Shankar to direct Kamal’s Thalaivan Irukkiran?

Kamal Haasan’s upcoming flick Thalaivan Irukkiran is going to be a star studded affair. The movie already has Thala Ajith, Katrina Kaif and even Jackie Chan expected to deliver some adrenaline pumping Kung fu stunts. With producer Aascar Ravichandran yet to come out with the official announcements, there are reports of Director Shankar stepping in to shoot this mega budget offering.

Shankar who is fresh from the success of his remake hit Nanban, has promised his fans that he won’t be attempting a remake in the future. The director, who scripted a success story for Kamal in his 1996 venture ‘Indian’, is more than willing to come out with a sequel of sorts starring Kamal in lead once again. Some time back when Kamal was quizzed, whether or not he had plans of doing a sequel to his hit ‘Nayagan’, his reply did surprise many present at the meet. The actor replied that he wasn’t sure about the sequel to ‘Nayagan’ but said that the possibility of him starring in a sequel to ‘Indian’ can’t be ruled out. Moreover it is already heard that Ajith will join Director Shankar as part of the Indian 2 sequel. The earlier released Indian which had Kamal in the lead was about a 70 year old man’s fight to weed out corruption from the Indian soil, that went on to become a blockbuster hit.

It will be a coming together of the Ulaganayagan, Shankar and Ajith for Indian 2.

Sneha out from Kochadaiyan

When everything was set for Rajnikanth starrer Kochadaiyan to hit the floors, here comes a jolt to the team.
Actress Sneha who was supposed to do a key role in the film has opted out of the project. Sneha was to do the role of Rajnikanth’s sister in the film.

Now sources say that director Soundarya Rajnikanth has zeroed in on Bommalattam fame Rukmani to do the role.
Sources say Sneha explained her situation as she had other commitments to do and the decision to part ways was taken amicably’.

Studio Green buys Attakathi

Director Ranjith, former associate of Venkat Prabhuhas made a promising debut and has already gained everyone’s attention with the preview show. Apparently, Studio Green Films has now acquired the theatrical rights of the film and will release it all over the world.

The film is laced with humour, romance and all elements catering to the tastes of family audiences.
This has apparently attracted K.E Gnanavel Raja of Studio Green and has shown keen interest over releasing it now. The release date will be announced shortly.

Simbu & Dhanush exchange blows due to Sachin Anthem?

Dhanush’s ode ‘Sachin Anthem’ to the cricket legend was removed on Youtube in the wee hours yesterday morning (February 10) by JR Mediaworks. After the video was restored, Dhanush and Simbu took to twitter and took a dig at one another.

It is said that JR Mediaworks claimed the copyrights for this initiative by Boost as they composed a similar tune quite some time back, following which the video was removed on Youtube.

Later the ‘Sachin Anthem’ team tracked down the person who claimed for the copyrights on a social networking website and approached them after which the copyright claim was withdrawn and the video was available again on Youtube.

Now what’s interesting is that the one who claimed the copyrights of this song is a friend of Simbu’s close associate, which was obviously noted by the ‘Sachin Anthem’ team while tracking down the person. Dhanush took at dig at STR and wrote “Some people smile at others’ misery; I smile right back at them for not knowing the purpose of being a human being. It’s called love”. Oh, and STR’s currently working on Love Anthem for world peace.

Pat came the response from Simbu, “Copy adikaradhula Chinaava vida bayangarama irrukangaley, success introduces you to the world but defeat introduces the world to you! Actually, none of us in this world have an enemy”.

But what really remains a question unanswered is why the video was initially removed on Youtube for no video is removed without an authentic proof, and that too if it comes from the ‘Kolaveri’ boy who received the Youtube Gold Award!

The makers of the song are expected to clear air on this front shortly…

3’ goes to Bollywood

‘Why this Kolaveri Di’ became a huge sensation among the masses beyond the language barriers. This Song is a part of the film ‘3’.

The Hero of this movie likes to cash in on the huge hit of ‘Why this Kolaveri Di’.Due to this plan, the dubbed version of ‘3’ is getting released in Hindi too.

Moreover, they are planning for a Global release. These are the reasons for its delayed release.

Regarding this, he has updated message on Twitter that, “’3′ will be released in Hindi dubbed, Telugu dubbed and Tamil with English subtitle all over d world.
It will hit the screens March end or April… Since it’s a national release its taking time (sic),”‘3’ is directed by the Debutant Aishwarya Dhanush (SuperstarRajnikanth’s Daughter).

Dhanush and Shruthi Haasan (Kamal Haasan’s Daughter) perform the lead roles.

Charmi is shocked about the leaked pictures

Charmi’s few explosive pictures were released few days ago. It seems that, those pictures might have been shot during the photo shoot of theCCL calendar shoot in Goa, which was a few weeks earlier.

Charmi says that, “Those pictures are not mine’s. They are morphed pictures. That CCL photographer’s crew should have leaked those morphed picture for the sake of their cheap publicity.

Regarding this, Charmi adds that, “I saw the picture two days back and I was left dumb founded.

I agree that it was a picture taken during the CCL shoot, but if you compare it with the one in the calendar, it will be clear that the latter is morphed.
The costume in this picture is obviously very revealing unlike the original CCL calendar photograph,”. On their side, the organizers of the CCL5 clarified their stand by saying that, “There were more than 10 photographers that shot the calendar .

It can’t be a leak from the photographers’ team. We had released a three-minute video of the making of the calendar to various media houses for promotion.

CCL watermark is inscribed on videos and not on photographs,” The organizing committee points out the fact that, those leaked still shot has a watermark on it. They too say that, “This looks like a mischievous act for cheap publicity,”

Suriya & Vikram to compete?

Vijay and Ajith share a media built rivalry on big screen and it looks like Suriya Sivakumar and Vikramwill now compete with one another in the small screen!

It’s no longer news that Suriya will be hosting ‘Neengalum Vellalam Oru Kodi’, the Tamil version of ‘Kaun Banega Crorepati’ for Vijay TV. Making best of the break Tamil film stars have gotten thanks to the ongoing tussle between FEFSI and producers, Suriya is currently preparing himself for this much awaited game show which will kick start shortly.

It is now said that a rival private television channel is trying to rope in Chiyaan Vikram for hosting a game show! Say sources close to the actor, “It is true that he was approached for a game show and he has liked the concept, but he is busy with few projects and is trying his best to reschedule his dates.”

Well, whatever it maybe, we can be assured that Suriya and Vikram, two stars known for their charisma and rapport will soon be debuting as hosts on small screen. The trend of top notch actors hosting shows is already a popular one in the north, it remains to be seen if it will work in the south as well.

Vikram’s entry into the Small Screen

Vikram is currently busy with lots of projects in his kitty like ‘Karikalan’, ‘Thaandavam’ and ‘David.

In between these tight schedules, it seems that, Vikram might be making his entry into the Small Screen.

According to the sources, there is info that, Vikram would be hosting a Game show, which is in the lines of the Show “Kaun Banega Crorepati”, hosted by Amitabh Bachchan.

Already, another leading Star Suriya has set his foot in the Small screen by hosting a game show. A leading private channel has approached Vikram with a big offer.
Vikram is re-working on his schedules to squeeze in the required time for this new commitment. Hope to see competition between Suriya and Vikram in the small screen too.

Nayan donates Rs.5 lakhs for Amma’s relief efforts

Actress Nayanthara was in the news recently for her alleged break-up with her beau (ex?) Prabhudeva. The actress, who had a three-and-a-half-year long affair with the bearded choreographer-filmmaker, has now called off their stormy affair and has started accepting projects in Telugu and Tamil. While personally this might have a great setback for her to contend with, her fans aren’t complaining at all.

Nayan has straightaway landed up a big project in Tamil as Ajith’s heroine in his upcoming film after Billa-2 to be directed by Vishnuvardhan. Notwithstanding her personal crisis, Nayanthara has showed her other side of being compassionate to fellow human beings when she voluntarily donated money to the chief ministers’ relief fund.

Irrespective of the advanced satellite-aided technology, more often than not, governments the world over fail in predicting natural disasters and the after-effects of such events. One such disaster struck the Tamil Nadu and Puducherry coast recently in the form of ‘Thane’ storm and left behind in its trail vast destruction of property and lives in both Tamil Nadu’s Villupuram and Cuddalore Districts and in Puducherry.

Many industrialists and VIPs have been meeting Amma and providing financial assistance to the chief minister’s relief fund to help the storm victims. Superstar Rajinikanth, Sivakumar and Kamal Haasan had earlier donated for the fund. Nayan met Amma at the State Secretariat in Chennai and handed over a cheque for Rs.5 lakhs.

Later, speaking to newspersons, she appealed to all sections of the society to come forward voluntarily to donate liberally for the cause.

Panavision cameras and 1200 lenses for MUK

Getting a clean U certificate from the Censor board officials, the film Muppozhudhum Un Karpanaigal,starring Atharva and Amala Paul in lead, is hot on the most awaited releases this February. Garnering attention for its lengthy foreign schedules in the Unites States this Kollywood release has cinematographer Sakthi Saravanan flexing his lenses for Director/Producer Elred Kumar.

Sakthi who presented an outstanding product in Director Venkat Prabhu’s Mankatha has taken things a step ahead for this project. For MUK the expert camera man reportedly hired Panavision cameras, which are capable of delivering truly high end results. Such gadgets have been exclusively used in Hollywood movies like 2012 and Superman Returns. Director Elred who is also producing the flick gave Sakthi full freedom to exercise his creativity, in order achieve something different for MUK. Without bothering about the costs, even the lights were hired from the Hollywood Studio in Las Vegas. The MUK audio single named Oru Murai was also released in LA earlier, with an interesting song sequence shot in the city. We are told that a pumping action sequence was captured with the help of 1200 camera lenses recording every minute detail. For this purpose the technical team had to stay inside their helicopters for 5 full days, as they wanted to make full use of the opportunity. The final results will be available for the audience to see, with the movie releasing this February 17th.

Wow!! That’s a lot of work people …Keep it up

Vairamuthu bats for churidhar for girls and women

Lyricist Vairamuthu has his opinion on matters of significance which affect the polity and society at large. His recent utterances have centred around the costume for Tamil women. The lyricist, who holds the Indian record of having won the coveted national award for ‘best lyrics’ six times, was taking part at a private event in Erode.

Speaking on the occasion, Vairamuthu touched upon many issues. “There is absolutely no need for us to feel bad that paavadai-dhaavani, the traditional Tamil costume for women and girls, has disappeared slowly even from rural areas. It had disappeared from urban areas long back. Now, it appears that it’s slowly making its way out even in rural areas in the State.

“In this regard, I’d like to pint out that churidhar is not only a perfect alternative for paavadai-dhaavani but is also double safe for them. Speakers before me pointed that it’s a honour for Erode that I have come here today. I won’t accept this at all; Erode is the birth place of EVR Periyar, the founder of the self-respect movement. As such, it’s I who feel honoured to be visiting this place.

“Young women and girls have now almost forgotten paavadai-dhaavani and have taken to wearing churidar. We don’t need to feel for it, as churidar is a perfect costume in tune with the changing times. It’s a safe dress which won’t do any harm to our tradition or culture. The dress is more suitable, comfortable and safe for women, I feel,” said Vairamuthu.

Actress Anjali was also one of the invitees at the event.

Karthi-Anushka movie titled Alex Pandian

Director Suraj’s, Karthi starrer has got its title at last. The flick starring Karthi and long legs Anushka Shetty in the lead went on floors as early as September last year. Being an action-masala offering with, 3 more heroines part of the shoots, the director was in search of a suitable title for his big project.

Taking inspiration from Rajini’s cult classic Moondru Mugam, he has zeroed in on the title Alex Pandian. Infact Karthi’s brother Surya has openly cited, how Rajini’s cop act in Moondru Mugam gave him a real kick preparing for his police officer role in Singham. Rajini’s character as Alex Pandian still connects well with many fans and now it’s Karthi choosing the same for his forthcoming mass offering. The lead pair has shot some action scenes in the dense Chalakudy forests of Kerala, having to face some elephant trouble on that account. They later had special protection from guards so as to carry the shoots forward smoothly. ‘Alex Pandian’ Karthi also has another release in Saguni that is expected for the month of April.

Now it’s for fans to decide whether Karthi lives up to the name.

Dhoni – Movie Review

Banner: Duet Movies
Production: Prakash Raj
Direction: Prakash Raj
Star-casts: Prakash Raj, Radhika Apte, Akash Puri, Brahmanandam, Nasser, Murali Sharma, Thalaivasal Vijayand others.
Music: Ilayaraja
Cinematography: K.V. Guhan
Editing: Kishore T.E

Tamil cinema seems to be undergoing a pleasant change now. It is ready to make movies around issues that affects our contemporary life. Much recently we have seen films like Nanban and Marina harping on the education system prevalent in our country. Joining the list is Prakash raj’s Dhoni.

Don’t get confused by the title for it may suggest a movie made on sports. But Dhoni has more to it. It speaks loud againt the education system of today that has turned children into rats running for victory in a mad race.The loopholes in education needs to be arrested. The cost of education has gone up and only those who afford it gets
educated. Prakash raj with his Dhoni is trying to arrive at an answer for such issue.

With a bunch of artistes who give their best, Prakash raj’s maiden directorial venture in Tamil is pleasant and a pleasure to watch.

Subbu (Prakash raj) is a government employee. For him life is all his children a lovely daughter and bubbly son Karthick (Akash). He works hard to make both ends meet.Though he does all menial jobs in the evenings like selling pickles, he wants to give good education to his children. He makes them join a premier institution and works hard to meet their educational expenses. But his son Karthick is his problem. He prefers cricket to studies. He wants to become a cricketer. But Subbu wants him to study well. All hell breaks loose, when the principal calls up Subbu and informs that his son is bad in studies and would not be allowed to write his tenth standard board exams. An angry Subbu returns home and slaps Karthick, who sustains injuries and slips into coma. The father realises his mistake. He understands that he should have encouraged his son more rather than punishing him.

Now he decides take it in his stride. He comes to conclusion that the present education system is creating so much pressure on children and it fails to take cognisance of what the students want to doo in future.

The movie ends on a high note with Subbu making the issue more vocal.

The story is sure to strike a chord with every father who waits in long queue to get kindergarten admission for their children. The need to provide right education and not separate children based on their academic excellence will go down well with student community too.

Donning different hats that of actor – director- producer, Prakash raj delivers his best. He does the balancing act well. His emotions, reactions to various situations, desperation of a dotting father all brought out well by him.Matching him on screen is young Akash. The young lad performs with panache. Hhe is sure to go places in future.

His expressive eyes are his assets. Radhika Apte of Rakatha Charithiram fame excels in a different role. Also there is the likes of seasoned veterans like Nasser, Brahmanandham and Thalaivasal Vijay chipping in with their best.

Watch out for Prabhudeva appearing ina song. If K V Guhan’s camera captures the events well, equally impressive is maestro Ilayaraja’s background score that provides right emotions at every scenes. At places, a silence on screen takes a lot.

All in all, Dhoni is no doubt a rare treasure. Three cheers to Prakash raj and his team. Job well done!

Oru Nadigayin Vakkumoolam – Tamil Movie Review

It’s not often that you get a film made on the life of an actress. Veteran director Bheemsingh made OruNadigai Naadagam Paarkiraal way back in 1978. The film, which starred Lakshmi in the lead, was a successful affair though it was criticized by many inside and outside the industry for being too ‘blatant’. After more than three decades, here comes another film on the similar lines.

The only difference is that unlike the 1978 version, Oru Nadigaiyin Vakkumoolam (ONV) has been directed by a debutant film-maker and stars an actress, not known for doing substantial roles, in the lead role. Debutant Rajkrishna has boldly taken on the job of narrating, albeit in a haphazard manner, the travails of an actress who overcomes several hurdles to become a star.

Let’s now take a peep into the story: Anjali (Sonia Agarwal), daughter of a poor villager Devarajulu (YogiDevaraj) and his wife Girija), is brought to Chennai by her mother who wants to make her a top actress in Tamil films. At the beginning, she gets ticked off by many producers, directors and by studio managers. Anjali’s mother learns soon enough that unless her daughter made some unethical compromises, she might not get any breakthrough at all and manages to convine her daughter to do so.

‘Actress’ Anjali is born out of a naïve village belle Anjali who delivers one hit film after another. Slowly but in a clear manner, the attitude of Anjali’s mother towards life changes for the worst as a result of which Anjali finds herself nothing better than a money-making machine. Along side, she is also forced to undergo physical and mental abuse much against her own will.

After tolerating all the tortures, Anjali ultimately comes to a decision that it’s high time she acted to save her life from hitting a deadlock. Watch the movie to find out what she does.

The film gets off in a brisk manner but loses steam soon enough as the events which unfold on screen are vastly predictable and clichéd. Even the dialogues appear to be too lengthy at times. Though Raj’s basic idea of foraying into vastly non-tread territory is quite appreciable, the way it has been executed lacks proper planning and foresight on his part. ONV, however, succeeds in showcasing vividly the emotional upheavals, compromises and professional pressures an actress has to go through to make it to the top of her field and sustain her longevity.

Lack of a watertight screenplay is what bogs the film down. Given her limitations as an actress, ‘comeback queen’ Sonia Agarwal does deserve accolades and bouquets. The boldness to take on the role of an actress, knowing very well that criticism would be unavoidable from her peers, is itself an appreciable trait in her. She has no doubt essayed her portion quite well. The pain, agony and the mood-swings of a struggling actress is brought out nicely by Sonia. Girija, who plays Sonia’s mother, does deserves a pat for a neat portrayal. ‘Yogi’ Devaraj as a too has done his bit as a desperate father commendably.

Whie others like Raj Kapoor, Manobala and ‘Ganja’ Karuppu have done their respective parts admirably well, for some reasons, the likes of Kovai Sarala and Nicole have been entrusted with not-so-significant characters. Kovai Sarala, who rocked a few months back as Lawrence’s mother in Kanchana, doesn’t have much frames in this film.

Cinematography by Naga Krishnan and the music by newcomer Aadhish are soothing to the eyes and ears respectively. Aadhish, however, has miles to go.

Rajkrishna has tried his best to handle sensitive theme as deftly as possible but in the ultimate analysis, it is to be said that his effort hasn’t been up to the mark. He could have done away with some extra-dose of sexually explicit sequences and dialogues but these are to be expected from a newcomer.

Watch it for Sonia, if not for anything else!

Vikram and Surya to host game shows side by side

With his 7aam Arivu completing a 100 day run recently, actor Surya along with director KV Anand made a trip to USA, for their upcoming flick Maatraan. The Director and the actor were seen supervising the VFX effects for their movie, joined by members from Hollywood’s Stan Winston Studios. In the meantime, Surya has also signed up for a game show titled ‘Neengalum Vellalam Oru Kodi’ for VijayTV and is pretty excited to take the plunge, providing wholesome entertainment for telly viewers.

‘Neengalum Vellalam Oru Kodi’ is the Tamil version of the popular ‘Kaun Banega Crorepati’ show that questions players on general topics, in order to make it through and win prize money worth Rs.1 crore. Now it is heard that another leading channel is planning to rope in Chiyaan Vikram for another game show on similar lines. Furthermore, there are also plans to air Vikram’s game show in and around the same time of Surya’s ‘Neengalum Vellalam Oru Kodi’. Vikram, who has this year full of releases, is presently engaged with his Thaadavam shoots. Recently, he had the rare opportunity to shoot an important sequence for the film at the holy Jama Masjid, in Delhi. Apart from Thaandavam, the actor also has Karikalan that has caught up in a tussle between the producers, ready to resume anytime, and then there is the Bollywood project David.

If Vikram does take out time to make his small screen entry, fans can totally look forward to some variety entertainment from the Pithamagan duo!!!