Pakida Pakida Panthrandu, a laughter riot

Pakida Pakida Panthrandu is the upcoming out-and-out comedy Malayalam film by comedian-turned-serious actor and villain Kalabhavan Mani, directed by Xavier Titus. After a long ten years, this is the first time Kalabhavan Mani is cast in a full-fledged comedy film.

Scripted by the director himself and produced by Mummy Century under the banner of Century Vision, Pakida Pakida Panthrandu will have an array of leading Malayalam comedians, including Jagathy, Salimkumar, Suraj Venjaramoodu, Harishree Ashokan, Biju Kuttan and Mala.

The movie will be cinematographed by Utpal V. Nayanaar and edited by P.C. Mohanan. Also in the cast are Machan Varghese, Mamukoya, T.G. Ravi, Sukumari, Bindu Panikkar and others. More details are awaited.

Meanwhile, Kalabhavan Mani's long dragging Malayalam film Aayirathil Oruvan, which was supposed to hit the theaters in 2001, was finally released on February 20 all over Kerala. In this family entertainer, directed by Sibi Malayil and written by T.A. Razak, Kalabhavan Mani plays the role of a village ration shop owner, struggling to repay a loan taken for his sister's marriage from a money lender at usurious interest rates.

Though in cold storage for a long time, Aayirathil Oruvan bagged a Kerala State Award for Best Story in 2002. Produced by veteran producer Siyad Kokker, the film is said to be a sentimental feel-good family entertainer with superb performances by Kalabavan Mani and heroine Sujatha.