After making waves at Pusan and London film festivals, ace filmmaker Santosh Sivan's Tahaan is all set to enthrall viewers at the Rome International Film Festival, starting Wednesday (October 22).
"Of course, I am extremely delighted to be a participant at the Rome Festival. From there I will go to attend a festival in Netherlands also," said Sivan.
Acclaimed Indian cinematographer-turned-director is also taking Purav Bhandar, the kid who played the main lead in the film, with him.
Set in Kashmir, Tahaan is about people living there, cross-border terrorism, good and evil, unlikely friendships, and also a bit of philosophy.
"Am really happy because Tahaan has got good openings in the European and Asian markets and also got invited to the Sundance film festival too," Sivan said.
The year has been really good for Sivan as his first Hollywood film Before the Rains, shot exclusively in Munnar, a hill station in the state, won him rave reviews. He was also a jury member at the prestigious film festival.
Santosh Sivan's Tahaan all set for Rome film fest
I hope my film captures dignity of slum dwellers: Danny Boyle
British director Danny Boyle says unlike City of Joy and Salaam Bombay, his film Slumdog Millionare does not portray people living in Indian slums as poor and desperate.
"The word slum in my film's title has not been used in quite the obvious way. Working in the so-called slum areas of Mumbai, I found it a fantastically organised place to go. The people were hugely generous," said Boyle.
"They are a huge community of very dignified and warm people. I hope my film has captured their dignity. They're not portrayed as poor and desperate people in my film. I think people in India should see the film before they judge it," he added.
Loosely based on Vikas Swarup's best-selling novel Q & A, the film was shot in Mumbai.
Other international crew may have a different story to tell. But Boyle, who made films like Trainspotting, The Beach and 28 Days Later, has gone back swearing by the city.
Asked if Mumbai was fully peaceful for him, he said: "I don't know whether 'peaceful' would be the right word. For me it was a very happy experience. I got so attached to the city, they had to stop me from filming and push me out of Mumbai. The only way to make a film based on Mumbai is to accept how extraordinarily complex and interesting the city is.
"If you go from the outside to make a film in Mumbai thinking you'd be fully in control of the situation and blah blah, the film would never get made. If you trust and respect the city, it delivers back to you ten-fold."
Boyle hopes US-based Indian filmmaker Mira Nair would be able to make her second film on Mumbai Shantaram.
"If Slumdog Millionaire works for a mainstream audience, international studios would be encouraged to make mainstream films. Slumdog Millionaire has got a big heart, so I don't see why it should not work for a global audience. There's a line in the film where a character says, 'India has become the centre of the world now'. People outside are now warming up to India," said Boyle.
He has now spoken to Anil Kapoor, who makes a guest appearance in Slumdog Millionaire, about making another film in Mumbai.
"Yes, I did speak to Anil Kapoor about making another film. And if all goes well, I'll be back to do another film. It's such an amazing city. He's a wonderful actor. But he never forgets his producers' hat. He's always surveying the situation, cutting deals. I might be coming back.
"I had a seriously amazing time. One reason why the film works is the city's vivacity that we've captured on screen. It's been a while since we saw Mumbai in this light."
When contacted about Boyle's next Mumbai film, Anil said: "I'll speak about this only after the London Film Festival."
Eraa - Song lyrics by Kannadasan
If you are wondering how Kannadasan who passed away two decades ago can pen lyrics for a yet to be released movie, here is a intresting piece of news.
The crew of Eraa, claim that they got the lyrics penned by Kannadasan, with the help of C. Rathinaswamy who reportedly communicates with sprits. Believing and not believing this is upto each individual person.
Eeraa which means night in Tamil is the latest horror film, on block in kollywood. The movie produced by G Hari Shankar has Sateesh, Avanthikm, Asha, Ajay and others playing lead roles. The film will have music by G. Sathish and is directed by three directors, Hari Shankar, Harish Narayan, and Krishna Sekar.
Sathyan & Jayaram are back
Sathyan Anthikad has recalled his favourite hero Jayaram, back to his fold, probably after seeing the stupendous success of Veruthe Oru Bhariya!
Sathyan and Jayaram last worked together in 2003 Christmas release Manasinakkare, which was also Nayanthara’s launch pad.
Remember Sathyan and Jayaram together has come out with some of the most memorable light hearted comedies in Malayalam- Mazhavilkavadi, Thalayanamantram, Thooval Kottaram, Veendumchilla Veetukarangayal, Kochu Kochu Santoshangal etc?
Sathyan is writing the script of the film based on Rajesh Jayaram’s story, at his favourite guest house on the banks of Bharathapuzha in Shornoor. It will be a typical Sathyan film, a light hearted comedy with heavy dose of sentiments.
Meanwhile Sathyan is on the lookout for a new girl to play Jayaram’s heroine in this untitled film. Please note Sathyan Anthikad is the man who has introduced two of the hottest girls in Indian cinema- Asin Thottunkal and Diana Kurian who was rechristened by him as Nayanthara!
The untitled film’s shoot will start in Sathyan’s regular location of Shornoor on January 15, 2009. The film produced by Hamsa, of Kalasangamam will be a April 14, Vishu release.
Mammootty on stage
If Mohanlal has proved himself on stage with plays like Karnabharam and more recently with Chayamukhi, can Mammootty be far behind?
Mammootty is going on stage to perform as Bheeman, culled out of M T Vasudevan Nair’s famous novel Randaamuzham .
It will be directed by T K Rajeev Kumar and Pramod Payyannoor. The play will be about 45 minutes and Mammootty will also do the roles of Yudhistiran and Arjunan.
Bheeman will be sponsored by Malayala Manorama, the leading newspaper in the state. It may sound coincidental but Mammootty’s play is going to be staged on Friday October 31 at the LULU centre, Trichur, where Mohanlal premiered his Chayamukhi!
Laadam audio launched
The audio launch of Cosmos Films’ Laadam was a star studded affair at the Sathyam Cinemas.
Young guns of Kollywood like Arya, Prasanna, Shaam, Sibiraj and Srikanth turned up for the event apart from Ameer, Sathyaraj, Editor Mohan, M Raja, Subramania Siva and actress Shammu.
The directorial venture of Prabu Solomon has music by Dharan and everyone on the dais was all praise for the young music director.
Three numbers of the film were screened including a duet between debutant hero Aravindan and heroine Charmi which had a hot kissing scenes and some seductive moves.
After watching the songs, actor Sibiraj in a lighter vein commented on why director Prabhu had not kept such scenes for him in Lee!
Dharan’s music and camera by Sukumaran, a former still photographer, came in for great praise by Ameer who for the first time perhaps, kept away from any controversial remarks!
Sathyaraj felt that the film had the potential for success since the chemistry between the lead pair was good along with the cinematography and music. However, he managed to use the occasion to voice his views on the Sri Lankan Tamil issue while Subramaniam Siva vociferously seconded his views.
The film also stars Kota Srinivasa Rao and the trailer showed some high action sequences. A rap number by the Malaysian singers Dr Burn and Emcee Jesz are also in the film.
The song sequences shown included a Madonna like number by Charmi and some international girls along with a rap song filmed on some villainous characters. Well, we’ll have to wait and watch if the music, action, Charmi’s charm and Aravindan’s acting bring the audiences to the halls.
AEGAN RELEASES TODAY
Late Friday (Oct 24) evening, as Chennai was submerged in heavy rains, news has just come in Ajit’s Aegan has taken a bumper opening in advance booking. The trade is comparing it with last year’s Rajinikanth’s Sivaji advance booking!
At Chennai’s 10 screens where the film is opening on Saturday (Oct 24), the advance booking has been very good in spite of heavy rains, and traffic in the city completely gone haywire. The film is opening in four Mount Road theatres, and all of them are sold out for the first three days!
Sathyam Cinema’s has reported a record sale of 27, 355 tickets for Aegan, which is sold out till Tuesday night. Says Manager of a Mount road theatre: “The Aegan combo of Ajit- Nayanthara is deadly, and the film’s posters are very stylish and the trailer looks as though it is Billa-2!
And news from overseas markets where Aegan has already released today(Oct 24) is very encouraging. The film is said to be a “rip-roaring entertainer”, and people are enjoying it. The film may turn out to be Ayngaran International’s first super hit!
Director Hari Interview Questions
Hari is the director of the masses, and has an awesome strike rate at the box-office. Last Diwali (2007), he stole the box-office with his Surya-Asin starrer Vel>, which became the ultimate winner. This Diwali, his Bharath starrer Seval is releasing against the mighty Ajit’s Aegan. On the eve of the release of his film Hari spoke to Sify.com
Are you getting the jitters that Seval has been pitched against Aegan ?
You know that I’m a cool guy. I’m very confident of my film because it is based on a solid script with lots of emotions laced with entertainment. My audiences are sure going to love Seval. My producer M.A Jinnah is very happy with the film. All areas have been sold at a reasonable price.
What is the basic story of the film?
I can’t reveal anything about the story. For me story and presentation are of prime importance. All that I can say is that there is something for everyone in this family film.
How has Bharat shaped out as an action hero?
It would give him an all-new image. I have seen to it that the story and action are intervined. He has done a good job. In the first half his comedy scenes with Vadivel will bring the house down. Bharath has potential to be a big commercial hero.
Why do you go for short titles like Seval, Vel etc?
I want my films to reach across to the masses. The titles in my films are kept simple, as the common man should understand them. It should be taken from our daily use and easy to remember.
What next?
I will be starting work on my next film Singam with Surya, which will start rolling some time next year.
2 days to Diwali-Aegan And Seval Releases
Diwali-2008 will go down in Kollywood history books as a Diwali with the least number of releases.
During this year’s festival of lights only two star films Aegan, Seval and a film with newcomers Megham are releasing. Normally anywhere between four to six films get released during this season including many big ticket films.
Remember last year (2007), when six star films- Azhagiya Tamil Magan, Agra, Kannammoochi Yaenada, Machakaran, Polladhavan, Vel clashed at the box-office? There was a competitive spirit which added to the fan frenzy. Competition brings the best out of a star, and his true star value can be gauged.
There is no buzz as an Ajith versus Bharath clash at the box-office is an uneven battle, not at all exciting to the fans. If Surya’s Vaaranam Aayiram was there it would have been a battle royale.
As expected Aegan advance booking has been good in Chennai city, where it opens on Saturday, while overseas it is opening on Friday.
Meanwhile Seval has a good buzz around it. The film's overseas release has also been advanced to Saturday, to get the weekend business, while in TN it is releasing only on Diwali day.
Anyway, 2008 is not going to be a cracker of a Diwali!
Diwali Dhamaka Billa And Chandramuki on TV
On Diwali day (Oct 27), it is fireworks on the small screen.
A big clash is taking place as market leader Sun TV is premiering the Rajinikanth blockbuster Chandramukhi (2005), 42 months after its theatrical release.
The same day, almost same time arch rival Kalaignar TV is premiering Ajit’s Billa (2007), 10 months after its release!
It is battle royal on television, as Chandramukhi is an all time favourite family film and stars Rajinikanth, the superstar of Tamil cinema. It is sure to garner record TRP’s, though skeptics say the film has already been shown in Telugu on Gemini TV and in Hindi on ZEE TV. Meanwhile Jaya TV is showing Kamal Hassan’s Mumbai Xpress for Diwali
Ajit’s Billa is the actor’s most successful film in his career and was a super hit. It is comparatively fresh as the film had its theatrical release in December 2007. The young viewers at home will root for this stylish film, which also has the famous Nayanthara bikini act!
In a way it is Nayan versus Nayan on television, as she is the Chandramukhi heroine, while on Diwali big screen she will call the shots with Aegan!
