Newest addition to Mani film

Mani Ratnam's Pookadai starring Gautam, Arjun and Lakshmi Manchu has seen the addition of two new cast members. Pasupathy and Lal will be seen in important roles. The film will be about the lives of fishermen based in Rameswaram.

The leading lady is not yet confirmed for this film. There were reports that Radha's younger daughter or Akshara Haasan will do the part but as of now this slot is yet to be filled and there is a lot of speculation about the lucky heroine who will land the part.

Courtesy:behindwoods.com

Prithviraj in Rajini's Kochadaiyaan?

The latest on Rajini's film, Kochadaiyaan is that Prithviraj will be joining the cast. Word is that he will be Sneha's love interest in the film. Prithviraj is a big fan of Rajini and he says he would be delighted to work with him. However, his addition to the film is yet to be confirmed. 

Rumors are rife that in addition to Prithviraj and Sneha, Vidya Balan or Asin will be doing the heroine's role. The speculation is endless and all eyes are on Soundarya Rajinikanth, the director of the film in the hopes that an official announcement is forthcoming about the cast and crew of Kochadaiyaan.

Courtesy:behindwoods.com

Dhanush to do it for AR Rahman?

Dhanush is really coming into his own not just as an actor but a singer as well. He is receiving lots of offers to lend his voice for songs in all languages. Even AR Rahman was impressed with Kolaveri di. The upshot is that Bharath Bala who has made many music videos for Rahman wants Dhanush in his Vande Mataram video.

Kamal Haasan was the original choice but he was tied up with his magnum opus, Vishwaroopam. Dhanush was quite excited by the idea as he is a big fan of AR Rahman and said that he would love to do it.

Courtesy:behindwoods.com

Rajini film to start soon

Rajini's Kochadaiyaan is all set to role in January after the Pongal holidays. Soundarya Ashwin is directing the film and KS Ravikumar will be handling the story, screenplay and dialogues. The ace director said that Rajini loved his script and is excited about the film which is expected to be completed in March.

Ravikumar also said that they are attempting something that has never been done before in India and the final product is going to be awesome. He promised Rajini fans that Kochadaiyaan will be something special.

Courtesy:behindwoods.com

Rahman and Gautham denied permission

AR Rahman and Gautham Menon had planned a spectacular music release for Ek Deewana Tha starring Prateik and Amy Jackson. AR Rahman was supposed to perform live at Mehtab Bagh which has a stunning backdrop in the Taj Mahal but the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) denied them permission stating that when the shooting for Mere Brother Ki Dulhan was going on at Mehtab Bagh, damages had been sustained.

Word is that AR Rahman was sorely disappointed. The makers have made alternate plans and the performance will now take place in a hotel in Agra.

Courtesy:behindwoods.com

Sonam Kapoor in Mani Ratnam’s next?

Legendary director Mani Ratnam has been in search of finding an apt lady to do the female lead in his next film. There was buzz that he would sign Kamal Hassan’s younger daughter Akshara and Radha’s younger daughter Thulasi, but all those proved to be just speculations at the end.

The latest we hear about this film is thatManiratnam has signed in Bollywood actorSonam Kapoor as the female lead. Sonam has been the favorite and most sought after actress of Tamil film makers, bus she couldn’t make her South debut due to her busy schedules in Bollywood.
 
There is no official confirmation regarding this but buzz says that Sonam would be more than happy to make debut with Mani’s film. Karthik son Gautham is playing the lead role in this film which would be made in Telugu and Tamil. In Tamil this film is titled Pookadai.  

Courtesy:supergoodmovies.com

A R Rahman to perform at Taj Mahal?

Agra’s Taj Mahal has always been considered the ultimate symbol of love. And now, music composer AR Rahman is set to cement its association with Bollywood by releasing the music album of his upcoming, Ek Deewana Tha at the white marble mausoleum next week.

“Since Ek Deewana Tha is a love story, Rahman was keen to release its music at the most iconic romantic place. So, he suggested that the film’s score be launched at the Taj. And the filmmakers immediately agreed,” says a unit member.

Rahman had composed the popular tracks for Telugu 2010 hit, Ye Maaya Chesave, of which the Prateik-Amy Jackson starrer is a remake.

Ek Deewana Tha filmmakers are now working hard to obtain permission for a short performance by Rahman at the venue, as  government authorities are very strict about allowing public functions around one of the Seven Wonders of the World.

“It’s still not certain if Rahman can perform a few songs at the Taj. Our team is still in talks with the concerned authorities in Agra and we’re keeping our fingers crossed,” adds the source. If the film’s promotional team is successful, this will mark the first time that a Bollywood film’s music is released at the national monument.

Although things are hush-hush about the music release and the performance, Vijay Singh of Fox Star Studios — producer of Ek Deewana Tha — confirms, saying: “Yes we are planning to release the music next week of Ek Deewana Tha at the Taj Mahal in Agra. Let’s see how it goes.”

Lead stars Prateik and Amy Jackson will also attend the event at the Taj. Rumours about their growing proximity started after the two hit it off on the sets. Filmmaker Gautham Menon’s second Hindi venture after Rehna Hai Tere Dil Mein (2001) is being touted as “a pure love story” and will release in February.

Courtesy:hindustantimes.com

Rahman is a legend: Director Baz Luhrmann

'Moulin Rouge' director Baz Luhrmann's fascination with B-wood has resulted in him creating several desi style productions

To the West, he's the director of "Romeo + Juliet" and "Australia", but to us, Baz Luhrmann is the guy who used the song "Chamma Chamma" in his film "Moulin Rouge".

Even though Baz has always spoken of his fascination for India and all things desi, we never knew just how captivated he was, till we met him in Delhi last year. Baz, along with his friend Vincent Fantauzzo had come to India for a "creative adventure trip" and traveled across Delhi and Mumbai on Royal Enfield bikes, clicking pictures that were later auctioned for charity in the capital. At that time, Baz had told us, "I first came to India 15 years ago with my wife. We wanted to do a stage production of Benjamin Britten's version of "A Midsummer Night's Dream". This is the visit when I was also influenced by Bollywood and felt the need to integrate elements from it in my work." A year later, the integration seems complete, as he is now working with Amitabh Bachchan on "The Great Gatsby".

Courtesy:indiatimes.com

Eros launches Tamil co-production venture with Photon Kathaas Productions

The film will be shot in international locations, predominantly in the United Kingdom with the active support of the UK government.

Eros International Media Ltd (EIML), a leading global company in the Indian film entertainment industry, has announced a co-production deal with Photon Kathaas Productions (“PKP”) for a Tamil film titled Yohan: Adhyayam Ondru (John: Chapter 1) starring Vijay. Produced in association with Future Film Production Ltd (UK Production), the film will be directed by Gautham Vasudev Menon with music by A R Rehman and is expected to commence production from Q2 2012. Yohan is the first of its kind (in South India) action thriller centering around a character that will be featured in a series of films (prequels and sequels). The film will be shot in international locations, predominantly in the United Kingdom with the active support of the UK government. The UK has a very favourable policy towards encouraging foreign film makers to shoot their films in the UK. Commenting on the development,  Sunil Lulla, Managing Director, Eros International Media Ltd said, “Eros continues to make advances in the regional film markets and we are happy to associate with PKP and further expand our south repertoire. Yohan: Adhyayam Ondru promises to be one of its kind action thrillers by the very talented Gautham Menon”. Venkat Somasundaram, CEO, PKP added, “We are quite excited about the relationship with Eros. We believe this is the beginning of a long term relationship with Eros that will produce many successful films together”. Gautham Vasudev Menon added, “I am really looking forward to filming an all-out action film after Vettaiyadu Villaiyadu. Also interesting because I will be working with Vijay for the first time. Yohan will be made like an international film while still retaining all the elements, especially music, that makes Indian cinema work. A.R. Rahman has already composed a theme song for the film which is simply outstanding.  PKP (of which I am a part of) and I have found the ideal partners in Eros for a film on this scale, which needs to be produced and released on an international scale”. A.R. Rehman said of the association, “I am really excited working with Photon Kathaas and Eros on the movie Yohan. This is a completely new direction for both Gautham and me. We hope to come out with a product which is different yet rooted experience for the audiences" "I am very excited about this project. Gautham and I have been talking about working together for a while and I'm glad that it’s finally materialized. Yohan is a totally new space for me and I'm sure my fans will love this action-thriller film. I am also excited about working with Photon Kathaas and Eros and am sure we will together create a landmark South Indian film", said actor Vijay. Yohan is a landmark association between Eros –a leading global company in the Indian film entertainment industry and PKP – the first internationally listed South Indian film production company.

Courtesy:indiainfoline.com

Did you notice AR Rahman’s tuxedos?

When AR Rahman took to stage with actor Ranbir Kapoor in the Rockstar concert in Mumbai last month, he wowed the audiences. The Mozart of Madras belted out chartbusters, but not in a fuddy-duddy kurta or a worn out shirt, but in smart, modern attire, with stoles and jackets that lent a contemporariness to his look.

Rahman was known as a man of simple sartorial tastes so far, but after Slumdog Millionaire, which propelled him on to the international league, the music maestro’s style has been going through a slow but steady change. From concerts to magazine shoots (who now celebrate him for his style and not just music) and award functions, Rahman is clad in well-thought out designer creations.

Rahul Khanna, of the designer duo Rohit Gandhi-Rahul Khanna, feels that Rahman’s style is best described as ‘non-fussy’. “Rahman wore our creations for a recent shoot for a men’s magazine. He even wore one of these suits for an awards ceremony. So yes, there has been a considerable change in his style; I think these things come with the territory of international fame,” explains Khanna.

Rahman’s personal stylist, Vijayeta Kumar says that with his increasing international appearances, his wardrobe is getting revamped. “Most functions he attends are black tie events and a dress code has to be followed. We opt for a classic tux with a black or white shirt, but we play around with the colour of the tie. The last time at the Academy Awards (2009), he wore a metallic silver tie, and this time (2011), it was a bright teal one,” she says.

Another designer to have dressed him up is Varun Bahl. He designed a white quilted bandhgala, that Rahman wore at the opening ceremony of 2010 Commonwealth Games, where he performed Jiyo Utho Bado Jeeto, the official anthem for the Games. Rahman even wore a Varun Bahl sherwani at this year’s Academy Awards performance. “I think that the formal Indian attire, be it a bandhgala or sherwani, suits him the best. But I have also designed other outfits such as a blue linen jacket, a maroon kurta and navy blue velvet jacket for him,” says Bahl.

Designer Sabyasachi Mukherjee too has been a favourite with Rahman and his wife, Saira Bano. At the 2009 Oscars ceremony, Rahman walked the red carpet in a black Lanvin tuxedo teamed with a silver Satya Paul tie, before changing into a traditional black sherwani designed by Sabyasachi for his performance.

Kumar explains that the concert attire demands that he experiments with colour and accessories. “Concerts have this larger than life look and showmanship. You can’t be understated if you’re performing in front of a crowd. Having said that, Rahman is no fashion fanatic. If it looks good, fits well and is comfortable to wear, he will wear it. The only thing he truly experiments with is his haircut,” she notes, adding that each time there is an event or a concert, she brainstorms with his wife Saira to come up with a look for him.

Khanna too credits Saira. “She’s the one who takes the final call after seeing what works best on him, so it’s her keen eye that is responsible for the change,” he points out.

Courtesy:indianexpress.com

Mani Ratnam's 'Pookadai' - Latest tidbits

Kollywood grapevine is abuzz that ace director Mani Ratnam has finalized on the cast and crew for his next, titled 'Pookadai'. This film will see Karthik's son, Gautham along with Radha's second daughter Thulasi.
 
One of the reasons for this casting by Mani is because both Gautham and Thulasi have been kept away from the eyes of the media and he'll be able to weave fresh magic, and wow audience with these debutants in his film.
 
It is also said that Mani Ratnam held a test shoot to test the chemistry between his lead stars which turned out well. He has also asked his lead stars to not speak about this film; 'Pookadai' will go on floors shortly in the rural areas of Tamil Nadu.
 
Meanwhile Mani's fans are already all eyes for everything about this project as Mani Ratnam, through this film, will be back to what he is best, romantic stories which will smitten one and all.
 
Tunes will be composed by AR Rahman.

Courtesy:indiaglitz.com

Olivia in Shekhar’s next!

Shekhar Kapur was recently in the capital for his alma mater Modern School's annual day celebrations. He talked about his upcoming film ‘Paani’, the musical, and the one that he wants to shoot after that. Buzz is that he also met Hollywood actress Olivia Wilde about his next movie but said that it’s too early to talk about it. Kapur said ‘Paani’ is a big budget film with USD 50 million and he has great responsibility ahead of him as producer and director of the international film. As for the controversy surrounding the cast of Kristen Stewart in the film, he simply said that it is all imagination.

Various work commitments brought the filmmaker to the Capital. The last visit was a personal one as he had come to Delhi to visit his school, Modern School in Barakhamba Road, which brought quite a lot of nostalgia in him. He said the school was a huge influence on him and shaped him as a person. Kapur also credits the school for his attitude towards women as the school is a co-ed and girls are given equal opportunity.

Courtesy:smashits.com

Yash Chopra's SRK project: Rahman finalizes first song!

After receiving all round critical acclaims as well as commercial success with his last album, ROCKSTAR, music wizard A. R. Rahman is all set to rule over the hearts of music lovers once again. And this time it's for the much awaited and anticipated Yash Chopra-Shah Rukh Khan project. 

	A. R. RAHMAN

Yes, for all those who were thinking that the Yash Chopra-SRK project has still not seen the light of the day, here is breaking news about the music of the project which is being composed by none other than music maestro A. R. Rahman. 

The first song of the project is complete and as expected it's a superb number and this has been confirmed by none other than Gulzar himself, the lyricist of the project. According to Gulzar Sahab, 'We have done one song so far and Yash Chopra is ecstatic with the result.' 

Well, this is definitely very good news for countless Yash Chopra-SRK fans who love their kind of films and have been waiting since VEER ZARA to see the two of them come together and create magic once again.

Courtesy:glamsham.com

I didn't announce any music director: Gautham Menon

Gautham Menon's not a director who announces every step he takes while making a film. No wonder there are always speculations and rumours galore regarding each of his film.

The latest one being that AR Rahman has opted out of his latest project. "Where did I announce the music director of the film in the first place," asks Gautham reacting to the reports. "I only had promo posters that had the cast and a few technical team members. I'd never spoken about the music," says Gautham, who wants to first finishing shooting all the talkie portions of the trilingual.

While the Tamil version Neethane En Ponvasantham has Jiiva, the Telugu version has Naniand the Hindi film has Aditya Roy Kapoor. Samantha is the heroine in for all the three languages. "I want to keep the music director as a surprise. But, I still want to clarify that there is no truth in AR Rahman 'opting out' of my project," says Gautham.

Courtesy:indiatimes.com

Mani signs up Telugu star’s daughter?

Sources in the tinsel town say that the veteran director Mani Ratnam had signed up Lakshmi Manchu, daughter of Tollywood star Mohan Babu for his upcoming film.  Lakshmi Manchu has acted in several films before and is a producer too.

She has been signed for a prominent role in the film that Mani is to direct, reports sources. However, there is no official confirmation on this yet either from the director or from the actress.

Further, there are rumors that Bollywood actress Sonam Kapoor may play the female lead in the film. This news is also not confirmed yet.

Courtesy:behindwoods.com

Yohan: First look

Courtesy:behindwoods.com

Vijay’s Yohan: Adhyayam Ondru – the developments

Gautham Menon’s production house Photon Kathaas Productions and Eros International Media Ltd will jointly produce the Vijay starrer Yohan:Adhyayam Ondru. It is an action thriller which will be shot mainly in UK, states a press note. Gautham intends to bring out a series of films with Yohan and this will be the starting point for it.

Mr. Sunil Lulla, Managing Director, Eros International Media Ltd said, “Eros continues to make advances in the regional film markets and we are happy to associate with PKP and further expand our south repertoire. Yohan: Adhyayam Ondru promises to be one of its kind action thrillers by the very talented Gautham Menon.”

Gautham Vasudev Menon said, “I am really looking forward to filming an all-out action film after Vettaiyadu Villaiyadu. Also interesting because I will be working with Vijay for the first time. Yohan will be made like an international film while still retaining all the elements, especially music, that makes Indian cinema work. A.R. Rahman has already composed a theme song for the film which is simply outstanding.  PKP (of which I am a part of) and I have found the ideal partners in Eros for a film on this scale, which needs to be produced and released on an international scale.”

Oscar award winner AR Rahman will be scoring the music for Yohan: Adhyayam Ondru. On his association with the project, he has said, “I am really excited working with Photon Kathaas and Eros on the movie Yohan. This is a completely new direction for both Gautham and me. We hope to come out with a product which is different yet rooted experience for the audiences.”

Courtesy: behindwoods.com

AR Rahman on Kolaveri di song

Joining the long list of celebrities that have praised the Why This Kolaveri Di song is the Oscar winner AR Rahman. He has said that the song in 3 has become one of the hits of the year and is happy for Dhanush and team for making it a huge success.


Amitabh Bachchan, Abhishek Bachchan, Rajinikanth, Kamal Haasan, Trisha, Kushboo, Shriya, and others have also lauded the song for bringing in the mass appeal.

Courtesy: behindwoods.com

Asin or Vidya Balan for Rajini?

Two leading heroines are being considered for the Rajinikanth starrer Kochadaiyaan, say sources from the tinsel town. While one is Vidya Balan, fresh from the success of The Dirty Picture, the other is Asin.

Soundarya Rajinikanth has not yet announced the leading lady for Kochadaiyaan yet but rumormongers are having a field day by circulating rumors that Vidya Balan and Asin are in the fray for the coveted role.
Well, its for Soundarya to come up with an official announcement. The wait is on…

Courtesy: behindwoods.com

What Did Mani Tell Gautham?

Mani Ratnam's next movie, with Karthik's son is soon expected to go on floors. Now, Mani is busy performing test shoots on the film's hero Gautham. As it seems, Gautham has impressed Mani and the rest of the crew members during the test shoots.

A source that was present at the test shoots told us that Mani couldn't stop praising Gautham for his acting skills. And the crew members also congratulated Gautham for his performance stating that he has the potential to nail the tough role Mani has in store for him. That's one chip of the old block, we think.

Courtesy:behindwoods.com

Ar Rahman Unable To Oblige Gautham

AR Rahman was supposed to do the music for Neethane En Ponvasantham, the trilingual directed by Gautham Menon and starring Jiiva and Samantha in the Tamil version. However, things have not worked out as AR Rahman is a very busy man nowadays and in demand across the globe.

So Harris Jeyaraj will team up once again with Gautham Menon for this film. They have a great track record with super hits like Vaaranam Aayiram, Kaakha Kaakha, Minnale etc. Fans of the duo will be thrilled to hear this news once it is made official. Meanwhile, AR Rahman has promised to do Yohan Adhyayam Ondru for Gautham Menon.

Courtesy:behindwoods.com

Ar Rahman Does It For Rajini

AR Rahman has agreed to do the music for Rajini's next film, Kochadiyaan. The ace musician has a jam - packed schedule and has become increasingly selective about the projects he takes up as he has many commitments to honor on foreign shores.

ARR however simply could not decline Kochadaiyaan as he is a self - confessed Rajini fan and he accepted. The genius composer said that he is happy to be a part of another Rajini film. He did the music for Sivaji and the songs became a massive hit. It is believed that he will do the same for Kochadiyaan.

Courtesy:behindwoods.com

Sneha in Rajini's film

Sneha has landed a coveted role in Rajini's new film, Kochadaiyaan. The actress will be playing Rajini's sister in the film. She is very happy to be a part of this project, Sneha said as it has long been a dream of hers to star in a Rajini film.

The film is to be directed by Soundarya Ashwin and will probably have AR Rahman as the music director. Anushka is being considered for the role. A few reports have surfaced suggesting that a Bollywood heroine may also be roped in.



Courtesy: behindwoods.com

Vairamuthu announces Mani Ratnam’s film!

The official announcement for Mani Ratnam’s next comes from poet Vairamuthu. He has said that Mani Ratnam’s next has commenced with him penning the lyrics. The first song has been completed and AR Rahman has been roped in to score the music for this film.

The buzz around this film is that it is a romantic flick which will mark the debut of Karthik’s son Gautham. Let’s wait for more info on this project!

Courtesy: behindwoods.com

Anushka torn between Rajini and Ajith?

Anushka is praying that they will put more hours in a day as she simply cannot find dates these days. She is being flooded with the creme de la creme of offers and she has no idea how to accommodate them all. Anushka is being considered for the role of Rajini's heroine in Kochadaiyaan and she is very keen to grab the project.
Now we hear that she has also been offered Billa 2 with Ajith. Anushka is going crazy as she is dying to work with both Rajini and Ajith and is doing everything humanly possible to somehow accommodate both films.

Courtesy:behindwoods.com