A.R. Murugadoss – Maker of blockbusters
Posted: 15 Dec 2008 06:01 AM CST
People who watched a young student's mimicry performance of 'Kirubanantha Variar' in Bishop Heber's college might not have imagined that he will be one of the blockbuster directors in future. Holding a mere number of five movies to his credit, it's astounding to see his reach among the masses. Director A.R. Murugadoss began his career with Ajith in 'Dheena' which became a super hit. Even though being a debutant, his directional skills were captivating that lured the masses. Following it was the box office blockbuster 'Ramana' starring Vijayakanth.
A.R. Murugadoss envisaged a unique script that had a mix of commercialism and substance. He is the only director who ventured out of Tamil cinema to direct megastars of Tollywood and Bollywood. Chiranjeevi's 'Stalin' became one more feather in his cap and nevertheless is a super hit in Telugu. He boomeranged back to Tamil with 'Ghajini' casting Surya. By the time, Murugadoss had a huge number of fans and he satiated their every expectation.
The movie's colossal success garnered attention from Bollywood which paved way for the director to make 'Ghajini' with Aamir Khan. The director is always humble and down to the earth. Talent is the only abundant thing in the able filmmaker and not pride. The filmmaker's talent lies in his slick skill to commingle commercial elements that has substance and is sensible. Aamir Khan's 'Ghajini' might escalate Murugadoss's talent to international standards.
A.R. Murugadoss envisaged a unique script that had a mix of commercialism and substance. He is the only director who ventured out of Tamil cinema to direct megastars of Tollywood and Bollywood. Chiranjeevi's 'Stalin' became one more feather in his cap and nevertheless is a super hit in Telugu. He boomeranged back to Tamil with 'Ghajini' casting Surya. By the time, Murugadoss had a huge number of fans and he satiated their every expectation.
The movie's colossal success garnered attention from Bollywood which paved way for the director to make 'Ghajini' with Aamir Khan. The director is always humble and down to the earth. Talent is the only abundant thing in the able filmmaker and not pride. The filmmaker's talent lies in his slick skill to commingle commercial elements that has substance and is sensible. Aamir Khan's 'Ghajini' might escalate Murugadoss's talent to international standards.
Posted: 15 Dec 2008 05:59 AM CST
Actor Suriya, who is awaiting the release of AVM's 'Ayan', is going to act in a movie to be directed by Mysskin next year. The movie was initially titled as 'Mugamudi'. But speculations are rife that it might be rechristened as 'Agni Puthiran'.Mysskin's 'Nandhalala' is fast shaping up for an early release. Sources say a 20-minute sequence with real sound sans re-recording or dialogues will be a plausible highlight of the movie.
Suriya and Mysskin's tie up have created a lot of expectations among the film-buffs. When quality and substance meet, the end product is sure to impress everyone.
Tamanna on replacing Nayantara
Posted: 15 Dec 2008 05:56 AM CST
Nayantara's walking out of Lingusamy's film 'Paiya' made headlines. The reason that was citied is that Nayantara's demand of being paid over one crore did not go well with the producers especially because many of the actress's films of late have not done well at the box office.
After the walkout, it is reported that Lingusamy approached Tamanna and narrated the story of 'Paiya' elaborately. Tamanna reportedly would be paid about half of what Nayantara had asked for and the deal was finalized. Karthi who made waves with 'Paruthiveeran' will be the hero of this film.
Tamanna said, 'First of all I didn't know that Nayantara had walked out of the project until I signed on the dotted line. There could be many reasons as to why an actress disassociates with a project. As for me, I want to concentrate on my career and bring out the best I can'.
Tamanna is mighty thrilled at the movies that she features in. Her films that are waiting to be released include 'Ayan' where she costars with Suriya, 'Padikkathan' with Dhanush and 'Ananda Thandavam' with a debutant. She is also cast alongside Bharath for the remake of the Hindi film 'Jab We Met' which has been titled 'Raja Rani'. If half of these films go on to be successful Kollywood can expect a new queen in Tamanna.
Posted: 15 Dec 2008 05:54 AM CST
Finally after a brief interval, Ajith will get down to business from February. The movie which brings together the lucky duo Ajith and Saran together again, will be produced by Sivaji Films.
Sources close to the director said, Sameera Reddy, who sizzled the screen in 'Varanam Aayiram' plays the heroine. Saran and Ajith are considered a lucky combo as they have rendered hits like 'Kadhal Mannan', 'Attagasam' and 'Amarkalam' before.
Saran is currently busy with the post-production works of his next release 'Modhi Vilayadu' which stars Vinay and Kajal Agarwal. Once the movie is released, shooting for 'Asal' would commence.
Sources close to the director said, Sameera Reddy, who sizzled the screen in 'Varanam Aayiram' plays the heroine. Saran and Ajith are considered a lucky combo as they have rendered hits like 'Kadhal Mannan', 'Attagasam' and 'Amarkalam' before.
Saran is currently busy with the post-production works of his next release 'Modhi Vilayadu' which stars Vinay and Kajal Agarwal. Once the movie is released, shooting for 'Asal' would commence.
Villu's Novel Audio Release - Images
Posted: 15 Dec 2008 05:53 AM CST
Does Poo really respect its heroine's true desires?
Posted: 15 Dec 2008 05:44 AM CST
Everyone said: "You must see Poo." Whenever I hear that a new Tamil movie is heroine-centric, I greet the news with both hope and apprehension. Hope that it will really do justice to the character the heroine is playing, and apprehension that it will only be another heroine movie told from a very traditional perspective, and not from a woman's inner life. (Vallamai Thaaraayo came close to representing its heroine's desires- and this is not surprising since it was written and directed by a woman). How does Poo- a new Tamil movie written and directed by Sasi- fair? I'll come to Poo in a bit. I'd like to quickly explain what I mean when I say movies with heroines in the central role are often betrayed by the script. Parthiban Kanavu and Pirivom Santhipom are two good examples of this. I enjoyed both films, and think Karu Pazhaniappan is a very fine, absorbing storyteller and a director who can tease subtle, understated performances from his leads. But the place that he finally takes his heroines to is not progressive but regressive for women (and indeed for men as well).
I'm grateful there is a director like Karu in Tamil cinema for the way he comes back again and again to a heroine centric story. (I wish director Priya would do this instead of making generic romantic comedies). However, the choice that he forces on his women characters are really what most men might want for or from them – not what these heroine characters themselves might desire. Let me illustrate: At the end of Parthiban Kanavu, Srikanth is persuaded that the traditional, conservative Sneha is even a better wife than the modern, independent Sneha. For the women in the audience the message is: to be a traditional housewife who cooks and pleases her husband is as librating a choice as the independent woman with a career. For the men in the audience, the message is: urge your wives, daughters in law and sisters to be more like the conservative, traditional Sneha.
In Pirivom Santhipom, the housewife Sneha plays becomes lonely at the hill station where her husband (Cheran) is transferred, and longs to return to the large join family she left behind in Chennai. Earlier we see that she comes from a small family; an only child who misses sisters and brothers. So she longs for a large family. Fair enough. However, is the solution to her loneliness a return to family or does it lie elsewhere- in areas the film does not explore? She could perhaps have found fulfillment in work (she's educated and smart) or found something that interests her deeply and immerse herself in it. More significantly, if she is to do none of these things and stay a housewife, the most creative and constructive thing she could do is reflect on her solitude, on her loneliness and see that it is a gift of time with her husband, to deepen the marriage instead of running away from it.
Poo, I am pleased to report, is respectful of its heroine's desires – and indeed the desires of women. It is not only entertaining but it is also responsible filmmaking. Sasi is an enlightened director. Poo is a triumph in so many ways, doing so many new things in Tamil cinema that I can hardly count them. Though I had my heart in my mouth as I watched it, thinking- 'I only hope it doesn't get regressive all of a sudden'-, I did begin to feel some nervousness at the end. Mari realizes she can never return, even in her mind, to her one great love – Thangarasa. It will only lead to unhappiness for everyone. She is waiting at the bus stop for her husband, weeping. He arrives, we see him walk to her from a distance. What is going to happen? I surely thought: she will run to him and embrace him and cry tears of gratitude. Thus telling us that a woman should never hope to follow her heart but return to the security of marriage. Mari continues to weep anguished tears. I thought: 'Okay, this is it: he will embrace her and she will cling to him and cry'. But it didn't happen. Amazingly enough, and gratifying enough, she simply sits there weeping. Her husband looks on bewildered. He is clueless. She cries as the camera pulls away and up and fades out. As the credits roll, the only sound you hear is Mari sobbing.
It's possibly the first Tamil film –may be even the first Indian film –where the end credits are accompanied solely by a heroine crying. This is only one first among many firsts that writer-director Sasi should take credit for in Poo. Many stereotypical scenes are subverted by reversing them or not turning them melodramatic. All the stock figures of a village themed movie are there, and yet none of them behave in predictable ways. None of them say the usually traditional, conservative things villagers say. They all sound sensible and level headed. A potential rape scene is averted, the hero does not beat up the offender -but Mari does with a broomstick. To not have item songs is something the newer directors are doing, but it is brave of Sasi to chuck out fight scenes along with item songs.
When Mari and Thangarasa's father meet at the end, he says something startling: "You had a dream. I had a dream. Now both are shattered. But I never thought that that rich, educated city girl would have her dreams too." It is remarkable for a character in a mainstream Tamil movie to recognize this – that the rich city girl is not the villain but another person trapped by and made unhappy by tradition, patriarchal values and what others – namely men – want for them.
I also admired how Sasi stayed away from prettifying the interiors of the huts, and instead made them contemporaneously accurate. There are no earthen jars of water inside the huts, for instance, but green and pink plastic buckets. His homework on location and setting is impeccable. Above all, I am happy that Sasi does not betray his heroine but takes us deeper into her desires. It ends in sadness, and this is the strongest criticism Poo makes against patriarchy: that the desires and dreams of women are often dashed by what men want for them. And with that, the happiness of both men and women. Poo is full of poetry, wit, passion, and inventiveness. It is genuinely heroine-centric, and is a must see.
Respond to pradeep@behindwoods.com
I'm grateful there is a director like Karu in Tamil cinema for the way he comes back again and again to a heroine centric story. (I wish director Priya would do this instead of making generic romantic comedies). However, the choice that he forces on his women characters are really what most men might want for or from them – not what these heroine characters themselves might desire. Let me illustrate: At the end of Parthiban Kanavu, Srikanth is persuaded that the traditional, conservative Sneha is even a better wife than the modern, independent Sneha. For the women in the audience the message is: to be a traditional housewife who cooks and pleases her husband is as librating a choice as the independent woman with a career. For the men in the audience, the message is: urge your wives, daughters in law and sisters to be more like the conservative, traditional Sneha.
In Pirivom Santhipom, the housewife Sneha plays becomes lonely at the hill station where her husband (Cheran) is transferred, and longs to return to the large join family she left behind in Chennai. Earlier we see that she comes from a small family; an only child who misses sisters and brothers. So she longs for a large family. Fair enough. However, is the solution to her loneliness a return to family or does it lie elsewhere- in areas the film does not explore? She could perhaps have found fulfillment in work (she's educated and smart) or found something that interests her deeply and immerse herself in it. More significantly, if she is to do none of these things and stay a housewife, the most creative and constructive thing she could do is reflect on her solitude, on her loneliness and see that it is a gift of time with her husband, to deepen the marriage instead of running away from it.
Poo, I am pleased to report, is respectful of its heroine's desires – and indeed the desires of women. It is not only entertaining but it is also responsible filmmaking. Sasi is an enlightened director. Poo is a triumph in so many ways, doing so many new things in Tamil cinema that I can hardly count them. Though I had my heart in my mouth as I watched it, thinking- 'I only hope it doesn't get regressive all of a sudden'-, I did begin to feel some nervousness at the end. Mari realizes she can never return, even in her mind, to her one great love – Thangarasa. It will only lead to unhappiness for everyone. She is waiting at the bus stop for her husband, weeping. He arrives, we see him walk to her from a distance. What is going to happen? I surely thought: she will run to him and embrace him and cry tears of gratitude. Thus telling us that a woman should never hope to follow her heart but return to the security of marriage. Mari continues to weep anguished tears. I thought: 'Okay, this is it: he will embrace her and she will cling to him and cry'. But it didn't happen. Amazingly enough, and gratifying enough, she simply sits there weeping. Her husband looks on bewildered. He is clueless. She cries as the camera pulls away and up and fades out. As the credits roll, the only sound you hear is Mari sobbing.
It's possibly the first Tamil film –may be even the first Indian film –where the end credits are accompanied solely by a heroine crying. This is only one first among many firsts that writer-director Sasi should take credit for in Poo. Many stereotypical scenes are subverted by reversing them or not turning them melodramatic. All the stock figures of a village themed movie are there, and yet none of them behave in predictable ways. None of them say the usually traditional, conservative things villagers say. They all sound sensible and level headed. A potential rape scene is averted, the hero does not beat up the offender -but Mari does with a broomstick. To not have item songs is something the newer directors are doing, but it is brave of Sasi to chuck out fight scenes along with item songs.
When Mari and Thangarasa's father meet at the end, he says something startling: "You had a dream. I had a dream. Now both are shattered. But I never thought that that rich, educated city girl would have her dreams too." It is remarkable for a character in a mainstream Tamil movie to recognize this – that the rich city girl is not the villain but another person trapped by and made unhappy by tradition, patriarchal values and what others – namely men – want for them.
I also admired how Sasi stayed away from prettifying the interiors of the huts, and instead made them contemporaneously accurate. There are no earthen jars of water inside the huts, for instance, but green and pink plastic buckets. His homework on location and setting is impeccable. Above all, I am happy that Sasi does not betray his heroine but takes us deeper into her desires. It ends in sadness, and this is the strongest criticism Poo makes against patriarchy: that the desires and dreams of women are often dashed by what men want for them. And with that, the happiness of both men and women. Poo is full of poetry, wit, passion, and inventiveness. It is genuinely heroine-centric, and is a must see.
Respond to pradeep@behindwoods.com
Posted: 15 Dec 2008 05:48 AM CST
Director Bharathiraja has been declared the winner in the Directors' Council elections held yesterday at the Film Chamber of commerce in Chennai. It is worth mentioning here that Bharathiraja was declared the president of the council unanimously in May this year. This was strongly condemned by another section of the directors. Director R.C. Shakthi filed
a petition in the City Civil Court to seeking fresh elections. The magistrate appointed two advocate commissioners to conduct the elections fairly.
The elections began at 9 am yesterday and almost all directors including Bharathiraja, R.C. Shakthi, Ameer, V. Sekar, Thangar Bachchan cast their vote. The results were declared by evening. Bharathiraja beat his rival R.C. Shakthi by 363 votes. R.K. Selvamani was voted as the Secretary and R. Sundarrajan as Treasurer.
a petition in the City Civil Court to seeking fresh elections. The magistrate appointed two advocate commissioners to conduct the elections fairly.
The elections began at 9 am yesterday and almost all directors including Bharathiraja, R.C. Shakthi, Ameer, V. Sekar, Thangar Bachchan cast their vote. The results were declared by evening. Bharathiraja beat his rival R.C. Shakthi by 363 votes. R.K. Selvamani was voted as the Secretary and R. Sundarrajan as Treasurer.
Posted: 15 Dec 2008 05:40 AM CST
I stay in Malaysia and I am a die hard fan of Tamil cinema and a daily reader of Behindwoods. I don't really get the chance to meet up with Tamil actors always. Recently I met with 'Unalae Unalae' Vinay here when he was shooting for the movie 'Modhi Vilayadhu'. He is the first Tamil cinema actor I met. I was moved with his politeness. He talked to me and even asked about me and what am I studying. He also spent his time taking pictures along with me. He gave me a good impression of heroes in Tamil cinema, not only in reel life but also real life. Hats off Tamil cinema! Tamil cinema is getting better day by day. Hope it will soon reach an international audience. Sundar G. sundar sundar_91@hotmail.com
Jhabak drops Jeeva from 'Vithai'
Posted: 15 Dec 2008 05:34 AM CST
Noted producer Hithesh Jhabhak, who had assigned actor Jeeva for his forthcoming production venture, has shown the exit door to the actor.
According to reports, the actor was assigned to play the lead role in the movie for a hefty sum and was paid an advance too. However as the preparations began, there were few restrictions and conditions that sprang up from the actor's camp which made the producer to take an extreme step.
Jhabhak, who had churned out several hits in the past including Pandi and Anjathae, had insisted on creative liberty. Sources say Jeeva had returned back the advance paid to him by the production house. Jeeva's latest release 'Thenavattu' distributed by Sun TV Pictures is running in theatres across Tamilnadu now.
Insiders say a prominent hero will be replacing Jeeva in the movie.
According to reports, the actor was assigned to play the lead role in the movie for a hefty sum and was paid an advance too. However as the preparations began, there were few restrictions and conditions that sprang up from the actor's camp which made the producer to take an extreme step.
Jhabhak, who had churned out several hits in the past including Pandi and Anjathae, had insisted on creative liberty. Sources say Jeeva had returned back the advance paid to him by the production house. Jeeva's latest release 'Thenavattu' distributed by Sun TV Pictures is running in theatres across Tamilnadu now.
Insiders say a prominent hero will be replacing Jeeva in the movie.
Posted: 15 Dec 2008 05:37 AM CST
Tired of being the romantic hero running around trees with heroines, actor Shaam has forayed to do a rough and tough fisherman's role in 'Anthony Yaar'.
Produced by C Vijayakumar and directed by C T Pandi, the movie is almost complete and would hit the screens very soon. Mallika Kapoor plays Shaam's ladylove in the film. Shaam has opted for action in this movie. Earlier, Shaam did the macho man in 'Bala' and 'Inba' which made an average run in the box office. He's pinning high hopes in this next action venture.
The latest buzz doing rounds in Kollywood is that Vijayakumar is planning to do the remake of the movie in both Telugu and Hindi. Happy and content with Shaam's performance, the producer has opted to cast him in the lead role in both versions.
It seems Shaam is all set to go places this 2009.
Produced by C Vijayakumar and directed by C T Pandi, the movie is almost complete and would hit the screens very soon. Mallika Kapoor plays Shaam's ladylove in the film. Shaam has opted for action in this movie. Earlier, Shaam did the macho man in 'Bala' and 'Inba' which made an average run in the box office. He's pinning high hopes in this next action venture.
The latest buzz doing rounds in Kollywood is that Vijayakumar is planning to do the remake of the movie in both Telugu and Hindi. Happy and content with Shaam's performance, the producer has opted to cast him in the lead role in both versions.
It seems Shaam is all set to go places this 2009.
Cinema prodigies star in 'Rettaisuzhi'
Posted: 15 Dec 2008 05:33 AM CST
Veterans of Tamil cinema K Balachander and Bharathirajaa does the lead roles in a movie, to be produced by Shankar's production house, 'S' Pictures. Filmmaker K Balachander has a colossal history in filmmaking with his record of a great number of classical movies at his disposal.
Earlier, he made appearance in his movies 'Poi' and 'Kalki'. Kavithalaya is his production banner which churned out many recent movies including Rajinikanth's 'Kuselan'.
Director Bharathirajaa is equally plausible with his films that bought rustic and rural life into celluloid. His recent release 'Bommalattam' starring Arjun and Nana Patekar is running in theatres now.
The movie that brings the ace directors under one roof is 'Rettaisuzhi' which is going to be directed by Thamira. Cinematographer Chezhiyan handles the camera while music will be composed by Karthik Raja. The movie has been officially launched and starts rolling today.
Arya's production venture begins
Bommalattam Wallpapers:
800*600 1024*768 800*600 1024*768 800*600 1024*768
More 'Bommalattam' Wallpapers...
RELATED NEWS: Bharathirajaa is the new president of TFDA None can predict the climax - Bharathiraja It's one of my best: Bharathiraja 'Bomallattam' is finally out of the box Has KB pulled out of Rettai Suzhi? 'Nana Patekar is another Kamal Haasan': Bharathirajaa It's action king Arjun's birthday Kajal Agarwal in 'Rajadhi Raja' Kajal Agarwal plays fashion designer Kajal Agarwal injured
OTHER NEWS: Bharathirajaa is the new president of TFDA 'Villu' songs will rock: Devi Sri Prasad Samiksha chucked out of Rajadhi Raja Arya's production venture begins Jhabak drops Jeeva from 'Vithai' Sweet news for Shaam 'Asal' begins this February When quality meets substance Tamanna on replacing Nayantara A.R. Murugadoss – Maker of blockbusters
Copyright 2008 IndiaGlitz. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Earlier, he made appearance in his movies 'Poi' and 'Kalki'. Kavithalaya is his production banner which churned out many recent movies including Rajinikanth's 'Kuselan'.
Director Bharathirajaa is equally plausible with his films that bought rustic and rural life into celluloid. His recent release 'Bommalattam' starring Arjun and Nana Patekar is running in theatres now.
The movie that brings the ace directors under one roof is 'Rettaisuzhi' which is going to be directed by Thamira. Cinematographer Chezhiyan handles the camera while music will be composed by Karthik Raja. The movie has been officially launched and starts rolling today.
Arya's production venture begins
Bommalattam Wallpapers:
800*600 1024*768 800*600 1024*768 800*600 1024*768
More 'Bommalattam' Wallpapers...
RELATED NEWS: Bharathirajaa is the new president of TFDA None can predict the climax - Bharathiraja It's one of my best: Bharathiraja 'Bomallattam' is finally out of the box Has KB pulled out of Rettai Suzhi? 'Nana Patekar is another Kamal Haasan': Bharathirajaa It's action king Arjun's birthday Kajal Agarwal in 'Rajadhi Raja' Kajal Agarwal plays fashion designer Kajal Agarwal injured
OTHER NEWS: Bharathirajaa is the new president of TFDA 'Villu' songs will rock: Devi Sri Prasad Samiksha chucked out of Rajadhi Raja Arya's production venture begins Jhabak drops Jeeva from 'Vithai' Sweet news for Shaam 'Asal' begins this February When quality meets substance Tamanna on replacing Nayantara A.R. Murugadoss – Maker of blockbusters
Copyright 2008 IndiaGlitz. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Posted: 15 Dec 2008 05:28 AM CST
Refuting all reports that Kanthaswamy is getting delayed because of a rift between Vikram and him, director Susi Ganesan said that these are just baseless rumors. Gossipmongers also have it that Susi Ganesan had a rift with the producers too. The director, speaking to a Behindwoods correspondent, lambasted those who has made
those statements to the media, as those who have nothing better to do than to spread rumors.
On the delay of Kanthaswamy, the director said that Vikram will be appearing as a female in the film and hence his make up and costume selection requires a lot of time. This is one of the reasons for the delay, he added.
Susi Ganesan mentioned that wherever the team went for shooting, the place experienced heavy rainfall. This is true from their shooting in Mexico to the villages in Tamil Nadu. He said that this is a good indicator that the film will become a runaway success.
Kanthaswamy's computer graphics work may take another three months to be completed. He signed off saying that in all probability the film will hit the screens on April 14th.
those statements to the media, as those who have nothing better to do than to spread rumors.
On the delay of Kanthaswamy, the director said that Vikram will be appearing as a female in the film and hence his make up and costume selection requires a lot of time. This is one of the reasons for the delay, he added.
Susi Ganesan mentioned that wherever the team went for shooting, the place experienced heavy rainfall. This is true from their shooting in Mexico to the villages in Tamil Nadu. He said that this is a good indicator that the film will become a runaway success.
Kanthaswamy's computer graphics work may take another three months to be completed. He signed off saying that in all probability the film will hit the screens on April 14th.
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