AR RAHMAN LIVE IN CONCERT
Friday 9th December 2011
Dubai International Cricket Stadium - Dubai Sports City
Deepika upset at overlooked for ‘Kochadaiyan’
Bollywood’s Deepika Padukone is said to be upset at having been ‘left out’ of the scheme of things from superstar Rajinikanth’s upcoming film Kochadaiyan. Media reports pointed out that the tall and pretty Anushka Shetty a.k.a. Anushka is the frontrunner in the list of actresses who are under consideration by Soundarya, who directs her father in the film, to pair up opposite Rajinikanth.
Deepika was cast as Rajinikanth’s heroine in Rana whose muhurat was held on 29th April this year. Unfortunately, Rajini fell ill on the same evening and was hospitalized twice in two hospitals in Chennai before being air-lifted to Singapore’s Mount Elizabeth Hospital for the treatment of the kidney problem which had been tormenting him for the past few months.
Though the shooting of the film was scheduled to re-commence in December, it is now said that the shooting may not start before August next year. Rajini, in the meanwhile, would be starring in Kochadaiyan to be directed by Soundarya. The fact that nobody bothered to inform Deepika about the postponement of the already-delayed shooting schedule of Rana hasn’t gone down well with Deepika.
Ravikumar’s statement that Anushka was likely to be cast opposite Rajini in his new film was the last draw as far as Deeps was concerned. An upset Deepika, when queried about the postponement of Rana’s shoot, said that she wasn’t formally informed about the same and added that it would be better if she is not asked about that.
Sources close to her say that she has almost decided not to be part of the prestigious project any more.
Officially, though, she is still the heroine of Rana!
Amala to fire her manager soon?
Sources close to Amala say that she recently had a spat with her manager over his ways of ‘managing’ her career. In fact, Amala realized only after everything was over that she lost the opportunity to star in the film 3 only because of the goof-ups by her manager. Though the details are now clearly known as of now, it is rumoured that a ‘communication gap’ is what cost the film for Amala.
What really caused the manager’s tenure untenable was that when the manager couldn’t get Amala paired up opposite Vikram in his upcoming film Thandavam. The fact that Amala and Vikram share the same manager makes it all the more baffling that the person failed (?!) to get them paired in the latter’s new film.
Considering the fact that Amala was in reckoning to play the heroine’s role when the film was announced, the actress couldn’t digest the fact that she is not part of the film. Reports say that Anushka might be paired up opposite Vikram in Thandavam. Incidentally, both Anushka and Amala starred with Vikram (not as heroines, though) in Deivathirumagal which released a few months back.
Sunaina goes strong and steady
Lately the actress was said to have been roped in as the second heroine for Vishal’s Samaran. Now she has signed a movie, Mike Set Pandi with director Rasu Madhuravan opposite Sabarish, who is one film old. Says Sunaina, I was flooded with rural roles after Vamsam. I didn’t want to get typecast and deliberately turned down many projects.
Thankfully Rasu Madhuravan’s film has an urban character and lots of scope for performance, including comedy.’
Bollywood actress to star in Rajinikanth’s Kochadaiyaan
Soon after Anushka Shetty’s name started doing rounds that she was being considered for one of the female leads in Kochadaiyaan, there comes a new rumour about the leading lady of the movie. If reports are to be believed, the makers of the film are looking out for a Bollywood face to cast opposite Rajinikanth.
It seems the makers of the movie are planning to cast a Bollywood face to have larger appeal. Though, the names of the contenders have not been revealed, the movie bosses have reportedly approached a few top Bollywood actresses. They are expected to finalise the cast by this weekend and the announcement on the female leads will be made immediately.
Kochadaiyaan is loosely inspired by Pandya king, Kochadaiyan Rana Dheeran. The movie directed by Soundarya Rajinikanth is being made by the ‘motion capturing’ technique. It is produced by Eros International & Media One and expected to hit the screens in August 2012.
Silk Smitha’s story in Tamil
Abhirami Ramanathan has procured the distribution rights of The Dirty Picture. He will distribute the film in Tamil Nadu and Kerala regions. The Dirty Picture is due to be released tomorrow and its Tamil version will also hit the screens simultaneously.
The film is based on the life of late actress Silk Smitha and therefore producer Ekta Kapoor has decided to release the Tamil version to attract the audiences to the theatres. Vidya Balan essays the role of Silk Smitha in the film with Naseeruddin Shah playing an important role. Milan Luthria has directed this film
Rajini & Kamal to attend ’3′ music launch?
The latest buzz in K-town is that Rajinikanth and Kamal Haasan, the two top stars of Tamil cinema, will mark their presence felt at the music launch of Dhanush-starrer ’3′, which is to be held in Chennai soon.
No prizes for guessing the reason, as the film is the directorial debut of the Superstar’s elder daughter Aishwarya R Dhanush, while the Ulaganayagan’s elder daughter Shruti Haasan is the leading lady of it.
“The two icons of Kollywood will attend the audio launch of 3. This will take the film, which is already popular thanks to the stupendous success of ‘kolvaeri’ song, to greater heights,’ sources in the know say.
With music composed by newcomer Anirudh, ’3′ is a love story that is expected to hit the screens early next year. “Though we are a couple, we treat ourselves thorough professionals on the sets. She does what a director has to do and I do my job as an actor,” says Dhanush.
Mayakkam Enna collects 1 crore for opening weekend
Dhanush’s Mayakkam Enna released this past weekend on Friday, 25th November to a packed audience at a majority of the halls. Fans were given a peek-a-boo into the life of a freelance photographer (played by Dhanush) who has a jolly good time with his friends and later wakes up to the harsh realities of life as the story rolled on.
The efforts have finally paid off as according to the latest Chennai box office reports, Mayakkam Enna collected close to Rs. 1 Crore for it’s opening weekend . The movie has been well appreciated for Dhanush’s award winning performance coupled with composer GV Prakash’s apt background scores that swung emotions just right. Infact GV has received much praise for his background score more than the music album. With all the goodness pouring in the Mayakkam Enna brotherly-duo are elated. Director Selva thanked his fans on twitter saying, “I wish I could thank you all individually for your kind and encouraging words. But please consider this tweet a personal and direct thank you.” Dhanush on the other hand said, “Wellu I’m happy nowu , cos u guysu enjoyingu my movie and performancu. Thanksu. Lovvu you , god blessu”, in true soup boys style.
Dhanush and Selva you did a great job yet again and it’s we fans who want to thank you instead, for gifting us with a wonderful weekend. Keep it coming brothas !
Kamal’s health tips for cinema
“It should be reduced..there is no second thoughts about it. People like me who do not have any political lineage and those who want the industry to thrive will ask for the same…” he said.
Talking to journalists at a curtainraiser for the FICCI Media and Entertainment Business Conclave 2011 in Chennai, the actor who is chairman of the conclave, said there was a need to look at film financing more closely as banks shied away from lending to the industry based on its irregular repayment track record.
Upset at the reluctance of banks and financial institutions to back the film industry, he felt this was giving the underworld a chance to get a toe-hold in it.
“Poultry farmers get better financing than filmmakers,” said Kamal. In the absence of proper financing streams, other methodologies come into play, including, black or white, legal or illegal money, he said.
It’s raining offers for Tamanna Bhatia
The Paiyaa gal says that the actress has four scripts in her hands. But she has not signed any project as she is busy in the Telugu film industry till next March-April. The 21-year-old claims that she is gearing up to make a strong comeback to the Kollywood. Her forthcoming Telugu movie Endhukante Premanta starring Ram Charan Teja is a bilingual movie, which will be her first Tamil movie ever since she took a break from the Kollywood.
Currently, Tamanna Bhatia is busy with yet another film titled Racha with Ram Charan Teja. After this project, she will start shooting Raghava Lawrence’s Rebel, which will star Prabhas in the lead.
Anushka to pair with Rajini in Kochadaiyaan?
It is official that Rajini will be taking up the role in Kochadaiyaan. Now buzz has been on the air one after another. The latest is that Anushka has been approached for this animation project. It seems she is so excited to do the role opposite superstar.
But it all depends on his prior commitments. She is on the tight schedules now with both Tamil and Telugu movies in hand. Already she has been booked for Vikram’s Thaandavam, Selvaraghavan’s Irandam Ulagam with Arya and with Karthi in another film. The buzz about Kochadaiyaan is that the unit is devising the ultramodern infrastructures for the making.
It is revealed that it will be made from the exploitation of 3D effect under the lines of Steven Spiedelberg & James Cameron. The technique employed by them in Tintin & Avatar respectively will be applied for Kochadaiyaan.
Vikrams Rajapattai confirmed for December 23rd
There has been a lot of action, so to say; surrounding the release of Vikram’s next commercial offering Rajapattai. The project is the most expensive Vikram flick till date with a 40 crore budget.
It was earlier picked up by the Sun Pictures group who then slipped of the movie to be solely distributed by PVP Cinemas.
The reason was said to be the pending dues that Sun Pictures had to settle with the theater owners. Soon after the big drop, news was afloat of the Rajapattai release and distribution rights being acquired by Radaan Media Works but nothing was confirmed till date. Now PVP cinemas themselves have announced that the movie will release on December 23rd as expected. The audio launch for Rajapattai is scheduled for December 9th in Chennai itself. The team recently shot an item number in Italy with the hot and sizzling pair of Reema Sen and Shriya Saran shaking a leg with the Rajapattai lover boy.
Vikram fans will be relieved to get the dates confirmed finally.
Dhanush’s ‘Kolaveri di’ beats Vijay’s ‘Appidu podu’
Vijay’s ‘Appidu podu…’ from Gilli was the last Tamil song that had made the whole nation dancing for its tune. The intensity of the success can be witnessed on South films (Telugu, Kannada) and the Bollywood movies, which either used the beats or the first line of the track – to convey the message that the person who was playing the song, was a Tamilian. Now, Dhanush’s ‘Kolaveri di’ from movie 3 has become a bigger hit than the above mentioned other song.
One would easily pose a question that Dhanush’s ‘Kolaveri di’, which was released a few weeks ago, is yet to be retuned in other language films and declaring that it has beaten ‘Appidu podu’ could be not right. But the point which is being taken into consideration is the time period that the songs consumed to gain popularity. While Vijay’s song, which was released in 2003, started attracting the non-Tamil audiences only after 2005. Dhanush’s number needed seven days to garner the nation’s attention.
However, putting aside the fact of the time period, ‘Kolaveri di’ song is far from becoming an all-time chartbuster number. It is because the track is yet to be shot and if the visuals fail to meet the audience expectations, then Vijay’s ‘Appidu podu’ would remain the best ever number, which took the nation by storm, till date.
Meanwhile, Vijay’s charbuster song ‘Appidu podu…’ is now being retuned for a forthcoming Hindi film, which is produced by actor Sonu Sood. The original composer, Vidya Sagar himself is tuning the Bollywood song.
Off the record
The other South song to become a rage in the recent years is ‘Ringa ringa..’ from the Telugu movie, Arya 2.
Murugadoss to be paid 12 Cr to direct Vijay-starrer?
Though it is not confirmed as yet, it is rumoured strongly in Kollywood circles that popular director A.R. Murugadoss has been assured a whopping sum of Rs.12 crores to direct his next film which would star Vijay in the lead. The talk that Vijay and Murugadoss are likely to come together has been there for some time but it now appears a distinct reality.
The film has been titled Thuppakki and is likely to be a mass entertainer. It was to be produced by Vijay’s father S.A. Chandrasekaran in association with Gemeni Films. Though it’s not stated as such, Murugadoss’ fee reportedly made the film change hands. The film would now be produced by ‘Kalaipuli’ Thanu.
Known for making films with grandeur, Thanu has reportedly agreed to pay the above-stated fee to Murugadoss. However, the fee to be paid to Vijay hasn’t yet been revealed. The total budget of the film is likely to touch Rs.65 crores, making it the first time that such a huge amount goes into producing a Vijay-starrer.
There has been some tension brewing in the distribution circles which are apprehensive about whether the film would fare fitting at the box-office to match its huge production cost. Kajal Aggarwal has been roped in as Vijay’s heroine in the film, which would have music by Harris Jeyaraj.
Vijay is said to be only too eager to start shooting as he has had a fabulous year with back-to-back hits in Kaavalan and Velayudham.
After Why This Kolaveri Di it is going to be Why This Kolaveri Da
3 is a film which has Dhanush and Shruthi Haasan in the lead role.
This film which is being directed by Aishwarya Dhanush has the music of the debutant music composer Anirudh.
The song Why This Kolaveri Di was uploaded in the websites. This song became very popular throughout India in Youtube and Google.
Many of the famous popular people have appreciated this song in the Twitter and Facebook. Now the crew had decided to include one more song which begins with the line Why This Kolaveri Da.
Aishwarya Dhanush while speaking about this said, “Many are asking me that why men are not being blamed for love failures. So in order to fulfill the wish of these people we are planning to write the song Why This Kolaveri Da.”
This song will also become popular among the girls.
Mayakkam Enna: A celebration of quality cinema
Sometimes when you watch a movie you might think if any other actor could have done it better than the hero in the film. Mayakkam Enna is one such film where you can think of any class actors like Vikram or Kamal Hassan might love to do.
But fortunately, Kollywood has several actors who can do such roles very convincingly irrespective of their looks or experience or fan base. If you thought Aadukalam deserved a National Award for Dhanush then you will be convinced watching this. If you thought he did not deserve then you have to watch this film. He comes out with a powerhouse performance as Karthik, a freelance photographer dying to get a break and stays with you even after you leave the theatre.
It’s a hattrick for the brothers (after the success of Thuluvadho Ilamai and Kadhal Kondaen) and they deserve a pat on their back for making such a class film.
The movie starts off with an intro about Karthik’s life and his passion (photography), his family and his group of friends, who are very close to each other. He wants to become a wildlife photographer and keeps trying hard to join as an assistant to a famous photographer. In the mean time he also takes some freelance assignments. Karthik has a younger sister and they have lost their parents at a very young age. It’s his friends who take care of them after that incident. They are all closely bound and most of the time stay at Sundar’s (Sunder Ramu) place.
Sundar introduces his girlfriend Yamini (Richa) to his friends saying that she had agreed to date him for some weeks. The friends don’t approve their relationship as he did not tell them earlier but later agree to it except for Karthik, who hates her. Karthik and Sundar have a special bonding and they are close to each other than the other friends.
Meanwhile, the hatred between Karthik and Yamini slowly develops in to love and they get married. Turn of events lead to Karthick becoming abnormal, how Yamini manages to continue her life with him and how she manages to get him out of this situation forms the rest of the story. You cannot stop from comparing this film to the earlier films of Selvaraghavan. Some might tell that this movie resembles his earlier movies in parts but I would like to say that those situations are his stamp as a director and he does full justice to the story and the way it’s treated. There are several scenes which are fresh and will be remembered for ever like the one where Sundar’s dad offers drinks to them to sort out the girlfriend issue, the one where Karthik acts like a dog to get a job as an assistant, the scene where one of their neighbor asks Yamini to vacate the place because of the problems created by Karthik and the scene where Yamini has a miscarriage because of Karthik
The best one for sure will be the scene during the interval, when he goes to pick Yamini from a bus stand when both are at the peak of their hatred to each other. The anger slowly changes into weeping, expression of their worries, a gentle hug, a lively chat and a kiss. This is for sure one of the best engaging intervals I had ever seen for a long time (atleast after Sivaji).
The background score (GV Prakash) and cinematography (Ramji) are the real backbone for the film and it makes you part of the entire proceedings. GV Prakash is excellent in the rerecording and he smartly keeps it void in many scenes to make it more effective. The songs are placed at right intervals and are shot beautifully. I am sure Kaathal En Kaathal will be a scream in the theatre.
Dhanush has an extremely difficult role to play and does it with ease. Richa though looks little mature for Dhanush, but aptly fits into the role of a stubborn modern woman who manages all issues arising because of her abnormal husband and also guides him to the path of success. She could not have asked for a better role in her debut film. The supporting actors also give a good performance.
Being a budding photographer myself, I really enjoyed this film on a different note too. …like watching the shots where he photographs wildlife, his passion for photography etc. They say when you see a picture through the lens, time stops and its equivalent to enlightenment. To bring that effect on screen is very difficult but it was shown superbly and each upcoming photographer will cherish this film.
Though the film has several mass elements it could very easily be classified as a film for the class. It’s a proof that Kollywood has matured audience and can offer films in all genres. This should definitely fall in your list of must-watch films.
Vivek goes villain for ‘Vazhipokkan’
The ‘Chinna Kalaivanar’ may soon be called as ‘Kolai’vanar. Vivek, one of the top comedians of Tamil cinema, is all set to play a role with negative shades, in a film titled ‘Vazhipokkan’. A bilingual movie, it will be simultaneously made in Tamil and Kannada.
Vivek, who is happy to step in to Kannada film industry, popularly called as Sandalwood, says, “I don’t know Kannada. But I will learn it soon. I have decided to dub on my own for my role in Vazhipokkan. It is an interesting storyline and hence I accepted the offer.”
While the title role is played by Vivek, Mithun Tejaswi will play one of the lead roles, besides producing the project along with his friends. The suspense thriller which is hitting the floors in Bengaluru today will be shot in Karnataka and Tamil Nadu as well.
“There is a twist behind my character turning bad. Although it is a negative role, I have enough scope to show my comedy skills in the movie. Only towards the climax my character turns fully negative, and for a reason,” concludes Vivek.
Khushboo warned by Hindu Munnani
Actress Namitha attended the launch of Telugu film recently. This is her first film in both Tamil and Telugu in the past couple of years. Once one of the most loved actresses by the fans in both the States, Namitha now remains out of contention when it comes to casting by producers and directors.
It was her costume, more than anything else, which made headlines on that day. Clad in a tight pair of macro-mini trousers, Namitha however had a scarf spread across her thighs in order to be award of the clicking of photographs by the peeping Toms (read photographers). Despite that, she was the attraction on that evening. Many criticized Namitha’s wisdom in turning up at public events dressed glamourously.
Khushboo, meanwhile, has come for Namitha’s defence. She has said that “I have known Namitha for a long time now. She always loves to dress herself up in macro-mini dresses. At the same time, she never forgets to take a huge scarf with her to be put on her lap when she sits. I feel that what to dress for any event is the choice of the individual concerned and that others have no say in this.”
These comments haven’t gone down well with the Hindu Makkal Katchi, the self-proclaimed patron of ‘Tamil culture’ in Tamil films. Kumar of HMK has said in a statement that “Tamil Nadu is in the forefront of following our traditions and culture. We don’t oppose actresses appearing in scantily clad dresses in films; we only say that they shouldn’t be doing so at public events.
“Would Khushboo be pleased if farmers who work in fields visit her house clad in their loin-clothes? It’s a question of basic etiquette. We steadfastly oppose actresses turning out in such costumes at public events. We would also like Khushboo not to support the case of such actresses,” he said.
Surya to appear in court on December 19th
Actor Surya has come under the cloud for a different reason all together. The 7aam Arivu hero who was present at one of the meetings conducted by SIFAA (South Indian Film Artistes Association) in Chennai supposedly crossed the limits, as claimed by one M Rozario. The said Rozario belongs to Ooty and works as a freelance journalist by profession.
He was present during the meeting held on October 7th, 2009, along with the big shots from the Kollywood industry including Sarath Kumar (president of South India Film Artistes Association), Surya, Vijaykumar, Sathyaraj , Sripriya , Cheran and many others. Rozario claims that the above mentioned people came down heavily on journalists and publicly defamed their families without any reason.
The meeting itself was held to express disapproval regarding one of the slanderous articles that was doing its rounds in the press, causing heavy damage to the image of the cine folks. Soon after the meeting was over Rozario filed a case to take action, resulting in a Magistrate Court in Ooty asking the actors to appear for a hearing on December 19th.
Well …Surya you need to put your Bodhi Dharman tactics to full use …this is the time boy… Go for it!
Wales manager Gary Speed has died
The world of football was in shock today after Wales manager Gary Speed was found hanged at his home in Cheshire.
The former Leeds United, Everton, Newcastle and Bolton star, who appeared on BBC's Football Focus show yesterday, was aged 42.
Police say there are no suspicious circumstances surrounding his death, which is thought to be suicide. He leaves his wife Louise and two sons.
As news of the tragedy struck, tributes flooded in for the Wales boss who only retired from playing last year, after winning 85 caps and scoring seven goals for his country.
A hastily-arranged minute's silence was held at Swansea City's match against Aston Villa at the Liberty Stadium after the news broke today.
Former teammate Shay Given, now Villa's goalkeeper, was seen in floods of tears before the match.
The Football Association of Wales today confirmed that their manager had died.
In a statement, the FAW said: 'The Football Association of Wales are sad to announce the death of the national team manager Gary Speed.
'We extend our sympathies and condolences to the family. We ask that everyone respects the family's privacy at this very sad time.'
A Cheshire Police spokesman added: 'At 7.08am today Cheshire Police was informed of a sudden death at an address in Huntingdon, Chester.
'Officers went to the scene where a 42-year-old man was found dead. The next of kin have been informed and have confirmed the identity of the man as Gary Speed.
'There are no suspicious circumstances surrounding the death and the family have requested that they are left to grieve in peace.
'The death will now be a matter for the coroner.'
Within minutes, thousands of messages of condolence had been left on Twitter.
Ex-Wales boss Mark Hughes said: 'I'm devastated. He was a privilege to work alongside and call a friend. My thoughts are with his family.'
Bobby Gould, who made Mr Speed Wales captain, added: 'I'm stunned and a few tears have been shed. It is so sad.
'He was a great pro. He would play anywhere for you - left back, left wing, centre of midfield, wide left. It's such a tragedy.
'People are just stunned. I saw John Hartson earlier and I said "have you heard about Gary?". The big man just cried and cried. We cuddled each other.
Read more: http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-2066812/Gary-Speed-dead-Wales-football-manager-commits-suicide-42.html#ixzz1ewFwDdIs