Wednesday, March 19, 2008

Raghuvaran passes away


It is a great loss for Tamil cinema (indeed for South Indian cinema) to lose Raghuvaran suddenly like this. This versatile, understated, elegant actor had been struggling with a few health issues, but nobody thought (or knew) how serous it was. The news that is just coming in is that he was suddenly hospitalized on Tuesday night. The cause of his death is still unknown. He was born on December 11, 1948. He debuted in the award winning film, Ezhavathu Manithan (1982), which dealt with the disillusionment of an engineering student with the corrupt wokring practises of industries. He began as a character actor, then played a hero in a few films, went on to be typecast for a very long time as a smooth villain, and then, more recently, as a character actor playing a brother, an uncle, a senior official, a father and a fellow colleague.

He was outstanding as the sleek politician villain in Shankar’s Mudhalvan. Memorable as Ajith’s supportive elder brother in Mugavari, as Srikanth’s strict father in Roja Kootam, Vijay’s jolly father in Love Today, as Maddy’s cool brother in law in Run, Tabu’s brilliant boss in Kandukondain, Kandukondain, the husband with a secret in Anjali, Vijay’s caring neighbour in Thirumalai, an unconventional teacher in Sivappathigaram, an uncorrupt, ethical civil servant in Marudhamalai, the kind doctor who saves Rajini’s life in Sivaji, the Boss, the not so impressive villain in Bheema and a psychiatrist in Silla Nerangalil - which would become his last released film.

Fans of the actor – and there are many across the world – will never forget what a cool actor he was. He brought depth, intensity, elegance, understatement and style to Tamil acting. It is unthinkable not to see him grace the screen again. He will be terribly missed.

Ambassador for Dhoni team


It would not be an exaggerated statement to say that Indians are passionate about two Cs- Cricket and Cinema. They are almost like two religions which unite the people across the length and breath of the nation and cricket, especially, brings out the patriotic flavor from people. Hence it is only the right move on the part of the organizers to have chosen Vijay and Nayanthara as the star ambassadors of the Chennai Super Kings, the India Cements owned Indian Premier League.

Vijay was formally introduced at a function organized in Chennai on Tuesday which was attended by ace cricketer and former Indian captain K.Srikkanth along with other dignitaries. While speaking at the event Vijay said, “I have always been interested in cricket and follow the game closely. My interest is doubled now especially with my son taking a keen interest in the game”. Further on Vijay said that as he is a resident of Chennai all along and his friends, family members being avid cricket fans, he would like to cheer and support the city’s cricket team. He was also very proud that Dhoni is leading Chennai team and is confidant about his leadership skills which is sure to steer the team to victory.

Nayanthara was not present at the function as she was busy shooting elsewhere.

Kuruvi

Udhayanidhi Stalin’s production house Red Giant Movies has released the first still of its forthcoming venture Kuruvi. With the entire Ghilli team associated with Kuruvi, its progress is closely being monitored in Kollywood circles.

From Kuruvi’s still release recently we can infer that it is going to be another rollicking film from Vijay. Moreover, the design of the title also indicates that it will be an action-packed film.

Expecting this to be as huge a success as Ghilli, Kuruvi has been sold for astounding sums even in the neighboring states – Karnataka and Kerala.