When the video song 'Manikya Malaraya Poovi' from the film 'Oru Adaar Love' released on February 9, little did Priya Prakash Varrier knew that she will be the country's most searched celebrity in Google this year.
When Onmanorama contacted her as the year was drawing to a close, Priya was in London for the shoot of an untitled Bollywood movie.
Next year is expected to be an amazing year not just for her, but for many other stars as well.
Onmanorama caught up with a few stars to know how they look forward to the coming year and gets a sneak peek of some fascinating upcoming ventures.
Promising Debuts
The biggest debut this year will be for Prithviraj - his directorial debut with 'Lucifer'.
Recently, Prithvi himself had posted on his Facebook page about the movie. "Directing superstar Mohanlal in the project has been my career's biggest highlight. It has been a journey like no other for me," he noted.
"This (directing Mohanlal) has been the absolute highlight of my career regardless of how many ever films I will direct or even if I'll never direct again."
He said he learnt more about cinema and his craft in the last six months than the 16 years preceding it.
Talking about Lucifer, actress Manju Warrier, who plays a prominent role along with Mohanlal, told Onmanorama that she hopes the film will meet audiences' expectations.
"Although I know Prithvi, I barely had a professional interaction with him. It was through Lucifer that I got to know about his working style. His clarity of thought is what sets him apart. He knows what he needs and works with an ease."
Another movie for Manju Warrier is 'Jack and Jill' by Santhosh Sivan.
"It is almost done and you will get a really amazing movie. In a few days, I will also be joining the sets of 'Kunjali Marakkar' again with Mohanlal. I have not worked with director Priyadarshan and hence for me 'Kunjali Marakkar' will be special," she said.
Yet another interesting debut for the year is for Naveen Nazim. The name might not be familiar but his sister's definitely is. Naveen is the younger brother of actress Nazriya.
Naveen will be debuting in Mollywood with 'Guppy' director John Paul George’s upcoming project 'Ambili'.
Naveen told Onmanorama that it was actor Soubin Shahir, who suggested his name to the director. Naveen has completed his architecture course and will be seen playing a crucial character in the road movie along with Soubin.
Interestingly, the movie will also see a new face as heroine - Tanvi Ram.
Back to Priya Varrier, apart from the Bollywood movie, she has also signed a Telugu and a Tamil movie. Her debut movie 'Oru Adaar Love' is also set to release on February 14, which according to her is the most special film for the year.
Yeah, we are waiting!
Mollywood's Superhero Debut
Yes, you heard it right. Get set for the very first superhero movie in Malayalam starring Anson Paul.
Director Tom Emmatty is giving movie buffs another reason to be proud of.
While Indian cinema has seen superheros like Krrish and Chitty (Robot series), due to budget constraints directors were hesitant to try out such new concepts.
But unlike the big-budget superhero movies, director Tom Emmatty's 'The Gambler' will be shot on a small budget. "I've always been a fan of superheroes and their movies. So when I make a film on similar aspect it is definitely exciting," he said.
Just like Tom, Anson is also keenly awaiting the project's fruition.
"Not just action, there will be too many elements in it. It's amusing to see how fan-made posters are landing online and are doing rounds," he said.
Tom clarified that although the movie is titled 'The Gambler', the superhero will have another name.
A team from Mumbai is on the pre-production work.
Anson who is known for his potential in playing a range of characters will be a treat for audience to see what he brings up with this landmark movie.
Anson has two Tamil films also in his kitty.
Commondra Anson aka Gambler!
The Leading Ladies
Actress Samyukta Menon who got a big break through her 2018 movies 'Theevandi' and 'Lilli', is gearing up for an eventful year ahead.
While she has signed up a few films, the first one she's looking forward is 'Oru Yamandan Premakadha'.
"Along with me, Nikhila Vimal also plays the female lead in which Dulquer Salmaan plays the hero. It's always a delight to work with such stars. The film is directed by B C Boufal, who will be making his debut. The script has by popular writer duo Vishnu Unnikrishnan and Bibin George," she told Onmanorama. Samyukta will also be seen in a multi-starrer movie 'Underworld', helmed by 'Left Right Left' director Arun Kumar Aravind.
Manjima Mohan is another actress who has an array of films lined up next year. It's after a lull of three years that she’s coming back to Malayalam. 'Zam Zam', directed by Neelakanta, is the Malayalam remake of Kangana Ranaut-starrer 'Queen'. "After Oru Vadakkan Selfie, there was a considerable gap and I was waiting for a good character to return to Malayalam. That's when I was approached for 'Zam Zam'. I had watched and loved the movie Queen, and hence I was excited in taking it up," she told Onmanorama on why she chose the remake.
But only later did she realize that she would be compared with Kangana. "Honestly, there will be comparisons but I see it as a challenge and have given my best. If the film works, well and good else it will be a learning experience."
Apart from 'Zam Zam', Manjima will be seen again with Nivin Pauly in 'Mikhael.
Ever since the first look poster and song was released online, expectations are high for Rajisha Vijayan's next movie 'June'. It was on June 24, 2017, that we last got to see her in 'Oru Cinemakaaran'.
Newcomer Ahamed Kabeer is directing the film. Reportedly, the film will be a coming-of-age drama that focuses on various stages in a girl’s life. "Rajisha had to lose 9 kilos for portraying June’s teenage years. She had set aside an entire year for this film alone and worked very hard for it," said Vijay Babu.
It was the movie 'Mayaanadhi' that fetched accolades for actress Aishwarya Lekshmi and since then there has been no looking back for her.
While 2018 saw just one movie with 'Varathan', the coming year has three movies lined up for her already.
In 'Vijay Superum Pournamiyum', directed by Jis Joy, Aishwarya will be seen alongside Asif Ali.
'Argentina Fans Kaattoorkadavu' by Midhun Manuel is yet another film that she's part of. Apparently, she is also part of an untitled Tamil movie. Go on ladies!
On a Roll
Tovino Thomas, Vinayakan and Kalidas Jayaram are also in the list of stars who have lined up major projects.
It's been a busy year for Tovino with seven releases in 2018. And 2019 will be a busier one.
While on Wednesday, the actor was seen at Lulu Mall, Kochi promoting his latest movie 'Ente Ummante Peru' along with his mother, the next day Tovino was off to another movie set.
The charming heartthrob who is also part of Prithvi's directorial debut Lucifer chose to be tight lipped about the movie. "The buzz is just being made. I can't talk anything about it now. The team has ensured that nothing much should be revealed as of now," he said.
Ask him about the coming year and he said, "There are so many movies I have signed and now my priority would be finishing those projects."
'And the Oscar Goes To', directed by Salim Ahamed, is one among them.
Another mass action film is 'Kalki' which will see him as a police officer.
Tovino is also excited about a road film 'Kilometers and Kilometers', directed by Jeo Baby.
'Virus' directed by Aashiq Abu, 'Joe' by Albey and 'Uyare' directed by Manu Ashokan are the films in Tovino's list as till now.
At the same time, Kalidas Jayaram too has a handful of projects along with some of the top names in the industry. He will be seen doing the lead roles in the upcoming films of Jeethu Joseph 'Mr and Mrs Rowdy' and Midhun Manuel's 'Argentina Fans Kaattoorkadavu'.
He has also been roped in to play an important role in Santhosh Sivan's next directorial venture 'Jack and Jill' along with Manju Warrier.
Earlier, Kalidas Jayaram too was part of Aashiq Abu's 'Virus'. If reports are to be believed, the young actor opted out of the project due to date issues. Onmanorama could not get in touch with Kalidas for a comment.
Vinayakan is expected to deliver some amazing movies. The actor will be seen as the lead in director Shanavas K Bavakutty's 'Thottappan'. Inspired from the novel of the same name penned by Francis Noronha, 'Thottappan' is about the bond between a father and daughter.
It has Priyamvada making her debut and she will be seen as Vinayakan’s daughter. Vinayakan will also be seen in Lijo Jose Pelliserry's upcoming movie 'Jellikattu' which will also feature Antony Varghese and Chemban Vinod.
A film based on the legend of Karinthandan with Vinayakan playing the titular role was also announced. Documentary filmmaker Leela is making her feature debut with 'Karinthandan'.
