Rajni Endhiran To Release On September 24

Good news for all Rajnikanth fans. Finally the wait is over for Endhiran. Endhiran is all set to be released on September 24 2010. Endhiran stars Rajinikanth and Aishwarya Rai in the lead roles.

Earlier it was reported that Endhiran will be released on October 8, as the number ‘8′ is lucky for director Shankar. But now sources from Sun Pictures has confirmed that the movie will be released on September 24, 2010 which is less than three weeks from now.

Oscar award winner A.R Rahman has scored music for the film Endhiran and it has created lot of expectations among fans.

Endhiran made at a cost of Rs. 165 crores, the film is expected to be made on the highest ever film budget in Indian cinema, surpassing that of the 2009 Bollywood film Blue.

Endhiran Countdown Starts Now!!!

Naan Mahaan Alla Opens Big

Any film that touches the core of human emotions and senses is sure to remain constant of pages of history. If so, Karthi’s recent release ‘Naan Mahaan Alla’ stands out as a best illustration. Very often, we don’t witness such emotional appreciations that flow amongst audiences’ veins.

Soon after the special show was over at Kasi, the entire audiences gave standing ovation during final credits. Similarly, the multiplex audiences enjoyed certain sequences, especially the point where Karthi makes fun of elite groups and supports frontbenchers.

Doubtlessly, Karthi has become the sweet child of Box office and he’s sure to go ahead in many places.

Don’t forget it! His next film ‘Siruthai’ is 65% completed and will gear up for release shortly.

Peepli LIVE – Review

Aamir Khan who is known as Mr Perfect in the B-town for his excellent scripts and proper execution is back again after the blockbuster 3 Idiots. Though this movie is still the talk of the town, Peepli Live has bought Aamir in to news. He is the producer for the movie and Anusha Rizvi who is a journalist by profession has turned director for this film.

Peepli Live is a satire on the suicides of farmers in the rural parts of India and how it is affecting their families and the country as well. Natha, who is a farmer in Peepli, decides to end his life when his crops are ruined. Since the Government declares one lakh rupees compensation to the families of such farmers, Natha feels that the money can help his family. But this idea of Natha spreads in the entire village and soon, the media, politicians, Government organisations flock to the village and the rest of the movie is all about the twists and turns that happen in the life of Natha.

Even before the movie’s release, it won many international awards and the film’s making cost was recovered much earlier. That shows how well the film has been shot and how it reached the audience. No fights, no item songs, no romance, no power packed dialogues. The film is just one and a half hour and is the best in recent times.

Peepli Live doesn’t boast about a huge star cast but is based on real life story. The characters are well etched and the common man can easily relate themselves to the roles. It is a sincere attempt by debutant Anusha and Aamir Khan does it yet again! He surely has the Midas touch.

Go watch Peepli Live today and get a feel of rural India.

Endhiran Music Review

The album takes off with ‘Pudhiya Manidha’ in the voices of S.P. Balasubrahmanyam, A.R. Rahman and his daughter Khatija Rahman. In keeping with the futuristic theme of the movie’ the opening notes are very techno. A robotic rendering of the first verse is followed by slow strong chanting ‘Pudhiya Manidha Boomiku Va’. The song goes on to sing the praise of the Robot and it’s sublimity. When the pace gradually picks up, SPB’s vocals overpower the others’.

The next song is ‘Kadhal Anukkal’, a poetic love song in the voices of Vijay Prakash and Shreya Ghoshal. The mellifluous opening guitar strumming is simple yet soul-stirring. This is a typical ARR melody of the 2000s with pacey beats in the background and a gentle melody in the foreground. The first musical interlude with the distinctive note of bagpipes has a soothing feel to it, but when the techno beats surface in the second interlude, we are reminded that we are still in the Endhiran album! Needless to say, Vijay and Shreya bring soul to the composition – they always do!

‘Irumbilae Oru Idhayam’ is the next number. The lyrics are quite touching and bring out ‘the Robot with emotions’ angle. ARR has sung the song himself, and as always, arouses our emotions with finesse. You can’t miss the female voice singing ‘Super Sonic Super Star’ from time to time in the background. Once she even calls him ‘Robotic Hypnotic Super Star!’ The song has a heavy dose of quirky English lyrics and to top it all , we have a medium-pace rap from Kash ‘n’ Krissy that kind of grows on you.

What follows the heavily westernized number is the theme music, titled ‘Chitti Dance Showcase’, a very techno, speedy theme. It starts off with few lines of rap in English and quickly converts into quick-paced classical notes sung to heavy western percussion, a very interesting piece repeated a few times in the composition. The song has a heavy dose of electric drums; when the drums fall silent, they are replaced by a serene violin orchestra with a divine harmony.

‘Arima Arima’ opens with the royal rhythm of drums, like it’s marking the entry of an Emperor, in this case, Endhiran. While the chorus chants his praises, calling him even the Silicon Singam, there is a tinge of pain in the voice of Sadhana Sargam. The thuds of the drums continue all through the number, with Endhiran sounding every bit the tough guy in the voice of Hariharan. This majestic composition has a shade of melancholy, bringing out the contrast in the psychological mindsets of the characters.

While all these songs have an obvious attachment to techno beats and futuristic rhythms, the next song ‘Kilimanjaro’ is completely removed from these moods. Tribal beats and tribal chanting persist throughout the number without the slightest mention of Endhiran or anything robotic throughout. The lyrics are on the sensual side. The sound of the drums overpowers all other instruments in this number sung by Javed Ali and Chinmayi.

‘Boom Boom Robot-da’ is the last number in the album. This fully techno, upbeat number (sung by Krithi Sagathia, Swetha Mohan and Tanvi Shah, interspersed with Tamil rap from Yogi B) is a mish-mash of fast techno sounds and a moderately pacey tune. The lyrics reiterate the greatness of the robot and the unimaginable avenues it opens up for the development of humanity.

Thillalangadi Movie Review

Thillalangadi Movie Review

Jeyam Ravi’s previous films with his elder brother Raja have been commendable remakes and Thillalangadi isn’t an exception. Director Raja has copied each and every shot from the original version Kick. Of course, the film has been delivered in an entertaining manner with the attempts of savoring the universal audiences. Kudos to Surendar Reddy: the maker of original version for crafting a commendable tale and gripping screenplay.

To be precise, Jeyam Raja can be doubtlessly ennobled as the “Best Remake Director’ for exactly replicating others’ ideas. Of course, Kick itself was inspired from Hollywood’s famous thriller Catch me if you can, but it was only with the plot.

Thillalangadi isn’t different from Kick. The only difference is couple of additional songs.

Krishna (Jeyam Ravi) is a happy-go-lucky youngster, who often commits himself into risks as he feels the right Kick over it. Well for Nisha (Thamannah), what starts as a hatred turns into love with Krishna. But sooner as she finds her beau so irresponsible swapping jobs often, she breaks up with him. Sooner the story shifts to Malaysia, where Nisha’s parents arrange her marriage with Krishna Kumar (Shaam), a tough and honest cop. Krishna uncovers that he has traveled all the way to Malaysia to trap a smart thief, who has been looting crores of money from leading tycoons and politicians. The intriguing part of the film is about the fact that the thief is none other than Nisha’s ex-boyfriend Krishna.

Rest of the film is all about how Krishna wins back the heart of Nisha and the reason behind his robberies having a substantial reason.

The biggest problem with Thillalangadi is about each and every actor aping the characters of Kick. Be it the lead actors Ravi and Thamannah or Santhanam imitating Telugu actor Ali, it’s really absurd and Raja should have focused letting them act their own way. Thamannah looks cute, but again her imitation of Ileana could have been avoided. Just watch out for her gestures while performing aerobics as it’s too clumsy. Ravi looks cute and chirpy and his performance during last 45 mins is perfect. Vadivelu is good with his comedy tracks while Santhanam doesn’t get enough footage. Shaam is extraordinary with his mind-boggling acting. He looks fit and perfectly suits the role of a tough cop. It’s better if Shaam continues to choose such roles in future. Prabhu excels with his minimal role and Suhasini sleepwalks through her role. Radha Ravi evokes laughter with his dialogues. But the silliest part is about Raja copying even the lines “Jil Jil Jiga’ from Telugu as it is often uttered by Manobala (The reason “Jil Jil Jiga’ appears in Kick is that because the famous song in “Happy Days’ starts with these fancy words).

Just as mentioned before, Raja hasn’t strained him even to the least extent. The screenplay from the beginning till the end is the same as in Kick. At least Raja could’ve avoided the minuses of the original version as second hour is too long and sluggish except the flashback sequences and climax.

Musical score by Yuvan Shankar is okay while Rajasekhar’s cinematography is mediocre. Editing looks sleek and stylish.

On the whole, Thillalangadi is a family entertainer as it carries the right mix of fun, romance, sentiments, and action. Next time Raja makes a film, we request him to come up with his own ideas rather than remaking films.

‘Inception’ Isn’t Perfection

Director Christopher Nolan’s ‘Inception’ opens today, and it’s been touted as one of the few gleaming banner movies of the summer. After all, it is the follow-up to ‘The Dark Knight,’ one of the most critically praised films in recent memory.

But the reviews rolling out are letting expectations down easy: ‘Inception’ is solid, but it ain’t perfect.

“I truly have no idea what so many people are raving about,” says New York Magazine’s David Edelstein. Ouch.

“It’s all very beautiful, and mostly very empty,” reads the Florida Times-Union’s review.

The gist of the criticism is that while everyone was hoping for a New Classic from this summer season, what viewers may have their hands on is merely a Good Flick.

The film stands at 85 percent (an admirable score by any means) on RottenTomatoes, and 75 percent with the site’s Top Critics. More soundbites from the detractors:

Peter Bradshaw, The Guardian: “There is something disconcertingly self-important about ‘Inception,’ with a plot that clogs and flags markedly in its final act.”

A.O. Scott, New York Times: “It trades in crafty puzzles rather than profound mysteries and gestures in the direction of mighty philosophical questions that Mr. Nolan is finally too tactful, too timid or perhaps just too busy to engage.”

J.R. Jones, Chicago Reader: “It sags and eventually buckles under the weight of its complicated premise.”

Rex Reed, New York Observer: “None of this prattling drivel adds up to one iota of cogent or convincing logic. You never know who anyone is, what their goals are, who they work for or what they’re doing.”

Andrew O’Hehir, Salon.com: “‘Inception’ may have been directed by Christopher Nolan, but Nolan’s dreams are apparently directed by Michael Bay.”

It’s worth noting, of course, that major outlets like Entertainment Weekly, Rolling Stone, the LA Times and the Boston Globe dig the movie.

And the face of film criticism himself, Roger Ebert, likes it, commending the film’s bold uniqueness: “Movies often seem to come from the recycling bin these days: Sequels, remakes, franchises. ‘Inception’ does a difficult thing. It is wholly original, cut from new cloth, and yet structured with action movie basics so it feels like it makes more sense than (quite possibly) it does.”

As for the “I’m confused!” haters? Ebert isn’t beyond acknowledging the baffling complexities: “The movie is a perplexing labyrinth without a simple through-line, and is sure to inspire truly endless analysis on the web.”

Ajith’s 50th Movie Mangatha Posters, Ajith 50th Film Mangatha Exclusive Wallpapers

Look of the Day – Simbu Vaanam Photo Stills

Simbu Vaanam First Look Photo

Simbu has started the shooting for his upcoming new film Vaanam from yesterday (July 10). Vaanam is the remake of the critically acclaimed Telugu film Vedam.

Simbu will be playing the popular ‘Cable Raja’ character, which was done by Allu Arjun in the original which also had Anushka, Manoj Manchu, Lekha Washington and Manoj Bajpai in the lead.

From Telugu only Anushka and Manoj Manchu will be there in the Tamil version which will be directed Krish who did the original.

Vedam, said to be a path-breaking film in Telugu, had Allu Arjun, Manoj Manchu (actor Mohan Babu’s son), Bollywood actor Manoj Bajpai, Anushka and Lekha Washington in the lead. The film follows the pattern set by Mexican director Alejandro Gonsalez Inarritu’s classic Amores Perros (2000) in style, a multiple storytelling format where all the stories converge in the climax.

Vaanam songs will be scored by Yuvan Shankar Raja while camera is by Nirav Shah and editing by Anthony. Vaanam is being produced by VTV productions and Magic Box.

Silambarasan-Yuvan back with ‘Vaanam’

With more expectations rounding upon Silambarasan’s next film, it has been confirmed that hottie Anushka will be seen opposite him in the same role she played before in the original version. The young superstar has confirmed that Manoj of ‘Ennai Theriyuma’ fame will be playing the same role and Lekha Washington will be his pair. Saranya of ‘Nayagan’ fame has an important role while the role played by comedy actor Brahmanandam is yet to be confirmed.

Krish, the filmmaker of original version will direct the Tamil version as well. Ace cinematographer Nirav Shah has been signed to handle the cinematography and Anthony will edit the shots. Simbhu’s close pal Yuvan Shankar Raja is back with him.

The film’s photo shoot has been completed and the print promos will be published shortly with shooting to kick-start tomorrow.

Madharasapattinam

Period films – an unusual and most challenging genre that stops many filmmakers to make a gracious attempt over it. Uncalled for any clarifications, filmmaker Priyadarshan has excelled with his capabilities of striking spectacularly with such films. The best illustrations go with his perpetually appreciative ‘Kaalapani’ and ‘Kanchivaram’. Brimmed with inspirations and eagerness over endeavoring with similar genre, Vijay stepped on with ‘Madharasapattinam’.

But a constant question that keeps ringing in everyone’s mind is – Why should an unusual romantic tale be expressed in the backdrops of period film? The film doesn’t deviate itself from any other romantic tale and it looks like Vijay has unnecessarily impinged on pre-independence genre.

An aged granny on her death bed wants to make a visit to Chennai. As the journey starts, the film unfolds granny’s flashback as she earlier visited ancient Madras as Amy (Amy Jackson), daughter of British Governor. The pre-independence era deals out with the shouts and hails of patriots, the sets of old Chennai, the conflicts that break open between British and working society of Madharasapattinam that comes to be decided under a combat and a love that blooms between Amy and an Tamil dhobi Ilamparithi (Aarya).

The proceedings of present and past narrated with sluggishness pulls away everyone’s attention during first hour turning them restless. On the contrary, the post-intermission sequences have some grip over the course, but that’s too late as audiences have already given up their patience. The film reminds off lots of international flicks – Titanic, Lagaan, Gladiator and so on. The very impressive part of the film is the best enchanting works of Nirav Shah’s cinematography. It’s very much evident that filmmaker has granted Nirav to place angles on his own creative interests. The specific tone mixed with sepia touch offers a right feel of travelling into a different context. The film’s other hero is art director Selvakumar for his mind-boggling set works. He has all chances of proving himself ahead at international standards. Costumes have been typically designed as before in other period flicks and Anthony doesn’t have more opportunities to showcase his preexisting gimmicks. G.V. Prakash’s background score is very average while couple of songs has been splendidly done. He has to thank Nirav for canning them with crème de la crème attributes.

Getting on with performance level, Aarya gets himself striving for perfection and does his job exactly the way Vijay has insisted. Perhaps, it isn’t the best as his yesteryear ‘Naan Kadavul’ and Aarya has underplayed his part during many sequences. Since the complete story travels from the female protagonist’s point of view, Amy Jackson persistently sustains herself in everyone’s mind and her beauteous looks keeps it moving ahead scoring brownie points for her. But during more portions, she looks like a showcase Barbie. The other supporting actors have done justice to their roles with late actor VMC Haneefa proving himself at his best. It really urges us feel his absence in mere future. Nasser is okay while Omar has done a fantabulous job.

On the flip side, Vijay fails to deliver an intensely emotional romantic feel and audiences will fail to get themselves adhered to these factors. Period films don’t mean the duration has to be less than couple of hours. Just as mentioned, by the time Vijay exerts the right stuffs, it becomes too late. Vijay has likely focused more into technical arenas and has let them overshadow the narrative aspects.

The visual fiestas of ancient Chennai is fantastic and the present age cohorts may take a chance of journeying to Madharasapattinam for this sole purpose.

Lots of English-oriented lines may perplex the suburban and rural audiences.

But if you feel that it’s gonna be a heart-melting romantic tale of two hearts from different places across the boundaries, then you may be literally disappointed.

Doubtlessly, the film has chances of pulling miniscule audiences while the other groups may feel this show to be slightly odd and not a piece of cake they wanna taste.

What works: Top quality technical aspects, Aarya, second half

What doesn’t work: Screenplay, improper treatment of period phase

Verdict: A film for exceptional film lovers

Banner: AGS Entertainment, Red Giant Movies

Production: Kalpathy S Agoram

Direction: A.L. Vijay

Star-casts: Aarya, Amy Jackson, Nasser, V.M.C. Haneefa, Bala Singh, M.S. Bhaskar, Omar, Periya Karuppu Devar, Balaji

Music: G.V. Prakash

Cinematography: Nirav Shah

Editing: Anthony

Art: V. Selvakumar

Karthi Naan Mahan Alla songs on July 14

Karthi fans have to wait a little more to listen to the songs of his upcoming flick Naan Mahan Alla! Reportedly the songs will directly hit stores on
July 14, 2010 and the film will grace theatres on August 13, 2010.

Naan Mahan Alla, directed by Suseendran of Vennila Kabaddi Kuzhu fame, is expected to showcase the romantic side of Karthi in a script
designed by Suseendran and backed by the music of Yuvanshankar Raja. And for the first time in their careers, Tollywood sensation Kajal
Aggarwal will team up with Karthi in this film.

Durai Dhayanidhi’s Cloud Nine Movies has acquired the release rights of this film. Reportedly, the film will be dubbed and released in Telugu
simultaneously.

Madharasapattinam Movie Review

Madharasapattinam Movie Review – A Journey Back To The Ancient Chennai

Movie Cast: Arya, Amy Jackson, Nasser, V.M.C. Haneefa, Bala Singh, M.S. Bhaskar, Omar, Periya Karuppu Devar, Balaji
Banner: AGS Entertainment, Red Giant Movies
Production: Kalpathy S Agoram
Direction: A.L. Vijay
Music: G.V. Prakash
Cinematography: Nirav Shah
Editing: Anthony
Art: V. Selvakumar

Filmmaker A.L. Vijay is known for making exceptional attempts over choosing unique scripts. Be it his directorial debut Kireedom (remake of yesteryear Malayalam film Kireedom) or the comedy entertainer Poi Solla Poram (again a remake of Hindi film Khosla Ka Ghosla). Indeed, these films were ennobled with the best verdicts as “Better than the best’. Now again, the filmmaker seems to have been vividly inspired by Aamir Khan’s Lagaan.

Set in the backdrop of ancient Chennai, the film revolves around an 18-yr old Amy Wilkinson (Amy Jackson), who falls in love with a Tamil dhobi (Arya), who’s a wrestler as well. Emerging from different societal classes, this couple has to now fight back everything that hassles their relationship.

As Arya wanted to project himself as a worthy wrestler to watch out on screens, he had to hit gym everyday so as to look like Hercules. The film started rolling soon after the release of Aarya’s National award winning film Naan Kadavul. Since, it was a period film, director Vijay got himself intensively involved in the researches.

Since the film revolves around the life of a dhobi, most of the portions have been shot in the backdrops of Washermenpet sets. Director Vijay assures that audiences will be astonished to see the sets replicating the city of Chennai in the late 40s.

Nasser, V.M.C. Haneefa, Bala Singh, M.S. Bhaskar, Omar, Periya Karuppu Devar, Balaji and many Anglo-Indians have donned prominent roles in this film.

Followed by the grand success of his magnum opus Aayirathil Oruvan, music director G.V. Prakash spells out some pleasing melodies. Actor Vikram has crooned a song along with veteran music director M.S. Viswanathan.

Nirav Shah of Pokkiri, Dhoom and Wanted fame has handled cinematography while Anthony has edited the shots. A. Selvakumar holds special mention for his mind-boggling act of erecting biggest sets of ancient Chennai.

Producer Udhayanidhi Stalin of Red Giant Movies has acquired the rights of this film, which is hitting screens this Friday (July 9) with more prints across the globe.

Angelina Jolie Is White Hot at ‘Salt’ Photo Call

It looks like Angelina Jolie has finally learned to lighten up.

Promoting her upcoming film “Salt” in Cancun, Mexico, the stunning mother of six ditched her signature dark attire for a summery, white-hot number.

Her choice: a strapless silk Atelier Versace cocktail dress that gathered at the bust and showed off her slightly curvier figure and numerous tattoos.

The brunette beauty wore her hair loose and flowing, accentuated her long legs with Ferragamo shoes, and reportedly wore jewelry of her own design.

“Salt,” due in theaters July 23, marks the Oscar winner’s first time back on the big-screen since 2008. In the spy thriller, Jolie plays a CIA operative who constantly changes her appearance with an assortment of disguises such as brown contact lenses, false gapped teeth, and numerous wigs, including a long blonde style and a black-and-blue-streaked number.

More recently, the star wrapped filming of “The Tourist,” for which she wore gray suits and blonde highlights to play an Interpol agent in Italy who catches the eye of an American, played by Johnny Depp.

In other Jolie style news, read what the actress has to say about Brad Pitt’s beard and daughter Shiloh’s tomboy style.

Madharasapattinam To Release on July 9

“Madharasapattinam’ directed by “Kireedom’ famed Vijay is all set to release on July 9. Madharasapattinam is produced by AGS Entertainment, which is now acquired by Red Giant Movies.

Madharasapattinam features Arya and British actress Amy Jackson in lead roles, this film is reported to have been produced at a cost of Rs.20 Crores.

Movie Trailer

Kalavani Movie Review

Kalavani Movie Review

Movie Cast: Vimal, Oviya, Thiru Murugan, Saranya, Ilavarasu and others
Banner: Sherali Films
Production: Nasir
Direction: Sargunam
Music: SS Kumaran
Camera: Om Prakash
Kalai: T. Santhanam
Stunts: Dhilip Subbarayan
Co-production: Zahir
Lyrics: Na. Muthukumar, A. Sargunam

Rating: 3.5/5

Kalavani Movie Review

How will it be if Bharathiraja’s village based love story is retold in a new fashion? Debutant Sargunam strikes with a comedy drama that revolves around a couple from two different villages falling in love in spite of the villagers being hostile to each other. Winning rave reviews for his pleasing performance in his debut film “Pasanga’, actor Vimal continues with a good performance in this film as well. What makes the film so special irrespective of the fact that it holds a time-worn script is Sargunam’s refreshing screenplay.

Laced with comedy, romance and emotions, the film offers the best in entertainment for the universal audiences.

Arikki (Vimal), a freewheeling rural youth has the habit of getting into fun-filled acts that includes proposing to each and every girl he comes across. His father (Ilavarasu) employed in Dubai keeps transferring money for his family, which is misused by him. In fact, he threatens his mom (Saranya) and his sister about breaking the TV if he isn’t provided with the money. Fearing that they may miss mega-serials, his needs are granted. Everything goes well until he comes across a belle Maheshwari (Oviya) and falls in love with her. As they profess their love for each other, Arikki learns that she’s the youngster sister of Ilango (Thiru Murugan) with whom he and his friends had locked horns before. What unfolds next is a series of hilarious moments with a few emotional encounters and a laugh-riot of a climax.

As mentioned earlier, Vimal’s characterization as the fun-loving chap has been well established and his comic gestures merits a special mention. Just watch out for his gestures when he receives messages from his tutorial school that he has passed his 12th grade after several attempts. Newcomer Oviya is impressive in her performance, all thanks to Sargunam for finding the right girl for this character. Thiru Murugan (associate director of this film) deserves a pat on his back for the best performance while Saranya and Ilavarasu are back with their clichéd performances as the parents. It’s been a very long time since we saw Ganja Karuppu in an imposingly funny role as this. It is simply fantastic! The way he struggles after being the victim of Vimal and his gang partially reminds one of Vadivelu’s role in most of his films.

Technically, cinematographer Om Prakash deserves special mention for his innovative placement of angles while the background score and songs by SS Kumaran isn’t as best as his previous film “Poo’. For those, who had felt that village based love stories have a gloomy backdrop and tragic climax, “Kalavani’ stands out as an exception and we’d prefer you watching it.

The film is sure to be a success at the box office as there aren’t any big releases scheduled for the next couple of weeks and Surya’s “Singam’ and Manirathnam’s “Raavanan’ are dropping down the charts after a grand opening.