Thursday, November 29, 2007
Thursday, September 13, 2007
Aag - Movie Review
Aag
Genre Action
Director Ram Gopal Varma
Cast Amitabh Bachchan, Mohanlal, Ajay Devgan, Prashant Raj
Storyline A cop hires two buddies to capture the dreaded gangster Babban Singh
Bottomline Miracle cure for insomnia
David Dhawan made Jodi No.1, as a cheeky tribute to Sholay. Though irreverent, that was true homage. Unpretentious, it interpreted the classic effortlessly, confident in its own skin and consistent with the director’s style. Ram Gopal Varma Ki… [Insert appropriate Hindi ‘gaali’, if you are a fan of the original] is an insufferable potboiler about a bandit called Gabbar. The kind of film that makes turkeys like Daag – The Fire look infinitely slicker.
There’s no stopping Varma’s Aag, especially, after he cuts off his editor’s arms (in the original, Gabbar cuts off Thakur’s). The film agonisingly runs for over two and a half hours, unleashing its sadistic streak with bursts of Babban (Bachchan playing out his childhood fantasy, just like a child possessed) and we find ourselves at the butt of all cruel jokes.
It’s difficult to review Aag because I kept nodding off to sleep, waking up to be occasionally frightened by the name mothers will drop in the coming weeks to scare kids crying in the cinemas: “Soja, nahi to Nisha Kothari aa jaayegi.” Nisha makes ‘su-side’ sound like a good idea.
Sho lay was way ahead of its times with elaborate set-piece action sequences of an epic scale – remember the painstakingly shot and orchestrated train-being-chased-by-dacoits sequence in the original? Here, Ramu rents out run down ru ins of a fort and lets his Steadicam operator run amok. Deserted ruins instead of a speeding train crashing into timber for an impact? The metaphors can’t be more definitive of the respective narratives or the audience response. Watching stuntmen who’re shot at fall down animatedly, you let it pass thinking maybe he’s just recreating the 1970s feel all over. You may have forgiven him for that too, if it were consistent. Aag is a confused product. Suddenly, it opts fo r the slickness and subtlety of Company. Sholay came across as a seamless narrative, in spite of the motley crew of unforgettable characters. Here, in spite of its attempt to simplify, the screenplay is terribly disj ointed, at times even making you forget the characters that exist in the film. There are all of three scenes to write home about. Veerendra Saxena as A.K. Hangal is heartrendingly good. Two, Bachchan as Babban when he chops off the Inspector’s fingers is psychotically effective and the third, I forget but that Prashant Raj chap isn’t half-bad.
Genre Action
Director Ram Gopal Varma
Cast Amitabh Bachchan, Mohanlal, Ajay Devgan, Prashant Raj
Storyline A cop hires two buddies to capture the dreaded gangster Babban Singh
Bottomline Miracle cure for insomnia
David Dhawan made Jodi No.1, as a cheeky tribute to Sholay. Though irreverent, that was true homage. Unpretentious, it interpreted the classic effortlessly, confident in its own skin and consistent with the director’s style. Ram Gopal Varma Ki… [Insert appropriate Hindi ‘gaali’, if you are a fan of the original] is an insufferable potboiler about a bandit called Gabbar. The kind of film that makes turkeys like Daag – The Fire look infinitely slicker.
There’s no stopping Varma’s Aag, especially, after he cuts off his editor’s arms (in the original, Gabbar cuts off Thakur’s). The film agonisingly runs for over two and a half hours, unleashing its sadistic streak with bursts of Babban (Bachchan playing out his childhood fantasy, just like a child possessed) and we find ourselves at the butt of all cruel jokes.
It’s difficult to review Aag because I kept nodding off to sleep, waking up to be occasionally frightened by the name mothers will drop in the coming weeks to scare kids crying in the cinemas: “Soja, nahi to Nisha Kothari aa jaayegi.” Nisha makes ‘su-side’ sound like a good idea.
Sho lay was way ahead of its times with elaborate set-piece action sequences of an epic scale – remember the painstakingly shot and orchestrated train-being-chased-by-dacoits sequence in the original? Here, Ramu rents out run down ru ins of a fort and lets his Steadicam operator run amok. Deserted ruins instead of a speeding train crashing into timber for an impact? The metaphors can’t be more definitive of the respective narratives or the audience response. Watching stuntmen who’re shot at fall down animatedly, you let it pass thinking maybe he’s just recreating the 1970s feel all over. You may have forgiven him for that too, if it were consistent. Aag is a confused product. Suddenly, it opts fo r the slickness and subtlety of Company. Sholay came across as a seamless narrative, in spite of the motley crew of unforgettable characters. Here, in spite of its attempt to simplify, the screenplay is terribly disj ointed, at times even making you forget the characters that exist in the film. There are all of three scenes to write home about. Veerendra Saxena as A.K. Hangal is heartrendingly good. Two, Bachchan as Babban when he chops off the Inspector’s fingers is psychotically effective and the third, I forget but that Prashant Raj chap isn’t half-bad.
Thursday, August 09, 2007
Karthi may be soon in Shankar's production
‘Karthi, who shot to fame through Paruthi Veeran, would soon act in a movie produced by director Shankar's S Films. The film would be directed by a one-time associate of Shankar’, say Kollywood circles.
With Karthi is currently acting in Ayirathil Oruvan in Selvaragavan's direction, it is said that works for the new project would commence once the actor becomes free.
Resembling Kadhal and Veyyil, this production venture of Shankar too would come with a strong story line.
It may be recalled that Shankar is already producing Kallori and Arai En 305il Kadavul, directed by his former associates Balaji Sakthivel and Simbudevan respectively.
Apart from this, Shankar is busy with his directorial venture Robo, in which Sharukh Khan is acting in the lead.
With Karthi is currently acting in Ayirathil Oruvan in Selvaragavan's direction, it is said that works for the new project would commence once the actor becomes free.
Resembling Kadhal and Veyyil, this production venture of Shankar too would come with a strong story line.
It may be recalled that Shankar is already producing Kallori and Arai En 305il Kadavul, directed by his former associates Balaji Sakthivel and Simbudevan respectively.
Apart from this, Shankar is busy with his directorial venture Robo, in which Sharukh Khan is acting in the lead.
Kamal and Hrithik come together
Two tops stars, one from Bollywood and the other from Kollywood are coming together for a new film to be produced by Adlabs. The film will be made with high technical values and will be made on a huge budget of about 100 crores. The film will be made in Hindi and other south Indian languages. Kamal Haasan is reportedly been signed up for 20 crore as remuneration.
75 years of Tamil Cinema Festival
75 years of Tamil Cinema Festival kicked off in a grandiloquent
manner on August 6th, 2007 in Singapore. President of South Indian Artists
Association, actor Sarath Kumar inaugurated the Platinum Jubilee celebrations of
Tamil Cinema at the Golden Village Theater in the presence of actors, actresses,
media and well-wishers of the industry.
The inauguration of the Platinum Jubilee celebrations of Tamil Cinema on August 6th,
2007 was a colorful and flamboyant affair. The Golden Village Theater was decked
with backdrops of the most famous names in Tamil Cinema history. The achievement of
Tamil Cinema - right from the days of ‘Kalidas’ in 1931 to ‘Sivaji’ in 2007 – was
displayed at the premises. In short, the stage was set for the grand event.
Super Hero Sarath Kumar, President of South Indian Artistes Association, inaugurated
the week long celebrations and delivered the key-note address. Veteran director Mr.
S.A. Chandrasekar, President - Directors Union (TANTIS), Producer Mr. K.S.
Srinivasan, Secretary - Producers Council, Actress Ms. Sripriya, Committee Member -
South Indian Artistes Association, Mrs. Radikaa Sarath Kumar, Chairperson - Radaan
Mediaworks, Mr. C.R. Venkatesh, Director - Galatta Global Events, Mr. Girish Ramdas,
Director - Galatta Global Events and Mr. K. Ramesh, President - Galatta Global
Events were the other delegates who graced the occasion. The representatives and
heads of council and unions Mr. Sarath Kumar, on behalf of the Nadigar Sangam, Mr.
S.A. Chandrasekar, on behalf of the Director’s Union and Mr. Srinivasan, on behalf
of the Producers Council and President Mr. Rama Narayanan assured that the Kollywood
community would actively participate in the grand fete. The impressive inauguration
was followed by the screening of the evergreen classic movie of MGR ‘Nadodi Mannan’.
manner on August 6th, 2007 in Singapore. President of South Indian Artists
Association, actor Sarath Kumar inaugurated the Platinum Jubilee celebrations of
Tamil Cinema at the Golden Village Theater in the presence of actors, actresses,
media and well-wishers of the industry.
The inauguration of the Platinum Jubilee celebrations of Tamil Cinema on August 6th,
2007 was a colorful and flamboyant affair. The Golden Village Theater was decked
with backdrops of the most famous names in Tamil Cinema history. The achievement of
Tamil Cinema - right from the days of ‘Kalidas’ in 1931 to ‘Sivaji’ in 2007 – was
displayed at the premises. In short, the stage was set for the grand event.
Super Hero Sarath Kumar, President of South Indian Artistes Association, inaugurated
the week long celebrations and delivered the key-note address. Veteran director Mr.
S.A. Chandrasekar, President - Directors Union (TANTIS), Producer Mr. K.S.
Srinivasan, Secretary - Producers Council, Actress Ms. Sripriya, Committee Member -
South Indian Artistes Association, Mrs. Radikaa Sarath Kumar, Chairperson - Radaan
Mediaworks, Mr. C.R. Venkatesh, Director - Galatta Global Events, Mr. Girish Ramdas,
Director - Galatta Global Events and Mr. K. Ramesh, President - Galatta Global
Events were the other delegates who graced the occasion. The representatives and
heads of council and unions Mr. Sarath Kumar, on behalf of the Nadigar Sangam, Mr.
S.A. Chandrasekar, on behalf of the Director’s Union and Mr. Srinivasan, on behalf
of the Producers Council and President Mr. Rama Narayanan assured that the Kollywood
community would actively participate in the grand fete. The impressive inauguration
was followed by the screening of the evergreen classic movie of MGR ‘Nadodi Mannan’.
Wednesday, June 27, 2007
Cameraman and Director Jeeva dead
Ace cameraman and director Jeeva passed away in St.Petersberg, Russia, following cardiac arrest on Tuesday morning at 7.30 a.m. (Indian Standard Time). He was 44.
Director Jeeva was shooting for a Tamil film “Dham Dhoom” with ‘Jayem’ Ravi as the hero, Kangana Ranaut, Laxmi Rai and other artists. His body is expected to be flown to the city on Thursday.
An acclaimed cinematographer-turned-director, Jeeva had worked in over 40 films starting with Malayalam films. He was the cameraman for director Shankar’s “Gentleman”, “Kadhalan” and “Indian.”
Jeeva ventured into Bollywood and cranked the camera for several blockbusters, including films directed by Priyadarshan. Some of his Hindi movies include “Hulchul,” “Yeh Tera Ghar Yeh Mera Ghar,” “Run,” “Kushi,” “Hera Pheri” among others. A native of Thiruthooraipoondi, Jeeva ventured into direction with “12B” in which he introduced Sham as the hero. The film featured Jyothika and Simran. Jeeva’s next film was “Ullam Ketkumae” with a cast of now-popular stars like Arya, Asin and Pooja. Jeeva followed it up with “Unnale Unnale,” where he introduced a Bangalore model Vinay in the lead role. “Unnale Unnale” was a run away hit and is still running in theatres. Jeeva was currently engaged in directing “Dhaam Dhoom.”
He is survived by his wife Annesha, the costume designer of Jeeva’s films, and two children.
Director Jeeva was shooting for a Tamil film “Dham Dhoom” with ‘Jayem’ Ravi as the hero, Kangana Ranaut, Laxmi Rai and other artists. His body is expected to be flown to the city on Thursday.
An acclaimed cinematographer-turned-director, Jeeva had worked in over 40 films starting with Malayalam films. He was the cameraman for director Shankar’s “Gentleman”, “Kadhalan” and “Indian.”
Jeeva ventured into Bollywood and cranked the camera for several blockbusters, including films directed by Priyadarshan. Some of his Hindi movies include “Hulchul,” “Yeh Tera Ghar Yeh Mera Ghar,” “Run,” “Kushi,” “Hera Pheri” among others. A native of Thiruthooraipoondi, Jeeva ventured into direction with “12B” in which he introduced Sham as the hero. The film featured Jyothika and Simran. Jeeva’s next film was “Ullam Ketkumae” with a cast of now-popular stars like Arya, Asin and Pooja. Jeeva followed it up with “Unnale Unnale,” where he introduced a Bangalore model Vinay in the lead role. “Unnale Unnale” was a run away hit and is still running in theatres. Jeeva was currently engaged in directing “Dhaam Dhoom.”
He is survived by his wife Annesha, the costume designer of Jeeva’s films, and two children.
Sunday, June 10, 2007
Recreating Marina for Dasavatharam
Close on the heels of Sivaji, film-buffs eagerly await the release of Kamal Haasan's Dasavatharam. One of the costliest ventures in Tamil cinema, the movie is being produced by Oscar Ravichandran.
Featuring Kamal Haasan in ten different roes, the movie is nearing completion. The latest buzz is that the makers of Dasavatharam are keen on completing the movie by July and plans for a release this Deepavali.
Plans are on to come up with a huge set replicating the shores of Marina near Royapuram.
Director K S Ravikumar is planning to shoot the tsunami, which struck the coast of Tamilnadu, a couple of years ago. Art director Thotta Tharani is entrusted with the job. A fishing hamlet and an artificial beach are coming up near Royapuram for the purpose.
A few days ago, a major sequence of the movie was shot in a church at Royapuram. Getting grand day after day is Dasavatharam.
Featuring Kamal Haasan in ten different roes, the movie is nearing completion. The latest buzz is that the makers of Dasavatharam are keen on completing the movie by July and plans for a release this Deepavali.
Plans are on to come up with a huge set replicating the shores of Marina near Royapuram.
Director K S Ravikumar is planning to shoot the tsunami, which struck the coast of Tamilnadu, a couple of years ago. Art director Thotta Tharani is entrusted with the job. A fishing hamlet and an artificial beach are coming up near Royapuram for the purpose.
A few days ago, a major sequence of the movie was shot in a church at Royapuram. Getting grand day after day is Dasavatharam.
Sivaji to be released on June 15th
June 15th – that’s the day Rajnikanth will be meeting his fans on the big screen with his latest film Sivaji.
With a first time combination of superstar Rajnikanth, hit filmmaker Shankar and music maestro AR Rahman - Sivaji the Boss is undoubtedly the hottest ticket down south this summer.
It's a film that's been kept under wraps since it went on the floors, with this first look being released only two weeks before Sivaji hits screens. And the man behind the movie has a reason for that.
Sivaji director Shankar says, "I want to retain the freshness and thrill of seeing everything for the first time."
With reports of a budget of over Rs 80 crore Sivaji-the Boss may well be India's costliest film ever. But that’s something the director Shankar is not willing to comment on.
"I don't know anything about the budget. The producers handle that," Shankar says.
The first look promises Sivaji to be an all out entertainer, showing Rajnikanth as multi-tasking as a lover, a comedian, an action hero and a reformer - just the way his fans like him.
With a first time combination of superstar Rajnikanth, hit filmmaker Shankar and music maestro AR Rahman - Sivaji the Boss is undoubtedly the hottest ticket down south this summer.
It's a film that's been kept under wraps since it went on the floors, with this first look being released only two weeks before Sivaji hits screens. And the man behind the movie has a reason for that.
Sivaji director Shankar says, "I want to retain the freshness and thrill of seeing everything for the first time."
With reports of a budget of over Rs 80 crore Sivaji-the Boss may well be India's costliest film ever. But that’s something the director Shankar is not willing to comment on.
"I don't know anything about the budget. The producers handle that," Shankar says.
The first look promises Sivaji to be an all out entertainer, showing Rajnikanth as multi-tasking as a lover, a comedian, an action hero and a reformer - just the way his fans like him.
Sunday, June 03, 2007
MGR back to kollywood
Tamil cinema's new stories and themes are winning worldwide attention, what with two films - Mani Ratnam's 'Guru' and 'Indian' fame Shankar's 'Veyil' - screened in the prestigious Cannes film festival earlier this month.
Amidst this jubilant scenario, although silver and golden jubilees for a film are a rarity, Kollywood fans seem to be remembering their yesteryear screen legends, especially the tallest among them, M G Ramachandran or MGR, as he was known.
MGR's hits of the 60s and early 70s are still welcomed on the small screen, according to a recent survey. They are also proving to be a huge draw when re-released in theatres. Recently, one such hit 'Nadodi Mannan', a political action film, turned out to be a hit of sorts when released in a couple of theatres. Interestingly, a few of the heroines of yesteryear Tamil cinema like B Saroja Devi, M N Rajam and Rajasree, who had acted in a number of films alongside MGR, watched the film and relived those days of glory again.
Today, another of MGR's runway box office hits 'Ayirathil Oruvan', made in 1965 and ranking among the biggest hits of his career, is being released again in three theatres. The film is also immensely popular for the melodious musical score with every song, penned meaningfully, turning out to be a hit. The musical score of the film was by two other legends of Tamil cinema, Viswanathan and Ramamurthy.
MGR's fans too are lapping up the films of their icon, who lives in their heart forever.
Amidst this jubilant scenario, although silver and golden jubilees for a film are a rarity, Kollywood fans seem to be remembering their yesteryear screen legends, especially the tallest among them, M G Ramachandran or MGR, as he was known.
MGR's hits of the 60s and early 70s are still welcomed on the small screen, according to a recent survey. They are also proving to be a huge draw when re-released in theatres. Recently, one such hit 'Nadodi Mannan', a political action film, turned out to be a hit of sorts when released in a couple of theatres. Interestingly, a few of the heroines of yesteryear Tamil cinema like B Saroja Devi, M N Rajam and Rajasree, who had acted in a number of films alongside MGR, watched the film and relived those days of glory again.
Today, another of MGR's runway box office hits 'Ayirathil Oruvan', made in 1965 and ranking among the biggest hits of his career, is being released again in three theatres. The film is also immensely popular for the melodious musical score with every song, penned meaningfully, turning out to be a hit. The musical score of the film was by two other legends of Tamil cinema, Viswanathan and Ramamurthy.
MGR's fans too are lapping up the films of their icon, who lives in their heart forever.
Friday, April 27, 2007
Rajini goes to the Himalayas
After completing his work in Shivaji, one of the greatest ever superstar in Indian cinema, Rajini Kanth flew to the Himalayas to pays homage to his Guru Babaji who resides in a cave.
Day before yesterday, director Shankar completed all the patchwork shoots for Shivaji and told Rajini that the first copy of the movie is almost ready. As per the source, re- recording and graphical thrills are nearing completion. Now both the director and the producer have decided to release the film on May 17. Before the release of the film, the superstar wanted to visit his favourite place in the world, the Babaji caves in The Himalayas.
Day before yesterday, director Shankar completed all the patchwork shoots for Shivaji and told Rajini that the first copy of the movie is almost ready. As per the source, re- recording and graphical thrills are nearing completion. Now both the director and the producer have decided to release the film on May 17. Before the release of the film, the superstar wanted to visit his favourite place in the world, the Babaji caves in The Himalayas.
Wednesday, March 21, 2007
Maestro magic
It's three decades since Panchu Arunachalam gave him `Annakkili.' The rest is history. Ilaiyaraja is now the composer for `Maaya Kannaadi' and that again comes from the house of Arunachalam. The grandeur of the audio launch invite in itself conveyed all these and more about the maestro and his magic with music. The cover of the invitation, with a young ebullient Ilaiyaraja as he was when he entered cinema and the sober visage of today, and pictures of the man in action over the years printed all over the back of the card, caught your attention. And if the impact making visual treat wasn't enough, you had the `Maaya Kannaadi' cover with a rare 3D effect.
Friday, March 09, 2007
Actress Sridevi planning for a come back to Bollywood
Sridevi Kapoor, 44, the South Indian actress who was popular in both Tamil and Hindi films, will be making her Bollywood comeback, reported TheTimes of India.
The actress, a mother of two, was last seen in in the 2005 movie Meri Biwi Ka Jawab Nahin (My Wife Will Not Answer), as well as some TV work.
Fellow veteran Madhuri Dixit had made her return to the big screen earlier this year.
To mark her return, Sridevi recorded a dance segment for the 52nd Filmfare Awards recently.
She told The Times: 'I love the variety of films that are being made these days and there are so many new directors I'd like to workwith.'
Two big Bollywood production companies are reportedly planning projects to exploit her star power.
She said: 'It's true there have been offers. In fact, they never stopped.
'But I've been working so long, it has to be something that really excites me (and) coaxes me out of home.
'So far, I've just been happy looking after my husband and twodaughters.'
Sridevi's producer husband, Boney Kapoor, is also planning a project for her, which he described as a sort of a 'Taj Mahal for his Mumtaz'.
Boney was referring to the famous monument of love in Agra, built by the 15th century Mughal Emperor Shah Jahan for his wife, Mumtaz Mahal.
Said Boney: 'Yes, I am certainly planning something with Sridevi.
'But her comeback requires a lot of care. At this stage, she can't do a film just for the heck of it.'
Wednesday, March 07, 2007
Lawrence gets busier with new releases
This is going to be the most happening of times for Lawrence Raghavendra. His Tamil movie Muni, which is also being dubbed in Telugu by Manyam Ramesh, is getting released this week.
Muni stars Larence while he has also directed it. So this a double test for him.And then his all-out directorial venture with Nagarjuna, Don, will formally start rolling from Thursday.
Don stars Mamta Mohandass as the heroine. This commercial entertainer will be wound up in quick time.
Don will again showcase Nags-Lawrence’s understanding.
The duo had movies like Mass to show for their rapport and good vibes.
Muni stars Larence while he has also directed it. So this a double test for him.And then his all-out directorial venture with Nagarjuna, Don, will formally start rolling from Thursday.
Don stars Mamta Mohandass as the heroine. This commercial entertainer will be wound up in quick time.
Don will again showcase Nags-Lawrence’s understanding.
The duo had movies like Mass to show for their rapport and good vibes.
Remake time in Tamil Films
K. Balachander's `Naan Avanillai' is a classic with Gemini Ganesh playing a Casanova who leads women to the altar without qualms. The veteran had done a splendid job in it. Doing the role in its present day version willbe Jeevan, the villain of `Kaakha Kaakha' and hero of `Thiruttu Payalae.' Selva is the director. It's three decades since KB's `Naan --' came out, but its theme would suit any era. With this step, Tamil film industry revives the practice of re-making old films, like in Hindi. It's nothing new. Earlier too films have been re-made in the same language.
Monday, March 05, 2007
Why care for Oscars? asks Mani Ratnam
Acclaimed filmmaker Mani Ratnam doesn't care much about winning an Oscar as recognition of the Indian film industry.
"Why should we care about the Oscars, when they don't care about us? We have our own film culture, which is very rich," Ratnam told on a visit to kolkata.
Ratnam was visiting Cinema Paradiso, the city's happening video library that boasts of a huge collection of world classics as well as contemporary films.
This was his first visit to Kolkata after the release of "Guru". And he got a rapturous welcome from the city where his film "Yuva" was based.
Talking about "Guru", he said, "Rumours are flying thick that the film is based on the life of an eminent Indian businessman. It's all useless talk. 'Guru' can be anyone's story."
"Guru" tells the story of an ambitious young villager (Abhishek Bachchan) who moves to Turkey and then to Mumbai to become one of the richest businessmen in the country, making many compromises on his way to success.
On his next venture, the Tamil filmmaker said: "I am working on the script of a film titled "Lajo". Kareena Kapoor will be playing the lead role in the film."
Referring to the changing scenario of Indian cinema, Ratnam noted: "The earlier difference between art films and commercial cinema has almost vanished. Now it's a mix of both."
While agreeing that a filmmaker has a social role to play, he added with great candour that a filmmaker was not a preacher. "Indian filmmakers can move from entertainment to more socially relevant issues only after the economic condition of the masses improves. Only then will they be in a mood to see socially relevant cinema."
Friday, March 02, 2007
Mid-life crisis? No Says Amitabh Bachchan
Bollywood icon Amitabh Bachchan insists that his roles in two new films in which he falls in love with women significantly younger than himself are not indications of a mid-life crisis.
The gray-haired star, 64, has taken on a number of Casanova-type roles to keep his acting fresh and get away from being typecast as a father figure, Bachchan said in an interview published on Friday.
``Well, variety is the spice of life. I was getting a little tired of playing the patriarch in all my films,'' he told.``I realized that if I continue to do it then it would be the end of me as an actor.''
In his latest movie ``Nishabd,'' Bachchan plays an aging romantic attracted to his teenage daughter's friend. In ``Cheeni Kum,'' to be released later this year, he plays a chef who falls in love with a woman whose father is younger than himself.
Bachchan - who, in real life, is happily married to actress-turned politician Jaya Bachchan - has played the role of the father figure in many of his recent movies.
He says both upcoming movies deal with genuine emotion and he hoped that his fans will understand that.
``I'm sure once they see the film, the audience will understand the honest and genuine feelings of my character in the films rather than focus on just sex and sexuality.''
The gray-haired star, 64, has taken on a number of Casanova-type roles to keep his acting fresh and get away from being typecast as a father figure, Bachchan said in an interview published on Friday.
``Well, variety is the spice of life. I was getting a little tired of playing the patriarch in all my films,'' he told.``I realized that if I continue to do it then it would be the end of me as an actor.''
In his latest movie ``Nishabd,'' Bachchan plays an aging romantic attracted to his teenage daughter's friend. In ``Cheeni Kum,'' to be released later this year, he plays a chef who falls in love with a woman whose father is younger than himself.
Bachchan - who, in real life, is happily married to actress-turned politician Jaya Bachchan - has played the role of the father figure in many of his recent movies.
He says both upcoming movies deal with genuine emotion and he hoped that his fans will understand that.
``I'm sure once they see the film, the audience will understand the honest and genuine feelings of my character in the films rather than focus on just sex and sexuality.''
Thursday, March 01, 2007
Shah Rukh Khan wishes Indian Cricket Team
Bollywood Superstar Shah Rukh Khan voiced the feelings of scores of countrymen in India, advising the 'Men in Blue' to "do your best and leave the rest" at a colourful and hearfelt send off for the Indian cricket to embark on their World Cup mission in Mumbai on Tuesday.
" I don't know a lot about sports, but I do know that it is not about winning and losing. It is about the belief that every sportsman ahs and the effort they put in. I just wnat to say to Rahul (Dravid) and the boys, that they should do their best and leave the rest," Khan told almost the entire Indian cricket team, including captain Rahul Dravid and Sachin Tendulkar, at a function in Mumbai on Tuesday.
As some of India's top artistes include Shankar Mahadevan and Adnan Sami performed some foot-tapping numbers for the scores of fans gathered at the venue, Bollywood's leading actress Priyanka Chopra also put in an appearance to wish the team good luck.
Standing next to Dravid on stage, Khan even apologised to the team on behalf of the media, saying "sometimes we may have said rude and demeaning things about the team when they lose, but let me tell you that we take it all back. We love you and hope you bring back the World Cup".
Looking dapper in a blue India T-shirt, Dravid thanked Khan and millions of fans for the wishes saying "these wishes of a billion people will definitely help us in the World Cup when we go out and do our best".
" I don't know a lot about sports, but I do know that it is not about winning and losing. It is about the belief that every sportsman ahs and the effort they put in. I just wnat to say to Rahul (Dravid) and the boys, that they should do their best and leave the rest," Khan told almost the entire Indian cricket team, including captain Rahul Dravid and Sachin Tendulkar, at a function in Mumbai on Tuesday.
As some of India's top artistes include Shankar Mahadevan and Adnan Sami performed some foot-tapping numbers for the scores of fans gathered at the venue, Bollywood's leading actress Priyanka Chopra also put in an appearance to wish the team good luck.
Standing next to Dravid on stage, Khan even apologised to the team on behalf of the media, saying "sometimes we may have said rude and demeaning things about the team when they lose, but let me tell you that we take it all back. We love you and hope you bring back the World Cup".
Looking dapper in a blue India T-shirt, Dravid thanked Khan and millions of fans for the wishes saying "these wishes of a billion people will definitely help us in the World Cup when we go out and do our best".
Monday, February 26, 2007
Madhavan as hero in 'Adi Oka Idile…'
Madhavan, who won the hearts of the audiences with an excellent film like 'Sakhi', is playing the hero for a film being produced by Ramgopal Varma on the banner of RGV Factory.
Noted writer who gave stories and dialogues for several films including 'Andarivadu and Venky' is turning a director through this film.
The shooting of the film which was begun recently is going on at a fast pace in Ramoji Film City. 'Adi Oka Idile…' is the title confirmed for this movie.
The film would continue its shooting till the completion.
Sada, who made her debut as heroine through Jayam and won the hearts of the audiences with 'Aparichitudu' is pairing up with Madhavan in this flick.
Noted writer who gave stories and dialogues for several films including 'Andarivadu and Venky' is turning a director through this film.
The shooting of the film which was begun recently is going on at a fast pace in Ramoji Film City. 'Adi Oka Idile…' is the title confirmed for this movie.
The film would continue its shooting till the completion.
Sada, who made her debut as heroine through Jayam and won the hearts of the audiences with 'Aparichitudu' is pairing up with Madhavan in this flick.
Wednesday, February 14, 2007
Shilpa Shetty back to UK?
Shilpa Shetty is flying back to the UK to save her 'Celebrity Big Brother' housemate Jo O'Meara.
The former S Club 7 singer has confessed to feeling suicidal after being branded a racist due to her treatment of Shilpa on the reality show, and the Bollywood star wants to let her know she is forgiven.
Shilpa told Britain's Daily Star newspaper, "I would like to speak to Jo and make sure she is all right. I am very worried about her."
"I know she is a good person and I hate to think of what she is going through. She doesn't have much self-confidence and I know she must be having a terrible time."
"I just want to speak to her and tell her to try to be strong. I have no ill feeling towards her. My heart goes out to her."
The 31-year-old Big Brother winner has been in India visiting her sick father but is flying back to Britain today to help Jo.
The 27-year-old singer, who has been prescribed anti-depressants, has become agoraphobic since leaving the Big Brother house and has not stepped foot outside her hotel room.
Jo is struggling to cope with becoming a public hate figure after she and friends Jade Goody and Danielle Lloyd were accused of racist bullying against Shilpa during their time together on 'Celebrity Big Brother'.
The former S Club 7 singer has confessed to feeling suicidal after being branded a racist due to her treatment of Shilpa on the reality show, and the Bollywood star wants to let her know she is forgiven.
Shilpa told Britain's Daily Star newspaper, "I would like to speak to Jo and make sure she is all right. I am very worried about her."
"I know she is a good person and I hate to think of what she is going through. She doesn't have much self-confidence and I know she must be having a terrible time."
"I just want to speak to her and tell her to try to be strong. I have no ill feeling towards her. My heart goes out to her."
The 31-year-old Big Brother winner has been in India visiting her sick father but is flying back to Britain today to help Jo.
The 27-year-old singer, who has been prescribed anti-depressants, has become agoraphobic since leaving the Big Brother house and has not stepped foot outside her hotel room.
Jo is struggling to cope with becoming a public hate figure after she and friends Jade Goody and Danielle Lloyd were accused of racist bullying against Shilpa during their time together on 'Celebrity Big Brother'.
Sivaji shooting in the final stages
As the final round of shooting for Sivaji is on in America, the entire team of the film is now camped there.
But of course, it is Rajinikanth who is the cynosure of all eyes.
These days the Sivaji crew is camped in New Jersey.
Rajinikanth has been besieged by eager and enthusiastic fans.
Of course, Rajini has patiently obliged almost every one of them by posing for pictures.
The fans, who came expecting Rajinikanth to be moody and standoffish, were pleasantly floored by his spontaneous warmth and easy camaraderie.
Rajini also visited the restaurant of Pradeep Sakthi, who was once a popular villain in Tamil cinema.
Pradeep had acted in movies like Sathya, Nayagan and Brahma. He is now running a well-known hotel for the Indian diaspora.
Meanwhile, Sivaji, directed by Shankar, is veering towards a close and soon Shankar will immerse himself in digital works and other post-production work.
source: IndiaGlitz.com
But of course, it is Rajinikanth who is the cynosure of all eyes.
These days the Sivaji crew is camped in New Jersey.
Rajinikanth has been besieged by eager and enthusiastic fans.
Of course, Rajini has patiently obliged almost every one of them by posing for pictures.
The fans, who came expecting Rajinikanth to be moody and standoffish, were pleasantly floored by his spontaneous warmth and easy camaraderie.
Rajini also visited the restaurant of Pradeep Sakthi, who was once a popular villain in Tamil cinema.
Pradeep had acted in movies like Sathya, Nayagan and Brahma. He is now running a well-known hotel for the Indian diaspora.
Meanwhile, Sivaji, directed by Shankar, is veering towards a close and soon Shankar will immerse himself in digital works and other post-production work.
source: IndiaGlitz.com
Monday, February 12, 2007
Mithun upset with Maniratnam
Though the Bahchan Parivaar can’t stop thanking and singing praises of Mani Ratnam, apparently there’s one actor who we hear is sulking in private. And he happens to be veteran actor and ex-superstar Mithun Chakraborty. The reason? Apparently his vital scenes in Guru were ruthlessly chopped off at the editing table by Mani & Co to give more prominence to Abhishek and Aishwarya’s roles.Though Mithun hasn’t voiced his grievances in public, he is said to have spoken to his friends in the industry about the unfair treatment meted out to him. “When he signed the film he was very excited to work with Mani Ratnam and Abhishek as Mithun had worked with his father earlier in films like ‘Agneepath’ and they always shared a great rapport, but he was shocked to see the end result,” says a source close to Mithun.
Saturday, February 10, 2007
Friday, February 09, 2007
Madhavan sets solid base in Telugu filmdom
Madhavan earned a good name with his super-hit film 'Sakhi' in Telugu and earned a good place in the hearts of the audiences.
Now he is playing a hero in a straight Telugu film. It is well aware that noted director Ramgopal Varma is producing the film simultaneously in Tamil and Telugu on the banner of RGV Factory.
It is reliably learnt that the shooting of the film has begun its shooting in Hyderabad but is maintaining a low profile and is away from the media attention.
As the film is being made simultaneously in both the languages, the artistes of both the languages are getting involved in the shooting, scene by scene.
Swetha Shetty and Isha are playing the female lead. The producer is planning to complete the shooting and other post-production formalities soon and release the film as a summer gift.
Now he is playing a hero in a straight Telugu film. It is well aware that noted director Ramgopal Varma is producing the film simultaneously in Tamil and Telugu on the banner of RGV Factory.
It is reliably learnt that the shooting of the film has begun its shooting in Hyderabad but is maintaining a low profile and is away from the media attention.
As the film is being made simultaneously in both the languages, the artistes of both the languages are getting involved in the shooting, scene by scene.
Swetha Shetty and Isha are playing the female lead. The producer is planning to complete the shooting and other post-production formalities soon and release the film as a summer gift.
Thursday, February 08, 2007
Ayesha Takia is Aamir Khan's heroine
In last one year Ayesha Takia has progressed in leaps and bounds in Bollywood.
The cute looking girl has made her place in Bollywood solely because of her talent. She could have taken the short cut on the ladder to fame, but Ayesha took the tough road, laid down her conditions (no exposure, no onscreen kissing), spurned the offers of sleazy roles, and rose in ranks gradually.
Naseeruddin Shah saw a spark in her and gave her a plum role in his directorial debut Yun Hota To Kya Hota . But it was Nagesh Kukunoor’s Dor which brought Ayesha’s acting talent to light with her powerful performance as a young widow with many unfulfilled desires.
Today, Ayesha is on the cusp of entering the league of top heroines in Hindi film industry. If anything was needed it was a role opposite a superstar.
Now, that too has come Ayesha’s way. Reports have it that she will be Aamir Khan ’s heroine in the Hindi remake of the Tamil hit Ghajini . The film will be directed by R Murugadoss, who directed the original flick. Madhu Varma and Alu Arvind will jointly produce the Hindi movie.
It will still take months for this film to go on the floors.
As of now, Ayesha has completed the shooting of No Smoking (with John Abraham ). She has three more projects in her kitty.
Aamir, on the other hand, is presently busy with his home production Taare Zameen Pe which is a story on relationship between a dyslexic child and his father.
Hindi Film Guru exempted from Entertainment tax in UP
Acceding to the request of the Anil Dhirubhai Ambani Group-owned Ad labs, the UP government has decided to exempt the movie Guru, starring Abhishek Bachchan and Aishwarya Rai, from the entertainment tax.
Though the finance and entertainment tax departments have opposed the idea, the proposal is likely to be endorsed by the state cabinet meeting in the next few days. The exemption will cost the state exchequer over Rs 1 crore.
Guru will be the 44th feature film to be granted tax exemption by the Mulayam Singh Yadav government. Of the 44, 12 films included either Amitabh Bachchan or his son Abhishek. Ever since the Samajwadi Party-led government came to power in UP in August 2003, all the films starring Amitabh Bachchan and his son Abhishek Bachchan have been exempted from the tax by the state government.
Last January, the state government, on the recommendation of UP Development Council Chairman Amar Singh, had announced the tax exemption for the feature film ‘Babul’, starring Amitabh Bachchan and Hema Malani.
This exemption had cost the exchequer of Rs 50 Lakh. The finance department sources said the Mani Ratnam directed feature film Guru does not confirm to any of the criterion framed under the policy for granting tax exemption to the feature films.
The policy provides for the tax relief to those films which promote the cause of film and tourism industry in UP, and 75 per cent shooting of the film should have been done within the geographical boundary of UP.
Sources said the committee constituted for the purpose by the government had given the adverse report, yet Guru will be given the tax exemption.
The state government, in October 2006, had also exempted ‘Lage Raho Munna Bhai’ from the entertainment tax for three months. Maharashtra and Delhi had also announced similar tax relief for the feature film.
Though the finance and entertainment tax departments have opposed the idea, the proposal is likely to be endorsed by the state cabinet meeting in the next few days. The exemption will cost the state exchequer over Rs 1 crore.
Guru will be the 44th feature film to be granted tax exemption by the Mulayam Singh Yadav government. Of the 44, 12 films included either Amitabh Bachchan or his son Abhishek. Ever since the Samajwadi Party-led government came to power in UP in August 2003, all the films starring Amitabh Bachchan and his son Abhishek Bachchan have been exempted from the tax by the state government.
Last January, the state government, on the recommendation of UP Development Council Chairman Amar Singh, had announced the tax exemption for the feature film ‘Babul’, starring Amitabh Bachchan and Hema Malani.
This exemption had cost the exchequer of Rs 50 Lakh. The finance department sources said the Mani Ratnam directed feature film Guru does not confirm to any of the criterion framed under the policy for granting tax exemption to the feature films.
The policy provides for the tax relief to those films which promote the cause of film and tourism industry in UP, and 75 per cent shooting of the film should have been done within the geographical boundary of UP.
Sources said the committee constituted for the purpose by the government had given the adverse report, yet Guru will be given the tax exemption.
The state government, in October 2006, had also exempted ‘Lage Raho Munna Bhai’ from the entertainment tax for three months. Maharashtra and Delhi had also announced similar tax relief for the feature film.
Tuesday, February 06, 2007
Anything for Sneha on SS Music
What's the craziest thing you would do to win a date with your idol?
The wildest thing that applicants for a date with Tamil actor Sneha did was sing a little off-key. The SS Music contest called upon fans to be resourceful and woo Sneha uniquely.
The contest would be aired as episodes on the channel at a later date.
In the afternoon session of the contest's first elimination round, the men (and a few women) went by the saying `Music be the food of love'.
Apparently, the dancers took up the morning slot.
VJ Paloma, rolling her eyes, said they had run out of ideas for the contestants, as they all wanted to sing, dance or do mimicry. "We even got one guy to do 30 push-ups."
Sneha said she was adventurous herself, and was looking for a like-minded guy to pique her interest. "I'd like to see something unusual. I think all of them are really sweet though, coming here just to see me," she said.
She took a shine to one contestant who was so nervous that he kept forgetting the lines of his custom-made poem, and got it right after three tries and boos from the impatient crowd.
First time
"This is the first time I am doing something like this. I have met my fans before, but they have never proposed to me ... I am a little nervous about what they'll do," she admitted.
Vignesh from Coimbatore was there to catch a glimpse of Sneha in the flesh.
Venu said he had not seen god till the moment he stood in front of her.
She laughed and thanked all of them.
And for those who were looking for more than a fleeting dinner with the star, there was the lure of a Honda Shine motorcycle from the sponsors of the show.
More to come
The contest has more rounds of adventure and games to decide an undisputed winner.
The first episode of the show `Anything for Sneha' goes on air on SS Music on February 14.
The wildest thing that applicants for a date with Tamil actor Sneha did was sing a little off-key. The SS Music contest called upon fans to be resourceful and woo Sneha uniquely.
The contest would be aired as episodes on the channel at a later date.
In the afternoon session of the contest's first elimination round, the men (and a few women) went by the saying `Music be the food of love'.
Apparently, the dancers took up the morning slot.
VJ Paloma, rolling her eyes, said they had run out of ideas for the contestants, as they all wanted to sing, dance or do mimicry. "We even got one guy to do 30 push-ups."
Sneha said she was adventurous herself, and was looking for a like-minded guy to pique her interest. "I'd like to see something unusual. I think all of them are really sweet though, coming here just to see me," she said.
She took a shine to one contestant who was so nervous that he kept forgetting the lines of his custom-made poem, and got it right after three tries and boos from the impatient crowd.
First time
"This is the first time I am doing something like this. I have met my fans before, but they have never proposed to me ... I am a little nervous about what they'll do," she admitted.
Vignesh from Coimbatore was there to catch a glimpse of Sneha in the flesh.
Venu said he had not seen god till the moment he stood in front of her.
She laughed and thanked all of them.
And for those who were looking for more than a fleeting dinner with the star, there was the lure of a Honda Shine motorcycle from the sponsors of the show.
More to come
The contest has more rounds of adventure and games to decide an undisputed winner.
The first episode of the show `Anything for Sneha' goes on air on SS Music on February 14.
Wednesday, January 31, 2007
Yash Chopra builds a Toy House for Madhuri's Kids
Madhuri Dixit was so touched when none other than Yash Chopra came personally to greet her on the sets of 'Aaja Nachley'. It was very emotional moment when she finished the take and everyone present there clapped for her. Will she prefer to leave her kids at home? "I till take my kids along with me. Yashji has been very kind and has got a toy house installed for my kids. He said, 'You act, we'll take care of your kids.' I am glad that I am working with such caring people," replied she.
Tuesday, January 30, 2007
Shilpa Shetty to forgive and forget !!!
Bollywood star Shilpa Shetty has said her vile tormentor on a British television reality show Jade Goody is a "pathetic specimen" who needs professional help but she would still beg India to forgive the Briton.
Fresh from her triumph in the Celebrity Big Brother reality show, Shilpa expressed shock after watching the full footage of the series where fellow contestants Jade Goody, Jo and Danielle spit out cruel taunts at her.
"I did not know all that had gone on. They are so mean. Why did not someone stop them? It hurts me deeply," she said.
Thirty-year-old Shilpa told the Daily Mirror how the verbal assaults she suffered almost made her quit as they "completely broke" her within. However, she said the racist bullying ordeal had been a battle between right and wrong and the end right won.
Shilpa, who said that she is inspired by Mahatma Gandhi, was stunned to learn the race row had sparked international fury with angry Indians taking to the street in protest at her outrageous treatment.
But she said he did not want her countrymen to hold a grudge against Jade, who planned to visit India to beg forgiveness for her cruelty in the house.
And she said she would even help Jade, the 25-year-old mum-of-two to her quest when she returns home.
Shilpa - who has been asked by police probing the race claims for a statement - added "When I go back to India, I will make a public appeal for them to forgive her.
"Asians are overtly sensitive about issues of honour and respect and we will take a stand. I look at the bigger picture. There have rifts between Asians, this is one time when everybody came together to show their solidarity to their colour," the actress said.
"I know the Asians, whether Hindus, Muslims or whatever, will say enough is enough. I am proud of who I am, I have done my bit. The word racism should be eradicated from the dictionary. It should have no place in the world. The word doesn't exist for me," Shilpa said.
Shilpa was horrified to hear that Jo, Danielle and Jade had been the victims of death threats. "That's not the way to deal with this. I would like the police to protect their houses," she said.
Shilpa also branded the pair's snide gang-mate Danielle Lloyd "stupid" and said Jade's foul-mouthed mum Jackiey Budden was a nightmare.
But despite her despair, she revealed she had wanted Danielle to win Big Brother and even forgave the hate mob for their vicious tirades.
Speaking of the incessant racist taunts that flew her way in the house, Shilpa said: "It was not a battle between brown and white. It was a battle between right and wrong. And right won.
"Jade and Jo need professional help, not condemnation. I am someone who believes in karma... what you have sowed, you will reap.
"Jo and I never really bonded on that level and I forgive her as I think she is very low on self-esteem and I just think Jo and Danielle were led," the actress said.
"Danielle I'm still OK with. What she did was horrible and upsetting, but she's very young and stupid. I wanted Danielle to win because it would help with her self confidence. I don't blame Danielle as much," the actress said.
"It was so apparent who started the rift...Jade. I don't think she did it consciously but it was to make sure she didn't get nominated by the girls.
"My mother had told me, 'Don't leave the Big Brother house a loser. Get evicted but don't give up. I've always put up a great fight and I didn't want to go that way," she said.
But, despite more than 45,000 complaints to Ofcom about the gang's horrid behaviour, Shilpa was reluctant to brand them racist.
She said, "It wasn't contrived to be racist. I don't want to perceive it that way. I felt maybe, maybe not."
Shilpa, who has appeared in more than 40 films, was first aware the controversy had become big news on the outside when the housemates heard helicopters hovering overhead… and Jade emerged from the Diary Room in tears.
She said: "Jade was scared. She must have been told a bit about it. She saw the choppers and said, 'I think there's trouble. This is huge."
Source: Daiji World
Monday, January 22, 2007
Vikram to be Parle-G's Ambassador
Last week 'Chiyaan' Vikram signed a record endorsement deal. He is the Brand Ambassador for Parle-G, India's largest selling biscuits.
Biscuits, the quick tea- time snack has zoomed into an Rs 3000 Crore industry in India. Today, Parle enjoys a 40 to 45 percent share of the total biscuit market in the country. And Tamilnadu, Andhra, Kerala consumer's appetite for biscuits is enormous, so the bulk of the sales take place in south.
All these years, Parle had no real competitor and is the cheapest biscuit in the branded category. However, last year the Multinational ITC, and their Sunfeast biscuits along with Surya their Brand Ambassador for south made deep inroads into Parle-G's traditional market.
So Parle was forced to do a rethink on their advertisement campaign in south. And who better, than our 'Chiyaan' to spearhead the Parle-G campaign for south? The actor is a household name after Anniyan and as an action hero, he is a favourite with kids and lady audience.
Says Vikram: “I was excited when I heard the concept and Parle-G is an excellent brand to be associated with. The ad is very innovative and was shot in Mumbai by noted cameraman Thiru. I have a perfect foil in Surya, a 9-year-old kid with whom I am doing this ad.”
So it is going to be a shoot out over biscuits between the bitter rivals Vikram and Surya as they try to grab the southern market! A lot of corporates in Mumbai and Delhi are keenly watching this biscuit battle and Cola wars ( Vikram endorses Coke, while Surya sips Pepsi) that has erupted in Kollywood!
Saturday, January 20, 2007
Stay for Kamal Hassan's Film Dasavatharam
The Madras High Court has put a stay on the release of Kamal Hassan’s magnum opus Dasavatharam directed by K.S.Ravikumar and produced by Oscar Films. The court has stayed the release of the film for four weeks, though the shooting of the film can go on.
It is a major embarrassment for Kamal Hassan, that he is being accused of plagiarism. A wanna- be story writer Senthil Kumar has alleged a few months back that the script of Dasavatharam was based on a story written by him and submitted to the actor some time back!
Senthil had accused Dasavatharam as being plagiarized version of his story in which the hero plays 10 different roles and had warned that he would take legal action at the time when the film was launched. And now he has managed to get a stay on the film.
It is a major embarrassment for Kamal Hassan, that he is being accused of plagiarism. A wanna- be story writer Senthil Kumar has alleged a few months back that the script of Dasavatharam was based on a story written by him and submitted to the actor some time back!
Senthil had accused Dasavatharam as being plagiarized version of his story in which the hero plays 10 different roles and had warned that he would take legal action at the time when the film was launched. And now he has managed to get a stay on the film.
Thursday, January 18, 2007
Platinum Jubilee Celebrations at Tollywood
For three days in January, Tollywood will come to a standstill.
No shoots, dubbing or any other work related to a Telugu movie anywhere in the world will go on as the entire Telugu film fraternity is likely to attend the 75 years of Telugu film industry in the city from January 26.
For three more days, Tollywood will be rejoicing in its 75th year celebrations, which are a result of the first film ever made in Telugu, Bhatka Prahalada, way back in 1931.
The Telugu film industry moved from Kolkata to Rajamundry in 1936-37, but soon shifted to Madras (now Chennai) where it remained for several decades.
With the setting up of the Sarathi Studios here in 1955, the shifting of the industry from Madras to Hyderabad started, said noted film-maker and member of the organising committee, Tammareddy Bharadwaja.
But it was not until 1994-95 that the entire Telugu movie-making business moved to Hyderabad. Even now, about 10 per cent of the music for Telugu films is made in Chennai.
The logo for these platinum jubilee celebrations was unveiled in the city on Sunday along with the formal inauguration of the website, www.teluguchalanachitravajrotsav.com.
On the three days of the festivities, which will be held at the Hyderabad International Convention Centre, Hitex, an exhibition of photos and posters of movies made in the past 75 years will be organised.
Special seminars and workshops on film-making, which might help budding film-makers, will also be held. Special movies will be screened to pay tribute to Telugu film greats.
Except the exhibition, entry for all other events will be through tickets.
Individual tributes will be held with comperes like S P Balasubramanyam, Chiranjeevi, Venkatesh, Nagarjuna and Mahesh Babu.
Popular music directors will trace the film industry's music, Bollywood dancers are expected to jive with Telugu heroes showcasing the dancing moves of Telugu films.
Source: Times of India
No shoots, dubbing or any other work related to a Telugu movie anywhere in the world will go on as the entire Telugu film fraternity is likely to attend the 75 years of Telugu film industry in the city from January 26.
For three more days, Tollywood will be rejoicing in its 75th year celebrations, which are a result of the first film ever made in Telugu, Bhatka Prahalada, way back in 1931.
The Telugu film industry moved from Kolkata to Rajamundry in 1936-37, but soon shifted to Madras (now Chennai) where it remained for several decades.
With the setting up of the Sarathi Studios here in 1955, the shifting of the industry from Madras to Hyderabad started, said noted film-maker and member of the organising committee, Tammareddy Bharadwaja.
But it was not until 1994-95 that the entire Telugu movie-making business moved to Hyderabad. Even now, about 10 per cent of the music for Telugu films is made in Chennai.
The logo for these platinum jubilee celebrations was unveiled in the city on Sunday along with the formal inauguration of the website, www.teluguchalanachitravajrotsav.com.
On the three days of the festivities, which will be held at the Hyderabad International Convention Centre, Hitex, an exhibition of photos and posters of movies made in the past 75 years will be organised.
Special seminars and workshops on film-making, which might help budding film-makers, will also be held. Special movies will be screened to pay tribute to Telugu film greats.
Except the exhibition, entry for all other events will be through tickets.
Individual tributes will be held with comperes like S P Balasubramanyam, Chiranjeevi, Venkatesh, Nagarjuna and Mahesh Babu.
Popular music directors will trace the film industry's music, Bollywood dancers are expected to jive with Telugu heroes showcasing the dancing moves of Telugu films.
Source: Times of India
Monday, January 15, 2007
Pokiri - Action all the way
"Pokiri" is a Tamil remake of this year's biggest Telugu hit of the same title which featured Mahesh Babu in the lead. Some changes have been made in the Tamil re-make to suit the Tamil Nadu audiences. The strength of the story lies in maintaining the suspense of the true identity of the hero till the end. It is a mix of action and romance with a message about the duty and responsibility of the police force.
The hero (Vijay), a young IPS officer, acts as an undercover cop to weed out the anti-socials who are ruling the roost. A gang controlled by underworld don, Prakash Raj, operates with impunity. Vijay makes "Fight evil with evil" as his credo and is out to eliminate the gang outside the pale of law with indomitable courage and ingenuity.
Asin works as an instructor at an aerobic centre run by Nasser, a retired circle inspector, who is proud of being a sincere and straightforward member of the police force. The girl falls in love with Vijay.
How the don comes to know the identity of Vijay and how the mafia perishes form the climax.
This is the first Tamil film to be directed by choreographer-cum-actor Prabhu Deva. He has earlier directed two Telugu films - "Neevuvastanantae Nenodantana" and "Pournami".
"Pokiri" has all the commercial elements in the right mix. Asin, after Sivakasi, teams up with Vijay again.
Mani Sharma has scored seven songs in "Pokiri." One of them is a remix of yesteryear hit 'Vasanthamullai Polae.' Nirav Shah handles the camera. Some song sequences were filmed in Australia.
Tamil Sydney
Thursday, January 11, 2007
Secrets of Yash Raj Films Box Office Hits
How do most Yash Raj Films movies manage to succeed at the box office? Is it because they are great scripts? Or is it because Yash Raj Films spend a fortune on marketing their movies?
They sure know how to smartly package a movie. The result? An otherwise average movie opens to great weekend collections all over the world thanks to the initial hype created by the excellent promotions. In fact around 40 to 50% of the total budget of the movie is actually spent on promoting the movie.
This is a very good tactic because it ensures that the producer (or Distributors as the case may be) recovers his or her investment by the time the talk spreads about how good or bad the movie is.
These movies depend solely on the first weekend collections. In nine of ten cases, the opening weekend tickets are sold out well in advance. This is because by the time the movie hits the marquee every Tom Dick and Harry in any corner of the country know even the minutest details about the movie.
Switch on the TV and you see an interview with the lead actor in one channel, a Page 3 report on something related to the movie in the next channel and a staple diet of the movie’s songs in the third. Enough about the idiot box. Grab your newspaper – You see reports after reports on how this movie is made.
Interestingly, there is this “Est” factor. People talk about their movie and use words ending with “Est” liberally. (Best movie, Scariest time of my life, Funniest experiences…) This superlative “performance” of the media partners works big time for the movie.
Recently while watching a Hindi movie, I was amazed to see the number of media partners the movie had. The titles flashed at least twenty partners!
Compare this with the Telugu movie industry. Most of the movies in Telugu suffer from inefficient publicity. The professional approach Hindi movies adopt is missing in Telugu. While some movies are bogged down by over publicity, others have practically zero publicity.
When I mentioned this to a friend, he opined that perhaps the Telugu movie makers were scared of creating a hype – which might work against the movie.
What differentiates Hype from Publicity? You can’t hype a movie but you can publicize it. Smart packaging of the movie’s prerelease media exposure is called “Publicity” while elevating the movie to the zenith purely based on the actors/technicians involved amounts to creating Hype.
The differentiation aforesaid is off my hat. I am sure the line dividing these two is very thin and quite fuzzy. Clear definition of Hype and Publicity maybe not possible. However we can very well tilt the equation heavily towards smart publicity – by taking a leaf or two from the marketing cookbooks used in Bollywood… especially by Yash Raj Films.
Source: India FM
Wednesday, January 10, 2007
Reward for Shabana Azmi
Shabana Azmi will receive the second ANR award. This was announced by Akkineni Nageshwar Rao’s son Venkat recently..
The first award was given away to Dev Anand for the year 2005. ANR has established the Akkineni International Foundation in 1991 and pooled in resources and ever since he has been awarding some amount for outstanding actors for their contribution to humanity and art and entertainment. The award will be given away on Jan 13. ANR has lauded her as an excellent human being.
Source: Andhra Cafe
Monday, January 08, 2007
Bollywood film 'Kabul Express' banned in Afghanistan
Afghanistan, where Bollywood films enjoy immense popularity, has banned the screening of Indian director Kabir Khan's "Kabul Express" because the Hazara ethnic minority community found parts of the film offending.
"The film has some sentences which were very offensive towards one of Afghanistan's ethnicities, namely the Hazara. For this reason it has been banned," Najib Manalai, Afghanistan's minister of culture adviser, said.
Hazaras, a Shia Muslim minority, make up about 10 percent of the Afghan population. They have supposedly descended from remnants of Genghis Khan's invading army.
The film starring Bollywood stars Arshad Warsi and John Abraham is a socio-political comment on the war ravaged country and it portrays Hazaras as a ruthless and heartless community.
There is a sequence that shows the travelling team of journalists and filmmakers stopped on a highway. The team is told by a Pakistan Army officer masquerading as a Taliban that they could be waylaid and robbed by the local community of Hazaras.
The film, based on Khan's personal experience in the country while filming a documentary film, hit the screens last December and received critical acclaim.
While filming it Khan and both the actors received life threats from the Afghan rebels. However, Khan shot the film on location under heavy security. He wrapped it up in 45 days.
A large number of cinemas in Afghanistan show Hindi films because of the cultural affinity and the language is easily understood.
Amitabh Bachchan starrer "Khuda Gawah" was based, although not shot, in Afghanistan during the 1980s and was said to be popular with both the supporters of the Najibullah regime in Kabul and its opponents, the mujahideen.
Actor-film maker Firoze Khan has also portrayed Afghan culture and characters in his films, including the Buskhashi sport in "Dharmatma".
Source: glamsham
Friday, January 05, 2007
Katrina Kaif likely to enter Tamil filmdom
Vikram will soon be doing a film with Susi Ganesan, according to sources. Kalaipuli Thanu will produce this yet to be titled flick.
Now, the hot news doing rounds in Kollywood is that Katrina, the Bollywood actor, has agreed to act in the film. Katrina has starred in another South Indian film earlier. It was Malleshwari, in Telugu, in which she was paired opposite Venkatesh.
There are many fans for Katrina Kaif down South and if this news indeed turns out to be true, well, the fans are sure to rejoice.
Source: IndiaGlitz
Thursday, January 04, 2007
Baba Arts to make Tamil Movies
Mumbai-based Baba Arts Films, which produced hits like 'Ishq' and 'Pyar To Hona Hi Tha', now plans to make Tamil and Telugu movies and looks to raise Rs 100 crore through foreign currency convertibles and preferential shares.
"We plan to raise Rs 100 crore (Rs 60 crore via FCCB and Rs 40 crore via preferential share) post-March. Also, we plan to enter the southern market of Tamil Nadu with our maiden venture," Baba Arts managing director Gordhan Tanwani said.
Source: Chennai Online
"We plan to raise Rs 100 crore (Rs 60 crore via FCCB and Rs 40 crore via preferential share) post-March. Also, we plan to enter the southern market of Tamil Nadu with our maiden venture," Baba Arts managing director Gordhan Tanwani said.
Source: Chennai Online
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