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Karunanidhi watches `Parijatham`!

In spite of his busy schedule, Tamilnadu Chief Minister M.Karunanidhi found time to watch Bhagyaraj’s Parijatham at a special screening of the film, at the Four Frames Preview theatre on Thursday evening.
Karunanidhi came along with two of his ministers Arcot Veerasamy and Dorai Murugan. Bhagyaraj, wife Poornima, daughter Saranya who is the heroine of the film and son Santhanu received the guests. Later Karunanidhi told Saranya that she is sure to go places and it was difficult to believe that it was her debut film.
A thrilled Saranya told : “I was so happy when he told me that he really enjoyed the film and praised my performance”. ....

Elections on July 30!

Captain Vijaykanth has caught the industry by surprise by throwing in his hat for another term as Nadigar Sangam chief at the General body meting organized by the artists association on Sunday evening.
At the meeting, it was decided to hold the elections to the post of the new Nadigar Sangam Chief on July 30. Among the notable absentees at the Sunday meeting were Sarath Kumar, who was away in Hyderabad (?), Satyaraj who is ruling party’s favourite and Prabhu who is touted as a compromise candidate.
The twist at the meeting was when Vijaykanth who has made a successful entry into active politics and is the lone MLA of his DMDK, expressed his desire to continue as the Nadigar Sangam president for the third time!
Said Vijaykanth: “I have not said anywhere that I will not be contesting. I think that Nadigar Sangam routine activities will be taken care of by the 14 sub committees already in place. I don’t consider being Nadigar Sangam President is a burden on me”.
But the industry watchers say that the ruling DMK government will do everything possible to give a fight to Vijaykanth. There is bound to be more drama to the elections due on July 30.
....

If tomorrow comes!

A lot rides on Naalai for Richard, brother of Ajit’s wife Shalini. The film also features Nasser, Madhumita, Nataraj Subramanian and a Bollywood actor Aditya Srivastava.
It is another gangster movie of two buddies who take to crime and works for a big time gangster. The film is directed by Udayabhanu Maheswaran with music by Karthik Raja.
For Richard it is a very important film and if it works at the box-office the talented young actor will get a foothold in the industry. Remember that Richard had a disastrous debut with Kathal Virus and a few other forgettable films.
In Naalai the buzz is that he has a tailor made role as Justin, a tough and rough gangster. Let’s hope that the film changes his luck this Friday. ....

Arrest warrant against Vijay

An arrest warrant has been issued against Vijay, director Perarasu and producer A.M.Ratnam by a court in Tamilnadu for not presenting themselves in the court after three summons were issued.
The Magistrate in an Arcot court has issued the arrest warrant against Vijay and others after a lawyer filed a case against them for showing lawyers in bad light in their super hit film Sivakasi! ....

`Pokiri` launched!

Finally the wait is over. Producer Ramesh Babu launched the Tamil version of the Telugu super hit Pokiri at his cramped office in T.Nagar, Chennai. Vijay, Asin the lead pair along with director Prabhu Deva were present.
When questioned on why he took such a big gap between his last release and this film he said: “I went through many scripts and finally when I saw Pokiri, I was impressed and thought that it had the material for a remake”. Vijay also added that some minor nativity changes will be made to suit his image. He was also confident that Prabhu Deva who did Nuvvostante Nendotanna one of his all-time favourite movies will do a great job and the film will please his fans.
And at last Asin is doing a Tamil films after a gap of almost eight months and is happy to be apart of this Vijay film. Prabhu Deva expressed his happiness in doing this film with Vijay with whom he will be trying out some new dance numbers. Mani Sharma is the music director of the film which will have its original title Pokiri in Tamil. ....

Shamita sends messengers to Shankar!!!

Sisters Shilpa Shetty and Shamita Shetty have all the essential ingredients to become the leading heroines in whichever language they chose to be in, but both fizzled out soon after their launches.
Both sisters were more interested in making headline-grabbing news than in acting in good films. Shilpa Shetty's career will soon come to an end and Shamita isn't going to last that long either. Even her foray into South-Indian films didn't do much to her career. But Shamita Shetty isn't giving up hope yet.
Ever since she heard that Shankar is planning to shoot an extravagant item number for 'Shivaji', Shamita Shetty is trying her best to get herself the opportunity. She is asking all her friends in the South Indian film industry to recommend her to the director.
Meanwhile, Shankar got very annoyed when he came to know that the Press had got pictures of some of the scenes that he was shooting. He is now re-shooting those sequences!
Weird! ....

"Vijayakanth has no ideology" - Nazar attacks

Rajini's 'Baba' had just been released. Speaking at a public function, Nazar said, "They are spinning a reel that a person is alive for 2000years. If he had been alive, what has he done? Has he eradicated people's hunger? When a person has done nothing, what does it matter whether he has lived for a hundred years or not?" Nazar's was a direct attack on 'Baba' and Rajini, so when asked about Vijayakanth, one can expect what fireworks happened!
"When asked what his ideals are, Vijayakanth says other politicians before him spoke of ideals that they only cast aside later, so he has no ideology. His aim is to feed the starving and that's his only ideal. But to make it a reality, he needs to have a vision. How can one vote for a person who has neither vision nor ideology?"
Vijayakanth says he plans to remove bribe and corruption, so this question by Nazar is very pertinent here.
"Cinema is rampant with black money. This is a form of corruption. If he cannot eradicate the menace of black money in his own film field, how will he be able to do it on a large scale basis in his state?"
Nazar has a dozen such logical questions. For Nazar, keeping one's field clean is more important than political aspirations. That's why he's running an acting repertory in Singapore and Malaysia. He also plans to start an academy for acting in Chennai.
Actors like Vijayakanth who do stereotyped roles should first bring about a change in that. After that, they can turn to the problems in society, says Nazar briefly adding, "Climb the roof and catch the rooster. After that we will plan to scratch the sky and go to heaven."
That is true, isn't it, Captain! ....

A R Rehman composes music for Chinese film

The music for the stage production of 'Lord of the Rings' is quite different from Tamil film songs. According to its composer A R Rehman, Canadian fans seem to like it immensely. Rehman has fans all over the world but his Hong Kong fans are rather special. Maybe that's the reason he has composed music for yet another Chinese film.
"I have been listening to Chinese music for the past 15 years. It's really beautiful." Rehman has composed music for 'Between Heaven and Earth.' In Tamil, the music for 'Jillendru Oru Kaadhal' and 'Sivaji' are his only latest, because 'Godfather' music is already old hat by now.
Compared to Tamil, the Hindi scene seems to be much better. He is composing music for 'London Dreams' directed by Rajkumar Santoshi, 'Jodha Akbar' and for 'Guru' directed by Mani Ratnam featuring Abhishek Bachchan and Aishwarya Rai. There are also discussions about composing music for some other films.
After the isai puyal's re-mix in 'New,' many other re-mix songs have been released in Tamil. As the person who started the re-mix trend here, he was asked if re-mixing was right or wrong and his stand was half way.
"There's nothing wrong in re-mixing old songs, but one should see to it that the soul of the original song is not lost."
If there was soul, this question would not have been necessary! ....

Malavika expecting boost in career

Malavika has done a great job in Susi Ganesan's Thiruttu Payalae. This film is starring Jeevan and Sonia Agarwal. Malavika has played the role of a rich man's wife. She develops an illegal relationship with her husband's friend. She has done this role really well. She had put in a much glamorous act in this film but no vulgarity in it. The audiences have also responded well to her role. She feels indebted to the director and is pretty confident that this film will bring in a real change in her career. Malavika has played a key role in this film.
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Kizhaku Kadarkarai Salai: Director S.S.Stanly's new venture

In addition to his successful films April Maathathil, Pudukottayilirundhu Saravanan and Mercury Pookal, director S.S.Stanly is directing his fourth movie title Kizhaku Kadarkarai Salai. All the films that Stanly has worked on till now have involved sensitive and soft characters. This time his film is to be an action movie mixed with love. Srikanth is to reduce his weight, become slim and take up a different role. Bhavana is pairing up with him in this film. Bhavana, a person who always gives much importance for the story has gladly accepted to work on this film. If so what is the story all about? Many scenes for this film are shot in the Chennai Beach road. After a hustle and rustle Srikanth and Bhavana get to meet each other. The confusions and problems that arise because of this meeting take this story in a brisk way. The East beach road always reminds us of crime, speed, sorrow and this is how the film is too. Bhavan feels that this movie will surely give her a career lift. A fantastic petrol bunk set worth Rs.40, 000 is put up in the East beach road for this film by art director M.Prabhakar. The first half of the shooting is to start in Chennai by the second week of May. The second half of the shooting is to take place in places like Norway and Sweden and the film is likely to hit screens in August. This film is to involve much expense and is to be produced by R.S.Andanan. Paul.J who has worked on more than a thousand advertisements is directing the music for this film. All the songs are to be recorded in London. Srikanth, Bhavana, Kanja Karuppu, Chitiram Pesuthadi Gana Ulaganathan and many others are working on this film. A famous hero is to be the villain in this film. Watch out for more news! ....

Trisha at Murugan temple

Actor-director Prabhu Deva directed the Telugu film Nu Osthanante Nenu Othantaana which ran more than 100 successful days in Andhra. This film is being remade in Tamil and is titled Something Something Unakkum Enakkum. Jeyam Ravi and Trisha have paired up in his film. Bhagyaraj and Prabhu have taken up important roles in this film. Raja is directing this film. Trisha is a village girl and Ravi is a London returned guy in this film. A village near Dindigul is chosen and grand sets are put up for shooting. A Murugan temple is also set up near a hillock for the sake of this film. Scenes were shot where Trisha was found worshipping in that temple for Ravi's goal to be a success. Scenes involving Bhagyaraj and Trisha were also shot. Devi Sri Prasath is the music director for this film. This film is fast developing under the combined banner of Sri Lakshmi productions and Jeyam Company. ....

T.V. Serial actress Vaishnavi commits suicide

Manaivi was a TV Serial that came on Sun TV in which Vaishnavi took up the role of Neelaveni. Vaishnavi, aged 22, was a really active and lively girl. She has acted in many TV serials and also acted as Sherin's friend in Whistle. She was also the video jockey for the TV programme titled Kondattam. Vaishnavi's parents and her younger sister had been to her grandfather's house to celebrate his birthday yesterday. Vaishnavi, who stayed alone at home, used this time and hanged herself. The reason for this dark decision of hers is not known. The body was sent to the Kilpauk Medical Hospital for post mortem.
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Sarath & Radhika joins AIADMK

Something unthinkable a few weeks back. Sarath Kumar and his wife Radhika Sarathkumar, DMK loyalists whose “Radaan Media Works” is Sun TV’s major content provider have moved over to AIADMK!
This celebrity couple, one of the biggest critics of Jayalalithaa met AIADMK supremo in Theni and joined the party today afternoon (April 17) three weeks before the Tamilnadu elections.
Tamilnadu politics cannot get murkier as people are losing faith in politics. When Vaiko embraced AIADMK, people were left wondering whether there is any ethics or decorum in politics. Now with Sarath and Radhika joining the AIADMK the electorate is sure to become more cynical.
The grapevine is abuzz with rumours that Radhika and her Radaan will now move over to Jaya TV. It is now clear that Sarath is all set to campaign for AIADMK and he has told that he will talk about the DMK “Family politics”. Sun TV network is expected to terminate their contract with Radhika’s Radaan shortly. ....

Asin's Valentine's Day Present!

Unlike the usual gifts of cards and bouquets which people exchange on Valentine's Day, Asin made a difference this February 14th by gifting handicapped children in Coimbatore with wheelchairs and accessories which will aid them. The children were overjoyed to receive such a thoughtful gift on Valentine's Day, that too from their favorite actress Asin. ....

Shriya in Dhanush's Thiruvilayadal

Shriya had committed to act in Dhanush's upcoming movie Thiruvilayadal earlier. But once she had signed for the role in Sivaji alongside superstar Rajini, there were rumors that she had dropped her earlier project. But Shriya has banished away all those rumors, and the shooting of Thiruvilayadal has commenced in Chennai with Shriya acting in it. Director Boopathy Pandian, who has given a great hit Devadhayay Kanden with Dhanush before, says Shriya's role has come out well in the movie. ....

G.V. Films Ltd. produces Kai Vanda Kalai

Mahadevan Ganesh and Usha Mahadevan are producing the film Kai Vanda Kalai under the G.V. Films banner. Preeti is acting as the hero in this film with Shruthi as the heroine. Along with them Manivannan, Pandiarajanm Seetha Pandian, Vinuchakravarthy, Venniraadai Moorthy, Senthil, Pandu, Benjamin, King Kong, Revathy, Malavika and many others are acting in this film. The film is shot completely in Nagercoil. Songs are to be shot in T.R. Garden and Mohan Studios. Grand sets are being put up for the shooting and Malavika has a special dance performance in Kai Vanda Kalai, a comedy with a story. Vairamuthu has penned the songs for this film which is likely to hit screens in May.
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Sundar C. in Thalainagaram

Oscar Films V. Ravichandran is producing Thalainagaram with director Sundar C., husband of Khushboo, starring in it. Ravichandran has directed many successful films like Vaanathai Polae and Anniyan. He is putting in a lot of efforts to direct this film. Director Sundar C. is doing his debut as actor in this film opposite Jothirmayi. Sundar C. is very confident that he will do a great job as an actor in this film. This film has no duets or dream songs, but will still be be a total entertainer, says director Suraj.
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`A` for `Pachakuthirai`!

Parthipan’s one-man show – actor, writer, lyricist, singer, producer and director is ready with Pachakuthirai that got an ‘A’ certificate from regional censors in Chennai!
The censors have cut some scenes of Namitha’s steamy song sequence with Parthipan. Though the actor has been shouting from roof-top that his film is not following the current sleaze trend, the censors have cut some visuals which they found objectionable.
Pachakuthirai is said to have an outstanding performance from Namitha who is carrying the film on her shoulders and the film has the potential to turn into a hit with the mass audience.
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Arya- The auto driver!

If you are living in Anna Nagar area of Chennai, don’t be surprised to see a handsome auto driver who is a spitting image of Arya! Believe it or not, it is our young hero who is practicing to drive an autorickshaw for his next film titled Auto where he plays an auto driver.
For the last two weeks Arya has not only been driving an auto but also picking up the mannerisms, lingo and body-language of auto drivers in the city. This film is directed by debutants Pushkar & Gayathri for ‘AP Film Garden’ banner’.
And last week Arya drove a group of college students crazy as he picked them up and dropped them home without taking any auto charge! Remember that Arya has become hot among the youth not only in Tamilnadu but in Kerala after he played that mean-rugged looking Koshy in Pattiyal.
Now in Auto also Arya has the same rugged look which is surely going to work to his advantage. ....

A family entertainer!

Two big production houses ‘Sri Lakshmi Productions’ of T Rama Rao and Ajay Kumar along with ‘Jeyam company’ of Editor Mohan and his sons are joining together to produce Something Something Unakkum Enakkum for which a press meet was held at Four Frames preview theatre in Chennai.
Something Something Unakkum Enakkum features Jayam Ravi and Trisha in the lead along with Bhagyaraj, Prabhu, Rischa Pallod , Tejasri, Mallika and others in supporting cast. The film is a remake of that super hit Telugu movie Nuvvostante Nendontanna and the Tamil version is directed by M.Raja.
Said Jayam Ravi: “It was wonderful to be back with a film produced under our home production and working with Anna (Raja). It was a great relief and enjoyable as he has always presented me the best on screen”. Added Prabhu: “I play Trisha’s brother and the character is very important to the story. The film is sure to turn out into a super hit”.
Editor Mohan one of the producers of the film says: “A set worth nearly Rs 50 Lakhs was put up near Dindigul and the climax is a major highlight of the film which will be a family based entertainer. The music of Devi Sri Prasad is rocking”.
Something Sometthing Unakkum Enakkum is scheduled to release on June 2.
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Meera- Lohi dispute resolved, Jayaram film dropped!

For a moment we thought that Meera Jasmine and Lohitadas are never going to work together again. But things have now returned to normalcy! Unfortunately, Jayaram stands to lose.
After the disastrous Tamil version of 'Kasturimaan', Lohitadas returned to Malayalam films and went about giving interviews that he was not interested in working with Meera Jasmine anymore. He said that often she wouldn't dedicate herself completely to the role. And, just to show how serious he was about not working with her anymore, he announced a new film with Jayaram and Kavya Madhavan in the lead. Seven Arts was going to produce the film.
But now, things have returned to 'normalcy'.
Lohi has dropped the film with Jayaram and Kavya Madhavan. Instead, he is going to concentrate on 'Chembatta'. He will then make a film with Meera Jasmine in the lead role again.
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Meera- Lohi dispute resolved, Jayaram film dropped!

For a moment we thought that Meera Jasmine and Lohitadas are never going to work together again. But things have now returned to normalcy! Unfortunately, Jayaram stands to lose.
After the disastrous Tamil version of 'Kasturimaan', Lohitadas returned to Malayalam films and went about giving interviews that he was not interested in working with Meera Jasmine anymore. He said that often she wouldn't dedicate herself completely to the role. And, just to show how serious he was about not working with her anymore, he announced a new film with Jayaram and Kavya Madhavan in the lead. Seven Arts was going to produce the film.
But now, things have returned to 'normalcy'.
Lohi has dropped the film with Jayaram and Kavya Madhavan. Instead, he is going to concentrate on 'Chembatta'. He will then make a film with Meera Jasmine in the lead role again.
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Namitha yearns for an award

I have done different kinds of roles in my films. Now my work is to aim for an award." The lady yearning for an award is none other than Namitha. Lady, it's not that simple!
Namitha is a bit disappointed that people associate only glamour with her. She frequently says that like Savitri, she can be a good actress too. Acting in films with Sathyaraj, how is that possible? Poor girl!
If anyone says so, she purses her small lips and challenges them to wait for her new releases 'Nee Venumdaa Chellam' and 'Pacha Kudhira' before jumping to conclusions.
In 'Nee Venumdaa Chellam' she is the heroine for 'Jithan' Ramesh. She may be the heroine, but her character has a touch of the vamp, it seems. "She may be a bit vampish but she will get the audience sympathy in the climax scenes," says Ramesh in praise.
Parthiban talks about Namitha's acting in 'Pacha Kudhira' as if she's already won 4 Oscars. "Namitha has proved in this film that she can act," praises Parthi. And Namitha wears sari throughout the film!
Wearing old man's get-up and talking in slow, measured tones like Sarath Kumar or Vijayakanth and walking in slow motion is what some consider good acting. Just like people think that wearing a sari immediately elevates one to Savitri range.
Namitha - which type do you belong to? ....

Dr Rajkumar passes away

Dr Rajkumar (77), Kannada superstar and winner of the prestigious Dada Saheb Phalke Award, died of cardiac arrest at a Bangalore hospital this afternoon. The superstar had come in the limelight when he was held captive by late sandalwood smuggler Veerappan for more than 100 days, about six years ago.
Dr Rajkumar hailed from Gajanur, a small hamlet, and his father was a doyen among stage actors. The actor, whose original name was Muthuraj, made his debut in 1954 with Bedara Kannappa more than fifty years ago.
Rajkumar’s movies have always carried a social message. The mother was given the highest place in practically every movie. So were good values, ethics, Kannada culture and patriotism. He had enjoyed a larger-than-life image among the people of Karnataka as he always played the role of an ordinary good man.
But unlike his contemporaries, Rajkumar never tried to convert his mass image into votes as he was never interested in politics. His most memorable films include Hannele Chiguridaga, Kasturi Nivasa, Uyyale, Eradu Kanasu, Bhakta Kumbhara, Babruvahana and Bangarada Manushya. Shankar Guru, in which he played an unforgettable triple role, will be remembered for a long, long time to come.
Rajkumar had acted in over 200 Kannada films, and never outside Kannada films. He was also a good singer and a wonderful human being.
He is survived by wife Parvathamma Rajkumar, three sons and a daughter. His death has left millions of fans and the entire Karnataka in a state of deep sorrow. ....

Sarath, Singapore bound!

Sarathkumar is leaving for Singapore tomorrow evening for the inaugural function of Radaan Singapore. Sarath dismissed rumours that he will not be attending the function.
Said Sarathkumar: “My leaving the DMK has nothing to do with the Radaan inaugural function in Singapore. As one of the directors of Radaan I will definitely be a part of the function where senior Singapore ministers and officials are attending”.
Sarath also made it clear that all those who were to attend the function will be there.
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Simran - On the campaign trail!

Simran started her election campaign for AIADMK at Tondiarpet in North Chennai on Monday evening in support of Shekhar Babu, the party’s RK Nagar candidate. Thousands of people went euphoric and screamed every time; Simran raised her hand to indicate the two leaf symbol of the party.
Simran clad in blue jeans, white kurta and a bandhini dupatta was a big hit with the crowd though she spoke in English and only two sentences – “In Amma’s regime there is no water problem, roads are good, rowdism has been curbed. Please vote for two leaves”.
Simran along with actresses like Vindhya, Kovai Sarala, lyrist Snehan, choreographer Raghuram, producer Manoj Kumar and many other film people are campaigning in and around Chennai.
Simran has chalked out a 20-day election tour programme, and will be taken by the party to the interiors of Tamilnadu. She has been asked to rehearse one or two lines from her popular films and say them at the meetings to provide entertainment to crowds. ....

`Tiruttu Payale` gets` A`!

Yet another Tamil film Tiruttu Payale, an action based thriller has got an ‘A’ certificate from Chennai censors for its content and theme. However, fans of Sonia need not be worried as her swim suit scenes remain intact!
Thiruttu Payale carries very good pre-release hype in the trade and Jeevan is said to be riveting as a dynamic action hero where he plays a character with shades of grey. Susi Ganeshan’s racy script and presentation is being talked about in preview circles.
The film releases worldwide with 65 prints and the producer Kalpathi S.Agoram hopes that after release, the word of mouth will make it a hit. ....

Steamy `Thullal` gets A!

Yet another director Pravinkanth has turned hero with Thullal with Gurlin Chopra as heroine. Seeing the success of S.J.Suryah, Praveenkanth the director of films like Jodi, Star and Ratchagan chose to go the sleazy way in his debut film as an actor.
Thullal is story is about a Casanova who is unable to satisfy his wife after marriage! This film with a bold theme and titillating scenes was refused a certificate by censors and referred to revising committee. And now the revising committee has cleared the film with an ‘A’ certificate with record number of cuts!
The film has Vivek, Seetha Parthipan, Manika Vinayakam, Sumithra, Uma Padmanabhan, Sukumari and Seethalakshmi in the cast. Music is by Dhina, cinematography by Suresh Devan and the film is produced by Krishnadev and Sekar Somesh. ....

Mohanlal is back!

Mohanlal the Malayalam superstar who has done Mani Ratnam’s classic Iruvar and Nassar’s crass Popcarn is doing his third Tamil film. The film titled Aran is produced by ‘Super Good’ films R.B.Chowdary and directed by debutant ‘Major’ Ravi.
It is touted as a bilingual as Aran in Tamil and Keerthichakraa in Malayalam and has Mohanlal and Jeeva playing two encounter specialists cops with an army background. Along with them there is a battalion of Tamil and Malayalam character artists like Ramesh Kanna, Ganja Karuppu, VMC Haneefa, Biju Menon and in the female lead there is Gopika and Mamta Mohandas.
The camera is by Thiru and music is by Joshua Sridhar and the highlight of the film is that it is being shot in Kahmir, Ladakh and Kargil. The shooting has already started in Kashmir and says Major Ravi who was the advisor to many war films with Army backdrop films in Hindi (Pukar), Tamil (Aalavanthan)and Malayalam: “It is an all out action adventure thriller and is loosely based on Kargil war and certain other incidents”.
After the Kashmir shoot the unit will be back for the next schedule in Pollachi and Ooty in May which is scheduled for release in August 15, Independence Day. ....

Tirupati`- Off to a flying start!

As expected Ajit’s Tirupati directed by Perarasu produced by AVM releasing on April 13 has taken a fantastic Chennai city advance booking!
Upper class tickets have been sold out for the opening Tamil New Year-Easter week end in all five theatres as advance booking counters opened on Sunday (April 9). Says ‘Abhirami’ Ramanathan: “The pressure to get tickets is tremendous. The AVM- Ajit-Perarasu trio is creating the market frenzy. We have been sold out till Sunday night show which is amazing!”
At the same time in Madurai, Tiruchi, Kovai area where advance booking does not exist, Ajit fans have taken the theatre for entire shows. Says Madurai Anbu the distributor of Tirupati: “Ajit fans have booked shows at theatres in Madurai area. The expectations from his fans are big and I think Tirupati will take a super opening”.
Meanwhile on Sunday Ajit , Shalini, Perarasu and the AVM family saw the first copy at AVM preview theatre. Later in the night a trade show was also screened. The unanimous opinion among preview audience is that the film has the potential to turn into a super hit.
Shalini is reported to have told one of her friends-“The sentiments have been worked out very well. It is the best Ajit film that I have seen after a long time”. ....

Sarathkumar quits DMK!

As predicted by political observers, actor Sarathkumar has quit the DMK party. In a letter handwritten by Sarath to DMK president M.Karunanidhi, he said that he was resigning as his work for the party went unrecognized.
In the letter he also made it clear that close family members of Karunanidhi were targeting him and said that he had no future in the party. Sarath has resigned from primary membership of the party though he has not resigned from the Rajya Sabha membership.
Sarathkumar is likely to project himself as a Nadar leader and negotiate with Jayalalithaa’s AIADMK for three or four seats in the southern districts for the forthcoming assembly elections.
Now the big question being asked is what will happen to his wife Radhika’s Radaan TV which is the most favoured producer in Sun TV? Meanwhile there are rumours that Radaan’s big show in Singapore on Friday where Sarath and Simbu were to take part on April 14 has been cancelled.
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Gana Ulaganathan in Pori

Vazhameenukum song in Chitiram Pesuthadi has made this man pretty famous in Tamil Nadu. After this song, Ulaganathan is flooded with offers from all sides. Ulaganathan is playing an important role in Madurai Veeran, director Vincent Selvah’s venture. Githan Ramesh is the hero in this film. Ulaganathan is also doing a small part in Subramania Siva’s Pori. Ulaganathan climbing the mountain of success. Galatta.com wishes him all the best to reach still greater heights.
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Is Shreya's Dating Partner?

Shivaji heroine Shreya now is dating a Delhi entrepreneur after dumping Hyderabad guy. Very few people know about the Shreya's Hyderabad boy friend. Shreya met this Delhi guy last December while attending a program organized by the company of her newfound love. Shreya says both hit off easily because of many common interests and gradually their relationship grew into something more concrete. "I love him so much. He makes me happy when he is around", a media report quotes Shreya as saying. "I feel great being in love. That's all I want to say for now, because too much has already been made of it by media. It's a very personal matter and that's the way I would like to keep it for myself!" she confirms. Shreya is not willing to reveal anything more about the relationship and says she has been cautious to keep it away from the media glare because her new found lover loves privacy. ....

Star mania

Crazy fans go to any length to catch a glimpse of their favourite stars. And if it is someone like Rajnikanth, then its pandemonium that prevails in the area where he is shooting. It happened recently when the superstar was shooting for Shivaji at the integral coach factory in Chennai. A man tried to enter the field, but with tight security around the place, he was barred from getting in. Furious at being stopped from getting a look at his favourite actor, the man reportedly broke a bottle and stabbed a cop standing there. The cop was admitted to the hospital, and the man taken in custody. That’s why the superstar prefers shooting at locations outside Chennai, like his favourite place Hyderabad! ....

Sneha changes direction!

The place is Chennai Casino theater. The place is jam packed. Rajini's film 'Sivaji' is getting released only during Deepavali, so what could be causing this traffic jam? When we made our way inside, we found Sneha flashing her Colgate smile, with skirt lifted to her knees.
Wait! We don't mean Sneha in flesh and blood but a poster of her in the Telugu film 'Sri Ramadasu.' Such a build up for a mere poster? Wow!
In the Nagaravi episode, the Tamil media played along with Sneha and then played havoc with her. Tamil cinema is also not showing her much respect now.
So, she has started acting with junior stars like Srikanth (The Telugu star) in Telugu films. In just a short span, she has wowed the Andhra people with her Colgate smile ... she could almost be the brand ambassador! She is being hailed as Soundarya's replacement and was even given an award recently. Looks like we can see Sneha only on KTV or some old songs being telecast. She stars with Nagarjuna in 'Sri Ramadasu' and that running in Casino now, explains the fan crowds thronging to catch a glimpse of her.
Since she is going well in the Telugu field, Sneha has developed an allergy to Tamil films. Moreover, the Andhra folks are ready with 25 to 35 lakhs ready for her. So, it won't be surprising if Sneha bids adieu to Tamil films after 'Pudupettai.' ....

Tamil New Year releases

Tiruttu Payale Cast- Jeevan, Sonia Aggarwal Producer- Kalpathi S.Agoram Director- Susi Ganeshan Music- Bharadwaj
Tirupati Cast- Ajit, Sada Producer- AVM Director- Perarasu Music- BharadwajAzhagai Irukkirai Bayamai Irukkirathu Cast- Bharath, Mallika Kapoor Producer- Cheran Director- Vijay Milton Music- Yuvan Shankar Raja
Pachakuthirai Cast- Parthipan, Namitha Producer- Parthipan Director- Parthipan Music- Sabesh Murali
Thagappansamy Cast- Prashanth, Pooja Producer- Gopal G.Kumar Director- Siva Shanmughan Music- Srikanth Deva Perarasu Cast- Vijaykanth,Producer- Kaja Moideen Genre- Political Thriller ....

Suriya in Kovai!

Surya-Jyothika-Bhumika starrer Jillendru Oru Kathal is progressing at brisk pace at a college campus in Coimbatore. Nearly 50 percent of the film has been completed and three out of six songs tuned by A.R.Rahman has been shot.
It is a bilingual film with Tamil and Telugu version and some scenes were shot in Rajamundry. Suriya has a new look for the film which is being kept a secret. Director Krishna is “exploring some new facets of love” in the film.
The buzz on Jillendru Oru Kathal is so good that the Telugu version has been snapped up for a whopping price by the same person who did Chandramukhi in Andhra. In Tamilnadu, three areas have been sold for high prices.
Suriya is shooting in Coimbatore as his dad hails from that town and he has a huge network of friends and relatives there. Remember that Ghajini collected a whopping Rs 1.65 Crore from Coimbatore territory! The highlight of Jillendru Oru Kathal is said to be the strong comeback of A.R.Rahman as the songs are said to outstanding.
The film is scheduled for release on June 23 or 30 and is one of the most exciting romantic movies on the floor. ....

Tirupati gets `U`!

AVM can heave a sigh of relief as Perarasu directed Tirupati has obtained a clean ‘U’ certificate with some minor cuts from censors. The producers have also decided to pre-pone the release by a day to April 13(earlier it was April 14).
Says M.S.Guhan of AVM: “We have decided to pre-pone the release by a day as it is Chitra pournami which is an auspicious day”. The trade also agreed that since it is holiday mood releasing a big budget film will bring in bumper collections. And strictly speaking, there is no competition as all other films are scheduled for 14th.
Guhan is confident about the success of Tirupati and says that it has shaped out well. According to him, the film is sure to take a bumper opening and the buyers will all be safe. As far as publicity is concerned, AVM will abide by TFPC rule and will only release the trailer and no songs will be aired on channels. ....

Kovai Sarala, supporter of AIADMK

The elections are bringing about sudden twists and turns in the film industry. Many cine stars are found shaking hands with various parties. There is yet another new addition in the list. Famous actress and comedienne of the Tamil film world, Kovai Sarala, along with her family, met Chief Minister Selvi J.Jayalalithaa in Tanjore yesterday. She joined hands with AIADMK in the CM’s presence. Dance master Raghuram was also present along with them. ....

"Legal action if my name is used during elections": Ilayathalapathi Vijay

"If my name is used in the elections, I will take legal action," says Vijay. "I was shocked to read a news item that said that the Vijay fans' club is standing against CM Jayalithaa in Andipatti. The whole news was a fake one with totally misleading and wrong information. If my name is used in the forthcoming elections by any participating members, I will surely take legal action against them," said Vijay. "My son Vijay is a supporter of every party. He loves everyone and is not partial to anyone. All religions are one for him. On the whole, he is a child of all the mothers in Tamil Nadu. I don’t want anyone to spoil his name by linking to a particular political party," said Vijay's father S.A. Chandrasekar when he spoke about the issue. ....

Aravindsamy divorce case: No compromise

Aravindsamy's wife Gayathri had filed a case for divorce in the Family Welfare Court. The chances of bringing about a smooth reconciliation between the two are very remote. Aravindsamy has acted in many films like Thalapathi, Roja, Puthayal, and Bombay. He got married to Gayathri in 1994 and they have two daughters. The pair started off with a smooth relationship but had a lot of friction for the past two years. They have been living separately for the past two years. Gayathri has filed a case seeking divorce, which came up for hearing yesterday. Both Aravindsamy and his wife came to the Court. Talks to bring about a compromise went on for nearly 45 minutes but ended in vain. Thus the case is postponed for the 13th of this month. ....

Cheran's TT: 125, still running strong

Director Cheran's Thavamaai Thavamirundhu has reached 125 successful days on the screens. Cheran has directed and acted in this film with Padmapriya as his pair. P.Shanmugam has produced this film. This film has taken a special place in the hearts of many. The film is a movie to watch, enjoy and learn too. There can be no one who will not be touched by the sentiments and the emotions of this film. Cheran has done a real good job which is reflected by the successful 125 days run. Congrats, Cheran. We have high hopes for your future films too! ....

Ramesh slaps Namitha in Nee Venumda Chellam

On a busy road buzzing with traffic, Anjali was sitting in a car. As she peeped out of the car, she saw her hero standing on a bike on the road. Not even bothered about the traffic, she got down and walked up to him, and started declaring her undying and eternal lover for him, unmindful of the surroundings. The hero gave her a slap, unmindful of the onlookers on the main road or the traffic. Such a scene was shot for Nee Venumda Chellam. This shooting took place on Tharamani Velachery road, Chennai for two days. JIthan Ramesh is the hero with Namitha as Anjali. In a fight scene for this film, Ramesh has jumped from a four-storey building without using the services of a duplicate artist. The small boy Arunkumar, who acted in Kaadhal, has also got a special role in Nee Venumda Chellam.
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Ajith as Murugan in Thirupathi

It is common for cinema stars to take up special appearances as gods and goddesses in films. Ajith has also done so in his Thirupathi. Ajith appears as god Murugan in a scene in Thirupathi. Ajith and Sada are pairing up in this film. This film is directed by Perarasu and is produced under the AVM banner.
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