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Tuesday, January 31, 2012

Amy Jackson confesses her love of wearing traditional Indian clothes in Ekk Deewana Tha

Amy Jackson Cinemimi [Tuesday, January 31, 2012]
British actress and model Amy Jackson, also a former Miss Teen World winner and Miss England runner-up, was introduced to traditional Indian Saris when making her debut in the forthcoming Bollywood love story of the year Ekk Deewana Tha, and has spoken of how she loved the experience.

The English newcomer, who is making waves with her film career in India after a successful run in Tamil cinema, has said that wearing a Sari made her feel more beautiful than wearing Western dresses. “I had never worn a Sari before I started shooting the film Ekk Deewana Tha, but I actually now prefer wearing one to wearing a gown, as they are definitely more comfortable and I can perform more naturally, which is important in such a compelling love story”, she said.

Amy, who stars opposite Bollywood heartthrob Prateik, even confessed that she thought a sari was the most elegant outfit a woman could wear.

Hailing from the new age genre of Hindi cinema that presents a fresh and youth-targeted perspective, Ekk Deewana Tha retells the classic, intense love story with fresh impetus for a new generation of cinemagoers. To complement the powerful love story is a musical score by multi-Oscar winner AR Rahman.

Ekk Deewana Tha is releasing through Twentieth Century Fox on 17th February 2012.
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Why is 'Podaa Podi' delaying? Reasons out director

Podaa Podi movie still'sCinemimi [Tuesday, January 31, 2012]
'Podaa Podi' is seeing much delay in hitting the screens and through the course several stories have aroused of why the film is seeing a delay, while some say its due to a misunderstanding between Simbu and Gemini Film Circuit others say its due to the actor's other commitments, however, the makers have repeatedly rubbished them all as baseless rumours.

Now, the film's director, debutant Vignesh Shivan has opened up on why the much expected dance musical is seeing a delay.

'Podaa Podi is a film that sees Simbu and Varalakshmi in three phases of life. Thus this film of course takes more time to wrap than usual flicks. The film is entirely being shot in London and we require to shoot it only during a particular season as the script demands it', says Vignesh.

"There's also a child in the film who needs to be shot during birth and at six months of age. The time the film is taking to be wrapped is calculated and the team has been well aware of it", he further adds.

He also vouches that this film will be STR's highest budget so far and will raise STR to superstardom post release.

"Gemini is happy with the way the film is taking shape and they feel STR has carried it on his shoulders. Hollywood cameraman Duncan Telford will ensure amazing visuals of international standards. With three months of shoot in London capturing two seasons in exotic and unexplored locales, the film will be a visual treat", signs off Vignesh. Podaa Podi
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Junior Vijaykanth enters Tamil cinema

Cinemimi [Tuesday, January 31, 2012]
He is fondly called as Captain by his followers.

Vijaykanth the actor-turned-politician will soon launch his elder son Shanmugha Pandian into Tamil filmdom.

The film is said to be produced by Vijaykanth himself under his own banner. Sources confirm that the film will be an action entertainer on the lines of Vijaykanth's style.

Shanmugha Pandian is working hard in shaping his body for the action role and also attending dance classes it seems. Vijayakanth is said to make a special appearance in this untitled project adds sources.

Veteran actor passes away

veteranCinemimi [Tuesday, January 31, 2012]
Veteran comedy actor 'Idichapuli' Selvaraj, who had acted alongside top stars like MGR, Sivaji Ganesan, Rajiniikanth, Kamal Haasan and Ajith, passed away in Chennai on Monday.

Sources close to the actor's family said he was complaining of breathing problems for some time now. "As his condition suddenly became serious, he was rushed to a hospital but passed away on the way," they said.

Selvaraj had acted in more than 100 films and had shared screen space with almost all top actors of four generations. He is the elder brother of noted comedy actor Pandu.

Selvaraj was 73 and is survived by his wife Chellam and daughter Vasanthi. On getting the information, the actor's colleagues and friends visited his house at Nandanam and offered their respects.

Monday, January 30, 2012

It’s Kajal once again

Cinemimi[Monday, January 30, 2012]
After the success of The Businessman, starring Mahesh Babu and Kajal Agarwal, Puri Jagannath is getting ready to direct his next film. He has roped in Pawan Kalyan to play the lead role in this film. And the heroine’s role goes to Kajal Agarwal. Interestingly, Kajal was Mahesh Babu’s pair in The Businessman.

Pawan is currently busy with Gabbar Singh, the Hindi remake of Dabangg. This film has Shruti Haasan as his lead girl. The Power Star will move to the sets of the Puri Jagan’s film after wrapping up Gabbar Singh.
Tamil Actress Kajal agarwal Wallpapers Collection

Dhoni – Ilayaraja’s live orchestra

ilayarajaCinemimi[Monday, January 30, 2012]
The audio launch of Dhoni took place at the Anna Centenary Library Auditorium in Chennai on January 28th. The event was marked with the live orchestra by the maestro Ilayaraja who is the music director of Dhoni.

The maestro played the songs in the film with Prakash Raj giving a brief intro on how the song was composed and shot. Parthiban hosted the event and his sense of humor was one of the highlights of the event.

Prakash Raj’s mentor K Balachandar lauded his actor for making his directorial debut in Tamil and wished him well. KS Ravi Kumar, Balu Mahendra, Nasser, Jayam Raja, SA Chandrasekar, Na Muthu Kumar and others graced the occasion. Ilayaraja released the audio CD and it was received by K Balachander.

Thalaivan Irukkiran to star Ajith?

ajithCinemimi[Monday, January 30, 2012]
If reports from Kollywood are to be believed, Thalaivan Irukkiran is to star Ajith in the lead role. The film is to be produced by Aascar Films’ Ravichandran and Ajith has been signed up. It may be mentioned here that there is also a talk that Kamal Haasan will be a part of this project along with the Tollywood star Ravi Teja.

A clearer picture on this project will emerge only after the producer makes a formal announcement. It is also worth noting here that Kamal’s Unnai Pol Oruvan was initially titled Thalaivan Irukkiran.

Jai & Abinaya team up for GVM's production

Cinemimi[Monday, January 30, 2012]
Jai, who reached the next level in films as an actor post the stupendous success of 'Engaeyum Eppothum', has signed a film to be produced by Gautham Vasudev Menon. Cast opposite him will be Abinaya of 'Nadodigal' fame.

The film will be a soft romantic entertainer and will be directed by Prabhu Deva's former assistant, Prem Sai and has Santhanam to provide comic relief. A test shot was held recently by a leading photographer in the city and the makers are reportedly pleased with the duo for they make a convincing on screen pair.

Abinaya will be seen as a sales girl of a clothing brand in this film and it is said that she was the initial choice of the makers while penning the script, but they considered many others due to the film's budget that got bigger, however, they felt none can fit the bill well than Abinaya and zeroed in on her. She was last seen in a cameo in '7aum Arivu'.

Now, don't they make one lovely on screen pair?

Sunday, January 29, 2012

'Irandam Ulagam' shoot resumes

Cinemimi[Saturday, January 28, 2012]
Selvaraghavan who is now the proud daddy of a baby girl has got back to the shoot of 'Irandam Ulagam' and the second schedule with Arya and Anushka has gone on floors in Hyderabad now.

Selvaraghavan wanted to be with wife Gitanjali during her delivery and took a two week break from work. It is said that the team was very cooperative and worked out their dates to sync with Selva's and a trip to Canada was also rescheduled.

'Irandam Ulagam' can be called as Selvaraghavan's pet project and has Arya and Anushka in the lead roles with music by Harris Jayaraj and cinematography by Ramji. The flick is rumoured to be a fantasy entertainer that travels between time but the makers are tight-lipped about the genre and other details.

The Sivakumars meet CM for Thane relief fund

Cinemimi [Saturday, January 28, 2012]
Only yesterday, it was reported that Superstar Rajinikanth met Chief Minister and donated Rs 10 lakh for the Thane relief fund. Today (28.1.2012) Sivakumar, Suriya and Karthi met the CM at the State Assembly for the cause.

The Sivakumars presented a cheque for Rs 25 lakh to the Chief Minister.

Recently Sarathkumar, Ilayathalapathy Vijay and several others in the film industry donated towards the cause for those affected by the Thane cyclone.

Saturday, January 28, 2012

Rajini meets CM for Thane cyclone relief

rajini_meets_tn_cm_jayalalithaCinemimi[Friday, January 27, 2012]
Today (27.1.2012) Superstar Rajinikanth met Chief Minister Jayalalitha at the State Assembly and donated Rs 10 lakh for those affected by the Thane cyclone that caused heavy damages in the state recently.

Rajini, who looked fit and fine, later spoke to the press. He is currently busy with work on 'Kochadaiyaan', a film directed by his daughter Soundarya Ashwin.

It may be mentioned, recently, Nadigar Sangam President Sarath Kumar, Thangar Bachan and several others donated towards the cause. Vijay visited the district and donated various requirements to those affected by the cyclone...
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Nayantara-Prabhu Deva break up?

nayanthara prabhudevaCinemimi [Friday, January 27, 2012]
Here comes a shocking news for the fans of Nayantara and Prabhu Deva. The couple, who has been dating for close to four years and planning for their marriage ever since the choreographer-turned-director got divorce from his first wife, has parted ways.

The rumour has it that Nayantara and Prabhu Deva were not in good terms in the recent months. As their relationship started failing, they decided to call it quits. Hence, Nayantara, who refused to sign movies before due to her marriage plans, gave nod to act in another Telugu film and thereby returning to films.

It may be recalled that there were similar kind of speculations a few months ago but later Nayantara had lambasted the reports and claimed that all was well between the couple.

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Friday, January 27, 2012

Rajini attends Rahman's show

Superstar RajinikanthCinemimi [Friday, January 27, 2012]
Superstar Rajinikanth, accompanied by younger daughter Soundarya Ashwin, hogged all attention at 'Classic Incantations', a musical concert performed in Chennai on Thursday night by a German orchestra, in association with A R Rahman.

As soon as the 'Thalaivar' made an entry, the audiences were unable to control their excitement. Whistles and claps filled the air and it took some time for the crowd to settle and enjoy the mellifluous music on that euphonical evening.

The German Orchestra gave a new touch to Rahman's songs and it was a delight for music lovers to listen to the performance. Songs from 'Enthiran', 'Bombay', 'Padayappa', 'Roja' and 'Lagaan' were performed.

The program was to celebrate 60 years of diplomatic relations between India and Germany. And also to celebrate the centenary year of Studio Babelsberg, a film studio located in Germany. After starting its tour in Mumbai, the orchestra then traveled to Delhi, Kolkata, Bangalore, before landing in Chennai.

What happened to Manisha Koirala?

Cinemimi [Friday, January 27, 2012]
This is one question that's become the talk of town for Manisha Koirala was spotted in a drunken state at a party in Mumbai. And she looked nothing like the ravishing beauty she did in 'Indian', 'Bombay', 'Uyire', 'Mudhalvan' or even her latest offering 'Mapillai'...
Manisha Koirala
The actress was seen at ex-beau Prashanth Chaudhari's lounge launch and a party hosted by Rohit Roy to celebrate his new film 'Shaukeen'. It is said that she was in a sorry-drunken state and needed help to even walk properly!

Manisha, who got married last year to Samrat Dahal in traditional Nepali style, reportedly faced problems in her martial life. She had also posted on her social networking page that her marriage is in trouble although her mother rubbished it. Sources claim that Koirala was not comfortable with the traditional ways at her husband's place although she tried her best to adjust with the domesticity.
Manisha Koirala
But when asked if things are indeed sour, Manisha was quoted saying, "I will not talk about my personal life. At the moment, all my friends know I need to be left alone. I don't need to give explanations about what's going on in my life."

Recently, it was widely rumoured that Manisha had filed a divorce case and has returned to Mumbai. Let's just hope the actress sorts out her personal issues and whatever that's troubling her soon!

Local Tamil film set to thrill

Cinemimi [Friday, January 27, 2012]

RAVI MARAZ, who has made his name directing local Tamil telefilms and musical programmes, has now moved on to big-screen ventures with the release of the first film produced by his company, D Cinema Maraz Sdn Bhd, in cinemas tomorrow.

Thandhava is a crime thriller with a plot that is likely to keep audiences on the edge of their seats.

The story is about a professor who dreams of setting up his own college. Suddenly, out of the blue, his young daughter is kidnapped but it is not money that her abductors want.

The film’s cast boasts some 60 Malaysian artistes, comprising both popular stars and newcomers. Among them are Dinesh Kumar, K.K. Khana, Denesh, Rathna Gowri, M.K., Kishore and Shela Khan.

Thandhava also features a total of 15 songs, rendered by popular local singers like M.K., Villanz, Rabbit Mac, K.K. Khana and Daddy Shaqunder. The music of MC Vkey and Tactmatic is also featured in the film.

Thandhava is directed by Vassan Kumaran, who is making his directorial debut.

A well-known choreographer and rapper, Vassan, 30, says the movie highlights the fact that having too much money and power can corrupt a person.

He says he used different camera angles and techniques to present this particular story.

“You are bound to see something different in Thandhava,” he promises.

According to Ravi, this is the first Malaysian movie to be shot using the Qube Digital Cinemascope, which involves the use of cameras as well as computer technology.

He claims that this particular technology had brought down the production cost for his movie tremendously, pointing out that Thandhava was made on a budget of just RM200,000.

“I’m willing to share my experience in using this technology with other filmmakers and show them how it can contribute to bringing their production costs down,” he says.

Ravi, 40, has been involved in the local Tamil entertainment industry for more than 20 years as director, producer and cameraman.

He is also responsible for unearthing several new talents.

While Thandhava is his first attempt at producing a Tamil film for the big screen, Ravi hopes to direct and produce Malay and English films in future.

Thandhava almost didn’t manage to get screen time in the cinema circuit when Ravi failed to get the green light from the Malaysian Censorship Board.

“It [the board] found my movie too violent,” Ravi says, adding that he appealed to the board.

“I told the board members that my movie actually carries the message that crime doesn’t pay. Fortunately, they gave clearance [for it to be shown].”

However, the board rated the movie PG-13 for its violent elements.

Asked if the film will receive favourable response from Malaysians, director Vassan says: “I think the support for local Tamil films is slowly growing.

“Of course, if the local film industry is to grow bigger, we need more support.”




Thursday, January 26, 2012

Rajini's link with literature

Cinemimi[Thursday, January 26, 2012]
rajini

Superstar Rajinikanth, perhaps for the first time, will preside over a literary function to be held in Chennai in the first week of February. He will confer the Iyal Virudhu by Tamil Literary Garden of Toronto, Canada, to popular writer S Ramakrishnan.

The writer shares a good rapport with Rajini, and according to sources, both meet often to discuss various things. "Their friendship continues for more than a decade, right from the days Ramakrishnan penned dialogues for Baba," sources add.

The function is being organized by Uyirmai Pathipagam at Kamarajar Arangam in Chennai on 2 February which is expected to see the participation of eminent personalities like Vairamuthu, Indira Parthasarathy, Bharathi Krishnakumar, Gnana Sambandham, Irai Anbu and Balakrishnan.

Interestingly, Rajini's literary link doesn't stop with that. For, K S Ravikumar, who penned the script for the Superstar's forthcoming film 'Kochadaiyaan', reportedly held intense discussions with Tamil literarians, writers, historians and history professors to give authenticity to the story, screenplay and dialogues.

Harris comes to Rahman's support

Cinemimi [Thursday, January 26, 2012]
Harris Jayaraj has voiced in support of AR Rahman, over a controversy on the 'Hosanna....' song in Gautham Vasudev Menon's 'Ek Deewana Tha', the Hindi version of Tamil hit 'Vinnaithandi Varuvaya'.

Recently, a Christian forum opposed the song and demanded apology from Rahman and others concerned, besides seeking to delete the number from the movie. It felt since 'Hosanna' being a holy word, it should not be used in a film song.

When asked about the issue, Harris Jayaraj, in his interview to a Tamil weekly, said, "We use such words only to get the blessings of the God and for nothing else. Even I had used words like Hosanna and Alleluia in my songs."

On a recent buzz that he would soon work with his good friend Gautham Vasudev Menon, Harris said, "He continues to be my friend. But there is no talk of us working together again. Even recently, he invited me to the birthday function of his son and I attended it. That's it."

They called you pigeon-chested, but Dhanush, you are the man

Cinemimi [Thursday, January 26, 2012]

Chennai: Seven years ago, a leading Mumbai-based film critic called him a “pigeon chested paavam who looks like a paanwala on probation.”

If she was still in the business of critiquing films, she would have been subjected to the ignominy of writing on his National Award for best actor last year. Or, perhaps about the trans-border sensation that he created with a Tanglish composition which has gathered 38 million views on YouTube so far.

The boy who aroused derision and condescending sympathy in the Mumbai critic is now a national rage with A-listers from Kareena Kapoor to Shahrukh Khan singing his delightful nonsense and him getting prime slots in Bollywood award shows and national TV.

As of yesterday, he is also a genuine crossover star when he agreed to play the lead in a full-length Bollywood feature to be produced and directed by Bollywood regulars.


The “pigeon-chested paanwala on probation”, aka Dhanush is just 28.

And he is an exceptional character in Indian cinema.

If he sang a seemingly vulgar “O cupid princess, I have tasted you…I flooded you…I have reserved my steam for you…” (reproduced from Meenakshi Shedde’s column in Outlook in 2004) in Thiruda Thirudi in 2003, in his national award winning Aadukalam, he

sings: “the wind that carries your fragrance walks with me.”

The delirious dance on the streets that follows the song is a stealer.

Barely a year later, he scribbles in smatterings of Tamil and English and sings “Why this Kolaveri Di” in a lovelorn, funny style triggering a mini industry of cover-versions that either kick-started or revived the career of hundreds of youtube-dependents prompting the producers to think about trademarking the catchphrase.

It was not without reason that the national award jurors and critics waxed eloquent on Dhanush, the country’s youngest national award winning actor. Starting at the age of 18 in a highly competitive Tamil commercial cinema, he is now one of the most bankable stars in the South. He dabbles in both art-house and commercial movies and passionately pushes the boundaries of excellence in both.

He does a commercial blockbuster Thiruvilayaadal Arambham mouthing clever “punchlines” and immediately follows it up with a Bicycle Thieves inspired Pollathavan, which also hits the box office bull’s eye. He then goes on to do a Padikkaathavan and then follows it up with an offbeat Kutty. This has been the pattern of his filmography since mid-2000. As the cliche goes, he straddles both worlds.

While he has more hits to his credit than failures, despite a brief box office drought in between, what is outstanding about him is his incredible desire and effort to get under the skin of the character he plays. All the directors who have handled him swear by his commitment and want to team up with him again, including his brother, ace director Selvaraghavan, Tamil’s Fernado Meirelless.In fact, it was Selvaraghavan’s first film Kadhal Kondein that showcased the promise in Dhanush in 2003. The film won both critical and commercial success. Later, Selvaraghavan directed him again in a City of God inspired Puduppettai (2006) in which Dhanush had a smashing performance as a slum boy who transforms into a crafty criminal. An enormously tough portrayal of various shades of human character, that too at just 23, he was brilliant. As an actor, the
film marked him out. Despite its gonzo and rough look, Puduppettai took a long time to shoot and has been his most expensive film till now. Selva again teamed up with him recently for another passionate portrayal of a struggling wildlife photographer in Mayakkam Ena. This was one of the most anticipated Tamil films in recent times for the Selva-Dhanush factor. It was a sleeper hit.

It’s not just his brother Selva, who breathes cinema at home. His father was a director and launched him when he was just 18 in a coming-of-age romantic role. His father-in-law is the legendary superstar of South Indian cinema, Rajnikanth and his wife, now a director who wields the megaphone for “3”, the film that features the Kolaveri song.

Compared to the other mainstream stars in the Tamil film industry, Dhanush survives largely by his immense talent and smart instincts. In almost all his films, he cleverly played the underdog, making a virtue of his “bad” and “puny” looks and the poor or modest background that the protagonist came from. But the same underdog, despite the initial destitution or aimlessness, would go on to succeed and win a smashing girl through sheer persistence and hard work. For millions of average youth of his age on the streets, this clever and conscious stereotyping worked big time.

Dhanush represented their aspirations and succeeded in pursuing them. Interestingly, he scrupulously ensured that he never played the conventional big hero and messed up a winning formula. This stereotype, in fact, had carefully distilled shades of the characters played by Rajinikanth and former superstar and Chief Minister MG Ramachandran (MGR).

The same formula, perhaps also ensured that his films were rooted in realism. In a uniquely Tamil look-and-feel, that is distinctively different from the Anurag Kashyap realism, his directors conjured up a new-world style that was more consistent with contemporary art-house films from the rest of the world than from India. Dhanush and his directors chose exceptional ideas and themes rooted in Tamil nativity, created extensive sets and properties, auditioned the best cast, shot in unusual terrains and used a variety of filming styles that ranged from a hand-held dogma to soothing steadycam song and dance.

He loves to experiment and is willing to give a hand or leg for its success. For instance, his role as a cock-fighter in Aadukalam required extensive habituation and training. This trait propelled him ahead of his peers, who are at least a decade older than him in the industry.

People close to him say that Dhanush is also a keen learner of filmmaking and is now ready to direct, but he always plays himself down. Perhaps a trait that he shares with his superstar father-in-law. One is not sure if he is inspired by Rajini or if it is his instinctive style, but in real life he plays the self-effacing character to perfection, disarming even the fiercest opponents.

Among his upcoming films, “3” is eagerly awaited because it launches as a director his wife and Rajnikanth’s daughter Aiswharya. It also pairs him with Kamal Haasan’s daughter Shruti Haasan. He also has announced his intention to direct a Hindi film and recently spent some time in Mumbai doing the groundwork. He is an exciting talent to watch.

By the way, “paavam” in Tamil means “poor fellow”.

Wednesday, January 25, 2012

Amala Paul refuses smaller scribes?

Cinemimi [Wednesday, January 25, 2012]

Rumour mills are working overtime that Amala Paul, the newest entrant in Kollywood and a promising young talent is refusing to be interviewed by smaller television channels!

The actress currently has a bilingual, 'Kadhalil Sodhappuvadhu Yeppadi' and 'Love Failure' in Tamil - Telugu with Siddharth and 'Muppozhudum Un Karpanaigal' with Atharva.

It is now said that while a press meet was arranged by the filmmakers where the actress was to be interviewed by television news reporters, she refused to be interviewed by smaller TV channels! It is also reported that despite the team's persuasion she put her foot down and refused to be interviewed by smaller TV channels to the shock of the crew.

This has become a big buzz in tinsel town for even actors from the big league do not, usually, pass such 'conditions'. We wonder what really happened and whether this is just another rumour floating about an upcoming talent...

Kadhalil Sodhappuvadhu Eppadi Trailers


Jayam Ravi picks Samuthirakani's next over 'Boologam'?

jayamCinemimi[Wednesday, January 25, 2012]
The delay that Jayam Ravi's next, 'Aadhi Bhagavan' is seeing needs no mention for it is known to all that the film's cast are eagerly awaiting its completion. Meanwhile Jayam Ravi has signed a project with director Samuthirakani and it is now said that this film will go on floors even before Jayam Ravi's film with Aascar, 'Boologam' does.

It is said that Samuthirakani is ready with the script and a formal announcement listing the cast and crew will be made shortly. However this will kick start only post the completion of the long pending 'Aadhi Bhagavan'.

It may be mentioned Jayam Ravi is also touted to play the lead in the remake of 'Delhi Belly' however it hasn't been confirmed yet. He also has a project with director SP Jananathan later this year.

Let's just hope 'Aadhi Bhagavan' is wrapped soon paving way for the actor's other commitments.

























 
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