Shankar in his Endhiran!

What more? The director of extravaganza will be peeping in front of the camera for a few scenes in his upcoming project, ‘Endhiran’. We must have not forgotten the song “Balley Lakka” in ‘Sivaji’ that too has Shankar appearing on screen! Looks like the director has asked his assistants to arrange the costume needed for him. And when our Superstar learnt about it, he had called the director and encouraged him to act in a prominent character. But, surprisingly Shankar has kept his role as suspense, even Rajini don’t have a hint about the role of Shankar. We also heard that Shankar’s portion will be shot inside a set that reassembles a lab. It’s noteworthy that Shankar has appeared on screen in small character roles in most of his movies.

In fact an interesting flashback of this director is that he entered the tinsel town with a thirst for acting and slowly evolved as a director.

Courtesy:indiaglitz.com

Aussies consider A.R. Rahman’s upcoming gig “once-in-a-lifetime opportunity”

Preparations are on for Oscar winner musician A. R. Rahman’s two-and-a-half hours free concert in Australia on January 16.
Authorities have closed the venue Parramatta Park to cars on that day for the smooth running of the event and are advising patrons to leave the car at home and take public transport for this “once-in-a-lifetime opportunity”.
They have launched a transportation survey asking patrons how they plan to reach the venue. Although the event will start at 07-30 pm, but the gates to the Park will open as early as 12 pm.
Rahman will reportedly entertain with an entourage of over 40 musicians and Bollywood dancers, presenting various rhythms and melodies of contemporary India.
Acclaimed Indo-American statesman Rajan Zed, in a statement in Nevada (USA) today, applauded Rahman for offering this free concert. Leading Australian musicians should reciprocate this gesture by offering free concerts in Delhi, Mumbai, Kolkata and Chennai in India, Zed, who is chairperson of Indo-American Leadership Confederation, added.
The organizer, “Sydney Festival 2010″, describes this outdoor concert as “a night like no other” and adds: Rahman is the undisputed king of contemporary Indian music. His songs embrace Indian, Western and Asian influences, connecting with hearts and minds all over the world. Sydney Festival is proud to celebrate this inspiring and multidimensional artist - truly one of India’s international superstars. Oscar nominated Australian film director-screenwriter-producer Baz Luhrmann (Moulin Rouge!) has stated: “Whatever the style, A.R. Rahman’s music always possesses a profound sense of humanity and spirit.”
Historic Parramatta Park spread over 85 hectares and listed on National Heritage List, which celebrated its 150 years in 2008, is one of Australia’s most important cultural landscapes and receives over 1.5 million visitors annually. It is located in Parramatta, a suburb about 14 miles west of central Sydney in New South Wales (Australia). (ANI)




Courtesy:thaindian.com

First Look: Ada

The much delayed film Ada… A way of life is finally releasing on December 18, 2009. 

The film stars Nauheed Cyrusi and newcomer Ayaan Ahmad - son of director Tanvir Ahmad, who is the director of the film. What’s great about the film is the music by AR Rahman.

Ada is the tale of Ayaan, son of a noble human being Anil Anand, and a spiritual mother, Aamina. Ayaan’s gentle world is turned upside down when Anil starts receiving death threats if he goes ahead with his testimony against some criminals.

The world of moral certainties crumbles in the face of contemporary disarray, as the murder of his father sets Ayaan on a course of revenge and killing against the criminals of Mumbai, and he becomes a contract killer. The conflicted character of Ayaan Anand is a modern tragedy, as he becomes part of the criminal stream, even as he searches for truth and happiness.

Ada is a film of the moment, as it compels one to re-examine the youth-crime phenomenon in a very poignant and freshly told story.

Director Tanvir Ahmad describes his film, "Ada is not a typical Bollywood film. It should be a triumph of style and content over so-called meaningless candy floss Bollywood films," Tanvir, who has been in the industry for the past 30 years adds, "I made two films in the past, Aag Aur Toofan in 1975 and Aakarshan in 1988."

About Ada, actor Ayaan who was an ad-filmmaker before making his acting debut, says, "This is also a dialogue-based drama. Dialogues play a very important role in the film. We have even experimented with the songs. Every turning point of the film has been explained through a song.'

Ada has six songs. Oscar winning composer AR Rahman has scored the music for it, and Ayaan says it will be the highlight of his debut vehicle.

"This is my first film, and I don't know how people will accept me. The main attraction of the film would be Rahman's music, as he has given the film outstanding music. We hope to build on the music as the main lead to our story. It is also music that befits the theme of the film, and Rahman has given us fresh tunes for the young generation without making it look loud and pop. There is depth in the music.' concludes Ayaan.

Courtesy:starboxoffice.com

Reliance BIG Pictures co-producing 'Raavan', says CEO

Reliance BIG Pictures had been associated with the Abhishek Bachchan-Aishwarya Rai starrer "Raavana" from day one, the company's CEO


Sanjeev Lamba said, denying reports that it had backed off from the Mani Ratnam directed project.


"We are co-producing the film with Madras Talkies (Ratnam's production house). We are associated with the film from day one. The reports that we backed off are not true," Lamba told IANS over the phone from Mumbai.


A media report had said that Reliance BIG Pictures was supposed to produce "Raavana" but later withdrew for unknown reasons.


"The film is now in the post production stage. We hope to release it globally in March-April. We are proud to be associated with Mani Ratnam, one of the finest directors in the country. Our association with Mani Ratnam goes back to 'Guru'," said Lamba.


Ratnam shot the film in the jungles of Kochi and later in Jhansi. The film, which also stars Bhojpuri actor Ravi Kissan, is said to be a modern interpretation of the Hindu mythological epic "Ramayana". It is being made in Hindi, Tamil and will be dubbed in Telugu.


Asked about the budget, Lamba said: "We dont talk about the budget of the film. I can tell you that it is one of the biggest films being made in the country."


Courtesy:indiatimes.com

Ranbir leaves Mani Ratnam disappointed!

Bollywood top actors feel luckiest if director like Mani Ratnam approaches them offering a role in his movie. But for young actor Ranbir Kapoor the story is different.

The actor is giving emphasis on the movie script than the director.

Mani Ratna was very much convinced about the acting skills of Ranbir who has given two hits back to back. So, the director approached the actor offering him to play the lead hero for his new flick ‘Azaan’. But to his surprise, Ranbir turned down his offer.

When Mani narrated Ranbir the script, the actor politely refused saying that the script didn’t impress him.

Mani Ratnam would not have thought in his rarest dreams that a newcomer would refuse him. A source says, “Mani obviously was left disappointed as he wanted a young hero for the film. He has very few choices at his disposal. He feels that the only actors who can play the character are Ranbir, Shahid or Imran. With Ranbir refusing, he will now turn to Shahid or Imran.”

Earlier, Ranbir had also refused the role offered by Zoya Akhtar.

Folks, do you think Ranbir did the right thing?


Courtesy:indiainfo.com

A R RAHMAN'S 'YEH ISHQ HAI' FROM ADA

For the film Ada, A R Rahman worked on the music for over 10 years and it is truly a musical journey. We have for you a glimpse into the film accompanied by another great track off the soundtrack 'Yehi Ishq Hai'. Ada starring Ayaan Ahmad and Nauheed Cyrusi opens on December 18th so be sure to check it out.


Courtesy:bollyspice.com

A.R. Rahman in front of camera in Hollywood film

Oscar winner A.R. Rahman (Slumdog Millionaire) is in front of the camera in upcoming film “Son of a Preacher Man” about the life and times of Grammy winning singer-songwriter-producer PJ Morton.

Besides Rahman, other cast includes American Gospel musician Kirk Franklin (Norbit), Grammy nominated American Idol Winner Ruben Studdard (Life on a Stick), and producer Warryn Campbell (Stomp the Yard). Shot in Atlanta and New Orleans in USA and London in United Kingdom, it will be released in 2010. Michael Akwesi Djaba (Reasonable Excuse) is the director.

Rahman and Morton collaborated on Sajna song in recent Hollywood comedy “Couples Retreat”.

Acclaimed Indo-American statesman Rajan Zed, in a statement in Nevada (USA) today, commended multi-talented and innovative Rahman for bringing East and West closer through music and for making the world look at Indian film music more seriously. Diversity of his styles and themes was appealing to different sections of the society, Zed, who is chairperson of Indo-American Leadership Confederation, added.

Rahman, who has reportedly recorded sales of over 300 million, was called “Mozart of Madras'' by Time magazine. Rahman sees music “as a way to connect to spirituality and embrace it” and for “creating harmony in troubled times”.

Courtesy:webnewswire.com

Rahman in White House

A R Rahman has done it again! After spelling a magic at the Academy Awards this year winning two Oscars, A R Rahman was the star attraction at the White House in Washington.

Rahman was among the select few Indians who were specially invited by President Barack Obama and his wife Michelle. Oscar winner Rahman also provided part of the entertainment that also included Jennifer Hudson.

The Mozart of Madras as usual stunned the gathering with a musical performance which included a special song “Jai Ho” from ‘Slumdog Millionaire’ that fetched him an Oscar.

The dinner was hosted to coincide with Indian Prime Minister Dr Manmohan Singh's visit to the country. The guests were chosen by a special team appointed by Obama. On the occasion, Rahman was felicitated by Obama and Manmohan Singh.

Courtesy:indiaglitz.com

Amritraj And Rahman to Team Up For ‘Street Dancing’

Former tennis player turned Hollywood producer Ashok Amritraj is set to team up with Oscar -winning composer A R Rahman for his upcoming pop cross-cultural project ‘Street Dancing’.

The film focuses on mixing dance styles and cultures in the world for a cutting-edge dance competition in Singapore and New York.

It will be directed by Bille Woodruff, from a script by David B Harris with music by music producer Dave Stewart Stewart and Rahman, Variety magazine reported.

This will be Rahman’s third outing in Hollywood after Vince Vaughn starrer ‘Couple’s Retreat’ and ‘Slumdog Millionaire’ for which the Indian composer grabbed an Academy award.

“This fresh and exciting pop cross-cultural project is an organic match for continuing our partnerships between Hollywood, the Middle East and Asia,” Amritraj said.

The plot of the film  revolves around a girl played by debutante Cindy Gomez who makes a longshot bid to win dance contest and is pitted against global competitors.


Courtesy:indiajournal.com

Naga Chaitanya to perform an extra ordinary role

Gautam Vasudeva Menon of Gharshana-fame is wielding the megaphone for a film being presented by Krishna and produced by Sanjay Swaroop on the banner of Indira Productions, with Naga Chaitanya as hero and the movie is almost nearing completion. The stills in the film were released to the press on the occasion of Naga Chaitanya’s birthday on November 23. A major part of the film was shot in New York, while some more part was shot in Kerala.
The speciality of the film is that AR Rahman, the Oscar awardee, is scoring music for the flick. Director Gautam Menon says, “It is a beautiful love story. Naga Chaitanya is performing in an extra-ordinary manner. I am confident he would be a very big hero in future. Rahman’s music is another highlight of the flick. As I announced earlier, it is a love story that was projected in a novel angle.” Producer Sanjay Swaroop says, “We are making efforts to release the film in January. We are very happy to bring out a film with Naga Chaitanya as hero on our banner. We are yet to announce a title for the flick.”



Samanta is playing the heroine, while Krishnudu, Devan, Surekhavani, Lakshmi, Sudhir, Trisha Alex, and others are in the cast. Lyrics are by Anant Sriram, dialogues are by Umerjee Anuradha, camera is by Manoj Paramahamsa, art is by Rajeevan, action is by Selva, costumes are by Nalini Sriram, choreography is by Flexi (London), Cart Lantium (US), stills are by Maneck Shaw, while story, screenplay and direction are by Gautham Menon.


Courtesy:oneindia.in

Climax scenes give sleepless nights to Mani Ratnam

 Ratnam says he still struggles to work on his movies' climax scenes.

"In any film, ending is artificial and not a reality and hence I have to catch the minds of the audience," Ratnam said at the National Film Development Corporation's (NFDC) Film Bazaar held on the sidelines of IFFI-2009 here.

"Even after two-and-a-half decades of writing and directing films, I still struggle on the last scenes. I spend sleepless nights thinking about these scenes," he said.

The 53-year-old director, who dubbed his south Indian hit movies ? 'Roja' and 'Bombay' ? in Hindi said success of one led him to decide for the other.

"Frankly speaking, I had no plans of dubbing the films in Hindi.


Courtesy:ptinews.com

Raavan gets Big

Reliance Big Pictures refutes all rumors that it has backed out of producing the Mani Ratnam directed Raavan. According to Sanjeev Lamba, the CEO of Reliance Big Pictures, the production house has been associated with the film right from the beginning. He clarified that Raavan is being jointly produced by Mani’s Madras Talkies and Reliance Big Pictures.

The film’s shooting has been wrapped up and the post production work is on. It is said that Raavan could hit the screens sometime in March or April.

Raavan is a big budget multilingual film that stars Aishwarya Rai Bachchan, Abhishek Bachchan, Vikram, Priya Mani and a host of others.



Courtesy:behindwoods.com

Release 'Endhiran' soon, Kamal tells Rajini

"There is no jealous between me and Rajinikanth. I request him on behalf of his fans to release 'Endhiran' soon," Kamal Haasan said on Tuesday.

Speaking at the State Film Awards ceremony in Chennai Tuesday, he said, "Today is a historic day. Because we have presented an award to Kalaignar. We would tell this with all proud even to our grandchildren."

Expressing regret that he had not acted in a script penned by Chief Minister M Karunanidhi so far, Kamal said: "But I had mouthed Kalaignar's dialogues in front of Sivaji many a time."

Hailing the Chief Minister for attending the function and presenting the awards despite his health condition, the actor said he was overwhelmed by this gesture of the octogenarian.

Courtesy:indiaglitz.com

Mani Ratnam to launch Karthik’s son!

Everyone present at the press meet of Arun Vijay’s ‘Maanja Velu’ was at shock. The reason is yesteryear heartthrob Karthik’s dynamic attendance. The actor shocked the press by giving out his number and answered all the questions with that old zing (still young).

“If I get good roles like how I got to work in ‘Maanja Velu’, I will definitely act hence forth,” said the actor to everyone’s delight. One more delightful news from the actor’s mouth was that his son Goutham will be launched by director Mani Ratnam soon.

We got to hear that Mani Ratnam who will be working in a Hindi project right after his ‘Raavan’, will do a Tamil project with Karthik’s son simultaneously. Industry is abuzz that Goutham will be taking a role played by Bollywood’s Ranbir Kapoor in a Hindi film, which will be directed by Mani Ratnam.

Courtesy:indiaglitz.com

Yuvan Shankar Raja joins AR Rahman

It is well known that AR Rahman has a longstanding business deals with Sony BMG and the rights of all his south Indian scores are with this music major. Expanding its business further, Sony has acquired the rights of Theeradha Vilayattu Pillai, which has Vishal playing the lead role. Yuvan Shankar Raja has also entered into a contract with Sony BMG recently. Other biggies that this music company has lapped up are Soundarya Rajinikanth’s Goa and Selvaraghavan’s Aayirathil Oruvan.

Two more films that have joined the long list of audio rights acquisition are the Tamil and Telugu version of Vinnaithandi Varuvaaya and SJ Suryah’s Puli.

Courtesy:behindwoods.com

Rajini- Humble at heights!

We must have heard a lot of stories about the good hearted and down to earth nature of our Superstar. Now another new update about his patience and humble heart...

We all know that Shankar's ‘Endhiran’ shoot was going on in Chennai at many places, once it happened even on the famous Kathipara Bridge. The director wrapped-up the shots that are supposed to be taken with Rajini earlier but requested the actor to stay for some more time to take few close-up shots of his hands.

Sources said that the director finished off other close-up shots of shoulders and hip with dupes. He requested the Superstar to wait until he finishes other shots. Whatta patient and simple man is our Superstar! He has stayed on and completed the shots and gave full cooperation to the team, they say.

Rajini is still ruling the hearts of millions, mainly for his simplicity and sweetness to everyone alike!

Courtesy:indiaglitz.com

A R Rahman opens up a shop

Oscar winner musician A.R. Rahman (Slumdog Millionaire) has opened up a shop.

Called “A.R. Rahman Store” on his official website, this online shop presently sells only seven items but promises to expand the inventory to “include exclusive presale tickets, merch, DVDs and more”. But currently one can only shop with Canadian Dollars, Euros, British Pounds, and US Dollars.

Under “Soundtracks & Scores”, it is offering ‘Slumdog Millionaire’ (2008), ‘Elizabeth: The Golden Age’ (2007), ‘Bombay Dreams’ (2002), and ‘Original London Production: The Lord Of The Rings’ (2008); while offerings in “Albums & Compilations” include ‘Vande Mataram’ (1997), ‘Between Heaven And Earth’ (2004), and ‘The Best of A.R. Rahman: Music and Magic From the Composer of Slumdog Millionaire’ (2009).

Tracks listed under his latest “The Best…” compilation include Rand De Basanti, Khoon Chala, Barso Re, Tere Bina, Mayya, Ghanan Ghanan, Radha Kaise Na Jale, Dheeme Dheeme, So Gaye Hain, Gurus of Peace, Yeh Rishta, Ae Nazneen Suno Na, Shakalaka Bady, Warriors in Peace (Hindi version).

Indo-American statesman Rajan Zed, in a statement in Nevada (USA) today, commended multi-talented and innovative Rahman for bringing East and West closer through music and for making the world look at Indian film music more seriously. Diversity of his styles and themes was appealing to different sections of the society, Zed, who is chairperson of Indo-American Leadership Confederation, added.

Courtesy:indianexpress.com

After Oscar, Grammy chases Rahman

The 52nd Annual Grammy Awards Nominees List has brought cheers to the Indian subcontinent. Madras Maestro, Rahman, is nominated for the global smash hit Jai Ho (From Slumdog Millionaire) in the best song written for Motion Picture, Television or other Visual Media category. Along with Rahman, Gulzar and Tanvi Shah’s names are also featured in the nomination.


With Oscar in his hand already, Grammy would be a piece of cake for Rahman, movie analysts suggest. Behindwoods congratulates Rahman on the nomination.


Courtesy:behindwoods.com

Endhiran attracts Public Interest Litigation

Shoots of Endiran that were held at the Kathipara flyover, Guindy, Chennai recently seemed to have ruffled a few feathers. Traffic Ramasamy, a senior citizen who is known for his public interest litigation petitions has sent telegrams to the Tamil Nadu government and police officials seeking a ban on such shootings in public places during rush hours.


According to Ramasamy, shoots of Endiran inconvenienced the general public who were passing through the bridge to get to the city during rush office hours. Ramasamy also has plans to approach the court if the government did not reply favorably to his petition.


Courtesy:behindwoods.com

Rahman’s tribute to TN Police

The latest from the camp of our Mozart of Madras is that he is composing music for a documentary of Tamil Nadu Police.

The Tamil Nadu police officials have made a special documentary as a tribute to the police department that has completed 150 dutiful years. This documentary film will be featuring every single development and building blocks of the department. The film will have the old style uniforms that the police wore during their early days to the recent technological growth and advanced equipments they have.

Sources say that the police department had requested A R Rahman to score music for their documentary even before the musician won the Academy Award and Golden Globe award. But unfortunately as Rahman became too busy he was not able to compose for the whole film. Anyways the music genius is composing for one song that sings the praise of the State’s Police.

Rahman who is in London will work on this after he comes back. Moreover the documentary will be released by the State’s CM M.Karunanidhi, they say.

Courtesy:indiaglitz.com