7-09

S$4.00 Rs.40

MAY 2008 VOL 2 ISSUE 2 MONTHLY THE COMPLETE SOUTH INDIAN MOVIE MAGAZINE

R E E
F RUVI
EXCLUSIVE !

KU
MUS I C D OWN
LOAD

VIJAY
the “ILAYATHALAPATHY” speaks out

DASAVATHAARAM

HYPE

X 10
an über- exclusive look

SUPER
STARSin
CRICKET
WHERE SPARROWS

DARE
a mega KURUVI special
show me THE MONEY
- a producers special
 .co
p.42
05 08
p.63 p.30

nt
en
ts
p.52

Features NEW regulars

63. cool stuff
38. Cover Feature 06. kickstart 19. What’s on G.com 92. bringing hollywood
Kuruvi 82. ask sarath Pawan Kalyan home

52. star of the month specials 08. galatta grapevine 24. gAlatta talkies 90. rising star
Dharani Udhayatara-Saravanan
58. hot spot
What are you doing this summer? 94. beyond south
30. Fast track 16. peekaboo 74. nostAlgia
Tamannaah 80. A PEEK at dasavathaaram
The Power Of TEN
64. behind the scenes 18. pick of the month 88. in the groove 96. wrap up download
music
84. What’s in a name? Charmee
mr. Money Bags
 Editor’s Note ReadeRs’ voices
Write in to us with your comments,
GC ROCKS! Dear Vyalet,
critiques,wish lists on who you
“Brilliant” is what I thought Great minds think alike, it WE WANT want to see featured, what you like,
after I went through the would seem, because we
entire April Issue of GC! A have just the thing planned, TO HEAR what you hate and pretty much...
your inner thoughts! The fastest
but a little later this year
fitting anniversary issue,
indeed! I’ve been reading GC – obviously, I can’t give you
FROM YOU! way, of course is,
email - feedback@galattacinema.
the g(l)ory details, but it’s com
since September 2007 and
I can vouch that with every on its way. And when you see
Vijay fan. I saw and read Dear Mani (who likes to save
issue, it has just been getting it, don’t forget to write and
On the cover: Ilayathalapathy Vijay from Kuruvi A GIANT of a Kuruvi better! Of course, there is tell us if you liked it or not! the coverage of the Kuruvi money),
A good point indeed – noted
Picture courtesy: Director Dharani & Udhayanidhi Stalin that odd typo or mismatch Editor audio launch on your website
Galatta.com. I would love and of course, will definitely
which you guys need to work
some more inside, insightful consider it for the future!
I am unable to sit still, even as I clatter away on my keyboard, just THINKING of how on, now that you’ve reached KURUVI CRAVES!
EDITOR info on the movie. Please do Editor
entertaining and enjoyable May 1 is going to be for me! It’s the thrills that Kuruvi has such a level of superiority, You’ve had a Sivaji issue, a
Shakthi Girish MANAGER (PROMOTIONS) a Kuruvi special issue next
Muthu Rathina Sakthivel S.P. been giving me since its smashing audio launch on April 16 – I can’t WAIT to see director but given the overall quality, Dhaam Dhoom issue, a Billa GOOD MOVES!
EDITING CONSULTANT Dharani’s masala magic with his Ghilli team of mass-hysteria-causing Ilayathalapathy time! I’m dying to know all
I let those too pass! Belated issue and now, a Yaradi Nee I liked all the features
Ashok L. Rajani MANAGER-CIRCULATION Vijay, pretty Trisha and unstoppable music by Vidhyasagar! Yes, Kuruvi is this summer’s there is to know about the
Mohan H. Birthday wishes, GC! Mohini Issue. Why not do a last month – Inside Man,
WRITERS most-awaited Tamil blockbuster, so much so that movies in other languages have been movie and only GC can help
- Anuradha Sekar, Chennai Kuruvi issue? I am a die-hard Lionesses Club, Multiplexity
Padma Iyer, Vijayalakshmi SENIOR VICE PRESIDENT put on a lower gear for now. This is Udhayanidhi Stalin’s debut production under the Red me!!
S., Kaanchan B., Sunita MARKETING-AD SALES Giant banner, but the ease and friendship in their relationships set the tone for yet another and Bringing Hollywood
Esther, Prasanna Kumar
Singh
Balasubramanian S. Dharani-Vijay supermovie. HUMBLE TRIBUTES Home! I’m guessing Bringing
MANAGER-AD SALES The buzz in the box-office will tell us just how high the “Kuruvi” (means “sparrow” in Tamil, I liked the tributes that Hollywood home will be a
DESIGN CONSULTANT Rahul Madhav you paid to the late writer regular. It’s a good move,
with some quirky connotations too!) is gonna fly, but meanwhile, our Kuruvi special in this
Sharon Suares
PRINTING PRESS issue of Galatta Cinema is pretty high-flying by itself, on the cool quotient and slick factor! I Sujatha and late actor now that so many Hollywood
CHIEF DESIGNER Rathna Offset Printers mean – a VIJAY EXCLUSIVE INTERVIEW and all that! Yup, check it out! Raghuvaran. They are each movies are getting released
Logesh M.
MANAGING DIRECTOR & Speaking of producers, we realized that the biggest risk-takers are the people who put legends in their own stead. here, either in English
DESIGNER CEO, GALATTA.COM huge investments into a movie, based only on credentials, story and a cast and crew line- Their demise is indeed or dubbed in regional
Sankaran N. C.R. Venkatesh a great loss to Indian languages. I liked that
up, with no certainty of success. GC admires and salutes them, as they are the engine that
ASSOCIATE MANAGER PRESIDENT, drives the express train of filmdom. Thus, our special feature, Mr. Moneybags. Cinema. While Sujatha was section. Also, I’m a huge
(PROMOTIONS) GALATTA.COM a visionary, Raghuvaran Prakashraj admirer. The
Kavitha S. Girish Ramdas We have a few quick-read specials too, in this issue: Hotspot tells you where our stars love
to escape the South Indian heat for a brief interlude of bliss. Towards a Stronger Asthtva was a thoroughbred artiste. interview was unlike any I’ve
SPECIAL THANKS TO is a look at a very special event organized by OfERR and Asthtva, focussed on providing That GC dedicated space to read before. Good work and
Mr. C. N. Ramdas IAS (R), Mrs. Kamalam Rajendran, psychological support and self-defence training for women refugees from Sri Lanka and these two stalwarts shows keep it up!
Chairman, GNG Group of MD, Bojaraj Textiles finally, a look at Abirami Mega Mall, the first 5-Star entertainment complex in Chennai.
Companies
the respect you have for - Simi Akul, Chennai
Mrs. Nirmala Ramdas, the industry that goes way
Mr. C. R. Rajendran, Director, GNG Group of Oh, the excitement peaks at the Power Of Ten! Yes, Dasavathaaram’s audio launch was a
Chairman, Bojaraj Textiles Companies mind-boggling affair, in both moolah-spend and star presence: everyone was there from beyond the glitz and the - Smitha Rajagopal,
action God Jackie Chan to eternally charismatic Amitabh Bachchan to dream girl Hema glamour. Thank you GC and Bangalore
We also thank those who have helped us put the May 2008 issue
together:
Malini, Jayapradha, Vijay, Mammootty, Kamal Haasan and of course, the beauteous Asin and all the best!
Director Dharani, Mr. Udhayanidhi Stalin of Red Giant Movies, ravishing Mallika Sherawat! Check out some never-before-seen pics and the music review. - Venkatraman, Kanchipuram Dear Smitha,
Mr. Karunamoorthy & Mr. Vijayaraghavan of Ayngaran International,
Mr. Sukumar - Kuruvi’s photographer, Photo Science, Mr. Kiran Why so few specials, you ask? Because we have some smashing new REGULAR sections What can I say – did you ever
Reddy & Mr. Swaroop Reddy of Sathyam Cinemas, Mr. Vijayakumar – these just keep getting better and better, don’t they? Pick of the Month has a little titbit WAY BEHIND THE get lucky! You like Vijay?
Radhakrishnan – CTO, Dot Com Infoway Ltd., Mr. Chitra Swaminathan
– Photographer, Mr. Manohar – Videographer
added by our favourite stars in iPick; our blockbuster list has moved to where it belongs You’re gonna LOVE the May
– with Galatta Talkies. Plus, we are Bringing Hollywood Home in truly international style, SCENES issue!
We thank the ENTIRE FILM industry – actors, producers, technicians, while we give you fresh, new visuals for In The Groove. And if you want to get as lucky Young Guns was an absolutely
stars, support-personnel like managers and PROs, behind-the-scenes Editor
staff like assistants, designers, secretarial staff and others who have
as the celebs, check out how movie mania has entered cricket too, with the IPL and ICL fun feature in the April issue
supported us from the start. series of matches getting the adrenaline pumping, even as our biggest stars cheer their of GC. Today, there are so
Our heartfelt thanks to:
favourite teams along – a look at this energy in Cricketainment! A really interesting many singers, we hardly CD OR COUPON?
section introduced is Ask Sarath, a column where actor-politician R. Sarath Kumar invites It’s nice that with every
Mr. Randor Guy – He is the man who spearheads the Nostalgia section know who has sung what.
of our magazine. His fantastic memory and inimitable writing style have anyone and everyone to pick his very incisive mind on movies, politics, or for that matter, issue, GC gives us a coupon
instantly brought an eclectic feel and old-world charm to Galatta Cinema ANYTHING! Be prepared for his candid replies! This feature has enlightened
– there is none better qualified for Nostalgia! us to a great extent. And to download songs for
I need a tall, chilled drink, with all this heady summer extravaganza happening at Galatta now, we also know that these free from the Galatta.com ACTOR SURIYA
To advertise on Galatta Cinema, contact:
Cinema this May… which I will enjoy, sitting in my air-conditioned office, taking a break as website. How about a CD? I
Kumarswamy T.K. at +91-99404 90723 new-age singers are more
Balasubramanian S. at +91-98409 11777 I plan my outfit for the Kuruvi special screening… and the several times after that when I don’t have a Net connection I read the article you
Rahul Madhav at +91-97909 38825 plan to re-watch the movie! than just singers! How about
snaIl at home and have not even did on me and Jo and
Or email us at ads@galattacinema.com going further behind the
our life together a
For more info, log onto: www.galattacinema.com
Contact us at: Galatta Cinema, Post Box 7166,
Cheers! scenes and bringing to the mail is good too - once been able to use the
couple of issues ago – I
Chennai – 600 102 fore cine artistes like stunt coupon. I end up buying the
CD every time when I can think it was a very good
Tell us what you like or don’t like about Galatta Cinema men, dupes, chorus singers,
easily get the songs for free. write-up you did on
Email: editor@galattacinema.com light boys… I’m sure that Post Box No. 7166,
Snail Mail: Galatta Cinema, Post Box No. 7166, Please consider sending CD both of us and FOR both
Chennai 600 102 would make an interesting Chennai 600 102.
versions of the song. of us – I liked it. Thanks
read! We look forward to filling so much!
Editor’s photo by: Muthukumar, who has worked his magic on
numerous celebrities and corporate shoots GC - Vyalet D’Cruze, Trichy this page with YOUR words! - Mani K, Vellore
4 Galatta Cinema | may 200 Galatta Cinema | may 200 5
KICKSTART
pAWAn KALyAn
Lo & behold! Jalsa is the only Indian movie to
be featured on the site “Box Office Mojo” as a
top grosser around the world for this genre of
movies! A record of sorts, indeed, for Andhra
heart-throb Pavan Kalyan!
“Powerstar”, as his fans fondly call him, is the
face of the GenNext Telugu youth. His movies
promise a freshness and youth, bridging the
gap between the old guard and the young
Turks of Tollywood.
p
awan Kalyan was born Konidala Kalyan on
September 2, 1973, to Konidala Venkat Rao
and Anjana devi. His elder brothers are Telugu
megastar Chiranjeevi and producer Nagendra Babu.
Another relative of his is a producer (Allu Arvind) and yet
another – Allu Arjun – is a teen-heart throb. Clearly, Pavan
rubs shoulders with every mover and shaker worth his chilli
pickle! With such influences, one might imagine that fame
and success fell right into his lap, but in reality, it took a lot
of ups and downs before Kalyan became the Powerstar.
He debuted as Kalyan Babu in akkada ammayi - ikkada
abbayi. The movie opened to dismal reviews and didn’t
make a mark commercially.
6 Galatta Cinema | may 200
(There’s an interesting story behind the name “Pawan”. When
naysayers remarked that his martial arts skills were pretty dubious, he
decided to show them who was boss with an action-packed demo
– to the glee of his fans – who then named him Pawan, which is also a
name for Lord Hanuman!)
Kalyan started concentrating on his movies, picking and choosing
his projects with panache. He climbed the ladder of success steadily
with films like gokulamlo Sita (remade in Tamil as gokulathil Seetha),
Suswagatham, Tholi Prem, Thammudu (inspired by Jo Jeeta Wohi
Sikandar) featuring the Powerstar as a kick boxer; Badri and Khushi,
with which he hit the big time. Khushi made over Rs. 20 crores, giving
the biggest hit of 2001 and of Kalyan’s career. Kalyan graduated to
the title Powerstar when he appeared in Tholi Prema, bringing in
much-needed critical acclaim and also winning 6 Nandi awards.
Like all good superstars, Pawan Kalyan started to take an interest
in other aspects of filmmaking as well, leading to criticism of
interference. But this interest worked, as all of his movies during this
phase hit the jackpot, making Pawan Kalyan a force to reckon with.
After the success of Kushi, Kalyan took a break and followed his
passion to Japan – where he learnt Aikido, another martial art form.
Johnny was his directorial venture. The film did average business but
was a good training ground for Kalyan’s directorial ambitions. Akiro
Kurosawa being Kalyan’s favourite director, he has named his son
Akira Nandan!
gudumba Shankar, his next film produced by his brother Nagendra
Babu, saw him writing the screenplay and conceptualizing the stunts.
This movie’s popularity was below expectations because his fans
expected an action-packed entertainer. In his subsequent movies,
he involved himself in various departments. Kalyan learnt a lot in all
of these movies. Though these movies couldn’t be termed hits, they
made their money – Bangaram even earned a profit of Rs. 4 crores for
the producer, even though it was dubbed a disaster!
Now Jalsa has proved that Kalyan is an entertainment factory by
himself. He has taken a different path from his brother; yet, he can
give his audiences what they want and more…
Kalyan sure looks like the right choice, baby!
galatta
GRAPEVine
Prithviraj goes
triple
Prithviraj will get back
with director Renjith,
of Ravanaprabhu and
Nandhanam fame, who
introduced him in films.
The new flick, titled
Thirakkatha, produced
by Renjith’s Capitol
Theatre, will also feature
Pranayakalam-fame Ajmal
Ameer. To top this, the
chocolate hero now plans
to give his fans a triple
treat. Titled M. G. Road,
the movie, with Prithviraj
in three roles opposite
three heroines, will be
directed by ace Malayalam
action director Shaji Kailas,
scripted by A.K. Sajan and
the unit is hot-footing it
to Bangalore, Pondicherry,
Cochin and other places for
 Galatta Cinema | May 2008
Meera Jasmine: up or down?
Effervescent Meera Jasmine may be losing her fizz in
Lady of conviction
w“I would rather quit than turn into a glam doll to survive in this
industry,” declares Kavya Madhavan.
Sadhu Miranda, her comeback vehicle, got her noticed in Tamil films. Some
i
Kollywood and Mollywood. Even with Tamil movies like Run, Aytha might go overboard, trying to rake in the moolah by accepting all roles
Ezhuthu, and Sanda Kozhi to her credit, she finds Kollywood’s fickle while the good times are still rolling, not so Kavya.
producers are avoiding her like the plague. But why? She came out
about her love affair, so producers fear she may quit acting in the near This is one pretty lady with savvy. She says, “Sadhu Miranda’s success saw
future. Her recent Tamil release was Nepaali, where she has acted with that I was flooded with offers in Tamil. But I am choosing my roles with
Bharath. great care. If I am asked to do glamour roles, I would rather quit acting
In Mollywood too, fortune is not smiling on her. When she informed the than accept them.”
Association of Malayalam Movies (AMMA) that she would not be able to Her standards are well-appreciated in Malayalam cinema, where she stars
join the shooting of Twenty:20 as there was a clash in dates with her opposite thespians like Mammootty and Mohanlal in three movies. Let’s
Telugu movie, Gorintaaku, they decided to consider boycotting her hope she doesn’t end up eating her own idealistic words! (Remember
from Mollywood. when Meera Jasmine had declared “NO kissing on screen!”, then appeared
Meera Jasmine’s role, opposite Dileep, is a pivotal role, according to liplocked?)
sources. Now, AMMA are hunting for a replacement, with the choices
down to Asin and Trisha.
In Tollywood, she stars in Gorintaaku with Dr. Rajasekar, as his sister
in a tale of sibling love. Though the role may be ‘sisterly’, she has
demanded and reportedly received the same fee she quotes as a top Malavika: Karthika’s
heroine.
Mom-to-be! engaged
Malavika, Kollywood’s most-
wanted item girl, is being Last month, we heard
promoted to a mother’s rumours of Gopika’s
Twinkle Toes to role. The glam-doll married marriage plans. This month,
it’s Karthika’s turn.
Mass Hero Bangalore-based Sumesh in
March 2007 and a cute little
Bharath shot to fame bundle of joy is on the way
The Alaiyodu Vilaiyaadu
star who has impressed
in Kollywood within a now.
movie goers with her
phenomenally short time. Always in demand for item histrionics is now the next
He danced his way to the
numbers, Malavika caused actress to get into the
silver screen in Boys, beat mild shock waves in the marital mart. The word
up the baddies in Pazhani
industry when she got is out that Karthika is
and emoted with conviction married and again when engaged to a non-resident
in offbeat flicks like she revealed that she is Malayalee from England.
Chellame, Kadhal and Em
pregnant. Who can forget Apparently, Karthika has
Magan, covering all bases. her in ‘Vaala Meenukum’, asked her directors to
Nepaali, his latest, sees
last year’s chartbuster? Her complete shooting her parts
Bharath in three different ‘Aatama Thaerottama’, ASAP. Karthika, who started
roles – a college student, a
the remix in Singakutty, is out in Malayalam cinema
criminal and… a Nepali. already a hit. portraying the village belle,
Director K. Rajeshwar had established her place in
Post Nepaali, Bharath is Kollywood with glam-doll
busy with commercially signed Malavika for an item
number in Indira Vizha, to roles. Her last release was
viable films. Muniyandi Namnadu; she’s the heroine
Vilangiyal Moondramaandu, be shot in Malaysia. But she
has asked the director to in Pulanvisaaranai Part 2.
Seval, Arumugam and
Thiruthani are all directed postpone the shoot as the
Seems like any unmarried
at the masses. doctors have advised her
half-way successful heroine
We guess after establishing not to dance for 3 months.
is grist for the gossip mills.
himself as an actor, he’s Possibly Malavika’s last item
now confident enough to number before the stork
Karthika made her debut in
pander to the common man. visits her is opposite Vijay
Tamil with Thoothukudi.
for Kuruvi.
Galatta Cinema | may 2008 
galatta
GRAPEVine
Cut to size!
Anushka, the Bangalore belle, whose
small-budget flicks like Vikramarkudu
and Lakshyam got the audience to
notice her, hasn’t had the same
luck with her big-budget ventures.
Swagatham and Don, her big budget
attempts were dead-on-arrival at the
box office and her performance too
wasn’t great. Rumours say that in
an effort to get more roles, Anushka
is cutting her fee by almost half,
and then she can pick and choose
from these roles. Sensible decision,
Anushka.
No debut heroes for
Priyamani
Tollywood noticed her in Pellaina
Kothalo and Yamadonga. She got
Kollywood’s attention with her
performance in Paruthi Veeran.
Now Priyamani wants to play it
safe. Having tasted success she’s
watching her step, saying that
accepting films opposite debut
heroes and small-rung heroes will
hamper her career growth.
“Everyone knows that A-list
heroes don’t want act opposite
heroines who act with yet-to-be-
established faces. I have taken this
decision keeping in mind industry
conditions. And I am not really
against working with new or small
heroes,” Priyamani says.
Hmmm… I guess rules are different
for heroes who act with fresh
faces!
10 Galatta Cinema | May 2008
Nikitha turns downs
Rajinikanth
Gasp! Who would turn it down a chance to
share the dance floor with the Super Star?
Nikhita, that’s who. Nikhita, who appeared
in a glam-doll image for an item number in
Kalidasu with debutant Sushanth because
she like the song, got cold feet when she
was approached to do a song in Rajinikant’s
Kucheludu.
Her reasoning is irrefutable. As there already
about five heroines in the film, her presence
will not get noticed and not create much
impact anyway. Now that’s the other side of
the coin!
Men don’t interest
Hansika
This teen sensation, who has just
turned sixteen, has set the screen on
fire with Junior NTR in Kantri.
To complete her list of wishes,
she’s hooked a boyfriend already!
Something most teenagers just
dream about, especially if the said
love interest is Aftab Shivadasani.
But Hansika declares the rumours
are nonsense. “Right now, men don’t
interest me. Anyway, Aftab is years
older to me. These rumours are
baseless,” she says.
What about her Class XI studies?
Hansika says her school has given
her permission to act. “They are
flexible,” she confides.
Kuseladu rights to be auctioned?
Kuseladu, the Telugu remake of Katha Parayumpol (meaning ‘while
narrating a story’ in Malayalam), is progressing in Hyderabad. And now,
i
industry insiders say that Kuseladu will make history with its release
rights being auctioned to the highest bidder.
This auction plan was dreamt up by producer K. Balachandar to avoid
any misunderstandings as the competition to buy the rights was getting
truly heated.
The movie, being made simultaneously in Tamil and Telugu, is being
directed by P. Vasu starring Rajinikanth, Pasupathy, Meena at Ramoji
Film City, Hyderabad.
Heads all the way for
Shirin
Shirin is on a roll following her
performance in Urchagam. Her
barometer rose further with her item
number in Bheemaa. With two Tamil
movies under production, one in
Kannada opposite actor Murali ready
for release and one more in Telugu
nearing completion, her star is really
shining! Her next project, Poova
Thalaiya, directed by Raja Magesh
under Sanjay Ram’s production, started
on 9th April 2008.
Debutant Krishna is to be launched in
Poova Thalaiya, which promises to be a
rural entertainer.
galatta
GRAPEVine Sundar C. enjoying cowboy hero image
Sandai, Sundar C.’s latest flick, has struck gold even in the A centres, though
it was made with B and C centres as target audiences. Positive reports are
Kuruvi Vijay defeats King Khan
Hayden and Dhoni became stumbling blocks in the
prospective victory path of Kolkata Knight Riders.
Chennai Super Kings pulled off a sensational victory on
i
26th April, 2008 at Chepauk. Actor Vijay was present
flooding in, with the movie holding its own in the second week too.
at the stadium along with his son Sanjay, who was
seen clinging on to his shoulders. Sanjay is a big fan
Thalainagaram and Veerappu morphed Sundar’s fortunes from a director
of Dhoni. Both father and son had loads of fun and
to a ‘guaranteed returns’ actor. Sundar isn’t missing his megaphone and is
cheered each and every delivery. They danced and
basking in his status as a mass hero. “You are less accountable as an actor.
cheered and created a euphoric atmosphere. The
For a director runs the show on the sets and his responsibilities are huge,” he
“Victory Dance” that actor Vijay did with his son
declared.
sitting on his shoulders after Chennai Super Kings
clinched the match, was the highlight and cynosure of
He justifies his choice of roles saying, “I cannot obviously be a college
this match.
student onscreen. However, I’m not inclined to do such rugged roles always.”

Shriman, omnipresent?
Actor Shriman has been in the South Indian movie industry
for years. Several movies later (many with the likes of Nayan: All work
Vikram and Vijay!), Shriman continues to be a very busy and no rest...
man with a whole line-up of movies in many languages:
Ajith’s Aegan, Arasangam, Pandi, Ajantha, Nayaghan, Nayantara had her fans
Yengal Asan, Sattru Mun Kidaitha Thagavul and even Vijay worried when it was reported
and the great Kamal Haasan’s next projects! Add to this, that she’d fainted on the sets
his celebrity dad’s yet-untitled project and it’s a wonder of Kuselan/ Kuseladu. What
Shriman has time to breathe! But it would seem he does, actually happened? After
when we saw him recently in Chennai at the launch of shooting a gruelling schedule
Sirrium LCD TV’s launch function. Wow, did he attend due for Sathyam in Chennai,
to pressure from his powerful wife, a renowned dentist at she immediately boarded
one of the biggest city hospitals? a flight to Hyderabad to
shoot for Kuselan. After a
while in the hot sun, she
Sugar babe swooned. A team of doctors
Vedhika was immediately rushed to
her side and revived her.
Vedhika’s charm and One can’t but help admire
effervescence isn’t Nayan’s guts and dedication
hampered by her movies’ to her chosen vocation!
non-performance at the
box-office. This fast rising
starlet, with a Jyotika-like Upendra and Benguluru Team to jive together
bubbliness, is definitely
going places. Kaalai saw her The Indian Premier League match brings together eight Indian Metros, with the teams
in a light-hearted, comedy- being formed based on a cricketers’ auction. Rahul Dravid leads the Benguluru team
tinged role; now the actress with both international and Indian players. The Captain has already participated in a
will appear in the aptly- promotional video for the event. As the promoters felt a bit of regional flavour would go
titled Sakkarkatti. down well with the locals, we will shortly get to see two well-known Kannada film stars
Her title role of Sandhya in – Super Star Upendra and Ramya – with the Dravid-led Benguluru cricket team and some
Naanum En Sandhyavum is ardent cricket fans in a promotional video.
that of a romantic heroine United Breweries, which owns the Benguluru team, wants to give the audience
with a streak of humour. something they would remember for a long time (in addition to the imported
The hero is Arjun Prabhu, cheerleaders, of course!). Upendra is brand ambassador for UB products.
director Bhoopathy Pandian’s
brother. Galatta Cinema | may 2008 13
 Boo
PEEKA GET A sneak peek ON THE LATEST ATTRACTIONS COMING SOON TO THEATRES NEAR YOU...

kudiarasu -Tamil thee -Tamil

Vignesh, Suguna,
Sathya, Suresh Kanna,
Sabeer Hussain a SABEER HUSSAIN film
WATCH OUT FOR
Kickboxing and Samurai type of fights
RELEASING
June 2008
Kudiarasu is a comeback
vehicle for the hero aCtion
Vignesh.It is based on - draMa
a string of events that
happen in a youngster’s life on a new
year’s day. Vignesh plays an investigative
journalist. Newcomer Suresh Kanna plays
the second lead while Sathya plays the
villain. Director Sabeer Hussain plays
an Assistant Commissioner’s role in the
movie. He is a respected martial arts
teacher off-screen and with his expertise
in the Samurai form, one can expect to
see India’s first ever Samurai-style fight
sequences thanks to him! Kudiarasu is
not a run-of-the-mill action flick, but an
interesting power-packed story that talks
about a social issue..
Sundar C., Ragini, Malavika, deva, Vivek | a KICHA film
WATCH OUT FOR
Sundar.C - Vivek comedy
RELEASING
June 2008
A remake of the yesteryear Rajini-starrer positive -malayalam
aCtion Though the title has been borrowed from Skanda (Suraj), Ramesh Pisharody,
it, Thee is a remake of the Telugu movie
Manikuttan, Ayilya, Vani, Jayasurya a V.K. PRAKASH film
Operation Duruyodhana. After the impressive
and successful rowdy characters he did in Veeraappu and
WATCH OUT FOR
Sanda, director-turned-actor Sundar C will be seen in the role
Unexpected Twists and Turns
of a tough cop for Thee. He is an encounter specialist, who
enforces discipline and is thwarted by bad cops and mean-
RELEASING
minded politicians. How he wins over these evil sources forms May 2008
the plotline of Thee. Malavika and music director Deva have
key roles in the movie. Three friends – Raju, Winnie and Cherry – bid
goodbye to their youthful languor and plan YouthFul
for their future. Along with drummer Udayan, entertainer
they set up a music troupe. Just when the joint
venture takes shape, Raju falls in love with Jyothi. Her parents
object to the affair and she is secretly engaged to a police
officer. As a result, Raju’s own life suffers and he has problems
galore! His condition affects the other friends in the group and
their fledgling music company. How does he get back his girl?
What happens to their troupe?

saroja -Tamil vilaapangalkkappuraM

“Mirchi” Shiva,
-malayalam
S.P.B. Charan, Suhasini, Priyanka, Biju Menon, Sudheesh,
Prem G. Irshad, Thilakan, M.R. Gopakumar, Indrans,
Amaran, Vaibav, Zeenath, Aparna Nair, Remya a T.V. CHANdRAN film
Kajal Agarwal a VENKAT PRABHU film
WATCH OUT FOR
WatCh out For Priyanka’s performance
Thrill and adventure
RELEASING
releasing May 2008
June 2008 The story revolves around a young girl
named Sahira who flees from Gujarat after soCial
Following the success of Chennai-600028, the same team, communal riots and reaches Kerala. She
thriller headed by director Venkat Prabhu, comes together again for undergoes treatment for trauma under
Saroja. The narrative style of Saroja follows the Hollywood the supervision of Dr. Mercy Verghese and Dr. Gopinath.
flick Babel. It is about one day in the lives of four youngsters, But she is not left alone with her woes. Politicians, the
total strangers who bump into each other by chance, and how a single media and others like them want to take advantage of her
incident - a ghastly murder - changes their lives forever. Who is the victim? problems. The film shows how society today is indifferent to
Who is the murderer? problems of others, and is only focused on self.
Galatta Cinema | may 200 15
 Boo
PEEKA GET A sneak peek ON THE LATEST ATTRACTIONS

buddhivanta -Kannada
Upendra, Pooja Gandhi | an upendra film

WATCH OUT FOR

Uppi’s special touch
RELEASING
May 2008

Budhivanta is a remake of Tamil movie Naan

Avanillai. Uppi is a playboy who revels in the Mass
bujjigadu Made in Chennai -Telugu company of six women. A crook, he changes masala
Prabhas, Trisha, Sanjana, Dr.Mohanbabu | a Puri Jagannath film identities and moves in and out of all these
pretty women’s lives. Amusing and extremely attractive, all of
WATCH OUT FOR them fall in love with the mysterious guy with an ambiguous
Prabhas-Trisha magic background. Each one of them goes in search of this man and
discovers the truth behind him. Are all of them searching for the
RELEASING same guy? Is he a fraud or is circumstance forcing him to dupe
May 2008 others? Watch Buddhivanta to know! Though the plot is taken
from the Tamil movie, Upendra’s exclusive additions are the
This is the first venture bringing together features Kannada movie-lovers are looking for!
director Puri Jagannath and actor Commercial
Prabhas. The movie will have its usual entertainer
Prabhas-masala packed in a crowd-
pleasing manner. Prabhas has scrupulously worked on
his physique for his role in Bujjigadu. Dr.Mohan Babu
accepted the cameo only in anticipation of the character’s
significance. The music of the film was released in the
presence Superstar Rajinikanth!

kantri -Telugu
NTR Junior, Hansika Motwani, Tanisha | a meher ramesh film

WATCH OUT FOR:

NTR Junior’s style and action
RELEASING:
May 2008

This is another style-flick with NTR Junior in

the lead. Kantri inspired by the Hollywood action
movie Catch Me If U Can. NTR Junior is the
powerful don who runs a vast empire. Mani
Sharma has composed some superb tracks and CDs were
sold out within an hour of hitting the market!
 First on...
in-house snippets
PICK

whats on galatta.com
celebrity chats...first on...in house mayhem...and lots more

OF THE
MONTH
Galatta.com strives to be the first to bring
to its users the latest events in south
This young charmer who first faced the
cinema. in keeping with this spirit, we
camera at the tender age of 13, is rightly
covered hoardes of events last month.
named Charmee. Born Charmee Kaur on May 17,
From movie launches, to audio releases,
1988 in Vasai, Punjab, she has portrayed every
weddings to inaugurations, we were there
role from a village belle to an ultra-modern
everywhere. one of the biggest events last
babe in over twenty movies that she has done till
date. Her mother and father are very supportive of
udhayatara director viJi month was the Kollywood Hunger Strike.

chat...with your favourite stars every week at www.galatta.com

Udhayatara is a relatively Director Viji is the maker Held at Chepauk Grounds in Chennai, the
her filmi career. Her mother escorts her to shooting
fresh face in Kollywood of the recently released biggest stars including Rajinikanth, Kamal
spots; her father manages her schedules, media
but she has already Vellitherai. He is a dialogue Haasan, Ajith and Vijay were present at the
outings and her finanances side.
impacted Malayalam writer turned director. He event. Galatta.com provided to its users
Her charming smile was what got her noticed on
I am always filmdom with her graceful has penned the dialogues minute by minute news about the strike

POSITIVE! acting skills. In Tamil she of movies like Mozhi and and we were also the first to upload the
the streets of Mumbai while she was still in school. She
debuted in Thee Nagar. Azhagiya Theeye. Viji is a video coverage online. Check this scoop
agreed to do Nee Thodu Kaavali, a Telugu movie, in 2002.
She then starred in close associate of actor out on http://tamil.galatta.com/
She wrapped up her shooting and flew back to Mumbai,
Kannum Kannum, a soul Prakashraj and director entertainment/events/videoclipping/
but the arc lights had charmed the teenager and she
touching romantic drama. Radha Mohan. tamil/videoevents.asp
started aspiring for a chance in Bollywood.
Udhayatara Says > : Hi Viji Says > : Hi
Telugu was cemented with her performance in
Again, her star directed her to the South with director Ganesh > has joined the chat Viji Says > : Any body there
lakshmi that won her much appreciation.
T. Rajendran offering her a chance opposite his son, room Raja > has joined the chat

from vasai to vizag

Silambarasan in Kathal azhivathillai.. Though the movie Ganesh Says > : Hi room
She says, “My strengths are positive thinking and
didn’t do too well, Charmee was noticed. Tollywood had Ganesh Says > : Hi udhayatara Raja Says > : Hi
my parents.” There is always a smile that dazzles
discovered this teenage sensation by then and she did Ganesh Says > : how r u? Guest > has joined the chat
you. Charmee is a chocoholic, claiming it as
Neeke manasichanu opposite Srikanth, where her home-like, Suki > has joined the chat room
her one great weakness. She likes to read Shiv
girl-next-door image was etched in the audiences’ minds. room Viji Says > : Hi Raja
Khera when she’s depressed or moody.
Suki > has logged out Guest Says > : hi viji
galatta.com celebrates every festival in its
Charmee continued to try her luck in Malayalam, Kannada Udhayatara Says > : Hi Ganesh Raja Says > : how r u?
This beautiful actress is a great fan of own special way. this year too, for tamil
and Tamil, but it was in Andhra Pradesh that she found her Udhayatara Says > : Hi Suki Viji Says > : I am fine
Amitabh Bachchan, Juhi Chawla, Shah Rukh New Year, we had special interviews with
foothold and her career rose to new heights with each new Ganesh Says > : How r u? sandra > has joined the chat
Khan, John Abraham, dimple Kapadia, Divya Spandana, Sundar C. and Santhanam.
movie. Charmee’s trademark style is her flexibility, which is Udhayatara Says > : I am fine room
Ramya Krishnan and Bhoomika Chawla. The celebrities also wished the Galatta
easily projected on screen. ganesh Guest Says > : vellitherai was a
Her hobbies include reading, dancing users on the occasion. another highlight
Ganesh Says > : wat are ur nice movie
and chatting with friends and fans. was a video exclusive on the releases lined
The action-oriented Telugu movie mandra has given future projects Viji Says > : Thanks
Her recent performance in up for the tamil new year.
Charmee a bigger canvas to paint her character on. Ganesh Says > : Udhaya plz Raja Says > : i saw some of the
michael madana Kamaraju They’re always special and they’re always
Charmee is interested in doing action roles more than reply vellitiri clips in tv
has showcased her dancing interesting, that’s why they are called
doing love-oriented roles. She says, “My dream is to do Ganesh Says > : who is ur fav Raja Says > : i heard that
skills and she has even Galatta Specials! Simply stay tuned to
action movies that give scope for the heroine to do action actor?
managed to hold her own www.galatta.com where every occasion is
sequences, a dream which has come true with mandra
mandra.
opposite Prabhudeva’s a special one!
Actress Vijayshanthi is my role model.” Her popularity in
twinkle toes.
what a

i galatta month
JAN FEB MAR APR MAY JUN JUL AUG SEP OCT NOV DEC
PICK
7452015

7452015

KARTHI
adMit
one AS GOOd AS IT GETS - my favourite! kavitha - promotions
from the field desk

FAV MOVIE
as Good as It Gets – that’s what’s
stuck in my mind when I think
of what my all-time favourite
movie could be! Everyone’s done
a superb job in this award-winner!
Galatta Cinema has grown so much in just one year. It was well received by the readers and we had quite a few
is phenomenal. It could not have happened without the
elaborate planning that we put into every issue. we keep
phone calls congratulating us on this novel idea. Similarly,
we have worked on an interesting article this month – as
Jack Nicholson (of course!), Helen trying to put in something new every month. our amiable a summer bonanza – on how and why some of the celebs
editor Shakthi, gives us a nod every time we bring a new have been renamed. Then there’s my fave article on where
Hunt and even the little dog!
idea to her, and that is the energy booster! Her ideas are the stars are shooting off this summer. there’s a whole
Performance apart, the script really value-adds! Buoyed by her inputs, we work hard on our lot of fun articles this month and plenty in line for June.
caught me too! Perhaps I will get ideas and the results are always fabulous. Hope you have as much fun reading the mag as we have
one like this too! Take, for example, last month’s Celebrity Wife section. It making it!
Dasavathaaram Audio Launch Naayaghan Audio Launch Pappara Mittai Launch

Vishal honoured by the Telugu Association FRESH OFF THE STANDS

ZZ Z.......
EVENTS
GALATTA CINEMA
THE LATEST BUZ
STAR WATCH.....
READ ALL ABOUT IT

Lakshmi Rai, Ravi and Kangna at the Dhaam Dhoom Press Meet
Simran at the East West Resorts Launch

Kollywood Stalwarts at the Hunger Strike At the Kuruvi Audio Launch Rajinikanth releases the Bujjigadu Audio Album Ramya Krishnan at Shiksha 2008
 Wonder Women

08

‘asthtva’
02 GC

towards a stronger 02 GC
08
02 GC
08

08
08 02 GC
02 GC

08
02 GC
08
02 GC
02 GC 08

08
02 GC 08 08 02 GC
02 GC

02 GC 08

02 GC 08
02 GC 08

02 GC 08
02 GC 08

02 GC 08

02 GC 08

work scope, self-help groups, children

and women’s development, education,
Ayubhuvan! Thus goes the mellifluous health and more. The young blood
greeting that is associated with and drive at OfERR is provided by charismatic entrepreneurs, Shyam,
courteous, friendly Sri Lankans – Tamils several volunteers from across the Parthiv and Tharuna Hinduja (who has THE PROGRAMME: The awareness
and non-Tamils. world, including Poongkothai (Mr. a famous relative in brother-in-law and learning programme were the
It is a pleasure to introduce two Chandrahasan’s daughter), none other cinematographer Nirav Shah), Paradigm brainchild of OfERR’s Pongo and very practical and useful everyday
entities that are quietly but surely, than the actress-director protégé of Shift does everything from language Asthtva’s Tharuna. Pongo felt that the manoeuvres, which can be easily
making a difference in humankind, and famed cinematographer P.C. Sreeram. training programmes for corporates, refugees in the various camps at OfERR achieved by any woman. Before all
an interesting event they conducted in Pongo, as she is fondly called, joins recruitments for companies, finishing required assistance in addressing issues this though, his most useful lessons
March 2008. hands with others at OfERR to bring the courses for IT companies recruiting like abuse and self-defence. Tharuna were on the strength of MIND over unrelated organisations – refugee
NEW sensibilities of development to candidates from non-metro regions had just the right plan for this. It is a body – the way he explained how camps and corporate self-defence!
OfERR: Probably one of the largest the refugees, from the introduction of and their newest, most exciting area myth and a false, sweeping statement instincts, awareness, prudence and It was an eye-opener of a day for
volunteer-driven NGOs in the world a world class website that brings OfERR of expertise – all-round women’s that women in refugee camps are a strong mind are the most powerful everyone present, whether guest or
dedicated to the betterment of closer to millions across the globe, development. Asthtva is the name somehow able to defend themselves defence mechanisms for a woman, participant. A special mention must
refugees from Sri Lanka, those to introducing new programmes for of this women-only department that from physical and sexual abuse that even before physical skill. The women be made here of Divya Sathyaraj, the
souls who have seen their homes, women and children. works toward women’s development could happen to them any day or night and even the guests, participated great actor’s daughter herself, who
neighbourhoods and families torn apart One such multi-faceted programme – job training and placement, self- – these are women who work late into in over three hours of the most not only took time off to grace the
by the violent civil unrest raging in Sri was conducted in March, one that improvement and language training and the night and return to their shelters interesting and useful self-defence event, but also participated heartily
Lanka for decades. Started by Mr. S.C. focussed on the women refugees self-defence. in the wee hours of the morning. It programmes ever seen – there were in it! No celeb-kid airs! The level of
Chandrahasan, OfERR has over 700 in various camps across the state, Asthtva conducts customised self- was an amazing sight to see women simple moves shown, questions asked, practical solutions and interactivity was
volunteers working in Tamil Nadu in from addressing psychological issues defence programmes for young working refugees from across the state sitting advice given on how to assess the phenomenal and I hope that we can see
different areas of rehabilitation, in the to abuse to self-defence. The most women. These are not just about in one room, waiting to see how the gravity of a dangerous situations and several such programmes conducted,
actual refugee camps across the state. innovative and interesting was the self- learning martial arts, but very simple, day would prove useful to them in their much more. across different strata of society.
Now, OfERR is proud to say that they defence, in association with Paradigm practical and effective ways by which daily struggles. Among the guests who enthusiastically
have brought hope, order and civilized Shift – Asthtva. a woman of today can secure herself, Tharuna brought in her expert trainer participated was Ms. Anusuya Ernest, Galatta Cinema found the story of
and humane living to the hitherto PARADIGM SHIFT – ASTHTVA: physically and psychologically. A must Ashwin, a martial arts and self-defence Asst. Commissioner of Police, who Asthtva and OfERR so interesting. Such
hapless victims of someone else’s war. Partly owned by G.V. Films Ltd., these days, where women work at all expert for nearly 20 years. Ashwin did is a very pro-active and pro-women urban individuals who spare many
Rehabilitation to OfERR is a process this is a young company that takes hours of the day and night and may not try and teach the women how to government officer. She was awed and hours of their time to bring about
that is not just better physical living the concept of “HR Management” not have the necessary security around do drop-kicks and complicated Judo appreciative of the synergy that could positive development for people such
conditions, but everything – including to a new level. Run by young and them at these times. somersaults. Instead, he combined be achieved even with such seemingly as these refugees. Kudos to them!
22 Galatta Cinema | May 2008 Galatta Cinema | may 2008 23
 Ta l k i e s HITS OR MISSES? GET THE GOOP ON WHICH RELEASES PEOPLE LOVED, LIKED OR SIMPLY HATED.

alatta
BOX OFFICE HITS OR ABYSMAL DISASTERS ?

G jalsa -Telugu HIGH fives

nepAali -Tamil
The story is about the plight of a villager
(Pawan Kalyan) who loses his parents to Top 5 BLOCKBUSTERS
drought. He joins a Naxalite group and
There are three Bharaths in Nepaali. later turns into a police informant. He

TAMIL
Anjaathe
One is a software engineer Karthik. gives up his ideologies and joins college. Director: Mysskin
He and his love Priya (Meera Jasmine) Three women step into his lonely life. Cast: Narain, Prasanna,
get married without informing their They are an SP’s daughter Indu (Kamalini Vijayalakshmi
parents. Priya’s irate parents file a Mukherjee), Jyotsna (Parvati Melton) and Music: Sundar C. Babu
complaint against him for misleading Bhagmati (Ileana). Thanks to opposition
their daughter. Unexpectedly, the Vellitherai
from the SP, Sanjay gives up Indu. Soon
officer investigating the case falls for Director: Viji
he finds that Bhagi is actually Indu’s
Priya. Due to the ensuing situations Cast: Prakashraj,
sister. Meanwhile, owing to work-related Prithviraj, Gopika
a murder is committed. The second hassles, Sanjay earns the wrath of Music: G. V. Prakash
Bharath is a jailbird and the third mafia leader Damodar Reddy (Mukesh
one a native of Nepal. Is there any Rushi). How he extricates himself and Yaradi Nee Mohini
link between the three Bharaths? wins the girl forms the climax. Director: Mithran K. Jawahar
Watch Nepaali and you are sure to go Cast: Dhanush, Nayantara,
through some thrill-a-minute scenes! Cast: Pawan Kalyan, Ileana, Parvathi Raghuvaran
Melton, Kamalini Mukhrjee, Prakashraj & Music: Yuvanshankar Raja
Cast: Bharath, Meera Jasmine Brahmanandam
Story, Direction: V.Z. Dorai Direction: Trivikram Srinivas Santhosh
Subramaniam
Cinematography: Madhie Cinematography: Guhan, Rasool Director: M. Raja
Music: Srikanth Deva Story: Trivikram Srinivas Cast: Jayam Ravi, Genelia,
Prakashraj
Genre: Thriller Music: Devi Sri Prasad Music: Devi Sri Prasad
Rating: Genre: Action Nepaali
+ point: Lead actors’ performances Rating: Director: V.Z.Dorai
Cast: Bharath, Meera
Letdown: The confusing connection + point: Comedy Jasmine
between the three roles Letdown: Action sequences Music: Srikanth Deva

Arai Enn 305il sawal -telugu jalsa

telugu
Santosh Director: Trivikram

Subramaniam -Tamil Kadavul -Tamil Orphan Tirupathi (Bharath) is considered a

Srinivas
Cast: Pawan Kalyan,
Director Simbudevan has made a striking lucky child by the residents of his village. Ileana, Prakashraj
Santosh Subramaniam deals with father- On one occasion, he saves Narasimhan Music: Devi Sri Prasad
comeback through Arai Enn... Mokkai
son bonding and relationship. Santosh (Sayaji Shinde), the influential CI, from Gamyam
(Kanja Karuppu) and Rasu (Santhanam)
(Ravi) falls in love with Haasini (Genelia), danger. Impressed. the CI appoints him as Director: Radha Krishna
are roommates in a bachelor’s mansion.
the daughter of a middle-class widower his chief informant. With Tirupathi’s help, Cast: Radha Krishna
Jobless and penniless, both youngsters
(Sayaji Shinde). His father Subramaniam the CI tracks criminals and is promoted, Music: E.S. Murthy, Anil R
crave for money and societal recognition.
(Prakashraj), a successful businessman but soon forgets all the help. An irate
When the mansion manager (M.S. Bhasker)
fixes his wedding with a businessman’s Tirupathi challenges him that he will
expels them, they feel insulted and curse
(Vijayakumar) daughter (Keerath). Does marry his daughter Keerthana (Suhani). Is Krishna
the Almighty. To their pleasant surprise, the
the family, especially Subramniam, Tirupathi able to fullfil his challenge? Director: V.V. Vinayak
Almighty (Prakashraj) appears before them
accept Santosh’s choice? Cast: Ravi Teja, Trisha,
with a special device. But they run away with Cast: Bharath, Suhani, Sayaji Shinde Mukul Dev
Cast: Jayam Ravi, Genelia, Prakashraj the device. Whether the Almighty gets back Direction: Jaya Music: Chakri
his device forms the rest of the story.
Direction: M. Raja Cinematography: Arun Kumar
Cast: Prakashraj, Santhanam, Kanja Karuppu Aatadista
Cinematography: G. Kannan Story: Jaya Director: AS Ravikumar
Story: M. Bhaskar Story, Direction: Simbudevan Chowdary
Music: Jassie Gift
Cinematography: Soundararajan Cast: Nitin, Kajal Aggarwal
Music: Devi Sri Prasad Genre: Romance Music: Chakri
Genre: Family entertainer Music: Vidyasagar
Rating:
Genre: Satirical Comedy
Rating: + point: Suhani’s glamour Ontari
+point: No vulgarity or gauche Rating: Director: B.V. Ramana
Letdown: Narration of the script
+ point: Simbudevan’s dialogues Cast: Gopichand, Bhavana,
attempts to impress audience
Rajiv Kanakala
Letdown: Predictable twists and turns Letdown: Illogical additions Music: Manisharma

24 Galatta Cinema | May 2008 Galatta Cinema | may 2008 25

 Ta l k i e s HITS OR MISSES? GET THE GOOP ON WHICH RELEASES PEOPLE LOVED, LIKED OR SIMPLY HATED.

alatta
BOX OFFICE HITS OR ABYSMAL DISASTERS?

G accident -kannada HIGH fives

mulla -malayalam
Mulla, a goonda from a slum area near
Sawanth (Ramesh Arvind) is an average
person married to Vasudha (Rekha),
Top 5 BLOCKBUSTERS

a railway track, is gang leader Ambi a courageous woman and a hard nut
to crack. While investigating a very Mulla

Malayalam
Annan’s (Biju Menon) successor. The
twist in the tale occurs when Mulla dangerous case, she is murdered along Director: Lal Jose
with her friend Bushan (Pathy Iyer), and Cast: Dileep, Meera Nandan,
hands over an abandoned child to Biju Menon, Reena Bashir
Lachchi (Meera Nandan). The two are the double murder is made to look like
Music: Vidyasagar
drawn to the child. And raising the an accident. Sawanth steps into the
child together, they fall in love with investigation and finds that the clues lead
Cycle
each other. Mulla gives up his rowdyism to something else. In the investigation Director: Johnny Antony
to raise the baby responsibly. The that follows, the hero faces suspense, Cast: Vineeth Sreenivasan,
problems the three face forms the more mysterious murders, puzzlers and Vinu Mohan, Bhama, Sandya
mistaken identity conspiracies; only his Music: Mejo Joseph
central plot of this film.
intelligence helps him to find and
Cast: Dileep, Meera Nandan, Biju decipher the right clue. Malabar Wedding
Menon, Reena Bashir Director: Rajesh, Faizal
Cast: Ramesh Aravind, Rekha, Pooja Cast: Indrajith, Gopika,
Direction: Lal Jose Gandhi, Dinesh Babu Janardanan, Mamukkoya,
Suraj Venjaramoodu
Cinematography: Vipin Mohan Direction: Ramesh Aravind Music: Rahulraj
Story: Lal Jose Cinematography: G.S. Bhasker Katha Parayumbol
Music: Vidya Sagar Director: M. Mohanan
Story: Ramesh Aravind
Cast: Mammootty, Mukesh,
Genre: Action, Drama, Family, and Music: Ricky Kej Sreenivasan, Meena
Romance Music: M. Jayachandran
Genre: Family Entertainer
Rating:
+ point: Screenplay, dialogues, good Rating: Roudram
performances, well-defined characters, + point: Element of suspense Director: Renji Panikkar
and beautiful songs. Cast: Mammootty, Manju,
Letdown: Monotony of the plot Laloo Aalex, Saikumar
Letdown: Slow tempo Music: Rajamony

Malabar Wedding Sathya in Love Gaja

kannada
annan thampi - Malayalam -kannada Director: K. Madesh
Cast: Darshan, Navya Nair
- Malayalam Music: Harikrishna
Manukuttan (Indrajit) and Swetha (Gopika) Sathya (Shivraj Kumar) meets Vedha
It is the tale of conflict between two are ready to go through ‘Sora Kalyanam’ a (Genelia), falls in love with her and loses
brothers. Born to Ravunni, a ballet artist, fun-filled custom that precedes wedding contact with her. His friends and his
Appu and Acchu have totally contrasting celebrations in Malabar. During the event, sister help him trace her. Sathya travels Gooli
qualities. This results in hostility between friends of the bride and groom cook up to Kurnool to express his love to her. Director: P. Sathya
the two. Ravunni separates the boys fictitious stories about them and also There he finds that Vedha’s father is Cast: Sudeep, Mamta
so that they remain safe. How these exchange their adolescent pranks. But the Rayalaseema faction leader Ranga Mohandas
two brothers meet and overcome their Reddy. But Sathya maanges to impress Music: Anoop Seelin
all the fun and games takes a serious
enmity forms the story. Lakshmi Rai turn when the relationship of the couple Vedha. She too accepts his love. Ranga
plays Thenmozhi, Appu’s lover, while Reddy’s underlings smash Sathya and
Nanda
turns messy. How the two sort out their Nanditha
Gopika is Lakshmi, Achchu’s wife and a differences forms the story. throw him on the streets. The rest of the
ballet artist herself. Director: B.N. Vijaya
movie is filled with fights and action, Kumar
Cast: Mammootty, Lakshmi Rai, following which Sathya wins Vedha. Cast: B.N. Vijaya Kumar
Cast: Indrajit, Gopika
Janardhan, Siddique, Gopika Music: Emil
Direction: Rajesh and Faizal Cast: Shivraj Kumar, Genelia
Direction: Anwar Rasheed
Direction: Raghava Loki Bindaas
Cinematography: Velraj
Cinematography: Guhan, Rasool Director: D Rajendra
Story: Ramesh Madhavan Cinematography: M.R. Seenu Babu
Story: Lokanathan
Music: Rahul Raj Story: Raghava Loki Cast: Puneeth Rajkumar,
Music: Rahul Raj Hansika Motwani
Genre: Family drama Music: Guru Kiran
Genre: Family Sentiment Music: Gurukiran
Rating: Genre: Romance and action Galipata
Rating:
+point: Novel plot Rating: Director: Yogaraj Bhat
+point: Mammootty’s performance Cast: Ganesh, Ananth
Letdown: Loopholes in the script + point: Shivraj Kumar’s dynamism
Letdown: Predictability of the script Nag, Daisy Bopanna
Letdown: Outdated story Music: Harikrishna
26 Galatta Cinema | May 2008 Galatta Cinema | may 2008 27
 Vivek owns a restaurant in a The title is reminiscent of Kamal
village and Arjun is just an Haasan’s blockbuster movie Naayaghan,
ordinary employee there. but the similarity is only in name. JK
Things are going smoothly Ritheesh’s Naayaghan revolves around
when one day cops arrive an upright police officer who single
to arrest Arjun. Why he is handedly fights the evil forces that
arrested is the twist in the have infected the society. He faces
tale. Director A Venkatesh is a menacing mafia gang and ensnares
all praise for the story and them with his sheer gut and wit.
says that Arjun’s opening
scene will have us all
stunned!

08:30 pm Wow! I really rock!

10:00 am Inspector, I just building sand castles! 09:00 am Anyone knows how to use this thing?

Name:
Name:

Banner: Shakya Celluloids

Banner: Sri Rajalakshmi Film Ltd

Producer: P.L. Thenappan Producer: V.K. Vijaykumar Reddy

02:00 pm Now that’s Entertainment!
04:30 pm Look! There! Is that a dragon?
Director: A. Venkatesh 12:00 noon Watch me groove, folks!
Director: Saravanashakti
11:30 am Action King showed some action on my hand!

Cast: Arjun, Crew: Cast: Crew:

Keerath, Cinematographer: J.K. Ritheesh, Editors: K.Ithrish,
Vadivel and Lakshmipathy Ramana, M.Shankar
others Editor: KK Anitha, Keerthi Cinematographer:
Chawla Abu Shah

Music: D Imman Music: Maria Manohar

12:30 pm I think you guys gotta turn the cam around!
02:00 pm Where’s the food?
09:00 am Is that you Ritheesh? Nice costume!
BUZZ notes
BUZZ notes
The opening song of the movie
Originally Durai was supposed to
has been taken in the likeness
be directed by Arjun
of a Rajinikanth or Kamal
Haasan song.
A stunt master is being brought
in from Mumbai for the climax
Rs. 1.5 crores was spent in
fight.
the making of the first song
that features 175 dancers, 25
Arjun did a 2-hour severe work
senior dancers and 2000 junior
out for 60 days to get in shape
artistes.
for the climax fight.
06:00 pm don’t miss me in Naayaghan!
06:00 pm If you dont call it wraps, I’ll 11:00 am Who said a Cop can’t dance? Director Saravanashakti believes
Cameraman Lakshmipathy was beat you to pulp. that not just Ritheesh, but even
a steady cam operator. Durai is
the supporting stars such as
his debut.
Sangitha will rise in name.
 with

wi t h l o v e
a n n a a h
Love the stars talking snappy?
Watch them get on candid camera
Tam
for hours... online. Simply log onto
www.galatta.com and check out
the video interviews section.

30 Galatta Cinema | May 2008

just a couple of the ingredients that
make for a great movie experience

SUBSCRIBE NOW TO RELIVE THE MAGIC OF THE SILVER SCREEN

 What do you think the happening Kuruvi duo are talking about? Send in your
creative best and we’ll do the rest [as in pick the quirkiest responses and
shower them with prizes!!]!

1. A. Saliha, Chennai

2. A. Salmaan Khan, Chennai

3. K. Dinesh, Kanchipuram
1. Cookie Man Crunchies
Answers to the above questions
2. Free subscription of Galatta
will be published in the next issue
Cinema Magazine for three months.
of Galatta Cinema.
Get your Galatta Goodies – *sim-
ply complete the slogan below
and send it to us at:
Galatta Cinema Contest Post
Box No. 7166 Chennai - 600 102
WIN
Enter your answer

 
Galatta Cinema is a/an magazine because

*All winners of prizes and gifts will be decided only by the team of Galatta Cinema. Sending the snippet and completing the contest questions
does not automatically entail winnings. Participants to the contest may send in as many entries as they wish to, provided each is accompanied
by the cut out strip. Employees (and their relatives) of Dot Com Infoway Ltd. cannot participate in the Galatta Cinema Contests. *Incomplete or
illegible contest entries shall be disqualified. *The winning entries shall be decided by a panel of judges whose decision will be final. *Prizes are
not transferable. *Prizes will be given in the name of participants only. *Prizes are subject to Indian tax laws as applicable. *Gifts / prizes may not
exactly match with those shown in the advertisements. *We shall not be liable for any loss, damage or injury incurred or suffered from use of any
of the prizes / gifts.
k
GC takes a sneak peek at this mega blockbuster and its MEGAWATT stars, producer & director

KURUVI starring Vijay & Trisha

mammoths behind it. And keeping them all together is director Dharani. Yes, this
URUVI
May 2, 2008 is the D-Day. Such a small name - Kuruvi, meaning sparrow - with such

Vijay-Trisha starrer which is sure to set screens a-flutter. Commanding respect with the
most affable demeanour which hides an iron fist of control, Dharani has managed to
keep everything about Kuruvi under wraps, save a few unauthorised pictures hungrily
spread across some web pages. Asking about the story leads to evasive manoeuvres;
hounding leads to Dharani bounding away, charming smile still in place! The only
fancy rumour that Kuruvi is inspired from the Jason Statham-starrer The Transporter has
been officially scoffed at by Vijay himself. Closer to the release, one can see Dharani
working around the clock, intent on putting his baby bird out on screens ASAP. He’s
pushing for May 2, he says, but also knows that nothing in this industry is written
in stone. As with all other Dharani movies, Kuruvi promises to be a hilarious action-
entertainer. Add some rollercoaster Hollywood-type look and feel... and waiting for
the release is quite understandable. We love Dharani for the completely natural way in
which he makes slick, yet unabashedly spicy movies! Of course, there can be no other
“Ilayathalapathy” (young chief ) than Vijay; and with long-time colleague, Vidyasagar,
the strong support of debutant producer Udhayanidhi Stalin, Kuruvi sounds fantastic!
And thus we present to you the Kuruvi Special. A tiny bird that promises to soar like a
majestic eagle. Read on.
V IJAY
on his
ictory lap
GC GETS CANDID WITH THE STAR ON HIS NEW
MOVIE KURUVI & HIS REIGN AS A SUPERSTAR

In a few short years, Joseph Vijay has catapulted himself into

not just a “starry” slot, but that of the next Superstar himself!
Who would have thought that the gangly young man from the
days of Nalaya Theerpu, Rasigan and Deva would be the one to
create mass hysteria across South India (and abroad!) with his
dashing on-screen personality, a twinkling smile, some larger-
than-life characters and roles, infectious dancing and of course,
invincible action stunts!

2008 May is a special time. After the success of Ghilli, all eyes
are on the Vijay-Dharani chemistry to see if they can make
magic again and if Kuruvi can become Vijay’s new Ghilli!

So... speaking of Vijay’s personality? We said “on-screen”. Off-

screen, Vijay is a shy, reclusive person. One can barely hear him
speak, despite the fact that he is actually a charming guy, with
a great sense of humour! Catching up with him was all the
more delicious, within its envelope of a hard-to-get persona
and the lure of trying to draw some candid replies from him on
movies, life, being a darling of the masses and more.
Vijay, why is it so difficult to meet you off- waiting for the right team, the right combo past experiences, whenever I have had this A flamboyant superstar on-screen, but a on. What’s your take on this? IN THE WINNERS CIRCLE
screen? Is it a purposeful cocoon or just the to set and that’s when Udhayanidhi came feeling, the movie has done well. Let’s see, compassionate do-gooder off-screen, with There should be no doubt - this is a
person you are? along, everything fell into place and Kuruvi we’ll keep our fingers crossed. your various charitable activities that you DHARANI movie. He is everything in They call me the next Rajinikanth?
Chee, nothing like that, this is just the began. There were some delays before that, do quietly, regularly, without media hype. Kuruvi, he has envisioned it, given it shape, Well, I thank them for it, but as my
way I am - completely comfortable with but that’s all it was - waiting for the right We cross ours for you too! Now, talking of Tell us your inner thoughts on this. while we are actually his supporters, song in Kuruvi goes...
my closest friends, but a bit of a recluse people at the right time. Once Udhay’s Red your performances - Ghilli and Azhagiya There is no “reason” or planning in my trying to bring his work on-screen. That’s
otherwise. Nothing purposeful or anything Giant came in, it all rolled along beautifully. Tamizh Magan had shades of endearing charitable work. It’s just that I am a people all. “Yen vaathiyaar, SUPERSTAR”!
like that! humanity and grey in your characters. Does person. My fans, no matter how rich or
So why do you think there is just so much it inspire you to experiment? poor they are, are loyal and they have How was it, working with a powerful and
They say you are the next Superstar. thrill and adventure at the thought of Well, I am quite sure I will not stray too far given me my stardom. When I go out of my yet, first-time producer like Udhay?
What do you think? Or perhaps you are Kuruvi’s release? away from the kind of roles I am doing. I cocooned environment on shoots, I see so When we started, he was the producer.
already as close to being THE Superstar as It’s all Ghilli and more Ghilli. The magic like what I am doing already and I would many of them leading a hard life and it’s But now, we are also friends off the sets.
possible? Dharani was able to create and my own like to try something a little different every just something I want to do for them. In He loves cinema and he wants to produce
They say that (smiles)?? What can I say? fondness for that movie. But please, don’t now and then, but I don’t think I will like to Tamil we say, “manasu tripthi”, satisfaction movies in the right way. We need more
I can only thank them for their love. But go by just hype! When you come for the do totally bizarre movies or off-beat films. for the mind, soul. That’s all. I am happy people, more producers like him.
have you listened to the songs of Kuruvi as movie, forget Ghilli, just come for Kuruvi! It is not something that I want to do now. when I am able to do something for THEM,
yet? There is a line in one of them which instead of being totally selfish. Kick-ass music in what promises to be a
goes “MY hero is THE Superstar”, meaning Tell us more - who is Kuruvi, what is Kuruvi? OK. Then how about commercial movies kick-ass movie – what do you think of it?
Rajni. Go figure! What did Dharani say? (he questions US in with anti-hero type experimentation in So, not just on-screen star, off-screen “Kick-ass” is the right word. You know, in
turn!) character? people’s hero too? several albums, people like perhaps 2-3
You are on a blockbuster high right now. Ma, we can do anything. Anti-hero type (Immediately shy) Nothing like that, but songs, but out of 6 songs in the Kuruvi
Did this victory lap of success come easily Dharani just smiled and said he’d tell us in roles are possible. I would like to do thanks. It’s nice of you to say that. album I like AT LEAST 5! I can’t even tell
to you? secret, why? something like that, but there are so many you which one is my favourite.
Nothing is always easy for anyone, whether (A winning smile here) Then you better things that have to fall into place for that What’s next? What are all these rumours
they come from a privileged background get these secrets out from HIM personally, - the right producer, director, the correct of Singam, you next project, is this the one How do you dance so well? Everyone
or otherwise. I have had my share of good don’t ask me and get ME in trouble! script, a good team. You know? with Prabhudeva? from Prabhudeva to Lawrence to Kala
times and bad times. Right now, my success Singam? Never heard of this name! Even Master has told us how you’re a dream
is all a combination of good choices, good A fine escape! But tell us, there are so many Despite your dizzying star status, you are I don’t know about this. Yes, I am indeed student!
teams to work with and my fans’ love. rumours that Kuruvi is inspired from the shoulder-to-shoulder with your directors. doing another project with Prabhudeva, Theriyalai-ye (I don’t know)?! See, I love
2002 Jason Statham movie, The Transporter. Who are some of these film-makers you produced by Ayngaran and we are getting dance, I love music and I love TAMIL music
Which of your movies have you felt or still Is it anything like that? like working with the most? all set for it, but it is yet untitled, so all this especially. I don’t know what people
feel passionate about, whether it is great at I have seen that movie, but whatever I The list is really long. Difficult to give you Singam business is just a rumour, like you are saying about me, but I love dancing
the box-office or not? CAN’T tell you right now about Kuruvi, all just a few names, but let me see. Well, said. for the dance itself. I guess it shows. You
If you ask me, all of them! I worked hard in I WILL say, is that it is nothing like that. No undoubtedly, Dharani. Then there are decide.
all of them; whether they were successful connection at all between The Transporter others like Prabhudeva and Perarasu. Kuruvi is bound to be a blockbuster. Does
or not, they were a learning curve to where and Kuruvi. Nope. the thought get you excited enough to We keep coming back to Kuruvi, but how
I am now! How about some young directors start another with Dharani? can we not? What can audiences expect
Given the great rapport from your Ghilli you haven’t already worked with. Any See, Dharani and I work well together and from this movie, from you?
How about Kuruvi? days, do you have any scenes or parts of preferences? I like doing his movies and I am sure I WILL DON’T come with precedents and
What ABOUT Kuruvi? It’s a great movie, I Kuruvi that are your favourites? Some shots Ayyo, I can and would like to work continue to work with him. But both of us expectations. You know who I am, what
enjoyed every moment of work in it and you had a blast doing, that sort of thing? with anyone and everyone, there is no don’t like jumping the gun; we finish one I can do. And you know how a Dharani
we had a great relationship as a team and I love the entire movie! You know how “favouritism” or preference. If I like what movie first and only then think of another. movie is going to be. It will have all the
this will show in the end product. it is, it all just fits beautifully in every they have to say and the way they work As always, a team has to be formed, it’s got elements and emotions of a Dharani-Vijay
scene and shot and that’s how it was and I AM, in turn, suitable to their style to work for all of us, so many factors. movie, but the story and treatment are
How did Kuruvi happen? with Kuruvi, no favourites. In fact, I had and thought process of working, what’s all different. So, DON’T come with Ghilli
For the longest time, Dharani and I wanted a gut feeling, a sense of comfort and the problem? But it will all happen when it On the hype-o-meter, Kuruvi is a Vijay or any other movie in your mind - just
to do a movie together, again. But we were confidence throughout and going by my happens, that’s all. movie, then a Vijay-Dharani movie and so come to enjoy a few hours of Kuruvi, have

PIT with Vijay Like any human being, Vijay is touched and elated by his fans’
adulation, but he says he is so embarrassed when they say things and love-filled relationship that several fans have asked them to around Galatta.com’s Madurai office and general pandemonium.

Stop like he’s the next Superstar after Rajinikanth! He always says that
Rajni has always been HIS Superstar! Appidi podu!
act together again! Through it all, Vijay remained calm and smiling.

For all his superstar status, Vijay is also the winner of
several prestigious awards – from the Best Actor award for
Kaadhalukku Mariyaadhai at 2 ceremonies, including the
Kalaimamani Award in this category, from the Chief Minister of
Tamil Nadu, to the Best Actor award for Thirupachi.
Vijay loves children. Which is probably why, through his various
charitable organisations, he does so much for the children of
society, by giving away education tools and monetary benefits
every year, unfailingly. How can he NOT be darling, with a heart
so big!
Crooner Vijay! Yes, this star loves to sing and has sung over 20
songs for his movies himself! And pretty well too! When Headlines
Today, one of India’s premier news channels did a special on him
and asked him if he could sing for them, he suddenly left all his
inhibitions behind and belted out a number from Kamal Haasan’s
Thevar Magan. Pretty well too, sending the news channel crew into
a tizzy!
Though Vijay and Suriya have not been seen together in movies
in recent years (although Suriya did Pithamagan with Vikram),
Friends, their hit movie together, saw them in such a bonhomie-
Party animal or lounge lover? Vijay loves going to parties (but only
with close friends), but once there, he is quite the opposite of the
energy-filled dancer one sees him as, on-screen! He likes to sit with
his own circle of friends, enjoying a quiet evening… even if the
music is blasting away! But get him to the dance floor just once,
and his verve is unstoppable!
One of the most tech-friendly appearances Vijay has ever made
was with Galatta.com, when he had a video-conference celebrity
chat – from Madurai, with fans from around the world! Needless
to say, our tech team was helter-skelter, as huge online crowds
caused servers to crash, fan-mania filled the neighbourhood
Did you notice the sartorial change in Vijay after Ghilli? So which
designer do you think changed his look and persona (into a
smashing new one) forever? None other than Dharani! The
director taught him to keep it simple, matched and stylish. And
now, Vijay is one of the most stylish stars in the South today!
Vijay may be the reclusive star, but he’s also quite the chivalrous
type. At a recent private party, Vijay was seated next to a pregnant
socialite and when her neighbour at the table lit up her cigarette,
he asked her, “What ma, pregnant lady sitting next to you and
you’re puffing away… how about moving to that corner over
there for a bit?”

a good time and remember us for giving
you these moments of pleasure. That’s
all.
You have also worked out a lot more?
You seem toned and fit. do you play a
sport? Any favourites?
I am quite a player… but not necessarily
sport! No, no, don’t get ideas! I just
meant that I was a very naughty fellow
when I was younger. That’s all. Coming
back to sport, though… Where’s the
time for sport, ma? I think the last time I
“looty adichufied” with something like
galli cricket was back in school. I like
cricket a lot, but honestly, tennis has
been a favourite. Yes, I do have to keep
fit (I am not obsessed with it, though)
and so I do, as often as I can.
Aha! Gotcha! Cricket and Vijay, Chennai
Super Kings and Vijay! Congratulations
on the first match won against
Mumbai Indians. How has it been, this
association?
44 Galatta Cinema | may 200
A completely new and different
experience. It was good. After a long time,
many years, in fact; I went to the stadium,
watched a match. It was different this
time, considering that I am involved in it
and these are OUR boys.
April 26th was the Big Bag match
between Chennai Super Kings and Shah
Rukh Khan’s Kolkata Knight Riders. What
was your excitement level for that one?
You must have been thrilled that we won!
Adhu yeppideenga illaama irukkum (how
can I ever NOT do that!)!? Both teams are
strong and I thought it would be a tough
match and it was great when namma
pasanga (our boys) won – can’t wait
to see the May 2nd match, just the day
before Kuruvi’s release!
Any words of wisdom for them for your
fans?
Who am I to advice other people,
especially at my age and limited
experience of life?! But I will say this, do
good and relish and enjoy life, for ourselves
and for the people close to us – we all have
but one life.
The interview had to end here – Vijay had
already spoken for nearly and hour and while
we were ready for hours more, he had to get
back to his wife and kids, who were, no doubt,
looking forward excitedly to Kuruvi’s release
on may 2nd. meanwhile, we reminisced on
some interesting stuff we spoke about with
the star, during our other run-ins with him…
Such a big star you are now, so much at
ease in front of the camera… how was it
the first time you faced the lens?
Well, I wasn’t really that nervous or scared.
I have watched a lot of shooting with my
father and I had already acted in small roles
before. But yes, it was a different feeling.
Industry rivalry. What do you think of it and
do you feel any of it yourself, with any of
the other heroes?
Competition is the right word and
It’s all about THE TEAM
Anyone can do anything
with anyone else... but
only with the right team,
IT WORKS !
competition is everywhere – even a debut actor is competition. So what’s
wrong with it? A healthy one is quite essential otherwise it’s like racing
alone! But I never let this concept of professional competition affect my
personal views. Why, in fact, I am a fan of quite a few actors in the same
region myself!
After a long time, you did a movie with different shades of a human being,
including greys – azhagiya Thamizh magan. Why do you think that wasn’t
such a smash hit like Pokkiri?
I liked doing that movie. I liked doing something different after a long
time. Plus, I had a different look and style… but perhaps it didn’t work
because of that. Like with Priyamudan, where I played a slightly negative
role, perhaps my fans didn’t like this experimentation of mine and they
wanted to see me invincible, a complete hero and what they’ve loved me
for through the years.
Except for a few snide remarks (to be expected!) here and there, the
Ilayathalapathy has rarely been linked with his celebrity heroines, danced
into the sunset with ravishing beauties of the likes of Priyanka Chopra and
Jyotika. How do you manage to keep such a clean slate?
(embarrassed smile) Look at me, do I look like a garrulous Casanova?
You know me, my personality – I keep to myself, hang out with only
with the closest of friends and I believe in maintaining decorum when
I am out at public functions. I am married and a father. My family is
incredibly important to me and this focus keeps my mind clear and free
of distractions – why settle for a quick deal of a taunting scandal when I
have such a wonderful and perfect package of marriage, parenthood and
family?! do remember that my fans not only like my on-screen presence,
but also look up to me as someone they can emulate. I don’t want to set an
irresponsible example.
Kids. We hear you love kids. Is that true?
Oh, yes. I love children, indeed. Given my nature, children are the only…
”people” I am most comfortable with, whom I have no inhibitions with,
apart from my close friends. That’s because they are funny, honest and
completely innocent and they expect nothing but affection and caring!
Your quiet demeanour makes us want to know more about your life until a
few years ago – your childhood, your buddies, your liking for cinema, your
fears, all of that.
That’s a lot. Mm… I wasn’t so good at academics, but I always wanted to
be in movies. At first my father refused (I even ran away for a few hours in
a huff!) and then he figured this is what I wanted to do. As for my friends,
I have very few of them, I am not a jumping-around type of guy, making a
100 friends here and there. But these few are the ones I can’t do without
meeting or talking to, especially after a long shooting schedule. By the
way, they call me “Maapu” – short for “Maapillai”… sometimes I don’t even
answer to “Vijay”, but I definitely do to “Maapu”! I don’t have very many
fears, but one of them as a child is injections at the doctor’s! God, I have
even been dragged into clinics, kicking and screaming because I wouldn’t
have wanted a shot! Oh, and my kids. I love children and I love my daughter.
I have completely spoilt her! These daughters have their dads wrapped
around their little fingers!
after our ilayathalapathy Vijay exclusive, we were floating on air for hours,
thinking of this shy, yet warm mega star. His reserved replies belie his nature,
but his twinkling eyes and sudden smiles make us want to dig into that little-
exhibited, fun-loving personality. Perhaps one day he will bare his heart and
soul to us. and when he does that, we pray that we will have the word craft to
tell this shy star’s story to the people in the most elegant manner.
meanwhile, do check out ilayathalapathy’s official website www.
ilayathalapathyvijay.com - your insight to this reclusive star, at your fingertips!
GC
VIJAY on his
WINNING STREAK
Vijay’s had his share of mega-hits and super-flops,
but both he and his fans are unfazed by all that.
Vijay’s philosophy? get up, dust yourself off and
move on – it’s time to be a star again! let’s look at
some hits that way overshadowed the misses:
rasigan: Co-starring Sanghavi and directed by
dad S.A.C., Rasigan is one of Vijay’s first movies
which made people sit up and notice his potential.
poove unakkaaga: With Sangeetha, Vijay
got his first mega-hit after a long time. This movie
paved the way for more success with more hits.
naerukku naer: With a brilliant star-cast of
Suriya (this was his debut in Tamil), Kausalya,
Simran and Raghuvaran, this movie was one
of the first to push Vijay up to star status, even
considering the family-oriented tale and multi-
star cast.
kaadhalukku MariYaadhai: The first of
those delightful movies which showcased Vijay’s
superb on-screen chemistry, this movie was a
smash hit and its songs are listened to, even today.
priYaMudan: Another movie with Kausalya,
Priyamudan was the first one where Vijay didn’t
portray himself as the perfect hero, but a normal
human being with shades of grey. A believer of
love becomes a jealous lover.
thullaadha ManaMuM thulluM: A
delightful and heart-warming movie with Tamil
cinema’s dream girl Simran, Vijay’s Kutty was one
of the sweetest and most lovable characters he
has ever played.
kushi: directed by S.J. Suryah, Kushi was Vijay’s
next super-duper hit movie. A beautifully woven
story and the shenanigans of co-star Jyotika and
Vijay made this movie inspiring enough to be
remade in Hindi with Kareena Kapoor!
priYaMaanavale: Another Vijay-Simran starrer,
this movie also had a story interesting enough to
be remade in Hindi – that of a US-returned young
man who finds love… AFTER marriage.
Friends: As the name suggests, this is a
movie that played with the intricacies of young
friendship beautifully; Vijay and Suriya struck a
warm chord in audiences’ hearts.
ghilli: Probably the finest movie of Vijay’s career,
dharani brought out Vijay’s finest points in this
movie – simplicity, goodness and the ability of
even the most everyday human being to be able
to do something heroic by sheer will and strength
of mind.
pokkiri: A remake of the Mahesh Babu Telugu
hit Pokiri, Pokkiri was the perfect commercial flick.
Masala action, Robin hood-style character, rough-
and-sexy costumes and the Malabar girl Asin to
add the perfect touch of femininity. Wow!
 trisha kuruvi’s trisha: Ah, to be Trisha and live a charmed life. For this pixie-like actress, it’s all hard
work and harder play, as she shuttles around the world and within South India, living up to her status
as #1 South Indian female actor. She is most sought-after, the busiest and a complete veteran at playing
the reel game at this young age. Yes, Trisha Krishnan has truly Been There, done That.
With a quirky role in her latest Tamil flick, dharani’s Kuruvi, Trisha is all set to establish herself as a
queen in comedy too. Says dharani, “This is a feel-good, commercial movie, but you just have to check
Trisha out in this – she has such an interesting and lovable role, it’s unbelievable!” Quite possible, as we
remember her roles in Saamy, ghilli, Thirupachi and unakkum Enakkum, where she is the true feminine
charmer, an irresistible combination of bubbly girl-next-door, family darling and sexy siren. But talking
of on-screen chemistry, one can only picture Vijay and Trisha together (which could be a reason for
how she bagged the role right from under Nayantara’s nose!) and this delectable chemistry is sure to
be abundant in Kuruvi. Halt, though. Just as you thought Trisha is taking a break from her breakneck
schedule, she is in New Zealand, shooting for her Telugu movie. In the middle of such a packed diary, she
manages to catch some chill-time with buddies and family, attend functions and more… How dOES she
do it? Let’s just call it Trisha’s Secret?

LIFE’S

46 Galatta Cinema | may 200 Galatta Cinema | may 200 47

 FASHION QUOTIENT
Very casual and fashionable even off-
screen, Trisha’s dressing sense oscillates
between urban chic and young fashion.
Her designers (for movies as well as
off-duty life) have included Chaitanya

trisha
A blaze of coral against Rao and now, Sidney
black silk, at the Sladen, who is seen Kitsch
KURUVI Launch almost everywhere. One Culture - fusion A great combi-
fact is true, though, wear carried off nation of sexy,
Trisha wears mostly to perfection. simple & stylish
Western- or fusion-
wear - jeans
paired with casual
or formal blouses,
kitschy blouses
teamed with
black pants or
often, an elegant,
pretty dress or
shirtwaist. She
HIGH OCTANE BEATS shops for clothes
The first thing about Kuruvi that hits you on the Rajalakshmi’s, the racy “Mozha-mozhannu”, and accessories all
eardrums is the high level of energy through- sung in Kay Kay and Anuradha Sriram’s saucy over the world, from The classic
out the album. The foot never stops tapping voices, very reminiscent off “Appidi podu” designer stores to local summer essential.
and the head doesn’t stop shaking to the from ghilli and of course, the superbly markets... and it shows. The pleated red
tunes. Starting with “Thanaaney thana”, in mixed Kuruvi theme song - a blend of
dress gets a
Bohemian Belle - stacked dash of drama
the rich voice of Sunidhi Chauhan and the metal (reminds one of the international bangles, scores of beads and Trisha shows off her sun drenched with the beads. Pretty in POLKA.
mind-blowing multi-lingual rap of Yogi B., smash hit Give It Away by the Red Hot crochet magic... this will be body and perfect curves in denim The baby pink & the frills
the musical rollercoaster hurtles from song Chilli Peppers) and home-grown Thavil...a Trisha’s look throughout minis and halters... don’t miss the create that f lirty feminine
fl

to song: “dandaanaa...”, the quintessential
Vijay koothu number, “Thaen-thaen”, the catchy
duet, the brilliant “Pallaanadhey”, with it’s Punjabi
twang and Vidhyasagar’s own voice duelling with
SIZZLING
Spice and sauce - a
combination of fun and
romance in Kuruvi
The Vijay-Trisha sizzle
formula? Naughty
but nice! This time, in
Thirupachi
true dash of drama to a heroic tune. Kuruvi Bujjigadu beaded braids look
is a MUST-BUY - even the most cynical
listerner cannot ignore its energetic blast! Go
on, whirl in the musical tornado awhile!
Trisha & Vijay steam up the style-meter on GC as they wow you with some of their coolest looks.
VIJAY- STYLE MANNAN
After ghilli, Vijay got a
Probably the most popular on-screen lease of life on his style
pair in recent times, Vijay and Trisha’s quotient as he decided his
screen chemistry is all sizzle and sauce. new looks will be the most
They do indeed make a great pair wanted and needless to say,
to watch: she is pretty, bubbly and a most long-lasting... simplic-
perfect feminine foil for Vijay’s heroics. ity blended with aesthetic
He is the macho, invincible hero... but is detailing. Thanks to
also armed with an irresistible comedic dharani, Vijay realised
style. Together, their bantering, bait- that he looked good
in clothes other
on screen chemistry than painstakingly
sewn suits - like
ing and bonhomie have been watched distressed denim,
and wanted through the recent years.
The pair is so delectable to watch that
they have been currently voted as the
Vijay
most-wanted. The secret of the sparks? metrosexual shirt de-
A blend of repartees, sizzling romance, tailing, prudent use of
catchy duet songs and a certain some- colour and eye-catch-
thing that’s quite undefinable! Even in a ing accessories. Check
TV show, Trisha and he bandied words The most popular Raging Hot in a out his urban cool.
with each, to the audience’s loud laugh- platform for this distressed rust Bare it
ter! Where can we see them apart from unstoppable pair, blazer and foral all on the
shirt. As always beach - Nothing cooler than white and denim. Clean cream khakis get
Kuruvi? ghilli, Thirupachi and aadhi. Dharani-directed nicely accesorized turquoise vest Keyhole detailing on the shirt,
Ghilli is all fun and in suede shoes and and hand ultra stylish when
games for the couple! tinted glares. made antique belt buckle; chilling while set- teamed with iery red and
beads. ting hearts on f!ire! intricate detailing.
DIRECTOR’S director dharani brings his special
ANGLE brand of cinematic magic as he
works with the top stars and
technicians of the Tamil movie
industry. Kuruvi is his latest and in
dharani’s own words, as true to
whatever his fans expect from his
movies as they could ever want it.
Through Kuruvi, he turns every
ordinary man into a hero and every
overworked woman into a fun-
loving belle. Superb stunts, dizzying
dances, vibrant beats, a great
combination of action, romance,
drama and comedy – these are
Kuruvi’s ingredients, in true dharani
style.
Finding the balance between
pot-boiler and perfection is a
monumental task, but to him it
seems to come naturally. And
through all the masala, he remains
calm, smiling and ever-friendly.
Even when one asks him about
the storyline of Kuruvi, which has
enjoyed several avid rumours, none
of which have been confirmed as
fact or if they have... completely off
the record!
90
WITH DHARANI - always with the right angles
dharani can be seen
coaching, angling,
shooting and check-
ing every shot in
Kuruvi. Of course, for
a fun person like him,
there are bound to be
fun moments during
the shooting too... made
all the more enjoyable
with the team’s rapport!
UDHAYANIDHI
sWashbuCkling debut
He was born with a
diamond spoon in his
mouth, the grandson of
tthe Chief Minister Mr. M.
Karunanidhi. despite such
power backing him, he
worked and he worked
hard. He did it the hard
way, chasing Vijay for dates,
convincing dharani, getting
the production boards
ready… the works. And
the result is a promising
blockbuster! Udhayanidhi
Stalin’s environment with
grandpa an acclaimed
writer, dad’s added
involvement in the industry,
has always been cinema. But
his passion to work within
the industry itself came
from ghilli – one look and
he was hooked. Red Giant
was born and waiting for
the right project to come
along. Because Udhay was
adamant that his first movie
would also be the biggest!
Let’s take the journey of
Kuruvi from the beginning...
THE TEAM
supporting Cast Co-produCers
Suman, Nasser M. Shenbagamoorthy Vidhyasagar Pa. Vijay,
Ashish Vidhyarthi, R. Arjun durai
Vivek, Manivannan
TRADESPEAK
Vijay is my favourite
action star, dharani
my fave action
director and the entire
team, from producer
to music director,
friends I respect on-
and off-screen. Kuruvi
is a movie I am dying
to see - all the best,
team!
how does it feel to have finally wrapped up
such a heartfelt project?
Thrill, relief and nervousness at the box-office
results! It was a great experience.
Why the name “red giant”?
I wanted something with “sun” in it, but I didn’t
want to call it Red Sun. Too clichéd, I guess. So we
decided on Red Giant, in the hope of bigger and
better things.
You took your love of cinema to a different
level! Why and how?
Two words. dharani. Vijay. I have always loved
movies. It’s in my blood, but this love changed into
a passion to be involved in the industry with ghilli.
I loved the movie so much that I HAd to make one
of my own!
life must be so easy for you with such power
backing you – correct?
In many ways, yes. But to make it on my own,
though, there is no way I could escape the
system and the process. A good producer is not
one with lots of money and power, but one who ALL SMILES FOR
understands cinema and is involved in it. UdHYANIdHI STALIN
how did kuruvi start?
After watching ghilli, I couldn’t dream of making
my first movie with anyone other than Vijay and movie the way, say, an IT company would take
dharani. Vijay agreed, but didn’t have dates, so I up a project – proper understanding, planning,
waited. Finally, he felt sorry for me and asked me investment, control, scheduling and delegation.
to start my work with another hero instead of him Of course I hope to bring all these into place in
delaying me. No chance! Finally, everything about my company.
Kuruvi clicked and here we are! so, what next for you and red giant?
the corporate culture – how do you plan to run I am planning a movie with Vishal, who is very
close to me personally too. It’s like a large
your company?
Corporate culture is nothing but producing a fraternity and I want to work with all of them!
MusiC lYriCs CineMatographY editor dialogues danCe p.r.o.
Gopinath V.T.Vijayan Babusivan Kalyan, Nellai
Na. Muthukumar Shobi, Sunderarajan
Kapila, Prem
Yugabharathi Rakshit
April 16th - Little Flower Convent, Chennai where
Director Dharani likes to host his movies’ events.
at the KURUVI MUSIC LAUNCH
Ayngaran has been Working on music My association with Kuruvi is a small name
in the content with dharani is a dharani and his team but what big work
distribution business pleasure, filled with of technicians and that has gone into
for long, but with our energy and ideas. The stars goes back a this movie! Superb
new arm of produc- success of our movie long way. Not only teamwork (with our
tion, it’s good to see albums together is am I touched to be “captain”, dharani),
such a movie with thanks to our great still part of this team, the high level of
such team in our teamwork - Kuruvi but Kuruvi by itself is enthusiasm we had
now-wider vision. I is the newest result an exciting roller- through the shooting,
am happy with the of this teamwork coaster ride I enjoyed our friendship - a
relationship we have! - enjoy the album! taking! Have fun! great experience!
Dh L

KinG
DHArAni
What stage of Kuruvi are you in? years and I knew there was something in him I wanted in my
The stage of utter chaos and madness (grins) – last minute work, movie. But I wanted a change from his usual stuff. I wanted him
colour grading, editing, fire-fighting, Censors… it is unlimited to smile broadly, laugh heartily, dress simply and appeal to the
work, but this is my life and I love it! most cynical of movie-goers. I guess ghilli brought that out of
him. So, here we are, on Round 2!
We want to scratch and dig at this tale! Why “Kuruvi”? What’s a
sparrow got to do with the story? What was it like, shooting with your familiar cast and crew, but
Hey, give a guy a break! I just liked the name, I liked the years later? I am bigger or better than anyone. I am for me. My forte and strength is screenplay, overshadow your hero?
connotation of a little creature (in the grand scheme of things, It’s a good, good feeling. When you have the best team – both only the boss of what I am doing and what editing and simplicity of the tale. And so, No way. Vivek is a good comedian and a
not the size!) being able to achieve big things. That’s what because of their expertise and also because of the working I want. Also, I respect the investment that I delve in my passion, day in and day out. very intelligent man. He knows what to
Vijay is in this movie – a simple, good, family-loving guy who is relationships – then you mustn’t lose it. So, even though goes into a movie, people- or money-wise. It’s bound to show. Like in your own words say, how much to say and when to say
capable of making big things happen. it took a little time, we were together again for Kuruvi. My Plus, I never have ego hassles. No airs, no when you’re designing your magazine or it. Plus, Vijay himself is great at comedy,
cinematographer Gopinath, for example, has been with me quarrels, no image-issues. What you see is Galatta.com web pages, the most attractive if you remember ghilli. So there is no
So… no Malaysia-Singapore-type meanings? Or perhaps it’s the through my first movie and it’s easy to work with that kind of what you get. Basically, a nice guy (another pages have the simplest, cleanest looks “overshadowing” at all!
name of Vijay in the movie? A pet name, maybe? environment where each of us knows, understands and respects smile). with just a few elements of drama. It’s the
You are relentless! If I tell you, I’d have to kill you (grins)! But each other. same for me – simple but effective. It’s my dhill, dhool and ghilli were super hits, but
seriously, you have to watch the movie to find out all this Tell us about this talent of yours that formula and my mark. Edhirum Pudhirum and Bangaram did only
because it’s all these little details that make Why do you think you command so much makes the biggest heroes also seem very average business. Why so? No one expects
for a nice movie! Wait just a respect from the biggest and smallest of real and likeable. Have you used any technology and an average dharani movie.
few more days, ok? industry personnel? You have to believe in something, it has to graphics in Kuruvi? It’s just THAT factor that makes or breaks a
Oh, you are only as good as your last hit, come from the heart and if you are able This is not a full CG-oriented movie, but we movie – expectations. For a filmmaker, in
So that’s what he is in the so when that stops, all this may too. But to convince the other person also of the have a couple of interesting scenes – some the end, it’s not a battle with the audience
movie? Going back in time, seriously, perhaps because I don’t think same thing, great! I should give my hero that Gopi and I have worked on for a long or critics; it’s a battle with oneself. Because
how did ghilli happen? the confidence that THIS is the role, the time – that are unique, fantastic, which the previous movie puts preconceptions
Like I said, Vijay’s Vetrivel (that’s look and demeanour that will be good for required some CG work. This is the same and expectations and the filmmaker has
his name in the movie) is a A GOOd MOVIE is about him, for the movie and I should be able to of all my movies. Nothing – technology, to live up to his own previous work! With
good man. Simple, everyday,
fun, family-loving people THE STORY-TELLING. show him that I am right. Similarly, I should
be able to convince my producers that
concept, whatever – will be used just for
the sake of using it. It has to grab me,
Bangaram, for example, it was just that.
It was a different movie, in that the hero
person. Like his characters in This is my forte- my conviction will drive the movie, my inspire me and fit in my tale. That’s all. does not get the girl in the end (for several
ghilli, a REAL guy who is also
capable of being a hero by his
SCREENPLAY & EdITING own recognition of what I am good at will
perfect the movie and their investment has Vidhyasagar’s music seems to sound the
reasons), is not the perfect superhero…
this was perhaps difficult to digest after
own strength of will and belief. been wisely used. Simple! best mostly in your movies. How? dhill, dhool and ghilli’s perfect endings!
I had been seeing Vijay over the Like you said, for a person to be hooked
No way! Must be very difficult trying to on to an album in this fast-paced world, After such action movies, is there any
struggle and several downs before make such down-to-earth characters it has to have that certain something, experimentation you will do or want to do?
DHARANI-the Director his upward journey. Perhaps this out of megastars who don’t (in their own and Vidhyasagar has it; it’s just the I am a filmmaker. I love what I am doing,
is what keeps him grounded. words, sometimes) want to really go away matter of evoking it. According to me, so I would love to do different kinds of
After Edhirum Pudhirum, no one from their formula movies? he is next to Ilayaraja in his knowledge movies! Even a romantic comedy, perhaps,
His unassuming demeanour is
would have guessed that this Who says my movies are not formula? I just and understanding of music. He knows although at this moment, that’s not my
a pleasant combination with
affable man would go on to make like making such commercial films with different genres of world music, how to cuppa. I’d love to do a Pathar Panchali, an
his sharp mind and intellect.
dhill and dhool – two simply my sense of realism and perfection thrown use them and where, everything. It’s always E.T. or a Schindler’s list. But you can only
dharani has worked with genius
blockbuster movies! dharani became in! But don’t blame the stars alone! The worked between us. ALL songs are super- realize one dream at a time and I want to
filmmaker Mani Ratnam from
the new Kingmaker of sorts. ditto for audience too goes to see a James Bond fast! make each one of mine perfect. So we’ll
dil Se up to alaipayuthey. Here
Ilayathalapathy Vijay – Vijay seemed to or Amitabh Bachchan movie with some see; we have so many more years in this
is where he learnt the skills of
be in a rut without a really good action preconceptions, some expectations. These What about the other stuff? dance? Stunts? field, no?
camera technology and editing.
script and despite being a darling of are what these “megastars” are living up Let me start with the dance part. With
He also worked with director R.V.
the masses, he was in danger of being to! In the end, though, I am fighting with great coaching, Vijay has done such don’t you ever tire? Ever get stressed
Udhayakumar, the man behind Rajinikanth
washed away as another clichéd hero… myself, trying to live up to what I did last! awesome dancing in Kuruvi that you can enough to say, to heck with it, I need a
superhits like yejamaan. In fact, dharani’s
until dharani came along and gave dhill and dhool. Ramani, as he is known send him out to a world-class competition break?
contribution to yejamaan is the swishing
him ghilli, his awakening. Now, with to everyone, comes from a small town in Simple movies with good entertainment. and he will come back with the gold! As The day I stop loving movies and my work
sound of the Superstar’s angavasthram,
Kuruvi, he completes his second movie Thirunelveli, a region in the Southern part How? for the stunts, this time we have tried out for even a minute is the day I will quit this
during his majestic stride – a Rajni
with the director, as Vikram had with of Tamil Nadu. His is a life of hard work, I love what I do. The storyline is important some new, fantastic moves, with the help field for good. That’s it. End of story.
trademark!
of people like Rocky Rajesh. Vijay was
RAPID FIRE with dharani ever seen! – I’ll to give you the details off-the-record Relaxing after Kuruvi’s release?
so into the stunts that every day, he was a big silence from us at that, as we sit in
exhausted with all the work. There is an awe of a man capable of transporting large
What is Kuruvi? Ah! I loved putting her character in too. ONLY! Relax? Here? I am going to finish this awesome fight scene shot in a pub, amidst masses of people into movie-mania with
Kuruvi is a nice film, with a nice team, with It was risky, though, a big fight during a movie, NOT wait for the release and music and dance and the moves there his special brand of entertainment. god
a nice producer. Good, simple storyline, song, the killing of a woman… but she How was it to become dharani from small- without a word to anyone, escape for a are simply brilliant. Gopi, my long-time bless dharani. Now, let’s leave him alone to
seamless screenplay; it has everything you was fantastic. You know, I actually knew town Ramani? few days! colleague, has captured the colours in finish the work that we’re waiting to see hit
can expect from my movies, my preferred someone like Sorna Akka, way back! I am Ramani to practically everybody! But I every scene beautifully, so it’s going to be a the big screen! New to dharani? Simply log
dose of realism, action, drama, comedy and Perhaps she was my inspiration! work for a cruel boss named dharani who Why the hush-hush with this movie? great visual experience! onto www.galatta.com and get a piece of
music. makes me slog, gets all the credits for poor Why would you want to watch a movie the “dhoooool” action from this man in our
Who’s in your life, at home? Ramani’s hard work and now, I have no life that you already know everything about?! Working with Vivek – how was the galleries, videos and articles on all his movies.
Why no more “Sorna Akka”? That was one Why do you want to dig into all that? My left! I want people to see my movie, fresh and experience? did his fabulous comedy
of the most fabulous villainous women life, my work, my loved ones, my friends new and free of preconceived notions! GC
54 Galatta Cinema | may 200 Galatta Cinema | may 200 55
FroM a direCtors’ albuM
tiMeline – spice through the ages
1999 edhirum pudhirum: Starring
Malayalam superstar Mammootty, the movie had
a delayed release. But the accolades weren’t. It
won the Tamil Nadu State Govt. award!
2001 Dhill: Chiyaan became Vikram in this
movie, with a snazzy crew-cut, a super-buff body
and some brilliant Robin Hood-style action. don’t
forget the chirpy Laila and racy screenplay!
2003 Dhool: dashing Vikram, lovable Jyotika
and Paravai Muniyamma’s music and presence
and a pulse-racing, movie… dhool was pure
commercial magic on-screen.
2004 Ghilli: Muted dressing, gut-real action,
foot-tapping music, a lovable boy-next-door look
for Vijay and a rocking 2.5 hours! That was ghilli,
probably Vijay’s best performance ever.
2006 Bangaram: It is about the dark side of
love and more. Pawan Kalyan became a serious
action hero. and dharani made a sharp learning
curve.
2008 kuruvi: The world is waiting for this
bird to soar. Expectations are based on ghilli
and the team remains stoic. But to say it in Tamil:
Kuruvi box office ai adicha… nongu! (When Kuruvi
hits the box-office, it’s sure to smash it!)
May
May
May
May
May
May
May
May
May
May
May
May
May
May
May
cricketainment!
It’s happening and it’s engulfing everyone into its So far, we Chennaites had three C’s of
vortex!!! No we are not talking about a tornado but entertainment – Cinema, Cricket, and Coffee.
about “Cricwood”, the IPL which is not any less in Now we have the fourth one: Cricwood, in which cinema
intensity than a tornado. Built by cricketing stalwarts, and cricket unite.
film stars and business tycoons, this unique combination
of cricket and cinema is a new form of entertainment In every match, we got to see our favourite movie stars,
now. With the advent of IPL, we are forced to coin a few either from Bollywood or Kollywood. And then, we had
new terms. Some of them are: Cricwood – What other Hrithik Roshan featuring in a promotional video for
name can you give to an amalgamation of cricket Mumbai Indians along with Sachin and others. We had our
and cinema? Cricketainment: The Rajiv Menon’s promotional video “Dil Vendum” featuring
entertainment provided by Dhoni and Muralitharan.
this event. But this is what
people want… change… The excitement did not end there for Chennai. First, we
they want “novelty” all had a victory against Punjab and then a thrilling victory
the time. We are thankful against Mumbai Indians. The main attraction was Chennai
to the people behind Super Kings’s brand Ambassador Vijay, who came down in
this new format of spite of his busy schedule to cheer the team and the fans.
entertainment. Vijay did a “cheer lap” and greeted all the audience.
Vijay and the maverick drummer Anandan Sivamani
danced and cheered the team. The match turned out to
be a thriller, with the opponent coming dangerously close
to the target. But in the end, Chennai Super Kings won.
In another exciting match, Chennai Super Kings defeated
Kolkata Knight Riders. Vijay was there again to cheer his
team along with his son. Though King Khan was absent for
this match, lovely Juhi Chawla was present to cheer her
buddy’s team.
Where can we get such a mixture? Vijay dancing to
Sivamani drums, the likes of SRK, Preity, Juhi cheering
the cricketers and Dhoni, Hayden, Hussey, Oram, all the
powerful hitters – play together for one cause. And this
ultimate combination tastes ‘vijay’ (victory) and ‘namma’
Ilayathalapathy greets Dhoni, our dream team’s captain.
Cricwood has made our wildest dreams come truw, So sit
back and LIVE THIS DREAM.
IPL MATCH SCHEDULE
09 Jaipur v Hyderabad at Jaipur May 21 Mumbai v Mohali at Mumbai
10 Chennai v Mohali at Chennai May 21 Chennai v Bangalore at Chennai
11 Hyderabad v Kolkata at Hyderabad May 22 Delhi v Kolkata at Delhi
11 Jaipur v Delhi at Jaipur May 23 Mohali v Hyderabad at Chandigarh
12 Mohali v Bangalore at Chandigarh May 24 Chennai v Jaipur at Chennai
13 Kolkata v Delhi at Kolkata May 24 Delhi v Mumbai at Delhi
14 Mumbai v Chennai at Mumbai May 25 Hyderabad v Bangalore at Hyderabad
15 Delhi v Hyderabad at Delhi May 25 Kolkata v Mohali at Kolkata
16 Mumbai v Kolkata at Mumbai May 26 Jaipur v Mumbai at Jaipur
17 Jaipur v Bangalore at Jaipur May 27 Hyderabad v Chennai at Hyderabad
17 Delhi v Mohali at Delhi May 28 Bangalore v Mumbai at Bangalore
18 Kolkata v Chennai at Kolkata May 28 Mohali v Jaipur at Chandigarh
18 Hyderabad v Mumbai at Hyderabad May 30 1st Semi-Final - TBC v TBC at Mumbai
19 Bangalore v Delhi at Bangalore May 31 2nd Semi-Final - TBC v TBC at Mumbai
20 Kolkata v Jaipur at Kolkata June 01 Final - TBC v TBC at Mumbai
 H
O
T

SNIGDHA
Hotspot: Kulu Manali
is my summer haven!
Hot because: I love
the snow, the trekking,
the fresh air and the
memories…
Spot for this
summer: This year
it’s Akola to visit my
grandma, my sister
and my baby nephew
VEDHIKA CHAYA SINGH
Hotspot: Alas, what I wouldn’t Hotspot: Any hill resort or even my
give for a day in Alaska! air-conditioned room will do!
Hot because: I love the cold – the Hot because: I like, I need, I CRAVE SRIKANTH
freezing cold! the chillness! Hotspot: For me, it’s Bulgaria
Spot for this summer: Spot for this summer: Hot, hot Hot because: The soul-soothing scenic
Destination New York it is! Kolkata is where I’m off too, for beauty and the amazing highways!
shooting Spot for this summer: My shopping
list is ready, ’coz this year am off to
Malaysia, my second home!

PRASHANTH PRABHUDEVA
Hotspot: The Netherlands Hotspot: I’ve travelled a lot, yet
– Amsterdam is Ooty is where the heart is! RAMBHA
incomparable! Hot because: It’s so green Hotspot: I can never tire of New
Hot because: The spotless and fresh! Nature’s spread is Zealand
roads and picturesque unmatched! Hot because: Sunsets, boating,
landscape are a treat for Spot for this summer: Sadly, I am beaches, fun, fun and more fun!
KEERTHI CHAWLA cyclists like me! too busy this summer. Maybe I’ll Spot for this summer: My TV show
Hotspot: Mmmmmmauritius! Spot for this summer: steal just a day away… has me stuck, so it’s just Chennai, I
Hot because: I enjoy a dip in the clear beaches Aussie-land… for a shoot, guess
Spot for this summer: Shimla… I hope… I wish! though!
Travel Tips from the stars
KARTHIK RAJA Mahesh Babu:
SHIRIN Hotspot: Florida, its sunny beaches, have me
Combating jetlag is an art! A simple one, though. If you’re travelling from west to east, stay out of the sun until the day after
your arrival. If it’s from east to west, a brisk walk soon after your arrival does wonders!
Hotspot: I absolutely love the enthralled!
Himalayas! Hot because: The beaches! Guess I’m a Meera Jasmine:
Hot because: It’s cool! And far beach bod! I love lists! Before travelling I make a list of things to pack, a list of things to buy, a list of things to do, a list of people and
away from the madding crowds… Spot for this summer: My 4-month old baby places to visit and so on. I find this a fun and helpful method for efficient holidaying!!
Spot for this summer: This year, is not ready for the big bad world! So it si
I am off to England with my HOME SWEET HOME for us. Pooja Gandhi:
If it’s for a chilled out vacation and not an official trip, TRAVEL LIGHT is my mantra. Lugging around heavy bags and
mom. Can’t wait to get my bags
baggage can really suck the fun out of a holiday!
packed and be off!
58 Galatta Cinema | May 2008 Galatta Cinema | may 2008 59
5 Ex
BUILDING TRUST
Decades ago, a charismatic man named
Mr. Sv. Rm. Ramanathan decided to start
a cinema complex for the people of
Purasaiwalkam, Chennai. Hailing from a
traditional home, from the Pulankurichi
village in the Sivagangai district, Mr.
Ramanathan started this “Cineplex” in a
neighbourhood where there were none.
Needless to say, it was a place people
eagerly waited to spend their weekends at, He is everywhere, his finger in a myriad
after a long week’s hard work.
This was Abirami theatre complex, soon
comprising the 3 unforgettable screens of
Chennai Abirami, Annai Abirami and Bala
Abirami. With his philosophy of dedicated
and hands-on work, it was no surprise
when Mr. Ramanathan came to be known
famously as Abirami Ramanathan.
KIDS WORLD Today, Abirami Theatres has
With a jungle theme creating a realistic metamorphosed in Abirami Megamall
safari-like ambience, Kids World introduces – not just a theatre complex, but an
children to wildlife in a most entertaining entertainment centre filled with a
fashion. variety of exciting activity centres for
those craving a recreational break. Mr.
Ramanathan and his wife, Mrs. Nallammai Govt. of Tamilnadu, Mr. Ramanathan is also
60 Galatta Cinema | May 2008
SNOW WORLD
The ONLY one of its kind here, Snow
World is an oasis of cool amidst Chennai’s
sweltering heat. Children and adults alike,
always have a blast playing the powdery
snow. The snow-maker itself has a tall story.
In brief, it was Mr. Ramanathan himself,
who used his engineering wisdom to solve
the several technical glitches the suppliers
of this multi-crore set of equipment
faced during the installation. Never
compromising on quality, the Abirami
group ensures cleaning and sterilising of
the winter wear is done with utmost care
and supervision.
per ien
Ramanathan have proven that despite
their age, experience and traditional and
spiritual mindsets and lifestyles, they
will also be forever innovating, moving
with the times and moulding their
establishment to suit every age, taste and
outlook.
STALWARTS IN TIME
Abirami Ramanathan is no ordinary man.
pies, from social service to religious
practices to business establishments.
Born in 1947, this graduate of Mechanical
Engineering is one of the most interesting
people one can meet. He has been a
pivotal part of several organisations
– be it his father’s textile factory Abirami
Cotton Mills; or his grandfather’s rubber
plantations in Malaysia; the Rotary Clubs,
where he has been the Governor; as
advisor on the Board of Indian Airlines
and even spiritual committees of several
temple management establishments. A
winner of several awards, including the
presitigious Raja Sando award from the
an integral part of the film industry. He has
been on the boards of several film-related
associations, from those that are part of the
Govt. of Tamil Nadu itself or other privately
run organisations, like the Film Federation
of India, the Censor Board, Film Exhibitor
associations and the South India Film
Chamber. (His story of achievements and
omnipresence is so long, that we at GC will
need several more pages to even touch the
tip of the iceberg).
He can never sit still, whether it’s bringing
about innovations to Abirami Megamall or
in his social and spiritual services. He has
adopted his native village and has pledged
to work toward the welfare of its people;
he heads Kumbhabhishekam committees
across the region, attends important film-
related events unfailingly and commands
a leonine respect, even as he himself is
the epitome of old-world subtlety and
quiet demeanour. He is undoubtedly the
wise and well-travelled expert who brings
his experience back to his own drawing
board, which is the primary reason Abirami
Megamall and everything he touches have
become such forerunners in their race.
TEEN’S WORLD
Over 13 and not a thing to do? No
worries, Abirami Megamall has a
space specifically reserved for such
young scions of the city, with arcade
games, rides and many more exciting
activities that are perfect to keep their
busy minds occupied. And the best
part? No bad influences or unsuitable
entertainment. The fun and games are
wholesome and may even sharpen the
mind!
ce
RAJA
SANDO
AWARD
Shoulder to shoulder with him is his
equally experienced and equally hard-
working wife, Mrs. Nallammai Ramanathan.
The driving force behind the execution
of her stalwart husband’s thoughts and
ideas, she is an integral part of everything
he does, from Abirami Megamall to
religious works to holding her own in the
Inner Wheel clubs for social welfare. She
is the creative head of Abirami Megamall
and while the ideas come from Mr.
Ramanathan, the detailing is taken care of
by her. A perfect pair indeed!
She too is a winner of several awards and
quite an inspiration to women, imparting
excellence to her many roles – wife,
mother, working partner, social worker and biggest reasons why Abirami went from
ultimately, woman (she has even written a
cookery book!).
ENTERTAINMENT
GALORE!
Multi-spot entertainment, a lavish Egyptian – it is very family-focussed and therefore
theme, constant innovation – in contrast to very popular among groups of people
the current trend of in-your-face publicity looking to go to a single place with
and promotion of multiplex chains,
Abirami Megamall remains in a different
THE FIRSTS LIST
• DTS ( Digital Theatre Sound ) System
in India
• Computer Ticketing in India
• Dial-A-Ticket… and tickets will be
home delivered!
• E-ticketing, where customers can
print their own tickets
• Dolby Stereo System in a Tamil
language theatre
• Digital projection in South India
• The first “snow cave” – Abirami Snow
World. 5 tonnes of pure crystallized
snow is manufactured per day with
MINERAL WATER! This is at -6 degrees,
with 35 tonnes snow on the floor!
• The first bumper cars ride in Tamil
Nadu, with the quirky name “KISSING
CARS”
• The first 5-star theatre in India
– Swarna Sakthi Abirami. The good
life? Chairs that recline 130%, butler-
serviced movie experience, air-
conditioned lobby and toilet and for
the 1st time, photo cards and digital
displays replace vinyl boards and
backlit signs. All this, in the midst of
Egyptian interiors, taking you back
2000 years in time!
Thanks to Mr. and Mrs. Ramanathan’s
vision and constant stride toward
bringing world-class entertainment
to the masses at a price they can
afford, Abirami Megamall is a story
in itself, a tale that goes beyond a
movie-like 2 ½ hours and instead,
lasts forever in their visitors’
memories. For the complete info on
Abirami, simply log onto:
www.galatta.com or their official
website, www.abirami.in
league altogether, with a focus on their
target audience – the masses, the everyday
people of Chennai. Which is one of the
“Theatres” to Megamall, containing not
just 4 world-class movie screens, but also
a shopping complex and entertainment
centres for the enjoyment of the entire
family. Therein lies the strength of Abirami
different directions of enjoyment. Here’s a
look at what’s there in Abirami:
Galatta Cinema | may 2008 61
 Cool stuFF
LEKHA LOVES…
She’s perfect as this month’s GenNEXT star – young,
beautiful, multi-faceted and dabbling in a hundred exciting
things, from modelling to graphic art to hosting TV
programmes! The latest buzz is… from her actually, as she
covers the exciting IPL series from all over the region for
SS Music. So, all the on-air presentation must take a ton of
calls back and forth right? Perfect time to ask her which is

ABirAMi
HER preferred gadgets…
“I am quite tech-friendly, but gadgets don’t rule my life.

MoMENtS
Like most creative types, I love Apple products; be it my
Mac or my iPod. Apart from all the on-screen stuff I do, my
passion is filmmaking, so needless to say, I have a soft-spot
for cameras. The Canon XL 1, in particular, is my favourite
(even though I wish it had an LCD viewing screen!). I love
Zeiss lenses, but I’d like to use their cameras sometime…
simply for the thrill of it! Speaking of cameras, the biggest
World tour reason I bought my LG Viewty phone is the absolutely
For those who want to get world- wicked camera – the video and picture clarity and features
class entertainment, the chances are are awesome!”

Gen
not such a world away, while there is
the World Tour package at Abirami!
Comprising a slew of entertainment M usi
activities the entire family can indulge

t
in, like a trip to “Las Vegas” or to see

e
“Snow Falling In Switzerland”, a trip to

n X Stuff
the local Sea World or perhaps even
Ride A Spaceship. A great way to spend
an entire day together, having fun!

versatile Cool
The Ramanathans and their creative
team have introduced fun packages
that allow you to choose all or just a
few of the centres of enjoyment! From
birthday and party bashes to package
deals on the entertainment centres
to enjoying a movie in one of their
4 world-class theatres, it’s all there.
Plus, these cool packages come with
great ticketing style – a passport for
the World Tour package (you even get
a visa stamped for every centre you
visit!), useful and fun gifts and much
more!
Food Court
Indians love food and South Indians
love traditional food. Abirami caters
to such tastes with a focus on quality
– Mrs. and Mr. Ramanathan personally
check every ingredient and food item
that comes in; they have stipulated
that not even a speck should soil the
premises and every iota of foodstuff
should be cleaned up and thrown away
once the doors are closed.
Movie Mania
Abirami Theatres is now a world-class
Cineplex with 4 themed cinema halls
– Shree Annai Abirami, Bala Abirami,
Swarnashakti Abirami & Abirami. These
movie halls add to the international
ambience of Egyptian and Chinese
themes. Abirami Theatres has created
a world record, having played 206 films
(each with a run of 100 days +), 44 Silver
Jubilee films and a multi-time winner of
the Best Theatre award!
geek GOOP
XtreMe
Cool We hear of cool, useful or just plain awesome gadgets everyday, but how
about the dose of the weird and the bizarre? Take a look at some USB-
ased gadgets that are really freaky!
SONY ERICSSON
XPERIA X1 – Oomph #1
Superb style and cool features, like: On the
goldfish panel, the fish don’t just respond to
your touch, they change colours depending
on battery life, incoming calls, or other status Ultimately reported as an Virtual computer gaming?
reminders! Great UI, sleek styling, a combo April Fool’s Day joke, this We don’t know, but appar-
of computer and phone, with a WVGA screen, USB-powered grill named ently it works like this: you
high-end camera features, optical joystick, cool after heavyweight champion aim the darts using your
arc slide design and panels interface. This is George Foreman, is meant mouse and click to release
perhaps this year’s most anticipated phone. Expected
for… what? Making your the darts. Apparently, it’s
release: September 2008. sandwich as you browse the quite a popular time-pass
NOKIA N95 8GB Internet?! gadget!
Great UI, feature-packed, super memory
andfast and reliable desktop synchronization
software – this phone is simply awesome. Sounds really useful for THIS tech-filled
The camera, GPS navigation and media workspace! We don’t know if we want to
functions are among the best in class, but get near this thing, but here’s what it does:
the lack of seamlessness that’s in an Apple connect it to your USB port and switch it
iPhone keeps it from making it to the top. on; it uses the 2 fingers to rhythmically
Releasing: March 2008 massage tired eyes of the computer-tired
geek. Uh… ok!

62 Galatta Cinema | may 200 Galatta Cinema | may 200 63

 BEHIND THE SECENES
Mr. MoneY
b gs
It doesn’t get bigger than
this! These guys have been
through the ups and downs
of the fabulous world of
cinema. The guys (and gals)
behind all the glamour, the
folks who take the chances
and control the big bucks.
64 Galatta Cinema | may 200
M. saravanan/ M.s. guhan - avM studios
AVM Studios is undoubtedly one of the oldest and most respected of production
houses in the South. Started by A.V. Meiyappa Chettiyar, it is now jointly run by
M. Saravanan and M.S. Guhan. AVM has now entered it’s 61st year in cinema. The
Rajini blockbuster Sivaji that released in 2007 came in time for the company’s 60th
year celebrations!
SUCCESS STORIES - Parasakthi, alli arjuna, Kalathur Kannama, anbe Va, muratu
Kaalai, minsara Kanavu, gemini, Sivaji and a whole lot more.
UPCOMING - Suriya-Tamanna (sorry, she is now called Tamannaah) starrer ayan.
d. raMa naidu - suresh produCtions
d Rama Naidu is possibly one of the biggest producers down South. His name has
entered the Guinness Book of Records for having produced over one hundred
movies in almost every Indian language! Sparing a few of the regional tongues,
d Rama Naidu has made movies in every other language, and has every intent to
cover those languages that have been missed out. The first movie under this banner
was Ramudu Bheemudu.
SUCCESS STORIES - Premanagar, Sogadu, Savagasalu, Chilipi, Krishnadu,
Brahmaputrudu, Super Police, allari, Sree Krishna 2006, madhumasam and many
others.
osCar v. raviChandran - osCar FilMs pvt. ltd.
Oscar V. Ravichandran’s Oscar Films Pvt. Ltd. has a string of super hits to its name,
starting with Vanathai Pola which was a big hit in its own stead and a National
Award winner. The movie was a family entertainer, a feel-good flick that won
the praise of audiences and earned the debutant producer fame and fortune.
SUCCESS STORIES - Roja Kootam, Poovellam un Vasam, anniyan, Thalainagaram
and unnale unnale
UPCOMING - anandha Thandavam, Vaaranam aayiram, moscowin Kaveri and
dasavathaaram.
r.b. ChoudharY - super good FilMs
Super Good Films’ R.B. Choudhary started his career as a producer with
Pudhu Vasantham directed by Vikraman, which was hugely popular with
the masses. The movie was a huge musical hit with a team of young
stars in the cast such as Murali, Sithara, Suresh, Raja, Anandh Babu and
Charlie. Music for the movie is by S.A. Rajkumar. It is quite noteworthy
that the Vikraman-S.A.Rajkumar-R.B.Choudhary team together made
many superhits. R.B. Choudhary is credited with having encouraged and
introduced several new directors.
SUCCESS STORIES - Thulladha manamum Thullum, Shahjahan, Naatamai,
amman, Cheran Pandian, Poove unakaga, Thirupatchi and Ee.
k. balaChander - kavithalaYa
Owned by K. Balachander, the Kavithalaya banner has brought quality cinema
to Kollywood. director K Balachander is a director whose brilliant films contiue
to awe the masses. His movies were oft praised as ahead of their time. He has
produced some massive hits that stand unmatched even today.
SUCCESS STORIES - Sindhu Bhairavi, Nettrikann, Raghavendra, duet, Roja, Saami
and Thirumalai.
UPCOMING - P. Vasu’s Kuselan that has Rajinikanth donning a pivotal role.
p.l. thenappan - sri rajalakshMi FilM pvt. ltd.
Thenappan’s Sri Rajalakshmi Film Pvt. Ltd. has produced at least 10 movies till
date. He started as a production manager and has worked with several bigwigs
in the industry. His hard work landed him his first production venture, Kadhala
Kadhala, followed by Padayappa, which he co-produced. Thenappan is one
of the few producers ready to take a gamble by bringing new directors into
the cinema industry. Vallavan, which was in the making for quite a while, had
Silambarasan in the director’s seat and Thenappan played the part of a patient
and giving producer.
SUCCESS STORIES - Padayappa, Pammal K Sambandham, Pancha Thandhiram,
Tenali, Punarjani [Malayalam] and Kana Kandein.
UPCOMING - durai, starring “Action King” Arjun.
Galatta Cinema | may 200 65
 MANI RATNAM - Madras Talkies
Established in 1995, is owned and run by Mani Ratnam and his wife Suhasini.
One more director who has earned accolades for his amazing movies with their
simple storyline and powerful characterizations, is Mani Ratnam. He is especially
revered for his unique portayal of romance and domestic relationships. His
production house has encouraged novice directors and brought to Kollywood
quality movies.
SUCCESS STORIES - Iruvar, Naeruku Naer, Dil Se, Uyire, Alaipayuthe, Dumm
Dumm Dumm, Kannathil Muthamittal, Yuva, Ayudha Ezhuthu and the recent box
office stunner Guru.
UPCOMING - Word has it that next in line is yet another Hindi movie.
Ramkumar/ Prabhu - Sivaji Productions
Sivaji Film Pvt Ltd was established in 1955 and later renamed as Sivaji
Productions. It is now owned by Ramkumar and Prabhu, the sons of veteran
actor Sivaji Ganesan. Amongst their big hits is the Rajinikanth, Vijayashanthi
and Khushbu starrer Mannan. The movie though an out-and-out commerical
masala, was a laughter fire cracker, and an absolute audience-magnet. Their
biggest hit yet is Chandramukhi. The Superstar super hit that stormed the
cine scene in 2005 and kept audiences coming for over 300 days will remain a
milestone in their career.
SUCCESS STORIES - Vietnam Veedu, Thanga Padhakkam, Pudhiya Paravai,
Rathapasam, Vetri Vizha, Mannan, Kalaignan, Rajakumaran and Chandramukhi.
A.M. Ratnam - Sri Surya MOvies
A.M. Ratnam, who started his career in Tollywood, is now a versatile
producer with many hit movies to his name. He owns and runs Sri Surya
Movies which has produced a wide variety of movies ranging from action
packed films to family drama to romantic comedies. Besides a host of Telugu
movies produced by him, A. M. Ratnam has a number of superhits in Tamil
to his name. A.M. Ratnam is famous in the industry as a producer who is
ever-willing to spend on his movies, so long as they turn out well!
SUCCESS STORIES - Some of his Tamil hits include Indian, Kadhalar Dhinam,
Run, Kushi, Ghilli, Dhool, Sivakasi, 7G Rainbow Colony and Bheemaa.
Kalaipuli S. Dhanu - V Creations
Kalaipuli S Dhanu has been the man behind several wonderful films. His
company, V Creations, has produced close to 50 movies. His movies are
classy and well packaged. In concept and making they invariably stand, a
cut above the rest.
SUCCESS STORIES - Some of their hits include Kizhaku Seemaiyile,
Aalavandhan, Kandukondein Kandukondein, Sirai Saalai, Kaaka Kaaka,
Chennai Kadhal and many more.
Upcoming - Next in line from from V Creations are Sakkarakatti and
Kanthaswamy.
66 Galatta Cinema | May 2008
Sunanda Murli Manohar - Media One Global
Entertainment
Sunanda Murli Manohar from Bangalore and her husband Dr. Murli Manohar
own Media One Global Entertainment. Enthusiastic about making some great
crowd pullers, they have worked on films in every genre with stories that
promised to do the job. Some of their early productions include Jungle Boy,
Tropical Heat and Bloodstone.
SUCCESS STORIES - Provoked, Jeans, Minnale, Jodi, Kannedhirey Thondrinaal,
Majnu and Arasatchi.
Thiagarajan - Sathya Jyothi Films
Sathya Jyothi Films, owned by Thiagarajan, has been in the business since
the 1940’s and has seen the ups and downs of the cinema industry – several
times. Not only cinema, the company has also produced quite a number of
hit tele serials as well.
SUCCESS STORIES - Idhayam, Moondram Pirai, Kizhaku Vasal, Honest Raj,
Parthiban Kanavu and Em Magan, to name a few.
UPCOMING - Jayam Kondan in the direction of R. Kannan is their forthcoming
movie and it has Vinay in the lead.
Vikram KRISHNA - GK Films Corporation
GK Films Corporation is owned and run by Vikram Krishna, brother of actor
Vishal. The production house serves as a major supporter to boost the
career of Vishal!
SUCCESS STORIES - Sandakozhi and Thimiru that released under this banner
were rollicking hits.
Upcoming - Their forthcoming movie is Sathyam that stars Vishal and
Nayantara. This movie marks Vishal’s first cop role.
C.H. Ashwini Dutt - Vyjayanthi Movies
Vyjayanthi Movies, owned by C.H. Ashwini Dutt, has produced over 50
movies in Telugu. This is not only one of the biggest prodcution houses in
Andra Pradesh, but one of the biggest in the country. Their greatestest hit
till date is Indhra starring Chiranjeevi, possibly the biggest Telugu hit till date.
Chirutha, starring Ram Charan Teja, was their most recent film.
SUCCESS STORIES - Indhra, Chirutha, Sainikudu, Company, Azad, Aakhari
Porattam, Choodalani Vundi and Balu ABCDEFG.
Upcoming - Kantri, starring Junior NTR and Hansika.
Galatta Cinema | may 2008 67
The Go-getters
There’s no quality issue but these guys linger in the mean. They’ve made Gemini PictureS
some excellent movies themselves and have climbed several rungs up SS Vasan established Gemini
the Producers’ ladder! Pictures in 1941. He was involved
in film distribution since 1938.
Vasan bought the charred remains
of the Motion Picture Producers
Combine Studio and lots of
Red Giant MOVIES
Vijaya Vahini PROductions
renovations later Gemini Picture Udhayanidhi Stalin has
was born! Gemini Pictures made commenced his cinematic career
Started in 1950 by B Nagi Reddy, the Vijaya Ananda Pictures mega hits such as Mangamma Rajkamal International with his new banner. Son of the
Vahini Productions have quite a history. Circuit is an established Sapatham (1943), Kannamma Actor Kamal Haasan’s debut charismatic DMK Minister, MK
They made massive hits in Tamil, Telugu distributor which began En Kadhali (1945), Miss Malini in production came with the Stalin, Udhayanidhi emanates
and Hindi. Some of the famous movies dabbling in movie production (1947), Apoorva Sahodarargal launch of his own production great confidence in the movie
produced by Nagi Reddy include Patala only recently. As distributors, (1949), Avvaiyar (1953) and house Rajkamal International trade. His debut movie is the
Bhairavi (1951), Missamma (1955), Maya they have been connected Vanjikottai Valiban (1958). They in 1986. The first movie they Vijay Trisha starrer Kuruvi, which
Bazaar (1957), Gundamma Katha (1962) with several successful films. entered the Hindi market with made was the action adventure is directed by Dharani. Touted
Ram Aur Shyam and Julie (1975 - Hindi), As producers, their whopping Chandralekha (1948), which was Vikram. Some of the hits Kamal to be a blockbuster in the likes
Swarg Narak ( 1978 - Hindi) and Shriman Shrimati. After a long sabbatical success was Billa, 2007’s released abroad with English has produced over the years of Ghilli, Kuruvi is scheduled to
from production the movies that came out under the Vijaya Vajini banner second-hottest movie. subtitles, as Chandra. Popular include Apoorva Sagodharargal, release early in May. As for Red
was Thamirabarani, followed by Yaradi Nee Mohini. The next movie in Hindi films include Mr. Sampat Michael Madhana Kama Rajan, Giant’s second pick, word has it
line is Dhanush’s Padikadhavan. Sri Nidhi Productions is an off shoot of (1952), Insaniyat (1955), Raj Tilak Raja Parvai, Kadamai Kanniyam that it may be a Vishal starrer.
Vijaya Vahini Productions and was started by Nagi Reddy’s grand daughter (1958) and Paigam (1959). Katupadu, Thevar Magan,
Aradhana Reddy. Mercury Pookal directed by S Stanley, starring Meera Kuruthipunal , Virumandi,
Jasmine and Srikanth was produced under this banner. Mumbai Express, Chachi 420 and
Hey Ram.

Vishwas Sunder’s Vishwas

duet movies
Duet Movies, started by ace actor
Prakashraj is one of the novice production
houses that has in a short while gained in
reputation thanks to the quality of cinema
it has provided. Started in 2003, Duet
Movies has produced eight movies and two
more are nearing completion. Duet Movies’
biggest hit yet is Mozhi (2007), in the direction of Radha Mohan. The story
of a musician falling in love with a deaf and dumb girl, melted the hearts
of millions and Duet Movies made a bomb. Mayilu and Abhiyum Naanum
are the next movie from Prakashraj’s workshop.
S Pictures
Shankar’s fascination for
extravagance, flamboyance and
grandiosity is well known. So when
he started S Pictures in 1999 we
knew that as a producer he would not cringe and cry. Mudhalvan, the first
S Pictures movie did in every way fit the Shankar-bill! But then came along
the super hit Kadhal (2004), possibly one of the simplest and most realistic
flicks, in the direction of Balaji Shaktivel. The movie grossed in the big
bucks and S Pictures emerged winner. 2006 was also a good year for the
production house with the release of two super hits – the family drama
Veyyil and the laughter riot Imsai Arasan 23rd Pulikesi. And latest is S
Picture’s Arai Enn 305-il Kadavul.
Films have made a handful
of films including the horror
flick Adhu. However the highest
grosser amongst their films has
to be Pallikoodam directed by
Thankar Bachan. Covering the
action genre Vishwas Films made
the Sarath starrer Chanakya that
faired reasonably in the box
office.
Amma Creations from T
Shiva has heralded several family
dramas and warm romances since
its inception in 1992. Some of the
popular movies under this banner
include Deva Vakku, Aravindan,
Chinna Maapillai, Nandavana Theru,
Rasaiyya and the recent Madhavan
starrer Vazhthugal. Most of these
movies were commercial successes,
if not blockbusters. In the offing is
Venkat Prabhu’s Saroja, which is
expected to bring home some good
returns as did the young director’s
debut venture.
PA Arts RK Productions
Launched in 1977, was started by
RK Productions is director
Panchu Arunalchalam. Their first
Selvaraghavan’s home
movie was Kalyana Raman and
since then they have produced
NIC Arts productions. Started by his
father Kastoori Raja more than
so many family entertainers. NIC Arts SS Chakravarthy is a a decade ago, RK Productions
Annakizhi that brought Ilayaraja household name down south! served as the launch pad for
to cine light was also their His movies are aplenty but he is both Selvaraghavan and brother
production. Rajini’s Veera amd best known for standing by the Dhanush. Some of the success
Cheran’s Mayakannadi are two Ultimate Star and making movies stories RK Productions has
more big flicks under this banner. by the dozen for the actor. Some seen include Kadhal Kondein,
One more of PA Arts big hits is of NIC Arts good spends include Thulluvadho Ilamai, Idhu Kadhal
Poovellam Kettupar. Word has Vaali, Kadhal Sadugudu, Citizen, Varum Paruvam, Yaradi Nee
it that PA is set to make Suriya’s Red, Ji, Varalaru, Anjaneya, Mohini and Thiruvilaiyadal
next movie. Kaalai and many others. Aarambam.
Started by Manickam Narayanan, Seventh Channel made the shift from
television to cinema gradually. Established in 1985, Seventh Channel pioneered
in the production of tele serials till 1993 when their first movie Pudhiya Thendral
hit the silver screens. Taking small sure steps the production house has grown
manifold since. Their 2006 release Vettaiyadu Villaiyadu was a runaway success
that brought Seventh Channel name and fame. However their 2008 movie
Indhiralogathil Na Azhagappan received a very lukewarm response.

68 Galatta Cinema | May 2008 Galatta Cinema | may 2008 69

IN THE RACE A whole lot of new production houses
THE CORPORATE CULTURE
have sprung up in recent years and
Some of them are new and just testing the waters. Others have are striving to establish themselves,
survived the test of time but continue with precautious steps. such as:
AYANGARAN RADAAN MOSER BAER
SRI THENANDAL FILMS for instance is Director Lingusamy’s Thirupathy
one those production houses that has been Brothers that produced Deepavali INTERNATIONAL
Radaan, Incorporated
around since 1980 making movies in various
Rs. and is getting set to make a
Ayangaran established in 1983,
movie with Karthi.
genres. Owned by Rama Narayanan who is International’s MD, in 1999 has Moser Baer
now the President of the Producers’ Council, Mr. Karunamoorthy emerged as is world
the Sri Thenandal made a name for itself by rocked the cine one of the leader in
making movies in which animals played a scene with the most powerful development
big part. Comic films, devotional movies and super duper hit television and
family drama were the other genre touched Billa, the remake producers. manufacture
upon. Recently the English movie Dewar was of the 1980’s Helming this of removable
dubbed and released in Tamil under the name Rajini starrer. And organisation storage
Ruthranagam, by Sri Thenandal Films. Jayam Company by Editor Mohan,
now they have is Radikaa data. The
Ravi’s father. Movies under
Rs.
this banner include Jayam, M
their hands full! Sarathkumar. company has
MUKTHA FILMS is yet another production Kumaran S/o Mahalakshmi and Distributors from Radaan now entered
house that existed years ago making films that Unakkum Enakkum. 1987, tinselville is revolutionised cinema
appealed to the entire family. Established in no new place for the concept production
1960 by Srinivasan, Muktha Films has made close them. Their foray of a mega serial, by bringing in and is all set
to 65 films till date. Some of the big hits from into production powerful women characters. The to make some good money through
their kitty include Pollaadhavan [the original], adds one more feather in their company has very recently made cine entertainment. Movies releasing
Simla Special and Nayagan. hat! Upcoming movies under this their entry into cinema with movies under the Moser Baer banner are
banner are Aegan, Angadi Theru, such as Jithan, Thalaimagan and Raman Thedia Seethai, Poo and
ROCKLINE ENTERTAINMENT that gave us KE Gnanavel’s Studio Green that Poo, Peraanmai and Sarvvam. Kannamoochi Ennada. Pudhiya Varpugal.
produced Sillinu Oru Kadhal and
commercial entertainers such as Kuthu, Dhum Rs.
Paruthiveeran.
and Majaa is owned by Rockline Venkatesh who
is a big name in Kannada. Yaare Neenu Cheluve,
Preethse, Usire, Laali and Diggajaru are some MIRCHI MOVIES OCHER STUDIOS PYRAMID SAIMIRA
of the movies produced under this banner in Mirchi Movies Owned and run Pyramid Saimira
Kannada. is a subsidiary by Soundarya Production
of the Times Rajinikanth, International
Director Ameer’s Teamwork Infotainment Ocher Studios Ltd has made its
GENTLEMAN FILMS - KT Kunjumon who Productions made Raam and Media, aimed is primarily a entry into cinema
stepped into Kollywood in 1994 with Shankar’s Rs. Paruthiveeeran. Yogi that stars at movie graphic designing with ambitious
debut film Gentleman, has made several Ameer himself, is being produced production. studio. Right now dreams. In a recent
blockbuster but has met with his own season under this banner. While they the company is press release,
of low. His production house Gentleman Films, have already busy working on the company has
has produced box office super hits such as commenced the animation announced that they
Kadhalan, Raktchagan and Kadhal Desam. activities in film Sultan will make 52 movies
Bollywood, the Warrior in 2008! While PS
ROWTHER FILMS - Another old timer on Mirchi Movies’ whose lead Saminathan is the
the block is Ibrahim Rowther. He has made a has only character is the Managing Director,
host of action flicks like Pulan Visaranai and Madhavan’s Leukos Films bought recently put animated avatar KS Srinivasan is
Captain Prabhakaran. Rowther Films is now and released Evano Oruvan and their first step of Rajinikanth the Director, and
Rs.
producing the sequel to Pulan Visaranai, which intends to produce more classy in Kollywood. himself. The together they are
is scheduled to release later this year. movies in the future. Mirchi Movies is one of the co company released the teaser trailer heading a team
producers of the movie Vellitherai, of the movie in December 2007 and of motivated
SWARGACHITRA PICTURES’ Appachan is that stars Prakashraj, Prithviraj, has announced that the animation individuals.
a well known producer in Malayalam and it was Gopika and Lakshmi Rai. movie will hit screens in December Aiyudham Seivom is their upcoming
under his banner that Manichitrathazhu, the 2008. venture.
original version of Chandramukhi, released in
Kerala. He also produced the Malayalam movie
Anniyathi Pravu, the remake of Kadhaluku AGS Entertainment owned by ADLABS
Mariyadhai. Both these movies were big hits in Kalpathi S. Aghoram has produced
the Kerala region also, making Swarnachitra’s Rs. Founded by Manmohan Shetty and Vasanji Mamania in 1978, Adlabs is today
movies such as Thiruttu Payale
name one to be reckoned with. His hits in and Santosh Subramaniam. one of the biggest entertainment conglomerates in the company. Their film
Tamil are Friends and Azhagiya Tamil Magan, production unit has been associated with some big Bollywood flicks such as
both movies where Vijay has been portrayed in Gangaajal, Bluffmaster, Nishabd, Namastey London and the Indian English
unique roles. Friends was a huge hit, with Vijay film Marigold. Their entry into Kollywood was marked with the Ajith starrer
and Suriya. Kireedam.

70 Galatta Cinema | may 200 Galatta Cinema | may 200 71

From Telugu-Dom
Considered the biggest cine industry in India Tollywood has a whole lot of producers
ready to take the plunge!
Vellamkonda Suresh owns K Nagendra Babu’s Anjana
Saideva Productions which is Productions started their
one of the novice production cine career in Tollywood with
houses in Tollywood. Ten Ruthraveena. The movie that
movies have released under was directed by K Balachander
this banner starting with Aadhi is the Telugu version of the
that starred Junior NTR. The Tamil movie Unnal Mudiyum
company also released the Telugu Thambi. The movie went on to
dubbed version of the super win a State Award making a great
hit Rajinikanth starrer Sivaji. start for the production house.
Amongst their recent releases Gudumba Shankar with Pawan
Bhale Dongalu is a noteworthy Kalyan in the lead is amongst the
effort. recent successes from Anjana
Productions.
Geetha Arts is owned by Allu
Aravindh and has produced close
to forty films. The highlight is
that 75% of these films have
Chiranjeevi in the lead. Their
biggest hit till date is the
Chiranjeevi starrer Pasivadi
Pranam. Their recent hits include
Allu Arjun’s Happy and Pavan
Kalyan’s Jalsa, both movies are
absolute crowd pullers. Next in
line is a movie for Ram Charan
Teja to be directed by Raja Mouli.
With nearly 75 movies in their kitty Lakshmi
Keerthi Creations, owned by Prasanna Pictures, owned by Mohan Babu, is one
Kumar Chaudhry has nearly ten of the veteran production houses in Telugudom.
movies to its name. Ravi Teja’s The company’s giant hit which also remains the
Vikramarkudu is their recent mammoth hit in Tollywood is Pedaraayudu which
success. The biggest hit under the ran for over a year. Yamadonga that released in
Keerthi Creations banner till date 2007 ran to a hundred days, luring crowds for
is the Nagarjuna starrer Don that every show. The recent movie under this banner is
was directed by dance master Krishnarjuna in the direction of P. Vasu.
turned director Ragavendra
Lawrence.

First owned by Nageshwar

Rao and now by Nagarjuna,
Annapoorna Studios’ all time
super hit is Shiva. The movie was Sri Lakshmi Narasimha Productions’ tryst with
a cult hit and remains revered cinema began with Aadhi. They went on to make
by the Telugu audiences. The several commercial and family entertainers. Their
recent movie under this banner biggest hits include the Nayantara-Venkatesh
is Kalidasa, which stars Sushanth. starrer Lakshmi and Gopichand starrer Lakshyam.
The movie to follow under the The movie in the offing under the Sri Lakshmi
banner is to have Naga Chaitanya Narasimha banner is Chinthakayala Ravi which is to
in the lead. star Venkatesh. G C
72 Galatta Cinema | May 2008 Galatta Cinema | may 2008 73
He was Telugu-land’s answer to the mass hero raging
across Tamil nadu, m.G. Ramachandran, came in the
most dramatic manner... as lord Krishna, sweeping
across the region in all his godliness. Perhaps it was to
be expected, considering the larger-than-life image
top heroes used to have during the times of the clas-
sics. His towering persona as he captured hearts in all
his blue-hued charisma. n.T. Ramarao, or nTR, as he
has been better known as, arrived; and arrived like a
beam of celestial light!

BY RANDOR GUY
 in Tamil films, expectedly as either lord
Krishna or lord Rama and an occasional
contemporary hero in one of his early films
Marumagal (1954, Ammalakulu in Telugu)

He was born in 1923 into a middle class

farming family, in heartland andhra Pradesh,
then part of the madras Presidency, in a
fertile village called nimmakuru. Blessed
with good looks and fair skin, his thoughts
zeroed in on stage, right from his boyhood.
Indeed, middle class andhras have always
had a penchant for appearing on stage, at
least once in their lives. even in school he
took part in plays and later when he joined
the andhra Christian College in Guntur,
he became more active doing a variety of
plays, including shakespeare. one of his
college mates was a handsome young man
with a lilting voice who also scaled heights
of stardom in later years, Kongara Jaggaiah.
In Guntur he had his own theatre
troupe, the national art Theatre, under
which banner he made movies in later
years.

Besides his looks and charismatic

Besides mGR, he is the only other
superstar known by his initials in India!
Interestingly, Hindi cinema bigwigs are
rarely known by their initials especially
in the bygone decades. similarly, nTR
was also a cult icon and the legend
that still lives like his Tamil nadu
professional colleague, mGR. He
scored one better than mGR, though,
by becoming the second avatar of lord
Krishna in Kaliyuga, an achievement
denied to mGR!
even though he was essentially a
Telugu film superstar, he also acted
76 Galatta Cinema | may 200
bearing, nandamuri Taraka Rama
Rao (to give his full name) had
an excellent voice capable of
captivating moviegoers at first
and later andhra voters when
he sailed into the world of
politics…
He took his bow in Telugu
cinema in 1949 in a
nationalistic movie mana
desam in which he
played a police officer
like mGR did in his
debut in his 1936
hit, ellis R. dungan’s
sathi leelavathi. The back-
story of his debut is interesting and
needs to be narrated. He and another
young man keen on breaking into movies
met the then up-and-coming filmmaker l.
v. Prasad at vijayawada, who asked them
to come down to madras and meet him.
He sCoRed one within the next few days both took the
train to the metropolis where they knew
BETTER THAN nobody. nTR was well off and he had in
his pocket, money for the return – ticket
MGR, THoUGH, in case of failure and could also to afford
By BeComInG THe a room in a T. nagar lodge. I had none of
those and slept under the canopy of the
SECOND AVATAR starlit night sky on a bench in Panagal Park.
of course, I had no money to buy a return
oF LORD KRISHNA ticket either… well, we met mr. Prasad who
gave both of us breaks, Rama Rao in an
In KalIyUGa, an onscreen role and I joined as an assistant
aCHIevemenT denIed To director. of course we did not have to
mGR bother about return tickets! That was the
BesIdes HIs looKs and
CHARISMATIC BEARING,
He Had an EXCELLENT VOICE
CaPaBle oF CAPTIVATING
movIeGoeRs aT FIRsT and laTeR
andHRa voTeRs
multilingual hit filmmaker Tatineni Prakasha His first lead role
Rao, who was a card-holding member of the was in Palaturi
Indian Communist Party and had walked out Pilla in which
due to ideological differences with the top he was cast
brass moving into the movie world. along with
another
(This writer had the pleasure of knowing nTR superstar a.
when he was a client of his guru-in-law, top nageswara
city lawyer v. C. Gopalratnam during the mid Rao. (This
1950s. He also had the privilege of working movie was inspired by
with Prakasha Rao writing his Tamil award the famous novel ‘Pizzaro’ which
winning children’s film engalalum mudiyum in was later made in Hindi by s. s. vasan as prefix
which he played- a police officer!) Insaniyat). His star rose on the horizon when to its
he entered the portals of the historic vijaya
mana desam was produced by the Telugu vauhini studios and signed a contract with
debutante heroine who
came to be known as ‘sowcar’ Janaki.
star-producer C. Krishnaveni (the second vijaya Productions on a princely three figure
wife of the Raja saheb of mirzapuram, a starting salary. The first film was sahukaru, a Then came from the same compound
famed Telugu movie mogul and owner of rural drama written by one of the leaders of
several hits which elevated nTR to
shobanachala studios and later venus studio in the Telugu cinema world, Chakrapani. This film glittering stardom. Those include
alwarpet, madras). won high critical praise but did not do well at Pathala Bhairavi, Pelli Chesi Choodu…
the box office as expected. It did provide a maya Bazaar, malleeswari, missamma,
Galatta Cinema | may 200 77

Gundamma Kathaand others.
maya Bazaar, in Tamil and Telugu invested
on him the divine halo as lord Krishna
and he became a screen immortal (he
had played lord Krishna earlier in two
‘social’ films, Iddharu Bharyaluand sontha
oorubut surprisingly he did not make
much impact at that time!)
He played ‘godly’ roles in several
movies and one film sri venkateshwara
mahatyam blessed him with a third icon,
lord venkateshwara of Tirupathi! His
popularity soared beyond the skies that
millions of andhras believed him to be the
reincarnation of these gods. Busloads of
pilgrims with shaven heads returning from
the Tirumala Hills invariably broke journey
at his residence in T. nagar prostrating
before him at dawn! He was an early riser
up with the lark at 4 am, and after his yoga
would work on his scripts and get ready
with his makeup to receive his fanatics.
Invariably he would bless them in a papal
gesture, lifting both his arms above his
head, smiling benevolently.
The zenith of his fame as screen god was
reached when in a rural temple in andhra
7 Galatta Cinema | may 200
dedicated to lord Krishna, the presiding
deity had the face of nTR as Krishna! Thanks
to his education and a brief stint in the
sub- Registrar’s office he knew the value of
money, investing his large earnings wisely and
well, mostly in real estate, acquiring houses
not only in madras but also in many places
in andhra, and later in Hyderabad. He also
produced films, some of which he wrote
and directed. a serious student of cinema
he worked on detailed screenplays during his
day which very few did, obviously inspired by
the Telugu hit filmmaker K. v. Reddy under
whom he worked in many hits like maya
Bazaar and Pathala Bhairavi. as a mega star,
every film of his generated much expectancy
and he worked on different kinds of roles.
In one film dhaana veera soora Karnahe
played three roles, duryodhana, Krishna and
Karna, the first of its kind in Telugu cinema.
That was not all. later in 1984 he played five
roles in folk myth film sreemadh viraat vira
Brahmendra swami Charithra, a record in
Indian film history. In 1982 he entered politics
creating a different kind of history with his
Telugu desam Party. Using his personal
popularity and godly image and persuasive
eloquence, he swept the polls in andhra
Pradesh state elections, unseating the Indian
national Congress which was in power since
Independence. He continued to be the Chief
minister for seven years when in 1989 his
party lost at the polls. Returning to films in
1990, he made Brahmarishi viswamitra which
however bombed at the box office.
His first marriage to his cousin produced
eleven children with one of them Balakrishna
becoming a star. In recent years a grandson
nTR Junior, has made the grade. In his later
years he married again causing considerable
controversy and had a son (many of his old
friends described this boy as the twelfth
man!).
as a person he was tight-fisted more than
somewhat and believed in buying vegetables
driving in his standard Herald car, often with
makeup on and bargaining with vegetable-
vendors near Panagal Park till doomsday!
He was an excellent larger-than-life showman
and knew the art of projecting himself on
and off the screen, which paid him platinum
dividends. a legendary cultural icon in his
lifetime, he continues to be a legend even
after his demise having created history at
many levels. He passed away in 1996. He was
seventy-three.
want the entire tale on
n.T. Rama Rao? simply log onto
Randor Guy’s official blog on
Galatta.com-http://blogs.galatta.com
THE POWER OF TEN Dasavathaaram
MusiC revieW
A look at the SONY-BMG-owned magnum
opus album. Himmesh Reshammiya
has travelled South from Bollywood, to eXtra eXtravaganZa!
spread his music for the first time in this The audio launch of Oscar Films’ dasavathaaram was probably the biggest
region, in dasavathaaram. He has brought bash one has ever seen in the movie industry. Oscar Films organised and
his own flavour into South Indian tastes spent huge sums of money to ensure its boom-bang nature of it… and its
and, like the superhero, “Ulaga Nayagan” exalted star guests! Hogging much of the limelight, of course, was Jackie
(world’s hero) Kamal Haasan, his songs are Chan, who received the most resounding welcome. Not far behind was
a cut above the rest, with a global feel. the person whose personality and voice are as towering as his person
– Amitabh Bachchan, the biggest B. Added to this stature were similar others
ulaga naYagan – Vinith: It starts with – Malayalam superstar Mammootty, dream girl Hema Malini, Jayapradha and
a quick electronic beat and a smooth- of course, Padmashree Kamal Haasan himself. Keeping these icons together
accented voice asking you to “come was the staunchest supporter of the industry, Tamilnadu’s Chief Minister, Mr.
dance with me before you go” and moves Karunanidhi. Among others Ilayathalapathy Vijay, the elegant Asin and glam
on to praise the Ulaga Nayagan himself, girl Mallika Sherawat, who lived up to her diva-status in her little black dress.
in pure Tamil! One can visualise this as a The man behind dasavathaaram, K.S. Ravikumar, remained his strong, silent
montage song. self. The most admirable speaker was, of course, the CM himself, who not
kallai MattuM kandaal – Hariharan only brought up some quirky facts about each of the special guests, but also
& chorus: Sure to be on a million publicly supported the press and spoke of his respect to the media. “don’t
cellphones as a ringtone or an RBT, this forget, I belong to the media fraternity too”, said the wise man.
is the theme song for the entire movie,
again, a situational song featuring the
very first avatar, that of a Vaishnavite
priest who stands true to his convictions,
despite the cruellest tortures.
oh sanaM – Kamal Haasan,
Mahalakshmi Iyer: Kamal Haasan’s
versatility while ably hopping and
skipping over the melodies is obvious, as
he parries his voice with Mahalakshmi’s in
this dance duet.
Mukundha – Kamal Haasan, Sadhana
Sargam: These days, there is almost no
Kamal Haasan movie in which he has not
sung at least one song himself, perhaps
because it lends an authenticity to the
visuals. This song is packed with graphics
and tricks, which are sure to be interesting
to watch. Amidst these, one can see the
smiling beauty of Asin as she sings Lord
Krishna’s praises. A very North-Indian-
sounding tune and beat, this song is sure
to be a pan-Indian favourite.
kaa-karupanukkuM – Shalini Singh:
Again, a peppy, dance-y number in
Shalini’s pleasant and very world-music-
influenced voice. Foot-tapping, with a
pleasing tune.
o-oh sanaM – Himmesh Reshammiya,
Mahalakshmi Iyer: A furious dance beat
surrounds a melodious tune. This is the
mixed version of the original theme song
and the 3rd song and the music director
has lent his renowned voice to it. Sure to
stay in your musical memory.
 10uestions
asksarath

1 6
1. So many innocents are dying in the unrest in Sri Lanka. 6. Earlier, only Rajinikanth had punch dialogues to
Is the TN Government taking the right steps in the issue? deliver. Today, even a debutant hero has them. Why?
Nandakumar Kandiah, Canada Bala Ganesh, Trichy
A stronger stand needs to be taken at the State as well I don’t know if it’s important, but I do know that it is in
as Centre levels. Today, the State Government has the hands of the actor and the director. Using “punch”
power in the Centre also, so peace MUST be made to dialogues and gimmicks are choices they must make.
prevail in Sri Lanka as it directly affects Tamil Nadu.

2 7
2. At the age of 53, you look not a day older than 30! 7. MGR used his movies for indirect political propaganda.
I’m 24 and want to look like you! Pls. give me some tips. Will you follow in his footsteps?
Potala Ganesh, Hyderabad Amudha Dandapani, Kottayam
If you want to look like me, wait until you’re 53 too! On I have already said this at public functions. Acting is my
a serious note, it’s all about lifestyle and habits. Eat well profession and politics is my passion. I do not wish to mix
and correctly and do the same with your working and the two, unless I specifically produce, myself, a movie that
sleeping habits too. Work out regularly and enjoy a is directly concerned with politics.
calm, healthy, positive life. Fitness will follow naturally.

3 8
3. At your first party meeting it was proclaimed that in the
next State Elections, you would be Chief Minister of Tamil
Nadu. That sounds over-ambitious, don’t you think?
Kribakaran, Chennai
Why do you say so? We got together and formed a party
for the people, with the intention of making a change, a
difference. Then the party elected their ideal candidate
to be the leader and now they expect their leader to
lead the people! So, of COURSE they will wish for such an
event! But we will work and wait and watch.
8.Most of the stars at the Kollywood hunger strike came
dressed like they were coming to a party. Didn’t that dilute
the seriousness of the strike?
Suparana Ashok, Chennai
All the participants of the strike came from different parts
of the country, from work or something else that they
were doing. Instead of focussing on how they looked and
dressed, just understand and appreciate their solidarity
– THAT is more important.

4 9
4. You are a great actor. What aroused your political 9.Your wife is close to the senior members of the TN ruling
instincts, isn’t it a completely different job? party. How did your dispute with that party affect her?
Kamili Thyagu, Nellai Govindha Ramudu, Hyderabad

. .
Before I was an actor, I was always a people-person. I Both the ruling party and Radikaa and I are working in
liked meeting people, knowing their lives, their troubles; different factions, but for the same people of Tamil Nadu.
as an actor, I just have more opportunity to interact, There is only political opposition, no personal enmity. I
Work out a minimum of Work out to your capacity
understand and do something for society. Politics is a have the greatest respect for Kalaignar and if we decide SARATH’S FITNESS TIPS 3 times a week. Make of age and tolerance-
natural choice for such a person. But, it is not about a to have coffee with him one day, it may not necessarily be
sure it’s a combination levels - don’t try to become
“giving back” kind of duty, but a long-time dream! a momentous political incident!
of cardio and weights someone else, but instead,

.
Fitness is more about lifestyle

5 10
and habits than about pumping - only cardio will burn just work for YOUR body.
iron at a gym. the fat, but won’t give
5. Certain politicians have even made snide remarks 10.Our Tamil heroes continue to play young bachelors at the you that much muscle De-stress every once in a
about actors and politics. What do you think about this age of 40; but our heroines are forced to take on supporting Keep fit basics! Eat well and tone, while only weights while - the state of mind is
trend? roles five years into their cine career. Why? eat healthy; sleep well, throw will not burn fat fast the state of body.
Satish T., Chennai Latha S., Chennai the cigarettes and excessive enough, but put on
More than anyone else, an actor reaches out to more It is all about mindset and change of attitudes. If alcohol out of the window! extra bulk. LIVE HEALTHY, BE HEALTHY!
people because of his/ her name and fame. If the heroines producers, directors and the audience take
ambition to go beyond acting as just a profession is it upon themselves to make this change, then change Write to R. Sarath Kumar with your questions and comments – he will personally pick the most interesting
what one has in mind, then politics is the natural next WILL happen. It is already happening, now it has to ones and reply to them. You can write to webmaster@galatta.comw.
step! trickle down South too. Or simply, post your questions on his official website maintained by us: www.rskworld.com

2 Galatta Cinema | may 200

born with it, given it, changed it, the stars destined it, numerology played a part in it...whatever the reason
SNEHA
Original name: Suhasini Naidu
Name to Fame: Sneha
The Change Process: Director Susi
Ganesan persuaded her to change
her name to Sneha as there was
already a Suhasini, an established
and powerful actress, in South Indian
cinema. Knowing sound advice when
she heard it, she became Sneha from
the film Virumbigiren.
Sharp Move or Bad Slide? Though Susi
changed the name, the real impact
seems to be the letter ‘S’. Sneha’s
mother insisted that whatever the
name be, it should start with the letter
‘S’. Actually, Sneha had debuted
as Manasi, but it was “Sneha” that
brought her audiences’ ‘sneh’ (love)!
4 Galatta Cinema | may 200
JIIVA
Original name: Amar Choudhary
Name to Fame: Jiiva
The Change Process: R.B. Choudhary
wanted his son to have a name that was
unique as well as urban. Along with director
Ravi Mariya, daddy Choudhary rechristened
son Amar as Jeeva. Now the actor has
further altered his name as per numerology,
to Jiiva.
Sharp Move or Bad Slide? A rose by any
other name would smell as sweet; and
Amar or Jeeva or Jiiva, he is a bundle of
talent. Was it the name that changed his
luck? We doubt that, ’coz he would have
been the talented star he is, whatever he’s
called!
BHAVANA
Real Name: Karthika
Name to Fame: Bhavana
The Change Process: Malayalam
cinema already has one too many
Karthikas! Director Kamal wanted his
leading lady to have a name that
was different, yet expressive. Thus, he
came up with Bhavana.
Sharp Move or Bad Slide? A good
move. Bhavana became a well-
known name and face in Malayalam,
Tamil, and now Telugu movies as well.
Actually, so great was the impact
of her performance in her first film
Nammal, that her name became
more popular than her face!
your name is your ID tag, it governs who you are and you want to be... it completes you.
NAYANTARA
Original name: Diana Kurian
Name to Fame: Nayantara
The Change Process: Director
Satyan Ambikaddal, along with
actor Jayaram, had a 10-15 day
discussion before arriving at the name
Nayantara for Diana. Her name was
changed in her debut film itself!
Sharp Move or Bad Slide? No doubts
on this one! Nayantara is today the
most sought-after ‘tara’ (star) in the
glitzy film world. Would Diana be
as famous, by any other name?
We don’t know about that, but
“Nayantara” seems to have worked
wonders for her.
NAME
SURIYA
Original name: Saravanan
Name to Fame: Suriya
The Change Process: It was director Mani
Ratnam who changed the name from
Saravanan to Surya for his first film Naerukku
Naer, because there was already a
Saravanan in the film industry. Numerology
played a role again when an ‘i’ was added
and Surya became Suriya.
Sharp Move or Bad Slide? Perhaps the
luckiest move of them all? Step-by-step,
the diffident Suriya has become not just a
“bankable star”, but a brilliant actor and
darling of the masses, bright like the rising
sun. As names go, Suriya certainly has it
great!
SANDYA
Original name: Revathy
Name to Fame: Sandya
The Change Process: Producer
Shankar and director Balaji Sakthivel
changed her name for the movie,
Kaadhal, her debut film. The reason
for the change was that the name
“Revathy” was already a known
name in Kollywood.
Sharp Move or Bad Slide? Definitely a
great move, as it gave her success
in her very first film Kaadhal, and
she became famous as Kaadhal
Sandya!
Galatta Cinema | may 200 5
 NILA
Original name: Meera Chopra
Name to Fame: Nila
The Change Process: Though
she goes by her original name in
Tollywood, S.J. Suryah changed
her name to Nila when she made
her debut in Tamil through Anbe
Aaruyire.
Sharp Move or Bad Slide? A
tad early to judge this, because
she hasn’t yet done a whole
plethora of hit or flop movies to
judge this name-change. An
interesting fact is that Nila goes
by her original name Meera in
Telugu. Looks like she’s weighing
both names to see which would
work where?!
86 Galatta Cinema | May 2008
SAKTHI
Original name: Prashanth
Name to Fame: Shakthi
The Change Process: A little early in the
day to make that inference – he is just
one movie old and has one in progress,
but he seems to be making all the right
moves. With big-daddy backing him,
he is definitely being considered as a
star of the future. Let’s keep track of THIS
young man’s trails!
Sharp Move or Bad Slide? P. Vasu
wanted the launch of his son Prashanth
to be great. And since Prashanth
was already an established name
in Kollywood, he changed his son’s
name to Shakthi, with a little help from
numerology.
RAVI TEJA
Original name: Bhupatiraju Ravi
Shankar Raju
Name to Fame: Raviteja
Real Name: Bhupatiraju Ravi Shankar
Raju
NAME TO FAME: RAVI TEJA
The Change Process: In an industry
where the practice is ‘short and sweet’,
it was natural that the actor decided to
change his name, or rather altered it, to
Ravi Teja.
Sharp Move or Bad Slide? No points for
guessing that one – given his popularity
and box-office success, what can you
say? A good idea, it would seem, as
Ravi Teja has made a place for himself
in an industry ruled by Chiranjeevi and
Nagarjuna!
TEJASRI
Original name: Sonali Khele
Name to Fame: Tejasri
The Change Process: When a
Marathi ‘mulgi’ entered Tamil
films, she wanted to have
a distinct identity. So Sonali
decided that she needed a
new name and thus, Tejasri was
born!
Sharp Move or Bad Slide? So far,
so good, but to go up to “great”
might take a few more movies.
So far, her biggest hit-factor has
been the song that catapulted
her to fame, ‘Chinna Veeda
Varatuma’. But, we’re here and
waiting to see what happens!
SHAAM GOPIKA
Original name: Shamsuddin Ibrahim
Original name: Gerly
Name to Fame: Shaam
Name to Fame: Gopika
Sharp Move or Bad Slide? Director
Jeeva, who launched Shaam,
wanted a name that was subtle yet
Sharp Move or Bad Slide? Director Sibi
powerful. It was he who renamed Malayil changed Gerly to Gopika. He
Shamsuddin, Shaam.
felt that the name was traditional and
The Change Process: It has been a suited Gopika’s personality.
tumultuous ride for Shaam, as he
The Change Process: She was a
has had his share of bright fame and
beauty queen of her college, and
dark upsets. What is heartening to
Gerly becoming Gopika has only
see, though, that it is his own talent
made her the queen of several
and need to experiment that has
movie-lovers. Definitely a great move,
given him all the name and fame.
this one!
Galatta Cinema | may 2008 87
 MUSiC
ON THE RACKS

TOP
GR OVE
in the

ChaRtS
PRODUCER:
Basava Reddy
IN YOUR CART DIRECTOR: Shivadwaj
CAST: Dhyan, Aishwarya
Nag
Movie: VaLLaMaI THaaRaaYO
MUSIC DIRECTOR:
banner: GIRIGUJA FILMS INTERNATIONAL Srimurali
WAJ language: TAMIL
VERDICT: Youthful and
Vallamai Thaaraayo, a sensitive film by Madhumita, taMil telugu MalaYalaM kannada
RAD
Neene Neene trendy!
stars Parthiban and Chaya Singh. The instrumental
BY BHA

pieces and the lively dialogues in ‘En Veettil’ are

enjoyable. After a lengthy prelude, ‘Kolattam’, a kuruvi parugu Malabar Wedding araMane
happy song begins. ‘Megham Illamal’ is a sad solo Song: dandaana darna Song: Parugulu Song: Kolusaal Konjum Song: Nanagu
by Bharadwaj. ‘Unnai Thaan’ is sung by Anuradha banner: Sri Nag Music: Vidyasagar Music: Manisharma Music: Rahul Raj Music: Gurukiran
MUSIC

Sriram as well as Bharadwaj. ‘Mangalam pongidum’ Corporation Singer: Sangeet Haldipur Singer: Ranjith Singers: Manjiri, Rahul Raj Singer: Kunal Ganjawala
by SPB is a typical ‘oonjal’ tune whereas ‘Aayiram
Vaanavil’ by Chinmayee brings to mind, some old produCer: A. Naga
Susheela dhaaM dhooM kantri annan thaMbi gooli
hits. All the ten tracks that Bharadwaj has used for
Vallamai Thaaraayo are refreshing and instantly Song: Sakiyae Song:123 Nenoka Kantri Song: Kanmaniye Punyam Nee Song: Sum Sumne Yaako
direCtor: Music: Harris Jayaraj Music:Manisharma Music: Rahul Raj Music: Anoop Seelin
steal listeners’ hearts.
G. Ravichandran Reddy Singer: Krish, Bombay Jayshree Singer(s):NTR,Naveen,Karunya Singer(s): Vineeth Srinivasan Singers: Karthik, Nandhita
GC’s Verdict: Cast: Sushanth,
Tamanna, Nagababu santosh subraManiaM jalsa CYCle sathYa in love
RMA

Movie: Parugu Song: Adada Adada Song: My Heart Is Beating Song: Pattunarnuvo Song: Nodavalu Lovely
MusiC direCtor:
banner: SRI VENKATESWARA CREATIONS Music: devi Sri Prasad Music: Devi Sri Prasad Music: Mejo Joseph Music: Gurukiran
A

Chakri
MANISH

language: TELUGU Kalidasu Singer: Siddharth Singer: Kay Kay Singer(s): Chitra Singer: Gurukiran
Parugu, directed by Bomarillu Bhaskar, verdiCt: Foot-tapping
features Allu Arjun and Sheela. Manisharma music, dance-numbers anjaathe kalidasu Mulla gaalipata
has used an interesting mix of instrumental Song: Kanadasan Song: Hey Baby Hey Baby Song: Kaanin Vaathil Song: Minchagi Neenu
BY SA

sounds in ‘Parugulu’ and ‘Yelegeyelaga. Music: Sundar C. Babu Music: Chakri Music: Vidyasagar Music: V.Harikrihsna
‘Chal Chal’ is a youthful number by Ranjit. Singer: Mysskin Singers: Chakri, Kousalya Singer: Gayathri Singer: Sonu Nigam
Rahul Nambiar has rendered ‘Manakanna
Podiche’. ‘Nammavemo’ in Saketh’s voice and banner: Vyjayanthi
MUSIC

aZhagiYa taMil Magan Mantra innathe Chinta vishaYaM Mussanje Maathu

‘Hrudhayam’ in Hemachandra’s voice are the Movies Song: Ponmagal Vandaal Song: Maha Maha Song: Kandu Kandu Song: Ninna Nodalento
soft numbers in the album.
PROdUCER: Ashwini dutt Music: A.R. Rahman Music:Anand Music: Ilayaraja Music: Sridhar V
Singer(s): Md. Aslam, Ember Singers: Madhumita, Noelsean Singer(s): Sreekumar Singers: Shreya Goshal,
GC’s Verdict: dIRECTOR: Meher
Sonu Nigam
Ramesh
vellitherai krishna anthiponvettoM bindass
Movie: gOrInTaKKu CAST: NTR Junior, Hansika Song: Uyirile En Uyirile Song: Dil Maange More Song: Neelaravin Song: Gubbachi Goodinalli
AR

banner: SUPER GOOd FILMS Motwani, Prakashraj Music: GV. Prakash Music: Chakri Music: M.Jayachandran Music: Gurukiran
RAJKUM

language: TELUGU MUSIC dIRECTOR: Singer(s): Naresh Iyer Singers: Kunal Ganjawala, Singer: Karthik Singers: Udit Narayan,
Gorintaaku stars action-hero Dr. Rajasekhar, Manisharma Mahalakshmi Sowmya Rao
Aarti Agarwal and Meera Jasmine. The movie billa vaana parathan kanda bandhu balaga
revolves around brother-sister sentiment. Kantri VERdICT: Hot tunes, paralokaM
Song: My Name is Billa Song: Yeduta Nilichindhi Choodu Song: Kaasu Beda
BY SA

Music for the movie is by S.A. Rajkumar. All Rocking! Music: Yuvan Shankar Raja Music: Kamalakar Song: Vennila Music: Hamsalekha
the songs suit the theme of the movie and Singer(s): Naveen, Kay Kay Singer: Karthik Music: M. Jayachandran Singers: SPB
are fast-paced dance numbers. ‘Dum dum Singers: Ganga, Unni Menon
C

dum’, ‘Rajugari Thotalona’ and ‘Yelo Yelo

kaalai MiChael Madana jubilee nanda loves nanditha
I

Illalai’ top the charts.

S

kaMaraju Song: Aaranu Nee Song: Jinke Marina

U

Song: Kutti Pisase

M

Music: GV. Prakash Song: Come On Baby Music: Shyam Dharman Music: Emil
GC’s Verdict: Singer(s): Suchitra, Silambarasan Music: Chakri Singer: Vineeth Srinivasan Singers: Emil, Karthik,
Singer: Chakri Ranjith, Srinivas
vallaMai thaaraaYo bhale dongalu shalabhaM MinChina ota
Movie: Dhaam DhOOm Song: Mangalam Pongidum Song: Romeo Juliet Song: Meera Song: Aa Moda Hani Aytu
JAYRAJ

banner: MEdIA ONE GLOBAL ENTERTAINMENT LTd Music: Bharathwaj Music: KM. Radhakrishnan Music: Kaithpuram Music: V. Manohar
language: TAMIL Singer: SPB Singer: Tippu Singers: Manjari, Deepankuran Singer: Vijay Yesudas
Harris Jayaraj has composed the tunes.
Benny Dayal and Sayanora Philips sing dhaaM dhooM ontari sMs gaja
RIS

‘Thikku Thikku’, a seductive duet. ‘Anbe Song: Sakiyae Song: Chepaalanundhi Song: Shuba niyogamalle Song: Aitalakadi
Enanbe’ is a solo by Harish Raghavendra.
BY HAR

Music: Harris Jayaraj Music: Mani Sharma Music: Ilayaraja Music: Harikrishna V
‘Sakhiye’ is a sweet melody by Bombay Singer: Krish, Bombay Jayshree Singers: SPB. Charan, Kalpana Singer: Bhavatharini Singers: Shamita Malnad,
Jeyashree. ‘Azhiyilae’ is by Haricharan. Shankar Mahadevan
Kailash Kher and Sujatha sing ‘Uyyaalalo
Uyyaalalao’. ‘Pudhu Pudhu’ is by Suchithra,
MUSIC

This analysis is based on the number of times a song is streamed or downloaded from the #1, 100% legal music portal: http://music.galatta.com
Benny Dayal and Guna.
Log on to browse, stream and download your favourite music from thousands of numbers, from movie- and non-movie albums!
GC’s Verdict:
Galatta Cinema | may 200 
Rising Star
UDHAYATARA SARAVANAN
Making a mark:
She made quite an impact with Kannum Kannum
as a beautiful college girl, a secret poetess
grieving her brother’s loss. This young rising star
is very sure of where she wants to go
Kannum Kannum vs. Thee
Nagar:
“The producers of Kannum Kannum
saw my photos on the Internet and
called me for a screen test” Though
Kannum Kannum was her first movie,
technically, the director of the Karan
movie Thee Nagar, K.K. Thirumalai
met her during the publicity blitz for
Kannum Kannum, signed her up and
Thee Nagar released before Kannum
Kannum. Go figure!
Dreams come true:
This Kerala-girl has no issues with the
language barrier, taking to movies like a fish
to water. “I didn’t know Tamil when I entered
the industry, but every one, from director,
camera man and everyone on the sets made
me extremely comfortable – after half a day
of discomfort, it was business as usual,” says
the young starlet.
Learning from the co-star:
Udhayatara used to dream of being
on the silver screen as a child, but
never in her wildest ones did she
ever imagine she’d actually MAKE it
there! Still, dreams apart, this is one
firmly grounded girl who says she
is here for the content and not the
packaging, i.e. she has no glamour-
visions, is intent on choosing
performance-oriented roles and in
Every superstar starts with humble
general, be someone more than just
beginnings. This only goes to show that no
a glam doll.
newcomer – actor or technician – can be
taken for granted or their skills ignored. It is
indeed a privilege to get to know and feature
these budding celebrities – get more on such
rising stars on www.galatta.com.
Rising Star
Mr. Snipper:
They say that most movies are made on the editing
table – quite true, as it’s all the cut-and-paste work
that gives form and life to the movie. Saravanan has
been in the field of editing since 2001 and has now
made a name in it for his seamless editing style.
Starting grid:
Saravanan started his career in
editing with Digital Magic, but his
heart was always in cinema. His
brother Kumar, who is himself an
editor with Jaya TV, sowed the seeds
for Saravanan’s editing aspirations.
Soon, Saravanan channelled his
passion into reality and the aspiring
editor bagged the opportunity to
move to cinema.
Mentor and tutor:
Saravanan worked with Suresh Urs for nearly five
years. As associate to one of the most sought-
after editors in the industry, Saravanan’s journey
of learning has been rich and fruitful – the
opportunity to work on films such as Vasool Raja
MBBS, Pithamagan, Ramana and Chandramukhi
helped him hone his skills on fabulous projects.
Inspired by Suresh Urs’ tireless dedication,
Saravanan says that one essential skill Saravanan
learned from his guru was the ability to work non-
stop and with complete dedication, no matter
how long a process took. “No looking at the watch
while on the job! No matter how late it got or how
long it took, he’d keep working till the assignment
was done. That was an important lesson for me,”
he says.
A stroke of luck: Verbal battles?
Saravanan’s first individual assignment was Pirivoam What happens when he his views differ from
Sandhippoam in Tamil (by the way, he has edited movies those of the director? He laughs as he says,
in several languages, even Bengali, calling each a higher “That happens in every movie in almost every
learning experience!). This Cheran movie was a great scene. Small arguments ensue, but eventually
chance to spread his editing wings fully and his work was the better idea wins! These verbal brawls are
naturally appreciated. And after just one movie, he has a creative exercise, so nobody really minds!”
already bagged the prestigious Kuselan, the Rajinikanth As for criticism, Saravanan is the kind to take
starrer, in P. Vasu’s direction and Pokisham, Cheran’s next. everything in his stride with a smile on his
In a manner of speaking, in one skilled scissor-stroke, face!
Saravanan has launched himself sky-high!
Galatta Cinema | may 2008 91
 Bringing
Hollywood Home
shutter
‘How do you escape the ghosts of your past?’
Releasing: May
Genre: Horror
Cast: Joshua Jackson, Rachael
Taylor, Megumi Okina, David
Denman
Direction: Masayuki Ochiai
Studio: 20th Century Fox Film
Corporation
Eastern horror flicks are fast
becoming the most horrific
in the genre! Shutter, the
remake of the Thai original,
Hollywood movies in India
88 minutes
Releasing: June
Genre: Action
Cast: Al Pacino, Alicia Witt, Leelee
Sobieski
Direction: Jon Avnet
a camera. Studio: Millennium Films
A newlywed couple run over a
young woman while in Japan Dr. Jack Gramm is a college
and do not stop to help. No professor who moonlights as a
news of the accident surfaces. forensic psychiatrist for the FBI.
But ghost images of the girl One day, he receives a death threat
appear on photographs taken that says he has only 88 minutes
by the husband and she follows to live. Gramm needs to figure out
them to New York and then who his killer might be and how he
Tokyo. While he seems rather is going to be murdered. In other
reluctant to find out who the words, he needs to solve his own
girl is, his wife just has to murder!
know. Gramm has only recently put a
serial killer behind bars and it is

mutscth
will make quite a ‘screech’, if
it remains within the bounds
of the original. In Ring, we had
wa
infected video tapes; in One
Missed Call, it was a mobile
phone and now in Shutter, it is
The twist in the tale is quite
intriguing, but the horror levels precisely on the eve of his hanging
in the film are rather low. that the death threat arrives. Could
it be his doing? Is he manipulating
Barring a few eerie episodes,
most of the haunting remains in someone? Or could it be an
the photographs. embittered ex-lover? Perhaps it is
a troubled student trying to be a
copycat killer?
The movie is quite gripping but the

leather heads pace slackens on occasion, thus

mutscth
diluting the thrills.
The casting is absolutely fitting with
‘It’s all about playing fair’ Al Pacino at its helm. Yet again, he

wa
has proved himself an inimitable
Releasing: May
artiste.
Genre: Drama
Cast: George Clooney, Renee Zellweger, John Krasinski
Direction: George Clooney
Studio: Universal Pictures 21 ‘This is Ocean’s Teen League’
Releasing: May blackjack, in their favour! Jim Sturgess
A romantic comedy set in the America of 1925, Leatherheads
the ruins Genre: Action is one of them. By counting cards and
combines the tried and tested love and sport combo. George
Cast: Jim Sturgess, Kate Bosworth, Kevin employing an intricate system of signs and
Clooney heads a football team on the verge of complete
Genre: Horror Spacey signals, the team can beat the casinos.
out 008 collapse. John Krasinski is the college football star who is
2 Cast: Shawn Ashmore, Jena Malone, Jonathan Direction: Robert Luketic When Jim starts to push the limits, the
May hired to save the face of the falling team. Renee Zellweger
Tucker Studio: Columbia Pictures group is on the brink of being exposed. And
is a cub reporter, intent on exposing the truth behind the
Direction: Carter Smith when the casino’s menacing enforcer smells
‘too good to be true’ past of Krasinski. The Captain and the Based on actual events, six MIT students
Studio: DreamWorks SKG a fish, do they escape unscathed?
star player both fall for the journalist and that breeds enmity are trained by one of their mathematics Kevin Spacey as the math professor and
A Mexican vacation turns into a gory horror between the two. Who will win the girl? And what happens to professors in the art of card counting. Thus Laurence Fishburne as the casino enforcer
ride for a group of Americans when they head the team? equipped, this sharp brigade sets off to are obviously pros. But Jim Sturgess is the
into the jungle in search of a fellow traveller. This Clooney’s third directorial venture and he has managed Vegas every weekend with fake identities hero and he plays the part with finesse.
An ominous encounter with a couple of locals to make a fun and and the know-how to turn the odds at
hints at the evil that awaits them. They had charming movie…
wanted adventure but what lies ahead is way with some bumps, of Action, Drama, Romance, Horror, Comedy, Thriller, Musical Animation
more than what they had bargained for! course! The casting
is well done and so pathology Street smart Nim’s Island
out t
ou 2008
prom night are the dialogues june8 Genre: Thriller y kings people Genre: Fantasy
200 ma
and costumes. A Cast: Milo Genre: Action Genre: Comedy Cast: Jodie Foster,
out 008 Genre: Thriller little more attention Ventimigilia, Cast: Keanu Cast: Dennis Gerard Butler,
2 t
May Cast: Brittany Snow, Scott Porter, Jessica to detail and the Lauren Lee ou 2008 Abigail Breslin
Reeves, Forest Quaid, Thomas y
Stroup Smith, Johnny ma Direction: out
making would have Whitaker, Haden Church june8
Direction: Nelson McCormick been better. There’s Whitworth Hugh Laurie Direction: Jennifer F. M. 200
Studio: Screen Gems no ‘moral of the Direction: Marc Direction: Noam Murro Levin
story’ or path- Scoelermann David Ayer A popular author
Donna’s senior prom is supposed to be the A pompous
breaking cinema Young interns teams up with the
best night of her life. Surrounded by her best A veteran English professor sustains a
technology, but a studying pathology at a hospital adventure-loving Alex, to help her
friends, she should be safe from the horrors LAPD cop, lost in depression, concussion in a freak accident.
simple love story want to commit the perfect #1 fan Abigail Breslin, who lives
of her past. But the night turns from magic is suddenly ensnared by a He falls in love with his doctor,
and some good, murder. And so Pathology is on a secret island. But Alex is a
to murder. Now, Donna and her friends must conspiracy implicating him in the an ex-student of his.Will she
clean humour. yet another director’s quest to character in her book!
escape the sadistic rampage of an obsessed execution of a fellow officer. Who find it in her to reciprocate?
portray the perfect crime!
killer, and survive their prom night. can he trust?
92 Galatta Cinema | May 2008 Galatta Cinema | may 2008 93
Beyond South NOT EVEN SKIN DEEP!
Remember the Kareena tattoo that Saif has been flaunting? Well,
it turns out that our man Saif Ali Khan is way shrewder than we
GRATITUDE COMES AT $300,000! thought! Getting a tattoo done is quite a big deal, but only when it
Well, we’ve been hearing so much about how Mommy Jennifer is permanent! So now you get it? Saif’s love carving on his left arm is
Lopez is splurging on her new-borns Max and Emme. The not quite what we thought it was. It is a temporary tattoo that needs
fraternal twins play with diamond-encrusted rattles, sleep a touch up every six days. Neglect can wipe away the tattoo for good!
on 600 thread count Egyptian cotton blankets and wear only Wonder who he doesn’t trust, the lady or himself?! Talking about trust,
designer baby wear. Add to that the $200,000 worth of gifts the latest dope is that Kareena is getting claustrophobic with Saif
from Godfather Tom Cruise and Max and Emme could well ready to bite her head off every time she roves into male company!
be the most lavishly living babies! But what about the Mama At a party held recently, Kareena was being extra pally with Salman
who brought these two precious tots into the world? Well, as Khan and Saif was quite obviously ticked off. The two were even
a token of thanks and joy, Daddy Marc Anthony has bestowed seen bickering at the party. Wonder if Saif got that tattoo touched up
J. Lo with a $300,000 8-carat canary-yellow diamond ring to thereafter?!
celebrate the birth of their twins! That’s a lot of gratitude! And
did you know that photos of the twins fetched a whopping $6
million?!

CELEB PEEVES:
BRITNEY SPEARS
Britney has been ordered by the court
to pay ex-husband Kevin Ferderline
$375,000 to cover his legal fees in
the couple’s custody battle since
most of the litigations in the case
were because of her actions. And now
Brit’s dad has just decided to auction
Britney’s many cars; her two white
Mercedes (a SL65 and a CLK350), a
white Mini Cooper convertible, and
a black Audi. Does the sale have
anything to do with the big cheque
she’s got to draw up? Well, whatever
the reason, if you want a “piece” of
Britney, just buy a car! Hers!
SPENDING $500,000
USEFULLY
If you had a locker full of dollars what
would you do? George Clooney, Brad
Pitt and Matt Damon would give it all
to charity. The three of them are co-
founders of the non-profit organisation
called Not On Our Watch. Last year,
the organisation notched up $1 mil-
lion for the United Nations World Food
Programme. The World Food Programme
helps support people in northern Sudan,
a war ravaged area. “Without immedi-
ate additional funding, humanitarian aid
in the region will be crippled,” Clooney
said in a statement, noting that it is a critical
time in Darfur and hence the $500,000 sum.
$91,000 WORTH OF
EMBARRASSMENT!
What happens when you are the
President of a nation and drop your
wife to marry a hot super model?
Loads of embarrassing events!! This
is about French President Nicolas
Sarkozy and wife Carla Bruni. First,
his glitzy lifestyle was criticised.
And now, the auction of a nude
portrait of Carla has made matters
worse. Taken in 1993, the black
and white photo was sold by art
collector Gert Elfering and fetched
$91,000 from a Chinese collector.
The proceeds of the auction were
to go to a charitable hospital, but
Beat Richner, who runs the hospital,
refused the amount.
WHAT’S BREWING
WITH BRUNA?
When, oh, when will Katrina and Salman
say for sure whether they are on or
off? Katty Kaif evades questions about
their relationship, about their alleged
break up and now even about the
new birdy that Sallu Baba’s eyes have
anchored on. Salman has been fairly
loyal to the pretty Katrina, but time
and again, he has made news with his
young picks. The latest chica they say
he’s eyeing is a Brazilian model Bruna!
So, what’s a hot babe like her doing in
India? Showing off her sexy tan in some
music videos, playing video jockey on
a television channel and getting set for
her Bollywood debut in Hrithik’s next
flick. Apparently, Salman is absolutely
smitten by the Latino lady and has been
going to great lengths to get her cine
career going. Ask Katty about this and
she’s quick to do some media bashing,
but with the greatest diplomacy on their
own relationship!
JIAH HAS A
HAIRCUT!
Remember the long tresses that
crowned Jiah Khan? Well, they are
merely memory now! So? Well,
the point is the young starlet,
who was proudly finger-combing
her locks went in for a make-over
because Shahid Khan asked her
to! Orlando Bloom complimented
her tresses, she said, but Shahid
thought she’d look better with
a shorter mane! And a few snips
later, she’s got a brand new look!
It’s not that Shahid is a Style
Moghul but simply because Jiah
truly, madly, deeply dotes on
the guy! The two are starring in
Ken Ghosh’s next movie and she
is totally in awe of her co-star.
Shahid was nice enough to get
his own stylist to give her the
new style, but the problem is,
her role in Ghajini with Aamir
Khan requires those long locks on
her head! But, like a temporary
tattoo, this new look too is only
for a while. Let’s just hope Aamir
will wait or will provide a suitable
wig.
RANBIR SMITTEN,
SONAM BANNED
It’s not Dhoni and not Yuvaraj…
Not for now at least! Deepika
Padukone, the dusky beauty, is
back with Ranbir Kapoor. Quite
naturally, Ranbir is the typical
smitten puppy, loyally following his
lady love around! Deepika, on the
other hand, is treating him with
an iron fist. She has not boxed a
hole in his heart (not yet, that
is!) but has instead carved a moat
around him to keep away his long-
time friend Sonam Kapoor! Sonam
and Ranbir’s friendship goes way
back – long before Saawariya. But
now, following Deepika’s strict
instructions, Ranbir has completely
turned his back on Sonam. No
calls and no SMS’! Deepika has
supposedly dubbed Sonam as “just
another celebrity kid”. What about
Ranbir then?

94 Galatta Cinema | May 2008 Galatta Cinema | may 2008 95

Wrap up
Towards a fully-literate state!
Kollywood not only promotes movies and cricket, but
noble causes too. The Ministry of Education, Government of
Tamil Nadu, joins Kollywood to create awareness on literacy
through a documentary, featuring Vijay, Madhavan, Suriya
and Jyotika. Other names associated with this documentary
are Mani Ratnam, Rajiv Menon, Harris Jayaraj and ad
filmmaker Roshini. This documentary, K.V. is to be directed
by Priya V. with cinematography by KV Anandh.

Mohanlal cancels
Soundarya, Coup Houdini-like act
Malayalam superstar Mohanlal was
Queen! learning magic from ace magician
Soundarya Rajinikanth is proving to be
Gopinath Muthukad, the promoter of
an icon of inspiration and admiration
the Magic Academy, for 18 months. He
to women. When she started Ocher
had plans for a typical Houdini-style
Studios, the world smirked, wondering
challenge in Thiruvananthapuram.
if this were just a celebrity brat’s
Called ‘The Burning Illusion’, it was to
expensive hobby – a speculation
have him handcuffed and chained with
she walloped into space when she
the keys in the hands of dignitaries at
announced India’s first-ever animation
the show. He was to then be put inside
movie based on a super-celebrity; in
a box covered with hay, and set on fire.
her case, her dad. In collaboration with
He was to make his escape from all
Adlabs, Sultan remains the country’s
this. The event,was to be a precursor to
most talked-about project in progress.
the Internation Magic Convention. But
Not at all the laid-back one, Soundarya
other magicians objected and poured
next took her company and reputation
cold water on his plans. So Mohanlal
to a higher level when she signed
cancelled his death-defying act. The Big One-Oh!
an exclusive multi-movie deal with After 2 years of waiting and waiting for
Warner Bros. on April 22nd! As part of a glimpse of Padmashree Kamal Haasan
this deal, Ocher Studios will make a in just a few of the roles he dons for
slew of movies for Warner Bros. and the Dasavathaaram (if not all 10!), the audio
buzz is that these will just be NOT JUST launch more than made up for it on April
animation films, but also live movies! 25th, with mind-boggling extravaganza.
It brings to mind a heartfelt statement There were strict security checks and
Soundarya once made that one day, she huge hordes of people fighting to
would love to direct a live movie. Would get into the Jawaharlal Nehru Indoor
her first hero be daddy dearest? Stadium. Jackie Chan arrived with his
vast crew the night before and was
ensconced amidst tight security at a local
India’s Roadside Romeo Chennai hotel. Amitabh Bachchan proved
that he is truly India’s megastar, with his
Yash Raj films, in collaboration with Walt Disney,
bring us Roadside Romeo. The movie has dogs towering personality and unmatched
in the main lead; real-life lovers Saif Ali Khan personal elegance. Hema Malini
and Kareena Kapoor lend their voices to these reasserted herself as everyone’s dream
doggies! Saif speaks for Romeo, a rich and girl and Chiranjeevi looked like the star
spoilt yet smart dog, and Kareena has lent her he is, indeed. The respectful audience
voice to Romeo’s love interest! The film is about also comprised the top stars of the South
Romeo’s journey from a rich house to the streets Indian film industry. Check out the audio
of Mumbai, from five meals a day to leftovers! review and some really fantastic imagery
There’s everything filmi about Roadside Romeo, from Dasavathaaram in this issue (of
and with the real lovers in the lead, it’s bound to course, www.galatta.com has bigger
get reel-istic! galleries, interviews, videos and more!)

Published by T.S.P. Shanmuga Raja on behalf of Dot Com Infoway Limited from “GNG House”, K-48, Anna Nagar East, Chennai – 600 102
and printed by B. Ashok Kumar at Rathna Offset Printers, 40, Peters Road, Royapettah, Chennai – 600 014. Editor – Shakthi Girish
RNI No. TNENG/2007/21243, Postal Registration No. TN/CCN/310/07-09