We have had South Indian stars doing Bollywood films and vice versa. Bollywood beauty Aishwarya Bachchan is reportedly planning to do a couple of Kollywood films. The stunner is no stranger to Tamil having debuted in Mani Ratnam’s Iruvar in 1997. She was raw debutant then. Today, she is a sophisticated star and one of the Bollywood's top heroines.
The actress has come full circle since those times. After almost a decade, two of Aishwarya’s upcoming projects will have Tamil versions. Raavan and Robot will be dubbed in Tamil as Ravana and Endhiran respectively. These are her most ambitious Kollywood ventures so far, though she has done films like Jeans and Kandukondain Kandukondain.
In Raavan, she teams up with hubby Abhishek and mentor Ratnam while in Robot, she will be seen with Rajinikanth. A Tamil coach tutored her on the language and diction for Raavan. She wooed everyone by dubbing for her own lines. She also got the tone and accent right! For Robot, it was Rajini himself who gave her lessons. A source revealed that Ash is a fast learner. Though she found it difficult at first, she was able to rattle off lengthy dialogues with ease!
This has made the diva more confident about doing Tamil projects. She loves Tamil films as they are technically and script-wise very rich. When asked about it, she stated that she has to understand the dialogues before delivering them. She dislikes mugging dialogues without knowing what she is saying. So she made special efforts to learn the nuances of Tamil before embarking on these projects. The results are there for everyone to see! Vannakam anyone?
Showing posts with label Rajnikanth. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Rajnikanth. Show all posts
Wednesday, April 28, 2010
Thursday, December 17, 2009
Ileana back to Kollywood
Ileana, one of the leading heroines in Tollywood, has at last signed her second Tamil film. She will play the heroine to Vikram in the movie 24. Ileana's first Tamil movie Kedi was a flop. Since then she refused to sign any Tamil films. Is spite of refusal, she was having numerous offers from Tamil to pair with prominent actors like Rajinikanth, Vijay, Ajith, Suriya and Dhanush.
In an interview director says, “ We have signed Ileana for 24. It will be her re-launch in Tamil. She has given us dates from February for the second schedule of the film.” According to Vikram she is one of the most beautiful women he has ever seen, and her pairing with him is will be one of the highlights of the film.
Producer refused to reveal Ileana’s salary in the film, though she is rumoured to be getting around Rs 1.50 crore in Telugu. Tamil industry sources confirmed that Ileana has been paid a little more than a crore to do 24, making her one of the highest paid actors in the industry.
In an interview director says, “ We have signed Ileana for 24. It will be her re-launch in Tamil. She has given us dates from February for the second schedule of the film.” According to Vikram she is one of the most beautiful women he has ever seen, and her pairing with him is will be one of the highlights of the film.
Producer refused to reveal Ileana’s salary in the film, though she is rumoured to be getting around Rs 1.50 crore in Telugu. Tamil industry sources confirmed that Ileana has been paid a little more than a crore to do 24, making her one of the highest paid actors in the industry.
Sunday, November 29, 2009
106 Chandi Homams for Rajini
The 60th birthday of Superstar Rajinikanth falls on December 12 and his fans are busy gearing up to celebrate their Thalaivar’s Big Day with huge fanfare and various charity activities, including blood donation, organ donations camps.
But before that there’s another one — Rajini’s star birthday falls on November 23 and Veteran film maker Ramanathan has come up with an out-of-the-box plan to mark the occasion. The director of Bollywood and Kannada movies, who also produced Rajinikanth’s blockbuster Dharmadurai few years ago, has planned to perform a 106 Chandi Homams at the famous Kamakshi Amman Temple at Kanchipuram on November 23.
Sources also say, it is believed that the homam will bring prosperity and good health to Rajini and his family. Vedic scholars from various parts of Tamil Nadu are expected to take part in the ceremony, which one hears will be performed on a grand scale. Fans also plan to perform special poojas and homams and pray to god to bring Rajini in politics!
But before that there’s another one — Rajini’s star birthday falls on November 23 and Veteran film maker Ramanathan has come up with an out-of-the-box plan to mark the occasion. The director of Bollywood and Kannada movies, who also produced Rajinikanth’s blockbuster Dharmadurai few years ago, has planned to perform a 106 Chandi Homams at the famous Kamakshi Amman Temple at Kanchipuram on November 23.
Sources also say, it is believed that the homam will bring prosperity and good health to Rajini and his family. Vedic scholars from various parts of Tamil Nadu are expected to take part in the ceremony, which one hears will be performed on a grand scale. Fans also plan to perform special poojas and homams and pray to god to bring Rajini in politics!
Sneha to appear in her bikini
Once again Sneha becomes sensational in ... This time not for any controversial act, but for her hottest ever appearance in the forthcoming Soundarya Rajinikanth produced film Goa. The actress is appearing in a wet bikini suit for the first time in this film and of course
she has been paid hefty for this glam coup.
She wore the suit on the condition of not releasing the stills to the media. But now it seems that she has changed her mind and allowed the producer and director to release the glam pics. The secret behind her change is hiking her pay for her future projects
. Yes...she has given the green signal to all that she is getting ready for skin show in others films too, but if paid high!
she has been paid hefty for this glam coup.
She wore the suit on the condition of not releasing the stills to the media. But now it seems that she has changed her mind and allowed the producer and director to release the glam pics. The secret behind her change is hiking her pay for her future projects
. Yes...she has given the green signal to all that she is getting ready for skin show in others films too, but if paid high!
Tuesday, September 22, 2009
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.
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.
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.
Monday, July 27, 2009
Kollywood gods’ pay packs get bigger despite slump
At a time when most employees in corporate India are happy to forego salary increases just as long as they can keep their jobs, the pay
packets of top movie stars in Tamil filmdom are something of an anachronism. In 2005, Vijay was paid Rs 3 crore for starring in the hugely successful ‘Sivakasi.’ Another blockbuster followed the next year in the form of ‘Pokkiri.’
But since then, he has hit a rough patch with consecutive box-office flops in ‘Azhagiya Tamizh Magan’ (2007), ‘Kuruvi’ (2008) and ‘Villu’ (2009). If you think the actor is due for a pay cut, you are mistaken.
The ‘Ilaya Thalapathy,’ or ‘young commander’ to followers, is said to be taking home a cool Rs 6-7 crore plus distribution rights for Chennai city for his forthcoming ‘Vettaikaran,’ produced by M Balasubramaniam and B Gurunath Meyyappan. Ajith is taking a leaf out of superstar Rajnikanth’s book.
The actor, busy shooting for ‘Asal’ in Malaysia, is said be charging Rs 5-6 crore plus a 30% share in profits from the sale of rights (including, distribution, satellite and international rights) for his next movie. In an industry where top actors are few and far between and most not compromising on the pay front, producers have to select from a handful of them at the top or settle for niche actors. They can’t do much to change the situation, but at least they can grumble about it.
The main target of their ire is the production houses run by corporates, those such as Pyramid Saimira, Ayngaran International, UTV Movies and Moser Baer. They are accused of knowing little about the local market or ruling rates and spoiling the production culture in the Tamil movie industry.
“Corporates pay much higher than current market rates to secure bulk dates from artistes and technicians, artificially pushing prices northwards,” a leading producer (whose movie is set to release in the next couple of months) told ET on condition of anonymity.
He cited movies where the leading men were paid more than a fourth of the total budget only for them to flop at the box office. Some producers are of the view that actors’ current rates are exorbitant compared to the market available for Tamil films. The Tamil film industry churns out around 110-120 movies a year with a combined budget of about Rs 500 crore.
Sales are estimated at Rs 850 crore-Rs 1,000 crore, including international markets. “Salaries are very high these days. There are hardly any repeat audiences either. This, coupled with overall increase in production costs and long production schedules adds to the producer’s burden,” says K Muralidharan of Lakshmi Movie Makers, who is also secretary of the Tamil Film Producers Council.
Although the international markets, Malaysia, Singapore, US and parts of Europe, are slowing opening up to Tamil flicks, it does not justify the amounts top artistes charge these days, said another producer. Moser Baer COO C Dhananjayan, while agreeing that artiste salaries were at times “not justified for regional films,” felt they were a function of demand and supply.
Ajith, whose profit-sharing model has been welcomed by those who believe it reduces the burden on producers, thinks that how much an actor is paid “boils down to compatibility” between the negotiating parties. Vijay was not available for comment.
The Hindi movie industry, which also saw salaries for top actors skyrocketing in the past couple of years mainly due to corporates investing huge sums of money, seems to be seeing a correction.
Akshay Kumar is said to have charged Rs 30 crore for Kambakht Ishq but other A-list actors have started taking pay cuts, those aware of the situation say.
Artiste fees, that were just 10-15% of movie budgets in 2006-07, went as high as 60% in 2008. While current salary levels for Hindi film stars are rationalising at 30-35% of the budget with further scope for correction, it remains to be seen if Tamil moviedom will go the same way.
packets of top movie stars in Tamil filmdom are something of an anachronism. In 2005, Vijay was paid Rs 3 crore for starring in the hugely successful ‘Sivakasi.’ Another blockbuster followed the next year in the form of ‘Pokkiri.’
But since then, he has hit a rough patch with consecutive box-office flops in ‘Azhagiya Tamizh Magan’ (2007), ‘Kuruvi’ (2008) and ‘Villu’ (2009). If you think the actor is due for a pay cut, you are mistaken.
The ‘Ilaya Thalapathy,’ or ‘young commander’ to followers, is said to be taking home a cool Rs 6-7 crore plus distribution rights for Chennai city for his forthcoming ‘Vettaikaran,’ produced by M Balasubramaniam and B Gurunath Meyyappan. Ajith is taking a leaf out of superstar Rajnikanth’s book.
The actor, busy shooting for ‘Asal’ in Malaysia, is said be charging Rs 5-6 crore plus a 30% share in profits from the sale of rights (including, distribution, satellite and international rights) for his next movie. In an industry where top actors are few and far between and most not compromising on the pay front, producers have to select from a handful of them at the top or settle for niche actors. They can’t do much to change the situation, but at least they can grumble about it.
The main target of their ire is the production houses run by corporates, those such as Pyramid Saimira, Ayngaran International, UTV Movies and Moser Baer. They are accused of knowing little about the local market or ruling rates and spoiling the production culture in the Tamil movie industry.
“Corporates pay much higher than current market rates to secure bulk dates from artistes and technicians, artificially pushing prices northwards,” a leading producer (whose movie is set to release in the next couple of months) told ET on condition of anonymity.
He cited movies where the leading men were paid more than a fourth of the total budget only for them to flop at the box office. Some producers are of the view that actors’ current rates are exorbitant compared to the market available for Tamil films. The Tamil film industry churns out around 110-120 movies a year with a combined budget of about Rs 500 crore.
Sales are estimated at Rs 850 crore-Rs 1,000 crore, including international markets. “Salaries are very high these days. There are hardly any repeat audiences either. This, coupled with overall increase in production costs and long production schedules adds to the producer’s burden,” says K Muralidharan of Lakshmi Movie Makers, who is also secretary of the Tamil Film Producers Council.
Although the international markets, Malaysia, Singapore, US and parts of Europe, are slowing opening up to Tamil flicks, it does not justify the amounts top artistes charge these days, said another producer. Moser Baer COO C Dhananjayan, while agreeing that artiste salaries were at times “not justified for regional films,” felt they were a function of demand and supply.
Ajith, whose profit-sharing model has been welcomed by those who believe it reduces the burden on producers, thinks that how much an actor is paid “boils down to compatibility” between the negotiating parties. Vijay was not available for comment.
The Hindi movie industry, which also saw salaries for top actors skyrocketing in the past couple of years mainly due to corporates investing huge sums of money, seems to be seeing a correction.
Akshay Kumar is said to have charged Rs 30 crore for Kambakht Ishq but other A-list actors have started taking pay cuts, those aware of the situation say.
Artiste fees, that were just 10-15% of movie budgets in 2006-07, went as high as 60% in 2008. While current salary levels for Hindi film stars are rationalising at 30-35% of the budget with further scope for correction, it remains to be seen if Tamil moviedom will go the same way.
Monday, December 29, 2008
The secret is out on Ash-Rajnikanth starrer
The closely guarded secret is out about India’s most expensive film Endhiran, which stars Rajnikanth and Aishwarya Rai Bachchan. The film has the South Indian superstar playing a double role. We also have the storyline of this film.
An informer reveals: “The film has Rajnikanth essaying two roles that of a scientist and the robot Endhiran he creates. The film is essentially about what circumstances propel Rajni to make a robot, his relationship with it and what he wants to achieve through the robot.”
“The film is set in 2200 AD and Rajni is a famous scientist who is madly in love with Aishwarya. Being the best scientist of the country, Rajni is given an important mission of creating robots which will make the living of human races easier. But trouble starts after Rajni makes the robot,” the insider adds. Endhiran has some interesting twists and turns too.
The source adds: “Every film has a twist and the twist in Endhiran comes in with the villain trying to ruin the reputation and fame Rajni garners for creating the robot by abducting it. Rajni tries to bring back his creation but realises that a robot in which he has sowed the seeds of love, has started to fall in love with the girl he loves. The robot creates more confusion in Rajni’s life by chasing Ash all around. Using this to his advantage Rajni finally manages to bring the robot back under his control. He rectifies all the anomalies in the robot’s configuration and regains his reputation in the eyes of his countrymen.”
An informer reveals: “The film has Rajnikanth essaying two roles that of a scientist and the robot Endhiran he creates. The film is essentially about what circumstances propel Rajni to make a robot, his relationship with it and what he wants to achieve through the robot.”
“The film is set in 2200 AD and Rajni is a famous scientist who is madly in love with Aishwarya. Being the best scientist of the country, Rajni is given an important mission of creating robots which will make the living of human races easier. But trouble starts after Rajni makes the robot,” the insider adds. Endhiran has some interesting twists and turns too.
The source adds: “Every film has a twist and the twist in Endhiran comes in with the villain trying to ruin the reputation and fame Rajni garners for creating the robot by abducting it. Rajni tries to bring back his creation but realises that a robot in which he has sowed the seeds of love, has started to fall in love with the girl he loves. The robot creates more confusion in Rajni’s life by chasing Ash all around. Using this to his advantage Rajni finally manages to bring the robot back under his control. He rectifies all the anomalies in the robot’s configuration and regains his reputation in the eyes of his countrymen.”
Monday, December 22, 2008
Is Endhiran worth Rs 165 cr?
The grapevine has it that the deal has been firmed up between the Rajinikanth-Shankar combo and Sun Pictures for a whopping Rs 165 crore, on a first copy basis.
All that Kalanidhi Maran, chairman and managing director of Sun TV Network Limited was willing to say was, “This is a big moment for Sun Pictures as we feel this is going to be India’s biggest movie. We are very happy and proud to be associated with Superstar Rajinikanth, Shankar and A R Rahman.”
Sources close to AI say the company is relieved that it is out of the project, which according to them “does not make any business sense”.
The buzz is that Shankar and Karunamoorthy of AI have parted ways over the budget of Endhiran, which was originally pegged at Rs 120 crore.
After the meltdown and global recession, the Kishore Lulla-owned Eros International, which has a stake in AI, wanted Shankar to scale down the budget.
However, sources claim Shankar was in no mood to comply. As per sources close to the production, for shooting two songs in North America, Peru and other foreign locations and some scenes in Goa, AI shelled out a whopping Rs 30 crore!
Shankar and key members of his unit travelled in style in first class, first on a recce to spot locations and then for the actual shoot. They stayed at luxury resorts and took helicopters from the US for the aerial shots for the songs. Also, sources claim they hired top technicians from Hollywood with salaries on par with what they would get for an English film!
And for an action scene to be shot in Goa, the producers were forced to buy, on the insistence of the director, three brand new luxury cars — a Mercedes, BMW and an Audi, costing nearly Rs 3 crore, when they could have hired it! And the brand new Merc was blown up for an action scene, when they could have used a dummy! It was at this stage that AI decided that enough was enough and wanted to wriggle out of the project.
A source says, “They literally blew up a fortune — nearly Rs 30 crore and hardly 25 percent of the film was over. Remember? Rajinikanth’s biggest blockbuster of all times, Chandramukhi, was made on a budget including prints for Rs 30 crore, which went on to collect between Rs 80 and 100 crore from theatricals and all other rights. In the international market, a Rajinikanth film has the potential to generate a sum of $3 to $3.5 million, roughly about Rs 15 crore, while an SRK or Aamir Khan superhit film can make anywhere between Rs 40 and Rs 50 crore.”
Meanwhile, Kishore Lulla of Eros International has been going through difficult times as his big budget Bollywood films like Drona and Yuvvraaj have bombed.
In a recent interview, Lulla was quoted as saying, “With the liquidity crunch in the market, people now have less disposable income and so, they will now spend less on luxury and entertainment. This means the movie-going clientele will decrease and so will the box-office collections.”
And the underlining factor that the parent company Eros was stressing was that Kollywood is hardly 30 percent of Bollywood in the international market. Karunamoorthy was clearly told that, this was no time for any kind of bravado.
But Maran and his team do not want to talk about the past. Instead, they are looking at the future.
They feel Endhiran has the potential to be a blockbuster and from Tamil Nadu alone, it may gross a bulk of its production cost.
Added to that, Sun DTH’s foray into north India has been a marketing success and Endhiran’s Hindi version, when it releases next year, can piggyback on it.
Shankar put it succinctly, “I am proud to join hands with Kalanidhi Maran. Working with superstar Rajinikanth is a pleasure.”
All that Kalanidhi Maran, chairman and managing director of Sun TV Network Limited was willing to say was, “This is a big moment for Sun Pictures as we feel this is going to be India’s biggest movie. We are very happy and proud to be associated with Superstar Rajinikanth, Shankar and A R Rahman.”
Sources close to AI say the company is relieved that it is out of the project, which according to them “does not make any business sense”.
The buzz is that Shankar and Karunamoorthy of AI have parted ways over the budget of Endhiran, which was originally pegged at Rs 120 crore.
After the meltdown and global recession, the Kishore Lulla-owned Eros International, which has a stake in AI, wanted Shankar to scale down the budget.
However, sources claim Shankar was in no mood to comply. As per sources close to the production, for shooting two songs in North America, Peru and other foreign locations and some scenes in Goa, AI shelled out a whopping Rs 30 crore!
Shankar and key members of his unit travelled in style in first class, first on a recce to spot locations and then for the actual shoot. They stayed at luxury resorts and took helicopters from the US for the aerial shots for the songs. Also, sources claim they hired top technicians from Hollywood with salaries on par with what they would get for an English film!
And for an action scene to be shot in Goa, the producers were forced to buy, on the insistence of the director, three brand new luxury cars — a Mercedes, BMW and an Audi, costing nearly Rs 3 crore, when they could have hired it! And the brand new Merc was blown up for an action scene, when they could have used a dummy! It was at this stage that AI decided that enough was enough and wanted to wriggle out of the project.
A source says, “They literally blew up a fortune — nearly Rs 30 crore and hardly 25 percent of the film was over. Remember? Rajinikanth’s biggest blockbuster of all times, Chandramukhi, was made on a budget including prints for Rs 30 crore, which went on to collect between Rs 80 and 100 crore from theatricals and all other rights. In the international market, a Rajinikanth film has the potential to generate a sum of $3 to $3.5 million, roughly about Rs 15 crore, while an SRK or Aamir Khan superhit film can make anywhere between Rs 40 and Rs 50 crore.”
Meanwhile, Kishore Lulla of Eros International has been going through difficult times as his big budget Bollywood films like Drona and Yuvvraaj have bombed.
In a recent interview, Lulla was quoted as saying, “With the liquidity crunch in the market, people now have less disposable income and so, they will now spend less on luxury and entertainment. This means the movie-going clientele will decrease and so will the box-office collections.”
And the underlining factor that the parent company Eros was stressing was that Kollywood is hardly 30 percent of Bollywood in the international market. Karunamoorthy was clearly told that, this was no time for any kind of bravado.
But Maran and his team do not want to talk about the past. Instead, they are looking at the future.
They feel Endhiran has the potential to be a blockbuster and from Tamil Nadu alone, it may gross a bulk of its production cost.
Added to that, Sun DTH’s foray into north India has been a marketing success and Endhiran’s Hindi version, when it releases next year, can piggyback on it.
Shankar put it succinctly, “I am proud to join hands with Kalanidhi Maran. Working with superstar Rajinikanth is a pleasure.”
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!
Tuesday, December 9, 2008
Kylie Minogue to sing for Rahman
Just her fees and recording of the video will add around Rs 10 crore to the already sky high budget of Blue
Madonna didn’t respond because she was going through a bitter divorce, Rihanna asked for a sum that was not affordable, so finally it is Kylie Minogue who’ll be making history as the first international A-list pop star to lend her voice for a mainstream Bollywood music director.
According to sources, the Australia-born crooner who has sold more than 60 million records, has agreed to sing for AR Rahman. Kylie will be coming to India by January 2009 with her entourage to record the song with Rahman. She has reportedly charged the producers of the film about Rs five crore as her fees ($1 million).
“The song will be recorded for the film Blue, which has Akshay Kumar, Sanjay Dutt and Lara Dutta. The producers also want Kylie to make a music video of the song. In all probability, the song might be shot in Hollywood,” says the source.
The total cost of hosting the star in Mumbai and recording the song and music video could well cost the producers an extra Rs five crore. The company negotiating with Kylie confirmed that they are very close to inking the deal.
“We are negotiating with an international artist. Within two to three weeks, we’ll make a formal announcement,” said Rajnigandha Shekhawat of Nine Winds, which is handling the film’s communications. Sources also revealed that there were a fresh round of negotiations last week. The singer, sources say, is not afraid of visiting Mumbai though she is well aware of the recent terrorist attack.
The production cost of Blue is already hovering around Rs 130 crore - without the expense they are incurring for Kylie’s song. With the last leg of shooting left, at Rs 140 crore-odd, Blue might race past Rajnikanth’s Endhiran to become the costliest film to be produced in India.
Wednesday, December 3, 2008
Lifetime achievement award for K. Balachander at IFFI 08
Eminent director K. Balachander, who added a new style to filmmaking, was bestowed with lifetime achievement award at IFFI 08
Eminent director K. Balachander, who added a new style to filmmaking, was bestowed with lifetime achievement award at IFFI 08. Do you know who handed over the award to him?! His own student Kamal Haasan, who is one the chief guests at IFFI 08! It was "the" picture-perfect moment. Imagine the surge of emotions they would have felt. There can be no more memorable and honourable moment for a mentor and his student than this!
K. Balachander entered Kollywood as a writer with great ambitions of becoming a successful director in the 60s. Soon, his talent saw him climb the ladder of fame and become a prominent personality in the film world. He is also responsible for discovering many of Kollywood's brightest stars, including Kamal Haasan and Rajinikanth, and honing their skills.
It was an evening that both this guru and sishya will cherish forever.
Eminent director K. Balachander, who added a new style to filmmaking, was bestowed with lifetime achievement award at IFFI 08. Do you know who handed over the award to him?! His own student Kamal Haasan, who is one the chief guests at IFFI 08! It was "the" picture-perfect moment. Imagine the surge of emotions they would have felt. There can be no more memorable and honourable moment for a mentor and his student than this!
K. Balachander entered Kollywood as a writer with great ambitions of becoming a successful director in the 60s. Soon, his talent saw him climb the ladder of fame and become a prominent personality in the film world. He is also responsible for discovering many of Kollywood's brightest stars, including Kamal Haasan and Rajinikanth, and honing their skills.
It was an evening that both this guru and sishya will cherish forever.
Tuesday, December 2, 2008
Cyclone delays Rajnikanth film
The lavish set of Endhiran, starring the South superstar and Aishwarya Rai Bachchan, was destroyed by the dreaded Nisha that hit Chennai.
Director S Shankar has been forced to scrap the third schedule of his forthcoming mega budget film Endhiran (formerly titled Robot) after cyclone Nisha destroyed his costly set. Reliable insiders close to the film informed that the crew, including Rajnikanth, was also stuck for around two days in Tondiarpet (near Chennai) where the shooting was taking place due to heavy rains. Aishwarya Rai Bachchan, however, was in Kochi shooting for Mani Ratnam.
An insider informs, “Endhiran’s set was conceptualised and built by Sabu Cyril (who is currently working on the Amitabh Bachchan starrer Aladin and has earlier made sets for films like Main Hoon Na, Om Shanti Om, Asoka and Welcome among others). It was a very costly set. Since Ash was busy with Mani’s film, this shooting schedule had Rajnikanth doing the portions of the script that did not need her.
They had constructed Rajnikanth’s on screen house and also other futuristic structures at that place. It was unprotected from storm or rain as the huge construction could not be built inside a studio.”
The source adds,“Though late November and December sees rainfall in South India, there was no warning of a cyclone, so Shankar had taken the gamble of creating such a lavish structure there. But suddenly coastal rains started and cyclone Nisha hit the area. The set was washed away in front of everyone’s eyes as rains just did not seem to stop. It is quite a loss for the film. They will most probably travel to Kulu Manali now as soon as Aishwarya gets free from Mani’s schedule.”
Directed by Shankar, Endhiran is based on the work of the late writer Sujatha’s novels En Iniya Iyanthira and Jeeno Shankar. Shankar has previously directed Rajnikanth in the super-hit Sivaji: The Boss. The film has a mammoth budget of rupees 140 crore, perhaps making it the most expensive film to be made in India to date. Endhiran is expected to release on April 14, 2010.
Director S Shankar has been forced to scrap the third schedule of his forthcoming mega budget film Endhiran (formerly titled Robot) after cyclone Nisha destroyed his costly set. Reliable insiders close to the film informed that the crew, including Rajnikanth, was also stuck for around two days in Tondiarpet (near Chennai) where the shooting was taking place due to heavy rains. Aishwarya Rai Bachchan, however, was in Kochi shooting for Mani Ratnam.
An insider informs, “Endhiran’s set was conceptualised and built by Sabu Cyril (who is currently working on the Amitabh Bachchan starrer Aladin and has earlier made sets for films like Main Hoon Na, Om Shanti Om, Asoka and Welcome among others). It was a very costly set. Since Ash was busy with Mani’s film, this shooting schedule had Rajnikanth doing the portions of the script that did not need her.
They had constructed Rajnikanth’s on screen house and also other futuristic structures at that place. It was unprotected from storm or rain as the huge construction could not be built inside a studio.”
The source adds,“Though late November and December sees rainfall in South India, there was no warning of a cyclone, so Shankar had taken the gamble of creating such a lavish structure there. But suddenly coastal rains started and cyclone Nisha hit the area. The set was washed away in front of everyone’s eyes as rains just did not seem to stop. It is quite a loss for the film. They will most probably travel to Kulu Manali now as soon as Aishwarya gets free from Mani’s schedule.”
Directed by Shankar, Endhiran is based on the work of the late writer Sujatha’s novels En Iniya Iyanthira and Jeeno Shankar. Shankar has previously directed Rajnikanth in the super-hit Sivaji: The Boss. The film has a mammoth budget of rupees 140 crore, perhaps making it the most expensive film to be made in India to date. Endhiran is expected to release on April 14, 2010.
Tuesday, November 18, 2008
Is the BJP wooing Rajnikanth?
Is the BJP wooing superstar Rajnikanth in the run up to the Lok Sabha polls? While BJP leader L K Advani met the superstar at his residence in Chennai, Tamil superstar Rajnikanth was the star attraction at Advani's launch of his autobiography in Tamil. But both are not saying much right now. "I told him that I've noted his public statements that he would enter politics only when God guides him. I appreciate that," said L K Advani, Opposition leader. Rajnikanth was non-committal."It was just a courtesy call by Advani," said Rajnikanth, actor.The superstar has made political endorsements in Tamil Nadu in the past and has for long been adding fuel to the speculation that he would enter politics.Recently, he had told his fans that any decision on this would be taken only after his present film project 'Robot'.So, as Rajnikanth is being tight-lipped, going back to his own words in the past, perhaps only God would know what lies in the offing.
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