T S Sabu

Michael Jackson's Neverland Ranch was a sanctuary where exotic animals became his cherished companions. From Bubbles the chimpanzee, who shared matching outfits and even learned the moonwalk, to the Bengal tigers Thriller and Sabu, his pets reflected his gentle nature. These beloved animals, including Muscles the python and Gypsy the elephant, were integral to his life at the ranch.

Piravom, a semi-urban Kerala constituency, is dominated by the Kerala Congress (Jacob) under MLA Anoop Jacob, who has held the seat since 2012. The constituency faces issues like farmer distress, flooding, and youth migration, influencing its faith-driven electoral landscape. Jacob secured a decisive victory in 2021, continuing his party's stronghold.

V D Satheesan's outreach to Christian communities, marked by his engagement with Biblical themes at faith platforms, has helped rebuild trust and reconnect minority blocs with the UDF. This unprecedented engagement, extending to Muslim platforms as well, signals a significant shift in political equations in Kerala.

Mahanadi Utsav 2026 in New Delhi celebrated the cultural and ecological significance of Odisha's lifeline, the Mahanadi River. Through art and dialogue, experts highlighted the river's historical importance and the urgent threats it faces from climate change and human activity. The event underscored the need for collective responsibility to protect these vital natural systems.

Early trends for the 2026 Kerala Assembly elections show a significant shift, with the Congress-led UDF projected for a commanding victory, leading in over 100 seats. The ruling LDF faces strong anti-incumbency, while the BJP remains a marginal player. This outcome suggests a return to Kerala's traditional pattern of alternating governments.

Joju George has unveiled his second directorial venture, 'Paripadi,' generating significant excitement. Following the success of his debut 'Pani,' George's new film boasts a stellar technical team, including music by Yuvan Shankar Raja and cinematography by Rajeev Ravi. Fans eagerly anticipate this project, alongside George's upcoming acting roles.

Makers of 'Valmiki Ramayana' have unveiled a new poster for Hanuman Janmotsav. This poster showcases Lord Hanuman's devotion to Lord Ram. It reflects faith and the strong bond between them. The film is set to release in theatres on October 2. The team behind the movie includes renowned professionals from the industry.

Shaji Kailas' action-packed film 'Varavu', starring Joju George as Polachan, is set to hit theatres on May 1. The movie promises intense action sequences against the scenic hilly regions of Kerala, focusing on Polachan's journey of revenge. With a stellar cast including Vani Vishwanath and a team of eight top stunt masters, 'Varavu' is poised to be a complete entertainer.

Senior CPM leader Subhashini Ali expressed confidence in the LDF securing a hat-trick victory in Kerala, citing the state's comprehensive transformation and pro-people policies over the last decade. She criticized the Congress for allegedly opening doors for the BJP and questioned their financial ability to fulfill election promises, particularly regarding pensions.

Actress Shruti Ramachandran reminisces about her transformative experience in 'Madhuram,' a film that reshaped her career. She expresses her love for playing Chithra, a character endearing to many for her passion for biryani and subtle romance. Reflecting on her favorite scene, Ramachandran notes the beauty in Chithra's unvoiced feelings, which struck a chord with viewers.

The makers of the upcoming film 'Valmiki Ramayana' shared the first-look poster, giving film buffs a glimpse of the film's devotional theme.