Thursday, July 03, 2008

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Hansika Motwani Gallery







Kuselan Review

Starring Rajinikanth, Nayanthara and Meena, with a host of regional actors, this bilingual (in Tamil and Telugu) blockbuster is adapted from the Malayalam movie Kadha Parayumbol. In his own inimitable style, Rajini essays the guest role Mammootty made famous in the recent Malayalam hit. And Rajini being Rajini, has more than a cameo role here.

The audio rights were bagged by Big Music for a never-heard- of-before 2.25 crores. This seems to have raised a lot of expectations among listeners. The soundtrack was released in a glittering function on 30th June.

A live performance of the songs is also being planned by Big Music. Two numbers from the album sing Rajini’s praise unreservedly, and also list his movies. Another touchingly commemorates the 75th anniversary of Tamil Cinema itself, in Vaali’s lyrics! G.V.Prakash, the composer, shows good promise.

Cinema, Cinema
Vocals: Shankar Mahadevan & chorus, Lyrics: Vaali

A majestic instrumental opening: Speaks of the way cinema gives form and shape to long forgotten names and figures ,like Karnan, Kattabomman etc; (why, even God, for that matter) and enriches our imagination. Vaali fondly recalls the employment generated for scores of people by way of group dancing and extras. And the kind of co operation that goes into bringing out a movie. The song also happily revels in the fame achieved by the Superstar, cutting across all layers of society! ‘Super staarum sooriyanum dhaan ulagam suttri’ is an impish line, truly! Seems to be based on Natabhairavi scale with the phrase’ paa saa nee dha’ employed attractively. Violins are very pleasingly used. A fitting tribute to the industry in Shankar Mahadevan’s passionate voice. Strong rhythms seem to cut into the smooth flow of the lyric.

Sollamma, Sollamma
Vocals: Hariharan, Sujatha, Ranjani, Pooja, Lyrics: P.Vijay

A pleasant surprise of a song, with lovely use of Pahadi strains. Paints a picture of happiness and love in the midst of gentle poverty. Wherever ghatam and flute combine, it is sheer delight! Mandolin and guitar also make their combined presence felt. Sujatha sings with feeling and a lot of polish. Hariharan is as sweet as ever, and the younger voices have been blended well, too. You need time to relish the intricate musical phrases scattered throughout this piece and the lyric itself. Could be a hit soon

Om Zaarere
Vocals: Daler Mehndi, Chitra, Sadhana Sargam, Lyrics: Vaali

A collection of Rajini movie titles have been strung together in this


song. The instrumental interludes have been programmed with Rajini’s unique walking style in mind, is what one feels! Who sings this on screen remains to be seen. Daler Mehndi sings with josh and of course a ‘northie’ pronounciation. The constant refrain’ om zaarere’ is quite catchy. Chitra and Sadhana Sargam combine effortlessly. The jandai vaadhyam at the end flows smoothly along with the typical Punjabi beat of the song.


Chaaral
Vocals: Shreya Ghosal & chorus, Lyrics: Dr.Kridhaya

A young woman’s ecstatic response to falling rain is what this song is all about. All the rain related sounds, like the’ plop’ of water, croaking of frogs have been blended in. The take-off’ sagamapamaaga’ is very lilting. Shreya delights with her spontaneity. Guitar and violin too sound very soothing with a base of Gambhira nattai for this song. The lyrics are just about smooth. Could have been better.

Perinba
Vocals: Kailash Kher, V.V.Prasanna, Lyrics: Yugabarathy

A real hip-shaking, foot-tapping number which establishes the ‘Rahmanesque’ pedigree of G.V.Prakash. The song has a sufi-song rhythm to it which lingers on in your mind long after you’ve heard it. Appears to be based on Sindubhairavi, at least the song! The rhythm alone (Chatusra laghu) carries the song through and the other instruments are incidental. High pitched and low pitched renderings alternate. This song is another ode to Rajini and sings about his universal appeal .Could make it to the charts too.

Verdict:

G.V.Prakash has a natural talent for music composition. Being young (only 22) he seems to be naturally disposed towards strong rhythms over melodies, though he could have given what the film itself demanded here. One affectionately hopes that this young lad delight us with many more memorable songs in the years to come. A dedicated attempt from this young man!


Trisha, the top south Indian actress walked the ramp at the Chennai based designer Sidney S S- Spring Summer 2008- at the Taj Ball room in Chennai in a new line in the realm of couture. Essentially comprising of embroidered kurta sets and classic shirts, this range was a particular hit with the fast emerging metrosexual! Sidney’s latest collection, that the designer put together early this year, was S3-pret.

Sidney has dressed Chennai’s younger stars from Trisha, Shriya, Namitha, Sneha, Jeyam Ravi, Simbu and others! The Collection this season was inspired by his recent trip to London more specifically England.



Sidney debut venture in Kollywood was for Mani Ratnam produced film - ‘Five Star’. But that’s not all! Sidney’s creations literally traveled to the masses when he designed garments for the ‘Superstar’ of Tamil cinema - Rajnikanth - for his blockbuster Chandramukhi.The success of ‘Chandramukhi’ and Rajnikanth’s outfits are topics of conversation, even today. He then went on to design the costumes for a Hollywood movie named ‘Maya’.



Trisha`s mom Uma Krishnan was seen enjoying the evening with her friends. She was busy clicking pics and was seen tensed when Trisha walked as the show stopper at the end of the show.
Says Sidney: “We have always seen to it that all previous collection has been inspired by the heart, we can assure you that this collection is something that has never been seen before more so especially because I have made it extremely personal.”And “I am happy and pleased to release my Spring -Summer 2008 line apt fully titled “All the world`s a stage”.



Simran incidentally is the gorgeous and ravishing brand ambassador of Sidney’s creations.

Kuselan breaks first-day records!



In spite of fears from internet downloads and other pirated forms of music posing a threat, Kuselan audio CDs have been sold in huge numbers in just one day of its release. As per the latest sales statistics taken around the city, 2 lakh CDs have been sold. And the second day has also seen a surge in the sales of the album according to trade analysts.Kuselan’s audio was launched on Monday, June 30, 2008 evening in Chennai. G V Prakash has scored the music, and the album has 5 songs. The movie is gearing up for a grand release on July 25, 2008.

Villu’s midnight grind!


After wrapping up the first schedule in Palani, the second schedule of the Prabhu Deva directed, Vijay starrer is underway in Chennai from July 1, 2008. The shoots are being carried out with stringent security measures in and around the Nandambakkam area late into the night. We worked our sources and found out that a few hair- raising stunt sequences are being canned in Nandambakkam.

The crew is expected to complete the schedule in 15 days after which it would travel to Thirunelveli for filming some significant sequences. Also, Nayan will join the crew during this leg of the shooting, reveal sources.

IPL girl not concerned about criticism

Lekha Washington, the former SS music VJ took up the centre stage during the IPL cricket matches as anchor in Sony TV. This talented young girl is a qualified film maker and also a sculptor. Jayam Kondaan, her first film in Tamil with Vinay is ready to hit the screens soon where she features as Brinda, the sister of Vinay. While talking about the film, Lekha says, “People are surprised when I say that I have donned the role of Vinay’s sister in the film. They think that my role may be a small one. But I wish to state that my role is as powerful and difficult as that of Vinay’s or Bhavana’s. I am not concerned about what others think or say. As long as I am convinced about my character in the film, I will go ahead and do it.”

On her future projects, this slim actress says that she has been getting offers from Bollywood but would reveal details only after she signs on the dotted line. In Tamil she is slated to appear as heroine for a leading hero, the details of which would be divulged after a while.

Ajith in a film on St.Thomas

Ajith will be featuring in a film to be funded by the Catholic Archdiocese of Chennai, Mylapore, on St. Thomas. This 50 crore project will be launched this evening (03.07.08) at St.Thomas Cathedral, Santhome under the auspices of Honorable Chief Minister of Tamil Nadu Karunanidi. While disclosing details about the film, Dr.Paulraj Lourdusamy, chief researcher and script writer of the film said that St.Thomas will be a multilingual film made in many Indian languages. Currently, they are searching for faces with divine aura. He also mentioned that on a chance meeting with Ajith and Shalini, he had asked them if they would be willing to act in the film to which the star couple had given their consent. The film will go on floors from January in many locales in Kerala.

Neha Duphia Gallery