Kalabhavan Mani in 'Yanthram'

The versatile and talented Kalabhavan Mani is a popular Malayalam actor who has impressed many in other languages as well. He is known for his talented performance and his mimicry. Many in Tollywood still remember him for his role in 'Gemini' which starred Venkatesh in the lead.

According to reports, he has been roped in for 'Yanthram'. This flick being directed by Shankar is the talk of the town since it stars superstar Rajnikanth in the lead. It also stars Aishwarya Rai as the female lead.

The shooting has been going on at fast pace with a huge budget but then it is not sure as to what is the role that Kalabhavan would be seen in.

Title singer changes for Rajini

Superstar Rajinikanth has one of most enviable fan following in the industry. His punch dialogues and style of acting has wooed many people across the globe.

One of the highlights of his movies are the title songs which have been targeted at the masses. These songs have usually been sung by popular playback singer SP Balasubramanyam.

However there seems to be a change in the latest Rajni flick 'Yanthram'. Sources indicate that it will be the talented and fusion based singer Hariharan who will render his voice to the title song composed by A R Rahman.

Well let us see the impact of Hariharan’s voice for Rajini this time.

Jayanth shoots Deepika for the special song

It is known news that the long legged beauty Deepika Padukone has been roped in for a special song for the new movie ‘Love Forever’. This is directed by Jayanth C Paranje and the choreography was done by Ahmed Khan.

Deepika said that she got many offers from south but since she is busy in Hindi she is unable to commit. She also added that Jayanth is her good friend and was impressed when she heard the story from him.

So she wanted to be a part of it by doing this special song. Jayanth from his end was happy that Deepika accepted his proposal immediately.

The film has Randeep and Mrudula in lead, dialogues – Rajasimha, music – Ram Sampath, photography- Vincent, editing – Marthand K Venkatesh.

Aishwarya Rai grabs the 9th place

It’s been more than a decade that she won the crown. But this former Miss World is still literally reigning the world!

The popular International Harpers and Queen magazine had listed 100 beautiful women and among them was our Aishwarya Rai Bachchan! Not only that! She has taken the ninth rank in the list, reports say.

Meanwhile, Hollywood actress Angelina Jolie is said to be topping the list, followed by Supermodel Christy Turlington. Among other beauties, Queen Rania of Jordan has also found her place in the chart.

Gandhiji’s great grandson visits audio release

Gandhiji’s great grandson, Tushar Gandhi graced the occasion of “Mahatma” audio release recently. Many from the film industry including Mohan Babu, Venkatesh, Nagarjuna and others were present on the occasion.

This took place at Novotel. Most of them even spoke during the audio launch. When Mohan Babu took the mike, he asked everyone to stand up and pay homage to the deceased leader YS Rajasekhara Reddy. Everyone including Tushar Gandhi did the same for a minute.

He later wished the best for Srikanth and Krishna Vamsi who were also present at the venue and thanked Tushar for his presence.

'Love 4 Ever' in the making

As the title suggests 'Love 4 Ever' is a complete romantic entertainer. Two new faces Randeep and Mrudula are making their debut in this movie.

According to sources, the shooting of the movie is going at the moment. It is being directed by Jayant C Paranji. He is also producing the movie and the highlight of the film is that it has a special song by the long legged Bollywood beauty Deepika Padukone.

Meanwhile news is that the movie is being shot on the backdrop of a grape garden. Ram Sampath is composing the music for this love story and soon the audio release is expected to take place.

Nayantara goes Mumbai for Prabu Deva

Prabhu Deva’s ‘Wanted’ is grabbing grave reviews and much appreciation. This Salman Khan-Ayesha Takia starrer movie is Prabhu Deva’s first Hindi venture as a director. And so his lady love, Nayantara, seemed to have gone a flight ahead to support her man.

Sources had it that the actress had flown to Mumbai on Friday morning, to see Wanted’s first-day-first-show. Before that, Nayantara was said to be shooting in Kolkota for Telugu movie ‘Adurs’ with NTR.

Once in Mumbai, Nayantara straight away from airport, headed to watch the movie. It is said that Nayantara didn’t see the movie in any preview theatres; instead saw it in one of the local multiplex to get the feel of public’s reaction directly. ‘Wanted’ really impressed our lady and she specially liked its punch dialogues and Prakash Raj in villain’s role. Well-versed in Hindi, Nayantara is heard to be an ardent fan of Salman Khan.

Birdies say that Nayantara had believed that the movie will be a superhit and so had congratulated Prabhu Deva. She even said to the producer Boney Kapoor that ‘Wanted’ will surpass the success of ‘Pokkiri’, its Tamil version.

However, Nayantara declined Prabu Deva’s invite for Boney Kapoor’s Eid party and rushed to airport in the evening. It seems she had to be in Hyderabad for a shooting on Saturday morning. Psst, birdies revealed that Prabhu Deva had accompanied her to the airport to see her off.

‘Wanted’ is reported to be going well in the markets and expected to be as hit as ‘Ghajni’ in Hindi. And one wonders whether this lady luck has favoured for its success… Hmm, can’t say.

Meena celebrates her first birthday!!!

Don’t be surprised by the headline but then the sparkling beauty Meena celebrated her first birthday after marriage yesterday.

While this was more of a private affair as per sources, it is heard that wishes were flowing to the pretty starlet from both the Tollywood and Kollywood film circuits. Friends and well wishers were also said to be sending their wishes to the birthday girl.

Meena from her end was said to be busy with her husband and family. Soon, the birthday girl would be making her comeback into movies and this would be in the Tamil circuit.

T4 a Tamil film by woman debutant director

Quite different from the action and thriller genre common to Kollywood comes a Tamil film by a woman debutant director which tells the story of two conflicting fun-loving characters, who discover each other while ‘unravelling a mystery.’

“Thiru Thiru Thuru Thuru (T4) is a small and cute comedy film that will appeal to all sections,” said J S Nandhini, who earlier assisted Priya V. in Kanda Naal Mudhal. Besides direction, Nandhini has also done the story, screenplay and dialogue. It was always her dream to become a film director and it came true when her script and a few trailers she shot were approved by the producers; Real Image and Sathyam cinemas.

“I struggled for this opportunity. It came as a great relief and it was a long awaited chance,’ she told media. Upcoming actor Ajmal and new face Rupa are playing the main roles. She wanted fresh faces since the story is about two perky youngsters, the comic situations they get into and how their relationship develops as they travel together to unravel ‘a mystery’.

Nandhini had doubts about Ajmal as he had already acted in a mature role as a ‘30-something with moustache’ in Anjaathey. She wanted a youngster to play the role of Arjun, ‘a playful, wacky guy.’ “But when I saw him, I realised he was the right person to fit into the role of Arjun,” she said. “Rupa, on the other hand, is a newcomer. I selected her after conducting 25-30 auditions. One good thing about her was that she was able to mimic my expressions. Both Ajmal and Rupa blended into the roles of Arjun and Archana,” Nandhini said. Asked if it is tough being a ‘woman director’, she laughed. “Listen, people do not have many expectations (if you are one). They expect you to make mistakes. But then, when you come up with good work, they will be impressed.”
On a serious note, Nandhini said she did not have problems once she wore the director’s hat. People co-operated with her. ‘Maybe it could have been different ten years ago. But now people have an open mind...”

Actor and director Mouli is also enacting a role in the movie, shot in digital format. The work on the movie, which was shot in Chennai, Udhagamandalam (Ooty) and Puducherry, started in 2007. “We went on fine tuning the film and it is slated for release on September 25,” she said. The film’s audio launch was done by Kamal Haasan in August.

Ajmal said he enjoyed working in the movie. Till now he was doing serious roles. “This is the first time I am doing a comedy and I really enjoyed each and every minute.’

Vikram excited about his role

Chiyaan Vikram is one of the superstars of Kollywood. Some of his movies dubbed in Telugu have done well but his last flick “Mallana” did not live up to the expectations.

Meanwhile he is also busy with the shooting of “Raavan” which is being made in Tamil and Hindi. This is being directed by one of the most talented and popular directors Mani Ratnam.

Speaking about the same, he said that he was delighted when Mani asked him to do double roles of entirely different nature. While he is doing the role of a hero in one, the other version will show him as a villain.

Vikram added that working with Mani was a dream come true.

Bollywood moves hit Nanaimo

It's no secret that dance is becoming very popular these days, both as a social activity and as a form of fitness.

Bollywood is a relative newcomer to the North American dance scene, but with hit movies like Slumdog Millionaire offering audiences a taste of the popular Indian dance, interest in learning this dance style is growing.

Soul Sister Studio will present a Bollywood workshop for women with Victoria's Raji Basi this Saturday. The first workshop scheduled from noon to 2 p.m. filled almost immediately, so a second session has been added from 2:30-4:30 p.m. Both sessions will be the same, and will included both the slower, gentler Bollywood dance style, as well as the more energetic Bhangra style. The workshops will be held at Soul Sister, 210 Fourth St. in Harewood.

Born in the Punjab State of India, Basi taught herself to dance watching Bollywood films. Raji's passion are choreographing and dancing to Punjabi/Hindi songs, which she has performed in many local variety shows and for television programs. She has also taught dance to children and adults in Victoria. Raji was recently in Nanaimo to present a dance workshop at the Multicultural HealthFest and is excited to return to share her love of this dance form with Nanaimo.

Bollywood set to enthral audience with fantasy flick 'Aladin'

The classic tale of 'Aladin and the Magic Lamp' has undergone a modern-day transformation at the Bollywood studios and is all set to weave its magic around the audiences in the form of a new fantasy flick.

One of the best loved children stories, which first appeared in 'The Book of One Thousand and One Nights' has been adapted by film maker Sujoy Gosh to cater to the audience.

'Aladin' boasts of a commendable star cast, including Bollywood superstar Amitabh Bachchan and Sri Lankan beauty queen Jacqueline Fernandez.

'Aladin' is the story of an orphan, Aladin, played by actor Riteish Deshmukh who lives in the city of Khwaish and is bullied since childhood by Kasim and his gang.

How his life takes a turn when he meets Jasmine played by Jacqueline, who gives him a magic lamp and what happens after that, forms the basic plot of the film.

Riteish Deshmukh, who has made a mark in comic roles, sounded quite excited to take a break from comedy and do something different.

"Aladin primarily is fun. It has romance, action and adventure, so it is complete family kind of a film. There will be funny bits, but it's not the kind of stuff that I've done before," Riteish said.

For Jacqueline, who is making her debut with this film, acting in a Hindi film was quite a tough thing to do.

"I would say its possibly one of the most challenging thing I've done in my life. It definitely was difficult to learn any language but I had a great team working with me. I had very cooperative co-stars and very cooperative director. It just made it all the more easier," said Jacqueline.

The film seems a good mix of magic and action and promises to floor the audiences with its new storyline.

The film will release on October 30.

Bollywood 'bad boy' Salman Khan eyes comeback

After two years lying low following a string of box office flops, Bollywood's enigmatic "bad boy" Salman Khan is set for a comeback, in three new films about to hit the big screen.

The first, "Wanted", is out on Friday. The comedy "Main Aur Mrs Khanna" (Me and Mrs Khanna) and "London Dreams", about two friends who try to become rock stars in London, are set for release in the next two months.

Khan, 43, said he was confident "Wanted" would succeed. The movie sees him play a gangster on the run from police -- including a top cop played by veteran actor Om Puri -- and from fellow gang members who want him dead.

"It's the script of the film," he said. "It has all the ingredients of a Bollywood potboiler. When I read the script, I was 100 percent that it will click."

Khan has been a controversial figure since he first broke into Bollywood in the late 1980s in the family drama "Biwi Ho To Aisi" (A Wife Should Be Like This) and the romance "Maine Pyar Kiya" (I'm In Love).

He cemented himself as one of Bollywood's leading stars with hits such as "Bhaaghi: A Rebel For Love", "Patthar Ke Phool" (Stone Flowers), "Saajan" (Hearthrob) and "Hum Aapke Hain Kaun" (Who Am I To You?) in the 1990s.

But in 1998, he spent more than a week in prison for killing endangered Indian gazelles in the northern state of Rajasthan, and four years later he was alleged to have killed a man in a drink-driving case in Mumbai.

After the runaway success of 2003's "Tere Naam" (In Your Name), the last five years have seen more misses than hits for Khan, yet he has kept his high profile and fans through regular appearances on television game shows.

Khan, with his trademark slicked-back hair, two gold earrings and t-shirts designed to show off his bulging biceps, puts down his appeal to a lack of pretence.

"I don't behave like a star when I'm on television. I look like a common man and also behave like them, therefore the serial is popular," he said.

Asked what went wrong with his career in the last two years, he added: "I feel it was the length of the films that went against me.

"Today, Indian audiences don't have the patience for long films and therefore the films flopped because they were lengthy films."

Khan's three new films have been accompanied by a blizzard of pre-publicity, astounding the Indian media who have become accustomed to their requests for interviews falling on deaf ears or being accepted only reluctantly.

"I have realised that it is important to talk to the media," said Khan.

"I feel if I keep silent, the media starts inventing stories about me, so it is better that I come out and talk on what kind of person I am rather than they telling others what kind of person I am."

But Monday's Hindustan Times newspaper speculated that there may be another reason behind what it called Khan's "over-exposure", suggesting that he might have "a lot more to lose" if "Wanted" flops.

ReprintPrint Email Font Resize Owner says priceless art lost in Hollywood fire

Fire has engulfed a Hollywood Hills mansion whose owner claims he lost priceless art, a Faberge egg, a 600-gallon fish tank and a Stradivarius violin.

The owner, attorney Brian Witzer, estimates damage to the home and its contents at up to $14 million.

Los Angeles city fire spokesman Erik Scott say he can't immediately confirm the contents of the home.

The four-story house above Sunset Boulevard was wreathed in flames when nearly 100 firefighters arrived Wednesday morning. Scott says the fire was doused in 38 minutes.

Nobody was hurt and nearby homes weren't damaged.

Televised news reports say a Ferrari and other pricey cars were saved.

If Atanu Ghosh's Chhobi becomes Houseful

The title says it's a film about a film. Houseful? It too concerns reels within reels. Tolly Lights, yes, was also about producers, directors, actors, exhibitors, gossip columnists... About
men and women who live off cinema. Tollywood, in short, is the protagonist of films showing in theatres near you.

Tollygunge, once home to Utttam-Suchitra, may be surviving because of megaserials but the very name evokes celluloid memories. It still inspires the young to fight celluloid battles. The dreams and struggles, emotional crises and financial conflicts, of those inside the industry and those outside, is firing directors like Atanu Ghosh, Bappaditya Bandyopadhyay, Arjun Chakraborty and Rituparno Ghosh. Take a look.

Atanu's protagonist Angshuman returns from studying cinema in Italy to make his first feature. He fights obstacles to make a film with an actor who's lost the will to act, and an actress who's disillusioned with silly stereotypes and jatras that's her bread-earner. But the message at the end of conflicts and crime? There's a tomorrow, for Tollygunge too!

Nikhil, the hero of Houseful so sensitively played by Prosenjit, is a director who wins neither awards nor moolah. "Why not remake Tamil hits?" well wishers suggest the shortcut to Tinseltown success. But when Nikhil sets out to make a love story, somehow the reality of a terror-infested world takes over and his lovers acquire sinister shades.

The autobiographical overtones in these films are not accidental. Though Rituparno himself is screaming from a title, "every character is fictional," he has regularly sourced characters from studios and bylanes of Tollygunge. The Last Lear showcased a director's obsessive desire to have a certain actor play his protagonist. Khela was about a director who kidnaps a child to act in his film against the parents' objection. Bariwali projected a director who plays on the emotions of a forlorn landlady. Mithun in Titli, Debasree in Asukh, Sharmila Tagore in Shubho Muhurat... they're all stakeholders in Tollywood.

Tolly Lights, that launched Arjun Chakraborty as a director, also turned the arclight on the underbelly of showbiz where greed for glory drives mothers away from kids; where the casting couch is a bigger villain than Gabbar; where scripts fail and audiences don't show up.

Please note, Tollywood alone isn't smitten by itself. Short Kut: The Con is On had a struggling actor and a wannabe director. Luck By Chance had two Bollywood aspirants, one makes it, another falls by the wayside. Om Shanti Om had you've said it! the multicoloured megascreen world that's giving Hollywood a run for its money.

So, what's on? Why're directors suddenly holding a mirror to themselves? Is this a sign of soul churning about creative mediocrity? If so, how're audiences responding to the trend? Let's turn on the sound track.

"Houseful is a very personal film," says Bappaditya. "How long shall we point fingers at copyright violations but discourage original attempts for fear of box-office failure?" he asks. Then he quotes Bunuel and Fellini to prove there's no better circus than cinema. "The cross-section of individuals who come to the film industry is unique. This provides for a range of interpersonal relationships between men and women, men and men, women and women..." Why not tap these for real drama and surreal dreams?

"Filmmaking takes a backseat and human relationship becomes the real concern of Tolly Lights," Arjun says of his film, sourced from Suchitra Bhattacharya's Rangeen Prithibi. The novel had commented on today's heightened desire to make it in glam world without thinking of the baggage that accompanies it. "But whenever I wanted to show the characters' inner world, I showed it as film-within-film." And audiences had no problem making out the real from the reel.

"That's one reason why directors no longer shy from showing films within films," says Atanu. "Audiences know enough cinema today to differentiate between actors and characters. This helps us to pack in message with entertainment." His film can, then, talk about the disillusionment of a seasoned actor like Soumitra Chatterjee when he's stereotyped as a father. Or of a leading lady whose Swarna Kamal gathers dust as she does item numbers.

The real winner, though, is the audience. No page 3 can offer such entertainment.

Sana Khan eyeing Telugu

The sensuous beauty Sana Khan has already set the screens on fire in Kollywood. She is considered to have lot of sex appeal and made her mark opposite Simbu.

According to sources, she is already busy with few more assignments in Kollywood. Meanwhile she seems to be setting her eyes on Tollywood as well.

Sources indicate that she is in talks with some of the producers here and also with few big banners. The buzz is that she might get her breakthrough soon and a formal announcement would soon be made on that.

Let us wait and see how she is accepted in Tollywood by the audience. For now, it is good luck to Sana and her Tollywood entry.

Tollywood loses out once again

Once again, the year 2009, will go down as an immensely forgettable one for Tollywood, as the local film industry draws a blank at the 55th National Film Awards.

Why have the National Awards been so elusive to an industry which churns out the biggest money-spinners in southern cinema? The last films to have bagged national honours were: Kamli (Best Feature Film at the 54th National Awards) and Hope (Best Feature Film for social issues at the 54th National Awards).

The Telugu entries for the 55th National Awards, Happy Days and Mee Shreyobilashi failed to make any impact on the jury. Earlier Telugu films have won the National Award in categories like best regional film, playback singing and music. Only three actresses Sharada (Nimajjanam in 1977), Vijayashanti (Karthavyam in 1990) and Archana (Daasi in 1981) have won the coveted Best Actor (female) Award. The top three honours — best film, best actor and best direction—has not come to Tollywood yet!

“It’s very unfortunate. We’ve been getting National Awards on and off, maybe it’s time to get them more frequently and in more important categories,” feels actor Venkatesh who’s won several state film awards and popular film awards. He says, he’ll make a “serious effort” to grab the big one. Filmmaker Neelakanta who won two National Awards including best screenplay for his debut Telugu film Show says, “It’s sad that our film industry didn’t win anything at the 55th National Film Awards. I think a potential award winning film should have a tight script and wholesome entertainment like Chak De! India or Taare Zameen Par.”

A couple of Tollywood bigwigs say that Malayalam filmmakers have lobbied for the national honours and ensured a richer haul of awards for Mollywood. But filmmaker Chandra Siddharth feels otherwise. “It’s better to dish out refreshing plots and experimental films than indulging in the blame game,” he confesses. He feels that at the “national level”, competition is “tough”. “I had no regrets when my film Aa Nalaguru didn’t impress the national jury while it bagged awards everywhere else,” he reasons. Supporting his view, filmmaker Mohana Krishna Indraganti also feels that Telugu films have “earned” enough “prejudice” by churning out sub-standard films for years. “We have to undo all that,” he says, going on to add that filmmakers should “introspect and see where the local film industry stands vis-à-vis Indian films and world cinema. It’s wrong to bifurcate films as art and commercial, since awards are given purely for ‘artistic’ excellence.” Indraganti’s Grahanam was the best film of a debutant director at the 52nd National Awards. “One can’t make a film on a social issue and force it on the audience,” he says.

Unfortunately, even the Telugu film audience seems to have no fascination for award-winning films. Even after bagging national awards, films like Kamli, Show, Grahanam, and Hope did not the set box-office on fire, unlike award-winning Malayalam and Tamil films which were well received. “Telugu audiences don’t watch award-winning films because they feel these films are ‘art-house’ and not entertaining enough,” laments filmmaker Arunprasad. He elaborates, “For the Telugu audience only entertainers
work, not realistic stuff.”

Seems like, Telugu filmmakers still have long way to go to before they get consistent national recognition.

I blasted Priyadarshan: Prakash Raj

Prakash Raj, the 'Chellam' of Tamil cinema, is on cloud nine. The actor, who won a National Award for his role of Vengadam, a humble silk weaver in Priyadarshan's 'Kanchivaram', has swept aside the likes of Shah Rukh and Aamir Khans in the race.

"When Priyadarshan narrated the story, I was shaken and stirred. My hands were shivering, I was in tears and I simply walked out. After a cup of coffee, I was able to call him and blasted him for keeping the story to himself for 12 years," he says.

Interestingly, the actor did not take any money for the film. "It was a painful role. It was mind blowing professionally as well as personally. I had to unlearn all that I had to learnt as an actor," he says.

On winning the National Award, he says, "all credit should go to Priyadarshan and his team. He was hitherto called as commercial filmmaker. Had he wanted, he could have gone ahead and done some commercial ventures and made enough money. But he had the guts and conviction to do meaningful movie. I dedicate this award to Priyan, our art-director Sabu Cyril and cinematographer Thiru".

Saying that the award has encouraged him to do more realistic movies, Prakash adds: "It is what my production house 'Duet Movies' is striving for. The joy of doing such films is great. I want my contemporaries in the industry to experience it".

Prakash Raj’s Fights Without Dupe

Prakash Raj has set a standard for character and villain roles. He is known for hard working and meticulous job. He also never minds taking peril into his lap to act in any risky shot.

Vishal, the lead role in Pista said that Prakash Raj acted in climax action episodes without any dupe. Although many denied him not to take the risk, Prakash Raj left deaf ear and performed successfully.

The dare devil attitude of Prakash Raj is known for entire unit members with those shots, said Vishal. The film is directed by Sabha Ayyappan while the producer is Vikram Krishna.

The music for the film has been composed by Mani Sharma.

Priyan happy, Adoor double happy

Filmmaker Priyadarshan is thrilled with the fact that his 'Kanchivaram' has managed to won two National Awards-one in the Best Film category and the other for Prakash Raj (Best Actor).

He says: "People call me comedy director. Form now on, they can call me a ‘comical serious’ director. We made the movie with a purpose. All the artistes, crew and technicians gave their best effort and the result is here to see".

"Doing such films gives one immense satisfaction. When it is recognised with such awards, it motivates and encourages one more", he adds.

Malayalam filmmaker Adoor Gopalakrishnan has won his seventh National Award. For 2007, he was adjudged the best director the movie 'Naalu Pennungal'.

"I am happy on winning the honour, my seventh overall and fifth for my direction skills," he says.

"When we made the movie we had no such aspirations. It was screened at various international film festivals and was welcome with glee and joy. The recognition goes on to prove that masses do accept movies that touch their heart and are close top reality", Adoor adds.

‘Aarumugam’ comes to Tollywood!!!!!

Noted director Suresh Krishna who has been known for his commercial ventures with good messages comes up with ‘Aarumugam’ this time. The film has the talented Bharath and the buxom beauty Priyamani in the lead and it will be released in Tamil and Telugu simultaneously.

Currently, it is in post-production stage and the dubbing process will be happening soon. There is also news that popular Telugu producer E V V Sathyanarayana has bought the Telugu rights.

This will be Bharath’s second film in Tollywood after ‘Premisthe’. The film also has the ravishing seductress Ramya Krishna doing a role that she did in ‘Narasimha’.

Tollywood gets another reason to smile

Big enough to have become one of the crucial revenue generators for Tollywood. Pushed to the wall with escalating budgets, the Telugu film industry seems to have found a new avenue of fetching revenue — satellite rights to television broadcasters — offering the producers a dependable source of income and a lifeline to the industry. In fact fancy satellite rights have enabled small films to recover their production costs even. In Andhra, film-based programmes/content fetch high TRPs on entertainment channels. Satellite rights of some films are sold before the film’s release— acting as a source of finance. A small-to-mid budget movie can fetch anywhere between Rs 60 lakh-1crore today, while big-budget films like Magadheera and Arundhati can earn up to Rs 7 crore.

The mushrooming of TV channels and the race to grab high TRPs has fuelled severe competition among the channels, who in turn shell out hefty pay cheques to production houses to buy the latest films. Satellite rights usually enable production houses to recover 10 to 30 per cent of the film’s budget. Earlier only flop films were sold to TV. Now, besides blockbusters, even yet-to-be released, untitled films’ satellite rights are being sold at astronomical prices.

Says Srinivas, head of an entertainment channel, “We look into the content of films carefully before buying them. Things like comedy content, songs, actors and actress are important for us. After all, buying films is a long-term investment for a channel,” he says and goes on to add, “For instance, if a movie has enough of comedy scenes we generate one episode of a programme.”

Arun Prasad whose Yagam (starring Bhumika Chawla) has been already sold out for more than Rs 1 crore even before the film hits the screens, says the trend kickstarted after “Tollywood started taking lessons from Hollywood and Bollywood. The satellite rights of some Bollywood films touch the Rs 10 crore mark. Even the Telugu film industry is seeing sky-rocketing prices and blockbusters could earn very big bucks. Some medium-budget movie producers earn a sizeable amount of their production cost with the satellite rights.”
In fact, small budget movies like Happy Days, Vinayakudu et al have churned out huge revenues for a channel which bought its satellite rights. K Sai Prasad, vice president of the movie channel admits that films like “Aatadu, Pokiri which were shown on our channel in recent times enjoyed good viewership and shot up the GRPs (gross rating points) during the week.

I was a little immature: Chitrangada Singh

She'd surprised everyone by suddenly disappearing to Delhi after a critically acclaimed debut in Hazaaron Khwaishen Aisi amidst reports that her hubby, golfer Jyoti Randhawa, didn't quite like the intrusive trappings of Bollywood. And now, just as suddenly, she's back, looking for a house with the intention of settling in Mumbai.

"Since I will be working here, it's logical to buy a place here," Chitrangada told . She's been shuttling between Delhi and Mumbai for some time now to balance her work and family life. "I have two sisters here, one lives in Yari Road and the other at Powai. Whenever I am in Mumbai, I stay with them. But this time I am quite serious about buying a place here, so I am checking out flats one after another." Her preferences are clear too. "I'd prefer a house either in Versova or Juhu."

She's gung-ho about her projects, which include the sequel to Is Raat Ki Subah Nahi opposite Irrfan Khan and Dhruv opposite Farhan Akhtar.

"Dhruv is an interesting film as I am playing a seductress in the movie. The character is quite sensuous and has a unique charm." But since the film also stars Kareena Kapoor, does it mean she's playing second fiddle? "I don't think it's a supporting role, I'd say it's a parallel character," she counters.

Her sudden exit was assumed to be because of her husband, but Chitrangada says she herself made the move -- which she regrets now. "I think I was a little immature to take that sudden decision. I guess a lot of things were circulated in the industry and I didn't know how to deal with them. Moreover, my family is not a part of this industry and they don't know how the industry functions. But I guess things are better now."

Is she ready for link-ups and assorted gossip? "I guess Jyoti and I are rock solid now. I am here to work and I want to concentrate on that. But in the end, I don't want to blame the media because in the stories, there is some truth most of the time, except a few occasions when completely bizarre things are written," she ends.

Prasoon Joshi wins his first National Award

Meri Maa, the song from Aamir Khan's directorial debut 'Taare Zameen Par' has won lyricist Prasoon Joshi his first National award. Joshi, who has penned songs for some of the biggest Bollywood hits in recent times, won the award in the 'Best Lyrics' category at the 55th National Awards announced here today.

The song, which was picturised on Darsheel Safari and Tisca Chopra in the movie, also won the Best Playback Singer award for Shankar Mahadevan.

"It is a great feeling. 'Tare Zameen Par' is a film very close to my heart and the song is really special. After an appreciation from the audiences, getting the National award it is like 'Sone Pe Suhaga'," Joshi told PTI.

A beautiful piece of poetry, the song echoes the dedication of a child towards his mother. Joshi's soulful words give a glimpse of a child's sensitivity and emotions. He has already won the 2008 Filmfare Best Lyricist Award for the song.

When asked what was the inspiration while penning the lines, Joshi said, "It is my truth. I feel if someone writes with total honesty it will strike a chord. I told my genuine feelings in the song which is why I think it touched many hearts." "When I heard the song I felt that it is a great piece of work which should be acknowledged," Joshi added.

When Adam Sandler dressed like a 'princess'

Actor Adam Sandler dresses up as a princess when he reads fairytales to his kids at night.
he 42-year-old star is father to two daughters with his wife Jacqueline -- Sadie Madison, 3, and the 10-month-old Sunny Madeline.

Sandler reveals he entertains his kids by donning the attire of the lead in their bedtime fairytales.

Contactmusic quoted him as saying: "I often slip into costume as the lead character in whatever bedtime story I am reading. My daughters love Disney princesses."

Award a recognition for passion behind film: Prakash Raj

Actor Prakash Raaj, who won the National Award in the Best Actor category for his role in Priyadarshan's Tamil film Kanchivaram, said that the honour is a "recognition for passion" that went behind the movie.

"I am very elated. More elated for the fact that Kanchivaram is a Tamil film and it is a recognition for not only the film but the entire passion behind it," Raaj, who played a Left-leaning, debt-ridden weaver in the period drama, told PTI over phone from Karnataka.

An actor-producer known to essay his characters with ease, Raj said, "I am very very happy," on being adjudged the Best Actor for his role in the film, which also bagged the Best Film trophy at the 55th National Awards announced today.

A pupil from the school of noted Tamil film maker K Balachander, who also introduced Tamil film icons Rajnikant and Kamal Hassan, Raj made his debut as villain in the former's Duet and later acted in several of Balchander's films.

Having won the Best Supporting Actor for his role in the Maniratnam-directed Iruvar (1998) which was believed to be a celluloid remake centered around the political stalwarts of Tamil Nadu -- AIADMK founder MGR and DMK patriarch M Karunanidhi.

Raaj has also acted along with Kamal Hassan in "Vasool Raja MBBS", a remake of Hindi film "Munnabhai MBBS". He played the arrogant Doctor's role played by Boman Irani in the Hindi version. He recently ventured into production with critically-accalaimed movies including "Mozhi", a tale of a deaf and mute girl and her tribulations.

This award proves all the naysayers wrong: Priyadarshan

Filmmaker Priyadarshan whose social drama Kanchivaram bagged two awards at the 55th National Awards including the nod for the Best Film, says that the recognition has proved his detractors wrong.

The filmmaker, who is known for his commercial superhits like Hera Pheri and Hungama, is delighted with his first national award.

"It has to feel great, because I am a commercial filmaker and it proves those wrong who though I could do nothing but comedies," the filmmaker said.

Priyadarshan's Kanchivaram a period drama revolving around the weaver community of the famous temple town in Tamil Nadu, also won for actor Prakash Raj, the National award for the Best Actor.

The movie, which was premiered last year at the Toronto International Film Festival, is set in the 1920s and revolves around the life of a weaver who finds himself in the middle of communist movement in the state.

The Malayalam director is also pleased about the fact that he beat off competition from none other than film legend Adoor Gopalakrishnan, also from Kerala, who won his seventh National Award, the Best Director nod for his film Naalu Penungal.

"Adoor is a legend and the fact that I will receive an award in the same ceremony itself is a thrilling thing. And to top it off I also beat him as a competitor, What could be better," says Priyadarshan who said that the awards came as a surprise.

"I was not surprised by Prakash's win, because he was superb in his role, but mine came as a bit of a surprise. I make films to make people laugh and this was a completely different film and I had my doubts whether it will pay off," said the director during a television interview.

Priyadarshan who was born in Thiruvanathapuram is a close friend of Malayalam superstar Mohan Lal who was a junior of his at college and both entered the film industry at the same time.

Their partnership has produced many cult films including, Chitram and Kilukkam.

Belly up for Priyanka Chopra!

She was the unsung perfectionist of the film industry till it started taking a toll on her health. But playing 12 different roles in her next film was probably the last straw.

After several bouts of exhaustion that have led her in and out of hospital, Priyanka Chopra finally admits she needs to take care of herself now or risk a burnout.

"This film (What's Your Raashee?) has been very difficult for me personally. Doing so many things has been thoroughly wonderful but equally exhausting. I haven't been able to take care of myself and that's why I have been falling ill regularly. But now I'm doing quite fine," Priyanka told

But the pay-off has been learning many new skills, and topping the list is her new found love for bellydancing.

"I think belly dancing is one of the most sensual dance forms. I'm not a trained dancer, but it was good fun to learn," says Priyanka. But the masterstroke, feels the actor, was her decision to learn Gujarati -- all the 12 roles she plays are Gujarati girls.

"I had a Gujarati teacher on hand all through the shoot so I could deliver the dialogues with just the right accent as Gujaratis do!" Saru karyu.

Kanchivaram wins best movie at National Film Awards

Filmmaker Priyadarshan's Tamil film Kanchivaram, a period drama about silk weavers of the south, was chosen as the best movie at the 55th National Film Awards announced here.

Tamil actor Prakash Raj beat off competition from Bollywood actors Shah Rukh Khan and Aamir Khan to bag the Best Actor award for his role in Kanchivaram, which depicts the lives of silk weavers of Kanchipuram during the pre-Independence era.

Raj had earlier won the Best Supporting Actor award for his Iruvar in 1998 and also a special Jury Award in 2003.

Veteran filmmaker Adoor Gopalakrishnan has got the Best Director's award for his Malayalam film Naalu Pennungal. This will be his seventh national award.

He was named among the host of other winners of the National Film Awards announced for the year 2007 by the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting here today.

Actress Umashree has bagged the Best Actress award for her performance in Girish Kasaravalli's Kannada film Gulabi Talkies, which depicts the transformation of the people of a small fishing village after their exposure to colour television.

The Best Child Actor award has gone to Sharad Goyekar for his role in the Marathi film Tingya.

Actor Darshan Zariwala has won the best supporting actor award for his role in Feroz Abbas Khan's film Gandhi- My Father, which is the only Hindi film to bag two more awards for Best Screenplay for Khan and Special Jury award.

Shah Rukh Khan-starrer Chak De India bagged the national award in the Wholesome Entertainment Category, while Aamir Khan-directed Taare Zameen Par won the award in Family Welfare Category.

Playback singer Shankar Mahadevan won the award for the song Maa in the film Taare Zameen Par, while Prasoon Joshi won the award for the Best Lyrics for the same song.

Filmmaker Sai Paranjpe headed the jury for feature film category, documentary filmmaker Ashoke Viswanathan chaired the jury for the non-film category and writer Namita Gokhale chaired the jury for best writing on Indian films.

The winners were selected from among 102 films and 106 non-feature films.

Sources in the ministry said though the list had been finalised last week, the announcement was deferred due to the death of Andhra Pradesh chief minister YSR Reddy.

Among other notable winners was Hindi film Frozen, which won the Indira Gandhi award for the Best Debutante Director for Shivajee Chandrabhushan. The film also won the best cinematography award.

Another Hindi film Dharm won the Nargis Dutt award for Best Feature Film on national integration. The film was directed by Bhavna Talwar and starred Pankaj Kapoor.

Foto (Hindi) won the Best Children's Film award, while Inimey Naangathaan (Tamil) won the Best Animation Film award.

Actress Shefali Shah won the Best Supporting Actress award for English film The Last Lear and Shreya Ghoshal won the Best Female Playback Singer award for the film Jab We Met. The movie also won the award for best choreography for the song Yeh Ishq Hai....

Om Shanti Om won the award for Best Art Direction. Malayalam film Naalu Pennungal won the Best Editing award.

Hindi film 1971 won the best audiography award and the Best Film in Hindi under the language specified in schedule VIII of the Constitution category.

In the same category, Bengali film Ballygunge Court won the best film award, while Gulabi Talkies was named the best Kannada film.

Ore Kadal won the Best Malayalam film, Nirop won the award for Best film in Marathi. Periyar got the award for Best film in Tamil, while The Last Lear won the award for the Best film in English.

Emma Watson charms classmates with magic trick

'Harry Potter' star Emma Watson had magic tricks up her sleeves to charm her classmates on the first day of her college.

She showed how from a sitting position to magically raise yourself to standing without putting your hands on the ground, reports the Sun.

The 19-year-old beauty's friends apparently had a hearty laugh on seeing the trick.

Watson is pursuing a degree in Literature at Brown University, in Providence, Rhode Island.