Monday, September 29, 2008

Rajini back home… Shankar dismisses assistants



After the hectic shooting schedule, the Endhiran team is returning to India. In fact the superstar Rajinikanth had already reached Chennai on 27th September while Aishwarya Rai Bachchan is expected to join her hubby Abhishek Bachchan right on time for Drona's premiere. Industry sources have it that director Shankar completed the first leg of shooting to accommodate Ash's request to be with Abhi to attend Drona's premiere.

Meanwhile, Shankar has dismissed three of his assistants for leaking the well-guarded Endhiran stills to the media. He has also appointed a nine-member crew to ensure that such incidents do not happen again.

Saturday, September 27, 2008

Rajni Covered Aish's 'Thighs' - Robot shooting incident



It is known news that the magnum opus 'Robo' has begun its shoot far
away in Peru and that too with the canning of a song between
superstar Rajinikanth and his leading lady Aishwarya Rai. Apparently,
it is heard that during one of the incidents of the song shooting
Aish's luscious thighs were revealed and Rajini immediately got to
the rescue act by covering them. In fact, Rajni didn't give time for
Aish to cover by her own.

History says that many years ago a similar incident took place. It
was during the late 80s when the eternal beauty Sridevi was doing a
film with the legendary Amitabh Bachchan and during the shoot of a
song, the director had said cut and in that moment, Sridevi was in
her rhythm which led her to reveal her thigh up to a great extent.

It is heard that Amitabh immediately lunged on and ensured that her
revealing parts are covered immediately without a second to waste.
Such is the 'care' the superstars take when it comes to their leading
ladies. The experiences for Aish while shooting with the superstar
will surely be interesting to hear and given his chivalrous acts, it
will not be long before she gets floored by him.

Wednesday, September 24, 2008

Endhiran The Robot crew to return after 1st schedule of shoot



Superstar Rajinikanth and Aishwarya Rai Bachchan, along with Shankar and the rest of the Endhiran team, have been busy nearly a month shooting for the film. Endhiran, incidentally, is produced by Ayngaran Films on a mega budget crossing over Rs. 100 crores. The buzz is that about two songs have been filmed so far in the United States and Peru,which has been choreographed by Raju Sundaram.

Sources close of the team report that the first schedule shooting will be wrapped up this week and Rajini and the crew will fly back to India on September 27th.

A song used in Golmal returns is inspired from Sivaji The Boss

Golmaal Returns, tipped to be a Diwali release, has a huge star cast including Ajay Devgan, Kareena Kapoor, Arshad Warsi and Tushaar Kapoor. The film, as the title indicates, is the sequel to the yesteryear smash hit Golmaal. According to the film's director Rohit Shetty, a song choreographed by Ganesh Acharya was inspired from the Rajini-starrer Sivaji.

The director said that he got the idea to include a similar kind of song after he watched the shooting of Sivaji in Hyderabad. The song is made on a budget of Rs. 6 crores. About 1000 stuntmen and dancers have been used for this song, not to mention that all the stars will also feature in it. Interestingly, there would be some fight sequences in the song. According to Ganesh Acharya, "you can see different costumes, different movements, different sort of action, and we have also taken some parts of Sivaji in the film."

Tuesday, September 23, 2008

Enthiran second song Shoot in Hawaii | ARR Completes 3 Songs



Super Star Rajinikanth and Aishwarya Rai starring "Enthiran the Robot" movie first song had completed at various places of America. The movie has six songs, busy A.R.Rahman composes only three songs and the remaining three with theme music and songs is yet to be finished. The first schedule of the shooting will be finished within the first week of October. The second song of the movie will be shooting at Hawaii naturally entertaining spot.

The third song of the movie is to be likely to shoot as "Athirade" song from "Sivaji". In the meantime Shankar will be planning Rajini's various hairstyles and costumes.

Monday, September 22, 2008

Endhiran shooting pics in Peru







I’m a Rajini fanatic! – Paruthiveeran Karthi



Here is another good example for how Rajinikanth’s impact moulds the young heroes in the Industry.

Karthy, the hero of block buster Paruthi Veeran says that he has only started his welfare activities after inspired with our Thalaivar Rajini and his fans.

In his recent interview with our correspondent, he said that “I am a die hard Rajini fan and i never hide this for any reasons. My father is one of the very close friends to Rajini sir and he told me a lot about Rajini’s good aspects.

I simply grown up with watching Rajini sir’s film like others. Now as an actor, I like to watch Kamal Hassan’s movies and like his acting skills. But still I’m a Rajini fanatic, no doubt.

Impressed a lot with Rajini sir and his fan club’s welfare activities, I have started my contribution to my brother Surya’s welfare activities to promote the education of poor.

It can be recalled that our superstar praised Karthi a young genius in acting after watched a special premier at Four Frames, a couple of years back.
‘I consider Rajini Sir’s complement as a big award equal to any national award!’, Karthi says with proud."

Sure… because Rajini is not an ordinary superstar. He is the one man Industry!


Source - Rajinifans

Thursday, September 18, 2008

M. Night Shyamalan with Shankar for Endhiran?



Though underway in full earnest in Peru with the shooting of a song, there seem to be things about Endhiran that are still troubling Shankar's mind. It is no secret that Endhiran, then Robot, was affected by the demise of writer Sujatha. He had been a trusted associate and screen writer for Shankar. We had reported that Shankar had called upon writer Balakumaran to fill the void. Balakumaran had earlier worked with Shankar in Gentleman, Kadhalan and Jeans.

But even after the completion of scripting works, Shankar seems to see room for improvement, trademarks of a perfectionist. With the sci-fi specialist Sujatha no longer around to give the much needed advice, Shankar has chosen to look beyond Kollywood, beyond Bollywood and into Hollywood. Shankar seems to have set sight on Manoj Night Shyamalan, known for making films like Sixth Sense, The Village, Unbreakable, Signs and The Happening. Shyamalan may not be a complete sci-fi specialist but he knows how to keep people on their toes and that's exactly what Shankar wants. The top Kollywood director is said to have approached Shyamalan for discussing the finer elements of the script of Endhiran.

Now we don't know what the exact role of Manoj Night Shyamalan might be in Endhiran, maybe that of a script consultant. We also are not sure whether Shyamalan has accepted to work in the project, because there are news about him moving on to his next project in Hollywood and he is also known to be very choosy in what he does, especially after having opted out of a chance to script an Indiana Jones movie. Let's hope things come together well and that Shankar is able to convince Shyamalan.

Wednesday, September 17, 2008

Sathya clarifies all rumours about fans & Rajini



Friends,
Recently there is a lot of talk about rajini's politics,fans upset about rajini, some section of fans wanting
rajini to enter politics etc etc. Sathyanarayana clears all those quieries in the below interview.
Iam presenting some key points from that interview.

I did not stop rajini from coming to politics, if he comes i will be the first person to feel happy says sathyanarayana.
Now there is again a buzz in the state about rajini's entry into politics. Sathyanarayana talks to a magazine about this recently.
Will rajini come to politics, what is the reason for organizing a meeting to meet his fans etc, sathyanarayana talks about all these things.Forget meeting rajini meeting you also is a tough task said a member, he reacted to it saying
nothing like that i have no reason to avoid them.
I act like a bridge between rajini and fans, i convey what superstar needs to tell fans and convey what fans need to tell superstar. I avoid only at times when there is a lot of tension about his political venture. The only reason for that is not to disappoint fans since they will have lots of expectations.
There is also talk about some misunderstanding between some fans and rajini, to this sathya says this has been happening for a long time, and we dont even bother to find out who's doing this and what is their purpose.We know our thalaivar's
heart and thats all matters.
There is also a another rumour about me going to be removed from my post and rajini family is going to manage all fan club activities. All i can say is this is rubbish.

Read the complete interview in tamil below.

ரஜினியை அரசியலுக்கு வரவேண்டாம் என நான் தடுக்கவில்லை. அவர் அரசியலுக்கு வந்தால் சந்தோஷப்படும் முதல் நபர் நான்தான், என்று அகில இந்திய ரஜினி ரசிகர் மன்றத் தலைவர் சத்தியநாராயணா கூறியுள்ளார்.

ரஜினி அரசியலுக்கு வரப்போவதாக மீண்டும் பேச்சுக்கள் கிளம்பியுள்ள நிலையில், அவரது ரசிகர் மன்றங்களின் தலைமைப் பொறுப்பினை வகிக்கும் சத்தியநாராயணா ஒரு பத்திரிகைக்கு சமீபத்தில் அளித்துள்ள பேட்டி இது.

ரஜினி அரசியலுக்கு வருவாரா, ரசிகர்களை அவர் அக்டோபர் மாதம் சந்திப்பதன் நோக்கம் குறித்து அவர் விரிவாக இதில் கூறியுள்ளார்.

ரஜினியை மட்டுமல்ல… உங்களை சந்திப்பதுகூட ரசிகர்களுக்கு குதிரைக் கொம்பாகி விட்டதே…?

அப்படியெல்லாம் இல்லை. ரசிகர்கள் என்னைச் சந்தித்துக் கொண்டுதான் இருக்கிறார்கள். அவர்களைத் தவிர்க்கவேண்டிய அவசியமும் எனக்குக் கிடையாதே!

ரசிகர்களின் எண்ணங்களைத் தலைவருக்குச் சொல்லவும், தலைவரின் எண்ணங்களை ரசிகர்களுக்குத் தெரியப்படுத்தவுமான பாலம்தான் நான். அரசியல் குறித்த சலசலப்புகள் கிளம்புகிற போது மட்டும் ரசிகர்களை சந்திக்கத் தயங்குவது உண்டு.

காரணம், ரசிகர்களின் அந்த சமயத்து எதிர்பார்ப்பை பூர்த்தி செய்ய முடியாமல் போய், அவர்களை ஏமாற்றத்துக்கு ஆளாகிவிடக் கூடாது என்பதுதான். மற்றபடி, மன்றத் தலைவராக என் கடமைகளை நிறைவாகவே செய்து வருகிறேன்.

ரசிகர்களைக் கையாளுகிற விதத்தில் உங்களுக்கும் ரஜினிக்கும் இடையே மனக்கசப்பு உருவாகிவிட்டதாகச் சொல்கிறார்களே...

பல காலமாக்க் கிளப்பிவிடப்பட்டிருக்கும் பேச்சு இது. இதன் பின்னணியில் யார் இருக்கிறார்கள், எதற்காக இப்படி அவதூறு பரப்புகிறார்கள் என்பது பற்றிக் கூட நான் விசாரிப்பது கிடையாது. யார் என்ன வேண்டுமானாலும் சொல்லட்டும். என் தலைவர் மனது எனக்குத் தெரியும். என் நடவடிக்கை அவருக்குப் புரியும். இதில் மனக்கசப்பு வர எங்கே வாய்ப்பு இருக்கிறது?

தலைவரின் அபிமானத்துக்குரிய இடத்தில் நான் இருந்தாலும் என்க்கான வரையறை எனக்குத் தெரியும். அதை மீற மாட்டேன். தலைவரின் பின்னால் அணிவகுத்திருக்கும் ரசிகர்களுக்கு எந்தப் பிரச்சினையும் வரக்கூடாது என்பதில் அக்கறை காட்டும் நான், தலைவரின் மனம் கோணும்படி நடப்பேனா? இதை உங்கள் ஆராய்ச்சிக்கே விட்டுவிடுகிறேன்.

உங்களை மன்றத்தை விட்டே ஒதுக்கி வைக்கப் போவதாக உங்களுக்குக் கீழிருக்கும் நிர்வாகிகள் சிலரே கூறுகிறார்களே... மேலும் ரஜினி குடும்பத்தினே மன்றத்தைக் கவனிக்கப் போகிறார்களாமே...

இதுவும் பல நாள் புரளிதான். இத்தகைய செய்திகளுக்குக் காரணமாக என் மீது என்ன குற்றச்சாட்டு உள்ளது? என் பெயர் போட வேண்டும், என்று நிர்பந்தப்படுத்தினேனா... அல்லது ரஜினி பெயரா வைத்து தனியாக வியாபாரம் செய்து சம்பாதித்தேனா...என்ன குற்றச்சாட்டு என்மீது...

தலைவரின் குடும்பத்தினர் மன்றங்களை கவனிக்கத் தொடங்கினால் அது எங்களுக்கும் மகிழ்ச்சியான விஷயம்தான். எனக்குக் கொடுத்திருக்கும் பணியை நான் செவ்வனே செய்து கொண்டிருக்கிறேன். அது போதும்...எனக்கு!

ரசிகர்களின் கருத்துக்களை ரஜினியிடம் சரியாக கொண்டு போவதில்லை என்றும் அவரை ரசிகர்கள் நெருங்கி தனி டிராக்கில் செல்வாக்கு சேர்த்து விடக் கூடாது என்றும் நீங்கள் கவனமாக இருக்கிறீர்களாமே…?

ஒவ்வொரு மாவட்ட ரசிகர்களின் எண்ணங்களும் தலைவருக்கு தகுந்த நேரத்தில் போய்க்கொண்டுதான் இருக்கிறது. அவரும் அவற்றை பரிசீலிக்கிறார். ஆனால், தலைவர் எதற்காகவாவது வாய்ஸ் கொடுக்க வேண்டும் என அவ்வப்போது சில ரசிகர் மன்ற நிர்வாகிகள் ஆசைப்படுகிறார்கள். அது நடக்காதபோது அங்கே என் தலை உருட்டப்படுகிறது.

இந்த மாதிரியான குற்றச்சாட்டுகளை ரசிகர்கள் என் மீது அடுக்கினால் அதற்காக நான் வருத்தப்பட மாட்டேன். அது ரசிகனின் புரிந்துகொள்ளும் சூழ்நிலையைப் பொறுத்தது.

ஆனால், அவர்களின் உணர்வுகளை நான் எப்போதும் மதிக்கிறேன். அதற்காக அந்த ஆக்ரோஷமான உணர்வுகளை நான் தலைவரிடம் அப்படியே ஒப்பிக்க முடியுமா?

அரசியல் ரீதியான விவகாரங்கள் தவிர்த்து இதர விஷயங்களில் ரசிகர் மன்ற நிர்வாகிகள், தலைமையோடு நல்ல இணக்கத்தில்தான் இருக்கிறார்கள். இதையெல்லாம் தாண்டி ரசிகர்களை எப்போது சந்திக்கவேண்டும் என முடிவெடுப்பது தலைவரின் கையில்தான் இருக்கிறது. அப்படியிருக்க, ரசிகர்களுக்கு நான் நந்தியாக இருப்பதாகச் சொல்வதை எப்படி ஏற்றுக்கொள்ள முடியும்?

அரசியலில் தலைவர் உடனே இறங்கவேண்டும் என ஆசைப்படும் சில மன்ற நிர்வாகிகள், அதே ஸ்பீடில் தலைவரிடம் இதுபற்றி நான் பேசி ஏதாவது செய்ய வேண்டும் என்று எதிர்பார்க்கிறார்கள். அரசியல் விஷயத்தில் தன்னிச்சையாக நான் எந்தக் கருத்தையும் சொல்ல முடியாது. இதுதான் நிதர்சனம்.

ஆனால், இதை என்னுடைய இயலாமையாகவோ, திட்டமிட்ட மெத்தனமாகவோ சிலர் நினைக்கிறார்கள். அதற்கு நான் என்ன செய்ய முடியும்? தலைவர் அரசியலுக்கு வந்தால் சந்தோஷப்படும் முதல் ஆள் நான்தான்.

அரசியலைப் பொறுத்தமட்டில் தலைவர் யாரையும் பாதிக்காத முடிவைத்தான் எடுப்பார். கடைக்கோடி ரசிகனின் நிலைப்பாடு வரை அவர் யோசிப்பார். எடுத்தோம் கவிழ்த்தோம் என்று அவர் செயல்பட மாட்டார். இதையெல்லாம் புரிந்துகொள்ளாத ஒருசில ரசிகர்கள் ஆதங்கப்பட்டால் நான் என்ன செய்வது?

அக்டோபர் புரட்சியாக, ரொம்ப நாளைக்கப்புறம் ரசிகர்களை ரஜினி சந்திக்கப் போவதாகச் சொல்வது உண்மைதானே…?

உண்மைதான். ஒட்டுமொத்த மாவட்ட நிர்வாகிகளையும் ஒருசேர தலைவர் இதுநாள் வரை சந்தித்ததில்லை. ஆனால், அக்டோபர் முதல் வாரத்தில் சந்திக்க விரும்புவதாகச் சொல்லி இருக்கிறார்.

முதல் நாள் சென்னை மாவட்ட ரசிகர் மன்ற நிர்வாகிகளையும், அடுத்த நாள் இதர மாவட்ட நிர்வாகிகளையும் சந்திக்க ஏற்பாடு செய்யப்பட்டிருக்கிறது.

இந்தத் தகவலை அனைத்து மாவட்ட ரசிகர் மன்ற நிர்வாகிகளுக்கும் சொல்லி இருக்கிறோம். எந்திரன் ஷூட்டிங்கால் ஒருசில நாட்கள் தள்ளிப் போனாலும் இந்த முறை தலைவர் கண்டிப்பாக ரசிகர் மன்ற நிர்வாகிகளை சந்திப்பார். அதில் மாற்றமே இல்லை.

சிரஞ்சீவியைப் போல் கட்சி ஆரம்பிப்பதற்கான முன்னோட்டமாக அந்த சந்திப்பு இருக்குமா?

ஓய்வாக இருக்கிற நாட்களில் தலைவர் முடிந்த மட்டும் மன்றத்தினரைச் சந்தித்துக் கொண்டுதான் இருந்தார். ஒரு கட்டத்தில் வந்தவர்களே திரும்பத் திரும்ப வந்ததைக் கண்டு, தன்னை நேரில் பார்க்கவே முடியாது என ஏங்குகிற ஆட்களுக்கு வாய்ப்பு வழங்குங்கள் எனச் சொல்வார். ஆனால், அதற்குப் பின்னர் தலைவருக்கு ஓய்வு கிடைப்பது சாத்தியமில்லாத ஒன்றாகி விட்டது.

இப்போது அவர் அனைவரையும் சந்திப்பதாகச் சொல்லி இருப்பதில் எல்லோருக்குமே மிகுந்த சந்தோஷம். ஆனால் அரசியல் குறித்தோ, வேறேதும் விவகாரங்கள் குறித்தோ அவர் என்ன பேசப் போகிறார் என்று இப்போதைக்கு ஏதும் சொல்ல முடியாது. தலைவரின் முடிவு என்னவாக இருந்தாலும் அதன்படி நடக்க மட்டும்தான் எனக்குத் தெரியும்.

மண்டபத்தை முற்றுகையிட்ட ரசிகர்களுக்காக ரஜினி தனியே படம் செய்து தரப் போகிறார் என்று சொல்லப்படுகிறதே…?

ரசிகர்கள் மண்டபத்தை முற்றுகையிட்டார்கள் என்பதே தவறு. நான்கு மாவட்ட நிர்வாகிகள் மண்டபத்துக்கு வந்தார்கள். தலைவர் அரசியலில் ஈடுபட வேண்டும் என அவர்களின் விருப்பத்தை என்னிடம் சொன்னார்கள். சரி தலைவரிடம் சொல்கிறேன் என்றேன். போன் மூலம் சொல்லவும் செய்தேன். இதுதான் நடந்தது.

ஆனால், ரசிகர்கள் மண்டபத்தை முற்றுகை இட்டதாகவும், அதற்காக ரசிகர்களுக்கு படம் பண்ணிக் கொடுக்க முயற்சி நடப்பதாகவும் ஏதேதோ கிளம்பி விட்டது. மொத்தத்தில் தலைவர் ரசிகர்களை சந்திக்கிற நாளில் உங்களின் அனைத்துக் கேள்விகளுக்கும் பதில் கிடைக்கும்...என்று கூறியுள்ளார் சத்யநாராயணா.

Superstar is a great soul - Calcutta Viswanathan



Superstar has great respect towards senior actors of the industry and has the habit of giving roles to them in each of his movie. Similarly he has the policy of christening beautiful Tamil names to the characters of his films. Many senior artistes have benefitted because of this, over the years. Because senior artistes would be ridden either by money or decline in films they act. There are many artistes who once had a very prosperous lifestyle but a struggling one now. Similarly one they would have been acting round the clock but have to stay at home now. This is very ridiculous.

Superstar knows their problem very well and so he tries to give opportunity to them in his each films as much as possible.

Similarly Superstar gave opportunity to veteran actor MN Nambiar and actress Sujatha in his own production Baba. But in Baba there’s another actor who also benefitted in Baba. He is none other than Calcutta Viswanathan who came in a very small role as Superstar’s father in the film. One of the finest actors of Kollywood. He was the one who came as father to Superstar in Moondru Mudichu too. The role of Viswanathan in Baba is a meagre one which lasted only for a few seconds and that too in titles alone. But the price he got for that is unimaginable.

Calcutta Viswanathan explains on his own words: “Superstar called me one day and said that he has a small role of his father character in Baba and
whether i would be able to do that with just a few days callsheet. Would anybody hesitate? I agreed happily and gave dates instantly as i was free that time.”

Baba shooting - a wonderful experience

“During the shooting he treated me with great respect and passion and it was a wonderful experience for me. I was floored by his dedication towards his profession. Success has not gone to his head. It would be a tough thing for others if they are in his place. He treats everybody in the unit with the same respect and equality. Though i acted in the film for a few days it was an unforgettable experience for me.”
Later the film got released and unwanted happenings spoilt the film and its run. I heard the film didn’t meet the expectations of the people and buyers incurred heavy loss. I felt very sad. It shouldn’t happen for a good soul like Rajini.

What about my salary?

In this situation, i was yet to receive my salary for the film. I was expecting it for sometime but it didn’t come. I don’t want to ask Rajini the same as he was already under several problems that time. I decided to keep mum and discard my salary as there was a heavy talk about the film’s loss to buyers. One day, Rajini himself called me over phone and asked me to whether i would be able to meet him.

That evening i was at his home. He received me warmly and quarrelled with me in a friendly tone. “Sir, won’t you remind me about your salary? I forgot that because of these tension and hiccups. Very sorry.”

“No..sir. I didn’t want to claim my salary at this irrelevant situation. Moreover they say that film incurred loss to buyers and distributors. How can I ask my salary at this juncture and embarrass you…”

Wow…an unimaginable salary

“No…no..we shouldn’t discard or sacrifice our salary which get by acting. Getting paid for work is our right. Leave the problems. I will take care of them. You just keep this amount. Sorry for the dela,” by saying this, he handed over me a lumpsum amount. I couldn’t beleive my eyes. You know what the amount? Five lakh rupees.

Rs.5 lakhs just for a few scenes comprising a few minutes. I didn’t expect this much amount for that small role.

In the times where we are deprived of our actual salary even when the film turns superhit, it is heartening to see persons like Rajini who pays the salary promptly and that too more than the actual - even amidst LOSS.

That money was a treasure for me and it was very useful for me that time. Rajni sir is one of the golden souls in the industry and I pray ALMIGHTY to keep him always happy without any troubles.

A pleased Viswanathan concluded.

Source - onlyrajini

Tuesday, September 16, 2008

"Sultan is definitely not the usual, you should wait and see" - says A.R. Rahman




A few days back we got to know that Rajnikant was upset with Music composer AR Rehman over the delay he's causing in Rajni's daughter's directorial debut, we caught up with Rehman in an exclusive chat to get his side of the story.

A R Rahman seldom makes news for wrong reasons but this time he did just that as he reportedly upset Superstar Rajnikanth by not completing the songs of his daughter Soundarya's film Sultan-the warrior on time. "The reality is, she is very busy, she was shooting in Bangkok for a couple of months, and when I was in london, she was in Chennai, we have finished all the songs, except for a few,and the media has again twisted the story" Rahman said.
I have great respect for Rajini sir and he would never interfere in something like this.
And getting back to what he does best mozart of Madras is pretty busy himself with nine Bollywood releases this year apart from Mega extravangza Shankar/Rajini combo ROBOT and marmayogi looks like a packed schedule can only bring the best out of him, "It's been a very good year so far--Jodha Akbar, Jane Tu...and Yuraj coming now."Considering Rahman's track record certainly Rajnikanth and his daughter Soundarya can trade a little bit of time for some great work, "Its (Sultan The Warrior) definitely not the usual, you should wait and see..." said Rahman.

Enthiren first song completed




As per the report, Enthiren- The Robot, song shoot took place in Peru and Brazil.

Shankar had issued a press release prior to leaving Chennai saying he is shooting the film in USA, and forgot to mention the Peru and Brazil part of their itenary!

In fact, as per our sources the shoot of the first song in Peru and Brazil is over. The song had Rajini's graceful movements, as he danced with Aishwarya and the buzz is that he even did a Spanish salsa dance movement under choreographer Raju Sundaram.

After shooting the first song, Shankar is likely to fly to Hawai to shoot the second song for the film.

Sunday, September 14, 2008

Sentimentally Kollywood



In his first movie Sivaji Ganesan proclaimed to the world ‘Success’ aloud thrice and he never looked back. In his first movie, Superstar Rajinikanth pushed open a giant gate to enter the frame for the first time, gates have never closed for him since. Ilaiyaraja singing the title song has always ensured a hit and beginning the shooting of a movie with a song has always been Shankar’s way of getting into the groove. Call them superstitions, beliefs, sentiments or idiosyncrasies, Kollywood is full of them. Not just Kollywood, every field has its own share of beliefs that we cannot seem to do without. IT professionals seem to believe in certain screensavers or desktops, students have their lucky pens and everyone has their share of small beliefs. Cricket might give Kollywood a run for its money when it comes to such beliefs, players are not allowed to move from their positions in the dressing room while the batsmen in the middle are doing well, then there was Steve Waugh’s red cloth, Harbhajan Singh’s red turban and many more such silly but enjoyable things.

Getting back to Kollywood. There has been a recent grapevine, more among the public than anywhere else that Rajini’s movie titles are lucky for Dhanush. We have only Polladhavan to point out for an example with Padikkadhavan in the pipeline, but the belief is already in our minds. If this is what one movie can do, then think about how strongly the industry would have believed in Sivaji Ganesan’s ‘Pa series’. If you don’t get the import of ‘Pa series’, then it is to do with the letter ‘Pa’ which was considered extremely lucky for Sivaji Ganesan starrers. We have Paasamalar, Pachchaivilakku, Paavamanippu, Paagappirivinai and a few more. If it was Sivaji Ganesan and a Pa movie, it was a sure shot blockbuster.

Movies within movies never work, said people in the industry. A belief that seems to have taken shape in keeping with the rules of probability. Kodambakkam and Vellithirai in recent times are movies that have validated the belief, though there have been trend breakers like Anbulla Rajinikanth. Speaking of Rajinikanth, a huge number of beliefs surround his films. Not surprising as the success or otherwise of his movies can have a huge impact. A Superstar movie should not release in August say many. Baba released on August 15 and Kuselan on the 1st and so reigns a sentiment, fans and distributors will certainly not enjoy it if Endhiran by some chance gets slated for an August release. Another Superstar sentiment, his intro song, has to be in the voice of the inimitable SPB for the movie to be a success, again Baba and Kuselan uphold this sentiment. Sivaji Ganesan raised his right hand to bless people in a movie that went on to become a superhit, he had to keep doing it for a long time afterwards. So we see, success can spark off a string of beliefs, so can failure. People are desperate to replicate all elements of success and eliminate all elements that they believe were part of a failure.

It is a well known sentiment that movies that are long delayed past the originally scheduled date will never make it big at the box office. Producers used to get the jitters whenever a movie was delayed. That might have been more due to the fact that interest rates have an uncanny knack of rising like inflation, but the belief that delayed movies never work was a strong one until Vettaiyadu Vilaiyaadu, Varalaaru and now Dasavatharam came along and smashed it to smithereens. One sentiment put to rest- and hopefully it remains so forever. But one failure and it will bring it right back. But one feels it was a good sentiment to have because it could keep directors and producers on their toes.

All that we saw till now were sentiments and beliefs that do not have much bearing on cinema. They are just personal preferences or ways of functioning that became habits and norms. Their presence or otherwise doesn’t make much of a difference. But there is a sentiment, myth or superstition that prevails wherever there is cinema and prevents it from getting better. It is the commercial cinema-art cinema classification, something that has always been plaguing cinema. The myth that for a film to run well at the box office it has to conform to a formula (again mythical) which generally includes songs, dances, fights and comedy. The belief that anything deviating from this formula doesn’t stand good chances. An appeal to those who follow these Kollywood sentiments closely: a movie is not a hit because of such sentiments. A movie becomes a hit because it deserves to be a hit

Though there have been telling blows at the very foundations of this belief in the recent past, it has managed to stand because it has been so deep rooted in cinema over the decades. If anything, it is this belief that has to be felled as soon as possible for that is the only one that stands in the way of cinema’s progress. All others are pure fun to write, read and talk about. Why did Venkat Prabhu name his second film Saroja? Can’t be a mere coincidence. And we also believe that SPB will be back as the voice of Superstar in Endhiran. And any young star will always get a ‘something’ Thalapathi tag around two years after his debut. Sentimentally, Kollywood.

Thursday, September 11, 2008

Robot story - media version




Friends

Couple of days back, I had written some scoops of Robot characters and basic story line.
http://treasure-space.blogspot.com/2008/09/looks-like-superstar-has-2-roles-in.html

Another magazine has come up with their version of story of the movie Robot.

Here we go..

Looks like Rajini's tempo will rise and rise for the next 2 years with the shooting of the movie already begun.
Its a dream project for both Rajini and Shankar, Sujatha finished the script 100% before his demise. Now about 250 people are involved in the technical aspect of this film, updating,finetuning etc etc.
The movie slated to release in 2010 summer holidays, and shankar has made it very clear to the crew to finish it by then. Shankar has Rajini and Aishwayra's call sheet and other characters will be done going forward. Superstar is playing both hero and villain character in this movie. God knows what is chakravarthy's role in the movie. Earlier a magazine had mentioned he has been roped in to play the villain role.

Now to the story..
Superstar plays 2 characters in this movie. He plays the role of a ultra modern scientist living in the period of 100 years in future and his lover is Aishwarya Rai. He has been assigned the project of creating Robots for human assistance. These robots are very intelligent and sensitive too. So Rajini ends up making a Robot which is like him and here starts the fun.
Before Rajini could introduce this invention to the world, he works on the technical aspects and checks for technical glitches. During this process the Robot rajini changes its track and starts acting on its own.
Rajini robot becomes very powerful and almost becomes unstoppable. Rajini tries all his efforts to stop this robot and put an end to it.
How he does that and what happens in the climax is a thrilling hollywood style end waiting for us. There is also a very important character apart from Rajini,Rajini Robot and Aishwarya who is none other than Juno the Robot puppy.

Sounds too cool, lets wait and watch for the proceedings.

Once again wishing all the success to Robot team on behalf of all rajini fans and good movie appreciaters.

Superstar might do a movie for Saimira after Robot!




Kuselan, inspite of being appreciated by a certain section of media and movie going public, couldn’t garner the profits one usually associates with Superstar Rajinikanth’s movie.

Perhaps Pyramid Saimira would be the only producer in recent times to have not made profits out a Rajinikanth starrer. Taking this into consideration, the actor is said to have promised the production company yet another movie. A credible Kollywood source reveals that a contract might also have been signed to this effect. Usually in such cases it’s a verbal agreement between the concerned parties.

The earlier plan was to have the project started by January and release it even before Robot. But now the production house has settled for the idea of starting the movie after the completion of Robot. Director or the rest of the crew is yet to be decided. One of the frontrunners among directors would be Murugadoss, who has been in news recently over Rajinikanth supposedly making a guest role in his next movie. The director however issued a statement rejecting the news.

Meanwhile, there are whispers around the tinsel town that Rajni might do a full fledged movie for daughter Soundarya’s production house Ocher Studios after the 3D animated movie Sultan. But it is yet to be known when this project might kick off, if at all it does.

Tuesday, September 9, 2008

Looks like Superstar has 2 roles in Robot



After the mega success of Sivaji The Boss, Superstar and Shankar have come together in Robot. Other languages the movie will be titled as Robot in tamil this comes as Endhiran.

The shooting started 2 days ago in America and the news regarding this movie has started flowing in slowly. The buzz is Superstar has 2 different roles in Robot. 1 role will be of stylish rajini and other is a Robot. Aishwarya Rai comes as Nila in the movie. There is another important character in the movie which is non other than Juno the small Robot puppy.
The adventures of Robot puppy will not only attract children, it is going to surprise even youngsters and elders.

The team that created Dinosaurs in Jurassic Park will be creating Rajini Robot and Juno puppy robot.

Sounds very exciting, we can expect a full fledged hollywood flick.

Hats off to shankar and wishing him all the best.

Cinema Fans' Association Awards – Rajini, Ajith, Nayantara Win



The Cinema Fans' Association is coming up with an awards function on the 12th of October to felicitate incredible talent in the world of Tamil Cinema for the year 2007.

A former judge Jagatheesan along with his team picked out the winners based on the preferences of fans.

Among a host of movies that were released last year, 'Sivaji', 'Billa', 'Kireedom' and 'Periyar' have found favor in many categories. Superstar Rajinikanth, Ajith Kumar and Jeevan with be getting the awards for best actors for the films 'Sivaji', 'Billa' and 'Naan Avan Illai' respectively.

The best actress award would be shared by Nayantara (Billa), Trisha (Kireedom), Namitha and Malavika (Naan Avan Illai).

The best supporting actor award has been bagged by Vinay (Unnale Unnale) and the best supporting actress is Manorama (Periyar).

Krish and Chinmaye have bagged the best playback singers' awards for 'Unnale Unnale' and 'Sivaji' respectively.

The best Music Director is Yuvan Shankar Raja for the film 'Billa', Best Storywriter for the director of 'Kireedam' Vijay.

The Best Lyricist Award goes to Na. Muthukumar (Urchagam). Billa's brilliant cinematography has ensured an award for Niravsha.

The Best Director award goes to Vishnuvardhan for 'Billa'. The Best Film award goes to 'Periyar' and a special award for Best Film has been bagged by 'Sivaji'.

Similarly awards are to be given out for Malayalam, Telugu and Kannada films as well.

Sunday, September 7, 2008

Yenthiran - The Robot,The first look with EXCLUSIVE details..



Oh… what a fantastic, fabulous, excellent but meaningful design of Superstar Rajini’s Eanthiran – The Robot!

Hats off to Shankar for his fantastic work to show our Thalaivar in a very different tone!

One more important aspect is Rajini’s appearance in the design without his manly mustache. But insider in Shankar’s camp reveals that the director is having some novel ideas to show Rajini in a completely different look and surely it will be a revelation to Superstar Rajini’s fans.

For the first time in the history of Rajini’s films, the heroine’s name also equally appears in the publicity designs. Official sources from Shankar’s camp confirmed that our Thalaivar only suggested the director to give equal importance to the heroine Aishwarya Rai also.

So Rajini asked the director to give equal importance to the former Miss Universe and numero uno of Indian female artists in his film.

According to the original story (written by Sujatha), there are two powerful characters in the film. The yet to disclosed secret is our superstar is going play both the roles, one is the human and the other one is powerful robot.

The name of the heroine in this film is Nila and there will be an important character comes to entertain the children. It is Jeano, the Machine Dog with the sense of human.

So… keep watching this space… A lot more come on our one and only superstar Rajini’s Enthiran- The Robot!


Source - rajinifans

Robot shooting starts from today - Rocking Advertisement




Friends

Just look at this Ad in Daily Thanthi. This is gonna be a visual treat with some extraordinary special effects.

We wish the best for Robot team.

Saturday, September 6, 2008

Robot shoot starts with 2 songs - Daily Thanthi

இதுவும் கடந்து போகும்- ரஜினிக்கு அறுதல் மகள் சௌந்தர்யா




தோளுக்கு மேலே வளர்ந்தா தோழன் என்பார்கள். தோழியாகவே இருக்கிறார் சௌந்தர்யா ரஜினி. யாருக்கு? அப்பா சூப்பர் ஸ்டாருக்கு!
குசேலன் குழப்பம், தியேட்டர்காரர்களின் எதிர்ப்பு, கன்னட தேசத்தில் மன்னிப்பு, ரசிகர்களின் ஆத்திரம், இப்படியெல்லாம் நாலாபுறத்திலும் இருந்து வந்த அம்புகளால், சற்று தடுமாறி போயிருக்கும் அப்பாவுக்கு ஆறுதலாக எப்போதும் அவரது அருகிலேயே இருக்கிறாராம். அவ்வப்போது 'இதுவும் கடந்து போகும்' என்று சௌந்தர்யா சொல்ல, மகளின் ஆறுதலில் மனதை இலேசாக்கி கொண்டிருக்கிறாராம் சூப்பர் ஸ்டாரும்.

இதன் ஒரு கட்டமாக விரைவில் எல்லா ரசிகர்களை சந்திக்கும் திட்டம் ஒன்றையும் ரஜினி காதில் போட்டிருக்கிறாராம் சௌந்தர்யா. அது சுல்தான் தி வாரியர் படத்தின் ரிலீசுக்கு முன்பு கட்டாயம் இருக்கும் என்று கிசுகிசுக்கிறது மண்டப வட்டாரம். இதற்கிடையில், இம்மாதம் 6-ந் தேதி தென் அமெரிக்காவில் உள்ள பிரேசில் நாட்டில் ரோபோ படப்பிடிப்பு துவங்குகிறது. அதற்காக அமெரிக்கா செல்ல தயாராகிவிட்டார் ரஜினி.

சுமார் 20 நாட்கள் அங்கு நடைபெறும் படப்பிடிப்பை முடித்துவிட்டு ரஜினி இந்தியா திரும்புவதற்குள், ரசிகர் மன்ற நிர்வாகிகளுடன் சௌந்தர்யாவே பேசி, மேற்படி சந்திப்புக்கு திட்டமிடுவார் என்றும் தெரிகிறது. பார்ப்போம், ரஜினி விஷயத்தில் இதுவாவது நடக்கிறதா என்று?

Kumudam Reporter - Soundarya speaks to father about current situations in TN



ஒரு ரூபாய்க்கு ஒரு கிலோ அரிசி' என்று கலைஞர் செய்த அறிவிப்பைக் காட்டிலும் சூப்பர் ஸ்டார் ரஜினிகாந்த் பற்றி இப்போது வருகிற தகவல்கள்தான் அவரது ரசிகர்கள் மத்தியில் அதிகம் பேசப்படுகின்றன.

`குசேலன்' படத்தின் தோல்வியால் ரொம்பவே அப்செட் ஆகிவிட்ட ரஜினி, தனது கேளம்பாக்கம் பண்ணை வீட்டிற்குச் சென்றுவிட்டாராம். கடந்த பத்து நாட்களுக்கு மேலாக பண்ணை வீட்டில் ஓய்வு, தியானம், பூஜையறையில் நெடுநேரம் பிரார்த்தனை என்று இருக்கும் ரஜினி, தன்னைப் பற்றி செய்திகள் வருகிற அத்தனை மொழி பத்திரிகைகளையும் வரவழைத்துப் படித்தும் விடுகிறாராம்.

`பாபா' படத் தோல்வியின்போதுகூட இந்த அளவுக்கு அப்செட் ஆகாத தன் அப்பாவைப் பார்த்து ரொம்பவே கவலை அடைந்த அவரது இரண்டாவது மகள் சௌந்தர்யா, அப்பாவுக்குத் துணையாக கேளம்பாக்கம் பண்ணை வீட்டிலேயே இருக்கிறாராம்.
தற்போது தனக்கு ஏற்பட்டுள்ள சரிவு பற்றி மகள் சௌந்தர்யாவுடன் மட்டுமே மனம் விட்டுப் பேசுகிறாராம் ரஜினி. அப்படி கடந்த வாரம் அப்பா_மகள் இருவரும் பேசிக்கொண்டிருந்தபோது, சௌந்தர்யா துணிச்சலாக சில கருத்துக்களை முன்வைத்தாராம். அது முழுக்க முழுக்க ரஜினி ரசிகர்கள் பற்றியதாகத்தான் இருந்ததாம்.

``அப்பா, உங்கள் ரசிகர்களை அரசியலுக்குள் இழுத்து வந்ததும் அவர்களுக்குள் அந்த ஆர்வத்தைத் தூண்டிவிட்டதும் நீங்கள்தான். உங்கள் மேடைப் பேச்சுக்களும், பட வசனங்களும்தான் அவர்களுக்கு அரசியல் வெறியைத் தூண்டியிருக்கிறது. 1996-ல் ஆரம்பித்து கடந்த பன்னிரண்டு வருடங்களாக உங்களால் உங்கள் ரசிகர்கள் `டியூன்' செய்யப்பட்டு விட்டார்கள். அவர்கள் மேல் எந்தத் தவறும் கிடையாது. தவறு செய்தது நீங்கள்தான். இப்படிச் சொல்வதால் `நீ சின்னப் பெண். உனக்கு என்ன தெரியும்' என்று என்னைக் கோபிக்காதீர்கள். நான் உங்கள் மகள்தான் என்றாலும், நானும் உங்கள் ஃபேன்தான். ரசிகர்கள்தான் அப்பா உங்கள் பலமே. அவசரப்பட்டு அவர்களை இழந்துவிடாதீர்கள். உங்கள் ரசிகர்களுக்காக நீங்கள் கொஞ்சம் இறங்கி வந்துதான் ஆகணும் அப்பா...'' என்று சௌந்தர்யா பக்குவமாய் தன்னிடம் சொன்னதை மிக உன்னிப்பாக கவனித்து உள்வாங்கிக் கொண்டாராம் ரஜினி.

தன் அப்பா மீது தனக்கு இருக்கும் அன்பினாலும், அக்கறையினாலும் இப்படியொரு ஆலோசனையை சௌந்தர்யா ரஜினியிடம் சொல்லியிருக்கலாம் என்றாலும் கூட, இதன் பின்னணியாக இருப்பது `சுல்தான் தி வாரியர்'தான் என்ற தகவலும் உலவுகிறது.
அதாவது, தன் அப்பாவை வைத்து `சுல்தான் தி வாரியர்' என்ற அனிமேஷன் படத்தை உருவாக்கி வருகிறார் சௌந்தர்யா. ஏகப்பட்ட கோடிகளை வாரியிறைத்து அம்பானி குரூப் தயாரிக்கும் இந்தப் படம் உலகம் முழுக்க வெளியிடும் நோக்கத்தோடு பன்னிரண்டு மொழிகளில் டப்பிங் செய்யப்படுகிறதாம். அதில் ஒன்று, ஜப்பானிய மொழியும்கூட.
இப்படி பிரமாண்டமான முறையில் தான் டைரக்ட் செய்யும் முதல் திரைப்படம் பெரிய அளவில் வெற்றி பெற வேண்டும். இந்தியாவில் தயாரிக்கப்பட்ட தனது அனிமேஷன் படம் உலக அளவில் தனக்கும் பெயர் வாங்கித் தரவேண்டும் என்று விரும்புகிறாராம் சௌந்தர்யா.அப்படியொரு வெற்றியை ஈட்ட தன் அப்பாவின் ரசிகர்கள் ஒத்துழைப்பு இருந்தால்தான் முடியும் என்று நம்புகிறாராம் சௌந்தர்யா. இதையெல்லாம் தன் தந்தையுடன் மனம் விட்டுப் பகிர்ந்துகொண்ட சௌந்தர்யா, `ரசிகர்களுக்காக நீங்க இறங்கி வந்துதான் ஆகவேண்டும்' என்று வலியுறுத்தினாராம்.
ரஜினி இறங்கி வருவது என்றால் என்ன? அவர் அரசியலில் குதிப்பதா? என்று கேட்டால் அவசர அவசரமாய் அதனை மறுக்கிறார்கள், இதுகுறித்து நம்மிடம் பேசியவர்கள்.

``தலைவர் அரசியலில் குதிப்பது என்று முடிவெடுத்து அதனை அறிவித்தால் அது இன்னும் ஆபத்தில் போய் முடிந்துவிடும். `தெளிவான முடிவை எடுக்கத் தெரியாதவர்' என்ற முத்திரை நிரந்தரமாக ரஜினி மீது விழுந்துவிடும் அபாயமும் இருக்கிறது. ரசிகர்களுக்காக ரஜினி இறங்கி வருவது என்றால், அவருக்கும் ரசிகர்களுக்கும் இருக்கும் இடைவெளியைக் குறைத்து, நெருக்கத்தை வளர்த்துக்கொள்வதுதான். ரஜினி தன் ரசிகர்களை நேரடியாகச் சந்தித்து பதினைந்து வருடங்களுக்கும் மேலாகிவிட்டது. அந்த நிலையை அவர் மாற்றவேண்டும். முப்பது மாவட்ட நிர்வாகிகளையும் மாவட்டத்தில் இரண்டாம் நிலையில் உள்ள மன்றப் பொறுப்பாளர்களையும் நூறு நூறு பேராக ராகவேந்திரா மண்டபத்துக்கு வரவழைத்து ரஜினி பேசவேண்டும். அவர்களுடன் நெருக்கத்தை ஏற்படுத்திக்கொள்ள வேண்டும். ரசிகர்களின் மனவிருப்பத்தைக் கேட்டுத் தெரிந்துகொண்டு அவர்களை உற்சாகப்படுத்த வேண்டும். அவர் அரசியலுக்கு வருகிறாரோ... இல்லையோ? ஆனால், தன் ரசிகர்களுடனான நேரடித் தொடர்பை வளர்த்துக்கொள்ள வேண்டும். அது ஒன்றுதான் தற்போது அவருக்கு ஏற்பட இருக்கும் இமேஜ் இழப்புக்குத் தீர்வாக அமையும். உங்களிடம் சொன்ன இதே கருத்தைத்தான் சென்னைக்குச் சென்று சத்தியநாராயணாவிடமும், தலைமை மன்ற நிர்வாகிகளிடமும் சொன்னோம். அவர்கள் மூலமாக சௌந்தர்யா தெரிந்துகொண்டு அப்பாவிடம் பேசியிருக்கிறார்'' என்றார்கள்.
இந்நிலையில், ஒரு முக்கியமான பரபரப்பு ஒன்றும் கடந்த சனிக்கிழமை (30-ம் தேதி) அன்று சென்னை ராகவேந்திரா மண்டபத்தில் நடந்திருக்கிறது.

அன்று சத்தியநாராயணாவை நேரில் சந்தித்த சென்னை மண்டல மன்ற நிர்வாகிகள் கடிதம் ஒன்றைக் கொடுத்தார்களாம். ரஜினிக்கு எழுதப்பட்ட அந்தக் கடிதத்தில் மாவட்ட ரீதியாக மன்றத்தில் மாற்றங்களைக் கொண்டு வரவேண்டும். மிக முக்கியமாக எல்லா மாவட்டங்களிலும் மகளிர் அணி, இலக்கிய அணி, இளைஞர் அணி, வழக்கறிஞர்கள் அணி போன்றவற்றை நீங்கள் அறிவிக்கவேண்டும் என்று இருந்ததாம்.
அவர்கள் கொடுத்த கடிதத்தைப் படித்துப் பார்த்த சத்தியநாராயணா, ``இந்தக் கடிதத்தை, சாரிடம் (ரஜினியிடம்) நான் சேர்த்துவிடுகிறேன். ஆனால், அது உடனடியாக நடக்காது. சார் ஏற்கெனவே அப்செட்டுல இருக்காரு. இந்த நேரத்துல போய் உங்கள் கடிதத்தை நான் கொடுத்தால் நன்றாக இருக்காது. `குசேலன்' படப் பிரச்னைகளிலிருந்து சார் விடுபட்டு வெளியே வரட்டும். அவர் கொஞ்சம் ரிலாக்ஸ் ஆகட்டும். அந்த சமயத்தில் உங்கள் கடிதத்தைக் கண்டிப்பாக அவரிடம் சேர்த்துவிடுகிறேன்'' என்ற உத்தரவாதத்துடன் திரண்டு வந்த சென்னை மண்டல ரசிகர்களை வழியனுப்பி வைத்திருக்கிறார்.

``சூப்பர் ஸ்டார் இமேஜை தக்க வைத்துக்கொள்ளவும், சினிமாவில் தனது மார்க்கெட்டை பாதுகாத்துக்கொள்ளவும் எங்கள் தலைவருக்கு நாங்கள் அவசியம். அதனால் எங்களை அவர் நேரில் சந்திப்பது என்பது காலத்தின் கட்டாயம். அது இன்னும் ஒரு சில வாரங்களில் நடந்துவிடும்!'' என்கிறார்கள் அவரது ரசிகர்கள்.
அதுபோலவே வரும் 4-ம் தேதி சென்னையிலுள்ள தனது ரசிகர்களைச் சந்திக்கிறாராம் ரஜினி.

Friday, September 5, 2008

The name is Endhiran not Endhiram - Wow…It’s official!!



Superstar reads our mind.

The name is Endhiran not Endhiram. Wow…the name is rocking.

Below is the official press release of Endhiran - the robot which has been issued today.

Just look at the technicians list. It is rocking. Wow…

Press Release

Director Shankar’s ‘Endhiran’ (The Robot) - With Super Star Rajnikanth and Aishwarya Rai Bachan in lead rolls, get starts rolling on September 8th at America.

The movie production houses which involved into this grandeur venture are Ayngaran International Films Pvt Ltd., and Eros International.

Two fantastic numbers in A. R. Rahman’s music, he is the music director of the film, is about to shot in beautiful locations of America.

Cinematography: R. Ratnavelu…

Art: Sabu Cyril

Lyrics: Vairamuthu, Pa. Vijay

Editing: Antony

Choreography: Raju Sundaram

Costume Design: Manish Malhotra.

The Costume Designer of Men in Black, Batman returns, Inspector Gadget Mary E Vogt is designing the scientific outfits.

Stan Winston Studio (USA) who has worked for Predator, Jurassic Park, Pearl Harbor, Iron man, Terminator and I - Robot is doing Animatronics.

Yuen Woo Ping who handled stunt for many Hollywood movies like Crouching Tiger Hidden Dragon, Matrix and Kill Bill is currently working for Endhiran (THE ROBOT).

All the three world renowned people working for an Indian movie is for the first time.

Hollywood companies like ILM, Tippet, Café EFX; and Hong Kong companies like Centro and Menfond are going to work in the field of VFX.

Visual Effects and Animatronics co-ordination: Indian Artiste.

Producers: K. Karunamurthi / C. Arunpandian.

Executive Producer: K. Vijayakumar.



Tamil press release



Source - onlyrajini.com

Thursday, September 4, 2008

Kumudham latest survey says - Superstar is,was and will be King forever



This week Kumudam has come up with an amazing article in support of Superstar. Italicized sentences are by Kumudam. Bytes by personalities are marked with “quotes” appropriately.

In the past few Kumudam issues, its column writer (not a Kumudam staff) Koni has blabbered something regarding Kuselan and Rajini in unethical way just because of personal hatred. Now Kumudam itself has refuted that stupid with an excellent article on Rajini with bytes from Kollywood personalities and general public.

In the first para itself Kumudam has affirmed that whatever Rajini does becomes national news.

MGR & Superstar

It also says that even before entering politics it was only MGR who had this power. It is not an ordinary thing that Superstar too has such a hold. It is wonder that not only his hit movies – even his flop movies too make headlines and raise furor.

SPM:

Veteran director SP Muthuraman says, “I have directed lots of movies with Superstar in the lead. 90% of these films are hits. Though balance movies weren’t successful they didn’t incur loss to anybody. Most of my films with Rajini were Silver Jubilee and 100 days films. That is Superstar for you.

Not only distributors, exhibitors (theatres), producers amassed wealth because of Rajini films. There are innumerous hidden faces including poster boys, theatre parking contractors, canteen proprietors, bunk shop owners and various other petty traders who tasted prosperity because of his films. Once Rajini announces his new film, the whole Kollywood becomes active and money starts circulating creating prosperity vibes to all.

SPM also recollects how Rajini helped his unit people with a film called Pandian. “I wanted to do something for my unit people who are with me for over the years. So, I straightaway asked Rajini himself to do something. He gave consent for Pandian. A total number of 15 persons in my unit shared the profits. That is Rajini’s humanity. Though we didn’t do film for past several years we are contented with happy life because of Rajini’s help that time.

Thalapathy Sathy:

Sathy says that it is not fair for him to speak about Rajini and only other should speak. Sathy is looking after fan clubs since 1981.

“Now am 58 years old. I was 29 when I joined with Superstar. He is the same Rajini whom I saw twenty years ago. He has not changed even a single bit. He has the maturity to deal things. Success or failure, happiness or sorrows both are same for him. Unshakeable self-confidence and deep piousness towards God have shaped him like that.

Though Rajini has given innumerous successful ventures, just because of Kuselan’s failure – many are questioning him and condemning him and trying to demean him. This is amidst his affirmation that his part is only 25% of the total film.

CHO:

“Rajini is not hero in this film. He is only a guest artiste. He is not even producer. But all odds and criticisms are pouring on him. I don’t understand this.”

K Balachander:

“There’s not truth even in a single bit of negative news about Kuselan that circulating in media. I would like to remind only one thing. Just to help out Kavithaalyaa, Rajini came forward to do this film. I feel very much guilty for being one among three producers who were origin for criticisms and arguments opposing Rajini.”

It is evident that KB is very much wounded because of remarks against Rajini who generated prosperity in many families by his films over the years.

Babu Rajendran – a family friend of Superstar:

“Once he gives a stupendous hit next time, the same Tamil cinema will praise laurels on him. He will be talked much. That time too Rajini will remain calm and look as if he knows nothing. That is Rajini. He attained this much maturity because of his frequent visits to Himalayas and interacting with sages there. Moreover he practices meditation. How much you instigate him, he would never tell that he has done so many good things to cinema. So only he remains unaffected by criticisms or praising.” Thus Babu analysed Rajini spiritual side.

Yes. It is true. Tamil people are much aware of Rajini’s unbreakable records in cinema. But, they rarely know the other side of his wonderful personality.

Bytes by some general public people

Aasha: Is it easy for anybody to stand in first rank for more than 25 years? Only his own films are competition to his films. Nobody can even touch him.

Dr. Balachandran: Rajini magic couldn’t be understood easily by all. He is a miracle.

Ms.Rama: Just his intro scene itself electrifies the whole audience. That is Superstar. It is possible only by him.



Has Rajini’s voice lost its glory?

When we shot this question to many Chennaiites, they all said in chorus, “How sir? Many can come and go. But he is the only Superstar.”

Kumudam Mega Survey results

Rajini’s voice won’t lose its glory forever: 86% (most of these voters are youngsters!!)

It has get affected because of Kuselan: 10%

Don’t want to comment: 4%

(Thanks Kumudam group for wonderful job on behalf of innumerous Rajini fans. Surely this is article serves as a penitent (paava mannippu) for you.
- Sundar)


Source - onlyrajini & vinojasan

Wednesday, September 3, 2008

Robot is renamed as 'Enthiram' - Daily Thanthi



Daily Thanthi today reports the news of Robot movie name changed to Enthiram.

After Kuselan Superstar is acting in Shankar's Robot,This is produced by Angaran.The make up test for this movie was recently done in US.

Tamil movies in order to get tax exemption need to be named in tamil only. Since Robot is an english word it is changed to enthiram.

Enthiram shooting begins in America this september 7th and Superstar leaves to US on friday. One month shooting has been scheduled there.

Tuesday, September 2, 2008

Awards and Honours won by our beloved Superstar



Rajinikanth was named as one of the influential persons in South Asia by Asiaweek.[26] He has won the Filmfare during his acting career. He won the award for two films in the year 1995 for the films Baasha and Muthu.[27] Rajinikanth, despite these awards, has not yet received a National film award for his acting.

Between 1977 and 2005, Rajinikanth received awards from several organizations, like Tamil Nadu State Government Award, Cinema Express, Filmfans Association, Filmfare etc., for his on-screen performances and off-screen contributions in writing and producing. He has received awards in the Best Actor category for his performance in the films Sivaji, Chandramukhi, Padayappa, Peddarayudu, Baasha, Muthu, Annamalai, Thalapathy, Velaikaran, Sri Raghavendra, Nallavanuku Nallavan, Moondru Mugam, Engeyo Ketta Kural, Aarilirunthu Arubathu Varai, Mullum Malarum and 16 Vayathinile. He received an award for Best Actor in a Supporting Role for Bhuvana Oru Kelvi Kuri. He has also received awards in Best Story Writer and Best Producer categories for Valli.

He has also received other honours such as Raj Kapoor Award in 2007 from the Government of Maharashtra, and the high-honoured civilan award, Padma Bhushan, in 2000[2] from Government of India.

In September 2007, Rajinikanth won the Best Actor award, given by the Government of Tamil Nadu for his role in the film Chandramukhi. Recently, he was selected as the Indian Entertainer of the Year for 2007 by NDTV, beating out the likes of Shah Rukh Khan and Shilpa Shetty.

Another point Padmabushan is a higher award compared to padmasri. If you know what i mean.

Kuselan - an amicable decision finalized



The raging tussle between the distributors and the producers of the movie 'Kuselan' reaches a demise. The Producers committee along with the distributors committee of the tamil industry held a joint talk session today.

After the end of the long meet, Producer Rama Narayanan leader of the producers committee and Annamalai leader of the distributors committee released a joint press report. It stated that the previously made reports of the hassle are deviated and falsely made.

The union of both the committee's agreed to join hands as they form the base of the industry. The committee's made definite decisions for future endeavors to avoid such issues and the dispute ended amicably.

Will Rajini fans allow him to be the talented Rajini he is?




I’ll tell you what will save Kuselan – what’ll save Kuselan is not Rajini compensating the distributors or Rajini making a guest appearance in Murgadoss’s next but the Tamil audience learning to put away preconceived notions of what a Rajini movie should be and go see (or even re-see) Kuselan. And appreciate it for the wonderful movie it is. Kuselan for me is the most recent instance of something that has always been there about cinema –be it Hollywood or Kollywood: that the box office performance of a movie is not always an indicator of how good or bad a movie is. Another vivid example is Mani Ratnam’s Iruvar whose middling performance at the box office crushed Mani Ratnam’s belief in the movie going public (he felt Iruvar was his best) to the extent that he compensated distributors. Now, after several decades, here is Kuselan, another good movie (definitely not a masterpiece like Iruvar) having to contend with failure, and financial re-compensation.

So many of Kamal’s movies have been brilliant to wonderful (Hey Ram and Anbe Sivam come to mind) but have to face poor box office reception. Does that make them mediocre or bad movies? No! So how does box office justify anything? I thought that Chandramukhi, Sivaji: the Boss and Dasavatharam were not great script movies, but look at the box office phenomenon they became. Does their success and ability to please crowds make them good movies? No! In retrospect, Tamil audience now admit that Iruvar is a great film, and that Anbe Sivam has become a movie to watch again on cable recasts and DVD. I’m betting that a year from now, the same movie-goers who are dismissing Kuselan or are staying away from it, will be praising it and enjoy seeing it again and again on DVD.

I wish that a year from now, after all the fuss about Rajini’s Hogenakkal apology, the distributors agitation, and the poor word of mouth has all died down, Kuselan is re-released – unedited and unexpurgated.

The Tamil audience is not always wrong, of course. They were bang on in dismissing Bheema – no amount of reevaluation is going to make this movie any better. It is simply a failure of the script, not execution or acting. (You’ll notice all the underrated or overlooked movies I’ve mentioned above have excellent scripts). And they were bang on in recognizing that Kadhal, Paruthiveeran, Subramanipuram, Anjathe and Polladavan were different but still worthy of box office patronage. (Again, superb scripts). So, they do know a good movie when they see one –except sometimes bad press, the wrong word of mouth or a movie that is simply ahead of its time (think Iruvar) distracts them from recognizing good cinema.

Kuselan had too many detractors (several of them, factors external to the movie) for the public to simply enjoy the movie for what it is: an intelligent ensemble comedy and a moving drama about friendship. And what a rich script. (I mean, how could any script by Sreenivasan misfire?) It is not Rajini I worry for here - the Superstar will move on to Robot and give people what they want – but for director Vasu, who so skillfully adapted it from the Malayalam original (unlike Viji who bungled Velli Thirai) and refashioned it as an entertaining but sensitive Tamil masala movie. I’m sad that Pasupathy’s beautifully controlled and understated performance here has been obscured by all the bad press Kuselan has been getting. Apart from Pasupathy, all the little comic actors perform so well. There is even subtlety to the comedy. And Vadivellu certainly does not disappoint.

Kuselan works precisely because it is not a typical Rajini film. And yet the climax of the movie is so moving and powerful because it is Rajini, a true to life superstar who has touched –and continues to touch – the lives of so many people on screen and off screen. Before this moment of reunion between these childhood friends, the movie’s entire plot shows the town clamoring to get close to the Superstar, and – once again – their antics are convincing because this is the real Rajini. Imagine Prakash Raj instead in the role: he would have played a superstar in his inimitable grandiose style, but the audience will still know that this is an intelligent actor playing a part. With Rajini you know it is the real thing. The grandeur is not faked. That is why, though Kuselan is not a Rajini film, it is still very much his film because it is charged with his presence.

However, it is really high time Tamil cinema fans, especially Rajini fans, allowed the star to explore playing different parts – if not lead roles – in movies where he does not always have to play the same myth-making, larger than life character. It is painfully obvious that after seeing the success of offbeat movies like Paruthiveeran and Subramaniapuram, Rajini is crying out to do something different himself. To send a message that he not only blesses all the change in Tamil cinema but wants to be a part of the change – not just be godfather to it.

In Baba he explored the unworldly, spiritual side in him; in Kuselan he risked demystifying the grand Rajini myth. Saying simply, ‘I’m only the actor who said all those dialogues written for me by good scriptwriters. And you have taken it too seriously. Don’t confuse me with my characters.” Of course, the audience didn’t buy it. It took Sean Connery decades to get an audience to accept him playing characters other than James Bond. When he was still Bond, Pierce Brosnan risked playing a villain (The Tailor of Panama); ditto for Daniel Craig.

Rajinikanth should be allowed to play the roles he wants – not those we would like him to. Come on people, how many times has he told us “En vazhi – thani vazhi.” If you don’t respect and acknowledge that then it is you, the Rajini fan that is not taking him seriously. And if he has told us this once, is not like he has told us this a hundred times?! But we aren’t listening.

Will Rajini fans allow him to be the talented Rajini he is? From here on, this is the deal Rajini should make with his audience: ‘for every two superstar movies, I will make one character-based movie’.

Idhu eppadi irukku?


View by a common man.