KOLLYWOOD (Tamil)

[Frankenstein]

THALA, THALAPATHI, AND THE EPIC CLASHES




Vijay and Ajith started their careers at around the same time and went on to achieve superstardom. They are both lucky to have a passionate fan following that literally worships the ground they walk on. Their fans swear by their favorite hero and when it comes to discussing which actor is superior they have been known to come to blows over the issue in a manner that is reminiscent of the fights between the Saivites and Vaishnavites in an earlier age.

The stars in question themselves are former rivals turned friends. And with Ajith’s Mankatha and Vijay’s Velayudham due to release in August, it looks like the titans will clash again. They themselves share a warm relationship now and have a friendly rivalry going on. But their fans are another matter, and will be passionately awaiting the release of their favorite star’s film and will go all out to settle the question of supremacy. In honor of the momentous clash to be, let us look at films of Ajith and Vijay which released simultaneously.

Villain and Bhagavathi

Villain and Bhagavathi were released in November, 2002. Both set the cash registers ringing and gave the careers of Ajith and Vijay a big boost.

Thirumalai and Anjaneya

These films were released at the height of the rivalry between Vijay and Ajith in October, 2003. Strong feelings ran high in both their fan clubs and the arguments and clashes between the warring factions became a cause for concern. The stars had to ask their fans to desist from the fighting.

Aadhi and Paramasivam

Aadhi was Vijay’s home production and Paramasivam was P. Vasu release after blockbuster, Chandramukhi. These films were released in January, 2006. Prakash Raj and Seetha were common to both films and both had the protagonists in similar situations like dealing with the loss of their family and their fight to avenge them while simultaneously ridding society of evil.

Alwar and Pokkiri

These films were Pongal releases in 2007. The fans were still keeping the fires of the rivalry burning.

Mankatha and Velayudham

The next installment of the epic clash between these superstars will be seen this August. Ajith and Vijay have wished each other the best and have nothing but good words for each other. It is one of the sweetest friendships in the industry!

[kiran]

thanks rsori

[singam]

Vaasthu calls Rajini

Not just Rajinikanth, but his residence too is on a rejuvenation mode. To welcome the Superstar who will return from Singapore after successfully undergoing treatment for health ailment, the Poes Garden house is being given a new look.

"Architects and Vaasthu experts are working together to make some alterations to the building. Some crucial but beautiful changes are in the pipeline," sources in the know say.

Meanwhile, there are others who say that Rajini will stay in his Kelambakkam farm house for some time once he is back in Chennai, to avoid frequent visitors at his Poes Garden residence. "Since Rajini has been advised rest, his family members feel that Kelambakkam will be a perfect place."

Whatever be the place where the Superstar will stay, one thing is for sure, 'Thalaivar' will be back to Chennai and with a bang. "He is eagerly looking forward to return to India and to restart Rana," says his son-in-law Dhanush.

[singam]

Mollywood calling Piaa Bajpai



Piya - Gallery

Although we first saw Piaa Bajpai in 2008 through 'Poi Solla Porom' her "Idhu Varai..." in 'Goa' where she played Jai's love interest is what that shot her to fame. But what seems to have made a lasting impression is her latest offering as Saro in KV Anand's 'Ko.'

Her chirpy character and positive attitude in 'Ko' had wowed one and all, and the actress took every bit of the role offered to her and utilized it to the fullest, and now she can rightly be referred to as one of the hottest properties in K'town.

The actress who is already one film old in Telugu, is now going to Mollywood to make a debut through 'Master' where she will be cast opposite top-notch hero Prithviraj, Johnny Antony will direct this family entertainer.

The film also marks the Malayalam debut of our 'Subramaniapuram' actor, Sasikumar who will play Prithviraj's classmate in this film. The friendship and lives of these two heroes, is said to form the crux of this film.

[singam]

Kajal Agarwal clarifies a misconception

Kajal Agarwal is currently busy in B'town with her Hindi remake of our Tamil blockbuster 'Singam,' that boasted off Suriya and Anushka in the lead roles. The movie is titled 'Singham' in Hindi and she is cast opposite Ajay Devghn.

While speaking to a media house, her comment that she never considered herself a South actress sparked off a controversy. An English daily broke the news on her statements, and the South Indian film fraternity lashed out against her and demanded an apology.

Many directors expressed that the South Indian Film Chamber must ban her from doing films in South. Shocked at the reaction, Kajal claimed that she didn't mean to offend South filmmakers or the industry.

She clarified that the journalist misunderstood her and therefore there was a 'miscommunication'. Talking to a few media personnel she said that she will continue to do South films and expressed her liking towards South Indian movies, where she started off her career as an actress.

However, we are yet to see how South Indian directors and producers react to her clarification...

[singam]

Comeback Friday For Actors

Following long bandwagon of big tickets, the producers of medium and small budget movies are on the rise of getting their projects into theatres. This Friday is somewhat important for certain actors as they make their comeback after a very long time.

Grandiosely debuting with Shankar’s ‘Boys’ and Manirathnam’s ‘Aayutha Ezhuthu’, Siddarth didn’t gain big offers down here in Kollywood and after 7 long years, he is all set to strike back with ‘Nootrenbadu’. On the pars, ‘Jithan’ Ramesh wasn’t able to make it happen with his previous movies. ‘Pillayar Theru Kadasi Veedu’.

Both the films are touted to be based on different genres and young upcoming star Arulnidhi joins the race as his ‘Udhayan’ will open tomorrow with more prints.

[singam]

Yuvan's Line-Up For 2011

Starting off with a commendable work in ‘Vaanam’, Yuvan Shankar Raja completed his hat-trick spell with ‘Kadhal 2 Kalyanam’ and ‘Avan Ivan’. Following the huge successes of these albums, the music director is now on top gear over simultaneously working on more projects. His much awaited ‘Mankatha’ is scheduled to hit audio stores by mid of July.

Already the single-track album has conquered the towns with the song ‘Vilayaadu Mankatha’ ringing everywhere.

Meanwhile, Yuvan is into the process of rendering some tunes for ‘Kazhugu’ and Ajith Kumar’s other film ‘Billa-2’ while the recording for half the songs in Vishnuvardhan’s Telugu movie ‘Shadow’ is done.

Away from film projects, Yuvan is also on the way of preparations for the concert that will be held by this year.

[singam]

Pillayar Theru Kadaisi Veedu Movie Review

Emotional sojourn

R B Choudhary's Super Good Films is known for coming up with quality family entertainers. This is the 81st venture from the famed production house. Playing the lead role is Jithan Ramesh and a debutant filmmaker Thirumala Kishore wields the megaphone. The movie is a mix of humour and emotional scenes with promising promotions. Check out what the movie is all about

Story
It is the story of a happy-go-lucky youngster Ganesan (Jithan Ramesh). He and his friends live their life their own way. Ganesan is a die-hard fan of T Rajendher. He is chided by his father (Jayaprakash) for his callous nature. Comes Sandhya (Sandhya), Ganesan's sister's friend, to stay in their house. Ganesan falls in love with her., He tries desperately to woo her. When is all set to express his love to her enters Valli (Suhasini), Ganesan's uncle's (Ilavarasu) daughter. Fearing that her father will get her married to a local goon (Bose Venkat), she decides to marry Ganesan. Coming to know about the situation in the family, Sandhya decides to sacrifice her love. But fate has other plans. Sandhya falls ill and Ganesan takes her to hospital. He is informed by the doctor (Prakashraj) that she is affected by cancer and that she is counting her days. Ganesan immediately marries her and comes home. An annoyed father drives him out of the house. All attempts to reunite with the family ends in vain. However a twist in the tale happens towards the climax and the movie ends a tear-jerker.


Analysis

The movie is a mix of humour and emotional elements. What begins on a lighter vein ends on a sombre note. Debutant director Thirumala Kishore has woven the script around just a couple of families. There are a quite few emotional scenes one would normally see in mega serials in the film. The fun Jithan Ramesh have with his friends in the first half is laugh-riot. But in the second half, everything turns topsy-turvy. There are many loose ends and the pace dips towards the latter part.

The twist in the tale towards the climax is surprising. At a time when masala movies are made, Super Good Films deserves a pat for making such movies that has a strong story.

Performance

Jithan Ramesh seems to shoulder the whole burden in the movie. He leaves his mark playing a callous youth. As usual he is impressive in dance sequences. He has given his best try on screen and it works in parts. Sanchitha Padukone has a meaty role to play. She comes all through, while Jayaprakash is the scene-stealer as Ramesh's father. He is cool, casual and impressive. Suri's comedy is good in parts. Bose Venkat plays a cameo while Ilavarasyu as a drunkard uncle is tailor made for the role. Prakshraj is wasted in a guest role.

Technicalities
The movie has M V Pannerselvam capturing lush green fields well. He varies the tone in first and second half to set the right momentum. Jayashankar's editing is ok while Chakri has composed a couple of hummable tunes. With Jithan Ramesh around, it seems to be a feast for choreographers. The dance sequences are set well and Ramesh is impressive.

Plus points
- Jithan Ramesh and Jayaprakash's performance
- Music by Chakri

Minus points
-- Cliched scenes
- Dragging second half


Box office predictions:

The movie may not have an bumper opening. But unlike other films of the day, it may attract womenfolk. There are enough elements in it attract women.

Pillay Theru Kadaisi Veedu Review rating: 2.5 / 5

Banner: Super Good Films
Cast: Jithan Ramesh, Sanchitha Padukone, Jayaprakash, Suri,

Cinematography : M V Paneerselvam

Editing: V Jayashankar

Music: Chakri

Director: Thirumala Kishore

[singam]

Udhayan Movie Review

Arulnidhi, grandson of former Chief Minister M Karunanidhi garnered all attention making his debut in director Pandiraj's Vamsam. His second - Udhayan has hit the screens today. Directed by Chaplin, it is a city slicker and expectations are high. Lets check out how the movie is.

Story

Udhayan (Arulnidhi) works as an assistant manager in a bank in Chennai. A fun-loving youth, he falls in love with a young girl Priya (Praneetha). He straightaway urges her to marry him. Clear in his thoughts and actions, he is admired by all. Santhanam works in the bank as his colleague. Meanwhile an old man (Ashish Visyarthy) runs from pillar to post searching for Udhayan. Meanwhile Priya's father who works as an auditor with a baddie in the city wants his boss help to separate the lovers. As it happens Udhayan and the gang have scores to settle. Udhayan is knifed. The latter part is all but how Udhayan sets all things right and crucial part played by Ashish Vidyarthy in it.

Performance

Arulnidhi, who played a soft-spoken rustic youth in Vamsam has taken the other way round here. He dons the role of a city-bred youth. He looks trendy and appears in stylised costumes. He has proved his mettle in stunt sequences and shakes his legs too. Praneetha appears as cute bubbly girl and utilise the opportunity well. Santhanam is as usual in a prime form evoking laughter with his one-liners. Ashish Vidyarthy is back in Tamil playing a pivotal role. He emotes well. All the characters b;lend well and give the desired output on screen.

Analysis

Chaplin, who worked as associte to many filmmakers has used all his experience to weave a thrilling storyline and the fact is that he executes it well on screen. He has given an image makeover for Arulnidhi. The film proceeds in a lighter vein and takes an action-packed turn as it progresses. The twists are set at right places and Chaplin's understanding of audience's pulses is evident . The last few minutes are really racy and rivetting.

Technicalities

S D Vijay Milton has been a pillar of strength for the director. His lens captures the events in a racy and rivetting manner. Editing by Kishore is razor sharp. It adds pep to the whole proceedings. The highlight of the movie is however the songs by Manikanth Kadri, Son of saxophone player Kadri Gopalnath. He mesmerises with his catchy tunes. Also the background score livens up the proceedings.


Plus points

- Arulnidhi and Manikanth Kadri's music
- Stunt sequences

Minus points

-- Familiar theme
- lacks pace in latter part


Box office predictions:

The movie is rich, trendy and stylish. Targetted at youngsters, positive reviews might help the movie make decent opening.

Udhayan Review rating: 3 / 5
Banner: Muthamizh Padaippagam
Cast: Arulnidhi, Praneetha, Ashish Vidyarthy, Santhanam
Cinematography : Vijay Milton
Editing: Kishore
Music: Manikanth Kadri
Director: Chaplin

[kiran]

thanks singam