Kama Of Kingstone

Veteran actor Kamal Haasan on Sunday said he was greatly indebted to Kerala as it was Malayalam cinema that spotted the artiste in him, nursed and helped him come up, “forgiving” his “shortcomings” as an actor.
He was speaking as the chief guest at the inaugural of the ‘Onam (state’s harvest festival)—Tourism’ week celebrations organised by the state government, where Chief Minister V. S. Achuthanandan honoured the actor by presenting him a ‘ponnada’ (shawl) and paid glowing tributes to him as an artiste and socially-concerned individual.
“It was veteran Malayalam director K. S. Sethumadhavan who initiated me into my career as a young boy. Later, I was adopted by leading Tamil director K. Balachander,” Kamal Haasan said.
“I am at a loss for words to express how deeply I am indebted to Malayalis. It was they who helped me come up forgiving my shortcomings as an artiste,” he said.
Referring to the eye-donation campaign being launched at his initiative here on Monday, he said, “Now the people of Kerala ask me, what have you done for us in return. It is as an answer to this question this campaign is being launched.”
He said the eye-donation movement was part of his “humble endeavour” to reciprocate the love, affection and support the Malayalis had extended to him by seeking to do something above parochial considerations.
Sethumadhvan, who initiated Kamal into Malayalam cinema when he was just a five-and-a-half year old, was among those who felicitate him.
A light-and-sound show titled “Suvarna Kamalam” to mark Kamal’s 50 years in Indian cinema, conceived by eminent director T. K. Rajiv Kumar, was the highlight of the evening.
Kerala Tourism Minister Kodiyeri Balakrishnan, Culture Minister M. A. Baby, Civil Supplies Minister C. Divakaran and Youth Affairs Minister V. Surendran Pillai felicitated the actor.
Various film associations also honoured Kamal Haasan on this occasion.
( WITH THE GREAT ACKNOWLEDGEMENT OF THE HINDU)

N.THYAGARAJAN

If one considers that Tamil film actor Karthi is only an actor, it is wrong. Karthi who is an engineering graduate has been dreaming quite a long time to do something great to this nation. Karthi said to a group of students about his patriotic interest for the Indian soil, and his dreams to fulfill them. He spoke to the students not in the capacity of film actor but as an ordinary citizen. For him Cinema is his profession and as a citizen of India he wants to a lot to the country.
Karthi speaks out from his heart to the students has been pictured by the Raj TV channel is to be telecast on August 15Th Independence Day at 8.30 AM.

By N.Thyagarajan

Makkal TV channel’s new invention Pennae has caught the eyes of audiences for its focus on women-achievers in various fields. Further, the episode goes deep into the lives of these achievers who keep some important toys presented to them by eminent men. This week Psychiatrist Dr Shalini who has achieved a lot in her field to solve difficult cases for mental ailments. She describes how she felt the difficulty in finding out the the real difficulties of her patients and how she solved. The episode, it is expected would woo a lot of by viewers.

Dance master and actor Gayathri Raghuram also participates in one of the episodes. She keeps a lot of toys in her treasure since the day of her younger days. Late actor Jaishankar presented her a toy when he visited her house. She has a history to brief about her each toy.She also talks about her child days and how she came into the film-world as a dance-master.

The programme will be aired on all Saturdays at 3.30 PM in Makkal tv Channel

( By N.Thyagarajan )

Roja film fame Madhubala has accepted the offer of doing Devadasi role for the Jaya TV Channel’s new mega-serial Soundaravalli to be telecast in the near future. After the release of her maiden film Roja she was busy with her dance schedules and without film chance for sometime. Madhubala who is a relative of famous actor Hema Malini, has learnt Bharatha Natyam from her aunt. The actor had done a role in a serial twelve years ago after which the actress could not be seen.

When the people are about to forget her face,the chance to act in this serial came to her
hands and knees. Madhubala was little bit shy in accepting small screen roles, after knowing the in-depth story, and the character in which she would appear, she
immediately accepted the offer.,
The new serial would take more than 300 episodes, and the story is centered on the lives of Devadasis in those period, who dedicated their lives to the cause of the temple upliftment. The actress whose sober-look might rightly fit in the role in Soundaravalli, thought the producer of the serial.
Soon the viewers will have the look of beautiful actress. The shooting of the serial has started.

BY KARPAGAM THYAGARAJAN

Anushka is literally on Cloud Nine! If reports are to be believed, the actress has been signed up to star alongside Ajith in the film Mangaatha. It may be recalled that a couple of days ago Venkat Prabhu was finalized to direct Ajith in this film. The movie is to be produced by Cloud Nine Movies

Having made her presence felt with the strong performance in Arundathi, the actress went on to share the screen space with Suriya in Singam. Both these films have turned out to be smash hits. She also featured with Vijay in Vettaikaran.
With her new assignment, Anushka will turn out to be the hot and happening star among the big league actors and directors.




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It is after her wedding with a Nepalese, Manisha Koirala will be visiting Chennai to participate in the shootings of Mappillai to be shot on July 15. She acts opposite Dhanush in the film. The actress has planned to complete all her shooting schedules before she settles down with her husband in Nepal.

The actress will announce about her decision of continuing in her acting career only after she completes the entire films, sources said.

BY N.THYAGARAJAN

Noted film actor Jayam Ravi is blessed with a male child on Tuesday. The actor who have excelled in films like Jayam, Peranmai and Santosh Subramaniam got married in the year 2009.

On coming to know that his wife has delivered a baby he rushed to the hospital. His father who is editor of many films also accompanied him.

After actress Kushboo has become DMK party member, the Jaya TV channel, an AIADMK organ,has wound up telecasting Kalki, a mega-serial which had the largest viewers with good revenue. The decision to stop the serial was taken after the actress has enrolled herself as the DMK party member.
The serial had won the audience during its first telecast with good advertisement rates. The Jaya TV Channel some months ago started telecasting the same serial second time. During the second time also, the serial continued with good audiences.
However, the Channel stopped telecasting the Kalki after the actress had joined the DMK party.
The actress also did Jackpot another interesting programme of the Jaya TV channel, a weekly programme on all Sundays of the Channel. The idea of the actress to join the DMK has put a fullstop for this programme too. Though Kushboo is popular by virtue of her excellent acting in films, the actor was not forgotten by the public immediately, because of her continuous appearance in the Jaya TV Channel.

Now the chance of organising the Jackpot programme went to another yesteryear heroine who is doing now rich mother's role in various films. It is expected the actress would carry the show well on par with the heroine Kushboo.

N.THYAGARAJAN

In addition to the glamorous roles to various young actors and actresses of the Tamil films, actress Nadhiya, now has been assigned to host the Jaya TV Channel's Jackpot programme. The new programme, after Kushboo had left has been named Jackpot II. Actress Kushboo who after enrolling herself as the member of the DMK party, has decided to quit the hosting of the Jackpot. She has quit because she was hosting the programme in the Jaya TV Channel, backed by the AIADMK party which is the only rival party of the ruling DMK party. The actress does not like to continue her hosting of the programme in the channel, has finally came out and the Jaya TV Channel was looking for equal status actress to host the programme.


Though the Jaya TV Channel was megnanimous to the actress Kushboo in continuing the programme, the actress who immediately after joining the DMK party gave her first public address when the TN CM celebrated his 87th birthday. Though Kushboo has been a great admirer of the erstwhile Chief Minister and the AIADMK General Secretary Jayalalithaa felt, that it was not good to continue with the Jaya TV Channel's Jackpot.

Nadhiya, the actress who is equally good and charming is the mother of two children got married and settled in abroad used to frequent India some years ago. Now the actress has settled down with her family in Mumbai. The actress who frequently visits Chennai to act in films and tv serials appearing in good roles. " The actress was in full happy mood on announcing that she was selected to host the Jackpot 2 and said she would do her role as host well.
Let us watch how this young Nadhiya performs in the Jackpot II.

It is after Paiya, film director Lingusamy has accepted the offer of directing Dayanidhi Azhagiri's film to be tittled in the near future. The film will have Simbhu and the producer has not yet decided about the heroine of the film. The shooting of the film will be started in July and after the shootings of the Tamil were over, it will be produced in Telugu and this is produced by Super Good Films Chowdry and Mahesh would be in the lead role.

Lingusamy has plans to direct a film with Mamooty's son Salman, once he completes the Gloat Nined Movies, it is said.

( N.THYAGARAJAN)

Gowthami, who has come back with a bang through the small screen mega-serial Abirami, on Kalaignar TV, says she was blessed by the Almighty, for the offer came to her at a right time when she wanted to do some roles. The story of Abirami is the story of a woman from different walks of lives. The actress feels that she was always delighted to act in the serial and she has thanked the producer Abirami Ramanathan and the team of artistes.

Because, the serial earned title among general public the director is introducing two more characters, which means Gowthami will be appearing in three different roles. A journalist said, that she caught the idea from her well-wisher Kamalhassan who did ten roles in Dasavatharam. In this serial Gauthami will appear as a district collector and a brahmin mami-- the three characters representing Durga, Lakshmi and Saraswathi- the Goddesses of the Hindu mythology.


Producer Abirami Ramanathan, said he is planning to roll out his new production venture soon. He said the work of the new production would be started once the severn theater complex construction was over.

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The shooting for the Sun TV Channel’s yet another mega-serial Nadhaswaram began in Karaikudi with film actor Mouli as the leading nadhaswara vidwan. The serial is to be directed by Mettioli serial fame Thirumurugan who had chosen more than 40 raw hands to act in this mega-serial. It is the story of a Nadhaswara Vidwan who has spent his life for the upliftment of Carnatic music, to put it shortly.

In this serial Mouli acts the father and the director Thirumurugan act as son. Besides, the new entrants who had no knowledge about acting were trained to act in their respective roles for three days. Actor Nazar’s Adavu Foundation gave them coaching. The serial has series of actors in the age group from 17 to 70 years.

Soon the channel will start to telecast the serial.

BY N.THYAGARAJAN

Our former bureaucrat T.N.Seshan hereafter could be seen in Vijay TV channel’s weekly programme, Naalum Namadhey. He will sit as the Judge of the programme and will select four persons among the 16 persons who were affected in their personal lives. It is a talk-show of the Vijay TV Channels and T.N.Seshan has readily agreed to become the judge of the serial to be telecast on all Sundays in the mornings.

There are a very few could who could do the proper judgments in their lives, and Mr Seshan is the right man while he was serving the government and after his retirement. One could realize the capabilities of this retired IAS officer through this Naalum Namadhey.

Actress Anuya, who made her debut in Tamil film industry with Siva Manasula Sakthi, is all set to shake legs for an item number now in Nanjupuram. Well for those, who expect Anuya to be sporting her bootylicious physiques, it’s going to be a letdown. Yeah! It’s something we heard straight from the shoulders of Anuya as she says, “It’s a song that narrates the outline of this movie and there’s nothing to do with glamour here.”

Nanjupuram centers on an unexpected upshots occurring in a village that is brimmed with lots and lots of snakes. When the villagers are completely frightened about the deadly snakes, it’s up to protagonist to unravel the mystery behind outlandish events. Raghav takes on the lead role and scores music for this film while Monica stars opposite him in female lead

It's a very well known fact that Shriya Saran was supposed to pair with Dhanush in 'Polladhavan'. Due to last minute changes, the actress couldn't make up for the scheduled dates in spite of receiving a big sum as the advance amount.

Although, the film's producers had requested her to payback the respective sum, she never heeded to their call. With no options left in hand, the producers approached Tamil Film Producers' Council to sort out the issue.

Finally, they have insisted Shriya Saran to return back the amount with an interest of Rs. 5Lakhs. Previously, even Nayanthara was reported for not paying back the advance amount when director Lingusamy wanted to reduce her remuneration for his film 'Paiyya'. Off late, the issue was settled down at Tamil Film Producers Council.

BY. KARPAGAM THYAGARAJAN


After the tremendous success of GHAJINI, AR Murugadoss is all set for his latest project with one of the biggest production houses in the South starring Shruti Haasanand Suriya.

Shruti Haasan has been creating waves not only in Bollywood but also in the South. She had composed the music for UNNAIPOL ORUVAN, which garnered her lot of appreciation and is currently working on a Telegu movie.

With this new venture, this pretty damsel will be marking her debut in Tamil cinema. When we tried contacting Shruti, she wasn't available for comment.

Sources reveal that the music composer for the film is Harris Jayaraj and the cinematographer is Ravi K Chandran. Udhayanidhi Stalin will be producing this Dravidian flick.

Suriya, who will soon be making his debut in Bollywood, had worked with Murugadoss on GHAJINI which was a humongous success. Many anticipate the team to deliver another smashing hit on the lines of their previous endeavor. The work on this much awaited film will start this April.

BY. KARPAGAM THYAGARAJAN


M Raja seems to be the latest addition to the list of directors bitten by the acting bug. The older brother of ‘Jayam’ Ravi, who has four blockbusters to his credit, would don the greasepaint soon, if circles close to him are to be believed.
Confirming this, Raja’s father ‘Editor’ Mohan, one of the top producers of Tamil cinema, says, “Raja is very handsome and has all the qualities and skills to become a hero. We are planning to launch him as an actor soon.”
He adds: “We are currently listening to scripts from various aspiring filmmakers. And will make an announcement once we find an apt storyline and character which would establish Raja as a good actor.”
On his forthcoming ‘Thillalangadi’, which is directed by Raja with Ravi in the lead, he says, “though we are known for remakes, we always wanted to present something different. ‘Thillalangadi’ would live up to Jayam Company’s name.”

Radhika’s Raadan pictures seem to be reaping gold in television. The company’s latest offing, the mega serial Chellamey, has successfully crossed 134 episodes in SUN TV. Raadan has announced in a recent press note that the serial will feature interesting twists going forward.

The serial has Radhika, Radha Ravi, Delhi Ganesh, Ravikumar, Sonia and Nithya playing prominent roles among others. It is being telecast in the 9.30 slot in SUN TV from Monday through Friday.

BY. KARPAGAM THYAGARAJAN

Want the recipes of authentic Tamil cuisines that have long been forgotten? Watch Kaimanam on Makkal TV on Saturday and Sundays at 1pm! Apart from the recipes, Kaimanam also emphasizes on the nutritive value of the recipes. A press note from Makkal TV states, “Dishes like "Kambanchoru", "Ellurundai" are in the array to enthrall the audience with a very tasty and traditional experience on the small screen.”

Makkal TV telecasted the Russian film Brother in the Ulaga Thirai Pada Varisai on Sunday 21st, March, 2010.

When the Who's Who of Tamil cinema is listed,Radhika's name will definitely be mentioned.
The daughter of veteran actor M R Radha, sister of actors Radharavi and the late Vasu and wife of star Sharad Kumar, Radhika is a much-acclaimed and awarded actress.
In her long career as one of the top heroines of Tamil cinema, she has acted with all the top heroes -- including superstars Kamal Haasan and Rajinikanth.
She was one of the few people who could walk into late chief minister M G Ramachandran's house at will. She also enjoys a good personal rapport with current Chief Minister Karunanidhi.
Her latest avatar sees her as the successful producer of television serials, so much so that she has often been compared to Ekta Kapoor. She is also the main protagonist in her long-running serials -- Chitthi, Annamalai and Selvi.
Our correspondent caught up with her on the sets of her latest serial, Chellamay, which airs on Sun TV. The set was actually a by-lane outside a huge house in Valsarvakkam, a Chennai suburb.
The scene involved her walking down the street and into the house, preceded by a single camera. There were no special lights, very little make-up and no props. "Please wait," said Radhika politely. "We have to finish this scene before the light fades."

Paiyya (also spelt as Paiya), starring Karthi and Tamannaah, will grace theatres only in April. Paiyya is an urban story that depicts some interesting events happenings in the lives of a pair of lovers. The movie was shot in Bangalore, Hyderabad and Mumbai. The music of this Karthi-Tamannaah starrer, released early in November, is already a runaway hit. The movie is directed by Lingusamy, who also assured that Karthi will appear in a never-seen-before look. Initially, the film was supposed to hit screens on Pongal day, but got delayed as Karthi’s Aayirathil Oruvan was being released, then the film was postponed to February, and now again to April. There are also rumours that the delay is due to the financial problems of the producers

For years, Ram Gopal Varma has been working on Raktha Charitra, a story about the life of Paritala Ravi, prime suspect in many murders. At last, the story will be narrated on celluloid. The movie stars Vivek Oberoi, but the sweet news for South Indians is that Suriya has been cast in a pivotal role! The film is a trilingual made simultaneously in Hindi, Telugu and Tamil.

Now the latest news is that Tamil superstar Suriya is in Mumbai to shoot for Rakta Charitra. Reportedly the actor is learning Hindi to dub in his own voice> In a leading English daily, he said, “I have an assistant to help with my Hindi dialogue. I like to say my own lines. I did have a teacher in Chennai but that bookish Hindi won’t work in films.”

Revealing more on the project, he said, “When he (RGV) narrated this script to me, I thought I must be part of this project. Also there would be Tamil and Telugu versions. So I thought I’d get a chance to simultaneously be on home ground and try something new.”

Rakta Charitra will have actor Vivek Oberoi as rebel-turned politician Paritala Ravi, one of the most feared individuals in the blood-ridden faction politics of South India. Suriya will play the role of Maddalcheruvu Suri, Paritala Ravi’s opponent. According to sources, Suriya's role is almost equal to that of the lead protagonist.

Ram Gopal Varma's script reportedly lasts for about five hours on screen. Hence, he divided the theme into two parts: Rakta Charitra 1 and Rakta Charitra 2. While the first part shows the rise of Paritala Ravi from forest to ballot, the second part deals with how he was trapped in the conspiracies of opponents.

When asked about the Bollywood experience, Suriya said, “Bollywood has enough talented actors. I don’t think I’m needed here. Rakta Charitra required only 30-40 days of my time, so I could manage. I do have my commitments in Tamil cinema and I can’t give them up. Here the way of working is entirely different. I don’t know whether I can fit in. I don’t think I’d want to do run-of-the-mill Bollywood films.”

Rakta Charitra is produced by Madhu Mantena; Mani Sharma is the music director. The film also stars Shatrughan Sinha, Priyamani, Radhika Apte, Subrat Dutta, Ashish Vidyarthi, Sudeep, Zarina Wahab, Raj Babbar and Ranjeet.

The secret buried under the earth might go undiscovered but the secret inside one's mind will always remain for people to unearth it."

That's the intriguing tagline that accompanies Vijay TV's band-new Tamil serial, Yamirukka Bayamaen.

Branded a mytho-thriller, the serial stars Vadivukarasi, Master Chanakya, Sasi Anand, Anil and Mahalakshmi. Music is by Srihari Krishna.

Writer Indra Soundarrajan has come up with the screenplay whose main plot is developed by directors Naga and Ramji.

The fact that Indra Soundarrajan has written the screenplay can only mean good things for the serial. After all, he is the same man who gave us serials like Marmadesam and Vidhatha Karuppu.

His novels too such as Rudhra Veenai and Kottaipurathu Veedu deal with subjects ranging from spirituality, reincarnation to lost legends. They are usually supplemented by true stories, which have held the readers' attention for years.

In a tete-a-tete with rediff.com, Indra Soundarrajan reveals what led him to Yamirukka Bayamaen. Excerpts:

How did you come up with Yamirukka Bayamaen?

Legend has it that Siddhar Bhogar created the idol of Lord Muruga at Palani with Navabhashanam -- nine kinds of poisonous substances.

There are stories that he created another idol as well. After all, if I had, say, a block of gold, I wouldn't create just one piece of jewellery, would I? It seems reasonable to suppose that Bhogar did create another idol.

There is a Kurinji Aandavar Temple in Poonthottam, in the Kodaikkanal area, which is also of Navabhashanam, but this has been created in a different way. And two families are desperately searching for it, not just for the idol's value but because it's closely intertwined with their future.

How would you classify Yamirukka Bayamaen? Is it a spiritual serial? Will Lord Muruga appear later on? Or is it more like a treasure-hunt?

This serial has everything. It's a thriller; yes, but it's more a journey of self-discovery where the characters learn something new about themselves and the world around them. I would also call it a sort of treasure-hunt. It's like a mystery. Bhogar too, must have left some evidence about another buried idol.

This serial is like searching for the route to a city that doesn't exist on the map. Except that it does.

As for whether Lord Muruga appears, our perception of the physical appearance of God has changed in the last 100-150 years. Two centuries ago, people only knew their Gods in the forms they were represented in temples.

Now, with the growths of the media, we have these lords and deities liberally showered in gold. They look more like advertisements for gold ornaments than deities. We see God in a certain way, but the truth is he could assume any form; be anywhere.

The fantasy-thriller genre in Tamil literature is an exciting one. How did you become a part of it?

When I started writing, around 1978-80, this genre was empty [laughs]. I wanted to take up a genre and make it my own. Its not just thrillers that I write. I have written feminist and psychological works as well. Krishnadasi is an example. Right now, I'm working on Ranga Nathi.

When did you start writing for TV?

My entry into TV was in 1997. I'd been writing steadily in the 80s, and my works appeared in magazines like Anandha Vikatan. I had just finished my novel Marmadesam in 1996, when the call came for it to be made into a serial. The date was February 8, 1996.

When the serial was telecast, viewer reaction was intense. Did you have any idea about the cult-status the serial would achieve?

Absolutely not. The truth is when these serials were telecast, and the public were in a frenzy, it somehow never hit me. You need to absorb the reactions, to fully understand and appreciate it. I did not consider them as momentous. After all, many writers had attempted and succeeded before me, in this genre.

Who's the Indra, in your name?

My mother. When I began writing, it was the fashion to have feminine pseudonyms -- we had Pushpa Thangadurai, Sujatha, et al. I thought it would be better to have my mother's name first like a crown, if you will [laughs]. Soundarrajan sounds so tame.

Judging by the huge amount of other-worldly themes in your work, have you had such experiences in your life as well?

Those experiences were the reason I began delving in the subject in earnest. My grandmother was very fond of me when I was young. Many years later, one night, when I was in Madurai [ Images ], my wife woke me up at midnight. Apparently, my grandmother had arrived and was standing at our doorstep. I opened the door, but there was no one. My wife swore that she had seen her. Half an hour later, I received a phone-call: my grandmother had died at 11 pm.

These were the kinds of incidents that made me go deeper into the subject. The more I learned about such things, the more I began to understand. Today, you could say I have come full circle. I now know that there is a God.

The path of understanding, though, is difficult. Sometimes, you learn a great many things which you don't really understand. But this knowledge is necessary, even if it is just a key to a door that doesn't exist. Someday, you will have the lock to which this knowledge is the key.

Catch Yamirukka Bayamaen every Monday to Thursday, at 7:30pm, on Vijay TV.

South Indian popular actress Meena, who married a software engineer named Vidyasagar, on July 12th, 2009 is facing a mental torture these days According to sources, the actress is not in a position to adjust with her husband and her mother in law and so is thinking for a split soon.
According to close sources, Meena wants to continue her acting career and so has a hand full of projects in Malayalam, Telugu and Tamil in coming future. But her mother in law and her husband want her to concentrate on the family leaving movie life.
For this reason, Meena has left the house of her husband and is living separately from the past 3 months. Moreover, it is also reported that, Meena also cancelled her Honeymoon Trip with Vidya Sagar, in the month of December for the sake of a film shooting. This issue got intensified and raised the blood pressure of her husband who slapped her on her face.
For this reason, Meena asked her elders to intervene in the issue. But thinking wisely, they did not turn up, as they feel that Meena is making a big mistake by deteriorating her marriage life. Now, this issue has intensified and so Meena wants a divorce from her husband at any cost.
Hope, she comes out of this trouble in a wise way and settles this issue amicably without any further fuss.

February 21, 2010 (Calcutta Tube): Followed by the grand success of ‘Eeram’, director Shankar is back with yet another supernatural thriller titled ‘Anantha Purathu Veedu’. The film is directed by Naga, who has earlier made a TV series based on similar genre.
It seems that Naga’s narration of the TV series ‘Marmadesam’ has impressed Shankar so much that he decided to sign him on for this film. ‘Anantha Purathu Veedu’ features Nanda and Chaya Singh in lead roles. Nanda had previously performed an antagonistic role in ‘Eeram’ and this time he dons the lead role. Shankar was bowled over by Nanda’s extraordinary performance in ‘Eeram’ and offered him to perform the lead role.
The film revolves around a married couple who are returning to their hometown. As they decide to stay in their ancestral house that has been locked for the past 25 years, mysterious things start to happen and the haunting begins…
According to sources, shooting is almost complete and the film is slated to hit screens this April.

Superstar Rajnikant on Thursday came out in support of actor Ajith's remarks that the actors were being forced to take a stand on sensitive political issues.Ajith made this statement when the Tamil Nadu Chief Minister M.Karunanidhi was accorded a royal felicitation at the Nehru Indoor Stadium on February 6.

Rajinikanth who was in the meeting stood from his seat and gave a standing ovation to Ajith's remarks. What Ajith meant was the politicians were forcing them to attend political meetings in which they were not at all a party to it.

Rajinikanth appreciated the boldness of Ajith who had comeout with himself known for his outspokenness, said after emerging out of his meeting with Mr. Karunanidhi which he said was to thank him for attending his daughter Soundarya’s betrothal last evening.
Later, Ajith called on Mr. Karunanidhi at his Gopalapuram residence and described the meeting as a “courtesy call“.
The soft spoken hero, who had appeared opposite Shah Rukh Khan in Hindi film “Asoka”, said he was “under no pressure” after he had made those remarks.
He thanked Rajnikant for his support and ‘appreciated’ it.
Asked whether he would stand by the comments made at the function, which was also attended by Hindi film icon Amitabh Bachchan among others, Ajith offered no comments.

Cast: Ajith Kumar, Sameera Reddy, Bhavana, Suresh, Sampath, Pradeep Ranaut, Kelly Dorej, Yugi Sethu, Prabhu
Music Director: Bharatdwaj, Y-Kinz
Lyrics: Vairamuthu
Director: Saran
Producer: Prabhu, Ramkumar Ganesan


Ajith plays as a don in the film. Sameera Reddy and Bhavana playing lead roles opposite to Ajith. Asal music was composed by Bharadwaj and Y kinz. Asal story is written by Yugi sethu. Dialogue was taken by Ramakrishana. Screenplay and direction was taken by Saran.

Asal film story is closely out of that preliminary ajith who likes Guantanamera cigars will be a don dealing with worldwide smuggling; incidentally, the entire gang was killed. In that position, the other Ajith will appear on the screen to look for the secrecy behind the killing.

However, the remaining part of the cinema is kept confidential that second Ajith may be a police official or investigator or a person following vengeance for his beloved ones

BY KARPAGAM THYAGARAJAN

After playing a housemaid Thulasi opposite Srinivasan (Dhanush) in the much-acclaimed offbeat Tamil film Adhu Oru Kana Kaalam (2005), National award winning Priyamani will once again team up with director Balu Mahendra in his new Tamil film to be produced by an NRI Sri Lankan.

If Balu Mahendra's Adhu Oru Kana Kaalam had Priyamani portraying the role of a girl next door, his new film will have her in a glamorous role, it is heard. This yet-to-be-titled film will introduce a new face as the hero.

Cinematography will be handled by Anwar, a gold medalist from the Pune Film Institute. Music is by Balu Mahendra’s favourite Ilayaraja. This film is expected to start rolling in November 2010.

Priyamani is currently busy with five films: ace Mani Ratnam's Tamil and Hindi versions of Raavan, Master (Malayalam), Saadhyam (Telugu) and Eno Onthara (Kannada). Her recent releases are Raam (Kannada) and Shambo Shiva Shambo (Telugu).

Popular TV anchor-turned-actress Swathi, who shot to fame withSubramaniapuram (for which she was nominated for the Filmfare Best Tamil Actress Award), followed by Ashta Chamma (for which she won the Filmfare Best Telugu Actress Award and Nandi Award for the Best Actress), is all set to make her debut in Kannada.

Swathi will reportedly be seen opposite Shivrajkumar in director Chandru's untitled Kannada film. The director has confirmed that he has approached Swathi. "I have approached Swathi. But the dates are yet to be finalized. Since Swathi is now doing a Tamil film with Vikram, she does not want a clash of dates. But I am confident this issue can be sorted out," he added.

Sources say this film, tentatively titled Mylari, will be produced by Kananapura Sreenivas, who had earlier made successful films like Yuvaraja and Santha with Shivarajkumar. Guru Kiran is the music director.

Nirosha and Ramki seem to be in deep trouble with their properties being brought to public auction by Indian Overseas Bank. The couple had pledged their properties located in the posh Gemini Parsn Complex in Chennai to avail loan for their business. Having incurred heavy losses in the business, the couple was unable to pay off their debts even after repeated reminders from the bank.

This has led to the bank calling an auction to realize the amount due to them. The auction is scheduled to take place on March 10, 2010 at the Indian Overseas bank branch where the couple had availed the loan

B. Sattenna, 35, a popular Telugu assistant director who recently made news by lodging a complaint against Ram Charan Teja'sMagadheera director S.S. Rajamouli for allegedly stealing his 'rebirth' concept in the flick, committed suicide in his house at Friends Colony in Puppalguda on Friday.

His body was found hanging from the ceiling fan in his rented house. A suicide note purportedly written by him stated that he regretted writing the ‘rebirth story’. “I don’t know if I should feel proud or bad for writing the story,” the note said.
He is survived by his wife Deepa Rani. Deepa claimed her husband had plans to carry out a legal battle seeking justice about his story being used to make Magadheera. However, she stated she did not have specific details about the case. Sattenna was the assistant director in Bhadrachalam, Chinnodu and Encounter.

Raj TV, the Tamil Nadu based general entertainment channel (GEC), has revamped its programming lineup and has launched a slew of fiction and non-fiction shows during its primetime band, starting February.

The channel, in a bid to strengthen its programming lineup, has introduced four new shows that include a mix of fiction and non-fiction offerings for its 7:30-10 pm slot.

For its 7:30-8 pm slot in the daily offering from Monday to Friday, the GEC has a new show called Karnamanjari. It is a fiction show which revolves around a not so well off family. The channel has also introduced a new leg of the 30-minute daily mythological offering, titled Jai Shri Krishna, where the protagonist, Krishna, will now be a teenager. The show, Jai Shri Krishna, is picked from Colors as a part of the syndication deal signed between the two GECs.


For the 8 pm slot, the channel has brought forward Raj New Bulletin, the daily news capsule, by 30 minutes. The channel has upped its reality content and has launched two talent hunt shows. Airtel Top Jodi, a dance reality show, is aired for one hour from Monday to Wednesday at 8:30 pm. The show is an attempt to find the best dancing couple in the state (Tamil Nadu), where the contestants compete with small screen actors for the title of the Best Dancing Couple.

For the 8:30 pm slot on Thursdays and Fridays, the channel has launched a singing competition, Nokia Youth Singer, in which 20 students from across Tamil Nadu will compete for the title of Best Singer. For the 9:30 pm slot, there is a daily sitcom titled Veetukku Veedu, being aired from Mondays to Fridays.

Amit Bose, vice-president, programming, Raj TV, says, "There was a lull on the channel for a few months. It was time to reinvent and give some freshness to the channel as well as the viewers. The purpose of launching these programmes, sincerely, is to keep our viewers happy." The channel is promoting the new offerings on its network channels, too.

Raj TV, which till now focussed on housewives, children and families, plans to expand its audience base to include the youth as well. For this purpose, it plans to launch more youth centric shows in the near future.

Actor Vadivelu today issued a legal notice to his co-comedian and friend Singamuthu seeking Rs 25 crore as ‘damages’ for making wild allegations against him in an interview to a Tamil weekly recently.

He said that his friend comedian has published this article with a motive to bring disrepute to him, Vadivelu, in his notice, sought a reply from Singamuthu within seven days.

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Vadivelu had recently accused his (former) friend and associate Singamuthu, who used to appear with him in comedy tracks, of cheating him of several crores of rupees by forging property documents and threatening him with dire consequences recently.

Vadivelu personally lodged a complaint with Chennai Police Commissioner T Rajendran seeking immediate action against Singamuthu and others who had allegedly cheated him in connection with the purchase of land.

Singamuthu, who sought an anticipatory bail fearing arrest in the case, recently gave an interview to a Tamil weekly, apparently as a riposte to Vadivelu’s allegations.

Vadivelu today sent a legal notice to Singamuthu seeking Rs 25 crore as compensation to the damage caused to his reputation.

‘Singamuthu had alleged that Vadivelu was responsible for the death of a servant maid and Vadivelu's manager. "They are baseless charges. It was aimed at bringing disrepute to me and tarnishing my image" Vadivelu said.

Hence Singamuthu should reply within seven days to the notice and settle for the compensation’, Vadivelu said. A notice has also been issued to the magazine for publishing the interview.

BY Karpagam Thyagarajan

Actress Ramya Krishnan who has carved a niche for herself through Rajini starrer Padaiyappa and in Arumugam is once again making her expedition with a meaty role in film Kamban with the new face Sathya. Though the actress is busy with her schedules of Tv serials, she has accepted the offer from the film’s director N.Muralisamy.

It is the story of an innocent who comes to Chennai for his profession faces a lot of difficulties at various situations. Sathya Bhaskar who produces the film on behalf of Sathyalaya Film International. T.P.Gajendaran, Haniffa castings for other actors are in full swing, according to sources from the production company.

The shooting for the film commences in Chennai on January 30 and it is likely the film will be shot from Hyderabad and Madurai, the sources added.

BY KARPAGAM THYAGARAJAN


Well-known film director Gautham Menon is quite excited that his film “Varanam Aayiram” has bagged the National award for the best regional Tamil film.
“Though I have done several films, this is my first award. And to get a prestigious award as your first award is something to cheer about. I am very happy that the National Award jury recognised the merits of the film and selected it for the honour,” Menon, 34 told, IANS.
He is considered as one of the top most Tamil film director and has proved his mettle by directing tasteful films like “Khakka Khakka”, “Minnale” and “Vettaiyaadu Vizhaiyaadu”. All these films have combined aesthetics with commercial values and proved to be hugely successful at the box office.
Compared to his previous films, “Varanam Aayiram” was an average success. But the film was critically acclaimed for its brilliant screenplay, top class performance from the lead actor Surya and high-class technical values.
“Many people associated with my films got prestigious awards like state awards and Filmfare awards. But I didn’t get any award. Naturally this National Award has given me a big boost and has increased my responsibility,” said Menon.
“‘Varanam Aayiram’ is very closer to my heart because I had written the story based on my personal experiences. I moulded one of the two characters played by the film’s leading star Surya on my father. He (father) encouraged me to join the film industry despite the fact that I had an engineering degree. There are lot of sequences in the film which could be linked to my personal life and my happy days with my father,” said Menon.
The director dedicates the National Award to the cast and crew of “Varanam Aayiram”.
“I am particularly thankful to the film’s hero Surya who crafted both his roles superbly. I am also thankful to Sameera Reddy, Divya Spandana, cinematographer Rathnavelu and music director Harris Jayaraj.”