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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Mani Ratnam permitted to shoot in forest area

Ace director Mani Ratnam, the shooting of whose latest multilingual film Ravana was stopped by the Kerala Forest department last week, has been given conditional sanction on Tuesday to continue shooting in the Malayatoor forest near Kochi.

Earlier, shooting was stopped on Friday and the forest officials asked the crew to pack up after they found that the crew had constructed huts inside the forest, which was against the terms of sanction.

According to new sanction, the crew numbers are restricted to 150. Shooting is permitted between 6 a.m. and 6 p.m. only. There should not be any fight scenes in the location and no bushes or trees should be destroyed. No plastic material can be used. Besides, the filmmakers have been asked to remit a fee of Rs. 10,000 per day of shooting. The number of vehicles allowed inside the forest has also been drastically reduced. Reports said that the case registered by the forest department will continue.

Prior to the violations, all what they were charged was a mere Rs. 1,000 for the entire duration of the shoot. Bollywood stars Abhishek Bachchan and Aishwarya Rai, who are part of the project, are expected to arrive next week. Prominent stars like Vikram, Govinda, Prithviraj and Priyamani will also participate. Reports indicate that the filming inside the forest included a battle where over 500 people were to take part.

Mani Ratnam is making this film in Hindi and Tamil simultaneously. Vikram will play the villain while Abhishek Bachchan and Aishwarya Rai is the lead pair in Hindi; Vikram will play the lead opposite Aishwarya in Tamil. The film is based on the grand epic Ramayana.

Courtesy:galatta.com ....

Vaaranam Aayiram: First look

Films are often inspired by real life events. A successful film-maker is one who captures and converts into interesting plots the emotions associated with the influence of events. Vaaranam Aayiram, the latest from director Gautham Menon, is also based on a poignant experience. Dealing with the relationship between a father and a son, it was inspired by Gautham's own feelings when he lost his father.
The story, progressing from the youthful stage of the lead character, spans the next two phases of his life comprising his adolescence and adulthood. Surya (Suriya) is an ordinary young man, leading a quiet life with his parents Krishnan (Suriya) and Malini (Simran). Young Surya goes through a gamut of experiences in his life: he gets bullied by his roguish school seniors, battles an intense infatuation, is thrashed by street rowdies for a trivial fault and embarks upon adventurous experiments with his friends. All these are part of his growing up years; some trifle with his budding manhood and associated feelings while others teach him life's worthy lessons. Yet the experiences continue; each happening and its consequence adds a significant dimension, chiselling his expanding maturity. He slowly graduates from unassuming boyhood and teens, reaches adulthood and progresses to become a composed family man. His life continues to be eventful; some memories are stingingly painful, some are just unforgettable; these he treasures close to his heart.

Music is young Surya's passion. For him, the music from his guitar resembles reflects life's sensations. With music as his escape hatch, Surya is capable of transporting himself to places far and away from reality. What happens to this all-consuming zeal? Does it stop by just remaining his dilettante effort or does he dare to carry it through his life's changing times and tides? Is it the same music that lands him in a career in the army? What gives this delicate performer the strength and mindset to work in the tough, danger-ridden war fields?

Does Surya ever fall in love? Is love a part of his youthful flings? Does Priya (Divya Spandana) win his heart and stay to become his soulful partner? What predicaments force Surya to meet and marry Megha (Sameera)? How do failures and successes alter his personality? Vaaranam Aayiram drifts through Surya's life, chronicling all his feelings. Through the course of this turbulence comes another sweet and short love story, that of his parents Krishnan (Suriya) and Malini (Simran).

Though Vaaranam Aayiram deals with the life and rise of an ordinary individual, the fact that it appears like the story of a super-hero is because of Suriya's appearance. His taut physique and the famous six-pack abs add one more suspenseful dimension to the story as well as his character. Evidently, love and loss are going to be the bedrock of Vaaranam Aayiram too. So what will be special in the spectacle? Gautham's skilful direction, Harris Jayaraj's mind-blowing music, Rathnavelu's camera and Antony's crisp editing are going to bring about the marked difference and the desired punch in the movie. Don't miss to catch it on the big screen!

Courtesy:galatta.com ....

Priya Mani to play Surpanakai

Well, Mani Ratnam is making a bilingual film which is based on the popular epic Ramayana. It is well known that in the Tamil version Aishwarya Rai, Vikram, and Prithviraj represent the mythological Sita, Ram and Ravan respectively.

Apart from this tremendous star cast, it has been said that the film also will include Priyamani, the national award winning actress and the pride of Tamil Nadu. Earlier it was rumoured that Prithviraj and Priyamani will play a couple, which meant she would represent Ramayan’s Mandodari, which would limit her scope for performance to tear-jerking and looking melancholy. But now, there is an interesting rumour doing rounds, which has surprised the entire Kollywood – Priyamani would play Prithviraj’s sister in this film, which means she represents “Shoorpanaka” in this modern take on Ramayana. If that is true, we are in for a treat! Imagine, the talented actress playing the perpetrator of Ramayana, a very important role. It gives her a chance to portray an entire gamut of emotions – love, jealousy, frustration, anger and revenge. The sexy-eyed actress will definitely give a stellar performance that might win her yet another national award.

Mani Ratnam has always been fascinated with the epics of India. It could be recalled that he adapted the story of Karan (Mahabharat) into Thalapathy with Rajni playing the mythological hero.

Courtesy:galatta.com

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Aegan coming on October 25

Ayngaran International has suddenly decided to postpone Aegan’s release by one day. Earlier, the tentative release dates lay between 24th and 27. But now, October 25, is the date that has been announced.

Insiders say Aegan will definitely go on to become a blockbuster. But, it does not take an insider to know about an Ajith starrer’s grandeur and magnificence. Post-Billa, Ajith mania is on a high; every filmmaker who signs him up will reap the profits,e taking care not to tarnish the image Ajith garnered through his performance in Billa.

Raju Sundaram and cinematographer Arjunan have done a commendable job in Aegan, all the while keeping Ajith’s image in mind. Though this is ace dance choreographer-actor Raju Sundaram's first film as director, he has done a commendable job.

Just like his brother Prabhu Deva, Raju Sundaram too has an excellent sense of humour and a quirky perspective, and he has used these to his advantage in Aegan. Cinematographer Arjunan has worked wonders with his camera. Aegan should surely surpass its original Main Hoon Naa in sheen and glory.

And Nayantara, who sizzled in Billa in Ajith’s arms, has only grown more beautiful now and looks amazing in Aegan. The chemistry between them will surely scorch the screens.

Aegan will rock!

Courtesy:galatta.com ....

Aegan releasing BIG in USA

Ajith's fame seems to rise higher and higher with every film he does. Ever since he reprised the role of the demigod don in Billa's remake, his status has been elevated to new heights. After his tremendous performance in Billa, he is all ready to astound filmgoers all over the world, especially more Americans and NRIs of America.

Reason: For the first time, an Ajith starrer is releasing with more than 12 prints in the USA. Bharat Creations, who have also acquired the rights of Vaaranam Aayiram's distribution in USA, will distribute Aegan throughout the US. Slowly, the "movie worship culture" widely prevalent in India is being taken to USA where it is catching up fast. We witnessed how Kuselan was welcomed in the US with festoons, huge cut-outs of Rajinikanth and festivity.

Now, Ajith's fans in the US are going to celebrate Aegan's release during Diwali with great enthusiasm and style. It is a double bonanza for Indian film lovers of America. With these two great occasions to celebrate, they are in euphoric frenzy!

Courtesy:galatta.com ....

Prabhu in Mani Ratnam's bilingual?

Actor Prabhu, the dimple-cheeked hero of Kollywood, is rumoured to act in the Mani Ratnam's Tamil film Ravana featuring Vikram and Aishwarya Rai Bachchan. It was already rumoured that actor Karthik would also have a role in this film.

So it looks like Mani Ratnam is trying to make his favourite heroes team up again in his grand film based on Ramayana; earlier they had acted together in Mani Ratnam's Agni Natchathiram.

Prabhu has become a very successful character artist after an awe-inspiring career as a film hero. But playing guest roles is nothing new to this actor and his guest roles have all been powerful and long-remembered - he stole the thunder from other actors in Priyanka with his cameo and left an indelible impression on the audience through his guest role in Anjali (again directed by Mani Ratnam).

With his grace and charm, he has turned into an actor who can carry an entire film on his broad shoulders.

Courtesy:galatta.com ....

Kerala Forest Department says 'No'to Mani Ratnam

After he has already completed 5 days of filming there for Ravana, the Kerala Forest Department has stopped Mani Ratnam from filming his latest bilingual in the jungles of Malayathur as it is comes under its protected and reserve areas.

Mani Ratnam is holding talks with the forest department officials to continue with his filming, trying to assure them that his unit will not damage the area or upset its ecological balance. But the Forest Department is concerned some of the conditions set by it have already been broken and the filming is planned to be held for 20 days more.

Mani Ratnam has decided to shoot his bilingual in the forests of Sri Lanka if there is no progress in his talks with the officials. But with the protests from Tamil film industry against the genocide in Sri Lanka, it would be highly inappropriate to hold his filming there right away.

Still, Mani Ratnam is positive that he will find a solution to this problem pretty soon. Mani Ratnam is making this film in Hindi and Tamil simultaneously. Vikram will play the villain while Abhishek Bachchan and Aishwarya Rai is the lead pair in Hindi; Vikram will play the lead opposite Aishwarya in Tamil. The film is based on the grand epic Ramayana.

Courtesy:galatta.com ....

Mallika Sherawat as Silk Smitha

A biopic will be made on the legendary Kollywood glamour actress Silk Smitha, without whom a film was considered incomplete in the 80s. Ekta Kapoor, queen of television soaps and daughter of yesteryear Bollywood actor Jeetendra, is making this biopic in Hindi. When the astute producer decided to make a film on this actress whose personal life was rife with many depressing incidents eventually leading to her suicide in 1996, she had already decided Mallika Sherawat would play her on the screen.

Well, who can match Smitha's oomph factor other than Mallika! Except for the heroine, crew members and other details have not yet been decided. There is no word yet on whether this biopic will be made in Tamil as well, as Smitha worked extensively in the Tamil film industry. Smitha, who debuted in Vandi Chakram as 'Silk' and took the Southern film industry by surprise by her glamour, went on to act in 200 odd films in various southern languages.

She grabbed Bollywood's attention after Moondram Pirai (starring her with Kamal Haasan and Sridevi) was made in Hindi as Sadma. After that, she acted in a few Bollywood flicks too. Considered an epitome of Indian glamour as seen only in sculptures of olden days, Smitha ruled almost every male's heart in the South. But sadly, the beautiful actress failed to control her own life.

Courtesy:galatta.com ....

Jeevan-Poonam Bajwa to pair up

The tall and well-built Jeevan will soon play the lead in Saravedi, a film to be directed by John Mahendran, son of the famous director Mahendran and director of Vijay starrer Sachin. It appears that Poonam Bajwa, who plays the lead in Thenavettu and Seval, will be the heroine.

Talks are going on with her in this regard and proceeding towards a positive result. At present, Jeevan is acting in Krishnaleelai, a film in which he has pulled off a lot of stunts on his own. The actor has been making steady strides in the industry since Kakka Kakka and is on the verge of joining the elite group of heroes of Kollywood.

Courtesy:galatta.com ....

Ramarajan returns

The words "Ramarajan is back" will delight every fan of the cult classic Karagattakkaran and anyone who enjoys films shot in rustic backdrops reflecting rural sentiments and lifestyle. With several such films, Ramarajan became the quintessential "villager on the silver screen". He became a living legend in small towns and villages of Tamil Nadu and within a short span, he was Kollywood's Midas.

Now, this great actor is back but with a difference. It had already been announced that he will act in Medhai in the lead role. Now, further details of the film have been announced with its shooting about to start soon. This time too, Ramarajan will take on the baddies, romance his heroine, join his sidekick and make merry; but he will do all this in a city. Medhai is a commercial entertainer whose story takes place in a city and the film has an abundance of comedy, romance, sentiments and all other masala elements needed for making a grand entertainer.

Though out of a rural backdrop, the 'Ramarajan effect' will be unaltered as he has a reliable partner in Vadivelu, and they both are going to rock in Medhai! Medhai will be directed by N.T.G. Saravanan, who had worked as an assistant to the "commercial cinema expert" Hari.

Story, screenplay and dialogues too have been written by this brilliant student, who would like to emulate his teacher Hari and produce commercial hits. The support cast comprises Charlie, Mahadevan, Ajay, Aryan, Harirajan, Hasini, Sona Nayar and K. Nataraj. Talks are on with several new faces and experienced actresses for the female lead role and soon, we will know who bags the role.

A confident Ramarajan says, "It gives me immense pleasure to come back to films, which I love as much as I love my life. Medhai is for my fans and it will have all that they expect from me. This film shall serve as my comeback vehicle. Music of this film, which is scored by Dhina, is excellent. And with Vadivelu's comedy track, the film will be more attractive. My fans will enjoy Medhai."

J. Sreedhar is the cinematographer, music is by Dhina and lyrics are by Gangai Amaran, Yugabharathy, Muthuvijayan, Parinaman and Muthulingam. The film is being produced under the banner of Kalaimagal Koodam. It would be a delight to watch Ramarajan back in action again. Will Medhai give us something like the memorable "vazahippazham joke" again? We will have to wait and see.

Courtesy:galatta.com ....

Murali's son debuts in Anandam Aarambam

Producer Ramanathan and Pyramid Saimira, who are producing a film in which Atharva (evergreen actor Murali's son) makes his debut have named it aptly Anandam Aarambam (AA), which means the fun begins.

Yes! It is indeed Anandam Aarambam for Atharva, who starts his film career as a hero just like his father did years ago. The tall and handsome actor had to change his name from Vijay to Atharva as the industry already has a Vijay.

He is a first year engineering student (electronics and communication). Murali, a protective father, zeroed in on the script of AA after scrutinizing numerous scripts that came his son's way; ever since Atharva attained age 16, he has been deluged with film offers. Atharva is not the only highlight of AA.

Shruthi, also making her debut in films, perfectly complements Atharva and augments the film's appeal. This young and beautiful girl, who epitomizes the girl-next-door image, has a pleasant smile and mischievous eyes. Together, these youth form the backbone of this film and make it lively.

AA is directed by debutante director Vishnu Shankaran, who has also written its story. Cinematography is by Dinesh Kumar. Music is by Sundar C. Babu and lyrics are by Yugabharathi and Kavi Varman.

AA will be launched on October 9th at Kamarajar Hall. The function will be presided over by Sathyabama Engineering College chairman Mr. Jeppiar; producer council president Mr. Ramanarayanan; actor and Nadigar Sangam president Sarathkumar; actor and Nadigarm Sangam secretary Radha Ravi and many more VIPs of Kollywood. PS: Murali plays hero in Enga Rasi Nalla Rasi, whose audio was released recently and will do dual roles (as father and son) in Maru Avatharam! Murali is evergreen!

Courtesy:galatta.com ....

Rajinikanth's fans start political party

In an attempt to spur Rajinikanth to enter politics, his fans have started a political party - Desiya Dravida Makkal Munnetra Kazhagam (DDMMK). But it cannot be construed as Rajinikanth's political move; it is a decision taken by his fans, not by him. This act seems to be the culmination of a week of tension amidst his fans following the star's call for a meeting with fan clubs, tentatively on October 12th.

This announcement has given rise to many speculations about the meet's agenda: ranging from brainstorming to boost his star power to launching a political party; coming in the wake of Chiranjeevi's political party launch, Rajni's call for a meeting has made many think he too might announce a political party. At present, the star is busy with Robot's first tranche of filming. His meeting with his fan clubs, when he reveals his ideas, should put an end to speculations.

Courtesy:galatta.com ....

Meghna Naidu: No item numbers for me

Meghna Naidu has been refusing all the offers of dancing in item numbers. Meghna explains, "I am refusing all these item numbers as I want to establish myself as an actress, not as an item song expert. I am a glamorous actress and not an item girl. I can earn millions by doing item numbers but that is not what I want to do. I want to be counted among the best actors in the film industry." This sensuous-eyed actress considers comic roles as the toughest and would like to try her hand at comedy. She also added that she would like to do more challenging roles. Meghna Naidu riveted everyone's attention when she danced beautifully to the tune of 'Kaliyon Ka Chaman'.

Her last film in Tamil was Vaitheeshwaran opposite Sarathkumar and she did an item number in Panthayam, which stars Nithin Sathya and Sindhu Tolaani. Well, this glamorous actress has a valid point. Rather than wasting her time in silly roles or item numbers, she could very well be cast in roles embodying boldness and beauty, just like Rahasiya's role of a journalist in the yet-to-be-released Indra Vizha. She could even be cast in comic roles as she desires and there is no doubt she will sizzle in them. Bollywood's Celina Jaitley, who has done quite a lot of comedy roles, is an example and there are slight similarities between them too!

Courtesy:galatta.com ....

Vikram-Ash to film in Kerala

Now that Vikram has completed his part in Susi Ganesan's Kanthasamy and Aishwarya Rai is on the verge of completing the first schedule of Robot (probably by October 8th) Mani Ratnam has decided to start shooting his bilingual film. The news is that he will start with the Tamil version first and will film scenes pertaining to Vikram and Aishwarya in dense forests of Salakkudi, Kerala; filming begins on October 10th.

Mani Ratnam is making this film in Hindi and Tamil. The Tamil version features Vikram in the lead role and pairs him up with Aishwarya Rai; Prithviraj plays the villain. After a long time, actor Karthik will work with Mani Ratnam, who made him a household name with Mouna Ragam and Agni Natchathiram. The Hindi version features Abhishek Bachchan and Aishwarya Rai in the lead.

Vikram makes his Bollywood debut in this version; he will reprise the role done by Prithviraj in Tamil. Meanwhile, Aishwarya Rai is extremely happy for finally being able to act with Rajinikanth, who, according to her, is a family friend. Aishwarya Rai, while giving an interview in Gurgaon while inaugurating a boutique, said that she is enjoying acting with Rajinikanth. She said that it was a learning experience to work with stalwarts like Rajinikanth and director Shankar.

She also added that she has heard her father-in-law (Amitabh Bachchan) praising Rajinikanth's humility, but when she witnessed it in person, she could not believe her eyes. She also added that she considers Rajinikanth a "wonder man", who has managed to be so simple despite being the most popular film star.

Courtesy:galatta.com ....