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.
Showing posts with label Malayalam. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Malayalam. Show all posts
Tuesday, September 22, 2009
Tuesday, September 8, 2009
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".
"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".
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.
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.
Monday, May 4, 2009
Govt reception for Rahman
Oscar award winner musical maestro A.R. Rahman was honored, with a reception by the State government here on Sunday. The function at Kadavu Resorts, which was conducted a few hours before his Jai Ho concert, was well attended with ministers like Elamarom Kareem, Benoy Viswam and MN K Premachandran waiting for hours for the Madras Mozart to complete his rehearsals before the concert.
Rahman who appeared in a blue jeans and white Kurta was presented with a memento, jointly by the three ministers, on behalf of the State Government. Rahman, in hi short speech expressed his happiness to be in Kerala, where he was longing to perform for the last 15 years.
Kozhikode Mayor M. Bhaskaran, District Collector P.B. Salim, P. Sathi Devi, MP P.V. Abdul Wahab, MP and chairman of Global Kerala Initiative – Keraleeyam (the organiser of the ‘Jai Ho’ show); Deputy Speaker Jose Baby; MLAs A. Pradeep Kumar and P.M.A. Salam and the former Minister M.K. Muneer were also among the celebrities who attended the function.
Rahman who appeared in a blue jeans and white Kurta was presented with a memento, jointly by the three ministers, on behalf of the State Government. Rahman, in hi short speech expressed his happiness to be in Kerala, where he was longing to perform for the last 15 years.
Kozhikode Mayor M. Bhaskaran, District Collector P.B. Salim, P. Sathi Devi, MP P.V. Abdul Wahab, MP and chairman of Global Kerala Initiative – Keraleeyam (the organiser of the ‘Jai Ho’ show); Deputy Speaker Jose Baby; MLAs A. Pradeep Kumar and P.M.A. Salam and the former Minister M.K. Muneer were also among the celebrities who attended the function.
Sunday, February 22, 2009
Oscar man Pookutty studied under a kerosene lamp
Slumdog Millionaire undoubtedly has brought the best out of Kerala-born sound
engineer Resul Pookutty besides helping him win an Oscar.
Pookutty has also won a BAFTA and a Cinema Audio Society (CAS) award for best sound mixing for the film. Hailing from a small village of Vilakkupara in Kerala's Kollam district which didn't have electricity, he studied under a kerosene lamp.
He then went to the Film and Television Institute of India, Pune from where he graduated in 1995. The sound designer accepted the Oscar along with re-recording mixers Ian Tapp and Richard Pryke.
He made his debut in 1997 in Rajat Kapoor's Private Detective and went on to work in films like Sanjay Leela Bansali's Black, Gandhi My Father and Ghajini. His film credits include Saawariya, Zinda, Musafir and Amu.
He won the Zee Cine award for the best Sound Designer for Musafir while he won critical acclaim for his work in Black and won all the major awards in India.
engineer Resul Pookutty besides helping him win an Oscar.
Pookutty has also won a BAFTA and a Cinema Audio Society (CAS) award for best sound mixing for the film. Hailing from a small village of Vilakkupara in Kerala's Kollam district which didn't have electricity, he studied under a kerosene lamp.
He then went to the Film and Television Institute of India, Pune from where he graduated in 1995. The sound designer accepted the Oscar along with re-recording mixers Ian Tapp and Richard Pryke.
He made his debut in 1997 in Rajat Kapoor's Private Detective and went on to work in films like Sanjay Leela Bansali's Black, Gandhi My Father and Ghajini. His film credits include Saawariya, Zinda, Musafir and Amu.
He won the Zee Cine award for the best Sound Designer for Musafir while he won critical acclaim for his work in Black and won all the major awards in India.
Monday, December 22, 2008
Nayanthara is back in Tollywood
In a sudden turn of events, top heroine Ileana has been replaced by Nayanthara.
The buzz is that Ileana and her mother who was giving enough and more tantrums to the unit even before the shooting started, was asked to give back the advance that she had received.
Nayanthara who is director VV Vinayak’s favourite was roped in to replace Ileana. Nayantara who has just come out of a Tamil movie recently is in Kerala shooting for a Malayalam movie.
She has gone out of her way to accommodate this film for which she will be paired opposite NTR for the first time and with this film, Nayan hopes to bounce back in Telugu.
Remember that her dream was to make it big in Kollywood and after doing so, she is back to Tollywood where she has a huge fan base.
Thursday, December 11, 2008
Happy Birthday Rajinikanth
His is typically the story that adorns the adage- From rags to riches. Rajinikanth, then known as Sivaji Rao began his service as a ticket collector in a local shuttle in Bangalore. But it is easy to envision the fact that though he handled a nondescript job, young Sivaji must have cast his innate charisma on a majority of the commuters in his bus line.
Apparently, when he was unearthed by the legendary K.Balachander and rechristened as Rajinikanth, it was the same magnetism that made an impression in the experienced director’s mind. Moonru Mugam was Rajni’s debut. Incidentally, an action-entertainer, the film took Rajini to great heights. Most of Rajni’s initial films happened to be double-hero starrers. He paired up with Kamal Haasan in Aval Oru Thodargadhai, Moonru Mudichu, Aboorva Raagangal.
However, since the actor played his part to perfection, his remarkable style and heroism began to attract the masses. His stunts, his body language, his dialogue delivery, even his romantics captured all kinds of viewers. Audiences cheered and screamed in delight whenever their favourite actor appeared on screen. And, all the appreciation raised his star-status. From ‘Style Mannan’, he became the invincible Superstar. As a matter of fact, till date, no performer has achieved such an iconic status in the industry. Such was the audiences’ fondness for the actor and his rise was truly spectacular. All Rajni films ran to packed houses, his film releases were celebrated as major events, his cut-outs were showered with milk and honey and adorned with a hefty garland strings comprising lovely and exotic flowers.
At the centre of all the fanfare and celebration stood Rajni the modest individual. Though he acknowledged the popularity and his fans’ adoration and chose scripts and designed his characters to primarily suit their tastes and expectations, the Superstar never altered his personality. An absolute professional at heart and spirit, he continued to remain as the same simpleton Sivaji. He remained approachable for his fans and prodded them to think for their own good yet continued to guide them in his own way. Disciplining and prompting them to progress in the right direction and never letting them falter, Rajni continues to be their mentor and godfather.
Following the magnum opus Sivaji directed by Shankar, Kuselan, a remake of the Malayalam film Katha Parayumbol scripted by his dear friend Srinivasan was Rajini’s most recent release. Needless to say, the responses to both the films prove the fact that still he is the ‘reigning raja’ of Kollywood. Even actors who are stars in other industries hold great appeal and reverence for Rajini. In fact, his powerful appeal and strong impressions go beyond just movies. His comments and statements in specific contexts have knocked rulers off their thrones, influenced leaders’ perspectives and toppled governments in the state.
Rajni’s family has always been one far removed from all the glitz and glamour. Rajni’s elder daughter Aishwarya is married to Dhanush, another hero in Kollywood; the couple have a one-year-old son named Yatra. His second girl Soundarya is into graphics and designing. She has set up her own company Ocher Studios in Chennai. Soundarya’s very first project is an animation movie Sultan which will feature the Superstar in the animates form. While Soundarya worked on the framework of Sultan’s hero, the Superstar participated in the shoot and performed taking his daughter’s directions.
Endhiran, with Aishwarya Rai Bachchan is Rajni’s next. So many news and rumours about the movie and Rajni’s role fill the industry grapevine. Yet, when it releases, it will be another magnificent production in Rajni-Shankar combo. And at times like these, it feels so good just to discern the fact that the next Superstar movie will be here in a year to entertain and fascinate his diehard audiences and fans as it has for years till now.
Long live Rajni! Happy Birthday Thalaiva!
Apparently, when he was unearthed by the legendary K.Balachander and rechristened as Rajinikanth, it was the same magnetism that made an impression in the experienced director’s mind. Moonru Mugam was Rajni’s debut. Incidentally, an action-entertainer, the film took Rajini to great heights. Most of Rajni’s initial films happened to be double-hero starrers. He paired up with Kamal Haasan in Aval Oru Thodargadhai, Moonru Mudichu, Aboorva Raagangal.
However, since the actor played his part to perfection, his remarkable style and heroism began to attract the masses. His stunts, his body language, his dialogue delivery, even his romantics captured all kinds of viewers. Audiences cheered and screamed in delight whenever their favourite actor appeared on screen. And, all the appreciation raised his star-status. From ‘Style Mannan’, he became the invincible Superstar. As a matter of fact, till date, no performer has achieved such an iconic status in the industry. Such was the audiences’ fondness for the actor and his rise was truly spectacular. All Rajni films ran to packed houses, his film releases were celebrated as major events, his cut-outs were showered with milk and honey and adorned with a hefty garland strings comprising lovely and exotic flowers.
At the centre of all the fanfare and celebration stood Rajni the modest individual. Though he acknowledged the popularity and his fans’ adoration and chose scripts and designed his characters to primarily suit their tastes and expectations, the Superstar never altered his personality. An absolute professional at heart and spirit, he continued to remain as the same simpleton Sivaji. He remained approachable for his fans and prodded them to think for their own good yet continued to guide them in his own way. Disciplining and prompting them to progress in the right direction and never letting them falter, Rajni continues to be their mentor and godfather.
Following the magnum opus Sivaji directed by Shankar, Kuselan, a remake of the Malayalam film Katha Parayumbol scripted by his dear friend Srinivasan was Rajini’s most recent release. Needless to say, the responses to both the films prove the fact that still he is the ‘reigning raja’ of Kollywood. Even actors who are stars in other industries hold great appeal and reverence for Rajini. In fact, his powerful appeal and strong impressions go beyond just movies. His comments and statements in specific contexts have knocked rulers off their thrones, influenced leaders’ perspectives and toppled governments in the state.
Rajni’s family has always been one far removed from all the glitz and glamour. Rajni’s elder daughter Aishwarya is married to Dhanush, another hero in Kollywood; the couple have a one-year-old son named Yatra. His second girl Soundarya is into graphics and designing. She has set up her own company Ocher Studios in Chennai. Soundarya’s very first project is an animation movie Sultan which will feature the Superstar in the animates form. While Soundarya worked on the framework of Sultan’s hero, the Superstar participated in the shoot and performed taking his daughter’s directions.
Endhiran, with Aishwarya Rai Bachchan is Rajni’s next. So many news and rumours about the movie and Rajni’s role fill the industry grapevine. Yet, when it releases, it will be another magnificent production in Rajni-Shankar combo. And at times like these, it feels so good just to discern the fact that the next Superstar movie will be here in a year to entertain and fascinate his diehard audiences and fans as it has for years till now.
Long live Rajni! Happy Birthday Thalaiva!
Wednesday, December 3, 2008
Samida releasing on December 6th
Director Vadivudayan's much-talked-about film Samida (also referred to as Sameda) releases on December 6th
Director Vadivudayan's much-discussed Samida (also referred to as Sameda) releases on December 6th. Produced by S. Poornapriya, Samida is the first film to be shot completely in Kasi, the holy city for Hindus. Many are curious to know why it was shot there and does it have to do anything with sadhus like Naan Kadavul. Well, sadhus are the main highlight of this film too, but the film does not entirely concentrate on them. In fact, it has two parallel plots; the story of a thug who develops a conscience after falling in love with a beautiful girl and a battle between two religious factions. The film never compromises on the "commercial elements of Kollywood Cinema" while attempting a serious juxtaposition of terrorism and spirituality. Adequately filled with glamour, romance, action, Samida will definitely prove to be a good entertainer.
Renowned producer Sembian turned hero for this film, and the heroine is an attractive newcomer Tanusha. Cinematography by Srinivasa Reddy is one of the strong points of the film; he has captured the beauty of Kasi effectively. Director Vadivudayan's story and screenplay are the other strong points; he has the experience of earlier assisting renowned Mollywood director Shaji Kailash. Apart from writing the story and screenplay and directing this film, this multi-talented personality has also written its dialogues and songs. Music is by Indrajith, a talented newcomer.
Director Vadivudayan's much-discussed Samida (also referred to as Sameda) releases on December 6th. Produced by S. Poornapriya, Samida is the first film to be shot completely in Kasi, the holy city for Hindus. Many are curious to know why it was shot there and does it have to do anything with sadhus like Naan Kadavul. Well, sadhus are the main highlight of this film too, but the film does not entirely concentrate on them. In fact, it has two parallel plots; the story of a thug who develops a conscience after falling in love with a beautiful girl and a battle between two religious factions. The film never compromises on the "commercial elements of Kollywood Cinema" while attempting a serious juxtaposition of terrorism and spirituality. Adequately filled with glamour, romance, action, Samida will definitely prove to be a good entertainer.
Renowned producer Sembian turned hero for this film, and the heroine is an attractive newcomer Tanusha. Cinematography by Srinivasa Reddy is one of the strong points of the film; he has captured the beauty of Kasi effectively. Director Vadivudayan's story and screenplay are the other strong points; he has the experience of earlier assisting renowned Mollywood director Shaji Kailash. Apart from writing the story and screenplay and directing this film, this multi-talented personality has also written its dialogues and songs. Music is by Indrajith, a talented newcomer.
Monday, December 1, 2008
Gals galore in 'Ellam Avan Seyal'
'Ellam Avan Seyal' is a taut thriller starring villain turned hero RK along with a bunch of ten hot girls. Nine of them play the role of rich NRI medical students while the tenth girl plays a village belle. The gangleader of the NRI pack played by Mansi from Mumbai and the village belle played by Bhama from Kerala were in town recently. Expresso caught up with them to find out more about their career in Kollywood.
Bhama is the typical traditional doe-eyed beauty, complete with long tresses et al. She tells us shyly, “My face is best suited for homely roles and that’s what I would like to do.” She is no newcomer to cinema, though this film is her Tamil debut. “I have done many Malyalam films like Neivedyam, Cycle, Colors and many more,”she reveals.So what brought her into Kollywood? “Shaji Kailas and the Prabakar saw my film posters and felt I was just the right face for this role and that’s how 'Ellam Avan Seyal' happened,” smiles Bhama.
Mansi, the girl who plays a spoilt NRI student stands out in the film with her wild hair cut and mannerisms. And she is no newcomer to films, either. Her first film was Thirutham in 2007 and another flick with Ramana followed. This is her third release in Tamil.
She also has a Telugu film called Seenugaru Chiranjeevi Fan to her credit. “In Tamil I am looking for lead roles and good characters,” says the girl who has so far played traditional characters. “Shaji sir presented me very well in Ellam.. and I am very happy with this role,” she says, keeping her fingers crossed about the future. With the number of films being made here, it will be no surprise if they find a bright future in Kollywood.
Bhama is the typical traditional doe-eyed beauty, complete with long tresses et al. She tells us shyly, “My face is best suited for homely roles and that’s what I would like to do.” She is no newcomer to cinema, though this film is her Tamil debut. “I have done many Malyalam films like Neivedyam, Cycle, Colors and many more,”she reveals.So what brought her into Kollywood? “Shaji Kailas and the Prabakar saw my film posters and felt I was just the right face for this role and that’s how 'Ellam Avan Seyal' happened,” smiles Bhama.
Mansi, the girl who plays a spoilt NRI student stands out in the film with her wild hair cut and mannerisms. And she is no newcomer to films, either. Her first film was Thirutham in 2007 and another flick with Ramana followed. This is her third release in Tamil.
She also has a Telugu film called Seenugaru Chiranjeevi Fan to her credit. “In Tamil I am looking for lead roles and good characters,” says the girl who has so far played traditional characters. “Shaji sir presented me very well in Ellam.. and I am very happy with this role,” she says, keeping her fingers crossed about the future. With the number of films being made here, it will be no surprise if they find a bright future in Kollywood.
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