Malayalam's Ramzan releases

After a low key Onam season, Malayalam film industry is gearing up to celebrate Ramzan in style. With three of the most high profile movies in recent times releasing this weekend, it is going to be a battle worth a watch.

The biggies Mammootty and Mohanlal, are in the fray with films Pranchiyettan and the Saint and Shikkaar. Meanwhile director Lal Jose launches a new heroine in his film, Elsamma enna aankutty. Quite a few films, like the much awaited bilingual Vande Mataram with Mammootty and Arjun playing the heroes, may also hit the theatres soon. But the release dates could depend on the box office status of the main three films.

Pranchiyettan and the Saint
Director: Ranjith
Cast: Mammootty, Priyamani, Khushboo

C E Francis, popularly known as Pranchiyettan is into the rice business and hails from Thrissur. He is rich but suffers from an inferiority complex. His interactions with a girl named Padmashri who grew up in Mumbai, played by Priyamani, have a definite influence in his life. Khushboo is an old schoolmate of Pranchi.

Ranjith, who made two remarkable films -- Paleri Manikyam: Oru Pathira Kolapathakathinte Katha and Kerala Cafe -- last year, has an interesting premise for his film. Will it work for him? We will just have to wait and see.

Director: M Padmakumar
Cast: Mohanlal, Ananya, Sneha

In Shikkaar, Mohanlal plays Balaraman, a lorry driver with a past that continues to haunt him. Scripted by S Suresh Babu and directed by M Padmakumar, the film shows the hero in an altogether different look with unkempt hair and rough demenaour mostly. Sneha plays his wife and Ananya, his foster daughter.

M Padmakumar has earlier directed films like Vasthavam, Vargam and Parunthu. The film has been extensively shot inside the forest areas near Kothamangalam.

Director: Lal Jose
Cast: Ann Augustine, Kunchacko Boban, Indrajith

Director Lal Jose narrates the story of a cute girl named Elsamma who becomes a tomboy so that she can take care of her family. The incidents happen in a remote village in the high range area. Elsamma distributes newspapers and is the local reporter of a daily. The miscreants of the area fears Elsamma as she often uses her clout as the reporter to teach them a lesson.

Kunchacko Boban plays Paalunni, a milk vendor while Indrajith plays the grandson of a rich landlord.

Lal Jose is once again working with a newcomer, Ann, the daughter of veteran actor Augustine. The film has been scripted by M Sindhuraj.