Prabhu Deva’s wife issues ultimatum to Nayanthara

Nayanthara is in the news for the wrong reasons again. Her affair with Prabhu Deva has been quite talked about. More buzz on the issue is that Prabhu Deva’s wife, Ramlath, has asked Nayanthara to leave him alone. A number of women’s organizations are also supporting Ramlath and have asked Nayanthara to listen to Ramlath and issue a statement that she is not having an affair with Prabhu Deva. They have threatened to stop the screening of her movies if she doesn’t agree.

Rajnikanth, Kamal Haasan win TN State Government Awards

Tamil Nadu Government has announced the winners list of State Government Awards for 2007 and 2008. Reigning superstars Rajnikanth and Kamal Haasan have won the best actor awards for “Sivaji’ (2007) and “Dasavatharam’ (2008). Actress Jyothika has been felicitated with best actress for her spellbinding performance in “Mozhi’ (2007) and actress Sneha for “Pirivoam Sandipoam’ in 2008.

2007 Awards

Best Film- 1st- Sivaji, 2nd– Mozhi, 3rd- Pallikoodam Best Director- Thankar Bachchan Best Supporting Actor- MS Bhaskar, Mozhi Best Supporting Actress- Archana- Onbathu Roopa Note Best Music Composer Vidyasagar- Mozhi Best Family Film- Thoovanam

2008 Awards

Best Film- 1st Dasavatharam, 2nd– Abhiyum Naanum , 3rd- Santhosh Subramaniam Best Director- Radha Mohan- Abhiyum Naanum Best Supporting Actor- Prakash Raj-Abhiyum Naanum Best Supporting Actress- Pooja-Naan Kaduvul Best Music Composer- Ilayaraja-Ajantha Best Family Film- Vallamai Tharayo

Trisha, Shriya Saran running out of offers

Actresses Trisha and Shriya Saran are losing out their offers; for they are charging Rs.1 Crore as their remuneration. According to the sources, Tamil film industry’s producers had fixed Rs.60 Lakhs as their remuneration. But, the Telugu film producers have been so generous in hiking their payment to Rs. 1Crore and plus.

Instantly, Trisha has got no projects in Tamil except Gowtham Menon’s “Vinnaithandi Varuvaaya’. She was supposed to be paired opposite Naga Chaitanya in Telugu remake as well. But as she demanded for a big sum, Gowtham had no options other than replacing her with new hottie Samantha.

Similarly, Shriya Charan seems to be running out of offers due to her salary. The unsuccessful actress hasn’t delivered a hit post-Sivaji. Apart from “Jaggubhai’, the actress has got “Chikku Bhukku’ with Aarya and Dhanush starrer “Kutty’.

The new entries: Anushka, Thamannah, and Samantha have likely topped the charts overshadowing these actresses now.

Prakash Raj in one more offbeat film

After winning “National Awards’ for his spellbinding performance in Priyadarshan’s “Kanchivaram’, actor Prakash Raj has been offered to don lead role in one more offbeat film to be made in Telugu.

The untitled film is produced and directed by debutant Kripakar Reddy… According to the sources, actress Bhoomika Chawla will star opposite Prakash Raj in female lead and rest of the star-casts are yet to be finalized.

It’s noteworthy that Prakash Raj and Bhoomika have worked together in many films, but this is the first time they’re pairing up for lead roles. At the moment, both Prakash and Bhoomika are working Thangar Bachan’s “Kalavadiya Pozhudugal’ featuring Prabhu Deva as protagonist. On the pars, Bhoomika has almost completed shooting for her other Tamil film “Sinam’ starring Sathyaraj and Navdeep in lead roles.

Surya undergoes Hindi tuition

With couple of Bollywood projects in hand, the actor spends more time in learning Hindi now. Well, if you’re guessing about his tutor, it’s not someone hired by him. It’s his sweet wife Jyothika who’s been straining herself in putting right pronunciation on his tongue.

Although, Surya is well versed with Hindi, he isn’t fluent in conversations. That urges him to set things in perfection.

His first Hindi project would be Ram Gopal Varma’s “Raktha Charithra’ where he dons the role of Bengali Naxalite. The other film is yet to be titled and is directed by “Ghajini’ fame A.R. Murugadoss. The trilingual film will be made in Hindi, Tamil and Telugu with Udayanidhi Stalin of Red Giant Movies producing it.

‘Thiru Thiru…’ a hilarious entertainer

Cheers to young filmmaker Nandhini for treading a new path in her maiden venture “Thiru Thiru Thuru Thuru”. When action-packed flicks are the order of the day, Nandhini deserves a pat for experimenting with a hilarious entertainer.

The movie has been shot in digital format, giving enough scope for Nandhini to try adding innovative colours and tones on screen.

The story revolves around four main characters. Srinivasan (Mouli) runs an advertising agency. His employees - Arjun (Ajmal) and Archana (Rupa Manjeri) - slog for the company. The couple with contrasting characters comes together for an assignment and choose a baby to appear for one of their advertisements.

But the turn of events land them trouble, as the baby happens to be a kidnapped one. They now run from pillar to post to hand over the baby to its parents and also obtain a no-objection certificate from them for the baby to feature in their ad campaign.

With Mouli taking centre stage, Nandhini seems to have won the battle even before she commenced the film. The actor and writer, who impressed everyone with a neat portrayal in “Poi Solla Porom”, carries his good form here too. Cool and casual in his dialogue delivery, it seems to be a tailor-made role for Mouli and he has slipped into it really well.

Nadhini promises a lot as soon as the movie begins and she sustains the momentum right through the fare. But the movie fails to impress as a whole, as the script looks like a package of jokes and comical sequences rather than a coherent story.

Ajmal, who donned a serious role in “Anjathae” and “TN 09 AL 4777″, plays a different role this time. As an irresponsible youth, who gets stuck in problems, he has performed well. Newcomer Rupa Manjeri, as his colleague who strives for perfection in all her acts, has also done justice to her role. But it is Mouli who walks away with the applause.

Music composer Mani Sharma, who is otherwise known for racy beats, has come with some soft melodies. But too many dialogues, with most characters speaking lengthy ones at places, takes away the attention.

Sathyam Cinemas and Real Image deserves pat for producing a simple movie sans violence. The movie lacks intensity and coherence but it provides some fun.

Aamir to screen ‘3 Idiots’ for A.R. Murugadoss

“No wonder, it’s something that every actor would do– invite close friends for grand premiere’. Perhaps, if you had drawn such presumptions, you’re wrong, as Aamir plans up for something different.

It’s a well-known fact that Aamir Khan– Mr. Perfectionist has a special concern for his each film and puts on his earnest efforts for best results. At the moment, he is close on the heels of completing final schedule of Rajkumar Hiran’s “3 Idiots’, based on Chetan Bhagat’s novel “Five Point Someone’.

Meanwhile, he has decided to host special screening for his family members and close friends seeking for their feedback. On heeding to their views, Aamir would insist Rajkumar Hirani to make modifications or re-shoot certain sequences if situations arise.

According to the closer sources of Aamir Khan, it has been revealed that the actor has planned to invite A.R. Murugadoss for special screening.

“3 Idiots’ starring Aamir Khan, Madhavan, Sharman Joshi and Kareena Kapoor in lead roles is all set to hit screens on Dec 25 for the occasion of Christmas.

Selvaraghavan’s flight to Ladahk

These days Selvaraghavan seems to be flying across globe on the attempt of finalizing locations for his upcoming untitled film with Vikram and ‘Subramaniapuram’ fame Swathi in lead roles.

The filmmaker had recently completed working on postproduction works and didn’t spare any moment for holidaying. Since, he has to shoot simultaneously for this untitled film and another flick ‘Idhu Maalai Nerathu Mayakkam’ with Dhanush-Andrea in lead, the filmmaker doesn’t think about taking a break.

On the pars, sources have revealed that he’s going through tough time in personal life ever since he split up with his wife Sonia Agarwal.

Meanwhile, Sonia Agarwal has already started shooting for the bilingual film with Upendra in lead role, in which she performs the role of widow.

A.R. Rahman’s sensational show in Chennai

For those who yearned to catch the sensational moment of live concert of “Madras Mozart’, here comes the grand fiesta. MARG in association with Shakthi Foundation brings A.R. Rahman in a live concert on October 11, MARG Swarna Bhoomi, East Coast Road, Chennai.

Previously, A.R. Rahman had performed live in 2002 for raising charity funds in association with Mahesh Memorial Cancer Institute.

According to the officials of MARG and Shakthi Foundation, they’ve stated that it’s not just a concert that is not just aimed at sharing scintillating music, but also an important occasion aimed at raising funds to help The Shakti Foundation its noble quest for providing the Adhiparasakthi Medical and Research Hospital with medical equipment.

Tickets are available from the range of Rs.300–Rs.5,000 at various centers in Chennai.

Prabhu wanted by Boney for WANTED celebrations!

Celebrations are in order. But the Wanted party has been postponed by a week.

“Our director Prabhu Deva got caught up in an assignment in Kerala. So we’ve postponed the party for next week. We can’t celebrate without Prabhu,” says Boney emotionally.

Boney has not been so excited in a long time. “The collections of Wanted speak for themselves. In the first week it has done better business than Kambhakkt Ishq did in its entire run. There was gun-firing between two sections of clashing Salman fans in a theatre named Rishi in Bulandshaher.”

And yet Wanted is supposedly a slow-starter in the multiplexes. Isn’t it?

Boney retorts, “Let Aditya Chopra make films for multiplexes. I’m happy reaching out to the masses.”

Commenting on why Dil Bole Hadippa didn’t do well Boney says, “Their intended USP was the Punjabi culture. Ironically the film didn’t even open well in Punjab. How does one explain this? Their other USP was Rani Mukherjee dressed as a man. But old-time heroines like Asha Parekh and Saira Banu have done the man thing long ago. And they were buxom ladies therefore tantalizing in their cross-dressing. With due respects to her amazing talent, Rani looked like a school boy.”

Feeling on top of the world Boney says, “The corporate culture that has seeped into filmmaking is not working. The corporate guys know only about paper-work, nothing about filmmaking. We need individual producers with vision to bail the industry out of its present crisis. I’ve made 30 films. But I still feel I’ve just started with Wanted.”

Apart from the No Entry sequel, Boney will also finally start a film with his mesmeric wife Sridevi. “If I don’t; her fans will kill me. I’ve heard a script I’ve liked.”

Prabhu Deva-Nayanthara spotted watching Wanted in Mumbai

The Nayanthara–Prabhu Deva affair is much talked about. According to sources, recently, Nayanthara flew all the way from Kolkata to Mumbai to catch Prabhu Deva’s movie, Wanted. She wanted to watch the movie with him in a multiplex and see the public reaction. She returned to Kolkata the same evening. Prabhu Deva was also reportedly seen dropping her off at the airport.

‘Chiyaan’ Vikram wants to watch ‘Madurai-to-Theni’

Amidst of big tickets in Kollywood dashing down the hopes, few low-budget films have really made it big on box office. In the recent times, it has been more illustrious with Shankar’s production “Eeram’, which was produced at a low budget and is now making good business on box office.
On the dot, here comes yet another film “Madurai-to-Theni Vazhi Andipatti’, a love story set in the backdrops of bus journey between Madurai and Theni.
The film has already witnessed good results in “B’ and “C’ centers, and started making great business through good word-of-mouth. All of a sudden, the filmmaker received a surprising phone call from actor Vikram, who lauded the entire film and for making a good film. Also, Vikram has decided to write a personal letter to all media channels after watching the film by next week…

Prabhu Deva’s wife swears to kill Nayanthara

Alas This could be the hardest outburst of a wife yearning for her husband’s love and affection. It’s all about choreographer-filmmaker Prabhu Deva, his wife Ramalath and actress Nayanthara.
Prabhu Deva and Nayanthara have been in a close relationship for the past couple of months. They’ve been traveling together across various places and indeed plan to get married shortly.
But Prabhu Deva’s wife Ramalath has openly stated that she would take Prabhu Deva to task if he desolates her and marries Nayanthara. When things are working out, Ramalath strongly admits that she will go to any extreme, even killing Nayanthara, to get her husband back.
Precisely responding to the frustrated statement by Prabhu’s wife, Nayanthara utters, “I am really wondering why she’s getting so excited merely by reading rumors. I and Prabhu Deva are good friends and we aren’t planning to get married.”

Genelia Dsouza on hosting spree

Yes you have heard it right, Jaane Tu… girl is all set to debut on television as host for the UTV Bindass show Big Switch. A unique reality show which will see the celebs kids participating in it.

“Genelia is hosting a show for the first time on television. The format of the show is different where a celebs child will be partnered with a slum child and they together have to do the tasks,” says our source.

Elaborating more on the show, our source quips, “Each slum child’s one wish will be fulfilled by the show like for example; one may need money for the operation of mother or father and any such demands.

” So are you ready to live life and as a slum-child becomes a millionaire through the show.

Actors Karthik and Prabhu back in ‘Maanja Velu’

After tasting success with “Malai Malai’, the same team is back joining hands for “Maanja Velu’. Arun Vijay’s father-in-law under the banner of Feather Touch Entertainments produces the film. A. Venkatesh handles story, screenplay, dialogues and direction while search is going on for the female lead role.

It has been officially confirmed that yesteryear actors Karthik and Prabhu have been approached to enact a prominent role in this film. It’s worth mentioning that Malayalam actor Suresh Gopi has already signed in for the film.

Both Karthik and Prabhu had earlier paired up together in Manirathnam’s “Agni Natchathiram’ and would be sharing screen space again with the same filmmaker’s forthcoming film “Raavana’.

Actress Samantha in remake of ‘Vinnaithandi Varuvaaya’

Filmmaker Gowtham Menon has roped in actress Samantha for the Telugu remake of “Vinnaithandi Varuvaaya’. Gowtham approached the actress, who has made her debut with Aascar Ravichandran’s “Moscowin Kaveri’, and she has signed the deal.

The Telugu version of “Vinnaithandi Varuvaaya’ features Nagarjuna’s son Naga Chaitanya in lead role. After a long search of new faces, Gowtham has zeroed down on Samantha, who has already completed shooting for couple of films, which are ready to hit screens shortly.

“Vinnaithandi Varuvaaya’ features Silambarasan, Trisha in lead roles while both the versions will have academy award winner A.R. Rahman scoring music.

No more double actions -Kamal Haasan

Actor Kamal Haasan makes a strong confirmation that he would no more perform dual or multiple roles in near future. The actor, who’s much elated with the grand opening of his Friday release ‘Unnai Pol Oruvan’ interacted with media channels.

During this juncture, he admitted that from now onwards he will be focusing more on off-screen tasks, especially on screenwriting. The actor mentioned that he had to put his earnest efforts in making the right changes in ‘A Wednesday’ to cater the tastes of South Indian audiences.

Right now, Kamal Haasan has started penning script for his next untitled film featuring him and ace filmmaker K. Balachandar in lead roles.

Ajith Kumar and Sameera Reddy in France

Ajith Kumar, Sameera Reddy and entire team of “ASAL’ have taken flight to France for a 23-days schedule. According to the sources, couple of talkie portions and a song would be shot across the exotic locales of France. Later, the crew will move to London where major portion of the film would be canned.

Prabhu and Ramkumar, producers of Sivaji Productions have planned to produce the film on a big budget.

The film is directed by Saran with Sameera Reddy and Bhavana starring opposite Ajith Kumar in female lead roles. Bharadwaj scores music while Yugi Sethu has penned the script.

Producers have planned to release the film for Pongal 2010.

Review: Unnai Pol Oruvan

Unnai Pol Oruvan

Banner: Raj Kamal Productions, UTV Motion Pictures

Production: Kamal Haasan, Ronnie Screwvala

Direction: Chakri

Star-casts: Kamal Haasan, Mohan Lal, Lakshmi, Tanuja Iyer, Ganesh Venkataram

Music: Shruti Haasan

A challenging face-off between two men involved in events that go unrecorded by law, all in a 100-mins edge-of-the-seat thriller. Isn’t that interesting? If so, just book your tickets for “Unnai Pol Oruvan’ right now and go ahead, watch it.

If “A Wednesday’ made Neeraj Pandey as the finest auteur of Bollywood, debutant Chakri isn’t an exception, as he does justice with a loyal remake of this masterpiece.

With superstars and best actors detailed in their characterizations, and the disconcerting screenplay making the film engrossing, it is a treat for all the classes.

“Unnai Pol Oruvan’ marks the unrecorded series of events that took place between 2 p.m. -6 p.m. on a usual day. But, for those who were involved in this drama, it remains as an unforgettable day in their lives.

Well, Raghavan Maraar (Mohan Lal), City commissioner of police, Mumbai isn’t an elision as he admits it on the final day of his service that a stranger walked into his life and swept him off as a Tsunami.

A stranger (Kamal Haasan) on anonymity makes a phone call to Maraar demanding him to release 4 deadliest criminals, or else he would detonate the bombs planted by him at various parts of the city. Assuming this to be a crank call, Maraar doesn’t take it so seriously until the stranger blows him out of waters stating that he has planted a bomb at Anna Saalai police station, which would blast soon.

Things turn out to be serious for commissioner and his entire department. With no options left to save the entire city from getting deteriorated, Maraar ropes in couple of best cops in department to release the criminals. But then, if you had ever thought this would’ve a clichéd climax, you’re erred.

The breathtaking climax would just let you get thrown into extreme with a sudden twist in tale.

First things first All credit goes to Neeraj Pandey for having conceptualized a phenomenal storyline that lets every audience reflect themselves with the protagonist’s role. Perhaps, if you hadn’t watched the original version of “A Wednesday’, you would feel irksome over the first 20 minutes with the establishment of each character (couple of young cops, a journalist, an actor seeking protection from the commissioner and so on). But later, once we’re drawn in to the core of subject, it’s a different scenario brimmed with nail-biting sequences.

Debutant Chakri doesn’t strain himself in making changes from the original version. But indeed adds some interesting elements with dialogues.

Kamal Haasan shines with his brilliant performance, while Mohan Lal steals the spotlights with a tremendous show…. It’s worth mentioning that he has got more prominence than Kamal Haasan. His conversations with journalist and entire department are so catchy, especially where he meets the computer hacker. Anuja Iyer as the journalist does her part well, while Ganesh Venkataram is a new guy to watch out for. Lakshmi is okay.

Shruti Haasan comes up with middling effort on her musical score. Nothing seems to be impressive with the background score. Manoj has done an excellent job with his digital cinematography.

Finally, “Unnai Pol Oruvan’ is sure to make it big on box office with a long Ramzan weekend. With not so-much money spent for this film, the producers are sure to take a walk with good profit by this weekend.

Verdict: Worth watching…

Sun Pictures acquires Ameer’s ‘Yogi’

After acquiring the rights over Vijay’s “Vettaikaran’, Dhanush starrer “Kutty’, Sun Pictures has signed the deal for Ameer’s “Yogi’. Ameer himself produces the film, under the banner of Team Work Productions and his close associate Subramaniam Siva has directed it.

Recently, during the audio launch of “Yogi’, Hansraj Saxena of Sun Pictures had openly addressed the media networks that they’ve got the rights of this film.

Sources say that earlier Ameer had plans about selling the satellite rights to Kalainyar channel. But later, he changed his mind, with a close friend advising him to sign the deal with Sun Network as they would promote the film better.

“Yogi’ features Ameer, Madhumitha and Lyric writer Snegan in lead roles, while Yuvan Shankar Raja has scored music.

Vijay’s ‘Sura’ from September 18

Actor Vijay, who had recently admitted that he has no plans on joining politics, is all set to commence his next film. With the final schedule of “Vettaikaran’ getting wrapped up today, the actor will kick-start with his next project “Sura’ on this Friday across the shores of Alapuzha, Kerala.

Although, producer of the film Sangli Murugan had titled the film as “Urimai Kural’, he has got a second option (Sura) now. When approached regarding the finalized title, the producer says, “Nothing has been confirmed about the film’s title and will be done within next couple of days. According to the script, Vijay’s character has been named as Sura who dwells in the slums situated across coastal region.

” The film is produced under the banner of Murugan Cine Arts with Thamannah starring opposite Vijay as the female lead.

Actress Ramya Krishnan celebrates her birthday

Actress Ramya Krishnan celebrated her 39th birthday yesterday (Sep 15). Since the actress was busy shooting for a TV serial “Thangam’, she had to spend the entire day over there feting the occasion. The entire cast and crew of “Thangam’: Vijayakumar, Ravi Varma, Joy, actresses Seema, Anuradha, Manju Bhargavi, Kaveri, Jyothi, creative director Naachiyaar and other crewmembers offered her special gifts and Ramya Krishnan had cut the cake over there.

Ramya Krishnan was born in Chennai on September 15, 1970 and started her acting career at the age of 13. She made her debut in female lead with “Vellai Manasu’ pairing up with Y.Gee. Mahendran.

She holds special mention for having performed various roles of a glam-doll, a caring wife, a devoted mom, an arrogant vamp, and even a goddess.

‘Subramaniapuram’ Swathi pairs with Vikram

Tollywood actress Swathi, who shot to fame with Sasikumar’s “Subramaniapuram’, pairs up with “Chiyaan’ Vikram in Selvaraghavan’s forthcoming film. Selvaraghavan had earlier casted Swathi in his Telugu movie “Aadavari Maathlaadu Arthale Vaeru’ (later remade in Tamil as “Yaaradi Nee Mohini’).

Followed by the success of “Subramaniapuram’, the actress has been offered to star opposite actor Jai in an untitled film produced by T. Siva of Amma Creations. As well, the actress would be shooting simultaneously for Vikram-Selvaraghavan’s untitled film.

The film’s shooting will hit the floors by first week of December once Vikram completes his final schedule of “Raavana’ and Selvaraghavan finishes his postproduction works of his present project “Aayirathil Oruvan’.

Nepal shoots down Bollywood’s Sobhraj plan

Upcoming Bollywood star Neil Nitin Mukesh’s plan to make a new film on crime maestro Charles Sobhraj and have the protagonist copy Sobhraj’s `mannerisms’ has been shot down by Nepal’s prison authorities, who said he would never be allowed to meet Sobhraj in prison.

“Nepal’s home ministry has laid down regulations that a prisoner can be visited only by his relatives, lawyers and human rights organisations, like the Red Cross, National Human Rights Commission and Office of the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights,” said Yam Kumari Khatiwada, chief of Nepal’s prison management department that runs the jails in the Himalayan republic.

Since his arrival in Kathmandu in 2003, Sobhraj has been spending his days in Kathmandu’s Central Prison under maximum security after two courts found him guilty of the murder of an American tourist nearly three decades ago and handed him down a 20-year life term.

Reports in the Indian media last week said Mukesh was planning to fly down to Kathmandu and meet Sobhraj in order to give authenticity to the character in his proposed film. Tentatively called `Charles’, it would be made under the banner of Percept Picture Company Ltd.

“We are in the process of contacting authorities in Nepal and India for the necessary permissions to meet Sobhraj,” Mukesh was quoted as saying, adding, “The meeting looks probable because the Nepalese court has allowed vistors to meet Sobhraj in the past.”

“This is the first time that I have heard of such a thing,” Khatiwada told IANS in an exclusive interview.

“No one is allowed to take photographs or make recordings inside our prisons. Even meetings are ruled out when the visitors have such intentions (as making films). Only a few select rights organisations are allowed to hold vetted programme inside the prisons.”

The official said she would alert the prisoner of the Central Jail, Shankar Prasad Arryal, about Mukesh’s intention and instruct him not to allow such a visit.

In the past, when Sobhraj was pursued by the media following his revelation that he was going to marry a teenager one-third his age, the prison authorities had clamped down on visitors for Sobhraj.

Several times, he was kept in isolation, not allowed to meet anyone except his lawyers.

Khatiwada also said she was amazed by the Indian actor’s announcing plans of meeting Sobhraj before the media without having taken any actual steps and without contacting the appropriate authorities in Nepal.

In addition to ruffling officials, Mukesh seems to have also left out something very important from his calculations.

The man he wants to meet himself may not be willing to grant an audience.

Sobhraj’s lawyers have been fighting earlier bids by Bollywood to make films based on his life. They threatened to sue director Prawaal Raman, who too had announced a Sobhraj film, “Charles and I”, with Sanjay Dutt in the lead.

After that, Raman was reported as saying that his film was pure fiction and had nothing to do with Sobhraj.

“How can they make a film on a person who is alive without his permission?” Sobhraj had said three years ago when Raman announced his new project. “I am going to sue them if they try to do so without my permission.”

Wedding bells for actor Vikranth

Actor Vijay’s cousin Vikranth, who made his debut with “Karkka Kasadara’ is all set to enter nuptial with small screen actress Manasa. Much inspired by Vijay, Vikranth too underwent his studies at Visual Communication of Loyola College, Chennai and later stepped into film industry.
In spite of teeming talent, the actor hasn’t been able to make it big on silver screens. We wish that his marriage would bring him fortune in all his endeavors. It’s worth mentioning that Manasa is the daughter of cameraman Hema Chandran.
The wedding is scheduled to take place at the Accord Metropolitan Hotel in Chennai on October 21st. The reception will be held on October 20th.

‘Vettaikaran’ shooting to complete on September 15

So, here comes the great news for all the ardent fans of “Ilayathalapathy’ Vijay. Shooting for his upcoming Diwali release “Vettaikaran’ has reached the final schedule. According to filmmaker Babu Sivan, he has assured that the film’s shooting will be completed on September 15 followed by a song shot in foreign locations by October 1.
It has been revealed by closers sources that Hansraj Saxena of Sun Pictures has insisted the crew to complete the shooting soon, as they’re planning to release the film for Diwali.
Accordingly, director Babu Sivan has decreed two separate film units, so that production works would be completed at ease without any delay. Incisively, due to this last minute rush, the film’s audio launch has been postponed to next week.

Second innings for actress Meena

The versatile actress who had reigned with prominence in South Indian film industry is back in action now. Aye Soon after the marriage, Meena and her husband Vidyasagar were holidaying together. And now, the actress has resumed her acting career with “Vidathey Pidi’ -a comedy entertainer.
After a long sabbatical gap, yesteryear actor Prabhu takes on with lead role with Meena starring opposite him in female lead. T.P. Gajendran, well known for making comedy entertainers will handle story, screenplay, dialogues and direction.
At the moment, actress Meena is busy shooting for a reality show “Boys Vs Girls’ in Vijay TV where she has been offered to judge the best dancers.

‘Eeram’- a slick supernatural thriller

Film: “Eeram”
Director: Arivazagan
Cast: Aadhi, Sindhu Menon, Nandha and Saranya Mohan; Music: Thaman

Movies on supernatural thrillers are a rarity in Tamil cinema. “Eeram” is a crime thriller and a horror flick rolled in one. Young director Arivazhagan deserves applause for a script that has an unfamiliar story with interesting twists and turns.

The way the element of water has been used in the script and portrayed through the lens is marvellous.

The movie begins with the death of Ramya (Sindhu Menon) and Vasudevan (Aadhi), a tough cop, takes up the task of investigating the case. Initially it was thought to be a suicide. But Vasu suspects some foul play.

The needle of suspicion falls on Ramya’s husband Bala (Nandha) and a few of her neighbours. But subsequent murders in the apartments deepen the mystery. The way the killings take place adds to the confusion and makes the narrative interesting.

A flashback reveals that Vasu was Ramya’s lover a few years ago. A determined Vasu goes hammer and tongs to trace the killer. And he is shocked to find out the reason behind her murder.

Arivazhagan has succeeded in sustaining the interest of the audience. The film is technically rich thanks to the cinematography by Manoj Paramahamsa.

The way things unfold in the first half is really good. Arivazhagan handles the mystery and investigation very well, while he deftly incorporates the flashback scenes into the narrative as well.

But the movie slides down when the police officer gets to know everything from an ‘unknown’ source. This makes the investigation process less interesting. The director goes on to narrate the story for almost one hour to show us how the hero traps the culprit.

When everything has been revealed by the ‘unknown source’, the suspense element ends and the proceedings look lengthy and tedious.

Adhi impresses while playing the suave cop. Equally impressive is Sindhu Menon. She fits the role of a bubbly young girl in love and later as a timid wife.

Nandha has a different role in this film. The actor, who has until now played a lover-boy, dons the role of character with different shades and he handles it with conviction. Saranya Mohan and Rajasekar also leave a positive impact with their relatively brief appearances.

Thaman, introduced as an actor by Shankar in “Boys”, has scored music for Viveka’s lyrics. More than the songs, his re-recording sets up the momentum in the movie.

Despite some flaws, “Eeram” is a whiff of fresh air in the otherwise commercially cliched Tamil cinema.

Tamil actor Vijay not to join political party for now

The Congress party’s effort to attract star value to its Tamil Nadu unit received a setback with leading Tamil film hero Vijay declaring Sunday he did not intend to join politics in the near future.
“I have decided not to join any political party for now. In future I will join hands with a party in power that works for the welfare of Tamils across the world,” Vijay told reporters here.

Speculation was rife in the state about the actor joining the Congress after his meeting with party general secretary Rahul Gandhi in New Delhi last month. It was expected that he would formally join the party during Gandhi’s three-day Tamil Nadu tour last week.

Earlier, he had converted his fan club into a people’s movement - Vijay Makkal Iyakkam.

Vijay, 35, is still not out of top hero list in the Tamil movie field and seems to have decided to focus on his movie career for the time being.

It is also alleged that he faced pressure to stay away from Congress and other parties, otherwise his movie career would be at risk.

Vijay’s next movie “Vettaikaran” slated for Diwali release has been purchased by Sun Pictures belonging to Kalanidhi Maran, grand nephew of Tamil Nadu Chief Minister M.Karunanidhi.

Kollywood’s ‘Big Tickets’ ready for the magic

Hoping to recreate magic at box office, these films have been churned out at unimaginably high-budgets with big star-casts. Here goes the exclusive list of forthcoming releases awaited in the next four months of release.
Vettaikaran– Vijay who hadn’t witnessed enough success with his previous films “Kuruvi’ and “Villu’ has laid his hopes on this mega-budget film directed by Babu Sivan. The film is produced by AVM Productions, and Sun Pictures have acquired worldwide release rights. Patently, the rare combination of Vijay and music director Vijay Antony has raised everyone’s expectations. Indeed, presence of alluring Anushka has let the masses yearning to catch her on the screens.
Aadhavan– Produced by Udayanidhi Stalin of Red Giant Movies, the film features Surya in the role of contract killer who’s assigned to massacre an entire family. But later, he changes his mind with the abundant affection obtained from the lovable members. Although, the songs by Harris Jayaraj aren’t extraordinary as in previous films (Ghajini, Kaakha Kaakha and Vaaranam Aayiram), sources have revealed that it would do well after the film’s release. Successful filmmaker K.S. Ravikumar has directed the film with actor-screenwriter Ramesh Khanna having penned the script.
Raavana– No matter how big the star-casts are, the entire town just waits to watch the line “A Manirathnam film’ in opening titles and that’s his uniqueness. The bilingual film features Vikram, Abhishek Bachchan, Aishwarya Rai, Priyamani, Bipasha Basu, Karthik, Prabhu, Govinda, and “Silandhi’ fame Munna and more. Apart from scoring music. A.R. Rahman himself has penned lyrics for a song. Indeed, three songs tuned for Manirathnam delayed “Lajjo’ (supposed to feature Aamir Khan and Kareena Kapoor in lead roles) has been utilized in this film.
Endhiran– It’s not worthy calling it as “talk of the town’, but as “talk of the entire globe’… “Superstar Rajnikanth’ who swayed with extraordinary performance “Sivaji– The Boss’ is back in action with director Shankar. “Endhiran’ is produced by Sun Pictures with a budget of Rs.130 Crores. The film features Rajnikanth in dual roles as a scientist-professor and a robot. Aishwarya Rai, Danny Denzongpa have included in the cast. Again, it’s about A.R. Rahman who always carries a special care for his close pal Shankar and superstar Rajnikanth. The film is probably slated to hit the screens for this Christmas or Pongal 2010.
Unnai Pol Oruvan– The film doesn’t need any descriptions. It has got couple of reasons to rock the box office: remake of a prodigious flick “A Wednesday’ and “Ulaganayagan’ Kamal Haasan is on the title cards. The film brings a new filmmaker Chakri into Kollywood and Kamal’s elder daughter Shruti Haasan has scored music for the film. The film is slated to hit the screens on Sept 18 for Ramzan.

Unnai Pol Oruvan confirmed on September 18

Finally, producers of UTV Motion Pictures have confirmed about the release of “Unnai Pol Oruvan’. They’ve made an official announcement that the film will hit the screens on September 18 for the occasion of Ramzan.

Earlier, both Kamal Haasan and producers had plans about releasing the film by August. But trade analysts suggested that the film’s trade wouldn’t be favorable in Kerala due to “Ramzan Fasting’. Of course, the producers who had ideated about promoting the film with superstar Mohan Lal’s presence felt this as a major constraint and postponed the release.

UTV Motion Pictures and Kamal Haasan produce the film under the banner of Rajkamal Productions. Debutant Chakri has wielded megaphone for this flick, and Kamal Haasan’s daughter Shruti Haasan’s musical score is already making good business in audio markets.

Sun Pictures bags ‘Kanden Kadhalai’

With big projects “Vettaikaran’ and “Kanden Kadhalai’ lined-up for release, Sun Pictures acquires yet another flick “Kanden Kadhalai’. The film produced by Moser Baer Entertainment and Blue Ocean Entertainment is a remake of yesteryear Bollywood blockbuster “Jab We Met’.

According to producer Dhananjayan of Moser Baer, he admits that Sun Pictures was supposed to produce this film in collaboration with Moser Baer and Blue Ocean Entertainment. However now, the producers are much elated that the project has landed into safe and strong hands, for it will do wonders at the box office soon for the benefit of everyone, associated with the film.

Mr. Kalanidhi Maran, CMD of Sun TV Network, Mr. Hansraj Saxena, COO of Sun Pictures and the entire team at Sun Pictures have now started planning for the world-wide marketing and distribution for Kanden Kadhalai that would probably hit the screens lately by next month.

Exclusive: 10 things you should know about Vadivelu

Vadivelu has so far acted in 450 films

Vadivelu is very fond of Tom and Jerry cartoons. He has a heavy collection of these DVDs.

Whenever he finds time he goes to Kuttralam and his popular spot in abroad is London. He is fond of swimming in Thames River.

Whenever he goes out he carries the Vivekananda books gifted to him by Rajnikanth.

Rajnikanth and Vijay are diehard fans of Vadivelu.

Although, Vadivelu has shared his screen space with top-charting actresses, Saroja Devi happens to be his favorite actress.

He has a great belief in astrology and makes sure he wears yellow shirts on Thursdays, maroon colored-shirts on Fridays and black on Saturdays.

Vadivelu is an ardent buff of playback singer TM Soundarajan.

He loves travelling by trains. But unable to deal with his fans, he opted to travel by flight.

The actor makes it sure he avoids foods cooked with oil. He strongly admits that it’s the secret for leading a healthy life.

Hindi or Tamil, Fox Star ready for production in India

Having tapped the Indian market by distributing films like “Slumdog Millionaire” and “Quick Gun Murugun”, Hollywood studio Fox Star now wants to foray into production by collaborating with the “best talent”. And language is no bar.

“We only want to do five films a year. We are trying to really focus on and pick those films that audiences are really passionate about. We want to make films which entertain audiences and are commercially successful,” Fox Star CEO Vijay Singh said.

“What is critical is that those five films have to represent something different about Bollywood going forward. We have to make sure that the elements and the process are right. We want to work with the best talent and that best talent could manifest itself with us,” he added.

Singh stressed a “portfolio” approach to the movies that would have a combo of “big, medium and small-budget” films.

“What we’ve set up in India is a studio approach (that is) both production and distribution. Our focus is to take the Bollywood films we make to the diaspora across the world,” said Singh.

“What we are trying to do is to see how we can do films which have something different about them. Looking back at the last 12-18 months, anything that’s working in Bollywood has a point of difference as doing more of the same is no longer the way out. Bollywood till date is making films only for Indians and the diaspora, but times are changing,” he added.

Fox Star has been hogging the limelight for acquiring the global rights of Karan Johar’s upcoming film “My Name Is Khan” - excluding music rights - reportedly for $20 million.

” ‘My Name Is Khan’ is one of the most anticipated films and it doesn’t get bigger than that and we are really excited about it,” he said.

“We’ve also signed on a two-film deal each with Vipul (Amrutlal) Shah and A.R. Murugadoss. With Murugadoss, it’s going to be Tamil films and with Vipul, it’ll be mainstream cinema. We have another two-three films in a developing stage, but we would not like to announce them now,” he added.

As far as distribution goes, films made in India under Fox Star will be distributed here by that company, in the US by its sister company Fox Searchlight and in the rest of the world by parent group 20th Century Fox.

The studio has also been regularly releasing its international content in Tamil and Telugu dubbed versions apart from those in Hindi and English.

Singh said: “If we release only in English, we find that there is a scarcity of consumers. But if we are able to dub them, we are able to reach a much wider audience.

“There are a lot of people who are keen to see a Hollywood film but may be they are more comfortable hearing it in a language or idiom they are more familiar with and these four languages (Hindi, English, Tamil and Telugu) represent the biggest language opportunities that exist (here),” he explained.

A late entrant in the Indian market (2008), the joint venture company between 20th Century Fox and Asian media company Star, it has been maintaining an impressive growth rate especially after multiple-Oscar winning underdog drama “Slumdog Millionaire” that did a business of around Rs. 40 crore (Rs.400 million) in India alone.

Fox Star is also looking at a sequel to “Quick Gun…”, tentatively titled “The Good, The Bad and The Idli”.

Surya looks out for Katrina Kaif or Anushka Sharma

Of course, it would be the biggest-ever project in the career of actor Surya. This is all about Surya’s forthcoming trilingual flick (Tamil, Hindi and Telugu) produced by Udayanidhi Stalin, (son of deputy TN chief minister M.K. Stalin) of Red Giant Movies. This “big ticket’ brings back “Ghajini’ combo: Surya-A.R.Murugadoss-Harris Jayaraj back in action.

It has been confirmed that Surya has recommended Harris Jayaraj to score music for all the three versions.

So, the biggest sensation comes with an official announcement made by filmmaker Murugadoss that a leading actress from Bollywood would be roped in for the female lead.

Although, the filmmaker didn’t reveal much about it, his closer sources have unveiled astonishing fact that talks are going on with Bollywood princesses Katrina Kaif and Anushka Sharma.

Meanwhile, Surya has reasserted that he’ll start shooting for this film by March 2010 once he completes his present projects “Singam’ and Bollywood debut “Raktha Charithra’ directed by Ram Gopal Varma.

Could ‘Endhiran’ be Rajnikanth’s last film?

The entire Kollywood is brimmed with this surprising buzz rounding up in town. According to some of the inner sources, it has been divulged that “Endhiran’ would be Rajnikanth’s last film as the actor has planned to make it big in political arena.

Recently, when filmmaker P. Vasu approached Rajnikanth about working together for the sequel to “Chandiramukhi’, the actor didn’t show his concern over it as he said; “We’ll look into it later after the release of “Endhiran’.”

Nonetheless, superstar’s elder brother Sathya Narayana Rao had openly stated that the actor would probably make his entry into politics after “Endhiran’.

This has gradually turned the entire state much invigorated as Rajnikanth’s fans have been requesting him to get into politics for the past 12 years.

Bhoot ROKKK the shoot!

Supernatural thriller Rokkk is already thrilling the cast and crew during its making. Fear has been rocking on the sets of the film Rokkk.

According to our source present on the set of the film, the unit members felt that some power did not want them to continue with the shoot. They would erect the set in night, only to see it knocked down in the morning when they would reach to shoot on the same. “Though no major damage was done, but it would harm the set, and increase the workload. It’s like we had to place the set all over again,” informs the source.

The film stars intense actor Sachin Khedekar with sensuous Udita Goswami and Tanushree Datta in lead. May be the bhoot on the set did not like the cast-combination and so did not want them to shoot.

Kamal Haasan infuriated with Pyramid Saimira

Just this morning, the media channels flashed news on Pyramid Saimira obtaining stay against the release of Kamal Haasan’s forthcoming film “Unnai Pol Oruvan’ slated to hit screens on September 18. According to the complaint lodged by Pyramid Saimira International Production, it was reported that Kamal Haasan had received advance amount of Rs 10.90 Crores to commence the production of 100 Cr-project “Marmayogi’. But the actor had gradually used the funds for producing his “Unnai Pol Oruvan’ (the film is jointly produced by UTV Motion Pictures and Kamal Haasan’s Raj Kamal Production).

Much dismayed with Pyramid Saimira’s gesture towards the film’s release, Kamal Haasan has addressed the media channels that he had started filming “Marmayogi’ from the time deal was signed. Regrettably, the producers couldn’t fund the project further due to financial crisis. Having lost one year in his career and an income of about Rs. 40 Crores, the actor had issued a notice to Pyramid Saimira on April 12, 2009 demanding Rs. 40Crores.

But so far, the actor hadn’t received any reply from Pyramid Saimira to the notice. Kamal Haasan further adds, “I have also caused a suit to be filed in the High Court of Madras against Pyramid Saimira. Probably, to counter my legal action against them, they have decided to go to the press on a smear campaign and they have sent me a notice making wild and false allegations. An interim Reply also has been sent to it.”

The fact remains that I have obtained a caveat against them. Neither I nor Raajkamal Films International has received any stay order from any court.

The actor stated, “I must state that irresponsible statements made or published damage my reputation and my company. I will shortly be seeking legal advice to examine the avenues open for me.”

Kamal says he hasn’t received any reply from Pyramid on the notice.

“Probably to counter my legal action against them, they have decided to go to the press to campaign against me and sent me a notice making wild and false allegations. An interim reply also has been sent to it,” said the thespian who recently completed 50 years in showbiz.

“The fact remains that I have obtained a caveat against them. Neither I nor Raajkamal Films International have received any stay order from any court. I will shortly be seeking legal advice on this case.”

Production house Pyramid Saimira Wednesday slapped a lawsuit on Tamil thespian for taking his fees (Rs.10.90 crore) but not completing “Marmayogi”.

Pyramid Saimira claims that Kamal had promised that first he would complete “Marmayogi” and then start work on any other movie. But the actor went ahead with the shooting of “Unnaipol Oruvan”, which is co-produced by his production house Rajkamal Films International and UTV International.

“Unnaipol Oruvan” is scheduled for a Sep 18 or 25 release.

Pyramid Saimira didn’t have money to complete ‘Marmayogi’: Kamal Haasan

Tamil thespian Kamal Haasan Thursday rubbished reports that he had breached his contract with Pyramid Saimira by leaving “Marmayogi” in the lurch and clarified that the “production house didn’t have enough funds to finish the project”.

“The debacle of our film ‘Marmayogi’ and the circumstances around it are well known. I worked on ‘Marmayogi’ for a year. I made elaborate preparations, had sets built and even did some shooting. I didn’t take any other assignment during that period,” Kamal said in a statement.

“The project was put on back burner because Pyramid Saimira could not arrange funds to continue shooting. Having lost one year and an income of about Rs.40 crore, I had issued a notice to Pyramid Saimira on April 12, 2009 demanding payment of Rs.40 crore,” he added.

Pyramid Saimira slaps lawsuit on Kamal Haasan

Production house Pyramid Saimira Wednesday slapped a lawsuit on Tamil thespian Kamal Haasan for taking his fees but not completing the film “Marmayogi”.
Kamal was reportedly paid Rs.10.90 crore to do “Marmayogi” almost a year ago by Pyramid Saimira. However the movie was shelved for unknown reasons.

Pyramid Saimira claims that Kamal had promised that first he would complete “Marmayogi” and then start work on any other movie. But the actor went ahead with the shooting of “Unnaipol Oruvan”, which is co-produced by his production house Rajkamal Films International and UTV International.

“It is unfair on the part of Kamal to go ahead with ‘Unnaipol Oruvan’ release, he should repay the advance,” said an official from Pyramid Saimira.

Unnai Pol Oruvan confirmed on September 18

Finally, producers of UTV Motion Pictures have confirmed about the release of “Unnai Pol Oruvan’. They’ve made an official announcement that the film will hit the screens on September 18 for the occasion of Ramzan.
Earlier, both Kamal Haasan and producers had plans about releasing the film by August. But trade analysts suggested that the film’s trade wouldn’t be favorable in Kerala due to “Ramzan Fasting’. Of course, the producers who had ideated about promoting the film with superstar Mohan Lal’s presence felt this as a major constraint and postponed the release.
UTV Motion Pictures and Kamal Haasan produce the film under the banner of Rajkamal Productions. Debutant Chakri has wielded megaphone for this flick, and Kamal Haasan’s daughter Shruti Haasan’s musical score is already making good business in audio markets.

Will Rajnikanth make it happen with ‘Chandiramukhi-2′?

After making high waves with “Chandiramukhi’ (successfully crossed 800 days in theatres), P. Vasu has planned for the sequel now. As of now, the filmmaker has almost completed shooting “Aaptha Rakshaka’ (sequel to “Aapthamithra’ later remade in Tamil as “Chandiramukhi’).
The Kannada version features Vishnuvardhan, Vimala Raman, Sandhya and Lakshmi Gopalswamy in lead roles. As he interacts with media networks, Vasu has said that script has been narrated to Rajnikanth. Nonetheless, as the superstar is busy shooting for the final schedule of “Endhiran’, he hasn’t confirmed about his decision…
If things work well with Rajnikanth’s affirmative approach, P. Vasu will start shooting for the sequel in 2010 with Nayanthara and Vadivelu donning the same roles.

‘Mallika I Love You’ all set to hit screen

Nayanatara and Ajit are playing the lead roles, while Navadeep is playing a key role in “Mallika I Love You’ directed by Raju Sundaram. Basically it is a Tamil film, and Vagicharla Muralikrishna is dubbing it into Telugu.
The producer says, “A father wants to see his children in high position and in that process, he chooses some wrong paths to satisfy the needs of his children. Learning this, the children distance themselves from their father. What happened later has to be seen on the screen. We have completed the dubbing process and we are making efforts to release the film during this month.”

Rambha in the remake of ‘When a stranger calls’

These days, Kollywood seems to be much adhered to continuous remakes as the producers consider them as the safest bet. Now followed by Ninaithale Inikkum (remake of “Classmates’), Kamal Haasan starrer “Unnai Pol Oruvan’ (A Wednesday) and Dhanush’s “Kutty’ (Allu Arjun’s “Aarya’), its turn of Rambha to get along with the same formula.

The actress seems to be elated for praiseworthy laurels won for her performance in “Quick Gun Murugan’. Instantaneously, the actress gets ready for next release “Vidiyum Varai Kathiru’ featuring her in lead role.

The film is about a young girl, who has to spend an entire night alone in her uncle’s home. Things are fine until she receives anonymous calls from a stranger harassing her over the phone. The ominous voice threatens about killing her over the night. With no options left the girl calls up the cops who in turn trace the call. But it’s really appalling to know that the stranger is calling from nowhere, but within the house.

Viyas has handled screenplay, dialogues and direction while Tan Joor has tuned melodies to lyrics of Pa. Vijay. Panneer Selvam has cranked the camera and Pallavi has produced under the banner of Pariyaj Creations.

The film also features Prakash Raj and Riyaaz Khan in prominent roles.

Prakash Raj gets Rs.4 mn for brief appearance in Kannada film

Versatile actor Prakash Raj returns to Kannada films after a long gap with “Dhool” for which he has reportedly been paid Rs.40 lakh. He is also set to direct his first movie in the same language.

A remake of Tamil film “Thiruvilaiyaadal Aarambham”, which had Dhanush and Shriya Saran in lead roles, “Dhool” stars Yogi and Aindrita Ray in lead roles. Prakash Raj will be seen as Aindrita’s rich brother in it.

The actor will also feature in Crazy Star Ravichandran’s “Manjina Hani” in a negative role. He has already finished seven days shooting for the film and is busy with another schedule that started Sep 5.

“When I started writing the role for the new version of ‘Manjina Hani’, I only had Prakash Raj in my mind. I could not think of any other actor to do that role,” said Ravichandran who had to wait for Prakash Raj for nearly a month before starting the second schedule of the film.

Prakash Raj, who is producing the Kannada remake of his much acclaimed Tamil movie “Abhiyum Naanum”, will wield the megaphone for the first time for it. The Tamil version was produced by Prakash Raj and Radha Mohan had directed it.

Kamal Haasan to sign deal with Mysskin

Finally, Kamal Haasan puts an end to the rumors on-air about his working with filmmaker Mysskin. Earlier, reports stated that Kamal had resent Mysskin’s offer of remaking “Swing Vote’. But it was a sort of surprise, as the actor himself made official announcements on the occasion of “Unnai Pol Oruvan’ audio launch.
Addressing the media channels, Kamal said, “Yes, it’s true that I am working with Mysskin next year. Since, it’s a historical subject, a lot of research work has to be done. Meanwhile, I am directing a film that will feature me, Kamal Haasan and K. Balachandar in lead roles.
” According to the sources, Mysskin seems to have penned a script based on the real life incident that took place after the death of Buddha.

I want to do more films like ‘Kanchivaram’: Prakash Raj

“Kanchivaram”, set in the pre-independence era, has bagged top honours - best film as well as best actor award for Prakash Raj at the 55th National Awards, announced Monday. The actor says he is inspired to do more such films, while director Priyadarshan feels it will change his image.

“This is what my production house Duet Movies is striving for. The joy of doing such films is great. I want my contemporaries in the industry to experience it,” Prakash Raj told IANS.

Prakash Raj gives credit for the film’s success to his director.

“All credit should go to Priyadarshan and his team. He was hitherto called as commercial filmmaker. Had he wanted, he could have gone ahead and done some commercial ventures and made enough money. But he had the guts and conviction to do meaningful movie. I dedicate this award to Priyan, our art-director Sabu Cyril and cinematographer Thiru.”

Priyadarshan is equally thrilled with the award and said: “People call me comedy director. From now on, they can call me ‘comical serious’ director. We made the movie with a purpose. All the artistes, crew and technicians gave their best and the result is here to see.

“Doing such films gives one immense satisfaction. When it is recognised with such awards, it motivates and encourages one more.”

The director, who is known widely for his comedies like “Hera Pheri”, Priyadarshan said: “‘Kanchivaram’ is a movie that is straight from my heart. Wish I do many more in future.”

‘Ninaithale Inikkum’ lacks flair-Review

Film: “Ninaithale Inikkum”
Cast: Prithviraj, Priyamani, Sakthi, Anuja Iyer, Karthik, Bhagyaraj, Jeeva; Director: G.N. Kumaravelan
Producer: Gemini Film Circuit, Sun Pictures; Music Director: Vijay Antony; Cinematographer: Balasubramaniam
“Ninaithale Innikkum”, a remake of recent Malayalam hit “Classmates”, was touted to be a campus movie loaded with lot of fun. Unfortunately, it not only fails to recreate the same magic, the movie was far from being impressive.

The story goes like this - Siva (Prithviraj) returns to attend his college reunion. He beats up Vasu (Karthik Kumar) for misbehaving with a girl and his friend Sakthi (Ajmal) supports him. Jealous of Siva’s popularity, Vasu is on a prowl and looking for an opportunity to take revenge.

Meera (Priyamani), daughter of local MLA who studies in the same college and falls in love with Shiva after he saved her from a police lathicharge, provides him that chance.

Vasu convinces Meera to contest against Shiva in the college’s union elections. This affects their relationship. After a sequence of unfourtunate events during the election, Siva packs his bags and leaves Mumbai without informing anyone.

The problem with the movie is that almost everything is predictable and most of the incidents are packed in a dull manner. Even the romance between the lead pair isn’t executed with zest.

The beginning seems interesting, but it fails to live up to the expectation. If the first half stutters and staggers, latter half too fails to impress despite some interesting twists and turns.

While the director has handled the flashback technique well to make the narrative interesting in the second half, it has proved to be inadequate to save the movie.

One fails to understand why the political overtones of “Classmates” are mysteriously missing from the Tamil version.

Music composer Vijay Anthony and cinematographer Balasubramaniam deserve complements for their work. While the former has come up with some delectable tunes, the latter has captured them well.

Prithviraj, Priyamani and Sakthi play their respective parts well.

Despite good story “Ninaithale Inikkum” fails because it’s executed in a dull manner.

When Kamal Haasan took to the mike for Shruti

Kamal Haasan’s multi-faceted daughter Shruti Haasan sure has an ear for music and how Currently composing music for her dad’s film “Unnaipol Oruvan’, the Tamil remake of “A Wednesday’, this young lady convinced her immensely talented father to sing for her

Now it’s not for the first time that Kamal Haasan took to the mike, but it’s definitely for the first time that the proud father sang for his daughter.

According to our sources, Shruti wanted to infuse something different in the songs. Having a cult status down south, Kamal Haasan’s voice is one that people identify with immediately

Shruti had a clear idea of what she wanted and she experimented with her father’s voice in a way that’s never been tried before. She has made her father sing not just one but two songs for the film, each of them belonging to a different genre. One is a mellow soft Sufi based song and the other is a commercial song with elements of hard rock in it

Shruti also had a great time with her dad doing voice warm-ups where she was the one bossing him around

Well, the outcome of this role reversal sure looks spectacular and the father-daughter duo seem all ready to rock

Agaradhi- A crime thriller on make

When it comes to Tamil film industry, not many novels are made into films. Indeed, our filmmakers do come up with a convincing statement that– “turning words into pictures isn’t an easy deal’. But director Naga Venkatesh has geared up to break these barriers with his directorial “Agaradhi’. The film is based on a famous novel penned by Rajesh Kumar, a renowned writer of novels based on “crime-thrillers’.

“Agaradhi’ is produced by Vaarnika Movie Makers and features Pradeep, Bala, and Pawan in lead roles. Alluring missies Monica and Keerthi Chawla have performed cameo roles.

Audio for this film was launched recently at Satyam Cinemas where filmmaker-actor-screenwriter K. Bhagyaraj, producer RB Chowdary, Raghava Lawrence, Anbalaya Prabhakaran and others from the cast were present for this occasion.

Writer Rajesh Kumar who graced the event said, “Usually, I don’t agree for my novels and stories being made into films. Earlier, many filmmakers approached me with big deals over adapting my works, but they were keen on modifying them to the tastes of “C’ centers with localized commercial flavors. But I am really happy that Naga Venkatesh has done a good job…”

Three songs and trailer of “Agaradhi’ were screened for the viewers.

Five Weddings and a Movie Launch

It looks much similar to a title of Hollywood’s famous flick, isn’t? It was an innovative means to launch a movie by hosting weddings of 5 Srilankan based Tamil couples. Of course, the celebrities who graced over the occasion were moved by such a novel idea.

Filmmaker K.S. Ravikumar, Editor Mohan and K. Bhagyaraj along with their wives, Director Ezhil were invited to bless the newly wed couples. Later, the film’s puja was performed under the presence of these personalities. Also present for the occasion were Tarun Gopi, Santhosh, Pandiraj, Karu Palaniappan and the lead pair Akhil and Sanusha.

Director Thamizhvanan said, “We actually planned to put off the movie launch due to tragic death of Andhra CM Rajashekar Reddy. But we couldn’t postpone the Muhurtham for these couple, as it’s considered to be an auspicious occasion.”

Ace filmmaker-actor Bhagyaraj who was present for the occasion congratulated the noble deed of director-producer D Dinesh Kumar.

I want to settle down in Mumbai: Shruti Haasan

Her debut movie “Luck” bombed at the box office, but the film’s failure hasn’t detterred Shruti Haasan from making Mumbai her home and trying hard to get a foothold in the Hindi film industry.

“I actually wanted my debut film to be a Tamil movie, but it wasn’t to be. Whatever might have been the response to ‘Luck’, I feel that I should settle down in Mumbai to seek greener pastures in Bollywood,” Shruti, who is planning to buy an apartment in central Mumbai, said.

Her mother, actress Sarika, also lives in Mumbai. But the two are not on talking terms as Sarika is upset with Shruti for having a close relationship with her ex-husband Kamal Haasan’s partner Gauthami.

“My mother doesn’t like my friendship with Gauthami Madam. She is angry with me because of this count and avoids speaking to me. I’m not bothered about that,” she said.

Shruti, who sung popular number “Nenjukkul Peithidum…” in “Vaaranam Aayiram” and composed music for her father’s forthcoming bilingual film “Unnaipol Oruvan”, says her father is her biggest support in life.

“I want to explore the whole world and I have my daddy’s full cooperation in this. I have self-drawn boundaries which I’d never attempt to cross,” she said.

Varun Sandesh plays hero in ‘Kurradu’

Shooting of the remake of a successful Tamil film “Polladavan’ in Telugu “Kurradu’, produced by P Kiran under the banner of Anandi Art Creations; under the debut direction of Sandeep Gunnam, son of Gangaraju Gunnam with Varun Sandesh and Neha Sharma in the lead was completed recently.

Director says, “It is a complete entertainer, and has many elements that could attract the present generation audiences. The hero’s characterization came out very well, and the title would be very apt for the movie. Post-production works are also nearing completion. Achu is making his debut as music director through this movie. We are planning to launch the audio on September 4, and release the film as a Dasara gift.”

Bommali Ravi, Tanikella Bharani, Ali, MS Narayana, Venu, Naveen and others are in the cast. Camera is by Sarvesh Murari, lyrics are by Anant Sriram, editing is by Marthand K Venkatesh, while action is by Rambo Rajkumar.

Tamil star Vikram’s ‘Kasi’ now in Sinhalese

Sri Lanka-born Indian Niranjan, who is doctor by profession, is making hit Tamil movie “Kasi”, which starred Vikram, in Sinhalese and says the film’s success in four south Indian languages inspired him to take it to Sri Lankan audiences as well.

“The movie was based on a Malayalam film titled ‘Vasanthiyum Lakshmiyum Pinne Njanum’, which was remade in Tamil by the same director Vinayan. Then it was adapted in Telugu and Kannada. The reason I chose the film was because it proved to be successful in all its adaptations,” said Niranjan.

He has titled it “Sooriyaa” and plays the lead role himself, while popular Sri Lankan actress Kanchana Mendis will be seen in the female lead. Niranjan has altered the script to suit the taste of local audience, but has retained Ilayaraja’s music.

“My passion is to do films with a vision to do service to society. I also want to start a huge hospital at Madurai with state-of-the-art facilities and help the poor and needy,” he said.

“I owe everything to director Mahendran. A family friend of mine, he inspired me to enter filmdom. I had earlier made two short films - ‘Nandri’ and ‘Slipper’ - and got critical acclaim at the Australian International Film Fest and the Canadian International Film Festival,” he added.

Niranjan has done a couple of Sinhalese films too.

Major portions of “Sooriyaa” were shot in exotic locations in Sri Lanka, except a song sequence that would be canned in Switzerland.

“We hope it would add to the commercial value of the movie,” said Niranjan who plans to release the movie in Sri Lanka, Europe and other parts of the globe where Tamils live.

“Since we get latest facilities in Chennai, I chose to do the post-production works here.”

An ardent Rajnikant fan, Niranjan plans to invite the southern superstar for the movie’s premiere.

Bharath’s ‘Aarumugam’ on Gandhi Jayanthi

It’s busy days and sleepless nights for Bharath, as he’s continuously shooting for many projects simultaneously. Recently, the actor had completed filming for “Kanden Kadhalai’ (remake of Jab We Met) and “Aarumugam’ (directed by Suresh Krishna). Much before these films would hit the screens, the young actor has become busy with couple of projects: “Thambikku Indha Ooru’ and Perarasu’s “Thiruthani’.

According to official reports by director Kannan of “Kanden Kadhalai’, he has confirmed about the film’s release by third week of September. Meanwhile, Suresh Krishna who has directed Bharath for “Aarumugam’ has let out that the film will release on Oct 2 for the occasion of Gandhi Jayanthi.

Since Gandhi Jayanthi falls on a Friday, it will be a long weekend gradually resulting good opening in box-office collections.

Simbhu-SJ Suryah: Time to patch-up

Filmmaker-turned-actor SJ Suryah and Silambarasan got through some hard feelings due to financial issues. After many years, it’s time for this duo to shake hands as they’ve decided to work together in the near future.

Sources revealed that SJ Suryah was much letdown with unexpected results of his previous film “Newtonin Moondram Veedhi’. Instantaneously, he dropped his idea about playing lead in his forthcoming directorial “Puli’. Meanwhile, he’s close on the heels of completing the Telugu version of “Puli’ starring Pawan Kalyan in lead role.

As a token of reviving his friendship, Suryah has offered Simbhu to shake legs for a fast-beat Tamil song tuned by A.R. Rahman.

The latest buzzes rounding on air is that SJ Suryah has been planning to feature Simbhu in the lead role for Tamil version.

Tamil Film Review: Ninaithale Inikkum

Ninaithale Inikkum- Classy remake of Classmates

Production: Gemini Film Circuit, Sun Pictures

Direction: G.N. Kumaravelan

Star-casts: Prithviraj, Priyamani, Sakthi, Anuja Iyer, Karthik, Bhagyaraj, Jeeva, Vishnuvpriyan and others

Music: Vijay Antony

Cinematography: Balasubramaniam

Editing: Sreekar Prasad

Choreography: Prasanna, Sujith and Dinesh

Lyrics: Annamalai, Kalai Kumar, Priyan, Sheeba and Prabha

Public Relations: Johnson

Perhaps, “remake’ happens to be the favorite word in the dictionary when it comes to filmmakers in Kollywood. Well, it’s more illustrious with our “King of remakes’ (Jeyam Ravi-Raja) and films of Dhanush where you don’t spot a single difference from the original version.

But here’s debutant Kumaravelan breaking these clichéd formulas. His grand idea of just adapting the story of Lal Jose’s “Classmates’ with a new-fangled screenplay makes him dignified as a proficient filmmaker. As mentioned by the filmmaker

much prior to film’s release, only two sequences have been lifted from the original version. Our heartily regards to this debutant for such a commendable effort of coming up with an unparalleled remake version.

The film opens with college students of academic year 2000 amassing for a reunion. Shiva (Prithviraj) is on his flight from Mumbai while his other classmates: Meera (Priyamani), daughter of MLA, Karthik (Jeeva), Vasu (Karthik) and others have already assembled. Getting back together after 8 years takes them back to nostalgic bittersweet days of their college life. After a span of time, it’s revealed that students have gathered for their classmate Sakthi’s (Sakthi) death anniversary, an asthmatic patient who passed away during his final year in college. Sakthi’s father (K. Bhagyaraj) and wife play perfect hosts inviting the students, who are well settled in their lives with perfect job and marriage. But latter in the evening, as Meera heads to Shiva’s room to revive their broken love, she’s blown out of waters to see him chocked with a guitar string.

What follows next is a turn of events where suspicions become order of the day. Sakthi’s father embarks to unravel the hidden mystery behind this gruesome incident.

But the biggest question here is– Was it an attempt of suicide or homicide?

Prithviraj comes up with a commendable show. If you had watched “Classmates’, you’ll find that he has matured a lot in his performance from the original version. Thanks to Priyamani! She doesn’t imitate Kavya Madhavan (enacted her role in Malayalam version). Looks like Prithviraj and Priyamani would bag a special for “best onscreen chemistry’ for this year. Their previous month’s Malayalam release “Puthiyamugam’ indeed won more laurels for them and “Ninaithale Inikkum’ isn’t an elision. Karthik Kumar gets off well suiting the role of a filthy rich guy. Vishnuvpriyan is okay. Actor Jeeva requires special mention. Comparable to his previous films, he gets a meaty role to play. The actor has well carried out his parts with rib-tickling one-liners. Apart from adding to humor quotients, Kumaravelan has offered him a prominent role and makes sure he’s present all throughout the show. Bhagyaraj looks perfect in his role of a friendly father.

Vijay Antony has done a perfect job with his musical score. Be it the melodic “Nanbanai Partha’ or the fast-beat “Mere Piyaa’, they’re top-notch.

Balasubramaniam delivers eye-catching visuals with his spellbinding cinematography. Certain dialogues do touch your heart, specifically the final word of conclusion by Bhagyaraj to Prithviraj.

Finally, “Ninaithale Inikkum’ is a poignant film that has a middling start and gradually brimmed with interesting moments.

Hats off to debutant Kumaravelan for a colossal directorial… We look ahead for his yet more laudable shows. With Sun Pictures vigorously promoting this film through their wide-range of media networks, the film is sure to make it big on box office.

Verdict: Strongly recommended…

etri Vendhan praises Meera Jasmine

Meera Jasmine has been praised by director Vetri Vendhan for her professionalism. Recently, she was required to do a lip-lock scene in his movie, Adinarayana. At first she was apprehensive about it and asked if the scene was really necessary. When the director explained to her that it was, and that it would be shot aesthetically, she agreed and finished the scene quickly.