Sivaji: Available on Blu-Ray now

After acquiring the DVD rights of Rajni starrer Sivajidirected by Shankar, Ayngaran International has launched Sivaji on Blu-Ray, the next-gen discs! Now,Sivaji Rajinikanth is not only a ‘Vellai Tamizhan’ but is also the brightest Tamizhan on TV!
What is Blu-Ray? While conventional CD and DVD readers/ writers use red laser rays to read or write/ read data, Blu-Ray writers uses blue laser rays (405 nm), with wavelengths shorter than red lasers (650 nm), which means the blue laser is finer than its red counterpart. This allows Blu-Ray writers to write more data in less space with greater precision. This is analogous to a sharp-sighted artist (enabled with good magnifying glass) painting on a grain of rice with his finest brush. Finer the brush, finer the art work; for these artists, there is enough space on a single grain to draw landscapes or intricate designs and patterns! Similarly, a single Blu-Ray DVD can store up to 500 GB of data.
Of late, being available on Blu-Ray format has become a status-builder for films. To that extent, Sivaji has added one more feather to its cap. Thanks to the efforts of Ayngaran International, now you can watch Sivaji on a Blu-Ray disc, which will be a first-of-a-kind experience.


Courtesy: galatta.com

Economic crisis, Rajini’s salary plummets

The financial slowdown across the globe has finally caught up with the film industry. There were reports that many big budget films were shelved by corporate productions. The classic example of this happens to be Kamal Haasan’s Marma Yogi. Several Bollywood actors, including Sanjay Dutt, have come forward to

reduce their pay packet keeping in mind the present scenario. The latest to join this bandwagon is the Superstar. Rajinikanth has apparently conferred with Aishwarya Rai Bachchan to reduce her salary by 30 per cent for Endhiran. It is said that she has also done so. Sources say that they make get back the amount after Endhiran fetches profits after its release.

Courtesy: behindwoods.com

Rajini shoots in Prashanth's place

The shooting for the Rajinikanth starrer 'Endhiran' which is directed by Shankar is progressing in and around Chennai.

In spite of heavy rains, director Shankar has opted to go ahead with the shooting on Wednesday. Amidst tight security, the crew is reportedly shooting at a jewelery house owned by actor Prashanth which is located in T. Nagar, Chennai. Since Aishwarya Rai is busy shooting for the Mani Ratnam movie, scenes involving Rajinikanth are being shot.

Shooting for the movie is on at a rapid pace. The movie stars Aishwarya Rai opposite Rajinikanth and is produced by Ayngaran International. The film has musical score by A R Rahman.

Interestingly, some important sequences were shot in Europe followed by one schedule in Goa.

Courtesy: indiaglitz.com

Endhiran - light at the end of the tunnel!

There had been a few jitters in the Endhiran camp following the global economic meltdown and its concomitant effect on Ayngaran. There had been doubts as to when the third schedule, slated to begin on the 16th of the month would actually take off. Now, new developments suggest that damage control has effectively set in and there might not be much to fear.

The management of Ayngaran has reportedly asked Shankar about the exact requirements of the schedule. This is being done as a measure to tighten purse strings to ensure that no problems are encountered during later stages of shooting. So, the third schedule, set in the pristine snow clad valleys of Kulu Manali is expected to take off on the 20th of this month, after a four day delay. Looking at how big the problems being faced by the industry in general are (Marmayogi being all but shelved being an indicator of the magnitude) this four day delay is not much. Shankar plans to shoot a duet featuring Superstar and Aishwarya Rai in some never before tried locations in Kulu Manali, trust Shankar to surprise us. The visuals will definitely have the rich and grand stamp of the master director.

Courtesy: behindwoods.com

Marma Yogi, Endhiran & the Global economic crisis

On Kamal Haasan’s birthday, the news that we are receiving about Marma Yogi is not a cause for any celebrations. Credible sources have revealed that Marma Yogi might be neck deep in trouble, to the point of being indefinitely postponed or infinitely worse, be dropped. The reason is quite simple: the global economic crisis. Many were deceived

into thinking that the global meltdown was not indeed global and that India was insulated. Now we have proof that there are problems everywhere. Pyramid Saimira is reportedly wallowing and the processes of Marma Yogi have been temporarily held up. But it is not only the global economic crash that is behind Marma Yogi’s predicament. Kuselan is also being seen as a key factor. As everyone knows, the losses incurred by Pyramid Saimira due to the Kuselan debacle were huge and to top it all, they were even forced to refund distributors. It is in this scenario that SUN Pictures made an entry showing some interest. A team was entrusted with the responsibility of making a thorough research of all resources that would have to go into Marma Yogi. The report presented said that even the pre-production activities of the movie would cost quite a sum which would make the project difficult to execute; SUN Pictures exit; enter OCHER Studios and Warner Brothers. Talks are doing the rounds that Soundarya Rajnikanth has shown enough interest in Marma Yogi. It is believed that Warner Brothers are ready to go by her word and enter the movie. But conversations are still at a very primary stage and nothing is official or confirmed. To add to speculations, it has come to light that Rajkamal films have registered the title ‘Thalaivan Irukkiran’. Further enquiry revealed that Rajkamal indeed intend to go ahead with such a movie without much delay. However, other details were not available. From Marma Yogi to Endhiran. The global meltdown has not spared this one too. It has been reported that the London based Ayngaran Groups funds might be stuck in the European markets that is going through a liquidity crunch at present. With the third schedule of Endhiran slated to begin some time next week, the required funds are yet to arrive and London Karunas is reported to have left for London for the same purpose. Again, the unexpectedly poor show of Deepavali releases Aegan (own production) and Seval (outright purchase) seems to have not done them any favor. However, the troubles with Endhiran are not as serious as ones with Marma Yogi. If, Ayngaran is able to accumulate the funds in time, the shooting will proceed as planned. Otherwise, the worst scenario we are looking at is a delay which is not much of an issue, looking at what Marma Yogi is facing. But with dates being bought, a delay might make schedules go haywire, especially with Aishwarya Rai who also has Ravana. We just hope that all troubles settle down at the earliest.

Courtesy: behindwoods.com

Chakravarthy looks up to RGV

The grapevine is abuzz that J D Chakravarthy is playing the villain opposite superstar Rajinikanth in Shankar’s Enthiran. 

J D Chakravarthy (TOI Photo)

Ask him about it and he says with a smile, “Even I got to know about my role in the movie from others. I was surprised when my friends called up and congratulated me. But that isn’t the case. There is no truth in these rumours.”
Chakravarthy, whose performance in Ram Gopal Varma’s Sathya earned him accolades, is currently busy with Vishnuvardhan’s Sarvam.

The actor, who remains tight-lipped about his role in the film, is all praise for the director. “After Sathya, Sarvam impressed me a lot. It’s a fantastic film. If all directors know what to do, Vishnuvardhan knows what not to do,” says Chakravarthy. Prod him a little more for information about his role in the film and he finally relents by saying, “Arya and I are both well represented in the film. My character is that of a suppressed and angry man.”

So, how did his tryst with movies begin? “When I turned 14, I decided to enter films. I knew that I had to struggle as I was not a chikna and had no six-pack. My sister encouraged me saying that I was a born actor. I had a friend who worked in Annapoorna Studio owned by Telugu star Nagarjuna. To try my luck, I went to the studio and a young man in his 20s walked up to me and asked if I was interested in acting. I swear, no one else could have given a screen test worse than mine. I was very nervous when I realised that I was standing in front of the person who was going to decide the future course of my life. To my surprise, when I went to the studio the next day, I was told that I was selected. So, that’s how Shiva happened.”

From the beginning, Ram Gopal Varma and Chakravarthy have shared an excellent rapport. So, how does he explain the chemistry that brought about this lasting bond between the two? “If I were a woman, people would have decided that we were having an affair. Ram Gopal Varma is my inspiration. Every time I lose hope, Ramu recharges me. He is my godfather,” he says.

The actor has also starred in Mani Ratnam’s award-winning masterpiece Kannathil Muthamittal. What does the actor have to say about the acclaimed director? “If you compare Ramu and Mani, they are two opposite poles. If Ramu deals with physics, Mani deals with chemistry. Ramu is a bundle of surprises but Mani hates them. Both are experts in their own way of film-making,” he says.
Chakravarthy was also supposed to do Mani Ratnam’s flick Thiruda Thiruda which later went to Anand.

The actor’s latest Telugu film Homam has brought him laurels and projects have been flowing his way.

Chakravarthy, who is recovering from an accident that he suffered on the sets of Sarvam in which he broke his collar bone and fractured two ribs, is getting into the thick of the action once again.

On his upcoming projects, he says, “I am now making a sequel to Homam called Maran Homam. I’m also doing a Telugu film that talks about the integrity of the police system. Ramu has approved the Telugu version but I am planning to make it in Tamil too. I am also producing two films.”

An actor, director, singer, music director and now producer...with varied avatars, is Chakravarthy planning another Dasavatharam? “Before I reach Dasavatharam, Kamal would have reached a hundred avatharams. He is a genius. I am a great fan of Kamal and Rajinikanth,” he signs off.

Courtesy: indiatimes.com

Rajini in Panorama

Actor Rajinikanth's return from USA after completing the shooting for a couple of songs for ‘Endhiran’, to Chennai on Saturday night has sparked a lot of speculations.

‘Endhiran’, directed by Shankar and produced by Ayngaran Internationals, features Aishwarya Rai in the lead role.  A couple of songs were shot in Peru and USA, set to tunes by A R Rahman.

Rajinikanth fans had struck colorful posters all over Chennai city welcoming back Rajinikanth. Meanwhile, a recent survey by a private college said Rajinikanth's popularity is decreasing in Tamilnadu.

Speculations are rife that Rajinikanth would hold meeting with officer-bearers of his fans association to chalk out a future strategy. The fans are hoping for Rajinikanth's foray to politics. Meanwhile, a section of Rajinikanth's associates are confident that he would start a voluntary organization to serve the poor and the needy.

Courtesy: indiaglitz.com

Rajini to return from Endhiran – The Robot shoot

Superstar Rajinikanth and Aishwarya Rai Bachchan, along with Shankar and the rest of the Endhiran team, have been busy nearly a month shooting for the film. Endhiran, incidentally, is produced by Ayngaran Films on a mega budget crossing over Rs. 100 crores. The buzz is that about two songs have been filmed so far in the United States and Peru,

which has been choreographed by Raju Sundaram. Sources close of the team report that the first schedule shooting will be wrapped up this week and Rajini and the crew will fly back to India on September 27th.

Courtesy: behindwoods.com

Kamal picks Brazil while Rajini takes Peru!

The cream of Kollywood is now in South America with two of the biggest ever projects.Endhiran - The Robot has got underway in Peru in the usual Shankar way, shooting for a song. Bet on Shankar to make things huge. From what we hear, it looks like the songs of Sivaji might start to look a bit ordinary. The song is set in the UNESCO World heritage site of Machu Picchu, called the Lost Kingdom of Incas. The site has more than 600 years of history to it and is one of the New Seven Wonders of the World. Set breathtakingly on the ridge of a mountain, roughly around 2400 meters above sea level, it offers the kind of awe inspiring view that can push Shankar’s song making skills to new highs. Coming to the song, it is a duet featuring Superstar and Aishwarya Rai. Rahman’s composition is said to have a Spanish touch to it, even Machu Picchu has a Spanish touch in its history, and maybe what Shankar exactly had in his mind. Raju Sundaram is the choreographer for the song. Right after this song will be another one and this time it will be shot in USA. There is a possibility of the team coming to India before going back to the US for the second song. Executive producer Arun Pandian is in charge of taking care of the team needs in Peru.

This is something that was heard about Sivaji- the entire talkie portion was done in 63 days. 150 days went for fights and songs alone. We don’t know how much of this is true but we are sure that Shankar likes to get his fights and songs extraordinarily well done. So, the team will shoot the first song for two weeks at Machu Picchu before moving on to the next one. And out of the 100 crores budget for the entire project, Shankar seems to have proposed 8 crores for these two songs put together. Meanwhile, in another part of South America, a supposedly 120 crore film is taking its first steps. Set in another breathtakingly picturesque location that is steeped in history, Marmayogi has begun. Kamal and a couple of crewmembers have reportedly shot a couple of scenes at the Iguazu falls in Brazil, another UNESCO World Heritage site. Kamal selected this location because it gave him the prehistoric look and feel that he wanted, remember Marmayogi is set in the 7th century. Moreover, this is the best time of the year to capture the natural majesty of the Iguazu falls. The small team was also accompanied by a Pyramid Saimira executive, maybe to size up things before full fledged shooting begins. The team will camp at the location for a couple of days and may also touch Sao Paolo, the largest city in Brazil, before returning.

Courtesy: behindwoods.com

Aishwarya to get Rs 6 crore?

The Tamil grapevine says that Aishwarya Rai Bachchan has been paid Rs 6 crore for her role in Enthiram. If that is true, this makes her India's highest paid actress!
Robot renamed Enthiram
But it is to be noted that Aishwarya agreed to work in Enthiram out of the respect she has for Rajinikanth. Forced by busy schedules to turn down a role opposite Rajini thrice before, Aishwarya deemed it would be inappropriate to deny the stalwart's offer anymore. That is the main reason she signed Enthiram even after her call sheet overflowed with dates allocated to Mani Ratnam's bilingual.
Thus it is of little surprise that the producers of Enthiram, Ayngaran International and Eros International, are willing to pay the actress such a hefty price. Happy with Aishwarya's commitment, director Shankar has even decided to give her a break when Mani Ratnam's film shoot starts.
At present, a song is being filmed on Aishwarya and Rajinikanth for Enthiram in Machu Picchu, an ancient temple site erected by Inca Indians in Peru. Meanwhile, the public's curiosity is stoked up by the promos of Enthiram. Most of the walls in Chennai are covered by posters depicting a robot modelled after the superstar Rajinikanth. Everyone is thrilled to see this metallic version of their beloved star.

Courtesy: buzz18.com

'Endhiran' begins in grand style

Courtesy: behindwoods.com

Know who is involved in Endhiran (Robot)! - Press release

With Superstar Rajinikanth and Aishwarya Rai-Bachchan in lead roles, Endhiran is all set to start rolling from September 8th in the US. The production houses, which are involved into this grand venture, are Ayngaran International Films Pvt Ltd., and Eros International.

Two fantastic numbers that is set to tune by A. R. Rahman is about to be shot in some of the beautiful locations in America. While R. Ratnavelu will wield the camera, Sabu Cyril has been entrusted with the art department. Lyrics have been penned by Vairamuthu and Pa. Vijay. Raju Sundaram is the choreographer. Editing will be done by Anthony. Ace designer Manish Malhotra is in charge of costume designing. But the designing of scientific outfits is done by Mary E Vogt of Men in Black, Batman Returns and Inspector Gadget fame, Animatronics is by Stan Winston Studio (USA), who has some prestigious projects to their credit including Predator, Jurassic Park, Pearl Harbor, Iron Man, Terminator etc. Yuen Woo Ping who handled stunt for many Hollywood movies like Crouching Tiger Hidden Dragon, Matrix and Kill Bill has been roped in for Endhiran (THE ROBOT). This is probably the first time that renowned technicians from across the globe are being roped in for an Indian film. Hollywood companies like ILM, Tippet, Café EFX; and Hong Kong companies like Centro and Menfond will work in the field of VFX. Visual Effects and Animatronics co-ordination will be done by Indian Artiste. Producers of this venture are: K. Karunamurthi / C. Arunpandian. Executive Producer: K. Vijayakumar.

Courtesy: behindwoods.com

Star TV joins race for Robot

Eros International and Star TV have entered in to a multi-film content licensing deal. The deal paves way for Star TV to select from the 1900 films that are owned by the Eros International. Eros International has also announced with Sony Entertainment Television and Sahara Television in future.

It is already known that the company, planning to expand its business further, is venturing into producing Tamil films and will begin with Rajinikanth starrer Robot (Endhiran), directed by Shankar. Sameer Rao, Senior Vice-President, Strategic Planning & Commercial, Star India Pvt. Ltd said, "It gives us immense pleasure to associate ourselves with a globally acclaimed studio of Hindi Cinema, Eros International. For us it's a commencement of a long lasting relationship which we would like to extend with the licensing of many more blockbusters going forward." Pranab Kapadia, President – Distribution, Eros International, said, "This is just the beginning of a great relationship between Eros and Star, which are both leading players in the Indian entertainment domain. We look forward to working together more closely. According to PWC, the television sector in India is growing at over 22% CAGR and is slated to be worth over US$15 billion by 2012. With over 50% of programming content of Indian television networks being film based, Eros expects to see significant growth in TV syndication."

Courtesy: behindwoods.com

Yenthiran – First look!

Shankar's dream project Robot is already a hot cake among the media, with news updates coming out thick and fast. The latest scoop is that the movie might be titled Yenthiran and not Yenthiram. There is also news about the photo shoot which took place. The first look of Yenthiran, which will be released to the media soon, will have a completely shaved, suave looking Rajinikanth in designer

sun glasses and a metal cap. And the highlight of the poster would a red rose that the Superstar will be holding. The poster also carries a byline – The Robot! There seems to a different set of posters designed for Aishwarya Rai. Scoop sent by an unanonymous inside media person.

Courtesy: behindwoods.com

Kuselan lands Robot in trouble

Problems seem to surmount for Kuselan and all those even remotely associated with the film. Kuselan was produced by Kavithalaya and Seven Arts and was distributed by Pyramid Saimira. Owing to the film’s poor response, the Tamil Nadu Theatre Owners’ Association has been demanding compensation for the losses incurred by them. The theatre

owners also threatened that they would not screen any of the films produced by Kavithalaya and Seven Arts. Sensing trouble over this issue Kavithalaya sold the distribution rights of the two films that it has been producing – Krishna Leelai with Jeevan and Thiruvannamalai with Arjun in the lead – to Ayngaran International. This has redirected the ire of the theatre owners and distributors on Ayngaran International. The Theatre Owners are now contemplating to include Ayngaran International in the ban. If this happens, many films including Rajini’s magnum opus Robot would be in deep trouble, as Ayngaran International is producing the film.

Courtesy: behindwoods.com

Kathir - A R Rahman back again

Director Kathir is all to direct a film that will be produced by Ayngaran International. Vinay has been signed up to play the lead role. A.R. Rahman scores the music.

Courtesy:behindwoods.com

Rajini's Robot starts shooting

The much expected magnum opus of Indian Cinema, Superstar Rajinikanth's Robot shooting was started yesterday in Los Angeles, USA. According to the sources, Rajinikanth has attended the first day shooting and director Shankar shot a scene with the actor and Aishwarya Bachchan, the heroine of Rajinikanth in Robot. The actress has attended the shooting after the completion of her Unforgettable world tour.

Produced by Ayngaran Films International, Robot is the first multi lingual film, which will be made in 4 languages i.e., Tamil, Hindi, Telugu and English. Since it is the film based on writer Sujatha's complete science fiction, there will be lot of CG works to be done to make the film with international standards. This is the main reason for Shankar's US schedule.

For Rajini, the success of film is a prestige issue. So he gave unlimited call sheet to this project. Only for Shankar's convenience, Rajini completed his daughter Soundarya's maiden venture Sultan - The Warrior quickly and came to this mega project.

Courtesy: oneindia.in

Aishwarya Rai on ‘ROBOT’

Aishwarya Rai has finally spoken out on ‘Robot’. The former Miss World has said that she has earmarked the entire month of September to shoot for Rajinikanth's ‘Robot’.

'Rajini and director Shankar have been very busy over the past few weeks with the groundwork for ‘Robot’. I will join them in September,' said Aishwarya, when asked about the mega project.

Meanwhile, Rajini told reporters in Thirupathi a couple of days ago that he along with director Shankar would leave for the US soon to start filming ‘Robot’, which is being jointly produced by Ayngaran and Eros International.

Will Rajinikanth and Aishwarya Rai paint the town red together?

Courtesy: indiaglitz.com

After Kuselan, Rajinikanth gears up for Robot

Tamil superstar Rajinikanth is likely to leave for the US shortly to join the US based production team of his Rs 1.5 billion venture Robot, said publicists.

Robot will be a sci-fi movie and stars Bollywood actress Aishwarya Rai in the female lead. She has already reported for the photo-shoot schedule. It is being directed by Shankar whose last offering with Rajinikanth, Sivaji - The Boss broke all box-office records, publicists added.

The movie will be simultaneously produced in Tamil, Telugu, Hindi and two other Indian languages besides being later dubbed into English, Japanese and Malay. After Rajinikanth agrees to the final script, shooting will commence from August 15.

The extravaganza is being jointly produced by London-based Ayngaran International and Eros Entertainment. While Rajinikanth's Kuselan has released today, he has almost completed his daughter Soundarya's Ocher Studios' Rs 2 billion animated production which has live shots of the superstar.

Courtesy: televisionpoint.com

Rajinikanth already costing producer before shooting starts

It is understood that a Rajini film will cost lots money as the class of the film by default will always be well above par laden with oodles of style to match the Superstar's charisma. This style and glamour forms a majority of the budget of a Rajini film. Every producer expects this and prepares for this.

Now with Rajini's Robot, it seems that bar is being upped even before the actual shooting of the film starts. The film has Aishwarya Rai along with Superstar. Ash is now touring with The Unforgettable Tour in the US. The film will start full swing she is back in the country. If you consider the rate that the Rajini goes at (he got 25 crores for Shivaji) and the rate that Aishwarya is getting paid for the film, one can safely assume that the film's producer has already got a huge bill to play even before the film starts shooting.


But his woes are just starting. The initial photo shoot which is set to take as soon as Aishwarya's schedule allows it has already costed the producer a whole crore for just wardrobe, the set and other such things. Shankar has promised that Robot will be way grander than the grand film of grand films in Tamil Cinema, Shivaji.

So is this a sign of how big Robot will ventually? If so, then all eyes are waiting to savour the first look of the film and the film itself much more.

Courtesy: oneindia.in