Blogging bug hits director Shankar

"Blogging has gained massive popularity in India and now noted Tamil director better known as Steven Spielberg of India has been bitten by the blogging bug.

He has started his own blog, in his website. This will also be a promotional tool for Enthiren, his new film with Rajinikanth and Aishwarya Rai in the lead.

This is good news for millions of Rajinikanth and Shankar fans who will now get to see and read the making and pictures of how Enthiren is made.

His first posting was on Jan 1, 2010 and it says: “This is Shankar. All the movies I direct demands 24 x 7 attention and I don’t get enough time or opportunity to interact with my audience, the film lovers who seek and wish to know about my movies, myself, my likings, my thoughts etc, I hope blogging will serve the purpose'.

“Just back from Pune and Lonavala after finishing an action sequence with both my stars and with this I finished 90percent of Endhiran”.

Anyway let’s invite director Shankar into the blogosphere with open arms. What say?"



Courtesy:sify.com

Komaran Puli to shoot the climax

Pawan Kalyan is playing the hero in Puli directed by SJ Surya and produced by Singanamala Rameshbabu. Nikisha Patel is making her debut as heroine in Telugu with this film. The film had recently completed its talkie shoot.

"Producer says, “This film is coming after a long gap in the combination of SJ Surya and Pawan Kalyan, which was proved a successful combo with Kushi. We are sure that the film would attract all classes of audiences. The story and its movement would remain a highlight. We are yet to picturise the climax and few songs. AR Rahman is scoring the music for our film.”

Manoj Bajpai, Charan Raj, Nazar, Jyothi Krishna, Saranya, Brahmaji, Kovai Sarala and others are in the cast. Camera is by Binod Pradhan, art is by Anand Sai, while S Satya Rama Murthy is the presenter of the movie."

Courtesy:entertainment.oneindia.in

A R Rahman steps into Salman’s shoes

"Music maestro A R Rahman has left an indelible mark as a musician across the globe. His great inclination towards churning out nothing but the best is known to one and all. However, not many are acquainted with generous and super-professional side of his.

Often Salman Khan is associated with generosity. But one of A R Rahman’s close associates discovered the same in the genius which amazed her to the core. Exclaims singer Sadhana Sargam, “It was my first ever song with Rahman sir titled ‘Chanda Re’ from Sapnay. And soon after the recording when the music was released, I was surprised to see the credits given to the keyboard player, Pianist, drummer and guitarist on the cover of audio cassette who usually are neglected or not felt worth mentioning by other musicians even today.”

“I was moved by this gesture and salute Rahman sir for what he is,” she signs off with a smile.�"



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Why Kamal Haasan avoids A R Rahman?

"Kamal Haasan and A R Rahman have been the greatest icons of Tamil film industry. But the entire tollywood remains flummoxed as the duo don’t get along with each other. Take a glimpse on Kamal Haasan’s films, barely couple of films– Indian and Thenali had A R Rahman scoring music.

Kamal Haasan opted for Shankar-Ehasan-Loy to score music for Aalavandhan while his magnum opus Dasavatharam had Bollywood’s Himesh Reshammiya. Well with Unnai Pol Oruvan, he introduced his elder daughter Shruthi Haasan to score music and she’ll wear the same cap for his upcoming flick Yaavarum Kelir.

Kamal Haasan’s international project 19 Steps was supposed to have A R Rahman. But then, the project was shelved for unknown reasons."



Courtesy:planetradiocity.com

Penelope Cruz puts her money on Shekhar Kapur - dnaindia.com

Looks like film-maker Shekhar Kapur has managed to charm Penelope Cruz immensely.

The Spanish actress is so impressed by Kapur that she is ready to produce a film if the Indian is willing to direct it.

Kapur said, “It is true that Penelope is ready to produce a movie and wants me to direct it. We have had meetings about it and she is very excited to start this film as soon as possible. It will obviously have her in the lead.

"Unfortunately, I cannot tell you much about the film since we haven’t even started shooting. However, the movie will be an experimental one and will see Penelope in a never-before-seen image.”

Cruz stars in Kapur's forthcoming film Paani. She has a plum role in the film that is reported to be a futuristic one set in Mumbai. Sources said the film narrates the tale of a forbidden romance between an elite woman and a man who is a revolutionary of sorts.

“She [Cruz] has a great role in my film," Kapur said. "Penelope is one of the most talented actors in the world today. She gets into the skin of any character effortlessly. It will be a pleasure to direct her again. She is very spontaneous and adds depth to her characters.”

Though Kapur was tight-lipped about the film Cruz wants to produce, a source said it is a period film with a dash of fantasy.

“Both Shekhar and Penelope are extremely busy to start anything new," the source said. "Besides acting in Sex And The City 2, Penelope is looking after her maiden production venture Haunted Heart.

"Meanwhile, Shekhar is directing two big-budget Hollywood movies — Larklight and The Sadhu. Only after finishing these will the duo be able to get together for another movie."

The source said the script for the film is being worked upon. "Penelope will have grand costumes and the canvas of the film will be huge," the source said. "It won’t be before the end of the year that you would get to hear anything more about the project.”

Courtesy:dnaindia.com

‘Endhiran’ almost complete, is full of surprises: director Shankar

Director Shankar, who has been tight-lipped so far about his action-packed sci-fi Tamil film “Endhiran” starring superstar Rajnikant and Bollywood actress Aishwarya Rai, reveals that the movie is almost finished and has lots of surprises in store for the audience.
“‘Endhiran’ is almost complete. 90 percent of the shooting is over,” Shankar wrote on his blog www.directorshankaronline.com.

“I have just finished the action sequences of the film ‘Endhiran’ in Pune and Lonawala. both the leading artists of the film were present during the shooting,” he wrote.

Shankar has also uploaded some of the stills of the film on his blog. This is said to be the first official release of the stills of the movie.

A year ago some pictures taken surreptitiously during the shooting of a song in Peru in South America were released and Shankar had protested, saying it was a pirated work.

Shankar launched the blog Jan 1 in a bid to interact with his fans.

The other sections of the blog that will update fans about the progress on the film have not been activated yet.

“While (his last blockbuster) ‘Sivaji’ was about black money and corruption, ‘Endhiran’ is about an andro humanoid robot Prem. The first half of ‘Endhiran’ is full of surprises. The second half is a roller coaster ride,” he wrote.

The director also promises to share information about the making of his magnum opus “Endhiran”.

Being made on a budget of Rs.125 crore, the film has hogged the limelight since it was launched. Sun Pictures is producing it.

Shankar, whose “Sivaji” was released on June 15 in 2007, may screen “Endhiran” in April or June this year.

Courtesy:thaindian.com

Govinda experiments with seriousness in 'Raavan'

You have spent more than 25 years in the industry. What are the advantages and disadvantages of being here?

I’m actually a second-generation actor, so for my family it’s been a total of 58 years. My dad was a hero in the ’40s and mom was a classical vocalist. There aren’t any disadvantages since it always gets the best out of you.

You are currently working on as many as five movies.

I’m shooting four movies; after all of the experience, it’s just another day at work for me. I don’t need to manage time or need extra energy. I’m shooting for Naughty @ 40 now. My other movies are Run Bhola Run, Banda Yeh Bindaas Hai, Chai Garam and Raavan.

Tell us about the much awaited film Raavan and your role in it.

My role is very different from the movies which I generally do. The film is inspired by the Ramayana. The characters in the movie have traits similar to that of the people in the epic. I was offered a cameo but after looking at my work Mani Ratnam offered me an elaborate role.

You play Hanuman. How different or similar is your character from the mythological character?

This being commercial cinema you shouldn’t compare it to the Ramayana. Even though certain characters are based on the epic, it isn’t a mythological film. The character in the movie has certain traits of Hanuman but it’s a modern-day movie.

Working with Mani Ratnam must have been an experience.

Mani Ratnam is one of the best directors the industry has seen. I hope this is the beginning of a great association.

But you have never been associated with the Mani Ratnam kind of cinema?

I have done all kind of roles but this is a new experience for me.

You continue to be paired opposite younger heroines. How do you still manage to do so?

I have been on a very balanced exercise and diet regime since the past couple of years.

David Dhawan and you have been an inseparable team. When do we see Partner 2?

David and I are very good friends but it’s not like we are inseparable professionally. We’ve both worked with different people. But we have been very lucky for each other. Whenever the team is ready everyone will know.

Do you want to do more issue-based cinema or are you happy entertaining the masses?

I’m not political when it comes to movies so I do roles which suit my personality, appeals to the audience and where I can deliver my best performance.

When is your daughter getting into movies? Do you have any plans of launching her?

She will get into movies when she gets a good subject. We will see how things turn out to be but my support and blessings will always be with her.

Courtesy:expressindia.com

Rahman decides to go ahead

AR Rahman has decided to go ahead with his concert in Sydney despite attacks on Indians there. Speaking at the press conference, the Oscar winning musician said that he hoped his concert will help pave way to bring in peace and harmony in the country.

The concert is scheduled to be held on Saturday, January 16th, 2010 at the Parramatta Park in Sydney.

He was quoted as saying, “"First of all we need more responsible media. Media is a great tool, but grossly misused and can provoke people. Just one comment can kill a thousand people - that has happened in the past.”

Rahman requested the media to be more responsible while reporting the recent killings. He also appealed to the Indians living in Australia to be safe by not venturing out alone in the nights and to places that are frequented by drug addicts and alcoholics.

Courtesy:behindwoods.com

Vinnaithaandi Varuvaaya: Vintage Rahman

No other album has raised such high expectations or created quite this much frenzy among eager fans like Escape Artists' Motion Pictures' Vinnaithaandi Varuvaaya (Will You Cross the Skies for Me?).
The Tamil movie has everything going for it namely Gautam Menon as its director, Academy Award winner A R Rahman as its composer, and lyricists like Thamarai, Kalyani Menon and Kaithapram.
With Simbhu and Trisha as the lead pair, VTV has been making headlines ever since it was launched as a touching love story with music set to blitzkrieg everyone's heart.
Add to that is the fact this is the composer's return to Tamil after his Oscar success. So, does the collection live up to the hype? Let's find out.
A guitar strums lazily, reminding you very faintly of the old Wild West, and then morphs into something that might be an ancient native Indian chant -- that's Aaromale, sung by Alphonse. The lyrics in Malayalam seem to form a neat accompaniment to the general structure of the song. There's a soothing, gentle feel to the number, an experience that lets you sink into it. The song proper starts some time later, with a faint strain of violins somewhere far off. Even as Alphonse's voice rises to higher octaves, the refrain hugs the original depths, supplying a many-layered experience. An intense number, this.
You sit blinking when you listen to Anbil Avan as you're transported straight to a church choir until you realize that the song, rendered by Devan Ekambaram and Chinmayi, is actually a conglomerate that describes two kinds of religious weddings. The lyrics are all about eternal bonding, unending love and essentially the basics of wedding vows. It's got a peppy feel, full of happy anticipation, an eagerness to seek out the next heady experience, supplemented by synthesized instrumental arrangements. It seems a little like the Ibiza number -- but you're too carried away by its zeal to notice that until the end.
On a half romantic, half mournful note, with a flute interlude begins possibly the most publicized number of the album: Hosanna by Blaaze, Vijay Prakash and Suzanne. The musical arrangement somehow takes you right back to the early days of ARR until you realize which number the refrain, Hosanna, bears a striking resemblance to: Only Time, by Enya. The rap segment closely follows the tune as well; the lyrics celebrate the lover pining away for his beloved until his world shrinks to just her. There's no denying that it's romantic what with church bells pealing, complicated violin arrangements and a chorus which all reach a crescendo in the finale. It's a pleasant listen but still seems "inspired."
The violin rendition in the first few seconds of Kannukkul Kannai is enticing and the number itself, rendered by Naresh Iyer in a fast- and almost breathless manner that aims to bring the heady feeling of being in love. Aside from the violin segment, though, you feel like this is a musical arrangement you've heard often in Rahman's earlier albums, and faithfully mimicked by others following in his footsteps. In terms of ARR numbers, it's pretty run-of-the-mill.
Shreya Goshal's melodious voice begins Mannippaya with anguish, and it morphs gradually into a more gentle melody. Remorse and forgiveness are the prevalent themes of this number, and the soothing tones suit the sentiment, with ARR himself providing the accompaniment. Appealing, yes, but the lyrics have precedence in this song and the tune seems to have been composed to accommodate it. Even the flute segment reminds you of the signature tune of Titanic. Thekural couplets that suddenly appear take you by surprise. They're a pleasant listen -- and then it's back to the meandering tune.
Kalyani Menon and Benny Dhayal begin Omanappenne, which seems like a fusion between western and classical music with a violin suddenly launching into a classical melody at certain points. And that's the essence of the whole song: a gentle composition which attempts to crossover from one genre to another, while a nadaswaram makes a not unwelcome appearance to add a different flavour to the proceedings. Having said that, we've heard many such numbers from ARR himself, and with more variation.
Vinnaithaandi Varuvaaya, accompanied by guitar strings and rendered by Karthik, comes in a different fashion altogether. It's slow, introspective, and the general tone doesn't seem to care much whether it hits the highs and lows of notes in an approved manner, which is actually a plus. The tune moves from contemplative to contentment to interrogative, and that seems to be the essence of the number itself: all the different emotions encompassed in one question.
It isn't possible to toss an opinion of an A R Rahman album based on just one listen. This composer has a talent for coming up with numbers that grow on you.
Lyricist Thamarai stands out, as well. Having said that, it doesn't look like VTV is one of her best efforts.
Blame the post-Oscar hype or the burden of too many projects but aside from a few moments of brilliant heights, ARR pretty much sticks to his proven template.
In this collection, he's gone more for the western crowd, it seems and there's little space for experimentation. A discerning music-lover might be left yearning for something more. For diehard ARR fans though, it's a musical treat.
Rediff Rating:

Courtesy:rediff.com

Harris made me responsible: Rahman

Mozart of Madras A R Rahman was in his hometown Tuesday to launch the music album of his first post-Oscar film 'Vinnaithandi Varuvaya', directed by Goutham Vasudev Menon.

"There was great responsibility on my shoulders top deliver a hit album as in the past Harris Jayaraj and Goutham combo has delivered chartbusters," Rahman said in his short speech.

A group of singers including Karthik, Sreenivas, Benny Dayal, Chinmayi and Alphonse sang the numbers live on stage. Three songs were also screened on the occasion, for which Kamal Haasan was the special guest.

Speaking about his experiences working with Rahman, Goutham said, "It is my eighth film and first with Rahman. It was a great experience working with him".

"VTV is a romantic entertainer with Silambarasan and Trisha in lead roles. It is a feel-good film sure to enthrall audience," he added.


Courtesy:indiaglitz.com

Gautham's change in mind

Although it was a gangster story, Gautham scripted for Ajith, looks like he had a change in mind now - or so it is speculated. In effect, the Gautham Menon – Ajith flick will not be a gangster story since the former has completely readied a fresh script. This will be a cop tale and Ajith’s latest looks (that he sported during the Asal audio launch) corroborates this.

The change seems to have happened since Ajith’s Asal is touted to be a gangster flick and two movies of the same genre back to back might make the fans lose interest. The actual storyline, however, will be known only when Gautham himself confirms it.

With Ajith free of Asal’s commitments and Gautham of VTV, the new project is expected to go on floors anytime soon.

Courtesy:behindwoods.com

VTV - on what Gautham did to Silambarasan!

Rest assured Gautham is poised to make a romantic blockbuster in 2010 with his upcoming Vinnai Thaandi Varuvaayaa. If the footages shown at the audio launch held today at Satyam cinemas are anything to go by, Gautham has created a visual treat – both pleasing and tantalizing. Silambarasan looks fresh and Trisha is in her usual somber self.

VTV, by all means, could become a career breakthrough for Silambarasan for he’s portrayed in a never seen before role. He oozes refinement and is blissfully devoid of all his usual flamboyance. Besides, everything from his dialogue delivery, body language and voice modulation is attuned to suit the movie’s tone - a complete makeover of sorts.

Three beautifully shot songs; Kannukkul Kannai, Hosanna and Omana Penne were shown during the event all of which received standing ovation at the auditorium. Of this, Omana Penne song could well become the chartbuster right away and stand testimony for the unspoken and often pent-up love between lovers.

All the songs from the album were performed live on stage and the first copy of the album was released by A R Rahman and received by Kamal. Kamal lauded Silambarasan for his efforts and expressed his desire to watch the movie very soon. Rahman, who spoke at the event, mentioned that he’s leaving it to the fans to decide on the music. Trailer of the movie was also screened at the event.

Silambarasan plays an Asssistant Director who falls for a Malayali Christian gal played by Trisha. A leaf out of Gautham’s real life? We really have no clue. But he did agree that Vaaranam Aayiram was indeed semi-autobiographical though.

VTV is all set to hit the screens on Valentine’s Day in 2010.

Courtesy: behindwoods.com

Vaaliban Silambarasan - Nayan love story?

Silambarasan has completed Vinnaithaandi Varuvaaya and is moving on to Ko, as announced earlier. However, there is buzz in the tinsel town that his proposed directorial venture Vaaliban is based on his brief fling with Nayanthara in real life.

Reacting to this, the actor has said that he was disturbed about reports that Vaaliban is inspired from his love life. He says that while the world knows about the love he shared with Nayan and the subsequent rift, Vaaliban is all about one-side love. So where is the similarity, asks Silambarasan.

He reveals that the heroine in the film will never love the hero, so the question of touting the film as a real life love story does not arise.

Courtesy:behindwoods.com

Shankar trying to match AR Rahman's work

Shankar and expensive sets have always been synonymous. We have seen it before in Anniyan and Sivaji. So, will Endhiran be left out? No! Endhiran team is planning to create an extravagant set to shoot a song. What is so special about this song is that director Shankar and art director Thotta Tharani have made extra efforts. The Shankar - Thotta Tharani combo has worked exceptionally well and Thotta Tharani is also behind the the fascinating, dream-like set created for the song 'va ji va ji' for Sivaji. Rumor also has it that AR Rahman has plans to rope in about eight top Bollywood singers to croon for his music. So the set will be a complement to the song, we hear.

Courtesy:behindwoods.com

Rahman-Shankar for Tamil Conference

Musical Storm A R Rahman who did the fabulous musical album ‘Vante Mataram’ to celebrate the 50th year of Indian Independence has been roped in to do similar theme songs for the World Classical Tamil Conference. Chief Minister Karunanidhi who liked the suggestion of bringing in A R Rahman into the promotional plans immediately sanctioned all the requirements to get the best for the conference.

The song will also be visualized for videos and it is none other than director Shankar who would be doing them. The musicals will be seen in all the media during the conference period.

When two giants join for a cause it is fireworks time.

Courtesy:indiaglitz.com

Rahman scorches the 'Screen'

Honours faithfully follow Rahman wherever he goes. Or even if he doesn't go. On Saturday, the Best Music at the 16th Annual Star Screen Awards in Mumbai was bagged by Rahman for 'Dilli 6'.

Junior Bachchan Abishekh received the award with all smiles on behalf of the Oscar-winning musician. The show stealers however were '3 Idiots' and R Balki’s 'Paa', which won trophies for best performances.

‘Paa’ got the adman turned filmmaker a nomination for the Best Director. Amitabh Bachchan won the award for Best Actor (Male) for his portrayal of Auro, who has a degenerative disease, progeria.

For 'Paa', Vidya Balan bagged her first Best Actor (Female) trophy for the role of Auro’s single mother. Arundhati Nag, who played Auro’s grandmother (called Bum, by Auro in the film), was awarded Best Supporting Actor (Female).

'3 Idiots' won the following awards: Best Film, Best Director (Rajkumar Hirani), Best Editor (Rajkumar Hirani), Best Screenplay (Rajkumar Hirani, Abhijat Joshi, Vidhu Vinod Chopra), Best Choreographer (Bosco Ceaser), Best Dialogue (Abhijat Joshi), Best Newcomer – Male (Omi Vaidya), Best Actor in a Comic Role – Male (Omi Vaidya), Best Actor in a Negative Role (Boman Irani), Popular Choice Award for Best Actor – Female (Kareena Kapoor).

Courtesy:indiaglitz.com

Preview of VTV songs from Amazon.com

	Song Title	Artist	Time	Price
	1. Omana Penne	Benny Dayal;Kalyani Menon	5:32	Not Available
	2. Anbil Avan	Devan Ekhambaram;Chinmayi	4:12	Not Available
	3. Vinnathaandi Varuvaayaa	Karthik	3:12	Not Available
	4. Hosanna	Vijay Prakash;Suzanne;Blaaze	5:30	Not Available
	5. Kannukkul Kannai	Naresh Iyer	3:52	Not Available
	6. Mannipaaya	A.R. Rahman;Shreya Ghoshal	6:56	Not Available
	7. Aaromale	Alphonse

Courtesy: amazon.com

Ghajini's new distinction

the fifth Apsara Film and TV Producers Guild Awards were presented recently amidst much fanfare at the Chitrakoot Grounds at Andheri. The Best Actor award went to Shah Rukh Khan for starring in the film Rab Ne Bana Di Jodi and the Best Actress award was bagged by Priyanka Chopra for the film Kaminey.

The director of Ghajini was adjudged the Best Director. The film’s screenplay also went on to win the Best Screenplay award.

Amitabh Bachchan was awarded with the Best Lifetime Achievement award.

Courtesy: behindwoods.com

How Soundarya selected her man?

“Soundarya Rajinikanth will marry Ashwin, son of Chennai based business tycoon Ram Kumar.” Before this news hit the media on Thursday morning, a lot had happened in the background, say sources in the know.

“Ashwin is a good friend of Soundarya. In fact, she had even introduced him to her father Rajinikanth once. The Superstar was happy about her daughter entering film production and planning some big movies.”

“However, the filing of a case against Soundarya’s firm Ocher Picture Productions in the Madras High Court recently made the Superstar to worry a lot. He did not like his daughter waging legal battles and wanted her to settle in life peacefully.”

“It was then the idea of marriage struck him. When Rajini, along with wife Latha, asked Soundarya to think about her marriage, she named Ashwin as her choice. Following this, a lot of consultations and enquiries were made after which Rajini happily gave consent to the marriage,” sources maintain.

On Ashwin, they say, “An engineering graduate, he did his higher studies in the United States. He is currently looking after his father’s construction business.”

Courtesy:indiaglitz.com

Spielberg wants to work with Rahman

In a recent interview to a popular daily, noted film maker Steven Spielberg was questioned about AR Rahman and his winning the coveted Oscars. The director-producer said that he would prefer to work with him some time soon and has heard some of his compositions.

He was quoted as saying, “I have heard interesting compositions of Rahman and would love to work with him in the near future though my all-time favorite is John Williams.”

Courtesy:behindwoods.com

Who is Trisha?

Trisha is playing Jessie, a Mallu Christian in Goutham Vasudev Menon’s ‘Vinnaithandi Varuvaya’. Her co-star Silambarasan is doing an aspiring filmmaker, who wants to make it big in cinema, say sources.

Claiming that the movie would be as breezy as Goutham Menon’s maiden venture ‘Minnale’, sources say the knot of ‘Vinnaithandi Varuvaya’ was conceived from one of the real life experiences of the director.

“Even ‘Minnale’ and ‘Varanam Aayiram’ too were inspired by Goutham’s life. ‘Vinnaithandi Varuvaya’ would be a trend setting movie in love genre. Get ready for a different experience,” they say with all hope and optimism.

Echoing them, Silambarasan says, “Though I have already done many action films, I always wanted to do something like ‘Minnale’. ‘Vinnaithandi Varuvaya’ happened thankfully. It is going to be one of the important movies in my career.”

Even Trisha too says the same. ““It is a soft romantic story. It is close to reality and hence, it is so close to my heart. I am happy to work with Silambarasan, my good friend, and Goutham Menon.”

Courtesy:indiaglitz.com

VTV audio will be available online

Vinnaithaandi Varuvaaya’s audio was launched amidst much fanfare in London, last month. It is the first Tamil film for which AR Rahman had scored music after winning the coveted Oscar award. VTV audio rights have been lapped up by Sony Music India. The film stars Silambarasan and Trisha and has been directed by Gautham Menon. VTV is expected to hit the screens in February and the music will be available from January onwards.

According to the press release, “The music of VTV will be released physically on CDs & Cassettes across the world and via Amazon online retail store. Digitally VTV music will be available on iTunes, Nokia Store, and iPhone application on the first week of January… A user who downloads the songs on his iPhone or iPod will not be able transfer it to any other
unauthorized device.”

Courtesy:behindwoods.com