Vijay turns spy for Gautham Menon's Yohan

Vijay was seen in the role of milkman-turned-vigilante in recently released Velayudham. The actor, who has received a good response from the critics as well as audience, is gearing up to don yet another new avatar. The Gilli star, who signed Gautham Menon's Yohan: Adhyayam Ondru a few months ago, will be enacting the role of James Bond in the forthcoming Tamil movie.

According to sources, Yohan is inspired by James Bond films. Vijay will be performing the role of a spy, says a source. It is reported that the movie is a remake of French movie Largo Winch and the first look of the film gave a clear indication about the upcoming movie being a copy of the 2008 film. It is also said that the Tamil movie will be shot in New York and Chennai.

Gautham Menon directorial Yohan has AR Rahman's music and Manoj Paramahamsa's cinematography. The forthcoming Tamil movie will hit the floors in mid-2012.

Surya's 7th Sense gets massive response in AP

Despite getting mixed response in Tamil Nadu, Surya's 7th Sense, a dubbed version of Tamil movie 7aam Arivu, has got a massive response in Andhra Pradesh. The movie, which was released on October 26, has been well-accepted by the fans of Ghajini star.

According to trade reports, 7th Sense was released in 400 screens. In Nizam region alone, it hit with 150 plus screens that comprises 55 prints in Hyderabad. It is said that the actor and director AR Murgadoss' brand worked big time. The multilingual movie had 70-80 percent occupancy in most of the screens in metros. Especially, multiplexes were running into packed houses during weekends.

Trade analysts claim that as there were no big releases during Diwali, 7th Sense was able to encash on the long weekend. Though, Mahesh Babu's Dookudu and Junior NTR's Ooseravalli are still doing good business at the Box Office, Surya and Shruti Hassan starrer movie did not face any competition, as the above mentioned straight Telugu movies were released several weeks ago and most of the audience have already seen it, traders conclude.

Ra.One: Indian critics review

Shahrukh Khan-Kareena Kapoor's Ra.One has been running housefull with tickets being booked weeks in advance. There are also reports of fans whistling and dancing to the tunes of 'chammak challo' in theatres. The euphoria is amazing. However, if one were to go by the critics reviews, it is 'mixed'. Check out what critics from leading newspapers and channels have to say about Ra.One....

Times of India
Not only does director Anubhav Sinha take too long to arrive. Too much of screen-time is expended on vulgar jokes and tomfoolery. On the Indian superhero scale, G.One is certainly way ahead of its Krrish counterparts but still miles behind Robot. Nevertheless Ra.One qualifies for a 'one' time watch.

Bollywood Hungama
Ra.One is a solid entertainer, no two opinions on that. As for the business prospects, RA.ONE is sure to shatter all previous records and set new ones, in India as well as internationally. It has Blockbuster written all over it!

Rediff
Over bloated, lacking in human magic and exciting for just about one fourth of its more than two hours run, it crawls for the first 45 minutes, delivers over a dozen lame body jokes, and abounds in miserable stereotypes including Shah Rukh Khan's ungainly mannerisms as a Tamilian (in the first half).

NDTV
Ra.One delivers more than your money’s worth in terms of pure entertainment. It is impressively shot, technically good enough to pass muster and the hi-jinks drama has the pace to keep tedium at bay. What you see is passable, what you hear is enjoyable, but what you take away is insubstantial.

Oneindia
Ra.One might have been made on par with international films, but its soul is pure desi. Director Anubhav Sinha has chosen an interesting storyline and also managed to include several twists. The relationship between an Indian father and son and father's attempt to satisfy his son have been beautifully brought out on screen. The visual effects of Ra.One is another highlight of the film and the stunning chase, action scenes and the train sequence in the second half are sure to mesmerise the audience.

Tata Docomo chooses actor Vijay as their brand ambassador

Tata Docomo has chosen Tamil actor Vijay as their new brand ambassador for a period of 1 year. He would be endorsing the products and services of Tata DOCOMO in Tamil Nadu.

Tata Docomo has currently launched new Double talk time plan for CDMA prepaid customers and Full talk time plan for GSM prepaid customers for this festive season. Double talk time plan on CDMA would offer double talk time on select recharges on or above Rs 10 that include Rs 10/20/25/50/100/110/150/200 denominations.

Full talk time plan on GSM would offer full talk time on all recharges on or above Rs 10. New customers will have to recharge with Rs 41 wherein existing customers will have to recharge with Rs 39 to avail the Full talk time plan.

Surya's 7aam Arivu Tamil Movie

Surya likes to work with his trusted men. The actor often prefers experienced filmmakers to newcomers. Following the same trend, he signed AR Murugadoss’ film with whom he had worked with blockbuster Ghajini.

The moment the movie got the title, 7aam Arivu, speculations had started doing rounds that the movie was inspired by Christopher Nolan’s Inception but AR Murugadoss clarified that it was not the remake of the Hollywood film. Later, the proud director went on to say that Hollywood filmmaker can feel free to remake it and it has a original story.

The story of 7aam Arivu connects the link between Tamil Nadu and China. Specifically, Pallava king-turned-monk Bodhidharama, the transmitter of Zen. Though, the Chinese story lasts for only 20 minutes, it gives a link to the modern day story that paves way for scientific look at the past. Surya will be seen in the dual role of the monk and a circus artist. Shruti Hassan is doing the character of a young scientist. Famous Kannada actor Avinash is donning the role of Surya’s father in the forthcoming movie. Hollywood stuntman Johnny Tri Nyuyen, who had worked in popular movies like Spiderman, is performing the character of a baddie.

As part of preparation for his characters, Surya underwent a short martial arts training in Vietnam. The actor also learnt circus tricks like ball juggling, walking on the trapeze, etc. However, the mega-budget film is said to be made in world-class standard. Be it action sequences or cinematography, the movie has come out with good quality. As far as Harris Jayaraj’s music is concerned, it has attracted the mass and class audience.

7aam Arivu produced by Udhayanidhi Stalin is a science fiction, which is releasing tomorrow.

Malayalam film’s success to be celebrated in Dubai

The 100th day celebration of the superhit Malayalam film 'Salt N' Pepper' will be held here with a concert by Avial, a popular band from Kerala. Award-winning actress Shweta Menon and Baburaj, who star in the film, will join director Aashiq Abu and the Avial team for the musical evening.

Composer Bijibal, whose songs for 'Salt N' Pepper' are a hit in Kerala, will also perform at the event on Thursday, accompanied by Neha Nair, an upcoming singer who has a strong fan-following in the state. 'Salt N' Pepper', arguably the first "food movie" of Malayalam cinema, is a romantic comedy that also stars Lal, Asif Ali and Mythili. The film has been lapped up by the youth and family audience in Kerala, organizers of the event said. 'Salt N' Pepper' surprised traditional film pundits with its success and has set a new trend in the industry, opening doors to new experiments – once a trademark of Malayalam cinema.

Popular as Kerala's first global rock band, Avial performed for the closing credits of the movie with their song Anakallan. Avial takes its name from the eponymous south Indian dish – to highlight the mix of music flavours that the band brings – Malayalam folk with alternative rock. The event is being organised by WE TV Middle East, the youth channel in the bouquet of Malayalam Communications.

KJ Yesudas to receive lifetime achievement award

Singer KJ Yesudas will receive a lifetime achievement award in November, in honour of completing 50 years of his recording career.

Hibi Eden had earlier suggested that the government must make official the title ‘Ganagandharvan’ to honour Yesudas on the 50th anniversary of his recording career in November. Yesudas will complete 50 years of recording ‘Jaathi Bhedam Matha Dwesham’ in November. That is the first ever song sung by KJ Yesudas for the film Kaalpadukal. Hibi said in the assembly, “It was Mahakavi G Sankara Kurup who first called him ‘Ganagandharvan'."

However, Cultural Affairs Minister KC Joseph said that it is impossible to confer the title of Ganagandharvan on Yesudas as Article 18 of the Indian constitution that deals with Abolition of titles clearly says, “No title, not being a military or academic distinction, shall be conferred by the state.”

KC Joseph said that though the State Government functions under certain limitations, it will confer a lifetime achievement award on Yesudas.

Veena Malik adopts seven year old girl Payal Kamble

Actress Veena Malik was on cloud nine as she has become a sponsor mother of Payal Kamble who is seven years old and she is from Saahara Charitable Society. The event was organised at Peninsula Grand Hotel in Andheri East.Satish Shetty always be a good host for social event.

Veena Malik told media that she is very happy today as she has done something great. She has also adopted kids in Pakistan also. Veena Malik played with kids with sweets and crackers. She changed two costume for the event. She told media that this is the first Diwali event in India and she is lighting the fire cracker for the first time in her life.

Bachchan awarded honorary doctorate by Australian University

Bollywood megastar Amitabh Bachchan was Thursday awarded an honorary doctorate by the Queensland University of Technology (QUT), Australia.

"I am truly overwhelmed and immensely pleased to be the recipient of such a distinction," 69-year-old Bachchan said after receiving his fourth doctorate for his contribution to the world of entertainment.

"The recognition of my contribution to Indian cinema and its effort to reach out to an international community fills me with intense pride and humility - pride for being able to be a link between Australian and Indian professionals of the film and creative industries and humility for a chance to be the medium in doing so.

May this help strengthen the existing bonds between our two countries," he said.

This is the fourth doctorate awarded to the actor. He was earlier conferred upon by the De Montfort Univ, Leicester UK, Jhansi University and the Delhi University.

The actor had two years back turned down the honorary doctorate from QUT as a mark of protest against racial attacks on Indian students. Australia's High Commissioner to India Peter Varghese congratulated the Bollywood superstar on his honorary Australian doctorate.

"I congratulate Bachchan on his honorary doctorate from QUT, an important academic institution in my home city of Brisbane. Bachchan has made an inestimable contribution to global cinema and this prestigious award is a marker of the impact of his films in Australia," he said.

"The rise of Bollywood in Australia reflects the phenomenal growth that is taking place across the spectrum of the Australia-India relationship, from booming trade and investment to education links and two-way tourism," Varghese said.

"I want to thank Bachchan for his enormous contribution to global cinema. In accepting this award he will encourage the important cultural conversation between India and Australia," Varghese said in a statement.

The Queensland University of Technology conferred the award during a ceremony at Old Government House in Brisbane this morning.

The legendary actor, who has just finished shooting for his first Hollywood film 'The Great Gatsby', travelled from Sydney to accept the honour.

The prolific actor is playing a shady businessman Meyer Wolfsheim alongside Leonardo DiCaprio in the adaptation of F Scott Fitzgerald's classic tale of the jazz age.

Friday, the actor will launch an international travel bursary at QUT in the name of his late father Dr Harivansh Rai Bachchan, a leading Indian poet of the 20th century and the second Indian to receive a doctorate in English literature from Cambridge University.

Rajinikanth offers Thulabaram at Tirumala

Superstar Rajinikanth along with his family members and Telugu actor Mohan Babu visited Tirumala yesterday. The Endhiran star, who is an ardent devotee of the Lord Venkateshwara, offered prayers at the temple.

The actor in his thanksgiving visit offered Thulabaram - the ritual conducted by devotees by weighing against their offerings and gifting the same to the temple – against sugar, which came around 75 kilos.. Later, the received holy water and prasadam from the chief priest. He spent 30 minutes at the world famous temple, say sources.

Rajini, who fell ill last May, had vowed to visit the hill shrine once he gets recovered from the ailments he suffered. As the superstar's health is fine now, he visited to thank the Lord Venkateshwara. His wife Latha Rajinikanth, daughters, Aishwarya and Soundarya along with their hubbies Dhanush and Ashwin accompanied him.

Malayalam makes it big at IFFI

Seven Malayalam films have made it to the Indian Panorama section of this year's International Film Festival of India (IFFI 2011).

The chosen films include Urumi, Adaminte Makan Abu, Bombay March 12, Chappa Kurissu, Karmayogi, Melvilasam and Traffic. It being the National Award winner, Adamintae Makan Abu made a direct entry to the panorama, while other films were selected by the jury headed by Sai Paranjpai.

Urumi will be the opening film of the Panorama section, which will screen a total of twenty three films.

Mohanlal signs a pact with UTV

Mohanlal has apparently signed up with UTV Motion Pictures, one of India’s leading production houses to do a film in Malayalam.

The film, written and directed by B Unnikrishnan is a crime thriller and will have Mohanlal essay the role of a cop in the film. Mohanlal will start shooting for the film after he finishes shooting for Casanova by the end of November in Kochi.

The actor has reportedly signed UTV films at a whooping price and has already given dates to the director for the film. The yet untitled film is likely to have three heroines.

Meanwhile, Mohanlal is riding high with the box office hit of his recent film Snehaveedu.

'Dabangg 2' to release Dec 2012: Arbaaz

"Dabangg 2", the sequel to the 2010 blockbuster "Dabangg", will release in December 2012, actor-producer Arbaaz Khan revealed Monday.

"'Dabangg 2' starts March 2012 and releases on 21 Dec 2012!!!" Arbaaz, who turned producer with the first instalment last year, posted on micro-blogging site Twitter.

Arbaaz had last month confirmed that the first draft of the script was ready. They were just waiting for actor Salman Khan's dates.

Perhaps the schedule dates have been locked now for the film, which will once again see Sonakshi Sinha and Sonu Sood.

Hopes are high from the sequel to "Dabangg", which had earned Rs.145 crore.

Arbaaz, whose wife Malaika had grooved to the chartbuster "Munni badnaam hui" in the film, had admitted earlier that he was nervous about the sequel.

"There is a little nervousness for sure as the expectations are high but we would definitely be presenting something good and interesting," he had said.

The Three Musketeers - action precedes story

"The Three Musketeers"; Cast: Logan Lerman, Matthew Macfadyen, Ray Stevenson, Milla Jovovich; Director: Paul. W.S. Anderson; Rating: ***

What would you want from a film made on a story that is ripe with action? Obviously, more action and perhaps wit. In those departments the 3D musketeers don't disappoint. But if you thought that action is not just what happens on screen, but also the political intrigue that goes on, this one disappoints, despite the story being rife with it.

Once the stars of France, the musketeers have all been disbanded. Three of them, Arthos, Porthos and Aramis, however, forget that courage and bravery is no longer in fashion.

Joined by a foolish and hot-headed aspiring musketeer, D'Artagnan, they must go on one last mission, to save France from a conspiring cardinal who wants to engulf Europe in war.

To be fair with the film, if you are the action type, the film has plenty of action going on screen to keep you engaged through its duration. The 3D handles seamlessly and swordplay and the physicality of the characters are scintillating to say the least. Yet, where the film lets down is in the story.

Yes, we all know the story. But the point is not of re-doing the same story in new technology, or of putting in science fiction to an old story. It is also about re-doing the story in a new form and shape enough to attract even those who like deeper political intrigue and conspiracy.

In that sense, the character of the cardinal has been very grossly underdone. He almost looks like a funny clownish character, rather than the dreadful man who can push the continent into war and chaos. Instead of the cardinal, it is the character of Milady, mixed with ruthlessness and vulnerability, played by Milla Jovovich who manages to strike a little terror not just in the heart of the musketeers, but also the audience.

Yet, in the first one hour, the film has enough wit to keep the pace going and not let you notice what is wrong with it. The dialogue writing is crisp and sharp, the editing precise and the conceptualization of the fight scenes immaculate. It will remind you of the first of the "Pirates of the Caribbean" series.

Director Paul. W.S. Anderson, known so far only for his sci-fi films, puts his special effects expertise to good use. So much so that he is actually better here than his sci-fi action films like "Resident Evil" and "AVP".

If you like only action in a film, this is your film. If, however, you demand action and more, you'll be disappointed.

Adaminte Makan Abu lack funds for Oscar promotion

Malayalam movie Adaminte Makan Abu, produced and directed by Salim Ahmed has been chosen as India's official entry to the Oscars in the foreign language category. However, director Salim Ahmed is unable to raise Rs 2 crore that is required for the promotion of the film in the US for the Oscar jury.

Back in India, Adaminte Makan Abu has won four national awards - best film, actor, photography and background music. Speaking about promoting Adaminte Makan Abu, Salim Ahmed said that before the Oscar nomination, they would have to arrange a minimum of six screenings for the jury members.
The print of Adaminte Makan Abu has already landed in the US and Ahmed has so far aced rejection from every quarter that he turned to for help.

Salim Ahmed has faced rejection from the the state cultural affairs ministry and the Malayalam film industry which only recognise superstars Mammootty and Mohanlal.

The Adaminte Makan Abu director has now turned to Bollywood star Aamir Khan for help. “I hope I can convince him about the problems low-budget film makers face in promoting movies,” Ahmed said.

Adaminte Makan Abu is Salim Ahmed debutant movie as a director. Ahmed is a small time videographer at a remote village in Kannur district of Kerala.

Dileep shaves off his moustache for Vellaripravinte Changathi

Popular actor Dileep has apparently shaved off his moustache for his forthcoming film Vellaripravinte Changathi. In the the film, Dileep will have a thin pencil line as moustache, similar to Prem Nazir's looks way back in the 1970's.

The shooting for the second schedule of Vellaripravinte Changathi has begun in Pollachi. The film is being directed by Akku Akbar.

Vellaripravinte Changathi, produced by Chandvi Creations, is based on the story of filmmaker Augustine Joseph who was in the process of making a Malayalam film in the 1970’s. However, due to some reasons, the film did not make it to the screen. His son later revives the movie and get it released during Christmas in 2011. The 1970's was a period dominated by Prem Nazir, Sathyan, Sheela and others.

Dileep will essay the role of Prem Nazir in Vellaripravinte Changathi. Kavya Madhavan will play the female lead in the film.

Veteran actor Sathyan's role will be played by Manoj K Jayan. Indrajith, Vijayaraghavan, Sai Kumar amongst others form the rest of the star cast in Vellaripravinte Changathi.

The script for Vellaripravinte Changathi is written by GS Anil and lyrics are by Vayalar Saratchandra Varma. The music for the film has been scored by Mohan Sithara.

Asin saves a stray dog

Asin Thottumkal apparently saved a stray dog on her way to the Chennai airport. The actress, after completing shooting for a commercial in Chennai had to take a flight back to Mumbai and was on her way to Chennai airport when a car ahead of her hit a stray dog on the highway and sped off.

Asin was reportedly moved when she heard the dog yelping in pain and requested her driver to stop the car. The car had run over the leg of the dog. As per a source, Asin was unwilling to leave the dog bleed to death. The actress was fortunately early to the airport and had plenty of time in hand. Asin Thottumkal then took the dog to a vet, got it’s leg bandaged and left the dog in the care of the driver who promised to take care of it until the dog was fine.

Well, Asin has proved that she is not only smart and attractive, but also has a heart of gold. Well done Asin!

Kerala gets its first 3D animation movie

Following the footsteps of Hollywood and Bollywood, the Malayalam film industry is all set to launch its first stereoscopic 3D animation film. A group of ten enthusiasts hailing from Kozhikode district is busy making the film.

The film has been titled 'Circus Kaduva' which has been directed by Razak Vazhiyoram. "We have made several animation and other 3D films in Malayalam but the upcoming project is the first-of-its-kind venture in the state," he said.

While speaking to the animation director of the film, he said, "It is a slow process. We have been engaged in the project for the past one year and the cost of the project and the difficulty to get the glasses have once made us to abort the project. But now we are quite confident and are making steady progress."

The film is specially meant for children and is produced under the banner of Carrot Creations.

Shahrukh Khan's Kerala fans launches website for him

Bollywood Baadshah Shahrukh Khan might be disappointed with his heroines and directors since he feels that he has been driving his film Ra.One single-handedly, but Shahrukh you would feel happy and lucky as a celebrity to know the fact that your loyal Kerala fans have decided to launch a website (www.srkfanskerala.com) dedicated to you.

The promos of the web portal and its logo was released jointly by acclaimed film art director Sabu Cyril and Santhakumaran Nair, father of Indian cricketer S Sreesanth at a function held on Monday.

In fact, Shahrukh himself would launch the site in Mumbai in November, said Mujeeb Rahman, State president of SRK Fans Centre Kerala. The promo of the web portal will be screened at theatres in the State and in Chennai showing Ra.One.

S. Janaki receives first M.S. Baburaj award

Renowned playback singer S. Janaki received the first M.S Baburaj foundation award for her outstanding contribution to the Malayalam music industry. Director Kamal presented the award in a function organised at Kodugallur police station ground.


The award of one lakh rupees along with a momento was conferred to S. Janaki at an event organised in remembrance of music composer Baburaj.


Paying tribute to the legendary music composer, S. Janaki sang the first line of `Deva...Deva ..'. The music of the song was composed by M.S. Baburaj and lyrics was penned by the late P. Bhaskaran.


The event, inaugurated by minister K.B. Ganesh Kumar was presided over by T.N. Prathapan. Ravi Menon, critic and journalist delivered the memorial speech. The event was followed by a music concert.

Super Hit Team together in VENICILE VYAPARI

The Film that unites one of the best Commercial Film Directors of Malayalam with one of the Best Writers in Malayalam expected to get released on 4th Nov. This is Shafi's Fourth Mammootty Film after blockbusters Thommanum Makkalum,Mayavi and Chattambinadu. This is the fourth Film for scenarist James Albert after Classmates,Cycle and Ividam Swargamanu. The super trio have finished filming the movie last week......

Rajini is stylish: Dhanush

Dhanush on Tuesday sought to deny a media report that claimed that Superstar Rajinikanth who was recently discharged from a hospital in Singapore looks very skinny. "He is as stylish as ever", he said.

"The news on a Tamil daily which says the Superstar has lost weight and all is absolutely made up and false. He looks as stylish as ever", said the son-in-law of Rajinikanth on his micro-blogging page, clearing the air.

The actor has also confirmed that he would act in a film to be directed by his wife Aishwarya. Dhanush's last release was 'Mappillai' although post the National Award ceremony, expectations from a Dhanush film has become multi-fold.

It was only a week ago Dhanush clarified that Rajinikanth is fit and fine and he is taking complete rest in Singapore. "The Superstar is completely alright and he will be back in Chennai in a month", the actor told reporters.

SRK to grace 'Ra.One' audio launch on October 10

Just a few hours back we had reported that SRK will be paying a visit to Superstar Rajinikanth in Chennai when he comes down for the IPL matches, now the latest is the King Khan will unveil the audio and the trailer of the film on October 10 in here!

The film jointly presented by Eros International and Red Chillies Entertainment will see its audio and trailer launch at Sathyam Cinemas. The event is said to take place at a grand scale and SRK's fans in here are enthralled about the same.

SRK's 'Ra.One' that is gearing up for a release in a couple of weeks will see Shahrukh play a superhero, G.One, whereas the team has remained tight-lipped throughout about their villain Ra.One, played by Arjun Rampal. 'Ra.One' has constantly made headlines due to the marketing guru's innovative strategies.