Sultan Ahmed bin Sulayem was a renowned businessman, associated with the rise of Dubai as a trade hub, but revelations of his friendship and lewd correspondence with sex offender Jeffrey Epstein have precipitated a sudden fall from grace.
Valentine’s Day always sparks one specific conversation. Who are the men everyone’s crushing on right now? Not just good-looking, but interesting and emotionally compelling as well. This year, the idea of “most eligible” feels younger, more emotionally aware and refreshingly talented.
The spotlight is steadily turning towards Avantika Sundar. The daughter of filmmaker-actor Sundar C and actor-producer Khushbu is all set to make her Malayalam film debut with Aarambham, a project that marks not just a beginning for her but also for its director, Sujesh Annie Eapen.
Titled Aarambham, which translates to “beginning,” the film signals a fresh start on multiple fronts. The project recently went on floors with a traditional pooja ceremony held in Chavakkad, Thrissur. The auspicious launch saw the cast and crew come together to mark the commencement of what promises to be an ambitious entertainer.
The makers have chosen picturesque Kerala locales such as Kunnamkulam, Chavakkad and Kollamkode as primary shooting spots. Backed by Studio Bellarooh, the film is shaping up as a rooted drama, although plot specifics are being closely guarded for now. Avantika will be seen playing a character named Arathi, a role that is expected to offer the newcomer ample scope to showcase her performance skills.
Avantika’s entry into Malayalam cinema has been keenly watched, given her lineage. Growing up in a household deeply entrenched in South Indian cinema, she has had a front row view of the industry’s workings. However, Aarambham will be her first real test before the camera in Mollywood, a space known for its emphasis on performance-driven narratives.
Aarambham boasts an extensive supporting cast that reads like a who’s who of Malayalam cinema. Veteran actor Saritha headlines the ensemble alongside performers such as Althaf Salim, Indrans, Vijayaraghavan, Krishna Sankar and Kalabhavan Shajohn. The cast further includes Noby Marcose, Rajesh Sharma, Ramesh Kottayam, Sphadikam George and Senthil Krishna among many others, making it one of the more expansive lineups in recent times.
Behind the scenes, the film brings together a mix of fresh voices and established technicians. Joselet Joseph and Ajoy Thampi have jointly penned the story, screenplay and dialogues. Music will be composed by Gopi Sundar. The lyrics are by BK Harinarayanan.
It has cinematography by Ajayan Vincent, editing by Renjan Abraham and art direction by Sabu Mohan/
Interestingly, the young actor is also part of the Tamil film Double Occupancy, a project produced by her parents. That film will see her working closer to home, while Aarambham positions her independently in an unfamiliar industry.
With Malayalam cinema continuing to enjoy national and international attention for its content-rich storytelling, Avantika’s choice of debut project appears both strategic and promising
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