Dhanush teams with K.S.Ravikumar   Dhanush who scored a hat-trick at the box-office has been signed by Pyramid Natrajan , for a film with a peculiar title Odipolama, which was launched recently. The most happening star is teaming up with the winning director K.S.Ravikumar for the first time. The heroine is yet to be figured out. Harris Jayaraj scores the music. AVM Saravanan, Kamal Hassan, Thenappan, K.Muralidharan, director Vikraman, S.Pmuthuraman, Sanghavi and Shruthika were among the celebrities who attended the pooja.

Jeevas Ram launched   After a gap of one year Amir who gave the blockbuster Mounam Pesiyadhe, launched his second film Ram yesterday at the mini Udhyam theatre. Jeeva, who played soft romantic roles so far for the first time is projected as an action hero. Heroine is yet to be finalized. Rahman comes in an important role. Yuvan Shankar Raja scores the music. The film is produced under Team Work Productions. The muhurut was attended by Vikram, Bharathy Raja, Shivakumar, Vijaykumar, Rahman, Ramesh Khanna, producer K.Muralidharan, R.B.Choudry, Chithra Lakshmanan, director Rajkapoor, Yuvan etc. Earlier the trailer of the film was projected for the media.

Srikanths Jhoot is ready   For the first time Srikanth acts as an action hero in Jhoot. "In todays scenario only youth are coming to theaters to watch films. So to capture their attention we kept this title Jhoot which is a commonly used slang among youth," says Azhagam perumal who earlier gave the successful film Dum Dum. Meera Jasmine is a law student in the film. There is fight scene similar to that of Vijayashanthis for Meera. I was given a special gym master and I took rigorous sessions for a macho look, explains Srikanth. Vivek offers comedy.

Vindhiya as sex siren   Vindhiya was introduced as a homely girl in Suresh Krishnas Sangamam. Though the film got rave reviews for A.R.Rahmans music, it did not give the right break for Vindhiya. The film also flopped at the box office. She was rated as a jinxed actress. She moved out to small screen and did the mega serial Shruthi. After a brief sabbatical she is back with a bang in Bharathy Kannans Vayasu Pasanga, a film about growing up of adolescents. She acts as the dream girl of the three adolescent boys who romanticize about her. One can imagine the kind of costumes that is offered to her. She comes in a swimsuit and sprains her back and the three boys played by Anush, Jai Arvind and Manikandan massages her body. I dont mind wearing revealing clothes or even to a lip kiss scene, says Vindhiya. Abhinayashree and Radhika Chowdry are also in the cast to provide additional oomph.

Priyanka Trivedi to marry Upendra   Priyanka who has acted in Tamil films Kadhak Sadugudu, Ice and has Jananam opposite Arun which is on the floors is tying knot with the Kannada superstar Upendra on Sunday(14.12.2003) in Kolkotta at Oberoi Hotel. Upendra's parents, close relatives and friends have left for Kolkatta. The romance blossomed during the shooting of H20 in which Priyanka was the heroine of Upendra and Prabhudeva. It was made in Kannada and Tamil. Her notable films are Vishnuvardhana?s Kotigobba and have Rowdy Aliya opposite Shivrajkumar and Malla opposite Ravichandran ready for release.

Bhanumathy first choice for Dada Saheb Phalke?   A controversy is brewing in the film circles over the announcement of Dev Anand as the recipient of the prestigious Dada Saheb Phalke award for the year 2003. The Film Federation of India (FFI) which chooses the names of the likely recipients of the award had chosen Dr.Bhanumathy Ramakrishna, popular actress, singer, director and Padmashree award winner. The actress even held a press conference and speaking to the press about this, she said I am very happy. I consider it as a recognition for my contribution to the Indian Film Industry,The award was decided by the Film Federation of India in a meeting conducted on November 14 in Hyderabad was clarified by S.S.Jain, the spokesperson who told the press. The sudden volte-face and overlooking Dr Bhanumathy has led to a controversy. The South lobby in FFI feels that the Punjabi lobbies in Mumbai prevailed upon the Union ministry to choose Dev Anand. Yet another version is that the veteran actress acted in haste by announcing to the press much before the Union ministry press note came and this irked the ministry who felt that it was putting pressure on them to accept the FFI nominee. The FFI nominee list is only a formality and not legally binding on the ministry. Dr Bhanumathy had criticized the selection process when Dr Sivaji Ganesan was selected since she felt that as a senior person it should have come to her.

Sravanti Ravi Kishore buys Thirumalai rights   Sravanthi Ravi Kishore has bought the remake rights of Tamil's blockbuster Thirumalai starring Vijay and Jyotika. Debutant director Ramana directed this film. Other details are awaited.

Jothika opposite Simbu    Jothika for the first time is teaming up with Silambarasan in a new film titled Manmadhan. Apart from doing the lead role, Simbu is trying his hands in writing too. Yes he is penning the story and screenplay of this film. A.J.Muruhan, an assistant to directors P.Vasu and Rajakumaran debuts as director. Seasoned writer Balakumaran writes the dialogues. S.R.Krishnakanth of Indian Theatre Production, who created a stir with his first production Thiruda Thirudi, is the producer. Yuvan Shankar Raja scores the music.

Kamal wishes Dev Anand   Actor Kamal Hassan has congratulated Hindi star Dev Anand who has been chosen for the Dada Saheb Phalke Award, 2002. President A.P.J. Abdul Kalam will honor Dev Anand with the award which includes the Swarn Kamal (Golden Lotus), a shawl and carries an amount of Rs. 2 lakhs. The award function will be held in New Delhi on the 29th of December. While speaking about the award, Kamal Hassan said that he is very close, and an intense fan of Dev Anand. He further thanked the central government for having given the award to such a great actor, whom he compared as one of the three lions in the Hindi cinema between 1950 and 1970, he named Raj Kapoor and Dilip Kumar as the other two.

Kalabhavan Mani's Tamil songs released   When audio releases are publicised in a big way the audio cassettes of actor Kalabhavan Mani's Tamil songs were released without any fanfare. The actor who is famous for his rendering of Malayalam folk songs has this time taken to singing Ayyappa devotional songs in Tamil. Kalabhavan Basheer produces the cassette and Sidhharth - Vijay composes the music. The producers say that the cassettes are doing well.

Dada Saheb Phalke award for Dev Anand   Evergreen actor Dev Anand has been chosen for the prestigious Dada Saheb Phalke Award, 2002 for his achievements in cinema. The star who is the 34th recipient of the award will be honoured by the president Abdul Kalam on the 29th of this month in a star studded function. Few of his prominent movies which made him an Evergreen star include Hare Rama Hare Krishna, Ziddi, Paying Guest, Gambler, Kala Pani, Johnny Mera Naam, Solva Saal, Guide, etc.

Virumaandi audio released   The audio cassette of Virumaandi was released by film producer M Saravanan while ace director K.Balachander received it at a star studded glittery function at the Campa Cola grounds yesterday where the sets of Virumaandi still remain as show pieces. Who is who from the film industry were present to witness the function, which was also crowded by thousands of Kamals fan followers. While speaking on the occasion AVM Saravanan positioned Kamal in the same leagues as directors such as Raj Kapoor and Guru Dutt, his mentor K.Balachandar went one step ahead and said, Kamal is an actor beyond comparison. However, Kamal should keep his passion in check. He is so over-enthusiastic that he dumps whatever he knows in one film. This often leads him into problems. He must have a confidant aide who would advice him in all his endeavours. He also added Kamal should be thankful to those who created the controversy in name. But for them we would not have got such a wonderful title Virumaandi. Clippings and three songs from Virumaandi were screened along with short intro of the artistes who acted in the film. Maestro Illyaraja has proved once again that he is unshakable. The songs shot against rustic backdrops and locales had incredible colorful visuals. Sure Virumaandi will go places.

High Court orders to pay 11 lakhs to Mumtaz    Mumtaz filed a petition two years back against three cinema magazines namely New cinetimes, Cine Love and Roja in a defamation case. The case came for hearing today in front of justice S.R.Ramalingam who after hearing Mumtazs testimony gave the verdict that the above said three magazines should pay a compensation of Rs11 lakhs to Mumtaz. Earlier in her petition Mumtaz has said that these magazines wrote derogatory stories about her alleged lesbian relationship, which has put her in to lot of mental stress and strain and hence a compensation was demanded

Sandiyar becomes Virumaandi   Kamal hassan has finally named his controversial film as Virumaandi, the audio of which is being released today (8th, Dec.) evening at a grand function. The controversy-began last May when the film was titled Sandiyar. The movies plot evidently based on Dalits and Devar community elicited sharp criticism and protests from Pudhiya Tamizhagam party President Dr. Krishnaswamy on the ground that the title had casteist implications. Now Krishnaswamy had welcomed the new title Virumaandi

Sathyaraj teams up with Napolean   After a long gap Sathyaraj joins hands with Napolean for a film titled Adithadi. Sathyaraj has taken up a role that is completely different from his earlier films. Now that Virumandi with Kamal is complete Napolean has signed for this film in an equally important role as Sathyaraj. Abbas is roped in to infuse youth. He has Rathi for company

Kutty Radhika in demand   Kutty Radhika captivated the audience with her brilliant performance in the Kannada film Thavarige Ba Thangi, which was a box-office hit. Impressed by her talents director Jananadhan insisted that she was the right choice for their Shaam starrer Iyarkai. Now that the film is released Jananadhan has proved right. Radhika is receiving rave reviews for her acting in Iyarkai and she is flooded with good offers. I dont want to accept whatever that comes on my way. I want to do only good roles says the young heroine.

Alex to create World Record   Everyone knows Alex is a character artiste. Very few knew that he is a magician too. He learnt the skill from various magicians and has conducted several magic shows all over Tamilnadu. Although he does stage programmes, he doesnt put his craft for commercial purposes. Most of the time he does the magic shows in aid of charity. Now he has decided to go on board in creating a world record and enter the Guinness Book of World Records. He will be conducting a 24 hours non-stop mega magic show on December13th at LKS Mahal, Trichirapalli, Tamilnadu. As per the stipulations of the Guinness panel, the District Collector, Mayor, Judicial Magistrate, and other top Police and Revenue officials will be the witness to the accomplishment. This time too the proceeds of the show will go for the building fund of Indian Magic Hobby Associations Tamilnadu office.

Actor Saravanan enters wedlock   Saravanan who has acted in films like Vaithaegi Vanthachu, Mamiyaar Veedu, Pondati Rajiyam and directed the recent film Thaayumanavan married Suryashri from Rajamundry. Saravanan was engaged to her three years back. The wedding took place at Tirupathi today morning, which was attended only by close relatives.

Changing Titles   Balu Mahendra is directing a film with Dhanush in the lead. It was earlier titled Adhu Oru Kanaa Kaalam. Now the film's title has been changed to Unakkae Uyiranaen. Vijaykanths own production, a remake of Chronic Bachelors was earlier titled Brahmachari, now altered to Engal Anna. Director Ravikumar wanted to keep Adhipathi for his latest Madhavan venture, but finally changed to Aethirree.

Kamal announces name on 8th    Kamal Hassan will announce the title of his new film on the 8th of this month at its audio release function. The function is to be held at the Campa-Cola grounds in Guindy. Earlier Kamal started his film with the title as Sandiyar, which created a controversy with Dr.Krishnaswamy of Pudhiya Tamilagam, who wanted him to change the title. Following the disruption of shooting at Theni he shifted his location to CampaCola grounds at Chennai.This forced Kamal to meet the Chief Minister Jayalalithaa and he agreed to change the title. A huge stage has been specially designed and erected for this purpose at the grounds where 8000 people are expected to attend the audio function.

Foreign Stuntmen in Jai    Stuntmen from different parts of the world have been roped in to work for Prashanths upcoming action movie Jai which is his home production. Among the stuntmen are, Williams, James, Kumaresh and Teenreski who have come from Holland, Australia, Malaysia and Nigeria respectively. They are staying at Chennai for the last one-month. It has costed us more. But it is a main requirement for the film, says Prashanth. Thiyagarajan makes a comeback after 12 years. He enacts Prashanths father in reel life also. Bhanupriya is paired with him.

Kangalal Kaidhu Sei audio launched   The audio of Bharathiraja's Kangalal Kaidhu Sei was released yesterday at sathyam cinemas. A.R.Rahman has given foot-tapping numbers and three of the songs were screened for the select gathering. All the three were shot at the eye-catchy, cool and lush locales of Switzerland and Srilanka. While director Shankar released the first cassette, Padmashree Kamalhassan received it. Directors Vikraman, Ravikumar, S.A.Chandrasekar, Kasthuriraja, A.V.M.Saravanan, Ibrahim Rowuthar, Editor Mohan and writer Sujatha spoke on the occasion. A.R.Rahman was conspicuous by his absence. Later it was said he had been for a show abroad. The debutant lead pair Vaseegaran and Priya Mani was also present. Produced by Lakshmi Movie Makers "KKS" is ready for release.

Will Kovil save Simbhu?   With Alai flopped miserably at the box-office, Simbhu is greatly depending on his forthcoming film Kovil where he is teaming up with director Hari of Saamy fame. Simbhu is projected as an action hero. There are six different fights in the film. This film is out and out directors film. I have just done whatever he has said, explains Simbhu. He has Sonia Agarwal for company. A.M.Rathnams Surya Movies produces the film. Simbhu has sung a song in Harris Jayarajs music. Hari plans to complete the film in 56 days and release it for Pongal.

Simran ties knot with Deepak   Simran ties nuptial knot tonight, the 2nd of December with Deepak Bhaga in a traditional manner at Tharina Mahal, near her residence at Andheri (West), Bombay. The wedding ceremony starts with the procession of the bride and the groom from Simrans place. Earlier in the evening, the bride and the groom will be taken in an open car procession to the wedding hall. After the wedding, the Doli Ceremony will take place tomorrow early morning, where Simran will be carried in the Palanquin to the grooms residence.post your wishes

Maddy back to action    Madhavan joins hands with the most successful commercial director K.S.Ravikumar for the first time in the film Aethirree. The muhurut of the film was held recently at Prasads. Madhavan's performance was well received in the recent films like Jay Jay and Priyamana Thozhi. Run established him as an action hero. Once again he is taking to action. The film will have all the commercial elements mixed in proper proportion , says Ravikumar. Sada of Jeyam fame is teamed up with Maddy. Damini Enterprises who earlier gave Alai is producing this film.

Surumi Mammooty to wed   Surumi, Mammootys daughter is to get married the 22nd of December. The ceremony begins on the 21st and ends on the 22nd. Dr Rehan the groom belongs to the royal Arcot Nawab family. The family is settled in the US. Surumi had just returned from London after higher studies in Arts. She studied her graduation in Fine arts at Stella Maris in Chennai. Mammooty has temporarily shifted his residence to Kochi where the wedding will be held. The groom and his family would arrive from Chennai on the 21st for the Mehandi ceremony. The actual wedding is going to take place on the 22nd. A guest list of 2500 consisting only of family members and close friends are going to be invited for the wedding. The bride herself designs the invitation.

Dhanush in Balumahendra film    Cinematographer-director Balumahendra is not a person who churns out films every year but waits until he gets a good subject. After his much acclaimed thriller Julie Ganapathy, he is coming out with Adhu Oru Kanaa Kaalam, a romantic film with Dhanush in the lead. A new face from Mollywood is debuting as heroine. Ramya Krishnan who has become a lucky mascot for Balu is also roped in for an important role. The film deals with love which is narrated in a lighter vein claims the director.

Meeras hopes   After the disaster of Anjaneya Meera Jasmine has become doubly careful in selecting her roles. Neither the role was an exciting one nor was she striking. Her current film Joot with Srikanth is fast progressing and the petite actress says she has a very demanding role in the film. In fact there are certain action scenes which I have done even without a dupe, exclaims Meera. Hope Joot gives her a new lease of life!

Surya in dual role    The hot pair of Kakkha Kakkha, Surya and Jothika is teaming up once again in AVM banner. After Priyamana Thozhi, AVM has started their next project, which is a remake of Malayalam blockbuster Kunju Konan directed by Sasi Shankar. For the first time Surya plays a dual role. Jo is paired with one of Suryas. Sasi will be directing this film too. Rathnavelu cranks the camera. Incidentally this untitled film is the 166th film of AVMs. The shooting commences during the second week of December and is getting released in May 2004.

Illayaraja music backbone of Konji Pesalaam   Konji Pesalaam audio was launched recently among well-attended celebrities. While industrialist Dhanapalan released the first cassette, Coimbatore distributor Ravichandran received the same. Illayaraja scores music. One melodious song shot on heroine Shree was projected. Gariali- IAS, Journalist Sudhangan, actress Shree, actors Vamsee, Mukesh, Avinash, producer Stanley Rajan, director Kaleeswaran spoke on the occasion. The director said, since the film has a musical subject our first choice was Illayaraja sir and he has given amazing songs . Among the new faces Shree and Vamsee appear promising. Rajkiran plays an important role. The film is ready for release.