Kajol in Kamal’s next?

After Dasavatharam, what's next on Kamal Haasan's menu? The actor has started pre-production work on his new film Marmayogi, which he is directing and producing.

It is a big budget extravaganza and he is talking to a few corporates to fund the project. Marmayogi is said to be a historical adventure romantic film with an 'A' list of actors. Kamal is trying to rope in a Bollywood actress and the buzz is that Kajol has been sounded about it.

The film will have music by AR Rahman. The rest of the cast and crew are being worked out. It will be the second time that Kamal is using an old MGR title for a film of his. Earlier, he had used the title Sathi Leelavathi (1936), and now the famous MGR starrer Marmayogi (1951). It has tremendous title value, and the modern Kamal film will have three versions in Tamil, Telugu and Hindi.

Courtesy: timesofindia.com

Anti-climax

Aamir Khan has got the makers to change the script of his yet untitled remake of Tamil film, Ghajini. Aamir insisted on changing the remake’s climax as he was unhappy with the last 30 minutes of the original version.

Our source says, “After getting a new look for Ghajini’s remake, Aamir has begun the new schedule of the remake with various changes in the film’s pre-climax and climax portions.

The Tamil version’s climax takes place in a medical college where the hero (actor Surya) takes on the villain played by Aamir’s Lagaan co-star Pradeep Singh Rawat, who is also involved in human trafficking.

There is a double role of the villain and the hero fights both of them in a hand-to-hand combat. But before the fight happens, the villain and his goons chase the second heroine (played by Nayanthara) to her college after which they disrobe and kill a medical student. The goons then announce that they shall continue to kill students until the hero comes out of hiding.

“Aamir knows that his biggest fan base is the family audience. Now, after the respect that he has earned post Taare Zameen Par and his rising popularity with children, Aamir wouldn’t like the remake to have any content which he doesn’t believe in. That’s why he has got the entire climax rewritten. Apart from the changes in the last 30 minutes of the film, the Hindi version remains true to the
original,” adds the source.

Courtesy: TimesofIndia.com

Aamir gifts himself a shave.

Today, the 14th of March is Aamir Khan’s birthday, and making it special is the gift that Aamir will be giving himself. Folks we are referring to him going bald. If you remember some time back Aamir had said that for his forth coming film Ghajini he will be getting into the character he plays and hence will shave his head. Well today is the D day when Aamir will be using the scissors to snip off his hair.

Apart from this it is also rumoured that the film Taare Zameen Par by far the best film that proved Aamir Khan’s prowess in directing films will be remade in Tamil and will be under Aamir’s own production banner. However he will not be directing the film, instead this part has fallen to the award winning actor-director Cheran.

If that’s not all, the second change will be who’s playing Aamir’s role in the film. The grapevine tells us that Aamir is keen on having either one of the Tollywood superstars Vikram or Surya play his role. While the part that Darsheel plays hasn’t yet been decided or finalized yet.

Let’s hope that the Tamil version is as good as the real one, as most remakes falling flat these days. However we tried to get in- touch with Aamir at his office and residence but he was not available for comments, while his co-workers say that they will have to ask the star before commenting on it.

Courtesy: Indiatimes.com

Tamil Jodha Akbar bombs badly

The Tamil regional dubbed release of Hrithik Roshan-Aishwarya Rai starrer Jodha Akbar has proven to be a disaster for UTV. The film has bombed even though past Hindi films have done good business in the state in their dubbed versions.

It was released in 8 theaters in Chennai. But there have been reports of Jodhaa Akbar having been taken off after matinee show itself on opening day due to lack of audience and replaced with 10,000 BC a Hollywood release this week which has open to over 95% response.


Given the dubbing costs and print costs, JA's local version will prove to be a big loser.

Courtesy: Ibosnetwork.com

'Jodhaa Akbar' now in Tamil

Ashutosh Gowariker’s magnum opus 'Jodhaa Akbar', starring Hrithik Roshan and Aishwarya Rai, after having impressed the hindi-speaking audience, would now be released in Tamil.

The music for the film is by maestro A.R. Rahman, who has come out with some grand numbers. The Tamil lyrics have been written by Na. Muthukumar. The audio, that has been released recently, is doing well, say sources.


The film has turned out to be a super-hit, especially in the overseas market where it is doing terrific business aided by favourable reviews from the foreign press. The domestic revenue too has been above average considering that the film has not been released in Rajasthan and has been banned in Madhya Pradesh and certain other areas.

The Hindi version, released two weeks back, has so far collected 65 lakhs from Chennai alone. This is indeed quite a feat, considering the film’s running time of 3 hours and 30 minutes.

However, UTV is planning to release a more tightly-edited version. The dubbed version would be released across Tamil Nadu on 6th of March.

Courtesy: Msn.com

Tamil theaters supporting the Rajasthani Rajputs against Jodha Akbar?

Unlike what was being reported earlier, Jodha Akbar will not be able to make it in dubbed versions in Tamil Nadu this week. 'Officially' the Tamil distributors are believed to have told the makers the demand is not strong enough for it to follow the likes of Krrish, Dhoom 2 and Guru to have a regional sub-release also in the south. However it could be they are heeding the calls of the Hindu Rajput groups who have asked people of every state to shun the film because of what is being called an attempt to distort Indian & Hindu history via a movie.

The other aspect could be purely financial. UTV is said to have asked for over 2 crores for the territory which is believed to be too much given its theme and setting at the moment.

Even the Hindi version in Chennai is not having a huge release with only 2 theaters currently planning to exhibit the mughal-rajput saga on Friday.

Courtesy: Ibosnetwork.com

UTV To Release 'Jodhaa Akbar' In 26 Countries

Ashutosh Gowariker's epic love story 'Jodhaa Akbar' is to get one of the biggest worldwide releases. UTV Motion Pictures will release the Hritik Roshan-Aishwarya Rai starrer in 26 countries on Friday.
Mumbai, Feb 12 Ashutosh Gowariker's epic love story 'Jodhaa Akbar' is to get one of the biggest worldwide releases. UTV Motion Pictures will release the Hritik Roshan-Aishwarya Rai starrer in 26 countries on Friday.

Earlier, Sony Pictures' first Indian venture, 'Saawariya', was one of the biggest releases of 2007. It was released in around 14 countries.

'Jodhaa Akbar' is dubbed in three languages - Hindi, Telugu and Tamil - and subtitled in English, Arabic and Dutch. It will be viewed across 1,500 screens worldwide.

In India alone the film is to be released in more than 1,300 screens, of which 500 will be digital and 825 physical prints. In the US, 122 prints will be released, the highest ever for an Indian film.

'The film is one of the most anticipated movies of the decade and in keeping with the unprecedented anticipation among audiences, our distribution strategy will ensure that it can be viewed by the maximum possible audience in the very week of its release,' said Siddharth Roy Kapoor, executive vice-president of marketing and distribution, Syndication UTV Motion Pictures, in a press statement.

The film may also be screened in Pakistan, but at a later date.

'We are definitely planning to release the film in Pakistan but it won't be on Feb 15. Most probably we will screen it in March,' Roy told IANS.

Set in the 16th century, this epic romance begins as a marriage of alliance between two cultures and religions, for political gain, with King Bharmal of Amer giving his daughter Jodha's hand to Mughal emperor Jalaluddin Akbar.

The music by maestro A.R. Rahman launched UTV's music label.

With this film, UTV is also reinventing its distribution in North America.

In Canada, it is the first time that a Hindi film is being released simultaneously in six provinces - British Columbia, Ontario, Quebec, Manitoba, Nova Scotia and Alberta.

Courtesy: newspostindia.com

A R Rahman, on rediff.com

He had just done a concert in Chennai, the time was midnight and you would think AR Rahman was ready to wind up a hard-driving day. But no -- he was upbeat, obviously in a great frame of mind, when he appeared on Rediff chat.

During his interaction with fans worldwide, there was no sign of impatience, no indication that his mind was on other things -- though he had, after the chat, to complete work on some remixes and catch a flight to London for the music release of Lord Of The Rings.

Rahman put all those preoccupations out of mind, and answered questions with patience and eloquence. For those who missed the event, here is the transcript:

Mahesh Londhe: I feel 1947 Earth is your all time best music. I am not against synthesizer or latest techniques but have a strong opinion that music is nothing but 'feelings' and therefore a song should be recorded in one go without a break as it was done previously. What is your opinion?

A R Rahman says: Thank you very much. I definitely have a lot of freedom when I work with Deepa Mehta, since she doesn't nitpick into every little thing. She just gives the general idea and disappears till we make beautiful music for her and she responds later. Freedom is very important in the process of creating music and songs. There are a lot of issues when we record music together, because even if one person is not right, then the whole recording becomes unusable. Hence, by the use of multi-tracks, we definitely try to simulate the seamlessness in a song. But the practice is still on. The music of Lord of the Rings, the musical, and Golden Age, which I recorded recently were all with a live orchestra in one of the most prestigious studios in London.

Aravind AM: Sir, in most of your songs, there are very minute and very fine sounds, which may hardly be noticeable to a normal listener, but if we actually notice them, we appreciate the sheer brilliance. What motivates to to make all those fine nuances in your songs, though the efforts that you put in for beautifying the song may not reach the audience?

A R Rahman says: There is a story of Michelangelo -- if I am not wrong -- which I heard recently. It seems that he was painting beautiful pictures at the back of the church. People told him you are a fool because you are not painting in the front where people can appreciate your work. The answer was: I do my work for God. I think he can watch it anywhere. I thought it was a brilliant answer because everything doesn't need to have instant appreciation. Even if one of you have appreciated those fine nuances, that is enough for me.

Armstrong S A: I feel that quality and sounds of Roja songs are far better than your recent ones. What is the main reason for that? Are you missing Sridar and other sound engineers?

A R Rahman says: At the time of Roja, the consumer music systems used were of lower qualities and we had to cater to a mono-magnetic tape. Hence we had to exaggerate the high frequencies and use a lot of specialisers. Things have changed in the course of time and we have now taken a universal approach in the sound quality to make our recordings sound warm and friendly to every system. That covers the recording part. The sounds which you say were inspired from the film of Roja, definitely another film soundtrack will come where you will feel the same or maybe better vibe again.

Vineet: Hi Rahman sir. I am a fan of you. I hear that you are coming to Dubai for a concert. Is it true? If yes, is it a public or a private concert? We are very eager to see u here in Dubai.

A R Rahman says: You'll know very soon.

Shani George: Guruji, what is that one special thing you would like to tell your millions of fans?

A R Rahman says: Love makes the heart lighter and makes you see things objectively. Hate darkens you and makes you heavy at heart and uneasy. Make a choice. God bless.

Sathya: Hi Rahman, I am a die hard fan of you and have been listening to your music since Roja. I have read in your interviews that you pray five times a day. Also, it's because you love your job you can avoid burnout. But amid such high pressures, how are you able to do that? Do you get pressurised any time by producers to finish fast, which can cause you lose your coolness and creativity?

A R Rahman says: Like how we find time to eat food and sleep, we need to find time for 'spiritual food' too. If we have our mind balanced and light, all other things are easier to handle.

Chekka Prakash: Why are you not giving music to Telugu movies?

A R Rahman says: I am in the process of doing a Telugu movie directed by S J Suriya, and starring Pavan Kalyan. The music of Jodhaa Akbar will also release in Telugu.

S Somu: Sir, don't neglect my request. Give me some work to do... anything... I will travel my life with you, sir. I don't know more about music but I can do any kind of work. Don't neglect this.

A R Rahman says: I never intentionally neglect people, but due to overwhelming queue in my work, it might seem so. I have all of you in my prayers and love you all.

Amit Iyer: Good Evening Rahmanji. I'm your die hard fan from Mumbai. I love each and every track you have composed, right from Roja to Jodhaa Akbar and have collected CD's and cassettes of each of your compositions. I heard you are going to compose some devotional album soon with your Guru Shri Dakshinamoorthy. When is it about to be released? I just want to meet you at least once. You have come to Mumbai several times but I always missed the opportunity of meeting you. Hope we will meet soon. All the best for your future projects. Warm regards to you and your family.

A R Rahman says: You are right. Mr Dakshinamurthy has composed a beautiful album from the Tamil Sufi text of Gunangudi Mastan based on Carnatic ragas. Though we have done around six songs, we are still finding it difficult to find the time to complete the other songs. But it's a very passionate project. Do wait for it.

Arshitha V: Hi Rahman Sir. How are you? As we all know that technology is having a great impact in the world of music, how are you able to keep yourself abreast with the current technology? Also, do you feel that you need more contributions from the world of science to music? I value your opinion a lot on this.

A R Rahman says: I've not seen any great innovation in instruments recently except for a few, which is the continium fingerboard and a very unique instrument in North India where a person has combined a violin and a Sarangi. Indian music could have a great scientific instrument emulating all the gamakas and ragas with a polyphonic touch. I might have missed something which is already there.

A R Rahman says: I read most of your questions... thought I will just pick and choose the ones I felt like answering due to lack of time. I thank you for taking your time for writing all those beautiful kind words.

Courtesy: Rediff.com

Aishwarya Rai signs for Robot

A couple of days back, we had mentioned that Shankar was in Mumbai to hold talks with Aishwarya Rai to cast her in his prestigious project Robot. Now it is confirmed that he has been successful with regard to roping in former Miss World in his mega budgeted film Robot. Ms Rai has signed on the dotted line for a jaw dropping sum of Rs 1.5 crore to play the lady lead for Super Star in the

film. Insiders reveal that this could be the highest paid salary for any heroine in the South Indian film industry. This Science fiction film will be produced by Karunamoorthy for Ayngaran International and is expected to be made simultaneously in Tamil, Hindi and Telugu.

Courtesy: Behindwoods.com

'Sultan is on the lines of Troy, Gladiator'

There are only a few people who could grab the spotlight from Tamil superstar Rajnikanth. One of them is his 23-year old daughter, Soundarya Rajnikanth.

No, she hasn't acted in any films. Rather, it is a film she is making with her Dad that is generating a lot of interest.

The film is a 3D animation titled Sultan The Warrior which is produced by Soundarya's company's (Ocher Studios) along with Adlabs, and directed by her.

Shobha Warrier caught up with the pretty director to know more. Excerpts:

How did the film with your father happen?

It started very small. My company (Ocher films) was already into visual effects and post production work. So, the next stage was to get into animation.

While I was travelling abroad I saw a couple of animation films. And it got me thinking. Here (India) we don't have those kinds of films. Animation abroad is considered as important as live action. For example, Shrek and Mission Impossible were appreciated and welcomed there. But this is not the case in India. I told myself, why don't I make one? Someone has to take the initiative and do it.

And this made you think of making a film with your father?

Yes, it did, because he is a superstar. I am such a fan of my father that I felt he deserved to be animated first. Appa is God to me. He is known for his style, mannerisms and gimmicks. If he could do so much in live action, imagine what he could do with animation? The sky is the limit. In Sultan too he does a lot of gimmicks.

So, it is my father's style that came to my mind the moment I thought of an animation film. You need someone stylish to get animated. I would say this film is a daughter's dedication to her father.

That's a very emotional statement...

Yes, it is. The film is very emotional for me because in the history of Indian entertainment, no Asian actor has been animated before. And, to me, this is my dedication to my father. The film is like making history, and it is making history.

Did he become emotional hearing that statement from you?

He did. The project is very personal to both of us. There is a lot of emotion involved in it because I am dedicating it to my father. It is good when there is sentiment attached to the project. You can't make a film without getting attached to it.

How did he react when you told your father that you were going to make an animation film on him?

He was very curious and also very excited. Again, animation is not known in India. It is new and it is a road that no one has travelled before.

So, his initial reaction was, animation? How is it going to be? And me as the hero?

I told him, Yes, Appa, you are going to be animated. Then I walked him through it and explained everything. He was very supportive, encouraging and very proud!

From the time I could remember, my parents have been extremely supportive of anything I want to do in life. My Dad is very involved in the project as it is his story.

Which part of his life are you going to animate?

It is not his life story; it is a story written by him.

Did he write the story for you?

No, he wrote the story to make it into a movie. But he never ended up doing it because Sultan's story is very, very grand. So, to make a live action movie, you require not only a gigantic budget but also a lot of effort by way of costumes, sets, etc. It is a huge undertaking because this is on the lines of Troy, Gladiator, etc. It is a film on a Warrior!

So, when I had this idea to make an animation film, Dad and I were discussing various ideas. Then, he gave me this story and said, 'develop this,' and I worked on it and went back to him with the screenplay. My father generally first approves the story of every film of his. Mr Rajnikanth approved the script and here we are doing the film!


Other than the story, what are the other areas he is involved with in the film?

He is giving his voice in the movie.

Only in Tamil?

Yes, as of now. We will think of the other languages later. He is also doing motion capture for the movie. Motion capture is a technology that is required for a 3D film. And I am shooting him live for reference.

How was the experience of directing your father?

I am yet to do it.

Are you dreading the day?

No, I am looking forward to it.

How will you treat him -- just as an actor?

Yes. When we were discussing things, it had always been between a director and an actor. But once home, we are father and daughter.

When we are on the floor, we are very professional. And, he is hundred percent a professional. Sultan is his film, and it will be his next release.



Was he your hero when you were young?

He has always been my hero. I am a die-hard fan of my Dad!

When did you realise that your father was the superstar of Tamil Nadu?

As long as I could remember. My father was a superstar when he got married. So, we grew up in that atmosphere. We have grown up watching his films and adored his every move. So, I can't really say when I realised he was the superstar because he has always been one for me!

What is it about his movies that you like?

He is symbolic of the meaning of the word style! You look up the dictionary for the word style, and it means Rajnikanth! He is the most stylish man -- on and off screen too.

Can you be objective while directing him?

I am a director and he is an actor in my film. So, he is an actor in my film, not my father.

But when I come back home, he is my Dad, and that will never change.

This type of objectivity would not have been possible when I was younger. When I was a kid, there were times when I saw him cry on screen. I would start crying too. I thought it was my father who was crying. I was too young to realise that it was the character he was playing that was crying. I also hated it when he was hit by villains. I would say, stop hitting my Dad!

How did he react when you told him that you were his greatest fan?

He knows that. It is not that we sat down and I told him that. My sister and I go mad when his films are released. We would be yelling in the theatre like his other fans.

How was it growing up as the superstar's daughter? How were you treated in school?

We didn't have a lot of privacy. A lot of people talk to you because you are his daughter. I am glad that I made lots of good friends.

Did you have a normal childhood?

We had a very, very normal and simple upbringing. My Mom balances it out.

Everybody talks about how simple your father is in real life. The way he conducts himself in public is as a very simple person...

I admire that aspect of him. The more successful he is, the simpler he becomes. That is how it is for him. The more he achieves, the more humble he becomes. When people respect and admire him more, the more simple he becomes. He is such an amazing human being. He is like God for me. I can't say more.

Is it very difficult to emulate the kind of lifestyle he leads?

No, no it's not like that. All of us are very, very simple people.

You went to Australia to study multimedia. Did it just happen, or have you always wanted to do something on these lines?

I have always been interested in graphics and visual effects. I studied multimedia which is more technical. I never went to a film school. I came to know all about films from growing up with a superstar.

I came back from Australia and started Ocher and here is where we are today. I always knew I would be behind the camera.

You must have got a lot of offers to be in front of the camera too...

I have, but I never got excited about it because I always knew I was the creative person who wanted to be behind the camera. I wanted to do something different.

Weren't you tempted at all to act in films?

Acting? No, it never crossed my mind. Never.

Was it because you were more passionate about being behind the camera?

Yes, I am more passionate about being behind the camera. I wanted to do something that was not done before. I wanted to create a benchmark. What I am doing is a first of its kind, and I am very passionate about this.

Is Sultan the Warrior a period film?

Yes, it is a period film but I am not specifying the period. It is a story that happened a long time ago.

Are you excited or nervous about Sultan?

I am excited and nervous too because it is a Rajnikanth film and people expect a lot. Being nervous makes me want to do more and take up more challenges.

Would you also be making feature films in future?

Yes, definitely. And, I want to take Ocher to another level. I want to establish my company and also be a filmmaker. I want to balance both.

How difficult is it to be both a businesswoman as well as a filmmaker?

The advantage is that both are interlinked. I am making my film completely out of my company. So, I know the kind of quality my company can give and the kind of quality I can get from my company. It works for me, by God's grace!

What kind of support do you get from your mother?

She is the chairperson of my company. I studied in her school (Ashram School). She is very involved in the project and the company as well. All of us at Ocher go to her for advice.

So, do you think you inherited the entrepreneurial spirit from your mother and the creative spirit from your father?

Believe me, my dad is a very good businessman. When he chooses his script and movies, he knows what he is doing. He is not only an actor, but a great businessman as well.

Does Ocher Studios do a lot of special effects for films?

Yes, we do. Apart from making our own content, we do that too. By God's grace, we do have a good market share down south. I am expanding my facilities more and getting into Hindi film graphics this year.

We started with 12 people and now have 80 working for us. We will definitely come to Mumbai. We may also go overseas. As we are doing Sultan, we are scaling up the company too.

Do you feel that you have all those projects in the south because you are Rajnikanth's daughter?

No, life has not been easy when I started out. Ours is a very young company -- we are only two years old. It's not that everybody would give you a job just because you are Rajnikanth's daughter. It's not like that.

On the contrary, it is more difficult because a lot of people are scared to give you work because they feel if something goes wrong, they can't question us. But we say, of course, you can question us. We are a company.

I went through all the problems that a start up company goes through, and I am still going through them. We are breaking into a market where there are already established companies.

Which was the first film you got to do special effects for?

Chandramukhi and I must say the response has been good. Chandramukhi ran for 800 days. When your first film is a hit, you are sentimentally happy about it. I have worked only in Tamil so far. Now I am venturing in to Telugu and Hindi.


As a filmmaker, what kind of feature films do you like to make?

I like to make fantasies. They are my favourite genre. I read a lot of Amar Chitra Katha. I was very interested in Indian mythological stories. I know Mahabharata and Ramayana thoroughly. I never read novels, however.

What kind of films do you watch?

I watch all kinds of movies except horror.

Do you feel films have to have a message?

Of course. But you can't say every movie has to have a message.

All your father's films have messages?

Yes, they have. Sultan also has a message. When someone is in a place from where he can tell people to do good, he has to do it. The lyrics of every song of my Dad's have strong messages and people do follow them.

Like your father, are you also a spiritual person?

Yes, I am a spiritual person. I have taken up his school of spirituality but I have never had the chance to go to the Himalayas. Hopefully, I will go there some day.

Do you believe in God?

Of course, I do.

What's God to you? You said earlier that your father is like God to you...

You can interpret what I said in many ways. When you say call someone God, it is like saying that you love and believe in that person completely. My father is irreplaceable. That is why I said he is like God to me.

Courtesy: Rediff.com

Hrithik-Aishwarya are charismatic: Ashutosh Gowariker

Young and dynamic director Ashutosh Gowariker, who is ready with Jodhaa-Akbar, says he was fascinated by the relationship that the two historical figures must have shared after marriage.

"I feel if today we make a story about the past, it must be correlated to the present. And 'Jodhaa-Akbar' is as relevant to the present as arranged marriages. Jodha and Akbar shared a perfect arranged marriage. I was fascinated by how their relationship must have grown after marriage," Gowariker told IANS.

Starring Aishwarya Rai and Hrithik Roshan in the lead roles, the film is set to hit the marquee Feb 15. The director is dubbing it in Telugu and Tamil as well.

Excerpts:

After Lagaan, you return to a period film in Jodhaa-Akbar?
You might say that. But I call Lagaan a period film. Jodhaa-Akbar is to me a historical. Anything after 1857 is a period film for me. Anything before that is a historical. Jodhaa-Akbar is certainly not a costume drama. It isn't set in a never-never land. I'd call Mughal-e-Azam a historical though its focus was different from mine.

I feel if today we make a story about the past, it must be correlated to the present. And Jodhaa-Akbar is as relevant to present times as arranged marriages. Jodha and Akbar shared a perfect arranged marriage.

I was fascinated by how their relationship must have grown after marriage. There was no reference in any books about what happened between them. I've taken extreme care to make sure viewers believe in the relationship.

How much have you stressed the religious difference between Jodha and Akbar?
It's important but not stressed in my film. Let's not forget, Akbar's marriage to Jodhabai was no common occurrence. It had a nationwide reverberation 450 years ago when society was far more conservative. How did their marriage affect those times? That's a question relevant even today. But I'm not jingoistic in my treatment.

Aishwarya Rai and Hrithik Roshan have very contemporary personalities?
That won't be a problem. The audience will come in and forget everything about Hrithik and Aishwarya. Hrithik-Aishwarya's pairing is incredible. They're extremely charismatic and good-looking. They were a huge success in the contemporary Dhoom 2. That can only help my film, not harm it.

What audiences will see in my film are Jodha and Akbar. At least that's what I've tried to ensure through their looks, body language and behaviour. I wanted to make my historical as believable as I'd like to see it being.

Every element big or small, from the texture of the clothes to the sets, dialogues and the protocol, even the incidental sounds of birds and animals, they all had to be just right for me.

I'm tired of filmmakers wondering where those good old days have gone. I wanted to reclaim those days. It took me two years of pre-production before I got into my first shot.

Film analysts feel history has no relevance for today's average youngster?
I agree. Even as a child myself historical films never interested me. But when I saw Mughal-e-Azam on TV, I connected to it because it was a story of lovers separated by parental opposition. That the parents were historical figures was incidental.

I feel the story has to be connectable to the audience. Hyder Ali, who wrote Jodhaa-Abkar, told me, "In Mughal-e-Azam the focus was so much on Salim and Anarkali, nobody asked a fundamental question. How did Akbar come to marry Jodhabai in spite of their religious and cultural divide? I immediately reacted to their alliance. I saw an interesting story there that needed to be told.

As for the youngsters, I had one rule of connectivity in my range of vision. Any word or dialogue that I didn't understand in Urdu I kept out. I've no interest in impressing audiences with my knowledge of Urdu, Hindi or even literature. I feel literature is for the books, and that's where it should stay. I needed to reach out to the masses.

So is Jodhaa-Akbar kitsch?
No. I've referred to literature and academia. But the Akbarnama was in Pharsi. It doesn't mean I'd use Pharsi in my film. I want Tamil Nadu, Kerala and Bengal to understand the film.

I'm dubbing the film into Telugu and Tamil. Each language has its own regality and I'm going by the individual regality of the province. I had one vision before me when I started making this film. It was the world of the Amar Chitra Katha. I've grown up on that world.

Are you happy with the end product?
Oh! it has been tremendously enriching. So far the Mughal period was part of textbooks. I always wondered about the battles and the durbar intrigue. The Mughal period was known for its lavishness, so much so that studio bosses in Hollywood from the golden period were not called movie czars or movie nawabs. They were called movie moguls.

Courtesy: Hindustimes.com

Ayngaran to produce 'Robot'

Ayngaran International, which was last year acquired by Eros International company, has announced the production of 'Robot', starring superstar Rajnikanth.

After the grand success of 'Sivaji', Rajnikanth, talented director Shankar, and music maestro A. R. Rahman, are coming together once again in the much anticipated 'Robot', which will be produced in Hindi, Tamil and Telugu.

Rajnikanth says, "I am immensely happy to be working with Ayngaran – Eros International for 'Robot'. This film by Shankar is one of its kinds to be made on Indian screen. No one has done it before."

Director, Shankar, commented,"It's very exciting to be working again with talents like Rajnikanth and A. R. Rahman. Combined with production & distribution muscle of Ayngaran – Eros International, 'Robot' has the potential of becoming this year's biggest film."

K Karuna Moorthy, CEO, Ayngaran, commented, "After the grand success of 'Sivaji' and 'Billa' we are all geared up for 'Robot' now. Aligning with Eros International's consolidation strategy, we are leveraging our position to integrate the Tamil film industry by producing & releasing films on the global platform. It's a pleasure working again with the magical team of Rajnikanth, Shankar and A. R. Rahman. We are positive that 'Robot' will break all box office records."

Courtesy: Televisionpoint.com

Rajnikanth’s new avatar: Animated Sultan!

Rajnikanth fans are in for a treat. The Tamil superstar, who has redefined the term ‘Stardom’ will soon, be seen as mythological, larger than life character. But what, you may ask, is so great about Rajni playing a larger than life character. Hasn’t he always done that?

Well, that’s where the novelty lies. For the first time in his glorious career, Rajnikanth will be seen in an animation. And donning the director hat would be none another than his daughter, the 23 year old Soundarya.

The animation film titled ‘Sultan’ is being developed at Chennai's Ocher Studios. While the film is targeted at both adults and children, Soundarya admits, making the film though is no child's play.

She is at the helm of the USD 10 million, full-length 3D animation film, Sultan-The Warrior, being co-produced with Adlabs. The movie will be made in 12 languages including Tamil, Hindi, Telugu, English and even Japanese.

"Animating a live-action hero is not easy at all because you have to get the size precise and even facial features like the eyes and the nose precise,” she said.

She is leaving no stones unturned to ensure that the movie becomes a benchmark for animation in the country. She even took the iconic actor to Brussels for a body scan. ‘I want him to be the first South East Asian actor to ever be animated.

If that’s not all, even the film’s promise to be a cracker, since none other than A R Rahman is composing the sound track.

"The background score is very, very important for an animation. It's the backbone of the film. The film's got four full-length songs, so Rahman sir has taken a lot of effort and he's done a lot of homework on his own. We are very excited about the music," says Soundarya.

In another first of sorts, the film will also have a separate English title song. A search is on for an international singer.

The movie is expected to hit theatres by the end of this year.

With the makers clearly looking for a global platform for their film, whether or not Sultan Rajni scores with the international audience, his fans are already queuing up for the tickets.

Courtesy: Zeenews.com

After Robo, Rajini gets animated over Sultan

Tamil Nadu's superstar is going to be seen in a new avtaar. Rajinikanth is starring in an

animation film Sultan, where he features as a mythological, larger-than-life warrior.

The movie is being directed by his daughter, Soundarya Rajinikanth at Chennai's Ocher Studios. While the film is targeted at both adults and children, Soundarya says making the film though is no child's play.

"Animating a live-action hero is not easy at all because you have to get the size precise and even facial features like the eyes and the nose precise. I had to take my father to Brussels for a body scan and it's all come out well. So what you are seeing now is my dad in animation," says Soundarya.

Sultan will be made in 12 languages including Tamil, Hindi, Telugu, English and Japanese, and the budget is expected to touch the $10 million mark.

Another USP of the film is its music, a job that has been entrusted to A R Rahman.

"The background score is very, very important for an animation. It's the backbone of the film. The film's got four full-length songs, so Rahman sir has taken a lot of effort and he's done a lot of homework on his own. We are very excited about the music," says Soundarya.

The film will also have an English title song for which the search is on for an international singer. It is expected to hit theatres by the end of this year.

"I hope the film reaches mainstream Hollywood. When you talk about a film like Crouching Tiger Hidden Dragon, it's very authentic to it's background. Sultan is going to be an Indian film with international projection standards and international technical standards in it," says Soundarya.

And as for the fans, Soundarya thinks they will be as excited to see her father in another avtaar as she is directing him.

Courtesy: Ibnlive.com

Rahman back to Dasavatharam

It is raining Rahman all over with the audio of the much-awaited Jodha Akbar finally hitting the stalls today and rumors abuzz over his acceptance to work with director Shankar for the sci-fi thriller Robot as well as Kamal Haasan's Marmayogi. For all the Tamil fans of this composer this is pleasant surprise as they had been whining that he was into Hindi and not heard in Tamil films as often.

Amidst this buzz, insiders suggest that Oscar Ravichandran, producer of Kamal Haasan-starrer Dasavatharam, directed by K.S. Ravikumar, has approached A.R Rahman to compose the background score for this film. Earlier, Rahman was touted to compose the music for the film but owing to tight schedules he opted out and the chance went over to Himmesh Reshammiya, who composed the songs. However, the team was on the lookout for a composer to score the background music. With the film being delayed well beyond its intended release date, Oscar Films once again approached Rahman, and reports suggest that the maestro is also quite keen to take up the offer. He is said to be held with few other international and bollywood assignments at present and is contemplating on accepting the offer. An official announcement is expected shortly.

Courtesy: Behindwoods.com

Ash, Hrithik launch Jodhaa Akbar music

The wait for Jodhaa Akbar is almost over. Ashutosh Gowariker's magnum opus starring Hrithik Roshan and Aishwarya Rai Bachchan will release on February 15. The music launch for the film took place on January 9, with AR Rahman and Amitabh Bachchan doing the honours. Jodhaa Akbar is Hrithik and Aishwarya's second film together after Dhoom 2. The two have been widely appreciated for their electrifying on-screen chemistry. Jodhaa Akbar is Aishwarya's first film post marriage and Hrithik's next after Dhoom 2. With AR Rahman and Javed Akhtar working on the music of the film, expectations are sky high. Aishwarya and Hrithik were full praise for the music and they both concluded that it was their best film score till date. Produced at a cost of Rs 40 crores, Jodhaa Akbar is one of the most expensive movies of 2008. The film took two years to make. It has been shot extensively in Rajasthan and Karjat.

Courtesy: Sify.com

Music of Jodha Akbar launched

Music for producer director Ashutosh Gowarikar's 'Jodhaa Akbar', was launched at the Grand Hyatt, Kalina, Mumbai late Wednesday evening. Rani Padmini, who is a direct descendant of Jodhabai was present on the occasion.

The film's lead pair Hrithik Roshan and Aishwarya Rai were present on the launch function along with lyricist Javed Akhtar, Ashutosh Gowarikar and music director A. R. Rahman.

The musical score for the period film by AR Rahman has been released under the newly launched UTV Music label. It consists of five songs that capture the essence and opulence of the Moghul era.

Ashutosh Gowarikar has denied reports that two songs were cut from the film to keep its length under 3 hours.

"No. We recorded five songs and we've retained them all. I treasure every song that I record and wouldn't dream of cutting them for length."

There are only five songs recorded for Jodhaa Akbar and we've retained all of them. I treasure every song that I record and wouldn't dream of cutting them for length. Even if we had nine songs only two would wind their way into the charts. We have five songs and I've worked on making each hummable.

Aishwarya was beautiful as ever glittering in an ethnic churidar Kurta.

By January 15, the music will be in stores.

The response to the first two songs has been surprisingly positive. People were expecting archaic songs, but they seem to have liked the modern adaptation of the 16th century sounds.

Courtesy: Saharasamay.com

Aishwarya and Hrithik wow at 'Jodhaa Akbar'

Aishwarya Rai and Hrithik Roshan at Jodhaa Akbar music launch at the Grand Hyatt, Kalina, Mumbai on 9th Jan 2008. Photo Credit: Sawf News

10 January 2008 (Sawf News) - Music for producer director Ashutosh Gowarikar's Jodhaa Akbar, starring Aishwarya Rai and Hrithik Roshan, was launched at Grand Hyatt, Kalina, Mumbai late Wednesday evening, January 9.

Maharani Padmini Devi, who is a direct descendant of Princess Jodhaa of Amer was present on the stage, as were Hrithik Roshan, Aishwarya Rai, Javed Akhtar, Ashutosh Gowarikar and AR Rahman.

(L to R) Ashutosh Gowarikar, AR Rahman, Javed Akhtar, Aishwarya Rai, Rani Padmini and Hrithik Roshan at Jodhaa Akbar music launch at the Grand Hyatt, Kalina, Mumbai on 9th Jan 2008. Photo Credit: Sawf News

Other cast members present included Punam S Sinha, wife of actor-MP Shatrughan Sinha who plays Akbar's mother in the film, Kulbhushan Kharbanda who plays Raja Bharmal and Sonu Sood.

Also present were Amitabh Bachchan, who provides the voice over, Shatrughan Sinha, Hrithik's wife Suzzane, her actor brother Zayed Khan, father Sanjay Khan and uncle Akbar Khan.

Aishwarya Rai and Hrithik Roshan at Jodhaa Akbar music launch at the Grand Hyatt, Kalina, Mumbai on 9th Jan 2008. Photo Credit: Sawf News

The musical score for the period dram has been composed by AR Rahman and is being released under the newly launched UTV Music label. It consists of five songs that capture the essence and opulence of the Mughall era.

Gowarikar denies two songs were cut from the film to keep its length under 3 hours.

"No. We recorded five songs and we've retained them all. I treasure every song that I record and wouldn't dream of cutting them for length."

Aishwarya Rai at Jodhaa Akbar music launch at the Grand Hyatt, Kalina, Mumbai on 9th Jan 2008. Photo Credit: Sawf News

The joint appearance by Aishwarya and Hrithik at the event put to rest rumors of a rift between the co-stars who wowed viewers as an on screen couple in Dhoom 2.

Dismissing tabloid speculation that the two have not been getting along lately Gowarikar says:

"Absolutely untrue! Aishwarya and Hrithik get along really well. Even at the wrap-up party they were fine with each other. There was no rivalry between them."

Fans can expect to see the two make more joint appearances during the lead up to the release of the film.

“We now have a publicity plan for them,” Gowarikar adds.

Aishwarya Rai at Jodhaa Akbar music launch at the Grand Hyatt, Kalina, Mumbai on 9th Jan 2008. Photo Credit: Sawf News

"The music of Jodhaa-Akbar can't be bhangra and hip-hop. Just because the film has Aishwarya, please don't expect an introductory song-and-dance. It's not a star vehicle. It's about the characters. I'm showcasing Jodhaa and Akbar," says Gowarikar.

Gowarikar also confirmed that the film will be released on February 15, refuting reports that there may be yet another delay.

Courtesy: Sawf.orf

'Jodhaa-Akbar' as relevant as arranged marriage: Gowariker

Young and dynamic director Ashutosh Gowariker, who is ready with "Jodhaa-Akbar", says he was fascinated by the relationship that the two historical figures must have shared after marriage. "I feel if today we make a story about the past, it must be correlated to the present. And 'Jodhaa-Akbar' is as relevant to the present as arranged marriages. Jodha and Akbar shared a perfect arranged marriage. I was fascinated by how their relationship must have grown after marriage," Gowariker told IANS.

Keeping the young generation in mind, the director has avoided a heavy dose of Urdu.

"As for youngsters, I had one rule of connectivity in my range of vision. Any word or dialogue that I didn't understand in Urdu I kept out. I've no interest in impressing audiences with my knowledge of Urdu, Hindi or even literature."

Starring Aishwarya Rai and Hrithik Roshan in the lead roles, the film is set to hit the marquee Feb 15. The director is dubbing it in Telugu and Tamil as well.

Excerpts:

Q: After "Lagaan", you return to a period film in "Jodhaa-Akbar"?

A: You might say that. But I call "Lagaan" a period film. "Jodhaa-Akbar" is to me a historical. Anything after 1857 is a period film for me. Anything before that is a historical. "Jodhaa-Akbar" is certainly not a costume drama. It isn't set in a never-never land. I'd call "Mughal-e-Azam" a historical though its focus was different from mine.

I feel if today we make a story about the past, it must be correlated to the present. And "Jodhaa-Akbar" is as relevant to present times as arranged marriages. Jodha and Akbar shared a perfect arranged marriage. I was fascinated by how their relationship must have grown after marriage. There was no reference in any books about what happened between them. I've taken extreme care to make sure viewers believe in the relationship.

Q: How much have you stressed the religious difference between Jodha and Akbar?

A: It's important but not stressed in my film. Let's not forget, Akbar's marriage to Jodhabai was no common occurrence. It had a nationwide reverberation 450 years ago when society was far more conservative. How did their marriage affect those times? That's a question relevant even today. But I'm not jingoistic in my treatment.

Q: Aishwarya Rai and Hrithik Roshan have very contemporary personalities?

A: That won't be a problem. The audience will come in and forget everything about Hrithik and Aishwarya. Hrithik-Aishwarya's pairing is incredible. They're extremely charismatic and good-looking. They were a huge success in the contemporary "Dhoom 2". That can only help my film, not harm it.

What audiences will see in my film are Jodha and Akbar. At least that's what I've tried to ensure through their looks, body language and behaviour. I wanted to make my historical as believable as I'd like to see it being. Every element big or small, from the texture of the clothes to the sets, décor, dialogues and the protocol, even the incidental sounds of birds and animals, they all had to be just right for me. I'm tired of filmmakers wondering where those good old days have gone. I wanted to reclaim those days. It took me two years of pre-production before I got into my first shot.

Q: Film analysts feel history has no relevance for today's average youngster?

A: I agree. Even as a child myself historical films never interested me. But when I saw "Mughal-e-Azam" on TV, I connected to it because it was a story of lovers separated by parental opposition. That the parents were historical figures was incidental.

I feel the story has to be connectable to the audience. Hyder Ali, who wrote "Jodhaa-Abkar", told me, "In 'Mughal-e-Azam" the focus was so much on Salim and Anarkali, nobody asked a fundamental question. How did Akbar come to marry Jodhabai in spite of their religious and cultural divide? I immediately reacted to their alliance. I saw an interesting story there that needed to be told.

As for the youngsters, I had one rule of connectivity in my range of vision. Any word or dialogue that I didn't understand in Urdu I kept out. I've no interest in impressing audiences with my knowledge of Urdu, Hindi or even literature. I feel literature is for the books, and that's where it should stay. I needed to reach out to the masses.

Q: So is "Jodhaa-Akbar" kitsch?

A: No. I've referred to literature and academia. But the Akbarnama was in Pharsi. It doesn't mean I'd use Pharsi in my film. I want Tamil Nadu, Kerala and Bengal to understand the film. I'm dubbing the film into Telugu and Tamil. Each language has its own regality and I'm going by the individual regality of the province. I had one vision before me when I started making this film. It was the world of the Amar Chitra Katha. I've grown up on that world.

Q: Are you happy with the end product?

A: Oh! it has been tremendously enriching. So far the Mughal period was part of textbooks. I always wondered about the battles and the durbar intrigue. The Mughal period was known for its lavishness, so much so that studio bosses in Hollywood from the golden period were not called movie czars or movie nawabs. They were called movie moguls.

Courtesy: Indiainteracts.com

Hrithik-Aishwarya fame will help: Ashutosh Gowariker

He had a directorial life before. But it's with Lagaan followed by Swades that Ashutosh Gowariker has acquired the reputation of being one of the most influential and socially awakened filmmakers of our times.

With his new epic Jodhaa-Akbar he goes into the historic alliance between a Mughal Emperor and his Rajput wife with much diligence and passion. Gowariker talks about the film with Subhash K Jha.

After Lagaan, you return to a period film in Jodhaa-Akbar?
You might say that. But I call Lagaan a period film. Jodhaa-Akbar is to me a historical.Anything after 1857 is a period film for me. Anything before that is a historical. Jodhaa-Akbar is certainly not a costume drama.

It isn't set in a never-never land. I'd call Mughal-e-Azam a historical though its focus was different from mine. I feel if today we make a story about the past it must be co-related to the present.

And Jodha-Akbar is as relevant to present times as arranged marriages. Jodha and Akbar shared a perfect arranged marriage. I was fascinated by how their relationship must have grown after marriage.

There was no reference in any books about what happened between them. I've taken extreme care to make sure viewers believe in the relationship.

How much have you stressed the religious different between Jodha and Akbar?
It's important but not stressed in my film. Let's not forget, Akbar's marriage to Jodhabai was no common occurrence.

It had a nationwide reverberation 450 years ago when society was far more conservative. How did their marriage affect those times? That's a question relevant even today. But I'm not jingoistic in my treatment.

Aishwarya Rai and Hrithik Roshan have very contemporary personalities?
That won't be a problem. The audience will come in and forget everything about Hrithik and Aishwarya. I've no fear of that. The two are brilliant Ultimately the audience will be watching not the stars but the two characters that they play.

Hrithik-Aishwarya's pairing is incredible. They're extremely charismatic and good-looking. They were a huge success in the contemporary Dhoom 2. That can only help my film, not harm it.

What audiences will see in my film are Jodha and Akbar. At least that's what I've tried to ensure through their looks, body language and behaviour. I wanted to make my historical as believable as I'd like to see it being.

Every element big or small, from the texture of the clothes to the sets, décor, dialogues and the protocol, even the incidental sounds of birds and animals, they all had to be just right for me.

I'm tired of filmmakers wondering where those good old days have gone. I wanted to reclaim those days. It took me two years of pre-production before I got into my first shot..

Is this the most difficult you've made?
It is. But the process has been so enjoyable I didn't mind the toil. My crew made the process of creation very interesting. Just working hard isn't a virtue. Otherwise I should not make a film. And I definitely shouldn't make a historical.

Film analysts feel history has no relevance for today's average youngster?
I agree. Even as a child myself historical films never interested me. But when I saw Mughal-e-Azam on television I connected to it because it was a story of lovers separated by parental opposition. That the parents were historical figures was incidental.

I feel the story has to be connectable to the audience. Hyder Ali who wrote Jodha-Abkar told me, 'In Mughal-e-Azam the focus was so much on Salim and Anarkali nobody asked a fundamental question.

How did Akbar come to marry Jodhabhai in spite of their religious and cultural divide? I immediately reacted to their alliance. I saw an interesting story there that needed to be told.

As for the youngsters, I had one rule of connectivity in my range of vision. Any word or dialogue that I didn't understand in Urdu, I kept out.

I've no interest in impressing audiences with my knowledge of Urdu, Hindi or even literature. I feel literature is for the books, and that's where it should stay. I needed to reach out to the masses.

So is Jodha-Akbar kitsch?
No. I've referred to literature and academia. But the Akbar-nama was in Pharsi. It doesn't mean I'd use Pharsi in my film. I want Tamil Nadu, Kerala and Bengal to understand the film. I'm dubbing the film into Telugu and Tamil.

Each language has its own regality and I'm going by the individual regality of the province. I had one vision before me when I started making this film. It was the world of the Amar Chitra Katha. I've grown up on that world.

Are you happy with the end-product?
Oh it has been tremendously enriching. So far the Mughal period was part of textbooks. I always wondered about the battles and the durbar intrigue.

The mughal period was known for its lavishness, so much so that studio bosses in Hollywood from the golden period were not called movie czars or movie nawabs. They were called movie moghuls.

Courtesy: Santabanta.com