Cinemamatters.com Indian Movie Magazine May 2011

Vol 1 Issue 5

Entertainment . Online. Anytime.

www.cinemamatters.com

MAY - 2011

ONLY ON CINEMA

MATTERS Photos&Events

Interviews Reviews

MOM& DAUGHTER RADHA & KARTHIKA

Rajni’s Rana Movie Launch K Balachander Dada Saheb Phalke Award

Subhashree Thanikachalam Hariyudan Hariyudan NaanDirector’s NaanDirector’s Exclusive Exclusive Q&A Q&A

SINGER SHALINI Exclusive Exclusive Q&A Q&A

Royal Wedding William & Kate MAY - 2011

WWW.CINEMAMATTERS.COM

2660210007367700

1

MAY - 2011

Contents VOL 1 ISSUE 5 May 2011

10 Rajni’s Rana

Launch

14 Award - K B

08 Subhashree

Thanikachalam

EXCLUSIVE Q&A

WWW.CINEMAMATTERS.COM

2

MAY - 2011

18 SINGER SHALINI EXCLUSIVE Q&A

92 MOM& DAUGHTER

23 Movie Reviews

51 Old theme New fame

36 Film Festival in Norway

107 Prashanth

Ponnar Shankar

RADHA &KARTHIKA

49 Deiva Thiirumagan 44 180 On On Location Location 59 7am Arivu Villan

WWW.CINEMAMATTERS.COM

122 Royal Wedding

3

William & Kate

MAY - 2011

Editor note May 2011 Dear Reader, Summer is here!!!! Which means the heat is here and the movie theaters are going to be full. It certainly has started of with some good movies this month. This month of the year usually we see a lot of families

coming together and visit-

ing each other. The best part is “ School Leave “ I simply wonder if the world has changed or if the kids these days are more inquisitive. I see a lot of kid creators and more raw talent. It is a good sign that Television media is giving a bigger platform to everyone. So I hope that children make use of the time this summer and learn something creative or artistic.

Now coming to Cinema, Steven Spielberg said “ I dream for a Living” A director’s dream is what we watch as a movie.....A music director’s dream is the tune we all sing to.... Let’s all dream and achieve creative excellence.

Stop Piracy Save Cinema. Watch movies in Cinema theaters, a lot of hard work goes into each movie.

Happy Summer, Enjoy Reading.

Sainthavi Editor.

Vol 1 Issue 5

Entertainment Online Anytime

www.cinemamatters.com

MAY - 2011

ONLY ON CINEMA

MATTERS Photos&Events

Interviews Reviews

Creative Head - Vinodh.P.S Designer - N.Madhusuthanan

MOM& DAUGHTER RADHA &KARTHIKA

Follow us : www.twitter.com/cinemamatters

www.facebook.com/cinemamatters Send Your Feedback : feedback@cinemamatters.com

For Your Advertisements : Please Contact : ads@cinemamatters.com

99621 14202

Rajni’s Rana Movie Launch

K Balachander Dada Saheb Phalke Award

Hariyudan Naan Director’s Director’s Exclusive Exclusive Q&A Q&A

SHALINI Exclusive Exclusive Q&A Q&A

Royal Wedding

Cover page : Karthika

William & Kate MAY - 2011

WWW.CINEMAMATTERS.COM

2660210007367700

WWW.CINEMAMATTERS.COM

4

1

MAY - 2011

MAY - 2011

Entertainment. Online. Anytime.

WWW.CINEMAMATTERS.COM

5

MAY - 2011

Download - CinemaMatters’ Twitter Backgrounds Follow as on - www.twitter.com/cinemamatters

www.facebook.com/cinemamatters Subscribe

www.youtube.com/user/cinemamatters WWW.CINEMAMATTERS.COM

6

MAY - 2011

TOP 10 Songs Tamil songs Kadha Solla Poraen Singer(s): Vikram, Shringa. S Music: GV. Prakash Album: Deiva Thirumagan Rules Kidaiyathu Singer(s): Tippu Music: Shareth Album: 180 - Rules Kidaiyathu Ennamo Yeadho Singer(s): Aalap Raju, Prashanthini, Rap Sricharan, Emcee Jesz Music: Harris Jayaraj Album: Ko Kodi Kotti Koduthalum Singer(s): Haricharan, Sathyan Music:Illayaraja Album: Ponnar Shankar Aaru Padai Singer(s): Vijay Yesudas, Mukesh Music: Mani Sharma Album: Mappillai WWW.CINEMAMATTERS.COM

.. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. ... .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. ... .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. ... .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. ... .. .. .. .. .. .. ... .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. ..

Yai Sivakami Singer(s): Rahul Nambiar, Rita Music: Illayaraja Album: Ayyan Engeyum Kaadhal Singer(s): Aalap Raju, Devan, Ranina Reddy Music: Harris Jayaraj Album: Engeyum Kaadhal Pooti Kedandha Manasu S inger(s): Karthik, Priya Music: John Peter Album: Bodinayakanur Ganesan Jolly Aa Jolly Aa S inger(s): Ranjith Music: Mani Sharma Album: Om Sakthi Mazhaiyudhir Kaalam S inger(s): Vijay Yesudas, Saindhavi Music: Taj Noor Album: Ethan 7

MAY - 2011

CM E V I S U L EXC

Subhashree Thanikachalam Would you like to be a singer? Why didn’t you try to become a professional singer?

No I never wanted to, I always believed that one should not venture into any profession without proper training. That applies to me too. It’s not like these days when you can be a playback singer just because you know to sing. I belong to a golden age when music is really a devotional art.

You would have introduced or should I say identified many singers on your shows, please name a few for us....

Yes. I love the terminology “identified” see nobody comes out of the blue. They are just looking for the right platform. That way may be I have helped a few. KARTHIK, RANJITH, CHINMAYEE, HARICHARAN, SAINDHAVI, SRIVARDHANI, ROSHNI, RAHUL NAMBIAR and NOW THE BAND HUN. But these are the few … I know there are many shining in many fields of music like devotional classical and as Aboorva Raagangal.... I should say the even composers. pioneer of all these music reality shows.

How did you come up with the concept?

You started out to be a reporter and No Sun TVs sapthaswarangal. That is the parent how did that take turn to a director? show for all the music shows reality shows that are NO. I did not start as a reporter. I started as happening today. A professional music competition a scriptwriter and director only. I turned a refor youngsters was the need for the day in the late porter during the assembly elections in 1996.

90s when satellite televisions were reeling under I am the first on firld reporter for Tamil satelthe same old film based shows. That was a super lite televisions. But being a creative person, I hit and became a factory to produce pro musicians gave it up very shortly becuae that was fact to the film industry. Aboorva raagangal was much reporting and did not suffice my needs. later after four years of sapthaswarnagal.

Do you sing? Have you been trained pro fessionally in any type of music?

Not really. My father was a severe music fanatic and I learnt barathanatyam for 12 years. Music classes somehow did not work out for me. But music was in the gene and blood. So learning happened only through listening

WWW.CINEMAMATTERS.COM

8

Who is your favorite music director?

ILAYARAJA, ALL THE WAY.

MAY - 2011

What is your favorite song?

That’s a very difficult question.

There are millions.

Tell us something about your family.

A very small and cute family, Husband thanikachalam is a hotelier in japan, daughter shrinika is a third year media student. But you know I have seen all my contestants in my shows as my own children. So I am virtually the mother of a lot of children

Produced and Directed SAPTHASWARANGAL APOORVA RAAGANGAL RAGAMALIKA LITTLE MASTERS MARGAZHI MAHA UTSAVAM CLEVELAND THYAGARAJA UTSAVAM

LITTLE SUPER STARS CARNATIC MUSIC IDOL MAGALIR MATTUM TWENTY TWENTY And a lot of special shows

How do you find time for family? Do you cook? What is your signature dish?

I may not be very good with family timings. But whatever time I spend How was your expeis quality time. I am a very good rience working with cook, according to my daughter. I Hariharanji? do all the meals at home. Signature BLISS. An opportunity to travel with a living legend of dish

his caliber, I think this is the For a layman, how do you best one-year of my musithink he or she should real- cal life. ize that they are talented?

Listen to comments from genuine people. Just because two three people are saying u r talented don’t believe it. Pursue what you know and don’t try to do something because you like what others are doing

WWW.CINEMAMATTERS.COM

Are we going to have another season of Hariyudan Naan?

It is too early to say. My aim is make this band HUN a world brand. We will wait .

9

A few words of wisdom for our readers I am not any big to say that. Still if u insist. CHASE

YOUR DREAMS. YOU MAY HAVE A LONG LIST OF SACRIFICES. DOES NOT MATTER. THERE IS A BIG FRUIT WAITING AT THE TOP OF THE HILL. FETCH IT.

MAY - 2011

S T N

E V E

RAJINI’s RANA MOVIE LA

WWW.CINEMAMATTERS.COM

10

MAY - 2011

AUNCH

WWW.CINEMAMATTERS.COM

11

MAY - 2011

WWW.CINEMAMATTERS.COM

12

MAY - 2011

WWW.CINEMAMATTERS.COM

13

MAY - 2011

D R A

AW

KB gets Dada Saheb Phalke

KB

alachander has been conferred the Dadasaheb Phalke Award for the year 2010.

The award is conferred by the Government of India for outstanding contribution to the growth and development of Indian Cinema. The award consists of a Swarn Kamal, a cash prize of Rs 10 lakh and a shawl.The award is given on the recommendations of a committee of eminent persons, said a press release.

The script writer-producer-director and actor has been associated with the industry for almost five decades and rendered many a hit. A thrilled KB dedicated the honour to artistes groomed by him.

A host of film personalities including those who were introduced by him including Rajinikanth, Kamal Haasan and Vivek among others heaped laurels on Balachander.

He has written, directed and produced more than 100 films in Tamil, Telugu, Hindi and Kannada. Balachander is known for his distinct film-making style. The films he scripts and directs analyse unusual or complicated inter-personal relationships and social themes. Balachander has the uncanny knack of spotting talent.

Born in Thanjavur District, Tamil Nadu in July 1930, Balachander came into prominence as a playwright with his dynamic plays like ‘Major Chandrakanth’, ‘Server Sundaram’, ‘Naanal’ and ‘Neerkumizhi’. These plays enjoyed huge popular and critical acclaim.

He entered the film industry in 1965 and shot into fame with his very first film ‘Neerkumizhi’ starring Nagesh. Since then he has directed and produced a number of movies which have won many National Awards, awards from the State Govts. and other organizations.

Some of the prominent films he has directed include ‘Apoorva Raagagal’, ‘Avargal’ ’47 Natkal’, ‘Sindhu Bhairavi, ‘Ek Duuje Ke Liye’ (Hindi), ‘Maro Charithra, and ‘Rudraveena’ in Teluguand ‘Bekiyalli Aralida Hoovu, in Kannada.

For the last few years, Balachander has also turned his attention to the small screen and has brought to it the same perfection and intensity that he exhibited on the big screen.

WWW.CINEMAMATTERS.COM

14

MAY - 2011

kamal greeted K Balachander Dada Saheb Phalke

Following is an article by Kamal Haasan greeting his mentor K Balachander for being selected for Dada Saheb Phalke award.

There is no two feeling.. Only one.. Its long overdue..And if it had not been done at least done it will be a glaring disregard.. a glaring omission.. thats what we have been trying to tell even the government.. and constantly reminding them..

Not because of some hurry.. He’s in good health.. He can probably direct a few more films if he so wishes.. But my thing of course its been often said in many interviews.. they know what i am to him and what he is to me.. there is only one thing i would like to say.. its a very personal matter but it doesn’t matter.. now we are beyond all that.. Im groomed by him and everybody knows that and its a father-son relationship.. Once when i went to see one of his plays, i had tears in my eyes.. not so because of just the quality of the play because he is known for that.. its not a surprise.. but the tenacity of purpose and the intent with which he does a play the constant endeavor to excel - that is what moved me and i suddenly realised and i wrote saying that the roles have been reversed.. I felt like a proud father because i have grown up enough to understand that the value of the true son of the soil.. i need not be a parent.. but thats what he is.. a very important son of the soil.. a wealth - specially Tamil Nadu - we can boast - we can beat our chest and say that he is from here - but that doesnt mean that we are trying to entrap him into a colloquial border.. but im sure there will be someone from Nannilam who’ll say he’s ours but he’s everybody’s.. including Kamal Hasan’s - especially Kamal Hasan’s.. and this is one occasion where i use - to vault over - its a fulcrum which is use to lift my other heavy load of gratitude and other things and the good things i have to say about him.. He’s one package - an inimitable package and i have been telling this to people..And apart from the government, the industry already respects him but they should understand the true value of it,.. if you have have to say in tamil - intha thangathai nalla orachu paakanum - santhegame vendam - iruntha nall orachu paarunga yena konjamaavathu ottum.. Thats what i would like to say.. he’s a very important man and im very proud.. i want him to be very healthy.. if at all an award has to be given apart from films he should be given for the way he takes care of his health.. he had a heart attack when he was 40 or 41 and he decided to change his lifestyle and that way also he is a champion.. Thats another award that doctors would have to sit around and discuss...

WWW.CINEMAMATTERS.COM

15

MAY - 2011

Director Union Members wished K Balachander

I think he should start listening to many stories.. at least even if he doesn’t want to make a film he should advise all and sundry.. I was a nobody when he picked me up so was Mr Rajini..

He should now pick up boys and impart as much knowledge as he can.. and im very lucky that way.. nobody will get as much from him as ive got.. and i know im arrogant in saying that but i cn say that because i have been humble in learning.. now i’m boasting about the opportunity only - not about what i have achieved..

- What sets him apart - one is he is constantly critiquing himself and asking.. ive seen him terribly worried about a release of a film which doesn’t matter at all after all the success.. im talking about maybe after more than midway across 100 films that he had done.. and he’d get worried - almost drive himself to sickness..

WWW.CINEMAMATTERS.COM

Worrying and worried sick they say.. thats what we would say - why does he have to worry - even if the film is an utter flop it would never change the value of the man but he would worry for everything and the amount of effort that he puts in every bit - we used to make fun - like if theres a postman’s character and he has to say ‘sir post’, he would rehearse and he would look at it from another angle and he”ll work on it.. i have seen it happen,.. thats how i came in.. So also Mr Rajini - started with a bit role.. its a smaller role.. As a matter of fact, the opening of Rajini with Balachander was much bigger than what i got in Arangetram.. I had to work really hard and he notices it..

That’s his strength.. I wish Mr Ananthu had been alive.. He could have easily been alive..

We are all people who wanted him to rise rise rise and rise.. im very happy - his best 16

i have done about 36 films with him.. truly even the ones that didnt do well are my favourites - even the ones where i did bit roles - it was not about the ego.. the honour of working with him was always there.. i don’t know about many others but im very proud and i think he’s very important and even as an old man with oxygen in my mouth i would still have to remember him - he;s that important a part of my film career.. i have had many gurus in various sections of life and this part is very important.. its as important as shivaji ganesan sir was to me and they didnt hand guide me.. this gentleman did that.. they gave it for everyone.. they were like listening to all india radio.. but he personally led me and that was like a blind man crossing the street - thats how we were when we came and he ledus across the street..

MAY - 2011

WWW.CINEMAMATTERS.COM

17

MAY - 2011

CM S EXCLU

WWW.CINEMAMATTERS.COM

18

MAY - 2011

SIVE

SHALINI

S

Name: Shalini Singh Balaje Age: 28 Native: Uttar Pradesh Born and brought up in: Chennai Tell us some thing about your childhood and family.

Started singing when I was 3 in school and then when I was 5,I recorded my first jingle and performed in my first musical ‘Annie’. .Started training in Carnartic for a few years then switched to Hindustani for 8 years while simultaneously doing my practicals in western classical piano and Theory grades in Western music through the Trinity College of London.So my childhood was filled with music music and more music

You started out as a singer when you were 13. How did your career start?

I started out when I was 5 professionally, and when I was 13 got the opportunity to cut my first album.

I had recorded a song for Mr.Balaji a sound engineer then working in Picture Productions and he liked it so much that he played to Mr.Madhav Das of Magnasound who happened to be looking for a new face to launch Tamil Pop down South.He liked my voice and the next thing I knew was i was on contract with Magnasound doing an album and after that is history.

What was your first song?

The first film song that I recorded was ‘Deewana’ from the movie Thulli Thirindha Kaalam by Jayanth...but first released song was ‘Ailasa Ailasa’ from the movie ‘Naam Iruvar Namakku Iruvar’ by Karthik Raja.

Who is your favorite music director?

Tough question :) Every composer has a unique style and technique, so to choose one would just be unfair.

What is your favorite song sung by you ?

Every single song I sing is very close to my heart and it would be just plain wrong to choose one favorite.

Who is your favorite singer? Male and female?

Im a lover of music in general,so any song that Where do you hang out in touches my heart and any voice that gives that chennai with your friends ? song a new colour would certainly be my faAmethyst,CoffeeDay,Barista etc vorite.And in yesteryear singers, there cant be any comparison...they are all legends.

WWW.CINEMAMATTERS.COM

19

MAY - 2011

What do you think about these reality shows for singers these days?

I think it is an amazing platform, a kind of short cut in some ways,but nevertheless absolutely pressurizing and difficult because there is just one winner.But strangely, its more difficult to sustain yourself in this industry than bag a few songs, so it doesn’t end with the reality show,it has to be pursued. There is no way that even the winner of the contest can sit back and expect to be hoarded with offers. Sometimes,the winners don’t do as well as the others outside the reality show.So ultimately, its a game of luck,handwork,hits and misses and everyone has to go through the grind and go with the flow.

Is there a healthy competition among the singing fraternity?

There is a lot of groupism but having never been in any such group I can safely say that everyone have been really good friends to me and I have sung over 500 songs and travelled the world so its all in how you portray yourself and how you deal with people and situations.

WWW.CINEMAMATTERS.COM

Do you think a voice should go well with the mood of the song or should fit the actor performing for it?

Now it is more of suiting the style and mood of the song rather than the actor because music is being globalized and needs to be closer to what is the essence of the music style than any other factor.

Can we expect more albums from you ?

Sure why not...If and when the right time comes my way.

How has recording a song changed from when you started?

I don’t think anything much has changed.Its just the styles of music that have been diversified and globalized.

A few words of wisdom for aspiring singers.......

It is no walk in the park and nothing comes easy.If it does come easy then sustenance is going to be difficult considering the number of singers today.My sincere advice would be to pursue your music career alongside a regular job so that you are able to balance yourself for your soul and your pocket.

20

MAY - 2011

Magazine Vol 1 Issue 2

Entertainment Online Anytime

www.Cinemamatters.com

JAN - 2011

Vol 1 Issue 3

Entertainment Online Anytime

www.cinemamatters.com

ONLY ON CINEMA

FEB - 2011

Vol 1 Issue 4

Entertainment Online Anytime

www.cinemamatters.com

APRIL - 2011

Vol 1 Issue 5

Entertainment Online Anytime

www.cinemamatters.com

MAY - 2011

ONLY ON CINEMA

MATTERS Photos&Events

Interviews Reviews

ONLY ON CINEMA

MATTERS

MATTERS

Interviews Reviews

Interviews Reviews

Photos&Events

Photos&Events

MOM& DAUGHTER RADHA &KARTHIKA

Exclusive Q&A Manobala

Rajni’s Rana Movie Launch

Lekha All Rounder

K Balachander

Jiiva Ready For the Race

Aadhi

Going Great Guns

Rajni

ONLY ON CINEMA

MATTERS

Rana WWW.CINEMAMATTERS.COM

Photos&Events

Interviews Reviews

FEBUARY - 2011

1

2660210007367700

WWW.CINEMAMATTERS.COM

JAN - 2011

Hariyudan Naan Director’s Director’s Exclusive Exclusive Q&A Q&A

Stars Talk World cup Cricket

Nadunisi Naaygal Controversy

JANUARY - 2011

Dada Saheb Phalke Award

FEBUARY - 2011

2660210007367700

2660210007367700

21

I Am A Party Animal Says Premgi

SHALINI Exclusive Exclusive Q&A Q&A

Royal Wedding William & Kate MAY - 2011

WWW.CINEMAMATTERS.COM

2660210007367700

1

MAY - 2011

MAY - 2011

IE S

M OV

Ko

Pick Of The Month STARRING : Jeeva,Ajmal Ameer, Karthika, Nair

Piaa Bajpai

DIRECTOR : K. V. Anand

MUSIC : Harris Jayaraj

BANNER : Red Giant Movies GENRE :Thriller / Horror

Vaanam

STARRING : Silambarasan, Bharath, Anushka, Prakash Raj,Saranya

DIRECTOR : Krish

MUSIC : Yuvan Shankar Raja

BANNER : Cloud Nine

GENRE :Family / Drama

Mappillai

STARRING : Dhanush, Hansika, Manisha Koirala

DIRECTOR : Suraj

MUSIC : Mani Sharma

BANNER : Sun Pictures

GENRE :Family / Drama

Ponnar Shankar

STARRING : Prashanth, Sneha, Kushboo, Prakash Raj DIRECTOR : Thiagarajan

MUSIC : Ilaiyaraaja

BANNER : Lakshmi Shanthi Movies GENRE : Classic

Kullanari Koottam

STARRING : Vishnu Vishal, Remya Nambeesan DIRECTOR : Sribalaji

MUSIC : V Selvaganesh

BANNER : Darshon Creations GENRE :Romance

WWW.CINEMAMATTERS.COM

22

MAY - 2011

M R OV EV IE IE W P

Dheiva Thirumagan – Preview

Vikram is flying high with the accolades that he is receiving for Deiva Thirumagan, even before the film hit the screens. For, the trailers of the movie are out and his performance is widely appreciated.

Produced by Mogan Nadarajan, the movie is directed by Vijay of Kireedam, Madraspattinam and Poi Solla Porom fame. Amala Paul and Anushka are the heroines while music is by G V Prakash Kumar.

‘Dheiva Thirumagan is a movie to reckon with in my career. It is one of the best’, says Vikram, adding: ‘It has a great storyline, never told before in Tamil cinema. It provides a good scope for every artiste to give their best on screen. The entire shooting is completed in one go’.

The movie was shot in Ooty and its adjoining areas. Also a grand set resembling a High Court was erected in Chennai where a major portion of the film was shot. The movie has cinematography by Nirav Shah and art by Santhanam.

The highlight of the film would be its songs, adds Vikram. Young G V Prakash has come up with catchy numbers, he adds. Interestingly, the actor himself has crooned two numbers in the movie.On the heroines, he says, ‘Everyone knows Anushka as a glam doll but when you see this film, you realise her character has a lot of substance. In Mynaa, you saw an Amala Paul who is dark and grimy but in this movie, you see her as mature, composed, pretty and stylish. For an actress who is just a few films old, she has done a good job.

7am Arivu – Preview

7am Arivu, directed by A R Murugadoss and featuring Suriya and Sruthi Haasan in lead roles, is fast shaping up. An action sci-fi thriller, the movie is said to be made in three languagesTamil, Telugu and Hindi.

Grapevine has it is that plans are on to shoot a song in Chennai with 1000 dancers with Suriya. Confrming the news, music composer Harris Jeyaraj too has tweeted, ‘ recoring a dance track that would feature 1000 dancers’.

Udhayanidhi Stalin of Red Giant Movies, who is producing the film, is upbeat with the way the movie has shaped up. Sources close to him say, ‘ the way so far the movie has come, it is obvious that it would rock’.

Since Murugadoss and Suriya come together after a huge huit in Ghajini, all eyes are on the project. Suriya plays a circus artiste in the movie. A thrilled Shruthi tweeted, ‘Last few days on the sets of ezham arivu! I’m as excited as the audience to see the final product.’

Says Suriya, ‘7Am Arivu is an intelligent script. It is full of thrills and spills. There is awesome energy all through. I should be thankful to my producer and director, they gave me enough encouragement to give my best.’

WWW.CINEMAMATTERS.COM

23

MAY - 2011

M R OV EV I IE E W

CinemaMatters | Movie Reviews

Mappillai STARRING :Dhanush,Hansika Motwani,Manisha Koirala,Vivek BANNER :Sun Pictures DIRECTOR : Suraj MUSIC : Mani Sharma LANGUAGE : Tamil RATING :

MAPPILLAI MOVIE REVIEW

First, he had a blockbuster song from a Rajinikanth starrer remixed for his film (Ennama Kannu….). Next, he used the titles of a couple of popular Superstar movies (Polladhavan and Padikadhavan). Now with Mappillai, he has fully retooled a grand 80s hit of Rajni’s.

But still, we don’t have anything to complaint against Dhanush. For Mappillai is not just a remake, but more than that. The basic knot alone has been inspired and nowhere in the movie Dhanush tried to imitate his Superstar father-in-law.

Director Suraj, who earlier gave us Padikadhavan in the company of the same actor, has played Mappillai script it to the strength of Dhanush. Though there are some minuses (especially towards the climax), the film on the whole may become a big summer treat to the audience.

Saravanan, a poor and good guy, falls in love with the rich and beautiful Gayathri (Hanshika Motwani), who is the daughter of an all-powerful multi millionaire entrepreneur Rajeshwari (Manisha Koirala).

Unlike other rich parents, Rajeshwari gives consent to her daughter’s affair. For all that she wants is a calm, silent and obedient son-in-law, who would say nothing but yes to all her orders.

As the marriage nears, Rajeshwari comes to know the past of Saravanan. That he is actually a rowdy who is in disguise. However, she is unable to stop her daughter’s marriage with Saravanan. What now starts is a fight between the mother-in-law and ‘mappillai’.

Dhanush is cool and composed. He delivers boundaries scene after scene. He brings the difference between the soft-spoken one and the arrogant ruffian well. The sequences where Dhanush and Vivek meet and the one-liners never fail to tickle our funny bone.

Manisha Koirala brings some freshness to the role, while a bright future awaits Hanshika Motwani if she makes right moves. Watch out for Manisha, the dream girl of 1990s settling down to play a character role with negative shade. As an autocratic woman, she is impressive.

Music by Mani Sharma is adequate. Due credit should be given to him for not tampering too much with the remix of Ennoda Rasi Nalla Rasi .There may be some flaws for a deja vu feel may prevail at many places. However on the whole, Mappillai is a right entertainment for front-benchers and those who love ‘masala’ movies.

Online Movie Review - http://www.cinemamatters.com/details.php?mid=48 Online Movie Gallery - http://www.cinemamatters.com/galleryimage.php?id=714&artist_id=122

WWW.CINEMAMATTERS.COM

24

MAY - 2011

WWW.CINEMAMATTERS.COM

25

MAY - 2011

WWW.CINEMAMATTERS.COM

26

MAY - 2011

M R OV EV I IE E W

CinemaMatters | Movie Reviews

Ponnar Shankar STARRING : Prashanth, Chopra, Divya Parameshwaran, Kushboo ,Sneha, Prakash Raj, Jayaram

BANNER :Lakshmi Shanthi Movies DIRECTOR : Thyagarajan MUSIC :Ilayaraja LANGUAGE : Tamil RATING : PONNAR SHANKAR MOVIE REVIEW

A period film with script penned by Chief Minister M Karunanidhi never fails to arouse one’s curiosity. When his most popular novel Ponnar Shankar, a tale about two valorous brothers is made as a movie, the expectation skyrockets.

Does it weave magic on the silver screen? Did that give the same pleasure as reading the novel?

Thanks to director Thiyagarajan and Prashanth’s efforts, the magic works to some extent.

Ponnar Shankar has a complicated story. Periyamalai Gounder (Vijaya Kumar) arranges his daughter Thamarai’s (Kushboo) wedding with his friend’s son Manthiappan (Prakashraj).

But Thamarai is in love with her childhood friend Nellaiyaan Gounder (Jayaram). Finally after crossing many hurdles Thamarai marries her lover against her father and brother Chinnamalai Gounder’s (Ponvannan) wishes.

This irks Manthiappan who in turn creates enmity between Periyamalai Gounder and his good friend Thalaiyoor Kaali (Nepolean). After their marriage Thamarai decides to leave the kingdom and starts a new life in a new place.

But before leaving the kingdom Thamarai takes an oath; that is to give birth to two brave sons and get them married to her brother’s daughters. Fast forward; after many years the whole kingdom is in praise for Raaki Annan’s (Raj Kiran) two brave disciples, Ponnar and Shankar (Prashanth in a dual role), who don’t know about their parents.

They are always ready to face their enemies or to fight against injustice.

One day, Ponnar and Shankar save Chinnamalai Gounder’s two daughters Muthaagi (Pooja Chopra) and Pavalaagi (Divya). At this point Thalaiyoor Kaali, on the advice of Manthiappan, decides to kidnap Chinnamalai Gounder’s wife, son and daughters; and they succeed too.

Now again Ponnar and Shankar are back in action to save Gounder’s family. After a series of incidents, Chinnamalai Gounder decide to give his daughters hands to Ponnar and Shankar. He also decides to meet his long lost sister Thamarai. What will happen when Thamarai’s know that her sons are alive? Did Ponnar and Shankar teach Mandhioappan a lesson?

Prashanth looks good, credible in his warrior outfits and is all pumped up in battle scenes.Kushboo and Jayaram have meaty roles and they have done justice. Napolean, Ponvannan, Prakashraj and Captain Raj have done their part well. Raj Kiran excels as Aasaan. Sneha, as Prashanth’s sister, looks beautiful on screen but unfortunately appears only in a few scenes.

The film has two major battle sequences and they have been captured in a grand manner. Shaji Kumar’s breath taking visuals is a major plus of the film. So is Ilayaraja’s music. The screenplay lags in the second half and there are too many characters too. But for these two pitfalls, Ponnar Shankar is a decent attempt.

Online Movie Review - http://www.cinemamatters.com/details.php?mid=54 Online Movie Gallery - http://www.cinemamatters.com/galleryimage.php?id=14310&artist_id=686

WWW.CINEMAMATTERS.COM

27

MAY - 2011

M R OV EV I IE E W

CinemaMatters | Movie Reviews

ko STARRING : Jeeva ,Ajmal Ameer Karthika Nair,Piaa Bajpai, Prakash Raj. BANNER : Red Giant Movies DIRECTOR : K. V. Anand MUSIC : Harris Jayaraj LANGUAGE : Tamil RATING :

Ko - MOVIE REVIEW Ko, cinematographer-filmmaker K V Anand’s follow-up to his blockbuster Ayan, is all about how a photojournalist takes on the system and comes up trumps in the end. Racy from scene one, the film may lack logic, but leaves a magic in many places.

Produced by R S Infotainment and released by Udhayanidhi Stalin’s Red Giant Movies, the film takes the audience close to the media world, and gives minute details about the work of journalists. A former press photographer, Anand has added value to his maiden job with this film.

There are three major plus points to the movie- performance, technical brilliance and making.

While Jiiva, Karthika, Piaa and Prakashraj add value to the first point, Harris Jayaraj, cinematographer Richard Nathan and editor Antony stand for the second and the director alone for the third, which is crucial too.

Having said that, there are some minuses too, especially logical lapses in stunt sequences.

But, if your search is for a commercial movie which would keep you on the edge of the seat for more than two hours, should you really bother about these things.

Well, coming to the story, Ashwin (Jiiva) works as a photographer in a daily newspaper called Dhina Anjali, where Renu (Karthika) and Saro (Piaa) too work, as journalists.

The three younsters are good at gathering news and everything goes well till a twist arrives.

There is an engineer-turned-aspiring politician Vasanthan Perumal (Ajmal), who dreams about healthy political scenario.

Even as the State’s politics revolve around Chief Minister Yogi (Prakashraj), Saro gets killed in a bomb blast. Is the CM the mastermind behind all evil things? Or someone else is operating? Ashwin unravels everything.

To sum it up, Ko could make a couple of hours in your summer weekend more hot, thanks to its racy narration. It’s like reading a crime novel in one go. Kudos to writers Suba and K V Anand.

Online Movie Review - http://www.cinemamatters.com/details.php?mid=55 Online Movie Gallery - http://www.cinemamatters.com/galleryimage.php?id=3785&artist_id=228 WWW.CINEMAMATTERS.COM

28

MAY - 2011

cjaepjp !;lhypd; tH';Fk;

K.V Anand Harris Jayaraj P.vijay / viveka /Suba WWW.CINEMAMATTERS.COM

29

MAY - 2011

Box

c agi M s &resents rstar n o p cti pe u u d S Pro ng IN u V o T Y V

P

sh i r K e n i N d s u e o i l v C Mo

WWW.CINEMAMATTERS.COM

30

s

re ictu

MAY - 2011

M R OV EV I IE E W

CinemaMatters | Movie Reviews

vaanam STARRING : Silambarasan, Bharath,

Anushka, Prakash Raj,

Saranya BANNER : Cloud Nine Movies DIRECTOR : Krish MUSIC : Yuvan Shankar Raja LANGUAGE : Tamil RATING :

VANNAM - MOVIE REVIEW

All eyes are on Simbu this Friday. For last week, Ko, in which he was about to act, hit the screens and it has now been declared a blockbuster. So it is now time for STR, as he is now, to prove his mettle. And he simply does it in Vaanam, Tamil cinema’s first new age multistarrer.

A remake of Telugu hit Vedam, Vaanam directed by Krish is different from the word go. Right from the ensemble of characters to the way the story is narrated to a strong message in the climax, the movie is there to give you many a surprise.

The film’s screenplay is a quite an experiment. Five stories cross each other paths now and then and end in one common climax, which is strong, subtle, honest and straight-forward.

Cable Raja (STR) is raised in slums and fakes a rich girl (Jasmin Bhasin) by claiming that he is rich. Saroja (Anushka) plays a sex worker who tries to elope a brothel house, Bharath Chakravarthy (Manchu Manoj Kumar) dreams of becoming a rock star, A Muslim couple (Prakashraj and Sonia Agarwal) wish to go to Sharjah due to their past sorrow and an old man who is desperate to fund his grandson studies. The plot unveils when all these characters come in touch with each other.

Krish has selected five characters whose lives are beautifully nuanced, structured at many levels and meet at a point. And all of them have proved their acting mettle in a much appreciable way.

Cinematography by Nirav Shah and editing by Antony are credible strengths. But the hidden soul of Vaanam is Yuvanshankar Raja’s music. If you are ready to come out of some confusions in the narration which is due to a comple script, you can see many stars and rainbows in Vaanam.

Online Movie Review - http://www.cinemamatters.com/details.php?mid=56 Online Movie Gallery - http://www.cinemamatters.com/galleryimage.php?id=3948&artist_id=243 WWW.CINEMAMATTERS.COM

31

MAY - 2011

M R OV EV I IE E W

CinemaMatters | Movie Reviews

Nanjupuram STARRING : Raaghav, Monica, Naren,Thambi Ramiah.

BANNER :Sri Thenandal Films DIRECTOR : Charles MUSIC : Raaghav LANGUAGE : Tamil RATING :

NANJUPURAM MOVIE REVIEW Snakes and myths are like two sides of a coin. Wherever you go in this world, easily could you come across stories related to snakes. And it was longtime back Kollywood had a release on this popular theme.

Comes Nanjupuram in an apparent bid to fill this gap. We don’t see any fault in the basic idea. But with the way it has been executed. For the movie has nothing new to offer, except some technically rich scenes, which snake-films in the past were unable to provide.

Directed by newcomer Charles, Nanjupuram which has popular television actor Raghav in the lead role, is distributed by Sri Thenandal Films, a company backed by Rama Narayanan, the president of Tamil Film Producers Council.

The movie has dialogues by Magudeswaran and cinematography by Anthony. Besides playing the lead role, Raghav has scored the music too and has left his stamp in a fairly convincing way.

The film’s backdrop is a village called Nanjupuram where two things are alive very much. One is the caste system and the other is a belief on snakes—that anyone who attacks a snake will get killed in 45 days.

Velu (Raghav), an upper caste youth falls in love Malar (Monica), a lower caste girl. One day, he attacks a snake and was asked by villagers to stay away for 45 days. But his love towards Malar makes him to elope with her. What’s next is the climax.

All actors, including Raghav and Monica have played their parts well. If at all those behind penning the script had brought in some novelty, Nanjupuram could have been a thriller we are looking for.

Movie Review - http://www.cinemamatters.com/details.php?mid=52 Online Movie Gallery - http://www.cinemamatters.com/galleryimage.php?id=16460&artist_id=767

WWW.CINEMAMATTERS.COM

32

MAY - 2011

WWW.CINEMAMATTERS.COM

33

MAY - 2011

S T N

E V E

Deiva Thiirumagan Press Meet

WWW.CINEMAMATTERS.COM

34

MAY - 2011

Yudham Sei Premiere Show Deiva Thiirumagan Press Meet

WWW.CINEMAMATTERS.COM

35

MAY - 2011

Film Festival in Norway

WWW.CINEMAMATTERS.COM

36

MAY - 2011

F

ilm Festival in Norway Awards galore at Norway Film Fest

The second Norway International Tamil Film Festival held at Oslo, witnessed Tamil film directors including Cheran, Radha Mohan, Prabhu Solomon, Vetrimaran among others taking part, The juries have announced the awards for the films that participated in the festival.

Awards list

Best Visual Effects: Enthiram (San Vinstan and Indian Arts) Best make up - Enthiran (Banu) Best Costume design: Deepali Noor (Madrasapattanam) Best Art Director: Selvakumar (Madrasapattanam) Best Original Score: GV Prakashkumar (Madrasapattanam) Best Original Song - Pookal Pookum Tharunam (Madrasapattanam) Best Choreographer - Dinesh (Adukalam) Best Lyricist - Na Muthukumar Best Stunts - Action Prakash (Yuthamsai) Best Editing - Antony (Vinnath thandi varuvaya) Best Cinematography - Sukumar (Maina)

Best Documentary Film - Ellalan (Sukumar) Best Original Screenplay - Then Metku paruvakkatru (Seenu Ramasamy) Best Supporting Actress - Saranya (Then Metku Paruvakkatru ) Best Supporting Actor - Thamby Ramaia (Maina) Best newcomer - Harish (Tha) Best Actor - Vidharth (maina) Best Actress - Anjali (Angadththeru) Best Director - Radha Mohan - Payanam Best Film - Maina Best Production - Sun Pictures (Enthiran) Midnight Sun Award - Payanam

Kalachikaram Award - Director Cheran

Ajith disbands his fan clubs

Irked with political aspirations of a section of his fans, Ajith Kumar today announced that he would dissolve all his fan clubs from his birthday, May 1.

In a statement, the actor said that he was upset by the act of some of his fans, who were not ready to follow his instructions and guidelines. ‘Following this, I have decided to dismantle my fan clubs. People are watching everything. I will never use my fans for my personal interests,’ the Thala said.

WWW.CINEMAMATTERS.COM

37

MAY - 2011

S T N

E V E

Jeeva Fans Palkudam

WWW.CINEMAMATTERS.COM

38

MAY - 2011

Maaveeran Audio Launch

WWW.CINEMAMATTERS.COM

39

MAY - 2011

S T N

E

VE

IPL opening ceremony

WWW.CINEMAMATTERS.COM

40

MAY - 2011

IPL opening ceremony

On the inaugural day of the Indian Premier League Friday, Bollywood actor and Kolkata Knight Riders owner ShahRukh

Khan thrilled Chenaniites dancing to some catchy Hindi and Tamil numbers.

‘It’s great to be in Chennai, said Shahrukh Khan. ‘I’m excited to be here’, he said shaking his legs in front of packed audience in Chennai. Joining him on stage was our very own Shriya. When Naka Mukka blarred at the speakers, the crowd went berserk cheering and hopping.

Later speaking about his team, he said, ‘they’re a bunch of smart and good cricketers. The team is looking great and I hope they perform well. ‘ It’s evident that the actor-team owner is banking heavily on the new captain of the team, Gautham Gambhir, to deliver the goods.

WWW.CINEMAMATTERS.COM

41

MAY - 2011

s t n

e v E

Ponnar Shankar Premiere Show

WWW.CINEMAMATTERS.COM

42

MAY - 2011

WWW.CINEMAMATTERS.COM

43

MAY - 2011

n n o O ati c 180 Working Stills o L

WWW.CINEMAMATTERS.COM

44

MAY - 2011

180 Working Stills

WWW.CINEMAMATTERS.COM

45

MAY - 2011

s w

Ne

Three cheers to G V Prakash

The young music composer G V Prakash is getting lots of laurels now. For sources say his music in Deiva Thirumagan starring Vikram is sure to rock.

He is thrilled for Selvaraghavan has roped him in again for his next venture Irandam Ulagam that would feature Dhanush and Andrea in the cast.

His songs for Selva in Ayirathil Oruvan are still topping the charts.

Also Prakash is making his foray in to Bollywood with a big project. ‘I am ready and raring to go. I am determined and focused and want to ensure that all songs in my movies go on to top the audiocharts’.

He adds: ‘I am happy and thankful to music-lovers. They have admired my songs. I now have a responsibility to ensure that my songs satisfies their expectations.’

WWW.CINEMAMATTERS.COM

46

MAY - 2011

Yuvan out of Selva’s movie Call it a big U-Turn. Director Selvaraghavan, who after a brief split with Yuvanshankar Raja, was supposed to join hands with him again for Ernadam Ulagam.

Expectations were high since it promised to bring together Dhanush, Selvaraghavan and Yuvan together.

The trio created magic in Thulluvatho Illamai, Kadhal Kondein and Pudhupettai before.

When everyone was waiting eagerly for the trio to come together again, comes the news of the split again that has shocked many music-lovers.

Selvaraghavan has chosen to go back to young G V Prakash again for Erandam Ulagam. He had earlier worked with him for Ayirathil Oruvan.

Erandam Ulagam is a Dhanush-Andrea musical love story and Selva and Yuvan had to part ways due to some difference of opinion. Interestingly, Selvaraghavan’s another venture Viswaroopam starring Kamal Haasan will have music by Shankar Ehashaan Loy. Sources however add that both Yuvanshankar Raja and Selvaraghavan are still friendly and would come together perhaps in future.

Selva issue: Yuvan speaks out Even as a section of the media going the whole hog saying Yuvanshankar Raja opted out of Selvaraghavan’s Irandam Ulagam after getting disappointed over Selva not approaching him for Kamals’ Viswaroopam, the music composer has come out with his version of the story.

‘Why is it said that I assumed working with Selva in Kamal’s project? When Selva came to my studio and spoke about that project?’ the music composer wrote on his microblogging page.

Yuvan added: ‘I didn’t assume, there’s nothing to assume when he himself comes to my studio and talks bout that project to me. This isn’t the last project on earth that everyone wants to work and I’m not the last composer either.’

Srikanth Deva sings for Yuvan Who said there is enmity among music composers in Tamil cinema? Despite being competitor, music director Srikanth Deva has sung a song in Yuvanshankar Raja’s recently released album Vaanam.

The ‘No Money.... No Honey...’ is already topping the charts. Silambarasan and Andrea Jeremiah, along with Srikanth Deva, have crooned the song set to tune by Yuvanshankar Raja.

‘Srikanth Deva is a cool guy and he had no reservations when approached to sing a song for Vaanam.

He had a blast working with Yuvan, STR and Andrea,’ sources in the unit say.

WWW.CINEMAMATTERS.COM

47

MAY - 2011

n n o O ati Deiva Thiirumagan On Location c Lo

WWW.CINEMAMATTERS.COM

48

MAY - 2011

Deiva Thiirumagan On Location

WWW.CINEMAMATTERS.COM

49

MAY - 2011

e l c

A

i t r

Old theme, New fame Gone are those days when On why he opted to do Ponnar Shankar,

period films ruled the roost in he says, ‘we wanted to be different from Kollywood. Slowly contemporary others. We had a winner in hand thanks themes became the order of the day. to the story penned by Karunanidhi. All we had to do was to give it a proper execuFearing that it is a costly affair and in- tion’. volves strenuous work, many chose to skip historical themes. However the suc- ‘We did work on it a lot. Interacted with hiscess of much-recent flicks like Imsai Ar- torians, recreated huge palace and used asan 23am Pulikesi, Pazhassi Raja and over 300 horses and thousands of junior Magadheera has given courage to many artistes. Audience love to watch such films to try their hands at period films.

provided we make them engrossing’.

Films like Ponnar Shankar (based on a Echoing the same, director Thiagarajan, novel by Chief Minister M Karunanidhi), says, ‘it takes huge determination and guts Ponniyin Selvan ( inspired by a historical to produce and direct historical themes. novel by eminent writer Kalki) and Ra- Ponnar Shankar is more an Appocalypto jnikanth starrer <I>Raana<P> (which nar- meeting Gladiator.’ rates about an important event that hap- Meanwhile, a trade critic says, ‘the adpened in 17th century) are being made in vantage of doing a period film is that one Tamil cinema.

need not go abroad for shooting. All can be done in the studios. Though the expense

Recently, Karunanidhi has announced may be high, if marketed well, these movthat his next film is based on freedom ies will attract all attention. fighter Dheeran Chinnamalai.

The real essence would be lost if they Says Prashanth, the man behind Ponnar watch in pirated DVDs. The grandeur can Shankar, ‘we know it is near to impossible be seen and enjoyed only on big screen. doing a historical subject. One has to re- Hence movies like Magadheera, Arundsearch a lot. They have to recreate huge hathi and Imsai Arasan 23am Pulikesi sets. Choice of costumes, use of horse went on to become blockbusters’, and elephants for shooting is a difficult thing.’

WWW.CINEMAMATTERS.COM

50

MAY - 2011

WWW.CINEMAMATTERS.COM

51

MAY - 2011

s t n

e v E

180 Audio Launch

WWW.CINEMAMATTERS.COM

52

MAY - 2011

Mani Ratnam launches “180” music Director Mani Ratnam and cinematographer P C Sreeram among others launched the audio of 180, a film directed by Jayendra.

The movie starring Siddharth, Priya Anand and Nithya Menon, is being simultaneously made in Tamil and Telugu. Among those who were present at the audio launch included actors Arya, Jayam Ravi and Shiva.

Speaking after releasing the audio, Mani Ratnam, said, ‘Jayendra is one of the finest talents. I have been urging him to direct a movie for a long time. Hopefully the movie has come good’.

Jayendra said, ‘I ventured to direct a movie inspired by Mani Ratnam. 180 is a youthful bubbly entertainer’. He claimecd that 180 is a musical entertainer and songs by Shareeth are the highlight.

‘Since he came up with 180 tunes for the movie from which we picked six, I chose to title the film 180 itself’.

Siddharth said, ‘after a brief interval, I am back to do a film in Tamil. Though I ventured to do lots of films in Hindi and Telugu, I was actually waiting for a break in Tamil. Thankfully Jayendra came up with a catchy story’.

Kiran Reddy, Swaroop Reddy, C Srikanth and cinematography by Balasubramaniam produce the movie.

Siddharth plays an NRI doctor in the USA and Priya Anand plays his wife. He flies to India where he meets Nitya Menon and falls in love with her. The movie deals with the trials and moral battles within this trio.

WWW.CINEMAMATTERS.COM

53

MAY - 2011

s w

Ne

Bollywood is Tapsees Aadukalam now

Tapsee, who left her mark with movies like Jhummadi Nadam in Telugu and Aadukalam is Tamil, is set to join the league of Asin and Trisha.

The young and ravishing actress is packing her bags off to Bollywood now. Buzz is that she had been approached to do a movie in Hindi to be directed by acclaimed filmmaker David Dhawan.

The movie is a remake of yesteryear comedy. In her microblogging page, Tapsee had written - ‘Superb ugadi gift! Yes I’m doing David Dhawan’s movie under Viacom18’s production! It’s a remake of Chashme Baddoor. Yay!!!!’

Tapsee won the hearts of Tamils playing an Anglo Indian girl in Aadukalam. Her performance in the film was highly acclaimed. It seems no stopping Tapsee now.

Tapasee on top

Tapasee is spotted with beaming smile these days. Wonder why? The actress who set the Tamil screen on fire is all set to repeat the act in Bollywood.

The Ludhiana girl is playing the lead role in director David Dhawan’s remake of Chashme Buddoor, a comedy caper of 1980s.

Says Tapasee, ‘I’m very excited as I’m doing the role made memorable by Deepti Naval. I think it is a big break for me in Hindi cinema.’

She is also eagerly awaiting the release of her maiden Malayalam film Doubles.

Some of her films in south include a movie with director like Krishna Vamsi in Telugu and Vandhan Vendran alonsgide Jiiva in Tamil.

WWW.CINEMAMATTERS.COM

54

MAY - 2011

Ramya Nambeesan confident of success

The pretty young girl from Malayalam industry, Ramya Nambeesan, is happy at the accolades she is receiving for Kullanari Kootam. She was not just cute on screen, but had an opportunity to perform.

Thanking director Sribalaji, she says, ‘he helped me a lot and that gave me the confidence to perform better in Kullanari Kootam’.

Talking about her hero Vishnu, Ramya says, ‘Vishnu was quiet on the sets. It was only after 10 days that we began talking.

Until then, I hadn’t realised how talkative he was. He is a good friend and also cool-headed to work with,’.

The actress adds: ‘I look for the potential of my rolevs, the production house and also the director, before signing a movie.’

Ramya is currently doing a Telugu movie with Tanish in the lead, and is also expecting the release of her Tamil film, Muriyadi.

WWW.CINEMAMATTERS.COM

55

MAY - 2011

s t n

e v E

Film France Press Meet

WWW.CINEMAMATTERS.COM

56

MAY - 2011

WWW.CINEMAMATTERS.COM

57

MAY - 2011

s s e et r P Me

7am Arivu Villan

Chennai times talks to Johnny Tri Nguyen, who plays the baddie in Suryaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s forthcoming film, in an exclusive....

Hollywood actor and stuntman johnny Tri Nguyen, who has worked in films like martial law and spider - man 2, has been making frequent trips to Chennai in the last couple of months.

Reason? Heâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s been busy completing his first Tamil film, 7am Arivu, with Suriya and director AR Murugadoss. The actor gets talking to Chennai Times from the sets of his Vietnamese film, redemption.

WWW.CINEMAMATTERS.COM

58

MAY - 2011

JOHNNY PACKS APUNCH I was a stuntmen in Hollywood and action choreographer Peter Hein was in the US for some work. We met accidentally, three years ago, not talking about the action industry over lunch and exchanges numbers as well. Seven months ago, I got a call from him, asking me if I was interested in working for a Tamil movie.

He said the part suited me well and involved a mot of action sequences.

So, I sent the director AR Murugadoss a few links to my Hollywood and Vietnamese films. Hew too liked my work and within a few days. I was on my way to Chennai to seal the deal.

I began shooting for the film last September and I was in Chennai last week as well to shoot for the film.

WWW.CINEMAMATTERS.COM

59

MAY - 2011

I play the Villain in the film. There are quite a few scenes that have elaborate fights betwen Suriya and me. I was a stuntman and turned an actor recently. I’ve has the opportunity to work on several big budget films as well. When I started work on 7am Arivu, I had no expectations. But I was pleasantly surprised when Murugadoss asked me to shoot a lengthly action scene on a highway in the middle of a traffic jam on the very first day of the schedule. Car were flipping and vehicles were crashing all around. I was quite surprised when I learnt about the unit’s pre - production work and the number of days they spent in choreographing the scene. The film has everything that would make it on par with Hollywood action films.

Suriya is a great actor and has a lot of talent. More than that, he’s a good colleague.

We spent almost 42 days on just one fight sequence. He is very patient and has a greater understanding of his work.

WWW.CINEMAMATTERS.COM

60

MAY - 2011

He didn’t use a body double for any of the action sequences and did all the dangerous stunts himself. I now understand why be has such a huge fan following. No wonder, he’s a superstar in the south.

I haven’t seen any of Murugadoss’s films. But our thoughts matched perfectly while we were working together. He is assured on the sets and doesn’t doubt his vision. This gives his actors a lot of confidence and in turn, the outcome is excellent.

In this film, I play a foreigner. So, I didn’t have to talk in Tamil at all. And, on the sets, every-one knew English. So, language was never as issue. However, I did learn a few tamil words like Vanakkam and namdri.

WWW.CINEMAMATTERS.COM

61

MAY - 2011

s w

e N

Simbu back to basic

Silambarasan made his mark as a commercial hero throwing his weight behind action. Now the actor is back to do the best that he was doing in the past.

He plays a stylish youth in actionpacked entertainer Vettai Mannan. The star revealed that a major portion of the movie would be shot in the USA and Mexico and Hollywood stuntmen will be used for fight sequences.

Recently, a fight scene was filmed at the Binny Mills where a huge set had been erected for the purpose. According to Silambarasan, the fight was filmed with seven cameras to bring out the best.

Jai plays a prominent role along with Silambarasan in the movie. Meanwhile, a thorough search is on for a heroine.

NIC Arts Chakravarthy is producing the movie in a grand manner.

WWW.CINEMAMATTERS.COM

62

MAY - 2011

Kavalan completes 100 days

It is a day to cherish for Vijay fans. His 2011 release Kavalan, directed by Siddique, completed 100 days at the box office Thursday.

It is a welcome relief for the actor, who was desperate for a hit after a slew of failures. The movie was a remake of Malayalam hit Bodyguard.

The Tamil version featured Vijay and Asin in the lead role. An avid Vijay fan, said, ‘ it was no nonsense masala flick like Vijay’s earlier films. It had a story and romance besides action. Obviously that went down well with the fans’.

The movie witnessed a lots of problems and witnessed a delayed release. Vijay pointed fingers at the ruling government of trying to sabotage the release of the film. Interestingly the movie that had music by .Vidyasagar.

Talking about the film’s success, Vijay said, ‘ I chose to do this movie since I felt it everything a film-lover would love to watch. SIddique and I share a good rapport. We managed to recreate the magic of Friends again’.

WWW.CINEMAMATTERS.COM

63

MAY - 2011

s w

Ne

Vijay Antony ready to spell success Editor Antony is a name to reckon with in Kolly-

wood. He has been part of several big projects and worked with almost all acclaimed directors.

Recently Antony was given a pleasant surprise.

Cinematographer - director K V Anand, who was highly impressed with Antony’s work in Ko, has gifted him a costly camera as gift.

Sources close to the director say, ‘he was highly impressed with Antony’s work. The end product after editing is nothing but engrossing and impressive, hence he chose to give him a pleasant surprise’.

A beaming Antony expressed his heartfelt thanks to Anand. Ko stars Jiiva, Ajmal and Karthika in lead roles, Music is by Harris Jayaraj.

Big prize for Antony

All is well was the tagline of Three Idiots. Nanban, the Tamil version of the movie, directed by Shankar that is progressing fast, has lived up to the tagline of the original.

Shankar, in his blog, said, ‘we have finished all the college exterior scenes in our 2nd schedule in Dehradun. It’s a visually wonderful campus.’

He added: ‘It is very interesting & new experience for me to work with Vijay, Sathyaraj, Ileana and almost every actor for the first time. Vijay-Sathyaraj combo is fresh and fantastic. As friends Vijay, Jeeva and Srikanth’s ‘Physics’ & ‘Chemistry’ is working very well, behind the camera too.’

‘To say in a cliché, all of them have started living in their roles. I’m enjoying working in ‘Nanban’, which is completely contrast from ‘Endhiran’ in all aspects. Ellam Nalam.’

WWW.CINEMAMATTERS.COM

64

MAY - 2011

Rahman’s new role The Mozart of Madras, who made his mark wining double Oscars and Grammy, is keen to venture to productiuon.

Sources have it that Rahman’s maiden production venture will be a musical to be produced under his newly launched production company YM Movies.

‘Rahman wanted to start producing films for a long time, but his busy schedule has always prevented him from doing so. He has now finally decided to take the plunge. His banner is called YM Movies,’ a source said.

Efforts to contact Rahman went in vain. It may be recalled that music maestro Ilayaraja had produced a few successful films in Kollywood before.

Rahman’s passion Guess what is Rahman’s greatest desire is. The man, who sizzled Tamil and Hindi film industry with his songs, has scaled greater heights winning double Oscars and Grammy awards.

A sneak peek into his biography, A R Rahman The Spirit of Music, published by Om Books International, to be released on 6 April, reveals many things about him.

The biography written by Nasreen Munni Kabir talks about how he approaches work and more importantly how he understands his own life. The book also talks about how his spiritual leanings have helped him develop a balance in life The biography also talks about Rahman’s mentor Mani Ratnam and how he met wife Saira. In the book the music maestro expresses desire that he wants to release an album with all his family members who are into music.

Rahman has stated in the biography that he dislikes him being called the Mozart of Madras. He stated that it belittles the legend of music - Mozart.

Also he had revealed that there were suicidal thoughts in his life and he fought himself those ideas and overcome to come up this level in life.

WWW.CINEMAMATTERS.COM

65

MAY - 2011

s t n

e v E

Avan Ivan Audio launch

WWW.CINEMAMATTERS.COM

66

MAY - 2011

WWW.CINEMAMATTERS.COM

67

MAY - 2011

s w

Ne

Priyanka Chopra in Mani’s film

Acclaimed filmmaker Mani Ratnam’s Ponniyin Selvan is getting grand and glitzy. His venture based on Kalki’s novel Ponniyin Selvan is growing bigger.

The buzz is that Vijay, Mahesh Babu, Arya and Anushka play lead roles. Now the latest buzz is that the director has approached Bollywood girl Priyanka Chopra to play a prominent role in the film.

Sources say Ponniyin Selvan would go to floors very soon. Mani Ratnam has completed finding proper locales. Touted to be a big-budgeted venture, Ponniyin Selvan revolves around Vandiyathevan, a charming young man who comes to the Chola land to deliver a message from Crown Prince Aditya Karikalan.

Priyanka won the National award for best actress last year for her performance in Fashion and she must be all thrilled to work with Mani Ratnam, the master craftsman.

WWW.CINEMAMATTERS.COM

68

MAY - 2011

Kamal is the best, says Sonakshi

Sonakshi Sinha,

who will be playing Kamal Haasan’s ladylove in Viswaroopam. had watched the Ulaga Nayagan’s Hey Ram more than a dozen times.

She says ‘He is an institution by himself. Acting with him would be a great treat. I can learn a lot’.

Sonakshi shot to fame with Dabanng. She hopes that shooting alongside Kamal Haasan would help her get the more insight about Tamil cinema.

He is spontaneous, natural and articulate. I have known a lot about Selvaraghavan. So I am eagerly waiting to commence shooting, she says.

WWW.CINEMAMATTERS.COM

69

MAY - 2011

s t n

e v E

Divya Meethu Kadhal Audio Launch

WWW.CINEMAMATTERS.COM

70

MAY - 2011

WWW.CINEMAMATTERS.COM

71

MAY - 2011

s w

Ne

Dhanush ready for dhamaka

Dhanush is all pumped up for his Mapillai is doing good at the box office. At the same time, the actor has completed shooting for Hari’s Venghai.

The actor has tweeted on his microblogging site, ‘Done with Venghai! Its gonna be the next release, a mass masala! Typical Hari film’.

The shooting for the movie that stars

Tamannah opposite Dhanush is all complete. Vadivelu plays comedian in the film. The movie is quite typical of Hari. It has everything the audience would expect from Hari’s film, a source in the unit says.

There is tremendous pressure on Hari for his last movie Singam with Suriya swept the box office and collected huge revenues. Upon completing the movie, Hari will join hands with Suriya again

Call

him

‘singer’

Dhanush

Joining the list of actors taking a passion for playback singing is Dhanush. After Vikram chose to sing a couple of songs in Deiva Thirumagan, it’s now the turn of Dhanush to croon two numbers in his forthcoming film Irandam Ulagam.

Irandam Ulagam, to be released by UTV Motion Pictures, is directed by Selvaraghavan, who had presented some of the memorable movies with his younger brother. Andrea Jeremiah is the heroine while music is by G V Prakash Kumar.

kintimismovie, page.

He added: in Selva’s the shoot. remembered Karuppu’..

WWW.CINEMAMATTERS.COM

72

‘I’ve sung two songs in Selva’s film. I da like it too,’ Dhanush, who is optic about the soon-to-be-released tweeted on his mircroblogging

‘I’m in love with my character film. Enjoying every day of It’s a character that will be for a long time like K P

MAY - 2011

Celebrity Tweets

Udhayanidhi becomes dad again Producer-turned-actor Udhayanidhi Stalin is in all joy. His wife Kiruthiga delivered a baby girl recently at a private hospital in Chennai. The couple was blessed with a boy earlier whom they named Inbanidhi.

(@geneliad) 4/27/11 8:14 AM Was in hyd at d ssm mall n wat a high 2b greeted by d zillions of ppl jst standin 4hrs 2get a glimpse, its an unbelievable high, thank u ppl

‘Both Kiruthiga and I wanted a girl and we were delighted when our wish came true. As is customary in our household, it is my grandpa and Chief Minister M Karunanidhi who has named all the children so far.

We don’t perform any formal naming ceremony at home. As soon as Kiruthiga is discharged, we will head straight to Gopalapuram,’ he says.

Udhayanidhi, a popular producer in Kollywood, is currently acting in Oru Kal Oru Kannadi, directed by Rajesh. This is Udhay’s first venture as hero. Hanshika Motwani plays his heroine.

(@Actorjiiva) 4/25/11 8:27 PM KO is a classical Tamil word which means KING. For ex.

Elango, kaviko etc(for friends who dint know abt it)

(@dirvenkatprabhu) 4/21/11 3:36 AM We planned to release mankatha audio for our Thala b’day!!

Due to certain issues couldn’t!!! We r planning to release ASAP!!! Kindly hold on WWW.CINEMAMATTERS.COM

73

MAY - 2011

s w

e N

I am inspired by myself, says K V Anand I’ve worked as a photojournalist, my personal experiences have helped me weave a plausible line for Ko, says cinematographer - director K V Anand.

His Ko starring Jiiiva in the role of a photojournalist is releasing next week. Says Anand, ‘writers Suba and myself took nearly 10 months to give final shape to the screenplay. Visiting various newspaper offices to get information about the day-to-day running of a daily was part of my agenda’.

Instead of the gun or the sickle, I’ve given my hero a more forceful weapon, the camera, he says and adds, ‘the whole unit backed me well and the end product was nothing but impressive’.

Jiiva is thoroughly inspired by Anand. He says that it was the director’s words, his actions that helped him perform and give the desired output.

Echoing the same was Ajmal, who has played a key role in the movie. He says, ‘ Ko would be a film to reckon with in his career’.

Rajni Kamal watch Ponnar Shankar

Ponnar Shankar starring Prashanth in a dual role hit the screens last week. The movie produced and directed by Thiyagarajan is based on a novel titled the same penned by Chief Minister M Karunanidhi and the dialogues too are written by him.

A special screening was organised by Thiyagarajan and Prashanth in which Chief Minister M Karunanidhi besides the likes of actors Rajnikanth, Kamal Haasan, Sathyaraj, director K Bhagiyaraj and lyricist Vairamuthu were present.

Speaking after watching the film, Rajnikanth said, ‘ It is one of the grand venture in Tamil cinema and all the artistes have given their best.’

He expressed his heartfelt congratulations to Prashanth and Thiyagarajan. All is grand and the story was scintillating, he added.

Kamal Haasan said, ‘I enjoyed reading the novel which Karunanidhi gave me as a gift with his signature. To see it on screen made as a movie in such a stylish manner is interesting’.

WWW.CINEMAMATTERS.COM

74

MAY - 2011

Hanshika happy with her success

Hanshika Motwani is now the toast of Kollywood. A great start with Mappillai and now she has three movies up her sleeve — Engeyum Kaadhal with Jayam Ravi, Velayudham with Vijay and Oru Kal Oru Kannadi with Udhayanidhi Stalin .

Says Hanshika, ‘While Mappillai is a mass entertainer, Engeyum Kaadhal is a more performance-oriented film. It is a love story and I bear a fresh look in it. I call Jeyam Ravi ‘Gem’ Ravi.’

In Velayudham, she plays a village girl opposite Vijay. ‘I’m lucky to work with Vijay.

The film would definitely help me in my career.’Often known for her resemblance to Khushboo, Hansika has won many a heart. She says, ‘ I admire Kushboo a lot.

Wish I do more films like her and win the admiration of fans’.

Mani sir praised me, says Genelia Genelia is all happy for she was appreciated by maverick filmmaker Mani Ratnam for her performance in the recently-released Urumi.

Directed by Santosh Sivan, Urumi is a historical epic in Malayalam that was released last month to rave reviews. Genelia plays the role of a warrior princess, Princess Aeysha of Arackal.

Talking about her forthcoming Tamil film Velayudham with Vijay, she says, ‘after Sachin, it’s my second film with actor Vijay. We work really well in front of the camera. He’s a very simple guy — no unnecessary tantrums and fanfare.

There has never a time when you can’t pick up a conversation with him. I’m looking forward to Velayudham as it’s a different role from what I do in Tamil and a very strong role at that’.

Genelia wants to experiment with her roles, but she also likes the bubbly image she is known for.

WWW.CINEMAMATTERS.COM

75

MAY - 2011

s t n

e v E

Vikram Birthday celebrations

WWW.CINEMAMATTERS.COM

76

MAY - 2011

Namitha at Blitzz Cafe Shop Opening

WWW.CINEMAMATTERS.COM

77

MAY - 2011

s w

Ne

UTV bags Muran

Muran, directed by Rajjan Madhav and produced by actor - director Cheran, will be presented

by UTV Pictures.

UTV Pictures recently acquired Selvaragavan’s Irandam Ulagam which stars Dhanush and Andrea in lead roles. They are also planning to remake Bollywood hit Fashion. Now joining the list is Muran.

Rajan Madhav is son of acclaimed Malayalam music composer Raveendran. Rajan’s brother Sajjan Madhav will compose music for the film. vThe movie features Cheran and Prasanna in contrasting roles. Being made in a lavish budget, Muran also features Jayaprakash, Haripriya, Nikhita and Prathap Pothan in prominent roles.

Jai Ho for Jai

Jai is pinning all hopes on his forthcoming movie being produced by ace director A R Murugadoss. The film has been titled Engeyum Eppodhum.

Besides he is sharing the screen with Silambarasan in Vettai Mannan.

Says the actor, ‘I share a very good rapport with director Saravanan and Murugadoss is happy about our bond. He says an actor and a director should always share a healthy relationship.’

On the movie, he says, ‘it is sweet and cute love story which has Anjali opposite me. With Engeyum Eppodhum, I can certainly regain my lost ground.

My role is really cute. I enjoy working in the movie’.

Jai is confident that he would choose good scripts in the coming months and ensure that all his movies would become a big hit.

WWW.CINEMAMATTERS.COM

78

MAY - 2011

WWW.CINEMAMATTERS.COM

79

MAY - 2011

y r a

tu i b

O

Chithra’s daughter passes away Noted playback singer K S Chithra’s eight-year-old daughter passed away in Dubai, where she had been to perform in a music concert at the famous Sharjah cricket stadium.

Chithra’s daughter Nandana died after falling in a swimming pool at a Dubai villa on Thursday morning. Sources said Nandana, who drowned in a pool at a villa in Emirates Hills, was rushed to a hospital in Jebel Ali, but could not be revived.

The singer and her troupe are in Dubai to participate in a musical extravaganza to celebrate the compositions of Oscar winner music director A R Rahman on April 15th 2011. Chithra and her husband Vijayashankar were blessed with a daughter after nearly 15 years of marriage.

WWW.CINEMAMATTERS.COM

80

MAY - 2011

Sujatha passes away

Veteran actress Sujatha, who made her mark being part of Rajnikanth and Kamal Haasan movies, passed away on Wednesday. The 58-year-old actress had been reportedly ailing for sometime.

Sujatha, made her debut in Malayalam with her role in Tapaswini. K Balachander who did some memorable films with her in the lead role brought Sujatha to light. Sujatha went on to act in close to 300 movies in all south Indian languages, including some memorable performances in Tamil movies such as Avargal, Kadal Meengal Vithi. She was also part of many Telugu, Malayalam and Hindi movies too.

A son and a daughter survive Sujatha. She is known for portraying her role with elegance and charm. Be it conventional or non-conventional roles, she did them with aplomb, her fans say WWW.CINEMAMATTERS.COM

81

MAY - 2011

s w

Monica wants to make it big Celebrity ‘I am optimistic that with handful of

MONIKA

e N

WWW.CINEMAMATTERS.COM

good movies lined up for this year, I will leave a mark in Tamil film industry,’ says Monica, whose last release was Nanjupuram, which hit the screens this weekend.

Tweets

On her recent film Muthukku Muthaga, she (@dhanushkraja) says, ‘As a lovelorn girl 4/23/11 7:51 PM desperate to hold the Enjoyin every day hands of her lover, I of selva s shoot. A had immense oppor- character that will b tunity to prove my act- remembered 4 a long ing skills. I have been time like k p karuppu :) god bless receiving accolades for my performance.

It was a challenging role and hopefully I did it to my best’.

In Nanjupuram, she played a tribal woman. ‘It was a deglamourised role.

The whole unit was co-operative and gave me the courage to pass in flying colours doing the role’.

(@Actor_Siddharth) 4/27/11 5:28 PM Feeling positive. I know now what I did not know then - forget tomorrow.Be fearless!Live today like its yesterday!No worries!Long day ahead!

Though she had done many films, Monicka feels Azhagi is (@Actor_Siddharth) still close to her 4/27/11 5:26 PM heart. ‘It was the You are to people movie that gave what you think they me an identity. I are worth. I’d rather am yearning to be to people what do such sweet I think I am worth. roles again’. Makes it all more fair and positive.g’morn!

82

MAY - 2011

Arya is upbeat

Arya is happy these days for his movies including Urumi in Malayalam and Boss Engira Baskaran have managed to do well at the box office. What more he has got some big projects up his sleeve including Avan Ivan directed by Bala and Lingusamy’s Vettai.

Says Arya, ‘It is always nice to be part of a Bala’s film. I had been with him in Nan Kadavul and know his intensity and hard work. He gets the best from his artistes.’

Meanwhile, the actor has put to rest rumours that he is doing a movie with Mysskin. It was said that Mysskin will soon start a film with Arya playing the lead role. ‘I guess the film has been put on hold as Mysskin is yet to revert to me with the details of the project,’ Arya says now.

He adds: ‘I am happy that Urumi was received well by youngsters in Kerala. I am thrilled to get fans in neighbouring State too’. On Vettai, Arya says, ‘Lingusamy is an excellent creator. He knows what mass elements audience would expect from his movies’.

WWW.CINEMAMATTERS.COM

83

MAY - 2011

s w

Ne

Ajith ready for Billa 2

Ajith is all geared up to commence shooting for Billa 2, a prequel to his Billa. The movie would be directed by Chakri Toleti of Unnai Pol Oruvan fame.

Starring Huma Quershi, a Mumbai model in the lead role opposite Ajith, the movie would go on floors early next month. IN Entertainment (India) Limited, part of the Hinduja Group, along with Chennai-based Wide Angle Creations led by Suresh Balajee and George Pius will produce Billa 2.

Ajith has completed shooting for Mankatha, his 50th film. Directed by Venkat Prabhu, it features Trisha, Lakshmi Rai among others in the cast. Music is by Yuvan Shankar Raja.

Mankatha is produced by Dayanidhi Alagiriâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Cloud Nine Movies.

Akshay to replace Ajith One more Tamil movie is ready to be remade in Bollywood. Close on the heels Ghajini and Pokirri being remade as successful films in Hindi, the likes of Vinnai Thaandi Varuvaya and Singam are being worked out now. Joining the list is Ajithâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Dhina.

A R Murugadoss, who sizzled the north with Ghajjini with Aamir Khan, has now reportedly chosen to remake his maiden Tamil directorial venture Dhina.

Murugadoss is now busy giving final touches to his Tamil venture 7am Arivu that stars Suriya and Shruthi Haasan in the lead roles. The movie produced by Udhayanidhi Stalin is almost complete.

Now for his next Hindi flick, he has reportedly joined hands with Akshay Kumar. He is working on making minor changes to the original script to suit the Hindi audience. The director is keen to have Harris Jayaraj as his music director for his Hindi venture.

WWW.CINEMAMATTERS.COM

84

MAY - 2011

Shriya in Kamalâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s film Shriya Saran seems to have struck it rich. She was supposed to share the screen with Kamal Haasan in Marmayogi. But that was unfortunately shelved.

However, now her desire might get fulfilled. She is reportedly approached to be part of Kamal Haasan Selvaraghavanâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s much hyped project Viswaroopam.

Already Bollywood star Sonakshi is playing the female lead. Now Shriya joins the bandwagon.

Said to be the Indian version of Hollywood super hit Hannibal, this psychological thriller is being made in Hindi, Tamil and Telugu. The makers have finalised the script and shooting will start in mid-April in Hyderabad and Chennai, followed by a schedule in London.

Shriya to do a Kannada movie Shriya Saran, who is acting in a cross-over film with Deepa Metha, hit the headlines last weekend by shaking legs with Shah Rukh Khan during the inauguration of IPL in Chennai.

Now the buzz is that she has been approached to do a movie in Kannada opposite popular actor Upendra.

Sources say that Shriya was even offered a hefty fee for acting in the movie.

P Vasu who came out with movies like Aapthamithra and Aaptharakshaka in Kannada will be working with Upendra for the project. Vasu recently completed shooting for Puli Vesham starring RK, Sadha and Karthik in lead roles.

Vasu, it is said, is coming out with a racy entertainer in Kannada starring Upendra and he wants to cast Shriya as heroine. Guru Kiran is scoring music for the movie.

Once Shriya gives her confirmation, the crew is set to commence the shooting. Her last film in Tamil was Chikku Bhukku opposite Arya.

WWW.CINEMAMATTERS.COM

85

MAY - 2011

s w

Ne

Srikanth is all smiles After playing a college student in Nanban, the remake of Three Idiots, Srikanth is all set to play an intense action role in Ethiri En 3.

Srikanth, who played a tough cop in Kutrapirivu, reportedly met cops and took tips from them to do the role in Ethiri En 3.

Srikanth plays a software engineer in the film, which delves deep into the world of crime. ‘The script is a very realistic one.

It tells the story of a peace-loving software engineer who suddenly finds himself having to deal with the darker side of the city, say sources.

The film is being directed by Ramkumar and shooting is bound to start in May.

Arjun is CBI officer

Venkat Prabhu’s Mankatha is shaping up fast. The 50th film of Ajith, the movie has Arjun playing a crucial role.

Sources in the unnit said the movie is about IPL cricket and Ajith plays an anti-hero’s role. Arjun dons the role of a CBI officer who is always behind Ajith. The cat and mouse game between them is what the movie is all about.

There are enough elemnts packed with punch

by Venkat Prabhu to ensure that Ajith-fans love it very much. There are one-liners that the Thala fans would love to repeat , says Venkat Prabhu .

What more the movie has a huge star cast that includes Vaibhav, Trisha, Sneha, Andrea and Lakshmi Rai. Yuvan Shankar Raja’s music is the hallmark of the movie, says Venkat Prabhu. He adds, ‘the songs are catchy and trendy. I am sure that Yuvan Shankar is gonna rock with Mankatha album’.

Meanwhile, Trisha has expressed her happiness being part of the project. She says all is well in Mankatha. It has trendy storyline with an engrossing script. Working with a thorough professional like Ajith gives one a great feel, she says.

WWW.CINEMAMATTERS.COM

86

MAY - 2011

Emy Jackson sees VTV 20 times Madarassapattinam famne girl EMy Jackson, who is playing the female lead in Goutham Menon’s Hindi version of Vinnai Thaandi Varuvaya, says she saw the Tamil version for over 20 times and has become a Trisha fan now.

Asked how she landed up with the role,’Vijay recommended my name to Gautham for this film. We did a couple of screen tests and Gautham found me suitable for the role. I play a Malayali Christian in this yet-to be-titled venture in which I’m paired opposite Prateik. Gautham is a perfectionist and I know he will shape my character according to the needs and tastes of the Bollywood audience.’.

Goutham Menon said that he is not changing the script much for the Hindi version and that there would be only minor changes to suit the audience in North India.

I am not going to B-town: Trisha There were rumours that Trisha would venture ter Priyadharshan’s Khatta Meeta and that talks

to Bollywood are on with

again afproducers.

HHowever the actress is quick to deny them as rumours. She says, ‘ I am very busy in South Indian films and any idea of hopping to Bollywood has been put on backburner’ Trisha is basking the glory now. Her Telugu release Teen Maar opposite Pawan Kalyan, a remake of Love Aaj kal, is doing good, while she has been cast opposite Venkatesh for the remake of Bodyguard. Meanwhile in Tamil she is acting in Mankatha with Ajith. Also rumpours are that she would act with Madhavan in the remake of Hindi blocbuster Tanu Weds Manu.

Says Trisha, ‘the going is good so far. Hopefully all go the same. If Madhavan is doing the Tamil version, I think I may go ahead and do the Tamil remake’.

WWW.CINEMAMATTERS.COM

87

MAY - 2011

s w

Ne

Kajal Agarwal in Mattran

Now that Suriya has completed shooting for 7am Arivu, the actor is all set to commence his next venture, Mattran. The movie brings together director K V Anand and Suriya again.

The two had earlier rendered a blockbuster in Ayan.

With KV Anand’s Ko releasing today, he and his crew have begun their hunt for heroine for Mattran. It looks likely that Kajal Agarwal, who acted as Karthi’s ladylove in Nan Mahan Alla, might be roped in to romance Suriya.

Ever since the news of Suriya and K V Anand coming together, there was enough buzz and excitement around Kollywood. In an interview Anand had even stated that he is aware of expectations for people will compare it to Ayan.

‘We are working hard to ensure that it comes up well,’ he said. Suriya meanwhile is giving final touches to 7am Arivu. Directed by Murugadoss, it features Suriya in the role of a circus artiste WWW.CINEMAMATTERS.COM

88

MAY - 2011

Vivek: 25 and still not out Ace comedian Vivek has completed 25 years in Kollywood. In other words, the ‘Chinna Kalaivanar’ is celebrating his silver jubilee in the tinsel town now.

The comedian, who was introduced by K Balachnder in Manadhil Urudhi Vendum, has carved a niche for himself in Tamil cinema doing comical roles in several hundred films.

He says, ‘ I am happy and thrilled at my eventful journey so far. I want to continue the good run and continue making people laugh.

It is a great gift given to me by the Almighty’.

His forthcoming release is Mappillai, the Dhanush starrer directed by Suraj and produced by Sun Pictures.

Vivek is now a villain After making his mark doing comical roles and entertaining audience for over two decades, Vivek is ready for the daring act. He would be playing villain in a movie to be directed by a debutant Anbu Chezhiyan.

Mithun, who acted alongside Vivek in Magane En Marumagane, will be the hero in the film. Sources in the unit say Vivek will be there in a totally different get-up.

He would not appear as a cliched villain.

The actor had done the role of a hero in Solli Adippen, which unfortunately could not see the light of the day.

Vivek is known for conveying social message through his movies. Wonder how he agreed to do a baddie in one of his forthcoming movies.

But we wish all the best for his new attempt

WWW.CINEMAMATTERS.COM

89

MAY - 2011

s w

Ne

Kamal’s call to Telugu filmdom Kamal Haasan has urged the Telugu film industry to work hand-in-hand with Tamil cinema to show the world that ‘we too can make quality films using satte-of-the-art technology’.

Speaking after releasing the audio of Maaveran ( the Tamil version of Telugu blockbuster Magadheera), in Chennai Sunday night, Kamal said, ‘ in the Western world, there is a notion that Indian movies are made only in Mumbai. It’s time that Tamil and Telugu cinema join hands and show the world we too are not behind.’

Heaping laurels on Ram Charan Teja and director S S Rajamouli of Maaveran crew, Kamal said, ‘ they have come with a huge army and I wish them all the success in their battle

at the box office’.

Maverick filmmaker Mani Ratnam, who received the first copy of the audio, said, ‘ very few films have lived up to the expectations that it had carried prior to its release, Magadheera is one such movie that catered to all hype’.

Director Rajamouli, speaking on the occasion, said, ‘I learnt the art of filmmaking in Chennai and enjoyed watching movies here. To see my film getting released in Tamil is a delight’.

Ram Charan Teja, directors K S Ravikumar, Dharani, producers Udhayanidhi Stalin, Allu Aravind amd Allu Sirish among others spoke.

WWW.CINEMAMATTERS.COM

90

MAY - 2011

Siruthai completes 100 days Karthi seems to be going really strong and steady. His movie Siruthai, released for Pongal, has completed 100 days.

Celebrity Tweets

A sibling of Suriya, Karthi is all thrilled for all his recent releases have gone on to become huge (@piaabajpai) hits. Siruthai, a remake of Telugu hit Vikramarkudu, featured Karthi 4/27/11 5:51 AM and Tamannah in the lead roles. ‘KO’ has breaken the records by having the He says, ‘I am all thrilled with highest collection in the success. All credits should U.S and U.K than ‘My go to the whole crew. I also take name is kHAN’! just loving it:) the oportunity to thank my fans’.

Meanwhile, the actor is gearing up to commence shooting for his next venture titled Sakuni, directed by debuntant Shankar Dayal.

Shaam all set to go Bollywood Shaam may soon step into Bollywood. Buzz is that Salman Khan, who was quite impressed with Telugu hit Kick (Thillalangadi in Tamil), is now gearing up to remake the film in Hindi and reportedly urged Shaam to do the same role that he did in both Tamil and Telugu versions.

Says Shaam, ‘I met Salman recently and the moment I asked him about the Hindi remake of Kick, he shot back saying that I looked terrific in the original and added that I had done a fantastic job in it. I was extremely thrilled that he had recognized my work.’

(@MirzaSania) 4/27/11 6:47 PM Another day,another airport,another early morning flt..way too early actually!off to Madrid..

‘When I expressed my interest to play the role in the Hindi version too as I felt it would be a great launchpad for me in Bollywood, he immediately said, Insha Allah’.

WWW.CINEMAMATTERS.COM

(@dhayaalagiri) 4/20/11 1:57 PM KO !!! One of the best movies I’ve seen in the recent past...

Great work JEEVA & AJMAL !!! all the best to Red Giant Movies !!!

91

MAY - 2011

s w

Ne

I am ready for bikini: Piaa At a time when Kollywood heroines express their reservations for bikini, Piaa Bajpai says, ‘ it is no bad thing to appear in those costumes in films’.

An out-spoken actress, Piaa, says, ‘I am ready to do glamourous roles. What’s wrong in it’.

Happy with the response Ko has evoked, Piaa says, ‘Ko is a movie to reckon with in my career. It is one of the best roles that I have played till now’.

Adds the actress, ‘It was sweet role and shooting for Ko was a great experience’. Describing Jiiva as a excellent co-star, she says, ‘he was friendly and helpful on the sets.’

All credits to Ajmal Ajmal, who hogged limelight with his presence in Anjathey and Thiru Thiru Thuru Thuru, is flying high thanks to Ko. His role with grey shades in Ko has won him greater laurels.

The ing the fers

actor played an young and aspirpolitician with negative shades, in film directed by K V Anand. Now ofare coming and pouring in his kitty.

Says Ajmal, ‘it is a pleasant surprise when Anand called me to act. It was a great role and the hard work is aptly rewarded now’. It is said that a couple of Telugu film makers had approached Ajmal to be part of their projects.

‘All that I want is to prove myself as a talented actor. For that I would like to play challenging roles.

I am open to act in different roles,’ says the actor.

WWW.CINEMAMATTERS.COM

92

MAY - 2011

I take things as it comes: Jiiva

Actor Jiiva is Ko has taken ing and he is of big actors

all smiles for his a bumper opennow in the league in Tamil cinema.

A jubilant Jiiva says, ‘I thank all my fans and well-wishers who made the movie a big hit. K V Anand sir deserves a special mention. He was the one who gave me an opportunity and brought the best out of me’.

He says, ‘never before my movies took such big opening, I am overjoyed. But at the same time I have got an responsibility to ensure that all things go well. I take things as it comes and my head is firm in my shoulders’.

Heaping laurels on Harris Jayaraj, he says, ‘ it was his music that brought audience to theatres. I am fond of his work. ‘ The actor is eagerly awaiting the release of his next film Rowthiram followed by Nanban, a remake of Hindi hit Three idiots, being directed by Shankar.

WWW.CINEMAMATTERS.COM

93

MAY - 2011

MOM& DAUGHT ER WWW.CINEMAMATTERS.COM

94

MAY - 2011

RADHA & KARTHIKA WWW.CINEMAMATTERS.COM

95

MAY - 2011

s w

e N

Ko girl ready to go places Celebrity Karthika, Tweets daughter of

yesteryear actress Radha, is eagerl;y awaiting the release of Ko. The movie directed

by K V Anand stars Jivva, Ajmal and Karthika in lead role and is ready for release Friday.

(@ActorMadhavan) 4/28/11 12:14 AM Great lines. “What do you do when you are not strong enough??

-- You act as if you are.”. From “The Unit”.. Totally addicted Man.

On Wednesday, Karthika chose to meet media persons. Caught in a jubilant mood, Karthika says, ‘ people compare me to my mother and aunt (Ambika), who were popular names in Tamil cinema in 1980s.

They have acted with the likes of Sivaji Ganesan, Rajnikanth and Kamal Haasan. I request everyone not to comp[are me with them. Please see me as an newcomer in Ko’.

(@gvprakash) 4/25/11 10:32 AM Happy on winning both the best background score and best song in the norway film festival ..

Just got d gud news from vetrimaaran :)

I have started my career and still have a long way to go, she says Meanwhile, her mother said, ‘ I have told her to respect the professional and ensure that she should be honest and give her utmost dedication.’

(@Premgiamaren) 4/2/11 2:15 AM Australia captain calling Pakistan captain today to join 4 drinks.

Pakistan captain told wait machi srilankan captain will also join us today

Karthika says, ‘ I am not aversed to glamour. I want to do meaty roles too’.

WWW.CINEMAMATTERS.COM

96

MAY - 2011

Karthika’s Press Meet

WWW.CINEMAMATTERS.COM

97

MAY - 2011

n n o O ati c o L

Avan-Ivan Working stils

WWW.CINEMAMATTERS.COM

98

MAY - 2011

WWW.CINEMAMATTERS.COM

99

MAY - 2011

s w

Ne

FIR on Nanban Gemini Film Circuit, the producers of Nanban, the Tamil remake of Hindi hit Three Idiots, has started their publicity campaign from Tamil New Year’s day.

The first official image of the movie features Vijay, Srikanth and Jiiva. It has aroused great curiosity among Vijay fans.

The movie is being shot in Ooty and Dehradun.

Shankar is optimistic that the Tamil vrsion would match the original.

The star cast is huge comprising big names like Illeana, Sathyaraj, S J Suyah and Anuya. Harris Jeyaraj is scoring the music.

Says Shankar, ‘the script of Three Idiots pulled me towards it like a magnet and I was thoroughly impressed watching the movie. Immediately I thought of acquiring the remake rights. Later I myself decided to direct it in Tamil.’

Shankar, who feels that the original script itself was too good, says, ‘so we didn’t make any big changes, but for some minor alterations.’

Is Mankatha about IPL cricket?

Venkat Prabhu shot to fame as director with Chennai 28. Sources now say that his Mankatha too speaks a lot about cricket. Call it a sentiment. The movie that happens to be Ajith’s 50th film features Trisha, Lakshmi Rai among others in lead role.

Venkat Prabhu has almost completed shooting of Mankatha. Says the director, ‘Mankatha is a traditional card game played in Tamilnadu by betting sums of money. Similarly, here too, it’s about different people trying to do something and how everything changes at a particular point. It is not a gangster film.’

Though he was tight lipped about the theme, sources say that it is about cricket betting during the IPL season. Ajith sports different getups and recently a major portion involving him and Trisha was shot in Mumbai.

Yuvan Shankar has come up with half-a-dozen catchy tunes for the movie. The audio launch is expected to happen soon.

WWW.CINEMAMATTERS.COM

100

MAY - 2011

Goa to speak in Telugu At a time when movies from Tollywood are being dubbed and released in Tamil, director Venkat Prabhu’s Tamil romantic comedy Goa, starring Jai, Vaibhav, Premji Amaran and Sneha, is being dubbed in Telugu under the banner of Sai Balaji Films.

The Telugu version will be released in May. The movie has guest apearance by Simbu, Nayantara and Prasanna. Soundarya Rajinikanth’s Ocher Picture Productions produced the Tamil version.

Yuvan Shankar Raja has scored the music and cinematography is by Sakthi Saravanan.

The film is about three youth who leave their village and goes to Goa, the ultimate holiday destination in India, with great ambitions. Did they achieve their mission forms the story.

Aravaan progressing fast Trust Vasantha Balan to come up with a different film. The man who made Veyyil and Angadi Theru, is busy doing a period film titled Aravan.

Featuring Aadhi, Dhanshika and Pasupathy in lead roles, the movie is set in the 18th century.

Shooting for the movie is on at a village called Arittapatti Hill near Madurai. This place is hoistorically important and has many caves.

Art director Vijay Murugan and his huge team erected a grand village including a Karuppan temple and hundreds of huts made of bamboo, straw, palm leaves and rocks in this area.

Says Adhi, ‘ It is a movie that I would cherish in my career for long time. All is well with Vasanthabalan. He is a taskmaster. It is difficult to compromise him. He always strives for perfection.’

Echoing the same, Pasupathi says, ‘Vasanthabalan gave me a break in Veyyil. I had no hesitation when he assigned me to act in Arvan’

WWW.CINEMAMATTERS.COM

101

MAY - 2011

s w

Ne

It’s a typical Vijay film: Raja

It was my desire to direct Vijay for a long time. I penned the story for Velayudham in 2009. Thankfullly it has now been realised, says director Jayam Raja.

Speaking about the film, he says, ‘ the movie has everything a Vijay fan would love to watch on screen. There are enough twists and turns. The highlight of Velayudham is its songs. Vijay Antony has copmposed some peppy tunes that have been captured in a grand manner’.

Queried about punchlines that are common in Vijay films, Raja says, ‘the lyrics Avan Peru Velayudham, Avan Adicha Anu Ayudham would be received well by Vijay fans’.

The heroines Hanshika Motwani and Genelia D’Souza have equal screen space. Hanshika dons the role of a bubbly rural belle, while Genelia plays an investigative journalist, he adds

Gautham to act in Simbu’s film

All is well was the tagline of Three Idiots. Nanban, the Tamil version of the movie, directed by Shankar that is progressing fast, has lived up to the tagline of the original.

Shankar, in his blog, said, ‘we have finished all the college exterior scenes in our 2nd schedule in Dehradun. It’s a visually wonderful campus.’

He added: ‘It is very interesting & new experience for me to work with Vijay, Sathyaraj, Ileana and almost every actor for the first time. VijaySathyaraj combo is fresh and fantastic. As friends Vijay, Jeeva and Srikanth’s ‘Physics’ & ‘Chemistry’ is working very well, behind the camera too.’

‘To say in a cliché, all of them have started living in their roles. I’m enjoying working in ‘Nanban’, which is completely contrast from ‘Endhiran’ in all aspects. Ellam Nalam.’

WWW.CINEMAMATTERS.COM

102

MAY - 2011

Arya all praise for Vishal It’s rare to see an actor heaping praises on his contemporaries. In today’s competitive film industry, Arya not just shared the screen with Vishal in Avan Ivan, but also appreciated him a lot.

Speaking at the audio launch of Avan Ivan in Chennai Monday evening, Arya said, ‘Vishal deserves all accolades. Playing a youth with a squint eye all through the movie is no easy task. Vishal took it as a challenge and pulled it off.’

I used to pity him many times for the hard work he was putting for the character. But he managed to give his best, he adds.

Added Arya, ‘working with Bala was a delight. If Nan Kadavul was not enough for me, came Avan Ivan opportunity. It was a great experience’.

On his part, Yuvan Shannkar Raja, said, ‘Bala gave me enough liberty. He gave me valid inputs and brought some engaging music’. Vishal, G M Kumar and lyricist Na Muthukumar among others spoke on the occasion.

Sundar C Babu bereaved Music director Sundar C Babu’s mother Sudhakshina Devi (64), wife of late Veena Chittibabu passed away on Tuesday evening in Chennai.

She was the granddaughter of Pattabhi Seetharamaiah, founder of Andhra Bank and ex-Governor of Madhya Pradesh.

A veena artiste herself, she accompanied her husband for concerts all over the world. She was also taking up veena classes free for those who were interested in learning veena.

She leaves behind her three sons, Rangasayee (USA), Radhakrishna (Hyderabad) and Sundar C Babu.

WWW.CINEMAMATTERS.COM

103

MAY - 2011

s w

Karthi Sivakumar’s next venture has been officialy titled Saguni. To be produced on Dream Warriors banner, the film will be directed by Sankar Dayal, a former associate to directors Ezhil and S D Saba.

e N

G V Prakash will score the music and Antony will take care of editing, cinematography P G Muthaiah and art director Rajeevan and executive producer Antony Xavier.

Karthi is Saguni now

Karthi is thrilled

Maddy’s happy hunt

Throwing light on his next movie titled Saguni, Karthi says, ‘I wanted to pick up films from different genres. After I did Sirutthai, I decided to stop acting in remakes, at least for a while. In this film I play a character called Kannan, who outsmarts everyone with his brilliance. It is difficult to explain further.’

A new girl from Mumbai is expected to play Karthi’s heroine. ‘We haven’t signed anyone yet. The female protagonist is someone from an affluent family with tons of attitude’, says Karthi.

G V Prakash Kumar will be composing the tracks. Karthi has undergone rigorous workout and shed few kilos for the role.

Madhavan’s popularity in Bollywood is all time high thanks to Tanu Weds Manu’s good showing at the box-office.

Now he is shooting happily for Vettai alongside Arya. ‘I play a cop but I didn’t have to undergo any special training to play this role. When you see the film, you’ll understand’, Madhavan says.

About Vettai, he says, ‘ I am acting in Lingusamy’s film after eight years.

Run went on to become a rage in Tamilnadu then. I am confident that Vettai will repeat the same magic’.

On reports that Tanu Weds Manu would be remade in Tamil, he says, ‘I am not so sure I am doing the Tamil version yet but I will tell you that it’s an amazing, really realistic story. It’s the kind of film that the whole family would want to come and see together’.

WWW.CINEMAMATTERS.COM

104

MAY - 2011

Sun Pictures and Engeyum Kadhal

Celebrity Tweets

Close on the heels of Mappillai, Sun Pictures is going all guns blazing to promote and release Prabhu Deva’s Engeyum Kadhal. The movie starring Jayam Ravi and Hanshika Motwani, is all set for release this summer.

Produced by AGS Entertainments, the film was shot entirely abroad. ‘It is a breezy romantic entertainer. Everything is there in it to attract youngsters’, says Prabhu Deva.

‘Harris Jeyaraj is the real hero of the movie. His songs are the real highlight of the movie. They are soothing and scintillating,’ the actor-choreographer-director adds.

Sources in the unit say, ‘ it is not a typical Prabhu Deva film.It is a youthful entertainer and romance is the buzz word’.

Meanwhile, Jayam Ravi heaps all laurels on Prabhu Deva. ‘He is my real inspiration. I admire him on the sets. I just did what he ordered me. He is my inspiration which I tried to replicate on screen’.

Echoing the same, Hanshika Motwani, says, ‘Prabhu Deva is not just an excellent dancer and director, but a great human being. He is amazing to work with’.

WWW.CINEMAMATTERS.COM

(@Udhaystalin) 4/26/11 12:25 PM Sum ppl r vvvv upset wit KO success:( I am vvvv sorry 4 them!!

Better luck next time!!

(@prakashraaj) 4/26/11 4:45 AM PAYANAM. Bags two awards at NORWAY festival. Best director and people’s Choice award.

Cheers guys!!!!!!

105

MAY - 2011

G N I D S ED ELL W B

Karthi to enter wedlock Karthi, one of the very few most eligible bachelors of Tamil film industry, is all set to tie the knot.

In a press release today, the actorâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s father and veteran actor Sivakumar said Karthi will marry Ranjani, a MA English literature gold medalist and daughter of Erode Chinnaswamy and Jothi Meenakshi, on 3 July.

The wedding is arranged by elders of the family.

Ranjani was a student of Stella Maris College in Chennai.

Prithvi ties wedding knot Popular actor Prithviraj entered wedding life after he secretly tied the knot with his girl friend Supriya Menon, a reporter with a news channel, in Kerala on Monday.

The wedding was held at Palakkad and was attended by close family members. The couple, according to sources, had met a couple of years ago, while Supriya was covering southern cinema.

Prithviraj is a name to reckon with in Tamil and Malayalam cinema. He has a long list of hit films under his name in Malayalam industry.

In Kollywood too, Prithviraj is popular having worked in films like Saththam Podathae, Vellithirai, Mozhi and the recently-released Raavanan.

Sources further add that Prithviraj is planning a grand reception on 1 May.

WWW.CINEMAMATTERS.COM

106

MAY - 2011

Prashanth speaks on Ponnar Shankar

With Ponnar Shankar, actor Prashanth is all geared up for his second innings in Kollywood.

The movie is based on Chief Minister M Karunanidhi’s epic novel Ponnar Shankar. Says Prashanth, ‘it took over a year to complete research before we began shooting. We went to as many as 16 villages in the interiors of Tamilnadu.

Before this, I did not have any knowledge about the history of the twin brothers’.

Scripting is one of the most important aspects of filmmaking but the actor says that the book was so well written that they didn’t have to spend too much time on a script. ‘We had the complete story ready. We just had to ensure that nothing harmed the soul of the story — be it location or sets or props, there was not even a speck of the contemporary civilization anywhere in the film. But then again, we were making a film, not a documentary.’

On the dual role of twin brothers that he is playing in the movie, Prashanth says, ‘the brothers, though twins, had different mannerisms. One is a lefty while another is not. One is subtle and the other is hyper. Switching characters was the toughest challenge, and I remember changing costumes for as many as even 40 times in a single day.’

Prashanth has been fencing and horse riding since childhood and this helped him while shooting the action sequences of the film. I have struggled a lot for the movie and the result would be seen on the screen, he winds up.

INDIA vs SRILANKA WWW.CINEMAMATTERS.COM

107

MAY - 2011

s w

Ne

Rajini & Raana Superstar Rajinikanth wants his forthcoming venture Raana to look grand and glitzy in all aspects. The shooting for the film, that is being directed by K S Ravikumar, begins next month.

Grand sets have been erected for the purpose on the film that is partially set in 17th century.

Sources close to the unit say, â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;Rajinikanth has penned the story to ensure that all comes out wellâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;. He is trying different make-ups and is keen on coming up with a grand gala product. A R Rahman scores the music.

Rajini, being the perfectionist that he is, wanted a more traditional looking heroine Deepika than her present supermodel-like look. It is learnt that the film has a complex plot and spans across three generations.

WWW.CINEMAMATTERS.COM

108

MAY - 2011

Red Giant celebrates with Rajini Udhayanidhi Stalin of Red Giant Movies is planning a big bash on 7 May (Saturday) to celebrate the success of his production and distribution house.

The famed production house had churned out blockbusters like Vijay Starring Kuruvi, Suriya starrer Aadhavan, Kamal Haasan’s Manmadhan Ambu besides successfully presenting films like the musical hit Vinnai Thaandi Varuvaya starring Silambarasan and directed by Gautham Menon, Arya’s period flick Madarassapatinam, Prabhu Solomon’s Mynaa and the laugh riot M Rajesh’s Boss Engira Basakaran.

Currently Red giant Movies is producing Suriya Murugadoss’ 7Am Arivu and Udhayanidhi’s maiden venture as hero in Oru Kal Oru Kannadi and releasing K V Anand’s directorial Jeeva, Ajmal, Karthiga, Piaa Starring KO’ In order to celebrate their Success, a grand event has been organised in which all those who were associated with Red Giant Movies will take part.

Presiding over the celebrations is Super Star Rajnikanth. The event will witness honouring all those craftsmen behind these successful films.

Rajnikanth’s razmatazz

With just a few days left for Rajnikanth’s Raana to hit the floors, the expectation and buzz have caught up the Super Star himself.

Raana, directed by K S Ravikumar, features the top actor in triple roles with Deepika Padukone playing the female lead. Sources close to the unit say, ‘since there are few portions that is set in 17th century, Rajnikanth is carefully choosing his get-ups.’

The ‘Thalaivar’ is trying different costumes and getups, we learn. He has reportedly grown moustache and even tried french beard, they say. With his fans expecting a lot from every movie of his, Rajnikanth is working hard day and night to get the right look, sources add.

The movie has music by A R Rahman. He has reportedly come out with a couple of numbers already.

WWW.CINEMAMATTERS.COM

109

MAY - 2011

s w

Ne

Rajini talks about Rana Superstar Rajinikanth’s Rana has hit the floors today. Directed by K S Ravikumar, the film is produced by Soundarya Rajnikanth’s Ocher Studios in association with Eros International.

Talking to a news channel, Rajnikanth, who has penned the story for the movie, said, ‘I am thrilled to be part of Raana, that has a portion that is set in 17th century. It is a challenging task to do a period film. I am sure we will pull it off’.

A huge set resembling palace of 17th century was erected at AVM Studios in Chennai, where Rajnikanth appeared for shoot.

No sooner the news of Rajnikanth present at the venue spread, fans and common people thronged the place in large numbers and tight security was provided. Entry to the sets was restricted.

All eyes on the villain in Raana WIth the negative role played by Rajnikanth in Raana become a rage among masses, director K S Ravikumar is planning to ensure that in Raana too Rajni play a thorough baddie, who will mioghtily impress the audience.

Special oneliners and getup’s are being given for that particular role to be played by Rajnikanth, sources in the unit say.

Buzz is that the movie is set in two different time periods: 17th century and the current era. Raana, which will have Rajni in a triple role, will be co-produced by Rajni and Eros International.

A R Rahman will compose music for this magnum opus and the cinematographer would be Ratnavelu.

Rana will be made simultaneously in Tamil, Telugu and Hindi. Bollywood diva Deepaika Padukone will play one of the lead roles.

Grand sets are being erected in AVM Studios where period portions are being shot. While contemporary portions are canned in London.

WWW.CINEMAMATTERS.COM

110

MAY - 2011

Vadivelu attacks Rajini Top Kollywood comedian Vadivelu, who had emerged as the star campaigner for the ruling DMK-led Front in the April 13 Assembly polls, today flayed Superstar Rajnikanth for dropping him from his forthcoming film Rana.

Talking to journalists after calling on Chief Minister and DMK president M Karunanidhi at the latter’s Gopalapuram residence in Chennai, he said he was not bothered about being dropped from Rajni’s latest flick Rana, the shooting for which commenced this morning.

‘Whether it is Rana or Gana...I am not bothered about it’, Vadivelu said, when asked on being dropped from the film, which would be Rajnikanth’s first period film.

‘The scenes and seasons will change after May 13, the day when counting of votes polled in the polls will be taken up’, he said, in a veiled threat to the Tamil Superstar.

Big day for Silambarasan

After almost a year (after Vinnai Thaandi Varuvaya), Silambarasan’s next venture hits the screen today. Vaanam, a remake of Telugu blockbuster Vedham, opened big all over Tamilnadu today.

Directed by Krish, the movie features STR in the role of a cable TV operator. The movie is getting a big release with maximum number of prints being put, thanks to distributor Dhayanidhi Alagiri.

Says Silambarasan, ‘the movie is close to my heart, It would make anyone go in tears and emotional. I am lucky to have done the film’ He adds: If Karthik of Vinnai Thandi Varuvaya touched the soul of many, so would be Cable Raja in Vaanam. I waited for a right script after VTV and thankfully Vaanam happened’.

He is all praise for his whole crew including co-artistes. Vaanam would become a big hit, he adds,

WWW.CINEMAMATTERS.COM

111

MAY - 2011

s t n

e v E

Arya launch GRT’s Platinum Collection

WWW.CINEMAMATTERS.COM

112

MAY - 2011

Vambu and Bathra Audio Launch

WWW.CINEMAMATTERS.COM

113

MAY - 2011

s w

e N

Simran’s new role

In her third innings, actress Simran has chosen to do wield the megaphone. Simran played the female lead opposite almost all actors including Kamal Haasan, Ajith, Vijay, Vijayakanth and in late 90s and dominated the industry toll she chose to bid bye to acting after her marriage with Delhi-based pilot Deepak Bhaga.

She was back after a brief time to do character roles in few movies and also acted in some television serials.

The actress, who recently gave birth to a baby boy, is back for a third innings. This time around she has chosen to direct a movie.

Confirming the news, SImran, says, ‘ Yes, it’s my longtime wish to direct a film and it’s coming true now. I am busy penning the script these days’.

All for Amala Paul

Buzz is that she will produce a film too.

Amala Paul is on cloud nine. The young actress who started her career with Mynaa has emerged a name to reckon with in Tamil cinema.

Post Mynaa, she is flooded with offers. She has now completed shooting for Vikram’s Deiva Thirumagan and is all geared up to shoot for Arya starrer Vettai and a movie titled Muppozhudhum Un Karpanaigal opposite Atharva. Besides a couple of Malayalam directors have sought Amala Paul’s callsheet.

‘I am happy where I stand. I want to choose meaty roles. Acting is no easy task’, Amala Paul says. In Deiva Thirumagan, she plays a teacher to Vikram. ‘It is a challenging role. Acting alongside Vikram is an experience. He is a bundle of talent. He helped get my basics right’.

On Vettai, she says, ‘ Lingusamy ios a crafty director.

I am sharing the screen with Arya. It is again a bubbly character, which I enjoy working.

On Muppozhudhum Un Karpanaigal, Amala Paul, says, ‘It is a trendy film that’s very stylish and will cater to the younger generation. You can see me as a new avatar.

Mine is a strong character, who comes down from the US to work in an IT company in Bangalore.’

WWW.CINEMAMATTERS.COM

114

MAY - 2011

Sneha as Seetha Though Sneha is making her debut in Bollywod with Mad Daddy opposite Nasserudin Shah now, she was tipped to be part of a movie in Hindi long back. But the project could not take off.

Sources say Sneha was approached to play Goddess Seetha in a modern take on Ramayana. Unfortunately, the actress could not do the project due to prioir commitments. Also the project too was shelved for reasons unknown.

Says Sneha, ‘I have no regrets in missing that oportunity. But thanks to director Revathy Verma, I am doing a movie in Hindi. Hopefully all goes well.’

All cheers to Anushka Krish, the young filmmaker from Tollywood, who is busy directing Vaanam, is all praise for Anushka.

He says, ‘ She is one of the talented actress who can do justice to any role that she does.

She played a commercial sex worker in Vaanam. A challenging role which she has taken in her stride and delivered with aplomb’.

Krish, who helmed the original version of Vaanam in Telugu titled Vedham, says, ‘the movie has come good. All the cast and crew have given their best. I have made some changes in the script to suit local audience’.

Expressing his admiration for Silambarasan, who plays the lead role in the film, he says, ‘he is a bundle of energy. He is more than an actor.

It was a great pleasure working with him’.

Equally appreciating music composer Yuvanshankar Raja, Krish says, ‘ he has come up with scintillating songs. It is a great pleasure being part of such a project.’

Vaanam is complete and would hit screens this summer.

WWW.CINEMAMATTERS.COM

115

MAY - 2011

s w

Ne

Vikram ready with Dheiva Thirumagan Dheiva Thirumagan is a movie to reckon with in my career. It is one of the best, says Vikram.

He was speaking after unveiling the title of the movie, produced

by Mogan Nadarajan and directed by Vijay of Madarassapptinam fame, in Chennai on Sunday. Anushka, Amala Paul among others forms part of the film.

Says Vikram, â&#x20AC;&#x2DC; it has a great storyline, never told before in Tamil cinema. It provides a good scope for every artiste to give his or her best on screen. The entire shooting is completed in one goâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;. The grand release of the film will be in May. The movie was shot in Ooty and its adjoining areas. Also a grand set resembling a High Court was erected in Chennai where a major portion of the film was shot. The movie has cinematography by Nirav Shah and art by Santhanam.

The highlight of the film would be its songs, adds Vikram. Young G V Prakash has come up with catchy numbers, he adds.

WWW.CINEMAMATTERS.COM

116

MAY - 2011

Double delight for Vikram

In Dheiva Thirumagan, Vikram share the screen with two girls - Anushka and Amala Paul. He is all set to repeat a similar act fore his next venture to be directed by Venilla Kabbadi Kuzxhu fame Suseenthiran. Yes, Chiyaan would have two heroines for the movies.

Sources say the popular Tollywood heroine Deeksha Seth (of Vedam and Mirapakay fame) and Malayalam actress Mithra Kurian, who was seen playing Asin’s close friend in Vijay’s Kavalan recently, will share the screen with Vikram for the moviue.

Suseenthiran said the movie would have Vikram in a dual role. He has completed the script and is all set to start the shooting once his Azhagarsamiyin Kuthirai gets released.

Meanwhile, Vikram is flying high with the accolades that he receiving for Deiva Thirumagan. The trailers of the movie are out and his performance is widely appreciated.

UN ropes in Vikram Just weeks after an Italian varsity selected him for an honorary doctorate, ‘Chiyaan’ Vikram has got more international recognition.

He has been selected as the Youth Envoy for the ‘UN Habitat’ (United Nations Human Settlement Programme).

Vikram is part of the Asian Contingent wherein only four envoys have been selected from around the world. He has been invited for the 23rd Governing Council meets in Nairobi, Kenya. The convention begins today and concludes on 15 April.

Speaking from Nairobi, Vikram said that he is ‘honoured to be part of this prestigious organization which works towards eradication of poverty, providing sustainable Urban Development and improved livelihoods especially for the poor.’

He further elaborated that ‘The UN-Habitat’s overall aim is to stimulate a healthy urban development and to promote a green economy through environment development. The collective challenge is to eradicate slums and provide adequate housing as well as an improved and sustainable supply of water for domestic, industrial and emergency use for the people.’

WWW.CINEMAMATTERS.COM

117

MAY - 2011

s w

Ne

Vijay’s costly intro song Vijay fans had always waited with great

expectations for the intro song in all his films. And the mass hero never failed to disappoint them.

In his forthcoming film Velayudham too, Vijay will shake his legs for a peppy and a racy opening song with more than 300 dances at a huge set erected at Thirumalagiri village.

The movie directed by Jeyam Raja and produced by Aascar Ravichandran, features Hanshika Motwani and Genelia alonsgide Vijay. Says the director, ‘ indeed yes. It is the costliest opening song ever to have been shot in Tamil cinema’.

Vijay will dance to peppy tune composed by Vijay Antony along with hundreds of dancers.

The total cost of the song would surpass Rs 25 lakh. I thank my producer for it, adds the director.

Salman is like Vijay Director Siddique who rendered a hit in Kavalan starring Vijay is all resolved to repeat the magic in Bollywood too. The ace Malayalam filmmaker is now doing remake of Kavalan in Bollywood. Guess who plays the lead role?

None other than Salman Khan.

Says the director, ‘ I had great comfort levels working with Vijay. It was an excellent experience working with him. When there was talks of doing the Hindi remake, it was Vijay who suggested me to do it with Salman Khan’.

Salman ‘s innocence propelled me to cast him in the movie,’ says Siddique, ‘When I looked at Salman, what struck me first was his innocence. And then, it was his personality. I was looking at an actor who had the innocence and humour that was essential to play the bodyguard. And Salman had all that and more. I thank Vijay for it’, he add.

WWW.CINEMAMATTERS.COM

118

MAY - 2011

Suriyaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s villain is from Vietnam 7am Arivu starring Suriya and Sruthi Haasan directed by A R Murugadoss, features as main villain who is a Vietnamese-American film and TV actor Johnny Tri Nguyen. He is also a stunt double and martial artist.

Johnny Nguyen comes from a family with deep roots in the Vietnamese entertainment industry. His acting roles include the martial arts films Tom-Yum-Goong and Cradle 2 the Grave.

His work as a stunt double includes the role of Spider Man in Spider Man 2 and as the Green Goblin in Spider Man. He practises Lien Feng Kwon.

Produced by Red Giant Movies, 7am Arivu is almost complete but for few talkie portions.

Harris Jayaraj has scored the music. An action-packed thriller, the film is all set for release this summer.

WWW.CINEMAMATTERS.COM

119

MAY - 2011

s w

An actress and her personal life Rarely movies are made on film indus-

e N

try itself. The last was Vellithirai, which spoke about the travails of a filmmaker.

Now Raj Krishna, a scribe-tuned-director, is making a movie titled Oru Nadigayin Vaakumoolam that speaks about the difficulties one has to face to become an actress.

Playing the lead role is Sonia Agarwal. The movie is based on a series of articles on the lives of actresses that appeared in a vernacular weekly.

Sonia Agrawal, after her divorce with Selvaraghavan, is back to acting. She is eagerly awaiting the release of Vaanam, in which she plays a prominent role.

One more in the list

Joining the long list of sons and daughters of film personalities making their foray in big screen is stunt master Fefsi Vijayan’s son Sabarish.

He plays the lead role in a movie titled Markandeya, being directed by Vijayan himself.

A happy dad says, ‘my son has undergone a year’s training in Thai boxing in Thailand, and also learnt dancing and acting to prepare for the role.’

Popular Thai

model

Pinky

from

Bang-

kok, along with Telugu girl Nivedita is playing heroines in the film. In keeping with the background of the director, the screenplay has a lot of action, besides romance.

Sundar C Babu has composed the music.

WWW.CINEMAMATTERS.COM

120

MAY - 2011

WWW.CINEMAMATTERS.COM

121

MAY - 2011

1. Girlâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s top 2.Watch 3.BoY Shrt 4.Heroine flower 5.Dollar 6 . Grandma Thiruneer Rock

Spot The 6 Differences

l a y ing o R dd e W

Dream Come True

The Official Royal Portrait

WWW.CINEMAMATTERS.COM

122

MAY - 2011

The Evening Reception Gown

Gown with 8ft Train WWW.CINEMAMATTERS.COM

123

MAY - 2011

l a y ing o R dd e W

WWW.CINEMAMATTERS.COM

124

MAY - 2011

Duke and Duchess of Cambridge

Meeting the crowd outside the westminster Abbey as Mrs. &Mr.whales

WWW.CINEMAMATTERS.COM

125

MAY - 2011

l a y ing o R dd e W

The Ride back to the Buckingham palace in an open Carriage The Royal Kiss

WWW.CINEMAMATTERS.COM

126

MAY - 2011

The Entire Royal Family

Happily ever after...

WWW.CINEMAMATTERS.COM

127

MAY - 2011

Advertisement

Chennai Webcreators

Personal Business / Retailers For Quality Website Design Entrepreneurs 1 year 1 year 1 year FREE FREE Dental / Eye FREE DOMAIN HOSTING Veterinary / Doctors Websites For Your Budget Professionals Weddings Starting From ` 999/No Monthly Charges - No Hidden Charges Real Estate / Realtors www.chennaiwebcreators.co.in Law Firms info@chennaiwebcreators.co.in Phone : +9144 - 22661255 / 90032 52339 Education / Schools Create your Online Shopping Hostels / Restaurants Salons / Spas Travels Entertainment Event Mangement Financial Services Matrimonial REGISTRATION

- 2011 G7 Ruby Enclave #17, 2nd Street, Latheef Colony , Zamin128 Pallavaram (Near Syndicate Bank ) MAY Chennai - 600 043 WWW.CINEMAMATTERS.COM

Entertainment. Online. Anytime. www.cinemamatters.com Movie News - Gallery - Wallpaper - Review - Trailer - Magazine

FOLLOW US ON

For Your Advertisements please contact ads@cinemamatters.com www.twitter.com/cinemamatters www.facebook.com/cinemamatters

WWW.CINEMAMATTERS.COM

129

MAY - 2011