Saturday, January 29, 2011

Meena’s Nainika

Meena, who delivered a female baby on January 1st, 2011, has named her child Nainika. The naming ceremony took place at the actress’s residence in Chennai on January 28th, 2011.

Meena and her husband Vidyasagar had arranged for an elaborate function to celebrate the occasion along with their family and friends.

Nainika means ‘pupil of the eye’ which also means dearest, says a source close to the actress.

Three hits of Tollywood

Though the year 2010 ended on a bitter note with huge losses for Tollywood, January 2011 brought some respite in the form of three films that worked at the box office. If our sources in film industry are to be believed, 'Mirapakaya' of Raviteja is doing good business even after two weeks after its release.

'Golconda High School' starring Sumanth evoked good response from multiplex audience and ditto with Nani's 'Ala Modalaindi'.

'Ala Modalaindi' a slapstick comedy with hero playing 'Gay' shade charecter, released without much publicity is running housefull in several theatres and many a places, theatres have been increased for this movie as the collections are encouraging.The word of mouth publicity for this film is strong and young audience are thronging to theatres.

As per the latest report, 'Mirapakaya' collected Rs 25.4 crore in two weeks. So, January this year proved lucky for the industry with already three decent hits. Hope more blockbusters will follow this year.

Srikant, Kajal to share screen with Pawan Kalyan

A real hero is the one who doesn’t crumble with a defeat and tries his best to resurrect and prove himself. Power Star Pawan Kalyan appears to have been following the same principle.

Though ‘Puli’ was proved a disaster, he did not cave-in and started accepting films one after the other and is planning to release at least three films this year.

Besides, he ventured into production too and launched his own banner Pawan Kalyan Creative Works. He is planning to remake recent Bollywood hit film ‘Dabang’ into Telugu as ‘Gabbar Singh’ under the direction of Harish Shankar of ‘Mirapakay’-fame.

While Pawan Kalyan is going to portray the role played by Salman Khan, while Srikanth was selected to play the role of Arbaaz Khan. Kajal, who gained the stardom with Mega Power Star Ram Charan, was selected to share the screen with Power Star donning the character played Sonakshi Sinha.

Yuvan Shankar Raja is scoring the music.

Navneet Kaur to marry MLA

Navneet Kaur, who is popular in Kollywood for her roles in ‘Arasangam’ and ‘Ambasamuthiram Ambani’, will marry Maharashtra MLA Ravi Rana. “This is a love marriage with the blessings of elders,” sources say.

Ravi Rana is the Independent MLA from Badnera in Amravati district of the Vidarbha region of Maharashtra. Both the legislator and the actress are followers of yoga guru Baba Ramdev, it is said.

“In fact, Rana and Navneet met each other first time when the young politician organised a spiritual camp in Mumbai three years ago. What started as friendship became love slowly,” maintain sources.

Interestingly, Rana and Navneet would tie the knot at Amravati’s Science Core grounds with 2,834 other couples on February 2. The event is expected to create a world record for the largest mass marriage.

‘Mankatha’ Updates

Here are the latest happenings from ‘Mankatha’ front. Venkat Prabhu has finished picturising three songs for the film. Ajith Intro Song that was shot in Bangkok, A kuthu song involving Ajith with Premji, Vaibhav and others shot in Chennai and a duet featuring Ajith and Trisha, also shot in Chennai. With this major development ‘Mankatha’ has completed 50 percent of its talkie portions.

And an important action scene was also completed. The highlight of this stunt sequence is that Ajith performed the actions with a Body Mount Camera weighing around 30kg mounted on his body to capture the close actions when he runs, walks and turns.

It’s a known fact that Ajith had lot of surgeries on his body and the actor avoids taking risks while shooting. But when Venkat Prabhu came up with this unique idea, Thala readily agreed. Mankatha‘s Chennai portions will get over by Monday and then the unit will move to Mumbai for the rest of the portions.

The thriller starring Ajith, Arjun, Trisha, Anjali, Lakshmi Rai,Premji, Vaibhav, Makath, Jayaprakash and Subbu Panju is about gambling mafia at work during IPL cricket season.

Keep watching this space for more updates on ‘Mankatha’.


TN announces Kalaimamani awards

Seventy four artistes, including popular faces of Tamil film industry, are recipients of the coveted Kalaimamani awards announced by the Tamil Nadu government on Friday night.

Arya, Anushka, Tamannah, Rajiv Menon, Karunaas, Saranya, Rohini and Chinni Jayanth would be presented the awards, according to an official press release. Music composer Bharadwaj and television-film director Thirumurugan have also been selected for the honour.

A host of television actors, musicians, vocalists and orators among other artistes will also be presented with the Kalaimamani awards by Tamil Nadu Chief Minister M Karunanidhi at a function in Chennai on February 13, the release said.

The awards presented by the State-backed Tamil Nadu Iyal Isai Nadaga Mandram recognise excellence in the field of art and literature. Many artistes had received Kalaimamani, which is considered as one of the greatest honours in these parts, in the past.

Kamal’s next with Selva?

Even as Superstar Rajinikanth announced his next project Friday late evening, a buzz was doing rounds in film circles that Kamal Haasan has also made a decision on his forthcoming venture.

“The film will be directed by Selvaraghavan, who impressed the Ulaga Nayagan long back. It will go on floors once the director completes his upcoming movie Irandam Ulagam,” say sources.

“It is a novel and interesting script and both are excited to work together. Selvaraghavan considers this as a bumper prize. In all probability, he will start the project by March,” they add.

Remember Kamal Haasan’s last release was ‘Manmadhan Ambu’, which hit the screens during the fag end of 2010. “The actor’s new project with Selva is expected to have a late 2011 release.”

Sunday, January 23, 2011

Ko Music Review- Classy



Ko stars Jeeva,Ajmal,Karthika,and Pia Bajpaal in the lead roles. Ayan fame director K.V Anand directs it. Music is by Harris Jayaraj :)) Most of the music is Romantic, and hip hoppy :) Yes, the music was launched on Jan 19, but I had stuff to do so I didn't review it then . :D :P


Gala Gala-  Tippu,Krish, Haricharan, Sayanora Philip: sounds like the hero title song, its rockish,techonish. :)) Sayanora is back, after Athiradee from Sivaji the boss! :D She's super energetic! :) Has the Dammuku Dammuku because of the harmonica,but it still has its own thing :)) 


Ennamo Yedho-Aalaap Raju, Prashanthini, Sricharan, Emcee Jesz: this is the song that caught everyone's attention, when the teasers released! :D Its a romantic song, very cute:) has rhyming,captivating lyrics,has a rappy beat. The lyrics are written by Madhan Karky, hats off to him! :) Haven't heard the voices of all three of the singers, but they are soothing.. :)) This one gets stuck in your head easily! :)


Ammali ThummaliHariharan, Chinmayi,Swetha Mohan: this totally sounds like the rehashed version of Harris's own Hasile Fisile, its evident. Though it seems like it, the song is catchy! :) Cute lyrics :)) 


Aga NagaVijay Prakash, Tipu, Ranina Reddy, Priya Subaramani, Solar Sai, Rap Emcee Jesz, Srik:Its the song with a lot of actors! :D Its sounds like a pub/ casino type of song, its classy thats why. Again, there are some random Telugu lyrics thrown in the song, I don't know why (?). The lyrics sound funny, cause they have all these brand names like Louis Vuitton, and Ferrari :D But the song ends in an unexpected way. Lyrics are written by Pa Vijay,Emcee Jesz,and Srik.


VenpaniyeSriram Parthasarathy, Bombay Jayashree: Starts out with english lyrics, and transitions into Tamil. Such a calming song, like a Ennamo Yedho part 2 :) But its lovable, and you feel like listening to it again and again. :) Bombay Jayashree is back! :D Love her! :)) Lyrics are written by P.A Vijay, although he turned an actor, he never looses touch in his amazing, sweet lyrics :)


Netri Pottal- Naresh Iyer: As other websites put it, the Youth Anthem, which I totally agree, it talks about youngster stuff  :) Naresh is just perfect :) Lyrics are by Madhan Karky, once again ! :) So I think you understand why the lyrics are so good ... :)


My Rating: 4/5 The music is just spell bounding, you will love it as soon as you listen to it :) Harris proves himself one more time :) Can't wait to see how the songs will look on the big screen! :D Don't miss the movie, which is set to release in February! :) 


No Piracy, do buy the CD :)) Thats what I'm going to do, because this music deserves to be preserved :) :D lol. :D
Listen here : 


Saturday, January 22, 2011

Ko Images










Source: http://www.indiaglitz.com/channels/tamil/gallery/m/Movies/ko/893404.html

First look: Salt and Pepper


Looks Classy, huh? :) 

Source: http://www.sify.com/movies/First-look-Salt-and-Pepper-imagegallery-malayalam-lbfsffchjde.html?html=5

Mammootty's Doubles Images




Source: http://www.sify.com/movies/Mammootty-s-Doubles-starts-rolling-imagegallery-malayalam-lbmpwTdgjgh.html?html=5

Prithvi has back to back releases!


Prithviraj the rising star of Malayalam cinema has got back to back releases!

His first release of 2011 will be the eagerly awaited Ranjit Shankar directed Arjunan Sakshi on January 28, followed by Makeup Man on February 3, where he plays a guest role.
2011 is going to be a crucial year for Prithviraj. 

He is likely to be seen in nearly 8 to 10 films including his magnum opus, the Santosh Sivan directed Urumi.  Last year with Anwar, Prithviraj proved that he can get a good opening, but trade feels he has to deliver a hit and silence his legion of detractors.
Arjunan Sakshi has become very important for Prithviraj. It is his solo hero film where Ann Augustine plays his heroine. 

In Makeup Man he is doing only a cameo as Jayaram and Bobban Kunchacko are the two male leads in the film.

Source: http://www.sify.com/movies/prithvi-has-back-to-back-releases-news-malayalam-lbwn2Ahhcbh.html

Vaanam delayed

It is indeed disappointing for Silambarasan fans as his much anticipated Vaanam will not be released on the Valentine weekend. Silambarasan is banking heavily on the project after the success of VTV last year and was keen on releasing it at the same time (in February). But it is now learnt that he has developed foot corns and has been advised immediate medical surgery.


Though the surgery will be over within a day's time, doctors have advised bed rest for two weeks. A visibly upset Silambarasan is ruing the fact that two of the movie's songs are still pending which were to be shot in Chennai. Music for Vaanam is by Yuvan Shankar Raja and the solo song, which was released recently, is a hit among the youth.

Harish Shankar to direct Power Star

Power Star Pawan Kalyan is getting ready to produce a film on his own banner Pawan Kalyan Creative Works. The movie would be a remake of a Bollywood’s sensational hit film ‘Dabang’ and it was titled as ‘Gabbar Singh’.

Harish Shankar, who gave a hit like ‘Mirapakay’ with Raviteja during the Sankranti season this year would wield the megaphone for the movie.

Speaking about the film, Pawan Kalyan says, ‘This is the debut film on our banner. The film is being made with an inspiration from Dabang and I am playing the role of a powerful police officer Gabbar Singh. In fact, myself and Harish Shankar were supposed to do one film earlier but he narrated me some stories including the ‘Mirapakay’. I was impressed with his narration. When I thought of remaking ‘Dabang’, it just struck my mind that Harish only could do justice to the film. We will take the film to the sets very soon and we are planning to release the film during this year itself.’

Director Harish Shankar says, ‘The film would be made with high technical values and at the same time, it would have all kinds of commercial elements that could attract the fans of Pawan Kalyan besides the regular audiences. We will come up with more details very soon.’

Chaitu to play hero in ‘Bejawada Rowdylu’

Ram Gopal Varma, who is known for doing something which would make him to hit the headlines, had announced that he is going to produce ‘Bejawada Rowdylu’, a film based on the rowdyism in Vijayawada.

However, he did not announce who will play the lead role in the movie. Now the time had come and RGV announced that Naga Chaitanya would play the lead role in the movie, which came as a surprise to the entire Telugu film industry.
RGV says, ‘The story is yet to be finalised besides the other cast and crew. I will reveal all the details once we finalise everything.’

Given the confident note of RGV, sources in the Film Nagar claim that the film would be yet another ‘Siva’ in RGV and Chaitu’s careers.

Gopichand to play hero in ‘Kavalan’-remake

Some time ago there was a speculation that Nandamuri Balakrishna would play the hero in a Tamil remake of ‘Kavalan’, which was originally made in Malayalam with the title ‘Body Guard’. Bellamkonda Suresh bagged the remake rights in Telugu.

The latest buzz is that the producer is considering Gopichand for the lead role played by Vijay in Tamil. Both the Tamil and Malayalam versions were directed by Siddique.

The producer is of the opinion to get it made in Telugu by the same director but it is not yet finalised.

Gautham Menon’s ‘Erra Gulabeelu’ in Feb

It was earlier announced that ‘Erra Gulabeelu’ directed by Gautham Menon and produced by Ashok Vallabhaneni on the banner of Mana Desam would be released on January 26.

However, the release date was put off to the first week of February. Presently the DTS mixing work is in progress.
The producer says, ‘Our film is a psychological thriller and our director is bringing it out with a novel concept. It is a typical love story with a pinch of suspense. Sameera Reddy, Karthik and Veera are playing the lead roles in our film while Samanta will have a guest appearance. We are confident that the film would attract all classes of audiences.’

Music is by Ranganath Rave, camera is cranked by Manoj Paramahamsa, editing is by Antony, art is by Rajivan while action is by Siva, while story, screenplay and direction are by Gautham Vasudeva Menon.


‘Kavalan’ begins in Hindi

Director Siddique who is a relieved man after some extraordinary experiences while doing ‘Kavalan’ has gone straight to Bollywood after that. His original script ‘Bodyguard’ after transforming as ‘Kavalan’ in Tamil is becoming ‘My Love Story’ for Hindi audience.

Siddique will do the third version of his film with Salman Khan and Kareena Kapoor playing Vijay and Asin role respectively. He has already started shooting the film in Pune from January 17. The Hindi film is being produced by Atul Agnihotri who is the brother-in-law of Salman Khan.  Reliance Big Pictures will be marketing the film.

Salman Khan who had a tremendous boost to his career with ‘Wanted’ film which was a remake of Vijay’s ‘Pokkiri’, is hoping to recreate the magic by doing another Vijay film remake.

‘Kavalan’ Hindi remake ‘My Love Story’ is planned for October 2011 release.

Vijay to enter politics at 40: SAC

Putting rest to speculations that Vijay is getting ready to test political waters in the forthcoming elections to Tamil Nadu Assembly, the actor’s father and filmmaker S A Chandrasekar has said his son would take the political plunge at the age of 40 (He is 36 now.)

“Vijay always wanted to serve the people. So he would sure enter politics. But not now. He would definitely come to politics at the age of forty,” the noted director has said in an interview.

Stating that the actor’s recent release ‘Kavalan’ faced unprecedented hurdles, Chandrasekar said, “Some forces which don’t like Vijay’s political plans want to ensure that he doesn’t have a successful acting career.”

“Vijay is no match to MGR,” he said and added: “But they are taking him to the heights of MGR.” On his recent meeting with AIADMK supremo J Jayalalithaa, Chandrasekar said, “It was my concern for the society that made me to meet her.”

Monday, January 17, 2011

Ram Gopal Varma's film with Ravi Teja at ZERO cost

Confused ?? Well check this out, the very own words of RGV from Twitter:

Immediately after Appalraju’s release on February 4th, I am starting a Telugu film with Ravi Teja from February 11th.

It is going to be a highly entertaining Action Thriller.

Charmi, Ajay and Subba Raju will be playing certain key roles and the rest of the cast is being finalized.

Everyone knows that normally a film takes between 100 to 150 days to shoot and more than 150 to 200 people will be working on it.

The unique thing about the film I am doing with Ravi Teja is that this two hour long feature film will be completed in just 5 days start to finish, with a unit of just 8 people and at a zero cost.

No one in this film including the actors, technicians and equipments suppliers are going to be paid any remuneration. It will be made only with those actors and technicians who are excited to be a part of this project.

All the people who work for this project will only be paid after the release of the film that is if and only  the film makes profits and those payments will be in accordance with their individual value additions.

My primary intention of doing this film is to establish a fact of how it is possible to use a certain aspects of present day technology to make a 2 hour theatrical film in just 5 days and with zero cost.

The technology I am adapting for this film is going to once for all prove that it’s not Crores of rupees that we need but it’s just a story which excites all concerned and a desire in all of them to see the film happen.
The film will be released on March 11th that is exactly one month from the start date of the shooting which is February 11th.

- Ram Gopal Varma

P.S: Puri Jagan will be co-director and Harish Shanker (Mirapakaya) will be my associate director for this project.


First Part Written By: Nikita P. 

Singer Swetha Mohan married

Renowned singer Sujatha's daughter-singer Swetha Mohan, who lent her voice to various Malayalam, Tamil, Telugu and Kannada songs, got married on Sunday in a simple ceremony held in Kochi.

She exchanged wedding vows with her longtime friend Ashwin. Carnatic and playback singer K.J. Yesudas, veteran music director V. Dakshinamurthy and Kerala culture affairs minister M.A. Baby were among those who attended the ceremony.

Swetha Mohan began her career as a playback singer with a hit song 'Achcham Achcham Illai'. A.R. Rahman’s 'Boom Boom Robo Da' from Rajinikanth’s Enthiran is her last chartbuster.

Sneha’s Pongal season

Smiling beauty Sneha says that Pongal is a very special festival for her as three of her films in the past – Virumbigiren, Parthiban Kanavu and Pirivom Santhippom were released on Pongal Day and Goa was released during the Pongal season, i.e., January.

The actress stated that being a Tamilian, she enjoys the festival with gusto by purchasing new clothes. For this pretty lady, buying clothes especially for Pongal is the best thing despite wearing a multitude of costumes in various films.

Sneha reveals that she is expecting the release of Bhavani IPS later this month and if it does happen, it is going to be another Pongal season release for her.

Ramgopal Varma Upset!

 The director of Rakht Charithra 1 & 2, Ram Gopal Varma is so upset after the assassination of Suri (Gangula Suryanarayana Reddy) in Andhra, so much so that he dropped the plan to shoot the third part of Rakht Charithra. Sources reveal that he was shocked to hear the news about Suri’s assassination. The film Rakht Charithra is loosely based on the life of Paritala Ravin a gangster-politician who was assassinated by his rivals in Andhra Pradesh in 2005. The film featured Vivek Oberoi as Ravindra in the lead role, whilst Suriya, who appears predominantly in the second part, played Suri.


Source: http://behindwoods.com/tamil-movie-news-1/jan-11-02/rgv-17-01-11.html

‘Shakti’ to hit screens on April 1

Young Tiger NT Rama Rao is presently busy with the shooting of his socio-fantasy flick ‘Shakti’, directed by Meher Ramesh and produced by Mega Producer C Aswinidutt on the banner of Vyjayanti Movies.

This Mega Budget film already created a record as the only Telugu film that was shot in more number of locations. The producer is of the opinion that he would bring back the glory of the banner with this film.

The film is presently shooting its last schedule in Dubai. The producer is making efforts to release the film on April 1. Though NTR changed his track and is working in films which have the family sentiment and with a touch of mass elements.

However, he could not deliver a blockbuster on the lines of his earlier films ‘Aadi’ and ‘Simhadri’. NTR is also keeping high expectations on this film.

‘Avan Ivan’ in April

Putting an end to speculations over the release of Bala’s ‘Avan Ivan’, the Arya-Vishal starrer, producers of the film AGS Entertainment have come out with an announcement- that the movie will be released in April.

“Bala has completed a major part of the movie. But for a few scenes and post production work, everything is over as far as Avan Ivan is concerned. So the film will sure hit the screens this April,” sources say.

“This will be the first light-hearted and commercial film from Bala,” they say and add: “At the same time, there will be the touches of the director all over. It is going to be a big summer treat this year.”

Yuvanshankar Raja is composing music for ‘Avan Ivan’, while dialogues are by popular Tamil writer S Ramakrishnan. Cinematography is by Arthur A Wilson while editing by Suresh Urs.