Endhiran’s blazing climax

The shooting of Shankar’s ‘Endhiran’ is fast approaching its climax! Currently the team is busy in putting its heart and sweat into the making of the movie’s climax.

Being the significant part of the movie, the scene features a fire bursting out of a scientist’s laboratory. This is said to be only a 4-min scene, however an elaborate set has been erected in the city’s Prasad Studios.

The production team has specially flown down few Hollywood visual effects companies to supervise this fire scene. This expertise will decide as to how and where special effects would be applicable while editing later.

Now, did you know that this is something new and done for the first time in our Indian cinema? Well, this method was earlier followed by a famous American filmmaker George Lucas in several Hollywood flicks of his times. Shankar had recently highlighted the importance of special effects and graphics in movies.

A dedicated man he is, our Superstar has insisted on staying on the sets, to see the shooting; although he has no role to play in it.

Hmm, now if such interesting things are happening on the sets, one would be really thrilled to experience the happenings live! Right?

Courtesy: indiaglitz.com

Rahman in Bala's film?

A latest buzz in Tamil cinema is that filmmaker Bala may opt for A R Rahman for his forthcoming film, which would have Arya and Vishal in it.

Rumours were doing rounds that Bala's next venture would feature Jithan Ramesh and Jeeva in lea roles. However the director was tight-lipped. Sources close to Bala now say, "After intense discussion, Bala chose to repeat Arya (who acted in 'Naan Kadavul') along with Vishal for the movie'.

Impressed with the story narrated by Bala, both Arya and Vishal agreed immediately to do the film, it is said. Shooting for the movie might begin this year-end.

Unlike his other films, Bala has planned to completed this film in a short period.

Courtesy: indiaglitz.com

AR Rahman on grooming his children

In an interview to a popular television channel, Oscar winning musician AR Rahman had said that it is a fantastic experience working with his children. While his son has rendered his voice for the Hollywood film Couples’ Retreat, his daughters have sung for the Hindi film Mangal Pandey. The proud father said that he is happy to see the evolution of his children and groom them. Rahman said that his son’s interest in music came on its own and hence he decided to tap the potential to its fullest

Courtesy: behindwoods.com

Silambarasan evades

Although there are still final touches pending for his Vinnai Thaandi Varuvaya, the multitasking Silambarasan has gotten around writing script for his next movie Vaaliban. As it seems, he is now indulged in developing the basic plot and the script.
As a result, he is also conspicuous with his absence in the film events including promos, audio releases and premieres. Vaaliban will also be directed by him.


Courtesy: behindwoods.com

Rahman brings in Indianess without Indian sounds

Oscar winner AR Rahman is busy scoring the music for the Hollywood comedy Couple’s Retreat starring Jason Bateman, Vince Vaughn, Malin Akerman and Kristen Bell. Speaking about this film, Rahman said that he would not use Indian sounds but would bring in the feel of Indianess in the album.

Rahman said in a recent interview, “I’ve reached a stage where I've to do new things. There are so many avenues to be explored. So Couples Retreat will be their kind of music with my touch, done in my way.”

The musician is also keen that there should be no traces of Slumdog Millionaire. According to sources close to Rahman, the musician feels that his best is yet to come.


Courtesy: behindwoods.com

Rahman’s new find

The Chennai Mozart and now the double Oscar winner A R Rahman made a humble start in the music industry in Indian cinema. Now he has attained so much popularity in the global industry which others dream of.

He is always known for being genius and creating something all the time.

Now sources indicate that he something new for the flick “Yanthram”. The buzz is that Rahman is using a new instrument called Continuum fingerboard. This is supposedly a virtual touch screen keyboard and has been used by very few musicians.

Many are waiting to hear the new instrument from the Mozart and are excited about this new find of his.

Courtesy: indiaglitz.com

Blue -- shaken, stirred and stylish

This is undoutedbly one of the most-awaited albums this year, and AR Rahman [ Images ] goes all out to make the wait worth it.

Blue, the 70-crore multi-star extravaganza has a soundtrack that not only features Kylie Minogue [ Images ] in a casting coup of sorts, but also gives you Shreya Ghoshal [ Images ] as never before -- shaken, stirred and stylish.

Unfortunately, you may be a little disappointed with the first and the most high profile songs currently on air. Chiggy Wiggy featuring Kylie Minogue and Sonu Nigam [ Images ] is an elaborate composition with surprisingly pedestrian lyrics and a predictable melody. It is however painstakingly crafted and as you move from the sparse arrangements of Kylie's sections to that of Sonu's Bhangra pop, the canvas is suddenly a riot of mustard yellows and halwai oranges. It is a catchy dance track and there is not much more to that.

Quickly hop over to Aaj Dil, which is a fire and ice duet featuring Sukhwinder Singh [ Images ] and Shreya Ghoshal. Nothing is predictable about this song which draws inspiration from jazz, Carnatic, funk and what have you! Shreya Ghoshal gets into on a smouldering, sensuous avtar as she croons to Mayur Puri's evocative lyrics, ably supported by Singh. What also stand out are the guitar and bass lines. The pace, groove, melody and the vocals come together by design in Aaj Dil to make you go 'ooh yeah!'

Fiqrana again is an unpredictably built song, which progresses with great energy soaring sky high with the chorus. It is a tad lyric-heavy and a little too long but Vijay Prakash and Shreya Ghoshal do justice to this inspirational number.

If Bhula Tujhe harks back to Jaane Tu [ Images ]...Ya Jaane Na blame it on the credits. It has lyrics by Abbas Tyrewala and is sung by Rashid Ali who lent his voice to Kabhi Kabhi Aditi. It is a sad song, backed by an extensive western orchestra (Rahman's favourite Chennai String Orchestra) which gives it a 'big' sound. Guess now we know why Rahman picked up Rashid from a gig in London [ Images ]. He does not have a conventional, easy-on-the-ears voice, but a certain expression and timbre which will remind you of Rahman himself. And perhaps why the maestro gives him one of the more emotionally charged, melody-driven tracks in the entire album.  

The Blue Theme by Blaze, Raaqeb Aalam, Sonu Kakkar and Jaspreet is dark blue with its mean-street origins in rap with a dash of electronica. The track ends with a plunge into deep seas, thanks to some clever sound design.     

Up next is one of my favourites from the album, Rehnuma. Though the opening bars will definitely remind you of the title track of Jaane Tu ... (this too has lyrics by Abbas Tyrewala) with its slow jazz buildup, buckle up for Shreya Ghoshal. The girl is white hot and silken smooth in this killer track straight out of a 007 flick. Close your eyes to Rehnuma and you'll see slithering cocktail gowns and slim cigarettes, jet skis, limousines and smoking guns. And when Ghoshal goes for the kill in the chorus Qaatil adaa, she hits the spot, and how! Killer track.
 
The album ends on a disappointing note however with Yaar Mila Tha, featuring Udit Narayan and Madhushree. This folk pop track is conspicuous by its jaded lyrics and treatment, and probably not something you'd look forward to on the screen either. 

Blue is not your run-of-the-mill assemblage of hummable songs with catchy riffs and melodies. The music is as global in its influences and execution as can be expected from Rahman and the scale of the film. You cannot use conventional wisdom to analyse it.
   
Blue also helps us rediscover the incredibly talented Shreya Ghoshal, who was lost somewhere in the cacophony of the mindless, assembly-line romantic duets. Thanks to Rahman, Ghoshal rises to the occasion. All guns blazing.

Rediff Rating: 

Courtesy: rediff.com

Shankar’s version of Maruthi Gypsy

Noted as the showman of the south, Shankar is one of the most sought after directors in the south. He is known to make his movies on a grand scale. Even though his budgets for movies are sky high, the producers have lot of faith in him.

He is currently busy with the shooting of “Yanthram” which stars Superstar Rajinikanth and the gorgeous Aishwarya Rai in the lead.

Sources indicate that Shankar has used a Maruti Gypsy for the shooting. However this vehicle has twenty wheels instead of the regular four wheels.

The car apparently costs Rs 3 lakhs for the making and currently, the shooting has been happening in Chennai at a brisk pace.

Courtesy: indiaglitz.com

‘Endhiran’ confirmed for summer 2010

For sure, Shankar’s “Endhiran’ is worthy to be tagged as “ever longest project in the history of Kollywood’. The film started rolling, say, before 15 months and still the filming schedules haven’t been completed.
Earlier, during the occasion of “Eeram’ audio launch Rajnikanth had stated that his “Endhiran’ would hit the screens somewhere in December. But closer sources have now brought out the fact saying, “Although shooting would be wrapped-up within next month, it will take 4-5 months to complete the post production works.”
The sources further added that since director Shankar has used the latest techniques in computer graphics like “Animatronics’, it would take a long time to windup. “Animatronics’ is the most commonly used technique in Hollywood films where gigantic figures as Dinosaurs, King Kong and Anaconda were presented with realistic appeal. This is the first time that such a technique is being utilized in the history of Indian cinema.
Despites getting dashed down with their hopes, ardent followers of Rajnikanth have said, “Though it takes a very long time, it’s worth waiting for as our “Thalaivar’ offers something extraordinary in his each film.”

Courtesy: thaindian.com

Shankar speaks on Endhiran!

Shankar has given an interview to a Tamil daily where he has said: “ Endhiran is beyond imagination, with much grandeur and richness.

You can see the effort which is to be taken for 10 films in this one film. Rajni is such an amazing hero. Just words can’t describe his efforts.”

On Rajini’s look in the film, Shankar says “Sivaji was just a sample of how young the star can look. In Endhiran he will look even younger. For his make up things, we went to America and searched in many places but nothing came right. Then we tried in India and it worked out perfectly for the character he plays. Normally make-up, Kamal will only take efforts for make up is the public opinion. But in this film Rajni has taken amazing efforts as he waited patiently for two three hours to put up the make-up.”

On Aiswarya Rai- Rajinikanth screen combination, Shankar says: “There was terrific chemistry between them, as she plays a medical student. Shankar added that the film has “never before seen special effects and graphics.” They have used a technique called “Animatronics” the use of electronics and robotics in mechanised puppets (Robos) to make them appear to be alive.

Courtesy: sify.com

Kalabhavan Mani in Endhiran

South India's comedian-turned-hero and noted villain Kalabhavan Mani, known for his National award winning performance as a blind man in Vasantiyum Lakshmiyum Pinne Njanum (1999), will be seen in a meaty role in director S. Shankar's forthcoming Tamil science fiction film Endhiran, rumoured to be the last film by super star Rajinikanth before he enters politics.

The shooting of the climax scenes of Endhiran has begun recently. Sources say that 95% of the shooting has already been completed and the remaining portion, including a six minute climax fight scene, is being shot in Prasad Studios.

The first part of the climax was shot last week at the Siruseri IT Expressway. Some scenes were shot at the SIPCOT industrial estate in Sirucheri, where a Volvo bus has been used as a satellite remote sensing lab. Once the shooting is complete, Shankar will need another six to seven months to complete post production works, it is reported.

Courtesy: galatta.com

Soundarya as a specialist in ‘Endhiran’

Preparing for the final leg of the shoot director Shankar said that two songs are left to be canned abroad. “The first science-fiction film in Tamil will deal with the good and bad effects of robots in the backdrop of Indian culture”, said the director. Our superstar also confirmed it saying that more than 80%of the film’s shoot is over, during the ‘Eeram’ audio launch.

Sources close to the production house says that Sun TV is planning to release the film by April 2010. The reason behind the delay is the usage of EFX, CG and 3D animation techniques unlike another Tamil movie. They have used nearly two lakhs and fifty thousand frames for these special effects!

As all these works can’t be finished in Chennai alone, few important scenes have been handed over to a company in Canada. It’s heard that this particular firm has handled several Hollywood movies.

The focal information is that our hero Superstar’s daughter Soundarya is an important member in the team of Endhiran’s Digital experts’ team. The girl is always very much involved in boosting up her dad’s image… Great!

Courtesy: indiaglitz.com

Shankar commends Rajni’s patience

Produced by Sun Pictures, shooting for Shankar’s Enthiran starring Rajinikanth and Aishwarya Rai Bachchan is proceeding in full swing. Quite understandably, the director is unwilling to part with details of the script besides the fact that it’s a futuristic subject which requires a great detail of computer graphics work.

“I have always been fond of using graphics in my movies in songs sequences or at places where the script has demanded it. But with Enthiran, we’ve taken CG to the next level. However, I can vouch for the fact that audiences would hardly realize that graphics have been used,” informs Shankar.

Coming to Rajinikanth’s look in the movie, he says, “Well, yes, he looks much younger in this movie than in Sivaji. People said he looked very young in Sivaji, but when they see him in action in Enthiran, they’ll be quite stunned at how much more naturally youthful he looks,” says Shankar. Adding, “Spending longs hours on the make up chair is generally something one associates with Kamal Haasan, who has done it for scores of his movies. Well, for the first time Rajini has spent close to three hours almost every day getting his new look on! I really do appreciate his patience!” 

Courtesy: galatta.com

Music Review: 'Blue'

Music maestro A.R. Rahman is back with another soundtrack after composing the tunes to "Delhi-6." For his next gig, he has chosen something different to work with, namely the action-thriller "Blue." The news that A.R. Rahman worked on "Blue," and teamed up with Australian pop star Kylie Minogue, has caused a lot of buzz lately. Hopefully fans will appreciate this soundtrack since it offers a different sound and takes some time to get used to.

What We Think:
This soundtrack may not be one of A.R. Rahman's best work, but the tracks are somewhat enjoyable. The songs "Aaj Dil Gustakh Hai" and "Fiqrana" are definitely likeable - both tunes have a surprisingly different sound that makes their harmony romantic. "Rehnuma" is another romantic duet, performed by Sonu Niigaam and Shreya Ghoshal. But it may not stay with the listener for long. A.R. Rahman brings back Rashid Ali from "Jaane Tu Ya Jaane Na" for the track "Bhoola Tujhe" and it brings back the original sound of the music composer. "Yaar Mila Tha" is a full-on masala party track performed by Udit Narayan and Madhushree. It sounds different from anything that Rahman has done before. As for "Chiggy Wiggy," any composer could have created it, but listen to it two-three times and you'll be addicted! The only thing that grabs your attention is the chemistry between Sonu Niigaam's bhangra portion and Kylie Minogue's Australian accent. We end the album with the track "Blue Theme" which gives lots of high Punjabi energy, complete with a lively orchestra and great vocals.

Best Tracks:
"Aaj Dil," "Fiqrana," "Bhoola Tujhe," "Yaar Mila Tha"

Worst Track:
"Chiggy Wiggy"

Final Verdict:
"Blue" is not a path-breaking soundtrack, but it is thoroughly enjoyable and beautifully orchestrated. A.R. Rahman's experiment with different sounds definitely gives it a good vibe.
 

Courtesy: desihits.com

Kylie Minogue Goes Bollywood With "Chiggy Wiggy"

Early this year the Bollywood musical style rolled into the pop charts when the Pussycat Dolls collaborated with A.R. Rahman on a version of the Academy Award winning song "Jai Ho!" from the movie Slumdog Millionaire. Now one of the world's biggest pop stars, Kylie Minogue, is collaborating with producer A.R. Rahman and singer Sonu Nigam on her own venture into Bollywood music making. Kylie Minogue is credited with worldwide album sales in excess of 60 million as well as seven #1 singles in the UK, two top ten singles in the US and a Grammy Award. The song "Chiggy Wiggy" will be included on the soundtrack for the upcoming film Blue which is due in theaters in October 2009. Check out the video below with one of the film's stars Akshay Kumar. 

Courtesy: about.com

Rahman's Jai Ho concert at Hyderabad on 24 October

GMR Hyderabad International Airport Limited (GHIAL) will be hosting A.R. Rahman’s 'Jai Ho' concert on 24 October  as a part of the 'Airport Festive Carnival’, organized by the Airport authorities from 19 to 25 October.

GMR Hyderabad International Airport Limited (GHIAL) is a joint venture company promoted by GMR Group, Malaysia Airports, Government of Andhra Pradesh, and Airports Authority of India as the other consortium partners. GHIAL won the bid to develop and operate the Greenfield international airport at Shamshabad through an international competitive bidding process conducted by the Government of Andhra Pradesh and the Government of India.

Over 50,000 people are expected to attend this event organized by Rapport Global Events and Wizcraft. Unlike the last to two concerts, Wizcarft, which is known to organize bollywoods prestigious IIFA awards would be joining Rapport Events. "We are only doing it for this show," said Wizcraft founder Sabbas Joseph, declining to reveal anything further. Also its not yet known if the show will be another fundraising event like the two previous Jai Ho concerts.

Could ‘Endhiran’ be Rajnikanth’s last film?

The entire Kollywood is brimmed with this surprising buzz rounding up in town. According to some of the inner sources, it has been divulged that “Endhiran’ would be Rajnikanth’s last film as the actor has planned to make it big in political arena.
Recently, when filmmaker P. Vasu approached Rajnikanth about working together for the sequel to “Chandiramukhi’, the actor didn’t show his concern over it as he said; “We’ll look into it later after the release of “Endhiran’.”
Nonetheless, superstar’s elder brother Sathya Narayana Rao had openly stated that the actor would probably make his entry into politics after “Endhiran’.
This has gradually turned the entire state much invigorated as Rajnikanth’s fans have been requesting him to get into politics for the past 12 years.

Courtesy: thaindian.com

Bipasha Basu is Vikram’s wife in ‘Raavan’

Bollywood’s voluptuous Bipasha Basu has been finally drawn into the multi-starrer bilingual “Raavan’. Ace filmmaker Manirathnam has been on a long-time pursuit of an actress to enact “Mandodari’ in his modernized epic of “Ramayanam’. Earlier, the filmmaker had offered Reema Sen and Nayanthara the role, which they turned down as they weren’t confident with this deglamorized role.
Eventually, Manirathnam was much impressed with Bips’ deglamorized role in her Bengali film “SHOB CHARITRO KALPONIK’ and indeed approached her to perform this role. Instantaneously, without any delay, the actress signed the pact to enact “Mandodari’ in both the versions (Tamil and Hindi). According to the sources, Bipasha will appear for 40mins in the film and her portions will be shot from September 15.
She will be spotted playing Vikram’s wife in Tamil while the Hindi version will have her paired up with Abhishek Bachchan.

Courtesy: thaindian.com

Climax portions of Endhiran shot!

For the last few weeks Shankar is busy shooting portions of the climax scenes of his most ambitious film till date, Sun Pictures Endhiran, featuring superstar Rajinikanth and Aiswarya Rai.

Some parts of the climax have been shot at the SIPCOT industrial estate in Sirucheri. A Volvo bus has been souped up as a satellite remote sensing lab.

The set which has been put up by art director Sabu Cyril at a cost of nearly 50 lakhs is smashed to smithereens as the Robot takes on the imposters.

Soon Shankar and his stunt men will be moving to Prasad Studio where a huge set has been put up where a fight scene will be picturised as the whole place will go up in flames.

It will be for the first time in Indian cinema where advanced fire fighting technique methods will be used. 

Courtesy: sify.com

The secret of metallic look of Enthiran

Superstar has not not strained so much in his career for makeup like the one he goes through in Enthiran. Now let’s have a look what Times of India says about the metallic look that the star sports in the film.

The metallic look!

Superstar Rajinikanth is popular for undergoing a tremendous metamorphosis in terms of dressing and style for his films. For his forthcoming film Enthiran (Robot) Rajini will sport a ‘futuristic’ look! The look has been kept under wraps but an onlooker revealed, “Rajini sir sports a bizarre look in the film” We got in touch with hair-stylist Aalim who has styled Rajini. He said, “Rajinikanth’s outfits have been designed by Manish Malhotra.

A lot of copper is being used in it. The hairdo that I’ve created compliments the outfits. I’ve given him a very cutting edge look comprising stylish side locks and metallic hair extensions.” Aalim further added, “Rajini sir is very cool and despite being worshipped, he is extremely down-to-earth and humble. If I were to rate the most stylish men in films, Rajini sir would top the list and Sanjay Dutt and Salman Khan would come next.”

Courtesy: enthiran.net

Telugu super star insists on Gautham Menon

After making his debut in Josh, Telugu star Naga Chaitanya, son of popular actor Nagarjuna, is ready to don the greasepaint for the Telugu remake of Vinnathandi Varuvaya. Apparently, Chaithanya’s father is confident of Gautham Menon’s directorial skills so much so that he insists on having his son star in the remake even before the film hits the screens.


Given Gautham’s record, Nagarjuna’s calculation can never go wrong, one can presume. Vinnathandi Varuvaya is a breezy romantic story that is sure to attract the younger audience and hence Nagarjuna feels that it would be better for his son’s career.





Courtesy: behindwoods.com

AAJ DIL Song Promo - BLUE - A.R RAHMAN

Courtesy: www.youtube.com/user/BestOfARrahman

ARR does Passage for Shekhar Kapur

After ‘Elizabeth: The Golden Age’, AR Rahman has teamed up with the noted filmmaker Shekhar Kapur. Our Music Maestro has thrown in his musical magic on ‘Passage’, the first short film directed by Shekhar Kapur. The film is produced by Swarovski Entertainment and is shot entirely in Argentina.

It is said that in this one, Rahman’s tuneful compositions have blended fabulously with the director’s visuals. ‘Passage’ is based on three women and the story carries enhancing visuals and sounds, which portrays an emotional passage through despair and loss to reconciliation. The film stars Julia stiles, Lily Cole and Haley Bennett. Indian singer has also lent her voice for a track in this film.

‘Passage’ was first screened in ‘Sankalpa’ - an installation by Shekhar Kapur and David Adjaye that is on display until summer 2010 in Swarovski Crystal Worlds in Wattens, Austria. Recently a grand screen on the film was held on the island of La Giudecca.

Well, with ‘Passage’, here’s is another impressive jewel added to Rahman’s career crown.

Courtesy: indiaglitz.com

Robot Rajini in Chennai now

The Sirucheri SIPCOT industrial estate is the area in which our robot Rajini is right now! The team of Shankar’s ‘Endhiran’ is working busily in the location to complete an important scene of the film out there.

We hear that Shankar has brought in an extremely strange Volvo bus in to the sets. Birdies say that the director has transformed a normal Volvo bus into a satellite remote sensing lab. This makeover process of the bus has cost a whooping 50 lakhs!

A scene in which a morph gang attacks the robot Rajini, who is inside this satellite remote sensing lab, is being filmed. The blow of the news is that our superstar is not in the shooting spot at all. It’s a stunt artist who is masked as the robot Rajini.

Using a dupe is not a big deal as our Superstar is a real-time hero. What say people?

Courtesy: indiaglitz.com

Rajini against Rajinis

“Endhiran” has been making headlines ever since it’s shooting commenced. Some of the big names of Indian cine industry including gorgeous Aishwarya Rai are coming together for this one.

Recently the shooting for a fight scene of the film was taking place in Chennai in the set that was erected by one of India’s popular art directors Sabu Cyril. According to the sources, the stunt was between superstar Rajinikanth and 100 other robots that look like him. Fight master Peter Heinz composed this stunt sequence along with few foreign fight masters.

Now another interesting tittle-tattle is that many Hollywood companies are roped in for the visual effects (VFX) of the film. Hollywood companies like ILM, Tippet, Cafe EFX; and Hong Kong companies like Centro and Menfond are involved in this mega-budget project.

We say- Cooooool...

Courtesy: indiaglitz.com

Bipasha now in Ravana!

Here is a latest entrant to the much-hyped movie of the year, ‘Ravana’. The Mani Ratnam’s movie has always maintained a hush-hush atmosphere within itself. And the director had roped in this dusky beauty a month ago, on a condition to keep up the secrecy about her involvement in the project.

Now, when the news is out, Bipasha Basu will be playing the character of Mandodhari, wife of Ravana. In the movie, Abhishek Bachchan will be playing Ravana, Priyamani as Ravan’s sister Surpanaka, Aishwarya Rai as Sita, Vikram as Ram and finally Govinda as Hanuman. The movie will only carry the nuances of the epic Ramayana.

Initially, Sushmita Sen was rumoured to be approached for Mandodhari’s role. But as the diva refused, the offer fell into Bips’s lap, who readily accepted it.

Here our modern-day Mandodhari will be doing a sizzling item number. But no, the lady will be doing more than that! Bips will have a full-fledge role of 40 mins sources say. Our sexy lady is now packing up her bags for a 20-day shoot scheduled in coming days this month. “Bipasha’s costumes are ready. She is very happy with her look in the film. She is looking forward to joining the unit of Ravana,” added the sources. Wow, now that’s someone to add-on for the movie. Looks like the movie is getting spicier and hotter by the days…

Courtesy: indiaglitz.com

Kamal served with legal notice

Production house Pyramid Saimira issued a legal notice to Kamal Haasan with regard to the advance he was paid for making the movie Marmayogi. The notice claims that Kamal was paid an advance of Rs. 10.9 crores initially which he never returned although the movie was officially shelved. The movie’s total budget was a whopping one hundred crores.


Besides, the notice sought Kamal to clarify why he had produced Unnaipol Oruvan, which is due for release soon, before Marmayogi was finished. According to the contract, Kamal is bound to finish Marmayogi before moving on to another venture.


Courtesy: behindwoods.com

Mani Ratnam promotes Vikram for Hindi

Media hype is now and before the most vital thing in promoting a film or a star. Mani Ratnam’s ‘Ravana’ is one such film that has been on the headlines for quite some time now for both lucky and unlucky reasons unintentionally.

But now the director has worked on a perfect plan to launch his hero Vikram the right way in Bollywood.  Vikram plays an important role in both Tamil and Hindi versions of the film. 

According to the sources, Mani Ratnam has worked to highlight only Vikram’s character for the first trailer. It looks like the trailer is perfectly dyed-in-the-wool to show who Vikram is for the Bolly-world.

The filmmaker is known to create the best hype for almost all his heroes, for all good reasons. Let’s wait to see what lies beneath this publicity now!

Courtesy: indiaglitz.com

Endhiran upcoming indoor shooting at AVM studio

Aishwarya Rai-Rajnikanth starrer Endhiran, the Tami movie starts its next schedule of shooting in the AVM studio on September 10. The film has completed 85 % percent of its shooting.

Superstar Rajnikanth’s magnum opus ‘Endhiran’ is fast on the heels of completion, as the actor himself had announced that 85 percent of filming has been done. According to the sources, director Shankar has called back his team for the next schedule, which will start rolling from September 10.
The previous schedule was shot in and around the regions of Mayajaal Multiplex, situated in the outskirts of Chennai.This upcoming schedulewill be shot in an indoor set at AVM Studios. Although, director Shankar hasn’t confirmed officially about the film’s completion, sources close to him have stated that it will be the final schedule for this two and a half years project.
Once, the filming is done the entire team will kick-start vigorous promotions, as Sun Pictures has planned for a unique approach while HBO will promote the film across western countries.



Courtesy: calcuttatube.com

Shankar’s tech-adviser for ‘Enthiran’

Director Shankar appointed a youth who has done his Doctorate in robotic-technology, for assisting him in ‘Endhiran’ as the technological adviser. The youth who is always noticed as a ball-of-energy along with his laptop is the son of a bigwig. This young talent is none other than Karkhi Vairamuthu!

As we all know lyricist Vairamuthu has two sons. The eldest son Kabilan is a software engineer, while the younger son Karkhi has entered cine field to become like his father. As of now ‘Ilamai Idho Idho’, ‘Kanden Kadhalai’, ‘Endhiran’ are the projects in which Karkhi has penned lyrics.

Karkhi, who has done Doctorate from Australia, is not just the Lyricist and technological adviser of ‘Endhiran’, but also Shankar’s associate director!

When we asked if he will touch greater heights than his dad, Karkhi said with a smart smile, “Dad is like a tall mountain I’m at his base. I’m just starting it all.”

Though he is all-time busy as a lyricist, assistant director and tech-adviser, Karkhi is working as a scientist in Chennai Anna University.

Karkhi seems to prove that, ‘Intelligence is in the head, not in the age’. Let’s give it up for this man guys!

Courtesy: indiaglitz.com

Peter Haynes: Stunts should be fantastic

Though said in a lighter vein, it is also a fact  that producers sign Peter Haynes before finalizing the star cast. It is no trade secret that top actors insist on the mandatory presence of this stunt master par excellence and the numbers are increasing with action movies becoming the order of the day.
For Peter, the real challenge is in period films where a lot of homework has to be done regarding the weapons used and the kind of fights prevalent then. Peter said his creative side was tested to the brim in the recent Telugu hit Magadheera, which had a huge background of historic relevance.
Without subscribing to the view that every storyline needs a fight sequence, Peter says fight sequences must by grand and worth remembering. When movies are all about grandeur in the songs, why should there be a compromise in the fights, Peter asks with justification. “You have to accept that movies are an exaggerated versions transporting the audience to a different world. In the three hours they surrender to us, we have a job to please them and in a magnitude depending on the budget,” says Peter without batting an eyelid.
Indian producers are not out seeking the Hollywood flavour; they come to him for the quality he provides, avers Peter. “I too worked with in a few Hollywood films and am richer by that on all counts,” says Peter with honesty.
Peter did not reveal much on Endhiran except the nugget that being a superstar movie, the fights had to have that extra zing and style. “I Know my work on the screen is appreciated when audiences shriek with delight seeing their heroes bashing the baddies,” said Peter with a smile.



Courtesy: galatta.com

Aamir- The modern-day Hanuman

How about Aamir Khan enacting ‘modern-day Hanuman’ in Mani Rathnam’s modernized tale of ‘Raavan’? Fantastic, isn’t? But let’s not get along with our own imaginations as Mr. Perfectionist hasn’t got over any offers from Mani Rathnam.

This is all about Aamir’s role of modern-day Hanuman role in producer Uru Patel’s film on Hanuman. Earlier, a Japanese actor was supposed to perform the flamboyant role as the character demands over mastery over martial skills of flipping and swaying through the air and space.

The offer for this graciously appealing role has passed over to the hands of Aamir Khan. According to the closer sources, the actor will sign the deal only after reading through entire script. Much specifically, Mr. Perfectionist has insisted about his signature in each page of full-bound script to ensure no changes are made latter in shooting.

Rama and Raavan roles will be performed by Hollywood superstars Keanu Reeves and Gary Oldman respectively. Earlier, Shilpa Shetty was supposed to be casted for ‘Sita’ and hunt is now over an international face.

The task of wielding megaphone has now passed on from Louis Mandoki to Chuck Russell as he’s well versed with such genres and Hindi language as well.

Courtesy: indiaglitz.com

Kylie Minogue's 'Chiggy Wiggy' For the Film 'Blue'

We have all been waiting for the collaboration between Kylie Minogue and A.R. Rahman and now it's finally here!
The two music celebs have worked together on the underwater adventure "Blue." and the promo for one of Kylie's tracks in the film has finally been revealed. We're dying to show it to all you viewers!
The tune, interpreted by Kylie Minogue and Sonu Niigaam, shows Kylie at a club dancing in a flashy dress while Akshay Kumar drops onto the stage and dances with her. So without further ado, check out the song promo entitled "Chiggy Wiggy" and tell us if it gets you moving to the beat.

Courtesy: desihits.com

All well between Ashutosh & Rahman

A. R. Rahman is a musician with whom every filmmaker wants to work over and over again.

So, when Ashutosh Gowariker decided to break away from the collaboration after successes like Lagaan, Swades and Jodhaa Akbar, speculations were rife that the two had fallen apart.

However, Ashutosh clarifies that they are still good friends.

"Why I could not work with Rahman for What's Your Rashee? was because I wanted to finish this film quickly. But he was already booked for months for films like Slumdog Millionaire and Delhi 6 then. I would have required a lot of time considering I needed 13 songs for the film. So we decided that we shall skip it this time," he says.

"But I think I have got great music from Sohail (Sen) in this film as well. His father had introduced me to him and asked if I would like to listen to his son. And I was very impressed with his capability," adds the director.


Courtesy: indiatoday.intoday.in

Ayesha Shroff's next production to release by year-end

Putting behind a tumultuous past that included a culpable homicide case, Kaizad Gustad has returned to filmmaking.

The director has wrapped the shoot of Bombil and Beatrice, a film he's done for Ayesha Shroff. Gustad has his 

Ayesha Shroff

film ready for a December release.

Ties renewed
Producer Ayesha Shroff is also renewing her professional equation with Kaizad Gustad. The two worked together in 2003 for Boom. Their latest project Bombil and Beatrice stars British actress Katie McGuiness and has a background score by A R Rahman.

Talking about the film Ayesha says, "It's a love story with a supernatural twist. We have shot the movie mostly in London and some parts of Mumbai. Katie McGuiness plays the female lead opposite Prashant Narayan and Rahman has done the background score. We have tied up with English production house Medienn who will be co-producing the movie with us."

Special equation
Describing working with Kaizad she says, "I have a sepcial work equation with him. For Bombil and Beatrice, I needed someone with an Indian sensibility who could understand the subject. Kaizad is a brilliant director and I'm very happy with his work. Kaizad has put his past behind and given this project his all."

Even though she isn't new to the role of a producer, Ayesha claims her approach has changed. "A lot of time has passed between my first production and this one. Ways of making movies have changed and so has the market. We have made Bombil and Beatrice keeping in mind the new scenario."


Courtesy: mid-day.com

Raghav says no to Bollywood, yes to Rahman

He may be coming back to his roots with his second album 'Identity' but UK based artiste Raghav says that he has no plans to become a Bollywood playback singer.

The 'Angel Eyes' hitmaker who had grabbed headlines when he turned down the superhit song 'Twist' from 'Love Aaj Kal', says that Bollywood is not his priority right though he is willing to give up everything to work with Oscar winning musician AR Rahman.

"I am a singer and songwriter, it is a 50-50 thing and these two passions of mine cannot be separated. I turned down the song because I want to write my own songs and if I get an offer from Bollywood which lets me do both, I will say yes," Raghav told PTI in an interview.


Courtesy: ptinews.com

Kylie Plunges Into Bollywood

The first clip of Kylie Minogue’s appearance in the A.R. Rahman-directed film Blue—which, according to the trailer, will be “India’s biggest underwater thriller”—has come out. “Chiggy Wiggy,” from what I can tell from this all-too-brief clip, is very very catchy, the sort of song that I can see inspiring multiple YouTube bedroom-dance tributes. To round out this post, and in the spirit of an August Friday, here is a Tweet in which Kylie posts a picture with her dog. 


Courtesy: idolator.com

Mani Ratnam’s plans for Vikram!

Vikram plays an important role in both versions (Tamil and Hindi) of the Mani Ratnam directed Raavan. While there are a host of actors that star along with him in the film, like Abhishek Bachchan, Aishwarya Rai, Priyamani, Prithviraj etc., the director has plans to make a trailer concentrating wholly on the title role or rather, the villain.

This first trailer, sources say, will concentrate on Vikram’s character, thus giving him a grand opening in Bollywood. Wonder what the director has in store for this versatile actor.


Courtesy: behindwoods.com

Yet another prestigious award for Rahman!

Close on the heels of winning the Oscar award, the Mozart of Madras, he is affectionately known, AR Rahman has won the Grassroot Grammy in the Best Indian album category. He was honored with the award for composing music for the Tamil film Godfather. Maestro Illayaraja and Bangla band Krosswindz were in the fray for the award but ultimately the honors went to Rahman.


Ilayaraja won the third place in the Best Indian category for Music Journey: Live in Italy.


Courtesy: behindwoods.com

Silambarasan will make you weep!

Shooting of the romantically titled film 'Vinnaithandi Varuvaya' staring Silambarasan and Trisha is almost over. It’s said that Silambarasan will be enacting the role of an assistant director in this romantic entertainer. We would like to spill the beans about the movie’s script now!

Sources close to the director Goutham Menon has revealed that the script of ‘Vinnaithandi Varuvaya' has shades from a famous novel ‘Karaindha Nizhalgal’ by well-known modern literature writer Ashokamithran. The short novel depicts the life-style and suffering of people in the cine industry. It not only talks about the few people who have tasted the success in film, but many other technicians and co-actors’ pathetic lifestyle. This novel talks about many characters and Goutham Menon has pick one such character for 'Vinnaithandi Varuvaya', that is of an assistant director.

It’s also said that the director has blended a touching love story with the original character and has come up with a soft character for Silambarasan. According to the script Silambarasan faces many shameful moments and the insults he faces will make people weep for him. This film has a bright chance of pulling down the bad-boy image of Silambarasan!

Hmmm… Now that’s something moving!

Courtesy: indiaglitz.com