March 2011 ~ World Cinema News

Friday, March 18, 2011

A R Rahman goes Kashmir

Posted by pranavikha on 8:49 AM

Cinemimi[Friday, March 18, 2011]

The Mozart of Music A R Rahman recently visited the Paradise Of India, Kashmir. He was there along with filmmaker Imtiaz Ali (‘Jab We Met’ and ‘Love Aaj Kal’ fame) to shoot for his forthcoming venture ‘Rockstar’. The film stars Ranbir Kapoor and Nargis Fakhri in the lead. Rahman was on a two-day visit to the Valley, to compose songs for the film.
Talking about the beautiful state, Rahman remarked to sources, "Kashmir is a paradise and a boon to Bollywood."

As per common belief of the film industry, Kashmir is considered as an unsecured place for shooting, due to regular political and anti-social issues. However, Imtiaz felt that the beautiful state is just a victim of media hype and filmmakers should come to Kashmir and capture its beauty in their films. Said Imtiaz to sources, "I think the media is playing up the negative aspect of the situation in Kashmir more than the positive side of the valley. My experience is that Kashmir is the most beautiful and highly peaceful place."

The director further added that when the film’s team landed there the Police and people were quite co-operative and helped them. Whole film unit comprised of 150 people said to have moved at the hospitality of the Kashmiri people.

A part of the film is being shot in Pahalgam, a famous tourist spot.

Devyani’s husband takes up Jayaram’s film

Posted by pranavikha on 8:45 AM

Cinemimi[Friday, March 18, 2011]
Director Rajakumaran and actress Devyani’s husband Rajakumaran has turned into a distributor. He has bought the rights of the film Sabash Sariyana Potti, which has been directed by actor Venu Aravind.

Sabash Sariyana Potti stars Jayaram and this film’s audio and trailer launch happened in Chennai recently. The event was attended by Balu Mahendra, Samudrakani, Devyani, Raja Kumaran and others.

Speaking at this function, Rajakumaran said that he was so impressed by the storyline and given the popularity of Jayaram in Mollywood and Kollywood he decided to procure the distribution rights. Rajakumaran has directed films like Vinukkum Manukkum and Nee Varuvayena, which starred Devyani.

Rajini prays for strength and courage

Posted by pranavikha on 8:43 AM

Cinemimi[Friday, March 18, 2011]
Rajinikanth has written a letter to the Prime Minister of Japan condoling the death of thousands of people in the recent Tsunami attack. The Superstar turned popular in Japan after his film Muthu was released in that country and he enjoys a good rapport with quite a number of Japanese fans till date.
In his letter, which was sent through the Japanese Embassy in Chennai, Rajini has said that he would pray to the almighty for return of normalcy in the country after the destructive Tsunami. He also offered his condolences to the families of the deceased.

AVM grants Snehan’s request

Posted by pranavikha on 8:41 AM

Cinemimi[Friday, March 18, 2011]
Poet Snehan does not need any prior introduction in the Tamil film industry. He is the Man behind many meaningful songs in Tamil cinema. The lyricist who did a supporting role in the 2009 film ‘Yogi’, which had Ameer as its hero, is playing a hero in an upcoming flick titled ‘420’. The film is being done under the AVM banner.
Stars and technicians who shoot from the AVM studio know that there is a preview theatre just out side the AVM Studio. Just outside the preview theatre is a display board that displays all the film posters that are released by the AVM banner. There are also photographs of the main technicians involved in each project displayed. Even films that have run for as little as a week have found a place here.

But what shocked our lyricist was that there was no photo, not even a mention of the lyric writers’ names anywhere on display. This seems to have dampened the spirit of Snehan to a little extent. Recently Snehan was present at a gathering that also had the bigwigs of AVM. Immediately the lyricist has placed a request to the biggies of AVM to consider placing their (lyricists) names too on display.

Quite true, because the lyrics or a song sometimes plays a very important role in the song’s popularity.

Looks like AVM people have consented to the request placed by Snehan, because we now have reports that indicate that the AVM is trying the collect photos of lyricists who contributed to the first few films that churned out of the august AVM banner.

Kudos Mr. Snehan!

Genelia goes the extra mile!

Posted by pranavikha on 8:37 AM

Cinemimi[Friday, March 18, 2011]
To what extent can one stretch when it comes to work?
Well Genelia is going guns shooting for cinematographer Santosh Sivan’s ‘Urumi’. Reports indicate that the actress is doing her best to get into her character of a princess which she will be in ‘Urumi’. The film is being shot in Malayalam and sees Prithiviraj, Genelia, Prabhudeva, Vidhya Balan, and Tabu in the lead roles.

Sources close to the ‘Urumi’ team indicate that there are a number of fight sequences involving Genelia in the film. The director, when he confirmed Genelia in ‘Urumi’, wanted her to learn ‘Kalaripayattu’, and proving that she is a director’s actor, Genelia has not only learnt the self-defense techniques but also mastered kalari to a certain extent.

Whoever saw Padmapriya’s Kalaripayattu in ‘Pazhai Raja’ would have not forgotten how well she wielded the sword. The film won the actress critical acclaim. Genelia has gone a step further for ‘Urumi’ and learnt horse riding as well! And to add one more to her ever increasing list of things learned during ‘Urumi’ is that the ‘Boys’ gal has learnt to row a small boat specially made from Nowe, Poland.

‘Urumi’ is being made at a whooping budget of 20 crores. The cinematography and direction is by Santosh Sivan. The film is expected to be released by the end of March or in April. We will be back with more updates on ‘Urumi’ as and when they happen!

Watch Now - 'Urumi' Trailer

Namitha’s real estate

Posted by pranavikha on 8:19 AM

Cinemimi[Friday, March 18, 2011]
As like many of her contemporaries Namitha has also decided to try her luck in business ventures। The glam-doll has set-up a real estate business in her home state Gujarat। According to sources, she began the new business venture on the Women’s Day this year।
Namitha Hot gallery
Namitha gallery
Namitha also has plans to start a similar business venture in Tamil Nadu very soon. The actress, it is said, will be concentrating in her business and her acting projects simultaneously.

Vidya Balan in the spotlight at IFF Bollywood and Beyond

Posted by pranavikha on 6:34 PM

Cinemimi[Thursday, March 17, 2011]
Powerhouse performer Vidya Balan was recently the cynosure of all eyes as she stole the spotlight at the 2011 Indian Film Festival: Bollywood and Beyond.

Held in Sydney, Melbourne, Adelaide and Auckland the 10 day festival took off on Sunday opening with Vidya’s ‘No One Killed Jessica’ – If that wasn’t all, 4 of the star’s hit films –‘Parineeta’, ‘Lage Raho Munnabhai’, ‘Paa’ and ‘Ishqiya’ will also be screened at the festival – a maximum by any Bollywood actress.

Informs a close hand and a festival freak, “Vidya Balan is on a roll. Professionally she has been delivering hit after hit, one stellar performance at a time. She has bagged most of the awards and this time around too all her films have been selected for the prestigious screening in Australia.”

Currently in Australia for the festival Vidya Balan is also promoting her forthcoming films, Sujoy Ghosh's ‘Kahani’ and Milan Luthria's ‘The Dirty Picture’.

Comedian’s double dhamaka

Posted by pranavikha on 6:31 PM

Cinemimi[Thursday, March 17, 2011]
Comedian Dhamu who entertained the audience with his humorous acts in many films like Amarkalam is blessed with twin girls today after 13 years of marriage. Dhamu and his wife are extremely delighted about their new arrival. Behindwoods.com wishes the couple on their new role and shares their happiness.

It’s not Anushka but Trisha!

Posted by pranavikha on 6:15 PM

Cinemimi[Thursday, March 17, 2011]
Director Siddique’s Bodyguard in Malayalam and Kaavalan in Tamil is to be remade in Hindi and Telugu as well. Salman and Kareena Kapoor will do the Hindi version, whereas Venkatesh and Trisha have been confirmed for the Telugu remake.
Trisha Gallery
It was thought that Anushka will be roped in to star opposite Venkatesh but it looks like Trisha has landed this role. The actress herself has confirmed it. The shoot is scheduled to begin in April. She is confident that to bring in a unique identity to the role.

Khushboo to contest elections from Thousand Lights

Posted by pranavikha on 5:58 PM

Cinemimi[Thursday, March 17, 2011]
Kushboo created quite a furor when she joined the DMK last year. The yesteryear heartthrob was hauled over the coals for her remarks pertaining to premarital sex. The Supreme Court acquitted her of the charges of indecency and in the blaze of publicity that followed, the actress announced her political ambitions. By joining DMK she found herself ousted from the popular game show Jackpot, which she had been hosting for Jaya TV.

As the election dates have been announced, she has declared that she will be contesting the elections from the Thousand Lights constituency. This is usually Stalin’s stronghold but this year, he has decided to contest from elsewhere and it was decided that Kushboo will fill the slot nicely. Wonder who her opponent will be?

Illayaraja unveils’ ASK’ music track

Posted by pranavikha on 6:57 AM

Cinemimi[Thursday, March 17, 2011]
There was much pomp in Sathyam Cinemas biggest theatre and the reason was the audio track launch of ‘Azhagarsamiyin Kuthirai’. This film is directed by Suseendran and it is his third film as director. Music ace Illayaraja’s presence added more meaning to the music launch. Apart from the veteran, the event witnessed upcoming and very promising directors Vetri Maaran, Sasikumar, Samuthirakani, Chimbudevan as well as Prabhu Solomon, Snehan, Yugabharathy, Imman, SP Jananathan, Vishnu, Ram, Jayaprakash, Antony, Pandiraj and Chakravarthy.

Raja sir gave away the first music CD to ace director Balu Mahendra who graciously accepted the disc. Still photographer Theni Eshwar turns cameraman with this film. Mr. Mahendra, in his speech, revealed that he was a big fan of Eshwar and he was confident that Eshwar would carve a name for himself with this film.

Director Vetri Maaran said that he wanted to see the film as soon as possible and Sasikumar in his turn congratulated his peer for taking up a novel and making a film out of it. He also appealed to the audience to make this film a huge hit which would make people want to make more films out of novels.

‘Azhagarsamiyin Kuthirai’ (ASK) sees Appukutty, who was spotted in a supporting role in ‘Vennilla Kabadi Kuzhu’ (VKK), turn hero. Saranya Mohan plays his heroine. Appukutty, when his turn came spoke of many thanks to the director for giving him an opportunity in ‘VKK’ and again for including his in the lead role in ‘ASK’. Saranya, the heroine, sprang a surprise on the unsuspecting audience when she sang a couple of lines set to tune by Raja sir.

The music maestro has composed three songs in this film of which two songs that were screened during the music launch and received thunderous applause.

We will come back with more news on this film as and when it breaks!

Rajinikanth names P Vasu’s project

Posted by pranavikha on 6:54 AM

Cinemimi[Thursday, March 17, 2011]
Superstar Rajini shares a close relationship with P Vasu which goes back to their Mannan days. He dropped in one day while script discussions for Vasu’s next project were underway. The unit was arguing over a title for the movie. There were three choices – Puli Vesham, Aarbaattam, and Mugamoodi. Superstar selected Puli Vesham as it suited the hero as well as the script. Everyone accepted the suggestion as perfect and so the new movie will be called Puli Vesham. After all if Rajini says something once it is like saying it a hundred times!

The hero is Radhakrishnan called RK by everyone. Sada is paired opposite him. RK is thrilled to be a part of this venture and he says it is a superb script. Without going into details he says that everybody acts in real life and this leads to complications. This is the premise of the movie. It sounds interesting!

Engeyum Kadhal’ stamped ‘U’

Posted by pranavikha on 6:49 AM

Cinemimi[Thursday, March 17, 2011]
The team of ‘Engeyum Kadhal’ is on cloud nine! The reason to celebrate is that the film has received a bold and clean ‘U’ certificate from the censor board. ‘Engeyum Kadhal’ is in its post production stages and is directed by Prabhu Deva. The film has ‘Jayam’ Ravi and Hansika Motwani in the lead.

‘Engeyum Kadhal’ was scrutinized by the censor board last Wednesday, which gave the flick a universal viewing certificate to the film. Not only did the censor board award a ‘U’ to the film but also revealed that film was a fresh and breezy romantic flick which is rarely seen in Kollywood these days.

Prabhu Deva in his interview to an online channel is believed to have said that he has made ‘Engeyum Kadhal’ from his heart. The director-choreographer also has revealed that any person in love would quickly be able to bond with the characters in the film.

AGS International's ‘Engeyum Kadhal’ is rumored to be released in April but we have not received any confirmation regarding this. The editor of this film is Antony and cinematography is by Nirav Shah, so we can sure get to watch some splendid images with crisp editing.

Yet another high point of the film is the music of Harris Jayaraj. ‘Engeyum Kadhal’ has as many as seven music tracks to its credit and is sure to be a hit with the audience. The picture perfect locales of Paris and the Mediterranean will quench the thirst for those who are satiated seeing the local backgrounds on and on.

Watch Now - 'Engeyum Kadhal' Traile

A.R Rahman, sure-shot in Ponniyin Selvan

Posted by pranavikha on 6:47 AM

Cinemimi[Thursday, March 17, 2011]
There is a huge buzz surrounding Mani Ratnam’s Ponniyin Selvan. Kalki’s epic classic has captivated generations of Tamilians and continues to do so. Fans of his work are anxious to find out who will play the characters that are deeply ingrained in their hearts. So far Vijay, Mahesh Babu, Arya, and Anushka have been confirmed for the project.

In recent times, Mani and A.R Rahman have teamed up together to create memorable music and so it was believed that they would come together again for this mammoth undertaking. But there were reports that Rahman is far too busy with international projects to be a part of Ponniyin Selvan.

However, sources within Mani’s camp insist that it will be Rahman who will be doing the music. It must be remembered that Mani had wished to make Ayutha Ezhuthu without music but Rahman would not hear of it. He came up with some magnificent tunes and convinced Mani to include the songs in his movie. This time also the two legends will work together and hopefully the results will do the Tamil film industry proud.

Abinaya confirms birth in ‘7am Arivu’

Posted by pranavikha on 6:40 AM

Cinemimi[Thursday, March 17, 2011]
Abinaya lands dream role!
Bright and sparkling she lent her best to her role as the hero’s sister in ‘Naadodigal’. Kudos to director Samuthirakani for directing Abinaya. While watching ‘Naadodigal’ none of us knew that one of the starcast was a handicapped. Abinaya proved that she was as good as any other actor with a promise to carry off any role with ease. But shockingly the actress did not receive any roles to do post ‘Naadodigal.’

Then came ‘Easan’ with the same Samuthirakani-Sasi Kumar duo which gave a seat to Abinaya in their project. In this film Abinaya played the role of a girl who could neither speak nor hear. Again despite receiving good comments for her performance in ‘Easan’ there were no offers coming her way.

Then fate interviened!

A popular school in Chennai recently had two celebrity guests to host an event. The guests were ‘Ghajini’ fame A.R. Murugadoss and our own Abinaya. When Murugadoss asked Abinaya on which project she was working currently, Abinaya conveyed to him that she did not have any offers. Now Murugadoss was also in the look out for a second heroine for his upcoming project ‘7am Arivu’ which has Suriya and Shruthi Haasan in the lead.

The director is reported to have asked Abinaya if she was interested to play second heroine in his upcoming project ‘7 am Arivu’ and a Abinaya immediately nooded her yes after the director narrated her role in the film. Wow, now you call that coincidence!

The character of Abinaya in ‘7am Arivu’ is strictly under wraps. Now, call it fate or destiny Abinaya has reportedly landed herself a role opposite Punit Rajkumar in a Kannada film!

Come back for latest updates right here on IndiaGlitz.com. Also post your comments on seeing Abinaya as second heroine in a Murugadoss flick!

Trisha signs Telugu ‘Kavalan’

Posted by pranavikha on 6:36 AM

Cinemimi[Thursday, March 17, 2011]
It’s official now. Trisha has signed the Telugu remake of ‘Kavalan’, which would have her ‘lucky pair’ Venkatesh in the lead role. Remember a big guessing game was on till a few days ago as to who would bag the meaty offer.
Trisha Gallery
The film will hit the floors on April 14 in Hyderabad and circles close to Trisha say she is excited about being part of the project. “Because her earlier ventures with Venkatesh (‘Aadavari Mataluku Arthale Verule’ and ‘Namo Venkatesa) were big hits.”

A take off of Malayalam hit ‘Bodyguard’, ‘Kavalan’, directed by Siddique, had Vijay and Asin in Tamil. The movie is currently being remade in Bollywood, with Kareena Kapoor playing the heroine.

In the meantime, Trisha will soon join the ‘Mankatha’ unit for the last schedule of the shoot. Almost the entire talkie portion is over but for a couple of songs to be shot on Ajith and Trisha.

Simran becomes mom again!

Posted by pranavikha on 6:34 AM

Cinemimi[Thursday, March 17, 2011]
Simran who ruled the roost in Kollywood till a few years ago, took a sabbatical after her marriage to Deepak Bagga and shifted to Delhi. She has shifted back to Chennai some time back. Simran was blessed with a baby boy Adheep who is now 6 years old. Her family will be complete now with a second addition.

Simran delivered her second child, a boy again, in Fortis Malar Hospital this morning. According to her doting husband Deepak who stayed with his wife in the hospital, the mother and son are doing fine. Behidnwoods.com wishes the second-time parents a joyous parenting and loads of wishes on the new arrival!

Complaints galore against Divya Spandana

Posted by pranavikha on 6:30 AM

Cinemimi[Thursday, March 17, 2011]
Kannada actress, Divya Spandana who made her debut in Tamil with STR in Kuthu and appeared in hit films like Polladhavan and Vaaranam Aayiram is bang in the middle of a controversy. It all started when she failed to attend a promotional event for her latest Kannada film, Dhandam Dhashagunam. The producer, Ganesh was furious and claimed that she kept everyone waiting. He said that she did not even have the courtesy to answer for her absence despite promising to attend on receiving payment and was avoiding phone calls. A complaint has been lodged against Divya with the Kannada Film Producers Association.

Divya has responded by saying that Ganesh borrowed money from her and has failed to return it. And HE is avoiding her phone calls and not the other way around. She is controversy’s favorite child and has been hauled up on charges ranging from unprofessionalism and failure to honor professional commitments. Once, dance artistes hired for a film of hers went on strike to protest against her behavior.

The actress is wearied by all the trouble she has faced and is contemplating retirement from the hassles of the film industry. She is thinking of starting over. We hope her troubles are resolved soon.