Ajith, Shalini in a film on St. Thomas

One of the twelve disciples of Jesus Christ, St. Thomas, came to India after Christ was crucified with a mission to spread the Word of God.

St. Thomas was also part of the famous 'Last Supper'.

A film is being planned to bring to light the life of St. Thomas with a whopping budget of Rs. 50 Crores. Ajith and Shalini will appear in guest roles in the film that will start production in January, 2009.

The movie's launch was held on the 3rd of July which is also 'St. Thomas Day' at the Santhome Basilica compound. Chief Minister M. Karunanidhi officially launched the film and a host of politicians were also present.

Incidentally, Santhome Basilica houses the saint's tomb.

The makers of the film have planned to shoot in locations such as Chennai, Iddukki, Munnar and a few places abroad. The movie will also feature Hollywood stars in it.

The film will be released in 2010. ....

'Padikkadhavan' comes up with educated ideas

Gone are the days when permission to film in railway stations and airports was as easy as pie. Due to these crowded places becoming soft targets for terrorists, the authorities are leaving no stone unturned with their security measures. Therefore, obtaining permission to shoot in railway stations and airports has become very hard and troublesome. Even when permissions are granted, filmmakers find it extremely difficult to complete all the shots within the stipulated time.

The makers of the film 'Sathyam' needed an airport to film an action sequence. Airports in India said NO while an airport in Dubai said YES. The crew went over there and canned the shots.

Jeevan was supposed to star in a film titled 'Payannigal Gavanathirkku' and the film was to be shot extensively in railway stations. Since permission did not come their way the film sadly had to be abandoned.

Dhanush's 'Padikkadhavan' needs a railway station to can some 'vital' scenes. Not sure if permission would come their way, the filmmakers decided to erect a railway station set at the Ramoji Rao Film City in Hyderabad. Sources say tremendous effort has been put in to bring about the authentic effort.
A wise decision indeed by the team that bears the name 'Padikkadhavan'. ....

Neelambari Ramya Krishnan is back

Ramya Krishnan, touted as the ever-youthful actress despite her age is all set to stun audiences with her performance in a movie called 'Arumugam'. The movie is to be directed by Suresh Krishna and will star Bharath.

After her marriage with Telugu director Krishna Vamsi, Ramya Krishnan refused many film offers that came her way and concentrated on producing and hosting game shows for television. The role that Nadhiya played in the movie 'Sandai' was first offered to Ramya Krishnan who turned it down.

After listening to the story of 'Arumugam' an impressed Ramya Krishnan gave the green signal.

The actress shot to fame after her inspired character 'Neelambari' in the smash hit film 'Padayappa'. Many film lovers felt that she even stole the limelight from Rajinikanth in the film. 'Nilambari' is a character that will be etched among classic roles in Tamil Cinema.

Interestingly, her character in 'Arumugam' is also along those lines….a determined woman with shades of desperation stylishly spitting venom.

Ramya Krishnan is back to what she does best….inspired performances on the silver screen. ....

Madhavan and Sadha – On a hat trick

Probably inspired by the title of a yesteryear blockbuster 'Avan, Aval, Adhu', a film starring Madhavan and Sada is being made with a similar name 'Naan Aval Adhu'.

This movie will bring Madhavan and Sada together on screen for the third time. Their earlier movies were 'Priyasaki' and 'Ethiree'.

Shamita Shetty, Sriman and Sayaji Shinde are also in the cast and the film's shooting has been completed and dubbing is going on currently.

Noted Telugu script writer Kona Venkat will be making his debut in Tamil films as a director. G V Prakash has scored the music along with Patnaik. ....

'Naaku Mooku' to be set free on August 15

'Kadhalil Vizhunthen', the movie which hogged the limelight even before its release thanks to a fast paced song that features in it, 'Naaka Mooku, will hit movie screens on Independence Day.

It is a romantic action thriller set in the backdrop of a college campus. The film narrates a love story in a distinct style. The story is about a young lover, who loses his girlfriend but somehow believes she is still alive.

'Kadhalil Vizhunthen' is directed by PV Prasad, a former assistant to directors V. Sekar and Azhagam Perumal. Nakul (of 'Boys' fame) plays the male lead in the film and Telugu actress Sunaina makes her Tamil debut as heroine. Other important roles of the film are played by Hari Raj, Livingston and Sampath.

Vijay Anthony has composed music and lyrics are by Thamarai.S. Vijay Milton is the cinematographer and VT Vijayan is editing the film. The movie is produced by Umapathy with the banner Atlantic Cinemas. ....

Daniel Balaji in 'Mazhai Vara Pokuthu'

Ace Malayalam director Lal Jose will take a break from Malayalam cinema for a while, and is starting work on his debut Tamil venture. The film titled 'Mazhai Vara Pokuthu' will tell the story of a rustic village in Tamilnadu that longs for rains.

The movie based on a plot by Lal Jose will be scripted by James Albert who has created two big hits in Mollywood, Classmates and Cycle.

Daniel Balaji will play the lead role for the first time with 'Mazhai Vara Pokuthu'. Lal Jose is finalizing the other cast and crew of this venture and will start shooting in a couple of months. ....

Jackie Chan and Mohanlal in a Japanese film

Versatile Malayalam actor Mohanlal will be working in a full fledged international film based on the life and times of Nair-San (1905 – 1990), a man of Indian origin (a Tamil father and a Malayalee mother) but who lived his life mostly in Japan. Though in Japan, he was actively involved in the freedom struggle against imperialistic Great Britain. His cause was not just limited to India but also for many other parts of Asia.

Nair-San will be brought to life on the silver screen by Albert, an aluminous of the Film and Television Institute in Chennai. Committed to serious cinema, Albert is the recipient of three Kerala state awards.

Says Albert, 'My fascination for Nair-San made me come up with a script and found many interested people in Japan. I thought one vital character of the film would suit Jackie Chan and sent the script to his office. Jackie Chan evinced his interest within a week for the cameo role and also volunteered to choreograph an action sequence'.

Playing Nair-San has caught the imagination of Mohanlal and has given a 125-day call sheet to the director. An excited Mohanlal said, 'My father had told me about Nair-San and I liked the person a lot. I was also told that he used to stay in Poojapura, the same area I stay in Thiruvananthapuram'.

The film is to be produced by Morpheus Media Ventures Private Ltd., and A. R. Rahman is expected to score the background score.

The film will be shot extensively in Japan, Inner Mongolia and a few scenes in India. ....