Non-Keralite kids shine in Malayalam cinema

Kochi, Oct 15 (IANS): This season in Malayalam cinema seems to belong to non-Malayali kids.

First, Taruni Sachdev, a Mumbai-based child model, made it big with Vinayan's ghost story "Vellinakshatram" released during Vishu, the new year's day according to the Malayalam calendar. Her work impressed everyone so much that Vinayan repeated her in his "Sathyam", an action film released during Onam.

And now, a child actor from Gujarat, Master Yash, better known as Kochundapri (his pet name in Mammootty-starrer "Kazhcha" directed by newcomer Blessy), is making waves with his performance.

Unlike Taruni, seven-year-old Yash was born and brought up in Kochi. He faced the camera for the first time for this film. His portrayal of a boy from Gujarat's Kutch, who had lost his family in an earthquake and had strayed into Kerala, has been appreciated so much that he may win the next state award for the best child artiste.