With this episode, we begin a look at Malayalam films centred around the sea, and examine the importance of the sea to those that live near it and from it, and examine the sea as a metaphor. Download Episode 19 Episode 19 Highlights: Spoiler Alert! We try to remember to alert…

We conclude our series of Malayalam supernatural films — in this episode, we look at Ennu Swantham Janakikutty, Mayilpeelikkavu, and Bhoothakaalam. Download Episode 18 Episode 18 Highlights: Spoiler Alert! We try to remember to alert listeners to spoilers, but just in case, know that we talk about the films in-depth,…

Episode 17 sees us continue our journey with Malayalam supernatural films — in this episode, we look at Anandabhadram and Akam. Download Episode 17 (Right-click and ‘Copy Link’, then paste into your podcast app’s ‘Subscribe to feed’ field) Episode 17 Highlights: Spoiler Alert! We try to remember to alert listeners to…

In this episode, we continue our exploration of the supernatural in Malayalam cinema by looking at two very different faith traditions and how they are depicted, in Sarpakadu/Sarpakavu* and Ezra. *note that this film’s title can be transliterated into English in two different ways, and finding the film might require…

This is the first episode in a series on the Supernatural in Malayalam cinema.  Today, we look at the beloved classic film Manichitrathazhu, directed by Fazil. Download Episode 15 Episode 15 Highlights: Spoiler Alert! We try to remember to alert listeners to spoilers, but just in case, know that we…

We’d originally only intended to do three episodes on action films in Malayalam cinema, but decided that we really needed one more — this time, to talk about what we’re calling “Girls Kick Butt”! Download Episode 14 Episode 14 Highlights: Spoiler Alert! We try to remember to alert listeners to…

We’re back with our third look at action films in Malayalam cinema! In this episode we look at the younger generation of actors who are entering the action space, with Prithviraj, Asif Ali, and Unni Mukundan. Download Episode Thirteen Episode Thirteen Highlights: Spoiler Alert! We try to remember to alert listeners…

In Episode 12, we continue our look at Action Films in Malayalam cinema. This time, we look at the two actors who are considered actual action stars:  Suresh Gopi and Jayan. Spoiler Alert! We try to remember to alert listeners to spoilers, but just in case, know that we talk…

Dishoom!  Dishoom Dishoom!  Okay, let’s face it, Malayalam cinema is not particularly known for its action films, but action does exist, and we’re here to talk about it.  In this first of four parts on Action in Malayalam Cinema, we take a look at the Big Ms, Mohanlal and Mammootty,…

In this episode we take a look at parenting and childhood, by discussing four films: Salt Mango Tree, Pappayude Swantham Appoos, Manjadikuru, and 101 Chodyangal. Download Episode 10 Spoiler Alert! We try to remember to alert listeners to spoilers, but just in case, know that we talk about the films…

In Episode 9 we continue our series of episodes on star kids. We’re looking at nepotism, power structures, and connections (family or otherwise) in the Malayalam film industry, this time with three actors who are from Malayalam film families, but who are more plugged into other industries: Keerthy Suresh, Kalidas…

Today we continue our series of episodes on star kids. We’re looking at nepotism, power structures, and connections (family or otherwise) in the Malayalam film industry, this time with Malayalam cinema’s most conventional star kids: Dulquer Salmaan, Pranav Mohanlal, and Fahadh Faasil. A reminder that, as always, there are spoilers!…

Today we start a series of episodes on star kids. We’re looking at nepotism, power structures, and connections (family or otherwise) in the Malayalam film industry, starting with Prithviraj, Kunchacko Boban, and Vineeth Sreenivasan. A reminder that, as always, there are spoilers! Download Episode 7 [00:00:26 ]  Introduction of the…

Today we continue our look at the theme of Urban/City Life, with our examination of director Shambu Purushothaman’s 2013 film Vedivazhipadu, set against the backdrop of the Attukal Pongala festival held in Thiruvananthapuram.  A reminder that, as always, there are spoilers! Download Episode 6 00:01:01 We got feedback! 00:02:12 Harsha opens…

Today we continue our look at the theme of Urban/City Life, with our examination of director Anjali Menon’s 2014 film Bangalore Days. A reminder that, as always, there are spoilers! Download Episode 5 00:27 Katherine reminds us that in our last episode we discussed Helen, in which city life gives…

Today we begin what will be a three episode look at the theme of Urban/City Life, with our examination of director Mathukutty Xavier’s 2019 film Helen. Download Episode 4 We begin with a discussion of Drishyam 2 flowing from the Clubhouse chat organized by The Other Banana podcast.  As always,…

After the wide-ranging look at COVID releases in Episode 2, we take a step back in Episode 3 to take a look at the films of 2020 that stood out for us. Download Episode 3 01:05 Harsha lists the films she wants to talk about today: Varane Avashyamund, Al Mallu,…

This episode is a kind of omnibus of all the COVID releases — Malayalam films that went straight to streaming in 2020. It’s a LONG episode, so strap in! And as always, there will be SPOILERS, because we often do a deep-dive into the films we’re talking about. Download Episode…

Two fans of Malayalam cinema come together to share their experiences and love for the movies. Harsha is a Malayalee living in the US, Katherine is not a Malayalee and is in Canada. We explore themes and analyze the films from our unique perspectives. Download Episode One Episode One Highlights:…