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Sunday, February 27, 2011

Varied films and unlikely hosts spice up Oscars

Cinemimi[sunday February 27,2011]
It’s Hollywood’s most cherished annual ritual. On Sunday, February 27, the US film industry will spruce itself up and strut down the red carpet of the Kodak Theatre in Los Angeles to honour what it has deemed the best movies, performances, and technical contributions of the year.

All the excitement, glitter, and designer evening wear cannot hide the fact that the Oscars have, in recent years, become a predictable affair. The awards come on the heels of a lengthy “campaign” season, during which nominees smile their way through endless interviews and studios take out splashy magazine ads to boost their films’ odds, resulting in clear frontrunners.

This time around is indeed no different. But with a strikingly varied slate of nominees, a splash of drama in a few of the acting races, and the youngest hosts ever set to preside over the evening, the 2011 Academy Awards have managed to generate considerable interest – and even a bit of suspense.

Hollywood loves a British accent

The coveted Best Picture statuette, once seen as a lock for David Fincher’s thriller-paced, fast-talking Facebook saga “The Social Network”, is now expected to go to Tom Hooper’s British crowd pleaser “The King’s Speech”. As is often the case, Academy voters will likely find it hard to resist a prestigious historical production with posh accents and an uplifting storyline (the film is about King George VI overcoming his speech impediment).

Actresses compete and campaign

If Colin Firth is a sure bet to win Best Actor for his stammering royal, the Best Actress race offers slightly more tension. After losing twice in the past to younger actress Hilary Swank, Annette Bening was finally in line to take home the prize for her pitch-perfect turn as the more stable half of the couple at the centre of Lisa Cholodenko’s “The Kids are All Right”.

Alas, history looks set to repeat itself: 29-year-old Natalie Portman’s virtuoso portrayal of an obsessive dancer in “Black Swan” – a role for which she endured a grueling diet and ballet training schedule – has since stolen Bening’s more low-key buzz. Still, the Academy has been known to reward actors for their entire careers rather than the individual performance nominated, so Bening (a well-liked industry veteran) certainly has a shot.

The ladies provide whatever intrigue lies in the supporting acting categories, as well. Barring an upset, Christian Bale will snag the Best Supporting Actor trophy for his intense character work as a crack-addicted former boxing champ in “The Fighter”. His co-star Melissa Leo, who plays his chain-smoking control freak of a mother, was once considered the one to beat in the Supporting Actress category. That was until Leo - who has acquired a stellar reputation, but little fame, for her work in independent cinema – raised eyebrows by launching her own personally funded Oscar campaign, complete with glossy full-page magazine spreads soliciting Academy members’ votes.
Those two favourites, almost diametrically opposed in both style and content, lead a notably diverse pack of nominated works. Those are “Black Swan”, a dazzling psychological horror film about a ballerina cracking under pressure; the third installment in the beloved computer-animated “Toy Story” franchise; the Coen brothers’ darkly comic western “True Grit”; “Winter’s Bone”, a bleak Sundance winner about rural meth producers; “The Kids are All Right”, a sparkling comedy of manners also known as “the lesbian marriage movie”; the ambitious, logic-defying blockbuster “Inception”; “The Fighter”, a drama about boxing, drugs, and family dysfunction; and “127 Hours”, based on a true story of a climber who goes to grisly lengths to survive.

Since Hollywood generally prefers actors’ ambition masked by a demure smile and a self-effacing shrug, Leo may very well have shot herself in the foot. If that turns out to be so, the likely beneficiary is thought to be 14-year-old Hailee Steinfeld, whose début alongside heavyweights Jeff Bridges and Matt Damon in “True Grit” was one of the most highly praised performances of the year.

But perhaps the biggest jitters on Sunday night will be felt not by nominees, but by the producers of the Academy Awards show. Instead of choosing more seasoned personalities to host the three-hour ceremony (Steve Martin and Alec Baldwin had the gig last year), organisers gambled on 32-year-old James Franco – himself up for Best Actor for “127 Hours” – and 28-year-old actress Anne Hathaway. If the two talented and telegenic but relatively untested stars ultimately underwhelm on stage, it’s going to be a long night.

'Koffi Bar' to hit screens on March 11

Cinemimi[Saturday, February 26, 2011]
Gita Krishna is directing and producing ‘Koffi Bar’ on the banner of Blue Cinema with Sashank as hero. The film is all set for release through Lakshmi Ganapati Films on March 11.

Speaking on the occasion, the director cum producer says, ‘The film is being released simultaneously in Telugu, Tamil and Kannada languages. We got the film censored in Karnataka as per the Kannada film industry rules. Later, we submitted the Telugu version to Censor Board in AP. We are releasing the Tamil version in 110 screens, and in Kannada in 35 theatres through Blue Fox. The film was made with mind game in the backdrop and the film is of suspense thriller genre. We concentrated on the value of money and the problems arise from the money besides anti-terrorism element. In Tamil there is a rule that there should not be English titles so we titled the Tamil version as ‘Namidangal’. Likewise in Kannada we gave the title as ‘Coffee Shop’. Our film has good depth and hence we are confident that the film would be liked by all classes of audiences.’

Sashank says, ‘I played the hero in all the three languages. We worked very hard for the film and Gitakrishna extracted the right performance from me. I learnt a lot about acting and it is a good experience for me. The film would also be a musical hit.’

Vishal and Vijay fight in Andhra

Cinemimi[Saturday, February 26, 2011]
In Kollywood the young heroes are very good friends so much so they amicably decide on the release dates of their films, even if it requires change of dates. But their dictates are hijacked by the producers when their films are set for release in Andhra.

Vishal and Vijay have huge following in Andhra Pradesh through their dubbed Tamil films. All their Tamil films are invariably dubbed in Telugu unless the Tamil film happens to be a remake of a Telugu film.

Come this March, Vijay and Vishal will take the box office stage on the same day. Vishal's 'Theeratha Vilaiyattu Pillai' and Vijay's 'Vettaikaaran' will be pitted against each other on March 5. 'Theeratha Vilaiyattu Pillai' as 'Khilladi' and 'Vettaikaaran' as 'Puli Vetta' are releasing on the same day in Andhra Pradesh.

What looks impossible in Kollywood is happening just like that in Tollywood.

‘Jayam’ Ravi’s double delight

Cinemimi[Saturday, February 26, 2011]
The average showing of ‘Thillalangadi’ has not dampened the spirit of ‘Jayam’ Ravi. The actor is of firm hope that two of his forthcoming films would put things back on track, that too in a big way.

They are ‘Engeyum Kadhal’ and ‘Aadhi Bhagavan’. While the former is a romantic entertainer directed by Prabhu Deva, the latter is an action flick helmed by Ameer.

“The characters I am playing in ‘Engeyum Kadhal’ and ‘Aadhi Bhagavan’ are totally opposite to each other. But at the same time, they provided me with enough opportunity to perform,” he says.

Buzz is that both ‘Engeyum Kadhal’ and ‘Aadhi Bhagavan’ would be released before summer 2011. Hansika Motwani is Ravi’s heroine in ‘Engeyum Kadhal’ while Neetu Chandra would romance him in ‘Aadhi Bhagavan’.

Shaam in 6

Cinemimi[Saturday, February 26, 2011]
Shaam, after the massive success that he tasted with the Telugu film Kick in which he played a police officer and starring in the same role in its Tamil version Thillalangadi, has signed up a new Tamil film titled 6. This film will be directed by Durai and Srikanth Deva will compose the music.

The actor currently has three Telugu films in his kitty – Kshetram, Veera and Rachcha and a Tamil film Tholaindu Ponavaragal.

Arya my friend: Vishal

vishalCinemimi[Saturday, February 26, 2011]
Fresh from the sets of Bala’s ‘Avan Ivan’, Vishal feels the actor in him has got upgraded thanks to the national award winning director. “Now I know what to do and what not to in front of camera,” he says.

Denying reports appeared in a section of the media that he had difference of opinion with Arya, his co-star in the film, Vishal says, “those spreading such rumours are perhaps not aware of a fact.”

He explains: “We (he and Arya) are good friends even before we entered the industry. The age of our friendship is 16 and it is not easy for us to fight with each other. We in fact had a blast on the sets of Avan Ivan.”

On his forthcoming movie, directed by Prabhu Deva, Vishal says, “It is an action entertainer which is to be narrated in a totally different way. I am happy to join hands with Prabhu Deva.”

Ananya annoys Seedan director

Cinemimi[Saturday, February 26, 2011]
Director Subramaniam Siva has alleged that Ananya did not cooperate well during the making of Seedan. He has said that the actress did not adhere to his instructions regarding make up and facial expressions thereby annoying him on the sets.

The director had wanted Ananya to tone down her make-up as she plays a servant maid in the film and also look gloomy to a certain extent to fit into the role. However, the lady arrived on the sets with full make-up on and refused to change her facial expressions which resulted in a lot of argument between both.

With the film hitting the screens yesterday and being well-received by the audiences, Ananya seems to have understood the director’s judgment and is said to have apologized for her behavior.

Friday, February 25, 2011

Suriya, Jyothika together again

Cinemimi[Friday, February 25, 2011]
The last time Suriya and his better half Jyothika stood together in front of the camera was perhaps for a television commercial shot for a leading telecommunication services provider.

Once again the much talked about pair is ready to share the screen space together, this time too for an ad. "It was after much persuasion we were able to convince Jyothika for shooting," Suriya says.

"As a fan, I really miss Jyothika on screen. I have always been telling her to take up acting again. But she is not ready as her sole priority is to raise kids without any deviation," adds the top actor.

For Suriya, life is so good after marrying Jo. "But for her, I wouldn’t have realised that life is this beautiful," he says. Suriya however regrets that he was unable to gift his sweet heart something this Valentines Day, as they had to attend a close relative’s (producer Gnanavelraja) wedding in Coimbatore.

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If there’s one person to prove that money can’t buy you class then Paris Hilton is the case in point.

Cinemimi[Friday, February 25, 2011]
If there’s one person to prove that money can’t buy you class then Paris Hilton is the case in point.

Stepping out in L.A. yesterday the hotel heiress opted for an another unusual outfit consisting of an extremely low cut top, a waterfall cardigan, black biker jacket and strangely, finished the look off with a beanie hat.

The socialite, who turned 30 earlier this month, was heading to the Porofino Sun salon in Beverley Hills hiding her eyes in a pair of 1980’s-style retro sunglasses
All front: Paris paid a visit to a tanning salon in LA in a low cut top, leather jacket and finished off the look with a black beanie with her blonde locks under wraps

She finished off her somber and strange outfit with a black handbag wide legged trousers and black nails for an all-over gothic look.

But Paris was quick to put some colour back into her life and nipped into the salon for a spray tan in her all-front outfit.

After a quick session Paris emerged with an orange glow to her skin, making her style choice even less fashion forward.
Sack the stylist: Paris looked a style state as she arrived at the tanning salon in her unusual outfit

And never one to play it safe Paris donned a risqué twenties-style basque and feathered skirt for her 30th birthday party earlier this month.

The heiress stepped out in the flapper-style ensemble for her ‘Pimps and Showgirls’ bash in the Hollywood Hills and boyfriend CY Waits was by her side.

The American businessman doesn’t seem to be put off by Paris’s quirky style and the couple have been looking extremely loved-up in recent weeks.

Have you been tangoed? A sun-kissed borderline orange Paris emerged from the salon after having a spray tan
To celebrate turning 30 she shared a long and lingering kiss with her boyfriend and the couple couldn’t keep their hands off each other for the rest of the day.

The heiress was lip locked with Waits outside David Letterman’s New York studio, where she had been filming The Late Show.

The blonde was promoting her new
Can't get enough: Paris' boyfriend Cy Waits seems to like her style and couldn't keep his hands off her outside David Letterman’s New York studio

But she mixed business with pleasure as Cy cuddled and kissed Paris in a very public display of affection.

In true Paris style, she donned four different dresses as she did the rounds on the talk shows, first arriving at the Wendy Williams show in a knee length black and white dress, black stockings and black patent pumps.

Showgirl: Paris went for a risque red outfit for her 30th birthday bash earlier this month

She completed the look with black sunglasses and a Chanel handbag which she showed off as she was snapped by a huge crowd of fans and photographers.

The star then visited The Late Show with David Letterman, where she arrived in a strapless green gown with a mini dress underneath and a different pair of black pumps.

After chatting with Dave, she changed clothes again and was spotted exiting the set in the sparkly gold mini dress and gold pumps, which Cy Waits seemed to be a big fan of.
Do you have a story about a celebrity? Call the Daily Mail showbusiness desk on 0207 938 6364 or 0207 938 6683. For U.S. stories, phone 310 642 2317.

Now Prithviraj in Bollywood

Cinemimi[Friday, February 25, 2011]
It is now the chance of Prithviraj to take his best foot forward in Bollywood. The Kerala heartthrob has signed his first Hindi film which will be directed by Anurag Kashyap of the internationally acclaimed films like Dev.D and Black Friday.

Anurag Kashyap was in Chennai recently for the audio launch of ‘Easan’ and he made his admirations for south Indian films public. He also then said he was very impressed with ‘Subramaniapuram’ and would love to make a similar film in Hindi. We don’t know if the Prithviraj starrer will be the remake of ‘Subramaniapuram’.

Sources say Anurag Kashyap and his team were impressed with Prithvi after seeing some of his films is Malayalam. Since the proposed Hindi film has an unusual off beat theme, the choice of actor is convincing they say.

And what more, Prithvi may team up with Rani Mukherjee in the film. The suave beauty is on top of the mind of Anurag for the lead female role.

The last time a popular south Indian hero attempted a film in Bollywood was when Vikran did ‘Raavan’ and Suriya did ‘Raktha Charitra’. Will Prithvi be able to achieve what Suriya and Vikram could not? His fans are very positive.

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Just peachy: Elle Macpherson soaks up the Sydney sun in tiny white bikini - and gets a rather cheeky massage from a pal

Elle Macpherson might have jetted back to Australia for business, but she’s making sure to find time for pleasure while she’s Down Under too.
And what better way enjoy Sydney’s summer than soaking up the sun aboard a boat in the city’s harbour - while getting a rather cheeky bottom massage from a pal.
The London-based supermodel was grinning as her friend checked out just why she is called The Body as she spent the day sunning herself with her son Cy on a day out with Australian restaurateur David Evans.


Taking it squeezy: Elle Macpherson gets her bottom massaged by a pal as she spends some time relaxing in Sydney

Ruff seas: Even the onboard dog seemed keen to check out Elle's perfect posterior Down Under


Tanning time: Elle Macpherson fitted in some relaxation time while Down Under, by spending the day on a boat with friends and her son Cy in Sydney Harbour

The mother-of-two looked elegant in a long white linen beach dress when she wasn’t sunbathing, while eight-year-old Cy also sported white trousers and his mother’s cowboy hat.
She was joined by a group of friends aboard the boat ‘Ghost’, which cruised from Manley Wharf to Sydney Harbour.
The Body: Mother-of-two Elle proves that she still lives up to her nickname 'The Body' at 46 as she dazzled in the little white two-piece
Aussie pals: Elle was joined by a group of friends on the boat, including rumoured on/off boyfriend Dave Evans, who is an Australian restaurateur (pictured right)
And after the pals worked up an appetite they grabbed some pizza from Dave Evan’s Hugo’s Pizza restaurant in Manley.
Elle has been close friends with Dave for years and has had a rumoured on/off relationship with the fellow Aussie.
Macpherson has been in Australia all week and on Wednesday modelled Virgin Blue’s latest airline uniform on the catwalk in Sydney.

Lazy afternoon: Elle and Dave lounged around on the boat all day and when they had worked up an appetite they grabbed a pizza from Dave's restaurant Hugo's

Mwah mwah: Elle says hi to one of her friends as she goes in for a double cheek kiss when arriving on the boat

She strutted along the runway with 60 cabin crew during the fashion show at the Pitt St. Mall in her home town.
But Elle had to fight back her tears while speaking at the show, saying: ‘Actually I’m gonna get a bit emotional. I’m really happy to be back and to see them [my family], particularly my dad, who’s unwell.’
The model’s father, Peter Gow, had surgery two weeks ago to treat his prostate cancer but has been given the all-clear following the operation.
Thirsty work: After spending the day soaking up the sun to work on her tan, Elle enjoyed a much deserved glass of champagne

Flying the flag: The patriotic model jumped on the ship boasting an Australian flag

Amber Heard dazzles in silver sequins at the Hollywood premiere of Nicholas Cage film Drive Angry

Cinemimi[Friday, February 25, 2011]
Her new film may be called Drive Angry but Amber Heard had a much happier effect at the Hollywood premiere of the film tonight.

The 24-year-old looked stunning in a strapless sparkling silver dress as she posed on the red carpet at the Arclight cinema in Hollywood.
Her co-star Nicholas Cage looked positively demure in comparison, in a casual black suit jacket, black sweatshirt and jeans.

Sparkling: Amber Heard put her more famous co-star in the shade at Tuesday night's premiere of Drive Angry

The film sees Amber play a diner waitress who helps Milton, a man who has has broken out of hell to prevent the cult that murdered his daughter from sacrificing his baby granddaughter.

However, he has to drive fast to get away from his pursuers, namely 'The Accountant' (William Fichtner), who has been sent by Satan to bring Milton back to hell.
'It will appeal to the guys I imagine,' Amber said about the film. 'It also has me in Daisy Dukes which maybe helps pull that audience in.'
But she added that women should like it too.
Hollywood glamour: Amber looked sophisticated with her hair up and a her slim fitting gown
Low key: Nicholas Cage looked casual in a black suit jacket, black sweatshirt and jeans as he posed for photographs on the red carpet

'I would go see it, if I weren't in it, because it has a lead female hero who is no victim, no damsel, she is no one's romantic lead. She is truly a character unto her own and doesn't need the support of other characters.
'She's a bad a**, Daisy Duke-wearing, Charger-driving, punch-throwing bat-out-of-hell - she's a strong woman.
'And I think for a woman to go into a theatre to watch a woman lead a movie like that, I think that's important. I think women will definitely get a kick out of this movie too.'

Black tie: Amber's dazzling dress put her co-star's more casual ensemble in the shade
Meanwhile, Nicholas Cage will be hoping for a hit after his last two movies The Sorcerer's Apprentice and Season of the Witch flopped at the box office.
He tonight received some support from his son Weston, 20, who bought his girlfriend along to the Hollywood screening.

Weston, Nicholas's son by former girlfriend Christina Fulton, is the lead singer in the black metal band Eyes of Noctum.


Goth: Weston Cage, the actor's 20-year-old son, arrived with his girlfriend in support of his father

Celebrities at CavinKare Ability Awards

Cinemimi[Friday, February 25, 2011]
The ninth edition of the CavinKare Ability Awards was held on February 19th at the Venkatasubba Rao auditorium and a host of celebrities including Revathi, Blaze, Swarnamalya, Ananda Kannan and others participated in this event. CavinKare & Ability Foundation conducts this event to salute the differently-abled Indians for their achievements.

The awards are categorized into two – eminence and mastery. Harman Singh Sidhu from Chandigarh won the eminence award while the mastery awards went to Babli Gambhir, Jaora, Madhya Pradesh, Varun Jain, Hrishikesh, Uttarakhand, and Sujatha Burla, Hyderabad, Andhra Pradesh.

Happy birthday Premji

Cinemimi[Friday, February 25, 2011]
Today is the birthday of Premji Amaran. And the actor-music composer will celebrate it in his usual style, this time ostensibly with the cast and crew of 'Mankatha', the 50th film of Ajith.

Directed by his elder brother Venkat Prabhu, 'Mankatha' has Premji is an important role. "Premji is delighted about working with Ajith and the Thala is expected to join the birthday party to be hosted by Premji," say sources.

A talented music composer, Premji is however unable to make a mark for himself in the music arena. "His songs in ‘Adhe Neram Adhe Idam’, the Jai-Vijayalakshmi starrer, were good," Premji's friends recall.

This year it is believed that the actor-musician will concentrate in both his trades. "Hailing from a great music family, he is keen to establish himself a music composer too. Also, the year ahead will position Premji as an hero, with the release of Bhagyaraj 2011."

Wednesday, February 23, 2011

EXCLUSIVE: Hollywood Studios Provide Content For Nudity Website, Owner Says

Lucy LawlessCinemimi[Wednesday, February 23, 2011]While Hollywood prepares for the Academy Awards on Sunday, somewhat different cinema and television awards are being given out tomorrow: Mr. Skin’s 12th Annual Anatomy Awards.

MrSkin.com, run by Jim McBride, is a website centered on celebrity nudity “from the male perspective” and offers movie reviews, photos and clips from
mainstream movies.

So how does Mr. Skin gets his hands on these ultra-sexy snaps and videos? Illegal screen grabs? Shady downloading?

Nope. According to McBride, the Hollywood studios actually send McBride racy pics and clips for “review.”

“Mr. Skin helps sell a lot of DVDs and movie tickets, and we hear from a lot of guys who check our site when deciding what videos to rent online,” McBride told Pop Tarts. “Studios and PR companies hear that, too. It comes down to the site attracting nine million unique visitors every month who are highly motivated movie and TV fans. So from the very beginning, Hollywood has recognized Mr. Skin as a promotional powerhouse. We receive screener videos and screening passes from more than 75 studios.”

So who are the Anatomy Awards' big winners in 2011? Pop Tarts can exclusively reveal that Lucy Lawless takes “Best Nude Over 40” for her role in “Spartacus,” “Best Bikini” was snagged by Kim Kardashian in “Kourtney & Khloe Take Miami,” and “The Killer Inside Me” stars Jessica Alba and Kate Hudson won for “Best Spanking Scene.”

And the “Actress We Most Want to See Naked in 2011”?

"Just Go With It" star Brooklyn Decker.

“I consult closely with our content and editorial departments to make sure that no worthy nominee is overlooked,” McBride explained. “There has never been an actual ceremony but it’s something that has been discussed and may happen in the future."

All of the winners -- in categories are a lot crazier than these -- will be officially announced on Howard Stern’s Sirius radio show on Wednesday.

Lucy Lawless
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