Trisha cautions fans

Trisha is very happy to be a part of Mankatha as she is a huge Ajith fan and loves working with him. She can't stop raving about how brilliant he is and his many talents.

Ajith's heroine had a word of caution for the fans though. She has requested them to watch the film with a completely open mind. Usually fans expect certain things in their favorite hero's films and feel cheated if those elements have been left out. Trisha said that this is hard on the stars. The fans should just enjoy the ride and prepare to be surprised but in a pleasant way.

Trisha is pleased that the audio sales have gone through the roof and she said that it is not surprising because the Yuvan - Venkat Prabhu combo is a good one and the cousins always do brilliant work together.

Source: http://www.behindwoods.com/tamil-movie-news-1/aug-11-03/trisha-ajith-16-08-11.html

Trisha does it for Ajith

Trisha is notoriously famous for her poor Tamil, which has resulted in dubbing artistes being used for all but a couple of her films. However, for Ajith's golden jubilee film, Mankatha, Trisha will dub for herself. Apparently, director Venkat Prabhu and Ajith felt it would be better that way and together they convinced her.

Venkat Prabhu said that Trisha has an important role in the film. He said that the actress shares great chemistry with Ajith and their scenes together in the film are sizzling. Her voice would suit the character perfectly and so he asked her to do the dubbing and Trisha obliged. So audiences can start preparing to hear her particular brand of Tamil mixed with English dialect.

Source: http://www.behindwoods.com/tamil-movie-news-1/aug-11-02/trisha-ajith-09-08-11.html

Devayani refuses to scold Ajith

Devayani, who is currently one of the leading ladies of the small screen organized a small celebration in honor of her serial, Kodi Mullai which had successfully crossed the 105 episodes mark. She plays a dual role in this drama and portrays an aged woman as well as a younger woman. The popular actress said that both were challenging roles and she is happy the public have accepted the show.

When asked about her return to the big screen, Devayani said she is waiting for good roles and characters that offer a challenge even if they are mother roles. On being asked why she turned down Ajith's Varalaru, the actress admitted that she had reservations about the role which eventually went to Kanika because her character had to scream at Ajith and use really abusive language. Having worked with him on a number of hit films, Devayani said she was too fond of him and could not bring herself to actually yell at him even if its only acting.

Devayani also thanked hubby/producer Rajkumar and her director Senthilkumar for believing in her and standing by her at all times.

Source: http://www.behindwoods.com/tamil-movie-news-1/aug-11-02/devayani-ajith-09-08-11.html

The Month for Ajith, Suriya, and Vijay Fans!

August is going to be a very happening month for Tamil cinema, with several huge projects lining up for release. Audio launches and movie releases have been scheduled for as many as 13 films in this month alone! Vijay, Ajith, and Suriya films are also a part of this mix.

The past few months have been sluggish for Tamil cinema with hardly any big name films releasing. Insiders have attributed this to the fact that Tamil cinema’s biggest competitor cricket was monopolizing audience attention with the World cup and IPL. So from the beginning big filmmakers wanted their films to have their releases later in the year.

Be that as it may, fans who have been starved for a slice of their favorite stars are in for a treat. Vijay’s Velayudham, Ajith’s Mankatha, and Suriya’s 7am Arivu are likely to have audio launches this month with the view to have a big Diwali release hopefully. Nothing is confirmed but tentative dates for audio launch have been set for August 10th (Mankatha), 15th (Velayudham), and 20th (7am Arivu).

The makers of other films have also confirmed release dates for this month. Doo, Potta Potti, Ramanathapuram, and Singakottai will be screened on August 5th. These films feature fresh talent and are hoping to have a good showing.

Jiiva’s Rowthiram with Shriya is set to release on August 12th. The star is having a great year so his fans are waiting to see his latest offering. The music in this film has been hugely appreciated. Sharing the honors with them will be Sagaakal, Sankaran Koil, and Yuvan.

On August 19th, Mudhal Idam, Puli Vesham, and Theni Mavattam will be releasing. On their heels Kalavani Sargunam’s Vaagai Sooda Vaa with Vimal in the lead which has generated a lot of expectations will be screened on August 26th. Yuva Yuvathi will also release on the same day.

Looks like a super fun month ahead as Tamil cinema fans can sit back and enjoy the latest work of their favorite stars.

Source: http://www.behindwoods.com/tamil-movie-news-1/aug-11-01/ajith-suriya-03-08-11.html

Mankatha is done!

Mankatha has been completed! The entire unit flew to Bangkok to shoot the last song and it is all done and they are back in Chennai. Director Venkat Prabhu is relieved. He apologized to the fans for the delay and said that it was a mammoth task to coordinate the dates of the ensemble cast that included Ajith, Arjun, Trisha, Lakshmi Rai, Andrea, Premji, and Vaibhav.

Yuvan Shankar Raja is working like a fiend to complete the songs since the director has promised the audio launch will be held this month so that the film can have an August release. Dubbing, editing, and other post production work is going on at full swing. Producer Dhayanidhi Alagiri said he is proud of Mankatha and everything from the music to the performances is exceptionally good.

Source: http://www.behindwoods.com/tamil-movie-news-1/jul-11-02/ajith-trisha-11-07-11.html

Vijay on Ajith!

It's quite usual for stars to face questions asking them to comment about their contemporaries in interviews. Vijay found himself in one such spot recently when he was interviewed by a Tamil tabloid. He was asked to comment on Ajith and he did not wait a moment to express his views. Ajith follows his heart and he is a perfect example of someone who does things the way he wants it to be.

"My Pokkiri punch dialogue about me not listening to myself after deciding once is a perfect tribute to his style of work," Vijay was quoted as saying. Well that is good camaraderie in display for you.

Source: http://www.behindwoods.com/tamil-movie-news-1/jun-11-01/vijay-ajith-06-06-11.html

Mankatha release postponed to June

Thala Ajith's 50th film Mankatha, which was suppose to grace theatres on Ajith's birthday (May 1), has now been postponed. Directed by Venkat Prabhu, the film also stars Trisha, Lakshmi Rai, Premji Amaren, Arjun and Vaibhav in prominent roles.

The Mankatha team is currently busy with its final schedule in Mumbai which will go on till April 16. However, the talkie portion and two songs are yet to be shot. Apart from all these, we have the exciting IPL and Tamil Nadu elections in May. So considering all these factors, the producers have decided to postpone the release to June.

Meanwhile, there are also reports that the film will be a complete action-thriller that will narrate the match-fixing sagas in international cricket matches.

Source: http://tamil.galatta.com/entertainment/livewire/id/Mankatha_release_postponed_to_June_47951.html

Mankatha songs ready!

Actor Ajith's Mankatha which has been awaited with lot of expectations seems to be hitting the right note every passing day. Music director Yuvan Shankar Raja is said to have given nine completed tracks to director Venkat Prabhu. The director is extremely happy with Yuvan's work and is excited about it more than ever. Among the nine songs, six of them have been composed and three of them have already been recorded.

The director said that there will be an exclusive promo song, a Mankatha theme music and also one club mix. An elated Venkat Prabhu has gone on to tweet that Yuvan rocks and we cannot help but agree, given his latest hit numbers. This news has surely upped the expectation quotient of Mankatha starring Ajith, Trisha, Anjali, Lakshmi Rai, Premgi Amaran and Vaibav. We cant wait for the songs to be out! 

Source: http://www.behindwoods.com/tamil-movie-news-1/mar-11-02/mankatha-ajith-14-03-11.html

‘Mankatha’: Last schedule in Mumbai

With little more than two months left for ‘Mankatha’ to hit the screens, the cast and crew of ‘Thala’ Ajith’s 50th film are extremely busy with the project. “The team led by Venkat Prabhu is working overtime to get things right,” sources say.

“The shooting is almost over but for the last schedule which is planned in Mumbai. It will start in the last week of this month. Important scenes on Ajith and Trisha will be shot there,” they maintain.

Confirming this, Trisha, who will join the ‘Mankatha’ team in Mumbai on February 26, says, “I already had a blast working with Ajith, Venkat and others. Eagerly looking forward for the Mumbai schedule.”

Claiming that he film will be a complete entertainer, the actress adds: “It is going to be a rollicking movie and a treat to the audience.” Buzz is that ‘Mankatha’ is about gambling that takes place during cricket matches.

Source: http://www.indiaglitz.com/channels/tamil/article/63784.html

Ajith’s heroine presents a show

Radhika Surajit and actress Manu came together on stage on January 29^th, 2011 at the Rani Seethai Hall in Chennai to pay tribute to the late lyricist Kannadasan through the dance show Konjum Salangai. The show was presented by the Thursday Ladies Charitable Trust, Besant Nagar.

Manu had starred opposite Ajith in the film Kaadhal Mannan which was directed by Saran. The funds raised through this dance show, by the actress and her associate ‘Acharya Chudamani’ Radhika Surajit, will be donated for the welfare of the blind children.

Source: http://behindwoods.com/tamil-movie-news-1/feb-11-01/ajith-kadhal-mannan-02-02-11.html

What’s missing in Mankatha?

It is a trend in Kollywood for mass heroes to have a song that speaks highly of their stature or achievements. Ajith has been following this trend since his film Dheena, which released in 2001, with the song Thalapola Varuma.

After a decade of including such songs in his films, the star has requested Venkat Prabhu, the director of Mankatha, not to go in for such a song in the film, say sources.

The talk in Kollywood is that - will Venkat take note of Ajith’s request and do away with it or include such a song for commercial viability.

Source: http://behindwoods.com/tamil-movie-news-1/feb-11-01/mankatha-venkat-prabhu-02-02-11.html

Billa-2: Official news

IN Entertainment (India) Limited, part of the Hinduja Group, has tied up with Chennai-based Wide Angle Creations led by Suresh Balaje and George Pius to produce ‘Billa 2’.

Ajith, carrying on from the blockbuster success of 'Billa' in 2007, will relive the lead role of ‘Billa’. The film, helmed by ace director Vishnuvardhan, will go on the floors in early April 2011 and is being envisaged for a release between December 2011 and February 2012.

Soumik Sen, who heads development at INE, has worked on the screenplay along with Vishnuvardhan and the same is being developed into Tamil dialogue draft presently.

Yuvan Shankar Raja (music director) and Nirav Shah (director of photography), who worked on 'Billa' are likely to be associated with this project too.

Says Sunir Kheterpal, CEO - IN Entertainment, 'INE is looking to develop and produce films with talented Film-makers in Tamil and Telugu and it is an honour to be associated with a brand like ‘Billa’, original producers of ‘Billa’ (which starred Rajinikanth) represented by Suresh Balaje, Ajith and Vishnuvardhan in our first Tamil film.'

Commenting on the association, Suresh Balaje says 'We are delighted to be working with INE and the Hinduja Group. It is a nostalgic homecoming for us as we produced the original ‘Billa’ with Rajinikanth. ‘Billa 2’ will go on the floors in early April 2011 as soon as Ajith's current project Mankatha is completed'.

Ajith adds, putting an end to all speculation around the film, it is my next film and we start filming in early April 2011. Prequel to 'Billa' is an exciting premise and I am delighted to be working with close friends, Suresh Balaje and Vishnu and am glad that we have a strong company like INE backing this project.'

Vishnuvardhan says, 'prequel to ‘Billa’ is a tremendously powerful idea and we have finalized a screenplay which matches the intensity of the underlying idea. We are working towards putting together the winning team'.

Source: http://www.indiaglitz.com/channels/tamil/article/63565.html

‘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’.

Source: http://www.indiaglitz.com/channels/tamil/article/63457.html

Mankatha New Images

Here are new images from Mankatha!

Source: http://cinema.vikatan.com/index.php?view=category&catid=67&option=com_joomgallery&Itemid=65

Latest news on Billa 2...

Billa 2 has been announced and once again Ajith will get to play the title role. There are a lot of rumors going on about the storyline which is raising the expectation levels. The latest we hear on Billa 2 is that director Vishnuvardhan is planning something that will look like a prequel to the earlier version.

When enquired about this, it was revealed that the early life of David Billa and how he turns into an anti-social will form the crux of Billa 2.

The director is also exploring the possibilities of a new get-up for Ajith in this film. He wants the star to look very distinct and stylish, our source adds.

Source: http://behindwoods.com/tamil-movie-news-1/dec-10-04/billa-2--ajith-24-12-10.html

Ajith warns his fans

Ajith Kumar has issued a warning to the members of his fans organisation that he would not hesitate to disband fan clubs if they failed to listen to his words.

In a statement today, the 'Thala' said that he had come to know about some 'unwanted' activities by a section of his fans, without proper permission from the headquarters.

"If this continues, I will disband my fan clubs. I am a man who would always bow to love and would never succumb to pressure. So I request my fans not to indulge in unwanted activities," he said.

Source: http://www.indiaglitz.com/channels/tamil/article/62544.html

Get well soon Venkat Prabhu!!!

It has been a series of ups-n-downs for the team of ‘Mankatha’ much before Day 1. The shooting didn’t take off from the predestined date due to some changes in script. Off the late Telugu actor Nagarjuna couldn’t sign the project due to date issues and it was a special surprise to see Action King Arjun signing in. Finally, things had a get-go has Venkat Prabhu was fast enough to complete couple of schedules in short span of time.


 The third schedule in Chennai was slightly disturbed due to heavy rampage of rain. Now as the art department is busy erecting grand sets of Mumbai’s Dharavi slums at 3 different places, Venkat Prabhu seems to be having high fever.  Soon as Venkat Prabhu tweeted about his fever, his followers thronged over his Facebook page greeting him ‘Get Well Soon’. Some of the fans have even prescribed him medicines and diets as they want him to complete ‘Mankatha’ on time.

Source: http://behindwoods.com/tamil-movie-news-1/dec-10-04/venkat-prabhu-mankatha-22-12-10-02.html

Ajith's Kadhal Kottai released as novel

Thala Ajith's critically acclaimed film Kadhal Kottai(1996), directed by Agathiyan and produced by Sivasakthi Movie Makers, has been released as a novel.The film won three National Film Awards:Best Feature Film in Tamil, Best Direction (Agathiyan) and Best Screenplay (Agathiyan). The film had Ajith and Devayani in the lead roles, apart from Heera Rajgopal, Thalaivasal Vijay, and Karan, who played important roles.

Source: http://tamil.galatta.com/entertainment/livewire/id/Ajith_Kadhal_Kottai_as_novel_44633.html

MANKATHA STAR REVEALS ROLE

Lakshmi Rai has not only bagged an offer to share the screen space with Ajith in Mankatha but her role is said to be very significant. If sources are to be believed, Lakshmi’s role is very important for Mankatha as it brings about the twist in the tale.

The actress has flown down to Bangkok along with the Mankatha unit where the intro song Vilayadu Mankatha is being shot.

The film’s director Venkat Prabhu earlier said that Yuvan Shankar Raja had scored the intro song and it has come out well beyond his expectations. The dance for this song is being choreographed by master Kalyan.

Source:http://www.behindwoods.com/tamil-movie-news-1/nov-10-02/mankatha-ajith-12-11-10.html

'Billa II' First Look

So there is more action on Ajith front. News about ‘Mankatha’ progress is oozing and also about the next big film of Ajith.
 
News was officially out on Diwali day about the sequel to the slick ‘Billa’.  The first one was a remake and the sequel is going to be an action thriller. Going by the first publicity materials ‘Billa-II’ is going to be one hell of a bloody adventure.
 
The same team which was in charge of the first ‘Billa’ is developing the sequel also. Interestingly the sequel to Shahrukh Khan’s ‘Don’ is also being made. The Hindi sequel has Priyanka Chopra and Lara Dutta along with Shahrukh Khan. 
 
But will Nayantara be a part of the sequel as Priyanka Chopra is in Hindi ‘Don-II’? It will be interesting to know what Nayantara decides. Also will be the other heroine in Tamil who will take the place of Lara Dutta.
 
So many things to follow on ‘Billa-II’. Keep coming back to IndiaGlitz to know more, as and when it happens.


Source: http://www.indiaglitz.com/channels/tamil/article/61368.html