Thala on (b)risk notes for his Billa 2

During the shooting of Mankatha, it was reported that Ajith involved himself in risky car drives and bike chases. By temperament Thala is a fierce fighter, both on and off the screen. It was he who extorted the boldness to finger those threatened for the film festival of the former CM Karunanidhi.

Of late there are news about his upcoming project Billa 2. Ajith is very keen to shape this film on more spices than the earlier version. According to the sources of the unit, many sequences involving him has no doubles. Ajith himself took shots of risky nature which mesmerized the unit. Ajith intends to portray his very nature of realistic approach to the scenes.

Director Chakri Toleti was otherwise worried that nothing untoward should happen. Because the film is moving on a smooth surface. Of course, Ajith has sung the idea, Vilayudu Vilayudu Vazhum Varaikkum Vilayadu.

READ MORE - Thala on (b)risk notes for his Billa 2

Velayudham still running in a good number of cinema halls

Vijay’s Deepavali gift to his fans ‘Velayudham’ has completed its 50-day run in the box-office. Claimed as one of the biggest hits of the Ilayathalapathy, the film is still running in a good number of cinema halls.

Says a trade analyst, “Velayudham came at a right time when Vijay’s fans were waiting for a commercial hit. In the recent past, Velayudham can be claimed as the biggest grosser for Vijay. The initial days saw repeat-audience.”

Produced by Aascar V Ravichandran and directed by ‘Jayam’ M Raja, ‘Velayudham’ has Hansika Motwani and Genelia D’ Souza as heroines. Says a Vijay fan, “The film was a Deepavali dhamaka for us. It had everything we expect out of a Thalapathy movie.”
Vijay Antony’s songs and state-of-the-art stunt sequences turned out to be the highlights of the movie. Thanks to all these things backed by aggressive promotions in media, ‘Velayudham’ has emerged as one of the hits of 2011.

READ MORE - Velayudham still running in a good number of cinema halls

Who is Mani Ratnam’s next Heroni?

We all know that Karthik’s son Gautham will make his debut with ace director Mani Ratnam’s next project, tentatively titled as Pookadai. But speculations keep rising about the leading lady of the film. First there were reports that the director has plans to rope in Kamal Haasan’s younger daughter Akshara for the film. Then Parthiban’s daughter Keerthana (who has earlier worked with Mani Ratnam in Kannathil Muthanidhal) was in the picture.

When we all thought that Radha’s younger daughter Thulasi has finally bagged the opportunity here comes another exciting speculation. Latest reports states that the director has approached Sonam Kapoor (Anil Kapoor’s daughter) for the role and the actress has agreed to do it.

Well to know who will play the female lead in Pookadai, we have to wait a little! So stay tuned to US. We will bring you the latest happenings in Kollywood.

READ MORE - Who is Mani Ratnam’s next Heroni?

Rajinikanth’s low-key birthday celebration with family

Superstar Rajinikanth had a low-key birthday celebration this time. The actor spent the day with his family at his farmhouse at Kelambakkam and kept himself out of the media glare.

Sources say that Rajinikanth celebrated his 62nd birthday at his farmhouse. His daughters Aishwarya with her husband-actor Dhanush and Soundarya with her hubby Ashwin were with him on the special day. While the Endhiran star’s fans across the world cut cakes and prayed for him, the actor watched their love for him on television channels, add sources.

Meanwhile, Latha Rajinikanth has thanked the fans for performing poojas for his long life. The superstar is on the path of his recovery, assures his wife. It may be recalled that Rajnikanth fell ill with intestinal and gastrointestinal problems last April and he was treated in Chennai and Singapore.

READ MORE - Rajinikanth’s low-key birthday celebration with family

Ajith in Hollywood?

Thala Ajith , who is busy wrapping up the talkie portions for his upcoming venture Billa 2, might be seen in a full fledge English movie soon.Siruthai fame Siva who has been signed to direct Ajith’s 53rd venture is the man who planted this thought.
It is said that Siva being a loyal Ajith fan wanted to direct his idol in a full fledge English movie and conveyed the same to Ajith. On hearing the story line , Ajith is said to be totally impressed with the plot and gave green signal. So, does this mean our Indian James Bond will soon be joining the Hollywood counterparts ?

READ MORE - Ajith in Hollywood?

Mysskin’s Mugamoodi makes a beginning

Mysskin’s dream project of a super hero Mugamoodi has kickstarted in Chennai.

The UTV Motion Pictures produced film has Jiiva, Narain, Nassar and Pooja Hegde in the cast, with music by K.

The director at the pooja launch of the film was all smiles as the project was lying in the pipeline for years. Many of today’s top heroes were approached for the project which for some reason or other could not take off.

Mysskin is shooting the film in various locations in and around Chennai. A huge set for a Kung Fu fight competition has been erected in a city school. Mugamoodi is the big summer 2012 release.

Mysskin said : ” Mugamoodi is my dream come true. From childhood I have been influenced by super heroes. The film will have some of the best action scenes ever and is being made keeping in mind the possibility of a sequel.”

READ MORE - Mysskin’s Mugamoodi makes a beginning

Karthi shoots for Saguni in Hyderabad

Karthi has moved from Chalakudy where he was shooting for his new untitled Suraj film to Hyderabad for the climax shoot of Saguni.

In Andhra, Karthi has a growing fan base as all his films have done good business when they were dubbed into Telugu.

Now the climax of his Saguni scheduled for release January end is happening in Hyderabad.

The film is said to be a political thriller where Karthi plays a small town guy Kannan who comes to a big city and gets corrupted by the system.

In Hyderabad Karthi went for the audio launch of Venkatesh’s Bodyguard, a remake of Vijay’s Kaavalan.

He was the cynosure of all eyes at the audio launch and stole the thunder from the films hero Venkatesh and heroine Trisha.

READ MORE - Karthi shoots for Saguni in Hyderabad

Hansika to enter politics?

Hansika has just completed her final semester as a student of Political Science and will be graduating soon. She somehow managed it amidst her hectic shooting schedule. Her choice of subject has resulted in speculation that like Kushboo with whom she is already earning comparisons for obvious reasons she will also enter into politics.
The vivacious actress said that she is very interested in politics and follows political developments with the utmost interest but as of now films will remain her main priority. She has no idea what the future holds for her though she added with a wink not ruling out the possibility entirely.

READ MORE - Hansika to enter politics?

Mugamoodi to Beat Spiderman

Produced by Ronnie Screwvala Mugamoodi went on floors from day before yesterday. Jeeva, Narain and Pooja Hegde are so excited working with Mysskin with Sathya in charge of cinematography while K is composing the music for the lyrics penned by Kabilan and Madhan Karky. Mysskin while speaking about this film to the media said, “ This is my dream film. Right from my childhood I have read the stories of super heroes. I have enjoyed it. I wanted to make a film like that. Now I have got the opportunity to do this. I can confidently say that this kind of film has never been made in Tamil so far. Narain is donning the villain role. I know martial arts. Jeeva has also learnt martial arts. Dhilip Subbarayan and Shekar are choreographing the Kung Fu sequences. So far such fighting sequences featuring in this film would not have featured in any Indian films so far. This film is being made with the intention that it should entertain the children as well as the elderly people. I have completed the story of the Part 2 of Mugamudi even before commencing the shooting of the Part 1. There will be five parts.”

READ MORE - Mugamoodi to Beat Spiderman

Ram Gopal Varma's Unusual 26/11

Maverick filmmaker Ram Gopal Varma always sticks to the unorthodox style of filmmaking. His voracious attraction to real life incidents marks his uniqueness. The director is all set to make a film based on 26/11. The incident will remain undiminished in the hearts of every Indian as the three day live telecast of the ‘Terrorist-Hostages-Police Forces’ drama.

But don’t predict the film to be travelling on the same lines of an action packed thriller drama as Ram Gopal Varma says, “ My attempt now would be not only to capture on film the physical aspect but also the behind the scenes aspect of what exactly happened from the time Kasab and rest of the team landed on Amar Singh Solanki’s trawler in the high seas, till kasab’s heroic capture by the late Tukaram Ombale at Girgaum chowpatty. This will be intercut with what the various gallant police officers did in their attempt to get the situation under control.

Rommel Rodrigues, author of “Kasab the face of 26/11”, who has an extensive and encyclopedic knowledge of the event will be a helping hand to Ram Gopal Varma.

READ MORE - Ram Gopal Varma's Unusual 26/11

Mankatha’s 100th day celebrated

Mankatha’s 100^th day was celebrated at the Short Film Gala 2011 held on December 10^th at the Anna Centenary Library Hall. The film’s director Venkat Prabhu along with his team including Premgi, Vaibhav, Mahat Ragavendra, Ashwin, Aravind Akash and editor Praveen K L were present during this event.
The Short Film Gala is an event organized by The Slight Media and Filmgala. During this event the SFG award for short films were given to the winners.
Later, the entire Mankatha team cut a huge cake to mark the celebrations of Mankatha’s 100^th day.

READ MORE - Mankatha’s 100th day celebrated

'Velayudham' turns 50

Vijay's Deepavali gift to his fans 'Velayudham' has completed its 50-day run in the box-office. Claimed as one of the biggest hits of the Ilayathalapathy, the film is still running in a good number of cinema halls.

Says a trade analyst, "Velayudham came at a right time when Vijay's fans were waiting for a commercial hit. In the recent past, Velayudham can be claimed as the biggest grosser for Vijay. The initial days saw repeat-audience."

Produced by Aascar V Ravichandran and directed by 'Jayam' M Raja, 'Velayudham' has Hansika Motwani and Genelia D' Souza as heroines. Says a Vijay fan, "The film was a Deepavali dhamaka for us. It had everything we expect out of a Thalapathy movie."

Vijay Antony's songs and state-of-the-art stunt sequences turned out to be the highlights of the movie. Thanks to all these things backed by aggressive promotions in media, 'Velayudham' has emerged as one of the hits of 2011.

READ MORE - 'Velayudham' turns 50

Tirumala Devotees condemn Tamannah

During a shooting break, Tamannah and Ram Charan Teja visited the Tirupati Thirumala temple to worship lord Balaji. This visit has Tamannah in the thick of controversy as the actress had worn a pair of jeans and t-shirt.
As per the temple rules, women are required to wear saree or salwar kameez when worshipping the lord. But Tamannah had defied this rule, feel several worshippers who witnessed her visit. The actress however was not available for comments on this issue as she left the temple almost immediately.

READ MORE - Tirumala Devotees condemn Tamannah

Vettai Movie Single Track Launch Photo Gallery

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Nisha Jamwal snapped at Point of View gallery

Nisha Jamwal snapped at Point of View gallery group show at Colaba Images,Photo gallery,stills, Nisha Jamwal snapped at Point of View gallery group show at Colaba pics, Bollywood, Parties & Events, Nisha Jamwal snapped at Point of View gallery group show at Colaba

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Vishwaroobham estimated budget: Rs 120 cr

Vishwaroobham is turning out to be the biggest movie ever of Kamal Hassan’s career. The estimated budget of the forthcoming multilingual movie is Rs 120 crore that means it will share honours with Rajinikanth’s Endhiran, which was also made with the same amount of money.

According to sources, the makers of the movie have already shelled out Rs 55 crore in first two schedules. They have shot 60% of the film in Jordan and Chennai. The remaining parts will be filmed in the US and the UK.

The US and UK schedules last for a month each and both the destinations are costly compared to other places, claims a source. Adding to that the movie will have technical values of international standards and the expenses will obviously reach high.

However, Kamal Hassan’s movies like Thevar Magan, Aboorva Sahodargal and Dasavatharam were big budget movies of its times and the forthcoming movie Vishwaroobham would be the new entry to the list.

Vishwaroobham also features Pooja Kumar in the female lead role.

READ MORE - Vishwaroobham estimated budget: Rs 120 cr

Nanban Movie Audio launch in 3D

Yes, you heard it right . If all goes well , Nanban audio launch will happen in 3D , which is first of its kind in Tamil cinema .It is believed that Harris Jayaraj has come up with six unique tracks for this movie which will be launched in Hindustan College of Arts and Science in Coimbatore on December 23rd.

The guests attended the audio launch will be provided with special 3D glasses . The man behind this idea is none other than ace director , Shankar . He wanted the audio launch to be unique with style and elegance and he proposed this idea to Gemini Film Circuits , who seems to have accepted this innovative idea. Nanban has Ilayathalapathy Vijay in a new avatar breaking his commercial films and also stars Jiiva, Srikanth , Sathyaraj, Ileana and Anuya in prominent roles.

READ MORE - Nanban Movie Audio launch in 3D

Ajith says ‘NO’ to body doubles for Billa 2

Riding high on his Mankatha success hero Ajith has quickly shifted gears to the fresh n new, Billa 2.The movie will be a prequel taking fans back to the young days of David, who went on to rule the underworld and become a kingpin .Billa 2 Director Chakri Toleti who has been roped in for this new flick, is pleased with how things have turned out so far.

The unit last completed a 40 day Goan schedule and is on for it’s 3^rd schedule now. Recently Chakri called upon his crew members to shoot for an action sequence, asking them to find a suitable body double for Ajith. He felt that the stunts to be performed were really risky but on knowing about the search for a body double, Thala stepped in saying that he dint require one and was quite confident to pull off the stunt himself. Now Chakri sounds totally impressed to have seconded Thala’s decision as he said, “Thala fans should be proud… He’s been doing amazing stunts!!! Unbelievable… Without any stunt doubles!”.

Now that’s Thala bringing you some adrenaline pumping action for Billa 2.

READ MORE - Ajith says ‘NO’ to body doubles for Billa 2

Dhanush’s Kolaveri answers

Dhanush was invited for the Mind Rocks Youth Summit 2011 where he interacted with lots of students and delegates all over the country.

Kolaveri rage. The actor also promised many entertaining songs and movie in future . Dhanush in a lighter vein , also expressed his desire to become a full time singer after the huge hit of Why this Kolaveri di from the movie 3.

READ MORE - Dhanush’s Kolaveri answers

Osthi girl Richa fumes, leaves hotel for her beau!

Richa Gangopadhyay may look cool chick on-screen but she seems to act exactly opposite to it in real life! We hear that the Osthi girl lost temper a few days ago at a hotel when the hotel authorities refused to allow her friend and actor Sudhakar to the actress’ single room.

The story goes like this, Richa Gangopadhyay was in Chennai for the promotions of Osthi. The makers of the Tamil movie had booked a room at Rain Tree hotel for her but when she tried to take Sudhakar into her room, the hotel management asked not to accommodate him because it was a single room.

The actress went on to say that he was there to repair her laptop but the receptionist asked her to do that at the lobby. Irked by this, Richa Gangopadhyay had a heated argument with the authorities and after 45-minute quarrel, the actress left the hotel fuming.

Sudhakar and Richa Gangopadhyay acted together in Selvaraghavan’s Mayakkam Enna. Since then, they are getting along well.

READ MORE - Osthi girl Richa fumes, leaves hotel for her beau!

Sonam Kapoor, Mani Ratnam’s heroine?

The Kollywood grapevine is abuzz that hot and happening Bollywood star Sonam Kapoor is going to be ace director Mani Ratnam’s heroine in his new film.
The film tentatively titled Pookadai will star Karthik’s son Gautham who will be debuting as hero.
Earlier there were rumours that yester year heroine Radha’s youngest daughter and Ko girl Karthika’s sister Thulasi would debut as heroine.
Much before that there were rumours that Kamal’s youngest daughter Akshara will play the female lead.
Mani and his cameraman Rajeev Menon had conducted a photo shoot and after thatit seems they have decided to cast Sonam.
Mani Ratnam is keeping the entire project under the wraps. So far there is no official word on the project which is set to start rolling early January.

READ MORE - Sonam Kapoor, Mani Ratnam’s heroine?

Eros International to Co-Produce Yohan Adhayam Ondru

Eros International Media Ltd, a leading global company in the Indian film entertainment industry, has announced a co-production deal with Photon Kathaas Productions for a Tamil film titled Yohan: Adhyayam Ondru (John: Chapter 1) starring Vijay. Produced in association with Future Film Production Ltd (UK Production), the film will be directed by Gautham Vasudev Menon with music by A R Rehman and is expected to commence production from Q2 2012.

Yohan is the first of its kind (in South India) action thriller centering around a character that will be featured in a series of films (prequels and sequels). The film will be shot in international locations, predominantly in the United Kingdom with the active support of the UK government. The UK has a very favourable policy towards encouraging foreign film makers to shoot their films in the UK.
Commenting on the development, Mr. Sunil Lulla, Managing Director, Eros International Media Ltd said, “Eros continues to make advances in the regional film markets and we are happy to associate with PKP and further expand our south repertoire. Yohan: Adhyayam Ondru promises to be one of its kind action thrillers by the very talented Gautham Menon”.
Mr. Venkat Somasundaram, CEO, PKP added, “We are quite excited about the relationship with Eros. We believe this is the beginning of a long term relationship with Eros that will produce many successful films together”.
Mr. Gautham Vasudev Menon added, “I am really looking forward to filming an all-out action film after Vettaiyadu Villaiyadu. Also interesting because I will be working with Vijay for the first time. Yohan will be made like an international film while still retaining all the elements, especially music, that makes Indian cinema work. A.R. Rahman has already composed a theme song for the film which is simply outstanding. PKP (of which I am a part of) and I have found the ideal partners in Eros for a film on this scale, which needs to be produced and released on an international scale”.
Mr. A.R. Rehman said of the association, “I am really excited working with Photon Kathaas and Eros on the movie Yohan. This is a completely new direction for both Gautham and me. We hope to come out with a product which is different yet rooted experience for the audiences”
“I am very excited about this project. Gautham and I have been talking about working together for a while and I’m glad that it’s finally materialized. Yohan is a totally new space for me and I’m sure my fans will love this action-thriller film. I am also excited about working with Photon Kathaas and Eros and am sure we will together create a landmark South Indian film”, said actor Vijay.
Yohan is a landmark association between Eros –a leading global company in the Indian film entertainment industry and PKP – the first internationally listed South Indian film production company.

READ MORE - Eros International to Co-Produce Yohan Adhayam Ondru

CM allots Rs 25 lakh for film festival

Tamil Nadu Chief Minister J Jayalalithaa on Monday presented Rs 25 lakh to the Chennai International Film Festival.

According to a press release from the government, the Indo Cine Appreciation Foundation, which is conducting the film festival in Chennai every year, requested the government to lend financial help to the event.

"After considering the request, the Chief Minister decided to allot Rs 25 lakh to the Chennai International Film Festival, to enable the Indo Cine Appreciation Foundation to meet the expenses. On Monday, she presented a cheque for the said amount to ICAF director Thangaraj," said the release.

South Indian Film Artistes Association president R Sarath Kumar, Suhasini Mani Ratnam and Lissy Priyadarshini, who are showing keen interest at the event, were present when the CM presented the cheque. They requested Jayalalithaa to preside over the film festival.

READ MORE - CM allots Rs 25 lakh for film festival

Kamal learns Kathak!

When it comes to carrying out a role to the hilt no one does it better than Padma Shri Dr. Kamal Haasan. It's known that he is busy with his forthcoming film 'Viswaroopam.' After swiftly crossing the initial glitches that were in the way, the actor along with his team will travel to the States for a month-long schedule to shoot a major part of the film at the US.

Dance and Kamal go hand-in-hand. Now the actor is learning Kathak because the script of 'Viswaroopam' demands his character to know this dance form. The actor is getting his lessons in Delhi from none other than Kathak exponent Guruji Birjumaharaj, who is also responsible for choreographing Madhuri Dixit for a Kathak number in Sanjay Leela Bansali's 'Devdas.'

In 'Viswaroopam' there is a song sequence which requires Kamal's character to perform a Kathak number; hence around 50 dancers from Birjumaharaj's dance school are believed to have flown to Chennai to shoot the number. Another part of this song is touted to be shot from the US.

Music for this film is by hit Bollywood trio Shankar - Ehsaan - Loy. The film sees Kamal Haasan playing the lead role with Pooja Kumar playing the female lead. Andrea and Isha appear in important roles in this film. 'Viswaroopam' is touted to release in Tamil, Hindi and English as well.

READ MORE - Kamal learns Kathak!

'7aum Arivu' scores half century

The festival of lights has gone by but the fireworks still continue in cinema halls. '7aum Arivu', the Suriya-A R Murugadoss-Udhayanidhi Stalin venture which hit the screens on the day of lights has completed its 50-day run.

The film opened up to mixed responses from all over but a few highlights kept the film going.

One of the most promising young actors of Tamil cinema, Suriya's hard work was visible from scene one. As Bodhidharma, a Budhist monk to Aravind a circus artiste, the actor got his act right, leaving his fans in awe.

After making a pan-Indian presence with 'Ghajini', Murugadoss chose to throw light on the pride of ancient Tamils in '7aum Arivu'. In a story which is a mix of truth and fiction, the director neatly packaged commercial ingredients in a right dose.

The producer was credited by both Suriya and Murugadoss before the release of the film, for spending crores for '7aum Arivu' with confidence. And he continued the same even after its release, by aggressively promoting the movie in all possible ways.

With her urban-suave looks, Shruthi won the admiration of the audience in '7aum Arivu'. Acting is in her genes, so no wonder she played with perfection the role of a young scientist who is doing a research on genes.

From Ravi K Chandran's cinematography to Harris Jayaraj's music to Antony's editing, everything supported the project aptly. While the cinematographer gave fresh colour to the script with his lens, the music composer elevated the mood with his songs and background score. While the editor's scissors made the film more slick and stylish.

READ MORE - '7aum Arivu' scores half century

Sarath Babu's wife seeks divorce

Popular actor Sarath Babu and his wife Snehalatha Dikshit (daughter of thespian MN Nambiar) appeared in a family court in Chennai on Monday, in connection with a divorce case filed by the latter on grounds of mental torture.

Justice Santhakumari of the third additional family court directed the couple to attend counseling and the case has been adjourned to December 24 for further hearing.

Sarath Babu and Snehalatha, who were separated from their respective spouses, met each other a couple of decades ago and decided to marry. They entered wedlock in 1990. Due to difference of opinion, Snehalatha filed a divorce case against Sarath Babu.

The actor is popular in south Indian languages, especially Kollywood, for his urban, suave roles. Some of his memorable movies include 'Mullum Malarum', 'Velaikaran', 'Annamalai' and 'Muthu', all having Superstar Rajinikanth in lead roles.

READ MORE - Sarath Babu's wife seeks divorce

Arya and Maddy trying to emulate Dhanush?

The official promo video of a single from Vettai - Pappappa Pappa Pappappa was released yesterday. The music is by Yuvan Shankar Raja. There is a positive buzz surrounding this song with the leading men, Arya and Madhavan raving about it and the rest of the team promoting it in a big way.
Fans have been comparing the song to Kolaveri Di as the video is a little similar. It remains to be seen whether this track will make the same impact Kolaveri did. Dhanush's song is still sitting pretty on top of the charts and its popularity shows absolutely no sign of waning.

READ MORE - Arya and Maddy trying to emulate Dhanush?