Indian Movies

Rajinikanth - A Phenomenon

2010-10-25T22:33:00.000-07:00

One will hardly see southern superstar Rajinikanth launch such a tirade on the silver-screen, even if he is battling ‘evil forces’ in all their dark colours. It is no surprise Rajinikanth is everyone’s toast yet again with his latest incredible dual role in Endhiran (The Robot) promising to break new grounds, not just at the box-office but even as a piece of Indian sci-fi cinema, which has launched the Kalanidhi Maran-owned Sun Pictures globally.

The transition from a Marathi-speaking Shivaji Rao Gaekwad, who grew up in Bangalore and against his parents’ wishes gave up his job as conductor in a government transport corporation to risk being in the unpredictable world of South Indian cinema in old Madras (now Chennai), has been a painful rags-to-riches story for the 60-nearing Rajinikanth.

Global icon
With nearly 160 films to his credit spanning over 35 years since the veteran Tamil film director K Balachander gave him a small role in Apoorva Raagangal (1975), Rajinikanth “continues that great tradition that binds reel-life with the larger than life-world as a popular hero,” says Harish Naraindas, Associate Professor in the Department of Sociology, Jawaharlal Nehru University, New Delhi.

Cut back briefly to 1948, when an equally legendary film producer S S Vasan had made that wondrous Tamil classic film Chandralekha. Industry watchers here say that Vasan, an advertising genius too, got 603 prints of the film made, the largest for any film soon after India won Independence, and released it (even those days) in the US as Chandra with English sub-titles.

Chandralekha starring the swashbuckling Ranjan and the queenly TR Rajakumari, they say was a super-hit which revolutionised Tamil cinema. Perhaps, in the following decades, MGR could not go global in that wide sense, despite sharing perennial glory on a politically polarised platform with another legendary actor Sivaji Ganesan from the 1950s’ to the mid-1970s’, in an era of severe foreign exchange controls. “MGR struggled to get foreign exchange to make his blockbuster Ulagum Suttrum Valiban, shot extensively in Japan,” recalled a media expert, R Chandramouli.

Cut to 2010, the grand spectacle of Rajinikanth’s latest Endhiran (in three languages including Hindi and Telugu), being released in over 3000 theatres worldwide (the number of prints must be more if all the screens in the multiplexes are taken into consideration), is a testament to how Indian cinema has “truly come of age globally,” points out Professor Harish.

“Even ten years back, Indian film producers may not have thought of this scale, as there is a business logic to this new model aided by neo-liberal economic policies; when films are available on DVDs alongside Internet-based web interface, the first two weeks box-office collections make all the difference,” added Professor Harish. “Thus, Rajinikanth’s Endhiran symbolises the globalisation of a South Indian film icon, an MGR-II, who has got on to a world screen from a South-Asian screen,” reasoned the JNU professor.

Though something akin to this grand production style was attempted even in his earlier film, Shivaji: The Boss, the various strands that have gone into making this sensational phenomenon called ‘Rajinikanth’ are quite complex. His persona defied every conventional norm that was required for a successful film star, which itself explains Rajinikanth’s undiminished popularity, says another film critic who did not wish to be named.

Style guru
While his contemporary, Kamal Hassan, is the acknowledged ‘great actor’, Rajinikanth is hailed the ‘style mannan (king of styles)’, someone the masses could readily identify with, as Rajini gains the shoes of the upper class, rising from a poor, semi-literate, rustic and rural background.

“Being fair-complexioned continues to be the norm in cinema,” admitted K Balachander in a recent media interaction, adverting to Rajinikanth being dark-skinned naturally. “But it was the fire in Rajini’s eyes that convinced me that he has a future as an actor,” added Balachander, comparing the Rajinikanth phenomenon with the Jackie Chan phenomenon, both driven by self-confidence, individualism and the enormous will to succeed.

Carving a niche for himself even in his early days in Tamil cinema, ironically playing villain roles, the way Rajinikanth would throw up and light a cigarette, a new rapidity in dialogue delivery, one-liners like Idu Epaddi Irukku (a teasing poser ‘how is this?’ in the film 16 Vayadhinile), his body language, “are all pointers to how he was obsessed with creating a new trend in cinema,” added K Balachander, while explaining the reasons for his success.

“If one analyses his career graph closely, one can understand that the arrow always pointed upwards. There were no major jumps, no deep plummeting,” writes Dr Gayathri Sreekanth, in her well researched biography of the actor titled, The Name is Rajinikanth. “Only Rajinikanth could have done such a powerful role like the one in Endhiran, which unlike other Hollywood films of its genre, has nicely blended human emotions
like love with science fiction,” argued Stanley, assistant to renowned film director Mani Rathnam. “If in a conservative place like Dubai, people queue up early morning to see this film, then Rajinikanth is definitely God’s favourite child,” he added, explaining what continues to fascinate audiences about this unbroken Rajini magic.

“Rajnikanth’s dedication, compassion for the welfare of co-artistes and passion for cinema have been key factors for his success as a mass-entertainer,” stressed Sankar Narayan alias ‘Cable’ Sankar, an assistant director and a writer on film industry trends.
The great German Philosopher Nietzsche spoke of the 20th century as “the century of actors”. Rajinikanth has already carved his niche and will make place for himself in that list.

Raavan - Trailer - Hindi - Tamil Movie

2010-04-17T09:33:00.000-07:00

Katrina Kaif to get married in two years

2010-04-10T08:10:00.000-07:00

Bollywood actress Katrina Kaif, well-known for not discussing her private life in media, said in an interview on Wednesday at the launch of Nakshatra Vivaah jewellery that she’s planning to get married in next two-years.

"I think in two years I will get married. But still two years is a long time. I think I still have some time. Lets see. You know as the saying goes, 'Man proposes god disposes' - so every time we make a plan god comes and changes it. Let's see," said Katrina when asked about her wedding plans.

In the past also, the tabloids had speculated about her marriage plans but the actress always rubbished the reports saying that she wants to concentrate on her career.

Currently, Katrina is busy promoting her forthcoming flick ‘Rajneeti’, in which she will essay the role of a politician, across India. The film is a political drama and also features actors like Ranbir Kapoor, Nana Patekar, Ajay Devgn, Manoj Bajpai, Sarah Thompson, Naseeruddin Shah, and Arjun Rampal.

Katrina not comfortable wearing short skirts?
During the interview Katrina surprised everyone by revealing that, contrary to the popular belief, she never feels comfortable wearing short dresses in a movie.

She said that people generally think that since she’s a foreigner she must be used to wearing short dresses and hence would not mind. Kat said that though she never makes a fuss if she has to wear revealing short dresses for a movie, she loved wearing saree in ‘Rajneeti’ for a change.

Katrina, who will be seen in the film ‘Rajneeti’ in a ‘de-glammed’ look, said unlike short skirts, wearing saree was a comfortable experience.

Katrina replaced by Asin in ‘Khamoshi’?
According to the latest tabloids buzz, new-comer on the Bollywood scene Asin has been roped in for Anurag Basu’s next flick ‘Khamoshi’ opposite Ranbir Kapoor.

Reportedly, Katrina walked out of the movie after finding out that Anurag has also signed on Priyanka Chopra for the project. However, an insider from Katrina’s camp said that she opted out because of her busy schedule.

Shruti Hassan may star in Yerra Gulabeelu remake

2010-04-10T07:54:00.000-07:00

The successful film of 1979, Yerra Gulabeelu, is all set for a remake now. Kamal Hassan and Sridevi played the lead pair in that film which was a big commercial hit during those days. Now Kamal’s daughter Shruti is going to play the heroine in this remake, while Shakti would be the male lead.

Bharati Raja directed the classic movie, while his son Manoj is wielding the megaphone for this remake. Presently, story discussions are in progress. Luck with which the hot Shruti made her debut as heroine earned her ‘bad luck’ as it bumped at the box office. Presently, Shruti is playing opposite Siddharth for a film being directed by Prakash Kovelamudi, son of senior director K Raghavendra Rao. More details about the film are awaited.

Paiyaa - Movie - Online song

2010-04-01T21:47:00.000-07:00

Angadi Theru - New Tamil movie review online

2010-03-28T07:10:00.000-07:00

Welcome back to real, solid film-making! In this era of shallow, fraudulent movies with non-existent plots, here is a definitive movie with a moral framework, one that works and keeps your attention riveted. Angadi Theru, straight from the heart, comes from Vasantha Balan, a director who understands the nuances of making a realistic film with well-etched out characters and strong screenplay.

More from Galatta.com

Movie Trailer:

Aval appadi Onrum Song :

Aadhavan - Tamil movie - Surya Interview

2010-03-21T15:10:00.000-07:00

Dayanidhi Azhagiri ready for Marriage

2010-03-20T06:27:00.000-07:00

Producer Dayanidhi Azhagiri of the Cloud Nine Movies banner will get engaged to Anush real soon. The bride, Anusha, is an advocate by profession. It is a love marriage that takes place with the consent of both the bride and the groom’s parents.

The engagement will take place in Chennai and many of the biggies in the political and film circles are expected to attend it.

Dayanidhi’s Cloud Nine Movies is all set to produce Ajith’s next film, which will be directed by Gautham Menon.

Tamil Nadu CM's wife in hospital

2010-03-20T06:25:00.000-07:00

Chief Minister M Karunanidhi’s wife Rajathi Ammal was admitted to Apollo Hospital following a hand fracture on Thursday evening.

She was attending the engagement ceremony of Durai Dayanidhi, son of Union Minister of Chemical and Fertilizers M K Azhagiri, at Taj Coromandel.

According to sources, she was coming out when she stumbled on a carpet.

She was rushed to the hospital where it was found that she has suffered a fracture in hand.

Goundamani is not dead

2010-03-19T11:48:00.001-07:00

The ardent buffs of Goundamani needn’t worry as the veteran comedian has ameliorated with his health conditions. The actor was recently admitted in a private hospital after reported to be suffering breathing trouble.

The news turned to be shocking news for all the celebrities and socialites across the state as they rushed to the hospitals. The doctors have now confirmed that the actor has nothing worry as the condition is quite normal now.

According to the closer sources, Goundamani is likely to get discharged this evening from the hospital and will undergo bed rest for next few days.

Sultan, The Warrior on April 14, 2009

2008-11-14T19:24:00.000-08:00

The much-hyped animation film will release on April 14th, 2009. Earlier it was reported that the film will be made in 18 different languages. But now the filmmakers – Warner Bros. and Soundarya Rajinikanth (Ocher Studios) – have decided to make it in 12 languages.

The animation film with a lead role that is entirely modelled after Rajinikanth has been in the news ever since Soundarya announced it. This film was termed as Kollywood’s first step towards animation technology, which is at its best in Hollywood. The film uses motion-capture technology and latest 3D software to give a lifelike animated representation of the actors. Even the most minute facial expression of the actor can be shown clearly with this technology. The shooting is going on full speed in sophisticated animation labs fitted with machineries imported especially for this film.

The film also stars Vijaylakshmi (of Chennai 600 028 and Anjaathey fame) as Rajinikanth’s love interest. This is the first time an Indian film is reaching the depths of animation and 3D technology.

Though Bollywood has announced its arrival in animation section with its latest animation film Roadside Romeo, it would be Kollywood that will become the hub of animation movies once Sultan – The Warrior is released. So, on April 14th, 2009 comes Sultan – The Warrior, which will change Kollywood’s image forever!

Shriya back in kollywood

2008-11-06T18:34:00.000-08:00

The Other End Of the Line was the film which Shriya was depending a lot, her debut film in Hollywood. The film produced by Ashok Amritraj which released in US last Friday has bombed miserably at the box-office and the reviews too has been scathing.

The film made on a shoe-string budget of $ 2.5 million (Rs 12.5 crore), could gross only $ 57, 000 (approximately Rs 28 lakhs) from 91 screens in its opening weekend.

A leading US distributor of Tamil films says: "Shriya's Rajnikanth film Sivaji collected almost four times this amount in its opening weekend from lesser number of screens!" The failure of the film has Shriya now looking more eagerly at Kollywood.

She has more or less taken a decision to stick to Tamil cinema and compete with arch rival Nayanthara! A few days back she has signed Vishal’s Thoranam, to be directed by debutant Ayappan. She will be shooting for the film by the end of the month.

Billa 2007 Songs - Tamil Movie starring Ajith

2007-11-29T09:26:00.000-08:00

Aag - Movie Review

2007-09-13T08:35:00.000-07:00

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.

Karthi may be soon in Shankar's production

2007-08-09T12:12:00.001-07:00

‘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.

Kamal and Hrithik come together

2007-08-09T12:10:00.000-07:00

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

2007-08-09T12:09:00.001-07:00

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’.

Cameraman and Director Jeeva dead

2007-06-27T11:56:00.000-07:00

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.

Recreating Marina for Dasavatharam

2007-06-10T12:52:00.000-07:00

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.

Sivaji to be released on June 15th

2007-06-10T12:48:00.000-07:00

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.

MGR back to kollywood

2007-06-03T12:55:00.000-07:00

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.

Rajini goes to the Himalayas

2007-04-27T12:36:00.000-07:00

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.

Maestro magic

2007-03-21T08:17:00.000-07:00

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.

Actress Sridevi planning for a come back to Bollywood

2007-03-09T14:41:00.001-08:00

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.'

Lawrence gets busier with new releases

2007-03-07T20:14:00.000-08:00

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.

Remake time in Tamil Films

2007-03-07T04:47:00.001-08:00

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.

Why care for Oscars? asks Mani Ratnam

2007-03-05T19:32:00.000-08:00

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."

Mid-life crisis? No Says Amitabh Bachchan

2007-03-02T04:53:00.000-08:00

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.''

Shah Rukh Khan wishes Indian Cricket Team

2007-03-01T04:52:00.000-08:00

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".

Madhavan as hero in 'Adi Oka Idile…'

2007-02-26T04:29:00.000-08:00

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.

Shilpa Shetty back to UK?

2007-02-14T14:53:00.001-08:00

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'.

Sivaji shooting in the final stages

2007-02-14T10:40:00.000-08:00

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

Mithun upset with Maniratnam

2007-02-12T18:37:00.000-08:00

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.

Tamil Channel Raj TV Online

2007-02-10T18:28:00.000-08:00

Madhavan sets solid base in Telugu filmdom

2007-02-09T19:17:00.000-08:00

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.

Ayesha Takia is Aamir Khan's heroine

2007-02-08T18:23:00.001-08:00

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

2007-02-08T18:20:00.000-08:00

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.

Anything for Sneha on SS Music

2007-02-06T09:25:00.000-08:00

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.

Yash Chopra builds a Toy House for Madhuri's Kids

2007-01-31T05:48:00.000-08:00

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.

Shilpa Shetty to forgive and forget !!!

2007-01-30T14:21:00.000-08:00

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

Vikram to be Parle-G's Ambassador

2007-01-22T05:01:00.000-08:00

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!

Stay for Kamal Hassan's Film Dasavatharam

2007-01-20T19:45:00.000-08:00

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.

Platinum Jubilee Celebrations at Tollywood

2007-01-18T14:37:00.000-08:00

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

Pokiri - Action all the way

2007-01-15T12:22:00.000-08:00

"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

Secrets of Yash Raj Films Box Office Hits

2007-01-11T20:00:00.000-08:00

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

Reward for Shabana Azmi

2007-01-10T05:30:00.000-08:00

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

Bollywood film 'Kabul Express' banned in Afghanistan

2007-01-08T05:18:00.000-08:00

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

Katrina Kaif likely to enter Tamil filmdom

2007-01-05T06:17:00.000-08:00

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

Baba Arts to make Tamil Movies

2007-01-04T06:00:00.000-08:00

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

Malavika to wed in 2007

2006-12-31T18:56:00.000-08:00

Malavika is the latest to join the long list of actresses getting married in Kollywood now. Currently a busy actress playing heroine to Vijayakanth in Sabari, S J Suryah in Thirumagan and Vyaparai and with Jeevan in Naan Avanillai, Malavika will marry an industrialist Sudheesh early next year.

The two got engaged in a simple function in Mumbai a couple of days ago.

Confirming the news, Malavika said that it is an arranged marriage being done with the consent of elders.

Malavika had acted in several movies including Unnai Thedi, Rojavanam, Pooparika Varugiroom and also appeared in item numbers.

Recently she appeared in a prominent role recent films including Rajnikanth’s Chandramukhi and Susi Ganesan's Thiruttu Payalae.

Source: IndiaGlitz

Sivaji reaching climax

2006-12-28T19:37:00.000-08:00

The shooting of Rajinikanth-starrer "Sivaji", directed by Shankar.is reaching its climax. The closing scenes are to be shot from Dec. 23 till Jan. 2 in Bangalore. The release of the much- talked about film is scheduled for Tamil Near Year's Day.

Produced by AVM , "Sivaji" features Rajini along with Shreya. The film has been in the making for some months now and most of the sequences have been shot in different locales. Bangalore has been chosen for shooting the climax scenes.

Later the crew will travel to the US to film some other scenes for about ten days and return to Chennai a day before Pongal.. Sivaji appears with the shaven head in some of the closing scenes.

The film will be ready after the shooting in the US is over.

AVM has started making arrangements for the release of the film on Tamil Near Year's day.

Meanwhile, Shankar, as the director of "Sivaji" is all praise for Rajini's dedication and commitment to his profession. In an interview to an English daily, he says, "Rajinikanth comes to you like a new face everyday and just follows what you say. With no other thought but the scenes to be shot, the actor is so pliable as if 'Sivaji' were his first film.

Thoroughly professional and always punctual, Rajini has absolutely no airs. You can never find him retiring to his caravan after a shot. He is with you throughout - ready any moment you want him. And the commitment naturally shows in his performance. It's surprising that the superstar image sits so lightly on his shoulders."

Source: Now Running

Genelia's hopeful to reach the top

2006-12-28T19:32:00.000-08:00

The young actress is optimistic of her chances to make it big in Kollywood. A busy heroine in Telugu, thanks to a big hit in Bommarilu, she is now acting in three Telugu movies simultaneously.

"My role in Chennai Kadhal was good. I had enough scope to act," Genelia says and adds, "I don't want to be branded as a heroine who appears in a couple of scenes and songs and fades away from a movie. I should have a meaty role. Thankfully my forthcoming movies in Telugu are interesting and have more prominence for me."

How does she balance between Tamil and Telugu?

Says the actress, "I don't know both the languages. But I write down the dialogues in English and understand them well before entering the sets. People are more professional in South and I find no big difference between Tamil and Telugu cinema."

Genelia is happy that she is paired opposite all young heroes in the industry.

"I have big dreams but would wait patiently to achieve them one after another", she adds.

Source: India Glitz

Illusions of an Oscar

2006-12-27T14:59:00.000-08:00

THE number of foreign films that have won Academy Awards over the last 67 years from the time it was constituted is myriad. India does not feature in that long list as a finalist. Is that purely coincidental or is it that Indian cinema has never worked with a Western audience?

The Oscar remained a distant dream for the country's top award-winning filmmaker, till he was conferred with the"Lifetime Achievement Award" on his deathbed. Satyajit Ray died without regretting that he had not received an Oscar though the Lifetime Achievement awards are customarily thought to be some sort of consolation. The paradox is that the same category of award becomes more meaningful if the filmmaker has won film-specific awards earlier. "Pather Panchali" won 11 international awards, but not an Oscar.

Dynamics of the award

The first film to win an Academy Award in the foreign film category was Jean Renoir's "Grand Illusion" in 1938. Ten years later De Sica went on to win an Oscar for "Shoeshine". De Sica, who had an impact on Ray's filmmaking, won another Oscar in 1949 with his classic "The Bicycle Thief".

Understanding the dynamics behind this category of award bestowed by a body that represents American Cinema is both complicated and simple. To simplify things, Indian cinema never fitted their bill, not even Ray's movies. The sense and sensibilities portrayed in our cinema never worked for them though the criterion of "universal" cinematic language that appeals to an international jury and audience was found in abundance in Ray's films.

But why are we so gung ho about the Oscars at all? Is it because it's sponsored by the most glamorous film industry in the world, which incidentally also one of the biggest revenue generators? Is it money that makes Hollywood so important, so coveted? Is the Hollywood seal so crucial for global recognition?

Over the years, many filmmakers and an endless number of films have missed a chance at the Oscars but have gone on to join the repertoire of the finest cinema of the world. An Oscar award evaded both Jean Luc Godard and Francoise Truffaut, masters of the French New Wave, for their timeless maiden films — "Breathless" and "400 Blows" — but they went on to win two prestigious awards — the Silver Bear at the Berlin film festival and Best Director at the Cannes. "400 Blows" was nominated for the Best Original Screenplay at the Academy Awards but never made it to the final. Though Truffaut's "Day for Night" later bagged the best Foreign Film award, "400 Blows", "Jules et Jim" are considered as high watermarks of world cinema. Both "Breathless" and "400 Blows" had the universal human appeal that would make international audiences and critics sit up.

Close misses
The list of close misses is long and that too from directors whose films continue to enthral audiences across the world — Ozu, Antonioni, Satyajit Ray, Mrinal Sen, Claude Chabrol, Alain Rene, Kristov Zanussi, Bresson and many more.

It is the perception of " popular", which makes Hollywood so irresistible. But the worldwide history of cinema records contemporary beginning in several countries like France, India, theU.S., the Netherlands and England. Just like a bunch of colourful balloons let loose in a clear sky, the American balloon flew faster and scored better in the test of popularity. Popularity and its notion take into account the immediate environment. Things one grows up with are usually closer to one's senses and perceptions.

"Citizen Kane", "A Streetcar named Desire", "Singin' in The Rain", "Ben Hur", "Ten Commandments", "Sound Of Music", "Cancan", "My Fair Lady", "On the Waterfront", "Gone with The Wind", "Roman Holiday", Godfather", "Psycho"... the list is unending. You name it and Hollywood has it — Hollywood has a screen replica of all the human emotions one encounters. Thus not being a part of the world that rules the motion picture empire (at least it pretends too!) is a prestige issue for Indian filmmakers. Likewise the national media is also sad and aggrieved at the repeated miss at the Oscar.

With a tally of 1,000 films a year, India is the world's second largest movie making country. Yet the Indian film industry is not a film superpower. One award at the Oscars will help India get a lead in consolidating its power and challenge the Hollywood's self-proclaimed supremacy. It's all about power! Popular is equivalent to mainstream, mainstream equivalent to volume, volume equal to revenue, revenue equal to power. It's a calculated and meticulous strategy; a desperate drive to rule the movie world of which Hollywood has been numero uno. Aesthetics, human emotions, cinematic finesse comes later. India has been eyeing the crown jewel and every time it misses, obviously more hearts are broken.

Aishwarya Rai, Gulshan Grover, Om Puri, Sushmita Sen... many may have made a dent in the arena of international cinema but they haven't earned accolades like Tshiro Mifune, Marcello Mastroini, Catherine Denevue or the more contemporary Penelope Cruz or Zhang Ziyi. The same is true of directors. Mira Nair, Deepa Mehta, Gurindar Chaddha have tremendous recall value only among the diaspora. The notion of a global market is questionable as long as it begins and ends with the U.S. and the Indian diaspora.

"Lagaan", "Swades", "Rang De Basanti", "Black", "Munnabhai... " were made for this global market with the preconception that Hollywood's priority is market and revenue. However, the Academy Awards are projected as a forum that prioritises cinematic aesthetics. Our films lost not only because of the technical quality but may be because of the lack of universal human appeal that the award committee would consider politically correct. Thus every time there's a film that deals with a conflict-ridden country or traumas of individual human existence, it is an easy choice as opposed to the magnum opus that India tends to churn out.

India at the Oscars

"Lagaan" lost to "No Man's Land", a film based on the Balkan issue; "Black" lost to "Tsotsi", which was about a member of the underworld and his desperate attempts to come back to mainstream life; and "Swades" lost to "The Sea Inside", a poignant story of a terminally ill patient's fight for a dignified death. The closest miss was, of course, "Salaam Bombay" (1988), a film that probably had the right measure of human spirit, less of kitsch and more of soul.

So, as of now, India is at the semi-final stage in the high drama of the Oscar race. Many factors will finally shape India's fate — of which one may be as spontaneous or "arbitrary", as Mumbai rates as the best holiday destination for some jury members. How can one forget that even the name `Oscar' was coined out of somebody's fondness for her uncle?

Source: The Hindu

Shreya in the Hindi version of Ghajini?

2006-12-27T14:18:00.000-08:00

Shreya is all set to go places. The successful actor from Tollywood is making waves in Tamil cinema now. She is Rajinikanth's lady love in Sivaji. Also, Shreya is cast opposite Vijay in Azhagiya Thamizh Magan. Her recent release Thiruvilayadal Arambam with Dhanush has opened big at the box office.

The latest buzz doing rounds is that Shreya has been asked to act in the Hindi version of the Tamil blockbuster Ghajini. The movie would feature Aamir Khan in the lead role and would be directed by Murugadoss with Ravi K Chandran cranking the camera.

Sources say that the director has evinced interest in casting Shreya for the role played by Asin in the original.

India Glitz

Mobile Movie Launched on Reliance Mobile

2006-12-26T06:24:00.000-08:00

Reliance Communications, on Friday became the first telecom operator in the World to have premiered a movie on the mobile platform, with the premiere of world's first mobile movie 'Ctrl+Alt+Del' on Reliance Mobile World. The launch of Ctrl+Alt+Del, a 25 minute film specially produced for the mobile platform by Phonethics Mobile Media, can be accessed by millions of Reliance Mobile customers on the first day of its launch and is a significant path-breaking initiative in the global telecom space.

"The premiere of Ctrl+Alt+Del on Reliance Mobile marks another milestone whereby the Indian film industry has recognized the power of the mobile medium by releasing it on Reliance Mobile World", said Mahesh Prasad, President, Applications and Solutions Group, Reliance Communications. "Reliance continues to delight its mobile customers by bringing big screen content to mobile phones such as the recent introduction of TV serials like Mahabharata and Malgudi Days", he added

Reliance Communications has been the pioneer in the Value Added Service segment and has maintained its leadership by offering a suite of mass market as well as niche utility, entertainment and informative applications for its subscribers. Earlier this year, Reliance Mobile became the first telecom operator in the World to launch a TV channel on the mobile, with the premiere of Times Now. The company was India's first telecom operator in India to launch mobile streaming and Mobi-Serials.

A love story set in the future, Ctrl-Alt-Del has won acclaim at various international festivals such as Atlanta International festival and The Palm Beach international Festival. The movie is accessible on Reliance Mobile World under the 'Movies N More' option and would be available at a nominal charge of Rs. 15 for a 5 minute online streaming, Rs.10 for movie video clips, while downloads of ringtones and wallpapers will be charged Rs. 5

Source: xtvworld

Movie script-writing contest for IITians

2006-12-25T11:40:00.000-08:00

Technology guru Sam Pitroda and filmmaker Shekhar Kapur have announced a movie script-writing contest for students of the Indian Institutes of Technology (IITs).

Speaking at the PAN IIT-2006 global meet at the Bandra-Kurla Complex in Mumbai, Pitroda said that considering the multifaceted talent of IIT alumni, both Kapur and he believe this would be an exciting contest.

Pitroda, who is also chairman of India’s National Knowledge Commission, said IIT Bombay should introduce a master’s course in film technology because of the growing convergence of various media.

“The IITs need to think outside the box,” he said. “The time is absolutely right for them to introduce a course that takes in its sweep film technology, animation, film engineering and so on.”

The Pitroda-Kapur script-writing contest will be an annual feature starting next year. Details such as the deadline for submission, format, selection criteria, jury, and date for final selection will be announced on a website.

Asked why the contest was restricted to IIT students, Pitroda said, “We could have kept it open to students generally, but the logistics would have been tough to manage. Besides, IIT students have established a name for themselves when it comes to multitasking.”

A winner and runner-up will be chosen by a jury comprising well-known names from the world of cinema and other professions. The winning scripts may eventually be made into movies.

Pitroda said he had been toying with the idea for a while. Asked about the prizes for the contest, he said that though there would be “decent amounts for the winners”, money was not the motivating force but “a desire to do something exciting and tap into a large talent pool”.

Source: DNA India

Nagarjuna's new Telugu movie 'Don' to go to sets in January

2006-12-18T06:39:00.000-08:00

Nagarjuna, who gave big commercial hit like 'Mass', is playing the hero, while Trisha is playing the female lead for a film to be directed by choreographer-turned-director Lawrence and produced by ML Kumar Choudary of 'Vikramarkudu-fame under the banner of Keerthi Creations.

Lawrence, who turned a director with 'Mass' of Nagarjuna, proved a successful director by making his second Telugu film 'Style' also a big hit.

'Don' is the title under consideration for this Nagarjuna flick. The speciality of the film is that Lawrence is turning a music director also for this film.

Nagarjuna would appear with a different look in this film and the producer is planning to launch its shoot in January. It is reliably learnt that that film would hit the screen as a summer gift.
Source: IndiaGlitz

Rani Mukherjee's mother Krishna is very angry with press reports

2006-12-14T16:27:00.000-08:00

There are some press reports on Rani Mukherjee's misbehavior with the cast and crew of Pradeep Sarkar's 'Choodiyaan' at Varanasi. She refused to join the unit members and spent time with her family, who were there at that time. Rani's mother Krishna is very angry with this. Krishna clarifies, "She never misbehaved. Yes, she did spend time with us, what's wrong with that? Isn't she allowed to spend time with her family? We never went to the sets and disturbed them. We used to wait in our hotel for her to return, we were there for a week and yes, she did prefer to have dinner with us. She has come up the hard way, seen failure and struggled for years to get to where she has reached today. She would never humiliate or disrespect newcomers and technicians."

Source: Bollywood Premiere

Superstar Rajinikant's retirement plans !!!

2006-12-13T14:33:00.000-08:00

His forthcoming film "Sivaji", directed by Shankar and produced by S. Thanu, is nearing completion and is expected to be released on Tamil New year's day.

Rajini's future plans are still in the real of speculation. However, if one goes by Tamil media reports appearing these days, the superstar is seriously considering retiring in 2008. Sources close to him believe the superstar may enter politics and work full time in the political field after quitting acting.

In the next two years, before his retirement, he reportedly wishes to have two films produced - one under the banner of his "guru" K. Balachander who introduced him in films, and the second for R.M. Veerappan of Sathya Movies who produced "Basha" which shot Rajini into the political limelight and gave a fresh lease of life to Mr. Karunanidhi's DMK which was returned to power after AIADMK leader Jayalalitha's first term in office as Chief Minister.

The question being asked is: Will Rajini takes to politics after his retirement in two year's time? According to sources, no one knows what is in his mind, but he has been discreetly watching the developments on the political front, especially after Captain Vijaykanth's sudden and surprise foray into politics.

Rajini is carefully analyzing every move by Vijayakanth as well as the functioning of Chief Minister M. Karunanidhi, who is considered as a Chanakya in Tamil Nadu politics, so the superstar could learn right lessons before launching himself into politics.

According to the sources, he is quite determined that his last film should be produced by R M Veerappan's Sathya Movies under the direction of A.R. Murugados who directed Vijayakanth's political thriller "Ramana. Again it is Murugados who directed Chiranjeevi's latest blockbuster "Stalin" which may possibly spur the apolitical Telugu megastar into taking a political avatar sooner or later.

Whether the superstar will eventually enter politics still remains a big question mark, but there are enough hints that make it apparent that Rajini still nourishes political ambitions. One hint is that he is said to be firm that his last movie should be out and out political which would lay a strong foundation for him to eventually enter politics. Rajini believes Murugados is one who could deliver. Murugados is understood to have had at least one sitting already with Rajini.

Another hint is his fans associations are being curbed of black sheep and revamped where necessary before their being turned into disciplined, cultured and committed political outfits for Rajini in keeping with his inimitable style. Wait for his film to be directed by Murugados which, it is hoped, will clear the air.

Source: Nowrunning.com

Rajini's new heroine Shreya set to soar in Kollywood

2006-12-10T13:30:00.000-08:00

Now that her contract for the Rajni-starrer Sivaji is expiring in January 2007, Tamil actress Shreya is set to spread her wings.

Shreya hogged the limelight when she snapped up the prestigious role as heroine of Tamil super star's Rajnikant in Sivaji.

The grapevine has it that she has as many as four films lined up. First, her ‘Thiruvilayadal Aarambam’ with Danush, Rajni's son-in-law is almost complete.

She is set to act in Gautam Menon's flick ‘Vaaranam Aayiram’ in which Arya is the hero.

She might also figure in Vikram's new film after ‘Bheema’. Besides, she is also working on ATM with Vijay in the male lead. Incidentally, she is also the heroine in Vijay's ‘Azhagiya Tamiz Magan’.

Needless to say, the film with Rajni has done wonders for the career of Saucy Shriya who took the eye at a recent function in Chennai by appearing in a daring dress.

Source: Apunkachoice

Konkona Sen learns from Rani Mukherjee

2006-12-08T17:21:00.000-08:00

Shooting with Rani Mukherjee for Pradeep Sarkar’s next movie, Konkona Sen Sharma admits to have learnt a few things from her co-star.

After leaving her mark in art-house productions, Konkona is now making a foray into Bollywood mainstream. She has been shooting for Sarkar’s film in Varanasi along with Rani, Jaya Bachchan and Anupam Kher .

On the very first day of shoot, Konkona and Rani were mobbed by fans in Varanasi. Having little experience in handling large crowds, Konkona was at loss. It was Rani who swung into action, held Konkona by hand and led her away from the frenzied mob.

On another occasion, while shooting for a song, Konkona says Rani was of tremendous help.

“We shot a song on the Ganga ghat. I was very nervous because it was my first masala song sequence. Rani was such a help,” Konkona is quoted as saying.

Not only did Rani help Konkona with the dance steps, she was also very patient with her.

While shooting the song, Konkona had to hold a wooden toy in her hand. Mistakenly, the toy slipped out of her hand and hit Rani’s nose. Rani did not throw any tantrum but simply laughed away the whole incident.

Source: Apunkachoice

Top Bollywood stars in Malaysia cinema extravaganza

2006-12-07T15:09:00.000-08:00

Scores of Bollywood stars, including heart-throbs Salman Khan and John Abraham, were in Kuala Lumpur today for a three-day Indian cinema extravaganza.

The Global Indian Film Awards programme starts today with the premiere of "Baabul," or "Bride's Parents," starring Khan, the Bollywood star who is also hugely popular in Malaysia, Indonesia and the Middle East.

A highlight of the movie is the title song by Amitabh Bachchan, 63, the doyen of Indian cinema who dominated the screen for several decades as an action hero before taking on elderly roles. In "Baabul" he plays the progressive and fun-loving father whose daughter becomes a widow.

Bachchan's son, Abhishek, also among the most popular Indian stars today, was expected to attend the ceremony.

The Bollywood stars will play a celebrity soccer match with Malaysian artists and government ministers on Friday, followed by a fashion show and charity dinner.

On Saturday, the show will end with an Oscar-style awards presentation in 32 categories at the Bukit Jalil stadium.

This is the second annual GIFA programme. Last year the awards ceremony to honour Bollywood stars was held in Dubai.

Top stars Shah Rukh Khan, Bipasha Basu, Abraham and Priyanka Chopra were expected to be among the 300 Bollywood personalities in attendance, organizers said.

The nominees for the best film this year are "Kabhi Alvida Na Kehna", "Lage Raho Munnabhai", "Rang De Basanti", and "Krrish" and "Omkara".

Source:The Hindu

Tanushree threatens to sue website

2006-12-04T18:09:00.000-08:00

Recently Tanushree Dutta lost her cool when she saw one of her scantily-clad photos on an escort agency’s website. A photo of the Bengali actress-wearing a pink net top over a black bikini and a check mini-skirt has been posted on one website.

Without disclosing her name, the site has allegedly labeled Tanushree as ‘H’, claiming that “She is yours for Rs.30000 a night”. The website even lists a number for ‘bookings’. When called on the number, a male voice reported that names are never disclosed but high-quality is assured. All that is required is a three hours prior notice.

Utterly disgusted by this issue, Tanushree bawled that she is not a random model whose photographs can be downloaded and misused. She also affirmed that she has always strived to keep her reputation clean and conducted herself with utmost integrity in Bollywood. Shocked by the website’s impudence, she has threatened to report this matter to Mumbai’s Cyber Crime Cell.

The actor has last been glimpsed in the promos of Priyadarshan’s Bhagam Bhag, slated to release on 22nd December this year.

Source: India FM

Amisha Patel joins an NGO

2006-12-04T18:06:00.000-08:00

Amisha Patel has joined an NGO called PlanetRead that helps teach people in villages to read, through the use of film songs. About her involvement with the NGO, Amisha says that she met Scott Norton from University of Boston about a year ago who told her about the concept. She liked the concept in which the film songs are played and the text appears below like karaoke. She says that since she is a film personality, her famous songs help greatly in teaching the villagers. Amisha says that due to poverty, many children in India are deprived of education and have to start working at a very young age. This educational system by the NGO is more like watching TV and learning.

Amisha has recently returned from Fiji and Sydney where she performed live. Amisha says that Bollywood films are very famous in Fiji and one can’t miss India there. Even in Australia 30 per cent of the audiences for the show were Australian who enjoy Bollywood films.
Source: India FM

Sathyaraj plays as a strict election commissioner !!

2006-12-03T17:30:00.000-08:00

Sathyaraj is a patient man, and that is why he getting his dreams fulfilled one after another. It was his desire to play the role of the rationalist leader Periyar. Thanks to director Gnanarajasekaran, he got his dream fulfilled.

The actor was also yearning to play the character of an upright election commissioner since T N Seshan days. Now his lucky mascot, director Raj Kapoor, has cast him in the role of an election commissioner in a movie titled Vambu Sandai. Talking about his role, a thrilled Sathyaraj, says 'I play a strict election commissioner called Jeevan in Vambu Sandai. I bring all bad politicians to book. However I have not imitated anyone'.

The movie has Telugu star Uday Kiran and a Bengali actress Chitra Banu, who has been rechristened as Chandramukhi, in the cast. Sathyaraj sports a different look, wearing trendy costumes, and sports a big beard for the movie.

Raj Kapoor, who directed Sathyaraj before, says, 'as the title suggests it would be an action-filled film. Sathyaraj fights the criminals in politics. However, the movie would be apolitical.' 'We have completed shooting major portion of the movie and plans are on to release the film early next year, says the director.

D Imman has scored music. Known for his remixes, the young music director has remixed MGR's evergreen hit number Naan Yaar Naan Yaar from Kudiyiruntha Kovil for Vambu Sandai. The song would be shot on Sathyaraj
Source: News Today

Srikanth signs another Telugu film

2006-12-03T17:28:00.000-08:00

Srikanth has recently completed shooting for Selvaraghavan's Telugu film.

Industry sources say that the actor has been chosen to do a Telugu film again.

Popular ad-film maker Priyadharshan Ram Reddy would be directing a Telugu movie in which Srikanth (known as Sriram in Tollywood) will play a romantic hero.

Shreya and Kamna Jethmalani have been cast opposite Srikanth. The cast also includes Rahul Dev and Kalabhavan Mani. Plans are on to do this as a bi-lingual, in Telugu and Tamil simultaneously.

Mani Sharma would be scoring music for the movie which would go to floors later this month.

So does that mean Srikanth has chosen to concentrate elsewhere?

”No,” says the actor. “I am waiting for a good story. My Sathurangam is pending release. Soon I would commence my next project in Tamil.”

So all is well on the Srikanth front.

Source: India Glitz

Bollywood stars, Malaysian ministers to play football

2006-12-01T08:21:00.000-08:00

Bollywood stars like Akshay Khanna, Akshay Kumar and Arjun Rampal are set to challenge Malaysia's cabinet ministers in a football match here Dec 8.

The Celebrity Soccer Match is a part of the Global Indian Film Awards (GIFA) starting Dec 7.

Other Bollywood celebrities who will take part in the match are Sohail Khan (captain), Bobby Deol, Arbaaz Khan, Chunky Pandey, Sanjay Kapoor, Kamal Haasan, Zayed Khan, Govinda, Dino Morea, Farhan Akhtar and Shahid Kapur.

Apart from the match, Ravi Chopra's "Baabul" will be premiered at the GIFA 2006 and its main cast -- Amitabh Bachchan, Hema Malini, Salman Khan, Rani Mukerji and John Abraham -- are expected to attend the show.

The three-day event is jointly organised by One Big Option, Popcorn Entertainment and Tourism Malaysia.

"The awards night will feature Shah Rukh Khan, Salman Khan, Abishek Bachchan, Priyanka Chopra, Katrina Kaif, Amisha Patel and many more. It will be hosted by Arshad Warsi and Amrita Arora," said Harjeet Singh of One Big Option.

Indian films are hugely popular in Malaysia.

Source: Teluguportal

Bipasha definitely looks hotter than Aishwarya

2006-11-25T18:16:00.000-08:00

Aishwarya Rai may have a very beautiful face, but she can’t beat Bipasha Basu in sex appeal.

Being sexy is not just about wearing skimpy outfits or giving ‘I am wild’ look to the camera. It is more about attitude and how one carries oneself in revealing clothes.

Sanjay Gadhvi’s movie Dhoom 2 pits gorgeous Ash against sultry Bipasha in what is seen by many as the battle for looking sexier. Sorry to say that Ash comes nowhere near Bipasha in looking hot.

In her introductory scene in the film, Ash is shown completely dressed in black outfit (of a thief) and wearing a mask. A few minutes later, she takes off her dress in front of the hero ( Hrithik Roshan ) and stands in a tiny top and shorts.

The posture she strikes is supposed to be sexy, but is far from it. What you see is Ash standing with her arms slightly akimbo, her pelvis stiff and her bust ostentatiously protruding to the thief in front of her. Now, that is supposed to be “sex appeal” for you.

Bipasha, on the other hand, raises your hair (and perhaps more) in her very first scene when she is shooting at a target while dressed in a tight white T-shirt and jeans. The camera catches the angle of her bust from sideways, highlighting to the maximum Bipasha’s anatomical assets.

That’s not it. After every few reels, Bipasha is shown in one revealing outfit after another, making sure that the oomph quotient doesn’t drip in the film. The temperature rises further in the second half, when Bipasha is shown as a Brazilian, mostly dressed in bikinis.

Ash, on the other hand, exudes nothing but fatigue. Ironically, she looks the most appealing in a blue, dinner dress that covers her completely from her neck to her knees. She is unable to carry herself naturally in other skimpy dresses like a black catsuit, a golden dress and a two-piece outfit in the final song.

In this battle of sex appeal, Bipasha is undoubtedly the winner.

Source: Apunkachoice

Sruthy Kamal sings for her dad's movie

2006-11-25T18:11:00.000-08:00

Sruthy Kamal Haasan, elder daughter of Kamal Haasan, has sung a song in Dasavatharam. Himesh Reshmaiayya has composed the tunes for the number.

Dasavatharam, featuring Kamal Haasan in 10 different roles, went to floors recently. Directed by K S Ravikumar and produced by Oscar Ravichandran. The movie has Mallika Sherawat and Jayapradha in the cast.

Bollywood sought-after music-composer Himesh Reshmaiayya is scoring music for the movie. Sruthy has sung a peppy number in the movie. It would be shot featuring Mallika Sherawat in USA.

Sruthy has been evincing keen interest in music since her childhood.

Source: India Glitz

Rajini’s grandson is Yatra

2006-11-25T18:09:00.000-08:00

Superstar Rajinikant turned into a grandfather in October and recently he named the baby boy Yatra.

The naming ceremony was held in a simple function amidst family members. The fans are deliriously happy and given a choice they would want the baby to make a debut as a child artiste. The followers are lapping up every news to with the grandson.

Source: Andhra Cafe

SRK's company defaulted TDS payment

2006-11-25T18:06:00.000-08:00

Red Chilli Entertainment Private Limited, the company owned by actor Shah Rukh Khan was found to have allegedly defaulted in the payment of Tax Deducted at Source (TDS).

The default was detected during the survey conducted by the TDS wing of the income tax (I-T) department at the Khar office of the company on Thursday.

During the preliminary inquiry, the default amount was found to be about Rs 10 lakh. "We are further quantifying the amount," said a senior I-T officer requesting anonymity as he is not authorised to speak to the media.

When contacted Shah Rukh's secretary Karuna said that it was a simple survey. "They had come to see the procedure the company is following in tax deduction," she said. She further said that the survey was a routine procedure.

She refused knowledge of the default detected by the I-T department. She claimed that all the papers of the company were in order.

Karuna said that the survey was not a big issue. She stressed that Shah Rukh was the highest taxpayer and has always set precedent in paying taxes. "We are the first to pay service tax and stamp duty," she said.

The company had made films like Main Hoon Na and Paheli.

The officer said that the company, basically into film production, had hired studios for shooting and in some cases allegedly did not deduct TDS while making payments for the same.

In some other instances, TDS was allegedly either not deducted from the salary of employees or deducted but allegedly not paid to the I-T department.

Source: Hindustan Times

Shiv Sainiks stall Rani Mukherjee film in Ganga ghat

2006-11-19T18:25:00.000-08:00

Shooting of Rani Mukherjee-starrer 'Chudian' was stalled today after Shiv Sena activists protested the barricading of a bathing 'ghat' on the bank the river Ganga.

Shiv Sainiks led by district unit president Gulshan Kapur staged a protest against the barricade erected at Manikarnika Ghat by the film crew, saying pilgrims were being prevented from bathing in the holy river and visiting nearby temples.

They relented after the film unit removed the barricade and assured the protesters that the film's shooting would not encumber the people or prevent them from visiting the ghat.

The unit later resumed the shooting and actor Anupam Kher also arrived by a commercial flight from Mumbai to participate in the shooting of the film.

Source: The Hindu

Telugu film 'Classmates' shooting launched

2006-11-19T15:22:00.000-08:00

The successful Malayalam flick 'Classmates' is being remade as 'Classmates' again by Sravanthi Ravikishore on the banner of Sri Sravanthi Movies with K Vijayabhaskar wielding the megaphone, and Sumanth, Sharwanand, Sunil and Ravivarma as heroes, and Sada and Kamalini Mukherjee as heroines.

The shooting of the film was launched recently amidst several prominent film personalities in Ramanaidu Studios of Hyderabad. SV Krishna Reddy, D Sureshbabu, Tammareddy Bharadwaja, C Kalyan, Achireddy, EVV Satyanarayana, Arjunaraju, KC Sekhar Babu and others attended the programme.

Sumanth says, 'For the second time I am working with Sravanti Ravikishore and my first film in our combination is 'Gowri'. It will be quite comfortable to work in this banner. Moreover, I am very happy for working with Vijayabhaskar. I am sure that the film would come out well.'

Ravikishore says, 'This is the third film in my combination with Vijayabhaskar. Both the films we worked together earlier — 'Nuvve Kavali and Nuvvu Naaku Nachav' were big hits. This film would repeat the history of success. This subject would perfectly suit Sumanth's image and the script prepared by Abburi Ravi is quite good. We just took the main theme of the original film and made suitable changes to suit the Telugu nativity. We are sure that the film would be a definite hit.'

Vijayabhaskar says, 'This is my third film in Sravanthi banner. Sumanth, Sada and Kamalini Mukherji are doing very good roles in this film. The film would reach everyone's expectations.'

Source: India Glitz

Vidya Balan denies rift with Mani Ratnam!

2006-11-17T05:33:00.000-08:00

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

Rajini give dinner to Ajith !!!

2006-11-15T12:15:00.000-08:00

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

Rajini's film Sivaji: Release may be delayed !!!

2006-11-14T15:27:00.000-08:00

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

New Themes in Malayalam Movies

2006-11-13T17:46:00.000-08:00

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

Telugu filmmakers call for ban on dubbed movies

2006-11-13T17:37:00.000-08:00

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

Goa Film Festival

2006-11-13T05:19:00.000-08:00

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

Abhishek to get top UP award

2006-11-12T10:58:00.000-08:00

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

New movie Vivah Set for internet release !!!

2006-11-10T14:42:00.000-08:00

It's movie viewing with a twist. Filmmaker Sooraj Barjatya's latest offering at the box office Vivah is all ready for a worldwide release not just in a theatre near you but also on your personal computer.

Rajshri Media Limited, the digital entertainment arm of the group, will make the film available for online viewing at www.rajshri.com the same day and time of its theatrical release.

"Small pockets are opening up essentially because of its mainstream audience and not Indian population. Germany as a destination is the next biggest thing,” MD, Rajshri Media (P) Limited, Rajjat A Barjatya said.

The website also offers free streaming of music videos and download-to-rent at $9.99 from 12 noon on November 10 with a limited 72-hour licence.

The film will also be available with English subtitles and in a Telugu version.

The movie clip once downloaded will be available on your computer for 72 hours only - after which the file itself gets corrupted.

And the icing on the cake are all the other free downloads available on the site, so if you're a SRK fan and want to watch Main Hoon Don, remember it's just a click away and that, too, for free.

Free videos are available for over 300 new and classic movies, music videos, concerts and documentaries. The second phase of the media enterprise promises to integrate this experience to mobile phones, Ipods and other digital devices also.

Source: The Himalayan Times

Sneha keeps moving up !!

2006-11-09T06:00:00.000-08:00

Though Sneha did not have big offers come her way in Tamil after Pudhupettai, she seems to be going strong and steady in Telugu. Her Manasu Palike Mouna Ragam is released. Meanwhile she has signed for a movie titled Madhu Masam opposite Sumanth. The movie is to be produced by T Rama Naidu.

Sneha says ' I am happy to get enough offers come my way in Tamil, Kannada and Telugu. After Pudhupettai, I listened to over a dozen scripts in Tamil. Unfortunately none of them impressed me. Hence I chose to wait. In Telugu, it is a hectic time for me.'

Asked whether she is playing the role of Seetha in Rajkumar Santoshi's ambitious project Ramayana, she says, 'I had done the make-up for the role in Mumbai. Final word has to come from Rajkumar Santoshi. I am not sure and I am keeping my fingers crossed'.

Sneha is one actress who combines in her the virtues of dignity and decency in attractive beauty. And in recent times, her acting too has improved by leaps and bounds.

Source: India Glitz

Kamala Hasan turns 52

2006-11-08T05:53:00.000-08:00

Highly-acclaimed actor Kamala Hasan celebrates his 52nd birthday on Tuesday.

In a career spanning four decades, Hasan is known in the film industry for his versatility - he has capably played a diversity of characters in his films.

He has appeared in movies made in six languages: Tamil, Telugu, Malayalam, Kannada, Hindi and Bengali.

A trained playback singer, he has penned lyrics for the soundtracks of some of his recent films.

Hasan has also performed Bharatanatyam and had assisted in choreography in films early in his career.

Hasan made his screen debut in a Tamil film, Kalathur Kannamma, at the age of six, which won him the first National Award for Best Child Artist.

Subsequently, he starred as a child actor in movies that featured legends like MGR, Sivaji Ganesan and Gemini Ganesh.

It was with 16 Vayathinile, in which he acted with actress Sridevi, that established him as a popular teen idol at the age of 23.

Together, they featured in 23 films as a popular acting pair. The following year, he got his break with K Balachander's Telugu hit Maro Charithra.

Hasan dabbled with directing for the first time when director T N Baalu passed away during the filming of Sankarlal in 1981.

Hasan reached the peak of his career in 1979 with multiple classics which coincided with the decline of MGR/Sivaji era in movies.

He tried his hand at directing for the second time with the Hindi film Chachi 420 in 1997. Apart from acting, Hasan has also attempted scripting, screenplay and special effects.

Hasan is a three-time winner of the National Film Award for Best Actor for the films Nayagan, Moondram Pirai, and Indian. He also won the National Award for Best Child Actor for his performance in Kalathoor Kannamma.

He has also received the best actor award at the Asian Film festivals held in 1983 and 1985 for Saagara Sangamam and Swathi Muthyam respectively.

Six of his movies have been sent as India's official entry to the Oscars. Hasan has won the Filmfare awards 18 times.

He was awarded the fourth highest recognition given to Indian civilians - the Padmashri in 1990.

He was conferred an honorary doctorate by Sathyabama Deemed University, Chennai in 2005.

Source : IBN Live

Venkatesh new Telugu film Tulasi !!!

2006-11-07T05:02:00.000-08:00

Venkatesh is currently acting in Selvaraghavan directed film Aadavari maatalaku ardhale verule.

While the film is in under production already his next film will go to the sets. Bhadra director Boyapati Sreenu is going to direct him for the Suresh Banner titled Tulasi, the shooting of which will take off on the 10th of November. Nayantara who acted in Venkatesh’s Lakshmi is the heroine. Akula Shiva is giving the story and dialogues and Devisri Prasad is giving music.

Source: Andhra Cafe

Telugu Movie Nuvve is an enjoyable watch !!!

2006-11-06T13:03:00.000-08:00

Several films with the word nuvve in the title have been big hits, beginning with Nuvve kavali, Nuvvu naaku nachav, Nuvve nuvve and so on. But one cannot expect the same from Gopichand's, because the lead cast has no star power, no big names in the technical category-- barring cameraman Chota K Naidu -- and no pre-release publicity whatsoever. Not that the film is devoid of elements that makes a film successful at the box office, but good promotion aids a film's success and Nuvve may go down at the box office because of the low-key release.

This would be a pity since the film has finesse, gripping narration and first class performances, with a fair amount of humour thrown in. It's makeover time for Telugu cinema as more directors are straying from the beaten track to present good films. Here, Gopichand tries his hand at a new genre, moving away from melodrama and run-of-the-mill love themes. Nuvve is a fight between love and materialism, with contemporary issues.

The story revolves around four characters, Srinu, (Dhanush), Rana (Ravi Varma), Chalapathi (Shafi) and Anitha (Samaragni). Srinu is a village simpleton who comes to the city in search of employment. He stays with his friends Raju (Chitram Srinu) and Munna who rent a portion in Anitha's house. The landlady (Anitha's mother) is irritable and greedy. She refuses to let Srinu stay with them but gives in when she finds out how gullible he is, trying to swindle money out of him instead.

Srinu gets a job and falls in love with Anitha. After a lecture from Satya, Anita realises she loves Srinu as well -- also, her mother likes the idea of getting a son-in-law for free. But Anitha's young boss, Rana, is smitten by her and proposes to her. Anitha is caught in a dilemma, but gets over it soon. She decides to marry Rana and forget Srinu. Srinu's shattered as the film stops with a twist at the interval. From this point on, the narration is quite gripping and the director keeps the audience guessing.

The first part has a good measure of humour, especially with Ramesh Gopi's witty one-liners. The director tries to maintain the pace of the film, while breaking the seriousness with Venu Madhav's entertaining comic capers. Kudos to the director for getting the best out of all artistes, particularly Samaragni, who not only look fabulous but emotes well too.

The three heroes do their job well and Chitram Srinu and Satya are quite apt in their roles. The background score is quite in sync with the narration and Naidu's camerawork is great.

There are some glitches like Srinu being an unemployed orphan but with loads of money to spare. But, on the whole, this is definitely an enjoyable film.

Source: rediff.com

Watch Online Indian TV Channels for free

2006-11-04T17:31:00.000-08:00

Click on any of these Indian TV Channels to watch the live stream online.

SRK celebrates birthday with family and friends

2006-11-02T13:01:00.000-08:00

Bollywood's "Don" and the heartthrob of millions, Shah Rukh Khan, quietly celebrated his 41st birthday on Thursday with close family members and friends.

Considered the country's biggest film star, Khan has ruled the box office for over a decade, starring in blockbusters like Dilwale Dulhaniya Le Jayenge, Dil To Pagal Hai and Kal Ho Na Ho.

Sources close to the actor said he had no plans to celebrate the day in a major way and he spent time with his family and friends.

His legion of fans in India and abroad sent in their best wishes to the actor, while several movie channels screened his films throughout the day to celebrate his birthday.

Khan has plenty of reasons to celebrate, with both his releases this year -- Don and Kabhi Alvida Na Kehna -- doing well at the box office.

His next release is likely to be Chak De, a Yashraj film in which he plays the coach of a woman's hockey team.
Source: DNA India

Diwali Releases: Top five Tamil films

2006-11-01T10:53:00.000-08:00

Not one or two, but seven Tamil films released this Diwali. And the clear winner is the Ajith starrer 'Varalaru', which was previously titled 'Godfather'.

The top five Tamil films are:

1. 'Varalaru' - Director: K.S. Ravi Kumar. No other actor except Rajnikanth gets the kind of opening that Ajith receives for his films. 'Varalaru' got 100 percent opening. It's good news for Ajith that all those who watched it are happy with the film and are raving about his performance. The film is on its way to becoming a big hit.

2. 'Vallavan' - Director: Silambarsan. Expectations were high from the film, which was in the making for over a year. It got an excellent opening, too, but started sliding after the second day. 'Vallavan' can be termed as the biggest disappointment among all the Diwali releases.

3. 'E' - Director: S.P.Jhananathan. Jhananathan is the National Award-winning director of 'Iyarkai'. 'E' is different from the usual mainstream films though he has tried to include some commercial elements to make it appealing. The success of 'E' can be a matter of pride for the director and the producer. Of course, credit goes to Jeeva too for delivering a mind-blowing performance.

4. 'Vattaram' - Director: Saran. Another disappointing Diwali fare. This is going to be Saran's second disaster after 'Idhaya Thirudan'.

5. 'Dharmapuri' - Director: Perarasu. This Vijayakanth film may not appeal to the urban audience but there is a huge population out there in the B and C centres who will lap it up. 'Dharmapuri' appears to be a propaganda film for Vijayakanth and his political party.

Source: Monster and Critics

Selvaraghavan Sonia Agarwal Marriage Plans

2006-10-30T15:14:00.000-08:00

It's the wedding season in Kollywood. First it was lovely Laila who got married to her long-standing Iranian boyfriend.

Then it was the turn of Jyothika to tie the nuptial knot with her beau, Surya .

And now, it is Sonia Agarwal who has decided to take the matrimonial plunge, according to the grapevine.

Saucy Sonia will marry her mentor and director Selvaraghavan in Chennai on December 15, it is learnt.

Accordingly, Sonia has started refusing fresh offers. The buzz has it that she has also returned the advance amount to director Jeeva for the flick, ‘July Katru’.

Her latest movie, ‘Thiruttupayale’, according to trade circles, is doing extremely well.

Meanwhile, Selvaraghavan is busy with his Telugu project featuring Venkatesh and Trisha .

The million-dollar question however, is: will Sonia follow in the footsteps of Jyothika and say goodbye to films forever ? Or will she take a leaf out of Laila's book and resume acting, post-marriage?

Source: apunkachoice

Selvaraghavan goes for Rahman

2006-10-30T15:05:00.000-08:00

Selvaraghavan always does things at his own pace. But these days the pace is picking up. Selvaraghavan is now giving final touches to his Telugu movie starring Venkatesh and Trisha.

Then he is supposed to do a movie titled Idhu Maalai Nerathu Mayakkam starring Suriya's sibling Karthi and Kadhal fame Sandhya in lead role. The movie would be for his White Elephants production house.

Close on the heels of Idhu Maalai Nerathu Mayakkam, Selvaraghavan will be off to Bollywood.

Yes, he is venturing to direct a Hindi movie. Selvaraghavan’s Hindi movie would be a remake of his 7G Rainbow Colony, which was a blockbuster in both Tamil and Telugu.

Raadan Media in association with U TV will produce the movie. For the first time, A R Rahman will team up with Selvaraghavan.

Selvaraghavan had hitherto combined with Yuvan Shankar Raja for his movies. And almost of them have been musical hits. Their combination is one of the best in South India. But when it came to pan-Indian appeal, Rahman is the best bet and so Selvaraghavan has naturally gone for him.

The Hindi movie will commence shortly. The candidates for the hero’s role are being short-listed.

Source: Indiglitz

Cracker Jack

2006-10-30T15:03:00.000-08:00

Our heroines sure are a dedicated lot. ASIN walked into a Chennai theatre at the unholy hour of 7 am on Diwali to watch the first-day-first-show screening of her film Varalaru. Following suit was Nayanthara, who caught up with her Vallavan.

Then Reema Sen flew in from Mumbai specially for the same movie. That’s Diwali for you — bombs outside the theatres, and bombshells inside.

Source: New Ind Press

Crowning glory, says Chiranjeevi

2006-10-30T15:00:00.000-08:00

The year began with a Padma Bhushan and on Saturday came the announcement from Andhra University (AU) awarding him an honorary doctorate. Midway between the two came a visit to his charitable blood bank from President A.P.J. Abdul Kalam.

"The first call I made was to my mother Anjana Devi. She always wanted to see me as a doctor. She liked my role in Shankardada MBBS but this is truly the crowning glory", an elated megastar Chiranjeevi told The Hindu .

Slogans hailing the `Megastar', `Shankardada MBBS', `Maa Annayya' rang loud and clear on the premises, as he met the teeming crowd of fans in the hall of the first floor of the blood. Also present were a group of Infosys executives and while addressing the fans, he made a mention of how he admired the simplicity of software giant's founder N.R. Narayanmurthy.

The fans apart, others present included wife Surekha, younger brother Pawan Kalyan, brother-in-law and film producer Allu Arvind and his son Allu Arjun and actors Srikanth and Uttej.

Mr. Chiranjeevi said the awards no doubt gave him happiness and added, "I would like to be remembered for ever as `mana' (our) Chiranjeevi. Thank you everyone, for being with me and I promise that I will continue to be in public service, be it eye or blood donation, helping children affected with thalassemia and the HIV- positive people".

AU Vice-Chancellor Venugopal Reddy said Mr. Chiranjeevi was chosen for the honorary doctorate in view of his social work, he being a good actor with a mass following and above all, being a Padma Bhushan awardee.

Source: The Hindu

Angelina to adopt Indian baby

2006-10-27T09:12:00.000-07:00

Hollywood actress Angelina Jolie plans to adopt an Indian baby to add to her growing international brood, media reported today.

The big-hearted actress and partner Brad Pitt have already applied to adopt a tot from an Indian orphanage, the Daily Mail said quoting sources.

The celebrity couple, who are currently in India for the filming of Jolie's latest movie "A Mighty Heart" hope to be able to bring the child home by Christmas, the source was quoted as saying.

"Brad would prefer a boy no older than 18 months to even out the sexes, but Angie has told him she can't guarantee she won't fall in love with a little girl," the source said.

Talking about the celebrity couple's latest adoption plans, a source told US magazine Globe: "Whichever they end up with, they'd like to name the child India to honour its homeland."

Between them, 31-year-old Jolie and 42-year-old Pitt already have three children to look after -- five-year-old Maddox, who was adopted from a Cambodian orphanage in 2002, Zahara Marley Jolie, an Ethioplian baby girl adopted last year, and their biological daughter Shiloh Nouvel Jolie-Pitt, who was born in May this year.

The Tomb Raider star had said in the past that she would want to have one big multi-cultural family, with kids from all across the world.

"I want to create a rainbow family. That's children of different religions and cultures from different countries.

"I believe I'm meant to find my children in the world and not necessarily have them genetically," she said.

Source: The Hindu

Rajnikanth highest paid actor in India

2006-10-26T13:08:00.000-07:00

Bollywood star prices seem a laugh as you travel down South where, without fuss and headlines, Tamil star Rajnikanth has become India's highest paid actor.

He is paid more than the Khans or even the Big B. With each new film Rajnikanth breaks his own record as India's highest paid actor.

He is getting Rs 16 crore for his next film Sivaji. That is about Rs 6 crore more than what he got for his last film Chandramukhi.

The math is mind boggling for outsiders. Bollywood's biggies like Aamir, Shah Rukh, and Salman don't earn more than Rs 7 crore each for a film. And their films are distributed around the country.

But those who produce Rajni's films say Tamil Nadu's ageing superstar is worth the price. Chandramukhi, Rajni's last film, earned Rs 50 crore at the box office, which is a record in Tamil Nadu.

"We make enough money on a Rajni film. So much so that we can make another film. So we don't have any problems paying him this much," said Ram Kumar Ganeshan, Producer, Chandramukhi.

At 56, it is a record-breaking run that seems to be unchecked. Except four years ago, the film Baba, which by Rajni standards was a flop. It earned only Rs 20 crore.

Source: NDTV.com

Mammootty does well in Pothen Vava

2006-10-25T13:15:00.000-07:00

The difficulties of living as an irreligious or secular person forms the premise of the Mammootty-starrer Pothen Vava.

Written by Benny P Nayarambalam, with a proven track record of handling such characters deftly, the film is directed by Joshiy. Usha Uthup, the original diva of Indi-pop is as an added USP.

Pothen Vava offered a heady mix for sure. But how much kick we get out of the mix is the matter of concern. Surely, you get high initially with Usha Uthup showing the energy reminiscent to that of Philomina's character in the Godfather. This is followed by Mammootty's grand second entry (the first one happened before the flashback) and incessant flow of witty dialogues, which builds Vava's character and the supporting players.

Our spirits soar as the film proceed to tell the story of Vava (Mammootty) born to a Christian mother (Usha Uthup) and Nampoothiri (Nedumudi Venu) father who have divorced when he was just a baby. The court gave the baby to the mother and ordered that baby will have the right to choose his religion when he is mature enough. But the selection never happens and Vava continues his nameless, religion-less existence, till one dramatic event forces him to select a religion.

Vava decides to be Christian, but his mother puts the condition that Vava seeks his father's permission before taking the final plunge. Till now, the going is great. We empathies with Vava's travails and when the things loosen up, the humour picks up.

The downward spiral begins post-intermission when Vava chases down his father who has now become a renowned Carnatic singer and saves him after a life threatening accident. It was an attempt on the singer's life for his property.

This film could have been outstanding if it had not taken this angle and gone with the main thread itself till the end like he did in Kunjikoonan and Chandupottu. But the makers here chose the tried and tested route, which leads to a very contrived climax.

Mammootty does a good job as Vava. But later, even though he tries hard to retain the sparkle of the first half, the situations let him down.

Usha Uthup as Mariamma Vakkeel is also good, but her presence is not utilised well.

Gopika as Gladys, the former assistant of Mariamma, who now looks after her professional commitments and appears in court for her son whenever he is entangled in a legal wrangle (wonder why our heroes have to be Tharvadi Themmadi, why not ordinary folks like they were in the past?) exudes charm.

On the whole, Pothen Vava is better than Mammootty's recent outings. But it could have been even better.

Source: rediff.com

Ajith all the way in Varalaaru

2006-10-25T13:12:00.000-07:00

Varalaaru was titled Godfather. And so, first off, a clarification. The movie has nothing to do with the mafia. It is all about Ajith, Ajith and Ajith (literally), as the star plays four roles in three!

The film opens with Kanika (playing Ajith senior's wife) dancing for Shankar (Ajith, grey-haired, smoking a pipe) against the backdrop of Innisai. The theatre goes wild. His son, Vishnu (Ajith Number 2), is introduced with Illamai, a peppy number by Aslam. It is to create the idea that the son is a spoilt brat, and is conveyed well. The usual rhetoric of father telling son to behave responsibly and son replying in the rudest possible way goes on. The father asks Vishnu to visit a village called Thothapuram and take over a project. There, he meets leading lady Asin, who has come for a social work project. Asin picks up from her lively but mature performance in Ghajini.

Now comes the song Deepawali � a lively number that is well filmed at a beautiful location. Sonu Kakkar's strong and Kalpana's pleasant voices make it really enjoyable. Ajith and Asin also strike good on-screen chemistry, although Ajith struggles with the dancing at times.

Arguments between father and son provide instances where the dialogue writer makes his presence felt. Nice comic touches are added by Suman Shetty and Ramesh Khanna.

By this time, strange events start taking place. Ajith junior first attempts raping Asin's friend, thereby risking his marriage. He then attempts to even kill his father. Ajith Senior decides to take his son for a mental check-up, where he is given shock treatment for split-personality disorder. At the intermission, Ajith 3 has arrived.

Until this point, the film appears to be nicely packaged and paced.

Just when you expect the story to move ahead and reveal who the third Ajith is, an untimely song puts on the brakes. Beautiful art direction and music makes up for the broken link, but the story does not take off too well. You are now presented with song packages at too-short intervals.

The second half is mostly a display of director K S Ravikumar's obsession with flashbacks. Ajith 3 is a rowdy, who lives with his mother (Kanika) and is out to take revenge by killing Ajith Senior.

After his story, Ajith Senior has another flashback to offer -- by far the most interesting in the movie. It opens with Ajith's brilliant dance performance on Innisai. Ajith senior is a trained Bharatnatyam dancer who picks up feminine characteristics that eventually cost him his marriage with Kanika and, subsequently, his mother. Kanika goes on to ridicule his masculinity. Outraged, Ajith rapes her and Kanika becomes the mother of twin boys.

The plot is as clear as a mirror. From here begins the clich�d part of the movie, where everything starts looking predictable. They continue until the climax, with a couple of interesting revelations at the end as the only saving grace.

Use of the time-slice method by the director reminds you of Shankar's flicks, but this is visually good and not overdone.

Varalaaru is undoubtedly the only must-watch release this Diwali. Watch it for a display of all the elements of Ajith's versatility and range of emotions. His performance in the woman-like role will compel you to applaud his genius. Asin does a decent job, and A R Rahman's music compliments Ajith's performance. The background score by Rahman also gives you a kick, time and again.

Overall, a good offering from the director of Padayappa.

Source: Rediff.com

Samanyudu belongs to Jagapathi Babu

2006-10-25T13:08:00.000-07:00

Telugu film Samanyudu adds to Jagapathi Babu's repertoire of hero-oriented films, thanks to director Ravi C Kumar's deft handling of the subject which makes for interesting viewing.

Samanyudu is not just any other story about a hero trying to rid society, especially politics, of scum, as the director focuses on cleansing the heart and mind of politicians.

The story revolves around Chandra and his siblings who carry on the unfinished task of their father. Chandrasekhar, an editor, wants to reform politics, especially politicians, with the help of his newspaper. His focus is on the home minister, Bhagwanraju (Saikumar), who gets wind of Chandrasekhar's intentions and eliminates him.

His adopted son Chandra along with his siblings plans to expose the evil deeds of Bhagwanraju. He videographs Bhagwanraju's plot to kill the chief minister and with this he makes Bhagwanraju fulfill the promises made by him to the people during elections. This irks Bhagwanraju who plans to eliminate Chandra. How Chandra exposes the home minister forms the crux of the film.

The film focuses on changing the mindset of the home minister through some sentiments. Like his daughter who hates her father for his corrupt ways.

Jagapathi Babu performs very well, and Saikumar, for once, gives a restrained performance. The comedy track by M S Narayana is good.

After Jagapathi Babu, the film belongs to director Ravi Kumar who took on an old theme and shied away from the beaten track while presenting it. Music by Vandemataram Srinivas fails to appeal. Kamna Jethmalani has nothing to do but appear glamorous.

Source: Rediff.com

Hundreds pay homage to Srividya

2006-10-22T14:42:00.000-07:00

People from all walks of life thronged the Victoria Jubilee Town Hall here on Friday to pay homage to noted actor Srividya who passed away at a private hospital in the city on Thursday evening. A cross-section of society comprising Ministers, politicians, those associated with the entertainment industry, housewives and students, were present. The crowds lined up the hall well before the body was brought there at 10.45 a.m.

Noted director Sreekumaran Thampi, who had done some of the best films and television serials with Srividya, and K.B. Ganesh Kumar, MLA, were among those who accompanied the body from her residence. Chief Minister V.S. Achuthanandan; Congress leaders M.M. Hassan and G. Karthikeyan; Kerala Congress (B) chairman R. Balakrishna Pillai; were among those who paid their last respects.

The former Chief Minister and Congress Working Committee member A.K. Antony condoled the death Srividya. Mrs. Elizabeth Antony placed a wreath on behalf of Mr. Antony, who is away in Delhi.

Veteran actor Madhu who co-starred with Srividya in a number of films was among the prominent personalities present at the hall.

K.K. Rajiv, who directed the popular television serials, `Venal Mazha,' `Swapnam' and `Avicharitham,' reminisced his association with Srividya. "She was an uncompromising professional who strived for perfection. Her commitment to work was something the youngsters should emulate," Rajiv said. `Avicharitham' won a number of awards, including the State television award for the best actress.

Poet Balachandran Chullikad, who, of late, took to acting, traced his association with Srividya back to 1986 when he was a student at Maharaja's College, Ernakulam. "The passion for literature and music cemented our camaraderie. I got acquainted with her on the sets of the late J.C. Kuttikadu and once I took to acting, I got a chance to work with her in television serials too," he said.

Balachandra Menon said their love for music cemented their friendship. "She liked the song `Ragangale... ' in my film Tharattu and we used to sing the song on the sets of the film. She had expressed a desire to sing a duet with me and the song Aana koduthalum... ' in Oru Paingili Katha was a hit," Menon said.

Her last public appearance was at the award night organised by the Kerala Film Critics Association at Vithura on April 16. "Braving illness, she came to receive the `Chalachitra Prathibha Puraskaram' instituted by the association and made a highly philosophic speech," secretary Mannarakayam Baby said.

All those associated with her had similar incidents to narrate and most of them felt

Music skill

Srividya never got a chance to develop her skill in music. She became highly philosophical in the final phase of her life and was an ardent devotee of Sai Baba.

She had written and composed a number of bhajans and had held a programme in the city itself.

When Vayalar Smaraka Samithy organised a music programme here in connection with the installation of the bust of Vayalar Rama Varma, the late G. Devarajan had offered her a chance to sing the song Katte vaa kadale vaa..' The song was rendered by her mother M.L.Vasantha Kumari in Chathurangam. Srividya could not present the song at the programme, as she was busy with television serials.

When the body was taken to the cremation ground of the Karamana Grama Samudayam around 12.45 p.m., a huge crowd was waiting outside braving the heavy rain. The body was cremated with State honours.

Source: The Hindu

Amitabh Bachchan to release Sameer’s biography

2006-10-21T16:10:00.000-07:00

Amitabh Bachchan will release lyricist Sameer’s biography on 28th October at a glittering function being planned at Bhaidas Hall in Bombay. The day also happens to be Sameer’s father, lyricist late Anjaan’s 75th birth anniversary. This year also very significant for Sameer – he has completed 25 years as lyrics writer and already crossed 500 films as lyricist .

1. Release of biography, titled Sameer – A Way With Words, authored by eminent writer Shri Derek Bose, at the hands of Amitabh Bachchan at Bhaidas Hall, Vile Parle (West), on 28th October 2006.

2. The function will be attended by leading film stars and personalities, including producers, directors, music composers and singers who have collaborated with Sameer over the past quarter-century.

3. A three-hour musical programme showcasing Sameer’s repertoire in various genres of film music will be presented on the occasion. Prominent playback artistes and Sa Re Ga Ma winners, such as Bela Shende and Abhijeet Ghoshal will render the songs on stage in the presence of a live audience and all dignitaries.

4. A double CD pack of hit songs portraying the versatility and lyrical range of Sameer’s work will also be released on the occasion. Over the past 25 years, Sameer has penned the lyrics of a record 500-plus films, besides songs for scores of non-film albums. The only lyricist ahead of Sameer is the late Anand Bakshi, who wrote for 622 films during his tenure of 45 years.

5. The book release function coincides with 75th birth anniversary of Sameer’s father, the late Anjaan. The occasion is also meant to pay tribute to the memory of this great lyricist and his glorious contribution towards the enrichment of Hindi film music

Source: IndiaGlitz

Selvaraghavan's new project

2006-10-21T16:08:00.000-07:00

Selvaraghavan, who is currently directing a Telugu movie starring Venkatesh, Srikanth and Trisha, is all geared up to commence his next project in Tamil.

After his last Tamil venture Pudhupettai, Selvaraghavan had chosen to do a Telugu film.

In the meanwhile, he floated a production house --- named White Elephants --- in association with music director Yuvan Shankar Raja and cinematographer Aravind Krishna.

He would direct Karthik (brother of actor Suriya) for his Tamil venture to be produced by White Elephants.

The movie would have music by Yuvan and camera by Aravindh.

Karthik's maiden Tamil venture Paruthi Veeran directed by Ameer is nearing completion and would hit theatres soon.

A movie with Selvaraghavan is a good break for Karthik so early in his career.

Source: IndiaGlitz