Kamal for the cause of cinema

Kamal Haasan on Thursday expressed confidence that the film industry would regain its glory. He said the two-day FICCI Media & Entertainment Business Conclave (MEBC) - 2010 in Hyderabad would identify and address the challenges facing the industry across the States.

The actor, who is also the chairman of the conclave, said the event will begin on December 1 and issues related to media including raising production costs will be discussed along with the solution to challenges faced by the industry across the nation.

Saying that the growth of the Rs.60,000-crore cine industry has come down from 18 percent to 14 percent in recent years, Kamal, however, disagreed with the view that sky-rocketing fees of stars is one of the reasons for the downfall of the industry.

"We tried to cap the rates of remuneration. But the remuneration is determined by the demand for a particular actor," he told reporters at a press conference.

This would only be the second such conclave to be held outside Mumbai by the Federation of Indian Chambers of Commerce & Industry (FICCI), following the first in Chennai last year.

Among the issues to be discussed are television content, convergence of media, safeguarding the vernacular cinema, regional versus national TV, finance, technology, regulatory issues and global linkages. The conclave covers films, television, radio, animation, gaming, visual effects and digital entertainment sectors.

Union Minister for Information & Broadcasting Ambika Soni, Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister K Rosaiah, leading Bollywood producers Yash Chopra and Karan Johar, heads of various media houses would speak in different sessions.

Source: http://www.indiaglitz.com/channels/tamil/article/61527.html

’Urumy' starts in Mumbai

‘Urumy' the movie that is expected to be a path breaker in Mollywood will start its shoot today. Scripted by Shankar Ramakrishnan, this period film will be shot at many locations near Mumbai and in Kerala.

Directed by Santhosh Sivan, the movie features young superstar Prithviraj as Kelu Nambiar, the leader of a group trying to kill Vasco Da gama , who landed in Kerala in 1498. Genelia D Souza, Vidya Balan, Prabhu Deva and good number of actors from Bollywood are also part of the cast of this thriller movie, which will be produced by Santhosh Sivan and Prithviraj.

Source:

http://actorprithviraj.blogspot.com/2010/07/poster-of-urumi-with-technical-crew.html

http://www.indiaglitz.com/channels/malayalam/article/59684.html

'Dhrohi' on Sep. 10

The September month is going to be a hyper active month as many of the curious films getting released to avoid competing with Endhiran October. One long awaited movie releasing in September is Indira Innovations 'Dhrohi'.

The gangster saga stars Srikanth and Vishnu in stellar characters. The female quotient is also high as three heroines are lighting up the film. Puja, Poorna and Poonam Bajawa. More so the film is directed by K. Sudha Prasad and produced by Mano Akkineni.

With this, September will also become a memorable month for 'Vennila Kabadi Kuzhu' Vishnu as two of his films are hitting theatres in the first two weeks. Great going Vishnu.

Source:http://www.indiaglitz.com/channels/tamil/article/59677.html

http://www.indiaglitz.com/channels/tamil/gallery/m/Movies/dhrohi/768183.html

Rajini turns 36!

It was August 18th when the tall, dark and handsome man started his career as an actor. Little did he know that Abaswaram was the stepping stone for a truly magnificent and rewarding life ahead. Thirty-six years on, he is the highest paid actor in Asia after Jackie Chan. Yes, we are talking about namma Superstar Rajinikanth who completes 36 years in Tamil Cinema. Starting his career with K Balachander, Rajini has etched out characters which are indelible in memory. Known for his various tricks on-screen, he is called the 'Style Phenomenon'.

Rajini, who acted in negative characters initially, has given some timeless classics as well. His roles in Aarilirunthu Arubathu Varai, Thillu Mullu, Thalapathi, and Baasha can never be forgotten. Also involved in the spiritual side of life, Rajini does a lot of philanthropic activities without much publicity. With his Endhiran due for release, we congratulate the Superstar on his accomplishment and wish him many more successful years in Kollywood.

Sources : http://www.behindwoods.com/tamil-movie-news-1/aug-10-03/rajini-balachander-endhiran-19-08-10.html

Music Directors........Part 4!

WOOHOO! This is the Last part to my four parted post about my favorite Music Directors! But,this one is dedicated to my favorite Malayalam music directors.

1.Deepak Dev: Ok,this guy literally stole my heart with the song Picha Vecha Naal from Puthiya Mukham! No Kidding!! I loved that song,and all the other songs from Puthiya Mukham. Since I really enjoyed the songs from Puthiya Mukham I listend to some of his previous music scores like : The Speed Track,Lion,Sadhu Miranda(Tamil), and Udayananu Tharam, which I thoroughly appreciated. But he is absolutely a promising talent in the Malayalam industry. :)

2.Ouseppachan: I haven't listened to much of his music,but when I heard the music of Bodygaurd,I became a fan of Ouseppachan. The tunes were very breezy,and gave you a flying in the air feel,especially Arikathayaro. I also listened to a bit of his others like Kadha,July 4,Changaadhipoocha,Police,Aniyathi Pravu,and Harikrishnans. I have noticed that he never forgets to include breezy,feel good numbers in his music. :) I really like that about him,his romantic duets are one of the best ones I have heard! :D I just love his music. :) <3

3.M.Jayachandran: Most of his songs are really fun to listen to with fun beats like the songs

of Happy Husbands. Loved the songs from the movie! :D I liked his songs from Happy Husbands,Banaras,Robhinhood,Ivar Vivahitharaaiyil,Uthara Swayamvaram,Nammal Thammil,Vellinakshatram,and Satyam.

4.M.G Radhakrishnan: I have only heard his music from Ananthabahadram and I fell in love with it! After I listened to the album,immediately M.G Radhakrishnan become my one of my favorite music directors,regardless of his other albums. I just loved the album! :D

Regardless of Music Directors, I really like Malayalam music for its soothing,and classical feel it has to it. Malayalam music has its own thing to it apart from other South Indian languages.

Chithram

Last night I watched the 1988 Malayalam movie Chitram. It starred Mohanlal,Renjini,Lizzy,and Nedumundi Venu,Poornam Viswanathan,Sreenivasan and was written by Sreenivasan and directed by Priyadharshan. The movie was wonderful! It made my night fun! lol :D

The story is about Kalyani ( Renjini) who lives with her fathers friend Kaimal(Nedumundi Venu),since her father lives in the US. She falls in love with this guy and they are about to get married. When her father finds out he says that he will disinherit her. Knowing that then her lover ditches her saying that he doesn't need a women who doesn't have money. After a couple of days Kalyani's father(Poornam Viswanathan) says he was wrong and says he is coming to India to apologize to her and spend vacation with her and his new son in law. He also says that he is sick,so this might be his last vacation. So,Kalayani and Kaimal want to make him as happy as possible. Then Kaimal gives her an idea that they should get a man to act as her husband for the 14 days her father stays. They find Vishnu(Mohanlal) who needs Rs.10,000,so they hire him giving him a thousand a day for a total of 14,000. What happens after Kalyani's father reaches is the rest of the story.

This is such a good movie,with a great script! It's a family entertainer,with tons of comedy! Mohanlal rocks in this movie! This movie is with no doubt one of his best movies, this movie includes. Everything: romance,comedy,action,sentiment,Everthing!. Lalettan looks adorable in every scene. I think he was 27-28 when the movie was shot. :D Renjini was the perfect match for him in the film. :) Lizzy's role was more like a guest appearance,though. The music done by Kannur Rajan,deserves special mention,wow!

The songs were just amazing! It's a big thing for me because I don't like many songs from the 80's! I liked the songs: Dhoore Kizhakudhikkum,Eeran Megham,Nagomu, and Padam Poothkalam.The story was so enjoyable, a great script done be Sreenivasan who also acted in the movie. :) Priyadharshan who directed the movie also,wrote the screenplay. Hats off to both of them for writing such an illustrious script,where everyone can enjoy it, and also for putting all the scenes in place,without confusion. :) Priyadharsan,showed the movie in such a nice,and decent manner. The movie is a classic, and definitely one of the best films in the Malayalam industry! :)

Trivia:

Budget was 24 lakh Rupees

Chitram's shooting was cancelled two days after it started due to financial problems and then it didn't start again till a year.

Chitram ran for 366 continuous days

Mohanlal got a critics award in 1988 for his performance in the movie.

Priyadharsan wanted people to laugh as well as cry,thats when Chitram happened.

I am very happy for buying the DVD of Chithram, so I can cherish such a marvelous movie forever! :D This movie as become my second favorite Malayalam movie after Puthiya Mukham, for right now. I know you might be thinking that Puthiya Mukham doesn't even match Chithram, but if I hadn't watched Puthiya Mukham and liked it I wouldn't be watching Malayalam films at all. Even though I like Mohanlal,Prithviraj will always be number one for me! :) But Mohanlal just rocked in the movie! :D This movie made me laugh in scenes and cry in scenes, especially towards the end. This is a MUST SEE movie for ALL! If you don't know malayalam it doesn't matter just use subtitles!!

This movie,Chitram left me craving for more good Malayalam classics. :) I can't wait to watch more and write about them! :)

Music Directors........Part 3

Here is part 3 of my favorite music directors!:


Vijay Antony-He was introduced in S.A Chandrasekar's "Sukran", but it was the song Nakka Mukka in Kadhalil Vizhunthen. It was a chartbuster for weeks and weeks! It attracted everyone, for its mass appeal. :D After Sukran, Vijay went on to make my favorite albums like: Naan Avan Illai,Kadhalil Vizhunthen,TN 07 AL 4777,Ninathale Innikum,Mahatma(telugu),Vettaikaran,Angaadi Theru(two songs),and Rasikum Seemane. He also sings,for his music compositions,his voice sounds like he is screaming but has a mass feel. Now he is going to turn into a hero with the movie "Naan",which he is also going to compose the music for.

Sundar C.Babu-I haven't heard much of his songs,but when I heard his songs 'Vazha Meenu' from Chithiram Pesuthadi, 'Kattazha Kannale' from Anjathey,and his songs from Naadodigal and Shambo Shiva Shambo,I become a fan of his foot tapping, kuthu songs! I just love the mass beats of the songs he composes! :D

Karthick Raja- He is the son of Illaiyaraaja. Karthick has composed many albums for movies,but I don't think many of them were hits. The only albums of his that are my favorites

are Kadhala Kadhala,Dumm Dumm Dumm,and Rettaichuzhi.

Illaiyaraaja-He is one of the best musicians the Tamil industry ever had! He is one of the most prominent music directors in South India.Since there is a big generation gap between me and Illaiyaraaja,I don't have many favorites. But still I like his music like:Sagara Sangamam,Swathi Muthyam,Jagadeka Veerudu Athiloka Sundari,Thalapathi,Friends,Cheeni Kum,Kadhalukku Maraydhai,Agni Natchathiram,Anathapuram,Bobbili Puli.

As you can see there are more Telugu albums because,I have watch more old Telugu movies and because I am Telugu. :)

Deva- He is most popular for his gaana type songs,but also for coping others tunes. But I just like his gaana type tunes! :D My favorite albums are : Aasai,Arunachalam,Bhagavathi,Bhasha,Deva,Rasigan,Kushi,Mugavari,Nerukku Ner,Priyamudan,Thirumagan,Nenjinile,Once More,and some others.

Dinesh K-Dinesh is a Tamil rap artist from Sri-Lanka, who later came to India to work with directors like Vijay Antony,D.Imman,Dharan and many others. So,I was searching for some good kuthu/mass songs to listen to on youtube,then the song Surangani from Dinesh's album Thamila came up. When I listened to it I was like"Oh my gosh!! This is one of the best Kuthu songs I have listened too!" That track was mind blowing! :D Then I listed to the whole album of Thamila and I loved it! :D From then he became my favorite! :D My favorites of him are : Thamila,Aathichudi from TN 07 AL 4777 which is a remix of Suraangani,and his single "Kuruvi".

D.Imman:Imman does really good kuthu,mass,and gaana songs,so I am a fan of his songs!

Well,my favorite albums of his are Odi Polama,Thamizhan,Veerapu,Thiruvilaiyaadal Arambam,Aithaam Padai,Maasilmani and others.

Bharathwaj: He is a notable Tamil music composer who started composing for Tamil movies in 1998 with Ajith and Saran's Kadhal Mannan. I have liked his songs because they are pretty cool ones,he is good in almost any genre. :) My favorites of his are :Amarkalam,Gemini,Vasool Raja MBBS,and Aasal.

Keep visiting my Blog for Part 4!!!

Madrasapattinam-My Review

I just watched Madrasapattinam yesterday, and I loved it,so I am going to review it! :D So far the movie is one of the best Tamil movies I have seen this year! :D We should all applaud the director,A.L Vijay for writing and directing such a beautiful story. Now For the Review:

Cast:

Arya-Parthi

Amy Jackson-Amy Wilkonson

Nassar-Ayyakanu

Cochin Hanifa-Nambi

M.S Bhaskar

Carole Trungmar-aged Amy

Lisa Lazarus-Amy's granddaughter

Alexx O'Nell as Robert Ellis

Story:

The story takes place in 1947 and 2010. An old english lady is about to get an operation,but there are minimal chances that she will survive. When she knows that she says that she has to go to India.Her granddaughter takes her.When they arrive she has a 60-year old photograph of Parthi,with that the search for him starts.Now why are they searching for him? Okay, so now the story goes back to 1947,to when Amy arrives to Madrasapattinam(now Chennai). She meets Parthi when she goes to see Madras with Nambi,her funny translator,and Robert. But then she asks Parthi to show her Madras around and he does. After, that Sequences of events lead them to fall in love with each other.Amy even learns Tamil for Parthi.Also Parthi affectionately calls Amy Durai Amma. But then comes August,15 1947 when ALL of the Britishers have to go back to England,which means Amy too.................

Sorry guys,thats all I can right about the movie,don't want to spoil the movie! :D Because its a pretty new movie :)

Story-Direction-Dialouge-Screenplay-Cinematography

Story,Direction,and Dialogue were done by A.L Vijay,and all three were great! :D The movie was shown so well,it was shown very convincingly.Especially Amy's part,of a nice hearted English women,who loves Parthi soo much. The story was wonderful,the characters were shown strongly and most of them were brave. The romance in the film was potrayed delicately,not overdoing the romance,if you see what I am saying. But sometimes,it sort of reminds you of the movie Titanic,as if it is the Indian/Tamil version of Titanic.The screenplay was fine too, every scene was in the place it's supposed to be,we don't get confused when they transition between time. The dialogues were just right,no change is needed.The good thing is they didn't use old Tamil lol :D Because I think I would have gotten lost! :D Nirav Shah,the cinematographer of the film,showed old Madras very well. This is what Indiaglitz said which I totally agree with! :) : What more, the lens of Nirav Shah has been at its best capturing them well on screen. The lights and shades, the colour tone and the difference in flashback and contemporary on screen hog all limelight thanks to the cinematographer. His work is one of the assets of the film. I did'nt see much comedy in this movie except the part where whenever Nambi(Cochin Hanifa) sees a camera he just stands sill without moving,which is shown in a humorous manner :D.And also the part where everyone in Parthi's place belives that the helicopters throw bombs and Amy laughs and tells them its just a myth. The Art Director of Madrasipattinam Mr.Selva Kumar should get special mention for wonderfully recreating Madras(Chennai) from 1947. The settings had a realistic look,they don't look fake at all. My favorites were the Central Station ,the beautiful British houses,trams,and the non-polluted water ways they showed :).

Performances:

Arya was fit for the role,I don't think anybody else would have suited for the role. He looks brave,but shy too while talking to Amy.He is really funny when he tries to speak English and he ends up forgetting what he is about to say! :D He is really sweet as the romantic guy too.This has to be his best role till date! :D Now we come to Amy Jackson,WOW! she was awesome for a newcomer who isn't even Indian(she is British). Wow! she lip synced her Tamil perfectly! :D Especially in the song Aaruiyre,I was like woah,she is really good. She also gave good expressions in the film. Which is hard for someone like her,who is English. Cause there are some Indian actresses out their who can't even lip sync or give expressions correctly. But I am curious to know if she dubbed for herself in the parts where she has to speak Tamil,cause it sounded like she did. Amy is really beautiful too. Carole Trungmar as the old Amy was great too,she acted well too,especially at the ending..The rest of the cast was good too,they gave good support! :D I say that the whole crew gave convincing performances, but Amy was the best out of all including Arya. She was really good in the part where she tells Arya to leave from the boat.She was good as a struggling lady trying to protect her love. She emoted really well,in almost every scene! :)

*******SPOILER ALERT*******

Memorable Scenes in Madrasapattinam:

1.Where Parthi trys to speak english and he forgets how to what is your name and he turns around to remember what it was and Amy says "Marundatiya?" in an Engilsh accent. And he looks at her in awe and suprise.

2.when Amy wheres the sari and Parthi looks at her differently,like he is amazed,and shocked.

3.The part where a old man puts a Indian flag on Amys Jacket.But then relizes she is British and is about to take it off ,but then Amy stops him from doing so.

4.Off Course the scenes where Amy speaks in Tamil.

5.The song Pookal Pookum.

6.Where they showed all the stuff named after Duraiamma.

*******SPOILER ALERT DONE*******

Music:

The music of this movie well definitely be unforgettable,forever. I mean G.V Prakash gave stunning tunes! They suited that part of time really well! They were britishy,but Indian too. I don't think anyone would have done better. My favorites were Pookal Pookum,Aaruiyre,Vaama Duraiamma,and Kaatrile. My favoritest was Pookal Pookum becuase it sounded so precious and sweet! The singers Roop Kumar Rathod and Harini seem to have sung it with their sou.l lol :D I just loved from the first time I listened to it, I bet you did too :) Its really hard to explain about this song,it just touched my heart even more,after I watched the movie.I love the lyrics of the song alot too,they were so sweet and Romantic.:

pookkaL pookkum tharuNam aaruyire, paarththadhaarum illai.

O precious life [aaruyire], no one has seen the moment when flowers blossom.

ularum kaalai pozhudhai muzhu madhiyum pirindhupovadhillai

Even when it [the flower] withers, the full value [of the flower] does not separate and leave.

netRu varai neram pogavillai; unadharuge neram podhavillaiye.

Until yesterday, time would not go (as in, time went by too slow); [but] the time beside you was not enough (as in, time went by too fast)

edhuvum pesavillaiye inRu, eno edhuvum thonRavillaiye; idhu edhuvo

Today, I didn’t say anything, for some reason I didn’t feel anything; O this is something (e.g., something strange/powerful)

iravum viDiyavillaiye, adhu viDindhaal pagalum mudiyavillaiye – poondhaLire

The night did not break (into dawn), even if it broke (into dawn), the day also did not finish – O budding flower [this is the literal meaning of poondhaLire; the figurative meaning is more like 'damsel')

vaarthai thevaiyillai, vaazhum kaalam varai paavai paarvai mozhi pesume

Words are not sufficient; as long as we live, damsel, [our] eyes will do the talking.

[literal translation of the last part is more like: eye-sight will speak language]

netRu thevaiyillai, naaLai thevaiyillai; inRu indha noDi podhume.

Yesterday is not sufficient, tomorrow is not sufficient; today, this moment is sufficient/enough.

verinRi, vidhaiyinRi, vin thoovum mazhaiyinRi; idhu enna ivan thoTTam poo pookkudhe

Without roots, without seeds, without rain sprinkled by the sky; why are the flowers in his garden blossoming?

vaal inRi, pOr inRi, valikkinRa yuddham inRi, idhu enna ivan anbu ennai velludhe

without sword, without struggle, without painful war – what is this, his love is conquering me.

[I don't know what 'vaal' means in this context... vaal can mean Tail, like a monkey's tail; it can mean mischief (e.g., vaalaattam), but I don't know what it really means here]

idhayam muzhudhum irukkum; indha thayakkam ninru kondu niruthum.

It will fill the heart; this hesitance will continue standing and stop (our love?…)

idhai aRiya engu kiDaikkum viLakkam? adhu kiDaiththaal solla veNDum enakkum

To learn this, where do I get the explanation? if [you] get it [the explanation], you must tell me as well.

poondhaLire

O budding flower

endha megamidhu, endhan vaasal vandhu engum eera mazhai thoovudhe.

What cloud is this? It comes to my doorstep, and in order to make everything wet it sprinkles rain.

enna uRavu idhu, edhuvum puriyavillai enRu boadhum idhu neeLudhe.

What relationship is this? Even when I feel that “I don’t understand anything” it [the relationship] lengthens.

yaar enRu aRiyaamal, per kooDa theriyaamal, ivanoDu oru sondham uravaanadhe

Without knowing who it is, without even knowing the name, you become his very own relation/kindred?

yen enRu keTkaamal, thaDuthaalum niRkaamai, ivan pogum vazhi en manam pogudhe.

Without asking who it is, without even being stopped by obstacles, my heart/mind goes the same way/path that he goes.

paadhai muDindhappiRagum, indha ulagil payaNam muDivadhillaiye.

Even after the path ends, the journey in this world does not finish.

kaatRil paRandhe, paravai maRaindha piRagum, illai thoDangum naDanam muDivadhillaiye

Flying in the sky, even after the bird disappears, the dancing that starts does not finish.

idhu edhuvo

This is something (strange/powerful)

Aaruyire was lovely too. It made you feel their pain for each other.Amy was very convincing in that song,with perfect lip syncing and expressions.Settings were pretty too :) Kaatrile was very situational,but nice.Vaama Duraiamma was funny,and Udit was good too in singing it :). I enjoyed the dance theme too,it sounded real fun :D and its where Amy dresses in a Sari :D

Likes: Story-Direction-Dialouge-Screenplay-Cinematography,Music Off course.!!! :D I also liked the settings in the movie,it felt like you were living 1947 :D I loved the music! G.V Prakash ROCKS!!! :D I really liked Arya,and Amy Jackson. They acted soo well! :D The costumes worn by Amy in the movie. Carole Trungmar she was good as the old Amy :) Also liked how Amy learned Tamil for Parthi,it was really sweet of her :D <3>

Dislikes:The ending it made me cry so badly :'(.

THE END:Okay,If you haven't seen Madrasapattinam then GO WATCH IT! Because if not you are missing a really awesome Tamil Movie! This will be one of your favorite Tamil Movies after you watch it. I am not kidding! But let me tell you before that you will cry a lot! I did from the part where Amy tries to get Parthi of the boat to the credits :'( But you will definitely love it :D Everything thing about this movie is marvelous! If you have seen it comment on the post of what you think of the movie! :D I want to know! :D EVERYTHING! A.L. Vijay comes back after the awesome movie Kireedom from 2007,but now he has made a better movie than before. :D

So go see MADRASAPATTINAM!!!!

Sources for Lyrics:

http://tamilmp3pot.blogspot.com/2010/07/pookal-pookum-madrasapattinam-lyrics-in.html

for images : http://www.indiaglitz.com/channels/tamil/moviegallery/10889.html

http://www.indiaglitz.com/channels/tamil/gallery/m/Movies/madarasapatinam/686790.html

http://www.indiaglitz.com/channels/tamil/moviewallpapers/10889.html