South ShowbiZ

KOCHI FASHION WEEK - GALLERY

2011-08-17T00:29:00.005+05:30

Shammi Kapoor's death shocks Kannada film industry

2011-08-16T23:57:00.002+05:30

Dancing King Shammi Kapoor's death early Sunday morning has shocked many Kannada film personalities who were close to the flamboyant star who changed the course of film entertainment in his heyday.

Director S.V.Rajendra Singh Babu, who helmed three Hindi films featuring Shammi Kapoor, was the first to express his shock about his favourite actor's death.

"Yes, I know Shammi sahab was suffering from illness from a long time. And he had led a full life for 79 years and showed his individuality in his performance. But I have been quite uneasy since I heard the news of his death," Babu told IANS.

"I had known Shammi Saab intimately and through me, many of his big fans in the Kannada film industry like legendary actor Dr. Vishnuvardhan and Ambareesh became very close to the stylish actor," he added.

Stressing on Shammi's unique style, the director called him a "fantastic actor".

"He packaged his performances with his signature style of acting with his profound talents. Teen aged girls use to like him so much that they were his biggest fans," added Babu.

Babu directed Shammi Kapoor in films like "Aaj Ka Dariya" in which Dilip Kumar and Rekha also played important roles, "Sharara" and "Ek Se Bhale Do".

"Some of these films were shot in studios in Bangalore and Ootacamund. Ater finishing his shoot, Shammi sahab would have some regular visitors that included lot of fans from the Kannada film industry," Babu recalled.

Renowned Kannada director, Puttanna Kanagal, who had directed Kannada film "Sakshathkara" with Shammi's father Prithviraj Kapoor and Hindi film "Zahreela Insaan" with the actor's nephew Rishi Kapoor was another great friend of Shammi Kapoor, Babu said.

In the early 1980s, Shammi had spent a whole evening in the home of Dr. Vishnuvardhan where he interacted with many of his fans in the industry.

Ambareesh, who even today is a great fan of Shammi Kapoor, remembered many occasions where he had opportunity to spend time with him.

"I would personally tell him how I sued to like his dances and style. Many times I mimicked some of his mannerisms in front of him," Ambareesh told IANS.

Even young actors like Ajay Rao said Shammi remained an all time entertainer of the Indian film industry.

"He was the real rebel in the industry who created his own style in films which became so popular that his fan base kept increasing. I had never seen Shammi Saab, but have seen many of his films. I can say that most of the young actors in our industry have been overawed by the hyperactive energy displayed by this great actor in his films," he said.

Marriage not anywhere close, says Anushka

2011-08-16T23:54:00.004+05:30

Clearing all rumors about her marriage, Anushka said I'm not getting married any time soon now. In fact, not even in the next two to three years. I have two promising projects lined up and I want to concentrate on them for the time being.

"I am there in a Tamil film which has Karthi Sivakumar in the lead role. Also, I will be part of Selvaraghavan forthcoming venture, an official announcement on which is expected at the earliest. And in Tollywood, apart from films I'm currently part of, I've also signed a film opposite Nagarjuna, she says.

Saying that 'Arundhathi' is so close to her heart among the films she has acted so far, Anushka
explains, "My parents enjoyed the movie a lot. They normally don't watch a film more than once. But they watched Arundhathi twice.

It seems like no marriage bells for this beauty at the earliest!

Busy Girl- Kajal Agarwal

2011-08-16T23:53:00.003+05:30

After tremendous success of Singham, Kajal Agarwal has gone places, especially in Bollywood. The actress is on the verge of signing yet another mega project in Hindi, while one more interesting offer is also on the line, say the sources. If all is well, Puri Jagannath who is now all set to direct a film with Abhishek Bachchan plans to rope in Kajal in the film, since the actress is already playing the female lead in the movie's Telugu version.

In the meantime, 'Nan Mahan Alla', Kajal's Tamil film, is expected to be remade in Hindi soon. Few top producers are competing with each other to acquire the remake rights and both of them have Kajal in mind to reprise the role.

In Tamil, she is all set to act in 'Maatraan', a Suriya starrer directed by K V Anand. "I have a meaty role to play in Maatraan. Happy to work with Suriya and Anand," she says.

'In the silver lining,' says Khushboo

2011-08-16T23:52:00.002+05:30

This is an extremely important year for Khushboo. It's been 25 glorious years since the actress entered the south Indian film industry.

"I'm so happy and feel blessed to have survived in this industry for such a long time. Exactly 25 years ago, on August 14, my first Telugu film as an actress, 'Kaliyuga Pandavalu', released. Since then, there has been no looking back for me," says an elated Khushboo.

So, will she be throwing a party to celebrate the silver jubilee? "No, I'm not a party person and prefer the company of my loved ones on such important occassions," she smiles. The actress is currently busy with her Mollywood film, 'Mr Marumakan', in which she is paired with Bhagyaraj.

'Ceylon' will be Santhosh Sivan's next flick

2011-08-16T23:50:00.002+05:30

Ace cinematographer - director Santosh Sivan is a busy man these days. While he is working hard to release his 'Urumi' in several languages, including Tamil, reports have started floating in the industry about his next project.

According to sources, Santosh Sivan is all set to start work on his next flick, which has been titled 'Ceylon'. Talking to a section of the media, Santhosh said that 'Ceylon' is his dream project, and will be about the lives of three men. He has also clarified that the film will have nothing to do with the LTTE.

A source close to Santosh confirms that the director has started work on the script of the film. "However, the film will not go on floors any time soon. Santosh's only priority now is 'Urumi's release. While the Malayam version hit screens a few months ago, he's gearing up to release the Tamil and Telugu versions now," the source adds.

Jeeva enters restaurant business

2011-08-16T23:48:00.003+05:30

Jeeva is one actor who truly believes that variety is the spice of life. Be it taking on different characters in film or taking the initiative to turn producer, the man has never hesitated to experiment.

And now, Jeeva has taken his 'quest for spice' to another level by getting ready to set up a restaurant in the city. Says a thrilled Jeeva, "I'm a foodie and setting up a good restaurant has been on my agenda for a while. But, before taking on something big, my friend and I decided to begin by starting with a chaat place. So, the two of us took off to Delhi, Kolkata and Mumbai among other places to check out the street food there. We went around by foot and tasted everything from pani puri to kulfi. We will open our chaat centre sometime next month. We've even zeroed in on the location and work is on in full swing to refurnish the place and make it look swanky."

On the film front, he's awaiting the completion of 'Nanban'. "My portions are almost over in the film. I will start work with Gautham Menon from August 15. Also, Arya's production company and my production house, will come together to produce a film soon, to be directed by Rajesh. Arya and I will star in the lead," he informs.

Rahman and Gautham team up again

2011-08-16T23:46:00.003+05:30

Ilaya thalapathy Vijay will join hands with director Gautham Vasudev Menon for a film titled 'Yohan: Adhyayam Ondru', in 2012. And the big news is that Oscar winner A R Rahman will provide the soundtrack for the film!

The movie will mark the return of the Gautham-Rahman combination post the superhit musical 'Vinnaithaandi Varuvaayaa'. When contacted Rahman about the kind of music he'll be composing for this one, he simply said, "Can't talk now. It is for the next year." Meanwhile, the composer is said to be currently working on Rajinikanth's 'Rana'. It is reliably learnt that Rahman has already composed four songs for the film. Interestingly, one song from the film - a duet sung by Srinivas and Chinmayi - has already been filmed with the female lead of the film, Deepika Padukone.

While speaking about the film director Gautham said, ''It seems very early to talk about the film. We have planned to start the shooting by January 2012. An official announcement will be made soon.''

Nithya Menon in 'Tatsmayam Oru Penkutti'

2011-08-16T23:36:00.003+05:30

Young actress Nithya Menon would do the lead role in T K Rajeev Kumar's new film.

The film that has been titled 'Tatsmayam Oru Penkutti' would have Nithya playing the role of a TV reporter.

Sharrath has composed the musical score of the film. The composing was completed last week.

Rajeev Kumar had recently directed 'Rathinirvedam' that starred Swetha Menon and Sreejith.

Nayanthara goes to Bhadrachalam

2011-08-16T23:22:00.002+05:30

The grapevine was abuzz that Nayanthara’s speedy conversion to Hinduism is her impending marriage to Prabhu Deva.
But sources close to the actress swear that she has been a regular temple goer, long before she met Prabhu.
However, certain temples in south India especially in Kerala like the famous Sree Krishna temple in Guruvayoor and Sree Seetha Ramachandra Swamy temple at Bhadrachalam, does not allow entry of non-Hindus to the temple.
Nayanthara swan song,is likely to be the Telugu mythological Sri Rama Rajayamdirected by veteran Bapu.

In the film, Balakrishna plays the lead role as Lord Rama with Nayanthara as Seetha. The audio of the film is to be launched today (August 15) evening at Bhadrachalam.
The Sree Seetha Ramachandra Swamy shrine at Bhadrachalam, around 400 kilometres from Hyderabad is the most famous temple in the country dedicated to Lord Rama.

Rama Rajyam team is holding a special pooja at the temple where only Hindus are allowed entry and later audio will be released in a nearby stadium.
Bala Krishna, Nayanthara, Akkineni Nageswara Rao, maestro Ilayaraja and Srikanth would be taken in a chartered helicopter from Hyderabad to Bhadrachalam for the event.

The actress who is playing the all-important role of Seeta in the film is overjoyed that she can pray at the temple.

Remember that the actress who hardly makes any public appearances or attends audio launch even if it is her own films is going to be the cynosure of all eyes at the event.

Amala Paul signs film with Ram Gopal Verma

2011-08-16T23:21:00.003+05:30

Looks like Malayaali actress Amala Paul is on the right way to stardom. After a whopping performance in the Tamil film 'Maina', Amala has gone ahead and signed her first Telugu film.

And what's more, this Telugu film would be directed by none other than Ram Gopal Verma!

Amama who had made her debut in films through a small role in Lal Jose's 'Neelathamara' had shot to fame through her films 'Sindhu Samaveli' and 'Maina'. She was also seen alongside Vikram in the film 'Deivathirumagal'.

Amala's first film is an RGV production titled 'Bejavala Rowdilu'. It would be directed by Vivek Krishna, who has been an associate director with Ram Gopal Verma for a long time.

Salt 'n Pepper to be remade in Hindi?

2011-08-16T23:20:00.003+05:30

This year's surprise super hit 'Salt 'n Pepper' has wowed audiences outside the state as well. From the looks of it, it seems that Salt 'n Pepper is all set to be remade in Hindi.

It's learned that director Priyadarshan would direct the film in Hindi. The cast and crew of the Hindi version are still being finalised.

Priyan is currently busy with two films - 'Tez' in Hindi that stars Mohanlal, as well as another Malayalam film 'Arabiyum Ottakavaum P.Madhavan Nairum' that stars Mohanlal again.

The director would start the shoot of the Salt 'n Pepper remake, once these two films are ready for release.

Pirated 'Salt 'n Pepper' copies rule the internet

2011-08-16T23:19:00.003+05:30

There seems to be no end to piracy in the movie world. Barely a month after Ashiq Abu's 'Salt 'n Pepper' became a superhit, it has been found that pirated copies of the film are readily available on the internet.

This would indeed deliver a huge blow on the film's business. It is estimated that several thousands of users across the world, will have downloaded the movie by now.

Recently, Santhosh Sivan's film 'Urumi' was also found to be available on the internet, weeks within its release. Not just these two films, almost all new Malayalam films are available for illegal download on the internet.

Film makers are trying hard to find out new strategies to counter the piracy threat on the internet. So far however, their efforts have bore little fruit.

Shriya instead of Trisha in Prithvi's 'Hero'

2011-08-16T23:17:00.001+05:30

Looks like fans of Trisha are in for a huge disappointment. It was reported earlier that the lovely actress would make her debut opposite Prithviraj in his new film 'Hero'.

But now, it seems that Trisha wouldn't after all be doing this film.

Shriya Saran would be seen as Prithvi's female lead in 'Hero'. The film is being directed by Deepan who had earlier directed the superhit 'Puthiya Mukham'.

Its not yet known why Trisha wouldn't be a part of the film. Whatever be the reason, it looks like the wait to see her in a Malayalam film would be extended even further.

IT says M & M have undisclosed income

2011-08-16T23:14:00.002+05:30

Finally the Income Tax (IT) department, which raided the homes and
offices of Mammootty and Mohanlal have come out with a statement. ET
Lukose, DG Income Tax (Kochi) has found that the undisclosed incomes
of both the actors put together come to around Rs.30 crore!
In a statement ET Lukose has said: "Mammootty and Mohanlal have
undisclosed income earned invested in real estate and assets abroad
worth approximately Rs.30 crore. Add to that seizure of cash and
jewellery from the two actors would amount to Rs 2.8 Cr".
The release also said that inquiries with banks in the country and
abroad and also immovable/movable properties are being conducted.

Undisclosed cash deposits in bank accounts are also being tabulated.
Mohanlal’s huge collection of antiques and paintings have been
referred to experts for valuation
The final report containing details of undisclosed income will be
prepared by IT investigation wing within two months.

Stars to descend on Maharajas College

2011-06-11T15:05:00.002+05:30

National award-winning actor Salim Kumar, who won critical acclaims for his movie Adaminte Makan Abu will be honoured by his alma mater Maharaja’s College.

The programme organised by the Maharaja’s College Old Students’ Association (OSA) will be held at Centenary Auditorium at 3 pm on Saturday.

The programme will be a get-together of people from the film industry who had studied at Maharajas, said OSA president and Kerala Agricultural University Vice-Chancellor Dr K R Viswambharan and general secretary Sunny Mathew.

“If the college gave Mammootty in the 70s, it was Dileep and Salim Kumar in the 90s. Talents from Maharajas have made their mark in all fields,

including direction, and

the reception for Salim Kumar will be a get-together of them all,” Viswambharan said.� The programme will start with an ‘Old is Gold’ musical programme led by Biju Narayan and T S Radhakrishshnan. Mammootty and Dileep will inaugurate the function.

Script writer Jogn Paul will deliver the principal address. Prof C R Omanakuttan and Balachandran Chullikkad will speak at the occasion.

Directors Siddique, Kalabhavan Ansar, Amal Neerad, Anwar Rasheed, Ashiq Abu, Vinod Vijayan, Vinu Joseph, cinematographers Rajiv Ravi, Suresh Kumar, Samir Tahir, actors Tini Tom, Ramesh Kurumassery, Sajan Palluruthy, Jyothirmayi and Sarayu will participate.

The NRI organisation of former students Overseas Reunion of Maharaja’s Alumni and 1986-96 alumni will present mementos to Salim Kumar.

Salim Kumar bagged the National Award for Best Actor

2011-05-19T17:13:00.001+05:30

The 58th National Film Awards were announced in New Delhi on Thursday with regional films bagging most of the awards, pushing the more glamorous Bollywood movies to the background.

Malayalam film 'Adamante Makan Abu' picked up a National Award for best film while Tamil actor Dhanush and Malayalam actor Salim Kumar shared an award for best actor on Thursday.

Dhanush and Salim were recognized for their work in "Aadukalam" and "Adaminde Makan Abu", respectively, it was announced at the 58th National Film Awards.

Marathi actress Mitalee Jagtap Paradhar won the National Award for best actress for her performance in the movie "Baboo Band Baaja". She shared the award with Saranya Pirivannan while Salman Khan starrer 'Dabangg' was named the Wholesome Entertainer of the Year.

Tamil cinema veteran K Balachander who revived Tamil cinema in the 1970s, was chosen for the Dadasaheb Phalke Award for the year 2010.

The 58th National Film Awards were announced in New Delhi on Thursday with regional films bagging most of the awards, pushing the more glamorous Bollywood movies to the background.

Arunima Sharma received the best director award.

Malayalam film 'Adamante Makan Abu' picked up a National Award for best film while Tamil actor Dhanush and Malayalam actor Salim Kumar shared an award for best actor on Thursday.

Dhanush and Salim were recognized for their work in "Aadukalam" and "Adaminde Makan Abu", respectively, it was announced at the 58th National Film Awards.

Tamil cinema veteran K Balachander who revived Tamil cinema in the 1970s, was chosen for the Dadasaheb Phalke Award for the year 2010.

Arunima Sharma received the best director award.

Coming up this Friday: The Train, Janapriyan

2011-05-19T16:14:00.000+05:30

This week's new Malayalam release, The Train, directed by the National award winning director, Jayaraj, is based on the Mumbai train bombings. Mammootty plays the lead.

Jayasurya, who is a part of the film, has another release this Friday: Janapriyan, directed by Boban Samuel.

Here is a look at both the films.

Mammootty and Jayasurya are coming together in Jayaraj's The Train, which will hit theatres this weekend. It's a thriller based on the Mumbai chain bomb blasts that rocked the city on July 11, 2006.

Mammootty plays Kedarnath, a Commander of the Anti Terrorist Squad. Aanchal Sabharwal, Jagathy Sreekumar, Sheena, Abhimanyu, Sabitha Jayaraj, Anupam Kher, Balaji and Padmakumar form the rest of the cast.

The camera is being handled by debutant cinematographer Seenu Murukkumpuzha. Vivek Harshan is the editor. Lyrics by Rafeeq Ahmed and Jayaraj have been composed by Sreenivas. Jayesh Kuttamath is producing the film under the banner Harvest Dreams Pvt. Ltd.

T A Razak turns director with 'Soumyam Deeptham'

2011-05-09T12:49:00.000+05:30

Renowned scriptwriter T A Razak would turn director soon with the film 'Soumyam Deeptham'.

The film would be scripted by the director himself, and would tell the story of Soumya, who was brutally pushed off a running train and later brutally raped and murdered by a vagabond Govindachami.

A new face would don the role of Soumya in the film. Asif Ali would play the role of her suitor, while Mamta Mohandas would play the role of a girl who comes to her help in the train. The actor who would play Govindachami hasn't been finalized as yet. Tamil actor Samudrakkani would play the role of Govindachami's lawyer.

The shoot of the film, the scripting of which is almost complete, is expected to start soon.

Mammootty with T V Chandran again

2011-04-29T09:07:00.002+05:30

Every time director T V Chandran and actor Mammootty had come together for a film, the duo has been able to create magic on screen.

'Ponthanmada', 'Ormakal Undayirikkanam' and 'Danny' have all been films that have been acclaimed and much discussed.

Now it has been reported that Mammootty and T V Chandran would come together again for another film.

Chandran, who is busy shooting for 'Shankaranum Mohanum' with Jayasurya in the lead role, has already had a discussion about his new film with Mammootty.

Film lovers in the state are all excited with the announcement of this new project, that would once again bring together two titans of Malayalam cinema.

City of God - Review

2011-04-29T09:02:00.002+05:30

It all begins with a fatal accident and takes us along to the intricate events that lead to the crash. Obviously it involves the lives of a few individuals and it intertwines in a peculiar way. The format made famous by several spectacular films like Amores Perros, Babel and Crash among many others has been repeated by scenarist Babu Janardhanan and director Lijo Jose Pellissery in City of God.

Jyothilal (Prithviraj) is a criminal, who is ready even to risk his life for his boss Sony Vadayattil (Rajeev Pillai), a wealthy businessman. Viji Punnoose (Swetha Menon) is a widow who has to settle some scores with Jyothilal. Sooryaprabha (Rima Kallingal) is an actress with a sad past that continues to haunt her. Marathakam (Parvathy) is a Tamil labourer, who has come to Kochi, from Palani. She has fled from a failed marriage and is in love with a fellow Tamil worker named Swarnavel (Indrajith).

How their lives come across at certain points, is the interesting aspect here. In all fairness, the storyline is by and large, pretty convincing. But the problem is that in the pursuit of adhering to the film’s format, the pace gets affected in a big way. Also, several details that would have made the narrative more engrossing get sidelined.
There are too many events happening and the characters go through curious situations all the time. After a while, the viewer tends to get bored and lose interest as the story is not focused anywhere. Only a few characters make an impact in the viewer’s mind as well.

Babu Janardhanan’s script lacks the depth that has been the strength of the films in the genre. Lijo Jose Pellissery, who showed great promise with his maiden film ‘Nayakan’, comes up with flashes of brilliance but it is not just working perfectly well here. The visuals by Sujith Vasudev and the music by Prasant Pillai are also good in parts.

Prithviraj has to maintain a sober face all along, which he does pretty well. Indrajith is good as the Tamil labourer. Parvathy, who appears in a thoroughly deglamourised look, is just brilliant. Rima Kallingal looks fine but Swetha Menon has a limited role to play. Rohini, Rajeev Pillai, Sudhir Karamana, Jagadeesh and the rest of the cast have done their roles in a decent way.

City of God has dared to tread an unconventional path and the willingness to experiment, which is quite unlike most Malayalam films during these days, is something to be appreciated. But the question is that if the attempt has been a successful one. Sadly, too many plots have ruined the fun here to a great extent and things even get pretentious at times. As the end credits start rolling, one gets the feeling that this film could have been much better. An earnest experiment that fails to get the perfect results, perhaps!

Resul Pookutty to do a cameo

2011-04-29T09:01:00.000+05:30

Oscar winner Resul Pookkutty is donning a new role.

Resul is making a cameo appearance in the film Sneham+Ishtam= Amma, directed by Jayachandran Ayilara.

Revathy is playing the central character.

Though Resul had done some ad campaigns earlier, this is his first appearance in a movie.

Nedumudi Venu, Jagathy, SurajVenjaramoodu and Kalpana are in the supporting cast.

Music is by MG Sreekumar and Sajeevan. Screenplay is by Haja Moidu. Movie is produced by Bharath Samuel.

Dileep's Mr Marumakan has started rolling

2011-04-29T09:00:00.000+05:30

Dileep starrer Mr Marumakan has started rolling in Kochi.

The film had a pooja function held at DD retreat Kochi before the start, last Friday.

Kaviyoor Ponnamma lighted the lamp in the presence of Dileep, K. Bhagyaraj and Sanusha.

Tamil director-actor Bhagyaraj is playing an important role in the movie. Sanusha is the heroine.

Dileep Bhagyaraj combination scenes are going on in Kochi. Earlier the shoot was planned in Hyderabad. But then it has been changed to Kochi.

Movie is directed by Sandhya Mohan and scripted by Siby Udayan duo.

Kamal Haasan at Traffic 100 days Celebration

2011-04-29T08:58:00.000+05:30

The first hit of 2011 Traffic celebrated its 100th day in the presence of Dr Kamal Haasan.

Kamal who is rumoured to be doing the Tamil remake was the star attraction of the function held at Gokulam Convention Centre Kochi last Wednesday.

He was in all praise for the director Rajesh Pillai and screenplay writers Bobby and Sanjay.

The entire Traffic team was present at the function.

Kunjakko Boban who was busy with Joshy's Sevens at Kozhikode couldn't attend the function. Buzz is that Rajesh Pillai will direct the movie in Tamil.

Prithviraj weds Supriya Menon Marriage Photos

2011-04-25T18:54:00.003+05:30

Prithvirajs wife supriya menon photos

Prithviraj weds Supriya Menon Marriage Photos

Prithviraj weds Supriya Menon Wedding Photos

Prithviraj weds Supriya Menon Reception Photos

Prithvirajs wife supriya menon Photo Gallery, Image Gallery, News

Prithviraj weds Supriya Menon Marriage Images

Prithviraj weds Supriya Menon Wedding Images

Prithviraj weds Supriya Menon Reception Images