added fast passenger, superfast, fast passenger link, sleeper and seater-cum-sleeper services to its fleet.

This youngster takes robotics to rural areas, propel dreams

What started as curiosity has now become a driving force for Aashik Rahman, fondly called Robo Aashik. As a kid, he was drawn towards creating electrical fixtures for his bicycle, and machines and their magic. Passionate about developing robots, building aircrafts and drones, Aashik actively participated in all national and international competitions while in college. This passion took a serious turn when he got a chance to work in DRDO under eminent scientists. Aashik and his friend partnered to integrate their curriculum into STEM education and supporting the children. While one was adept at technology, the other proficient in teaching. Aashik, the CEO of Propeller, says he wanted to be a support system for children who have a dream of building their own innovative projects. They came up with a curriculum that made technology and innovation sound simple. Ultimately, he wanted to democratise robotics learning. Subjects like robotics are considered affordable only to students from metropolitan cities, especially for schools that follow the ICSE & CBSE boards, he says. Having studied in a government school, in Tamil medium, he wanted to make robotics accessible to kids from rural India. Today, many schools have welcomed his model and have accommodated the new modules in their already existing curriculum. He says there are robotic labs in many schools. With 137 staff members, currently, Propeller functions in Kerala, Tamil Nadu and Telangana, and the curriculum, Aashik says, has branched out to 497 schools. He says, listening to each kids dream and their innovative ideas amazes him. I have built a strong ecosystem where each student can achieve their dream, he says. There are different modules for each grade that mainly focuses on real-life problems. While some focus on agriculture, others discuss topics like the concerns of the fishermen community, salt water, etc, he explains. One of the biggest innovations, he recalls, was a breakthrough. With the help of his team and his students, they made a robot during the Covid-19 pandemic that could supply food and medicines to the patients in the government hospitals. They have also created a community called the Young Scientist Community that works with identifying the problems in their surroundings, and developing solutions. The education extends to college students too. He says, We have created a training programme for visually impaired students. With a base that he has been creating for 12 years, he has made robotics accessible to 3,24,000 students. He aims to extend this learning to 10 lakh students, and says that he would continue to challenge the notion that subjects like robotics, AI, and coding are restricted to students in metropolitan cities.

Kerala minister warns schools against Christmas curbs

Kerala's Education Minister V Sivankutty has warned private schools against blocking Christmas celebrations, citing reports of such incidents. He emphasized that the state government will not tolerate divisive religious models and will take strict action against institutions promoting narrow communal interests.

Kerala: Family seeks 25 lakh compensation

The brother of the 31-year-old victim, Ramnarayan Bhayar, told reporters on Sunday that they would not accept the body until their demands are met. Bhayar, who hailed from Chhattisgarh, was allegedly beaten to death on Wednesday evening after being accused of involvement in a theft at Kizhakeattappallam near Walayar.

Kerala government warns against 'communalisation' of schools

Local body polls 2025: members take oath in local bodies across Kerala, spotlight on Thiruvananthapuram Corporation

In the 2025 local body elections, the Thiruvananthapuram Corporation had witnessed a seismic shift with the LDF losing its grip on the 101-ward civic body after more than four decades.

Dalit migrant worker lynched to death in Kerala, called Bangladeshi

Palakkad: A 31-year-old Dalit migrant worker from Chhattisgarh was lynched in Keralas Walayar on suspicion of theft, and was asked, Are you a Bangladeshi? during the assault. Ram Narayan Baghel had left Karhi village in Chhattisgarh in search of a job. He reached Kerala on December 16. However, unable to find a job, he planned Get the latest updates in Hyderabad City News , Technology , Entertainment , Sports , Politics and Top Stories on WhatsApp & Telegram by subscribing to our channels. You can also download our app for Android and iOS .

Kerala State Electricity Boards invites EoI for establishing public EV charging stations under PM E-DRIVE scheme

Power utility invites expressions of interest for operators under category C of the scheme for establishing charging stations on land parcels with unrestricted public access. Category C covers charging infrastructure on locations such as city streets, shopping malls, market complexes and highways

2-0 in 2025 elections, can opposition bounce back in 2026?

Following BJP's 2025 victories in Delhi and Bihar, 2026 presents a crucial comeback opportunity for the opposition. Key contests in West Bengal, Kerala, Tamil Nadu, Assam, and Puducherry will test incumbent governments and emerging political forces, with updated electoral rolls adding another layer of intrigue to these significant state elections.

After long wait, TDB starts serving Kerala sadya at Sabarimala

Around 5,000 devotees participate in the free meal programme every afternoon, with a rotating menu of sadya and pulao on alternate days.

Kerala pvt school cancels Christmas event, govt warns against communalisation

Thiruvananthapuram: Kerala government on Sunday strongly condemned reports that some private school managements imposed restrictions on Christmas celebrations and refunded money collected from students for the event. The government also warned that schools would not be allowed to be turned into communal laboratories. Such actions are unheard of in a state like Kerala, which has Get the latest updates in Hyderabad City News , Technology , Entertainment , Sports , Politics and Top Stories on WhatsApp & Telegram by subscribing to our channels. You can also download our app for Android and iOS .

BJP begins final round of intra-party consultations to finalise NDAs mayoral candidate in Thiruvananthapuram

BJP State leadership reportedly faces the difficulty of choosing between veteran grassroots-level party councillors with a Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) background and a ranking police officer, a political arriviste according to some in the BJP, for the Mayors post

Kerala govt warns against 'communalisation' of schools

Kerala government strongly condemned private schools for imposing restrictions on Christmas celebrations. State General Education Minister V Sivankutty warned that schools would not be allowed to become communal laboratories. He stated that divisive models from North India would not be permitted in Kerala's educational institutions.

Watch: Kerala bids tearful farewell to Malayalam cinema icon Sreenivasan

Kerala witnessed an emotional farewell as legendary actor, screenwriter and director Sreenivasan, one of the most influential figures in Malayalam cinema, was laid to rest with full state honours.

Christmas celebrations in Kerala schools caught in the Sangh Parivars crosshairs, says government

Mr Sivankutty noted that Hindu far-right social media groups targeted Christians by urging educational institutions to desist from celebrating Christmas or face unspecified consequences

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Malayalam actor-writer Sreenivasan cremated with full state honors

On Sunday, Kerala bid a tearful adieu to the legendary actor, screenwriter, and director Sreenivasan.

Sreenivasan: Kerala bids farewell to a legend

Members of the film fraternity who visited included Parvathy Thiruvothu, Renji Panicker, Sathyan Anthikkad, Jagadish, Prithviraj Sukumaran, among others

Kerala HC sets aside Sabarimala airport land acquisition process

Kochi: The Kerala High Court has set aside crucial stages of the land acquisition process for the proposed Sabarimala greenfield airport, holding that the state failed to properly assess the minimum land actually required for the project. On December 30, 2022, the state government issued an order granting sanction for the acquisition of 2,570 acres Get the latest updates in Hyderabad City News , Technology , Entertainment , Sports , Politics and Top Stories on WhatsApp & Telegram by subscribing to our channels. You can also download our app for Android and iOS .

Political parties in Kerala urge poll panel to extend SIR schedule

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: Pointing out major inaccuracies in the inclusion of voters in the uncollectable forms category as part of the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls, majority of the recognised political parties in the state have demanded extension of the SIR enrolment time-frame at least till the end of December to rectify the anomalies and enrol more voters. The demand was raised by representatives of political parties, except the BJP, at the weekly meeting chaired by Chief Electoral Officer (CEO)-Kerala Rathan U Kelkar here on Saturday to review the progress of SIR in the state. Meanwhile, the number of people clubbed in the uncollectable forms category, that also includes those who have been marked as Absent, Shifted or Dead (ASD), stood at 24.08 lakh, Of these, 6.45 lakh are listed as untraceable. While 8.16 lakh have permanently shifted their residence, another 1.60 lakh fall in the others category. Kelkar clarified that the others category includes people who have refused to accept or return the enumeration forms. The number of voters who have been marked as dead or duplicate entries are 6.49 lakh and 1.36 lakh respectively. Meanwhile, political party representatives cited numerous instances to show that many people were erroneously listed as untraceable or Enrolment Form refused. They also said that hundreds of voters were included in the ASD category in many booths located in Thiruvananthapuram and Kollam districts.

I was a huge admirer: Suriya pays last respects to Sreenivasan

Tamil star Suriya paid his respects to the late Sreenivasan in Ernakulam, expressing deep admiration for the veteran actor and filmmaker. Sreenivasan's passing, following breathing difficulties, has deeply saddened the film fraternity. Prominent figures like Mammootty, Mohanlal, and Kerala CM Pinarayi Vijayan gathered to bid farewell, remembering his immense contribution to Malayalam cinema.

Kerala Lok Bhawan observes Goa Liberation Day

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: Goas liberation from the clutches of Portuguese through Operation Vijay marked a highpoint in the feeling of patriotism and nationalism in the country, said Governor Rajendra Arlekar. He was speaking after felicitating 24 families of the state who participated in the Goa Liberation movement of 1961. The governor said that it took nearly 14 years since Independence for Goa to be formally integrated in the Indian Union. Indias Independence of 1947 remained incomplete until Goas integration in the Indian Union. People from all parts of the country cutting across the region, language and community participated in this glorious movement. Collective aspirations of the people that put pressure on the Centre ultimately paved the way for the Liberation of Goa, Arlekar said. By honouring the freedom fighters who participated in the Liberation of Goa, we are recognising the great patriots contributions and transmitting the cultural underpinnings of the freedom movement to percolate into every layer of society, he said.

Auto driver alleges police assault in Mannanthala; officers deny charge

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: Alleging that he was brutally assaulted by police personnel of Mannanthala station, a 46-year-old autorickshaw driver has raised a complaint. The complainant, Dastakeer, a native of Nalanchira, alleged that he was beaten up by the police initially at his house and later at the police station on Friday. He claimed that he was taken to the station and moved to an area without CCTV and beaten up on his back and thighs. Dastakeer, who is diabetic, also claimed that he was not even given drinking water. However, the Mannanthala police denied the allegations. They said Dastakeer was a habitual drinker and troublemaker, and that his wife had informed the station early on Friday after he consumed alcohol and created a ruckus at home. The police said he suffered injuries when he tried to escape on seeing the police team at the spot. Dastakeer, who was injured, is undergoing treatment at the General Hospital. He alleged that there are around 20 injury marks on his back and that he is unable to even sit due to the severity of the injuries. He was released on bail on Friday evening after the owner of the autorickshaw arrived at the station and later took him to the hospital. While no formal complaint has been filed so far, Dastakeer has said he plans to submit a complaint at the Police Commissioners office on Sunday. An inquiry is expected after a complaint is received.

Kochi-Kottayam NH corridor: NHAI directed to study feasiblility

KOCHI: In a significant move towards modernising Keralas road infrastructure, Union Minister for Road Transport and Highways Nitin Gadkari has directed the National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) to evaluate a proposed National Highway corridor connecting Kottayam and Kochi, with a strategic link to the upcoming Angamaly-Kundannoor bypass. The decision follows a draft report earlier submitted by Kottayam MP Adv K Francis George, highlighting the urgent need for a high-speed alternative to the heavily congested existing routes. The minister promised that the NHAI will conduct a feasibility study for the proposed corridor. To minimise environmental impact and social displacement, the proposal emphasises elevated corridors over agricultural zones (paddy fields) to protect natural water flow and farming. Gadkari told me that a direction to this effect has been handed over to the NHAI, Francis told TNIE . The draft proposal outlines a 60-km greenfield spur road designed to alleviate the massive traffic volume between Kottayam and Kochi, which currently exceeds 90,000 Passenger Car Units (PCUs) daily. The starting point of the corridor is planned at Mulankuzha near Kottayam on NH 183. The route will pass through the tourism and agricultural hubs of Kumarakom and Vaikom. It will reach Tripunithura, where it is slated to connect with the Angamaly-Kundannoor bypass. By linking directly to the Angamaly-Kundannoor bypass, the corridor will effectively provide a high-speed connection from central Travancore to the Cochin International Airport and the northern stretches of NH 544. Currently, the journey from Kottayam to Tripunithura via traditional routes takes approximately 2.5 hours during peak times. The new corridor is expected to slash this travel time to just one hour.

LDFs bond with Muslim community goes beyond poll results, says Kerala CM Pinarayi

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: Amid criticism of the CPMs significant losses in the local body polls in Malabar, particularly in Malappuram, Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan has said the LDFs relationship with the Muslim community cannot not be judged solely on the basis of electoral outcomes. He made the remarks while inaugurating the reception to the Samastha Kerala Jem-iyyathul Ulamas Sandesa Yatra, organised as part of the Sunni Muslim bodys centenary celebrations. The yatra, which began in Nagercoil on December 19, is scheduled to conclude in Mangaluru on December 28. Assuring that his government is committed to addressing the concerns of the minority community, Pinarayi said its decade-long record demonstrates its sincerity. Samastha has a responsibility to stand with the Left when we confront communal forces. You must recognise the attempts of forces to mislead and communalise the minority community. Pinarayi stressed that the Muslim community must understand that opposing minority communalism does not equate to opposing religious belief. Congress leader K Muraleedharan, Samastha Kerala Jem-iyyathul Ulama president Sayyid Muhamad Jifri Muthukoya Thangal, Santhigiri Ashram general secretary Swami Gururathnam Jnana Tapaswi were among those who addressed the gathering.

'Sreenis films reflected his distinct individuality': Actor Vijayaraghavan

Sreenivasan was an honest person who always stayed true to himself. He had the rare courage to speak the truth. Embodying a unique personality, he never hid or covered up his feelings and thoughts, even if they were brutal. His way of presenting and addressing issues was different, and that made him and his work special and stand out. Sreeni was widely respected within the industry, and his death is a great loss to Malayalam cinema. He is an irreplaceable figure in the industry. To me, Sreeni was much more than a fellow artist. Our friendship extended far beyond our films. We remained close friends, and our conversations were never limited to cinema or acting -- extending to many other things in life. About a year back, I visited him at home after he was discharged from hospital. We spent a long time talking, discussing everything under the sun. I was surprised to see how sharp he still was. Even while dealing with health issues, he remembered everything and stayed keenly aware of what was happening around him. It surprised me. We shared a strong bond, and I will miss a good friend. Thank you for Everything: Malayalis bid adieu to Sreenivasan His approach to cinema and language was unique. There was a distinct individuality in his work, especially in the way he created satirical films that continue to be discussed even today. He had the courage to make films that very few filmmakers dared to attempt. I loved those films. My father also wrote plays in a similar way, which is why I felt deeply connected to Sreenis screenplay and cinema. Most stories, penned by other writers, go through alterations. But with Sreenis scripts, that was impossible. Audiences will understand the difference. Every word had purpose. As an actor, too, he was highly versatile. His performances had a caricature-like quality, enriched with minute detailing in terms of expression and movement. His passing is a huge loss, not only to the Malayalam film industry but also to me personally.

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Swearing in of Thiruvananthapuram corporation councillors today

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: A week after the declaration of results of the city corporation elections , the BJP which emerged as the single largest party is gearing up to announce its mayoral candidate by Wednesday. The delay in the announcement, with multiple contenders in the fray, has triggered discussions and criticism in political circles. The oath-taking ceremony of the newly elected councillors will formally mark the beginning of the new councils term on Sunday, while the election to the post of mayor is scheduled for December 26. The BJPs thumping performance in the polls has placed it firmly on the threshold of power. The party won 50 of the 101 wards, falling just one seat short of an absolute majority. The LDF was reduced to 29 wards, while the UDF secured 18 seats. Two wards were won by independent candidates, both of whom have suddenly assumed political significance. With the BJP requiring the support of at least one more councillor to stake an undisputed claim to power, the independents have emerged as key players. Their stand, along with the outcome of the postponed election in the Vizhinjam ward, is expected to be crucial in shaping the final balance of power in the council. BJP Thiruvananthapuram Central district president Karamana Jayan said discussions to finalise the mayoral candidate would begin on Monday after the swearing-in ceremony. We have strong contenders for the post and we will officially announce the mayoral candidate by Tuesday or Wednesday. Comprehensive development of the capital will be our key focus, he said. Karamana Jayan also added that Prime Minister Narendra Modi would visit the capital soon, as promised. Both the BJP and the UDF have ruled out any tie-up in view of the imminent assembly elections. UDF leader K S Sabarinath, who will take oath as the councillor from the Kowdiar ward, said that the UDF would fight for good governance in the corporation. We are not looking at joining hands with the LDF. We will wait for the Vizhinjam ward election to be completed and assess the situation, he said. Meanwhile, LDF councillor S P Deepak said the Left front has no plans to align with the UDF. We will function as a strong opposition and ensure that ongoing welfare and development activities continue, he said.

Thank you for Everything: Malayalis bid adieu to Sreenivasan

KOCHI: Sreenivasan enjoyed punctuating the tale with hearty amusement. Arriving in Thiruvananthapuram for what he believed was an acting assignment in a film by Priyadarshan, the twenty-something sought to know the nature of his role. The directors reply was blunt... as it was life-altering: There is no script. If Sreenivasan wanted to act, he would have to script it. With nothing to do back home, he stayed on the set and began writing. Both Priyadarshan and Sathyan Anthikad pushed me into the deep end of scriptwriting, he later said at an awards function, and I somehow stayed afloat without knowing how to swim. That reluctant plunge produced one of Malayalam cinemas most original voices. On Saturday, that voice fell silent. The veteran actor, screenwriter and filmmaker was 69. Ailing for long, Sreenivasan was being taken to Amrita Hospital for dialysis when his condition deteriorated. He was rushed to the Tripunithura Taluk Hospital, where he breathed his last. His cremation will be held at 10.30am on Sunday at his residence in Udayamperoor. Sreenivasans death draws the curtains on an era. Few artists chronicled the Malayali psyche with such wit, empathy and sting. Over nearly 48 years, he acted in more than 200 films and wrote screenplays that shaped the industrys golden years. His humour was never decorative; it was dissecting. With an almost journalistic eye, he teased out the hypocrisies embedded in everyday life political posturing, middle-class vanity and masculine insecurity rendering them funny, painful and recognisably human. Born on April 6, 1956, in Pattiam near Thalassery in Kannur district, Sreenivasan grew up in a modest household his father was a schoolteacher and mother a homemaker. Sreenivasan: The goat of satire Actors Mammootty and Mohanlal pay their respects to Sreenivasan at Town Hall in Kochi on Saturday. After his schooling in Kuthuparamba and Kadirur, he studied economics at PRNSS College, Mattanur, before training formally at the Tamil Nadu Government MGR Film and Television Institute, Chennai. He made his acting debut in Manimuzhakkam (1976), directed by P A Backer, and his first lead appearance was in Sanghaganam (1979), also by Backer. But it was writing that unlocked Sreenivasans true range. His debut screenplay, Odaruthammava Aalariyam (1984), announced a new idiom irreverent, observant and unafraid of puncturing social sanctimony. The mid-1980s to early 1990s marked his creative peak, when his writing, often in collaboration with Sathyan Anthikad, produced a string of enduring films including Gandhinagar 2nd Street, Sanmanassullavarkku Samadhanam, Varavelpu, Thalayanamanthram and the immortal Nadodikkattu. Blending humour with social insight, these films, most of which were anchored by Mohanlal, translated middle-class anxieties into movie lore with Nadodikkattu and its sequels attaining cult status and embedding their characters and dialogues deep in Keralas public memory. No film captures Sreenivasans political bite better than Sandesam (1991). A searing satire on over-politicisation, it framed Keralas bipolar politics within the confines of a family home. Polandine kurichu oraksharam mindaruthu! Dont you utter a word about Poland! his retort to Jayarams character remains lodged in the Malayali collective memory three decades on. The joke endures because the truth it skewers still stands. Sandesham earned him the Kerala State Film Award for best story and the status of Malayalam cinemas most influential political satire. As a filmmaker, he was equally incisive. Vadakkunokkiyantram (1989), which he scripted and directed, anatomised male insecurity and patriarchy with rare tenderness and landed him the state award for best film. Chinthavishtayaya Shyamala (1998) explored marital alienation and emotional estrangement, winning the national award for best film on other social issues. In these works, Sreenivasan turned the camera inward, exposing the fragile ego of the typical Malayali man he knew so well. Even as the industry changed, he adapted without blunting his edge. Udayananu Tharam, Katha Parayumpol and Njan Prakashan reintroduced his social satire to a new generation. Njan Prakashan went on to become among Malayalam cinemas highest-grossing films. As an actor, restraint was his strength he played the flawed common man with authenticity, allowing silences to speak as loudly as punch lines. Sreenivasan wore his career accolades lightly. What mattered was the work: Stories that laughed at power, and questioned piety and social mores. He is survived by his wife, Vimala, and sons Vineeth and Dhyan, both established figures in the industry. As his body was kept at Ernakulam Town Hall, the crowds that came to pay their respects reflected on the breadth of Sreenivasans reach from political leaders to ordinary film lovers who saw themselves in his characters. For nearly five decades, he gave voice to the anxieties, contradictions and quiet dignity of the common Malayali. In losing him, Malayalam cinema has lost a storyteller who laughed with society, even as he held an unflinching mirror up to it. THE LEGEND OF SREENI In an illustrious career spanning nearly 48 years, Sreenivasan acted in more than 200 films, directed two movies and wrote screenplays that shaped the industrys golden years A champion of social satire and political criticism and creator of unadulterated humour, he mirrored the Malayali community, with all its vulnerabilities, pettiness, honesty or the lack of it through his scripts. Awards and accolades Sreenivasans directorial venture Chinthavishtayaya Shyamala (1998) won the National Film Award for Best Film on Other Social Issues' Vadakkunokkiyantram (1989), which he scripted and directed, won him the Kerala state award for the best film He won the state award for best story for Sandesam (1991), and best screenplay for Mazhayethum Munpe (1995)

Sreenivasan: The goat of satire

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: How political was he? Or apolitical for that matter. Veteran writer- actor- director Sreenivasan 's political screenplays traverse mostly through wafer-thin margins of both the political and apolitical, even at times, merging the two. A master storyteller, he succeeded in capturing the subtle hues of the Malayali psyche via his scripts that almost always reflected Kerala society in its entirety, through a career that spanned almost five decades of stellar creative output. As an untiring champion of social satire, political criticism and creator of unadulterated humour, Sreenivasan mirrored the Malayali community of the 70s and 80s, with all its vulnerabilities, pettiness, honesty or the lack of it through his blockbuster scripts. Be it his first Mazha Peyyunnu Maddalam Kottunnu , the widely popular trilogy of Nadodikkattu , Pattana Pravesham, Akkkare Akkare Akkare spread over three years, his screenplays encapsulated storylines that never failed to question the societal convictions of the day. Sandesam , one of his most popular screenplays ever, could well be the rebelliousness of a societal spectator, fed up with the existing system. Contrary to popular perception it was not mere Left bashing or revving up anti-Communist sentiments that Sreenivasan often indulged in. The astute political commentator that he was, Sreenivasan preferred to take a bird's eye view at the sore lack of inner political conviction that often runs as a leitmotif through Kerala society, cutting across all classes. Laced with vibrant political undertones, Sreenivasan's scripts often shed light on a wide variety of topics. Who can ever forget the clipped arbitrary hint of threat hidden within Polandinekurich Oraksharam Mindaruth , an evident reference to the setback faced by Communists in Poland. The ease with which he incorporated a slice of international politics into the socio-cultural-political machinations of a Kerala neighbourhood, stands testimony to his brilliance as a scriptwriter. Sreenivasan exposed pretensions of Malayalis through his satirical movies Exposing the Malayali's innate farcical hypocrisy and in-built contempt for anything and everything around him, Sreenivasan zeroed in on the deep-rooted prejudices and complexes of the Malayali psyche. In a way Sreenivasan, whose dialogues have become ingrained in the minds of Malayalis across the globe, created a kaleidoscope of frames that captured the whole of Kerala society's idiosyncrasies back in the day. Be it the Gulf migration of the 80s and 90s, spiralling unemployment, the typical work-shy youth of the times, their intricate social complexities, lack of political conviction...the list seems endless. Sreenivasan chose to tread a path that differed distinctly from many established writers, be it the legendary M T Vasudevan Nair, widely popular T Damodaran, or the mystic Padmarajan. His cinematic scripts chose to turn the searchlights on the shattered hopes and dreamy future aspirations of the burgeoning Malayali middle class. The average Malayali was ever his faithful audience, the ones he took up his pen for. How would an average Malayali remember him? Sreenivasan could well remain as the master of subtle humour for Malayali movie lovers in the years to come. LIFE AND TIMES OF A LEGEND 1956: Born on April 6 at Pattiam near Thalassery, Kannur 1976: Film debut Manimuzhakkam , directed by P A Backer 1977: Enrolled in Film and Television Institute of Tamil Nadu, Chennai 1979: First lead role in move Sanghaganam by P A Backer 1984: Debut as writer in Odaruthammava Aalariyam by Priyadarshan. Also married Vimala. 1989: Debut as director with Vadakkunokkiyanthram , which he also wrote himself 1998 - Won national film award for best film on other social issues for Chinthavishtayaya Shyamala Career highlights 1976 Manimuzhakkam 1977 Sneha Yamuna 1980 Mela 1984 Odaruthammava Aalariyam(also writer), Panchavadi Paalam, Akkare 1985 Mutharamkunnu PO (also writer), Punnaram Cholli Cholli (also writer), Aram + Aram Kinnaram (also writer) 1986 T P Balagopalan MA (also writer), Sanmanassullavarkku Samadhanam (also writer), Oru Katha Oru Nunnakatha (also writer), Dheem Tharikida Thom 1987 Nadodikattu (also writer) 1988 Pattanapravesham (also writer) 1991 Sandesam (also writer) 1993 Midhunam (also writer) 1994 Thenmavin Kombath 1996 Kalapani 2003 Kilichundan Mampazham (also writer) 2007 Arabikkatha 2011 Traffic 2018 Njan Prakasan (also writer)

A comeback dream that was not meant to be...

KOCHI: Sathyan Anthikad had spent the entire Saturday morning with the grieving family. Sitting next to the mortal remains, while the public paid homage, he broke down, as fellow mourners struggled to console the filmmaker. For Anthikad, Sreenivasans demise was a personal loss. He had lost one of his closest friends. We shared a close bond. I used to visit him every two weeks to rejuvenate him. He had been suffering from various ailments for several months. But I never thought he would leave us, Anthikad told reporters. His brain remained sharp... and he was aware of everything. Recently, he told me he felt exhausted. But I reassured him that it was just a phase, and that we would make a comeback... Anthikad did not complete the sentence as he walked away with tears in his eyes. The two first collaborated on Gandhinagar 2nd Street , which was released in 1986. Sreenivasan wrote the screenplay and also played the role of Madhavan. Most of the films the duo came up with, including Nadodikkattu (1987), Varavelpu (1989), Thalayanamanthram (1990), and Sandesam (1991), were hits. These were not merely comedies but flicks that portrayed the lives of common people. In interactions with media, they both spoke about how Sandesam was received by audiences and about the anonymous letters they used to receive. Sreenivasan exposed pretensions of Malayalis through his satirical movies Anthikad trusted Sreenivasan, who was permitted to write dialogues and screenplays even on film sets. When Sreeni and I work on scripts, it makes my job easier, Anthikad had recalled earlier. The friendship grew, appreciating, criticising and correcting each other. In 2018, they came up with their last film together, Njan Prakashan , with Fahadh Faasil, which was another hit. The other films that were the result of the collaboration are: Sanmanassullavarkku Samadhanam (1986), T P Balagopalan M.A. (1986), Sreedharante Onnam Thirumurivu (1987), and Golanthara Vartha (1993). As years passed, Sreenivasan expressed his wish to do another film with Anthikad and Mohanlal. A project was even in the pipeline. That dream, as it turned out, will remain just that.

He refused to write about what he did not believe in: Madhupal remembers Sreenivasan

I first met Sreenivasan on the sets of Samvalsarangal in 1985-86. The shoot was in Ernakulam. Back then, I was not part of the film industry as an actor. I was just a cinema lover, someone who went to film sets driven purely by passion, trying to understand how cinema worked. It was a phase when love for cinema alone could take you to any set. What I saw then was a man constantly on the move, running from one set to another -- an extremely busy Sreenivasan. Even at that time, his perspectives were very different. He looked at issues in ways most people wouldnt even think of. Despite his hectic schedule, he spoke to ordinary people without any hesitation. For me, every conversation with Sreenivasan felt like reading a new book. I became closer to him during Vadakkunokkiyantram . From then, I noticed that every line he spoke could only have been spoken by Sreenivasan. The reason was simple: he observed only those who stood firmly on the ground. His life was with them, the common people, and he travelled their paths. Sreenivasan never wrote about anything he did not know. If he felt a story would not work as a film, he would simply drop it. The rest of us might still try, thinking about the advance money involved. But Sreenivasan never worked that way. If he felt something wouldnt work, he never wrote it. He did only what gave him complete satisfaction. That is why films he made even 20 years ago are still alive, finding space even in the trolls of the younger generation. His dialogues connect instantly with people because they come straight from lived experience. Sreenivasan always walked with the people. He was a writer who lived among them and understood them deeply. That is why, whether it was Sandesam or any other film, he never wrote about anything unfamiliar to him. After my film Thalappavu , producer S C Pillai came to meet me, saying he had come on Sreenivasans suggestion. They wanted to make a film with Sreenivasan as the hero. I told them honestly that I could not make a film suiting Sreenivasan on my own. I said I would do it only if we could develop a story together through discussions. A few days later, Sreenivasan called me, laughing loudly. I had earlier told him a lie, that I had tried calling him but couldnt get through. He immediately caught me out. I then told him the truth: I wasnt sure if I could make a film that suited him. Laughing, he asked me, Am I such a big actor? That was Sreenivasan -- simple, ordinary, and completely without pretence. He may have left thousands of stories unwritten, but he wrote only what he was sure of. (As told to Jose K Joseph)

Sreenivasan exposed pretensions of Malayalis through his satirical movies

KOCHI: Born into a middle class family in Kannur, Sreenivasan had the opportunity to witness the absurd, farcical ideologies and the pretensions of lo cal-level leaders who tried to impose their progressive thoughts on society. The film Sandesam , a political satire written by Sreenivasan and directed by Sathyan Anthikkad in 1991, humorously depicts the clashes between two brothers supporting two ideologically different political parties. The movie remains relevant as it highlights how politics divides families and societies. The dialogues of Kumara Pillai, the ideological guru of the Left party, who makes a critical evaluation of the partys defeat in an election, still fills social media pages with trolls and memes during every election. The dialogue We allow inner party democracy. But you should not question our theoreticians. If you dont follow party discipline, we will teach you continue to resonate in the political sphere. Prabhakaran the politician who visits the house of a prospective bride for a pre-wedding meeting asks whether she is ready to work for the liberation of the working class. He says, The wife of a revolutionary should be ready to meet any consequence and should be ready to face bullets. Sreenivasan had the unique talent to present the trials and tribulations of the middle class families with a touch of humour. While Sandesam portrayed the dark side of factional politics and political rivalry, Varavelppu exposed how trade unions and bureaucracy are jeopardising the lives of youngsters who invest their lifetime savings to earn a livelihood. The story of Varavelppu , which portrays the miseries of a Gulf returnee who starts a bus service, is based on the life of his father. 'He came to play an orphan': Hero of Sreenivasans first film remembers him Sreenivasan held a mirror to society, exposing the pretensions, inferiority complex, and the struggles of the middle class Malayali. As a writer, he was well aware of his limitations and never hesitated to ridicule his own faults and appearance. For the common man, he was a neighbour who understood their struggles to stay afloat. His writing was simple and sharp in its criticism of the hypocrisy and hostility of politicians and the erosion of civility in society. In Vadakkunokkiyantram , he portrays the sense of insecurity and inferiority complex of an unattractive youth who gets married to a beautiful woman and fears that she may desert him. In Chinthavishtayaya Syamala , he plays the role of a school teacher who does not love his profession but searches for shortcuts to become wealthy. The character Vijayan Master is an atheist, but once he goes on a pilgrimage to Sabarimala, he turns an ascetic. When the family pleads with him to end the penance, he asks, Do you mean devotion is seasonal? Films written by him, like T P Balagopalanm MA, Gandhinagar Second Street, Sanmanassullavarkku Samadhanam, Nadodikattu, Vellanakalude Nadu, Mukundetta Sumitra Vilikkunnu, and Pavam Pavam Rajakumaran, sketch the struggles of unemployed youth who continue to dream about a peaceful life while scrambling to face the harsh realities of life. In the film Anaval Mothiram , he plays the role of a lazy and coward police officer who becomes brave and reckless when a blood test reveals that he is suffering from leukemia. In Bhagyavan , directed by Suresh Unnithan and written by C Radhakriswhnan, Balu, the character portrayed by Sreenivasan, goes into hiding as people fight to get him as a guest. An astrologer says that Balu has a unique feature called labhya Labhyasree in his horoscope due to which his presence can bring good fortune to others. He has also characterised villain roles, like Appakkala of Thenmavin Kombathu , Moosa of Kaalapani , Maruthu of Oru Maravathur Kanavu , Bhargavan of Narendran Makan Jayakanthan Vaka , and Moideenkunju Haji of Kilichundan Mampazham . In Traffic and Passenger , he portrayed the roles of a commoner who turns hero in challenging situations.

East Hill Road, where iconic road roller scene was shot, mourns the loss of Sreenivasan

KOZHIKODE: As Kerala mourns the passing of veteran actor-filmmaker Sreenivasan on Saturday, for the residents of East Hill in Kozhikode, he will always be remembered was the man who turned their quiet neighbourhood into a lasting landmark of cinematic history. While the film fraternity honours his sharp satire and literary brilliance, the people of East Hill hold a special place for him as the creator of one of Malayalam cinemas most iconic comedic moments. The legendary scene from the film Vellanakalude Nadu , in which the late Kuthiravattom Pappus character famously struggles with repairing a road roller while uttering the now-immortal Thamarassery Churam dialogue, was shot on the Chungam-East Hill road. Even decades later, the location remains an unofficial pilgrimage site for film lovers. It has been more than 35 years since the film, but people still stop here when they pass by and take photos, says Thankamani Kammiliparambathu, whose house was used heroine Shobanas home in the film. Recalling Sreenivasans humility and dedication, Thankamani remembers the day the filmmaker arrived at her doorstep. Sreenivasan came to our house and directly asked if the house could be used for shooting. He visited two or three times after that and stayed here for around a month to write the script and shoot the scenes. Later, our house was used in Aye Auto also. But it was the Thamarassery Churam scene in Vellanakalude Nadu that became a super hit, she said. The family offered their home free of cost, a gesture that allowed them to share space with legends such as Mohanlal, Murali, and Kuthiravattom Pappu. That scene gave our home -- and this area -- its own identity, Thankamani says with pride. For local residents, Sreenivasans legacy is etched into the very geography of their daily lives. From the road roller spot to the nearby East Hill junction, which served as a location for the popular film Sandesam, the neighbourhood feels like a living museum of his work. To the people of East Hill, Sreenivasans legacy is woven into our streets and sorroundings, forever linking our homes to the timeless laughter he gifted the world, says Narendran Cholakulangara, a septuagenarian resident. As Sreenivasan is laid to rest, his spirit continues to live on in East Hill.

'A rare gem, a true human': filmmaker Rajeev Kumar remembers Sreenivasan

Its a deeply personal and irreparable loss for me. We worked together in the 2010 film Oru Naal Varum, which was a fulfilling collaboration. I first met Sreenivasan on the sets of the 1984 film My Dear Kuttichathan. We shared a profound moment that marked the beginning of our friendship. Sreenivasan was a true human being, whose films consistently reflected humaneness, political consciousness, and social responsibility. For him, cinema was not just a profession, it was a passion. A sincere and committed artist, he was a rare gem. Unlike many celebrities, Sreenivasan never lived or wanted to live a life of public display. He always led a very simple life, never wanting to leave his hometown. Because of this simplicity, he was able to portray honestly the mediocrity and realism of everyday human life. I still remember an incident that revealed his modesty and integrity as a filmmaker. Its about the 1998 film Chinthavishtayaya Shyamala, directed by Sreenivasan. A crucial element of the story was inspired by a conversation we had on a visit to the sets of Kalapani. While the story itself was original, an important element -- where the protagonist was advised to go to Sabarimala temple -- was drawn from something I said during that conversation. Sreenivasan had personally called me before he started filming Chinthavishtayaya Shyamala to let me know that this idea was inspired by our conversation. I myself had forgotten about it. That was the kind of person he was... simple, honest, and always ready to acknowledge others. (As told to Gadha KB)

An irreplaceable friendship that defined my life and cinema: Mukesh remembers Sreenivasan

Veteran actor and MLA Mukesh on Friday shared deeply personal memories of his 43-year-long relationship with actor, screenwriter and director Sreenivasan, who passed away on Saturday, calling him irreplaceable both in cinema and in life. When I started my career, I never dreamed of stardom but the only desire was to be around great minds, share jokes and carry those moments back home. Looking back today, what gives me the greatest happiness is not success or longevity, but the joy of sharing love, humour, thoughts and observations with the people around me. In that journey, Sreenivasan played the most important role, said an emotional Mukesh. Mukesh recalled meeting Sreenivasan during the filming of Odaruthammava Aalariyam, directed by Priyadarshan. At the time, Priyadarshan reportedly had reservations about Mukesh, seeing him primarily as a theatre actor. It was Sreenivasan who openly vouched for him. Sreeni told Priyan clearly that he was mistaken. He belongs here. He has the wavelength. A few days later, Priyan put his arm around my shoulder and admitted he had misunderstood me. That moment shaped everything that followed, Mukesh recalled. Describing Sreenivasans personality, Mukesh said he was uncompromisingly honest - someone who would praise without hesitation, criticise without fear, and walk away silently if he felt a situation was wrong. One of the most cherished memories Mukesh shared was how Sreenivasan transformed a deliberately bad joke from his college days into one of Malayalam cinemas most iconic comic moments. The joke - about an old man mistaking a barber shop for a hotel - later found its way into Vadakku Nokki Yanthram. He personally called me late one night to seek permission before using it. To turn the worst joke in the world into something that makes audiences burst into laughter - only Sreenivasan had that genius, he said. Their creative partnership later extended into production as well. Mukesh recalled suggesting that they jointly produce a meaningful film that would stand as a milestone. That idea eventually became Kadha Parayumbol. When Sreeni narrated the story to me at a wedding, it brought tears to my eyes. I told him this film should define friendship - not just in Kerala or India, but anywhere in the world. Mammootty listened to the story and offered to act without remuneration. Kadha Parayumbol went on to be remade in multiple languages, carrying its simple yet powerful message of friendship far beyond Malayalam cinema, said Mukesh. Mukesh described Sreenivasan as a man shaped not by formal education, but by life itself - by his understanding of friendship, poverty, politics and human dignity. It is impossible to replace someone who has lived, observed and created like him, he said. Recalling his last conversation with Sreenivasan, Mukesh said it took place just a day before his death. Sreenis wife Vimala teacher called me regarding an old document. She told me he had fallen and injured his leg. I would have visited him one of these days. I lost someone truly irreplaceable, he added.

Indianisation of Legal System Needed, Says Law Commission Chief

The retired Supreme Court Judge was delivering a lecture on Indian Knowledge System and Constitution here in Lok Bhavan.

Qadir Ali Baig Theatre Festival was a melange of cultures and artistes

Hyderabad: Picture actors from Norway and Malaysia mingling with performers from Assam, Maharashtra and Kerala. Add playwrights from France and Telangana, musicians from West Bengal and Karnataka, all converging on a single platform in Hyderabad. That was the Qadir Ali Baig Theatre Festival. Now in its 20th year, Telanganas annual theatre festival continues to captivate Get the latest updates in Hyderabad City News , Technology , Entertainment , Sports , Politics and Top Stories on WhatsApp & Telegram by subscribing to our channels. You can also download our app for Android and iOS .

Thrissur to host 64th Kerala School Arts Festival

Five-day extravaganza to be held from January 14 to 18 across 25 venues with competitions in 239 items

Majority and minority communalism have to be resisted, says Kerala CM

He spoke at a reception organised for Samastha Shatabdi Sandesh Yatra, led by Samastha Kerala Jamiyyathul Ulama president Syed Muhammad Jifri Muthukoya Thangal, at Putharikandam Maithanam in Thiruvananthapuram

Kerala local body polls: LDF leads in vote share of fronts in Thiruvananthapuram district

The LDF received 37.27% of the votes in panchayats, compared to the UDFs 35.30%, while the BJP-led NDA got 21.59%. In the Thiruvananthapuram Corporation, the NDA won 34.52% of the votes and 50 seats, but the LDF captured a marginally higher vote share of 34.65%.

Kerala CM, Mammootty, Mohanlal, Rajinikanth, Kamal Haasan Pay Glowing Tributes To Sreenivasan

Chief Minister Pinrayi Vijayan said the passing of Sreenivasan is an irreplaceable loss for Malayalam cinema: Reports

Three indigenous duck varities stage a return to Kuttanad wetlands

The Vigova, Kuttanadan Chembally, and Snow White varieties make a comeback after last years bird flu outbreak. The Duck Hatchery and Training Institute in Manjadi is supplying nearly 2,000 one-day-old ducklings weekly to farmers across Kerala.

Cop who slapped pregnant woman suspended a year after the incident

A police inspector in Kerala was suspended a year after he pushed and slapped a pregnant woman inside a police station in Kochi, an incident that highlights police brutality and violence against women. Closer circuit television (CCTV) footage released online showed Inspector KG Prathap Chandra assaulting a pregnant woman inside the Ernakulam North police station Get the latest updates in Hyderabad City News , Technology , Entertainment , Sports , Politics and Top Stories on WhatsApp & Telegram by subscribing to our channels. You can also download our app for Android and iOS .

Fresh PIL in SC seeks law on menstrual pain leave for women

NEW DELHI: A fresh Public Interest Litigation (PIL) has been filed in the Supreme Court seeking directions to the Union of India, States and Union Territories to frame laws or policies recognising the problems faced by women during menstrual pain and to provide necessary relief, including the grant of leave, in consonance with Articles 14 and 21 of the Constitution. The PIL has been filed by lawyer Shailendra Mani Tripathi, who has urged the apex court to intervene and address what he described as a legislative and policy vacuum affecting working women and female students. Issue directions to fill in the lacunae that exists regarding grant of relief in the nature of leave etc, to the working women & female students under exercise of power under Article 32 read with Articles 14, 21 and Articles 141 and 142 of the Indian Constitution, the PIL said. Tripathi highlighted in his plea that several private Indian companies have already introduced paid menstrual leave for their female employees. These include Ivipanan, Zomato, Byjus, Swiggy, Mathrubhumi, Magzter, Industry ARC, FlyMyBiz and Gozoop. He also pointed out that the Kerala government has granted menstrual leave to students in State universities, allowing them up to 60 days in a year. The prestigious institutions like NLIU Bhopal and MNLU Aurangabad have implemented menstrual leave policies. Punjab University has also approved and granted menstrual leave to the students, Tripathi said in the PIL. The petitioner further submitted that the menstrual status of a woman is a personal matter intrinsic to her privacy and must be treated with dignity and without discrimination. He argued that this requires the State to introduce measures that provide appropriate relief to women during menstrual pain so that they are able to cope with the suffering and protect their personal rights with dignity under Article 21 of the Constitution. The petition, filed under Article 32 of the Constitution, sought directions to all States to frame a policy for menstrual pain leave for female students and working women under the provisions of the Maternity Benefit Act, 1961. Earlier, Tripathi had filed a similar plea before the Supreme Court seeking directions on the issue. However, the court had asked him to approach the Ministry of Women and Child Development (WCD), which could take an appropriate decision in the matter. After complying with the courts order, Tripathi submitted a representation to the WCD but did not receive any relief, following which he approached the Supreme Court again seeking redressal of his prayers. The petitioner has sought directions that during the menstrual period, if a woman suffers pain or other physical discomfort that makes it difficult for her to continue with her normal activities at the workplace, her request for leave or other suitable relief should be considered without discrimination, subject to reasonable and dignified conditions, keeping in mind that the issue concerns womens privacy. He also stressed that India has signed and ratified the Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination against Women (CEDAW), which recognises the need for non-discriminatory practices and for treating women with dignity. Spain has recently enacted a law to introduce menstrual leave, thereby addressing the problem of menstrual pain. Vietnam has also enacted and implemented menstrual leave policies. Countries like the United Kingdom, Wales, China, Japan, Taiwan, Indonesia, South Korea and Zambia have different policies or laws on the grant of menstrual leave, he added in his PIL.

I want to challenge myself across genres and spaces, says filmmaker Nishant Kalidindi

After the outlandish energy and cult success of Kadaseela Biriyani (2021), filmmaker Nishant Kalidindi returns with Theatre, a quieter and deeply observant second feature that marks a shift in both form and temperament. Premiering at the International Film Festival of Kerala in the Indian Cinema Now section, the film was screened to packed audiences, once again underscoring Nishanths assured craft. Set in the traditional urban quarters of Puducherry the filmmakers hometown Theatre unfolds within a local theatre troupe. Shot in Tamil and Malayalam, the film follows Das, a cowherd who leads a double life as an actor, and traces the fragile dynamics of a close-knit group as personal histories and unspoken tensions begin to surface. Rooted in Nishanths close observation of the Indianostrum Theatre group in Puducherry and made within spaces he knows intimately, Theatre emerges as an unassuming yet precise portrait of artists, labour, and the conflicts that shape the act of creation. Nishanth opens up about his journey in a chat with TNIE. Excerpts: After the success of Kadaseela Biriyani, why did it take so long for your next film to come out? The film was actually ready about two years ago. But we wanted it to have a proper festival journey. This year, we had the opportunity to premiere it in Rotterdam, but that process takes time. Also, it was not conceived as a mainstream follow-up to Kadaseela Biriyani, but as an act of self-expression, a way of documenting my journey and memories with a group of artists I deeply admire. It didnt come from a logical plan, but from an emotional need to get something out of my system. The shift from a raw thriller to this film feels drastic. How did you grow personally through this journey? I didnt look at it as growth in that sense. I was excited to do something completely different, put myself in a vulnerable space. This film was made through an improvisational process inspired by theatre practices I observed, where characters are shaped through conversations with actors rather than a fixed script. You know the structure, but you dont know exactly what the scene will become. That uncertainty was exciting. I wanted to dare myself, to find the edges of my abilities. I wasnt trying to be unconventional. I just didnt want to be overly organised. You have said you were ready to shelve the film if it didnt work for you. Why take that risk? It was simple if I wasnt happy with the expression, I would not release it. I didnt want the film to be judged on a measuring scale of good or bad. I wanted people to see it as an observation, something that might reflect their own lives. The film is about stepping outside yourself and looking at yourself from a third-person perspective. Because I wasnt chasing reception, I didnt feel fear. It became a beautiful experience. The film treats everyday labour and theatrical performance with equal weight. What drew you to that? I come from a documentary background, so observation is central to my practice. While spending time with theatre artists, I saw how physical their work is. They literally build their stages; they become masons before they become artists. That fascinated me. This workers life, before being validated as an artist, is their reality. The film mirrors that journey. Thats why theres very little narrative push. I wanted to mimic life. Life doesnt resolve itself in two or three days. Conflicts dont neatly conclude. Hope in the film comes from small validations, the director finding confidence, not a dramatic transformation. The background score and the yellow colour palette feel like characters themselves It came from the space itself. We didnt impose much production design. We just captured what was already there in the streets of Puducherry. I wanted to show it not as a tourist space, but as a lived-in town. Our aim was fidelity to the space, not stylisation. The colours and sound already existed; our job was to record them honestly. Was there pressure to create aesthetically pleasing frames? No. In fact, we tried to avoid aesthetics that felt imposed. In Kadaseela Biriyani, everything was planned and composed. Here, we did the opposite. We followed actors for kilometres, filming events as they unfolded. Instead of creating scenes, we captured situations. Cinema entered reality, but reality was not forced to behave like cinema. Tamil cinema is often seen as highly commercial now. Where do you place yourself within that space? I want to exist in multiple film spaces. Kadaseela Biriyani was a mainstream cinema. Theatre exists in a parallel stream. I dont like strict labels. I want to challenge myself across genres and spaces mainstream, parallel, arthouse and see if I can stand in all of them. As a filmmaker in a neighbouring industry, how do you perceive Malayalam cinema? Malayalam cinema has laid a strong foundation for Indian audiences to engage with layered, thoughtful films. They dont serve the audience; they invite them to think. That has benefited filmmakers like me. Because audiences are already trained to engage deeply, I can push subtlety further into confusion, into multiple emotions at once. As a filmmaker, what is the biggest challenge today? Self-sustainability. A filmmaker must create an ecosystem where they can keep making films without depending entirely on cinema for survival. When you are dependent, you are only surviving, not enriching yourself. Freedom, whether it is financial, emotional, or mental, is important. Cinema comes much later. First, you need the freedom to think. Only then can cinema become a true reflection of life. Theatre premiered at IFFK. How was the audiences response? What I felt most strongly was silence. People stayed with the film even after it ended. That silence felt like a privilege. What that silence reflects to me thats something Im still thinking about.

Sreenivasan death: Veteran actor to receive Police honours by Kerala Government

Sreenivasan, a veteran Malayalam actor, playwright, and filmmaker, died at 69. The Kerala government has promised police honours, including a bugle salute, for his funeral on December 21. A public homage will be held in Town Hall.

Kerala SIR: large number of ASD entries in some polling booths spark concern

Formal publication of the draft electoral rolls under the ongoing SIR will be on December 23

Merry Merry Markets

The season of choosing a star for the home, checking whether a string of lights glows white, yellow or multi-coloured, and decking up a Christmas tree is here. With just four days left for Christmas Eve, Thiruvananthapurams markets are preparing to see a heavy rush over the coming weekend. The market comes alive mainly in the evenings, once offices close, and schools let out. Families arrive together, taking their time to walk through the rows of shops. White Christmas trees continue to be popular this year as well, replacing the traditional green in many shops. Tree decorations come in all kinds of styles and sizes. Bright baubles in red, green, gold and silver share space with ornaments shaped like angels, bells, stars and small Santa figurines. There are also strings of LED lights, which are meant to be wrapped around the branches or hung loosely like garlands. Sellers pull out bundles of these lights from boxes and sacks, test them for a moment, and pack them back. By evening, these lights brighten the streets in a mix of colours. Cribs assembled locally are displayed alongside factory-made decorations. Many designs look familiar but appear with small changes in colour, finish or size. Prices vary depending on the quality and size of the items. Simple wooden cribs start at around 500, while cane ones cost a little more. Demand, however, remains steady as Christmas approaches. Handmade items are easy to spot this season, with Christmas-themed tablecloths, runners and cushion covers on display, along with macram pieces that many shoppers are picking up. Curated Christmas hampers are also visible across the market, including in small stores, making gifting easier. As the festival draws nearer and schools and colleges close for vacation, the market is entering its busiest days. So its better to run out now and get the right pieces before the shelves start to empty, and make the home all Christmasy.

Bollywood actor-director Tannishtha Chatterjee on cancer, creativity and female solidarity

After Busan and IFFK Kerala, Full Plate director Chatterjee on fighting cancer armed with her Bollywood sisterhood and art

Tribal head killed by tiger in Wayanad

KALPETTA: A tribal head was killed in a tiger attack in Wayanad on Saturday. The deceased was identified as Kooman (65), the tribal head of the Pulpally Vandikadavu Devargadda Kattunayaka Unnati. The attack occurred around noon when Kooman went into the forest to collect firewood along with his sister. While she managed to escape, Kooman was dragged deeper into the forest by the tiger and mauled. Forest department officials rushed to the spot after receiving information from residents and launched a rescue operation. Officials said Kooman was still alive when he was located, but he succumbed to his injuries at the scene. Following the incident, a massive protest broke out at the site, with residents refusing to allow the body to be removed. Forest department officials and police personnel reached the area to bring the situation under control. Forest officials said efforts are underway to track the tiger and drive it back into the forest. They also informed that the first instalment of compensation would be handed over to Koomans family on Saturday itself.

'No pretence, no restraint...': Maniyanpilla Raju remembers his friend and colleague Sreenivasan

My journey in cinema began almost at the same time as Sreenivasans. I passed out from the Adyar Film Institute in 1975, while he completed his training at the Film Chamber, nearly simultaneously. From the very beginning, our lives ran parallel shaped by struggle, persistence, and an unshakeable love for cinema. Those early days were not easy. Survival itself was a challenge. I can still see him coming for dubbing work for just Rs 50, while I would take acting assignments for about Rs 100. That was how our cinematic lives beganwith Rs 50 and Rs 100 in our pockets, but with dreams far bigger than we could imagine. We both struggled, stumbled, and fought our way forward, and today, looking back, I marvel at how far we came. Sreenivasan was extraordinary, irreplaceable. He was more than a colleague; he was a guiding force in my life. He wrote scripts for some of my most important films Vellanakalude Naadu and Orunaal Varum . He also acted in Aye Auto and Hello My Dear Wrong Number . Later, he directed Akkare Ninnoru Maaran and cast me as the hero. That was Sreenivasan confident, generous, and committed not just to cinema but to the people he believed in. When aspiring writers come to me with their scripts, I often tell them that something is missing. I tell them to study three masters closely MT Vasudevan Nair, Padmarajan, and Sreenivasan. They had a rare clarity in writing. They would leave small, invaluable notes alongside dialogues. A simple dialogue like, Where are you going? would carry a side note: Concealing an old resentment, he casually asks where he is going. Those notes tell actors exactly how to perform a scene. Sreenivasans attention to such emotional detail was unparalleled, and it is a lesson for the next generation. I have never met anyone with such a fine, natural sense of humour. If he heard a genuinely good joke, he would laugh wholeheartedly, with no pretence, no restraint. That honesty in life, in humour, in cinema defined him. The same clarity shone through his writing, acting, and direction. His scripts were sharp, witty, and deeply satirical. Even today, Sandesham feels as relevant as ever, its political satire cutting through the noise of our times. Sreenivasan was a man of deep political awareness, yet he never preached or imposed. His insight was quiet, intelligent, and always humane. But beyond cinema, he was a remarkable human being a true friend, a committed farmer, and a man of integrity. Above all the roles he played actor, writer, director he was simply good. We shared a friendship spanning nearly five decades. We spoke often, laughed often, and shared countless small moments that I will treasure forever. When I heard about a minor fall he had in the toilet, I had planned to visit him the very next day. That visit never happened. For the next generation of filmmakers and writers, Sreenivasan should be a textbook. He, like MT and Padmarajan, understood that cinema is about more than dialogue its about emotion, subtext, and the honesty of performance. I will never forget that Vellanakalude Naadu was rewritten entirely in just three days at the shooting locationa testament to his brilliance, dedication, and love for cinema. An actor, a director, a writer and above all, a good human being. Malayalam cinema has lost one of its finest minds. And I have lost one of my closest friends. (As told to Jose K Joseph)

Sreenivasan's 'Sandesam': I have lost hope that satires will improve politicians

Sreenivasan - the name evokes laughter and contemplation at the same time. The multifaceted actor, screenwriter and director is no longer with us. But he has left behind his works for us to remember him forever. He was a complex character, unlike many of his movies. On April 2023, he sat with team TNIE for an interview. Excerpts from the interview is reproduced below. Your films, for example Sandesham , lampoon politicians of all parties. Are all politicians to be made fun of? Isnt that wrong? Can you point out one good politician? How about our first Prime Minister Jawaharlal Nehru? Good that you mentioned his name Nehru scuttled the chances of Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel becoming the PM though the latter had more votes. Political cheating started there. How about Achutha Menon? He was good. V S Achuthanandan? He was better. Oommen Chandy? I still like him. Narendra Modi? Its too early to say(chuckles) Modi is into his second term as PM. So you have had enough time to assess him... Havent you heard of the Modi-Adani nexus? Will any political party oppose Adani? Which political party hasnt received money from Adani? Political satires like Sandesham are not made these days What could be the reason? Now politics has gone beyond all theseI have lost hope that satires will improve politicians. Dialogues of Sandesham are still very popular. Had you expected this kind of success then? Not at all... We just wanted to do a political satire. In fact, we had sat on that script for many years and we decided to do it after Lohithadas insisted. How did the idea of Sandesham come to you? That came from my own life (chuckles) My brother was a hardcore communist. When I joined ABVP, I started criticising CPM. Our fights became a regular thing at home. Whatever you saw in the film has happened in my home. You enjoyed a good equation with CM Pinarayi Vijayan once. But you are a staunch critic now I first met him while travelling in a train. Someone approached me and asked whether I was free. When I said yes, he told me that Pinarayi Vijayan is in the next compartment and wanted to come over to meet me. He was an MLA then. I told him that I will go to his compartment. When I met him, he talked about my father with lots of warmth. I became emotional. That warmth connected us for some time. Then what happened? I realised that all politicians are the same That power corrupts everyone. Coming back to the cinema, when did you decide to enter the film industry? Actually, cinema was never in my scheme of things. I always wanted to do theatre. I wanted to join the National School of Drama. But I could not. Then I saw an ad of a film institute in Chennai. I decided to give it a try as it also involves acting. Actor, screenwriter, and filmmaker Sreenivasan who made Keralites laugh and reflect passes away How was the experience there? Ramu Kariat was on the interview panel. The moment he saw me during the interview, he laughed out loud. I understood the meaning of that laugh. He must have laughed thinking how someone who looks like me can even think of acting in films (laughs). Then? He tried his best to dissuade me saying the film world will be very tough for a person like me. But when they realised my passion for theatre, they somehow selected me. Years later, I received the Ramu Kariat memorial award for my film Chinthavishtayaya Syamala . Then also Ramu Kariat must have laughed looking at me from above (chuckles). Do you believe in fate? Regardless of whether I believe it or not, things will happen as per fate. I am not a man of God. You are not a believer? No God worthy of being believed has not appeared before me. (Laughs out) Actor Rajinikanth was your senior at the institute He was my super senior. I have seen his struggle and his spectacular rise. You have acted in the films of many masters. How was that experience? G Aravindan is someone I respect the most. He was a rare human being. so down to earth. So was K G George. How has your appearance played a role in your acting career? My deprived look has helped me in getting roles, initially (laughs out). It means you will get chances in movies even if you look horrible (laughs again). Many out there are waiting for your new movie I am also waiting (chuckles) Rajinikanth got a chance in films because of Kamal Haasan: Actor Sreenivasan

Laughing through life: The enduring bond of Mohanlal and Sreenivasan

KOCHI: Vijaya, eda namukkentha ee budhi nerathe thonnathathu? The conversation between Dasan and Vijayan, played by Mohanlal and Sreenivasan in Nadodikkattu , remains popular and deeply relatable among Malayalee youngsters even after more than three decades. The line is so familiar to Malayalees that it invariably brings a smile. Through characters like Dasan and Vijayan, Mohanlal and Sreenivasan became the faces of a generation grappling with unemployment, migration dreams, and middle-class aspirations. The duo redefined male friendship on screen not as idealised camaraderie, but as something imperfect, marked by arguments, mistakes, and affection, much like real life. Their films made people laugh and think at the same time, which is why their bond continues to live on in the hearts of Malayali audiences. Off-screen too, Mohanlal and Sreenivasan shared a strong camaraderie. In the late 1980s and 1990s, they appeared together in several Malayalam films as friends, colleagues, and even employer and employee. Dasan and Vijayan of the Nadodikkattu trilogy Nadodikkattu (1987), Pattanapravesham (1988), and Akkare, Akkare, Akkare (1990) made audiences laugh while holding up a mirror to society. However, the actor-screenwriter was also a firm critic of Mohanlal, which eventually led to friction in their relationship. Earlier, while speaking to TNIE , Sreenivasan had said, Mohanlal is a complete actor. When asked about how the 2012 film Padmasree Bharat Dr Saroj Kumar affected their friendship, he replied, Even otherwise, our relationship was not that great. EXPRESS DIALOGUES | Todays politics has gone beyond satire:Sreenivasan Recently, at a private event organised by the Association of Malayalam Movie Artists (AMMA), the duo reunited on stage when Mohanlal presented Sreenivasan with an Ultimate Entertainer Award. Mohanlal embraced his old friend and kissed him, a moment that moved many in the audience. Sreenivasans son, Dhyan Sreenivasan, later acknowledged that there were issues in their friendship and that the split occurred after Saroj Kumar. He also said the differences intensified following the death of Prem Nazir when Sreenivasan planned to make a film with Mohanlal. Paying tribute to Sreenivasan, Mohanlal wrote on Facebook that he could not put their bond into words. Sreeni returned without saying goodbye. I dont know how to explain our bond. It was far beyond the definition of working together in films. On screen and in life, we travelled forever laughing, having fun, quarrelling, and reconciling just like Dasan and Vijayan, he wrote. The duo later appeared together again as friends in Chandralekha (1997), playing Appukuttan (Mohanlal) and Nooruddeen (Sreenivasan). Every Malayali shared the same bond with Sreeni. Every Malayali saw their own face in the characters he created. He portrayed pain, joy, and deprivation with rare honesty. Who else could express the dreams and broken dreams of the middle class like Sreeni? The characters we played together will live forever because of the magic of his writing. Dasan and Vijayan became real people for Malayalees because of Sreenis blessed talent. His creations reflected society a beloved soul who captured pain through laughter, Mohanlal wrote, remembering Sreenivasans immense contribution to Malayalam cinema. Together, the duo worked in more than 20 films, including Chitram (1988), Varavelpu (1989), Mukunthetta Sumitra Vilikkunnu (1988), Mithunam (1993), Kilichundan Mambazham (2003), and Udayananu Tharam (2005). Kerala CM Pinarayi Vijayan, LoP VD Satheesan pay tributes to actor-filmmaker Sreenivasan

Mohanlal effect strikes again: How unpaid cameo powers strong opening for Dileeps Bha. Bha. Ba at Kerala Box Office

Mohanlal did not charge any fee for his cameo performance in Dileep starrer 'Bha. Bha. Ba' which has received good response at the Kerala Box Office. It is the Mohanlal's cameo that is pulling audience to the theatres, early reviews suggest, thus increasing the films promotions and box office appeal.

Kerala SIR: Citing inaccuracies in ASD list, political parties demand extension of SIR schedule

Demand comes on the heels of Supreme Court asking ECI to take a sympathetic view of representations seeking more time

Farewell, Sreenivasan: The Man Who Made Kerala Laugh At Itself

He was a chronicler of the Malayali middle class, its anxieties, hypocrisies and quiet resilience

From Poland to Pavanayi: How Sreenivasans dialogues became Keralas meme currency

There are countless dialogues from films written by Sreenivasan that have become a rage on social media decades after their release

Kerala CM Pinarayi Vijayan, LoP VD Satheesan pay tributes to actor-filmmaker Sreenivasan

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan and Opposition Leader V D Satheesan on Saturday expressed deep sorrow over the passing of veteran filmmaker, actor and screenwriter Sreenivasan, describing his death as an irreparable loss to Malayalam cinema and Keralas cultural life. In a condolence message, Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan said Sreenivasan was a rare, multifaceted talent who left an indelible mark on every sphere of filmmaking, including story, screenplay, direction and acting. He noted that very few filmmakers had succeeded like Sreenivasan in authentically portraying the life of the common man on the silver screen and in leading audiences to deeper levels of social awareness through humour and thought-provoking narratives. The Chief Minister said Sreenivasan broke several long-standing cinematic conventions and possessed the courage to articulate his ideas with wit and clarity, even when he knew these would invite sharp criticism. Even those who strongly disagreed with his views acknowledged and respected his extraordinary talent, he said. Pinarayi Vijayan added that Sreenivasan played a significant role in reshaping the aesthetic sensibility of Malayalam cinema and was particularly effective in expressing his social perspectives through satire. Many of the characters he created and portrayed, the Chief Minister said, would remain etched in the collective memory of Malayalis for generations. Recalling his personal association with the filmmaker, the Chief Minister described Sreenivasans demise as a personal loss as well. He fondly remembered sharing warm and humourous conversations with him during an interview and said Sreenivasan stood as a symbol of love and friendship. Born and brought up in Pattiam in the Kannur district, Sreenivasans life, he noted, was a lesson in perseverance, having transformed his passion for cinema into reality through sheer self-effort. EXPRESS DIALOGUES | Todays politics has gone beyond satire:Sreenivasan Opposition leader V D Satheesan, in his condolence message, described Sreenivasan as an extraordinary artist who, in a unique style, captured the lives of small people in a vast world and great people in a small world. A multifaceted genius of Malayalam cinema, Satheesan said, Sreenivasan turned everything he touched into gold, and his five-decade-long cinematic journey concluded with achievements that few could ever hope to match. Satheesan highlighted the depth of Sreenivasans writing and the breadth of his acting, recalling the filmmakers oft-repeated, humorous remark that it was Priyadarshans trick that made him a screenwriterwhich time proved to be Malayalam cinemas great fortune. Most of the characters he wrote and portrayed, Satheesan said, were deeply familiar figures, rooted in the Malayali collective psyche, and they dismantled conventional notions of heroism, making them timeless. He said classics such as Thalayana Manthram, Vadakkunokkiyantram and Chinthavishtayaya Shyamala exemplified Sreenivasans ability to blend realism, satire and social critique. Calling him a symbol of extraordinary mental strength and fighting spirit, the Opposition Leader said Sreenivasan portrayed, with rare sensitivity, the many layers of an average Malayalis lifeits love and longing, helplessness and innocence, friendship and bitterness, biting satire and uncomfortable truths. There would hardly be a Malayali who does not recall, at least once a day, something Sreenivasan wrote, said or showed on screen, Satheesan said, noting that his legacy transcended boundaries of age, caste, religion and politics. Recalling a recent interaction in Thiruvananthapuram, he said he had hoped to meet Sreenivasan again on his return to Ernakulam, but fate did not allow it. Both leaders joined the people of Kerala in bidding farewell to Sreenivasanan unparalleled talent, a humane voice of cinema, and a cherished presence who reshaped Malayalam films and society alike.

Mani Ratnam, Manisha Koirala visit 'Bombay' location; to attend Bekal International Beach Festival

KASARAGOD: Director Mani Ratnam, actress Manisha Koirala and cinematographer Rajiv Menon, the crew of the movie Bombay , visited the Bekal fort on Saturday morning and lived through their Bekal experience once again. The song Uyire in Bombay movie, released in 1995, has put the historic Bekal fort on the tourism map. Rajiv Menon has captured the beautiful fort in its monsoon glory for the film. Incidentally, the Kerala government established the Bekal Resort Development Corporation (BRDC) in 1995 to promote fort-based tourism, and the timing of the film greatly aided in promoting the fort. So, the BRDC has decided to host the Bombay reunion for this year's Bekal International Beach Festival . Mani Ratnam, Manisha Koirala and Rajiv Menon, accompanied by Tourism Minister Mohammed Riyas, visited the fort and went around. Actress Manisha Koirala wondered how much the fort had developed, and it is now very beautiful, she said. Rajiv Menon captured Mani Ratnam and Manisha Koirala in his camera once more. The crew will participate in the inaugural of the Beach Festival later in the evening.

Veteran Malayalam actor and director Sreenivasan passes away at 69

Born on April 6, 1956, in Patyam near Thalassery in Kerala's Kannur district, Sreenivasan emerged as one of the most influential voices in Malayalam cinema, known for blending sharp social satire with accessible storytelling.

Actor, screenwriter, and filmmaker Sreenivasan who made Keralites laugh and reflect passes away

KOCHI: Veteran Malayalam actor, screenwriter, and filmmaker Sreenivasan passed away on Saturday at the Tripunithura Taluk Hospital in Kochi. He was 69. Suffering from prolonged health issues, Sreenivasan was being taken to Amrita Hospital for dialysis when his condition deteriorated on the way. He was rushed to the Tripunithura hospital, where he breathed his last. Sreenivasans death marks the end of an era in Malayalam cinema. Over a career spanning nearly 48 years, he emerged as one of the most influential creative voices in the industry, shaping popular cinema through sharp satire, humane storytelling, and socially rooted humour. He acted in more than 200 films and wrote screenplays for several landmark works that continue to define Malayalam cinemas golden years. Born on April 6, 1956, in Patyam near Thalassery in Kannur district, Sreenivasan grew up in a modest household. His father was a schoolteacher, and his mother was a homemaker. After completing his schooling in Kuthuparamba and Kadirur, he graduated in economics from PRNSS College, Mattanur, before pursuing formal film education at the Film and Television Institute of Tamil Nadu, Chennai. He made his acting debut in Manimuzhakkam (1976), directed by P A Backer, and went on to play his first lead role in Sanghaganam (1979). However, it was as a writer that he truly left his mark. His first screenplay, Odaruthammava Aalariyam (1984), announced a new voice in Malayalam cinemairreverent, observant, and unapologetically critical of social hypocrisy. EXPRESS DIALOGUES | Todays politics has gone beyond satire:Sreenivasan The mid-1980s to early 1990s saw Sreenivasan at the peak of his creative powers. Films such as Gandhinagar 2nd Street, Sanmanassullavarkku Samadhanam, Varavelpu, and, most notably, Nadodikkattu , transformed everyday middle-class anxieties into enduring cinematic narratives. Nadodikkattu and its sequels became cult classics, with dialogues and characters entering popular culture and remaining relevant decades later. Sreenivasan frequently collaborated with leading directors such as Priyadarshan, Sathyan Anthikad and Kamal, forming a creative axis that defined mainstream Malayalam cinema. His writing blended humour with political and social critique, most powerfully seen in Sandesam (1991), a biting satire on political opportunism that earned him a Kerala State Film Award. As a director, Sreenivasan proved equally accomplished. Vadakkunokkiyanthram , which he scripted and directed, explored male insecurity and patriarchal attitudes with rare sensitivity and won the Kerala State Film Award for Best Film. Nearly a decade later, Chinthavishtayaya Shyamala (1998) addressed marital alienation and emotional conflict, winning the National Film Award for Best Film on Other Social Issues. In later years, Sreenivasan remained a significant presence, adapting to changing times without losing his edge. Films such as Udayananu Tharam , Katha Parayumpol and Njan Prakashan reaffirmed his relevance. Njan Prakashan went on to become one of the highest-grossing Malayalam films of all time, introducing his brand of social satire to a new generation of viewers. His contributions were recognised with numerous honours, including a National Film Award, multiple Kerala State Film Awards, Filmfare Awards South, Asianet Film Awards and lifetime achievement honours from film bodies and cultural organisations. As an actor, Sreenivasan was known for his understated performances, often portraying the flawed common man with authenticity and restraint. His screen presence complemented his writing, lending credibility and emotional depth to characters rooted in everyday life. Sreenivasan is survived by his sons Vineeth Sreenivasan and Dhyan Sreenivasan, both established figures in the Malayalam film industry. With his passing, Malayalam cinema loses not just a prolific artist but a conscience keeperone who consistently used humour and storytelling to question society, politics and human relationships.

Kerala Animal Welfare Board floats action plan to address stray issue

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: Mandatory licensing of pets and microchipping for vaccine compliance were among the proposals mooted by the State Animal Welfare Board in its first meeting on Friday, as it set in motion a comprehensive action plan to address the stray dog issue, strengthen animal welfare and improve shelter infrastructure across the state. Chaired by Minister J Chinchu Rani, who is also the board chairperson, the meeting also proposed stricter penalties for abandoning pets and establishment and upgradation of animal shelters in the backdrop of recent Supreme Court directions. To curb abandoning of pet dogs, the board recommended mandatory licensing for all pet canines, simplification of the licensing process via K-SMART, and the introduction of microchipping to ensure vaccine compliance. The meeting also decided to amend the Panchayati Raj and Municipal laws to impose stricter penalties on those abandoning their pets. The board decided to decentralise the handling of complaints related to animal cruelty, and pet shop and breeder registrations. Such cases will be examined at the district level by chief veterinary officers and matters requiring higher intervention will be referred to the state board with specific recommendations.

Thiruvananthapuram: Kovalam eyeing tourism revival with beach dining

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: In a bid to restore its lost charm and revive tourism at Kovalam, which was once Keralas most sought-after beach destination, tourism stakeholders including resort owners and hoteliers have launched a beach dining initiative at the iconic Lighthouse Beach. The move comes following prolonged apathy from the tourism department and the state government that has left the destination in a state of neglect. Poor infrastructure, lack of street lighting, police-imposed time restrictions, and dilapidated tourism amenities have turned Kovalam into a major disappointment for both foreign and domestic tourists. Although the tourism department announced a comprehensive Rs 95-crore master plan a couple of years ago to restore Kovalams lost glory, little has materialised on the ground. With yet another tourism season under way and no visible efforts from the department to either improve infrastructure or enhance visitor experience, the Kerala Tourism Protection and Development Council (KTPDC) -- a collective of resort and hotel operators and tourism workers -- has decided to take the initiative by reintroducing beach dining, reminiscent of Kovalams golden days. T N Suresh, patron of KTPDC, said beach dining was a key attraction at Kovalam nearly two decades ago. We had to stop the beach dining culture after the government constructed the walkway. The past few years have been extremely tough. The destination has steadily degraded, and guests are increasingly dissatisfied, opting for other tourist spots instead. We approached the port department and obtained permission to conduct beach dining from 7 pm to 11.30 pm, said Suresh, who owns a 50-year-old property at Lighthouse Beach. To attract both foreign and domestic tourists, the stakeholders are also planning to organise live music events, campfires and beach games in the coming days. Rohan Krishnan, a hotelier and member of KTPDC, said the lack of street lighting remains one of the biggest challenges. Guests want to stay back and enjoy the beach, but the authorities do not allow it. We intervened and fixed the street lights ourselves so that we could introduce beach dining. Our aim is to bring nightlife back to the destination so that people choose to stay longer, he said. Krishnan also pointed out that waste management continues to be a pressing issue. We have instructed restaurant owners to ensure that all litter is cleared immediately after service, and we will make sure the beach remains clean, he added. Meanwhile, a tourism department official said Keltron has been entrusted with the maintenance of street lights. There were issues with the previous contractor. The street lights will be restored shortly. Fresh tenders have also been invited for cleaning and maintenance of the destination, the official said. Spot plan Poor infrastructure, lack of street lighting, police-imposed time restrictions, and dilapidated tourism amenities have turned Kovalam into a major disappointment To attract both foreign and domestic tourists, the stakeholders are also planning to organise live music events, campfires and beach games in the coming days

Dont hide behind National Herald case: Congress to CPM

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: Drawing a clear line between central agencies probe against Congress leaders and those involving CPM leaders, AICC Media and Publicity Department chairman Pawan Khera on Friday said that catching the ED and CBI red-handed in the National Herald case against Congress leaders does not mean that every investigation conducted by agencies can be dismissed or used as a shield by others. Khera was responding to Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayans allegation that Congress was adopting double standard while reacting to central agency cases against ministers of non-Congress ruled states. There must be a case by case investigation. You cannot conveniently apply the same logic to every case being probed by central agencies. That is not a fair way of judging things, he said. Hiding behind what the ED did in the National Herald case is only a convenient way to cover your own worries. In the case, a Delhi court dismissed EDs charges. Just because one has been found innocent doesnt mean everyone else is also innocent. Others too must face investigation, he added.

Kerala raises objections to VB-G RAM G Bill

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: Expressing strong objection to the VB-G RAM G Bill, brought in by the Union government to replace MGNREGA, Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan has urged the Centre to refrain from implementing the new legislation in its current form. Going by the current proposal, Kerala would incur annual fiscal loss of about Rs 3,500 crore due to the new provisions, the CM pointed out in a letter to Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Friday. Terming the proposed bill regressive and counter to the spirit of the Constitution, Pinarayi said many provisions in the legislation raise serious concern, as they will limit the states fiscal space. While in the present MGNREGS the wage component is borne by the Union government, the new legislation proposes to put the burden on states, as central assistance for wages would be only 60 per cent. The proposed legislation transforms the project into a central scheme, he said, adding that such dilutions in the decentralised character of the scheme would place many states at a disadvantageous position. Kerala also expressed its strong objection to the renaming of the legislation.

Kerala Lottery Result Today Live: Karunya KR-735 Winning Numbers For December 20, 2025

Kerala Lottery Result Today Live Updates, 20-12-2025: Heres Guessing Numbers for Karunya KR-735 for Saturday, December 20. Check the full list of winning numbers from 3 pm.

Kerala: Five arrested for lynching migrant worker on theft suspicion

The accused have been booked for the offence of murder under the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, an officer of Walayar police station said. They were produced before a court here and remanded to judicial custody on Friday, the officer said

Kerala local body poll results: Polarisation helped UDF surge, says Congress core panel

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: The state Congress Core Committee, the highest decision making body constituted by the AICC, has assessed that while strong anti-incumbency against the state government benefited the UDF in the recent local body elections, two key factors, significantly enhanced its performance- the polarisation of Hindu votes in the old Travancore region and Muslim votes in Malabar region. This helped the UDF surpass the LDF after over a decade, it said. According to party leaders, the Sabarimala gold panel theft case played a decisive role in consolidating the Hindu support for the UDF in Travancore. In Malabar, there was a massive polarization of Muslim minority votes in favour of the UDF. However, Leader of Opposition V D Satheesan cautioned party leaders against complacency, pointing out that that despite the victory, the UDFs failure to capture power in district panchayats and block panchayats in Thiruvananthapuram, Kollam, Alappuzha and Thrissur remained a serious setback. AICC general secretary (organisation) and MP K C Venugopal reportedly told the meeting that trends in local body elections would not necessarily be replicated in the next assembly election. The Congress cannot approach the assembly election with overconfidence. It will be entirely different in nature. We must intensify our effort in the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) process, he said. The meeting decided to organise a Chinthan Shivir in Sultan Batheri as part of the preparations for the assembly election. Meanwhile, in view of the strong resistance from the Kerala Congress (J), the Congress core committee resolved to take a cautious approach towards Kerala Congress (M), currently with the LDF. Leaders shared the sentiment that KCMs exit from the UDF was unfortunate, but agreed to take a wait-and-watch policy. Let them take their position first. We will decide accordingly, especially in the backdrop of their serious setbacks. In Kattappana, which is Minister Roshi Augustines stronghold, the KCM faced a major blow, and in Idukki district, they failed to come to power in any panchayat, a leader said. CWC member Kodikkunnil Suresh urged the leadership to adopt effective social engineering strategies in the 2026 assembly election. Though many community organisations supported us in the local body elections, we must reach out to communities that did not support us, he said. KPCC president Sunny Joseph credited the success to united efforts by leaders and workers. Senior leader Ramesh Chennithala also attributed the UDFs performance to collective action and organisational unity.

Kerala HC quashes government order granting permission for Elappully brewery

KOCHI: The Kerala High Court on Friday quashed the preliminary sanction given to Oasis Commercial Private Ltd to establish an ethanol unit in Kanjikode, Palakkad, to produce extra neutral alcohol and other liquor products. However, this will not preclude a fresh consideration of any application, by the government, if made, said Justice Sathish Ninan and Justice P Krishna Kumar. Various factors which weighed with the government while issuingthe order, are not factually correct in its entirety. Therefore, theorder...is liable to bequashed, said the court. The court issued the order on a batch of PILs challenging the preliminary sanction granted to the company to establish an ethanol plant, multi-feed distillation unit, Indian-made foreign liquor bottling unit, a brewery, a malt spirit plant and brandy/winery plant at Elappully panchayat in Kanjikode. The petitioners said the government order has no legal backing, and preempts the statutory authorities and the local self-government institutions from exercising their powers. The issue assumes significance as Palakkad is a dry area. The court said the petitioners allegation that establishment of the unit will aggravate water scarcity, is a matter of serious concern in Palakkad. The unit would require 5000 KL of water per day. Extraction of such a quantity of water would have serious consequences on the life ofresidents. On the source of water, the government order referred to the sanction given by the Kerala Water Authority agreeing to provide requiredquantities of water, and also the rain water harvesting projectproposed by the company. The government order observes that theexploitation of ground water would be avoided. However, the KWAs affidavit stated no binding or conclusive consent was given to the petitioner. The court said while it noticed that explicit consent was given under the letter dated June 16, 2023, the attempt in the counter affidavit is to shrug off the commitment.

No freedom to celebrate: Samastha's stand puts IUML women in crossfire

MALAPPURAM: For many women in the Indian Union Muslim League (IUML), the recent local body elections marked a long-awaited moment of political visibility and recognition. Hundreds of women particularly from the Youth League and Haritha secured victories across local bodies, signalling a historic expansion of female representation within the party. However, the celebratory mood was short-lived, as the milestone coincided with a deepening internal crisis triggered by both AP and EK factions of Samastha Kerala Jamiyyathul Ulamas strong opposition to Muslim women participating in post-election victory celebrations. In a recent joint statement, AP Samastha president E Sulaiman Musliyar and general secretary Kanthapuram A P Aboobacker Musliyar took a clear stand against what they described as the IUMLs increasingly liberal approach to womens public participation. The statement said it was unacceptable for men and women to come together, hug, clap, demonstrate on the streets, roam freely, and engage in obscenities not permitted by religion in the name of election victory celebrations organised in the name of the Muslim community. The statement added that Islam had granted women dignity and freedom, and that disregarding religious values and human ethics was protestable. It further urged those concerned to remain vigilant in preventing such practices in the future and called upon leaders to respect religious symbols, customs and cultural traditions. Women leaders within the IUML, however, say the objections initially voiced by individual leaders including E K Samastha faction leader Nazar Faizi Koodathayi, AP Samastha faction leader Rahmathullah Saquafi Elamaram and later formalised through an official statement from Sunni Yuvajana Sangam (SYS) have cast a shadow over what was meant to be a historic moment. What began as scholarly opinion, they argue, has now taken the shape of institutional pressure, raising questions about the political space available to women within the party. The youth wing of the IUML has taken a firm stand, asserting that while Samastha has the right to offer religious criticism, it should not dictate the partys political trajectory or womens participation. IUML Youth League secretary Fathima Thahiliya told TNIE that women in the League were currently experiencing a glorious phase that could not be affected by remarks from religious quarters. What Samastha reflects are religious interpretations. They have their right to say their opinion. But as a political party, the League has responsibilities to society. The League has always given importance to women. In this local body election, women in the party have achieved historic representation. We have the sensibility to understand these criticisms and accept whatever suits, she said. Youth League national secretary Najma Thabsheera said the issue went beyond interpretation and struck at womens right to political expression, visibility and equal participation. Samastha is a group of religious scholars and they have the right to express their views. I dont think they interfere with IUMLs political decisions. Some scholars with vested interests are trying to harm the party. This is the Gen Z era. More young women are joining the party, and I dont think they will be deterred by such remarks, she said. However, dissenting voices have also emerged from within the IUML. Party secretary Shafi Chaliyam, in a Facebook post, criticised what he termed the excessive public involvement of women in celebrations. This is not like any other political party. The League leadership must recognise that there is a clear section within the community that feels hurt when women dance publicly alongside men, he wrote. A comment under Shafi Chaliyams post went further, accusing the party leadership of embracing excessive liberalism. A liberal stand is visible on all League platforms now. There are League events where men and women dance together to music. We can no longer differentiate the League from SFI, the comment read. Meanwhile, Islamic scholar Mustafa Moulavi offered a sharply different perspective, alleging that male leaders within the IUML were using Samastha as a tool to control womens political rise.

Attempts to kill film fest resisted, says CM Pinarayi Vijayan

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: Taking a swipe at the Union Ministry of Information and Broadcasting, Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan on Friday said attempts to kill the film festival through censorship were countered by the decision to screen the films in question. He was speaking at the closing ceremony of the 30th International Film Festival of Kerala (IFFK) at the Nishagandhi Auditorium in Thiruvananthapuram. The chief minister said the state government, through that particular decision, ensured it stood with the rights of delegates to watch critically acclaimed films screened and awarded at major international festivals. IFFK will remain here, confronting any fascist action against democratic rights. It will not bend its knees before intrusions into freedom of expression, Pinarayi said. The chief minister alleged that even artists invited to the festival were being monitored by the Union government. He pointed out that artists are required to be cleared through the political clearance section of the I&B ministrys portal and that visas were being denied after assessing their political leanings. Calling the practice unacceptable, he said three artists were denied visas -- the director and producer of a Turkish film in the competition section and a jury member from Azerbaijan. They asked whether it was because of them or because of their country. Such actions of the central government bring shame to the nation and must be condemned, chief minister said. Stressing the need to reclaim cultural spaces from communalism and narrow-mindedness, he said the state government would continue to work with the public towards that goal. Cultural Affairs Minister Saji Cherian said that despite the state government and the Kerala State Chalachitra Academy making all arrangements to screen the best films from across the world, there were conspiracies to censor selected films. He also reiterated that the state government stood firmly with the survivor in the actor assault case and would protect her to the fullest extent. He said these positions defined the identity of the 30th IFFK. Under the leadership of Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan, we decided to face these challenges head-on. We do not have a history of backing away when films are denied censor certificates. Thirteen such films received approval. We will neither retreat nor yield to threats, Cherian said. Chalachitra Academy Chairperson Resul Pookutty spoke about the pressures cinema is facing today, saying films were confronting challenges beyond the screen. Wall of fame Suvarna Chakoram Best Film Two Seasons, Two Strangers - Sh Miyake Rajata Chakoram Best Director: Carina Piazza & Luca Bracelis (Before the Body) Best Debut Director: Tanushree Das & Saumyananda Sahi (Shadowbox) Audience Poll Award Thanthapperu - Unnikrishnan Avala FFSI KR Mohanan Award: Best Debut Director from India Shadowbox by Tanushree Das & Saumyananda Sahi NETPAC Awards Best Malayalam Film: If On a Winters Night / Khidki Gaav - Sanju Surendran Best Malayalam Film: Thanthapperu - Unnikrishnan Avala Best Asian Film in Competition: Cinema Jazireh - Gzde Kural FIPRESCI Awards Best Malayalam Film by a Debut Director: Desire / Moham - Fazil Razak Best Film in International Competition: If On a Winters Night / Khidki Gaav - Sanju Surendran International Competition Awards Special Jury Mention - Performance: Tillotama Shome (Shadowbox ) Special Jury Mention - Technical Excellence: Black Rabbit, White Rabbit - Shahram Mokri Jury Prize: Thanthapperu - Unnikrishnan Avala LIFETIME ACHIEVEMENT AWARD FOR ABDERRAHMANE SISSAKO At the valedictory function, Mauritanian-born Malian filmmaker Abderrahmane Sissako was conferred with the Lifetime Achievement Award which carries a cash prize of Rs 10 lakh, a statuette and a citation. Sissako termed it one of the most significant moments of his life. Recalling his long association with Kerala, he said filmmaker Shaji N Karun, who passed away earlier this year, introduced him to the state and had stood by him like a brother in cinema. Reflecting on the India-Africa connection, he said both regions shared deep and meaningful cultural ties. Filmmaker and chairperson of the K R Narayanan National Institute of Visual Science and Arts, Saeed Mirza, who has completed 50 years in cinema, and Iranian filmmaker Mohammad Rasoulof, who was the jury chairperson, too were honoured by the chief minister. A DELIBERATE MOVE The chief minister said the decision to deny censorship exemptions to 19 films scheduled for screening at IFFK was not merely a technical error resulting from the ignorance of officials, but a deliberate authoritarian move. By completely cancelling the films in the Palestine package, the Central Government has clearly revealed its stance on the Palestine issue, the chief minister added. He pointed out that the cancellation of a Spanish film Beef proves that the Centre perceives only one meaning for the word beef. He also expressed strong protest over the banning of the all-time classic film Battleship Potemkin.

Japanese film Two Seasons, Two Strangers bags Golden Crow Pheasant at IFFK

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: Japanese film Two Seasons, Two Strangers bagged the Suvarna Chakoram (Golden Crow Pheasant Award) for Best Film at the 30th International Film Festival of Kerala. Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan presented the award along with a trophy and a cash prize of Rs 20 lakh at the closing ceremony of IFFK at Nishangandhi on Friday. Directed by Sho Miyake and adapted from Yoshiharu Tsuges Manga, the film follows a scriptwriter named Lee as she moves through two seasons of emotional change while trying to understand her life. The jury noted the films restrained storytelling and its portrayal of loneliness and human connection. The Rajata Chakoram (Silver Crow Pheasant) for Best Director was awarded to Carina Piazza and Lucia Bracelis for Before the Body. The Silver Crow Pheasant for Best Debut Director was won by Tanushree Das and Saumyananda Sahi for Shadowbox. The film also bagged the K R Mohanan Award for Best Debut Indian Directors. The FIPRESCI Award for Best Film in the International Competition section went to Khidki Gaav, directed by Sanju Surendran. Fazil Razak won the FIPRESCI Award for Best Debut Malayalam Director for Moham. Thanthapperu (Life of a Phallus), directed by Unnikrishnan Avala, bagged the Special Jury Award and also won the Audience Poll Award for the most popular film at the festival. In the NETPAC awards, Cinema Jazira was selected as the Best Asian Film. In the Malayalam cinema section, Khidki Gaav and Thanthapperu received recognition, while Black Rabbit White Rabbit bagged a Special Jury Mention for technical excellence. Actor Tilottama Shome received a Special Jury Mention for Acting for her performance in Shadowbox.