I'm One Hot Girl : Lisa Haydon

Lisa Haydon in a candid chat with TOI

From harboring dreams of becoming an astronaut and a yoga teacher, you took up modeling and now films. What happened to the astronaut or the teacher?
Modeling didn't actually happen all of a sudden. I was 19 when a friend suggested that I should try modeling. I did and approached an agency, and offers started pouring in. Then modeling led to films. I wouldn't say I am an actor by chance because while in school in Australia, I participated in skits and learned acting. So, acting has been in me since childhood. Of course, I still want to be a yoga teacher, may be some time later. Even now, I would say yoga is part of my life as I practise it. But on the bigger scene, it's films for now.

Even in films, do you think you are mostly seen as this hot girl, a kind of sex symbol, more than anything else?
Well, there is no denying that I am one hot girl! If, people think I am hot and sexy, it's fine. However, it is incorrect to attach just this 'sex symbol' tag to me because I am more than just that. I believe with more films, when people see more of my work than anything else, perceptions will change. And I will be glad when it does change.

You are just two films old and you are already making noise. Is it because you have been a supermodel and have stepped into Bollywood?
May be, yes. I have done well in modeling. I have a name, touchwood. So, yes, I know I am kind of well-known.

You have an accent as you have spent most part of your life in Australia. Working in Bollywood requires one to get his/her Hindi correct. Even Katrina Kaif faces flak in this department. Have you ever encountered criticism of the same?
Yes, I have. People who have commented on my accent are not wrong. I mean, if Katrina Kaif is criticized for her accent, why would I be spared? If I am working in the Hindi film industry, it only makes sense that I get the language right. And I am working towards it. I have been taking Hindi lessons for the past three years and have been working on my diction for the past one year, ever since I did "Aisha".

With so many stars around waiting to make an impression, have you planned your career to get a foothold in the industry?
To be honest, I am not the kind of person to plan things in advance. So, I haven't really planned or strategized anything to remain in the industry. I just want to concentrate on my abilities, stay positive and believe that with my hard work, I will do well here. I have done just two films as of now. I need to learn and grow. Acting is an ever evolving process, and I am learning to imbibe it. In due time, I am sure my positivity will pay off.

Beauty is usually not associated with brains. Comment ...
Well, first, it is ridiculous to not associate beauty with brains. Whoever says so, needs a reality check. There are so many beauties with brains and there are so many not-so-good-looking people who don't have brains. What's the connection then?

When you have stars taking note of hands and legs instead of your acting skill, how does it make you feel? (The recent one being Sanjay Dutt reportedly staring at your legs at an event)
It again is ridiculous, you know, to say such things. I wouldn't be able to answer this question simply because nothing of this sort has happened to me. I don't think Sanjay (Dutt) was staring at my legs, no! Some people just assumed he was. You see, something of this sort has to happen to me first to tell you what it feels like. All the actors I have worked with so far are gentlemen. They have a family and it's not right to assume things like this and publicize them.

Are you also looking down South for work?
Yes, why not? If something interesting comes my way, I would love to take it up.

Interesting as in?
As in action. I love action films and I want to do my own stunts in a film. I am sure I will be good at it. I also want to do a comedy. It's fun trying different genres.

Violin (2011) - Malayalam Movie Review

Cast :

• Asif Ali as Aby
• Nithya Menon as Angel
• Lakshmi Ramakrishnan as Annie
• Reena Basheer as Mercy
• Vijayaraghavan
• Jagathy Sreekumar
• Sreejith Ravi
• Chembil Asokan

Directed by : Sibi Malayil
Produced by : AOPL Entertainment
Written by : Viju Ramachandran
Music by : Bijibal, Anand Raj Anand
Cinematography : Manoj Pillai
Editing by : Bijith Bala
Studio : AOPL Entertainment
Distributed by : APOL Cinemas Release through Lal Release

Siby Malayil sure has seen better times. Violin, the latest film from the director that hit the screens this week, has an airless and stagy feel that makes it quickly topple downhill. It looks glossy all right, but the melodrama that unfolds is depthless and adheres to the Fort Cochin Movie Rulebook with all sincerity.

The lives of Angel (Nithya Menon) and her two aunts Annie (Lakshmi Ramakrishnan) and Mercy (Reena Basheer) are transformed, when Abey (Asif Ali) walks in, as their tenant. After a bout of initial resistance from Angel, romance strikes, and the two fall in love.

The obviousness that mars the script plays spoil sport time and again. There is absolutely nothing in this film that you wouldn't be able to foretell. It's almost as if the entire sequence falls into place as you have in your mind already. Where are the surprises?

Films set in Fort Cochin run the huge risk of falling into a cliché cavern and disappearing without a trace. Violin doesn't escape this danger at all. Everything from the costumes, the ambience, the conversations and the smell of a rusty lineage are maintained without fail.

And then towards the end, the story finally moves a little bit away from your plans, and you think that finally things are going to look up. Sad, because in no time you realize that predictability was better. The last fifteen minutes stretch on and on without no sense whatsoever, which makes the climax of the film a big let-down.

I have always wondered why the Violin is seen as an icon of despair in Malayalam films. Haven't we come across any number of scenes where a character plays a melancholic tune on the violin, for one last time before he blows himself off or somebody else? What has the Violin actually done to deserve this miserable fate?

The three women have been living alone for quite a while, and looks like the rest of the world is plotting against them. So they spend their lives baking cakes, going to church, and hoping for better days ahead. And to add further anguish to the despondent scene, there is the Violin as well, that Angel keeps playing every now and then, as if to ensure that they are neck-deep in trouble.

Even as things stand, I wouldn't mind watching bits and pieces of Violin once more, and the reason is Asif Ali. The charm that he fills up into the character of Abey is absolutely endearing, and this is easily one of Asif's best performances. Nithya Menon is equally good, though she has two totally strong contenders in Lakshmi Ramakrishnan and Reena Basheer. A special pat on the back for the talented Abhishek Raveendran as well, for bringing in some mirth into the proceedings.

That song that goes 'Ente Mohangalellaam..' set to tune by Anand Raj Anand is out of this world.

Violin is old fashioned to the core. It sticks to conventions and keeps you hoping that some discovery is about to be made. Unfortunately, nothing of the sort happens, and you walk out of the theatre lamenting the film's downfall.

Doctor Love (2011) - Malayalam Movie Review

Cast :

• Kunchacko Boban as Vinayachandran
• Asif Ali (cameo)
• Bhavana as Ebin
• Ananya
• Bhagat
• Aju Varghese
• Manikuttan
• Prakasaan
• Hemant
• Rajat Menon
• Shari
• Nimisha
• Vidya Unni

Directed by : K. Biju
Produced by : Joy Thomas Sakthikulangara
Written by : K. Biju
Music by : Vinu Thomas
Cinematography : Shaji
Studio : Jithin Arts
Distributed by : Maxlab Cinemas and Entertainments

'Dr.Love' is a movie primarily aimed at the youth .An interesting plot loosely inspired from the Tamil flick 'Shahjahan', this debut attempt from director K Biju is a feel-good film and though it has its share of loose ends, the outcome leaves you feeling pleased than many of the recent entertainers.

The movie has Kunchakko Boban as Vinayachandran, a struggling young writer, who is trying different ways to make a living. He has a friend in Gowry(Ananya), who is a staff in the local telephone booth. Mainly threading his plots for novels around love, Vinayachandran accidentally happens to meet Sathya Sheelan(Innocent), the P E Teacher of a college, who comes for advice to somehow fulfil his love for a fellow teacher in the college. And for that Sathyasheelan finds ways to post Vinayan as a supplier in the college canteen. Once inside the college, Vinayan instantly strikes a chord with the students helping some to reward with their first love. Instantly rechristened as 'Dr. Love- the Romance Consultant', he starts to deals with people who are affected with love and becomes the last word for youngsters in the college struck by Cupid's arrow and those who have a problem with their love affairs. The after-effects of his so-called 'guidance' and the consultant's own love story is what that takes the story forward.

K Biju in his debut screenwriting relies on the tested formula, but packs in a lot of unpredictable situations that has been smartly woven in the screenplay to make it more exciting. The movie with a unrealistic, sometimes unconvincing plot lines, is interspersed with light moments aplenty and much of them have been handled deftly. Things are smooth sailing till the emotional angle comes up, where the narrative dips a little, but the experience as an assistant to many big names of Mollywood helps Biju to manage the climax with out much chaos. Dialogues deserve special mention, as the youth are sure to identify with them!

The performances are topnotch. Kunchakko Boban seems to be riding in the best of the times in his career and here he gets ample scope to display his potential as an actor and he takes full advantage of the opportunity. Bhavana just manages to play to he demands of her Ebin, a tomboyish character who is the de facto leader of a group of friends in the college. Bhagath and Hemant are lovable while Manikuttan springs a pleasant surprise with his witty one-liners.! Ananya in another good role is completely natural with a fine performance. All others in the cast including Salimkumar, Vidhya Unni, Rejith menon and Kalabhavan Shajon come up with right performances to suit the demands of the roles they are on.

Debutante Vinu Thomas's music is more than okay with a mix of good and melodious numbers, but those that stand out are the title track 'palapoo', 'Aakasham doore' and 'Ninnodenikkulla' for their honey-sweet tunes. Cinematography by Shaji is eye-catching and the beautiful ambiance of SB College are utilized to the maximum to give that colourful, chic look of the campus flick.

All in all,' Dr.Love' has some interesting moments and the ensemble star cast pitches in real performances too. On the whole, the movie could' be an ideal popcorn flick targeted to strike a chord with the youth and those who relish candy floss and madcap entertainers. If you are not looking for wisdom and rationale in a light-hearted entertainer, We are sure you will savour this campus carnival .

Sarkar Colony (2011) - Malayalam Movie Review

Cast :

• Mukesh
• Devayani
• Jagadish
• Jagathy Sreekumar
• Ashokan
• Suraj Venjaramood
• Salim Kumar
• Narayanankutty
• Jaffer Idukki
• Kochupreman
• Adv. Chandrashekhar
• Sajan Pallaruthy
• Sinan Kodungaloor
• Geetha Vijayan
• Bindu Panicker
• Sona Nair
• Ambika Mohan

Directed by : V. S. Jayakrishna
Produced by : Rajeev Thampi, Chandrasekharan
Written by : V. C. Ashok
Singers : M. G. Sreekumar, Nayana, Afsal, Madhu Balakrishnan.
Lyricist : Bichu Thirumala, Rajeev Alumkal
Music by : M. G. Sreekumar
Cinematography : Salu George
Editing by : Manoj

‘Sarkar Colony’ has Mukesh as Shivaramakrishnan, who is a clerical staff in the PWD. As his wife (Devayani) happens to be his superior at office, he takes liberty to jump out of the office chores and engage himself in a MLM run by Jagathy Sreekumar’s character curiously named as ‘Pi Pu Pa Pi’, which promises heavy dividends. He also brings in maximum of his colony members in the various legs of the schemes, by showing the generosity of the MLM Company offering cars, tour packages and hefty cheques to their clients. His wife is heavily opposing her husband’s attempts on making easy money. And by the interval we are made to note of the devastating consequences of the MLM’s as Shivaramakrishanan and his friends are in the run for their money, and the MLM owner’ and even their websites sinking without a trace. Even after being in such calamitous consequences, Shivaramakrishanan still makes another try to prove worthy before his wife and relatives by running a kindergarten school named ‘Daddy’s day care’, which proves to be even more pathetic affair than their earlier endeavours..

The movie essentially had a good thread and message which could have itself made a good view. But the script writer V C Ashok, in his attempt to appease more families loses the plot just after the midway and it does an about-turn and touches the ebb, wandering around silly jokes and melodrama. The serious issue has been tackled sloppily, unsympathetically and amateurishly and for this reason, it comes across as an exercise in boredom. The characters appear devoid of life and the staging of the material is evident all through.

The arrival of Suraj venjaramoodu as Babykunju, the caretaker of the children adds to the woes of the narratives. The attempts to create comedy out of kids and the group dance song punched in the later half is more than bearable, making viewers to look for the exit. The very regular climax with really low surprises also adds to the pitfalls of the movie. V S Jayakrishna’s first independent affair as a director falls flat , as he hasn’t been able to crate a watchable movie from an interesting thread and even the talented actors in the cast fail to redeem the enterprise.

All the senior artists in the cast including Mukesh, Jagadheesh, Ashokan and Devayani are consistent in their regular acts, with really nothing demanding them to do any kind of diversity. The technical sides including camera work by Saloo George and music department by MG Sreekumar fails to add to the merits of the movie.

With a poor script and execution that reminds us of the movies of the nineties, ‘Sarkar Colony’ may not offer any interesting watch for general viewers. At the best, the movie may end up as an average earner at the Box office.

Snehaveedu (2011) - Malayalam Movie Review

Cast :

• Mohanlal as Ajayan
• Sheela as Ammukkutty Amma
• Padmapriya as Sunanda
• Biju Menon as SI Balachandran
• Innocent as Mathai
• K. P. A. C. Lalitha as Reethamma
• Mamukkoya as Seithali
• Rahul Pillai as Karthik
• Reeja as Shanthi
• Chembil Ashokan as Manian
• Lena as Lilly
• Urmila Unni as Nalini
• Arundathi as Rosemol
• Sasi Kalinga as Marar
• Appukutty
• Praveen Premkumar

Directed by : Sathyan Anthikad
Produced by : Antony Perumbavoor
Written by : Sathyan Anthikad
Singers : K. S. Chithra, Hariharan, Shreya Ghoshal, Rahul Nambiar, Shweta
Lyricist : Rafeeq Ahamed
Music by : Ilaiyaraaja
Cinematography : Venu ISC
Editing by : K. Rajagopal
Studio : Aashirvad Cinemas
Distributed by : Aashirvad Release, Maaxlab

In a movie like this only two people need to perform. And if they do, the rest automatically follows. With a predictable story and an even more predictable climax, the onus on the lead players is huge. And as far as Snehaveedu is concerned, they deliver.

We all know who Sathyan Anthikkad is. He is a highly successful director, who has consistently provided money spinners at the box office. And he has been peddling the same genre of cinema for about 30 years. I actually like to think that he created the ‘family cinema’ genre over here. The kind of guy the industry turns to when it is in a dire need of a hit. Though the condition of Malayalam film industry is not so dire (and not so great), Sathyan has crafted another family movie that ought to attract families to the ticket counters.

We have been waiting for a long time so as to see Mohanlal in a role that would wring, zing and bring out the best in him. And I am sorry to say that Snehaveedu does not end that wait. But the good thing being that, nor does the movie pretend to. Mohanlal portrays the role of a man who chooses to live in a village with his mother and try his hand at farming. And here too as was with Mathews in ‘Ividam Swargamaanu’ we do not see Mohanlal- the actor, we see Ajayan the farmer. After quite some time, we get to see the old brand of comedy. The one for which the triumvirate of Sreenivasan, Mohanlal and Sathyan was famous for. The non slapstick genre.

The Maestro Ilayaraaja has churned out better stuff than this. But fortunately, the background score and songs do not jar. The BGM actually gels well with the narrative and that’s all we could ask for.

Do not expect the movie to be path breaking stuff, Sathyan is just reaffirming his style of film making. But, here is a movie which guarantees you quality family time and keeps well on the promise.

Sonal Chauhan : I Got My First Cheque at 17

I was never one to glance at the mirror twice or spend hours dressing up. One was more likely to find me glued to a book or hanging out with my friends, than posing in front of the mirror with a brush in my hand, copying a popstar or practicing my acceptance speech. Posing for pictures meant making a funny face, one that I could crack up over years later.

I was the rebellious wild child, always upto something crazy, living without a care in the world. When I was 17, I wasn't sure what life had planned for me. I was as clueless as any other 17-year-old. Little did I know that this was the year my life was about to change.

I was approached by a photographer at a coffee shop, who insisted on clicking my picture. I didn't pay much attention but the next day, it was in the papers. The response was shocking. One image led to a shoot and before I knew it, I had begun earning money at 17. It took me a while to let go of my shy, tom-boyish inhibitions. But at 17, I found my true calling and knew what I wanted to do for the rest of my life.

Sandhya Mridul's Marriage to an EX!

Sandhya Mridul dreams of marriage with an ex, wakes up in time!

Guess what Sandhya Mridul has been dreaming about! Not films, not roles, but marriage! The twist in the tale, however, is that the actress has been dreaming about marriage with an ex! But Sandhya thanks God that it was only a dream.

"Was marrying an ex in my sleep phew thank God I woke up just in time..." Sandy, as she is fondly called, said. Clearly, this girl isn't the kind to look back. And no, Sandhya isn't getting married anytime soon.