Tamil Movie News--Pudhu Edition 3
Sandya Sitaraman
***Ellorukkum Vanakkam***
***Tamil Movie News (Cont.)***
***Kutti News***
***Saravanan, whose first production "Vishwanath" fared pretty well in the
box office, is all set to produce and act in his next film "Sattam Ozhungu"..
He plans on introducing a new director and on signing three heroines for
the new project!.. Sangavi has become extremely popular in the Telegu film
industry lately!.. She was offered a second heroine role in "Avvai Shanmugi"
with Kamalahasan and Meena.. Yenna kuzhappamo theriyalai.. Sangavi didn't
like the role and gave it up!.. and Heera, after the success of "Kaadhal
Kottai" was more than thrilled to grab it!.. A while back, there was talk
about Director K.S.Ravikumar signing a "Sri Durga" to act in "Avvai Shanmugi"..
But after Heera's entry.. nobody knows if Sri Durga is in the picture at all!..
***From Pavithran to Balumahendra.. Ask Shenbaga and she might just opaari
vechchu-fy about all the roles that director Pavithran promised and never
gave her.. but Director Balumahendra has been gracious and offered
Shenbaga a role in his new film "Abdhul Raman" with Vignesh!.. Newcomer
Eeshwari Rao also stars!.. Shilpa Shetty has tremendous adhistham in
Telegu suddenly!.. After her "Kanavukanni" did extremely well in Telegu,
they have signed her to act in the telegu version of "Ullaththai Allithaa"
in Rambha's role with Mohan Babu!.. Pooriththu poyirukkiraar Shilps!..
***Speaking of remakes.. Arvind Swamy is busy on the sets of the Hindi
remake of "Muthu".. But this version would resemble the Malayalam original
"Thenmaavin Kombaththu" than "Muthu".. For a second there, naam ellorum
konjam bayandhu vittom.. Imagine Arvind Swamy in a horse cart with a stick
in his hand!.. Whew!.. Meanwhile, Kamalahasan is remaking his big hit
"Magalir Mattum" in Hindi with Mamta Kulkarni, his wife Sarika and Seema
Biswas playing Revathi, Oorvasi and Rohini's roles respectively!.. Randhir
Kapoor takes over Nasar's role!.. Aanaalum Mookan-ai polla varuma?..
***Pyramid Natarajan has kai-yai suttu-fied himself majorly with "Love
Birds" balti adichch-ing in the box office.. now, after the great success
of "Enakku Oru Magan Pirappan".. He is producing the big budget
flick "Sirpi" with karate veerar Husseini and Swathi.. and "Yettupatti
Raasa" with Napolean and Kushboo, to be directed by Kasthuri Raja
("Naatupura Paatu").. As we all might have come across this information,
famous artist M.F.Hussein is planning on taking a film "Gaja Kaamini" with
his favorite nadigai, Madhuri Dixit and Kamalahasan!.. Paavam.. MFH is a
bit skeptical about getting call sheet times from Kamal right now!.. Kamal
dhaan romba busy aache!..
***Gemini Ganeshan is having a jolly good time enjoying the success of
"Mettukkudi," and waiting for the release of "Avvai Shanmugi" in which he
and Nagesh potti pottu kondu jollu vittu-fy "Kamal Maami".. Kamal dressed
as a Maami in madishaar and acts as a woman!.. Ore Lootty dhaan!..
Cinematographer P.C.Sriram is currently working on a music video with
three thousand candles and Alisha Chinoy in a cathedral, as a
advertisement campaign for "B.P.L. Made in India".. Suhasini Maniratnam is
directing and starring in a documentary for television.. titled "Naam..
Namadhu.. Namakku".. Revathi and Manorama co-star in this documentary
focusing on creating vizhippunarchi among uneducated women in village
areas!..
***"Minsaara Kanavu".. the project begun to celebrate 50 years of A.V.M.'s
existence, is complete, according to sources.. The film which stars Kajol,
Arvind Swamy and Prabhudeva is a mookona kaadhal kadhai about three light
music priyargal.. V.K.Ramaswami stars as their cook!.. While A.R.Rahman
composes music and pudhu muga director Rajeev Menon (the villain in "Deva
Raagam") makes his debut!.. The film awaits release!.. With some luck, we
might see it hit theatres for Deepavali 1996!.. Sathyaraj has been forced
to change his policy!.. At one time, he used to insist on finishing a film
and then taking up a new project.. Ippo, he stars in three films at the
same time!.. He has also changed his policy of acting under new
directors!.. He acts in "Senadhibadhi" with Sukanya and Soundharya under
new director Ratnakumar (dialogue writer of "Kizhakku Seemaiyile")..
***Yuvarani ("Senthoora Paandi," "Pasum Ponn," "Chellakannu")and Mohana
("Manju Virattu," "Mani Ratnam," "Veetla Visheshanga") have called it
'quits!'.. Iruvarum thamizh cinema-vukku permanent-a tata kaati
vitaargal!.. Yuva and Mohana have found jobs in London and America
respectively!.. With a shrinking market, both decided this was the right
thing to do!.. This is very similar to actress Nandhini ("Aavaram Poo,"
"Pass Mark") who quit, since she could bearly pay her make-up man, with
the salary she was receiving!.. A.R.Rahman seems to have made a trip to
America recently, where it was believed he and director Shankar came up
with the tunes for the latest Amritharaj-Shankar koottani, still untitled,
film!.. There is some word that ARR might have signed some sort of record
deal with Sony.. but it has been so hush-hush.. everything still remains
unconfirmed!..
***"Dilwale" Shahrukh Khan was expected to arrive in Madras for the "Film
Fare Awards" only in the evening.. but he showed up in the morning
itself!.. So, naal pura yenna seidhaaraam?!.. Aasai pattadhu polla, he saw
two tamil films, "Kaadhal Kottai," and "Kaadhal Desam" in Madras!..
Idhukkaagave early-a vandhaaram!.. North South-ai paarthu aadi poyduthu
doi!.. After a long gap, Ilaiyaraja is composing music for two films:
"Karuvelam Poo" and "Punniavathi".. Both films are for pudhu muga directors!..
Recently, Arjun went to Cananda to search for location for his "Thaayin
Manikodi".. where he bumped into a few thamizhargal who pachchai
kuththi-fied the indian flag on his hand!.. Since Arjun is so much into
desa bhakthi in his films, he didn't seem to mind!.. There is some word
that Director Maniratnam has signed to star as a model for a vilambara
padam!.. Mani-kku idhukkellam kooda neram irukkaa, yenna?!..
***There was a huge controversy erupting when "Kaadhal Kottai" slam banged
its competition in the box office: a young man by the name of Balu
accussed Director Agathiyan of ripping his story and taking "Ka. Ko."..
The producer of "Ka.Ko." had initiaaly just shaadu-fied that Balu was
jealous that the film was successful!.. Ippo yennadaa-na, Balu has been
named the director of Sivashakthi pictures' Pandian's next film titled
"Kaalamellam Kaadhal Vaazhga" (Remember, the Unnikrishnan-Chitra title
song of Ka.Ko.).. The film stars Murali and several pudhu mugams!.. Balu
has already directed a film "Un Ninaivaaga" previously!..
***Goundar-kku pidikaadha vishayam!.. As Goundamani has heavily shaadu-fied
Director K.R. of using his photograph without asking Goundar's permission
in "Enakkoru Magan Pirappan".. and the controversy is still brewing!..
Many of Goundar's enemies are quick to point out that of the five films
that were hits this year, including, "Ullaththai Allithaa," "Poove
Unakkaaga," "Indhiyan," "Sundhara Purushan," "Kaadhal Kottai," Goundar was
not part of three of these films and they were BIG hits (Poo.Un., Ka.
Ko., Su.Pu.)!.. Goundar konjam kadupaaga irukkiraar!.. Prakashraj plays
the "kalaignyar" role in "Anandham".. as we all know!.. Recently, a
scenario, kalaignyar kaadhaliththal, than kaadhalikkaaga oru urai nadai
kavithai yezhudhinaal eppadi irukkum was proposed!.. Vairamuthu wrote the
poem, while A.R.Rahman composed msuci for this verithanam-aana kaadhal!..
Initially, Arvind Swamy had read the poem in his own voice.. but he is no
longer part of the film.. Will they preserve A.S's voice, even with
Prakash in the role, that remains the big question!..
***After the grand success of "Kaalam Maari Pochchu".. V.Sekhar recently
held poojai ceremonies for this new film "Pongalo Pongal" with actor
Vignesh, music director Deva, A.V.M.Saravanan and K.R.G. attending the
function!.. Meanwhile, Ramarajan is a busy body in tamil cinema today..
that's for sure!.. He stars in "Namma Ooru Raasa" and "Pallavan Pandian"..
After which, he is scheduled to act under director K.S.Ravikumar's village
flick (halwa thundam!) "Kaalaiyan".. Ramarajan expects "Namma Ooru Raasa"
to release in Oct. 1996, he has also signed two more films besides the
ones mentioned above!..
***Mansoor Alikhan plays a New York police officer in "Maayaavi".. while
Jayanthi Rose, an Asian American co-stars with him!.. Mansoor seems to
have encountered no problems in NY since there werent' any police officers
around when the film was being shot!.. Rijjeetha, a Mumbai new face also
make her debut in "Maayaavi".. a film produced by American born tamil
Idhayaraj!.. Prasanth, who was supposed to act with Mamooty in "Arasiyal"
seems to have been dropped from the film!.. After successfully signing to
act in the new Ashok Amitharaj-Shankar koottani film, Prasanth has become
someone to watch over!.. But the latest star cast on "Arasiyal" shows
Mamooty, Shilpa Shirodhkar, Mansoor Alikhan and Roja.. no sign of Prasanth
here!.. Ending on a good note, Baby Shalini, as I mentioned in the
previous edition, is contemplating making an entry into tamil films.. but
she is insistent that she would reenter only in a Fazil film, since he had
introduced her initially as a child actress, many years ago!.. It appears
that 'Kumari' Shalini and Abbas ("Kaadhal Desam") will star in a tamil
film to be directed by Fazil in the very near future!..
***Films expected for Deepavali 1996***
***Aravindhan.. A film taken mostly in the mines near Pondicherry, and in
the hopes that it indeed is a major turning point for Saratkumar!..
Parthiban, Nagma, Visu, Prakashraj all co-star, while a new director
directs!.. T.Siva, who has gone systematically bondi since last year with
"Raasaiyaah," "Nandhavana Theru," "Seedhanam," and finally a so-so
"Maanikkam".. is producing this film!.. Ilaiyaraja's youngest son, Yuvan
Shankar makes his music director debut!..
***Avvai Shanmugi.. The film most Kamal fans are looking forward to!..
What we would give to see Kamal in a madishaar pudavai, looking and
behaving like a woman!.. K.S.Ravikumar is ready to cash in at the box
office with this comedy flick to be released on November 10th, 1996!..
Meena and Heera, Gemini Ganesh and Nagesh co-star, while Deva composes
music for the very first Kamal film!..
***Periya Thambi or Panchaalang Kurunchi.. Both Prabhu films are ready for
release!.. Yedhu mundhi kollum-nu theriyalai!.. "Periya Thambi" is a
thoroughly village background flick telling the story of a village girl
and her murai maappillai!.. This will be the first time that Nagma gets
the opportunity to act as a village girl dressed in a paavaadai dhaavani!
Moreover, both Prabhu and Nagma act together for the very first time, as
well!.. Deva composes music for both Per.Thambi and Panch.Kurunchi!..
Prabhu, Madhubala and Maheshwari star in "Panchaalang Kurunchi," a film
produced by K. Balu ("Thozhar Pandian")..
***Minsaara Kanavu or Mr. Romeo.. Crazy Mohan was interviewed recently,
when he stated that two of the films where he wrote dialogues, "Mr. Romeo"
and "Avvai Shanmugi" were expected to come out for Deepavali!..
Interestingly, there has been little excitement or anxiousness about "Mr.
Romeo" hitting theatres next month!.. Prabhudeva, Shilpa Shetty, either
Meena or Madhubala star, in his expensive R.B.Choudhri flick, to be
directed by newcomer Ravi!.. "Minsaara Kanavu" produced by A.V.M, is all
set for release, yet there still isn't any confirmed word on the matter!..
A.R.Rahman composes music for both these films!.. Either of these two
films will release, since two Prabhudeva movies releasing simultaneously
might be an overdose!..
***Pudhayal.. The soundtrack was released as early August of this year!..
yet this film with a big star cast: Mamooty, Arvind Swamy, newface Sakshi,
and Aamni ("Honest Raj") has yet to seen the light of day!.. Vidhyasagar
composes music, while Kovai Chezhian produces this flick, directed by
Selva ("Amaravathy,").. You might expect this for Deepavali!..
***Kalki.. K.Balachandar's new film with Raguman, Prakash Raj, Geetha,
Sruthi (Kannada actress), Fathima Babu is expected for Deepavali this
year!.. The soundtrack function was flooded with celebrities since this
was KB's first film after a very long stint of T.V. serials and programs!..
Deva composes music for a film directed by KB for the first time!..
***Senadhibadhi.. Several films were affected/stalled by the technician
strike in Madras.. Of these, "Senadhibadhi," "Bharathi Kannamma,"
"Rakshakan," "Chinna Saami, Periya Saami," "Pudhayal," might had been
affected in terms of release dates!.. "Senadhibadhi" directed by newcomer
Ratnakumar, stars Sathyaraj, Sukanya, Soundharya and Vijaykumar!.. Music
is most probably by Deva!.. This might be Sathyaraj's entry into the
Deepavali race!..
***Selva or Kaalamellam Kaathiruppen.. For Vijay, Deepavali, Pongal-nu
naall kizhamai kidaiyaadhu.. his films come out at all times of the
year!.. If two films have a chance for release, it's either "Selva"
produced by Pavithran (director of "Indhu," "Sooriyan").. co-starring
Swathi and new face Reeva!..Directed by Venkatesan ("Mahaprabhu") or M.G.
Pictures'("Sivashakthi") "Kaalamellam Kaathiruppen" with new face Dimple
Verma!.. Directed by R.Sundhararajan!..
***Ullaasam.. A minute possibility does exist for its release for
Deepavali this year!.. Amithabh Bachchan Corporation Ltd.'s very first
production in Tamil, has employed the most talented technicians in the
industry!.. Art: Thotta Tharani, Cinematography: Jeeva ("Indhiyan"),
Dialogues: Balakumaran ("Gentleman," "Baadhshaa"), Music: Karthik Raja
(Ilaiyaraja's oldest son!)..Dance: Raju Sundharam, Stunts: Vikram Dharma..
and J.D. and Jerry, the experienced director duo of T.V. serials and
programs!.. Ajeethkumar ("Kaadhal Kottai," "Aasai"), Maheshwari
("Karuththamma" and dubbed film "Idhyame Idhayame") and Vikram ("Thandhu
Vitten Ennai," "Meera," "Pudhiya Mannargal"), Raghuvaran, S.P.Balasubramaniam
all star!..
And last but not least..
***Mannavaa.. Prasanth, Oorvasi and Sangavi star!.. For some strange
reason, the film has been jumping scheduled release dates for quite
sometime!.. Prasanth's dad Thyagarajan produces, while Deva composes music
for the comedy flick!.. Prasanth hopes that this will create some demand
for him in tamil cinema today!.. After all, he is contending with Vijay,
Ajeeth, Arunkumar and a growing number of newcomers on a day to day
basis!..
***QUOTABLES***
***"Kavarchi-yai patri ovvoru-var manasilum ovvoru karuththu irukkiradhu.
Enakku Kushboo-vai romba pidikkum. Avarum niraiya glamour vedangal-il
nadith-thirukkiraar. Naanum avarai pollave nadikka vendum yendru
ninaipadhu seri aagumaa?".. Actress Sangita, in a Cinema Express
interview, when she was asked about how she has defined kavarchi for
herself!..
***"Mmm. Good Picture!.. Podhuvaagave Kamal nalla nadigar. Oru padaththil
nallaa panniyirukkaaru-nu ninaichom-na, adhai vida better-a aduththa
padathulla panna koodiyavar. "Indhiyan" vayasaana Kamal role oru
ramyamaana variety!.. Migai illaadha nadippu!.. But, magan character-ukku
avaraiye potturukka vendaam!.. Veru yaarai-yaavadhu pottirundhaal
padaththin azhuththam innum koodi irukkalaam!".. Vani Ganapathy responded
to a question by Anandha Vikatan, about what she thought of "Indhiyan"!..
***"Adhai pattri kavalai illai!.. Mumbai, Calcutta,.. yenna.. Paris,
London-ilirundhu kadha naayagigal vandhaal kooda, ennakku prachchanai
illai!".. Actress Soundharya replied when she was asked if she was worried
about the Northie varavugal, by Cinema Express..
***"Very different.. Mani sir-ta oru vishesham!.. Artistugalukku avar
nadichchu kaata-radhillai!.. Aana, yenna venum-garadha azhaga kettu
vaanguvaaru!.. "Inge oru chinna Aacharyam venum. Varisaiyaa yerumbu
oorndhu pora azhagai thar-chaiyalaaga kavanichaa yeppadi paarpeenga..
Adhu maadhiri venum"-baaru. Illai-naa scene-na nambalai panna sollittu,
chinna chinna corrections mattum koduppaaru!".. Prakash Raj, in an Anandha
Vikatan interview on Director Maniratnam's directing methods in "Anandham"..
***Thabaal Petti***
***Revathi (Actress) ***Oorvasi (Actress)
1, Crescent Park Rd. 117, Gokula Krishnan Street,
First Street, Opposite Ambika-Radha House
Gandhi Nagar, Janaki Nagar,
Madras 600 020. Madras 600 087.
***Kushboo (Actress) ***Agathiyan (Director)
20/1, Arch Bishop Madhiyas Avenue, 105, Eldams Road,
Boat Club Road, Madras 600 018.
Madras 600 028.
***Sirpi (Music Director)
188/5, S.V.Lingam Salai,
K.K.Nagar,
Madras 600 078.
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Special Thanks to all those who share new tamil movie news with me!..
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My Sources: Cinema Express and Anandha Vikatan..
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Ungalukku yedhavadhu pudhu thamizh pada seidhigal therindhaal, adhai
ennudan pangu kollveergal yendru nambukiren!
Nanri..
Sandya
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Tamil Movie News can also been seen at WEB site:
http://www2.ntu.ac.sg:8000/~sf918168/mayajaal.html
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