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Ashakal Aayiram Makers Drop First Glimpse of Jayaram and Kalidas Reunion
onmynews.com

Ashakal Aayiram Makers Drop First Glimpse of Jayaram and Kalidas Reunion

The makers of Ashakal Aayiram have officially announced the film’s theatrical release plans and unveiled its first glimpse titled The Homecoming. The update has instantly reignited buzz around the project, which marks the fourth time Jayaram and Kalidas Jayaram are sharing screen space.

The Homecoming glimpse sets the tone

The short, fun filled teaser introduces the duo returning home late at night in a drunken state, struggling comically to act normal in front of the women at home. Their exaggerated attempts at self-control, combined with awkward silences and suspicious glances, quickly unravel into laughter. The sequence establishes the film’s flavour as a situational family comedy rooted in everyday domestic chaos.

Directed by G Prajith of Oru Vadakkan Selfie fame, Ashakal Aayiram is positioned as a family entertainer that leans into warmth rather than spectacle. The glimpse suggests that the film will draw humour from familiar settings rather than over the top gags, allowing Jayaram’s natural comic timing and Kalidas’ evolving screen presence to do the heavy lifting.

Familiar faces, fresh energy

Behind the scenes, the film boasts a creative combination that balances experience with new ideas. The screenplay is jointly written by Jude Anthany Joseph and Aravind Rajendran, with Jude also stepping in as creative director. Known for his instinctive understanding of audience emotion, Jude’s involvement hints that Ashakal Aayiram will not merely chase laughs but also explore the quieter, more affectionate layers of family relationships.

The cast adds further texture to the story. Asha Sharath and Ishaani Krishna play the female leads, while Sharaf U Dheen, Anand Manmadhan, Akhil Nrd, Ramesh Pisharody, Dileep Menon, and Zhins Shan appear in key supporting roles. This ensemble mix suggests a narrative that moves fluidly across generations, a hallmark of classic Malayalam family films.

The technical crew is equally dependable. Shaji Kumar handles cinematography, Shafeeque V B is in charge of editing, and music is composed by Sanal Dev. The film is produced by Gokulam Gopalan under Sree Gokulam Movies, with Baiju Gopalan and V C Praveen as executive producers.

A reunion that carries legacy

What makes every Jayaram Kalidas collaboration resonate is the legacy behind it. From Kochu Kochu Santhoshangal, which introduced Kalidas as a child actor, to Ente Veedu Appuvinteyum, which earned him the National Film Award for Best Child Artist, the duo’s on-screen journey has mirrored their real-life bond. Their later appearance in the Tamil anthology Putham Pudhu Kaalai, where Kalidas played the younger version of Jayaram’s character in the segment Ilamai Idho Idho, only reinforced that continuity.

With Ashakal Aayiram, the pair are no longer just a nostalgic pairing. They come together as performers from different phases of their careers, meeting in the middle of a story that seems to celebrate family, flaws and all.

The release update and the playful first glimpse together signal that the film is gearing up to offer a familiar comfort zone to audiences who have long missed this brand of warm-hearted Malayalam cinema.

Also Read: Jayaram and Kalidas Jayaram Reunite On Screen After 22 Years in Ashakal Aayiram

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Abhishek Banerjee Pays Homage to Late Om Puri With His Cameo in Freedom at Midnight 2
onmynews.com

Abhishek Banerjee Pays Homage to Late Om Puri With His Cameo in Freedom at Midnight 2

Actor Abhishek Banerjee has revealed that his cameo appearance in Nikkhil Advani’s Freedom at Midnight 2 is a heartfelt homage to the legendary actor Om Puri, whose performance in Gandhi (1982), directed by Richard Attenborough and headlined by Ben Kingsley, remains iconic. Freedom at Midnight is currently streaming on Sony LIV, and Abhishek’s appearance has caught the attention of audiences for its quiet impact and emotional resonance.
Abhishek steps into a character that mirrors the spirit of the role once portrayed by Om Puri, a gesture that goes beyond screen time and speaks to the legacy of Indian cinema. Despite being a cameo, the role holds deep significance for the actor, who views it as a mark of respect to one of the most versatile and revered performers the industry has produced.
Speaking about the experience, Abhishek said, “Playing this cameo in Freedom at Midnight 2 was never about the size of the role for me. It was about what the role stood for. Om Puri sahab is someone I have admired immensely – for his craft, his fearlessness, and the dignity he brought to every character, no matter how small or large. Stepping into a space that echoes a role he once played felt like a quiet tribute to his legacy. I still have a long journey ahead before I can even come close to his level of craft, but this remains my heartfelt tribute to him. It’s humbling, honestly.”
He further added, “This is the spirit of our industry that I truly believe in – we show up for each other, we honour the work that came before us, and we contribute without always calculating individual gains. Sometimes, doing a cameo is not about visibility, it’s about being part of a larger story. I genuinely enjoy doing such parts because they keep you sharp; it’s like net practice for an actor. You come in, you focus, you deliver, and you leave, but the learning stays with you.”
freedom at midnight

Abhishek also spoke about the sense of responsibility that came with portraying a character associated with Om Puri. He continued, “There can never be a replacement for Om Puri sahab, and I would never see it that way. For me, it was about approaching the role with sincerity and restraint, qualities he embodied so effortlessly. Even though it’s a cameo, there’s an emotional weight attached to it, and I wanted to honour that with honesty.”

Abhishek Banerjee

Similar to Om Puri, Banerjee played the role of a rioter, who becomes increasingly radicalised during the period of communal violence surrounding India’s Partition. Through his character, the show reflects how hatred and unrest can turn ordinary individuals towards extremism, standing in stark contrast to Mahatma Gandhi’s ideals of non-violence and harmony.

Freedom at Midnight 2, helmed by Nikkhil Advani, continues to explore pivotal moments and personalities from India’s historical journey, blending powerful performances with thoughtful storytelling.

Also Read: Freedom At Midnight Season 2 Review: Through A Scanner Darkly

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Video: Spiritual Leader Satua Baba Seen Driving Porsche At Magh Mela In UP
onmynews.com

Video: Spiritual Leader Satua Baba Seen Driving Porsche At Magh Mela In UP

Satua Baba was earlier seen driving a Land Rover Defender worth Rs 3 crore.

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