Onam brings with it high-profile movies

While Mohanlal's Loham directed by Renjith was in the news as one in which the actor would once again be seen twirling his moustache (after having done that to great effect in some yesteryear hits), both Renjith and Mohanlal have underplayed it.

One of the busiest and richest periods for Malayalam cinema is about to commence. A number of films are readying for release this Onam, and much to the delight of Mammootty-Mohanlal fans, both veteran actors have high-profile releases coming up.
While Mohanlal's Loham directed by Renjith was in the news as one in which the actor would once again be seen twirling his moustache (after having done that to great effect in some yesteryear hits), both Renjith and Mohanlal have underplayed it.
Reportedly angled around gold smuggling but in a realistic setting, the film's YouTube trailer has raised tremendous expectations, more so because Mohanlal's earlier action outing Laila Oh Laila turned out to be a monstrous disappointment. Loham also stars Siddique, Andrea Jeremiah and Aju Varghese, among others; the film's music by Sreevalsan Menon has been well-received.
Mammootty's Utopiayile Rajaavu, directed by Kamal and written by PS Rafeeque, is eagerly awaited on two counts: One, it follows the flop show of Mammootty's Acha Din; and two, it comes just weeks after Kamal raised a storm on social media, criticizing Premam for giving out a wrong message to the youth. No doubt then, every frame of the film is going to be closely examined and online trolls are gearing up for a festive time ahead. However, the film could be a knockout winner as Mammootty's down-to-earth characters have always found resonance among moviegoers.
Another big extravaganza is the comic caper Double Barrel, directed by Lijo Jose Pallisseri, starring Prithviraj, Indrajith and Arya.
Lijo says the film has been made to the utmost standards of perfection, taking time to ensure that every aspect is seamless. He promises it to be a joy ride, as effortless as watching a Tom & Jerry show.

• South Stars