Makrand Deshpande in Malayalam Film

Hindi actor, director and prominent theatre personality, Makrand Deshpande, is acting in a Malayalam film for the first time -- director M A Nishad's No.66 Madurai Bus.

"It was Nishad's excellent narration of my character that first attracted me to this project and I am happy that I became part of this film," says the actor, who is known for his peculiar hairstyle, moustache and mannerisms.

Also in the cast of No.66 Madurai Bus are Pasupathi, Padmapriya and Swetha Menon.

The shooting of the film has been completed and post- production work is on.

The incredibly funny George Thekkinmoottil aka 'Achayan' of the popular TV sitcom Akkara Kazhchakal made by a group of Malayalis based in the US, which is a huge hit on YouTube, is to act in director Pradeep Nair's Cherukkanum Pennum.

Actor Josekutty Valiyakallumkal, who is also a part of the film originally hails from Uzhavoor and has been living in the US for several years now. He says that "even we are surprised at the kind of response that the comedy series is getting thanks to the Internet. In fact, we have made a movie based on the show and it will be released in Kerala soon."

Josekutty plays Sreejith Vijay's father in Cherukkanum Pennum. "I am indeed delighted to do this role and I have already been approached by more filmmakers in Malayalam," he says.

Love is in the air in the Malayalam film industry with quite a number of stars finding their life partners.

After the marriage of Mamta Mohandas to her childhood friend Prejith, and Second Show star and Mammootty's son Dulquer Salmaan tying the knot with Amaal Sufia, heroines Samvritha Sunil and Ananya are preparing for their nuptials. 

There were rumours that all was not well after Ananya's engagement to businessman Anjaneyan, but things are said to be fine now.

Bhavana has been linked to actor Rajeev Pillai and Bhama is allegedly dating Telugu actor Rajeev. But Rajeev has been quick to scotch any such rumours and Bhama declares 'we're just friends' to anyone who asks.

The love bug seems to have bitten Vineeth Sreenivasan, who has announced his new project Thattathin Marayathu, with Nivin Pauly in the lead.

If industry sources are to be believed, Vineeth has been in love for some time now and is all set to get married soon. Watch this space for more!