Shriya's slap

On the day of Ugadi Shriya slapped a fan.

Shriya visited the Tirupathi temple at 2.30 in the morning to worship the deity on the Telugu New Year Day. The local M.L.A. had made all the arrangements. That dutiful M.L.A. had also arranged for the lone security.

After the worship she left the premises at 4 in the morning. A fan that was fascinated by her divine look followed her very closely. It is said that he tried to shake hands with Shriya.

As if stung, Shriya pulled back her hand.Not discouraged by this, the fan tried to touch her thigh and a thunderous slap hit his cheek. It is just that Shriya slapped him.

What a way for Shriya to start the New Year with action!

Aamir leads, many blog along

When some men take the lead others follow. Only a few men can make people follow without persuasion and Aamir Khan seems to be one of them. Following a good example is not a bad thing, the only condition being that the pioneer must not be replicated. Every inspiration must have its own identity, only time will tell whether everyone has managed a distinct identity. We are talking about the new craze that Aamir seems to have sparked off in Bollywood. No, it is not the shaving of the head or refusing awards, it is as simple as blogging. Well, blogging was a simple thing just a few a months back but after Aamir’s personal blog became very popular with his fans many film personalities have discovered that it is indeed a great way to keep in touch with fans, get constructive feedback and realize certain ground realities without having to go into a crowd and running the risk of being mobbed, as Shriya might know.

So, as an offshoot of Aamir Khan’s blog we now have three other personalities who have launched their own. Amrita Rao, then item girl Koena Mitra and the latest addition - ace director Kunal Kohli. Now, each of them claims to be different. And they are different. Kunal Kohli has said that he will not use his blog to promote his films, only to receive feedback from the audience first hand. Amrita Rao’s is more of a full-fledged site with filmographies, biographies etc, while Koena Mitra’s blog is a lot more personal. It seems like a means to counter the umpteen number of stories that keep circulating about her in the media, all thanks to her item girl image.

Aamir lead and 3 followed. Any other takers?

Rajini’s statement and the aftermath

Looks like superstar Rajinikanth’s opinion about the Hogenakkal water issue has stirred more than a hornet. While Karnataka fumed over his statement that bashed the miscreants who disrupted peace in the lives of poor Tamils who made Bangalore their abode and asked for an unconditional apology, the superstar reiterated his opinion and further declared that he did not hurt the sentiments of people in Karnataka.

Rajini also snubbed reports that claimed to ban his movies in Karnataka until he offered an unconditional apology. The extremist factions in Karnataka have refused to accept Rajini’s statement and are stubborn for an unconditional apology warning to refuse his entry into the state.

Following this, Rajini fans have staged a protest in Coimbatore and distributed posters that contained slogans supporting the superstar. The demonstration also witnessed announcements being made by the fans on widespread protests if organizations in Karnataka did not drop charges against Rajini.

First Tamil movie in iPod

That Vallamai Thaaraayo, starring Parthiban and Chaya Singh, is going to be different is evident right away. Directed by a woman – Madhumitha – a filmmaker of short film from the U.S., the film affirms that there is life after divorce for a woman. Its audio release held last evening at the Rani Seethai hall had the grandeur and excitement of a wedding. For onlookers outside and those inside, the hall was decorated tastefully. Skipping conventional ways of releasing an audio (with a CD or a cardboard cutout of a CD) the people behind Vallamai Thaaraayo released it with an iPod. The team members received the first copy. And instead of merely screening the songs, they had playbacks singers (Anuradha Sriram, Baradwaj) and dancers actually sing and dance the tracks live on stage. Legendary singer P.B. Srinivas released the iPod-CD combo. Bharadwaj is the music composer.

Vallamai Thaaraayo is produced by the director’s parents, Nalini Sunderaman and SriSakthi Sunderaman, and they intended the function to also be a time of honoring seasoned artists such as MN Rajam, A.L. Ragahavan, Veneeradai Nirmala, Manjula and Vijaykumar, Ravichandran, Srkanth, Sankar Ganesh, Sathya Priya and Veeraswamy – all of whom came up on stage and received mementos. Also starring in the film are Anandraj, Kuyili, Devi Priya and Karna, all of whom were present.

Director Madumitha said Vallamai Thorai is “a sensitive portrait of a woman, her feelings and her desires. It explores my convictions that life does not need to be accepted as it is.” Like the movie, the songs have a very different feel to them.

Director Ameer Supports

Dhanush emerging director?

Directors are becoming actors and vice versa. The latest name to be added to this actor-turning-director list will be that of Dhanush, the son-in-law of superstar Rajinikanth.

The young actor revealed about his passion for direction in a recent interview to a local newspaper. Dhanush has been shooting for his film 'Padikadhavan' at Guindy, Chennai. Dhanush revealed his desire to the news man and even told him that he is even ready with the script.

On query as to whether he will begin to direct immediately, the actor revealed that he has plans to start directing a film next year. Dhanush will be a director for this film and also hopes to direct a hero. But if the hero is not able to do justice to the role than he might himself have to don the role of the protagonist he described.

When asked if his passion for direction was a new-found interest, the actor revealed that he had been doing his home work for the past four to five years.

Dhanush sure seems to be a man with a mission. Here is wishing him the very best for his directorial venture.

Swarnamalya in trouble

It has become a habit with Swarnamalya to get into trouble one a year.

First her name was mentioned in the issue of Kanchi monks. Then every other month ghosts were coming out with Swarnamalya in scandalous video, her intimate photographs and so on. But they were all total lies.

She kept away from controversies and concentrated on her dancing. There is a danger for that too.A photograph of Swarnamalya kissing a young person is going around in the Internet and she is a divorcee. It is said that that young person is a married man with children.All are coming together to talk about this unwanted relationship.

A big lineup leading to Robot

EROS INTERNATIONAL ANNOUNCES THE LARGEST LINE-UP OF FILMS FOR AN INDIAN MEDIA & ENTERTAINMENT COMPANY EVER

Studio set to dominate market with over 35 releases this year
Mumbai / London / New York / Los Angeles: 7th April, 2008: Eros International, the leading company in the Indian media and entertainment sector announces an unprecedented line-up of films for 2008 by an Indian studio. Following a highly successful 2007 with some of the biggest blockbusters including Namastey London, Partner, Heyy Babyy and Om Shanti Om, Eros has further raised the stakes by releasing an unrivaled line-up of more than 35 releases this year including many groundbreaking Tamil films.

In the regional cinema space, leading integrated Tamil media & entertainment company Ayngaran International, an Eros International company, has at least 15 films lined up for release this year. Films by directors like Prabhu Deva, Raju Sundaram, Jhananthan, Vishnu Vardhan, Selva Raghavan and other leading filmmakers will be part of the Eros-Ayngaran bouquet.

Robot would be Eros International-Ayngaran’s mega project in Kollywood which involves the crème-la-de-crème of the Indian film industry viz. Super Star Rajnikanth, former Miss World Aishwarya Rai, renowned director Shankar and Mozart of Madras A R Rahman. This combination has raised the expectations not only in the national arena but also in the international horizon

In addition to Robot the Eros International-Ayngaran slate includes Aegan by Raju Sundaram starring south superstars Ajith and Nayanthara, a yet untitled project by dancing legend Prabhu Deva in the director’s chair with Vijay and Nayantara in the leads, Peraanmai by Jhananathan having Jeyam Ravi as the lead star, Sarvam by Vishnu Vardhan and Arya along with Trisha in the lead roles, two untitled projects by Selva Raghavan and a host of other films.
The international line-up of Tamil films include Kuruvi by Dharani starring Vijay and Trisha, Jeeva and Aneez’ Dhaam Dhoom with Jeyam Ravi and Kangana Ranaut in the lead, Varanam Ayiram by Gautam Menon and starring Surya with Sameera, Kanthaswamy with Vikram and Shriya, the Surya and Tamanna starrer Ayan and more.

With this unprecedented line-up, Eros International will again raise and set the bar for the Indian Media and Entertainment industry this year.

TAMIL TITLES
FILM TITLE PRODUCER DIRECTOR CAST
Aegan Ayngaran Raju Sundaram Ajith, Nayanthara
Yet to be titled Ayngaran Prabhu Deva Vijay, Nayanthara
Peraanmai Ayngaran Jananathan Jeyam Ravi
Sarvam Ayngaran Vishnuvardhan Arya, Trisha
Yet to be titled Ayngaran Selvaraghavan Dhanush
Yet to be titled Pokkiri Ramesh Selvaraghavan Not fixed
Angadi Theru Ayngaran Vasantha Balan Mohan, Anjali
Muniyaandi Thiru Pictures Thirumurugan Bharath
Sevvel Chinna Creations Hari Bharath
Durai Rajalakshmi Films A.Venkatesh Arjun, Padmapriya
Yet to be titled Kavithalaya TBC Jeeva
Yet to be titled Kavithalaya TBC Arjun
TAMIL SLATE
INTERNATIONAL RIGHTS

FILM TITLE DIRECTOR CAST
Kuruvi Dharani Vijay, Trisha
Dhaam Dhoom Jeeva & Aneez Jeyam Ravi, Kangana Ranaut
Vaaranam Aayiram Gautham Menon Surya, Sameera
Kanthaswamy Susi Ganesan Vikram, Shriya
Ayan K.V Anand Surya, Tamanna
Arai En 305il Kadavul Simbudevan Prakashraj, Santhanam

The award goes to Mohanlal and Meera Jasmine

The Kerala Government’s 38th Annual Film Awards was announced yesterday (April 8, 2008). The best actor and actress awards were bagged by Mohanlal and Meera Jasmine for the films Paradesi and Ore Kadal respectively.

Director Sasi won the best director award for the film Adayalangal, which was also adjudged the best film of the year. The best playback singer’s award for the male and female section went to Vijay Jesudas and Shwetha, respectively. Murali and Lakshmi Gopalswamy were declared the best character artistes in the male and female category.

Katha Parayumbol was voted as the best film by the fans. Incidentally, this film is being remade in Tamil, as Kuselan, with Rajinikanth playing the lead role.

This film has nothing that you expect!

Director Jananathan of the Iyarkai and E fame is currently directing a film – Peraanmai – that features five heroines. If you think with five heroines and all new faces, it would be nothing short of a glamorous riot; then you are absolutely wrong. According to the director, there are no separate songs for each of the heroine as most of the multi-heroine subject generally have, which itself makes it a unique film.

Interestingly, Jananathan has accommodated all the five heroines in the same house and is having them trained in martial arts, swimming, rifle shooting etc. “While many consider it essential to learn dancing to enter the film industry, it is not necessary for my film,” said the director. As it is an out-and-out action flick, the heroines are trained to suit their roles to perfection. Well, it needs to be seen what it is all about.

Vijay’s back to back episode to begin

Kuruvi, the project that Ilaya Thalapathy is involved currently is getting ready for release on the 9th of May. This project of the actor in association with director Dharani and Trisha has evinced interest among his fans. It has been reported that there will be no special function to release the audio and arrangements have been made to ensure availability of audio in stores directly. Meanwhile, his next project with Prabhu Deva and Nayanthara is slated to commence on May 9th on the same day as that of Kuruvi’s release. This is certainly interesting fact to rejoice for all his fans.

Danush's mega comedy alliance

Dhanush’s Padikadhavan ran into rough weather when FEFSI issued a ban against the actor in a case of complaint received from Gemini Labs that he did not honor his commitment towards them. Now this issue has been solved amicably between the concerned parties much to the relief of everyone involved. As per this, Dhanush, after completing the first schedule of Padikadhavan, will be working for a project with Gemini Labs and then onwards has agreed to work simultaneously in both the projects. Now that the problem is put to rest, Padikadhavan’s shooting has resumed.

Danush's films have always been rich in comedy. What Padikkathanvan offers is Danush plus Vadivelu – a potent combination that hasn't been explored so far. Joining Vadivelu are a team of comedians such as Mayilsamy, and Ganesh. The film's director, Suraj, is known for bringing out the best in Vadivelu. What was special about Thalainagaram and Marudhamalai was Vadivelu's antics. In Padikathanvan, Vadivuelu is called Alert Arumugam.

Director Suraj says both the title for the movie and the story is something he came up with, and Danush gladly accepted both. A. Venkatesh will wield the camera, while Mani Sharma will compose music.

S J Suryah’s sacrifice

Newtonin Moonram Vidhi is the title of S.J. Suryah’s next film. As like the unusual title, the film’s storyline will also be different, says the director-turned-actor. Though avenging a murder forms the crux of the story, he claims that the method employed will be very different and interesting.Speaking about his future plans, Suryah made it quite clear that he has no intentions to tie the nuptial knot now, as it would hamper his growth in the film industry. He reiterated his stand by stating that he still has miles to go before achieving something worthwhile in the industry. That’s a true sacrifice indeed!

Priyamani’s desire…

Priyamani is riding high with projects from big banners lined up for her. Presently, she has bagged the lead role in the film that is to be produced by Gemini Film Circuit. This is a remake of the hit Malayalam film – Classmate. According the actress, who would be sharing the screen space with Prithiviraj, the audience would see a different Priyamani –neither resembling Paruthiveeran Muthazhagi nor Thotta Priyamani. The film’s shooting is scheduled to commence from June onwards.

Another project that has her busy is Hare Ram – a Telugu film, where she dons a comedy character. She is so smitten by her role in this film that she has expressed her desire to star in such a character in at least one Tamil film some time soon.

Sarath supports Rajinikanth

Superstar Rajinikanth came under a lot of flak from Kannadigas for supporting the Tamil film fraternity. The people of Karnataka have threatened to boycott his films. Sarathkumar, talking on this issue, has expresses disappointment over this treatment meted out to one of the biggest stars of Indian Cinema.

As President of the Nadigar Sangam, he has asked all those not present at the hunger strike on April 4th to show cause for thier absence.

Trisha going strong

It seems Trisha is having a whale of time in both Tamil and Telugu filmdom. She is awaiting the release of 'Kuruvi' opposite Vijay.

Meanwhile, 'Abhiyum Nanum', directed by Radha Mohan is nearing completion. Also she is tipped to act in director Vishnuvardhan's next opposite Arya. Also she has been assigned to act in a Goutham Menon's film soon.

Buzz is that she has bagged the plum role to play Nagarjuna's heroine in Telugu film King besides a couple of big projects.

She is flying soon to New Zealand to shoot a song sequence for 'Kuruvi'.

Jalsa images

Piya in 'Ekan'

Filming for 'Ekan' is happening at a rapid pace. Raju Sundaram directed the action scenes with the bearded Ajith. But now, Ajith has removed his beard.

Director has given more importance to romantic and sentiment scenes.

Going by the story, Ajith's father has two wives. Ajith is the son of the first wife. Suhasini is the second wife whose son is Navdeep.There is a pair for Navdeep in the film. Not having found any one suitable in Tamilnadu, they have imported her from the North. Her name is Piya, a popular Mumbai model.

For the first time Piya is acting in a Tamil film.

Trisha to participate in a Film festival

Indo Cine Appreciation Foundation (ICAF) is jointly promoting a film festival with the European Union and South Indian Film Chamber of Commerce.European Union leader Anton Kokala is inaugurating the festival which starts today and continues up to 17th. Kannan, the president of Indo Cine Appreciation Foundation is presiding over the function.

Films from Europe will be screed at this 13th European Union Film Festival.

In this inauguration, Film Chamber President K.R.G., Producers' Council President Ramanarayanan, actor Trisha, Sai Mira company Executive Director P.S.Swaminathan will participate.20 films will be screed during the festival. Films from Finland, Germany Poland, Nederland Sweden and Austria are also included in it.

Robot producer dreams bigger

No entertainment company has created as wide a global platform for Indian cinema as Eros International. They operate in over 50 countries, releasing more than 35 new films globally every year in English, Hindi and Tamil. But more significantly, it has a library (which is growing rapidly by the day) of films that total
more than 1900 titles. And now Eros has just signed a 3-year content licensing deal with Aksh Optifibre Ltd (a large-scale manufacturer of cable and optical fibre) on an upfront fee plus revenue share basis. Through this agreement Eros’ Bollywood content will be distributed on A-Tel, Aksh’s IPTV platform.

This will be a video on demand service, allowing A-Tel subscribers access to Bollywood movies in the comfort of their homes. In addition to movies, they will air music videos, new film promos, celebrity interviews, and award nights. “The collaboration with Eros International, said A-Tel’s MD, Dr. Choudhari, “is to provide world class entertainment to our A-Tel subscribers."

In turn, Ms. Jyoti Deshpande, Commercial director of Eros International, spoke of the agreement, saying, "Eros is a leading pioneer in new media initiatives within the Indian Entertainment sector and is pleased to be providing Aksh with a movie service for their IPTV platform, leveraging our blockbuster film content."

Action against Shankar, Manirathnam, A.R.Rahman & others?

The hunger strike called by the Film Producers’ Council to protest against Karnataka’s stance in the Hokkenakal project was a massive success. Many top film artistes, producers, technicians, TV artistes and directors participated in the daylong strike to show their solidarity in the issue. However, some notable personalities were conspicuous with their absence. Among them were Shankar, Manirathnam, Thangar Bachan, Illayaraja, A.R. Rahman, Karthik, Napoleon, Asin, Revathi, Suhasini etc. According to our sources, most of them are sending in their apologies and reasons for their absence to pacify the respective affiliations they are associated with. With the hunger strike turning out to be a great success, it looks like there might not be any strong action against them if they provide a valid reason.

Surya replaces Vishal

It was reported earlier that Vishal had bagged the superhero role for Mysskin’s next venture and Vikram Krishna would produce the same. With the actor pulling out suddenly, uncertainty looms large as to who would be the superhero. The latest buzz, however, is that Surya has been offered the role and Radaan and Sun TV together intends to produce the venture. However, we will get a clear picture of this project only when director Mysskin comes out with a clear-cut statement. Meanwhile, the director’s full concentration seems to be focused towards his forthcoming venture Nandalala.

Hunger Strike

Rajini says Kannadas also watch his films

The hue and cry over some remarks made by Rajinikanth reached its pinnacle with some Kannada outfits torching the star’s effigy. It has also been declared that his films would be banned from the state until he renders an unconditional apology. Reacting to these sentiments, the actor said that not only Tamilians but Kannadigas also see and enjoy his films. The superstar also came up with a counter clarifying the statement he made in the strike. According to the actor, his statement that those instigating violence should be beaten has been misconstrued as all Kannadigas should be beaten. Condemning it strongly, he said that some sections of the society are falsely spreading such statements.

The speech made by him is being represented out of context in order to instigate violence, he felt. He also challenged that if people like Parvathamma Raj Kumar, Girish Karnad, Ambarish, Vishnu Vardhan and Aswath feel that what he has spoken has hurt the sentiments of Kannadigas then he is ready to render an unconditional apology.

Linguistic chauvenist!

'Sathyaraj's speech during the event of hogenakkal fast is intolerable. Speaking in Thalaivar's word Sathyaraj the so called puratchi tamizhan is an example (of how a person should not live!) for us. How jealous, crooked and greedy he is! God are you still there or not!

Sathyaraj cannot call himself a human any more. If he calls himself a "tamilian" henceforth then its a shame for all cultured tamilians.

He not only criticized Rajini but also yelled at the tamilians describing them as "Maram etc., (also 'Maram'-dead body)". Since Sathyaraj is a tamilian (MGR and him are malayalees aren't they) can he say anything!

By his speech he also has created a fear in the minds of all communities. If tamilians alone can come up in tamilnadu and if they alone can live in the state then sure the tamilians from all other states and countries will be kicked out as the same rule will apply to everyone.

In India everyone can go anywhere and work anywhere. We all have the freedom to speak, learn and earn anywhere. Who the hell is he to say like this. Is he the godfather of tamilnadu?

I would like to request all the people belonging to different communities (Hindi, telugu, Malayalam etc.,) to be united in this time of crisis. Or else you will be a prey of guys like Sathyaraj (Linguistic chauvenist) who dislikes other community groups progressing in their state.

There are some politicians who are resisting such a speech (i know they would have loved his criticism on rajini. But do they also agree that they are 'Marams'. I hope guys like Sathyaraj should be nipped in the budding stage itself at any cost). He also said, 'he would die rather then uttering Rajini's name'. Will anyone care if he dies?

Vairamuthu in his speech said that Sathyaraj is another 'Periyaar'. Is Periyaar a fellow who is that cheap! Who knows may be he is right. Atleast now God gave an opportunity for our Thailavar to understand whom his real friends are.

Innocence is also a crime. Our Thalaivar is so innocent as he was easily caught into the trap as a result of this event. I hope atleast now he realises the truth and will act accordingly. As a result of his speech he now has his own state (Karnataka) against him. This is what everyone (whole tamil film industry and politicians) were waiting for. They want to destroy our Thalaivar's image by all means. But this is only temporary.

Superstar denies insulting Kannadigas

Bangalore: Under fire from pro-Kannada outfits and political party leaders for his reported remarks about the protests in Karnataka against the Hogenakkal water project, actor Rajnikant on Sunday rejected the allegation that he insulted Kannadigas.

“It is a malicious propaganda unleashed against me by some people. I am not an unwise person to pass remarks that offend the sentiments of the people of Karnataka,” he said in a recorded statement released to some regional television channels here.

He clarified that during the fast by members of the Tamil film industry in Chennai on Friday, he only decried those who were creating trouble, asking that such people be “kicked.” He was not referring to all.

Upset by the storm of criticism his remarks evoked in Karnataka, including a demand for his apology and threats to block screening of his films, the actor said: “Do these people who are demanding my apology represent 5.5 crore Kannadigas?

“I haven’t done any wrong. But I am not averse to tendering an apology if I had committed any wrong,” he said. “If stalwarts like Parvathamma Rajkumar, Vishnuvardhan, Girish Karnad demand my apology, I will certainly tender

80 scenes, 70 locations, 5 heroines, one love

Director Jagannath, director of Raman Thediya Seethai, disclosed that it was not so difficult to direct five heroines at a time. Speaking about his project RTS, he said that Kajala, Navya Nair, Vimala Raman, Ramya Nambisan and Karthika were all very cooperative. Though the theme is about searching a bride, the entire movie does not revolve around that. The story also has three love stories weaved into it. RTS comprises only about 80 scenes and it was shot in 70 locations in Chennai, Nagercoil and Pondicherry. With just two songs remaining to be shot, the film is expected to hit the theatres during the second week of June.

Trisha foundation

One of the top actresses in the Tamil film industry, Trisha stakes claim to the first woman’s fan club. And her birthday saw her launch the Trisha Foundation, which also has a connection to her fan club.

“It’s a foundation started by my fan club head Jassi. We just do different things like helping out children and starting new projects like where you have more people coming in to help us. Everything is taken care of by them and I just help them whenever I’m in town and I guess if I probably tell someone, they’ll listen to me and come forward, that’s what we want,” Trisha said.

More details about Trisha foundation can be found at http://www.trishafoundation.org. The website has quite good details about the service that they provide and the gallery of Trisha in her foundation service.

The contact address of Trisha Krishnan foundation is :
No:20 Flowers Street, Detective Complex,
Near Saidapet Police Station,
Chennai.
Tamilnadu.
Mobile : + 0 94440 16106, 99400 16808.
E-Mail : contact@trishafoundation.org
Hats Off Trisha for your great services. Keep the good work.

Kuselan - Awestruck Santhanam, doting Rajini

Of the multitude of stars and junior artistes who are part of Superstar Rajinikanth’s Kuselan, Santhanam is one. He plays the role of a production manager in the movie and considers the opportunity to be a case of his ‘dreams come true’. Santhanam recounts his first day shoot with the Superstar like yesterday and mentions it to be the first time he saw Rajini in close quarters.Dumbfound, I went to him and asked his permission to be photographed with him,” he states. The superstar, however, remarked as a matter of fact that they both were stars but did not turn down the wish. “I told him he was incomparable and no other star can come closer,” he adds.

The usually chirpy Santhanam confesses that he was a bundle of nerves when his scenes with the superstar were shot. “Rajini, however, sensed that I was nervous and made me relax with his attitude before we went in for the shoots,” Santhanam reminisces.

Kuselan is progressing day in and day out at the Ramoji Rao film city in Hyderabad with a truckload of stars.

Padikadhavan stalled at the start!

The start of Dhanush’s new film Padikadhavan has been inauspicious. The film has run into a ban by the Film Employees Federation of South India (FEFSI) on the first day of its shooting. The problem was Dhanush’s dates. The ban was imposed on the film by FEFSI upon receiving a complaint from the Gemini Labs banner. The production house claims that Dhanush had agreed to do a film for them immediately after Yaaradi Nee Mohini. However, the actor has dishonored the commitment and started work on Padikadhavan.

The shooting of the movie has been temporarily stalled till the issue is resolved. We do not know the truth of the matter, but whatever it is, the shooting of a movie being held up is not a solution to anybody’s problem. Hope matters are settled soon.



With Yaaradi Nee Mohini hitting the screens, Dhanush is now gearing up for his next film. Title: Padikadhavan. The film's first still was released yesterday amidst much curiosity among is fans. Though titled as such, the photograph depicts Dhanush as a highly educated intellectual. We need to wait for a while to know what it is all about. Tamanna plays Dhanush's on-screen pair.

The title, of course, is that of a yesteryear Rajini hit, which also starred Sivaji Ganesan. According to Kollywood circles, sentiment plays a pivotal role in titling Dhanush's films. If you recall, his Thiruvilayadal Aarambam, became a smash hit. Incidentally, Sivaji played the lead role in Thiruvilayadal a few decades ago. More recently, his film Polladhavan, another Rajini hit, also sent the cash registers ticking away to glory. Perhaps, this time too, the producers want to cash in on this newfound sentiment.

Silambarasan & Nayan back together

he thronging fans present at the star protests held in Chennai yesterday for the Hogenekkal issue raised their eyebrows in unison. Not at the sight of having to see stars in such huge numbers, but at the sight of Silambarasan and Nayanthara sitting next to each other. However, the breakup kid wasn’t paying much attention to his old flame and so was Nayan who pretended to be busy meddling with her cell phone.

Nayan was dressed in a body hugging black tee and the ‘big and trendy’ sunglasses while Silambarasan attended the gathering in a blue tee and wearing a hairstyle that proclaimed his newfound passion of tresses.

Stars make movies for us. They also design their offices, their workplaces, hideouts or their outlets, whatever you like to call it. Each office is distinct, bearing a stamp of the personality who works there. So, what does your favorite star’s office look like? Here we have, exclusivities on the offices of top 20 celebrities of Kollywood.

VIJAY

What catches your eye as you enter Vijay’s office is a life size cut out of Master Blaster Sachin Tendulkar, poised to play a shot. Well, all that might have to change because Sachin is a Mumbai Indian while Vijay is a Chennai Superkings ambassador.

KAMAL HAASAN

He loves cinema and wants to watch it any time he wants to, show them to his friends, family or visitors and that’s why he has a mini theater with about a seating capacity of 20 where he watches all films that he wants to. There is also a spiral staircase in the interior just wide enough for one person to walk, tastes that are beyond our understanding.

RAJINIKANTH

If you know a lot about Superstar then it might not be tough to predict what you will find there. Definitely a big picture of Sri Raghavendra and then there is a photo where Rajini is seen with many children of an orphanage. Simplicity-defines the Superstar and his office as well.

SHANKAR

His feel for grandeur doesn’t go amiss in his office either. With an indoor pool where you can see a variety of exotic fishes swimming around, Shankar’s office is an aesthetic treat. He likes to keep looking at the pond from time to time, especially during story discussions.

MANI RATNAM

Many of his films might have been shot in low light but his office is always bright with evening light. How’s that? Well, we are not very sure. We only know that Mani Ratnam’s office illumination is such that you always feel its evening, even during prolonged power cuts.

SELVARAGHAVAN

His office is just like one of his movies, simple and to the point. On a wall hangs a letter by Mani Ratnam in appreciation of Kadhal Kondaen, a possession he treasures.

SILAMBARASAN

A look inside and you will understand how secular a person Silambarasan is. Hinduism, Christianity and Islam are held in equal reverence here and then there are the memoirs of the golden era of T Rajendar and his super hits- a collection of shields of victories.

VISHAL

Quite simple, suggesting that he is a down to earth guy who puts family first. You can see a big photo of Vishal at a very young age with his elder brother Vikram. Both of them look bulky and surprisingly different from the fit bodies that they have now. Some transformation!

BHARATHIRAJA

Now, this is interesting. A hidden camera in the visitors room which Bharathiraja uses to observe all those who come knocking for an opportunity. Napoleon was one of the first beneficiaries of this unique method of casting, getting his break with Pudhu Nellu Pudhu Naattu

VIKRAM

A touch of heritage or history, whatever you like to call it. A mini terracotta army, somewhat resembling the ancient Chinese emperor’s tomb. Proudly on display is a letter of appreciation by K. Balachander and one by ex C.M. Jayalalitha for his services to Tsunami victims.

LINGUSAMY

His office is certainly a bit different, showing that he is still a student of cinema. With lots of books on movies and photos of many great men who can be called the ‘Fathers of cinema’, Lingusamy’s office might be a good place for those who want to learn about cinema.

CHERAN

He seems to be akin to the character he created in Thavamai Thavamirundhu, parents first. His office has a big photo of a moment captured when he had taken his parents to the Taj Mahal.

VIVEK

His comedy always has a message ad his office has one too. Lots of books placed in a shelf shaped like an eye showing that books are to be read. There is also a photo of Vivek receiving an award from A.P.J. Abdul Kalam- inspirational and invaluable.

GOUNDAMANI

This veteran laugh maker seems to have an eye for antiques. In his office you can see a classic gramophone of yore and a number of metal statues of a very old style of sculpting that look genuinely look period, though we don’t know whether they are skilled imitations.

VADIVELU

His office has a photograph of Murugesan, his close associate and manager who passed away recently. It is known that Murugesan had guided and helped Vadivelu a lot during his formative years.

JEYAM RAVI

Three photos hold places of prominence. Two are from family, one with brother Jeyam Raja and the other of his father Editor Mohan and brother switching on a camera. He third photo is however unrelated, that of Thomas Alva Edison. Now is Ravi a huge fan of Edison, the world’s most prolific inventor.

PARTHIBAN

He is known for not keeping any one design scheme in place for long. The current flavor being his poems, drawings and a lot of cute birds to welcome visitors. Only he knows what is next.

AJITH

Ajith is an intuitive person, we might think after visiting his office. Right in front of his seat is a board with a magnet at its center. It is said that the Ultimate Star aims at the bull’s eye with another magnet before taking important decisions. Is this some form of stress relief or a Steve Waugh style of idiosyncrasy?

Yaaradi Nee Mohini Movie review

Starring: Dhanush, Nayantara, Raguvaran, Karthick, Karunas, Mano Bala

Direction: Jawahar

Music: Yuvan Shankar Raja

Production: R.K. Productions
‘You guys going to work?” asks a distressed and unemployed Karunas - accompanied by Dhanush - to a few girls waiting in the bus station. There you have the quintessential Danush plot: a jobless youngman, his love-at-first-sight, a far from considerate and a subject-of-abuse father, and a love embroiled in an inconsiderate relationship. Yaaradi Nee Moghini is smartly packaged with everything inevitable in a Dhanush movie. With subdued emotions that hardly ever go overboard and in your face humor, director A. Jawahar gets everything right. Well, almost.
Dhanush is a happy go lucky guy desperately in search of a job despite his bare minimum qualifications. One of those job-search episodes makes him catch a glimpse of Nayan who works for a software company. Dhanush falls instantly in love and luck favors him to secure a job in the same company, much to his delight, in Nayan’s team.

While Dhanush nurtures his love for Nayan secretly, she turns a blind eye considering his lack of education and proper upbringing. And when he reveals his feelings, Nayan turns him down, further humiliating his father Raghuvaran, leading to death. Although secretly in love with Dhanush, Nayan, considering her orthodox Brahmin background, decides to be married to Karthick instead. The wedding has already been planned by her parents. However, in the end, she expresses her love to Dhanush the night before the wedding. Now it is for Dhanush to decide whether to accept the love that cost him so dearly or to turn his back and pretend to lead a normal life.


Dhanush has immense scope in a role that is tailor-made for him and he pulls it off with consummate ease. Be it as a distraught jobless youngster or a love struck man craving for the impassive dream girl, the job couldn’t have fit anyone else this well. Nayan dispels her bombshell act and proves that she can more than just that. She breaks into tears when needed, shows vicious contempt when rubbed the wrong way in the name of love, and looks endearing in songs.

Raghuvaran’s performance deserves a standing ovation and is a proof of how magnificent an actor he was. Ironically, there are scenes in the movie that has Dhanush perform Raghu’s last rituals that will reduce a viewer to tears.The humor goes with the flow, and scenes like the whole family of a dozen’s trip to the textile shop in a single vehicle is sure to bring the house down. Karunas establishes that Dhanush brings the best out of him yet again. Remember Polladhavan? However, it is hard not to frown, and often sneer, at the dialogue since it has B & C center audience written all over it.

Director Jawahar has neatly packaged the movie with less melodrama that is surprisingly tad unusual for a movie that focuses on a love story of a girl hailing from an orthodox family. Yuvan’s rerecording breathes life into the movie. So do the songs. Three of them linger long after you have left the theatre. Special mention must be made of the item number performed by a desi Shakira in the train that averts folks from sneaking out of the halls for a smoke. Kudos to the cinematographer who has captured Australia’s vibrant landscape breathtakingly. Bhaskar’s editing helps keep up the pace of the movie.

If you do not mind the usage of crude language, especially between a father and a son, and the dialogues in general that seem a little bent towards a B and C center audience, you are in for a total treat in the Dhanush brand style.

Few fries short of a happy meal!

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