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 Tamil. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Tamil. Show all posts
Wednesday, April 28, 2010
Sunday, January 17, 2010
MGR's birth anniversary celebrated in Chennai
Processions, garlanding of statues and distribution of sweets marked the 93rd birth anniversary of founder-leader of All India Anna Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (AIADMK) and late Tamil Nadu chief minister MG Ramachandran (MGR), in the state today.
AIADMK general secretary Jayalalithaa garlanded MGR's statue and distributed sweets at the party headquarters.
Deputy chief minister MK Stalin paid floral tributes to the late leader.
MGR, who died 23 years ago, was born in Kandy, Sri Lanka in 1917, and his family moved to India a few years later. Poverty compelled him to join theatre at the early age of seven, and then enter the movie business as an actor.
Depicted in his films as saviour of the underprivileged which endeared him to the masses, MGR was the numero uno of Tamil cinema before he took the plunge into politics in 1953, joining the DMK.
He floated the AIADMK in 1972, and became Tamil Nadu chief minister in 1977, defeating the Karunanidhi-led DMK, and continued in the post till he died following cardiac arrest in 1987.
The leader is remembered by people for many of his social welfare schemes, including the free mid-day meal scheme for school children.
MGR's death saw his party split into two factions, one led by his widow Janaki and another by Jayalalithaa, who had acted as his heroine in over 50 movies. After the 1989 assembly polls, both factions merged under Jayalalithaa's leadership.
AIADMK general secretary Jayalalithaa garlanded MGR's statue and distributed sweets at the party headquarters.
Deputy chief minister MK Stalin paid floral tributes to the late leader.
MGR, who died 23 years ago, was born in Kandy, Sri Lanka in 1917, and his family moved to India a few years later. Poverty compelled him to join theatre at the early age of seven, and then enter the movie business as an actor.
Depicted in his films as saviour of the underprivileged which endeared him to the masses, MGR was the numero uno of Tamil cinema before he took the plunge into politics in 1953, joining the DMK.
He floated the AIADMK in 1972, and became Tamil Nadu chief minister in 1977, defeating the Karunanidhi-led DMK, and continued in the post till he died following cardiac arrest in 1987.
The leader is remembered by people for many of his social welfare schemes, including the free mid-day meal scheme for school children.
MGR's death saw his party split into two factions, one led by his widow Janaki and another by Jayalalithaa, who had acted as his heroine in over 50 movies. After the 1989 assembly polls, both factions merged under Jayalalithaa's leadership.
Thursday, December 17, 2009
Review: Magnificent Anime Wonder
Film: Avatar (U/A)
Cast: Sam Worthington, Zoe Saldana, Sigourney Weaver, Stephen Lang, Michelle Rodriguez
Director: James Cameron
It took him 12 years (after Titanic)and many dreams to create this technological marvel and the long wait, I must say,was definitely worth it! Cameron kept himself occupied in the intervening years with underwater explorations, lending his name to several other movie productions, while nurturing this baby to completion. His coming back to the helm, as director with Avatar, is definitely a moment worth rejoicing. The story is basically a reverse of the aliens invading earth plot
Avatar, set in year 2154 has earthlings as the aliens invading a lush, beautiful and serene Pandora, a planet several light years away from Earth, hoping to mine it for its rich deposits of unobtanium - a much sought after energy source mineral that sells at several thousand dollars per kilo, on Earth. A paralysed Marine veteran confined to a wheelchair, Jake Sully (Sam Worthington), who was not supposed to be part of the Avatar project, is roped inwhen his scientist twin brother is killed. To add teeth to the story, there's a scientist Dr Grace (Sigourney Weaver) researching the planet and its species and the usual warriors led by Colonel Miles Quaritch (Stephen Lang), who are looking for all-out massacre while Parker Selfridge (Giovanni Ribbisi) retains the guiding influence. Matters are further complicated by the developing relationship between a fierce Na'vi beauty Neytiri (Zoe Saldana) and the virtualised Jake Sully.
The movie kicks off with glimpses of intergalactic spaceships, weightless crew members and avatars floating in liquid-filled cylinders. The story has shades of Mel Gibson's Apocalypto, dollops of philosophy, spiritualism and psycho-babble thrown in for added measure, but these elements never really get the full-on treatment. They are just relegated to the backburner, while the narrative gets fuelled into a brilliant fire by some astounding visuals of breathtaking majesty.
As a viewer, you are bound to be completely entranced by the technique that the story itself is almost rendered redundant. The detailing is exquisitely layered while the background story development is wonderfully crisp and believable. The Na'vi speak, the creatures inhabiting the planet, the flora and fauna, the history of the race, are all remarkably entrenched within the narrative. Not for a minute do you doubt the veracity of such a unique world. Even James Horner's background score and Leona Lewis' 'I See You' lends romance to the visual grandeur.
The technological transitions are seamlessly incorporated - live-action, CGI backdrops, animation, performance capture and post-production effects conjure up imagery that makes every frame look even more beautiful and exciting than the previous one. The 3D imagery has incredible depth and finesse and the action especially when seen on Imax 3D renders close-in experiences like never before. This is by far the most expensive, technically ambitious and superbly realized film ever made. James Cameron's creation simply boggles the mind with its amazing virtuosity and unalloyed beauty. He must be congratulated for having pulled it off so splendidly!
Cast: Sam Worthington, Zoe Saldana, Sigourney Weaver, Stephen Lang, Michelle Rodriguez
Director: James Cameron
It took him 12 years (after Titanic)and many dreams to create this technological marvel and the long wait, I must say,was definitely worth it! Cameron kept himself occupied in the intervening years with underwater explorations, lending his name to several other movie productions, while nurturing this baby to completion. His coming back to the helm, as director with Avatar, is definitely a moment worth rejoicing. The story is basically a reverse of the aliens invading earth plot
Avatar, set in year 2154 has earthlings as the aliens invading a lush, beautiful and serene Pandora, a planet several light years away from Earth, hoping to mine it for its rich deposits of unobtanium - a much sought after energy source mineral that sells at several thousand dollars per kilo, on Earth. A paralysed Marine veteran confined to a wheelchair, Jake Sully (Sam Worthington), who was not supposed to be part of the Avatar project, is roped inwhen his scientist twin brother is killed. To add teeth to the story, there's a scientist Dr Grace (Sigourney Weaver) researching the planet and its species and the usual warriors led by Colonel Miles Quaritch (Stephen Lang), who are looking for all-out massacre while Parker Selfridge (Giovanni Ribbisi) retains the guiding influence. Matters are further complicated by the developing relationship between a fierce Na'vi beauty Neytiri (Zoe Saldana) and the virtualised Jake Sully.
The movie kicks off with glimpses of intergalactic spaceships, weightless crew members and avatars floating in liquid-filled cylinders. The story has shades of Mel Gibson's Apocalypto, dollops of philosophy, spiritualism and psycho-babble thrown in for added measure, but these elements never really get the full-on treatment. They are just relegated to the backburner, while the narrative gets fuelled into a brilliant fire by some astounding visuals of breathtaking majesty.
As a viewer, you are bound to be completely entranced by the technique that the story itself is almost rendered redundant. The detailing is exquisitely layered while the background story development is wonderfully crisp and believable. The Na'vi speak, the creatures inhabiting the planet, the flora and fauna, the history of the race, are all remarkably entrenched within the narrative. Not for a minute do you doubt the veracity of such a unique world. Even James Horner's background score and Leona Lewis' 'I See You' lends romance to the visual grandeur.
The technological transitions are seamlessly incorporated - live-action, CGI backdrops, animation, performance capture and post-production effects conjure up imagery that makes every frame look even more beautiful and exciting than the previous one. The 3D imagery has incredible depth and finesse and the action especially when seen on Imax 3D renders close-in experiences like never before. This is by far the most expensive, technically ambitious and superbly realized film ever made. James Cameron's creation simply boggles the mind with its amazing virtuosity and unalloyed beauty. He must be congratulated for having pulled it off so splendidly!
Rush is one 3-D Avatar Bangalore city had not seen
Director James Cameron's 1998 film Titanic bagged 11 Oscars; with science-fiction epic Avatar, set for release in city theatres this Friday, will he score even better? That's the question Bangaloreans are asking, as they queue for tickets. Multiplexes and theatres in the city have been flooded with advance booking requests.
Vishal Vikram, manager, Priya Village Roadshow (PVR) said, "About 75% of the tickets have been booked till the weekend. For paid reviews, the tickets are already completely sold out. We are installing a three-dimensional screen only for the gold class; so the cost of tickets in that class will be higher -- Rs700 each for a weekday, and Rs1,000 for the weekend." Other screens at the PVR will be playing the movie on the two-dimensional screen, and you can watch the film there at Rs250 on a weekday and Rs450 on a weekend.
Owner of Urvashi theatre, Amit Gowda, said, "We have already sold 4,500 tickets for Avatar. We've received a tremendous response, and tickets here will cost Rs200-Rs250, and the tickets will come with some freebies too -- popcorn and coke."
Monish Nipani, unit manager, INOX, said, "About 95% of the first-day shows are booked; 80% of the tickets are already booked for the weekend shows. We will have one 3-D screen; cost of the tickets there will range from Rs120-350. We will also be providing a special glasses to our viewers. These will be sterilised and packed. We will be collecting Rs200 as a refundable advance for the use of these glasses, just to ensure their safety."
Amit Gowda, owner of Urvashi theatre, said, "For the first time, we will be getting the 3D screen from the US; we will also be providing what are called 'active shutter glasses' with the LCD crystalline glass, which will prevent bacteria from entering the eye. We are equipped to sterilize the glasses after each use."
Gowda added that at Urvashi, booking for the film opened on Tuesday, and nearly 30% of the tickets have already been sold for the first three days.
"We will be charging Rs100 extra for the 3D glasses," he said.
Don't let Avatar leave you poorer. Watch out that you return the special glasses you are provided for the 3-D effect in good shape. You might end up paying much more than the price of the ticket for a damaged pair of glasses--theatres are planning to impose a
fine of Rs2,500 for any damage. Urvashi theatre is even equipped with a device to identify the extent of damage.
The film will soon play in Hindi, Tamil and Telugu at city theatres. Meanwhile, it has already been nominated for four categories of the Golden Globe awards.
Vishal Vikram, manager, Priya Village Roadshow (PVR) said, "About 75% of the tickets have been booked till the weekend. For paid reviews, the tickets are already completely sold out. We are installing a three-dimensional screen only for the gold class; so the cost of tickets in that class will be higher -- Rs700 each for a weekday, and Rs1,000 for the weekend." Other screens at the PVR will be playing the movie on the two-dimensional screen, and you can watch the film there at Rs250 on a weekday and Rs450 on a weekend.
Owner of Urvashi theatre, Amit Gowda, said, "We have already sold 4,500 tickets for Avatar. We've received a tremendous response, and tickets here will cost Rs200-Rs250, and the tickets will come with some freebies too -- popcorn and coke."
Monish Nipani, unit manager, INOX, said, "About 95% of the first-day shows are booked; 80% of the tickets are already booked for the weekend shows. We will have one 3-D screen; cost of the tickets there will range from Rs120-350. We will also be providing a special glasses to our viewers. These will be sterilised and packed. We will be collecting Rs200 as a refundable advance for the use of these glasses, just to ensure their safety."
Amit Gowda, owner of Urvashi theatre, said, "For the first time, we will be getting the 3D screen from the US; we will also be providing what are called 'active shutter glasses' with the LCD crystalline glass, which will prevent bacteria from entering the eye. We are equipped to sterilize the glasses after each use."
Gowda added that at Urvashi, booking for the film opened on Tuesday, and nearly 30% of the tickets have already been sold for the first three days.
"We will be charging Rs100 extra for the 3D glasses," he said.
Don't let Avatar leave you poorer. Watch out that you return the special glasses you are provided for the 3-D effect in good shape. You might end up paying much more than the price of the ticket for a damaged pair of glasses--theatres are planning to impose a
fine of Rs2,500 for any damage. Urvashi theatre is even equipped with a device to identify the extent of damage.
The film will soon play in Hindi, Tamil and Telugu at city theatres. Meanwhile, it has already been nominated for four categories of the Golden Globe awards.
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.
Monday, December 14, 2009
Another mind game in the offing
Films having psychological manipulation as the concept are not new in Tollywood. Be it Missamma, Nandanavanam or the recent Katha, such films have their niche market.
Yet another film on the subject is going to come before the audience. Titled Koffi Bar, the film stars Sashan and Biyanka Desai. It is simultaneously being made in Tamil and Kannada too. Produced and directed by Geetha Krishna of Kokila and Keechurallu fame, the film was launched in the month of January in this year, but took time to complete.
Then the director-producer said that the film will set a new trend and that it belongs to a separate genre. Reportedly, the film also stars Girish Karnard, Atul Kulkarni and others.
A multi-talented guy, Mr. Krishna is also scoring the music. Vanamali has written the lyrics. So, will Koffi Bar prove a break for Sashank?
Many can expect Geetha Krishna to become more popular with this one in the mainstream category, which so far has been limited.
Yet another film on the subject is going to come before the audience. Titled Koffi Bar, the film stars Sashan and Biyanka Desai. It is simultaneously being made in Tamil and Kannada too. Produced and directed by Geetha Krishna of Kokila and Keechurallu fame, the film was launched in the month of January in this year, but took time to complete.
Then the director-producer said that the film will set a new trend and that it belongs to a separate genre. Reportedly, the film also stars Girish Karnard, Atul Kulkarni and others.
A multi-talented guy, Mr. Krishna is also scoring the music. Vanamali has written the lyrics. So, will Koffi Bar prove a break for Sashank?
Many can expect Geetha Krishna to become more popular with this one in the mainstream category, which so far has been limited.
Wednesday, December 9, 2009
Naai Kutty gets A Certificate
After Renigunta another movie in Kollywood gets an A certificate. Sadhaji directed movie Naai Kutty starring Selvan and Nicole was given the same due to its brutal and bloody climax. The film was released after many difficulties.
Naai Kutty is a tale of a youth brought up in a Chennai slum. Realism and commercial elements are in a right mix. The film has been facing problems right from the initial stage. Selvan has a matured performance
, while Nicole sets the screen on fire. Vijaya Bharthy is the music director.
The producer of the film VA Dorai says, “ Naai Kutty is a brave and bold film which tells the story of a youth brought up in a Chennai slum. It is a realistic film within the commercial parameters
Naai Kutty is a tale of a youth brought up in a Chennai slum. Realism and commercial elements are in a right mix. The film has been facing problems right from the initial stage. Selvan has a matured performance
, while Nicole sets the screen on fire. Vijaya Bharthy is the music director.
The producer of the film VA Dorai says, “ Naai Kutty is a brave and bold film which tells the story of a youth brought up in a Chennai slum. It is a realistic film within the commercial parameters
Sunday, November 29, 2009
Kamal launched Gouthami's tele - serial!
Actor Kamal Hassan has launched a new TV serial Abhirami in which Gouthami makes her re entry! Produced by Abhirami Ramanathan under his banner Abhirami Mega Mall, Kutti Padmini plays the role of creative head in this serial. The grand inauguration of the serial was done Monday morning at a function held at the Abhirami Mega Mall. Kamal Hassan switched on the camera while Rama Narayan, president of the powerful producers council gave the first clap.
Present on the occasion were dignitaries Amirtham of Kalaingar TV, Khushboo, Kasturi Raja, Kutty Padmini, Kalpana, VC Guhanathan, TV actor Srinivasan, KRG, Kalaipuli Thanu and Kalaipuli Sekar amongst others. Abirami Ramanathan announced his future projects in small screen and explained why he had made the inaugural function in cinema puja style. "Earlier we had made serials like Devathai, Maayavi Mareechan and a few others but now we have decided to go into serials in a big way since the reach is enormous.”
Gauthami was happy about this re entry and says, "Many people have been asking me when I am not returning to acting and this is my step in that direction. More details of my role will be announced later." Kamal says that small screen is the best medium to promote cinema. The actor urged to implement the copy right plan in small screen too.
Present on the occasion were dignitaries Amirtham of Kalaingar TV, Khushboo, Kasturi Raja, Kutty Padmini, Kalpana, VC Guhanathan, TV actor Srinivasan, KRG, Kalaipuli Thanu and Kalaipuli Sekar amongst others. Abirami Ramanathan announced his future projects in small screen and explained why he had made the inaugural function in cinema puja style. "Earlier we had made serials like Devathai, Maayavi Mareechan and a few others but now we have decided to go into serials in a big way since the reach is enormous.”
Gauthami was happy about this re entry and says, "Many people have been asking me when I am not returning to acting and this is my step in that direction. More details of my role will be announced later." Kamal says that small screen is the best medium to promote cinema. The actor urged to implement the copy right plan in small screen too.
Prakash Raj to produce Radha Mohan's next project
Finally Prakash Raj has come to the rescue of his friend and director Radha Mohan. Yes.. he will produce his next directorial venture titled Payanangal. According to the sources, the film is a Tamil and Telugu bilingual thriller, loosely based on the book Buy Flight into Fear written by Devi Saran, who was the captain of the ill fated Indian Airlines flight IC 814 involved in the 1999 Kandhar hijack.
Nagarjuna will play the role of the pilot while Prakash Raj is going to do the role of Union Home Secreatary. The script has been changed to suit local nativity with the flight taking off from Chennai instead of Kathmandu, and some local flavour added.
Nagarjuna will play the role of the pilot while Prakash Raj is going to do the role of Union Home Secreatary. The script has been changed to suit local nativity with the flight taking off from Chennai instead of Kathmandu, and some local flavour added.
Aparna Nair to make her debut in Tamil
Aparna Nair, famous as a stage performer, is making her debut in Tamil. Sources say that she has almost finished shooting her film titled Ethuvum Nadakkum. One of the main location for the film was in Cochin, Kerala.
Aparna has performed in many stage shows of actors like Mammootty and Mohanlal. The movie
is a love-story and will be seen in screens soon.
Aparna has performed in many stage shows of actors like Mammootty and Mohanlal. The movie
is a love-story and will be seen in screens soon.
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!
Kollywood discovers international film fests
It is pack up' call of a different kind from Tamil film directors. They are busy packing their bags, as they head towards Goa, Dubai and other venues where international film festivals are being held. Tamil film directors are turning into globetrotters.
"Directors and producers of Tamil films are waking up to the world of international film festivals, numbering 1300 in 80 countries, ranging from Albania to Zimbabwe," says director Ameer. And with good result. "International movie merchants are asking for Tamil film DVDS ," say directors Arun Vaidyanathan and Ameer.
Arun Vaidyanathan, whose film Achchamundu Achchamundu' has been selected for screening at the Indian Panorama of the Indian International Film Festival (IIFF). Director Pandiraj, whose film Pasanga' has also been selected for the Panorama, has entered the same film the Indian Film festival, Los Angeles . He is surfing the Net for information on other festival entry deadlines.
Yogi', featuring director Ameer, as the hero will enjoy a world premiere in the competition round of the Dubai International Film Festival. Ameer's earlier directorial ventures, Raam' and Paruthiveeran' made it to some of the prestigious film fests such as the ones at Cyprus and Berlin, and walked off with a couple of awards. Two other Tamil films, Aval per tamizhaci' and Rettachuzhi' have also made it to the screening round of the Dubai International Film Fest. (from November 15).
The recent trend among young filmmakers to take their films abroad, not merely to satisfy the Tamil diaspora, but also to gain a foothold in the competitive world of international cinema, and earn both revenue and respect for Tamil filmmakers is long overdue, says director Vasanth. "The world of cinema has seen a perfect marriage between commercial and parallel movies, and awareness over world markets and the importance of taking Tamil cinema to a world audience is growing, " says director S m Vasanth, who headed the jury for the international documentary and short films of the forthcoming IIFF.
"Global merchants are looking at the biographies and career graphs of our directors and this upswing is good for our cinema, " says producer K S Sivaraman, who has sent his Naan Kadavul' to the Cairo International Film Festival. Tamil cinema has had pioneers like Mani Ratnam in this field, but it is only now that other film makers are waking up to the outside world, beyond box office collections, says Pandiraj. Mani Ratnam himself is a regular at the festivals of UCLA, California, Berlin, Toronto, Venice, Amsterdam and Washington DC. "There is a huge demand for DVD rights of his films in many of those countries, " say a spokesperson of Madras Talkies, the director's production house.
"The benefits of being part of such events are huge, " says Ameer. "You can earn as much as you do in Indian markets, and the brand value of Tamil cinema has consistently gone up in recent years, " he adds.
While entering a film, directors and producers need to ensure quality sub titling, sleek editing (running time not above 2 hours) and keeping to the deadline. The cost of entering a festival may range between Rs 20, 000 to Rs one lakh, depending upon the work involved. While the top draw festivals do not offer money, others such as the Taipei and Washington film festivals may offer a film maker between $ 500 to $ 1000.
However, making it to such fests is still a part of the learning curve for many directors, says Pandiraj. "Many of us do not know how to package our films for a global audience as yet, " he adds. Ameer agrees. "It takes a lot of effort to send a film to a festival, and it is time policy makers appoint a separate jury at a national level to screen and send Indian films to such venues," he adds.
"Directors and producers of Tamil films are waking up to the world of international film festivals, numbering 1300 in 80 countries, ranging from Albania to Zimbabwe," says director Ameer. And with good result. "International movie merchants are asking for Tamil film DVDS ," say directors Arun Vaidyanathan and Ameer.
Arun Vaidyanathan, whose film Achchamundu Achchamundu' has been selected for screening at the Indian Panorama of the Indian International Film Festival (IIFF). Director Pandiraj, whose film Pasanga' has also been selected for the Panorama, has entered the same film the Indian Film festival, Los Angeles . He is surfing the Net for information on other festival entry deadlines.
Yogi', featuring director Ameer, as the hero will enjoy a world premiere in the competition round of the Dubai International Film Festival. Ameer's earlier directorial ventures, Raam' and Paruthiveeran' made it to some of the prestigious film fests such as the ones at Cyprus and Berlin, and walked off with a couple of awards. Two other Tamil films, Aval per tamizhaci' and Rettachuzhi' have also made it to the screening round of the Dubai International Film Fest. (from November 15).
The recent trend among young filmmakers to take their films abroad, not merely to satisfy the Tamil diaspora, but also to gain a foothold in the competitive world of international cinema, and earn both revenue and respect for Tamil filmmakers is long overdue, says director Vasanth. "The world of cinema has seen a perfect marriage between commercial and parallel movies, and awareness over world markets and the importance of taking Tamil cinema to a world audience is growing, " says director S m Vasanth, who headed the jury for the international documentary and short films of the forthcoming IIFF.
"Global merchants are looking at the biographies and career graphs of our directors and this upswing is good for our cinema, " says producer K S Sivaraman, who has sent his Naan Kadavul' to the Cairo International Film Festival. Tamil cinema has had pioneers like Mani Ratnam in this field, but it is only now that other film makers are waking up to the outside world, beyond box office collections, says Pandiraj. Mani Ratnam himself is a regular at the festivals of UCLA, California, Berlin, Toronto, Venice, Amsterdam and Washington DC. "There is a huge demand for DVD rights of his films in many of those countries, " say a spokesperson of Madras Talkies, the director's production house.
"The benefits of being part of such events are huge, " says Ameer. "You can earn as much as you do in Indian markets, and the brand value of Tamil cinema has consistently gone up in recent years, " he adds.
While entering a film, directors and producers need to ensure quality sub titling, sleek editing (running time not above 2 hours) and keeping to the deadline. The cost of entering a festival may range between Rs 20, 000 to Rs one lakh, depending upon the work involved. While the top draw festivals do not offer money, others such as the Taipei and Washington film festivals may offer a film maker between $ 500 to $ 1000.
However, making it to such fests is still a part of the learning curve for many directors, says Pandiraj. "Many of us do not know how to package our films for a global audience as yet, " he adds. Ameer agrees. "It takes a lot of effort to send a film to a festival, and it is time policy makers appoint a separate jury at a national level to screen and send Indian films to such venues," he adds.
Ravikumar to direct Kamal's next project?
K S Ravikumar, popularly called the commercial king of Kollywood, is to direct Kamal Hassan's project again, is the new buzz in Kollywood. The director is currently busy with the release of his Jaggubhai in which Sarathkumar- Shriya Saran play the lead roles.
Ravikumar says, "Jaggubhai has come out well and the trade is very happy with the final cut. It is a clean family entertainer. Originally the story was written for superstar Rajinikanth." Now our sources confirm that the director is holding talks with Kamal Hassan to direct Kamal's next venture after the release of Jaggubhai.
Ravikumar says, "Jaggubhai has come out well and the trade is very happy with the final cut. It is a clean family entertainer. Originally the story was written for superstar Rajinikanth." Now our sources confirm that the director is holding talks with Kamal Hassan to direct Kamal's next venture after the release of Jaggubhai.
Monday, November 9, 2009
Genelia opposite Dhanush?
South India's tantalizing damsel Genelia is reported to be the heroine of Kollywood's upcoming remake king Dhanush's new film, a remake of super hit Ready (Telugu). Notably, Genelia was the heroine in the original version, directed by Srinu Vytla. This is the first time Genelia will share screen space with Dhanush.
Directed by Dhanush’s favourite director Mithran Jawahar, the Tamil version of Ready will be produced by Appa Rao and Ramesh. Director Mithran Jawahar will make some basic nativity changes and retain Sri Devi Prasad’s original music track. The film will start rolling soon.
Ready is the story of a final year engineering student. One of his friends falls in love with a girl, whose father arranges her marriage with some other person. So his friends kidnap the bride out of the marriage hall to arrange their marriage. However, Chandu's gang mistakenly rushes into another marriage hall and kidnaps Pooja. Later, Chandu falls in love with Pooja. What happens next makes up the rest of the film.
Directed by Dhanush’s favourite director Mithran Jawahar, the Tamil version of Ready will be produced by Appa Rao and Ramesh. Director Mithran Jawahar will make some basic nativity changes and retain Sri Devi Prasad’s original music track. The film will start rolling soon.
Ready is the story of a final year engineering student. One of his friends falls in love with a girl, whose father arranges her marriage with some other person. So his friends kidnap the bride out of the marriage hall to arrange their marriage. However, Chandu's gang mistakenly rushes into another marriage hall and kidnaps Pooja. Later, Chandu falls in love with Pooja. What happens next makes up the rest of the film.
Tuesday, September 22, 2009
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.
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.
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.
Thursday, September 17, 2009
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.
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.’
“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.
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.
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