Listen to Raman Thediya Seethai Audio Songs

Starring : Cheran, Karthika
Music : Vidyasagar
Director : Jaganathan
Producer : Moserbaer
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What’s in a name?

Name changes are common in Kollywood. From Arya to Nayanthara and Surya, almost everyone has undergone them.

Actor/director Bhagyaraj too went through the process, but in reverse! “When I came looking for a chance in films I decided to call myself Kovai Raja,” he disclosed at the audio launch of Raman Thediya Seethai. “It got me nowhere. I switched back to Bhagyaraj, the name lovingly given by my mother. That brought me the ‘bhagya’.

Looks like there is a lot in a name after all. ....

Is Bharathi married?

The latest buzz in kollywood now is the secret marriage between Ammuvaaghiya Naan Bharathi, and her manager Murugan, who is also said to be a relative of hers.

It was then announced that the actress has reducedher movie commitments as her family was on the look out of a groom for her.

But now, it seems like Bharathi, who was in love with her manager, had eloped from home and secretively tied the knot on July 11 at a temple in Tiruverkaadu. ....

“Namitha has made it in life”

The sexy actress Namitha has always an ardent fan following.

However, now it looks like the glam girls who sets pulses racing even has some admirers among the film frat. Sarath Kumar, the co-star of her film 1977, is all praise for the hot babe of the southern silver screen. “Namitha has made it in life,” declared the supreme star. “She gets plenty of applause from the audience whenever she is on stage. I have seen this happen in the Filmfare awards. I’m very happy for her.” Let’s wait and see if these warm vibes from the co-star translate into some hot chemistry in their movie. ....

Sangeetha on her new movie Dhanam

IN Pithamagan, she was the brash, yet loving, petty drug dealer, while in Uyir, Sangeetha was the despicable sister-in-law vying for her husband’s brother.

Sangeetha’s alternating between glam and deglammed roles in Kollywood will take on a new turn with Dhanam, in which she plays a sex worker. But these aren’t attempts at earning quick fame or inching to female-oriented subjects, says the actress.

Dhanam (originally titled Dhanu) is the story of a sex worker and promos indicate Dhanam belonging from an orthodox Brahmin family.

When asked why she has chosen a role that could be controversial, the actress quickly replies, “It’s not my idea to score quick fame by being controversial. I was hesitant to do this role, which was first offered to me when I’d completed Pithamagan.

Even Uyir, despite being an unusual role, is not impossible to imagine or happen,” Sangeetha clarified.

In Uyir, she plays a shrew in love with her husband’s brother. “A psychologist friend of mine, whom I consulted before acting in Uyir, explained that in 70 per cent of large families, a case similar and bizarre as this occurs, and so I was convinced to do it,” she added.

The movie, with music from Ilayaraja, was is said to be a new take on the issue of dasis, a usual theme in filmdom, when it comes to women-oriented roles.

“I wasn’t attuned to their style of dressing or carrying myself, and understanding their nuances has taken a lot of effort,” says the actress.

“While we began shooting, the setting, the costumes and everything around had a subtle-mute look and we tried recreating the beauty of a bygone era of dasis.

But our cinematographer Jeeva said it didn’t sync well with the concept and we even cancelled the entire day’s shoot for it. Then, we came up with a brash, bold look to suit dhanam, she added. ....

‘I like new directors better than old ones’-Jai

JAI, the fastest rising young actor in Kollywood these days is riding on the waves of success with Subramaniyapuram.

Already onto his next project Rakhozhi, directed by Oram Po fame Pushkar and Gayathri, the lad is one surefooted youngster in Kollywood.

And by the looks of it, he aint afraid of speaking his mind. “I like new directors better than old ones” he declares, not afraid of offending the old guard in any way. And he goes on to explain why.

The old giveth way to the new

It’s no surprise why he prefers the new for the old really. After all its new directors who have given him his heady taste of success so early in his career.

Jai tells us his funda, “New directors have fresh ideas, creativity and the zest to work and give their best. This is because being new, they have to prove themselves in their debut project so they give it all they’ve got.”

He adds, “Old and established directors will look for big stars and will get their dates too. But it’s the new directors who cannot get the stars and need other actors to do their projects. So, if I suit the role they have in mind, I am ready to work with them.”

Jai is determined to work with all the assistant directors he can, depending of course on whether the script is inspiring. “I want to work with all assistant directors who have good ideas,” he declares.

His next is Moser Baer’s Aval Peru Tamilarasi directed by Mira Kadiaravan and Adhe Neram Adhe Idam directed by Prabhu.

Image change

He is excited about his next venture Rakhozhi too. “I wanted to do a city flick and Pushkar and Gayathri had just the right script with a role I had in mind.

The film is completely about the night life in Chennai. It’s a romantic action flick and I play a city youth of about 24, while Lekha is a homely student type in the film.

We start shooting in September and I am looking forward to this image change, in a get up viewers have never seen me in before.”

Thala, the friend and guide

The biggest moment in Jai’s life was when Thala Ajit called him up and congratulated him on the day Subramaniyapuram released.

He spills the beans excitedly, “I am a big fan of Vijay and Thala Ajit. But I still cannot believe that I actually got a call from Ajit sir when my film released.

He told me he liked my body language and acting in the film. He actually said that if I needed any advice I should call him up.” But the hesitant Jai did not do so.

Surprisingly enough, he got a call from Ajit ten days later! “Ajit sir actually called back and asked me why I didn’t call him up! His sincerity was amazing. Today we have become very friendly,” says Jai.

Jai goes on to add, “Ajit sir messages me regularly and wishes me on all festivals and special occasions. He likes me very much and I am so very happy because of this.

I know so many heroes but I have never met anyone like him. Now I want to be like Ajit sir. He is a perfect example of a good-hearted and good-charactered person. He is my iddol and mentor,” concludes Jai. ....

Listen to Dhanam Audio Songs

Starring : Ashish Vidyarthi, Girish Karnad, Kota Srinivasa Rao, Prakash Rai, Prem, Sangeetha
Music : Ilayaraja
Director : Siva G
Producer : Nandivaram Sampathkumar
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Aishwarya steps out of Rajini’s shadow, turns associate director

SHE comes across as a warm, confident and charming young lady as she greets you. No airs of being the Superstar’s daughter or the wife of a leading hero surround Aishwarya Dhanush. But these names do add to the pressure of living upto expectations with her foray into cinema.

Being associate director to the maverick brother-in-law Selvaraghavan in his magnum opus 'Ayirathil Oruvan,' is both a rare honour and a tremendous responsibility. But Aishwarya seems to be coping with it with fervour, her passion for her craft seeing her through.

A passion for storytelling

So what made her take this step into cinema? “I have worked as assistant director to Suresh Krishna in 'Baba,'” smiles Aishwarya.

“I love narrating and writing scripts. I have grown up hearing story discussions at home. The script narration is the movie in its rawest form, sans music or any frills. For three hours you have to capture the attention of an actor with your story. It’s very tedious unless you have a flair for it.”

Long years spent narrating stories to her sister Soundarya and later to husband Dhanush kept her interest in scripting alive. Dhanush felt that she had a great script sense and helped write her first full length script. “It was Dhanush who encouraged me to go out and work on it. But I felt I was not yet equipped to take on direction full time. It was when Selvaraghavan was directing the second schedule of 'Ayirathil Oruvan' in Rajasthan that he took me on as his associate,” recounts Aishwarya.

Selva, the guru

What was Selvaraghavan’s reaction to her request? “He was most surprised since he knew me only as a homemaker. But he was very happy and he treats me like his daughter on the sets. He is my guru and taught me how to be disciplined, authoritative and confident. The entire unit with cameraman Ramji and editor Kola Bhasker encourage me by teaching me the nuances of the craft. I am very lucky to work with the best,” says Aishwarya. “They know I have to live upto great expectations and support me in every way.”

Aishwarya doesn’t reveal anything about the project but tells us, “'Ayirathil Oruvan' is going to be something extremely new for Tamil cinema. It’s a totally different genre. Selva has paved a very beautiful way for directors to think more creatively and boldly in the future.”

She recounts an incident when she went late on the sets. “On the director’s instructions, the entire unit did not interact with me that day! I was perturbed. Then Selva explained, ‘You need to gain respect of people by setting an example through your work and discipline and not by your family name’. His way of teaching me that life lesson itself has made it memorable.” remembers Aishwarya.

About working with Selva she says, “I have to check the background in the monitor and oversee other work along with a team of two associates and five assistants. The responsibility is tremendous because it’s such a big project and the director trusts that you will do your job well,” says Aishwarya.

“Selva is very strict at work and doesn’t compromise at all. I cannot relax just because I am a relative or a woman! It’s very hectic but also a great pleasure. Today I have become more confident and gained tremendous exposure and work experience. I am very lucky to have such great men in my life, right from my father, my husband, my brother-in-law and my son Yatra !” she laughs.Her next plan is to direct her first film in 2009 with her ready script. ....

‘Dhanush cooks for me at times’-Aishwarya

AISHWARYA acknowledges the support of her husband, in-laws and parents in fulfilling her dreams, “My in-laws are extremely non-demanding, understanding and non-interfering. They are concerned about me like a daughter. For them any decision Dhanush makes with me is fine. I respect them tremendously for their support.”

About Dhanush she adds, “When I first went away on location, I was constantly worried about how things were running at home. But Dhanush actually took care of Yatra and the home, encouraging me all the time to concentrate on my work. Friendship, equality and space are the keywords of our relationship. He even cooks for me sometimes when I come back from shooting!” she recounts.

“He is the best husband anyone can have. If it weren’t for all the family support, I wouldn’t have been able to let my latent talents come to the fore.”

Her parents help tremendously by taking care of Yatra when both she and Dhanush are away. This means that her father gets more time with his grandson. Aishwarya is very happy about this outcome. “Dad missed out on our growing up years since he was busy with so many movies. Now with Yatra at home, he is getting to experience all that he couldn’t experience with us as kids. He now has more time and the mindset to play with Yatra and watch him grow. I am very happy I am able to do this for him. It’s the least I can do for all their support and love.” ....

An ode to ‘superstar’ Rajinikanth

'KATHA Parayumbol' was a sweet little Malayalam film that had earned both critical acclaim and commercial success. Taking inspiration from the Krishna –Sudhama friendship saga, it depicts the bonding between a small-time barber in a little village who struggles to make both ends meet, and a superstar who was in the neighbourhood for a shoot.

Its simple narrative style, clearly etched screenplay, lively characters, inherent subtle humour and satirical look at the world around, had all made it a splendid fare. And the icing on the cake was Mammootty in a cameo, whose superlative performance in the crucial closing scenes, had lifted the film to a heightened level of emotional intensity. And now the film comes to Tamil as 'Kuselan'. Mauled, mangled and barely recognisable. Its feel and essence lost.

The adaptation

The re-worked screenplay meanders into irrelevant characters and situations and loses its focus soon enough. Many of the characters that were so lively in the Malayalam version are all reduced to stereotypes here. The tilt of balance to favour the character of Ashok Kumar, the superstar, works to the detriment of the theme and robs it of its essence.

For, whatever you try, Ashok Kumar was a character that could never enter the story, till it pulls him in, in the closing scenes. And so the extended cameo looks like a forced entry before it’s time. Slipshod and shoddy are the director’s approach at many places. Even simple matters, like the confusion on what film the unit had come to shoot near the village.

At one time they say it’s 'Chandramukhi-2', and at another time it’s supposed to be the 'Annamalai' sequel! The narration peps up at times, like the scene where the superstar has this humourous exchange of words with a braggart (Sunderrajan), who had come with some nuns to invite the star to preside over their school function. The song on the Superstar and Nayanthara is lavishly picturised , the bit with the exotic bamboo-forest backdrop straight out of the Chinese film House of flying daggers.

The Rajini-Ashok Kumar factor

They are both superstars, the real-life and reel- life at times overlapping each other. Ashok Kumar’s character was meant to be a cameo on the sidelines, which would enter the story at the crucial moment with an impact that would take one by surprise, and put all the others to shade.

But Ashok Kumar being played by Rajinikanth, the character is given so much exposure earlier, that when the time to spring the speech where hegoes nostalgic about his childhood buddy comes, the surprise element, and the impact in exposing the humane side of the character, is not as forceful as it should have been. But on the flip side, Rajini looks much younger, trim and good.

Pasupathy and others

Each time the script meanders and then returns to base, we keep getting more and more alienated from the central character of Balu and his plight, the character soon losing out on the sympathy factor. But it’s to Pasupathy’s credit, that he ploughs on bravely and manages to leave his mark. Graceful is Meena as the barber’s wife, re-enacting the role she had done in the earlier version.

If extending the superstar’s role was to appease his fans, there is no reason why Nayanthara who plays herself, as the heroine who happened to shoot with Ashok Kumar at the village, should have got so much of footage. Its her glamour quotient that is exploited here and she even gets a solo romp-in-the-rain song. Prabhu is totally wasted in an insignificant role.

Vadivelu is another long distraction, just a couple of his antics working out. At the end of it all, one wonders whether the story was about a superstar who had lost his childhood buddy. Or about a poor barber who had finally found his! Katha Parayumbol was truly an ode to friendship. But this version seems more like an ode to a superstar. And we are not talking of Ashok Kumar here! ....

All praise for Ajith

Actor Jayaram is playing an important role in Ajith’s next, 'Aegan'. In the movie, he plays the principal of the college that Ajith comes as a student to. And Nayanthara, plays the role of the college lecturer.

One of the more anticipated movies of the year, 'Aegan' is said for a September release. All in awe of debutant director Raju Sundaram is actor Jayaram. “The detail with which he has characterised all of us is wonderful. He is excellent as a director, and knows to show even the subtlest of expression,” he says.

But the best words are clearly reserved for actor Ajith. “If people say he isn’t interactive on the sets, it means they haven’t understood him well. In an industry where many people make their way with fake smiles and falsehood, Ajith is a clear exception. His smile isn’t plastic, his words aren’t untrue. If he says it, he clearly means it,” says the actor.

Said to be responsible for the funniest portions in the movie, Jayaram says 'Aegan' will have some rib tickling comedy. “The comedy portion has come out great. Sathyan is the other actor to have you in splits in 'Aegan'.” ....

Another star son makes his Kollywood hero debut

WHEN you’re a star son who is foraying into films, expectations are naturally high. For Shanthnoo Bhagyaraj the pressure is doubled since both his parents, Bhagyaraj and Poornima, are renowned actors in tinsel town. But the 22-year-old is fielding the pressure pretty well and if he’s feeling the heat, he’s certainly hiding it well behind a dimpled smile and a candid attitude.

Surprisingly 'Sakarakatti' is his first film as a hero, but technically his second Kollywood film. “I acted as an important child actor in 'Vetiyai Madichi Kattu' ( starring Bhagyaraj and Nagma) when I was in the fifth grade in Sishya,” grins Shanthnoo.

“I always wanted to act after seeing dad and mom on screen. But my parents insisted I finish my 12th grade first. Though I excelled in studies, I was a very naughty kid, more interested in extra-curricular activities.” he grins.

However when he reached class 12, his parents insisted he complete his degree. But by second year at Loyola doing economics, he already started assisting his dad for 'Parijatam' and by 2006 he had started on debut director Kala Prabhu’s 'Sakarakatti'. “My parents insisted they would let me complete the film only if got my degree!” recollects Shanthnoo.

Why didn’t his dad launch his debut film? “Dad was busy with 'Parijatam'. He was impressed by Kala Prabhu’s perfect planning and detailing for 'Sakarakatti'. The role is something like Karthik’s in 'Mouna Ragam' and the character is completely like me. Dad felt it was good to begin with a character I could relate to,” reveals Shanthnoo.

What was dad’s reaction on seeing the rushes of 'Sakarakatti?' “He never pays me compliments, so when he said I had done well and he was happy with my work, it was the biggest compliment for me,” laughs Shanthnoo.

What’s it like being directed by Bhagyaraj in Moserbaer and KBR Media’s 'Pudiya Varpugal?' “It’s very scary. Being his son, I get the brunt of his frustration with anyone else. He’s really strict with me at shoots and I think my character there will have shades of my dad’s performance since he is directing,” says Shanthnoo. It’s Telugu version, being shot simultaneously, is directed by Chandra Mahesh.

Mom Poornima is very excited about her son’s debut while sister Saranya cant believe her ‘baby brother’ is acting. The family has every reason to be proud, for in December he begins his third film, a complete action movie directed by Ashok ( associate of Murgadoss). Here he sheds the choco-boy looks for a beard and long hair for a film set in the city and a small town. For Shanthnoo, his path is clear. “I want to blend with all scripts, chocolate boy or action hero,” he concludes. ....

Multi Guinness World Records Holder

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Sugar Free Simran

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Audio Launch of Raman Thedia Seethai

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Rajni declines to join issue with Tamil stars over apology

KARNATAKA: Film star Rajnikanth today declined to join issue saying he would not like to add anything more to the 'speculation.'

"I don't want to add anything more to the speculation," he said here in an apparent reference to criticism by Tamil film stars taking exception to his 'apology' to mollify pro-Kannada groups which had threatened to disrupt the movie launch yesterday in that state.

He, however, reiterated that his talk of ‘kicking’those in Karnataka against the water project was aimed at persons indulging in violence in the name of protests, and not aimed at Kanndigas as a whole.

In an emotional speech while taking part in a day-long fast here in April by the Tamil film industry demanding the implementation of the water project, Rajnikanth had asked "should we not kick those who are stopping us water?" in an apparent reference to protests against the project by some groups in Karnataka.

"I should have clarified this matter on the stage that day itself," the actor said today at an event held to distribute special incentives to the technicians of Kuchelan here. ....