Bharatiraja & Arjun coming together

Action King Arjun is very happy about working with director Bharatiraja in ‘Bommalattam’. Bharatiraja is also equally excited, “You’ll see a different Arjun in this film. It’s a unique outing for him and he’s done thorough justice. I’m sure that nobody can predict the climax of the film”

Bharatiraja has delivered unforgettable films like ‘16 Vayathinile’ and ‘Sigappu Rojakkal’. This time he brings a crime thriller also featuring Nana Patekar and Kajal Agarwal. ‘Bommalattam’ is slated for release on December 12. The music has been composed by Himesh Reshammiya.

Pooja makes way for Vedhika.

Actress Pooja walked out of 'Malai Malai', the movie in which she was casted opposite Arun Vijay. Vedhika has signed in for the role now. She already made waves with 'Muni', Silambarasan's 'Kaalai' and with Shanthanoo in 'Sakkarakatti'.

The movie would hit the floors soon and the flick is to be directed by Venkatesh. The focus of the movie is unique character donned by Prakashraj. News going around circles is that this is another racy entertainer with mind boggling stunts.

Arun Vijay is anxious and elated about the projects and adds, “I am thrilled to be a part of such a mammoth project. And I have undergone rigorous workouts and learned martial arts to do justice to the role”.

Silambattam.

Tired of playing romantic hero who takes to the revenge mode, Silambarasan plays a temple priest in 'Silambattam'.

The movie is about a temple priest, who, due to circumstances, is forced to take law into his hands. It will be the 25th film for the Lakshmi Movie makers, a renowned production house.

It is also cameraman Saravanan's directorial debut. The film will have a mix of classical songs, including a re-mix song from 'Thiruvilayadal', and some hip-hop numbers by Yuvan Shankar Raja.

A new face from Mumbai, Sana Khan is being introduced in 'Silambattam'.

After 'Kaalai' which proved to be a disaster, Silambarasan has chosen to go on a quiet mode.

The actor, who is otherwise known for his open talk, has resolved to maintain silence until the release of 'Silambattam'.

Thrilled to work with Silambarasan, Saravanan says, 'he is a bundle of energy. He is the apt choice to play the lead role in 'Silambattam'. The movie is loaded with action and sentiments. Hopefully it would release soon'.

Silambarasan said, 'I was initially reluctant to act in this movie. I was in doubt whether a cinematographer can manage to come up with a good entertainer.

However Saravanan narrated the story to me and I was fascinated. His dedication to excel and the thirst to come up with a quality product impressed me'. 'Silambattam' is a movie about a timid youth who is forced to take arms. 'I play a temple priest who leads a simple and pious life. Situations force the young man to go the other way. He takes up arms to teach the evil men a lesson.'

'Silambattam is a movie that can be watched by the whole family. I did movies targeting the youth till now. But I guess time has come for me to render films that appease women and children', he says.

A major portion of the movie has been shot and is gearing up for an early release.

Arya's sibling debuts

After Suriya's brother (Karthi), it's now the turn of Arya's brother Sathya to make his debut in Kollywood. The former who was introduced by director Ameer in 'Paruthiveeran' and the success of the movie has made him a 'hot star' in Tamil cinema.

Now Sathya is making his debut with the film 'Kadhal 2 Kalyanam'. 'For the past several years, there was a passion in me to act. It increased after my brother made a mark. Now with 'Kadhal 2 Kalyanam', I am beginning my journey as an actor', he declares.

Asked about the encouragement given to him by Arya, Sathya says, 'he instructed me to show the right dedication towards the profession. He said that it is not an easy task to succeed in cinema and added that one has to strive hard. I have completed an acting course in Anupam Kher's School of Acting.'

Speaking about the film, he says, 'it is an enthusiastic and youthful movie. I play a bubbly young radio jockey. Milind, who worked as associate to director Mani Rathnam directs the film. It is a movie which deals about romance, wedding and general youthful life'.

Harris Jayaraj : I am against remixes.

Harris Jayaraj is an accomplished music composer, who has carved a niche for himself coming up big time chartbusters.

At a time when every other music composer is keen on coming out with a remix, Harris Jayaraj says, ' I am against remixing songs. If music composers remix my tunes after 15 -20 years, that would make me happy. As a composer, I am not excited about remixing'.

On the crop of young music directors in Kollywood today, he says, 'I loved the song 'Kangal Irandal' in Subramaniapuram composed by James Vasanthan. I also admire the songs in 'Veyyil' set to tunes by G V Prakash.

Asked why he has not come out with any music album or stage shows, Harris Jayaraj says, ' I am busy with my commitments. I am not behind name or fame. However in a couple of years from now, I may come out with an album'

Shriya Saran to act with Akshay Kumar.

Shriya's career is now sky-rocketing in Bollywood. The actress, who shot to fame acting opposite Rajinikanth in 'Sivaji', will play a prominent role in a Hindi film opposite Akshay Kumar.

The movie titled 'Komagata Maru' would be directed by Deepa Mehta. This period film is reportedly based on a real life story. The happenings aboard a ship as it make its way to Vancouver 1914 forms the story.

Says Shriya, 'I am happy to work in a film with Akshay Kumar. To act in Deepa Mehta's direction would sure be a delight'.

Shriya is currently shooting for 'Jaggubhai' alongside Sarath Kumar in Malaysia.

Divya speaks about Vaaranam Aayiram.

One of the frontline and highest paid actress in Kannada, Ramya whose real name is Divya Spandana is playing the lead actress in Gowtham Vasudeva Menon's ‘Vaaranam Aayiram’. Henceforth she will carry two names and will be known as Divya in Tamil and Ramya in Kannada. Surya has three heroines in the film and Divya plays one among them.

Excerpts from an Interview:

How about the name change from Divya Spandana to Ramya?

I was introduced to films by the Rajkumar family and Parvathamma who has introduced so many girls gave me a break through their banner. Based on astrology and numerology she changed my name to Ramya saying the 'R' would bring me luck. And she was true. That name gave me a place in the Kannada film industry. When I did the Tamil film Kuthu, people there started calling me Kuthu Ramya. People laughed at that name and I hated that. Gowtham Menon while doing Vaaranam Aayiram also didn’t like the prefix and so I again converted to Divya. There are no other Divya in the film industry.

Tell us how Vaaranam Aayiram happened to you.


I had always wanted to work with Mani Ratnam, Gowtham Menon and the likes as these directors have made films with well-etched women characters. They had always given performance oriented roles to their heroines. When Gowtham was looking for a heroine for the film, a journalist friend of mine referred my name. Deepika had walked out of the film and Gowtham was looking for a replacement. The journalist friend came to me and I was excited at the offer. I went to Chennai for the screen test and I bagged the film.

Didn’t you feel insecure sharing screen space with three actresses?

This is my first film where I am sharing space with other actresses. I had only done Rakshita in Kannada but that role was fantastic. I would prefer to do a solo film and have the entire film to my name. Sounding greedy isn’t it! But here things stand different as I have my own screen space. I would agree that I am selfish as an actor and would prefer to be in every frame. I don’t want any other actress to be in the same frame as I am.

Does the role in Vaaranam Aayiram, substancial enough for you?

Definitely. I am happy that I get to essay one such role. To act in a Gowtham film is also a privilege. The film covers my age of a growing girl from 14 to 24. I had to undergo lots of changes in respect of body language, outlook, maturity etc. Nalini who did my costume helped me a lot to get the desired look. I am sporting two pigtails, school uniform and stuff like that. Its tough to play a teenager onscreen as their mind set is very different. Gowtham all the way made me feel like a teenager. He is a not just a brilliant director but a great actor as well and you just require to watch him to do a scene right.

How was it working with Surya?

I have been a huge fan of Surya and after working with him I have become even more. When the shooting for the film begin he was very quiet and we used to exchange just the formal 'Hi' and 'Bye'. Irrespective of that while doing the romantic scenes he gave the kind of take that would make anyone fall in love with him. He is that fantastic as an actor. Gradually we started interacting more. He is very professional, punctual and lots of fun to be with. It’s great to be working with such a perfectionist like him. He never compromises until he gives the best. With a director and actor as such, you just have to give your best. We began shooting for the film in December 2006 and for almost two years, we were together. We had become friends and so it was sad when the shooting ended.

What is this controversy about you participating in the Hogenakkal protest?

Yes, I did participate in the protest, and I would say that farmers in Tamil Nadu are no different from farmers in Karnataka. Farmers everywhere need water.

Panchamirtham coming this December.

'Panchamirtham' directed by Raju Easwaran has completed the entire shoot in record time. Jayaram and Nasser are in the lead roles of the film playing mythological characters Maarichan and Naradhar. The film is getting ready for release in December. Aravind, Saranya Mohan, Samiksha, Karunas, and M S Bhaskar are also in important cast. Abirami Ramanathan turns producer with the flick. The film has music by Sundar C Babu.

Says Abirami Ramanathan, “We have been exhibiting and distributing Tamil films for nearly three decades. It is but natural that we ventured into production. Panchamirtham is a feel good family entertainer, laced with humour and sentiment.”

"Poo" this friday 28 Nov 2008

After sometime now, Srikanth is gearing up for a release with 'Poo'. The film is coming to the theaters on the 28th of November. It is inspired by a Tamil novel. The film is a coming together of Sasi and Srikanth, who worked for the first time in Srikanth’s debut film.

Says Srikanth, “I play a rural youth in the film which centers on the female lead (played by Parvathi). I'm glad that I have been part of a refreshing script. These are stories that come probably only once in a lifetime.”

At the moment Srikanth is tied up with Telugu venture 'Police Police' is nearing completion. He and Prithiviraj are working in the film for the second time. The film will release in Tamil as well. Also Srikanth has completed work for 'Indira Vizha' opposite Namitha. 'Rasikkum Seemane' opposite Navya Nair is also ready for release.

Kamalinee makes a confident comeback.

Young actress Kamaline Mukherjee is on a comeback trail to Tamil Cinema. She looks confident and keen on her take as she forwards her steps towards Kollywood. After debuting with Kamal Haasan in 'Vettaiyadu Vilayadu' she followed on to do a few films in Telugu. After a short gap she is now back to Kollywood to do a movie for Raj Television Network. She has been roped in for the remake of the Telugu hit 'Ghamyam'. The Tamil film is titled 'Kadhal Na Summa Illai' and she is in the female lead of the film. Kamalinee is hopeful that the film would create the same response in Tamil as it created in Telugu.

She says about her comeback, “I did get some offers here. But I wanted them to be meaningful. I don't want to do movies just for the sake of doing them. 'Kadhal Na Summa Illai' will go on to become a hit.” She ended with such words of confidence.