The number one film in the entire world

Riding on the waves of post-Oscar fame, Slumdog Millionaire [Images]rose over the weekend to be the number one film across the globe, grossing $27 million, nearly $12.5 million of the total gross came from the United States where it is playing in nearly 3000 movie houses. The worldwide gross for the film now stands at about $210 million.
"The whole world is falling in love with the film," said Ashok Amritraj, the producer of 100 films in Hollywood. Amritraj who is also a voting member of the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences (AMPAS) that gives out the Oscars [Images].
"People are able to relate to this film across the world. India is not the only country with slums and street children. The fact that this is a very hopeful film, which has fabulous artists from India ranging from Anil Kapoor [Images] to Irrfan Khan [Images], and the lovely newcomers Dev Patel [Images] and Freida Pinto [Images], is also helping it. And let us not forget the fabulous music by A R Rahman [Images]." 
The film, which is yet to open in Germany [Images], Sweden, Brazil [Images], China, Japan[Images], South Korea and Taiwan and many other countries, could end its record setting dream run with $300 million.
Like many Indian film-makers and artists in Los Angeles including Maulik Pnncholi and Pooja Batra [Images], Amritraj too sees Slumdog as a bridge-builder, nudging more American and British films to be shot in India.
He dismisses the accusation by some that the film is selling India's poverty.
"Surely the film was not made for the tourism department," he says with a chuckle. "The kind of poverty we see in the film is universal -- only the degree varies. But most people I know who have seen the film talk about it as a work dealing with crime and redemption. They look at it as a film with an optimistic outlook .".
This is the second time in Oscar history that a film shot in India has become number one film worldwide; the previous record setter was Gandhi released in 1982. But Slumdog is selling far more tickets than Gandhi.
Amritraj says the first time he attended the Oscars the winner was Gandhi. And the second film to win the Oscar and which was also shot in India is Slumdog.
"Isn't it interesting that both films were directed by men from Britain?" he muses. Gandhi was co-produced by director Richard Attenborough [Images] with India's National Film Development Corporation. Though director Danny Boyle [Images] had no Indian co-producers on Slumdog, all its artists are either from India or of Indian origin. The co-director of the film Loveleen Tandan is an Indian. And a significant number of crew is also Indian. 
The top crown could be snatched away from Slumdog next week by the big budget, sci-fi adventure Watchmen but box-office experts believe that Slumdog has really strong legs.  
In many countries, its weekend gross shot up by 50 percent in over the weekend following its Oscar win in eight categories including the best picture and best director. It was number one in Argentina, Croatia, Hong Kong, Latvia, Mexico, New Zealand[Images], Norway, Spain, Switzerland [Images], the United Kingdom and Uruguay.
Distributors from Mexico to Hong Kong assert that the main reason the film is doing so well is because it has a fantastic word of mouth. And in country after country, the film's finale with Jai Ho song and dance has become its major asset..
"The song Jai Ho has become a world anthem," writer Vikas Swarup whose book Q & A inspired the movie said last week after the Oscars were announced. Old timers recall the title song from Raj Kapoor's [Images] Awara which became phenomenally popular in the 1950s. But the song immortalised by Mukesh was a sensation, along with the movie, across the Soviet Union and the satellite countries, China, the Arab countries and Turkey.
The Oscar-winning Jai Ho, on the other hand, has become a worldwide phenomenon. Be it Uruguay or Croatia or the Netherlands or France [Images], it is a big draw for the film. It is unlikely anyone walks out before the song ends. Distributors of Slumdog Millionaire in Mexico and several other countries said that the song is becoming popular in the clubs, too.
The accusation that the film is 'poverty porn' does not sit well with many Indians, and certainly not with the likes of Amritraj, Pancholi and Batra who divides her time between LA and Mumbai [Images]..
"On any day, a film about poor person aspiring to change his life is more interesting than the story of a person who is rich," Amritraj says.
"Had Slumdog Millionaire been released five or six years ago when the economy was doing very well in America and other industrialised countries," he continues, "it might not have made the kind of impact it is making now.
"Today we are looking around us with disbelief how some corrupt corporations and CEO's have cheated millions. .In SlumdogMillionaire too we see corruption -- and how a young man wants to rise above the life of crime and corruption."


Courtesy: rediff.com

Rahman’s Jai Ho goes political

The Oscar winning song Jai Ho from the film Slumdog Millionaire will be used by the Congress party for its election campaign. Though other parties were contemplating on acquiring the rights of Jai Ho, Congress decided to act fast. Both the rights of the lyrics as well as the tune have been acquired. Jai Ho enamors everyone irrespective of the language and regional barriers and this has made the song a hot favorite among the political parties.

Courtesy: behindwoods.com

Writer in Ravan!

Noted writer Gnani is donning the greasepaint for Mani Ratnam’s Ravan. Though writing is his passion, no doubt, Gnani’s interest in acting is also evident, as he has proved his acting prowess in several documentary films. This editor of the Tamil magazine Dheemtharikida also runs a drama troupe Pareeksha. Gnani, sources close to the Mani Ratnam team say, will play an important role in the film. The high-budget

Ravan has Vikram, Aishwarya Rai Bachchan, Abhishek Bachchan, Priyamani and others in the cast. The scenes with Gnani are currently being filmed in Kolkata.

Courtesy: behindwoods.com

Kalam and Kalaignar at Rahman’s felicitation

A grand celebration to felicitate A.R. Rahman is in the offing. The ball, for this glittering event, was set rolling by the biggies of the film industry. The various unions and associations in the Tamil film industry have unanimously decided to host a mega event to felicitate double Oscar winner A.R. Rahman. The decision was jointly taken by Producer’s Council Chairman Ramanarayanan, Film Chamber Secretary Katragadda Prasad, Director’s Association President

Bharathiraja, Worker’s Union leader FEFSI Vijayan, the Distributor’s Council chairman Kalaipuli Sekharan and the PRO Union Chairman Vijaya Murali. When these heads met Rahman two days ago to greet him on his victory they requested him to take part in the grand felicitation that is being planned. Official sources say that Rahman has given his assent to participate in the function. However, the date for the event, which is likely to be sometime during the end of March, will be announced in a day or two. Official confirmation is expected soon. There are also reports that the former President Dr. APJ Abdul Kalam and Chief Minister of Tamil Nadu M. Karunanidhi could participate in the event. It is going to be one grand felicitation!

Courtesy: behindwoods.com

Two more awards for Oscar Rahman

Barely a week after the Oscar triumph, Rahman hit upon another double delight at the Filmfare Awards. As expected, he walked away with awards for the best music and best background score. The year 2008 was very special for Rahman in Bollywood with at least three superhit albums; Jodha Akbar, Jaane Tu Yaa Jaane Naa and Ghajini, Yuvraj being the only album that failed to make a big impact. It seemed like a contest between the three Rahman

albums for the coveted Filmfare statuette and in the end it was the peppy and youthful Jaane Tu Yaa Jaane Naa which took the award. One can easily guess that it was the hugely popular ‘Kabhi Kabhi Aditi’ that did the trick for Rahman this time. Jodha Akbar took the award for the best background score for the stirring sounds created by Rahman. While it is rather true that Rahman’s victory at the Oscars has almost wholly eclipsed his Filmfare triumph. It is not a surprise, as the man has got many of these before. But for all Rahman fans, this is yet another reason to celebrate none the less.

Courtesy: behindwoods.com

Ash on Rahman

Aishwarya Rai Bachchan was all praises for A R Rahman. Addressing a press conference in Kolkata, she stated that she was overjoyed at Rahman’s double Oscar win. The actress is currently in Kolkata participating in the shooting of her upcoming film Ravana. Ash is in fact the most fortunate as Rahman had composed for most of her films compared to any other actor or actress.

She was quoted as saying, “Working with Rahman has been an absolute pleasure. It's not just from Taal to Guru, but it's from 'Iruvar' till 'Ravana'. In fact, maximum of my films have enjoyed the music of Rahman and as a music lover and fan, I have always admired his music and he is a gifted musician,” stated the former Miss World.

Courtesy: behindwoods.com

Illayaraja’s gift to Rahman

Musicians of the film industry showed their solidarity in felicitating the Oscar award winner A.R. Rahman. The event took place at the Cine Musicians Auditorium on March 1st at 6 pm. On winning the coveted award, Rahman said, “It’s the aspiration of all (the musicians)... God selected me to collect the award on their behalf.” The music director said that the seeds for his success were sown by his parents. He once again repeated his famous quote: “Ella pugazhum iraivanuke (All Glory to the Almighty).”

Speaking of his experience in composing the music for Danny Boyle’s Slumdog Millionaire, Rahman said that he completed composing music for the film within three weeks. Rahman stated that though he wondered why some great Indian talents did not make it to the Oscar he realized later that they did not require such an award. While maestro Illayaraja presented Rahman with a gold chain, Harris Jeyaraj gifted him a gold ring. Veteran director K Balachander said “Rahman is a rare genius. When other music composers make castles with their music, Rahman builds monuments.” Incidentally, Rahman’s debut venture Roja was produced by Balachander’s home production. Those who took part in the event include M S Viswanathan, producer A V M Saravanan, S Janaki, Shankar Ganesh, Deva, Srikanth Deva, Yuvanshankar Raja, Karthik Raja, Vijay Anthony, D Imman, T M Soundararajan, L R Eswari, Karthi, Chinmayi, Thippu, Chitra, Swarnalatha, Mano, and drummer Shivamani.

Courtesy: behindwoods.com

Slumdog blossoms worldwide

The waiter at a Russia n restaurant in New York's Coney Island, home to about half million Russians and immigrants from the Caucuses, gazes at a customer for a minute. "May be you are from India," says the very elderly man. "Tell me about the new Indian film my cousins are seeing again and again in Russia. They say it is like Vagabond, story of poor people and a very young man. And it has a very nice song at the end."
He is referring to Raj Kapoor's Awara, a phenomenon across the communist world in the 1950s and has remained a perennial favorite for over four decades. And he is also talking about a new phenomenon. The Indian customer tells the Russians the new film is called Slumdog Millionaire and it is running in New York in many theatres. 
Just as Slumdog has become a huge hit across America, in Russia too the film is doing impressive business. Released two weeks ago, it has grossed over $1.2 million, according to trade publications. And now with the eight Oscars it has garnered, the film could become a bigger success not only across Russia but also worldwide.
Just as the Oscars  were approaching thanks to the incessant buzz, the gritty but ultimately feel good movie had started rising at the box-office in most of the 25 countries showing it including Uruguay, France  and Russia. 'The most impressive performance belonged to Slumdog Millionaire  which was up four percent to $8.4 million from 25 markets (outside North America, boosting its total to $74.3 million,' wrote box office expert Conor Brosnan in boxofficemojo.com, discussing the film's box office status.
Last weekend, it was the number three film worldwide (outside North America); the number one film, the star-driven The Curious Case of Benjamin Button grossed $21 million in 61 countries, followed by Bolt's $11 million in 37 countries and Slumdog's $8.5 million in 26.
Soon after the Oscars and reams of new worldwide publicity, the movie began to climb up the box office charts. In North America, it soared from number eight spot on the chart to number two. Worldwide gross by February 26 weekend was approaching $180 million. And there were predictions that the film, which cost just about $15 million (with some $50 million for print and publicity) would end its worldwide run with at least $260 million. Some observers believe it could even top $300 million.
The movie, which will be opening soon in Germany , Japan , South Korea, Sweden, Austria and several other territories, has been most successful in North America where it has grossed $103 million by February 26 and the United Kingdom where the gross was approaching $35 million.
Director Danny Boyle  has repeatedly said he had never thought the film would resonate with the audiences outside the United Kingdom apart from playing in a handful of small, art theatres in key cities.
Even in India, where many people were upset that the film was showing the underbelly and not the India that is shining, its box office is approaching $5 million. It would have been much higher but for the huge DVD black market of the film.
In most countries the film opened among the top five; there were no startlingly big openings. For example, in France it opened to a decent $1.2 million weekend. But thanks to a terrific word-of-mouth and slew of stories in major magazines of the country, it remained growing steadily.
No film that Danny Boyle directed in the last two decades, not even The Beach starring a post-Titanic  Leonardo DiCaprio, has come anywhere near the worldwide success of Slumdog Millionaire.


Courtesy: rediff.com

'I thought Defiance would win'

I did not prepare an acceptance speech for a simple reason," A R Rahman , who won two Oscars -- for the Best Original Score and Best SongJai Ho -- says as a matter of fact. "I thought Defiancewould get for the score and Peter Gabriel would get the Oscar for best song.
"That is why I said something that came from deep inside my heart. I thanked my mother because from over 10 years she has been saying, 'You must get an Oscar, and I want to walk on that red carpet with you.'" Rahman toldRediff India Abroad's Arthur J Pais from his home in Chennai.
Her dream came true, he added. "I suddenly remembered a line from a film (later I realised it was from Deewar) in which one brother says to another that he has the mother with him and that matters to him the most."
"In my case, I saw very little of my father since he passed away when I was a boy and it is my mother who gave me the support, the confidence, and the vision," he added.
Rahman is yet to sleep as he arrived in the wee hours of February 25. "Nothing like this has ever happened to me," he says with a chuckle. "There were 6,000 people at the airport, there was a riot. I was very tired, and my mother, my wife and my sister were tired too. But how could one not refuse to spend some time with my admirers?"


Courtesy: rediff.com

Aishwarya’s denial about Ravan

Aishwarya Rai Bachchan is currently camping in Kolkata where Mani Ratnam’s forthcoming film Ravan is being shot. Ash disclosed that though her role is similar to the epic character Sita, the name in which she is called in the film is different. However, the actress refused to divulge any further details about Ravan although she added that Ravan is an intense film. While Ash joined the Ravan team

the Ravan team on February 17th, Abhishek Bachchan is expected to join her sometime soon. Sources close to the Ravan unit say that the shooting will go on till the end of March Ravan also has Vikram and Priyamani in important roles. The film is directed by ace director Mani Ratnam.

Courtesy: behindwoods.com

Silambarasan to sing for Rahman

Gautham Menon’s Silambarasan-Trisha starrer Vinnai Thaandi Varuvaayaa began at short notice giving a huge surprise to all of us and is now progressing at a brisk pace. It has got all the makings of a quickie. News from the sets of the movie, which is set partially in the USA, is that Trisha will appear as a close friend of the sister of Silambarasan’s character. Sources also say that Silambarasan is getting

involved in the filming process of the movie, being more than just an actor on the sets. He is believed to be actually assisting Gautham in the making of the film. With his experience of having directed a movie at a very young age, Silambarasan is very well qualified for the role and one is sure that this experience will add much more sheen to his undoubted talent.

Courtesy: behindwoods.com

AR Rahman on Tonight Show with Jay Leno | Feb 19,2009(NBC TV)

Courtesy: youtube.com

A R Rahman Vikatan interview - after Oscars

இந்திய திரைப்படக் கலைஞர்கள் பலரும் ஆஸ்கர் விருதுகளைக் குவிக்க வேண்டும் என்பதே தனது விருப்பம் என்று இசையமைப்பாளர் ஏ.ஆர்.ரஹ்மான் கூறினார்.
இரண்டு ஆஸ்கர் விருதுகளை வென்று இந்தியாவுக்கும், தமிழகத்துக்கும் பெருமை சேர்த்துள்ள இசையமைப்பாளர் ஏ.ஆர்.ரஹ்மான் இன்று பிற்பகல் சென்னையில் செய்தியாளர்கள் கூட்டத்தில் கூறியதாவது:
ஸ்லம்டாக் மில்லியனர் படம் மூலம் இரண்டு ஆஸ்கர் விருதுகளை வென்றிருப்பது மிகுந்த மகிழ்ச்சியைஅளிக்கிறது. ஆஸ்கர் விருது வழங்கும் விழாவில் 'எல்லாப் புகழும் இறைவனுக்கே' என்று தமிழில் பேசினேன். நான் எந்த ஒரு நிகழ்ச்சியிலும் சொல்லும் விஷயத்தையே தமிழில் அப்போதும் கூறினேன்.
ஹாலிவுட் படங்களுக்கு வழங்கப்படும் மிக உயரிய ஆஸ்கர் விருதை இத்தாலி, ஜெர்மெனி போன்ற நாடுகளைச் சேர்ந்த இசைக் கலைஞர்கள் வென்றுள்ளனர்.
இந்த நிலையில், இந்திய இசைக்கலைஞர்களின் பிரதிநிதியாக நான் ஆஸ்கர் வென்றிருப்பது பெருமிதம் தருகிறது.
நான் மட்டுமின்றி, இனி வரும் காலங்களில் இந்திய, தமிழ் திரைப்பட கலைஞர்கள் பலரும் ஆஸ்கர் விருதுகளை குவிக்க வேண்டும் என்பதே எனது ஆசை.
ஸ்லம்டாக் மில்லியனர் படம் மிகச் சிறப்பாக அமைந்ததால் இசைக்கும் ஆஸ்கர் விருது கிடைத்துள்ளது. ஹாலிவுட் விரும்பும் வகையில் அப்படத்தில் இசை இருந்தன் காரணமாகவே இந்த அங்கீகாரம் கிடைத்தது.
வேறு இந்திய படங்களுக்கான இசைக்கு ஆஸ்கர் கிடைக்கவில்லையே என்று கருதுவது தவறு. ஆஸ்கர் என்பது ஹாலிவுட் படங்களுக்கு வழங்கப்படும் விருது. இந்திய படங்களுக்கு ஆஸ்கர் விருது கிடைக்க வேண்டும் என்று எதிர்பார்க்க முடியாது.
அதேநேரத்தில், வெளிநாட்டு படங்களுக்கு வழங்கப்படும் ஆஸ்கர் விருது, 'லகான்' படத்துக்கு கிடைக்காதது வருத்தமே.
ஒருவேளை ஸ்லம்டாக் படத்தை இந்திய இயக்குனர் இயக்கி, அது சிறப்பாக இருந்து, அந்தத் திரைப்படம்
ஹாலிவுட் வினியோகஸ்தர்களால் தயாரிக்கப்பட்டிருந்தாலும் ஆஸ்கர் கிடைக்கும்.
நான் இசையமைத்ததில், என்னைப் பொறுத்தவரையில் எல்லா பாடல்களுமே சிறந்த பாடல்கள்தான். மேற்கத்திய மக்களுக்கு ஸ்லம்டாக் படத்தில் இடம்பெற்றுள்ள பாடல்கள் பிடித்தமானதாக இருக்கிறது அவ்வளவே.
'ஜெய் ஹோ' பாடல் ஆஸ்கர் வென்றதில் பாடலாசிரியர் குல்ஸாருக்கும் பெரும் பங்கு உண்டு. உயிரே படத்தின் தையா தயா பாடலில் இருந்து இருவரும் இணைந்து பணிபுரிகிறோம். படத்தின் கதைக்கு ஏற்ற அற்புதமான, அனைவரையும் வசீகரிக்கும் வகையில் ஜெய் ஹோ பாடலை எழுதினார்.
இந்திய இசையையும், தமிழக இசையையும் அடுத்தக் கட்டத்துக்கு கொண்டு செல்வதற்கான முயற்சிகளை மேற்கொண்டு வருகிறேன்.

அன்பே அவசியம்!

அன்புக்கு முக்கியத்துவம் கொடுக்க வெண்டும் என்று ஒவ்வொரு முறையும் வலியுறுத்தி வருகிறேன். இதையே ஆஸ்கர் விருது வழங்கும் விழாவிலும் எடுத்துரைத்தேன். இதை இசையின் மூலமாக மக்களுக்கு எடுத்துச் செல்லும் முயற்சிகளிலும் ஈடுபட்டு வருகிறேன்.
உலகில் சாதி, மத, மொழி, இன வேறுபாடுகளைக் களைந்து, அமைதியான வாழ்க்கைக்கு அன்பு மட்டுமே வழிவகை செய்கிறது.
என்னைப் பொறுத்தவரை தமிழ், தெலுங்கு, இந்தி என எந்த மொழிகள் பேதமின்றி செயலாற்றி வருகிறேன். ஹாலிவுட்டில் இருந்து இப்போது இரண்டு வாய்ப்புகள் வந்துள்ளது. அதுதொடர்பான பேச்சுவார்த்தை நடந்து வருகிறது. இறுதி செய்யப்பட்டபின், அதுபற்றிய அறிவிப்பை வெளியிடுவேன்.

சிறந்த படங்களுக்கே முன்னுரிமை!

ஹாலிவுட், பாலிவுட், தமிழ், தெலுங்கு, இந்தி என எவ்வித வேறுபாடுமின்றி இசையமைப்பதே எனது எண்ணம். நல்ல கதையம்சம் கொண்ட படம் எந்த மொழிகளாக இருந்தாலும், சிறந்த படங்களுக்கு இசையமைக்க எப்போதும்போல் தயாராகவே இருக்கிறேன்.
இசைக்கு மொழி கிடையாது. எனவே, எந்த மொழிகளுக்கும் என்னால் இசையமைக்க முடிகிறது. எனது தாய்மொழி தமிழாக இருப்பதால், தமிழ் படங்களுக்கு இசையமைக்கும் போது இலகுத்தன்மையை உணர்கிறேன்.

திருக்குறளுக்கு இசை!

திருக்குறள் மற்றும் குனங்குடி மஸ்தான் சாகிபு பாடல்கள் ஆகியவற்றுக்கு இசை வடிவம் கொடுப்பதற்கான பணிகளை மேற்கொண்டு வருகிறேன்.
கவிஞர் வைரமுத்து புதிய தமிழ்த்தாய் வாழ்த்துப் பாடலை எழுதிய பிறகு, அதற்கு இசையமைப்பதற்கான பணிகளை மேற்கொள்வேன்.
ஆஸ்கரில் இந்தியர்களின் புகழ் ஒலித்ததில் மட்டற்ற மகிழ்ச்சி. குறிப்பாக, ஸ்லம்டாக் மில்லியனர் படத்தில் நடித்த சிறுவர்கள் ஆஸ்கர் சிவப்பு கம்பளத்தில் வலம் வந்தததும், அதை ஊடகங்கள் மிகச் சிறப்பான முக்கியத்துவம் அளித்ததும் அளவற்ற மகிழ்ச்சியை அளித்தது.

இளையராஜா மகிழ்ச்சி!

இந்தியத் தலைவர்கள், திரைப்பட கலைஞர்கள், இந்திய மக்கள் அனைவரின் பாராட்டுதல்களையும் வெகுவாகப் பெற்றதில் மகிழ்ச்சி கொள்கிறேன். அனைவருக்கும் நன்றியைத் தெரிவித்துக் கொள்கிறேன்.
ஆஸ்கர் பெற்றவுடன் யுவன் ஷங்கர் ராஜாவிடம் இருந்து மின்னஞ்சல் வந்தது. அதில், தந்தை இளையராஜா மிகுந்த மகிழ்ச்சி கொண்டதாக குறிப்பிட்டிருந்தார்.

சர்ச்சைக்கு விளக்கம்!

நம் நாட்டில் ஸ்லம்டாக் மில்லியனர் படத் தலைப்பு சர்ச்சையை ஏற்படுத்தியது. மேற்கத்திய நாட்டு மக்களை பொறுத்தவரையில் நாய்கள் செல்லப் பிராணிகள். செல்லமாகவும் பாசத்துடனும் அழைக்க 'டாக்' என்ற சொல்லைப் பயன்படுத்துவர். அந்த ஆரோக்கியமான விஷயத்தைக் கருத்தில் கொண்டுதான் படத்தலைப்பு வைக்கப்பட்டுள்ளது.
என்னுடைய அறக்கட்டளை மூலமாக, நமது நாட்டில் ஏழ்மையை ஒழிப்பதற்கான முயற்சிகளில் தீவிரமாக இயங்கி வருகிறேன். என் ஒருவனது வாழ்நாளில் மட்டுமே இதை சாதிப்பது என்பது சாத்தியமில்லாதது. என்னால் இயன்ற வரையில் அடித்தளம் அமைக்கிறேன்," என்றார் ஆஸ்கர் தமிழன் ஏ.ஆர்.ரஹ்மான்.

இலங்கையில் அமைதி நிலவ வேண்டும்!

உலகமே உங்களை கவனிக்கும் சூழலில் இலங்கையில் தமிழர்களுக்கு குரல் கொடுக்க வேண்டும் என்ற ஒரு தரப்பில் இருந்து கோரிக்கைகள் எழுகிறதே என செய்தியாளர்கள் கேட்டதற்கு, "ஆஸ்கர் விருது வழங்கும் விழாவானது சினிமாத்துறை சார்ந்தது. அங்கே அரசியல் பேச இடமில்லை.
அதேநேரத்தில், மனித உயிர்கள் அழிக்கப்படுவதை எவரும் ஏற்றுக் கொள்ள முடியாது. இதை வலியுறுத்தும் விதமாக 'கன்னத்தில் முத்தமிட்டால்' படத்தில் 'வெள்ளைப் பூக்கள் உலகம் எங்கும் மலரவே...' என்ற பாடலின் மூலம் பதிவு செய்திருக்கிறோம்," என்றார் ஏ.ஆர்.ரஹ்மான்


Courtesy: vikatan.com

Michael Jackson falls for A R Rahman

India's double Oscar winner A.R. Rahman dedicated his awards to the younger generation as he returned home to a hero's welcome, with ace drummer Sivamani and his troupe providing a pulsating backdrop, and a large crowd of thousands dancing to the chant of Jai ho.

The awards, Rahman hoped, would change fans' approach towards Indian music and his career.

"It's a starting point in my career and will indeed make a difference in fans' approach towards good music," said Rahmanat the Anna International Air Terminal after returning from Los Angeles, where he bagged two golden statuettes for Slumdog Millionaire for Best Original Score and Best Original Song for Jai Ho.

"I am completely overwhelmed, touched, with the kind of reception I got... it is great to be back," he added.

With a broad smile, Rahman exuded love when he addressed reporters briefly.

"My award's message was said clearly in my acceptance speech. 'In my life, I always had a choice between love and hate and I chose love.' That is my philosophy in life and in music," Rahman said.


"I chose to live a life overriding differences between people, states, language and religion. My fans should do the same. Hollywood stars Michael Jackson and Penelope Cruz liked this attitude and told me its inherent love affected them deeply," Rahman said.

As fans congregated outside his home in the southwestern suburb of Kodambakkam, Rahman was keen to ensure that neighbours were not disturbed in the dead of night.

"Thank you for coming, but I will not disturb you so early. We will meet again. Remember we are in the early hours. I'm tired after a long journey, have to work in the morning and my children have to go to school," Rahman told applauding fans.

Also present at the airport to welcome the composer were state Information Minister Paruthi Ilamvazhuthi and offbeat actor R. Parthiban. The minister led a delegation from the state government's protocol department and gave the music maestro a welcome generally associated with heads of state.

While Sivamani's troupe performed, a little away was another team from Kerala playing traditional music to herald the return of the hero.

Commenting on his win, Rahman said: "When I won the second Oscar, I wanted to give a bigger message. We have a choice for love and hate for everything whether religion, caste, language - it is to choose love over hate whether in music or the philosophy of life.

"All the actors and directors in Hollywood loved the statement. Michael Jackson liked it too. It is not the highest point in my career, but it is a starting point of making a lot of difference.

"I hope my award inspires others as well," said Rahman.

Rahman will be felicitated March 1 by the Cine Musicians' Union, according to the body's press statement.

Chief Minister M. Karunanidhi, who will be discharged from hospital on March 1, may briefly attend the fete - not only in his official capacity but also as the elder statesman of the Tamil film industry, ruling DMK sources added.


Courtesy: ndtv.com

A.R. Rahman almost crashed to death

The whole world was in awe of A.R. Rahman when he poured his heart out at the recently concluded Oscar Awards function. He sung the song that fetched him the Oscar awards and he was given standing ovation for that. But something tragic almost took place before the big day. Rahman was almost crashed to death while rehearing for the performance.

The Oscar-winning musician revealed that he was almost crashed to death when a massive chandelier, covering a portion of the ceiling of the theatre they were rehearsing, collapsed. He said that the block would have fallen on him had he not moved away from the spot.

Rahman said that the incident shaken him though not terrified. He added that he was saved by the good wishes from the people all over the world.

It may be recalled that A.R. Rahman bagged two Oscar Awards for Best Original Score and Best Original Song for his work in the film Slumdog Millionaire. He is the first Indian to win two Oscars.


Courtesy: oneindia.in

AMU to award D. Lit to AR Rahman, Ratan Tata

Aligarh Muslim University (AMU) is all set to award D. Lit to music maestro AR Rahman and Ratan Tata. The honourary doctorate by the University is in recognition of the services and achievements by the duo.

The Univeristy will be awarding honourary doctorate to famous agricultural scientist M S Swaminathan as well.




AR Rahman has bagged all the important awards recently. Be it Golden Globe or Bafta, he has received all the important awards and now with Oscars he has reached a success unheard of for any India music composer.

Indian leaders, media professionals and people in industry all are lining up one after the other to congratulate the maestro.
Prime Minister Dr Manmohan Sigh who is recuperating after a heart surgery too has congratulated Allah Rakkha Rahman (full name of AR Rahman). Prime Minister Manmohan Singh underwent a heart bypass surgery four weeks ago.
President Pratibha Patil too has sent a congratulatory note for the maestro.
Tamil Nadu chief minister N Karunanidhi has called AR Rahman’s feat as pinnacle of achievement.
In a press release the chief minister who himself is a well known poet and writer said "Classic Tamil and six crore (60 million) Tamils are rejoicing over the pinnacle of achievement of this worthy son of Chennai," Karunanidhi said in a statement.


Courtesy: khabrein.info

After Aamir, it’s SRK with Murugadoss

It’s no more U-turn for Murugadoss. Sweeping success overnight with his ‘Ghajini’, the auteur happens to be the ducky lad for Superstars of Bollywood. Earlier, Murugadoss had stated about making couple of Tamil flicks and then getting back into the Hindi Film Industry.

Perhaps, the scenario is different now as King Khan doesn’t wanna let his best opportunity of teaming up with this stupendous filmmaker slip off. Sources from Red Chillies Entertainment have revealed that SRK and Murugadoss would be catching for their script discussions.

And if buzzes are believed to be true, one of the scripts that would be presented to SRK was actually penned for Surya. Well, Shah Rukh Khan and Murugadoss are so keen on gearing up for the genre of ‘Romance’. So, who’s gonna produce this film?

Would it Shah Rukh himself or Yash Raj Productions known for churning out best poignant love stories in the past?

Let’s wait and watch.

Courtesy: indiaglitz.com

What’s next for SM’s Indian team?

We take a look at what the Indian team of Slumdog Millionaire is doing after the film's Oscar wins.




A R Rahman: The only Indian to win two Oscars, Rahman’s upcoming Indian albums include Nagesh Kukunoor’s 8X10, Ashtvinayak’s Blue, Shankar’s Endhiran, Abbas Tyrewala’s 1-800-Love and Mani Ratnam’s Ravan. He also has an Indo-Japanese movie called Nair San starring Mohanlal and is in talks about composing for Steven Spielberg and Sam Mendes’ next films.




Dev Patel: He has bagged M Night Shyamalan’s flick The Airbender. His role of Prince Zuko of Fire Nation, based on a popular Nickelodeon TV series, will require him to learn martial arts. Filming begins next month in Philadelphia.




Freida Pinto: She has bagged a Woody Allen film alongside Sir Anthony Hopkins, Naomi Watts and Josh Brolin. Shooting for the as-yet-untitled film begins in July.




Resul Pookutty: India’s first Oscar-winning sound technician has Saurabh Shukla’s romantic comedy Raat Gayi Baat Gayi and Sanjay Gupta’s stylised action thriller Acid Factory as his upcoming projects. He is also working on a Rajat Kapoor film and an untitled Hollywood flick.




Irrfan: The actor has another Indo-American venture, Hissss, starring Mallika Sherawat and Divya Dutta. The film is directed by Jennifer Lynch, David Lynch’s daughter. His other international project is New York, I Love You. Irrfan also has a summer release in the form of YRF’s New York, directed by Kabir Khan and starring John Abraham, Neil Nitin Mukesh and Katrina Kaif. Then, there is Sanjay Gupta’s action thriller Acid Factory and drama Alibaug, Ambika Hinduja’s Teen Patti and rom-com Kal Kisne Dekha, among others.




Anil Kapoor: Race was one of the biggest hits of 2008 and Anil Kapoor will be part of its sequel. He will also start work on the sequel to Mr India. His home production Shortkut - The Con Is On, starring Sanjay Dutt and Amrita Rao, will release later this year.




Gulzar: The legendary lyricist-writer-director will be working with Vishal Bhardwaj on songs for his romantic comedy Ishqiya starring Naseeruddin Shah, Arshad Warsi and Vidya Balan.


Courtesy: starboxoffice.com

A R Rahman to be on Jay Leno show

In yet another instance of the worldwide acclaim garnered by ‘Slumdog Millionaire’, the movie's music director, Indian maestro A R Rahman is slated to perform live on one of America's most popular late-night talk shows, ‘The Tonight Show’ with Jay Leno.

The show, watched by millions worldwide, is considered to be among the definitive platforms for international recognition.
Rahman, has already won numerous international awards for his work in ‘Slumdog Millionaire’, including the BAFTA for Best Music Score, and has been nominated for three awards at the upcoming Academy Awards.
He will be performing on a stage graced by other musical greats like James Morrison, Celine Dion, Barry Manilow, Coldplay and Tracy Chapman. The song list for the episode remains a secret but the maestro is expected to play his Oscar-nominated song ‘Jai Ho’ from ‘Slumdog Millionaire’.
Rahman will be accompanied on the show by the leading lady of the film, Freida Pinto.


Courtesy: indianexpress.com

Delhi-6 Movie Review

Well, 'Rang De Basanthi' was about embellishing the young rebels with spirit-of-patriotism that had a very colorful appeal. Yippee!! Rakeysh Mehra is back with a bang emblazoning Delhi fantastically. Trust us; it's an unforeseen 'Wall of Old Dilli' where nothing rules, but everyone is surmounted with humanity. Of course, the auteur unravels the beauty of not just the street corners, jelabi shops, but heart-binding relationships… An appealing relationship between various communities has been decorously depicted that draws us straight into streets of Chandni Chowk. Perhaps, it's not 'too-sweet-for-the-heart' moments as there are peculiarities of caste-communalism differences that get us through a chain of unexpected sequences.

Precisely, the film possesses the best attributes of getting ennobled as 'World Cinema'. Maybe, the plot is a bit clichéd to 'Swadesh' where an NRI makes his way to India getting adhered to scenario bounded with happiness and tribulations.

So if you are guessing what could be the common traits between 'Rang De Basanthi' and 'Delhi-6' here we have it for you in a platter. An enriching characterization with the finest narration is what you will witness. Rakeysh brings in a couple of metaphors that goes more relevant across the characters; 'Kaala Bandhar' and Stage Play of 'Ramayana'. Indeed, Rakeysh deserves special applause for these exceptional motifs…

When his Naani (Waheeda Rehman) loves to breathe her last not in New York, but in her hometown Chandni Chowk of Delhi, her grandson Roshan (Abhishek Bachchan) fulfills the wish. But sooner, he gets more glued to the new land of fun, frolic and happiness where everyone is blessed with a good heart and his friend. He finds elated amidst the kites, pigeons, sporting snookers with Uncle Ali (Rishi Kapoor) and tasting jelabis. On the pars, he is stuck with puzzling thoughts about witnessing untouchables, an arrogant police officer (Vijay Raaz), and his uncles (Om Puri, Pawan Malhotra) who've risen within their house. And finally, the sweet Bittu (Sonam Kapoor) caged in a circle of ancient-culture.

If you're a good analyst of films, there's something uniquely trenchant with Rakeysh. Unlike other flicks that have carried on with the First-Second half, the director has inherited the narration with 3-Act formulas. Something that isn't common, right? Yeah, 'Delhi-6' is yet another example to suggest the changing face of Bollywood.  Getting on with the metaphors of 'Kaala Bandhar' and 'Ramayana' stage plays, he tries pulling the realistic pictorials. When the throngs are bounded devotionally watching the mythological drama, politicians interrupt it. And again, watch the special performance of Lord Shiva's 'Rudra Thandava' for the politician.

It's all about – Even Gods get down for the sake of politicians in the present world. Years back, one incident had really shaken not just the Dilliwalas, but the entire Nation and it was the 'Monkey Man' terrorizing the streets. Blending it to the script, the idea has worked out well. The director's portrayal of the Hindu-Muslim communal conflict and the solution drawn out it is quite appealing.

The characterizations have been brilliantly designed. Rightly as Sonam suggested 'it is Delhi who's the protagonist', it's true and we feel it too.  There aren't too many locations, but patently the streets of Chandni Chowk have been decorously portrayed. Hats off to cinematographer Binod Pradhan for a spellbinding piece of work. You don't see Abhishek and Sonam alone presented with prominence, but everyone seems to have had a vital role to play. Be it Rishi Kapoor with his hidden love or the so-called untouchable Divya Dutta; they're top-notching with their performance. Abhishek Bachchan is up with his usual resplendence while Sonam seems to have matured up from her 'Saawariya' days.

The musical score by A.R. Rahman is 'wordlessly colossal', especially the number 'Masakali' is a rich fiesta offered to the audience. Don't miss his background score in the penultimate sequence where there's hunt for the 'Kaala Bandhar'.

Precisely, the screenplay is intricately beautiful that you don't feel like watching the film but taking a walk down 'Delhi-6'.

On the whole, 'Delhi-6' is an incredible flick in terms of all panoramas. The film is simply prodigious with flawlessness and a piece of work that takes Indian Cinema to the next level.

Verdict: The real taste of Delhi.

Rating : ***1/2

Courtesy: indiaglitz.com

Mehra - DELHI 6 is about characters, not stars!

Despite having worked with megastar Amitabh Bachchan (AKS) and superstar Aamir Khan (RANG DE BASANTI), Rakeysh Omprakash Mehra insists that his films deal with characters and not stars or superstars. The accomplished director clarifies by saying that it's the film and the story that works and not the stars who make films work.
Maybe that was the reason why Rakeysh has worked so hard on the script of his upcoming Friday release, DELHI 6, starring Abhishek Bachchan, Sonam Kapoor, Rishi Kapoor and Waheeda Rahman. As is known, a lot of input in DELHI 6 was Rakeysh's own experience of his childhood days in old Delhi, earlier known as DILLI 6 (due to the postal code) since his whole family, both maternal and paternal belong to Delhi.

Script writer Kamlesh extended the story idea further but what will come as a surprise to many is that lyricist Prasoon Joshi too played a very important part in the script writing, apart from handling the lyrics and dialogues as well. Rakeysh acknowledges Prasoon's help saying that Joshi took the story to a completely different level through his creative inputs. And it is the combined efforts of all the three that DELHI 6 and its collage of characters take shape in the film.

Rightly said - It's the story and script that touches the heart and stars can only help in bringing the audience to the theatres! Rest, as they say, depends upon the merit of the film.


Courtesy: glamsham.com

Delhi-6 review: Rakeysh Mehra misses the bus this time

Taran Adarsh/IndiaFM

Rakeysh Omprakash Mehra thinks out of the box and it's more than evident now. First Aks, then Rang de Basanti, now Delhi-6. A two-liner of the story may give you an impression that it's similar to UTV's earlier outing Swades, directed by Ashutosh Gowariker: An American of Indian origin returns to his roots and decides to stay back in India. But Delhi-6 bites more than it can chew.Preview, images and videos: All about Delhi-6 | Sonam Kapoor, the Masakaligirl | Check out our special on Abhishek Bachchan Set in old Delhi, the screenplay [Rakeysh Omprakash Mehra, Prasoon Joshi, Kamlesh Pandey] takes its own sweet time to come to the point. In fact, the entire first half is dedicated to the sundry characters in the bylanes of old Delhi, where several stories run parallel with the main plot. The two warring brothers [Om Puri, Pawan Malhotra] and the wall that divides the two; the daughter of the house [Sonam Kapoor] aspires to be an 'Indian Idol' contestant; a moneylender's [Prem Chopra] wife has an illicit relationship with one of his lecherous debtors [Cyrus Sahukar]; an 'untouchable' [Divya Dutta] makes more sense than the so-called thekedaars of samaj; a friend of the family [Rishi Kapoor] has still not forgotten his first love [Tanvi Azmi]. Oh yes, there's also a 'Kaala Bandar' who spreads havoc in the locality. Really, Rakeysh tries to pack in multiple stories in those 2.18 hours. But, alas, the problem is that barring a few individualistic sequences, you don't carry the film home. The film is engaging in bits and spurts. Worse, it tends to get monotonous, preachy and boring and the end is so bizarre, you actually want to ask the writers, 'Hey guys, you okay?' Let's cut a long story short: Rakeysh Omprakash Mehra misses the bus this time. Delhi-6 tells the story of a young American boy Roshan [Abhishek Bachchan] of Indian origin, who comes to India for the first time, to drop his ailing grandmother [Waheeda Rehman]. She wants to retire and spend the last leg of her life back home; dissolving into the soil she was born in. In America, having led a very western lifestyle, Roshan is not familiar with the sites and smells, the food and culture, the religion and beliefs, this huge melting pot that India is. He believes that Dadi had left her family and loved ones back in America, only to realise that how wrong he was. The warmth and affection of the neighbourhood embraces him with open arms. Amidst all this he meets the beautiful Bittu [Sonam Kapoor], who wants to break free from the typical Indian social structure. Roshan is destined to lose his heart to her. That Rakeysh Omprakash Mehra is an accomplished storyteller is evident in several individualistic scenes. Note the scene when Vijay Raaz slaps Abhishek and Abhishek slaps him back. Also, portions in the second hour, when a Baba [Akhilendra Mishra] triggers off the Mandir-Masjid talk and divides the two communities, is very well structured. The sequences are disturbing and the writers and director succeed in exposing the fickle-minded people residing in the locality. But the screenplay isn't foolproof. The romantic track is the weakest link in the enterprise. The love story falls flat. Also, the ending is so abstract that an average moviegoer would find it difficult to comprehend what the actual culmination is. The sequence in the end, when Amitabh and Abhishek have a conversation, looks weird. In fact, ridiculous. What was the need to have this sequence? It makes no sense. Even the Ram Leela sequences, interspersed at regular intervals, are forced in the screenplay. Rakeysh's handling of the subject is exemplary at places. But the writing [faulty at times] as also the execution of the material isn't the type that would appeal to all sections of moviegoers. A.R. Rahman's music is outstanding; it's easily amongst his finest works. 'Masakali', 'Ye Dilli Hai Mere Yaar', 'Rehna Tu', 'Maula' and 'Genda Phool' are amazing tracks. Ditto for Prasoon Joshi's lyrics; they're gems. Binod Pradhan's cinematography is brilliant. Watch the Jama Masjid sequence [breath-taking] or the camera movements in the bylanes of old Delhi. Just one word to describe the output: Incredible! Abhishek doesn't work. His American accent sounds fake. Sonam is likeable. Waheeda Rahman enacts her part well. Rishi Kapoor is wasted. He deserved a better role. Amongst supporting actors, Om Puri [powerful], Pawan Malhotra [flawless], Vijay Raaz [tremendous], Deepak Dobriyal [genuine], Divya Dutta [admirable] and Cyrus Sahukar [likable] leave a mark. Prem Chopra is alright. Atul Kulkarni looks like a buffoon. And what is Raghvir Yadav doing in this film? Supriya Pathak, Tanvi Azmi, K.K. Raina, Akhilendra Mishra and Dayashanker Pandey are passable. Amitabh Bachchan's presence in the penultimate minutes fails to evoke any reaction. On the whole, Delhi-6 has a terribly boring beginning [first hour], an absorbing middle [second half] and a weak end [climax]. At the box-office, the business is bound to be divided. The film may record bountiful collections at multiplexes in its opening weekend. The popular music as also the fact that there's no major opposition will benefit the film in the initial days. But the business at single screens as also the mass belt will be a shocking contrast. However, the cracks will start appearing sooner than expected, even at plexes. Thumbs down! Verdict: One-and-a-half stars

Courtesy: sify.com

Simbu, SPB, Radha Ravi dub for Naanum Koteeswaran

S.P. Balasubramaniam, Radha Ravi and Simbu will dub for the Naanum Koteeswaran, the Tamil dubbed version of Slumdog Millionaire, a film which has become the toast of the cinema world. This film is about a young near-illiterate slum-dweller who emerges a grand winner at the Kaun Banega Crorepathi contest beating all the odds.
Amazed by its unique story and screenplay, Tamil film producer Natarajan bought its Tamil and Telugu dubbing rights for a whopping sum of Rs. 70 lakhs! Natarajan plans to release the dubbed version on February 14th.
Slumdog Millionaire is a British film made with London-based actor Dev Patel (hero), Indian actors Frieda Pinto (heroine), Anil Kapoor and Irrfan Khan. In the Tamil version, while Simbu dubs for the protagonist, S.P. Balasubramaniam and Radha Ravi dub for Anil Kapoor and Irrfan respectively.




Courtesy: galatta.com

Sultan: The Warrior in May

The eagerly-awaited animation film of Rajinikanth, Sultan: The Warrior, will be released in May. The buzz is that Rajinikanth himself will make a special appearance in a few scenes of this animated movie! Also, insiders say that this 3-D animation film will be released in more than 15 languages worldwide!

The lead pair of the film has been modeled after Rajinikanth and Vijaylakshmi using high-end motion-capture technology. Producer Soundarya Rajinikanth ensured that she used the latest technology in the field of animation, which makes this film look very close to a feature film. Importing the hardware and paraphernalia required to make such a sophisticated animation film, this young entrepreneurial producer spent about Rs. 50 crores on Sultan: The Warrior. Soundarya has proved that Chennai can also make high-quality animation movies on par with Hollywood.

Mark our words: This film will definitely earn Chennai a prominent position in the international animation film industry. Attracted by it, someday Hollywood might decide to outsource its animation assignments to Chennai, making it the hub of animation industry!

Come May, fans of Rajinikanth and animation movie lovers are in for a big treat!

Courtesy: galatta.com