Entertainmentcinemascricket

Aashiq Abu confirms his romance with Rima

2013-04-15T14:23:00.004+05:30

Just a few days back, there were reports suggesting that hotshot director Aashiq Abu got married to actress Rima Kallingal ina hush hush manner. Aashiq was quick to deny the news.

But in his latest Facebook post, Aashiq acknowledges the fact that they are indeed in love.

“The hoax about my marriage with Rima was quite entertaining but totally untrue. We love each other and will definitely let the world know when we go for a wed lock.”

Rima, whose acting credentials were seriously in doubt, came up with a stellar performance in 22 Female Kottayam, which incidentally was directed by Aashiq. The two fell in love during the shooting, as per certain rumours.

Time to leave them alone, right? We wish the couple all happiness!

2 States team to start shoot at IIM-A

2013-04-15T14:19:00.002+05:30

Author Chetan Bhagat, who has written the screenplay for the upcoming movie "2 States", is excited as the film's next shooting destination is IIM-Ahmedabad, of which he is an alumnus.

"'2 States' - the film, starts shooting its next schedule in IIM Ahmedabad tomorrow (Monday). Real location. Real excitement," Bhagat tweeted Sunday.

The film is based on his 2009 novel "2 States: The Story of My Marriage".

Recently, he wrote the screenplay for Abhishek Kapoor's "Kai Po Che!", an adaptation of his book "The 3 Mistakes Of My Life".

Earlier, his bestsellers "One Night@The Call Centre" and "Five Point Someone" were made into movies "Hello" (2008) and "3 Idiots" (2009), respectively.

The film "2 States" is a romantic story of a Punjabi boy who falls in love with a Tamil girl, and the ensuing cultural clash between them and their families.

Directed by Abhishek Verman, "2 States" is being co-produced by Sajid Nadiadwala, Karan Johar, Gauri Khan and Shah Rukh Khan.

The movie stars Arjun Kapoor and Alia Bhatt in the lead roles.

Harshika patches up with Ale team

2013-04-15T14:17:00.000+05:30

Upcoming actress Harshika Poonachcha, who was at loggerheads with the makers of her next film Ale, has apparently patched up with the producer and director. Harshika was upset with the fact that the posters of Ale gave prominence of Aviva Bidapa, daughter of fashion guru Prasad Bidapa. Aviva is making her debut in Sandalwood through Ale in a cameo role.

Since then, Harshika had disassociated with the makers of Ale and stayed away from the movie’s promotion. Recently, the makers of Ale issued a clarification stating that Harshika was the sole female lead of the movie and that Aviva was performing only a ‘guest’ role.

Subsequently, Harshika joined the Ale team to resume promotion. Incidentally, the movie was on the backburner following the controversy.

This is not the first time that heroines are making an issue out of promotion. This has become common for several films and the Karnataka Film Chambers of Commerce, the apex body of the film industry in Karnataka, invariably intervenes. However, this time, the producers decided to bury the hatchet by issuing a public statement, which was more or less to a public apology.

Harshika is steadily climbing the ladder in Sandalwood and she seemed naturally upset when a debutante was gaining preference in the movie posters and promos. Aviva, who has been at the receiving ends, however, has chosen to remain tight lipped. After Ale, she has not been seen in any other Kannada film project.

Srikanth takes SRK's title!

2013-04-15T14:08:00.000+05:30

Srikanth has taken Shah Rukh Khan’s Hindi film title Om Shanti Om* for his Tamil film directed by Surya Prabhakar a former associate of director Rajesh.*

The Tamil Om Shanti Om* is said to be an all out comedy set in Trichy and Thanjavur. It has Neelam who has done a few Telugu films as heroine.*

Srikanth who last film Paagan was an average grosser says : “ Actually it was director Rajesh who introduced me to Surya Prakash and told me about this script, which is a comedy film based on family values and has a nice message.”

PB Sreenivas passes away

2013-04-15T14:01:00.004+05:30

Legendary singer PB Sreenivas (82) passed away on Sunday (April 14), Tamil Puthandu day at his home in CIT Colony, Saidapet in Chennai. He was ailing for some time and suffered a heart attack.

In a career spanning over 50 years beginning in 1952 he has recorded over 2000 songs in 12 languages including Tamil, Telugu, Hindi, Kannada and Malayalam. He specialised in melody and pathos numbers

PBS as he was known was the ‘voice ‘of Gemini Ganesan in the 60’s and Kannada superstar Rajkumar. He has also recorded for hundreds of devotional albums. Recently, he sang for Aayirathil Oruvan and 7G Rainbow Colony.

Tamil Nadu Chief Minister Jayalalithaa said: “PBS can also mean Playback Singer. His death is an irreparable personal loss to me and to the film world as a whole.”

Venkat Prabhu's innovative ad for 'Saraswathi Sabadam'

2013-04-15T14:00:00.000+05:30

Director Venkat Prabhu has come out with an innovative ad for his friend, director K Chandru and actor Jai’s new film Saraswati Sabadam.

It is a creative and interesting ad which shows the influence of social media, and how today’s youth thinks the answer lies in Googling!!! In fact one of the ads has a question typed on Google page – Please google show me 'where is God'!!

Saraswathi Sabadam seems to be a comedy riot by the look of the ad, which also says it has “Jai, VTV Ganesh, Sathyan, Rajkumar and 197 others.”

The film is produced by AGS Entertainments

Aishwarya Dhanush back with her next film!

2013-04-15T13:56:00.002+05:30

Tamil Puthandu (April 14) day saw atleast half a dozen film announcements with relevent ads in leading dailies.

The most intriguing of the lot is Aishwarya Dhanush directed Vai Raja Vai for producers AGS Entertainment.

The ad had no pictures of the lead cast, just a conventional old telephone, against the back drop of some newspaper cuttings. You can’t make out really the genre of the film, though suspiciously it looks like its on cricket betting and gambling?

The ad says music director is Yuvan Shankar Raja, camera Velraj and editing Kola Bhaskar. The film is produced by AGS Entertainment. Earlier it was strongly rumoured that Gautham Karthik was playing hero in the film. But now the ad of Vai Raja Vai has created doubts on the lead star cast.

VTV Ganesh turns hero

2013-04-15T13:54:00.002+05:30

VTV Ganesh is turning hero and producer with VTV Productions Inga Enna Solluthu (IES).
The film has VTV Ganesh, Santhanam and Meera Jasmine in the lead and is being directed by V Selva.

Inga Enna Solluthu has been titled after the famous dialogue between VTV Ganesh and Simbu in Gautham Menon’s Vinnayithaandi Varuvayaa.

IES has RD Rajasekhar as cameraman, Anthony as editor, Rajeevan as art director and music is by Dharan.

Selvaraghavan – The complete family man

2013-04-13T17:44:00.003+05:30

Selvaraghavan the soft-spoken director is a major brand in Kollywood and has a loyal audience base. He takes pride in his success, but far greater pride in being able to give his family the joy he thinks they deserve.

Selva dotes on his wife Gitanjali who is expecting their second baby. At the same time his daughter Lila, is the apple of his eye. The busy director spends quality time with his family.

**On the career front, Selvaraghavan has completed the shoot of Irandam Ulagam . The film is currently on the editing table, the CG and graphic work is going on in full swing at Prime focus in Mumbai.**

Meanwhile Selva has started writing the script of his next film for which he will be teaming up with his brother Dhanush.

The film is being jointly produced by the brothers under their respective banners Aum productions and Wunderbar Films.

GV Prakash turns producer

2013-04-13T17:43:00.005+05:30

Noted music director GV Prakash has turned producer with the banner G.V.Prakash Kumar Productions.

The first film of the banner is Madha Yaanai Koottam (MYK), said to be a thriller.

MYK has Kathir and Oviya in the lead and is directed by Vikram Sugumaran. GV has surprisingly chosen an outsider NR Raghunanthan, to provide music for the film.

The first schedule of MYK has been complete and the second schedule is underway. The film will be releasing in the next few months.

Anjali surfaces in Hyderabad

2013-04-13T17:42:00.001+05:30

Finally, actress Anjali surfaced before the Hyderabad police. The actress appeared before the police and told them – “I was stressed out due to my busy shooting schedule and so I took a break in Mumbai”.

Clad in a blue jeans and pink T-shirt, she made a surprise appearance at the office of the deputy commissioner of police, west zone. Earlier on Friday the Madras High Court had ordered notices to the Chennai police while hearing a petition filed by Anjali’s step mother who believed she was kidnapped.

According to sources, Anjali had told the Hyderabad DCP that she left the hotel and disappeared on her own after she was harassed physically by her uncle. She also told the cops that she has been going through a lot of mental tension due to family problems.

Anjali later told media that she did not vanish but left the hotel to get some relief as she was not well. Anjali said: “ I am safe. I will participate in the shooting of the Telugu remake of Bol Bachchan in Bangalore. Give some time to sort out certain issues then I will meet the media and reveal all that took place.”

'Udhayam NH4' censored, release on Apr 19

2013-04-13T17:35:00.001+05:30

Vetrimaran and Dhayanidhi Alagiri produced Udhayam NH 4 directed by debutant Manimaran, and featuring Siddharth and newcomer Ashrita Shetty has been cleared by the censors with UA certificate.

Udhayam NH4 is a romantic thriller, with peppy music by GV Prakash, which is topping the charts. The film is now getting ready for release on April 19 worldwide.

Santhanam’s the elder one

2013-04-13T10:29:00.002+05:30

Ainthu Ainthu Ainthu, directed by Sasi of ‘Poo’ and ‘Dishyum’ fame, has all of a sudden been creating buzz around the tinsel town, thanks to the Elavu song.

This film stars Bharath, Chandini and Santhanam in the central roles. Bharath will supposedly appear in three different attires- a chocolate boy, a rugged guy with long hair and beard and a fully bald man. Santhanam, on the other had plays the elder brother of Bharath. It is touted that the come

dian, apart from his trademark comedy, has also done some intense stuff in the film.

The major part of the film has been canned, with just one song left. The music, composed by Simon, is expected to release in the month of May.

Exclusive: Gautham Menon and Suriya's Dhruva Natchathiram confirmed

2013-04-13T10:03:00.000+05:30

A few weeks back, ECC NETWORK was the first to report about the title of the upcoming Suriya and Gautham Menon project – Dhruva Natchathiram. Now, this project is 100% confirmed and the film will be kicked off at an appropriate time.

Gautham has firmed up the script and Suriya is completing work on Singam 2. Whether the star will start his Lingusamy film or this Gautham Menon film first, is still open to debate. But, the Kaakha Kaakha and Vaaranam Aayiram pair is surely back and that calls for a celebration.

Kamal Haasan represents Indian cinema

2013-04-13T09:17:00.000+05:30

Chris Brown, Executive Vice President, Conventions & Business Operations for the National Association of Broadcasters, announced an award honouring Indian cinema and it was actor/director Universal Hero Dr.Kamal Haasan

who received it on behalf of the Indian cinema industry, at the New York Festivals International Film & TV awards recently.

Padma Shri Kamal Haasan was a part of the panel of the National Association of Broadcasters’ show that was held on April 9^th. Universal Hero Dr.Kamal Haasan and the rest of the panel explored on the topic “International appeal of Bollywood cinema”.

MORE INFO

Report : Match 14 - DD vs SRH

2013-04-13T09:06:00.000+05:30

Mishra drags SRH across the line; DD woes continue

Delhi Daredevils’s woeful run in the Pepsi IPL 2013 continued with the Sunrisers Hyderabad defeating them by three wickets at the Feroz Shah Kotla Stadium in Delhi on Friday night. The win was set up for the Sunrisers by their bowlers who restricted DD to just 114 before their batsmen huffed and puffed their way with DD putting up an inspired fight.

Chasing a meager 115, SRH lost Akshath Reddy (1) to a spectacular run out by Shahbaz Nadeem. Kumar Sangakkara and Parthiv Patel got a partnership going as the two added 44 runs before Patel (19) was dismissed caught and bowled by Nadeem to give DD their second wicket. Johan Botha then had Sangakara (28) edge to Virender Sehwag at slip before Nadeem had Cameron White (4) stumped.

Hanuma Vihari departed the next over to Morne Morkel bringing DD back into the game. Morkel then removed Ashish Reddy (16). Irfan Pathan got the much needed wicket of Thisara Perera (2) holing out in the deep to reduce SH down to their last three wickets. However Amit Mishra (16) played sensibly to guide his team closer to the target. With SRH needing 6 runs to win off the final over, Dale Steyn ran two off the first delivery and then punched the ball straight down the ground for a boundary to take his team home with four balls remaining.

Earlier DD won the toss and chose to bat but found an intimidating Dale Steyn as he bowled a first over wicket maiden, dismissing the in-form David Warner. Mahela Jayawardene was then given a reprieve the very next delivery as Patel failed to hold onto an edge. DD were dealt a major blow when Ishant Sharma had Jayawardene (12) caught by Steyn at mid-on. He followed it up with the wicket of Sehwag (12) caught at slip the next delivery to leave DD stuttering at 26 for 3.

The slide continued as Johan Botha (9) was caught at point off Anand Rajan. At the halfway stage DD were at 46 for 4. Amit Mishra removed Manpreet Juneja (15) to further dent the DD innings. Kedar Jadhav (30) finally got a move on for DD hitting Ishant Sharma for a four and a six in the 17th over. Perera then struck dismissing Pathan (23) and Morkel (0) in quick succession. Jadhav's innings – the lone saving grace, ensured that DD reached 114 for 8 in their 20 overs.

Man-of-the-Match: Amit Mishra
Brief Scores: Delhi Daredevils 114 for 8 (Kedar Jadhav 30*, Dale Steyn 2-11) lost to Sunrisers Hyderabad (Kumar Sangakkara 28, Shahbaz Nadeem 2-17) by 3 wickets

Lakshmi Menon's quick promotion from school to college

2013-04-13T08:58:00.000+05:30

'Kumki' fame Lakshmi Menon, the young upcoming actress and a part-time school student, gets to play the role of a college student in her next movie which would feature Gautham Karthik. This Saravanan directed movie would focus on college life and the fun, romance and pranks associated with the same.

Lakshmi is expected to look youthful and stylish in this movie which would be a colorful entertainer. Her other movies in the near future include the likes of Kuttipuli, Manja Pai and Pandianadu.

Hansika's 'My Heroes' album

2013-04-13T08:54:00.001+05:30

Hansika has this unique habit of collecting all her best snaps from her movies and she has made a separate album out of such pictures. She also collects the best snaps of all her heroes in another separate album by the name ‘My Heroes’.

When asked about who her favorite hero is, she isn’t willing to divulge more and maintains a diplomatic stand. But she adds that she has a special soft corner for those people who love her a lot. This also applies to all those heroes who nurture a wish to share the screen space with her.

`I am not a Don in Shadow`

2013-04-12T22:33:00.002+05:30

Venkatesh is one of the coolest actors one can come across. He talks no nonsense. He is affable, straightforward, and spiritual. One may not find anything new in his interviews, for he is in quest for finding the absolute truth, cares less about materialistic things. Venkatesh himself admits that he talks less.
Yet, in his own style, Venky tries to let out info about his movies in concise and direct manner. Probably that is why this senior actor is considered one of the most loved stars in Tollywood.
As his Shadow is getting ready for release, Venkatesh meets the press. "After long time, I did a mass entertainer. Something that offers lot of action and entertainment with stylized narration. So in a way, Shadow provides a fresh feeling," he begins the talk.
"Yes, Shadow is a revenge drama. Single point driven revenge drama but I get to play different get ups in the movie, though I have another soft family man look in the movie too. What we did in Shadow He also puts rumors at rest. "No, I am not playing don. Media reports of me doing the don role are false. I play a simple guy who is in search of someone to take revenge."

Tamil biggies to rock the small screen

2013-04-12T22:17:00.001+05:30

There may not have been a single big Tamil release on the big screen for Tamil Puthandu 2013, but on the small screen it cannot get bigger than this!

On April 14, Tamil New Year day, almost around the same time Vijay’s Thuppakki, Suriya’s Maattrraan and SS Rajamouli directed Naan Ee are going to be shown on Tamil television! STR’s Podaa Podi is also premiering on the same day.

Star Vijay has the pick of Tamil Puthandu premiers on television. They will be showing Thuppakki and Podaa Podi on Tamil Puthandu day – April 14 prime time. Jaya TV will be showing Maattrraan on New Year day, while Sun TV will telecast Naan Ee.

Also read: Kollywood misses year’s biggest date!

Meanwhile in a major coup the Malayalam channel Asianet, will be premiering Thuppakki on April 13 evening. It means that Thuppakki will be first shown on a Malayalam channel before it is shown on Vijay TV. Remember Asianet is a part of Star TV network and a sister concern of Vijay TV.

Balak Palak completes 100 days, Riteish ecstatic

2013-04-12T19:55:00.003+05:30

Actor Riteish Deshmukh's maiden production venture, Marathi film Balak Palak (BP), has completed 100 days in theatres and he is rejoicing.

"BP celebrates 100 days at the cinemas - thank you for all the love, support and appreciation," tweeted the 34-year-old, who has co-produced the film with Uttung Thakur.

Directed by Ravi Jadhav, the film that talks about curiosity about sex among adolescents hit the theatres Jan 4.

Lootera team comes out with documentary on their hardship

2013-04-12T19:55:00.000+05:30

The Lootera team had their share of problems while filming the romantic period-drama. They have captured their struggle in a five-minute documentary "Labour Of Love", which will come out soon. Director Vikramaditya Motwane says the film was an "emotional journey" for everyone.

Known for making his directorial debut with internationally acclaimed "Udaan", Motwane has teamed up with Ranveer Singh and Sonakshi Sinha in the movie.

"'Lootera' has been an emotional journey for all those involved with it. It is the perseverance and determination of the crew that made sure this movie got made," Motwane told IANS.

"After watching the five-minute video, a lot of people want us to make a full-fledged documentary. We will be releasing some more footage of our journey soon," he added.

"Lootera" journey has been dogged by mishaps and accidents.

One of the first mishaps was lead actor Ranveer's back injury on the sets in Dalhousie, which gave the crew a major fright. After that the shooting schedule went haywire as the actor had to be rushed back to the city on a stretcher.

After that, weather played spoilsport in Dalhousie. Such was the weather that the crew had to trek through knee-high snow.

For now, makers are trying to figure out how to release the documentary - whether it should be made available independently during the promotions or it should be screened with the film's end credits.

Jointly produced by Phantom Films and Balaji Motion Pictures, "Lootera" is slated for a July 5 release.

Jiiva & Trisha to fly to Switzerland and France

2013-04-12T19:52:00.000+05:30

The romantic comedy Endrendrum Punnagai directed by Ahmed starring Jiiva Trisha and Santhanam is making brisk progress. It has music by Harris Jayaraj and cinematography by Madhi.

Now with the Chennai mercury climbing up, the unit is pushing off to the cooler climes of Switzerland to shoot a very romantic song and a few scenes in France. The unit is planning to leave on April 15, as Santhanam has to come back from Australia where he is shooting for Thalaivaa.

Trisha has tweeted : “Finishing off with a couple of events and then off to Switzerland and France for an extended schedule of EP. Can't wait to beat the heat.”

CSK - KP MATCH

2013-04-12T19:51:00.001+05:30

Anbu Pictures grab 'Yaaruda Mahesh'

2013-04-12T19:43:00.005+05:30

One of the forthcoming comedy movies which was hot in the trade was Yaaruda Mahesh, directed by Madhan Kumar, starring Sundeep Kishan and Dimple.

The trailer of the film had created an impact and now Anbu Pictures has grabbed its rights. J Anbazhagan DMK MLA and producer of Aadhi Bhagavan had tweeted – “Next flick from Anbu Pictures is Yaaradu Mahesh. It’s a film for all the youngsters and a complete entertainer.”

Yaaradu Mahesh has also a comedy support team of Jagan, Srinath, Livingston, Uma Padmanaban, Swaminathan, Singamuthu and Nellai Siva. It has music by Gopi Sundar.

J Anbazhagan has tweeted : “The official trailer launch will be held at Sathyam Cinema on Friday, April 19.” The film is likely to release on April 26.