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

Soundarya Rajinikanth's multilingual film with Mahesh Babu

Soundarya Rajinikanth's Ocher studio started its production campaign in style with the costly project 'Sultan The Warrior' which is the first of its kind of an animation feature film featuring a fully 3D animated version of an Indian film superstar.

The film has the potential to start a trend.

Then there was the news of Soundarya taking a keen interest in making the second part of the blockbuster film 'Billa'.


Rajinikanth's daughter seems to follow the corporate way of making movies by planning for more than one film and simultaneously announcing and starting the work on the different projects at the same time.

A new big project to be made in Tamil, Telugu and Hindi will be made with the Tollywood hero Mahesh Babu in the lead role.

The super hit director Puri Jagannath will be the director in charge of the new mega project of Soundarya Rajinikanth.

However the movie's work will start only next April with December 2009 being planned as the time for the release.

The film's story, dialogues and Screenplay will be written by the director himself and is a joint venture between Ocher studios and Warner Brothers.

Puri Jagannath told that he was overjoyed when Soundarya approached him to direct the big film as it brought back the memories of the day when Rajinikanth himself told that if he ever had a son he would have surely launched him as a hero in a film directed by him.

After giving two blockbusters in the form of 'Athadu' and 'Pokiri', Mahesh Babu teams up with Puri Jagannath again for this new film.

The Telugu pin up boy told that he is very happy to work again with Puri Jagannath and will try to reach up to people's expectations.

Although a new addition to the list of players in the production business, Ocher studios has set its sights on transforming itself into one among the top most film business houses in India with carefully deciding on each new project with proven experienced film makers at the helm.

Courtesy: indiaglitz.com

Chakravarthy with Rajini for ‘Robot’

Director Shankar always brings with him many surprises in his movies. He introduced choreographer Raju Sundaram as comedian in his Jeans. He surprised everyone casting popular Tollywood actor Suman as baddie in his ‘Sivaji’.

Now going a step further, he has zeroed in on Telugu hero J D Chakravarthy as the villain for his magnum opus ‘Robot’. The movie to be produced by Ayngaran International features Rajinikanth and Aishwarya Rai in the lead roles.

Chakravarthy had acted in several Telugu movies and had worked with Ramgopal Verma.

Courtesy: indiaglitz.com

Pawan's Puli heating up!

Rumor mills are busy in churning out rumors on Pawan’s yet to begin film Puli.

With Jalsa Pawan managed break the flop streak and successfully registered a hit in everybodys books (After Khushi few of Pawan’s films despite doing good business were considered flops by the media. Jalsa however has given enough confidence that it is a big hit for those people too).

Pawan is getting ready to go to the sets as Puli, with SJ Suryah who earlier had given blockbuster Khushi with him. The gossip zones are already busy spreading rumors about the film. As per the buzz, Kareena Kapoor, the now no. 1 actress in Indian cinema is going to share screen with Pawan. Puli have got top class technical team with names like AR Rahman in the crew. So, if these rumors turn true Puli will add some more craze before it goes to the sets.

Let’s wait and see who actually is going to pair with the Powerstar as the lady Puli!

Courtesy: andhracafe.com

PawanKalyan's 'Puli' Regular shoot from June 7

The regular shooting of ‘Puli’, the forthcoming flick of Pawan Kalyan, is all set to begin from June 7. SJ Surya, who gave a brilliant hit like ‘Khushi’ for Pawan Kalyan, is again wielding the megaphone for this movie, while Singanamala Ramesh, is producing the film.

The producer is planning to invite AR Rahman to score music for ‘Puli’ and it is the highest budget movie among all the films in the Power Star’s career so far. The film would be released during the next summer.
Pawan Kalyan is donning the role of a tough cop. It is learnt that Pawan Kalyan would sport different get ups in the movie to please his fans. ‘Puli’ is going to be an out and out commercial entertainer.

Courtesy: nonstopcinema.com

Rahman to attend Ali’s audio do

'Somberi' is the film that Ali is doing these days. The audio of the film is being launched on March 16 here. But this would be no ordinary do, as the makers of the film have a scintillating line up of hot-shot music directors coming for the audio release function.

If all of them manage to make it, then Ali can soon boast of having the most happening audio release function in a long time. For, there is AR Rahman who is said to have given his consent to attend the function.

Then there is Mani Sarma, MM Keeravani, Devisri Prasad and Koti, who are all said to have said ‘yes’ to grace the occasion.

Now, in case you wondered how the producer Yarramilli Venkateswara Rao could manage it, then here’s the inside dope.

It is because of the lyricist Jonnavittula Ramalingeswara Rao, who is turning a director with this film.

Courtesy: Indiaglitz.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

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

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

'Jodha Akbar' in Tamil, Telugu

While on UTV, their next venture JODHA AKBAR, directed by Ashutosh Gowariker, will be dubbed in Tamil and Telugu languages. That’s not all, UTV has plans of releasing the two versions extensively in these two markets.

UTV’s current plans are to release the magnum opus in 1,000 + screens in the domestic market in the three languages [Hindi, Tamil, Telugu]. “Don’t be surprised if the number of screens touch 1,200,” Suniel Wadhwa, Associate Vice President - India Distribution, UTV informs me. The breakdown [as on this date] is as follows:- Hindi version 750, Telugu version 150 and Tamil version 100 screens. Incidentally, Hrithik Roshan’s previous movies, DHOOM 2 and KRRISH, were also dubbed in Telugu and Tamil languages.

The Telugu trailers of JODHA AKBAR were unleashed during Dassera week [18th October] with ATHIDHI, with 248 trailers [352 screens] across Andhra Pradesh, while the Tamil trailers were released during the Diwali week [9th November] with AZHAGIYA TAMIL MAGAN and VEL.

Courtesy: Indiafm.com

Jodha Akbar set for early next year release

UTV's mega venture "Jodha Akbar", which is based on a romance between the 16th century Muslim Mughal emperor Akbar, played by Hrithik Roshan, and a Hindu princess, Jodha Bai, played by Bollywood star Aishwarya Rai, will rock the box office early next year.

Jodha Akbar, directed by Ashutosh Gowariker, will also be dubbed in Tamil and Telugu languages.


UTV's current plans are to release the magnum opus in 1,000 plus screens in the domestic market in the three languages (Hindi, Tamil, Telugu).

The rushes of the highly anticipated film has already generated interest among the movie-goers across the country.

Music of the eagerly awaited Jodha Akbar has not released yet.

However, word has leaked around the industry that A.R. Rehman has scored a fantastic composition for the film's soundtrack.

Courtesy: Saharasamay.com