‘Arjunanin Kadhali’ team celebrates Rahman’s victory

Posted: 27 Feb 2009 07:29 AM CST

From the nook and corners of small towns and villages to the far-flung corners of globe, it's A.R. Rahman hitting headlines. Obviously, an Indian winning 2 Oscars on the same occasion is something off-the-walls in the pages of Indian Cinema. When you've the entire film industry celebrating the grand success, 'Arjunanin Kadhali' isn't an elision.
Shooting for this film was scheduled across the town of Kumbakonam. Says Director Parthi Bhaskar, 'We were ardently involved in prayers for Rahman to win this award and when it happened, it was about our dreams turning into reality… Immediately, we turned the entire town into an ambience of grand fiesta as crackers were fired. Both the actors Jai and Poorna distributed sweets to every people in town. It wasn't our dreams alone, but the entire Nation and we are so thankful to Rahman for making us gleeful'.
'Arjunanin Kadhali' is produced by Siva Sakthi Pandian and directed by Parthi Bhaskar who made his debut directorial with 'Bambara Kannalae'.

Villain’s debut as director

Posted: 27 Feb 2009 07:20 AM CST

Appositely, in an era where filmmakers are landing up as on-screen heroes, here's an actor gearing up for his directorial venture. Actor Akashdeep Saigal is one of the prominent model-turned-actor who's been successful in small screens.
Well, he makes his debut in Kollywood as an antagonist for Suriya's 'Ayan' directed by cinematographer K.V. Anand. Much acclaimed for his stupendous performance, the actor received enormous offers in the flicks of top-charting actors before the release of his debut film.
To spell his first show with finesse, Akash had refused the offers and now there's exciting news about him. He would be soon making his debut directorial for a Hindi Film and sources have revealed that K.V. Anand would be cranking camera for it.

‘Kollywood is a complete disaster’ - Actor Madhavan

Posted: 27 Feb 2009 05:01 AM CST

Actor Madhavan has almost completed 3 Tamil films and it would be released continuously on the lines. 'Guru En Aalu', 'Yaavarum Nalam' and 'Naan Aval Adhu' have be done now. With his 'Yaavarum Nalam' and its Hindi version '13b' slated to hit the screens on March 6, Maddy opens about Tamil Film Industry. When asked why he's gearing up for multi-hero subjects in Bollywood, he says 'I was to play the lead role and Shah Rukh Khan in minor characterization, the superstar of Bollywood would accept and perform it.
That's the mantra out there for the success of their films. But it's only here disastrous moment about 'Heroism and it's image' is prevailing a lot and soon it would change'.

‘I get too personal into the character I perform’ says Vikram

Posted: 27 Feb 2009 05:00 AM CST

Actor Vikram with lots of intervals and not good results with his previous films is so anxious about the past. But on the pars, he is sure about making it big this year. With his film 'Kandasamy' slated to hit the screens on May 1, looks like his bilingual project with Mani Rathnam 'Ashokavanam' and 'Raavana'. Says Vikram, 'It doesn't matter me how long I take shooting for my film. But when it comes out of cans, it's only success that I expect'. Also added that he gets too personal to the characterization he plays and he takes every aspect of acting so seriously.
Getting on about Mani Rathnam, Vikram says, 'He's such a fantastic filmmaker who gets out of the scripts at many times in getting his actors understand about the characters they perform'.

‘Jab We Met’ remake titled as ‘Kandein Kadhalai’

Posted: 27 Feb 2009 04:59 AM CST

Earlier, the remake version of 'Jab We Met' was titled as 'Raja Rani' starring Bharath and Thamannah in lead roles. Finally, the film has been rechristened as 'Kandein Kadhalai' and Director Kannan of 'Jeyam Kondan' wields megaphone for this film.
Just before few minutes, one of the sources from Moser Baer revealed to our officials that the film's title has been changed and the shooting would hit the floors from March 11.

Director Kannan was chosen by Moser Baer for his stupendous directorial in 'Jayam Kondan'. Earlier, Dhanush and Trisha were supposed to pair up with each other with Karu Pazhaniappan wielding megaphone.
Looks like Pritam who scored music for the original version would be tuning melodies for the remake version too…

Shah Rukh – Murugadoss is up with ‘Romance’

Posted: 27 Feb 2009 04:56 AM CST

It's no more U-turn for Murugadoss. Sweeping success overnight with his 'Ghajini', the auteur happens to the ducky lad for Superstars of Bollywood. Earlier, Murugadoss had stated about making couple of Tamil flicks and then getting back into Hindi Film Industry. Perhaps, the scenario is different now as King Khan doesn't want to let his best opportunity of teaming up with this stupendous filmmaker.
Sources from Red Chillies Entertainment have revealed that SRK and Murugadoss would be catching for their script discussions. And if buzzes are believed to be true, one of the scripts that would be presented to SRK was actually penned for Suriya.
Well, Shah Rukh Khan and Murugadoss are so keen on gearing up for the genre of 'Romance'. So, who's going to produce this film? Would it Shah Rukh himself or Yash Raj Productions known for churning out best poignant love stories in the past?

Aftermath of the Oscars

Posted: 27 Feb 2009 04:52 AM CST

'Slumdog Millionaire' won eight Oscars out of the ten nominations at the Academy awards presented on 22nd February. But seldom, the ceremony had an aftermath effect which is now prevalent all over India. Things kicked off when Fox Pictures volunteered to sponsor the kids who were part of the cast, for their trip to Los Angeles to grace the Academy award function. The elated children's joy knew no bounds as they flew from Mumbai straight to Hollywood. A special treat awaited them on the other side when they were also escorted to the Disney land for a pleasure trip followed by their elegant attendance during the Oscars. Child actors Azharuddin Mohammed Ismail, 10, and Rubina Ali, 9, who are slum dwellers will be sponsored for their education till they turn 18 by the production house. Similar to the rags-to-riches story, these kids are now going to live on the brighter side of life with proper education and maybe in a posh apartment as the government of Maharashtra has announced two flat allotments for their family. A tax exemption has also been proclaimed for the Oscar winners for the cash awards received. 'Slumdog Millionaire' has revoked the life of slums in Mumbai as foreign tourists are keen to take a tour into the locales, especially Asia's largest slum, Dharavi. Tour operators worked round-the-clock and designed special packages to guide tourists around the area. News reports says that even Mumbai residents are showing interest to walk through the slums which they used to pass through without a second glance in the past. Latest updates reveal that Fox Pictures are raising funds to facilitate Dharavi and develop it into a residential area for the people to live in a healthy atmosphere. Till now, it is being said about 6 crores have been collected and it is expected to increase with the time to come. 'Slumdog Millionaire' is not just the story of an ordinary guy who becomes a millionaire but also the messiah for the slums and its residents in Mumbai who are looking forward for a change in future. All said done, now will our production companies volunteer to undertake such efforts for people's well being? Or at least a step forward to help the cast for a better living? When they are all busy thriving to rake in moolah with the star value, we really wonder if this is possible for reality.

I voted for the young lad - Director Balu Mahendra

Posted: 27 Feb 2009 04:49 AM CST

A versatile filmmaker – A vivid inspirer – fantastic cinematographer and what else? It's been a great honor for all in putting best words of appreciation for Filmmaker Balu Mahendra. Tamil Film Industry calls him – 'Father of Golden Era' for he had introduced exceptionally innovative traits in filmmaking.
Here goes the exclusive statement made by Balu Mahendra on A.R. Rahman while launching the audio of 'Indira Vizha'.
"I was channelizing the association that finalizes winners of National Awards. It was during that time when Illayaraja's 'Devar Maghan' and A.R. Rahman's 'Roja' was in hand-to-hand combat. I was fascinated watching both the films. For a greater surprise, both the nominees won 7 votes each. And the task of deciding the winner indeed was directed to me. That was a moment when I thought none can produce such a fantastic music for the first film itself. With no options left I voted for A.R. Rahman'.
Also added, 'Still I remember, Mani Ratnam calling him 'Kutti Payya' (Small Kid) while receiving the award'.

To be titled as Dr. A.R. Rahman

Posted: 27 Feb 2009 04:48 AM CST

Musical Maestro A.R. Rahman has haunted the entire globe with his trenchant scores. As Vairamuthu said, 'Rahman has opened the doors for Indian Cinema to proceed ahead', it's the right time for Rahman to be honored as 'Doctor'.
Yup! We're gleefully excited to hear that Aligarh Muslim University of Uttar Pradesh would confer the title of 'Doctrine' for A.R. Rahman for his stupendous achievement in Indian Cinema. On April 25, A.R. Rahman would be felicitated along with Rathan Tata for his 'NANO' Car-project and 'Father of Green Revolution' M.S. Swaminathan.

Asin’s constant escort

Posted: 27 Feb 2009 04:47 AM CST

It is quite common in the film circuit for mothers of actresses to accompany them where they go. However, in Asin's case it is her father who has taken up the role. Joseph Thottumkal is accompanying her wherever she goes. Recently, the star's dad was spotted by her side when she attended the Women Achievers' Awards function.
Sources have it that Joseph Thottumkal is now spending so much time with his daughter that he
could end up winding his business. Mr. Thottumkal is currently in Mumbai scouting for a home for Asin, raising the speculations that the actress could shift her base to Bollywood permanently.

Medhai Movie Photo Gallery

Posted: 27 Feb 2009 04:40 AM CST

After a long gap, Makkal Nayagan Ramarajan is to act in a Medhai film produced by Kalaimagal Kalaikoodam. Medhai marks the return of Ramarajan to Kollywood after a long gap. The Medhai film is directed by Saravanan. Mumbai's Kowshika is the heroine in the Medhai film. The shooting of the film is on at Madurai. Medhai movie cast include Ajay, Haasini, Alex, Natraj, Vadivelu, Kovai Krishnan, Charlie, Rajalakshmi, Sanjay, Aryan, Mahadevan and 'Kottai' Kumar. Dhina scores the music of Medhai. R.H. Ashok will be the cinematographer of the film.

Jaycee Chan’s desires to act in Bollywood film!

Posted: 27 Feb 2009 04:44 AM CST

Jaycee Chan, son of Jackie Chan admits that unlike his famous dad he is scared of stunt scenes and getting hurt. The actor entered the limelight in the year 2004 with Twins Effect II, a Chinese film. Jaycee Chan has several facets to his personality such as actor, singer, lyricist, composer, and guitarist.
He also revealed that he is open to experimentation. Jaycee said that he likes Indian music and songs and is eager to star in a Bollywood film. The actor's
Taiwanese film The Invisible Target, will hit the screens in India on Friday (27th February) in both English as well as Hindi.

Bharath-Tamanna film launch

Posted: 27 Feb 2009 04:36 AM CST

Bharath's next Tamil film is titled Kandein Kadhalai, which is a remake of the Bollywood blockbuster Jab We Met. It is an out-and-out comedy flick and important changes have been made to suit the tastes of the Tamil audience. Kandein Kadhalai will have Tamanna in the lead. The film will also have a second hero, which has not been finalized as yet. Santhanam among others are included in the star cast. Music is by Vidhyasagar.
Jayamkondaan fame Kannan will direct this venture that is being produced by Moser Baer Entertainment in association with Blue Ocean Entertainment. P.G. Muthaiah is the cameraman and editing will be taken care of by Kola Bhaskar. Puttukottai Prabhakar is in charge of the dialogues. Kandein Kadhalai's shooting will commence on 11th March, 2009 at Chennai following a launch function.

Rajini’s next is Arasan!

Posted: 26 Feb 2009 11:24 PM CST

Superstar Rajinikanth's next film to hit the screens is Arasan! After eight long years, a Hindi film starring Rajinikanth is being dubbed in Tamil. The film titled Khoon Ka Kaarz is named Arasan. The BGM and songs are made in the Qube UFO format and have been remixed in 5.1 DTS Surround Sound.Rajini appears in three songs and three fights in the film. Arasan also stars Sanjay Dutt, Vinod Khanna, Dimple Kapadia, Sarika and Sangeeta Bijalani.The film has been cleared by the Censor Board and will hit the screens across India during the third week of March. After watching the preview screening at the Bharani Theater recently, the distributors were competing with each other to acquire the rights.

Amazing Choreography: What a wonderful dance steps and movements! Really great and impressive :)

Indira Vizha Movie Photo Gallery

Posted: 26 Feb 2009 06:14 AM CST

The lead pair of Indira Vizha Namitha and Srikanth are the Judges of Boys vs Girls reality show on Vijay TV, on Friday and Saturday 8 PM. The movie story revolves around lady boss Namitha who tires to seduce her handsome employee Srikanth. The story revolves around 3 main characters namely, Santhosh Srinivasan - role played by Srikanth,Kamini played by Namitha and Savithri-played by Hemamalini who is Srikanth's wife in the movie.
The movie is said to be inspired by Hollywood flick 'Disclosure'. Demi Moore and Michael Douglas played lead in that film. The movie has also been made into Bollywood movie by the name of Aitraz with Akshay Kumar, Priyanka Chopra and Kareena Kapoor in the lead roles.
Banner: ANKK MoviesCast: Srikanth, Namitha, Hema Malini, RaghuvaranDirection: K. RajeshwarProduction: Ashok K KothvaniMusic: Yadhish

Website To Congratulate AR Rahman Posted: 24 Feb 2009 05:51 AM CST Congratulate OcsAR Rahman for winning the Oscar Award A web site has been launched especially to congratulate AR Rahman for his great achievement>you can convey your message to him through the following site.Please see teh link and message from site below Music maestro A R Rahman has created history by becoming the first Indian to win Oscar award for his music 'Slumdog Millionaire' at the prestigious award ceremony today. Congratulations to Music maestro A R Rahman for creating the history by winning the Oscar Awards for the Best Music Score and Best Song "Jai Ho". AR Rahman, the musical Legend had bagged three nominations in the 'Best Achievement in Music Written for Motion Pictures' at Oscars.Our beloved AR Rahman is now OscAR Rahman….. This website id dedicated to the music legend. Let's join in congratulating AR on his grand achievement. All of you please post your congratulations to him and pass the site to your friends too.. The Website Link http://www.OscARRahman.com Congratulate OcsAR Rahman for winning the Oscar Award

Synopsis: British director Danny Boyle takes another intriguing career turn with this heartfelt underdog tale. Jamal Malik (Dev Patel) is a street kid (or "slumdog") who has landed an appearance on India's... British director Danny Boyle takes another intriguing career turn with this heartfelt underdog tale. Jamal Malik (Dev Patel) is a street kid (or "slumdog") who has landed an appearance on India's version of the hit TV game show WHO WANTS TO BE A MILLIONAIRE? Jamal exceeds expectations on the show, and the producers alert the police after they become suspicious of his methods. The young contestant is subsequently arrested and is interrogated at the hands of a nameless police inspector (played by Bollywood star Irfan Khan). As the interrogation proceeds, Boyle tells Jamal's story through harrowing flashbacks that both show the terrible poverty of Mumbai and help explain how he knew the answers to the MILLIONAIRE questions. SLUMDOG MILLIONAIRE is a tightly woven story that has been expertly edited into shape. The contrast between Jamal's upbringing and his chance of escaping it on the show are adeptly juxtaposed. Mumbai is portrayed as a place of terrifying poverty and unforgettable brutality, and Jamal and his brother get into a never-ending succession of challenging situations. But the way Boyle ties together Jamal's life experiences with his answers on the show is quite brilliant, and the film really does run the full gamut of emotions as we see him growing up, falling in love, coming close to death, and teetering on the brink of escaping from his terrible predicament. The film belongs to Boyle's cast, who are mostly unknown outside of India. Patel, in particular, gives a startlingly mature performance that audiences are likely to remember long after the credits role on this affecting feature.

Starring: Dev Patel, Irrfan Khan, Anil Kapoor, Madhur Mittal, Freida Pinto
Director: Danny Boyle

Rated: R [See Full Rating] for some violence, disturbing images and language
Runtime: 2 hrs
Genre: Dramas
Theatrical Release:Nov 12, 2008 Limited
Box Office: $98,019,715

source http://www.rottentomatoes.com/m/slumdog_millionaire/#

Congrats to A.R. Rahman and Slumdog Millionaire team

via Tamil Movie News Online - Kollywood Movies and News by Kavya Dharshini on 2/23/09

Indian music maestro A.R. Rahman brings home two oscar awards one for the best score, and another for his song Jai Ho from the movie "Slumdog Millionaire". The film bagged eight awards including two Oscars for Rahman. He is the third Indian to win an Oscar, after costume designer Bhanu Athaiya for her work in Gandhi in 1983 and director Satyajit Ray in 1992. The musician A.R. Rahman have done India proud.

Congratulations to Indian Music Maestro A.R. Rahman and Slumdog Millionaire team

 

Arasan - Secret Revealed

Posted: 23 Feb 2009 06:04 AM CST

City walls are glued with lots and lots of posters with Rajnikanth's picture 'Karuppu Arasan' that has a fantastic tagline. Now, the producer of this film speaking to Rajnilive.net said that it's none other than the remake of Hindi Film 'Khoon Ka Karz' directed by Mukul S Anand. The Film has Vinod Khanna and Sanjay Dutt in lead roles with Dimple Kapadia in female lead.
So, what has Superstar Rajnikanth got to do with this film? Is he there on the title cards? Is he there playing lead role. Somewhat yes, Rajnikanth would be appearing in guest appearance in few scenes. But, with this minimal role, he has lots and lots to showcase. Definitely those who hadn't watched the film would have a thundering effect.

AR Rahman wins two Oscar awards - Yella Puzhalum Iraivanukke

Posted: 23 Feb 2009 06:05 AM CST

AR Rahman wins Oscar - Yella Puzhalum Iraivanukke
It was a historic moment, which every Indian should be proud of when AR Rahman said, yella puzhalum Iraivannukke( all praise to God) after winning his oscar for Best Original Score. Rahman hit a double wammy at the oscars by winning both the award for Best Original Score and Best Original Song.
Winning the award for Best Original Score, Rahman thanked his mom with the words, "Mere paas maa hai"(I have mom with me) and then ended his speech with words of dedication to God in Tamil - Yella Puzhalum Iraivanukke( all praise to God). In this second award, he thanked the crew of slum dog millionare and said he had choice between love and hate and he choose love.
The nominations were as follows:
Best Original Score
The Curious Case of Benjamin Button-Alexandre Desplat,Defiance- James Newton Howard,Milk- Danny Elfman, Slumdog Millionaire-A.R. Rahman, WALL-E- Thomas Newman
Best Original Song
Down to Earth from WALL-E - Music by Peter Gabriel and Thomas Newman, Lyric by Peter Gabriel, Jai Ho from Slumdog Millionaire- Music by A.R. Rahman, Lyric by Gulzar, O Saya from Slumdog Millionaire- Music and Lyric by A.R. Rahman and Maya Arulpragasam

Producers Council Meeting to change history of Kollywood

Posted: 23 Feb 2009 06:03 AM CST

Let the big releases and wedding of Actors be at one side. This is would be happening event of this year. Producers' Council would be today hosting a meeting that will have the office bearers speaking about slashing the production costs to ensure profit for every film. Yesterday, the officer bearers had a general meeting about this. It was mentioned that dominance of video piracy and more remuneration for Actor-Actresses was indeed the reason for many producers turning into bonkers. Today morning the special gathering under the presidency of Producer Council's President Rama Narayanan and decisions would be soon made.
So, Actors Vijay, Simbhu, Ajith Kumar, Rajnikanth and others would be undergoing some serious confusions.

Aruvadai soon to hit screens

Posted: 23 Feb 2009 06:02 AM CST

The long awaited project 'Aruvadai' has finally completed its shooting. The film has Mammooty and Action King Arjun in lead roles. The film's climax was recently shot in Shengundram with Mammooty and Arjun in lead roles along with several junior artists. The film is produced by Panka Productions and Aravind wields megaphone for the film. Sneha stars opposite Mamooty while Shrada Aarya pairs up with Arjun. The film is made bilingually in Tamil and Malayalam…
When asked about the film, the director didn't reveal much other than the plot. He said, 'The film is about two police officers and group of cops who go on hunting for terrorists who have crossed the borders and reached the lines of Tamil Nadu – Kerala'.
The film may possibly hit the screens somewhere in the middle of March.

Sushmitha Sen’s film in Tamil

Posted: 23 Feb 2009 06:03 AM CST

Actress Sushmitha had earlier made her Tamil appearance before a decade in 'Ratchagan' and a song in 'Mudhalvan'. Now, one of her best offbeat film would be dubbed into the Tamil. The Hindi version titled 'Chingaari' is directed by Kalpana Lajmi and the film won critical acclaims. The film is about the exploitation of a sex worker by a village priest played by Mithun Chakravarthy.
In the film Mithun plays a sadist 'Aghori' priest who has the evil habit of brutally harassing the women by raping them. Of course, those who expect red hot scenes can expect something more that's unforeseen in Tamil films…

Vijay’s ‘Vettaikaaran’ launched secretly

Posted: 23 Feb 2009 05:59 AM CST

It's been the common issue today that most of the leading producers, filmmakers and actors don't want to invite media channels for the important events. And the best job of PR Managers is to click the pictures and mail the stories about the event.
Similarly, Vijay's 'Vettaikaaran' was launched yesterday here in AVM Studios at Chennai yesterday. Actor Vijay, his wife Sangeetha, Director Babu Sivan, his mentor Director Dharani, Music Director Vijay Antony, Cinematographer Gopinath and other crewmembers of the film were alone present there for the movie launch at Vinayagar Temple at AVM Studios.

And the Oscar goes to…… A.R. Rahman!

Posted: 23 Feb 2009 05:58 AM CST

Not one but two Oscars to the legend of Indian music. A.R. Rahman has created history winning two Oscars for the Danny Boyle film the 'Slumdog Millionaire'. Rahman won the awards for the Best Original Song for 'Jai Ho..' and the Best Original Score. The film that was nominated in ten categories has swept the Academy Awards night winning eight Oscars. Rahman said he was blessed that his mother was with him. He said he always had a choice in life between love and hate and he chose love.
This is the first time that an Indian is walking away with two Oscars and also this is the first time that two Indians are receiving Oscars in the same year. Resul Pookutty has received an award for the best sound mixing. All the channels are abuzz with tele-cons with the child artists, the actors and all associated with the film that has created history. Veteran singers including Lata Mangeshkar and K.J. Yesudas have congratulated Rahman for creating history.
'Slumdog' has emerged as the personal favorite for many!
Politicians including Sonia Gandhi and P. Chidambaram have congratulated both the Indians for making the country proud. It was just great to see the entire 'Slumdog' team come to the dais when Slumdog won the best picture award.
Well congrats to the entire 'Slumdog Millionaire' team and specially to ARR and Resul Pookutty for creating history and bring honour to India, Jai Hind!!!

Kamal's message for Rahman

Posted: 23 Feb 2009 05:48 AM CST

The entire Indian film industry has gone ecstatic over the clean sweep of Slumdog Millionaire at the Oscar's today. The celebrities are now coming out with their congratulatory messages and Kamal Haasan is one among the early birds to wish the Mozart of Madras.
The actor had said he felt like he was walking along with A.R. Rahman on stage to collect the award. According to Kamal Haasan, he always found Rahman to be very simple and .
uncomplicated. The actor added that he was proud and happy as an Indian for Rahman's fete
The Ulaganayagan, while talking about the musical genius's humility, recalled an incident during the Marmayogi project. Kamal pointed out that while he was going gaga over a song composition for the film, Rahman was calm and composed.
Kamal said that Oscars is not like Olympics because each entry is judged based on American standards and not on universal standards. "It is good that Indians are doing well and they cannot be ignored at the Oscars anymore", the star added.