National Award Winning Actress In Kochadaiyaan

National Award winning actress and danseuse Shobana is touted to play an important role in the Rajinikanth starrer Kochadaiyaan. Interestingly, the actress played Rajini’s love-interest in Mani Ratnam directed Thalapathy.

Kochadaiyaan will be Rajini’s first film after his recovery and the film is to be directed by his daughter Soundarya Rajinikanth. KS Ravi Kumar is taking care of the story, screenplay and dialogues for Kochadaiyaan.

The film will have music by the Oscar winner AR Rahman.

Courtesy:behindwoods.com

Shankar To Megastar's 150th Film?

There is considerable speculation about Shankar's next project after Nanban. Earlier it was suggested that he was going to team up with his Anniyan hero, Vikram. Now there are reports that he has been roped in for Megastar Chiranjeevi's 150th film to be produced by NV Prasad, a famous distributor based in Hyderabad.

At the audio release of the Telugu version of Enthiran, Chiranjeevi had expressed his desire to work with Shankar onstage and now it looks like something will materialize. Chiranjaeevi and the producer, NV Prasad are keen to make this project happen and an official announcement is expected soon.

Courtesy:behindwoods.com

'Kochadaiyaan': Status quo

Just a couple of days back it was said that Bollywood diva Katrina Kaif was approached by the 'Kochadaiyaan' makers to play the female lead. The latest is that the matinee idol plays a King who is an ardent devotee of Lord Shiva and Rajini will be seen in a different get up with long tresses.

'Kochadaiyaan' means a king with long hair and Rajini will be seen in a never-seen-before avatar in this film with really long hair.

While Katrina Kaif is reworking her dates to somehow fit in the film, it is said songs featuring Rajini wooing Katrina will spell class and grandeur. A love song between the duo is one of the highlights.

Rahman will be bringing 130 musicians from Germany to record the background score of the film and he has already tuned in most of the tracks for the film.

The first look of 'Kochadaiyaan' is expected by the end of January 2012.

Courtesy:indiaglitz.com

Vikram And Shankar To Do Film?

Having wrapped up Nanban in record time, director Shankar is heartened with the positive reviews the film has been getting. He is already looking forward to his next project and the script has been readied. It will be produced by AGS Entertainment we hear.

Shankar is keen to have Vikram as his hero for this film as the character will suit him perfectly. Vikram and Shankar teamed up successfully for Anniyan and it is believed that they will be a hot combo. So far Shankar has neither confirmed nor denied the reports but it is expected that he will release official details about his next film soon.

Courtesy:behindwoods.com

Happening Hero Joins Rajini Film - Rajini - Aadhi - Tamil Movie News - Behindwoods.com

Aadhi who made an impact with strong performances in films like Eeram and Mirugam is all set to woo the audience with Aravaan which will be releasing soon. Those who have seen the rushes are raving about him and it seems that he has also impressed the Kochadaiyaan team. Soundarya Ashwin has offered him a role in the film, we hear.

The actor of course is over the moon and said that it is the perfect start to the year. Aadhi said that it would be a great honor to share the screen with Rajini and added that it would be the realisation of a dream he has had since childhood.

Courtesy:behindwoods.com

History Repeats Itself In Mani's Film

Mani Ratnam's next film has been entitled Kadal and will feature, Karthik's son Gautham and Radha's younger daughter, Thulasi. It will be remembered by Tamil cinema fans that Karthik and Radha made their debut with Bharathiraja's beloved film, Alaigal Oyvadillai and now their children will be making their entry into films together.

Mani also considered Akshara Haasan and Parthipen's daughter, Keerthana who worked with Mani in Kannathil Muthamital. But finally it has been confirmed that Thulasi will be Mani's heroine. Arjun has also been roped in for this film.

Courtesy:behindwoods.com

Is Katrina Kaif Rajini's Heroine?

In an exciting development, Soundarya Ashwin has said that they have offered Katrina Kaif the female lead in Kochadaiyaan. Katrina is one of the reigning Queens in Bollywood and she is also considered a lucky mascot. Her sizzling performances in Sheila Ki Jawani and the recent Chikni Chameli from Agneepath have cemented her reputation for pure star power.

Katrina is thrilled with the opportunity to work with Rajinikanth. However, she is very busy and has already committed to many Hindi films. The actress is doing everything possible to somehow accomodate Kochadaiyaan we hear.

Courtesy:behindwoods.com

Sarath To Co-star With Rajinikanth?

There are reports that Sarath Kumar will play an important role in the Rajinikanth starrer Kochadaiyaan. It may be mentioned here that news about Kochadaiyaan’s star cast apart from Rajinikanth has not been officially revealed yet. The first look of this film is expected to be out on Pongal day and the team is working towards this.

With the first look, all other important announcements are expected to be made by Kochadaiyaan’s director Soundarya Rajinikanth. AR Rahman has been confirmed as the music director of this film. KS Ravi Kumar is in-charge of the story, screenplay and dialogues.

Courtesy:behindwoods.com

German Orchestra Honors Ar Rahman - Ar Rahman - Swades - Tamil Movie News - Behindwoods.com

The German Film Orchestra Babelsberg, who will be touring India this month will honor AR Rahman by rendering some of his compositions from movies like Mangal Pandey, Bombay, Swades, and Roja. Called, Classical Incantations: The German Film Orchestra Babelsberg performs AR Rahman, the tour will have its opening night in Mumbai on January 20th before moving on to Delhi, Kolkata, Chennai and Bengaluru.

Rahman's troupe from KM Music Conservatory, Chennai will be joining the orchestra. Dr. Marla Stukenberg, director of the Goethe Institut, Mumbai said that the event would highlight the diplomatic ties between Germany and India. The concert is the first of its kind and is highly awaited.

Courtesy:behindwoods.com

Newest addition to Mani film

Mani Ratnam's Pookadai starring Gautam, Arjun and Lakshmi Manchu has seen the addition of two new cast members. Pasupathy and Lal will be seen in important roles. The film will be about the lives of fishermen based in Rameswaram.

The leading lady is not yet confirmed for this film. There were reports that Radha's younger daughter or Akshara Haasan will do the part but as of now this slot is yet to be filled and there is a lot of speculation about the lucky heroine who will land the part.

Courtesy:behindwoods.com

Prithviraj in Rajini's Kochadaiyaan?

The latest on Rajini's film, Kochadaiyaan is that Prithviraj will be joining the cast. Word is that he will be Sneha's love interest in the film. Prithviraj is a big fan of Rajini and he says he would be delighted to work with him. However, his addition to the film is yet to be confirmed. 

Rumors are rife that in addition to Prithviraj and Sneha, Vidya Balan or Asin will be doing the heroine's role. The speculation is endless and all eyes are on Soundarya Rajinikanth, the director of the film in the hopes that an official announcement is forthcoming about the cast and crew of Kochadaiyaan.

Courtesy:behindwoods.com

Dhanush to do it for AR Rahman?

Dhanush is really coming into his own not just as an actor but a singer as well. He is receiving lots of offers to lend his voice for songs in all languages. Even AR Rahman was impressed with Kolaveri di. The upshot is that Bharath Bala who has made many music videos for Rahman wants Dhanush in his Vande Mataram video.

Kamal Haasan was the original choice but he was tied up with his magnum opus, Vishwaroopam. Dhanush was quite excited by the idea as he is a big fan of AR Rahman and said that he would love to do it.

Courtesy:behindwoods.com

Rajini film to start soon

Rajini's Kochadaiyaan is all set to role in January after the Pongal holidays. Soundarya Ashwin is directing the film and KS Ravikumar will be handling the story, screenplay and dialogues. The ace director said that Rajini loved his script and is excited about the film which is expected to be completed in March.

Ravikumar also said that they are attempting something that has never been done before in India and the final product is going to be awesome. He promised Rajini fans that Kochadaiyaan will be something special.

Courtesy:behindwoods.com

Rahman and Gautham denied permission

AR Rahman and Gautham Menon had planned a spectacular music release for Ek Deewana Tha starring Prateik and Amy Jackson. AR Rahman was supposed to perform live at Mehtab Bagh which has a stunning backdrop in the Taj Mahal but the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) denied them permission stating that when the shooting for Mere Brother Ki Dulhan was going on at Mehtab Bagh, damages had been sustained.

Word is that AR Rahman was sorely disappointed. The makers have made alternate plans and the performance will now take place in a hotel in Agra.

Courtesy:behindwoods.com

Sonam Kapoor in Mani Ratnam’s next?

Legendary director Mani Ratnam has been in search of finding an apt lady to do the female lead in his next film. There was buzz that he would sign Kamal Hassan’s younger daughter Akshara and Radha’s younger daughter Thulasi, but all those proved to be just speculations at the end.

The latest we hear about this film is thatManiratnam has signed in Bollywood actorSonam Kapoor as the female lead. Sonam has been the favorite and most sought after actress of Tamil film makers, bus she couldn’t make her South debut due to her busy schedules in Bollywood.
 
There is no official confirmation regarding this but buzz says that Sonam would be more than happy to make debut with Mani’s film. Karthik son Gautham is playing the lead role in this film which would be made in Telugu and Tamil. In Tamil this film is titled Pookadai.  

Courtesy:supergoodmovies.com

A R Rahman to perform at Taj Mahal?

Agra’s Taj Mahal has always been considered the ultimate symbol of love. And now, music composer AR Rahman is set to cement its association with Bollywood by releasing the music album of his upcoming, Ek Deewana Tha at the white marble mausoleum next week.

“Since Ek Deewana Tha is a love story, Rahman was keen to release its music at the most iconic romantic place. So, he suggested that the film’s score be launched at the Taj. And the filmmakers immediately agreed,” says a unit member.

Rahman had composed the popular tracks for Telugu 2010 hit, Ye Maaya Chesave, of which the Prateik-Amy Jackson starrer is a remake.

Ek Deewana Tha filmmakers are now working hard to obtain permission for a short performance by Rahman at the venue, as  government authorities are very strict about allowing public functions around one of the Seven Wonders of the World.

“It’s still not certain if Rahman can perform a few songs at the Taj. Our team is still in talks with the concerned authorities in Agra and we’re keeping our fingers crossed,” adds the source. If the film’s promotional team is successful, this will mark the first time that a Bollywood film’s music is released at the national monument.

Although things are hush-hush about the music release and the performance, Vijay Singh of Fox Star Studios — producer of Ek Deewana Tha — confirms, saying: “Yes we are planning to release the music next week of Ek Deewana Tha at the Taj Mahal in Agra. Let’s see how it goes.”

Lead stars Prateik and Amy Jackson will also attend the event at the Taj. Rumours about their growing proximity started after the two hit it off on the sets. Filmmaker Gautham Menon’s second Hindi venture after Rehna Hai Tere Dil Mein (2001) is being touted as “a pure love story” and will release in February.

Courtesy:hindustantimes.com

Rahman is a legend: Director Baz Luhrmann

'Moulin Rouge' director Baz Luhrmann's fascination with B-wood has resulted in him creating several desi style productions

To the West, he's the director of "Romeo + Juliet" and "Australia", but to us, Baz Luhrmann is the guy who used the song "Chamma Chamma" in his film "Moulin Rouge".

Even though Baz has always spoken of his fascination for India and all things desi, we never knew just how captivated he was, till we met him in Delhi last year. Baz, along with his friend Vincent Fantauzzo had come to India for a "creative adventure trip" and traveled across Delhi and Mumbai on Royal Enfield bikes, clicking pictures that were later auctioned for charity in the capital. At that time, Baz had told us, "I first came to India 15 years ago with my wife. We wanted to do a stage production of Benjamin Britten's version of "A Midsummer Night's Dream". This is the visit when I was also influenced by Bollywood and felt the need to integrate elements from it in my work." A year later, the integration seems complete, as he is now working with Amitabh Bachchan on "The Great Gatsby".

Courtesy:indiatimes.com

Eros launches Tamil co-production venture with Photon Kathaas Productions

The film will be shot in international locations, predominantly in the United Kingdom with the active support of the UK government.

Eros International Media Ltd (EIML), a leading global company in the Indian film entertainment industry, has announced a co-production deal with Photon Kathaas Productions (“PKP”) for a Tamil film titled Yohan: Adhyayam Ondru (John: Chapter 1) starring Vijay. Produced in association with Future Film Production Ltd (UK Production), the film will be directed by Gautham Vasudev Menon with music by A R Rehman and is expected to commence production from Q2 2012. Yohan is the first of its kind (in South India) action thriller centering around a character that will be featured in a series of films (prequels and sequels). The film will be shot in international locations, predominantly in the United Kingdom with the active support of the UK government. The UK has a very favourable policy towards encouraging foreign film makers to shoot their films in the UK. Commenting on the development,  Sunil Lulla, Managing Director, Eros International Media Ltd said, “Eros continues to make advances in the regional film markets and we are happy to associate with PKP and further expand our south repertoire. Yohan: Adhyayam Ondru promises to be one of its kind action thrillers by the very talented Gautham Menon”. Venkat Somasundaram, CEO, PKP added, “We are quite excited about the relationship with Eros. We believe this is the beginning of a long term relationship with Eros that will produce many successful films together”. Gautham Vasudev Menon added, “I am really looking forward to filming an all-out action film after Vettaiyadu Villaiyadu. Also interesting because I will be working with Vijay for the first time. Yohan will be made like an international film while still retaining all the elements, especially music, that makes Indian cinema work. A.R. Rahman has already composed a theme song for the film which is simply outstanding.  PKP (of which I am a part of) and I have found the ideal partners in Eros for a film on this scale, which needs to be produced and released on an international scale”. A.R. Rehman said of the association, “I am really excited working with Photon Kathaas and Eros on the movie Yohan. This is a completely new direction for both Gautham and me. We hope to come out with a product which is different yet rooted experience for the audiences" "I am very excited about this project. Gautham and I have been talking about working together for a while and I'm glad that it’s finally materialized. Yohan is a totally new space for me and I'm sure my fans will love this action-thriller film. I am also excited about working with Photon Kathaas and Eros and am sure we will together create a landmark South Indian film", said actor Vijay. Yohan is a landmark association between Eros –a leading global company in the Indian film entertainment industry and PKP – the first internationally listed South Indian film production company.

Courtesy:indiainfoline.com

Did you notice AR Rahman’s tuxedos?

When AR Rahman took to stage with actor Ranbir Kapoor in the Rockstar concert in Mumbai last month, he wowed the audiences. The Mozart of Madras belted out chartbusters, but not in a fuddy-duddy kurta or a worn out shirt, but in smart, modern attire, with stoles and jackets that lent a contemporariness to his look.

Rahman was known as a man of simple sartorial tastes so far, but after Slumdog Millionaire, which propelled him on to the international league, the music maestro’s style has been going through a slow but steady change. From concerts to magazine shoots (who now celebrate him for his style and not just music) and award functions, Rahman is clad in well-thought out designer creations.

Rahul Khanna, of the designer duo Rohit Gandhi-Rahul Khanna, feels that Rahman’s style is best described as ‘non-fussy’. “Rahman wore our creations for a recent shoot for a men’s magazine. He even wore one of these suits for an awards ceremony. So yes, there has been a considerable change in his style; I think these things come with the territory of international fame,” explains Khanna.

Rahman’s personal stylist, Vijayeta Kumar says that with his increasing international appearances, his wardrobe is getting revamped. “Most functions he attends are black tie events and a dress code has to be followed. We opt for a classic tux with a black or white shirt, but we play around with the colour of the tie. The last time at the Academy Awards (2009), he wore a metallic silver tie, and this time (2011), it was a bright teal one,” she says.

Another designer to have dressed him up is Varun Bahl. He designed a white quilted bandhgala, that Rahman wore at the opening ceremony of 2010 Commonwealth Games, where he performed Jiyo Utho Bado Jeeto, the official anthem for the Games. Rahman even wore a Varun Bahl sherwani at this year’s Academy Awards performance. “I think that the formal Indian attire, be it a bandhgala or sherwani, suits him the best. But I have also designed other outfits such as a blue linen jacket, a maroon kurta and navy blue velvet jacket for him,” says Bahl.

Designer Sabyasachi Mukherjee too has been a favourite with Rahman and his wife, Saira Bano. At the 2009 Oscars ceremony, Rahman walked the red carpet in a black Lanvin tuxedo teamed with a silver Satya Paul tie, before changing into a traditional black sherwani designed by Sabyasachi for his performance.

Kumar explains that the concert attire demands that he experiments with colour and accessories. “Concerts have this larger than life look and showmanship. You can’t be understated if you’re performing in front of a crowd. Having said that, Rahman is no fashion fanatic. If it looks good, fits well and is comfortable to wear, he will wear it. The only thing he truly experiments with is his haircut,” she notes, adding that each time there is an event or a concert, she brainstorms with his wife Saira to come up with a look for him.

Khanna too credits Saira. “She’s the one who takes the final call after seeing what works best on him, so it’s her keen eye that is responsible for the change,” he points out.

Courtesy:indianexpress.com

Mani Ratnam's 'Pookadai' - Latest tidbits

Kollywood grapevine is abuzz that ace director Mani Ratnam has finalized on the cast and crew for his next, titled 'Pookadai'. This film will see Karthik's son, Gautham along with Radha's second daughter Thulasi.
 
One of the reasons for this casting by Mani is because both Gautham and Thulasi have been kept away from the eyes of the media and he'll be able to weave fresh magic, and wow audience with these debutants in his film.
 
It is also said that Mani Ratnam held a test shoot to test the chemistry between his lead stars which turned out well. He has also asked his lead stars to not speak about this film; 'Pookadai' will go on floors shortly in the rural areas of Tamil Nadu.
 
Meanwhile Mani's fans are already all eyes for everything about this project as Mani Ratnam, through this film, will be back to what he is best, romantic stories which will smitten one and all.
 
Tunes will be composed by AR Rahman.

Courtesy:indiaglitz.com