Ash’s glam look in Endhiran & Delay in Sultan’s release

1) ‘Ash’s tribal look in Enthiran is very glamorous’

Make-up artists have a gift — they can make everyone look good!

And while Bollywood boasts of some gorgeous looking women, these artists can up the glam look even more.

Ask Ojas Rajani. He’s done the make-up for many actresses, and done a very good job at that. While his favourites remain Aishwarya Rai Bachchan, Urmila Matondkar and Malaika Arora Khan, he loves the younger actresses as well.

He tells Nithya Ramani how he makes heroines look hot.

Aishwarya Rai Bachchan

I am working with Aishwarya on Action Replay and Enthiran. Even though Enthiran is my first film with Ash, I have known her for about eight years. I have done her make-up for her ads.

She has a fantastic face. She’s very professional and allows you to do anything with her face. She’s very open. She is one of the few actresses who has an international as well as an Indian look. She’s like a princess — she looks stunning even in minimum make-up. She knows how to carry herself well.

She is blessed with beautiful coloured eyes, eyebrows and a great pout — they look simple yet glamourous.

We have tried 57 costumes and different looks for her in Enthiran. Her tribal look is very glamourous. She has to look like a Mexican tribal. Manish Malhotra has styled the film and done an awesome job.

http://movies.rediff.com/slide-show/2009/may/20/slide-show-1-ojas-talks-about-favourite-stars.htm



2) Sultan - Only by 2010?

Rajnikanth’s Sultan not ready yet

May 19, 2009 13:10 IST

It was in 2007 when Sultan the Warrior, India’s first 3D animation film on Tamil super star Rajnikanth [Images] was revealed.

The animation film is a joint production of Adlabs [Get Quote] and Ocher Studios, the Managing Director of whom is Rajnikanth’s daughter, Soundarya Rajnikanth.

When the idea to make a 3 D animation film came to her mind, Soundarya could only think of her father and his inimitable style. “You need someone stylish to get animated. I am such a fan of my father that I felt he deserved to be animated first. Appa is God to me. He is known for his style, mannerisms and gimmicks. If he could do so much in live action, imagine what he could do with animation? The sky is the limit. In Sultan too he does a lot of gimmicks. I would say this film is a daughter’s dedication to her father,” she told rediff.com.

It is 2009 now and the film which was supposed to release by 2008 end has not yet reached the theatres. Only a new still from the film has been released. It is said that the film will release only by early 2010. Let us hope the film is worth the wait.

http://movies.rediff.com/look/2009/may/19/rajnikanths-sultan-not-ready-yet.htm

Thalapathy... a Mani Ratnam Masterpiece

By Visitor S.Mahesh

The views expressed in this column is that of the visitor. We don't hold responsible for its content.

Though I have seen Thalapathy a number of times I failed to realize its amazing technical brilliance hidden under its shell. All these years I have just enjoyed the movie as an entertainer without much stressing on its technical details. But I was totally blown away when I watched it in a DVD few months back. In technical aspects I would say Thalapathy is Mani’s masterstroke among all his films and is very special, thanks to Santhosh Sivan’s breathtaking cinematography, Ilayaraja’s scintillating BGM and songs and above all Mani’s execution of scenes and characterization makes it one of the best in the industry. Since Thalapathy has its adaptation from the epic Mahabharata, both the scenes and characters have shades of Mahabharata.

To start with

Titles: Mani’s movies never had titles in maroon color (they are usually in white fonts in black background) but in Thalapathy titles come in maroon or brick red color since Rajini’s character is compared to Karna in Mahabharata who is the son of Sun, which is maroon or brick red color. Needless to say Rajini’s name in Thalapathy is Surya. This is the reason, you would find Rajini in maroon colored shirts in most scenes. Also, you will find Sun’s rays joining Rajini in many scenes. When Srividya and Rajini unite you can see the Sun rising. Also the whole movie would have a maroonish tone.

Characterization: See how beautifully Mani portrays Shobana’s character. She would always start from ‘Yamunai aatrile eera kaatrile kannanodu thaan aada’ but once her love is broken she starts from ‘Aayarpaadiyil kannan illayo’. Also during the break-up scene of Shobana–Rajini you can see the Sun trying to set.

Songs: Now we shall look into Mani’s magic in the songs. Picturizing songs is an art which does not come to all directors easily. But for Mani just a room is enough, he will do wonders, (eg.Ninnukori Varnam). Since Rajini’s characterization is similar to a warrior who goes for frequent fights, Mani had picturised the song in the same fashion. Another important factor he had considered is war coming to a close around six in the evening basically to nurse the injured soldiers. Here, Shobana lights the lamps and Rajini will be seen with his horses resting.

Ilayaraja aka BGM: I can’t even imagine any other music director for this classic. Whenever Srividya thinks of Rajini, BGM would be train’s siren. Amazing, isn’t it? In ‘Sundari kannal oru sedi’, when Rajini goes for war you can hear the police march fast BGM. Some other amazing BGM portions in Thalapathy are the Rajini–Shobana break up scene, Rajini–Mammootty first meeting and uniting scene and when Rajini stands in a small hill just before Amrish Puri enters the frame.

These are just few examples but each and every frame's execution speaks Mani's caliber and why he is the master. According to me, Thalapathy is truly an under rated classic.

Thanks,

S.Mahesh.
smahesh1980@gmail.com

This is the most descriptive article about Endhiran, its prospects, budget in recent times. Though there are some factual errors here and there in the article one can ignore them and have a sneak peek through the article since there are some valuable inputs from experts.

The National is one of the leading newspaper from Gulf serving many countries in middle east.

The Bollywood actress Aishwarya Rai Bachchan was reportedly cast in Robot to boost the film’s appeal for Hindi speakers. David Heerde / Rex Features

The film Robot features a dancing android built by the special effects team behind Terminator and Predator and outfitted by a costumier to the stars. But the flick is not a product of Hollywood or even Bollywood, India’s mainstream Hindi film industry. Robot is being shot in Tamil, an Indian language spoken by just 77 million people worldwide.

Robot (or Endhiran in Tamil) is the first film in Indian cinema history to marry south Asian talent with Hollywood technical expertise. It’s a union that will cost an estimated $24 million (Dh88m), the biggest budget ever for an Indian film. To recoup costs, producers hope to break new ground. Most Tamil films have a limited audience, but Robot is pitching for a global market.

The sci-fi flick will include all the traditional elements of a Tamil film – singing, dancing, romance, comedy and improbable martial arts displays. It will star Aishwarya Rai Bachchan and Rajinikanth, two of India’s top actors, and a dancing, fighting android created by Stan Winston Studio, Hollywood’s leading special effects team.

Jack Rajasekar, a spokesman for Stan Winston Studio, confirms that the company has been working on the film for about 18 months and that it is the first Indian film to which the studio has contributed. He says the android will be a replica of Rajinikanth, who was in Hollywood recently to help programme it.

He says the *android will be a replica of Rajinikanth, who was in Hollywood recently to help programme it.

(* android = An automaton that resembles a human being)

“Rajinikanth was all wired up and working very hard on many things like stunts and dance movements,” Rajasekar says.

Other international names to appear in the credits include Mary E Vogt, a Hollywood costumier who outfitted out the caped crusader in Batman Returns as well as a troop of aliens in Men in Black. AR Rahman, the Chennai-based composer who won an Oscar for Slumdog Millionaire, will compose the music. And Woo-Ping Yuen, who worked on Kill Bill and The Matrix, has reportedly signed on as the film’s fight scene choreographer.

It’s unheard of for an Indian film to rely so heavily on foreign input, but the producers of Robot are sparing little expense. A source at Sun TV Network, the Chennai-based production company behind the movie, says that even Rai Bachchan’s make-up artist is Hollywood-based and was flown to the set in Peru.

The film’s director, S Shankar, who has made a string of Tamil film hits, is famously extravagant. During the making of his last film, Shivaji the Boss, he sparred frequently with producers over the budget. SC Babu, the chief executive officer of AVM Productions, which produced Shivaji, says Shankar insisted that the company buy rights for the 1933 Hollywood film King Kong. AVM caved and paid $30,000 (Dh110,000) for a portion of the movie. In the final cut, King Kong appears on screen for a few seconds during a car chase scene at a cinema.

“We wanted to use another film to save costs, but the director insisted that we use King Kong so that the car could burst through King Kong’s mouth,” Babu says.

It’s taken Shankar years to get Robot off the ground. Initially he roped in Shahrukh Khan, one of Bollywood’s biggest stars, to play the lead. But Khan pulled out and the role went to Rajinikanth.

Rajinikanth approached AVM to produce the film, but the studio knocked it back, leaving the way open for the UK-based Tamil film distribution company Ayngaran to buy the option. Ayngaran began working on the project in 2007, but last December it sold Robot to Sun TV Network, which owns a string of TV stations in south India. Vijay Kumar, an executive producer at Ayngaran, says that the company was hit by the recession and could no longer afford to fund the film.

“It was a dream project that we were into for a year and a half,” Kumar says. “But we had budget concerns in the recession and we ran out of money.”

He would not disclose how much Sun TV Network paid for the film, but says that Ayngaran didn’t make a profit from the sale and only covered what had already been spent on the production.

Now under the control of Sun TV Network, Robot is in its forth month of shooting and is expected to take another year to complete, with shoots planned for Brazil, India and Hong Kong.

Shankar is an extremely private director and guards his sets heavily to prevent leaks. Even mobile phones are forbidden. When pictures of an Incan-themed dance sequence at Machu Picchu in Peru hit the internet, Shankar is believed to have ordered a full-scale investigation into the security breach.

R Madhesh, a director who has worked with Shankar, says he has long insisted on complete confidentiality, and only shows the script to about four people involved in the film, including the assistant director and the cinematographer. Even the lead actors aren’t privy to it and must make do with a brief plot outline to prepare for the role. “They only see their lines the evening before the shoot,” Madhesh says.

Even the lead actors aren’t privy to it and must make do with a brief plot outline to prepare for the role. “They only see their lines the evening before the shoot,” Madhesh says.

Many say it’s no surprise that India’s most extravagant film is a product of Tamil Nadu. The state’s passion for film is legendary. “Tamil people idolise actors. It’s a crazy addiction,” says Gayatri, a Chennai-based film writer. “Nowhere else in India do you see such an intense fan culture.”

Only 15 per cent of Indians speak the Tamil language, but the southern state is home to the country’s third largest film industry, valued at about $240m (Dh881m) a year. It’s a testament to Tamilians’ passion for cinema that most of the state’s chief ministers have hailed from the industry. The 2009 elections will be a race against Jayalalitha, a former screen actress and M Karunanidhi, a former script writer.

Robot is not the first mega production in Tamil. Shivaji the Boss, which AVM released in 2007, cost $12m (Dh44m) to make, according to the studio.

Shivaji and Robot have much in common. Both films star Rajinikanth, are directed by Shankar and will feature a soundtrack by Rahman.

The international success of Shivaji bodes well for Robot. AVM estimates that the film reaped $30m (Dh110m) internationally, making it one of the highest-grossing Indian films of all time. In Tamil Nadu the movie broke all box office records, and in the UK it became the first south Indian film to enter the mainstream top 10. The film was also screened in America, Canada, the UAE, Malaysia, Hong Kong, Singapore, Sri Lanka, South Africa, Mauritius and western Europe.

The international success of Shivaji bodes well for Robot. AVM estimates that the film reaped $30m (Dh110m) internationally, making it one of the highest-grossing Indian films of all time. In Tamil Nadu the movie broke all box office records, and in the UK it became the first south Indian film to enter the mainstream top 10.

But despite its geographical reach, Shivaji the Boss had a limited audience. The movie was released in only two languages: an original version in Tamil and a dubbed version in Telugu, the language of the southern state Andhra Pradesh. Babu says that of the 800 prints distributed globally, only two were subtitled in English.

Most of the people who paid to see Shivaji the Boss at the cinema were of south Indian origin, but the producers of Robot hope to entice audiences from across the subcontinent and Indian diaspora. It’s understood that the film will be dubbed into Hindi as well Telugu, and possibly even English.

Ramanujam, the chief editor of the trade journal Tamil Nadu Entertainment, says that producers are trying to broaden the film’s market. “Robot is not really a domestic Tamil film,” he says. “It will be an international film.”

Ramanujam, the chief editor of the trade journal Tamil Nadu Entertainment, says that producers are trying to broaden the film’s market. “Robot is not really a domestic Tamil film,” he says. “It will be an international film.”

He adds that Rai Bachchan was cast to increase the film’s appeal for Hindi speakers, of whom there are more than 700 million worldwide. The former Miss World is the reigning queen of Bollywood, and one of the few Indian actors with an international profile. She was paid an estimated $1m (Dh3.6m) to star in Robot.

Marketing for Robot is yet to begin, but there’s already a buzz in the film industry.

“It will rock,” says the Chennai-based film writer R Ravishankar. “With such a magical combination of talent it won’t fail.” He says Rajinikanth, who was paid an estimated $5m (Dh18m) to play the lead, will be the main draw for Tamil audiences. “No Tamil star this decade can match Rajinikanth’s presence on screen. He even has fans who are babies. He may not be the best actor but no one has his charisma,” Ravishankar says.

“No Tamil star this decade can match Rajinikanth’s presence on screen. He even has fans who are babies. He may not be the best actor but no one has his charisma,” Ravishankar says.

A former bus driver from Bangalore, Rajinikanth is part comedian, part action hero. On screen he woos women half his age and performs impossible feats of courage. “My favourite Rajinikanth moment is when he throws a knife at a bullet coming towards him. He cuts the bullet in half and the two halves kill the villains,” Gayatri says.

If Rajinikanth can work his magic beyond his Tamil fan-base, then the producers of Robot will have achieved their true objective: to make a Tamil film that trumps Bollywood.



http://www.thenational.ae/article/20090514/ART/705139976/1208

Our thanks to : The National news paper

Superstar casts his vote with family

A six-pack Rajini in Sultan

Get set to whistle non-stop. Superstar Rajinikanth is all set to sport a six-pack. So what if it is in the animated film, Sultan the Warrior? The resemblance to Rajini is remarkable.

“We have been able to achieve a celluloid look because we motion captured him,” says Soundarya Rajinikanth, co-producer of Sultan the Warrior.

Soundarya checks the gray scale, then goes back to the original motion capture images. Forty eight cameras read only the glowing markers on a tight body suit that he wears. But Rajini does not merely go through the motions. His face, eyes, eyebrows, all come alive. “He is a director’s delight, and that is why we have been able to achieve a finish not attempted in India so far,” she adds.

Some of Hollywood’s best technicians have helped achieve the look. The facial animation (you have only around 200 muscles to replicate) has been done by Image Matrix, the company that did that fabulous work on Brad Pitt in The Curious Case of Benjamin Button. “We have outsourced nearly 30 per cent of our work and it all needs to gel together,” adds Soundarya.

The USD 5 million project has been in the making for a few years now. “Maybe I was a little too optimistic that the full length animation film (one hour and 45 minutes running time, as of now) could be finished in two years time,” she says and adds “Internationally, it is known that an animation film with VFX takes much longer.”
With a background in multimedia, how did she turn to direction and where did she get the story idea from? “Oh, it’s appa’s ‘knot’ actually,” she says. “We normally discuss stories and when he mentioned this one, I wanted to make an animated film at once. He said, ‘Come back to me with a screenplay and we will see’. I did and he gave the thumbs up,” says Soundarya.

Nearly 70 per cent of the film is done, says Ravikumar Anandaraj, chief technical officer and executive producer of the film.

It is a film set in the Chola period. With Rahul Dev having been motion captured as the villain who is also a classical dancer and a martial arts expert, will this be a kind of Sultan-meets-Bruce Wayne film? “No, he is not Superman, he cannot fly, but Sultan will connect with the warrior in every one of us. It is a commercial film with love, betrayal, revenge, action and humour,” she explains.

What about the trademark Rajni punch dialogues? “Adikkira kaathula parakkura Sultan elai illada, malai, asaikka mudiyadhu (Sultan is not a leaf to blow away in the wind, but a mountain. He is unshakable), ” Soundarya reels off one of the dialogues written by her.

“Shooting him was an awesome experience, we never had to go beyond one take, though when I said, ‘Retake’ he always obliged.”

Soundarya is also planning a glossy coffee-table book on the making of Sultan the Warrior. The mock up scenes will also be screened in theatres.

The film will be released in Tamil, Telugu and Hindi simultaneously. The Japanese and English versions will be released “according to theatrical release norms of that country,” she adds. “India is a happening place today, which was not the case three years ago, when I participated at Mipcom at Cannes (where international content is showcased). Now, international distributors are keen to discuss our films complete with song, dance and the climax fight,” says Soundarya.

Any confusion over the release date? “All I want is to gift a good, classy product to my dad, and such a gift can be given at Diwali,” she says.

A Diwali release? She laughs and responds with a question, “Or maybe an early new year gift?”
“What matters is that he is the first southeast Asian star to be animated, and it will be a classy work, something India will be proud of. Our animation work has never crossed the oceans. It’s time it did,” says Soundarya.

So how are things with Warner Bros, with whom her company had tied up for joint ventures? She opens a mail from Richard Fox of Warner Bros and reads it. “‘It’s going good and we have many projects in the pipeline. Warner Bros has been and will continue to work with you. Together, our companies have a number of south Indian language projects in various stages of production. We will announce these projects at the appropriate time. But, any rumour that suggests otherwise is simply not true’, said Richard Fox executive vice-president International, Warner Bros,” she says.

Courtesy : http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com

Superstar in YG Mahendran's 100th stage play

At the Kamarajar Arangam, it was a special performance for the stage legend Y.G. Mahendra who was staging his 100th play. To mark the achievement and to honor him two legends of the Tamil film industry; Rajinikanth and Kamal were present. Rajini was present along with his wife, daughters and son-in-law Dhanush while Kamal was present along with daughter Apsara, Gauthami and her daughter Subbulakshmi.

Soundarya all geared to release Sultan

Soundarya Rajinikanth is all set to release her magnum opus, the animated film Sultan — The Warrior, featuring Superstar Rajinikanth in July.

Originally slotted for a Pongal release, the film was shifted to April 14. It would have been an ideal summer release, but alas! The post production work delayed the process. Since Sultan is an animation film and Soundarya wanted her dream project to be flawless, the unit is buying time to perfect the movie. Initially, a Hollywood house was supposed to fund the project, but now, it looks like Soundarya will have to complete and distribute the project. With AR Rahman busy with his international commitments, we wonder who’s scoring the music. But ARR has already given 5 great tracks for the film.



http://timesofindia .indiatimes. com/Entertainmen t/Soundarya- all-geared- to-release- Sultan/articlesh ow/4448272. cms

Chandramukhi official DVD released after 4 years

Sivaji productions Chandramukhi DVD released officially after 4 years. This DVD contains english subtitles and also has some deleted scenes and videos about making of the film.
Interestingly the DVD also has audio function video where superstar says iam not a elephant but a horse even if i fall i will getup immediately. And also the 200 days function where he clarifies why he had made that statement in the audio function.

We all know that Chandramukhi had broken all possible records any film could make at a time where pirated DVDs are available for as low as 30 bucks. It is the longest running movie in the history of tamil cinema (891 days), ran in most number of theatres for 100 days (151 theatres) and many more.

First indian movie to be released in India as Blueray disc. Sivaji The Boss had released in Blueray only abroad. This is superstar's second Blueray disc.

A unique poster

This poster says, For the benfit of the people our GOD's entry into politics has been confirmed by our household child selvi soundarya rajinikanth. Thank you.

Superstar launches telugu movie ‘Chaitram - The Season of Love’

Superstar Rajnikant graced the launch ceremony of director Raju Upati’s Chaitram - The Season of Love.

Raju Upati who earlier directed Veedhi for Usha Kiron Movies is directing this film with newcomer Surya as hero. It is being produced by Vijay of Suresh Productions on Rakesh Cine Circuit banner.

The movie had its opening ceremony at Ramoji Film City where Rajnikant and Shankar are shooting for Robot. Both the superstar and the maverick director attended the function as star guests.

While Rajnikant sounded the clapboard, director Shankar did the first shot direction and cinematographer Sekhar V Joseph switched on the camera.

The opening scene was canned on newcomer Surya and Parachuri Venkateshwara Rao as they mouth the dialogue - “Tirigede Bhoomi, Kaalede Nippu, Poradaavaade Manishi..So all the best.”

Says producer Vijay: “We are introducing a new hero Surya and two new heroines with this movie. From May 15th, we begin our regular shoot in Karamchedu, Pollachi, Malaysia and Hyderabad.”

Raju Upati said: “I am honoured that superstar Rajni and Shankar attended my film’s muhurtham shot. The movie is a love story which tells the various phases in life.”


Courtesy: Telugucinema

Price tag of Superstar and Aishwarya Rai

Freida, who is said to have earned over two million pounds, overtaking Bollywood beauties like Aishwarya, Kareena Kapoor and Katrina Kaif is also, according to a world film distributor, being wooed to walk the red carpet at Cannes in May 2009.

On the Bollywood front, Kareena Kapoor (28) has nudged Aishwarya Rai Bachchan out of the Filmfare Top-10 Power list. But a producer from Chennai confirms that Ash is still the highest paid Indian heroine and has reportedly been paid a fee of Rs six crore for Shankar’s Robot, where she is cast opposite Rajnikant. The actor is said to have received a cheque of Rs one crore as signing amount, that is also a first. Usually it is only the leading men who receive such a big sum as a signing amount.

Reportedly, Rajnikant himself is said to come with a price tag of Rs 25 crore for the same film. He will also get a share in the profits since Robot will be released in Hindi and Tamil. The Tamil superstar will be on top of the heap even as far as Bollywood heroes’ prices go.

Regarding Aishwarya’s price, her manager Hari Singh said, “Aishwarya is definitely one of the highly paid actors in the country, but I would not like to comment on the price she has been paid.” Singh also said that exaggerated prices often made the rounds.

Closer home, Kareena Kapoor has reportedly been paid Rs 2.5 crore for Sajid Nadiadwala’s Kambakkht Ishq. Nadiadwala refuses to comment on his heroine’s price but says, “She has been paid what she deserves.”

According to him, with film corporations in the fray, there is more transparency involved and people can actually check prices. “But that is a whole load of hogwash,” says a trade consultant. “Bollywood still continues to be ambiguous with its payments. What is shown on paper is not necessarily the right price.”

Katrina Kaif is said to have been paid Rs 2 crore for Ramesh Taurani’s Ajab Prem Ki Ghazab Kahani, Priyanka Chopra Rs 2 crore for Vishaal Bharadwaj’s Kaminaay.

Of the leading men, Aamir Khan and Akshay Kumar have last been paid Rs 21 crore for Ghajini and Singh is Kinng, plus a reported share in the profits. Shah Rukh Khan is said to have had a share in profits for Aditya Chopra’s Rab Ne Bana Di Jodi and he is a partner on Karan Johar’s My Name is Khan, as Johar himself was quoted saying, “It is difficult to put a price tag on SRK.”

Article Inspiration & Courtesy: Times of India

Shankar reveals some key info about Endhiran

Kollywood's man with the Midas touch, Shankar, takes a breather from the realm of filmmaking and spends a morning talking cinema, its craft and Endhiran with Archana Thiyagarajan and Akhila Krishnamurthy

Big, bigger; songs, sets, sequences; drama, dances; society, politics; light, effect; stunning, spectacle; magnificent, masala; suspension of disbelief. Shankar.

Even in the real world that Kollywood's auteur lives and works in, there's always an aura of mystery and magic. Commercial chaos flirts freely with artistic sentiments. In Shankar’s office in T Nagar's Kanniah Street, on the day we are summoned to meet him, there's a clutter of activity. Huge crates and cartons are stacked in a corner around which the many hands that assist in the process of film-making are milling around. Walk a little further, a few steps and a world of its own is waiting.

We step in, a little afraid, a little in awe into a strikingly large, minimalist and very Zen-like room that has been styled to nature-like perfection by Puducherrybased French designer, Ananda. The outside spills freely into the inside; there are two large glass windows and there he is! He's looking intently at his small pool below with many many fish. The pool is located in the central open courtyard that is visible from all corners of the house, and is almost idyllic. "It's my favourite spot for relaxation, meditation," says Shankar with a warm smile.

He is the man of the moment, courtesy Endhiran. And as always, he is the filmmaker with many secrets. And someone who never divulges them. But he does. He is supposed to have been back only tomorrow. "But we managed to finish the shoot ahead of schedule," he says. The cast and crew has just finished shooting pieces of the third song sequence (two have already been shot in Peru and Brazil) at Ramoji Film City in Hyderabad.



To us, that information seems almost like a prelude to a kiss. "Songs and filming them are very important to me," he avers, "In many ways, I tell a story through it." For Shankar, God is in the detail: "Every little detail is conceived before we go on the floors."

With a penchant for perfection and a child-like earnestness to delight his audiences, this master craftsman avers Endhiran has taken its own shape and course since he conceived it nearly nine years ago. As a fantasy film, Endhiran promises to have an "international look and feel". "It has many things unseen, unheard in Tamil cinema - budget, creativity, entertainment," he explains, "And that's exactly what making a film is for me. It's like hosting a Virundhu (feast) for my viewers; with each film, I try and do better than what I did both with regard to the content and technique. But without ever compromising the soul of the film." Indeed! MY CINEMA
"Every film of mine, starting with Gentleman, has a message in it. If I made a movie with just lavish songs and attractive people and a bigbudget film without a great story, I don't think it'd work."


TAMIL AUDIENCE

"The Tamil film audience is most appreciative of good cinema! And I think we are ready to welcome fantasy films too.”


TECHNOLOGY

"I like bringing in new technology in Indian cinema. I used the motion capture technology in Ale Ale song in Boys, and made a skeleton dance in Jeans. In Endhiran too, you will see a lot of it. However, it's animatronics (use of electronics and robotics in mechanised puppets to make them appear alive) is the technique most used in this film.”


THE SONG EFFECT

"I don't shoot all my songs abroad. If you see Mudhalvan, none of the songs were shot in foreign locales. Yet, we made it look spectacular and larger-than-life. Uppu Karuvaadu was a big hit too; the song had just a pair of village costumes and a minimalist set!"

Shankar is like a child; he gets excited about everything around him. He is also constantly raising the bar. If I give him a sketch, he will not be convinced till I make him more sketches and convince him that it cannot be done any better than that! In Endhiran, what I like is the way the story has been conceived. I have made a lot of futuristic sets for the film. Futuristic was a theme I always wanted to explore. There'll be many surprise elements in the film. Every song has grandeur written all over it. Sabu Cyril Art Director

It is an absolute joy to work with director Shankar. He is a lot of fun to be around with on the sets. I've worked with him both as an actor and as a choreographer. I love choreographing for his films. He is a bundle of ideas and starts preparing many months before he starts shooting a song. He gives a lot of importance to the technicians too. I just finished shooting a song with him in Endhiran - with Rajini and Aishwarya. It is a very different song and a very demanding one too.

-Prabhu Deva
Actor, Director and
Choreographer

Shankar's films are very demanding for art directors. If there are no moving objects in the frame, you can be assured that it’s a set. As a filmmaker, he really appreciates good work. Even though his work is stressful, he lightens up during our brief lunch and tea breaks. Both of us are foodies and love to experiment with new cuisines. More than a professional relationship, I share a very personal relationship with him. Shankar, KV Anand and I are a gang and hang out together often.

-Thotta Tharani,
Art Director


Impressions about Shankar

The first time I met Shankar was during Gentleman. Back then, I was concentrating on my own production and wasn't keen on acting for another director. It was his narration that made me accept his offer in less than five minutes. Off screen, Shankar is a very jovial person; he has a great sense of humour. There is a catch though; he is very shy and it takes him a lot of time to get comfortable with people. So, only his close group of friends get to enjoy his jokes. Though he makes so many films, if you take a camera to click his picture, he gets very uncomfortable!

-Arjun, Actor


News about Endhiran

On the ‘Superstar’

"Working with Rajinikanth again - after Sivaji- is a pleasurable experience. Though humility is a quality people often associate with him, there’s no denying that it’s unbelievably true of him. It’s only after I worked with him did I realise how powerfully simple the man is!"

The Ash Factor

"Aishwarya is a very intelligent actor. She was my first choice for Endhiran because she has a very international look, and that was the look we wanted for our lead actors. She is the pivot point around which the entire film unfolds."

Comic Relief

"Karunaas and Santhanam are the comedians in the film. But there is no separate comedy track as such in the film as the story itself has plenty of room for comedy."

Greasepaint

"In my last film, you saw a different, fairer Rajini in the Style song, and in this too, a completely new and differently-styled Rajini is waiting to unfold. Even Prabhu Deva admitted that it was one of the toughest songs he's ever worked in!"


Source: Times Of India

Superstar wishes Asal a grand success

TO WATCH SUPERSTAR's SPEECH CLICK THIS LINK.

http://www.sivajitv.com/Item.do?category=ct000002&id=it000575


Asal the Ajith starrer to be produced by Sivaji Productions was launched this morning at 9.30 with the traditional pooja at the Late Sivaji’s house Annai Illam at Boag Road. This event witnessed the presence of noted luminaries from the film world like super star Rajinikanth, Soundarya Rajini, director K Balachander, Suriya, Karthi, S A Chandrashekar, Avm Saravanan, P.Vasu, Sakthi, Jayam Raja, Editor Mohan, Sathyaraj and Lyricst Vairamuthu.

Most of the male dignitaries were spotted in the traditional Tamil costume of Veshti and shirt. Ajithkumar was as usual smart in his silk shirt and dhoti with the Vettarival Meesai. Prabhu who spoke on the occasion said that it is customary for all Sivaji Production’s films to commence with a pooja in Annai Illam and Asal is no exception. He further said, “Though Rajinikanth is a super star, he is a gentle and cultured human being to be with and Ajith is just a replica of him. He is such a fine human being.”

Director Saran hoped that Asal also will be a big hit like Chandramukhi. He also owed his success in the film field to his Guru K Balachander and good friend Ajithkumar. On Asal, he said, “Ajith will be seen in two different getups in the film. There will be two heroines but the names are not yet finalized. This will be music director Bharathwaj’s 50th film. Camera will be cranked by Nirav Shah who will be assisted by Prashanth”.

Vairamuthu, lyricist of the film stated, “The trilogy of me, Bharathwaj and Saran has always worked magic and I am confidant that this magic will continue in Asal also”. While speaking about Saran, Kavi Perarasu said that some directors make films for heroes while some others for producers. However Saran is one director who satisfies everyone.

Superstar Rajinikanth said that though his daughter Soundarya generally does not participate in such functions, she agreed to come today because it is a family affair. Films like Paalum Pazhamum and Veerapandiya Kattabomman which were launched from Annai Illam recorded huge success. Likewise Rajinikanth hoped and wished that Asal also continue in the same success track.

When Ultimate star Ajith rose to speak he said, “I have seen many ups and downs in my life and career. These experiences have taught me to follow strict discipline in my personal life. I am happy to feature in Sivaji Production’s film.”

Superstar at Ajith's Asal movie launch

Current updates in Endhiran & Sultan The Warrior

Endhiran, The Robot:

The film is planned for release late this year, though it is widely believed that the film will hit screens only next year. Endhiran is Sun Pictures’ first film as direct producers and despite the sagging economy, the film is made on a never-heard-before budget. But Sun Pictures’ involvement in the film is also the reason that not a lot of news is available about the film, as there is strong media rivalry with the vernacular medium.

Like every Shankar film, shooting for the film began with the songs and the crew went to Peru for the same. Rajini doing a double action has left him bingeing and starving to gain and lose weight for his different roles. Playing a robot and a scientist, it requires the complete cooperation and dedication of the superstar, and reports state that over 60 percent of the film is done.

Small screen fame actor Devadarshini, is also acting in Endhiran in an important character. The actor is said to be playing Rajini’s sister in the movie where Rajini is holding bangle ceremony for his sister. (Valaikaappu). Shankar canned this shot with a group of women participating in the event with exquisite ornaments and silk sarees.

And despite his busy schedule, Rahman is said to have assigned priority to Endhiran and has composed three songs, and each have been shot also, in Peru, Chennai (AVM Studios) and Hyderabad (Ramoji Rao Film City).

Rahman has also clearly stated that he invited Yogi B only to do a rap song and not Rajini’s introduction, which will be only by SPB, as Rahman hinted.

The next schedule of shooting is all set to kick off at SRM University campus located in Kaattangulathur in Chennai-Trichy National Highway.




Sultan The Warrior:

The film, directed by Rajini’s daughter, Soundarya Rajinikanth, was originally slated for a summer release. Despite over 90 percent of the shooting being complete, it now seems like the film will not hit screens until July. The reason? Rajini’s busy shooting schedule.
With the superstar also working on another megabudget film, Endhiran, it is said that he is having difficulty allocating time for Sultan. This is because for Endhiran boasts of a power packed star cast, including Ash and Rajini, and it is taking a lot of effort to make them available at the same time. Ash is also working for Maniratnam’s Raavan, and this is making the date squeeze even worse.

Shot for most part in a motion capture studio in Hyderabad, Sultan The Warrior will boast of never-seen-before action blocks, shot extensively in Vietnam. Those in the crew let out that the film has an unbelievable intro scene for the superstar. Being an action adventure, Rajini fans can also see ultimate action from him. After all, anything is possible with the help of CG, and when it comes to the Superstar, everybody loves whatever he does.

Both these films of the Superstar have music only by AR Rahman. In fact, Rahman is working only on his projects in Tamil as he is busy with other Bollywood projects to concentrate on Tamil now. The only other film he is doing now, Vinnaithaandi Varuvaaya, is said to have music that he did for Chennaiyil Oru Mazhaikaalam.

For Sultan The Warrior, Rahman has composed all five songs and work is complete on his part. Now, the film’s shoot has to be done for him to do the background score.


Source - Onlyrajini

You cannot become Rajini if you imitate Rajini says Surya

Surya said the following in the Ayan press meet..

Question :- How come you havent mentioned about Rajini or MGR as your role model whereas you have mentioned about Kamal,Vikram,Dhanush etc where you have learnt a lot of things from them?

Surya :- I think you have taken a different view about this, every one in this industry has an eye on Superstar or Mgr since they are thw ultimate of this industry. The reason i have not mentioned Rajini sir name is no one imitate him and become like him. Superstar's style is his own, how can we try to learn that implement it when its not right.

In every action of Rajini sir there is style, whether it is his dialogue delivery,comedy,fight,songs etc. There can be only one Rajini and one MGR.

From behind we all follow Superstar as he is the guide for all of us. My father keeps mentioning about Rajini's past how he has struggled,worked hard and fought all odds to reach this position. He is also a great example of simplicity.

I will imitate rajini in my movies instead i will follow all his characters in real life.

Superstar's speech at 75th year celebration of kannada cinema

Awesome speech by Thalaivar.Hats off.

Oscar nayagan AR Rahman has already composed 5 songs for Robot

Once again Prabhu Deva is choreographing exclusive dancing movements for Superstar Rajinikanth in Endhiran.

For Endhiran, Oscar fame A R Rahman had already composed 5 songs and all the songs will be recorded at a Mumbai studio soon.

Three out of 5 songs have heavy dance movements and Prabhu Deva, Raju Sundaram and Raghava Lawrence are the choreographers who have been assigned 3 songs.

According to Rajini, only these three choreographers can understood his body movements and capabilities better than anybody else.

Upon the request of Rajinikanth, Prabhu Deva has been assigned the introductory song for Rajini in Endhiran.

The latest we hear is that Prabhu is in Hyderabad Ramoji Rao studio doing a very difficult song for Shankar’s Endhiran.

The grapevine goes that Rajini is playing a dual role in the film as a scientist and a Robot. The buzz is that there is a song where two Rajinikanths will come together for a brief period.

According to the sources, Prabhu Deva had designed two different dance movements for Rajinikanth in the same song. But the ace dance master and the superstar has pulled off the impossible, and it has turned out to be a stunning one!

Aishwarya Rai's excitement working in Robot with Supoerstar

Latest titbits

Do you know what’s Big B’s most favourite Rajini movie?

It is a known fact that Big and Superstar Rajini both are admirers and great fans of each other.
Big B recently in a tête-à-tête with Star Tv has said that he shares a good rapport with Superstar and likes his movies very much.
And do you know which movie the legend said his most favourite among Superstar’s movies? Unexpectedly Big B said it is Baba his most favourite Rajini movie.
Really surprising…




Superstar elected Most Favourite Actor in SS Music polls

Southern Spice Entertainment, fondly called as SS Music which is a famous music channel in peninsular, used to contest polls frequently. The poll would be either online or through sms or both.

The channel recently conducted poll (through SMS) on Most Favourite actor and the contenders were Rajini, Kamal and others. (Don’t want to name the rest. It will make the total poll a joke. So leave it.)

No surprise, Superstar elected the most favourite actor with 52% votes and Kamal came the next with 27% votes. You must note that viewership of SS Music channel is not as other channels and here the viewers are
mostly teenagers and college studs. Thanks for our fans and viewers who voted for Superstar.

(In another poll which was conducted last week where Ajith, Vijay, Vikram and Surya were contenders, both Ajith and Vijay garnered same percentage of votes and the poll drew a tie.)






Yet another Bollywood hottie hankers to work with Superstar Rajini

The list of stars who have great respect with Superstar and wish to work with him looks like never ending. Just before we heard that Tisca Chopra wishes to act with Superstar Rajini and here’s yet another cutie who joins Tisca. It is Amruta Patki who has expresses her yearning to act with Superstar Rajini in any one of his projects.

The beauty who was present in Chennai for a film event spoke to the scribes about her visit and wishes.

Deccan Chronicle reports:
‘I am yearning to work with Rajinikanth’

Amruta Patki, who was judged Miss India-Earth for the year 2006 and Miss Earth Air (at the Miss Earth 2006 competition), was recently in Chennai to participate in the trailer launch of the forthcoming Madhavan starrer Naan Aval Athu at Sathyam Cinemas. The six-tall foot damsel draped in a scarlet sari was the centre of attraction, turning heads not just with her beauty but also with her inspiring voice. Having made her debut in the world of films as a playback singer, Amruta has set ramps on fire and she is now preparing herself for the big plunge into acting — both in Kollywood and Bollywood.

She has been receiving a lot of offers but Amruta says she will reveal the details at the right time. So are there any dream projects she has her eye on? Amruta says, “Like the aspiration of every other actor in the country, acting alongside Rajinikanth would be a dream come true for me as well. I am yearning to work with Mani Ratnam. I want to be a puppet in the directors’ hand, moulded to suit the character I play.” Amruta isn’t a new face in Chennai. Speaking about the city’s sense of fashion, she says, “I love Chennai for the tradition it epitomises. Although the fashion mantra is tuned to commercial success, it’s certainly unique and far removed from what’s there in other metros.”



Endhiran & the highest paid actor

It is always a sensational news for media to speak about cine stars’ remuneration. What would be the case if it is Superstar?

A vernacular magazine has recently gossiped in a ‘question answer’ series that Superstar would pocket Rs.25 crores as his remuneration for Endhiran. Industry grapevine says that all biggies (includding Ash, Rahman, Shankar, Rathnavelu) who are associated with Endhiran would get the highest remuneration of their career.

Let’s hope and wish the exhibitors and distributors of Endhiran too earn the highest profits of their profession when the film hits the screens, next year.

Note:
We should mark that - till now Superstar has not divulged any figures - regarding his salary or affirmed the hearsays on his salary that making rounds for the past few years.

Even at the ‘NDTV - Indian of the year’ awards function held last year, Superstar simply brushed it aside humbly by putting back question to Sreenivasan Jain, “Who said I am the highest paid actor?”






Although Endhiran is only slated for a 2010 release, shoots are on in full swing with Shankar calling the shots in locations encompassing the exotic South American countries to our very own Chennai. He is spotted with his cast and crew in and around Chennai a few days ago too.

As is customary to Shankar’s movies, Endhiran’s song sequences are said to be the highlights of the film. Interestingly, the recently filmed duet song between

Rajini and Ash in Machu Pichu, Peru is choreographed by Raju Sundaram whose quirky moves add spice to Shankar’s creativity. The movements in the song are salsa based, it is learnt. Besides, one of the song sequences required a robotic style dance for which Lawrence came in handy. The technical aspects of this song have been done in one of the studios in Hollywood. Besides, shoots were also held in the picturesque Hawaii islands.

A.R. Rahman to come up with one of his best musical compositions for Endhiran

Sun Pictures, the media mogul which turned film production company with Endhiran (also spelt as Enthiran), is taking every possible step to make the film truly spectacular. Recently, a magnificent set was built in Ramoji Rao Film City, where Shankar is filming a song with Rajinikanth and Aishwarya Rai. Following this, the crew will also film a small talkie portion in the same set and also in other parts of Ramoji Rao Film City.

Insiders reveal that Shankar had requested A.R. Rahman to come up with one of his best musical compositions for Endhiran; the song being shot in Ramoji is A.R. Rahman’s answer to his request. Those who have listened to the tunes of this song agree that it is completely different from what A.R. Rahman had given so far. Terming the tune as out-of-the-world, they add that the song will be Endhiran’s highlight for both its acoustic and visual appeal.

After filming in Hyderabad, the crew will return to Chennai without Aishwarya Rai, who will report for the shooting of Ravana/ Ashokavanam directed by Mani Ratnam.

Title song of Robot perhaps the most expensive one

A song rumoured to be the title song for Rajinikanth’s Shankar directed Endhiran will be shot at Hyderabad. The song is a typical Shankar song where heroine Aishwarya Rai is shown showering her love on the hero Rajinikanth.
Remember the Vaaji, Vaaji, title song shot on Rajini and Shriya in Sivaji, showing the superstar’s heroism? The song was picturised with all Shankar trademarks of splendor, glamour and glitz with Madhusree singing to A.R Rahman’s tune.

Something similar in style with more richness and grandeur is being planned by the “showman of south cinema” Shankar on Rajinikanth and Aishwarya Rai for Endhiran accompanied by nearly 1000 junior artists, all of them wearing silver colored ‘Robo’ costumes. This song which was recorded recently by A.R Rahman was also sung by Madhusri.

It will be one of the most expensive songs in Kollywood, as the Robo costumes with thongs worn by the group dancers is said to be very expensive. It will be shot on a set created by art director Sabu Cyril in a Hyderabad studio, and will be a major highlight of the film.

ARR talks about superstar to a news channel before Sivaji release!

Though this is a old clip, ARR says Rajini is a real icon and is amazing.
Just wanted to share this clip incase anyone missed it.

We are like brothers says Superstar

Source - Deccan Herald

CLICK ON THE IMAGE TO READ THE PAPER CUTTING.

Keep politics out - Says World Superstar Rajini at the Kannada Cinema 75th year celebration function

Please don’t divide us. We are living like brothers. Please don’t bring politics into cinema,' this was the fervent appeal by superstar Rajnikant.

His words were welcomed with thunderous applause and shouts by the crowd on Monday, the second day of the platinum jubilee celebrations of Kannada cinema. As many as 108 personalities from various segments of the industry were felicitated.

The amity and effervescence of personalities from the Kannada, Telugu and Tamil industries sent a collective message — art transcends boundaries, languages and cultures. Rajnikant, Dasari Narayana Rao, Jayaprada, Prakash Rai, Prabhudeva and Rama Naidu shared the dais with the Kannada film fraternity and spoke in one voice against politicization of cinema.

'Politics is like an ocean, while film industry is a pond. If the ocean can’t solve its problems, how can a small pond do it?' asked Rajnikant. On Sunday, Kamal Haasan had appealed to keep politics away from cinema.

One person was sorely missed during the celebrations: Rajkumar. Every speaker remembered and praised him, from Jayaprada to Prakash Raj to ministers Shobha Karandlaje and Katta Subramanya Naidu.

Rajnikant, who was present till the end of the three-hour programme, advised Kannada film-makers to make films based on novels and stories available in Kannada.

'The industry has produced monumental films based on novels of writers like Ta Ra Su and Indira. There are so many great works by Kuvempu, Shivaram Karanth and Bendre. I don’t know why they are not being utilized. It makes me sad.'

RAJNI’S WISH TO PLAY AS DALAWAYI!

The Tamil superstar expressed his desire to work in a Kannada film. “I want to act in Dalawayi Muddanna. It suits my character. I love that character. I don’t know when I will be able to do it. I don’t know when God wills,’’ said Rajnikant.



Bangalore Times - Wednesday

‘Idu nanna bhagya’
Rajnikanth wows the crowd at the Amrutha Mahotsava celebrations

LATE aa vandalum latesta varuven. Probably why Rajnikanth, who was unable to attend the inaugural ceremony of the Amrutha Mahotsava, made up by attending the celebrations on day 2. “Thirty-five years ago, I never thought I’d be participating in the 75th year celebrations of Kannada films, and also honour all the great talents of this industry. Idu nanna bhagya,” said the actor.
The superstar, who spent his early years in Bangalore as a bus conductor before moving to Chennai, said he used to read many novels while he was here. “I liked them more than my school books,” he said. Rajni’s all-time favourites are Kannada writers Tarasu and Triveni. “I love Kambani Kuyilu, which I’ve read four times,” he added.
Reminiscing about Puttanna Kanagal’s contribution to the industry, Rajnikanth mentioned movies he admired of the late filmmaker, including Sharapanjara, Gejje Pooje and Belli Moda. “Other movies like Vamsha Vruksha and Chomana Dundi are amazing too,” he said.

Rajni, who’s known for his spiritual leanings, fondly recollected the devotional portrayals of the late matinee idol Dr Rajkumar. “His roles like Santa Tukarama and Purandaradasa are truly memorable. They developed the bhakti in me. I truly miss Annavru,” confessed Rajnikanth.
The actor also expressed a desire to play the role of warrior Dalavayi Muddanna in his lifetime. “I hope god permits me to do so,” he said.
Rajnikanth also endorsed Kamal Haasan’s view when it came to politics. “Politics and films are like an ocean and a pond. Don’t mix the two. We in tinseltown should live like brothers and sisters,” was his word of advice.


Director Nagabharana’s plans of making Dalvayi Muddanna were quashed when the producer of the film backed out a couple of years ago. When we asked Nagabharana if he’d like to revive the project now that Rajni’s expressed an interest to essay the role of Dalavayi he told us, “If he wishes to do it and the plans work out, I’d love to do it.”

He deserves this and much more. He is a great human being,” says Soundarya Rajinikanth on ARR

CHENNAI: Even as the nation celebrates the limelight hogged by A.R.Rahman at the Oscars, a group of filmmakers in the industry are on cloud nine. For, these are the people who have signed the Oscar-winner for their impending movies.

Gautam Menon, one of the handful to have roped him in, says the award is a recognition for all his works. “Oscar for him is not just for Slumdog Millionaire. The award sums up his extraordinary work in all the movies he has worked in.” Calling himself a “fan of Rahman right from his maiden album,” Gautam says signing him for the Simbu-starrer ‘Vinnaithaandi Varuvaayaa’ was a dream come true. “I wanted him to score music for my first film. I am glad it has worked out now.” Irrespective of the ‘Oscar’ tag, the music wizard’s albums would always record high sales. “I have an entire collection of Rahman’s albums. I think many Indians would. We are all happy about his Oscars, no doubt. But there is no question of boost in marketability of our album. If it is Rahman, cassettes will anyway sell like hot cakes.”

For ‘Endhiran’, the banner is just getting bigger. Directed by Shankar, with Rajinikanth and Aishwarya Rai Bachchan in the lead, the movie is set to take the masses by storm with its top-slot cast and technology crew including Stan Winston Studio for Animatronics and Yuen Woo Ping, for the stunt sequences. Rahman’s Oscar has now added a great deal to the movie’s grandeur.

Actor Rajinikanth’s daughter Soundarya has a reason to cheer, too. ‘Sultan the Warrior,’ the animation movie starring her father jointly produced by her company – Ocher Studio, will now have an Oscar connection, with Rahman handling the background score.

“I was ecstatic when I saw Rahman sir win the Oscar. He deserves this and much more. He is a great human being,” she says, adding: “His winning the Oscar will surely add value to all the productions he is involved in and as he said in one of his interviews, his quality will remain the same, no matter which awards come by. I am a great fan [of his] and it is an honour and a blessing for me to be working with him on my directorial debut.”

http://www.hindu. com/2009/ 02/26/stories/ 2009022658110200 .htm

Happy Wedding day to our beloved Superstar

Superstar got married in the year 1981 on feb 26th. On behalf of all superstar fans we wish him a very happy wedding day.

Khoon Ka Karz is Arasan The Don in Tamil

Khoon ka Karz is a hit film which stars superstar and is now being dubbed in tamil as Arasan The Don. This film releases in March all over TN and other parts.

Khoon Ka Karz released in hindi in the year 1991 which also stars Vinod Khanna,Sanjay Dutt,Dimple Kapadia,Kimi Katkar and Sangeeta Bijlani. Mukul Anand directed this movie and Laxmikant Pyarelal scored the music. Superstar comes as Dada in this movie. A very entertaining movie with powerful star cast. It is now being released in tamil after 17 years.

Baasha is also slated for a re-release sometime soon. Sultan is on its way for this summer. Its Superstar all the way this summer.

Hearty congratulations to Rahman for winning the Oscar - Jai Ho

More Endhiran shooting spot pics