Britney makes breakthrough

Ever since her separation from her second husband Kevin Federline, Britney Spears has been going through rough times. She seems to have been fighting with her own public image, damaging it time and again with her rather outrageous behaviour.

She was in an out of rehab owing to her alcoholic problems, and has even gone in for psychiatric evaluation following some inexplicable outbursts. Losing custody over her kids to Kevin only escalated her instability. Her comeback stage performance at the MTV Awards was a disaster and every other public appearance since has been blown out of proportion. Now however, after years of snubbing the media and being snubbed in return, at last the there is something good to write about the star.

Britney’s recent appearance on the TV show ‘How I Met your Mother’, which at first was criticized, turned out to be the best thing she’s done in ages! While shooting for the show, Britney said that she was having a blast and when the show was aired, the TV station had a blast! TRPs for the show increased manifold as viewership increased by over 3 million people! And now they want to have her on one more show as well, but she has to be available, of course!

It’s like her song goes, whether she’s neck-deep in scandal or washed spotlessly clean, somebody always wants a piece of her!

Madonna to adopt Indian kid

It’s taken six months to get Malawian officials to let Madonna mother a Malawian child, and one would think she would be over with her adopting dreams. But no!

Madonna, in spite of Guy Richie’s difference of opinion, wanted to adopt an African child. However, the adoption procedures were a total putoff and so the pop legend decided to let go of the aspiration for the time being. The couple were busy working their way through Malawian law and have at last been declared okay to adopt a Malwaian kid who will now move in with them into their London home. But instead of sitting back and enjoying being with her newly-adopted son, is now considering her next adoption. This time Madonna has decided it will be a child from India!

Guy Richie, however, is not too inclined towards the idea, but Madonna always has her way. The couple and their kids were recently in India and she was very much taken in with the country, its people and their culture. And has hence set her mind on giving an underprivileged Indian tot a life.

Superstar's super daughters!

Though their father is reigning in the Tamil film industry both the daughters chose to take a different path, well not too far away for the film field.

Soundarya Rajinikanth, the second daughter is as busy as a bee with her Ocher Studios and the filming of the 3D movie 'Sultan-The Warrior'.

And now Aishwarya Dhanush, the first daughter of Rajinikanth and wife of actor Dhanush has divulged her interest in directing films.

As the next step to attain her mission, reports indicate that Aishwarya has joined as the assistant director to Selvaraghavan in his film 'Ayirathil Oruvan'. This flick features Karthik of 'Paruthi Veeran' fame in the lead role.

Now again Selvaraghavan is the brother of Aishwarya's hubby, Dhanush. Aishwarya had joined as Selva's assistant recently, to be exact from the second schedule of 'Ayirathil Oruvan'.

It was actress Sonia Agarwal and wife of Selvaraghavan who was the assistant director for this film.

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