‘Endhiran’ in 3D

Yes. Director Shankar is planning a 3D version of the magnum opus ‘Endhiran’ to pre-empt any piracy attempt.

After the unpleasant episode in ‘Jaggubhai’, where the full length film was leaked on the internet even before it came out of the processing lab, Shankar is trying each and every way to plug the holes. Today all major films are happening under strict vigilance by competent persons. Mani Ratnam has appointed managers at each point where the works for ‘Raavan’ is happening.

So in a no holds barred attempt to make the audience watch ‘Endhiran’ only at theaters, Shankar is even contemplating to convert a part of ‘Endhiran’ film into a 3D version. He has already started consultations to this effect with the experts on the economics of converting the film into a 3D film.

The demo version of ‘Endhiran’ in 3D was shown to Shankar by an effects company and he is awfully impressed with the result. So the chances to see ‘Endhiran’ wearing the 3D spectacles are great.

Courtesy:indiaglitz.com

Simbu with Mani

Even as his ‘Raavan’ is yet to be released, Mani Ratnam seems to have signed up Silambarasan for his next project. Mani Ratnam is usually a silent director and never speculates about his next project when an ongoing project is yet to release, but he seems to have broken the myth and sources say his next movie will be with Silambarasan. Mani’s ‘Raavan’ will hit the screens in June, but he will start script work for his next project before that. Sources say, Mani’s next project, for which he’s also the producer, will also be a bi-lingual, in Tamil and Hindi with Ranbir Kapoor will be doing the hero’s role. The shooting for the movie would most probably start in November, later this year.

Courtesy:indiaglitz.com

Sameera-Goutham Again

The rapport between Sameera Reddy and Goutham Menon is so terrific that the lady has signed her third film for Menon.

After the stunning introduction in ‘Vaaranam Aayiram’, Sameera was signed to do a Goutham film for Sivaji Productions opposite Ajith. Although controversies mired the project and Goutham walked out of the film Sameera stayed on and completed what is now called ‘Asal’.

Now according to latest news Sameera has already started shooting for Goutham Menon’s next film. She plays an intense role of a commercial sex worker. The movie is said to be a thriller about how a single incident one night changes the life of many. New comers play other pivotal roles.

By putting all pieces together, it appears the new film we are talking about is Goutham’s long drawn film ‘Chennaiyil Oru Mazhai Kaalam’. It originated with Suriya and Asin. Then Trisha replaced Asin. And now we hear Sameera. It is expected Goutham will complete the film soon after ‘Vinnaithandi Varuvaya’ is released.

Courtesy:indiaglitz.com

‘Rahmania’- A tribute to ARR

A mega musical event “Rahmania" is being organized in Chennai to pay respects and celebrate A R Rahman’s international success in the best way possible. After all A R Rahman is the global face of Indian music today. The event that will rock the Chennai city on February 28 is conducted in aid of ‘A R Rahman Foundation’, which is doing phenomenal service to the society, by helping the under privileged.

The event will feature all the lively numbers of A R Rahman starting from his ‘Roja’ till ‘Guru’. For the first time ever all the original track singers of A R Rahman will assemble on a single stage to pay tribute to the pride of India.

A galaxy of celebrity singers, like Benny Dayal, Srinivas, Suresh Peters, Naresh Iyer, Haricharan, Timothy Madhukar, Sujatha, Swetha Mohan, Suvi Suresh and others will enthrall the music lovers.

Courtesy:indiaglitz.com

A R Rahman in

The Michael Jackson’s song 'We Are the World,' that raised over 30 millions US dollars for African humanitarian programs 25 years ago was redone by popular artistes of the world today including our own A R Rahman to raise funds for Haitian earthquake relief. The 25th Anniversary recording featured over 80 artists and performers. The new version embodied the same passion, determination and bigheartedness as the original recording 25 years ago. The song was recorded on February 1st, 2010, in the same studio as the original 25 years earlier. None of the singers from the original were included except for the late Michael Jackson joined by his sister Janet. The star-studded video was premiered on February 12 during the opening ceremonies of the 2010 Winter Olympics at Vancouver. Quincy Jones and Lionel Richie brought artists from different genre for this remake. "We Are the World 25 for Haiti" is one of the most diverse and successful charitable collaborations in history.

Courtesy:indiaglitz.com

Rajini says ‘Endhiran’ in July

Superstar Rajinikanth today met the Tamil Nadu chief minister M. Karunanidhi at his residence and expressed thanks for his presence at the engagement ceremony of his daughter yesterday. Superstar’s younger daughter Soundarya was engaged to a city businessman Ashwin Ramkumar in a simple ceremony yesterday at a city hotel. The chief minister was present with his entire family to bless the to-be married couple.

While coming out of CM’s residence Rajinikanth told, actors attend filmy functions only on their own will and not out of compulsions from anybody. On ‘Endhiran’ the superstar said the film would be ready for release in July in all probability.

Courtesy:indiaglitz.com

Goutham’s gamble!

Goutham Menon, the brilliant director who has given us hits consistently is taking the gamble. Puzzled? Read on…

Goutham Menon is a true flexible director. Its heard that his much awaited movie ‘Vinnaithandi Varuvaya’ has two endings. Depending on the feedback from the audience during the initial one or two weeks, the director will decide the climax of the movie. The movie is about inter-religious love between the hero and the heroine. Sources reveal that the movie will have one tragic climax and another happy.

Goutham's climax have always received appreciation. From 'Minnale' to 'Varanam Aayiram' he has made a definite style in his movies. His Fans in the past have commented on climax of his action movie ‘Khaaka Khaaka’, where the heroine is shown dead. We will have to wait and watch how he gambles this time.

Courtesy:indiaglitz.com

Tanvi Shah to stay

Tanvi Shah is thrilled to talk about her association with A R Rahman that got her global recognition. She is one of the A R Rahman regulars of late. Tanvi Shah is the first Indian female singer to win a Grammy Award. Tanvi was a part of the song 'Jai ho' in Danny Boyle's ‘Slumdog Millionaire’ which took the world music community by storm in 2009 and 2010. The versatility of Tanvi goes beyond her voice. She can sing in Arabic, Latin, and Spanish and sings a wide range of music with her band, Zahrra. The lovely voice of Tanvi made Indian debut with a song ‘Yaakai Thiri’ in ‘Aayutha Ezhuthu’ for A R Rahman. After that her association with A R Rahman continued in ‘Rang De Basanti’, ‘Sillunu Oru Kadhal’, ‘Slumdog Millionaire’ and ‘Dilli 6’.  Her success with A R Rahman hot her invitations from the other young happening music directors like Yuvan Shankar Raja, Srikanth Deva and Premji Amaran. Tanvi’s popular numbers in Tamil like “Pul Pesum Poo Pesum” from ‘Pudhupettai’, “Sillunu Oru Kaadhal” from ‘Sillunu Oru Kaadhal’, “My Life” from ‘Saroja’ were chart toppers. Her recent songs in ‘Theeradha Vilaiyattu Pillai’ and ‘Goa’ have created a unique space for her kind of voice. An A R Rahman find can never go wrong.

Courtesy:indiaglitz.com

Endhiran on 3D?

Although one section of the media speculated that Shankar and producers Sun network are planning to make Endhiran 3D, a plan, according to Shankar, would effectively curb the release of pirated CDs after the movie’s release, looks like it might not happen. As it turned out, plans weren’t made during the commencement of the movie for 3D and trying to convert the entire movie now will not have the same effect. So effectively, the plan is as good as shelved, we hear.

Endhiran is made on a mammoth budget and stars Superstar Rajinikanth and Aishwarya Rai in the lead. Double Oscar / Grammy winner and a Shankar regular Rahman scores for the movie.


Courtesy:behindwoods.com

Vinnaithaandi Varuvaayaa - Tamil Movie Images

Courtesy:behindwoods.com

VTV US release finalized

"The music of Vinnathaandi Varuvaayaa, which was scored by AR Rahman, has already been declared a hit. And ever since the audio launch, the movie buffs are expecting the release of the film. The news about the US release is now out. TWO95 Entertainment along with Reliance Media Works will release Vinnaithaandi Varuvaayaa all over the US on February 19, 2010.

Speaking about the US release, Raman Sanchula, Director of Marketing, Reliance Media Works said, “It is a going to be a great pleasure to have Gautham’s movie Vinnaithaandi Varuvayaa screened on all our screens.”

Mahesh M., CEO of TWO95 Entertainment, Inc said, “We partnered with Reliance because of the professional approach they have towards this industry and most importantly the coverage they have among the Indian audience.”"

Courtesy:behindwoods.com

Sherlock - Ajith!

On the day of Asal’s release, we have more definitive information about the 50th film of Ajith Kumar. As reported earlier, the milestone movie will be directed by Gautham Menon, who is at present busy with the final round work of Vinnaithaandi Varuvaayaa.

With VTV set to release this month, both Gautham and Ajith are expected to be free of all commitments to start work together. The scripting part of the flick is still in progress. It is being said that Gautham has taken the basic plot of the film from a sensational criminal case in 1980 and that Ajith will be playing an investigating officer. Whether it is regular cop role or something more sophisticated along the lines of CBI or even Sherlock Holmes is open to speculation. Anyway, it will surely be the first time in his career that Ajith will don a full fledged detective role and that itself will give all his fans a lot to look forward to from this movie. With so much decided, one would have expected the film to have been christened by now. But that is not the case. Gautham is yet to decide on a title.

Another high point of the movie will be its music, which will be scored once again by A.R. Rahman. The Gautham-Rahman team has already proved its worth in glowing terms with the VTV album that is taking the charts by storm. The film is expected to go on floors by April.

Courtesy:behindwoods.com

Here's the reason for the KVA - Silambarasan split!

"It’s official now that Silambarasan will no longer be a part of K V Anand’s Ko. Although the split came as a surprise of sorts and creative differences were cited as the reason, looks like it’s already time for reality check. As it turns out, Silambarasan has been summoned by ace director Mani Ratnam for his next venture.

It’s learnt that Mani has requested Silambarasan to reserve a few months of his dates for the project. And the latter obliged, evidently. For the greater good, we guess!"

Courtesy:behindwoods.com

Shankar after Endhiran!

"Director Shankar is wrapping up Endhiran soon and is almost ready for his next project. According to insiders, his next would be a film based on romance. The successful director has plans of roping in Siddharth of Boys fame in the lead role.

As regards Siddharth, he has taken a sabbatical of sorts after Boys and Ayuda Ezhuthu from Tamil and is concentrating more on Telugu films. His performance in Oye with Shamli earned much appreciation. His first outing as a single hero in the Hindi flick Striker is also a much anticipated film where Padmapriya plays a pivotal role. According to sources as the script demanded a young hero and as Shankar has already worked with Siddharth, the offer fell on the young actor’s lap. Wishing the team all success!"



Courtesy:behindwoods.com

Rahman remakes Michael Jackson's song

Oscar winning music director AR Rahman will be a part of the remake of Michael Jackson’s We Are the World for a noble cause. Yes, the Mozart of Madras has been roped in for the song to raise funds to help those who are affected by the earthquake that hit Haiti. Interestingly, about 100 singers and stars including Carlos Santana, Jennifer Hudson, Jamie Foxx, Miley Cyrus, Enrique Iglesias Akon, Celine Dion, Barbara Streisand, Usher, and William, will be a part of the song.

The remake will be recorded in the Henson Studios, the same place where MJ recorded the original. The song will be premiered on the NBC network during the Winter Olympics that is set to begin on February 12th.

Courtesy:behindwoods.com

The story of ‘Raavan’

It’s a much anticipated film of the year. Mani Ratnam’s ‘Raavan’ is almost finalized for May 21 release simultaneously in Tamil and Hindi. The unit is working hard to meet the deadline.

The film is inspired from the events of ‘Ashokavanam’ episode in the epic Ramayana. As usual every thing about the film including the story line was kept under strict secrecy. But we managed to get a feel from the version edited so far.

The story is about a Raavan (Vikram) who is waiting for a chance to take revenge on a police officer Ram (Prithviraj) who was responsible for the death of his sister. At the same time Ram gets married to his love Janaki (Aishwarya Rai). But on the very next day of the marriage Raavan kidnaps Janaki and takes her away. Later Janaki comes to know of the real Ram and falls in love with Raavan. In the end after a fiery duel Raavan Vikram loses to Ram Prithvi. But when Ram wanted to take Janaki back home she refuses to go and stays with Raavan.

Now wait for the treat.

Courtesy:indiaglitz.com

Aishwarya breaks Rs. 10 Crore mark

Gone are those days when only the heroes were offered the highest package. Gone are those days when heroines used to get only a tiny percentage paid for the hero.

Now the heroines are demanding as much as a hero if not more. Lakhs have gone out of fashion and crores is fast losing its sheen.

Recently eye brows went up when Kareena Kappor was reportedly paid Rs. 7 crores for a Hindi film. Now jaws are dropping to hear Aishwarya Rai getting paid more than Kareena.

It is spreading that the producer Bobby Pushkarna of Page 3 fame is offering Rs.10 crore to Aishwarya for a film. Bobby is resolute to have Aishwarya in the film which is planned on the lines of Jag Mundhra’s Provoked. He wants to do the film with Ash and only Ash.

So obsessed with Aishwarya’s presence in the film the producer even goes on to say he would shelve the film if Ash doesn’t agree to do the film.

How much Shankar would have paid Aishwarya for Endhiran?

Courtesy:indiaglitz.com

Rahman misses Oscar

Dashing India's only hope at the Oscars this year, music maestro A R Rahman’s chance to win back-to-back Academy awards ended on Tuesday as he failed to win a nomination in the ‘Best Original Song’ category.

The 'Mozart of Madras', who won a double Grammy a couple of days ago, was long-listed in the category for his score ‘Na Na...’ in his Hollywood debut venture 'Couple’s Retreat'.

However ‘Na Na...’ was defeated by ‘Almost there...’ ('The Princess and the Frog' by Randy Newman); ‘Down in New Orleans...’ (‘The Princess and the Frog’ by Newman); ‘Loin de Paname...’ (‘Paris 36’ by Reinhardt Wagner and Frank Thomas); ‘Take it all...’ (‘Nine’ by Maury Yeston) and ‘The weary kind...’ (‘Crazy Heart’ by Ryan Bingham and T Bone Burnett).

The nominees were announced by actress Anne Hathaway in a ceremony in Beverly Hills. The ceremony will take place on March 7, hosted by Steve Martin and Alec Baldwin.

Meanwhile, James Cameron's 'Avatar' and his former wife Kathryn Bigelow's 'Hurt Locker' will fight it out for top honours at this year's Academy Awards after receiving nine nominations each.

Both the films have been nominated in the 'Best Picture' category with Cameron and Bigelow being pitted against each other in the Best Director category.

Courtesy:indiaglitz.com

Rahman's double Grammy!

The double Oscar winner Rahman has done it once again! This time he has bagged the double Grammy awards! He won the award for best compilation soundtrack and best motion picture song for Jai Ho in Slumdog Millionaire. Lyricist Gulzar shares the award with Rahman. Tanvi Shah, who penned the lyrics in Spanish also shares the award.
The elated music director is reported to have said, “This is insane, god is great again.” Other Indians that have won the Grammy earlier are Pandit Ravi Shankar, Vikku Vinayakram, Zakir Hussain, and Vishvamohan Bhatt.

Rahman beat Steve Jordan for ‘Cadillac Records,’ Quentin Tarantino for ‘Inglorious Basterds,’ and the producers of ‘Twilight’ and ‘True Blood’ in the soundtrack category to win the coveted award.

Courtesy:behindwoods.com

Rahman cures mom’s sickness

Call it music therapy. Music maestro A R Rahman’s mother Kareema Begum, who was unwell for the past few days, almost jumped out of the bed on hearing that her son picked up not one but two Grammys.

If family sources are to be believed, the happy mother soon started dialing her relatives, and shared her joy with them. “All her illness vanished all of a sudden as soon as she received a call from Rahman around 3 am,” they say.

Meanwhile, peers and friends of Rahman have expressed happiness on the music composer’s victory at the Grammys. Rahman’s colleague in ‘Slumdog Millionaire’ and Oscar winner Resul Pookkutty said he was happy to be living in the Rahman era.

Drummer Shivamani, whose association with Rahman goes back two decades, describes him as a music genius. “His music is very articulate and his passion for new sounds is amazing. A celebrated musician in India, he is now becoming the darling of the world. It is my pleasure to be associated with him.”

Ace singer S P Balasubramaniam feels Rahman truly deserves the honour. “He will continue receiving every coveted award in the field of music,” the veteran says with a broad smile.

Sukhwinder who sang the award winning track ‘Jai Ho’ said that the recognition had been long due. “I want to congratulate the entire music community and everyone in India. Rahman deserves it. So I had been expecting this to happen.”

Courtesy:indiaglitz.com

Silambarasan turns Uththama Puthiran

Director Lingusamy’s production house Tirupathi Brothers has roped in Silambarasan to play the lead role in a movie that is to be directed by Bhoopathy Pandian. While Silambarasan’s Vinnaithaandi Varuvaaya is almost complete, he is busy with KV Anand’s Ko. The Bhoopathy Pandian project, which is said to have been titled Uththama Puthiran, will go on floors once Silambarasan completes his assignment with KV Anand. There are reports that the actor is working on an image makeover and is taking up films that are in that direction.

Meanwhile, Lingusamy’s Paiyaa will have his undivided attention. The producer-director will move on to Uththama Puthiran after Paiyaa’s release, we hear.


Courtesy:behindwoods.com

Rahman's Grammy

AR Rahman met the Chief Minister of Tamil Nadu to discuss about the theme song that he will be composing for the World Classical Tamil Conference. The World Conference will be held in Coimbatore in June and the CM has penned the lyrics for the theme song for which Rahman will set the tune.

The Mozart of Madras also thanked the CM for recommending his name for the Padma Bhushan award. He is also reported to have told the CM that one of his songs have been nominated for the Grammy awards and he would travel to Los Angeles to participate in the awards event. The CM wished Rahman to bring home the top award.


Courtesy:behindwoods.com

Couples Retreat Score nominated for International Film Music Critics Association awards

A.R.Rahman’s Couples Retreat Score has been nominated for International Film Music Critics Association awards for Scoring Excellence in ‘Best Score in a Comedy Film’ category. This is really very significant considering that there was no buzz whatsoever about this score even in the hardcore Hollywood film score magazines and websites. Winning is highly unlikely though.


Courtesy: backgroundscore.blogspot.com/

Rahman denies film role!

Mozart of Madras A R Rahman, who, reported to have agreed to do a film, denied the news to a tabloid recently. He clarified that it is only a documentary he stars in and not a full length feature film. The documentary titled ‘Son of a Preacher Man’ is about the life and times of the Grammy award winner P J Morton, who is a successful singer, songwriter and producer.

Rahman appears as himself in the documentary that features his interview on Morton. He also worked with Morton in the 2009 Hollywood romcom Couples Retreat, for the song Sajna from the soundtrack of the movie. Rahman’s interview will focus on his association with Morton during the film’s music composition.

Courtesy:behindwoods.com

Gautham Menon and the Kalaignar brothers!

It seems to have become a tradition associated with Gautham Menon movies since Vaaranam Aayiram. While his Vaaranam Aayiram was distributed by Dayanidhi Azhagiri for his Cloud Nine movies, his Vinnaithaandi Varuvaayaa will be distributed by Red Giant Movies, owned by Udhayanidhi Stalin – both of which belong to the Kalaignar family.

The Trisha – Silambarasan starrer Vinnaithaandi Varuvaayaa is slated for a February (possibly Valentine’s day weekend) release. Scored by Rahman, the movie’s tracks are already a hit on the airwaves of Chennai.


Courtesy:behindwoods.com

Ilayaraja and Rahman get Padma Bhushan

The most prestigious civilian awards – the Padma awards 2010 were announced today. 130 awards will be given at a grand function at the Rashtrapathi Bhavan, New Delhi in the month of March/April. Of the total 130 awardees, 6 are Padma Vibhushan, 43 Padma Bhushan, and 81 Padma Shri.

The awards are announced every year and handed over to the individuals who excel in the field of art, medicine, literature & education, trade and industry, sports, public affairs, civil service, journalism, science and engineering and social work.

In the field of Arts some of the prominent personalities who will be presented with the high status awards are popular music directors, Ilayaraja and Oscar winner A R Rahman who will be awarded the Padma Bhushan. Bollywood star Aamir Khan also will be bestowed with Padma Bhushan while Rekha (Bollywood) and Saif Ali Khan will receive Padma Shri.

Awards for the sports category include, cricketer Virendra Shewag, badminton star Saina Nehwal, boxer Vijendra Singh and racer Narain Karthikeyan who will be awarded the Padma Shri.

Courtesy:behindwoods.com

Endhiran music in April

As the D- day is nearing we have more on Endhiran coming out. Now it is about the theme music. AR Rahman who is working on Endhiran songs from London has completed the theme music first at the behest of director Shankar. The theme music comes where ever the Robot Rajni appears. Shankar will plan and film the visual sequences based on the music. The story boards for the sequences are being readied at a frantic pace by the team of Shankar.

Apart from its music Endhiran is also is special for its choreography by Prabhu Deva, lyrics by Vairamuthu, art direction by Sabu Cyril and cinematography by Ratnavelu. Another specialty will be the exclusive sound effects crafted by the Oscar winner Resul Pookutty. Pookutty creates the unique metallic sound effects for the Robot charcter.

Other than the Endhiran team there is one more person who very closely following Endhiran developments right from its scratch. That is the chief minister M. Karunanidhi. He had already enquired about the release date to Rajnikanth many times.

With plans perfect Shankar has allotted six months only for the graphics, animation and other special effects. So the release may be pushed little further than previously expected. Our sources tell us the music will rock in April and the film is a Diwali pleasure.

Courtesy:indiaglitz.com

Endhiran Story Revealed

Robots have been a thing of Hollywood films for long. Among the films which had Robots as central characters Steven Spielberg’s Artificial Intelligence is considered the best by World Science-fiction Forum. But director Shankar confidently says once his super star Endhiran is released even that will join the club of best films with Robots.

So what is the story of Endhiran? People who have been following each and every moment of the film’s progress have put together all the pieces and made a story. It is this.

Rajni plays dual roles in Endhiran. One is a scientist and the other is a Robot. Scientist Rajni creates a Robot with artificial intelligence – like that of sixth sense in humans – to help human beings and to the development of the country. But its silicon heart falls in love with Aishwarya Rai. Writes romantic poems and the Robot behave just like a human being. Knowing about the extra ordinary intelligence of the Robot the villains try to get control of the Robot. Scientist Rajni fights to save the Robot falling into the hand of the enemies and destroys the evil forces using the Robot itself.

Wow!!! We just cant wait any longer Shankar Sir!

Courtesy:indiaglitz.com

Gautham's plans for VTV

The song Aaromale in Vinnaithandi Varuvaayaa has gained immense popularity already and has been topping the charts. Due to this, the film's director Gautham Menon has decided to shoot the song with the lead pair - Silambarasan and Trisha. With the director deciding on filming the song, Trisha has given a call sheet to facilitate an early release of the film. VTV is slated for a February release and with this song the shooting schedule is expected to come to an end. Courtesy:behindwoods.com

Another Oscar for Rahman?

"AR Rahman could win yet another Oscar award! It is well known that the music director had composed music for the Hollywood film Couple’s Retreat. Of the six songs in the film, one song has been nominated for the Oscars. This was disclosed by Rahman during the background score launch of Couple’s Retreat in Chennai.

The Mozart of Madras has also revealed that a Tamil song going by the lyrics Kuru Kuru Kangal is a part of this Hollywood film. Interestingly, Rahman had penned the lyrics for this song."

Courtesy:behindwoods.com

Not a youth anymore after Endhiran?

We must have learnt that Rajini is donning the role of a Scientist in Shankar’s ‘Endhiran’, but actually we will get to see a never-seen-before, young and smart Rajini. Shankar who made Superstar as fair as a European is working on boosting the youth factors of our Superstar in ‘Endhiran’.

But, it’s the last time that we will enjoy it all…

As Rajini has decided to take up roles that will suit his real age after the release of ‘Endhiran’, he wanted to be showed as young and smart as possible. So, he had asked Shankar to pay extra attention towards his looks. And only after this, Shankar has modified his character as a scientist student.

We might have been shocked by Rajini’s unexpected choice of doing roles that suits his age; however, his close friends say that it’s been a long since our Superstar had decided this. Looks like he had shared the same with his buddy Amitabh Bachchan, while he was working for ‘Endhiran’ in Lonawala.

So, after ‘Endhiran’ we can see Rajini doing dignified character roles like Amithji…

Courtesy:indiaglitz.com

Goutham thanks Silambarasan

When Goutham Vasudev Menon was asked to express gratitude to a person whom he really wanted to thank at a television chat show on Sunday, the filmmaker's choice was Silambarasan, the protagonist of his forthcoming movie 'Vinnaithandi Varuvaya'.

"Silambarasan performed extremely well in 'Vinnaithandi Varuvaya'. He delivered what I exactly expected from him. In short, he lived the character he played in the film," the director said, while thanking the actor.

On his part, Silambarasan said, "thanks could not be the exact word to convey my gratitude to Goutham. The film is totally different for me and audience would see a new Silambarasan in 'VTV'. It is all because of Goutham."

He added: "Though I have already done many romantic 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."

Courtesy:indiaglitz.com

Excerpt from A R Rahman Jai Ho Sydney

Courtesy:Rahmaniac.com

Shankar pens on ‘Endhiran’

"Rajinikanth-starrer ‘Endhiran’, is going to be a visually wowee and technically super rich film. Get ready for an ultra-technical film that will be simply spellbinding. Yes, what do you say about a film, which some renowned technicians of the world-famous Stan Winston Studios have called as a movie that has made maximum use of the animatronics technique?

Director Shankar, in his blog, recently stated that the film makes use of the aforementioned technique and that its use is effective in Endhiran. 'Endhiran is the first Indian movie to use Stan Winston Studio’s Animatronics technology. We all are proud and happy to be associated with the number one Hollywood studio who did a great job in movies like Jurassic Park, Predator, Terminator, Ironman and the recent Avatar,' Shankar wrote in his blog.

Around 22 scenes of the movie have been shot using the technique. It reportedly took 30 months of planning and conceptualisation for a group of technicians, who came to Chennai's Sun Stuios to work for a period of 4 months to execute it. Gasp!

In his blog, Shankar has even put some of the exclusive pics where we see him with the Hollywood technicians, Rajini and others."



Courtesy:indiaglitz.com

‘Endhiran’ 90% ready

Endhiran - Gallery It’s official that 90 percent of ‘Endhiran’ is complete and the film will soon hit the screen. Also we have some news on ‘Endhiran’ previously unheard. Though the stills released or leaked so far didn’t give a clue to the film we come to know that it will be a treat to all fans with Rajini doing two things he knows best. Comedy and action. The first part is said to be very humorous in the inimitable Rajini style. Santhanam gives company to Rajini in ‘Endhiran’ the way Vivek did in ‘Sivaji’. Punch dialogues are left to Santhanam as in ‘Sivaji’. So expect some clean high class hilarious moments. And we know how good the super star is in comedy scenes. If the first half is light the second half will compensate for it with pulsating actions. ‘Endhiran’ is going to be a wholesome entertainer. Also the new young look of the Super Star is making news. The latest pictures released show Rajini and Aishwarya in vibrant costumes with the help of Hollywood technicians who worked for films like ‘Batman Returns’ and ‘Men In Black’. It is thrilling to see an absolutely handsome Rajini as we have seen in films like ‘Gayatri’ and ‘Billa’ in those days. Two songs were picturised in never been to locations in Hawaii Islands and Brazil. ‘Endhiran’ film has strengthened the relationship of Rajini and Shankar much stronger. It has moved beyond Actor-Director levels, one reason could be the similarity between them. Shankar also has deviated from a usual Rajini film happening with ‘Endhiran’. Usually all Rajini films in recent times were shot either out of Tamil Nadu or overseas. But to the joy of Rajini fans Shankar shot a lot of portions in and around Chennai. More to come.

Courtesy:indiaglitz.com

Rahman's treat with 'Retreat'

"Get ready Rahman fans, especially those in India. The Oscar winning music maestro's performance in the Hollywood venture 'Couples Retreat' is all set to reach you soon.

For, Sare Gama audios would launching the album in India on January 18, that too at a function in Chennai, the hometown of the music composer.

This is Rahman's first Hollywood film after wining Double Oscar for 'Slumdog Millionaire'. Interestingly, the sound track is one of the nominations for Oscar Awards this year.

Directed by Emmy nominated Peter Billingsley, the movie has reportedly crossed the 100 million dollar mark at the North American box office.

It stars MTV winner Vince Vaughn, Golden Globe winner Jason Bateman, Golden Globe nominated Kristin Davis etc. Producers are Vince Vaughn and Scott Stuber."



Courtesy: indiaglitz.com

‘Ravana’ is talking Tamil in Chennai!

"Oh yeah! The dubbing process of ‘Ravana’ Tamil version is up and happening from Jan 4th in Chennai. Mani Ratnam’s favourite editor Srikar Prasanth had prepared a rough cut of 2 hours and 50 minutes for the dubbing purpose.

The first schedule of dubbing over as Prithviraj and Priyamani are done with their part. On the other hand, dubbing process for the crowd voice and other supporting characters are also ready, say the sources.

So, the remaining portion is of Aishwarya’s voice and Govinda’s voice and sources from Madras Talkies are busy hunting for VIP voices for them. As of now, there are no solid denials or confirmation when it comes to the rumours about Superstar’s daughter dear Aishwarya Dhanush giving voice for the ex- world beauty. Likewise, gossip mongers had it that Mani Ratnam has approached Suriya to give dubbing for Govinda. Sources in the know had it that famous dubbing artist Savitha was seen in Prasad Studio, where the dubbing process of ‘Ravana’ is on.

Once the dubbing process is over, the process for Ravana’s sound effects will start immediately. After this the re-recording works will start of in Rahman’s AM Studio in Chennai by February second week. Then the final mixing of the project will also be done in Rahman’s studio, say the sources close to Madras Talkies."



Courtesy: indiaglitz.com

Suriya’s hunt for love!

It looks like the ‘Ghajini’ team is getting ready to rock the floor with their next project.

Romantic hero Suriya and his lucky charm director A R Murugadoss will start the work for their next by March 8th, say the sources close to the actor. This one will be a trilingual made in Tamil, Telugu and Hindi, they say. The director had made it clear this time that, he is not making any remake of any script that is influenced by some other film. So, its time to look out for an original script from Murugadoss.

As of now Suriya is with the last schedule of ‘Singam’ but then we heard that the actor is longing for something that is missing in his career now. That’s a sweet romantic film… And so, Suriya is engaging himself in the process of listening to fresh romantic scripts. As a result, associates of successful directors are in Suriya’s house these days with love subjects.

Well, now we can see him romancing after a gap, filled with commercial films…

Courtesy:indiaglitz.com

Michael Jackson wanted to work with A.R. Rahman

‘King of Pop’ Michael Jackson had expressed a desire to work with composer A.R. Rahman just two months before he died.

The ‘Mozart of Madras’ who won two Oscar awards for the soundtrack to the hit movie ‘Slumdog Millionaire’ revealed that the ‘Thriller’ hitmaker was keen on making music with him, The Daily Telegraph reported.

“I met him two months before he died and he expressed an interest in working with me,” Rahman said.

“Meeting him was everything and changed my life. He loved stuff I did and I loved stuff he did. He was such a nice person,” he added.

Jackson was planning to collaborate with Rahman for a unity anthem that the ‘Thriller’ hitmaker wanted to use in his planned O2 concert series, the musician had earlier said in his blog.

“He was praising the chord progression of Jai Ho’s chorus. He asked me to compose a unity anthem on the lines of ‘We are the World’ for him. I nodded in awe,” Rahman had written in his blog while paying tribute to the pop icon after his sudden death in June last year.

Rahman who has also been nominated for this year’s Grammys’ is set to perform to about 80,000 people at his free concert on Saturday at Parramatta Park, as a part of 34th Sydney Festival.

Courtesy:thehindu.com

Matthew Hayden bats for AR Rahman

AR Rahman’s world tour concert in Australia that takes place tonight is growing from strength to strength.

Known for his immaculate consistency with the bat on the field, Hayden wants to prove that he is equally at ease as an anchor too. So he has been researching on Rahman and his works for over a week now.Former Australian opening batsman Matthew Hayden has been roped in to host the mega song-and-dance extravaganza that will have an attendance of about 70,000 people. Hayden will partner ABC presenter Miriam Corowa for hosting the Parramatta Park (near Sydney) concert that will be telecast live to 44 countries. Interestingly, both of them have a strong Chennai connection. While Rahman is known as the Mozart of Madras, Hayden plays for the Chennai Super Kings cricket team. A source says, “They are like brothers from Chennai. Hayden loves Indian music, especially Rahman’s, and he is very excited to host the event for him. He is gathering as much information as possible on Rahman, his music and styles.” Hayden was quoted as saying in a statement issued by the Australian Embassy in Delhi: “I am honoured and thrilled to be a part of AR Rahman’s unique outdoor extravaganza and the Sydney Festival. Rahman was born in Chennai, a city that I have come to love and a part of India that is very special to me for many reasons. I am excited that many Australians will be able to enjoy what millions of people around the world have come to love and appreciate, the incredible Mozart of Madras and the amazing Indian musicians and Bollywood dancers.” Rahman is performing with 40 Indian musicians and dancers and he will promote peace and harmony in Australia.

Courtesy:dnaindia.com

Media should build bridges: Rahman

Australian and Indian media have a responsibility to build bridges between the two countries, rather than breaking them apart, Bollywood superstar AR Rahman says.

The killing of Indian student Nitin Garg, 21, stabbed to death in Melbourne earlier this month, has sparked outrage in India.

The murder followed a spate of violence against Indian students in Melbourne over the past 18 months.

Indian authorities have urged local media to show restraint when reporting attacks on students in Australia, which have remained a sore point over the past year.

Rahman, a two-time Oscar winning composer, is visiting Australia for the 2010 Sydney Festival.

He says media in both countries have a propensity to incite anger between the two cultures but also hold the key to helping to stop the problem.

"First of all we need more responsible media," the Oscar-winning Slumdog Millionaire composer told reporters in Sydney on Thursday.

"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. You have to be extremely careful and strict about what (you write)."

Mr Rahman will give a free live performance to up to 80,000 people at Parramatta Park in Sydney west on Saturday, as part of the festival.

He said he never considered cancelling his trip in light of the recent furore over the student attacks.

Acting Premier Carmel Tebbutt said she was hopeful the concert would promote peaceful relations between the two countries.

"It's an opportunity ... to promote our city and to send a very clear message that we're a multicultural, diverse city, we're a multicultural diverse country, and we're very proud of that," Ms Tebbutt told reporters.

Asked by reporters whether they were expecting any disturbances, police said they were prepared for the worst but hopeful the event would be peaceful.

"We'll have sufficient police and security there to deal with any contingency," NSW Assistant Police Commissioner Denis Clifford said.

"If anyone wants to go there to try and disrupt the activities or the enjoyment of others, they'll be quickly dealt with."

The president of the Federation of Australian Indian Association, Vish Viswanathan, said he wasn't worried about the potential for violence at the concert.

"In fact, I am sure we are looking for an enjoyable concert and we hope this concert brings harmony to Australia," he said.

Courtesy:news.smh.com.au

A R Rahman Disappointed Vinnaithandi Varuaaya

It is really a big disappointment to all AR Rahman fans.. Yes, we are talking about his latest Tamil album after two long years, Vinnaithandi Varuvaaya! Indeed, he had kept everyone awaiting this musical album for the past one month ever since the audio was launched in London. But, the musician has disappointed us and the songs in the album are not up to his 'level'!.

"The music wizard seems to be very adhered to Hollywood and western music. Apart from ‘Omana Penne’ and ‘Hosanna’, none of the songs seems to be having 'Rahman standard', set by the legend earlier . The lyrics also not catchy. Most part of the lyrics are not clear and almost everywhere the beat is dominating.


He has tuned all the songs somewhat like a background score for Hollywood. Lots of fill-ins and instrumentals does diminish the lyrics. He hasn’t come up with commendable tunes at least the halfway of mediocre Hindi compositions like ‘Blue’.Maybe, the brand ‘A.R. Rahman’ may help the producer to cash CDs, but surely this was not we expected from our 'Mozart of Madras!'"



Courtesy:entertainment.oneindia.in

Vinnai Thandi Varuvaaya audio creates history!

"Maestro AR Rahman and Gautham Vasudeva Menon has created audio history as there has been a terrific advance booking for their Vinnai Thandi Varuvaaya (VTV) audio!

A spokesperson of Sony Music said: “For the first time ever even before the release of the album, Amazon.com has overwhelming pre-release response for CD orders of VTV audio. The CD has already been marked as number 1 in the category of “Music > World Music > Far East & Asia. It clearly means before the release it is already the top seller in Far East and Asia category. No other product has got such a response on Amazon.”

VTV is ARR’s first composition after the success of Oscar Winning Slumdog Millionaire. The album has combined seven songs in voices of Karthik, Naresh Iyer, Benny Dayal, , Blaaze, Devan Ekambaram,Vijayprakash, Shreya Ghoshal, Chinmayi, Suzaane, Alphonse, Kalyani Menon and Rahman himself. The album's lyrics are penned by Thamarai. The album features six songs in Tamil and one in Malayalam plus a theme track by the academy award winner himself.

Meanwhile the first ever rocking song from VTV, Hosanna… sung by Blaaze, Vijayaprakash and Suzaane will break over all FM stations in Tamil Nadu today (January 9). On Tuesday (January 12) AR Rahman, GVM and Sony Music will be having the Indian audio launch of the film at a popular multiplex in Chennai."



Courtesy:sify.com

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.�"



Courtesy:

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