2008 SICA AWARDS

SICA, the South Indian film Cinematographers Association held an awards night to honor the actors and actresses in the four south Indian languages Tamil, Telugu, Malayalam and Kannada for the year 2006-07.

The awards night took place from Chennai Nandhanam YMCA grounds yesterday, May 01, 2008. The names of all the award winners were announced during this event.

















The evening also witnessed a gala dance function, where many known stars from the south Indian film industry performed. There were grooving numbers performed on stage by Actors Vineeth, Shaam, Suneel Shetty, actresses Reema Sen, Namitha, Sangeetha, Sherin, Lakshmi Rai, Nila, and Poorna.

The movers and shakers of the south Indian film industry were present during the event.
















The most prominent among them were cinematographer-director Balumahendra, Music Director Viswanathan, Tamil film producer council president Rama Narayanan, Producers R.B. Chowdary, D Rama Naidu, actors Sathyaraj, Prakash Raj, Madhavan, Parthiban, Jeeva, Karthi, and Saikumar with his wife Disco Shanthi, actresses Priyamani, Naethra, Sandhya, Bhavana, and Kavya Madhavan, veteran actresses Manorama and Jayanthi.

The entire function was organized by Cinematographers Association along with G Ve films

"Nalai Namathe" Movie Launch

Muthirai launched

Director Srinath was jubilant as he was speaking to Galatta’s POC, Rakesh. The reason for his joy and ecstasy is his directorial debut in a movie whose story and screenplay has been done by Anees, wife of his guru Jeeva. He said that this film is a realization of the late eminent director Jeeva’s dream of turning all his assistant directors into directors one day. Srinath has assisted Jeeva in directing movies like 12B and Unnale Unnale.

Muthirai is a joint venture by Anees Jeeva and A.S.A. Productions. This promising movie has Nitin Sathya and Daniel Balaji in the lead roles with Manjari and Lakshmi Rai respectively as their love interests.'Muthirai' in Tamil means a mark in its own right. The movie promises to leave its pleasant mark and memories; hence the name Muthirai. The director was elusive about the story, but said that though it has two pivotal actors, Nithin and Daniel, in the lead, the movie is not about their friendship. The story is very interestingly built around a very small pivotal point.

With Lakshmi Rai and Manjari in the movie, there will be no paucity of glamour. Manjari is a fresh face from Mumbai, who at the moment is doing a film with Aamir Khan. Another interesting aspect of this movie is its music, created by the symbol of youth, Yuvanshankar Raja. Saleem, who has assisted Jeeva in camera works, is handling the camera for this film which also has Santhanam, Kishore Kumar, and Srinath himself in the cast.

The movie's launch was held today in the pesence of the movie's cast and crew. P.C. Sriram was the guest of honour.

Muthirai Event Photos

Prithviraj with nine different films

Prithviraj seems to have the most happening career among the younger stars in Mollywood. At present he is being casted in nine films, all different in their plot lines and presentations.

Prithviraj has just completed Malayalam films 'Thalappavu' and 'One Way Ticket' that will hit the screens, soon. He has done a cameo in AMMA's ‘Twenty Twenty’ and has started working in director Renjith's new flick 'Thirakkatha'.

His other new film in Mollywood includes Joshy’s 'Robin Hood' and Shaji Kailas's M G Road, which will feature him in triple roles.




In Kollywood, he is in a meaty role in 'Abhiyum Naanum' which also features Trisha and Prakash Raj in important roles. He is also doing important roles in the new projects directed by Mani Ratnam, Faazil and the new film produced by Shankar.

Prithviraj’s Faazil film is produced by Priyadarshan and also features Mamtha, Vineeth and baby Nivedhitha in lead roles. He is also the lead star in the remake of Malayalm hit 'Classmates' which will also have Priyamani in the female lead.

Apart from these movies, Prithviraj will also debut in Telugu this year in a film 'Police Police' which also stars actor Srikanth in a lead role.

Bipasha Walks for RAMP

Trisha In Sarvam

Director Vishnuvardhan’s next venture is Sarvam. It has Arya and Trisha in the lead. Vishnuvardhan, after giving hits like Arindhum Ariyamalum, Pattiyal, and Billa, has now written an action-packed story for Arya.

Initially, actor Suriya was slated to play the lead role but he could not allot any dates. Director Vishnuvardhan thought Arya would fit the bill perfectly and approached him.



Actor Arya, who was earlier fully occupied by Bala’s Naan Kadavul, was able to oblige since the movie was nearing completion. Vishnuvardhan even modified the script keeping in mind Arya’s image.

One more attraction in this movie apart from the hulky Arya is J.D. Chakravarthy, the tall bearded actor from Tollywood, who is villain in this movie. Yuvanshankar Raja scores the music. The camera work will be by Nirav Shah

Big day this Friday

It is a big Friday in Kollywood this week. A couple of big films will hit the floors on the day.

'Muthirai', which being produced by Aneez, wife of cinematographer-director Jeeva, who passed away recently, in association with Bollywood's Vikram Bhatt, will hit the floors on Friday.

The function would be graced by P C Sreeram, Manirathnam and Vikram. The movie directed by Sreenath has musical score by Yuvanshankar Raja. Nithin Sathya, Daniel Balaji and Lakshmi Rai forms part of the cast.

Interestingly, producer KRG's movie 'Guru En Alu' featuring Madhavan will have a grand muhurrat on Friday.

Directed by Selvah, the movie will feature Madhavan in an action-packed role.

Also Malayalam director Vinayan's Tamil venture ‘Naalai Namadhae’ will commence Friday.

Rajini agrees to foot all the expenses

Dance choreographer cum director cum actor Lawrence Raghavendra is running a home for differently abled people in Chennai where there are many inmates. It has been reported by the actor that super star Rajinikanth has agreed to completely pay the food expenses of the centre. While talking to the media on this Lawrence said, “I am very thankful to Rajini sir. We all know about his generosity and benevolence but he has reiterated this by agreeing to foot the expenses of food bills of the centre irrespective of its strength. This only goes on to prove his munificence”.

Lawrence is constructing a Raghavendra temple at Ambattur which will be ready in another three months. Rajinikanth will be participating in the kumbabishekam function.

Kuruvi comes with Popcorn!

Not that Kuruvi is a mushy popcorn romance, but it comes with one bag – of popcorn. Kuruvi tickets bought at Mayajaal – the multiplex in Chennai – are priced at Rs. 220/- flat. The compulsory addition to the ticket package include a bag of popcorn and a mug of cola (both being priced at Rs. 80/-). The movie is being released on Saturday, May 3, 2008 all over as against the customary Friday release date. The reason is the IPL match held on Friday that has Chennai Superkings (Vijay being the brand ambassador for the same) playing against Delhi Daredevils. It is only natural that the actor has to be present at the venue during the match - so are his fans.

Vijay’s summer extravaganza is directed by Dharani and has Trisha playing Vijay’s lead.

Tamil cinema

What would be the impact when two arch rivals share the stage? If everything goes right for the Nadigar Sangam, then Tamil Nadu could witness the most improbable – the current chief minister M. Karunanidhi and ex-chief minister J. Jayalalitha sharing the podium. Nadigar Sangam, celebrating Tamil cinema’s 75th anniversary, had conducted various cultural events in Singapore and Malaysia before winding up the celebrations in Chennai.

Planning a mega event, the President of the Sangam, Sarath Kumar said that plans are afoot to bring the two icons of Tamil cinema together for this mega event. Incidentally, both of them shot to limelight through the film industry before venturing into politics. Sarath also disclosed that Nadigar Sangam intends to start a school of acting in July-August to nurture the talent of budding artistes.

Mani Ratnam’s decision on next project!

Mani Ratnam has decided his next project to be produced under the Madras Talkies banner. Directed by Azhagamperumal, this will serve as the comeback venture for the director-turned-actor. After directing the critically received Madhavan – Jyothika starrer Dum Dum Dum, Azhagamperumal resorted to acting. His role as a corrupt politician for Pudupettai was well received among fans and critics alike. Besides, his role as a Tamil teacher in the recently released Jeeva starrer ‘Kattrathu Tamil’ has also come in for accolades from all quarters.

Mani recently nodded consent for Perumal’s script, say Madras Talkies sources. Other confirmatory details of this project are expected to be out with an official announcement soon.

Malaikottai 125th DAy Pics