THE CLIFF NEWS

2024 has proven to be one of the most successful years for Malayalam cinema, with director Haneef Adeni’s Marco emerging as a major success. The film, which stars Unni Mukundan in the lead role, crossed the Rs 100 crore mark in worldwide earnings just 15 days after its release on December 20. The film, noted for its intense violence, sparked considerable discussion and controversy upon its debut. The movie features an ensemble cast including Siddique, Yukti Thareja, Jagadish, Abhimanyu Thilakan, Anson Paul, and Kabir Duhan Singh. It is the sixth Malayalam film of 2024 to reach the Rs 100 crore milestone, joining other major hits such as Manjummel Boys (Rs 240.5 crore), Aadujeevitham (Rs 157.35 crore), Aavesham (Rs 154.79 crore), Premalu (Rs 131.18 crore), and Ajayante Randam Moshanam (Rs 107.3 crore). The movie has also achieved notable milestones, including a record number of shows and screens on its release day in India. Additionally, Marco made history in Telugu-speaking regions by becoming the highest-grossing Malayalam movie on its release day, earning Rs 1.75 crore. As the film prepares for its upcoming release in South Korea, there are high expectations for it to secure a major opening in the East Asian country. Produced by Shareef Muhammed under the Cubes Entertainments banner, Marco boasts music and background score by Ravi Basrur, stunts choreographed by Kalai Kingson, cinematography by Chandru Selvaraj, and editing by Shameer Muhammed.

The 82nd Golden Globes marked the start of the 2025 Hollywood awards season, held on January 5 at the Beverly Hilton Hotel, Los Angeles. Hosted by stand-up comedian Nikki Glaser, the event made history with Glaser as the first solo female host in Golden Globes history. Highlights: Indian Representation: Presenters: A star-studded lineup included Andrew Garfield, Anthony Mackie, Dwayne Johnson, Jennifer Coolidge, Viola Davis, Michelle Yeoh, and more. Diversity and Change: The Golden Globes’ voting body has expanded and diversified in recent years, adopting a new code of conduct to reflect broader representation and inclusivity. The event celebrated outstanding talent across film and television, continuing its legacy as a prominent precursor to the Oscars.

A unique Kumbh Clock, designed like a flower, has been installed at the Ravindra Convention Centre during the 31st National Children’s Science Congress. This clock demonstrates how astronomy determines the timing of Kumbh fairs in Prayagraj, Ujjain, Nashik, and Haridwar. In this design, the 12 zodiac constellations replace the usual numbers on the clock. The minute hand is represented by the Sun, while the hour hand is Jupiter. As the Sun completes a full cycle through the constellations, Jupiter transitions to the next zodiac sign, mimicking the celestial movements that decide the timing of Kumbh fairs. Science communicator Sarika Gharu explained that the sky functions like a universal clock, with Jupiter deciding the year of the Kumbh and the Sun indicating the month. The event also featured the evaluation of student projects and workshops aimed at enhancing learning. Educational strategist Raj Kishore spoke about the enduring importance of creativity and critical thinking, emphasizing that no AI tool can replace human ingenuity. He underscored the vital role of teachers in fostering problem-solving and independent reasoning among students.

Over ₹33 crore was spent on renovating the Delhi Chief Minister’s residence, significantly exceeding the initial estimate of ₹7.9 crore, according to an audit report. The renovation, initiated in 2020, included luxury additions such as an 88-inch OLED TV for ₹28.9 lakh, ten other OLED TVs for ₹43.9 lakh, a high-end refrigerator for ₹3.2 lakh, and kitchen appliances worth over ₹8 lakh. Furniture and furnishings, including beds and sofas, cost ₹13 lakh, while a jacuzzi, sauna, and spa installation cost ₹19.5 lakh. An additional ₹19.8 crore was used to construct seven servant quarters, a diversion from funds originally allocated for building a staff block. The 21,000 sq. ft. property features eight bedrooms, three meeting rooms, two drawing rooms, two kitchens, 12 toilets, and a dining hall, furnished with high-end amenities such as Bose ceiling speakers and 50 indoor air conditioners. The audit, which covers the period up to March 2022, flagged irregularities in expenditure and questioned the lack of feasibility studies and transparency in contractor selection. The Public Works Department (PWD) revised estimates multiple times without tendering for additional works amounting to ₹25.8 crore, including ₹18 crore spent on superior and ornamental items. The matter has sparked political controversy, with allegations of wasteful spending during the pandemic. The report highlighted incomplete records and insufficient documentation to validate expenses, raising concerns about accountability in executing the renovation project.

Two cases of Human Metapneumovirus (HMPV) have been reported in Bengaluru: a 3-month-old baby now discharged and an 8-month-old currently recovering. These are the first reported HMPV cases in India, with no recent travel history linked to the patients. The infections were identified through routine respiratory virus surveillance. HMPV is known to cause mild cold-like symptoms but can lead to complications like pneumonia, particularly in infants, the elderly, and individuals with weakened immunity. The virus is globally present and often peaks in winter and early spring. Authorities are monitoring the situation closely, with increased testing capacity and surveillance efforts in place. Hospitals have been advised to follow strict isolation protocols and report cases of respiratory illnesses promptly.

Chinese fast-fashion giant Shein is making a comeback in India after a four-and-a-half-year ban. The company, which was blocked along with 200 other Chinese apps by the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY) on June 29, 2020, is re-entering the market through a partnership with Reliance Retail. Shein has begun a backend test launch on Reliance’s e-commerce platform, Ajio.com, focusing on casual westernwear. While the rollout may expand to other Reliance platforms in the future, a specific timeline for the full-scale launch is yet to be announced. This partnership positions Shein to compete with brands like Tata’s Zudio and Flipkart’s Myntra in the affordable fashion segment. Reliance Retail Ventures Ltd. formalized its partnership with Shein last year, and the two companies have signed a technology agreement to create a local e-commerce platform. This platform will rely on Indian manufacturers and suppliers to produce and sell Shein-branded products. Global Success Fuels Shein’s India Plans Shein has been a major player in the global fashion industry, emerging as the world’s most visited fashion and apparel website in September 2024, according to Similarweb. It held a 2.68% global web traffic share in the third quarter of 2024, surpassing brands like Nike, H&M, and Zara. The platform’s user base has grown significantly, with a report by Earnest highlighting a 40% rise in transaction-making users on Shein’s website between January and August 2024. Shein is also challenging established players in key markets like the US and France.

At a time when producers are not clear and confident about starting fresh films, production house Maddock Films has announced eight new films across diverse genres for the next four years. Films such as Thama (2025), Shakti Shalini (2025), Bhediya 2 (2026), Chamunda (2026), Stree 3 (2027), Mahamunjya (2027), Pehla Mahayudh (2028), and Doosara Mahayudh (2028) follow a cinematic universe based on the theme of horror-comedy. These films will get released in the next four years. Dinesh Vijan, founder, Maddock Films, said, “Our mission at Maddock has always been to innovate and entertain. We’ve crafted compelling characters that resonate with audiences, grounded in India’s rich culture and heritage. This deep connection has made our stories not just relatable, but also meaningful.” 2024 has been a landmark year for Maddock Films. The production house has been the biggest outlier in 2024. In 2024, when more films failed than worked, Maddock Films’ Stree 2, Munjya, Teri Baaton Mein Aisa Uljha Jiya and Sector 36 enthralled and proved successes in a time when success has become extremely elusive. Stree 2 had emerged as the first Hindi film to cross Rs600 crore net collection at the domestic box office, indicating the production house’s ability to create a successful cinematic universe of horror-comedies. The film resonated deeply with audiences, propelling horror comedy further into the mainstream cinema. Vijan of Maddock Films explained, “We have consistently redefined Indian cinema with every release. From delivering mega-blockbusters like Stree 2, Munjya, and Teri Baaton Mein Aisa Uljha Jiya, Maddock Films has cemented itself as a powerhouse of innovative storytelling.”

Salah said: “The first thing that was on the list was to win the Premier League with Liverpool. “In my interviews over the last seven or eight years, I always say [I want to win the] Champions League. But this is the first time I’m saying I really want to win the Premier League with Liverpool.” Asked why he was so focused on winning the title, he added:  “I have no idea. It’s probably because we didn’t celebrate the one we won in the way we wanted and also, coming back here too, it’s my last year in the club so you want to do something special for the city. “That was the thing in my head. “We waited for that title for 30 years or so. So, to win it and it was the pandemic at that time, we didn’t really have time to celebrate it in the right way. It’s not a nice thing to do, so hopefully we can do it this year.”

Actress Kiara Advani, who is set to star in the much-awaited film Game Changer alongside Ram Charan, is resting it out at home. It was earlier reported that actress Kiara Advani, who is set to star in the much-awaited film Game Changer alongside Ram Charan, has been hospitalised in Mumbai. The actress was scheduled to attend a promotional event for the film today in the city but was notably absent. According to sources, it was said that Kiara was admitted to the hospital earlier this morning. And now, her spokesperson has cleared the air on the matter. “Kiara Advani has not been hospitalised, she’s been advised to rest due to exertion as she’s been working not stop,” the actress’ spokesperson said.