Kollywood fans surprise to Kamal-Rajini together?

Measured by reports that believe you have that Kalanithi Maran, who had produced "Endhiran 'with Rajinikanth-Shankar, led by spending huge (RS 160 cr) so far in Indian cinema, the implementation of another film planned with another great budget of Rs 500 crore. The film will be directed by Shankar and there are two living legends Rajinikanth and Kamal Haasan, now that's a surprise! ....

Kamal and Murugadoss to work together!

This sounds like one combination that can’t fail. Arguably India’s finest actor is ready to join hands with the most promising of young directors, AR Murugadoss.

This doesn’t seem to be the dream of the film buffs alone. Director Murugadoss, who is yet to begin his next project after ‘Ghajini’, also shares this dream to work with the Universal Hero.

He announced this at an event held recently which was attended by Kamal Haasan himself. The director went on to publicly state that he was a big fan of Kamal, who’s experimentation with roles has fascinated him a lot. He also went on to state that he would like to do a project with Kamal as the hero.

AR Murugadoss has earlier directed ‘Dheena’, ‘Ramana’ and the Suriya-starrer ‘Ghajini’ that went on to be made in Bollywood with Aamir Khan reprising Suriya’s role. Murugadoss has been holding talks with Shah Rukh for his next film, even while he will be teaming up with Suriya for another film soon. ....

Unnaipol Oruvan to mark Haasan's 50 years in cinema

Unnaipol Oruvan is sure to be special to film fans both in Tamil and Malayalam. If the movie is bringing together two of the best known legends of film frat, it is also being timed for release in a way that it is special to the audiences. The film, which will be completed including post production in a month from now, is being planned as an August release for two reasons. August 12, a good fifty years ago, was when Kamal’s first film, Kalathur Kannamma was released. Plans are on to release this film on the same date.

This also works well for the Malayalam star Mohanlal, who acts with Kamal Haasan for the first time in the film. This film will be seen also as his treat for Malayalam fans in the traditional Onam season. Unnaipol Oruvan, directed by debutant Chakri Toleti, is being jointly produced by U TV and Raajkamal Films international. It is a remake of A Wednesday, and shooting, for most part of the film, has been completed. The film has been shot entirely in Hyderabad, and is a bilingual, simultaneously made in Tamil and Telugu (as Eenadu). ....

Rajni votes, Haasan not allowed to

While Tamil superstar Rajnikant voted for a "stable government" on Wednesday, thespian actor Kamal Haasan was unable to cast his ballot since his name was not on the electoral rolls.

After casting his vote, Rajnikant told reporters that he had voted to ensure a stable government at the centre.

Kamal Haasan cancelled his shooting schedule for the polls but could not cast his vote.

"My name is not on the list of voters. I am not alone. My brother Chandra Haasan also could not cast his vote," the actor said.

He said he has voted in almost all elections, except when he was hospitalised. ....

'Haasan is the only glamorous hero: Trisha

“Kamal Haasan is the only glamorous hero” says Trisha
On her birthday Trisha while speaking to the media said,” I can never forget the experience while working in Sarvam. Arrangements are being made to release this film on 15th of this month. The film was shot in beautiful locales. There are rumors that I am donning bikini dresses and have acted in kissing scenes. I don’t know who is spreading these rumors. You will know the truth if you see the film. There were also rumors that I have danced with Arya in semi clad dress in Goa beach for this film. I feel like laughing when I hear such kind of rumors. I don’t like partying. If you ask me if who is the attractive hero I would say Kamal Haasan is the most glamorous actor.

The other one is Hollywood hero George Clooney. I am fond of animals. I get wild if anyone tries to be cruel with animals. I had been to Australia for my last vacation. Sky Diving was a thrilling experience for me there. Even now I am proud of this. My family is important for me. In the same way my friends are also equally important for me. I am scared of cockroaches. I like eating lot of tasty foods. My greatest asset are my friends.” ....

Meet Haasan's 'A Wednesday' team

‘Unnai Pol Oruvan’ – remake of ‘A Wednesday’ has already started rolling and now Kamal Haasan addressed the media along with his team yesterday herein Chennai. Well, when everyone was wondering about who the filmmaker Chakri is? He cleared off our doubts with a great surprise. Chakri is none other than a small guy who appeared as an amateurish photographer in Kamal Haasan’s yesteryear blockbuster ‘Salangai Oli’. The guy grew up learning the best skills of filmmaking in United States. Also, he played a prominent role in Kamal Haasan’s ‘Dasavatharam’.

Also Kamal Haasan took his turn of introducing his daughter Shruthi Haasan who scores music for this film.

Actor Mohan Lal was questioned why does this film require such a big star-cast when the Hindi version just had performer who weren’t superstars. The actor jocularly gave a jocular reply, “The shooting is almost done and now you can’t change the star-casts”. Later, Kamal Haasan turned the mike and uttered ‘We are indeed the good performers who accepted the crown of titles delivered by you. We do everything according to your demands’.

Also Kamal Haasan revealed that the filming will be completed within next month, but the release date is slated for August 12... Because his fans and close friends requested him to do as his debut film ‘Kalathoor Kannama’ was released on the same day. ....

Haasan to teach you screenwriting

Wanna get the best lessons on screenwriting from your most favorite personality Kamal Haasan? Do you want to be one of the chosen 250 to attend a week-long master class by some of the best screenwriting teachers in the country? Well, then here’s that opportunity knocking at your doors.

Kamal Haasan, in association with Indian Institute of Technology, Madras presents a first-of-its-kind international workshop and seminar on screenwriting in South India. “It’s a strictly instructional event. Basic education is compulsory and candidates need to demonstrate their seriousness to get selected,” says the writer-filmmaker-actor.

The Chennai International Screenwriting Workshop to be held at the IIT-M campus between May 29 to June 3, 2009 will feature a few of the best screenwriters and filmmakers from around the world.

Veteran writer Jean Claude Carriere has confirmed his participation via video conference.

Mr. Kamal Haasan himself will join the discussions and don the role of faculty during the workshop and seminar.

The screenwriting workshop will be conducted by K.Hariharan, Director of the L.V. Prasad Film and TV Academy, Anjum Rajabali, Professional screenwriter and head of departments of screenwriting at Film and TV Institute, Pune and Whistling Woods, Mumbai and Atul Tiwari, Professional screenwriter and well known playwright.

Interested candidates can mail their resume, with their photographs along with a 200-word synopsis on their favorite film and a list of their 5-favorite films to admissions@screenwritingindia.com ....

Shriya Saran to lock lips with Kamal Hassan

A doe-eyed beauty, a divine beauty, all these words and more come to mind when Shriya Saran’s name is mentioned. Her innocence radiating from the screen, coupled with sensuousness has sent her fans, especially men, into mindless frenzy. Recently, this delectable lady voiced her opinion on two film personalities who have influenced her in a major way.

The first personality is of course director Shankar, who directed Shriya in the biggest hit of her career, Sivaji - The Boss. Her portrayal of a loving, dedicated and above all, protective wife was very subtle and moving. She attributes this to director Shankar, whom she likens to a authoritarian who works in the best interests of the movie and the actor, ensuring that he extracts only what is necessary for the role.

Her other favourite is of course Kamal Haasan, who has turned his talents to direction with Marmayogi, which is currently in production. Kamal Haasan, who has always been able to elicit the most sensual performances from his co-stars, will be locking lips with Shriya Saran in Marmayogi. Kamal, she says, is a perfectionist and does not stint any efforts until the end-product is exactly the way he wants it -- perfect.

Well, knowing Shriya Saran’s penchant for hard work, she sure won't be grumbling about all those re-takes to get something ‘just so’.

Courtesy:galatta.com

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Marmayogi, nothing like Marudanayakam

SPECULATIONS about a Kamal starrer never cease. The latest was about Ocher Studios and Warner Bros tieing up to produce his latest venture, 'Marmayogi' But these stories are, well, just stories. Clarifying that it will be Pyramid Saimira producing it, along with Rajkamal Films is KS Srinivasan, director and CEO of Pyramid Samira. The deal, sources say, was inked for Rs 125 crore.

“The movie’s formal launch will be in Mumbai on September 14. We’re planning the launch in Mumbai as the movie, which will be shot in Hindi, English and Tamil, is meant for a pan-India audience,” he explains, adding that the deal was inked with Rajkamal over three months ago. After Dasavathaaram, in which he played 10 roles, Kamal will do only one role in this movie, and will sport a new different look.

The hunt for a heroine is on and the names of leading heroines in Bollywood are in discussion. Hemamalini has been roped in to do an important role in the movie, and sources say it has strong negative overtones. Among the names mentioned for contenders as heroines includes Padmapriya, Kajol and Shriya.

“As for the techinicians, most of them, including the DoP and editors, will be from Hollywood,” he clarified.

'Marudanayakam' has nothing to do with 'Marmayogi,' Srinivasan clarifies. “Marudanayakam,' as everybody knows, was a story set during the freedom struggle. This movie, however, is set in an era prior to British imperialism. There’s no way they can be connected. We’re not usig any scenes from that movie in this. Kamal will sport a very different look in this movie.” ....

Kamal Haasan to star in $50 mn thriller

CHENNAI: Tamil superstar Kamal Haasan is set to star in an action thriller 19 Steps, to be produced in collaboration with Walt Disney. The film will be made at a budget of $50 million.

It will be directed by Bharat Bala who shot to fame with music maestro A R Rahman's albums Vande Mataram and Jana Gana Mana.

19 Steps will go on the floors in mid-2009 after Kamal completes his film Marmayogi, which is another Hollywood co-production, said a publicist.

The movie also stars Japanese star Tadanobu Asano, who is known for his Samurai roles in Gohatto (1999) and Zatoichi (2003).

In 19 Steps, Asano plays a blood thirsty Samurai Kenji seeking to conquer the ancient Indian martial art of Kalaripayattu (precursor of Karate). He learns the tough 18 steps and masters the 19th from an Indian guru played by Kamal, said the publicist.

The movie is being scripted by award-winning Malayalam novelist M T Vasudevan Nair. ....

Kamal and Asin to tie up again

A film that has been in the news for over two years now,19 steps, an ambitious production by Warner Bros is said to feature the Dasavathaaram duo, Kamal Haasan and Asin, together again.

19 Steps, a movie based on the script of MT Vasudevan Nair, will be an English movie, with music by Bharat Bala’s long time friend and associate, AR Rahman.

Kamal has been reportedly approached to play the role of a Kalaripayattu guru. Asin plays a princess. The movie will also feature Japanese star Tadanobu Asano, who will be paired with Asin.

Speaking to Expresso from Mumbai, Bharat Bala, an ad filmmaker who has made albums like Vande Mataram and Jana Gana Mana, said “Negotiations are on. So it wouldn’t be right to comment on them now.” An official announcement is expected next week, when the director will be returning to Chennai.

It may be remembered that the project was announced over two years ago, with Mohanlal said to be playing the role that Kamal Haasan has been offered. However, it never materialised. Finally, it seems like Kamal Haasan will be doing the role. ....

Dasavathaaram, 50 and counting

AFTER much speculation about its reach, the Kamal Haasan- starrer 'Dasavathaaram' has completed a successful 50 days and is said to be going strong. The movie, directed by KS Ravikumar, had the actor play 10 different roles.

In celebration of the movie’s success, actor Kamal Haasan presented 50 fans to orphanages and senior citizen homes at the office premises of Raajkamal Films.

Meanwhile, plans are also on to launch his next movie, 'Marmayogi,' to be produced by Raajkamal Films and Pyramid Saimira, which is to begin after August. The hunt for a heroine is still on for this movie, which is said to be set in the sixth century ....

Kamal's short film on ‘Marmayogi’

Remember the grand trailer Kamal filmed for his dream project 'Marudhanayagam' a decade ago.

In similar vein, the actor has now come up with a short film on his forthcoming movie 'Marmayogi'. Sources reveal that the short film comprises the theme of the movie, cast and crew along with other technical details. It would be screened at the grand launch of 'Marmayogi' planned at Mumbai by this month end.

It is said that bigwigs of Bollywood like Amitabh Bachchan, Dharmendra, and Shah Rukh Khan are expected to attend the launch ceremony. Produced by Pyramid Saimira, ‘Marmayogi’ would have Hema Malini and other Bollywood actors in pivotal roles.

A short film to promote a feature film is indeed a novel idea. What will creativity come up with?

Let's wait and watch. ....

CM, Rajini, Kamal watch 'Ulliyin Osai'

Chief Minister M Karunanidhi, along with 150 special invitees including Rajinikanth and Kamal Haasan watched ‘Ulliyin Osai’ on Tuesday, a film based on a story the Chief Minister had written four decades ago.

Rajini, when asked about the movie, said, 'Story, screen play and dialogues are superb. It is a fantastic love story. Excellent.' Asked if there was any particular dialogue that he liked, he said that there were far too many.

Praising Karunanidhi, Kamal said, 'He had worked on the project despite all his duties as Chief Minister. I have a lot to learn from him.'

This film proves that both Kalaignar's stories and art are timeless, said director Bharathirajaa.

K S Ravikumar, fresh from the success of ‘Dasavatharam’, said there were so many twists and unexpected turns in the movie in the second half and that kept him very interested and absorbed. 'The songs are very good and so is the manner in which they have been filmed. I did not expect such a touching movie,' he said.

The film is based on Karunanidhi's short story 'Saarapallam Samundi'. Produced by Thiruvottiyur SP Murugesan, the film has Keerthi Chawla, Suja, Vineeth and Sarath Babu in lead roles. Ilavenil makes his debut as director while Ilayaraja has handled the music. ....

‘Dasavatharam’ still on top

Kamal Haasan's ‘Dasavatharam’ is still on making waves at the box office garnering good collections.
The big-budgeted movie, produced by Oscar Ravichandran and directed by K S Ravikumar, has entered the third week and is still drawing packed houses. Released in over a dozen screens in Chennai, the movie features Kamal Haasan in ten different roles. ‘Dasavatharam’ surely is still the talk of the town.
The movie is doing well in multiplexes and has managed healthy collections in urban centers.
Vijay's ‘Kuruvi’ is not far-behind. Directed by Dharani and produced by Udhayanidhi Stalin, ‘Kuruvi’ is flying high thanks to the hype and hoopla created for the film. The return of the ‘Gilli’ team has managed to garner enough attention on ‘Kuruvi’.
Jayam Ravi's ‘Santosh Subramaniam’, which completed its 50-day run, is also in the race. The Tamil remake of a blockbuster Telugu version, has struck a chord with family audiences. The peppy songs and the neat performance by Genelia have helped its cause.
In rural centers, Larencce Ragavendra's ‘Pandi’ is putting up a very good show.
Meanwhile a couple of new-releases last week-end - ‘Ayudham Seivom’ starring Sundar C and Parthiban's ‘Vallamai Tharayo’ have opened well.
While the former is a mass entertainer, the latter is an emotional drama.
The likes of ‘Hulk 2’ and ‘Sarkar Raj’ too are doing well at the Chennai Box Office. ....

Rare pics of Rajini and Kamal together

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Marmayogi launching on July 25th?

It is rumoured that the launch of Marmayogi has been postponed by 12 days. Now, it will take place on July 25, 2008.
Read full story ....