Tamil Movie News--Pudhu Edition 2

[Sandya Sitaraman]

***Ellorukkum Vanakkam***

***Tamil Movie News***

***'KUSH' News***

***Ivarukku thani section podara nilamai-kku vandhu vittadhu.. avalavu
news, ivarai pattri!.. Kitta thatta merri-go-round scenario dhaan..
Sundhar C.-Kushboo sutri dhaan ella news-ume!.. After the grand success of
"Ullaththai Allithaa".. Kusbhoo thaan aasai-yaaga kuppidum "MAMA"-kkaaga..
bought a special diamond ring and presented it to him!... Moreover, she
forcefully talked and convinced Rajini to see "Ullaththai Allithaa".. Ippo
yennadaa-na.. Rajini was so impressed, Sundhar C. is set to direct the
"Super Star" in Rajini's own venture "Arunaachalam!"...

Everyone now calls Kushboo the "lakshiya pondaatti" since she was able to
convince Rajini to sign her "mama" to direct his film!.. Even though, Kush
denies forcing Rajini to do anything.. avarukku Sundhar C. Rajini padam
pannuvadhil bayangara "kush" dhaan!.. Rewinding back to last year..
Sundhar C. gave an interview saying that he wanted to stand on his own two
feet and attain recognition as an individual (away, from the status as
Kush's fiance).. before he married Kushboo.. Now, all the magazines have
started to jabber that Sundhar C. will marry Kush in the next year and not
wait three years.. since directing a Rajini movie = standing on your own
feet!..

Idhukku naduvulla.. "Enakkoru Magan Pirappaan" a low-budget flick by the
Pyramid International V. Natarajan-K.R. koottani has bagged Kush a very
big hit!.. Kush has been signing films left, right and center.. including
"Saiva Kokku" and "Gopala Gopala" with Pandiyarajan.. "Bharathi" with Babu
Ganesh.. "Yettuppatti Raasa" with Napolean.. "Swarnamukhi" with Prakashraj
under the direction of K.S.Adhiyamaan ("Thotta Shinungi").. and
"Ponnvillaiyira Bhoomi" with Rajkiran.. replacing Meena, since she had
call sheet problems!.. Ivalavu padam sign pannaraangale.. appo ippothukku
kalyaanam illaiyaa?..

Sundhar C., in the meantime, is busy with the beginning stages of
"Naattarasan Kottai" with Jayaram.. His latest "Mettukkudi" is quickly
climbing charts and grossing well.. aduthadhu "Arunaachalam" verai..
ketkkanuma?.. Thanga kaasaa kotta pogudhu, illai?!..
(As always.. Kushboo bahuth "sundhar" hai! aur Sundhar bahuth "kush"
hai!.. Aahaa, yenna oru poruththam!)..

***Other News***

***"Thodda Bedda Roattu melle "emotional" Vijay".. Vijay has turned a
brand new leaf.. or at least he wants to.. after the significant morale
booster that the soft role in "Poove Unakkaaga" gave him!.. Ippo lerndhu
"Ayyayo Alamelu" maadhiri paatu ellam varaadhu pollirukku!.. But Vijay
peyirukku thagundhaa maadhiri.. has "success" written all over his
resume!.. He stars in Director Pavithran's production debut "Selva" with
Swathi ("Vaanmadhi," "Vishwanath") and new face Reeva.. in M.G.Pictures's
(producers of "Siva Shakthi") "Kaalamellam Kaathiruppen" with newface
Dimple Verma.. Direction: R.Sundhararajan and in Director Manirathnam's
new production/Vasanth direction.. with Ajeethkumar!.. Oru "Poove
Unakkaga" really can aati padaichchu-fy an actor's career, you know?..

***"Kaalam Maari Pochchu" aanaal Sangita kollkai maaravillai!.. Adding two
more big hits, V.Sekhar's "Kaalam Maari Pochchu" and Vikraman's "Poove
Unakkaaga".. Sangita is thrilled more than ever!.. Of course, there is no
change in her 'no kavarchi' policy.. but roles have been pouring in
plentifully lately!.. Sangita currently stars as Sathyaraj's daughter in
"Vallal," in "Alexander the Great" with Vijaykanth and Prakashraj..
Direction K.R. ("Iratai Roja," "Enakkoru Magan Pirappaan").. "Ratna" with
Murali.. "Namma Ooru Raasa" with Actor-cum-Director Ramarajan.. Mellum..
Sangita has a thaththuvam about her success.. She says: "Homeliness is the
key to success"..

***Kuzhappam.. shandai niraindha "Anandham".. Probably one of the most
conflict-oriented and confusing films in tamil cinema history!.. Everyone
fights about his role in the film, grumbles and then leaves!.. Let's
review our pattial.. First, Nana Patekar, who wasn't too thrilled that
he wouldn't get the dough that he wanted!.. Then, Mamooty said 'tata'.. In
came, Arvind Swamy.. he also jagaah vaangufied claiming he had call sheets
problems.. some murmurs about Sathyaraj and Prakash Raj.. then it came
back to Mani's aasthaana hero Arvind Swamy again.. Finally, Prakash Raj
has been signed to star in the role!.. More on this soon!..

Periya jagadaa mullaitha-dharkku kaaranam.. Saratkumar!.. It appears he
was also offered the "Kalaignyar" role like all the others!.. Sarat
complained that he was treated like "nothing" and Mani refused to pay him,
the amount he wanted!.. In the meantime, Mithun Chakravorthy, who was
supposed to play a journalist in the film, aside from the "Kalaignyar,"
also backed out!.. He was to play a baldie, but since he had other
committments which would be affected.. he decided to back out!.. Ivarum
Sarath-ai polla kumarri-irukkiraar!..

Thiruppiyum Prakash Raj camp-ai enter seivom!.. He says: "Sarat Sir..
Mithun Sir.. petti ellam padichchen.. Adhu avangaloda personal vishayam"..
Prakash Raj had asked Mani for a chance to act in "Anandham" as early as
when "Aasai" was in production!.. "Anandham" project was in its beginning
stages!.. Ippadi irukka.. Mani, non-committal-aaga.. "I will think about
it, Prakash" yendru solli irukkiraar!.. Poor Prakash was holding on to
those words alone, but proceeded acting in other films!.. One day, he
received a dhideer phone call from Mani asking him to come to Madras!..
Pada padavena.. make-up test was taken during which Prakash had to take
off his meesai!.. Mani told him he would let him know!..

Konjam naalukku saththa-thaiye kannum!.. And of course, Prakash was kind
of concerned to see all these different actors' names popping up in
regards to "Anandham".. Appo, Prakash oru minute size sabadham yeduththu
kondaar.. Mani padaththil yaar nadichchaalum.. first day shooting varai..
meesai vechchukkaa-mal irukkanum-nu!.. Boy, did it work out for Prakash!..
Mani calls him and tells him "Namba pannalaam, Prakash".. After which, he
tells him the requirements of the character: initially he would need
a close hair cut.. and as his character builds, mun netri mudi
ellaththukkum tata sollanum!.. Ellathukkum Prakash "okay" yendru dhaan
solli irukkiraar!.. Prakash seems to be thrilled with his new "kalaignyar"
role and having a chance to speak in sudhdha thamizh!.. Silar, "Kuduththu
vaithavar" enbaargal.. But, palar, like Sarat, would probably call it
dumb, since Prakash might not be able to accept other films.. with the
current condition of his hair!.. (Sarat Sir, ungalukku theriyavillai
yendraal.. idhu dhaan Aiyaa.. Dedication!)..

Currently, we know the following for sure about "Anandham" (or so, we
think!).. Mohanlal, Prakash Raj, Aishwarya Rai, Gouthami, Tabu, Revathi
all star!, while A.R.Rahman composes music and Maniratnam's own "Madras
Talkies" production company produces its first venture!..

***Mukkiyamaaga sandhikka vendiyavar.. Anju Arvind.. She was a 10th grade
student when producer K.R. Gangadharan invited her to act in his Malayalam
production "Atcharam".. which is expected for release in tamil soon, under
the title "Reporter".. Anju Arvind, first made her acting debut in tamil
in "Poove Unakkaaga".. Adhilerndhu adichcha adhistam dhaan "Enakkoru Magan
Pirappan"-la role as Vivek's wife!.. Anju, to some, resembles actress
Oorvasi, is pretty level-headed about the fame and fortune in tamil
movies.. She hasn't signed any new tamil movies yet.. aanaal, she is ready
to if anyone offers her terrific roles..

Couple of side notes.. Anju Arvind had initially been picked to star in
Rambha's role in R.B.Choudhri's "Sundhara Purushan".. But Anju's face
seemed more suited for the homely role in "Poove Unakkaaga".. So 'tata'
Anju.. hello, Rambha!.. Luckily, Anju Arvind says that she would have
rejected the offer, (if she had been offerred) the "Sundhara Purushan"
role, since it was so 'kavarchi' oriented!.. (Another Sangita in the
making?).. Furthermore, it appears that when Anju Arvind signed to star in
"Enakkoru Magan Pirappaan," Ramesh Arvind was supposed to play her
husband!.. This was changed, for some reason.. and Vivek did the role
instead!.. Ramesh-um, Anju-vum relatives illai!.. Anju makes it a point to
clarify this in all her interviews!..

***Rasigar manadhil "Kaadhal Kottai" kattiya Agathiyan.. He remained a
story and dialogue writer, until he got the opportunity to direct two
films: "Maangalyam Thandhunaane" and "Madhumathi".. Of these, "Madhumathi"
ran fairly well!.. Immediately everyone in the industry decided that he
wouldn't write stories and dialogues anymore for outsider films!... Vayaru
kaaya arambichcha neram.. yega patta kashtam.. Director Agathiyan did not
even have enough money for train fare to attend his father's funereal in
the village!.. He sold one of this stories to Director Manivannan, whom he
had previously got the story approved from!.. Paavam Manivannan, with a
very broken heart.. told him never to adai maanam vechchu-vy his story for
money!..

Ivalavu kashta patta Agathiyan, then met "Sivashakthi Pictures" Pandian..
and together, they came up with two big hits in 1996: "Vaanmadhi" which
was very well received and now "Kaadhal Kottai," the number one film in
Tamilnadu today!.. Agathiyan hasn't forgoten the bad times in his life..
but is surely enjoying his good fortune by directing K.Balachandar's
("Kavithaalaya") next production and Sri Lakshmi Movie Makers' ("Mr.
Madras") "Gokulaththil Seethai" with Karthik and Suvalakshmi ("Aasai")..
"Nalam nalamariya aaval" paadugira nelamai-kku vandhu vittar Agathiyan!..

***"Pudhu Nilavu" pazhaiya samaachaaram aanaalum.. Jayaram's market in
tamil movies seeraaga dhaan irukkiradhu.. He is very busy, having signed 5
films in tamil and 5 more in the negotiation stage!. Malayaala vaasanai
pechchil thookkal-aaga theriyum Jayaram is acting in "Naatarasan Kottai"
under Sundar C.'s direction, "Periya Idaththu Maapillai" by Gurudhanapal
("Maman Magal," "Thai Maman"), "Chinna Saami, Periya Saami" with
R.V.Udhayakumar as Chi.Saa and new comer Udhaya... "Parivattam" with
Sukanya and "Mr. Devaraj" with Ranjitha under the direction of Rasi
Azhagappan (assistant in many Kamal films!)..

***Udhavi seiya varum "Arunachalam".. "Super Star" Rajinikanth recently
announced news of his next project "Arunachalam" to be directed by Sundhar
C. ("Ullaththai Allithaa," "Mettukkudi").. The biggest news is, of course
that "Crazy" Mohan is going to have his very first chance at writing the
story and dialogues for a Rajini film!.. Idhu varaikkum Kamal camp-liye
irundha Mohan.. was thrilled when he received an invitation from Rajini!..
Crazy was initially invited by Sundhar C. to write dialogues for
"Ullaththai Allithaa," but time constraints hindered him from doing so!..
Ippo both Rajini and Sundhar C. in the same film.. Mohan has been asked to
join them.. kasakkum-aa yenna?!.. Senthilkumar will be the cinematographer
and Deva will compose music!..

"Arunachaalam" will be a full and total fun and frolic flick.. with one
major goal.. Rajini is planning on taking this film as a financial aid
project for 8 people.. Kalakendra Govindharajan, who had introduced Rajini
in "Aboorva Raagangal," Kalaignyanam, who introduced Rajini as a hero in
"Bhairavi," Hemnag Company: Brothers Ramji and Babji who produced the
films "Kali" and "Garjanai".. Sathya Studio Padmanabhan, who passed away
leaving 7 daughters behind with unknown futures.. V.K.Ramaswami, former
actress Pandari Bhai, Producer Madurai Nagaraja, and finally the eighth
person.. unfortunately, no one knows who this person is!.. It will be
announced later!..

The heroine of this film has been quite a guessing game!.. Initially,
there was hope for Manisha Koirala, because avar kaal vizhaadhaa
kuraiyaa.. wanted a chance to act with Rajini!.. Then, during an exclusive
premiere of "Kaadhal Kottai," Meena who hurriedly entered the theatre, not
wanting Rajini to wait for her.. was somewhat predicted to play the
heroine in his next film!.. Who could deny after "Ullaththai Allithaa" and
"Sundhara Purushan" that Rambha would not be a qualified candidate to
play Rajini's heroine in "Arunaachalam!".. Rambha popularity-in uchchi-ke
poyi viduvaar.. if at all, this dream came true!..

Ellathaiyum odhukki vaikkara maadhiri, there is some new information
on the heroine search for this film!.. Remember, Baby Shalini, who
used to mesmerize all of us as a child actress in films like
"Pillai Nila" and "Bandham".. Well, now she is a 11th grader in
Church Park, Madras and does some modelling part time!.. Though she really
isn't interested in acting currently,.. Rajini padaththula role-naa
kasakkumaa yenna?.. Karumbu thinna kooliyaa?.. There is a lot of
expectations in Kodambakkam that Shalini might play Rajini's heroine in
the film, after all!.. No guarantees from Shalini yet!..

Meantime, "Arunachalam" shooting should begin in November
1996 and be completed by March 1997.. Appuram "Arunachalam" Thamizh
Puththaandu 1997-kku theatres-ukku varuvaan yenbadhu dhaan Rajini-yin
ippodhaiya plan!..

***"Maman Magal" director-ukku Albert Camus meedhu pattru.. Gurudhanapal,
who has succeeded in making B grade 'okay' films like "Thai Maman" and
"Maman Magal," is up to his neck in work.. directing "Periya Idaththu
Maapillai" with Jayaram and Devayani!.. Furthermore, Gurudhanapal has an
interesting influence from Albert Camus' novel "The Stranger".. Gurudhanapal
has himself written a story "Anniyan" based on Camus' novel!.. He is so
much in love with the main character's indifference to the world.. that
Gurudhanapal says that from on, many of his heros will resemble that Camus
character!.. He is also working on a story with Prabhu in the lead!..
Maybe we will see the "Stranger" side of Prabhu in Gurudhanapal's film,
after all!..

***"Vaanmadhi" oru kalakku kalakkugiraar!.. Swathi became extremely
prominent in Kodambakkam after the big 'love' kisu kisu between
Ajeethkumar and her erupted before the release of "Vaanmadhi".. Things
have quietened down somewhat since then.. now Swathi, aarbaattam
illaamal.. is acting in a handful of films.. including "Sivan" with
Napolean,"Maapillai Goundar" with Prabhu, "Selva" with Vijay, "Pudhiya Sakthi"
with Murali and "My India" with Karate Champion Husseini!.. Swathi's last
film "Vishwanath" with Saravannan, seems to have done pretty well in B and
C centers.. enough to bag her all these roles, in recent time!..

***Devayaani's indhiya baashai "Kottai".. People sometimes tell her that she
resembles actress Geetha just a little.. Devayaani poorichchu pogiraar!..
She is not a Mumbai-yite as many believe.. Appa is from Mangalore and Amma
from Kerala.. So Devayaani speaks Konkini and Malayaalam fluently!.. Since
she was raised in Mumbai, Hindi-yum nandraaga varum!.. Besides that,
Marathi and Gujarathi.. Now, tamil cinema-la irukkardhaala.. the next
language to learn is tamil!.. Some fans are disgruntled by the fact that
Devayaani agreed to do one kavarchi aattam in "Sivashakthi".. for which,
Devayaani responds "Appadi ellam dance aada koodaadhaa?.. Ennakku thappa
theriyalai.. Aabaasam-aa nadikka koodaadhay thavira, ippadi patta
character-la dhaan nadikkanum naan vechukkar-dhillai".. Devayaani koodiya
seekiram ellorum polla "kavarchi kottai" kattaamal irundhaal seri!..

***Livingston's vetri oorvalam as "Sundhara Purushan".. After climbing
many stairs and being constantly turned down, Producer R.B.Choudhri, of
"Super Good Films" was the first one to see a spark in Livingston, in
order to give him a chance as a hero!.. Livingston, who had worked under
Bhagyaraj from "Mouna Geethangal" to "Mudhaanai Mudichchu," learned how to
write stories and screenplays only from K. Bhagyaraj!.. After starring in
films like "En Uyir Thozhan," Livingston was inspired by Director
Bharathiraja who truly felt that Livingston had the talents to become a
hero!.. Now, that "Sundhara Purushan" has run successfully in Madras..
Livingston is ready to make another film for R.B.Choudhri, before he
moves towards other producers!.. Livingston is currently being bombarded
by 7 or 8 production companies eager to sign him for their next venture!..
"Sundhara Purushan" kaattil balaththa mazhai dhaan!..

***Aeronautical Engineer in "Poove Unakkaaga?".. Meet Sakthikumar, who
starred as the second hero in "Poove Unakkaaga," received his degree in
aeronautical engineering in 1990, after which he joined the Adayar film
college and received further training in acting!.. Idhukkum adhukkum
samandham illai yendraalum, Sakthikumar was seen in a series of small
films like "Varavu Nalla Uravu," "Paalaivana Paravaigal," "Puthiya
Mannargal," and "Anbu Sangili!".. Sakthikumar's big break came only
through "Poove Unakkaaga" and he plans on starring in the next Vikraman
film as well!.. He is also in the midst of signing a few more films!..
Sakthikumar is popular in the T.V. circuit, starring in "Arththamulla
Uravugal," and "Vasantham Colony".. Sakthikumar vaazh-vil "Anandham
Anandham Paadum.. Manam aasai-yil oonjal-il aadum!"..

***New Heroine Irakkumadhis***

***Reeva.. Our hottest Mumbai irakkumadhi.. She seems to be bagging roles
just by the fact, she took tuition in tamil, even before entering
Kodambaakam!.. Ippo ellam "paapa nalla tamil pesum"-nu solliye, tak-kunu
role-galai amukkugiraar Reeva!.. Appuram.. Amma romba dhaaraalam-nu kooda
kelvi!.. Swim suit, indha suit, andha suit.. ellam undu!.. No wonder, she
was immediately signed by sleeze "Indhu" director Pavithran!.. and also by
first time director T.S.Jayamurugan of "Roja Malare".. starring Murali and
Arunpandian!..

***Dimple Verma.. Makes her debut in "Kaalamellaam Kaaththiruppen" with
Vijay, under the direction of R.Sundararajan.. Dimple Verma-vin vaazhkkai
encompasses an entire world!.. Born in Dubai, studied in an Ooty convent,
Poorveegam Mumbai.. As of now, all her relatives and family live in
England!.. When the heroine search was going on, Dimple was modelling in
Bangalore.. udane pidiththu Dimple-idam sammadham vaangi.. they signed her
for the film!.. Dimple, who actually looks a little like Dimple Kapadia,
vaazhvil mudhal murai-yaaga saree katti kondu.. "Kaala. Kaath"-il
nadikkiraar!..

***Ivargalai thavira.. Lisa Ray, a Mumbai-yite stars in "Nethaji" with
Saratkumar, Nivedhitha, a Bangalore Model stars in "Thaayin Manikodi," the
latest kavarchi pettagam in Arjun's own production/direction!.. Shilpa
Shirodhkar, who acted with Amithabh in the hindi film "Hum" stars with
Mamooty in R.K.Selvamani's "Arasiyal".. Swetha Menon is a very popular
model for those of us who have seen "Camay" ads in India.. She currently
stars in the film version of the K.Rajeshwar's "Kovilpatti Varalakshmi"..
which was initially published as a thodar kadhai in Kumudham!..

Manthra, who made her debut in "Priyam" stars in T.Rajendar's new project
"Ilam Kaadhalargal".. Manisha Koirala is supposed to be acting under
Thyagarajan's direction, in "Puliththevan" with his son Prasanth!.. Tabu
is busily working on the sets of "Anandham" with Director Maniratnam!..
Devayaani has signed closed to five films, since "Kaadhal Kottai" hit it big
in the box office!.. Of the five, "Periya Idaththu Maapillai" with Jayaram
is prominent for her!.. Aishwarya Rai is not only working in "Anandham,"
but has signed to act in Ashok Amritharaj-Director Shankar koottani film
for a whopping 75 lakhs!.. Everybody is scared to even approach Ice now!..
Meanwhile, Sushmita Sen, Aish's arch rival, is circumventing reporters'
questions about her supposed thodarbu with Nagarjuna, and is predicted to
start K.T.Kunjumon's "Rakshakan" soon!.. Rakshana made her debut in
"Poovarasan" with Karthik, this year!.. This actress named "Miss Bengal"
was initially signed by Arjun, but director Gokulakrishna kettu
kondadhaala, made her debut in "Poovarasan".. Rakshana's next film
"Tata-Birla" also hit theatres recently!.. Pullahangidham aagi
irukkiraar!..

Nagma is one lucky lady!.. With "Mettukkudi" making it big, she awaits the
release of two of her films for Deepavali: "Aravindhan with Saratkumar and
Parthiban, and "Periya Thambi" with Prabhu!.. Furthermore, it appears she
has signed to act in a Kamal film soon!.. Urmila, famous for her "Thadaa"
dance in "Indhiyan" has declared her aasai to act in a Bharathiraja type
village movie without wearing a blouse, if the role is substantial and
noteworthy.. Currently, she hasn't signed any new tamil films!.. Suvalakshmi,
the surprise contender from Bengal, shook the industry quite a bit with
her performance in "Aasai".. She has permanently moved to Madras and has
taken up two projects.. "Vaani Mahaal" with Vignesh and the Director of
"Chellakkannu".. and "Gokulaththil Seethai" with Karthik and Director
Agathiyan ("Kaadhal Kottai," "Vaamadhi,").. Indha varusham, nanna kaiyai
suttunda vangalla.. Pooja Bhatt is definitely among them.. Her "Kallurivaasal"
bombed majorly.. Adhukku appuram aallai kannum!..

TO BE CONTINUED..

My Sources: Anandha Vikatan and Cinema Express..

Sandya..

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