Rumours regarding her supposed unhappiness about the length of her role in Mani Ratnam's ‘Guru' has Vidya Balan flummoxed.
“I can't even begin to imagine where these rumours started. Do these people realize what getting a Mani Ratnam film means to someone, who started her career barely two years ago?
I got in ‘Guru' with my eyes wide open and I'm very happy being part of it. According to me, there are no first lead and second lead in a Mani Ratnam film. Every one is a character, period,” she says.
The rumour of her displeasure gathered momentum when Vidya failed to turn up for the music release of ‘Guru'. “That was a totally unavoidable circumstance. When I was told the event was on November 5, I informed then immediately that it would be impossible for me to be there. I had already committed myself to a very important family function outside Mumbai,” she says.
Most of her scenes in the film are with Madhavan. But she has a couple of scenes with Abhishek and one scene with Aishwarya in the film.
Source: India Target
Friday, November 17, 2006
Wednesday, November 15, 2006
Rajini give dinner to Ajith !!!
Rajinikanth is always different and genuine in whatever he does.
Rajinikanth also has a way of surprising many with his spontaneity and large-heartedness.
Recently at the shoot of Sivaji, he caught the entire unit unawares as he presented them with smart winter clothing.
Of course, his munificence doesn't stop with his teammates. His general goodwill goes far and beyond.
The recent recipients of Rajini's good-natured wishes were Ajith and his wife Shalini.
The superstar was very much impressed with Ajith's new release Varalaru. Rajini had seen the movie at a special show and had conveyed his appreciation to director K S Ravikumar.
He had also spoken to Ravikumar about Ajith's splendid performance in the film.
Rajini recently invited Ajith and Shalini to his house and held a grand dinner for them.
Rajini was unstinting in his praise for Ajith. "It is great work," Rajini said of Ajith's triple role in Varalaru.
Needless to say, Ajith and Shalini were overwhelmed by Rajini's warmth.
Source: India Glitz
Tuesday, November 14, 2006
Rajini's film Sivaji: Release may be delayed !!!
Rajinikanth's fans may have to wait a bit more to see their favourite hero on the screen.
His much-awaited Sivaji, one of the big-budgeted movies in Indian film history produced by A V M Saravanan and directed by Shankar, was slated for a release on 14 April, 2007.
The latest buzz doing rounds is that it may have a slightly delayed release.
Sources say the movie would be released on 8 May, 2007. Shankar is superstitious and always released his movies on 8. Interestingly, Sivaji is his eighth directorial venture.
Since the day it went to floors, Sivaji has been generating so much curiosity not just among Rajinikanth fans but also among avid film buffs.
Also, it is said that the producers are contemplating with the idea of bringing out a book on the Making of Sivaji to coincide with the release of the movie on Tamil New Year's Day.
The book will deal in detail about the experiences of the artistes working in it and also takes an inside look on how the project shaped up and how the movie was canned.
It would have inputs from Rajinikanth and Shankar.
Source: India Glitz
Monday, November 13, 2006
New Themes in Malayalam Movies
Mammootty's `Karuthapakshikal', Dileep's `Chakaramuthu' and Sreenivasan's `Yes Your Honour' are getting ready for release in the coming days.
Directed by Kamal, `Karuthapakshikal' narrates the life of a person engaged in ironing clothes. Mamootty and Kamal are back after the box-office success of `Rapakal'. Mammootty has an entirely different look in `Karuthapakshikal'. The actor's histrionic talents will be put to test, as the character he plays in the movie goes through different problems in life. Kamal tries to map the plight of migrants who do jobs such as ironing to make a living in the movie. Directed by scriptwriter-turned-director Lohithadas, the fate of `Chakaramuthu' is crucial for Dileep especially after his Shaji Kailas movie, `The Don', failed to click. He plays a tailor in `Chakaramuthu'. Dileep seems to have learnt a few bitter lessons from the failure of `The Don'. He returns to characters that are not larger-than-life.
`Yes Your Honour' has Sreenivasan playing a lead role after a long gap. V. M. Vinu is the director of the movie. Shot extensively in Kochi and nearby areas, the story of `Yes Your Honour' revolves around the life of a lawyer. Malayalam film industry will keep its fingers crossed, as the box-office records of these films will have an impact on movies planned for Christmas. Kollywood and Bollywood are offering tough competition for Malayalam movies. Deepavali relases of Tamil movies are still going strong in cinemas in Kochi.
Among all major releases, Lal Jose's `Classmates' continues its strong run. And it might give a tough competition for films slated for release during Christmas
Source: The Hindu
Directed by Kamal, `Karuthapakshikal' narrates the life of a person engaged in ironing clothes. Mamootty and Kamal are back after the box-office success of `Rapakal'. Mammootty has an entirely different look in `Karuthapakshikal'. The actor's histrionic talents will be put to test, as the character he plays in the movie goes through different problems in life. Kamal tries to map the plight of migrants who do jobs such as ironing to make a living in the movie. Directed by scriptwriter-turned-director Lohithadas, the fate of `Chakaramuthu' is crucial for Dileep especially after his Shaji Kailas movie, `The Don', failed to click. He plays a tailor in `Chakaramuthu'. Dileep seems to have learnt a few bitter lessons from the failure of `The Don'. He returns to characters that are not larger-than-life.
`Yes Your Honour' has Sreenivasan playing a lead role after a long gap. V. M. Vinu is the director of the movie. Shot extensively in Kochi and nearby areas, the story of `Yes Your Honour' revolves around the life of a lawyer. Malayalam film industry will keep its fingers crossed, as the box-office records of these films will have an impact on movies planned for Christmas. Kollywood and Bollywood are offering tough competition for Malayalam movies. Deepavali relases of Tamil movies are still going strong in cinemas in Kochi.
Among all major releases, Lal Jose's `Classmates' continues its strong run. And it might give a tough competition for films slated for release during Christmas
Source: The Hindu
Telugu filmmakers call for ban on dubbed movies
The Telugu film industry is caught in a row over curbs on dubbed movies being proposed in a bid to protect the interests of local producers of small budget films.
Taking a cue from neighbouring Karnataka, the Telugu Film Producers' Council had, in its general body meeting recently, decided to ban dubbing movies, particularly from Tamil, on the ground that they were "detrimental" to the original movie-making in Telugu.
The powerful body of film makers has asked its members not to buy dubbing rights of any non-Telugu movies and even warned of "non-cooperation" in case of anyone defying the ban.
The reasons for the harsh move are not far to seek. For the last couple of years, the dubbed films, particularly from Tamil, have been giving Tollywood, a nickname for Telugu film industry, a run for its money.
While a majority of the "straight" (original) films bombed at the box office, the dubbed ones set the cash boxes ringing and became major hits. The films starring Tamil superstar Rajnikanth, Vikram, Surya, Vijaykanth and Kamal Hasan are being lapped up by the film-crazy Andhraites, even overshadowing the local stars.
"There is definitely a logic behind the argument of the Producers' Council. A flood of dubbed films is adversely affecting the local talent, particularly the small budget players," D Suresh Babu, a leading producer and brother of popular actor Venkatesh, said.
More than one-third of the total 200 releases this year were dubbed films. Out of the sixty odd dubbed films released in 2005, about ten films made their mark at the box office, according to industry sources.
Among the run-away hits this year were the Rajnikanth-starrer 'Chandramukhi' directed by P. Vasu, Shankar's 'Aparichithudu' that catapulted Vikram to superstar status, A.R. Murugadas's 'Ghazini' with Surya in the lead role, the psycho thriller 'Manmatha' with Simbu in a dual role and the off-beat love story 'Premisthe', directed by Balaji Shakthivel for Shankar with debutantes Sandhya and Bharath.
The Tamil actor-choreographer Prabhudeva's maiden directorial venture 'Nuvvostanante Nenoddantana' turned out to be biggest grosser and even bagged the state government's Nandi award.
Apart from Tamil movies, over half-a-dozen films dubbed from English and other languages fared well too. On the other hand, the straight films of even big Telugu stars have flopped. Even megastar Chiranjeevi's films 'Jai Chiranjeeva' and 'Andarivaadu' fared poorly at the box office.
Of the 131 films released last year, only three were big hits and a little over half-a-dozen movies managed to recover their costs. Almost all the top actors faced drubbing at the box office. The list included Allari Pidugu (Balakrishna), Super (Nagarjuna), Balu ABCDEF (Pavankalyan), Subhashchandra Bose (Venkatesh), Political Rowdy (Mohan Babu), Narasimhudu (Junior NTR) and Soggadu (Tarun).
As a result of this trend, several producers are vying to pick up dubbing rights of successful Tamil films.
One of the major contributors for the poor show was skyrocketing cost of production. "Unlike Hindi and Tamil films, our movies do not have global markets. We should keep the cost of production in mind," Suresh Babu said.
The decision to impose restrictions on dubbed films has split the industry vertically with dubbing artistes, script writers, lyricists, a section of producers and the exhibitors opposing the move.
"It is a unilateral decision. It is producers who will stand to lose if they impose ban on dubbed films. We will not allow this," K Murali Mohan, Secretary of A P State Film Chamber of Commerce said.
The exhibitors (theatre owners) have also resented the Council's move, terming it as "big brotherly attitude." Holding an emergency meeting of their association here yesterday, they made it clear that they would defy such a ban and would continue to screen dubbed movies.
"If the producers council's decision is implemented, then hundred of theatres across the state will have to close down. When dubbed films are of a better quality, we cannot deprive the audience of the right to watch the films of their choice," Murali Mohan said.
"The cost of production has gone up so much that we cannot afford to make a straight movie in Telugu. It is still controlled by a handful of families of big-ticket producers. We are able to release a dubbing movie with much lesser budget. What is their problem?," said a small producer on condition of anonymity.
Meanwhile, scores of artistes representing Madras Dubbing Artistes' Union have been staging demonstration before the office of the A P Film Chamber of Commerce here for the last two days seeking withdrawal of the ban.
"It is a question of livelihood for us. If they ban dubbed films, we will be on the roads," Bharath Babu, a well-known writer said.
Source: The Hindu
Taking a cue from neighbouring Karnataka, the Telugu Film Producers' Council had, in its general body meeting recently, decided to ban dubbing movies, particularly from Tamil, on the ground that they were "detrimental" to the original movie-making in Telugu.
The powerful body of film makers has asked its members not to buy dubbing rights of any non-Telugu movies and even warned of "non-cooperation" in case of anyone defying the ban.
The reasons for the harsh move are not far to seek. For the last couple of years, the dubbed films, particularly from Tamil, have been giving Tollywood, a nickname for Telugu film industry, a run for its money.
While a majority of the "straight" (original) films bombed at the box office, the dubbed ones set the cash boxes ringing and became major hits. The films starring Tamil superstar Rajnikanth, Vikram, Surya, Vijaykanth and Kamal Hasan are being lapped up by the film-crazy Andhraites, even overshadowing the local stars.
"There is definitely a logic behind the argument of the Producers' Council. A flood of dubbed films is adversely affecting the local talent, particularly the small budget players," D Suresh Babu, a leading producer and brother of popular actor Venkatesh, said.
More than one-third of the total 200 releases this year were dubbed films. Out of the sixty odd dubbed films released in 2005, about ten films made their mark at the box office, according to industry sources.
Among the run-away hits this year were the Rajnikanth-starrer 'Chandramukhi' directed by P. Vasu, Shankar's 'Aparichithudu' that catapulted Vikram to superstar status, A.R. Murugadas's 'Ghazini' with Surya in the lead role, the psycho thriller 'Manmatha' with Simbu in a dual role and the off-beat love story 'Premisthe', directed by Balaji Shakthivel for Shankar with debutantes Sandhya and Bharath.
The Tamil actor-choreographer Prabhudeva's maiden directorial venture 'Nuvvostanante Nenoddantana' turned out to be biggest grosser and even bagged the state government's Nandi award.
Apart from Tamil movies, over half-a-dozen films dubbed from English and other languages fared well too. On the other hand, the straight films of even big Telugu stars have flopped. Even megastar Chiranjeevi's films 'Jai Chiranjeeva' and 'Andarivaadu' fared poorly at the box office.
Of the 131 films released last year, only three were big hits and a little over half-a-dozen movies managed to recover their costs. Almost all the top actors faced drubbing at the box office. The list included Allari Pidugu (Balakrishna), Super (Nagarjuna), Balu ABCDEF (Pavankalyan), Subhashchandra Bose (Venkatesh), Political Rowdy (Mohan Babu), Narasimhudu (Junior NTR) and Soggadu (Tarun).
As a result of this trend, several producers are vying to pick up dubbing rights of successful Tamil films.
One of the major contributors for the poor show was skyrocketing cost of production. "Unlike Hindi and Tamil films, our movies do not have global markets. We should keep the cost of production in mind," Suresh Babu said.
The decision to impose restrictions on dubbed films has split the industry vertically with dubbing artistes, script writers, lyricists, a section of producers and the exhibitors opposing the move.
"It is a unilateral decision. It is producers who will stand to lose if they impose ban on dubbed films. We will not allow this," K Murali Mohan, Secretary of A P State Film Chamber of Commerce said.
The exhibitors (theatre owners) have also resented the Council's move, terming it as "big brotherly attitude." Holding an emergency meeting of their association here yesterday, they made it clear that they would defy such a ban and would continue to screen dubbed movies.
"If the producers council's decision is implemented, then hundred of theatres across the state will have to close down. When dubbed films are of a better quality, we cannot deprive the audience of the right to watch the films of their choice," Murali Mohan said.
"The cost of production has gone up so much that we cannot afford to make a straight movie in Telugu. It is still controlled by a handful of families of big-ticket producers. We are able to release a dubbing movie with much lesser budget. What is their problem?," said a small producer on condition of anonymity.
Meanwhile, scores of artistes representing Madras Dubbing Artistes' Union have been staging demonstration before the office of the A P Film Chamber of Commerce here for the last two days seeking withdrawal of the ban.
"It is a question of livelihood for us. If they ban dubbed films, we will be on the roads," Bharath Babu, a well-known writer said.
Source: The Hindu
Goa Film Festival
The Entertainment Society of Goa, backed by an advertising budget of Rs 1.5 crore and cash sponsorship of Rs 5 crore, will promote regional movies during the 37 th International Film Festival of India (IFFI).
"IFFI Goa 2006 would be screened from November 23 this year at four theatres and at open-air locations like the National Institute of Water Sports Ground," said Digambar V Kamat, minister of power, mines and art and culture, government of Goa.
A total of close to 180 movies would be screened.
"We are focusing more on quality than number and are also promoting more of regional movies this year than what we did in the last two years," said Nikhil Desai, general manager, Entertainment Society of Goa.
Regional movies this year would include Kannada film maker Girish Kesaravalli's 'Nayi Neralu', Rituparno Ghosh's Bengali film 'Dosar', Assamese director Manju Borah's historical film 'Joymoti', Pankaj Parashar's Hindi film 'Benaras:A mystic love story', and 20 other feature films in regional languages.
Even in the non-feature film category, regional language movies would dominate.
The festival would screen films from about 40 Asian, African, and Latin American countries.
India's representation would feature Tamil film 'Srigaram' by Sharada Ramanathan, and 'Sonam' by Ahsan Muzid in Arunachali dialect Monpa.
Special screenings include retrospective of Prithviraj Kapoor's films and Richard Attenborough's 'Gandhi'.
The best film and most promising director awards and the special jury award for director with noteworthy original artistic contribution would consist cash prize, medal and certificate.
Business Standard
"IFFI Goa 2006 would be screened from November 23 this year at four theatres and at open-air locations like the National Institute of Water Sports Ground," said Digambar V Kamat, minister of power, mines and art and culture, government of Goa.
A total of close to 180 movies would be screened.
"We are focusing more on quality than number and are also promoting more of regional movies this year than what we did in the last two years," said Nikhil Desai, general manager, Entertainment Society of Goa.
Regional movies this year would include Kannada film maker Girish Kesaravalli's 'Nayi Neralu', Rituparno Ghosh's Bengali film 'Dosar', Assamese director Manju Borah's historical film 'Joymoti', Pankaj Parashar's Hindi film 'Benaras:A mystic love story', and 20 other feature films in regional languages.
Even in the non-feature film category, regional language movies would dominate.
The festival would screen films from about 40 Asian, African, and Latin American countries.
India's representation would feature Tamil film 'Srigaram' by Sharada Ramanathan, and 'Sonam' by Ahsan Muzid in Arunachali dialect Monpa.
Special screenings include retrospective of Prithviraj Kapoor's films and Richard Attenborough's 'Gandhi'.
The best film and most promising director awards and the special jury award for director with noteworthy original artistic contribution would consist cash prize, medal and certificate.
Business Standard
Sunday, November 12, 2006
Abhishek to get top UP award
The Uttar Pradesh government has decided to honour actor Abhishek Bachchan with Yash Bharati Samman, the state's highest award, on November 20.
Abhishek's grandfather and litterateur Harivansh Rai Bachchan, Amitabh and his wife and MP Jaya Bachchan have already been conferred the award in the past.
UP Culture Minister Rajendra Singh Rana says the award, which comprises Rs 5 lakh and a citation, said the award is being given to Abhishek to "encourage" him.
Cricketer Mohammad Kaif's name also figures in the list of 11 persons who will be honoured with the award along with Abhishek.
Asked the basis on which the actor has been chosen for the honour, Rana said, "He is a renowned film star. His grandfather was from Allahabad. His grandmother Teji Bachhan belongs to UP. His father is from our state. Abhishek is doing well and we want to encourage him."
The minister added that it was the discretion of UP CM to choose a person for the award.
Rules, however, say that the award can only be given to those who were born in UP or have lived in the state for a considerable period or have done something mentionable for the state.
In February this year, the same award was given to veteran journalist and former MP Kuldip Nayar. The same was justified on the grounds that he had worked with former Union home minister G B Pant and former PM Lal Bahadur Shashtri, both of whom belonged to UP.
Source: Mumbai Mirror
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