AR Rahman's upgraded website

AR Rahman has decided to give his website a face-lift after two long years. The decision came in after his fans did not find much information about the musician and his works. AR Rahman's web site will be officially re-launched on January 6th, 2009 coinciding with his 43rd birthday. The new website will have his smash hit

videos, live show grabs, concert footage, his photographs, and songs compositions.

The most interesting feature of the web site will be the "Rahman's Recommendation" wherein he will personally select the top 10 songs of a particular genre.

Courtesy: behindwoods.com

Ghajini rakes in big money

After Shah Rukh Khan's successful run with Rab Ne Bana Di Jodi, it is Aamir Khan who is bringing in all the earnings for Bollywood this year with Ghajini raking in Rs 40 crore in the first four days of its inauguration.

This means, Rab Ne and Ghajini together are likely to contribute over 20 percent to the overall box office collections of top 50 Hindi films released in 2008. Trade pundits estimate that 2008 will now generate Rs 900 crore to Rs 1,000 crore, or about 15 percent more than last year's collections.

Before the release of both Rab Ne and Ghajini, box office collections of top 50 Bollywood films was estimated at Rs 700 crore, about Rs 150 crore short of the collections of 2007 films, say trade experts.

Now the Aamir-starrer remake of Tamil film by the same name, Ghajini, is pegged to generate about Rs 100 crore within three weeks of its release on December 25, while Shah Rukh's Rab Ne has already crossed collections of Rs 100 crore, including those from the overseas market.

A scene from Ghajini"I do not expect any significant dip in the weekday's collections of Ghajini. The box office report is overwhelming," Aamir Khan said on a television channel on Sunday.

According to a Mumbai-based trade analyst, Rab Ne has already generated profits of Rs 35 crore for Yash Raj Films, while Ghajini will do the same for its producers Geetha Arts and its Indian distributors.

Earlier this month, leading box office analysts, including Komal Nahta and Taran Adarsh, had told Business Standard how these two films were most likely to bring back audiences to the theatres after the Mumbai terror attacks [Images] at the end of November.

"The weekend shows were mostly booked well in advance in our Mumbai and Delhi-NCR multiplexes. We expect a similar response the second weekend," a senior marketing executive of a leading multiplex chain said.

In January, the focus will shift from Aamir and Shah Rukh to Akshay Kumar , who will be starring in Chandni Chowk to China another awaited film.

Courtesy: rediff.com

A.R.Murugadoss Interview

He made heads turn and raised eyebrows – all at once – by associating with Aamir for the Hindi version of Gajini. Aamir, impressed by his credentials, wanted Murugadoss to direct him. He is on the verge of completing the project and sounds thrilled about his maiden Bollywood venture. This talented but unassuming director of monstrous blockbusters in Tamil and Telugu agreed to talk to us about Gajini, Aamir, his association with the Bollywood industry, and Superstar Rajinikanth. Enough fodder for a delectable chat served on an extra large platter.

“Unfortunately I can’t discuss about the project with Superstar in public.” Your Mirattal was dropped recently? It couldn’t take off owing to opinion differences between the film’s lead and the producers. There’s nothing much to it. On your ambitious project Gajini in Hindi. Gajini has shaped up very well and I’m satisfied. The movie is almost over- save for a couple of songs, the composition of which is underway. We will be able to wrap it up completely after the songs are shot. Bollywood through your eyes and experience My journey to Bollywood was through Tamil and Telugu. I was quite apprehensive about the venture since I don’t know the language. However, my worries eased out and my job became easier because of the project, since I’m familiar with it. The way people in Bollywood plan things amaze me. I felt like working for a corporate house. That is the huge difference I felt between Bollywood and the Tamil industry. Was it difficult to manage without knowing Hindi? Seriously. I felt it while developing the script, since the translator is not always available on the sets. It is more easier in Tamil since I could consult with people on how to improve it. However, with the lack of Hindi knowledge, I felt like working without a significant part of my body. I had to depend on many of my friends who can manage between Tamil and Hindi fluently. It was indeed a thrilling experience to work without knowing the language. When you had Aamir in the lead, any specific reasons for settling for Asin? Basically, she breathed life into the character in Tamil and I couldn’t think of anyone else donning the role. For the same reason, I didn’t have to think twice before fixing Asin. Surya six-pack - Aamir six-pack. What’s the difference? Well, I can’t reveal anything about Aamir’s six-pack since that forms the crux of the movie. And anyway, it’s for you to decide the difference between the two six-packs. You are involved in Gajini almost for the past two years. You don’t see that as a roadblock to your career? Not at all. I am quite aware of the reach and significance my project would get with the involvement of a star like Aamir Khan. Besides, I am only happy to work with and learn from a legend like Aamir Khan and two years doesn’t seem too long for the same reason. “Working with Aamir Khan for two years doesn’t seem long” Is the Hindi Gajini same as that of its Tamil counterpart? I have tweaked the script a little bit to suit the taste of the Hindi speaking audience. I also made sure that the story is not tampered with fearing that the essence would be lost. However, I could see that there are a lot of improvements made basically – the 20-minute long climax the Tamil version had, has been altered a bit. Besides, we have also added another song. Tell us something about the technicians who played a significant part in the making of the movie. I consider myself quite lucky for having Ravi K Chandran on my crew since I’m an ardent fan of his work. He is my neighbor and my walking partner in the mornings. We discuss quite a lot of cinema during those early morning strolls and I would constantly charm him into working with me. Luckily enough, he okay-ed the project and we hit it off. We used to make the Hindi speaking crowd go mad by discussing things in Tamil on the sets. Ravi has been immensely helpful and supportive for the project. What are your future plans in Hindi? Although I have no future plans drafted out for Hindi, I will continue to do projects if Gajini is successful, since Hindi films cover a vast market. And Tamil films will always remain close to my heart too. We are curious to know more about Aamir. Aamir called me after viewing Gajini – Tamil. As opposed to others who raise an eyebrow immediately upon meeting me for the first time, Aamir stayed composed until the end of our first meeting. He mentioned that he didn’t have much expectation before watching the movie. He also told me that he fell in love with the movie and found that the movie has soul in it. He revealed later that he had the picture of a 6 ft tall man and was shocked to see a rather short looking man. We hit it off soon after and Aamir has become a close friend in no time who invites me home for dinners quite often. He puts his heart and soul to the work and I adore that quality in him. It’s something every professional should have within, in my opinion. “Aamir Khan is a big fan of Vijay’s dance” Did you happen to meet any of your Tamil crewmembers while on the Gajini shoot? I met Vijay accidently in a lift at Ramoji Rao Studios. After initial pleasantries he asked me if he could visit the Gajini sets. I was shocked and invited him personally to the sets and introduced him to Aamir. To my surprise, Aamir immediately recognized him and said that he is a fan of Vijay and his dance. He also recollected how he and his wife would be glued to his songs on TV while in Chennai. Aamir also met Manobala during that occasion and remembered him from Gajini. Those ten days are unforgettable in my life. I also met Thotta Dharani in one of the Telugu film sets. It was like visiting a close relative’s house. The hospitality was simply remarkable. How would you rate Asin in the Tamil and Hindi versions of Gajini? It was little bit of a struggle for the first time in Tamil. However, she pulled it off beautifully in Hindi since there is not much difference to the character except for the dialogues. She is perfectly in tune with her Gajini character. Is Asin being used as eye candy? Don’t Bollywood films demand it though? Nope, I haven’t used Asin in that perspective and generally my films don’t show lead ladies in that light. I am simply not interested in that idea. “I haven’t used Asin in an ‘eye candy’ perspective and generally my films don’t show lead ladies in that light” “It’s funny; sometimes I have Kunjaramma in mind while creating a story” You once said only Vijayakanth could carry off the Ramana character. Although I don’t keep actors in mind while framing stories, I do think Ramana’s character is etched out for Vijayakanth. I did not in the wildest of my dreams think of working with Aamir while creating Gajini. Same way Dheena was supposed to have Vijay and turned out to be an Ajith film. Gajini was made for Ajith and Surya ended up starring in it. This ideology works for my Telugu movies too. It’s funny; sometimes I have Kunjaramma in mind while creating a story. That’s how things work with me. Any plans to direct Ajith in the near future? Not in the near future. Is there any specific reason for working with Surya again? Surya was available and hence I went ahead and booked him. Besides, I also share good rapport since I have worked with him earlier. Don’t village subjects interest you? Although I hail from a middle class family, I was not raised in a village. Films like Paruthiveeran can only happen if you have lived and experienced such circumstances. Otherwise such attempts would mean faking it. I have few ideas for stories though to be used later. Watched any Tamil movies lately? Yeah. Polladhavan and Subramaniapuram – both from two immensely talented directors. I enjoyed the movies a lot. Why did the project with Superstar Rajinikanth not take off? It’s true that I tried to work it out. However, unfortunately I am not in a position to discuss it in public. What is Bollywood’s general opinion of Tamil film industry? There is respect for South Indian talents in the Hindi film industry although a clear and visible divide between the South and North exists. There is also awareness about the working style of South Indian movies up North. Your message to Behindwoods readers. My warm wishes to Behindwoods readers. “I wanted the project with Superstar to be worked out. Unfortunately I can’t discuss that in public”

Courtesy:

Ghajini garners Rs. 32 crores in a day

Murugadoss and Aamir Khan’s Ghajini made history during Christmas 2008 – its worldwide box office collections touched Rs. 32 crores in just one day!!! Now this is some achievement!

This is an unprecedented box-office collection on the opening day for any film in the history of Indian Cinema. Yes! Not even this year’s biggest film, Singh Is Kinng, collected such a huge sum on its opening day! Let us compare this film’s opening day collections with that of its “competitor” Shahrukh Khan starrer Rab Ne Bana Di Jodi; Ghajini made Rs. 32 crores on its opening day but Rab Ne Bana Di Jodi collected Rs. 10 crore on its first day!

Can there be a greater achievement for a South Indian director?! Though Indian Cinema decentralized long ago, Bollywood is still considered the hub of Indian Cinema by many outsiders because it is true that none can match this pioneering industry’s grandeur. Rab Ne Bana Di Jodi is from the legendary producer Yash Raj and to overtake this film in the box-office race is quite an accomplishment; the magnificence of this record is doubled considering the film stars Shahrukh Khan, the box office Badshah!

Aamir, on his part, worked very hard for his film and gave it his all. At age 40, the actor built a physique akin to a bodybuilder's, which is a tremendous achievement in itself. He was completely devoted to the film – right from acting in it to marketing it, Aamir Khan did everything assiduously. Today, he and Murugadoss are enjoying the fruits of their hard work.

Having collected such a massive amount in just one day, this remake of Tamil film Ghajini (which was also directed by Murugadoss) is on its way to become an important milestone in the history of Indian Cinema.

Courtesy: galatta.com

Review: Watch Ghajini for the four As

Movie Review: Watch Ghajini for the four As Director A.R. Murugadoss Cast Aamir Khan,Asin,Jiah Khan

By Sonia Chopra

Not many films consider the villain so important as to name the film after them. The other film that comes to mind, tributing the villain this extent, is Kill Bill. The parallel doesn’t end here. In a dimly-lit flat in Mumbai, we see a man ruthlessly killing another; then peering curiously over the body. That’s Sanjay Singhania (Aamir), owner of Airvoice Telecom Company…wondering who he just murdered, as he suffers from temporary memory loss. But the name `Ghajini’ on the dead man’s phone brings back a flash of disconnected images that Sanjay cannot comprehend, leading him to futile aggravation. Each morning Sanjay wakes up wondering where he is; he sees the house littered with instructions: the one in the bathroom orders him to remove his shirt and he sees messages, phone numbers, the name Ghajini, and `revenge’ inscribed all over his body. He knows he must settle scores – just against whom, and for what, is the question. Meanwhile a cop, on Sanjay’s trail for the murder, gets hold of his diary. Sanjay’s laddie picture on the first page, such a departure from what he is today, takes us to the back-story. High flying businessman Sanjay meets sprightly, mischievously lying Kalpana (Asin) who works as a small-time model with an advertising company. (Lots of laughs in this portion, courtesy Asin’s natural flair for comedy) The scene where she, mistaking a journalist for an agency honcho, makes up details about her love life is hilarious. Sanjay, posing as a struggling model, woos her and then starts the most soulful, breezy love story you’ve seen in a long time. In most films, we rue that we don’t feel for the characters enough to be involved in their story…here, you care so much, you sit in fearful anticipation at what’s going to happen to the pair. That Sanjay and Kalpana’s bond is resolute, we understand not through passionate hints, but everyday gestures…things people in love do for each other that surprise even themselves. Kalpana selling her new prized possession to fund Sanjay’s mother’s operation (a story he concocted) is what their love is all about. What raises Ghajini above other revenge dramas (and Hindi films have had their fair share) is its ability to sweep us off with the tender, real romance, and bring us back to coarse violence without much warning. Experiencing this contrasting milieu makes the film at once a thriller, a love tale, a drama. The violence is gruesome yes, but Aamir excels in the action scenes, and his wounded animal-like passion for retribution has us cheering blatantly. Like Uma Thurman’s hunger for vengeance in Kill Bill, wiping off any distraction on the way, Sanjay doesn’t rest till he gets to Ghajini, who, on his part, is one of the most spine-chilling, despicable villains in recent times. This, despite his character written as a largely single note one (the Tamil version was a double role). Pradeep Rawat as Ghajini (he was seen as Aswadhama in Mahabharat and Deva in Lagaan) is believably intimidating. Aamir Khan gives a layered, intense performance yet again, and is especially effective in the scenes where his frustration and rage is desperately looking for direction. Asin is the revelation here. She’s a beautiful face, but that aside, the actress renders Kalpana so spunkily, you can’t help fall for the character. Jiah Khan as the medical student Sunita who embroils herself in the clammy situation is good, but the character seems an intrusion. Thankfully, the resemblance to Memento (a film that Aamir had earlier admitted to neither liking nor caring for) is restricted to the tattooed messages, the Polaroid snaps, and the plot involving the murdered love of the protagonist. A R Murgadoss, while skillfully crafting the story together, sadly adds in improbable elements like Sunita risking her life to follow Sanjay’s trail, Sanjay’s 15-minute memory span expanding to accommodate a full-blown action sequence, or him getting back on his feet despite all his clues wiped off. Background score is persistently present and its obviousness invades into the scope for audience interpretation. Music is one of its high points, though one found the picturisation too conventional for AR Rahman’s experimental tunes. Ravi K Chandran’s (Rab Ne Bana Di Jodi, Saawariya, Black) first-rate camerawork aids the storytelling. Editing is masterful and, though tad long, the film unfolds efficiently. For the four As—Aamir, Asin, A R Murgadoss and AR Rahman, this revenge drama gets a Grade A; recommended watching this extended weekend.

Courtesy: sify.com

'Endhiran' goes to Vellore

After shooting a song sequence in the parts of North Chennai, the cast and crew of Rajinikanth starrer 'Endhiran' including Aishwarya Rai Bachchan and director Shankar is now in Vellore to shoot some important sequences for the movie.

Rajinikanth, Aishwarya Rai and Shankar reached Vellore by road and they were taken to Vellore Institute of Technology where shooting was done amidst tight security. The details about Rajinikanth's visit to Vellore had been kept secret and security was tight in the vicinity.

A few scenes involving Rajinikanth and Aishwarya were canned by Rathanvelu with Shankar giving instructions to his crew. Produced by Sun Pictures, 'Endhiran' has musical score by A R Rahman.

Courtesy: indaglitz.com

Ghajini: Aamir’s most commercial film yet

This is a first. Aamir Khan has gone the Shah Rukh Khan and Akshay Kumar way — the actor in him has given way to the star. He’s finally starred in a film that totally rides on his star power and as you discover once you’ve watched “Ghajini”, it’s not such a bad thing after all.
Khan plays Sanjay Singhania, a telecom tycoon, who we are told suffers from short-term memory loss. Singhania’s memory is wiped clean after every 15 minutes and to keep himself updated with his life, he has to continuously take pictures of his surroundings, write notes to himself and tattoo important facts on his torso.
All these important facts pertain to his one aim — killing the man who murdered the love of his life. The story moves back and forth, narrating Sanjay’s gradual revenge as well as the events that led up to it.
As it turns out, Sanjay was an ordinary man, albeit a rich one. He falls in love with upcoming model Kalpana (Asin), but doesn’t reveal his background. Director A. R. Murugadoss takes too much time setting up their romance and dwelling on it. In between, there are some melodious songs by A.R. Rahman that involve the lead pair cavorting around random sand dunes and declaring their undying love for each other. The romance track doesn’t add any value to the film; rather it just slackens the pace.
The actual plot, about Sanjay taking revenge, comes alive only midway through the second half.
Director Murugadoss had a choice here — he could have made a masala Hindi film, with all the trappings of song-and-dance and drama, or he could have made a slick, taut action thriller. He chooses to go for the former, and to be fair, does a pretty decent job. I do wish he had paid more attention to developing Sanjay’s character, because it does lend itself to some very interesting interpretations. For instance, I would have loved to see how he develops from a suave tycoon to a crazed revenge-seeking beefcake. The “eight-packs” are mere external reflections of what should have been a more defined track in the film.
Both the lead heroines really need to work on their accents, but otherwise do an adequate job. Not that they are expected to do any more. Because ultimately, “Ghajini” is an Aamir Khan film through and through. Whether you like it or you don’t, the credit or the blame must go to him and him alone. As the revenge obsessed lover, or the amnesiac, he is brilliant. As the shy boyfriend, he is his old self — from “Dil” and “Ishq”. The only place you cringe is when he sports a Mohawk haircut and crazy-looking clothes in a song sequence. The fight sequences aren’t very imaginative, nor are the dialogues.
Watch “Ghajini” if you are an Aamir fan, or even if you are looking for some light-hearted entertainment. Don’t expect a typical Aamir Khan film though and you won’t be disappointed.

Courtesy: reuters.com

2008 was A R Rahman's year

But for a few delightful scores from the likes of A R Rahman and troika Shankar-Ehsaan-Loy, there was nothing much the Bollywood music industry had to cheer about during 2008.

Rahman began the year with "Jodhaa Akbar", followed it with "Jaane Tu...Ya Jaane Na" and capped them with the score of British director Danny Boyle's film "Slumdog Millionaire", for which he has received a Golden Globe nomination, and "Ghajini".

"Jodhaa Akbar" was quite enjoyable though the film bombed. The epic had tracks like 'Azeem-o-shaan shahenshah', 'Khwaja mere khwaja' and 'Jashn-e-bahaara' that went down well with the listeners.

The youthful music of "Jaane Tu...Ya Jaane Na" struck a chord with 'Pappu can't dance' becoming a favourite and even prompting many a party to use it during recent poll campaigns.

The 'Mozart of Madras', as Time magazine once dubbed Rahman, with a melange of pop, jazz and retro elements also conjured tracks like 'Kabhi kabhi Aditi zindagi', 'Nazrein milaana nazrein churaana' 'Kahin to hogi wo', 'Jaane tu mera kya hai' and 'Tu Bole, main boloon', which became popular too.

Rahman is found to be at his best in the "Slumdog Millionaire" score. Be it the 'O...Saaya', the East meets West 'Mausam and escape', the folk number "Ringa Ringa" or the hip-hop 'Gangsta blues', Rahman just proves he is a cut above the rest.

The music also won Rahman a satellite awards given by the International Press Academy.

Courtesy: ptinews.com

Aamir’s BIG Thank You for Ghajini team

With Aamir Khan one is always sure that he truely gives credit where it deserves. In a very emotional display of gratitude, Aamir has updated his blog thanking each and every crew member who made Ghajini what it is.

Aamir states, “At this time, irrespective of the fate of the film, I want to acknowledge and introduce to you the various people who have worked behind the scenes on this film. The presenter Arvind Garu, who has been a great support to the entire team and has had complete faith in Murgadoss and his abilities. Also a man of great wisdom and maturity. Both Tagore Madhu and Madhu Mantena who have worked tirelessly to bring the film onto screen in the best possible way. Each with their individual strengths have been the best producers that this film could have ever asked for or got. Ravi K Chandran who has taken the film to another level with his visual excellence. Rasul who has impressed me the most with his amazing sound design. He has been among the most committed technicians I have ever worked with. The kind of detail and layering I have seen him get into is truly heartwarming, and the pains he has taken to satisfy the director are inspiring for any film person. Anthony who has truly astounded me with his editing abilities and has been a learning experience to work with. Peter Hines who has shocked me with his mad energy and acute understanding of the character and situation when he is composing for action. Stunt Shiva, who stepped in when Peter was unable to be with us because of the change in schedule because of my injury, worked with an enthusiasm unseen in clash work. Sunil, who quietly and tirelessly went about his work in Production Design to give the film the unique look that it requires. Arjun and Avan who has never failed to satisfy me in my endeavor to look the character. Rahul Nanda, who has managed to capture the pain and romance of the film in one single image. Anup Dev, who has patiently and with a lot of care given the final touches to the film. Piyush Misra, who handled the tough job of adapting the dialogues into Hindi. Nabeel Abbas, whose advice into the promotions and marketing of the film as a consultant were extremely helpful. Shilpa and Prabhat, who are extremely insightful and acute with their expertise in promotion have taken the film to the heights that it deserves. Priti and Aman, whose marketing abilities have given the film the scale and depth that it deserves. And lastly and most importantly Murugadoss. To make a film is very difficult, to make a film which connects with the audience is even more difficult, and to REMAKE a film which has connected big time with an audience with the same enthusiasm is most rare. Working with fresh enthusiasm, crystal clear thinking and an almost childlike excitement Murugadoss has breathed like into the film. He is an absolute pleasure and privilege to work with. How much I have learnt from him.

At the risk of sounding very presumptuous and patronizing I humbly thank all of you for the great time you gave me.”

One can remember Shah Rukh Khan distributing big gifts to his entire Red Chillies Team that worked on his home production, Om Shanti Om and made it the biggest success of 2007. It remains to be see whether Aamir will do the same as Ghajini looks all set to leave OSO far behind in terms of both popularity and business!

Courtesy: realbollywood.com

Ghajini Video Game Arrives!

Ghajini Video Game

India has not produced a single noteworthy game as yet, and the guys from FX Labs have been splitting hairs on a game based on the movie Ghajini for about a year now.
This is the first time a game is being developed along with a Bollywood movie. Most of the Bollywood games produced to date have been mobile games or flash based ones and such games don’t deserve attention span of more than 10 to15 minutes. But a full fledged, movie based game however, comes in a different league altogether.
But making a game which can be sold in India alone is a stupid idea for the market is minuscule here. And most of the gamers snap up a pirated copy to play. This is where Indian Diaspora steps in. NRIs are crazy about Bollywood and anything Indian, even more than many Indians in India. So here lies a solid market. They can afford to pay $50 for a game, will love it if it’s good, will hate it and may never again buy a Bollywood movie based later on if it’s bad.
Lets face it, movie based games, no matter which country or studio they are from, suck. The Ghajini game, if good, might become a case-study for game developers in western countries. They would surely want to know how Ghajini succeeded where their games didn’t.
Its just two days to go for the movie as well as the game to release, and we simply can't wait!

Courtesy: uaedailynews.com

Movie Review: Ghajini - Aamir Khan at his explosive best, two thumbs up

Aamir Khan has surpassed himself in terms of acting in his latest movie Ghajini, which is not surprisingly being billed as the Bollywood blockbuster of 2008. In Ghajini, Aamir fans will not be disappointed, for this is perhaps the first movie where Aamir successfully combines the two images of a hero - the chocolate boy and the macho man - in a film woven around tragic love and vendetta.

In other words, Aamir excels himself in this Bollywood remake of A.R. Murugadoss' Tamil film Ghajini (which itself is an adaptation of Christopher Nolan's Memento).

So what is the story about? Well, Ghajini revolves around the lives of Aamir Khan, a shy business tycoon (Sanjay Singhania) bored of bureaucratic nonsense and running a business empire and Kalpana (played by Asin who was in the original Tamil movie too), who is the girl every man would like to take home to meet his mother. For she not only has a great sense of humor, but also has a heart of gold helping everybody out of the way.

Love is beginning to bloom between the two but fate has other plans and tragedy strikes as Asin is brutally murdered by bloodthirsty villains (portrayed by Pradeep Rawat & Co).

Gripped by extreme shock and sorrow, Aamir transforms from a lovestruck guy to a wounded beast (with a six-pack), thirsty for revenge. But revenge is not easy for not only the bad guys wipe out almost every clue that could lead the murder to them, but also Aamir begins to suffer from a short-term memory loss.

So how does Aamir exact his revenge? A la Michael Scofield style in US hit television series Prison Break, Aamir has to depend on the sparse scrawls on his body, his walls, his unfinished diaries, his Polaroid snapshots, a friendly medical student Sunita (Jiah Khan) and of course, his fading memory.

Aamir's acting is explosive but those who are looking for explosive dialogues will be disappointed. For, after Asin's murder, Aamir hardly has any dialogue and words and phrases are replaced by guttural moans, roars and grunts that expresses his deep trauma.

In fact, in certain scenes, there are long periods of silence matched by Aamir's vacant stare, which however, speaks volumes.

Yes, Aamir Khan fans will indeed not be disappointed. For this is the first time, they get to see his hot bod with six-packs, that would give Salman, Hrithik, Shah Rukh or Akshay a run for their money.

Action scenes are, at worst, bloody best, but it is not surprising for Aamir was reportedly trained by an ex-NSG commando for hand-to-hand combats in the fight sequences where necks are twisted, bones crushed and iron rods connect with heads.

The cast, supported by Oh-So-Sweet Bollywood debutant Asin, Jiah Khan (who for the first time is covered from head to toe after her controversial Bollywood debut Nishabd with Amitabh Bachchan) and Pradeep Rawat as the fang baring menacing bad guy, makes the plot Oh-So-Believable, while musical score by A.R. Rahman (who won a Golden Globe nomination for his score in Dan Boyle's Slumdog Millionaire and is a hot favorite to receive Oscar too) are guaranteed to keep the audience entertained and glued to their seats.

So irrespective of whether you are Aamir fans or not, go watch Ghajini if you have ever loved someone and relive the passion. Sit back and feel the sparks of love fly in your heart as Aamir falls in love with Asin and experience the destruction a doomed love can ignite as Aamir sets out to track down his girlfriend's killers.

Enjoy Ghajini, a violent, tragic love story that is slated to become Bollywood's biggest Box Office Hit of 2008.

Courtesy: ibtimes.com

Estop: Movie ratings for Ghajini

VIEWERS' FEEDBACK ON GHAJINI

After the release of the movie, it seems the paid preview of the much awaited Aamir Khan’s Ghajini has set the mood for Christmas for Bollywood.

The movie hits the screens on Christmas and after the response of the audience it seems that once again Aamir has given Bollywood a reason to usher in the New Year.

But though Aamir has been able to score a perfect 10 for Ghajini, there are people who doesn’t seem to have been impressed with the movie completely.

On the first day of its release, Ghajini has got mixed reactions from the audience but the huge advance bookings it is surely bound to be a hit.

VASHU BHAGNANI LAUNCHES HIS SON

He's the new kid on the Bollywood block and producer Vashu Bhagnani is leaving no stone unturned to create a perfect launch pad for son Jackky Bhagnani with Kal Kisne Dekha.

While the father son duo was busy shooting at Mumbai's film city on Wednesday night, it was actor Salman Khan who showed up to encourage the young lad.

“I know him since his childhood. He was very fat then so I use to tell him how to reduce,” says Salman.

“When he came to me eight years back I told him son we are producers, but then he said pa give me some time. So, I told him okay son if I see that thing in you I will take a chance with you,” says Vashu Bhagnani.

And if Jackky has his producer father to help him climb the Bollywood ladder, his lady love in the film, also a debutant Vaishali Desai is the grand niece of legendary filmmaker Manmohan Desai. Both the debutants believe that it is the filmy connect which helped them a great deal.

“It is essential to have a support system and Mr Desai has been a genius in the field. I was an academician and somewhere it is the genes which run in me so here I am,” says Vaishali.

“Being a producer’s son I value everything and I know there are many hands working behind one man standing here,” says Jackky Bhagnani.

While, the filmy connection will surely help them hog the lime light at the moment, it is only their acting which will carry forward the legacy.

Courtesy: in.com

‘Hindi Ghajini’s climax is different’

This Christmas season, director AR Murugadoss will face one of the biggest tests of his career. The director has had a fair amount of success in

Still from Ghajini. Genelia D'Souza! (TOI Photo)More Pics

the Tamil film industry with films like Dheena and Ramana.

Now, the Hindi version of Ghajini will be this small-town director’s big leap into Bollywood. We get talking to the filmmaker on things close to his heart, even as he gets ready for the film’s release Five differences between the Hindi and Tamil versions of Ghajini...

For starters, the climax is different and will surely be talked about. The Rangola song that was in the Tamil version has been excluded and a new song has been included. In the Tamil version, the hero remembers the villain’s face but in the Hindi version, he does not. The sequence in which the villain is tracked down has come out really well.

Language barriers...
Language was a problem especially when I wanted to improvise a scene on the spot. I couldn’t do it as easily as I did in Tamil, a few other people had to be around to help with translation.

First day of shoot with Aamir Khan...
Though we had interacted during story sessions, I was still nervous on the first day of the shoot. They had issued ID cards on the sets and there was no shouting, as all communication was through walkie-talkies. On the first day, we were shooting a difficult scene but after a couple of hours, I gained confidence and the scene came out well.

Aamir, the perfectionist...
He didn’t interfere with other departments of filmmaking. Occasionally, I went up to him to discuss certain scenes that I thought the north Indian audiences might have trouble connecting with. He would give me suggestions on how to tweak the scenes to make them more appealing.

Musically marvellous...
Music director AR Rahman would give me three tunes for every situation and all three would be very good. Choosing between the three was a big problem. Some tunes were so good that I would close my eyes and visualise the final outcome of the song. In fact, one of his tunes gave me the idea for a new song sequence that’s been featured in the film. My favourite song is Guzarish.

Courtesy: timesofindia.com

If Salman had done Ghajini it would've been just another Salman film: A.R. Murugadoss

Murugadoss, to start with, with Ghajini as your first film in Bollywood, could you give us a general background of your film making?
Before entering Bollywood, I have made 4 other films, of which, three are in Tamil and one in Telugu. Ghajini will effectively be my fifth film. In each of my films, I have worked with the biggest names in the industry.

In fact, to be working with an actor like Aamir Khan is indeed a dream come true for a Bollywood debutante director like me. As for the film, I cannot really explain it in words; one has to watch the film to understand what I mean!

Was entering Bollywood always on your 'things-to-do' list? And was Aamir your first choice for the lead in Ghajini?
Actually, when I was making the Tamil version of the film by the same name, it was Pradeep Rawat (who plays the main villain in both the versions and also happens to be Aamir's close friend) who recommended that I approach Aamir to star in the Hindi version of the film.

However, at that time I didn't take it seriously as I thought that Aamir was a chocolate hero, and, hence, he wouldn't suit the role. But after the release of the Tamil version of the film, I got a call from Aamir himself saying he had watched the film and that he really liked it.

With the confidence that I got from this, I immediately approached Aamir to do the film. Aamir was a bit reluctant initially. I remember him saying "The perfect person for this role in Bollywood is Salman Khan".

However, I managed to convince him saying that if Salman did the film it would be just another Salman movie. But if he did it, then it would give a different perspective to the film and story.

What was it like doing your debut film with a superstar like Aamir?
Even though I was nervous initially, Aamir was extremely helpful. I was nervous because I kept on thinking here I am to direct a full fledged Hindi film, even though I can't speak a word in Hindi!

However, almost every evening Aamir with me and would sit down and discuss about everything under the sun!

For me working in my mother tongue was a cake walk, but thanks to Aamir Khan, I had developed enough confidence to make my Hindi venture. Since I am a big fan of Aamir, I very happy when he agreed to do my film.

You said that Aamir was a bit reluctant to do the film. Can you tell us why?
It actually took him about four days to say yes to do the film. He went through the script and frankly speaking, I don't even know as to what made him say yes finally. All that I can say what that he liked the screenplay very much.

Can you tell us something more about Ghajini?
Well, Ghajini is the main 'clue' in the film. Besides this, if I tell you anything, it will ruin the entire suspense that has been created for the story.

What was Aamir's reaction to the script and the entire shooting process?
Luckily for me, the film is a remake and Aamir had a basic idea of the film, which cut down my work load by half. Besides, at times while shooting I wanted to change some scenes, dialogues or some other small intricacy, Aamir insisted on retaining the original. What also surprised me was the attention Aamir paid to the smallest of things while shooting. Now, I know as to why he is called 'The Perfectionist' Khan.

Whenever Aamir has worked on a film, it is said that he gives a lot of inputs. Was it the same with Ghajini also?
Contrary to what you say, Aamir was not at all involved in the making of the film. Not even once did he ever interfere with the filming. In fact, he said that he wanted the film in entirely my taste and that if I had any problems with the language or anything else, only then should I call him in.

What's your take on the physique that Aamir has developed?
His physique was developed as the script basically required the character to be in fit condition. So getting such a physique was not at all Aamir's call, instead, it was the script that needed it.

Aamir is often called a 'Perfectionist'. What are your views on this?
For Aamir to be called as a perfectionist is seriously an understatement. He is so very observant and hard working, that rarely have I seen anybody like him. The dedication level that he has for whatever he does is insanely high.

Even to get into his much-talked about physique, he had worked out for 3 to 4 hours a day. I have worked with Surya who in the south is considered to be the best, but Aamir is way better than him...he is simply in a league of his own.

What about Asin? Why did you have her play the same role in the Hindi version?
Asin is a wonderful person. And when I was making the Hindi version, I could think of no one better than her to play the role. She fits 100% into the character. So basically there were no two ways about that...she just had to be there!

Keeping in mind the numerous edits in the film by the censors, do you feel that will this affect the performance of the film at the Box-Office?
Two or three scenes have indeed been deleted. But, in no way will that affect the over all outcome of the film. The parts that were deleted have very little importance, so, we could do without them. But, as a director, I do feel bad that there have to be some cuts.

What made you finalize on Jiah Khan?
For Jiah's role, we had held auditions for which hundreds of girls had turned out. But, when Jiah stepped up, it was all settled. She was the one we were looking for! Her character in the film is a petite girl who's very intellectual. Jiah's appearance, charisma and the way she has carried herself in the film is simply perfect.

The film seems to be high in context to violence. What is your take on this?
Let's face it that, Ghajini is an action film. So there are bound to be a few explosions here and there, even though I wouldn't want to term it as violence. Besides this, the film also has a lot of other emotions like love, fear etc...

What according to you is Ghajini's USP? And what do you have to say about the audience who are already copying Aamir's look?
If one has to talk of copying, then, let me tell you that it is basic star value that comes along when you have an actor like Aamir. So, no matter what he does, the audience will end up copying the look of his character. As far as the USP of Ghajini is concerned, it has to be its screenplay, Aamir's new physique and the story, to say the least.

Courtesy: santabanta.com

Aamir lived on egg whites for ‘Ghajini’ look: physical trainer

Ever thought of living on egg whites for 13 months? Well, Bollywood actor Aamir Khan did just that to get his chiselled look for “Ghajini”.The “perfectionist” actor went on a daily four-hour workout regime to boost his muscle growth and consumed protein-rich in albumen (egg white) to tone up his body, his trainer says.

“Aamir had a lot of fat content in his body earlier and it was very necessary to convert it into muscle through protein diet. For that, I made him follow a proportionate balanced diet daily containing 40 percent carbohydrates, 40 percent protein and 20 percent fat,” Satyajit ‘Satya’ Chaurasia, who trained the actor for the film, told IANS.

“Aamir’s body is mostly made on eggs as he used to have 16 egg whites through the day. I advised him to follow a two-egg whites and toast meal every two hours. Besides that, he also consumed 250 gram barbecued chicken for lunch and dinner each,” Chaurasia added.

The eating part though didn’t end here as there were more workout-eating sessions for the actor.

“He used to consume food supplements like amino acids and protein shakes after exercises,” he informed.

Aamir also had to adopt a disciplinary regimen.

“He had to give up on oil, sugar and alcohol consumption and late night parties as I strictly asked him to sleep for eight hours at a stretch before workouts,” said Chaurasia.

“He used to message me before sleeping every night depending on whenever he got to go to bed so that I could be at his place accordingly the next day.”

The actor’s much talked about eight-pack abs were not the result of working out in a professional gym but a mini-version of the same built in his garage.

“It would have taken more than an a hour and a half for Aamir to reach my gym, which is in Lokhandwala from his home in Bandra, so we decided to make a gym in his garage itself.

“However, when his body started showing good results in three months, I set up professional tools for him ordered from renowned company Tough Stuff from the US worth Rs.2.5 million,” he said.

Elaborating on Aamir’s workout regime, Chaurasia said: “We used to work on two body parts in a day for around 1.5-2 hours followed by 45 minutes of cardio exercises. We divided the days between chest and back for day one, arms - biceps and triceps - on day two, shoulder and legs on the third and full body rest on day four. We used to repeat the same schedule consecutively”.

Getting the actor to achieve the look was not a cakewalk for Chaurasia, who now thinks to have achieved “the impossible”.

“Aamir told me to help him build the best body that nobody’s ever seen and after watching the results, I think I have achieved what is next to impossible.

“He has a lot of muscle count now vis-a-vis earlier and the day we reached around 1,000 stomach crunches in 55 minutes, I was on cloud nine,” he shared..

On being asked what Aamir’s reaction was at the end of it, Chaurasia said: “Considering his perfectionist attitude, Aamir looked at his body and after a pause just said ‘it could have been better’.”

Chaurasia’s celebrity clientele also includes a host of other actors like Rani Mukerji, Saif Ali Khan, Esha Deol, Hrithik Roshan, Zayed Khan, Viveik Oberoi, Sonu Sood and Shekhar Suman.

Courtesy: thaindian.com

Blaaze wins MTV’s Youth Icon award

Blaaze has created history by winning MTV’s Youth Icon Award! Considered the harbinger of new fashion fads, MTV has been presenting these awards to people who rivet the attention of youth with their style and work. The purpose of the award is to help today’s youth to identify their “new-age” role models.

Coming from a channel which embodies the youthfulness and highly regarded by today’s youth, this award carries great value. It is also a redefining moment considering it is Lakshmi Narasimha Vijaya Rajagopal – Blaaze’s christened name – who won the award. It is a welcome change as “South Indianiasms” are still used for evoking humorous reactions on many famous TV channels. Thankfully, MTV, which buried that habit long ago, is giving equal importance to everyone and is trying to create a new society sans differences, though in its own ways that might not appeal to some prudent senior citizens. But even they can understand that when they were young, their elders disagreed with their ways and that “history repeats”.

Blaaze, the youth icon, added a new dimension to the Tamil Film Music. A rapper is required to possess an unconditional love and respect for freedom; a strong will to safeguard it; compassion and ability to standup for others when needed; and high individualism apart from good knowledge in music.

Developed by Africans, who were taken as slaves during the days of imperialism and when the “new world” (America) was being built, “rap” speaks mostly about the struggle of the downtrodden and the need for a revolution to achieve an equalitarian society.

Raised in Zambia, Africa, the continent where Rap was born, Blaaze took to rap just like fish takes to swimming and the qualities required to be a successful rapper were instilled in him early on in his childhood.  His first rap performance was for the Zambian presidential election campaign when he was barely 16!

Self-reliant right from his childhood, Blaaze was looking for proving his worth to the world, and the big break came when A.R. Rahman recognized the immense potential in him. The rest is history. Today, he is a highly-regarded rap artist in the entire nation.

Even United Nations sought the help of this talented rapper for its diabetes awareness campaign. It recalled his services again in 2007 and this time the rapper joined hands with his mentor A.R. Rahman to create the magical song ‘Pray For Me, Brother’.

His rap about the Gujarat riots, the police brutality, and religion and equality, and many other issues has made him quite popular amongst today’s youth.

The award is a fitting tribute to this great artist.

Courtesy: galatta.com

Nothing is enough, says Rahman

 The 'wow' factor has still not left him, says A R Rahman, after his soundtrack for Slumdog Millionaire' won the Golden Globe

nominations, and the number Jaiho' fetched him the Satellite Award. It has been a few days since his return from Los Angeles, but Rahman is already looking at raising the bar.

It has been a long journey for him, from 1992, when he debuted as music director in 'Roja', which Time magazine rated as among the Top Ten movie sound tracks. The four time national award winner made a big impact in the international arena in 2004 with Andrew Webber Lloyd's Bombay Dreams.'

"Though I had been in the field for a while by then, I was not doing pure Indian classical or symphony. Yet, after Bombay Dreams' when Germans and other nationals asked for my autograph, I said wow, it's happening,' to myself," says Rahman. And yet, the man whose music makes your soul dance says he has more depths to plumb.

"Nothing is enough, there is always something coming up in music," he says. He is happy that he met British director Danny Boyle's expectations on Slumdog Millionaire.' "I have done 17 cues, including the songs, Jaiho', Osayan', Ringa ringa' and Gangster blues'. I was so pleased that Boyle gave me three weeks to finish the entire score," he says with a light laugh.

It was a challenging task even without the timeframe. "I knew the way Boyle used music in his films was exotic, an item by itself. When he met me in Chennai a year ago I realised he wanted something completely different," recalls Rahman. He sent entirely unconnected pieces and then made them all come together in a harmonious blend. "Boyle felt it all came together, and so here we are," he says, referring to the awards and accolades.

Rahman has used a largely Indian orchestra. Blaaze and Gulzar have penned most of the lyrics, while Wendy Parr wrote Dreams on fire'. The music director, known for identifying obscure talent, zoned in on Azid, a sitar player from Mumbai who played in Jodha Akbar'. "He interpreted everything that I wanted and his performance in Slumdog..' is a showstopper for me," says Rahman.

Rahman says working in the theatrical production of the Lord of the Rings' was an eye-opener for Rahman. "It took me to another level, the critical side of people, of what they like and don't like about my music. It was a great learning curve working with Mathew Wallace and others like Varttina and Christoper Nightingale," says Rahman.

People have told me that the music of Slumdog Millionaire' is the best they have heard in decades," says Rahman. "It's all a bit scary," says Rahman. "Sometimes you put years into a work but all that energy is wasted when people don't like it. But then I tell myself that God is playing an important role, and balancing things out," he says with his trademark smile. Maybe that is why he is looking at pushing the bar up, constantly.

Emotional and complex, 'Slumdog' hits the jackpot

"Slumdog Millionaire" is a) a new British punk band; b) a hot lowrider; c) the latest Texas lotto game; or d) one of the most inspiring movies of the year?The answer's obvious.
Punkish English director Danny Boyle loves to use loud, pounding music in his movies, has a knack for what's cool and hip in contemporary culture, and loves to take chances as a filmmaker. He also has an eye for gritty realism ("Trainspotting"), a feel for charming underdogs ("Millions"), a taste for the tragic ("28 Days Later") and a true love for stories with moral dilemmas (all of the above).
He puts all of those elements together in the inspired and inspiring "Slumdog Millionaire," a winning film that, like its main character, seems destined for greater things. Destiny is at the core of this inventive story about young Jamal Malik, a product of Mumbai's teeming slums, who beats the odds to compete on the Indian version of "Who Wants To Be a Millionaire," or "millunaire," as its self-impressed host says repeatedly.
But Jamal's not there for the 20 million rupees he could win. He's there for love.
The movie opens with a "Millionaire"-like question of its own, then spends two very fast, engrossing, roller coaster hours answering it -- one of many ingenious ways in which Boyle and screenwriter Simon Beaufoy ("The Full Monty") tie the circuitous story's numerous threads together.
It's an emotional journey that's well worth the time, but you might need a strong stomach at times. "Slumdog"

---

traces Jamal's Dickensian life from childhood to adolescence, growing up Muslim in the steamy slums of Mumbai, back when it was known as Bombay, thus the derogatory "slumdog" nickname.Jamal and older brother Salim lose their mother during a vicious Hindu attack. With Latika -- the object of young Jamal's affection -- in tow, they find refuge with a man one child calls a "bloody saint," a double entendre if there ever was one.
The brothers escape, but leave Latika behind, one of many judgment calls Salim will impose on his cherub-faced little brother. They live on the lam and rely on their wits, be it hustling on trains or scamming tourists at the Taj Mahal. A confrontation with a gun, the same gun that freed them earlier, separates the siblings for several years.
When they meet again, Jamal is a teenager serving tea in one of India's numerous call centers and the unscrupulous Salim is muscle for a local mobster who has Latika in his grubby clutches. That sets in motion the film's uplifting but far from certain final act, which taps some of that "Rocky" rawness with a little of "Whale Rider's" poignancy mixed in as Jamal gets on Latika's favorite game show and tackles some tricky questions.
Boyle expertly jumps the story around in non-linear fashion, from the present to various stages of the past, including his often-brutal interrogation by police for allegedly cheating on the show. His questioner eventually relents, calling his story "bizarrely possible." In the process, we get the stories behind the answers, an intimate look at a country in transition, and a picture of how poverty disenfranchises those in its thrall. It's pretty telling when Jamal knows whose portrait is on the $100 bill, but thinks the Taj Mahal is a hotel.
Boyle wisely cast unknowns in the lead roles, the better to let this story of purity and perseverance shine. British TV's Dev Patel brings the kind of believable wide-eyed, boyish charm to Jamal. Madhur Mittal balances a brotherly sense of duty with an avariciousness and anger that's menacing.
The director's deft touch, and Anthony Dod Mantle's gritty cinematography, keep Beaufoy's complicated script (based on Vikas Sarump's novel "Q and A") and his cast from going off track. A montage in which Mittal sets off a cataclysmic event while in a bathtub full of rupees is a thing of cinematic beauty.
Bollywood vet A.R. Rahman provides a thumping soundtrack that combines the traditional with the contemporary, including a well-placed remix of M.I.A.'s "Paper Planes" (for a bit of fun, don't skip the closing credits).
There are weaknesses, of course. "Slumdog Millionaire" is ostensibly a love story, but the object of Jamal's affection is really a secondary character. Freida Pinto, the model-turned-actress who plays the adult Latika, is mere (if lovely) window dressing.
Their love story is an inspired winner. But the real love story, and the movie's real power, is generated by the two brothers.
And that's my final answer.

Courtesy: elpasotimes.com

It's all a number game: DILLI 6 is now DELHI 6

From the beginning, the Abhishek Bachchan and Sonam Kapoor starer was known by its Hindi name "Dilli 6". However, as the release date drew closer, the film title was changed to its English form Delhi 6. Why the sudden change? It is perhaps a simple belief in numerology. Let's take Rakeysh Omprakash Mehra, the maker of the film, for example who added an extra "Y" to his first name. Numerologically speaking, the new title would actually be beneficial for everyone involved with the film. The old name "Dilli 6" adds up to the number 18, which is not auspicious at all for Abhiskek and Sonam. However, "Delhi 6" adds up to the number 24, which is very powerful. This new name will mainly prove to be beneficial for Sonam Kapoor and the producer Ronnie Screwvala. Ronnie Screwvala's date of birth is the 8th June, and 6 is one of his luckiest numbers.

Let's hope that the new name change does wonders for the film. Here's wishing Delhi 6 the best of luck at the box office.

Courtesy: bollyspice.com

Asin in 'Endhiran' Remake?

Aishwarya Rai Bachchan’s movie with Rajnikanth, Endhiran, hasn’t even finished filming and yet it’s already producing imitators. And why not? Who wouldn’t want to imitate a movie that features llamas dancing with showgirls ,a crazy robot, action scenes choreographed by the Matrix’s Yuen Wo-Ping and of course the stunning good looks of Aishwarya, herself, dressed in a gorgeous Inca costume and filmed amongst the classic ruins of Macchu Picchu? Aishwarya is currently in Chennai filming the final portion of the movie.

So in response to the long post-production period expected for Endhiran with state-of-the-art CGI graphics to be produced, it is rumoured that Asin will star in Hindi version of the film that will also star Ranbir Kapoor. The film will be made by the ambitious GV Films who have recently completed a remake of the John Abraham starrer Taxi No. 9211 and is said to resemble the plot of the Rajnikanth/Aishwarya movie. It’s conceivable that the movie could be shot and released before Endhiran. GV Films are also planning to move into animated movies next year. Asin of course is currently waiting on tenterhooks to see the critical and commercial response to her role in Aamir Khan’s Ghajini, which also stars Jiah Khan.

Courtesy: bollyspice.com

Shankar’s proactiveness

None could have handled the massive project Endhiran (also referred to as Enthiran and The Robot) better than Shankar. The difficulty in handling it is not just because it is a big project and public expectations are high about its grandeur, but also because of the complexity of the plot and the simultaneous participation of Aishwarya Rai in Mani Rathnam’s bilingual.

Director Shankar had started planning for Endhiran almost a year before he began filming. He held several brainstorming sessions with the film’s technicians, including cameraman Rathnakumar. He created several alternate schedules to be followed when Aishwarya Rai would be busy with Mani Rathnam’s film.

Since the film is science fiction, a genre still in its nascent state in Kollywood, Shankar wants to leave an everlasting impression through Endhiran. To make it the forerunner of science fiction movies of Kollywood, he worked meticulously on the screenplay and the scenes.

In a recent interview, Rathnakumar revealed that he and Shankar planned the scenes, the lighting and props needed, shooting spots, etc., about 9 months before starting the film.

Shankar also got in touch with designer Manish Malhotra and others for the costumes well ahead of the Machu Picchu shoot, since the song shot there would be an important highlight of the film.

Shankar had another problem – keeping his project secret. The ace director was totally disappointed when photographs of the Machu Picchu shoot leaked on the internet. He wanted to keep it a secret until the last possible moment, but some insider played spoilsport. But after that leak, he tightened the security by employing 40 specialized security personnel who now allow crew members only after frisking them thoroughly to ensure they did not carry a camera; even mobile phones are not allowed on the shoot.

With these stringent measures and his improvisation skills, Shankar successfully held shoots in Chennai secretively. Insiders say the vehicles carrying the shooting paraphernalia would be hidden or parked well away from the shooting spot, so that no one would even get an inkling about the shooting.

With all this detailed planning and improvisation plus the involvement of Hollywood bigwigs such as Stan Winston Studios (for animatronics), it looks like the final product will be one great masterpiece and as Shankar hopes, Enthiran will be the forerunner for science fiction movies in Kollywood.

Courtesy: galatta.com