Saturday, 26 May 2012
Shriya as Maharani Ammanmani Chandravathy
What's in a name, they say. But a name implicitly says many a thing. In fact, rulers of those days gave ample importance to names and they believed that their names were the symbol of legacy, tradition and culture.
Well, Shriya is playing Maharani Ammanmani Chandravathy in a period film titled 'Chandra', in which she is doing the role of a princess. The movie is being directed by Roopa Iyer.
The film is about a last generation princess and the emotions she undergo. According to the director, it will be an interesting love story and is based on reality. She has done enough research about princesses."
The Tamil-Kannada bilingual will have cinematography by P H K Doss and will have music by Gautham Srivatsava. Ramya Krishnan, Sumithra and Girish Karnad also have key roles in 'Chandra', which will be shot in India and the US.
'Aravaan' heroine to wed?
Archana Kavi is laughing at media reports, which suggested that she was set to marry soon. "I request those spreading this rumour to find out a suitable guy for me," says the 'Aravaan' girl.
"I am yet to come across my kind of man. Even if I do so in the near future, I will take some three to four years to enter wedlock. So there is no question of me marrying someone soon," she explains.
Saying that reports were being written in some sections of the media without bothering about verifying the facts, Archana says, "The worst part is that my wedding date was also published without any confirmation."
The actress says she is game to do more interesting roles, like the one she did in 'Aravaan'. "My focus at present is on cinema and nothing else," she concludes.
SJ Surya talks about 'Isai'
S J Surya is in the news again, thanks to the posters of his comeback venture 'Isai', The actor-director describes his pet project as a musical thriller. "The first half will be light hearted and the second half with so many twists and turns," he says.
Newcomer Savithri will be the heroine of 'Isai'. "I selected her after auditioning more than 124 girls all over India. She reminded me yesteryear actress Savithri. So I named her after the legendary artiste."
Surya, who is taking the avatar of a music composer with this flick, says it was Oscar-Grammy winner A R Rahman who asked him compose the music. "Rahman would always praise my music knowledge," he says.
Surya adds: "When we were working together for Puli (a Telugu film starring Pawan Kalyan in the lead), Rahman asked me to venture as a music composer with my forthcoming movie. On his advice, I am scoring the music for Isai."
'Saguni' from June 2, 'Sakuni' from June 5!
User Review - Urumi - A benchmark for dubbed movies!
More than a year after Urumi released in Malayalam, the film has finally released in Tamil. However, it is nothing short of its original counterpart and despite being dubbed, it has all the qualities of a great movie. I can go a step further and say that this is probably the best dubbed film I have seen. Credit goes to the entire team that has made this possible.Urumi is directed by Santhosh Sivan, who is know more in the Tamil film industry as a cinematographer, thanks to his work in several movies including Roja, Iruvar and Raavanan. His style in direction is reminiscent of Asoka, the 2001 Shah Rukh Khan starrer, which didn't do very well. Ten years later, taking up a period film again, Santhosh Sivan has shown how much he has grown as a director. For starters, portraying a film like Urumi and its periodical elements are a daunting task in itself. To be cinematographing, partly-producing and directing the movie at the same time represents a job that cannot be put into words. We salute you for your efforts!
If you had seen the posters, you would know that this film includes a lot of big actors. Prithviraj (who is also producing this time), Prabhu Deva, Genelia, Nithya Menon, Amole Gupte (writer of Taare Zameen Par and Stanley Ka Dabba), Vidya Balan, Jagathy Sreekumar (who has acted in more than 1000 Malayalam movies) are part of a long prominent. In addition, Arya and Tabu also do guest roles in this one. All of the characters played by these roles add weight to the film and with Santhosh Sivan directing them, they have possibly done one of the best portrayals ever, despite how long they take the screen.
The lead actors are Prithviraj, Prabhu Deva, Genelia and Nithya Menon and they are the ones who take up considerably more screen time. I was surprised to see that they were not the ones who had done the dubbing. Their performance deserves credit. Action sequences, adjusting to costumes and some very good reactions shown during dialogues give the movie a very natural look. However, a little more effort and time in dubbing would have gone a long way. This would definitely be a shortcoming.
The highlight of the movie and perhaps the most important factor in enticing the audience and reducing the dubbing-factor would be the dialogues by Sasikumaran. Dialogue translation is difficult on its own, but translating a Malayalam period movie and yet managing to keep the very essence of it and also matching them with the original lip movements, WOW! If you ought to give credit to one man for how good this movie is, or how it has been managed to be released, you must look at Sasikumaran.
The next specific credit goes to Deepak Dev, the music director. I could notice several genres in the music and was very delighted to learn that there was no electronic music used. Others may complain, but I credit him for capturing and delivering tunes to the director that have made a whole lot of difference.
To get into more technical stuff, Santhosh Sivan's cinematography is brilliant, which is not surprising. Slow-motion action sequences close up shots of actors; capturing emotions during dialogue delivery and using unique angles in the music videos are all attributes to his work. It makes me wonder if he becomes a better cinematographer if he takes the director's seat. Sreekar Prasad's editing makes the movie intriguing and gripping throughout the 160 minutes despite some annoying scenes which seem to be dragging. Costumes are admirable, but are far from the best we have seen in modern-day cinema. The budget of the film being Rs.23 crores is also a surprise.
Despite having a complete package, there are quite a few shortcomings. Some of the voices do not match the faces of characters correctly and I could find many inconsistencies in the way the scenes got more importance on some occasions and not so much on others. The storyline makes you think a lot, but also makes you wonder if there is too much fantasy involved.
However, the good points trump the bad ones very easily and I promise you will have a great time if you see it in the theatre. Do not write this one off because it's a dubbed movie, or don't just simply get the Malayalam version and see it home. The big screen adds a lot of things to your experience, even more than the traditional movies. Compare it with Asoka, and you will be able to see the minute differences that make Urumi a whole lot better.
Rating - 4/5 for giving fans a very unique and historical experience.
Verdict - Urumi is a winner and all audiences will enjoy it, especially when they are watching it for the first time.
'Agni Natchathiram' to be remade in Tamil - Telugu!
If industry insiders are to be believed, Mani Ratnam's cult blockbuster 'Agni Natchathiram' will be remade in Tamil and Telugu by producer T Ramesh.
"Agni Natchathiram is a cult classic and I'm thoroughly thrilled to remake it as a bilingual in Tamil - Telugu. I'm in talks with the big stars of Tamil and Telugu film industries for this remake and I can assure that it will be a big project with a big star from both the industries in the lead", says T Ramesh.
T Ramesh is the producer of Vishal - Trisha starrer 'Samar'. An announcement listing the cast and crew of the film is expected from him shortly. Buzz is that a couple of supporting actors from the original might be retained in the remake as well.
The film is about two half brothers, played by Prabhu and Karthik in the original. It was dubbed in Telugu back then and was also remade in Hindi. It will be interesting to watch who will be cast as the brothers in the remake.
Sunday, 13 May 2012
Aishwarya, the ideal mom
Aishwarya Rai Bachchan has the habit of emerging the best in whatever she does. Now a survey has rated the 'Enthiran' and 'Jeans' heroine as the best celebrity mother.
On the occasion of Mother's Day, a matrimonial portal conducted the survey to find out the Bollywood diva who has the qualities of being an ideal mother.
Aishwarya Rai Bachchan has topped the list of being the 'Ideal Celebrity Mom,' according to the survey conducted by Shaadi.com.
Aishwarya led the survey with 54 per cent respondents voting for her followed by Karishma Kapoor with 27 per cent respondents opting her to be the ideal mom.
Malika Arora Khan (11 per cent) and Lara Dutta (eight per cent) were the other contenders in the survey. The survey also reveals that when it comes to be an ideal mother in Hollywood, 67 per cent respondents voted for Angelina Jolie as the ideal celebrity mother. The poll received responses from over 8200 members across India.
The survey further reveals that Indians feel Priyanka Chopra would make an ideal mother once she attains motherhood.
30 per cent respondents have voted for Priyanka whereas 25 per cent respondents feel Kareena Kapoor would make an ideal mother in future. While 32 per cent male respondents voted for Priyanka Chopra, 33 per cent female respondents feel Kareena Kapoor will be a better fit as an ideal mother.
Hema Mailini and her pretty daughter Esha Deol were voted the 'Most popular Celebrity Mother - Daughter duo' who make a great pairing and share a bond.
Ranjitha files suit against Kanchi seer
Actress Ranjitha, an ardent follower of Swami Nithyananda, on Friday filed a defamation suit against Kanchi Sankaracharya Sri Jayandra Saraswathi Swamigal for his alleged comments on her.
She approached a magistrate court in Chennai to file a criminal defamation complaint against the Kanchi Sankaracharya. She sought to initiate defamation proceedings against the pontiff for his reported statements against her.
The actress along with her advocates came to the Egmore Magistrate Court to file the case. Speaking to journalists later, Ranjitha claimed there was no truth in the comments made by the Kanchi Seer.
In her complaint, Ranjitha said she is a strong believer in the principles of Hinduism and had attended discourses of Nithyananda in Tamil Nadu and Karnataka and became his disciple.
She claimed that the insinuation by the Kanchi Seer, during an interview on Wednesday, that she was always in the company of Nithyananda subjected her to "immense agony and stress" and was defamatory
Sneha, Prasanna to go to US?
All is well. This is how the wedding of Prasanna and Sneha, which took place on Friday, can be described in one sentence. Within a week's time from now, the happy couple will start their honeymoon trip, say circles close to them.
"Sneha and Prasanna are willing to go to the United States, as it was there their love journey started. Remember they had acted together in Achamundu Achamundu which was shot entirely in the US," sources say.
"Some places in the US are so close to their hearts. Hence the love birds will go there as part of their honeymoon trip," sources say, adding: "But a couple of other destinations are also on the cards."
The marriage and reception at Sri Varu Venkatachalapathy Palace Kalyana Mandapam were well attended by the couple's friends, relatives and colleagues. It was a grand, traditional wedding with the blessings of elders
in both the families.
in both the families.
Shankar - Vikram to team up for 'Thendral'?
Post the stupendous success of 'Nanban', a guessing game was on as to who will celebrated director Shankar team up with for his next and a number of names, from Suriya, Vikram to Kamal Haasan were rumored.
The rumors came to an end as Shankar has reportedly met few in the industry regarding the pre-production work and it is as good as official that he will be teaming up with Chiyaan Vikram for his next.
Now, rumor mills are working overtime that the director will be helming a project on elections and that it has been tentatively titled 'Thendral'. Dialogues are touted to be penned by writers Suba and cinematography by PC Sriram.
Vikram who is currently shooting for his forthcoming high voltage action entertainer 'Thaandavam' in foreign locales will be back in a few weeks following which the pre-production and first look work on the film will begin.
'Vaalu' teaser shortly!
It is no longer news that Silambarasan aka STR and Hansika Motwani are coming together for comedy caper 'Vaalu' which will be helmed by newbie Vijay. As per reliable sources, the teaser has been shot and edited and a photo shoot was also wrapped for the first look of this film.
A dialogue scene featuring Simbu and Santhanam is said to be the highlight of the teaser trailer.
However the actual shoot of the film will go on floors in a couple of months once Simbu wraps work on his current projects, 'Podaa Podi' and 'Vettai Mannan'.
The film has music by Thaman and brings to big screen the hit combo of Simbu, VTV Ganesh and Santhanam. It is slated to release on Diwali and is being produced by Nic Arts that's also producing Simbu's 'Vettai Mannan' next Pongal.
The 'Vettai Mannan' teaser created good impact among audience, we'll have to wait to see if 'Vaalu' will match up to the expectations as well...
Lady luck smiles at Shruti Haasan for 'Gabbar Singh'
She's gorgeous, brainy and values her fan base. Yet Shruti Haasan wasn't able to create a great impact in Andhra Pradesh among Tollywood audience who are known ardent film patrons.However, Lady Luck has smiled big at the pretty damsel this time around with fans going gaga over her characterization in latest 'Gabbar Singh'. Looking irresistibly fresh in traditional costumes, she doesn't have many dialogues to deliver but has more to emote through eyes and a number of duets to be seen in.
Fans have received her character in this film with open arms. 'Gabbar Singh' released today (May 11).
And what's interesting is that the actress has managed to create a good impact despite the movie being a Pawan film with him hogging away the limelight.
For those of you who don't know, 'Gabbar Singh' is a remake of 'Osthi', which by itself is a remake of Bollywood blockbuster 'Dabangg'. 'Gabbar Singh' has been opened to positive reviews and has the right elements to make a commercial blockbuster.
Whether the actress will be able to deliver her first mass commercial super hit in Telugu, we'll have to wait to know....
The 'Settai' boys
It looks like the 'Settai' team is having a gala affair at the sets. UTV Motion Pictures' forthcoming offering 'Settai' features Arya, Santhanam, Premgi, Hansika Motwani and Anjali.The film is a remake of Bollywood cult blockbuster 'Delhi Belly' and is being helmed by Kannan. It's based on the original film but will roll sans the offensive dialogues as the makers are keen in delivering an out and out family laugh riot.
Two huge sets resembling a hotel and a bachelor's room were reportedly constructed for the shoot.
Take a look at this image snapped at the location...
Wednesday, 9 May 2012
Vijay & AL Vijay to do 'Thalaivan'!
It is no longer news that Ilayathalapathy Vijay and AL Vijay are coming together for a project. However, the project has now been titled 'Thalaivan' and will go on floors by the end of this year. It will be produced by Chandra Prakash Jain.
'Thalaivan' is touted to have the usual technicians of AL Vijay and is a commercial entertainer that will have music by GV Prakash, of course.
However, buzz is that once 'Thupaki' is wrapped Vijay will focus on 'Yohan: Adhyayam Ondru' with Gautham Menon. The film will be completed by the end of the year following which 'Thalaivan' will go on floors.
AL Vijay is currently busy with work on 'Thaandavam' that has Chiyaan Vikram in the lead.
Dipa Shah clarifies on her 'fight' with Oviya
Dipa Shah plays the main lead in 'Sillunu Oru Santhippu' that has Oviya as the second female lead. Recently rumour mills worked overtime that both the lead ladies had a huge fight in the sets that was followed by Dipa Shah walking out.
Dipa clarifies and tells her side of story:
"Oviya's manager came to the sets and troubled me by barging into my caravan a few times in her absence for no reasons! I was surprised by his behavior and informed the team but they thought he was there for her and asked me to put up with it as she had to shoot only for an hour".
"She came and started giving an interview in the caravan with cameras when I had to get ready for my shot. So I was waiting for her finish and since she took too long I started doing my hair and make up as I was called on the sets. From no where her manager barged into the van and asked my staff to leave as Oviya is getting disturbed!"
"I told him that I have to go for the shoot for which he asked me to do what I want outside the caravan! And asked me not to show him my face! I was obviously stunned so I walked out of the van and went back to my hotel as I had already complained and no action was taken".
Dipa further adds that Oviya's manager tried to punch her on the face and her make up artist had to push him away!
"I am forced to speak up now as they have expressed a whole different story which is sabotaging my career and I can't let that happen as I'm doing my job with sincerity", she signs off.
'Maatraan' releases on August 15! Eros bags theatrical rights
'Maatraan' releases on August 15! Eros bags theatrical rights
Finally, its official!
Suriya Sivakumar's much expected 'Maatraan' will see a big worldwide release on August 15 that falls on a Wednesday! Suriya will portray two different roles in the movie.
This has been officially announced by Eros International that has bagged the Tamil theatrical rights of this movie that's produced by AGS Entertainment. Eros has bagged the Tamil theatrical rights in Tamil Nadu, Kerala and Karnataka and the Tamil audio rights of the film.
The action thriller helmed by KV Anand stars Suriya and Kajal Aggarwal. Harris Jayaraj has composed the tunes.
Sunil Lulla, MD, Eros, says, "With Maatraan, Eros continues to explore and establish its presence in the regional film markets. The film promises to be one of its kind action thrillers and we are happy to associate with AGS to release this much awaited film with Suriya".
Kalpathi S Aghoram, Director, AGS Entertainment added, "There exists a huge potential for AGS Entertainment and Eros International to synergize given our experience in Tamil film production and their global presence with content spread across most leading Indian languages".
'Maatraan' has been shot in extensive locales including the Pakistan border, Hyderabad, Wai in Maharashtra, Jodhpur and several other places including Balkan regions like Russia, Croatia, Serbia, Albania and Macedonia.
An added plus is the usage of performance capture technology in the action scenes.
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