Shammu is walking the silk route

Barely out of her teens, Shammu has already made her mark on the big screen with her debut in Priyadarshan’s dream project, 'Kanchivaram'.
The starlet feels honoured to have acted opposite the likes of Prakashraj in her role as his daughter Thamarai, and is looking forward to her other projects. Shammu is currently signed on for 'Mathiyosi', 'Mayilu' and 'Malayan'.
The actress, born in India but brought up in the U.S., reveals that director Priyadarshan didn’t have to enact a scene for her to get the hang of it; he explained and she ably followed his instructions. She admits that she learned a lot under Priyadarshan and though she was very nervous at the beginning of the shoot, the cast and crew made her very comfortable. She credits the talented director with preparing her for the rest of her film career.
Kanchivaram’s premiere was at the Toronto International Film Festival, and Shammu recalls her excitement at walking the red carpet. She feels blessed to be going places at such a tender age.

Madhumitha’s hopes after wedding

Madhumitha who got married recently was in Chennai to do something that she has not done before, dub for a movie. The actress dubbed for the role that she has played in the Ameer starrer Yogi. The film is directed by Subramaniam Siva. As with all movies that involve Ameer, Yogi too is expected to be special.
Madhumitha’s role is reported to be very strong and could potentially win an award for the actress. But, all awards require the actress to have dubbed for the
character themselves. So, realizing the scope of the character and also knowing very well that such opportunities do not come every day, the actress decided to do the dubbing herself. This is the first time that she has done the job. Let’s hope that her faith in the role and the efforts taken don’t go in vain.

Watch out for Shriya’s arrival!

Shriya, who has not had any Tamil film release for quite a while now, is expected to come back with a bang! Chikku Bukku, in which she stars alongside Arya, will be released in a couple of months, says sources close to the film. Considering the speed in which the film is being made, it is possible.
Yet another heroine in Chikku Bukku is Preetika. A song featuring Arya and Preetika was wrapped up recently and this was the end of the first schedule.
Chikku Bukku is scored by the Colonial Cousins – Leslie Lewis and Hariharan.
Director Manikandan, who had completed the late Jeeva’s Dham Dhoom has wielded the megaphone for this venture. R.B. Gurudev, Jeeva’s cameraman has been retained by Manikandan.

Which Brother dazzles with Thamannah? Surya or Karthi

Thamannah – The cute bubbly girl is on the rise across Kollywood. And now, there’s no turning back as she is already on the big charts.
Pairing up with Surya, Dhanush, the actress has got two big releases ‘Ananda Thandavam’ and ‘Paiyya’ hitting screens shortly. Well, we’ve got something for your take and you have to decide this.
Thamannah has paired up with Surya and his younger Brother Karthi simultaneously. With ‘Ayan’ getting around with good response, especially about their onscreen chemistry, the girl’s photo with Karthi ‘Paiyya’ has turned the spotlights.
We’re just confused in finalizing with whom does Thamannah dazzles. Mark your views about this interesting take.

Heroines going dark

Heroines ooze sex appeal, dance around trees and romance heroes who are even twice their age. Yet, some have departed from the usual milieu and played negative roles. And despite the popular belief that heroines are taken only for their looks, such powerful negative roles have given them instant recognition.
Think of Ramya Krishnan, whose biggest breakthrough came only through a negative role in Rajini’s 'Padayappa'. It was only after that that Ramya got herself plum roles, including those in Kamal Haasan’s 'Pancha Thanthiram' or Sarath Kumar’s 'Pattali'.
Simran also experimented with a role with strong negative overtones with 'Parthen Rasithen', in which she paired with Prashanth.
Sangeetha did an award-winning performance as the lusting wife in 'Uyir', who sought her brother in law’s love, while today’s rocking heroine, Tamannah, also tired a negative role in 'Kedi'.
Remember Shriya Reddy whose value in the film business rose to a staggering amount after playing her role in 'Thimiru'? Jyothika’s role in 'Pachaikili Muthucharam' as the deceptive lover gave her career a whole new dimension after playing the bubbly heroine in many films.
Many heroines are currently following the trend in Kollywood today. Namitha is said to be playing a negative role in her film with Srikanth, 'Indira Vizha', while Sneha will be playing a character with negative shades in 'Goa'. Sandhya is also attempting such a role in 'Nootrukku Nooru', which as just begun shoot.

Hari – Suirya team has a star addition!

We all remember the priest from Saamy; he should have been the most progressive priest that Tamil Nadu has ever seen, mouthing philosophies against superstitions in what was perhaps the most socially relevant comedy tracks of its time. Well, it was Vivek who did the role in his inimitable style. After Saamy however, the combination of Vivek and director Hari never got together again. Vadivelu was seen in all of the director’s movies like Arul, Kovil, Aaru, Vel and
Seval. This combination too rocked on the big screen. But now, Hari has decided that it is time to try Vivek’s brand of humor once again.
Vivek and Hari will get together again in the director’s upcoming Suriya project Singam. Anushka will be Suriya’s heroine for the first time in this movie. Singam is expected to begin after Suirya is done with all his present commitments.

Nee Unnai Arindhal Movie Photo Gallery

Following the lives of two dear friends – Gopal (Murali) and Sadai (Rishiraj) – Nee Unnai Arindhal is a tale about friendship and its survival when tested by adverse circumstances. Stunt master Indian Bhaskar has donned the role of a director for this film. He joins hands with Rishiraj (who also plays Sadai in the film) in writing and directing the film.
The film introduces a new heroine to Kollywood, Khushi, who seems to be a promising newcomer. It also stars T.K. Kala and Risha.
Crew: Banner – 24 Frames Productions; producer – Z.T. Chowdary; music – R.K. Sundar; editor – Shankar G.

Asal First Look Images!

Sandhya speaks about Manjal Veyyil

With only a few days remaining for her the release of Manjal Veyyil, Sandhya spoke to Chennai 365.com about the film and her role in it.
Starting the interview with the reasons that made her opt the film, Sandhya sweetly spoke about her experiences at the shooting spot and many other interesting information.
Sandhya stated that she liked her role very much in this film, when director Vasekarn narrated the story to her. She also added that she absolutely loved the way the theme about friendship is handled in the film, especially the interesting way it all had been packaged. These are the prime reasons she opted to act in Manjal Veyyil.
When a reporter asked her whether there are any similarities between her and the role she enacts in the movie, Sandhya quipped, “Well, there is absolutely no similarities! I am totally different from what the character I play in this film” and amused the reporters with her candidness.
Speaking about her experience on the sets, she said that she felt very good shooting for this film. Further she added that there was excellent camaraderie and that she “had a blast” while filming in Bangkok.
Expressing confidence that she has good songs and scenes in the film, Sandya also added that the characters played by her co-stars Prasanna and Bala will also remembered along with hers. She added that it was quite fun to work with Prasanna and Bala. The actress also stated that they have become thick friends now.
Speaking about director Vasekarn, she said that she was quite comfortable and thanked him for the opportunity. Expressing her awe for Vasekarn, she said that she never felt like working with a first-time director and added that he had excellent insight.
Then came the question that everyone was waiting for, about Sandhya singing in this film. Sandhya said that when director Vasekarn asked her to sing a song in the film, she thought he was joking and she was reluctant even when he insisted. When the director repeatedly praised her voice and goaded her to sing, she gained confidence and agreed to do it. “But the full credit goes to the director and the music director, who gave me so many ideas and inputs and got the right kind of output”, said Sandhya.
Sandhya also added that she learnt quite a lot of tricks in acting from her co-stars Prasanna and Bala and her director Vasekarn. Referring to Manjal Veyyil’s long delay, Sandhya added that a powerful film like this takes time to be made but all the time delay plays in favour of the film; when the film is released fans only remember the film and its pleasant effect and not the time delay!
Stating that Manjal Veyyil shows her in a more attractive manner and new light, Sandhya added that her role will be remembered for long in Tamil cinema.Sandhya bid goodbye stating that everyone who watched Manjal Veyyil liked it very much and praised it sky high; therefore she is confident that the film will do very well.

Arivunidhi embarks on charity trust

M K M Arivunidhi, M K Muthu’s son and Chief Minister M Karunanidhi’s grandson has embarked on a benevolent and education society in reminiscence of Karunanidhi’s first wife and Arivunidhi’s grandmother Padmavathi Ammaiyaar to help the poverty-stricken people. Far-famed legend musicians of Tamil Film Industry , Viswanathan- Ramamurthy, legendary singers T M Soundararajan, Balamurali Krishna and lyricist Vairamuthu graced the function.
Arivunidhi honoured these legends by gifting them 5 sovereign gold chains. Several dozens of sewing machines, bicycles for students and the physically challenged were also given away. Arivunidhi has sung recently the song Kadhal Vaibogame in the film Perumal.

Gowtham’s destination in Kerala

Gowtham Vasudev Menon has finally zeroed down the rich picturesque locations of Alleppey… Well, he’s there capturing the mesmerizing melody tuned by Rahman for ‘Vinnaithandi Varuvaaya’ featuring Simbhu and Trisha. The Calm Lake, wonderland of green pastures and decorously appearing palms are really turning to be a paradise like ambience for the entire unit.
Says Trisha, ‘Although it’s very hot down here, I am just chilling out with the astonishing environment. Of course, getting a caravan in boat house is something I had never dreamt about’. Also the actress is denied about rumors pertaining to her projects in Mollywood.

Irumbu Kottai Murattu Singam hits the floors

When Gowtham loves making dramas, Selva Raghavan with black themes, here’ Chimbu Devan who’s been entertaining the masses with stupendous comedy films. Followed by the grand success of 23m Pulikesi and 305il Kadavul, the auteur strikes back with yet another comedy film. Well, if Pulikesi was a period film and 305il of the fantasy genre, this one is a cowboy film. Right after 30 years from Jai Shankar’s ‘Ganga’, there’s a cowboy film made.
Irumbu Kottai Murattu Singam features Raghava Lawrence in lead role with Padmapriya, Lakshmi Rai, Sandhya starring him opposite in the lead roles while Nasser, Sai Kumar and Manorama, M.S.Baskar, Ramesh Kanna, Vaiyapuri, Mouli and Delhi Ganesh are performing prominent roles.
Mr. Azhagappan one of the famous cameramen in Kerala is to work in this film. Music – G.V Prakash, Lyrics – Vairamuthu, Art director – Muthuraj, Editing – Raja Mohamad, Co Director – V.C. Vijay Shankar, Costume – Sai, Make-up – Nehru, Stunt – Great Selva, Graphics – White lotus, Production Executive – Venkat Manikkam.

Sandhya follows Simbhu’s principles

Actress Sandhya who had no big releases in the past has been eagerly waiting for her ‘Manjal Veyil’ release. With the film hitting screens by end of April, Sandhya had interesting interactions with media Channels at the premises of GV Films. Of course, it was really a very hot day, isn’t? The moment you had this say, the young actress jumped into her conclusions saying this is no where compared to the hottest day she had to go through in Bangkok. Aye! The actress said that they were shooting for a song on the 20th floor terrace in Bangkok where the weather was 108 Degree.
Unlike others, she and Prasanna couldn’t hold umbrellas for themselves. But, when they had glimpsed on the screens, they felt happy about the song and forgot that hardest moment. When asked whether she would go along the paths of Simbhu crooning for other actresses. She said, “Why you are pulling Simbhu in here? If you gonna ask me merely whether I would take up such offers. I would definitely say yes.”

Lekha Rathnakumar is a film producer now

Famous ad filmmaker Lekha Rathnakumar, who has made numerous ad films with great film stars including Sneha and Jyotika, has finally touched the summit of media world; he will produce a full length featured film now.
Lekha Rathnakumar is going to shoot 70% of this film in USA and the rest in posh sets and locations in our country. So, what is the big difference it is going to make, you may ask! The difference, our dear friends, lies in the presentation and the visual appeal. Most of the Hollywood films appeal to us for they are exotic and grass is always greener on the other side! This gives them an edge in walking away with our hearts, while many good stories here fail even to make an impression! So, Lekha Rathnakumar has decided to give a love story, a completely different one at that, in the milieu that you like better!

The talented filmmaker had been to USA a few days ago to select locations virgin to cameras and sought the help from Film Lounge, the famous Hollywood line production/ film production house in USA in this regard. Owned by Anja Narholz – who is the wife of Gregor Narholz, the leading Hollywood and Sonoton music composer – the production house has taken special interest in the film since Lekha Rathnakumar is the co-founder of Lekha-Sonoton music library of Kollywood (Chennai).
Besides all this, Lekha is also about to set a new trend. He is going to make this film go public! In a way you could say that! The filmmaker has decided to share the production cost with any new entrepreneur interested in films! He is making an open offer to avid film lovers – anyone who is interested and has enough money can join him in producing this film and reap the benefits. Also, if the concerned person finds it uninteresting or loses faith in the project, he or she has all the rights to walk away from the project.

Action King Arjun’s new girl is Bama

Actress Bama, the cute looking young missy made a great start in her career in Mollywood with good films ‘Nivedham’ and later ‘Cycle’. Bama stepped into Kollywood with her ‘Ellam Avan Seyal’ featuring RK in lead role and directed by Shaji Kailash. Now, she has the right opportunity laid by yet another great filmmaker. Yeah! Major Ravi who has been making films based on military operations and National Patriotism gears up for his next film. The film yet to be titled features Action King Arjun in lead while Bama is starring him opposite in the female lead. The film produced by ITA Films will hit the floors by April 24 at Malaysia.
According to the sources, Arjun plays the role of a Military Intelligence Officer who shatters the evil plans of terrorists.

Kishore becomes a hero

Following the traditional route of villain turning hero is actor Kishore. After important roles as baddie in 'Jayam Kondaan' and 'Polladhavan' and supporting roles in 'Vennila Kabadi Kuzhu', Kishore is all set to take the plunge as a hero with 'Porkkalam'. The film will be directed by Pandi Sarojkumar, a 24-year-old who has studied filmmaking in Bangkok. Touted to be an action film, it will have a completely different story line with edge-of-the-seat thrills, assures its director. The film also brings to the Tamil screen actor Tinu Anand after a long break. Lal, Biju Menon, Sampath, Ponvannan, Santhanabharathy and Rajesh play other important roles in the film, which is being produced by Barani Minerals. The film is said to be a complete action flick, defying all the traditions of filmmaking and screenplay that have been set in Kollywood. The film has music by Yuvan Shankar Raja and will be shot in Tamil Nadu extensively. The story of how a youngster wins through all the hurdles of his life, the movie also has a significant flashback portion that will be shot in Thailand.

Dubbing Films making good business

Well, producers have been running behind mainstream actors for getting their call sheets shelling out whole lot of money from their pockets… But now, they’ve another big option instead of wasting their budget.
Yeah! It’s all about dubbing the best films from other regional film industries and fetching good collections across box office. In the recent times, Kollywood has been getting through such situations where films have been persistently dubbed. Anushka starrer ‘Arundhathi’ was dubbed released in the main theatre of Satyam and this hasn’t happened all over the time in the history for a dubbed version flick. Apart from this, Rajnikanth starrer ‘Khoon Ka Karz’ made in 1991 was recently released with 50 prints titled ‘Arasan’ and witnessed good response.
Sushmitha Sen’s ‘Chingaari’ has been dubbed as ‘Pey Sandhya, Thozhil Vesi’. Santhosh Sivan’s ‘Ananda Bhadram’ starring Prithviraj and Kavya Madhavan was recently released in dubbed version as ‘Siva Puram’. Certainly, with this film get-going with prodigious outputs, producers and distributors have stopped planning to make films with big stars. There patently looking out for more dubbed versions with good stories.

Trilingual from an ace director

Director Geetha Krishna, who had assisted ace director K Vishwanath in films like Salangai Oli and Sippikkul Muthu, is a director in his own right. He had directed several films like Sankeerathana, Kokila, Keecharalu, and Time, and is well known in Tamil Nadu and Andhra Pradesh. Geetha Krishna is now all set to direct a trilingual titled Nimidangal.
The film will be made in three languages – Tamil, Telugu and Kannda simultaneously. The director has decided to produce this venture under his home production Blue Fox Cinema. Revealing more about the venture, he said that he intends to use the Red One camera. Supposed to be of the thriller genre, the song recording of Nimidangal is currently being held at the Rajiv Menon’s Studio in Chennai. Interestingly, Nimidangal will have two cameramen - Murali and M.V. Raghu. While the latter is well known in the film industry, the former happens to have completed his cinematography course from a reputed university in New York.

Wadali Bros in Kollywood!

‘Chikku Bhukku’ is steadily chugging ahead with many new introductions. For one the film has a new heroine who is making her debut in to the Tamil film industry with this film. She is Preethi Rao the sister of Amrita Rao of Bollywood.
Here is yet another new introduction. The Punjabi Sufi singers, the Wadali Brothers will be crooning for a couple of songs in ‘Chikku Bhukku’. One will have a flavor of Punjab. The music directors for the film will the famous Colonial Cousins duo Hariharan and Leslie Lewis.
Arya will split his screen space with the lithe Shriya Saran and petite Preethi Rao in ‘Chikku Bhukku’. Songs will be shot in Ooty as well as in London. Director Manikandan who tasted success with his work in ‘Dhaam Dhoom’ will wield his megaphone for this film. Manikandan is an assistant for the late director Jeeva.
‘Chikku Bhukku’ is an all round romantic film. The film will also feature a romantic number to which Hariharan and Anuradha Sriram will lend their voice.
Arya who is currently basking in the success of his role in ‘Naan Kadavul’ has signed two romantic films after his out-of-the-ordinary role under Bala’s direction. The other film is ‘Sarvam’ another romantic film with Trisha.
Looks like Arya is chilling out after his grueling role in ‘Naan Kadavul’.

Ananda Thandavam Movie Photo Gallery!

Asin’s take on Bollywood vs. Kollywood!

Asin, who is currently filming Vipul Shah’s musical bonanza 'London Dreams' alongside stars like Salman Khan and Ajay Devgan, admits to finding a few differences between Bollywood and Kollywood.
First and foremost, the rising star believes that the South Indian industry displays a remarkable sense of punctuality. Pointing out that film units in the South start early and wrap up on schedule, Asin reveals that it is fashionable to be late to a Bollywood set. The starlet was also introduced to the concept of assistant directors whose main purpose was to monitor her presence on the set.
Though the entire 'Ghajini' (with Aamir Khan) unit was from the South, 'London Dreams' has her working with a complete Bollywood unit.
The actress reveals that when the cast and crew were shooting in London and Paris, they were given a bound script, shoot schedule, a detailed weather report, location map and reporting time. Also different is Mumbai’s crowd according to the actress. Calling them “cool”, the actress says she’s been enjoying her every moment in Bollywood.

Irumbu Kottai Murattu Singam Movie First Look Images!

Ajith Asal THE POWER OF SILENCE!

For Ajith “Thala” fans they have got something to cheer about!!! “Asal” movie shooting is finally ready to start rolling. The tagline of the Asal movie is powerful as Ajith “THE POWER OF SILENCE”. Both Ajith Kumar and Saran after giving many blockbuster movies like “Kadhal Mannan”, “Amarkalam” and “Attagasam” is once again ready for the hit hunt.

'FOX' network snags Anil for '24'

International recognition doesn’t get sweeter than this. Successful star Anil Kapoor has bagged a role as a series regular on 'FOX' network hit show 24. The 49-year-old actor, who signed on with ICM following his role as a game show host in the Oscar winning Slumdog Millionaire, is playing a Middle Eastern leader on 24. Kapoor’s character is supposedly in the US on a peacemaking mission.
And it’s not just Kapoor riding the Slumdog wave! Actress Frieda Pinto, who played doe-eyed beauty Latika in the film, has been cast in Woody Allen’s next picture alongside acclaimed stars like Josh Brolin, Anthony Hopkins, Antonio Banderas, Naomi Watts and Nicole Kidman. Also in the pipeline is Julian Schnabel’s ‘Miral’ to be shot in Israel. It’s been rumoured that Pinto is in talks with cosmetic giant Estee Lauder and might ink a deal to be their official model.
24 is an action drama television series broadcast by FOX in the US. The selling point of this series is that it’s presented in real time and shows a 24-hour period in the roller-coaster life of Jack Bauer, played by actor Kiefer Sutherland. Bauer is a part of the Los Angeles Counter Terrorist Unit and works to protect America from terrorist threats.

Madhulassa is restless!!

Madalasa is restless and just expecting her phone to ring. The heroine who has been busy with Tollywood films is awaiting a call from none other than the crew of ‘Vettaikkaran’. Expectations are running high for this film because it is a Vijay starrer and Madhulassa will get her desired break in Tamil if she gets clicked in this film.
The lead pair of the film will be ‘Ilayathalapathi’ Vijay and Anushka. Vijay has been roosting for quite some time now with his success in ‘Villu’. Recently the team of ‘Vettaikkaran’ inclusive of the hero was in Rajamundry too shot a song. Since it is a Vijay film, the story is sure to have a couple of ‘Kuthu’ songs, a romantic number and some gravity-defying stunts.
Dance master Shobi, who is supposed to have choreographed a handful of hit songs for Vijay, would be choreographing a couple of songs in this film too. Grapevine has it that the hero will also have more than a couple of makeovers in the song.
The film will see Vijay sharing screen space with Anushka who will play a techie in this film and if luck is by Madhulassa’s side then she too might get some screen space with Vijay. Madhulassa is right now shooting for K.T. Kunjumon’s ‘Kadhalukku Maranamillai’ which is in the wrapping up stage.
We will get back with more stories and happenings in Kollywood right here!

Porkalam Movie Photo Gallery

Most of the films are described path-breaking, but seldom justify the description. But on April 4th we witnessed the trailer of a film – PORKALAM – which means every bit of the phrase “path-breaking movie”! Take our word; this film will set a new trend in action movie genre of Indian Cinema.
Coming from a young director – 24-year-old Bandi Saroj Kumar, a student of Bangkok Film Institute with specialization in film direction – Porkalam is a high-octane action film with stunning visuals. In the press meet held on April 4th, the confident and upbeat director let his trailer do all the talking. Every member of the audience was watching the trailer agape, absolutely amazed by the visual treat. Later when the director said that he is confident that the film will be “path-breaker of the path-breakers”, everyone expressed their approval with a loud cheer.
The film, which depicts the struggle of a common man against the system, is director Saroj Kumar’s dream project. Produced by D. Bhaskar Rao under the banner of Bharani Minerals, it stars Kishore (of Vennila Kabaddi Kuzhu fame) in a pivotal role and Tinnu Anand ,Sathyan, Smitha in the lead. The supporting cast includes Lal, Biju Menon, Ponvannan and Sampath .
Music of this high-voltage action film is by Yuvan Shankar Raja. Bandi Saroj Kumar prefers to add a new term to his credential – shot director. That is because usually the cameraman is the one who decides the camera angle for a shot, but it is Bandi Saroj Kumar who called every shot in this film. Cinematography is by J. Mahendran. The film has spectacular visuals including the flashback scenes shot in Thailand.
Though Bandi Saroj Kumar is from Andhra Pradesh, he preferred to debut in Kollywood. When questioned about this he replied that in India the Tamil audiences are the only ones who have matured enough to understand the true value of this film and its visual appeal.
Trust us. When this film releases in May, it is going to make the summer even hotter! This is one of the finest pieces of filmmaking!Hats off to Bandi Saroj Kumar.

Unnaiye Rathiyendru Movie Launch Photo Gallery!

Senthil Vel Kakka Movie Photo Gallery

Pommayee Movie Photo Gallery!