Rajinikanth's Rana The Film Exclusive Updates

Rajini's biography to hit stands on 12.12.12

2012-01-06T10:44:00.000+05:30

A biography of Rajinikanth will hit the market in superstar's style on 12.12.12. Publishers Penguin Books India said that 'Rajinikanth' by critic-producer Naman Ramachandaran will be the first and only definitive biography of one of India's biggest stars and the launch will commemorate his 62nd birthday on the unique date December 12, 2012.

"The book will comprehensively analyse his meteoric career in the movie industry from his debut performance to his forthcoming blockbuster 'Rana', releasing this year.

"With never before presented insights on his personal and political life, this book, for the first time analyses the unmatched charm and magic of Rajinikanth that bridges the unique boy-next-door, down to earth persona, with that of his larger than life superstar image," the publishers said in a statement.

The book will also contain rare pictures and anecdotes.

Rajinikanth Celebrates his 62nd Birthday!

2011-12-12T09:32:00.000+05:30

Superstar Rajinikanth is celebrating his 62nd birthday today. Number of Thalaivar fans have lined up special pujas and charitable activities through the day.

India Blogs Network wishes our Superstar a very Happy Birthday!

'Kochadaiyaan' is a prequel to 'Rana': Soundarya

2011-12-03T17:36:00.000+05:30

Well, here's more news that is bound to delight the fans of the superstar. Yes, that Rajini will be working on not just 'Rana' but also on another film titled 'Kochadaiyaan' is now an established fact. Work on the movie, the story and screenplay of which have been written by director K S Ravikumar, it seems has already started.

But doubts pertaining to the meaning of the title kept continuing to crop up until yesterday, when the director of the film, Soundarya, tweeted, "'Kochadaiyaan' is one of Lord Shiva's names.This is a prequel to 'Rana'. Its performance capture will be similar to (that of) 'Avatar'."

The clarification seems to have strengthened the belief that Rajinikanth has a special place for Lord Shiva in his heart. Apparently, two of the superstar's earlier films, 'Arunachalam' and 'Annamalai', that went on to become blockbusters too, had the names of Lord Shiva as their titles.

Rajinikanth to act in 3D film 'Kochadaiyaan' before Rana!!

2011-11-25T10:37:00.000+05:30

It is official! A surprise announcement about Superstar Rajinikanth’s next movie hit the media on Thursday.

The announcement confirmed that Superstar’s next release would be a Hi-Tech 3D film titled Kochadaiyaan. This is the first time that a 3D film with performance capturing technology is being produced in India.

And guess who is the lucky one getting a chance to direct Superstar? It is none other than his younger daughter Soundharya Ashwin.

After all the speculation surrounding the release of Rajinikanth’s flick Rana, the announcement of Kochadaiyaan has yet again created a stir and there is an air of excitement in the film industry.

K.S. Ravikumar, who was supposed to do Rana, will supervise the story, screenplay, dialogues and direction. The film, produced by Eros International and Media One Entertainment, will go on floors next month and will be released in August 2012.

While Rajini’s elder daughter Aishwarya is busy with her directorial debut 3, it looks like expectations are soaring sky-high with younger daughter Soundharya also in the limelight now — she has certainly hit a jackpot considering that she will be directing none other than Superstar himself.

Rana on Hold!

2011-11-25T10:34:00.000+05:30

While Rajinikanth’s fans were excited to see him in Rana and in some public appearances, they will have to wait now as doctors have advised Rajinikanth to take more rest. So Rajinikanth’s next film Rana will be delayed because of this.

Rajinikanth’s fans were happy because he had stated that he is fit and will soon resume for the shooting of Rana. However doctors opinion is otherwise. Therefore Rana which was about to arrive by the end of 2011 has been postponed.

Though Rajinikanth is eager to return to work, but he has to accept doctors restrictions because there are many action, costume and drama scenes in Rana which may exert extreme physical strain on him.

K.S. Ravikumar, the director of Rana completely agrees with Rajinikanth and said that he met Rajinikanth some days ago. He was told that doctors asked Rajinikanth to wait till he is completely fit and fine to shoot for Rana. He will have to do some heavy-duty stunts in the shooting such as flying, sword fighting and horse riding which can exert tremendous strain on him. So doctors have stopped him from starting the shooting immediately, K.S. Ravikumar added.

Shahrukh Khan to gift BMW 7 Series sedan to Rajinikanth!!

2011-11-14T09:59:00.000+05:30

Bollywood superstar, Shahrukh Khan will soon be gifting five BMW 7 Series sedan worth Rs 1 crore to Rajinikanth, Arjun Rampal, Anubhav Sinha and two others, as a gesture of thanks. Shahrukh is well known for gifting friends and co-workers with luxurious gifts.

This news has not been confirmed by Shahrukh Khan yet, but on the condition of anonymity, a person close to the superstar has stated that Shahrukh will soon be gifting 5 new BMW 7 Series luxurious sedans to his friends and co-workers who helped him make his latest movie, Ra.One.

A local BMW dealer in Mumbai has already been given order for five BMW 7 Series sedans, added the source. The source stated, "Shah Rukh has decided to gift one of the five BMW to Anubhav Sinha. One car will go to Arjun Rampal. Since Rajinikanth flew down to Mumbai especially for his cameo in the film, Shahrukh will gift a BMW 7 Series to him as well." Other two recipients of Shahrukh's BMW 7 Series gift are unknown as of now.

Rajini spends day with special children!!

2011-11-04T14:03:00.000+05:30

Nothing can change the superstar's altruistic nature, not even a bout of serious illness! The actor, who had to be admitted to one of Singapore's top hospitals, the Mount Elizabeth Medical Centre for respiratory problems earlier this year, on Sunday proved yet again that he well and truly deserved the love that people were showering on him.

It is reported by a news channel that superstar took time off to watch a play titled Bhishma along with 200 speciallyabled children at the Museum theatre in Egmore. A source close to the event organisers says, "Rajini sir is a true gentleman. He is recovering from his illness but still chose to watch this play. He did it for two reasons. One, he wanted to make the kids happy and two, he wanted to show his appreciation for the help that actress Manu had rendered to him and his family members while he was admitted to a Singapore hospital."

The actress, who had played Ajith's love interest in the film Kadhal Mannan a long time ago, had reportedly helped the superstar's family find a comfortable apartment in Singapore after it became evident that Rajini would have to stay for some time in that country.

Rajini thrilled by 7aum Arivu!!

2011-10-28T11:08:00.000+05:30

Rajinikanth reportedly made it to the special show of 7aum Arivu. The Superstar praised the efforts of Suriya and said that it was an excellent film. Producer Udhayanidhi Stalin has said that the Superstar liked the movie and particularly appreciated Suriya for his hard work.

When asked about the first day collections, Udhayanidhi had said that 7aum Arivu’s collection is slightly lesser than that of the Rajinikanth starrer Endhiran which shows that the Superstar still rocks!

7aum Arivu had a massive opening on Diwali day and has received some good reviews so far.

Rajini comforts `Rana` workers, puts rumours to rest

2011-10-24T21:58:00.000+05:30

Superstar Rajinikanth is no less than a God for his followers. `Thalaivar` as the veteran is fondly called, is literally worshipped by his diehard fans who can do almost about anything for him. Here’s what the crew members of `Rana` did when they heard rumour mills churning stories of the film being shelved.

Talking to a daily, a source said, “The workers of `Rana` have been toiling away to create a life-size set for the film at Ramoji. They had been hearing rumours about Rajnikanth making it back for the shoot soon. When the shoot got postponed once again, from October to December/January, they decided that they wanted to meet the star and make sure all is well."

What worried the workers of `Rana` was not the news of `Rana` going kaput but Rajinikanth’s health.

“It`s quite difficult to get to meet him these days especially, because he has been resting. But when he heard that a bunch of people had come to enquire about his health, he made sure he gave them time,” added the source.

Reportedly, the superstar sat down with his workers and assured them that he is recovering and that the film will certainly go on floors as soon as he is fully fit.

The veteran also requested his fans not to let work suffer by unnecessarily worrying about his health.

“When these workers came, he inspired them to work as hard as possible, instead of stalling everything because of his health,” the source added.

Rajni to restart Rana in January?

2011-10-23T11:06:00.000+05:30

Ever since Superstar Rajinikanth completed the shoot of Shahrukh's much awaited Ra. One, the entire Rana team is thrilled and excited. And now the man himself, Rajinikanth, has confirmed that he will restart Rana by the first week of January. At present, director K.S. Ravikumar is busy finalizing the venues and foreign locations for the shoot. Rana is a big-budget action flick in which Rajni plays triple role.

Unlike Muthu and Padayappa, Rana is a period flick! The roles involve intense physical activity like horse riding and each costume weighs around 25 kilos.

Rajini and Family visits Tirumala Tirupathi!!

2011-10-20T21:50:00.000+05:30

Superstar Rajinikanth, who is on a thanks giving visit after recovering from ailment recently, offered prayers at the famous hill shrine of Lord Venkateswara at Tirumala on Thursday.

Rajinikanth, an ardent devotee of Lord Venkateswara, was accompanied by his wife Latha, daughters Aishwarya and Soundarya and sons-in-law Danush and Aswin besides his close friend Telugu film star Mohanbabu. Superstar also offered Thulabharam to Lord Venkateshwara to fullfill a vow.

They spent about 30 minutes inside the temple. Family sources said the 61-year-old actor undertook the visit to pay his thanks to the Lord for his speedy recovery from the ailments he suffered in May. Rajinikanth had last visited the shrine after the wedding of his daughter Soundarya with Ashwin on September 9 last year. The Superstar also stated that the shooting of Rana will start very soon!!

Its official: Rajini to start 'Rana' - Soundarya

2011-10-14T22:22:00.000+05:30

The Superstar's magnum opus 'Rana', which hit a roadblock after he fell ill, is finally set to restart, that too at the earliest. This has been confirmed by none other than the top actor's younger daughter Soundarya Ashwin, who is closely associated with the project to Media.

"Appa is completely alright. He is fit, fine and brimming with energy. The Superstar is keen to start Rana's shoot and an official announcement will be made very soon," says Soundarya, who is producing the movie in association with Eros International.

Saying that 'Sultan The Warrior', her dream project which has Rajini in the lead, has underwent a major overhaul, the owner of Ocher Studios adds: "KS Ravikumar has taken charge of story and dialogue departments. For the first time in India, we have used Performance Capture technology."

On 'Ra One', the Shahrukh Khan starrer in which Rajini has done a guest appearance, Soundarya says, "It will be a powerful cameo in which appa has played Chitti, a role he did in Enthiran. Shahrukh and others were so happy to have the Superstar on board. So was Rajini."

SRK can’t wait to see Rajini Sir in action!!

2011-10-13T13:03:00.000+05:30

Shah Rukh Khan is certainly on cloud nine these days, for he has none other but Tamil superstar Rajinikanth by his side.

The Badshah of Bollywood, who was in Chennai for the audio launch of `RA.One` in Tamil can’t stop going ga-ga over the veteran actor. SRK has also said that Rajini is hale and hearty and is eager to resume work at the earliest. The south Indian superstar is scheduled to start shooting for `Raana`, that also stars dimpled hottie Deepika Padukone, in December.

Talking to reporters recently about Rajini’s health, SRK had said, “He’s absolutely fit and healthy. While he was shooting for ‘RA.One’ Rajini sir said that he wants to resume work at the earliest.”

And it seems that King Khan is more eager than anyone else on earth to watch the 60 years old sizzle the silver screen again.

Expressing his admiration for Rajini, SRK took to the Twitter. He wrote, “rajini garu hale & hearty. looked awesomely relaxed & happy...masha allah...cant wait to see his new movie (sic)!!!”

Hmm…looks like `RA.One` has done a world of good to SRK, for he has someone who no one else has in Bollywood- Rajini!!!

Superstar Rajini plays Chitti - the Robot in RA.One!!

2011-10-05T13:16:00.000+05:30

Putting aside his health issues, Indian Superstar Rajinikanth, shot for Shahrukh Khan's ambitious project 'Ra.One' here recently. He will be seen in the role of 'Chitti', the robot.

Superstar plays a cameo in the science-fiction film 'Ra.One', for which, he flew to Mumbai to shoot a scene on Sunday. Accompanied by his daughter Soundarya, Rajini took one day break from his acting sabbatical, as he is recuperating.

"Rajini sir will be seen in Chitti's avatar. He was here to shoot. It was heart-warming to see him. We were all overwhelmed," Shahrukh told reporters here, yesterday. About the scene, Shahrukh said, "When we devised it, he was unfortunately unwell, so we couldn't do it that time. It is a funny scene where G.One tries to save Kareena and his son. He is fighting with the gundas and suddenly Chitti, the robot, comes. I ask Kareena who he is, but she does not respond. There is an interesting part here."

"When I dance on 'Chamak Challo', I wear a scarf, the movement...walk and all G.One learns, adapts from Rajnikanth's character Chitti. It is a tribute to Rajini sir," he said. reported a News Website

Shahrukh thanked Rajinikanth's daughter Soundarya for making the shoot possible. "I am marveled at her love and professionalism. She and her team of technicians would be here for two days for editing the scene," he said.

RANA Shooting to start in December 2011!!

2011-10-03T13:05:00.000+05:30

Good news for the Asian superstar Rajini Fans. The shooting dates of superstar next most awaited magnum opus 'Rana' will be from December 2011 onwards.

Eros International the producers of the film have issued an 'official statement' mentioning the reasons for the delay thus keeping all the so called rumours of dropping of the project to rest as there were reports of RANA being called off, With this news it is confirmed that RANA is very much there for Audience!!

In the official statement received by a leading newspaper, director K.S Ravikumar says on the resumption of the shooting, "Though Rajinikanth has recovered fully well and is keen to start shooting; we have delayed the start of the shooting. We don't want to rush him to start the film shooting immediately, as the film has Rajini playing triple role and has some stunning stunt sequences."

Sunil Lulla, Managing Director, Eros International Media Ltd added, "It is a proud project for us and we don't mind waiting to be a part of this ambitious project with Rajinikanth as we want him to rest for some more time. Hence we have decided to take the decision on the shooting dates in December 2011."

Rajini’s Gesture for Shah Rukh!!

2011-09-19T12:08:00.000+05:30

The buzz on that Indian Superstar Rajinikanth will do a one-minute guest role in Ra. One, a film that has Shah Rukh Khan in the lead. It will be interesting to see the Superstar and the King Khan share the screen space.

Though everything is kept under wraps, some unofficial sources say that Rajini will shoot for this scene at the Ramoji Film City in Hyderabad on October 4th.

Sources confirm that Rajini may do this guest role for Eros International, as they are the co-producers of Rana and the distributors of Ra. One.

Rajinikanth and Shah Rukh together in 'Ra.One'?

2011-09-16T22:26:00.000+05:30

Yes, Reported a news channel website that "Superstar Rajinikanth has agreed to do a cameo role in Shah Rukh Khan's much awaited film 'Ra.One'. If media reports are to be believed than Rajinikanth is going to shoot for the film on October 4, at Ramoji Film City, Hyderabad".

The music of 'Ra.One' is already released and catching up fast with the audiences. International pop singer Akon has sung for the first time in any Indian film in 'Ra.One'.

'Ra.One' relies heavily on its big star cast that boasts of Shah Rukh Khan, Kareena Kapoor, Arjun Rampal, Sanjay Dutt and Priyanka Chopra. Now, superstar Rajinikanth's inclusion into the credit list will only add more charm to it.

This will be a double bonanza for Hindi film lovers, who will get to watch two superstars working together for the first time.

Shah Rukh Khan had earlier said that 'Ra.One' has a tribute for Rajinikanth.

This will also indicate the return of Rajinikanth to shooting, who has avoided shooting in recent times due to bad health.

The promos of 'Ra.One' shows a lot of similarities in between Rajinikanth's 'Robot' and Khan's 'Ra.One'.

Shahrukh pays Tribute to Rajini!!

2011-09-14T12:13:00.000+05:30

Superstar Rajinikanth might not be a regular feature in Bollywood, but he seems to have influenced one and all in Tinsel Town. The veteran actor, whose sci-fi bi-lingual film `Robot` broke a number of records at the Box Office, has inspired the Badshah of B-Town, Shah Rukh Khan.

However, SRK has categorically denied that his upcoming superhero flick `RA.One` is similar to Rajini’s `Robot`. But he has said that the film is a tribute to the legendary actor.

Talking to a daily, King Khan clarified his stance on his latest and said, “They (Endhiran (Robot) and Ra.one) are different films. Ours is a different film. I will not like to talk or claim about anyone else`s film but Rajni sir is respectable to all of us. Actually, we have a tribute to Rajni Sir in the film. We love him.”

Rajini’s film `Robot` had sought assistance from foreign technicians and so has Shah Rukh`s RA.One`.

However, SRK takes pride in the fact that his film has been conceived entirely by indigenous efforts.

"Everything you have seen is produced here. We are proud of it and have done a great job. We have taken the technology forward and we should be proud of it," he said.

SRK is little known for his reticence. However, he seems to have accepted that he isn’t the only heartthrob. There is someone who is equal, perhaps bigger than him. Especial when the person in question is Rajinikanth.

Rajini is all set to rock and roll!

2011-09-08T18:35:00.000+05:30

Superstar Rajinikanth is ready to work again and he is roaring to go. He has recovered nicely from his illness and is strong and fit now. The Superstar will be reporting for work on the sets of Rana from October 3rd. To make up for lost time, KS Ravikumar and the team intend to finish shooting in one long schedule. It is reported that the filming will go on in Chennai and Hyderabad and the unit will be flying abroad for the songs.

It is already known to us that Deepika Padukone is the heroine and Sonu Sood is playing the villain. AR Rahman is doing the score. Art direction is by Rajeevan and cinematography by Ratnavelu. Editing is to be done be Antony. Soundarya Rajnikanth and her Ocher Visual Effects will be supervising the technical department. So keep your fingers crossed for the magnumopus!!

Changes in 'Rana' script

2011-09-07T12:36:00.000+05:30

There are certain changes being made to the original script of 'Rana' considering the health condition of Superstar Rajini, who recently underwent treatment for kidney related ailment at a Singapore hospital.

This News has been confirmed by lyricist Vairamuthu, who called on the top actor recently at Sri Raghavendra Kalyana Mandapam in Kodambakkam. "I was so happy to meet Rajini after a gap," he says to media.

Vairamuthu adds: "Rajini is perfectly alright. And he is in a very good mood, cracking jokes and analyzing things in his own style. But still, some minor changes are being made to Rana as director KS Ravikumar is not ready to give any strain to the Superstar."

"We discussed many issues in the meeting that lasted for 45 minutes. The topics we covered including literature, politics, philosophy and life".

Sultan is now Dheera?

2011-08-25T21:19:00.000+05:30

Superstar Rajinikanth's Sultan-The Warrior will now have a Tamil title and will be called Dheera (Brave One.)

Says our source, "Soundarya Rajinikanth was keen the film should have a Tamil title. Three titles were shortlisted and Dheera in all probability will be the final and fitting one."

There is also a speculation that Rajini will have two avatars in this part live, part animation film; Sultan and Dheera are the names of his two screen characters.

Sultan before Rana?

2011-08-21T16:56:00.000+05:30

It is said Sultan – The Warrior of Soundarya Rajinikanth’s is going to hit the screens well before Rana. The animation film has Superstar Rajinikanth in the lead. The film is now being readied at a fast war footing pace and will see an early 2012 release!

There is a tremendous curiosity about Sultan because Rajinikanth is the first real action hero in the world to get animated. Soundarya says that even in his animated show Rajni will be Rajni. Sultan – The Warrior is said to be with in both animation scenes and live and more interesting. Soundarya is planning to bring it out in 3D as well. Rajini will be seen in a new avatar as a warrior and also will be delivering some punch dialogues. The animation work will be done by Soundarya Rajinikanth’s Ocher Studios.

Even in his animated avatar Rajini will serenade women, move to A R Rahman’s tunes, kick-arse, flip cigarettes, stop-bullets with his bare hands and even do a bit of his by-now famous buffoonery because his fans expect him to do that.

Sultan-The Warrior has a runtime of just 120 minutes. Almost the entire animation, which is on par with the best in the world, has been done locally at Soundarya’s Ocher Studios. It was originally meant to be Soundarya’s birthday gift to her father when he turned 60 in December 2009. However, that was not to be. It may now come in January 2012 because the animation work has taken longer than anticipated.

As the post production work is on in full swing, the makers of the film are looking for suitable titles for Sultan-The Warrior in Tamil. Two to three names have been shortlisted and very soon, there will be an announcement on the actual Tamil title. Rana, according to reliable sources, should start shooting earliest in November 2011, so Sultan will lead Rana to the post. So lets wait and watch!!

Rajinikanth love Himalayas - Watch on Sunday @ Vijay TV!!

2011-08-20T20:19:00.000+05:30

It is known to everyone that Superstar Rajinikanth is a big fan of the serenity that Himalayas offers.

In fact, post Enthiran release last year, the actor has paid a visit to the Babe caves in Himalayas and is is learnt that he had a superb trip along with some friends.

And that's being shown on Vijay TV on Sunday (August 21) at 11 am titled Super Starudan Oru Himalaya Payanam. It's bound to be a treat for Superstar fans as it would highlight a side of Rajini that not many know of. Everyone in Kollywood knows that Superstar visits the Himalayas at least once a year, especially after the release of his films, to re-charge his batteries.

1008 Superstar Fans go Bald for Rajini!!

2011-08-03T22:20:00.000+05:30

In their unique way to thank God, as many as 1008 fans of superstar Rajinikanth today tonsured their heads at the famous hill shrine of Lord Muruga here, fulfilling a vow taken for his recovery during his recent illness.

Members of the Tamilnadu Rajnikanth Podhu Tozhilalar Sangam (general workers association) expressed their gratitude to the presiding deity Lord Dhanyuthapaniswamy for saving the actor from serious ailments for which he had undergone treatment in Singapore.

Association president Murugesan from Anupar Palayam in Tiruppur district told reporters here they had taken a vow to tonsure their head if Rajnikanth returned safe and sound from Singapore. "We are happy to have kept the vow today."

All of them tonsured their head, standing in a long queue and offered worship to the deity. They also arranged free meals for 1,500 devotees.

Rajinikanth, who returned to Chennai on July 13 after over six weeks treatment in Singapore for reported kidney ailment, had acknowledged that it was the prayers and love of his fans which saved him.

During his treatment, die hard fans of the actor had offered special prayers across the state for his speedy recovery.

Rana's Schedule in RFC!!

2011-08-02T15:05:00.000+05:30

Rajinikanth's father's name is Ramoji Rao. It is said that he has sentiment towards that name. The Ramoji Film City (RFC) in Hyderabad owned by Ramoji Rao, the chairman of Ramoji Group, had earned a great place in the heart of our Superstar and from then, he always ensures that at least one scene in his film should be shot there.

Being a Super Star, the directors always oblige him and plan at least one schedule in RFC. Our Sources reveal that his latest film 'Rana' would also be shot at RFC and a special palace set and a ship are being made for shooting. It is also said that the director is planning a huge schedule from October 3.

Keeping Rajini's health condition in view, the director had planned a 100 day schedule for the film with reasonable time gaps. As the doctors advised that Rajini should not involve in risky fights, the director is planning to take the help of graphics. Other actors such as Deepika Padukone, Sonu Sood and Ganja Karappu would also involve in the shooting at RFC from October 3.