Southscope june 2013 issue part2

Page 1

JUNE 2013

VOL 04 | ISSUE 09

It’s time for some

Interesting chats with the cast and crew of this comedy caper

Top South Indian stars talk about their favourite TV shows

www.southscope.in

WHAT’S IN THIS EDITION?

26

CAMEO What would our stars pick if we were to remake western sitcoms in India?

4

12

of popular culture in Malayalam the trend of actors transitioning into politics in Sandalwood.

20

Special Feature: Thillu Mullu Some mischief is brewing indeed! We get you all the action behind the scenes as Thillu Mullu comes around.

MISCHIEF

IS A-BREWING

Hundreds of thousands of people in Tamilnadu would fondly name the 1981 Rajinikanth-starrer Thillu Mullu as one of their most favourite films of all time. Such is the impact the comedy caper had and continues to exert on Tamil audiences. With the mere mention of the name, the cult-favourite interview scene in the film, between Superstar Rajinikanth and Thengai Srinivasan springs to mind. One of the latter’s most memorable one-liners in the film would probably be, ‘Yaarandha Nagesh?!’ There are people who have watched this film more than 50 times and still burst out laughing at its funny moments with all the enthusiasm of a first-time audience. So when Vendhar Movies, the reputed and hugely succcessful film distribution house decided to remake the legendary cult classic in their maiden production venture, many felt it was perfect timing. Tamil cinema is embracing funny films like never before and our audiences are enthusiastically ensuring the success of bold, new ventures. Considering the current scenario, the makers of Thillu Mullu could not have chosen a better time to release the film. The 2013 version of the comedy caper is directed by Badri, and has Mirchi Shiva and Isha Talwar playing the lead roles. Prakahs Raj plays Thengai Srinivasan’s role in the original and Kovai Sarala reprises the character played by Sowcar Janaki. The film has a grand musical menagerie to its credit – what with Yuvan Shankar Raja and MS Viswanathan joining hands for the first time ever. An interesting fact about the film is that according to S Madhan of Vendhar Movies, the film is very different from the 1981 original in treatment and depiction. Audiences are in for a laugh riot, alright! 4

JUNE 2013 | SOUTHSCOPE

JUNE 2013 | SOUTHSCOPE

5

AS MIRCHI AS.....

SHIVA!

Reprising Superstar Rajinikanth’s role is no mean feat. But the fact that Shiva is doing so in an unassuming manner, is creditable. Shankaran Malini speaks to the actor.

6

JUNE 2013 | SOUTHSCOPE

Shiva or ‘Mirchi’ Shiva as he is fondly called, is gung-ho about his Thillu Mullu. “The most memorable aspect of this project is the fact that we, as a team, visited Superstar Rajinikanth. He said that he had a strong more could we ask for?� says Shiva. “Our audiences and fans will sub-consciously compare this with the older version. Even I is a tendency to imitate the Superstar, especially in Tamil. But that is purely out of inspiration and not because ! That’s what Thillu Mullu of 2013 is all about. It retains the base, the soul of the original, but is adapted to the present day scenario. It’s not easy to fool someone with a fake moustache these days, or to play proxy or impersonate somebody. Thillu Mullu in 1981, had Rajini sir playing the role of the heroine’s music teacher. Now, this for instance, has been improvised in Thillu Mullu 2013, where the protagonist plays a karate master, who obviously does not know any karate himself. So the humour lies in the way such a character plays his part in the " who has zero knowledge

about karate, teaching the martial artform? # # !

$ % For reference, Shiva watched Golmaal. “I obviously cannot set standards in comparison with Rajini sir. So I watched the Hindi & ' # commendable job. There is a sister character ( there, but the same doesn’t have much to do ' #

) Sarala have done amazing work with their roles. Badri is very fast, as a director.� On a lighter vein, Shiva says, “To prepare for " * there for a month to learn karate. I got a black ! + " ! ! # ! ( #/ & ! # ! ! 200 rupees, I bargained and brought it down 7:; <% & " =& " that when even the biggest of karate masters watch our movie, they will feel they don’t know anything about karate.� In between bouts of laughter, I manage to slip a question in between, hoping for a serious comedies? His reply sounds honest and takes ! =" like Mahanadhi and Guna for instance, but again. I am not game for those risks.�

JUNE 2013 | SOUTHSCOPE

7

THE NAME

IS TALWAR ISHA TALWAR. Thillu Mullu is doing the rounds as the next big comedic flick and audiences are eagerly awaiting the talents of Isha Talwar to unfold. Shankaran Malini takes a look at the debutante’s tale in the run-up to the release.

@ ( D "

& on television, she moved to the big screen starting off with Hindi cinema, followed by

J & debut in Telugu cinema recently, in Gunde Jaari Gallanthayyinde, Isha Talwar is now all set for her launch in Tamil cinema. Isha’s LP was Thattathin Marayathu (Malayalam), for which she is known to have prepared for two long years. Speaking about how Thillu Mullu happened to her, she says, “I have done more than 45 commercials and having seen my work in ads – particularly, my music video with Hrithik

$ ' V @ – the production house approached me.� Despite the many memorable experiences she cherishes while reminiscing about the "

"

8

JUNE 2013 | SOUTHSCOPE

# !

the cast and crew had gone to meet Superstar Rajinikanth in person to seek his blessings. “Sadly, I wasn’t part of this visit as I had joined the team later. I am hoping that he will

" " % she says. Isha is reprising Madhavi’s role in the 1981 Rajinikanth-starrer Thillu Mullu. “Obviously, they are making the movie in today’s time and a lot of things need to be recreated. The original cannot be completely replicated, it can only be adapted to some extent. The romantic angle is very well explored in the %

So in terms of preparing for the role, what did she have to do? “I underwent Tamil classes for about a month and a half. But if you ask me whether I can speak and understand Tamil P " < ) ) %

&! L

says, “I had a good rapport with the director and I can recall a lot of discussions we all had ! # Shiva is completely entertaining, just as he is on screen. The sets were lively because ' #

X& ( ! " ( # Y ) $ is brilliant. She has amazing comedic timing !

) ! # % & # ! # L

# experience. “You get paid for making people laugh, and bringing a smile to so many faces. If you ask me, that is such a blessing.�

Director Badri of Thillu Mullu, the remake of the 1981 cult hit of the same name, starring Superstar Rajinikanth says that it is but natural for audiences to draw comparisons ! Y # = promising the audience a refreshed, spanking " % =" # @ # $ * ) # $ and I shared a good rapport, and we wanted to [ D J offered Shiva the lead role in the remake of Thillu Mullu. He referred my name as the director. That’s how I came on board. I have adapted the storyline of the original to suit the present day,� he adds.

BADRI

BEHIND THE LENS

J =" D $ * ! & ' )

! " ! ## " Ooru with Bharath. Thillu Mullu with Shiva is my fourth venture as director. Before this I

) # % says Badri. “The casting is the backbone of Thillu Mullu. ' # ! ensuring that the roles etched for them suit their image, was a big challenge in itself. In the 1981 Thillu Mullu, if you observe, the character that was etched for Superstar then, suited him and at the same time, gave the audiences a big surprise that Rajini sir could play such a crackling comedic role too. Mentioning Rajini sir here, I would say that one of the best things to happen at the start of Thillu Mullu was our meeting with him for his blessings. He wished us well and blessed % says. “Shiva reprises Rajini sir’s role in Thillu Mullu. He has an innate sense of humour, his own style of dialogue delivery and body language, and I was very particular that the character of the protagonist etched for him, blended with all his qualities as an artiste,� he adds. “Same was the case with the characters ' #

) $ # " ! =+ $ %

# @ ! &! Dhabi and Muscat. There is a sequence in @ ! J !

* \ * ( ! ] titled Thillu Mullu, and not Thillu Mullu 2. + music – a blend of the old and the new,

Remaking a film in a way that best suits the ethos it is released into is a hard task. Badri has managed it well, as Shankaran Malini finds out.

and the combination of the prowess of MS D ^ $ # Elaborating on this combination, Badri says, = retained Thillu Mullu Thillu Mullu song and ' " " # J$ D D J_ ! " when I was listening to those songs that I thought to myself, why not have different ! The fact is they are not musicians‌ They % # six months of time. “Special mention must ! [ #

"

:; ` ' $ # ! D &

portrays the middle class living conditions

! D marriage hall in Mylapore for the purpose and did a wonderful job with my visualisation of ' #

is super busy in Telugu, has choreographed { J J ' song. Though he wasn’t very keen on going abroad for choreography, his personal liking for the melodies convinced him to do so. He has done an amazing job with the genres. 40 straight still cameras for a song sequence, which is a new feat in itself. The dialogues ! ! Balaji. I did not want to take up too many things at the same time because such multitasking could take its toll on the quality of the " { L utilisation of resources and compromise on quality.� Last but not the least, he assures us that this = ! %

JUNE 2013 | SOUTHSCOPE

9

BACKING UP ALL THE

THILLU MULLU

Producer S Madhan is a happy man. With Thillu Mullu around the corner, we can understand his elation. Shankaran Malini chats with the producer about the upcoming film.

" D J as their production, Thillu Mullu has been X} ! * ] ' $ J

! = L # }$' ! # 7~ 7 $ Mullu. If you ask me what the crowd-puller " itself which will bring audiences to theatres,� says Madhan. Thillu Mullu is the maiden production venture of his production house. How does

/ =D J !

L

10

JUNE 2013 | SOUTHSCOPE

management team for each and every area. Thillu Mullu is the maiden production D J stone unturned when it comes to the publicity

grand release in over 300 screens at least. It € % & # ! little information. “Shiva reprises Superstar ' #

Raj reprises Thengai Srinivasan’s role. ) $ reprising Sowcar Janaki’s role, and hers is a very prominent part.� J movie, he showers applause on the director

] =( job. There are a lot of changes in the script. "

innovative portrayal of the 1981 classic. That is a rare quality for a remake. Badri is :;L schedule, he wraps it up in 49 days itself, if 80 rolls is what the usage of negatives is, he uses only 65. He is ahead of time: perfect and punctual.� Happiness is evident in Madhan’s voice as

J ! entertain audiences and ensure hearty laughs

!

CAMEO We asked a few stars what their favourite TV shows are and if they could, which one would they like to be a part of. Read on for their crisp, candid replies‌

12

JUNE 2013 | SOUTHSCOPE

Madhavan

My most favourite show has to be Everybody loves Raymond. If I could, I would love to play Raymond. As for the supporting cast, I’d pick Farida Jalal for Raymond’s mother, Satish Shah for his father, Juhi for his wife and Rohit Roy for Raymond’s brother.

JUNE 2013 | SOUTHSCOPE

13

Rana Daggubatti

One of my favourite TV shows is Game of Thrones. I also like 24. I have never been a big fan of sitcoms like Friends, actually. But if I could, which sitcom would I love to be a part of, you ask? None of them, actually!

14

JUNE 2013 | SOUTHSCOPE

CAMEO

Shruti Haasan

I’d pick Homeland. I’d want it to be about Indian politics, though, and I’d like to play Claire Danes’ role!

JUNE 2013 | SOUTHSCOPE

15

CAMEO

Priyamani

I would like to be Chandler from Friends. His witticisms are insanely funny. Of late, I enjoy watching Rizzoli & Isles. Given a chance I would love to play Jane Rizzoli from the show. Who knows, I might even retain the cast for the supporting roles.

16

JUNE 2013 | SOUTHSCOPE

CAMEO

Karthi

Hmm… This is my revealation to Southscope readers. I don’t watch too many sitcoms actually. Even though I’ve been in the US where the sitcom culture is really big, I haven’t followed any shows in particular. No Friends, no Supernatural… nothing. Sitcoms are not my thing.

20

JUNE 2013 | SOUTHSCOPE

Ee thingut R Oound.tO’snall abo F i r BE s all aToday,

lm . f fi ents R o s Eposterstatem V g on E vin ashi r e s N f

ob ht E en utrig e IKata haysmb ake o L , arnalall: the E Lada Swt them Y ag ou pr r ab by! a ST th he a Po es s, b

THE STYLE SWING

ik k str e loo h t

& " ! V ! ( Nagarjuna, dressed in a well-cut suit and sexy shades, smiles at me from his Greekuveerudu poster. I am mesmerised and come back to my senses only when the cars behind me start honking. Billboards

P

Nagarjuna in Greekuveerudu, the classy D #

$

& & in Iddarammayilatho and the electrifying Jr. NTR in Baadshah. The city is witnessing

showcasing heroes in very fashionable and uber cool avatars. Film posters, I am beginning to think, are starting to look a lot # \

#

NOW THAT’S WHAT YOU CALL A MAKEOVER. $ Indian cinema where the glamour quotient now seems to spring staright from the hero himself. The style and look of the

! }$' # attracting audiences in droves to the theatres. Filmmakers too are cashing in on this trend, by ensuring that our heroes look different and

Sridevi, Jayaprada, Radha and many more had beautifully complimented their heroes’ macho image with their own feminine charm. ‚ Y match the style-conscious heroes. Recently at the audio launch of Greekuveerudu, beauties &

# ' =& # # ‚ $ ! # ! %

_

heroes in simple trousers and shirts or had beautiful heroines clad in chiffon sarees, spilling charm. I still remember the posters of yesteryear blockbusters like Gangleader, Dharmachakram, Hello Brother and many more that depicted the mood of the cinema in ] J * D D #

‚ ] #

or for that matter any of the established stars of the ‘80s and ‘90s – they were all considered handsome and macho, but not stylish and trendy. Often heroines didn’t even visuals tell a different story. Heroes of today are veritable style icons, and this growing importance being given to style and fashion is not only with the current crop of young actors but the veterans as well. Some examples are Nagarjuna’s look in Greekuveerudu and D #

# $ have not only set new standards of style but seem to be giving a tough competition to the younger generation of actors.

THE IMPACT The trend of heroes becoming conscious of their looks has a 3-tier impact. Directors have an additional responsibility of presenting their heroes in new avatars and are consciously working on such stories and characters that would give them these opportunities. If that’s the scene on the director’s end, the heroines themselves seem to be having a tough time making their presence felt due to the stunning style quotient of the heroes. Leading ladies of yesteryear were considered to be the &

#

This new swing of style seems to have gained momentum over the last 7-8 years. Style in Telugu cinema has undergone a paradign shift. “I feel this extra importance that is ! # P because of competition. Today, heroes are conscious about everything right from their physique. I still remember, in 2005-06 it would just take 15-20 minutes to do the hair and makeup for a hero. Now it takes approximately an hour and a half,� says

$ & # various Tollywood stars.

STYLE CHECK Today, people don’t look forward to just the

words being bandied about are: six-pack abs, eight-pack abs, the hero’s hairstyle, ! < & about the looks, baby.

“I still remember, in 2005-06, it would just take 15-20 minutes to do the hair and makeup for a hero. Now it takes approximately an hour and a half� JUNE 2013 | SOUTHSCOPE

21

22

JUNE 2013 | SOUTHSCOPE

: S S E CE X C SUFFIC BO G T O N O I L X G L O A A B NM B A M RO THE F O T

nd sa y n a ci ba liti es at o o p ist int n art d e ion tow sit nsel n tra t ti lly kep u f s ys ces a uc s alw s rs a sta ate h . m l or nd fi re elect is tre e wh ka th du nata dies a l N r tu mi he Ka al s a d T , t am an tates hivk h s s de he G S Pra ule t vind a r r dh to ra An t on ns. A e lik en tio Un en w elec ) ] J J ev ring

]* ' & & du ‚ } = has proved a point, that is, if stars get closer to the voters and understand their plight and problems, the electorate will repose faith in & ! _ $ the big screen and expect voters to cast their

( J }

} J[& ! in the movies. This is a lesson for all aspiring * % @ D =‚ ) # : & ! &

! campaigned for their favourite candidates during the polls. Of them, Divya Spandana as celebrities and seek votes as candidates was the most successful of the lot, as }

!

*

" ) the electorate they cannot expect their fan campaigned for, won the elections. There are

! & !

*

shift to politics. But that trend may well be }

' Y ) % @

& !

personalities taking the plunge into politics ) # & & $

and even tasting success. @ & D ] #

' & too were active on the campaign circuit. It is \ ) # ! to be seen whether the success enjoyed by politics, there are as many as 6 Members all out to woo the voters, they have been [ &

! shunned by the electorate. Even veteran prompt several others to take the plunge in ) " superstars like Jayanthi and Dwarakeesh had the coming years. & !

L to bite the dust in front of the voters. There

}

L

! Y # * ' *' ^

&

# ) ^

] * ' J # Muniratna Naidu and Santosh Lad won the * elections comfortably, and now seat in the to the people and were frequently seen in the &

! ( &

# ) legislature irrespective of the performance of Yogeeshwara are Independents, the other four their movies. J[& *

) # : this time, there were an equal number of & # ) # \ ' _ government even appointed two of them – ) # ! & !

}

{ L ]$ *

& !

was decimated in the elections. Similarly,

JUNE 2013 | SOUTHSCOPE

23

From

melodies to melanges Music from the Malayalam film industry has undergone a transformation of enormous proportions. Kirthi Jayakumar examines the learning curve.

" lessons from one of the giants in the world * " best musical talents for the most part, came ] ) " ! standing in silent admiration as some of my malayali friends and fellow students sang every song with their own creative rendition: nearly anything they sang had a melodious touch to it – even if it was a peppy song. It intrigued me to see how melody was ubiquitous in the Malayali song-book, as it found its way into every song without any conspicuous sign of its entry or exit. " informative conversation with a friend, I came to understand that the role of melody in Malayalam music was more than just being a “part� of the music itself. The overarching favourite among those interested in Malayalam music has been this generous dose of melody – something that has remained an intricate part of their childhood as well.

24

JUNE 2013 | SOUTHSCOPE

In the inception, to a large extent J the melodious. The beauty in the paeans remained preserved because of the fact that it was untouched by much of the " *

* € that Malayalam music remained slotted as melodious Indian music without the # ( music pursued. The poignant renditions in ) V ^ minds of several people even today. But even as the love for the charming music of yesteryear remains afresh, the newer trends remain promising of an ever-changing and evolving world of music. Malayalam music has become more embracing and accommodative of the new age music that has come forth in the form of Indie bands and rock, even. In the earlier days of Malayalam music, starting from the 1960s, there was a huge tidal wave of beautiful melody from the notes of G Devarajan and M S Baburaj. Lyricists used simple words, but through them, sent poignant thoughts and beautiful

# D ' ] # still considered among the stellar stalwarts L J } P !

and one seldom found a differentiation between the both. The path was broken with the advent of light music when MG Radhakrishnan broke new ground as the 1970s turned around. & solo albums that came with Yesudas’ own musical stylings. But these interludes were

L * P continued to remain, and even prevail 7~~; } in the same genre but without removing €

* it, there came a time when the classical element was deconstructed and turned “semi-classical.� Thanks to Raveendran, this new genre gained acceptance as Yesudas carried the songs forth in his fantastic voice and Malayalam cinema’s Even as the element of melody remains untouched in Malayalam music, new P € „ [ V

_ J South India, with the advent of everything new: rap, beats and an urban feel. To the puritans, this seemed a death knell, an erosion of the sanctimonious fabric of J & $ `

& J ' ' # was here to stay. & &

€ &! came forth to garnish the change with an † # ] & was no longer just the name of a mixed vegetable dish. It was a killer new band with groovy tunes to offer, and it did just &! $ X ' ‡;77 & # ! were in some form or the other part of soundtracks of subsequent projects. Besides ! & the birth of this new burst of music has ushered in a new era in Malayalam music. Malayalam cinema has clearly come of age, and its music isn’t dancing to old beats any longer. The old certainly is gold, but the new is no longer “who.� The burgeoning trends that are putting Malayalam cinema on a larger map in more ways than one, show promise: a promise that another Golden Era is around the corner.

Spreading its roots further

Browntree is now open at Phoenix Market City, in Chennai. We take you through the new beginning.

] Y ' Y J J &! ] Y = ' Y J # ]

D ! ' Y J * % 7ˆ ]

] * # ] Y food, health food, roasted snacks, sugar-free products, low-fat products, coffees and teas, chemical-free vegetables, juices and syrups, ! =+ € ! #

! ! ! Y Y % Y &!

` # / ( $ ‚ † :‰ Š : ‹7ˆ‡ ' Y J # * D J * Lˆ‡ ' † Œ~7 ˆˆ ‘;; ‘’7 “7~

NIKKI

GALRANI Height: 5’5” Weight: 52 kgs This PYT is no ordinary starry-eyed wannabe. The younger sister of multilingual actress Sanjjanaa Archana, Nikki has made the right beginning by debuting through the Kannada project Ajith, which is a remake of the Tamil blockbuster Paiyya. Her Tamil debut movie happens to be Yagavarayinum Na Kaaka opposite Aadhi and the movie is being made in Telugu as well. “My sister did not want me to become an actress; she wished I would study to be a doctor. When she realised that it was not my cup of tea, she let me decide what I wanted in life. So here I am!” declares Bengaluru-based Nikki.

26

JUNE 2013 | SOUTHSCOPE

www.spiderline.in

Tel: +91 44 2825 0274, Mob: +91 94441 02108, +91 89390 88438, E-mail: info@bableather.in | Web: www.bableather.in

BAB Leather Lounge, Old No.43 (No.34), Vaidyanathan Street, Nungambakkam, Chennai - 600 034

LUXURY SOFAS | RECLINERS | WALL PANELS CAR LEATHER SEATS | COFFEE TABLES AND LOTS MORE..

The Fine Art of Royal Luxury

SINCE 1945

! V

@ ld bring ! ou '

# h that w nts. You nt e & ale a mo rsatile t you tak y o enj eir ve y role ont or r n th out ine in a home f sh he will e it on t # b up –

al, an L e h o M m like g in a ti s n a e in ndfall ll br Taur i For onth wi ough w ot-ofr p m h this at joy t ins. It’s a re . of g netary g indeed , e mo and gold tim

r re fo e o t s in lik a lot ebrities s a h el June -born c is i

in

this Gem & future, nce da the ) ts into for abun h r insig e tease ! th just # 28

JUNE 2013 | SOUTHSCOPE

D # ter a lot

af et time Hectic i u k. * y a q and wor way to a o j n e n give ctio of a les will du sche

will e n u e a, J uriy isit som S e ik ev ars l me to r at have t s r i th Fo and t r r nues fore, o g e a v a

be be e old ked of th not wor & ! en at pp er eith in to ha beg !

, things olve diss # # !

s turn e r f † ot o r a l } o f e s, a tim # ouquet s i June D means b

ou, this y d min use of ca

! ^ mess be o time. t les in a ot keep u n d n sche who ca le peop

V

m nces co * a rie ! re expe , this is #

en fo r-be the doz #L e v e n y in b ing ' # & # ply too

im [ ! re are s all at e

s as th pening oices hap , ch sion deci y things in there ood. man ut hang g you g .B brin once de will ma

n ( onder o p at ) to

# f time ideas th . o $ e a lot creative nowher e v d a h very p out of to soun e m so ome u re on casi to ensu c c o e v be . rs ha will ll-wishe ht track e r e e rig Th me w on the o s f of ’re you t a h t

s e ha n u J u R, e ST tore. Yo f k i l s o rs acto pense in couple r o a F sus tched ill to t e s m i e p ar so have returns t h g mi whose nd of e s idea ts at the i e the fru s u beca

$ # simple # d

iling an n easy a ' ooth-s e. It is a to do, a sm in Jun o much th to mon ithout easy. e it th w mon so tak

am ayar J e t lik tars of grea ter s n f ia time on a ittar Sag l have a adulati well. wil on and ff very o ti pay ecia appr entures ev som

JUNE 2013 | SOUTHSCOPE

29

Turn static files into dynamic content formats.

Create a flipbook
Issuu converts static files into: digital portfolios, online yearbooks, online catalogs, digital photo albums and more. Sign up and create your flipbook.