Cine News – Tamil News Network

Veteran filmmaker Balu Mahendra passes away

TamilNet — Mon, 17 Feb 2014 13:27:56 +0000

Veteran Tamil Eelam born filmmaker Balendranathan Mahendra, popularly known as Balu Mahendra passed away in Chennai on Thursday. Born in Batticaloa on 20 May 1939, Balu Mahendra was a 1966 batch Diploma holder in Cinematography from the prestigious Pune Film Institute of India. Debuting as a cinematographer in the 1974 Malayalam movie Nellu, for which he won a state award, Balu Mahendra went on to win five national awards and three Filmfare awards subsequently both as a director and a cinematographer, and is widely regarded as a trendsetter in Indian cinema.

Balu Mahendra’s first film as a director, Kokilaa, a Kannada film won him the National Award. Santhiyaraagam and Veedu in Tamil were two of his later films, which established him as a formidable force in Indian cinema.

Balu Mahendra in the tradition of great film makers of the world Akira Kurosawa of Japan, Majid Majeedi of Iran, Satyajit Ray of Bengal, Adoor Gopalakrishnan of Kerala and Lester James Pieris of Ceylon, was a poet who used his shots, scenes and sequences, not words to write his poetry on celluloid, says Attorney-at-Law and an experienced theatric Mr K Sivapalan from Trincomalee, paying tribute to Balu Mahnedra.

Moonraam Pi’rai (Tamil) which was later made in Hindi, titled ‘Sadma’ was a well made film although he made some compromises for the mainstream Indian cinema, says Mr Sivapalan adding that Balu Mahendra, in his young days brought out hand written little magazines in Tamil in Batticaloa.

An Eezham Tamil artist who met him recently said that Balu Mahendra was passionate about the Tamil language and to his country of birth, although he was not open about it. Following a conversation with the LTTE leader Mr V. Pirapaharan, he was prepared to help the artists from the de-facto state of Tamil Eelam during the times of the peace process, the artist further said.

Watching the shooting in Kandy of the English film ‘The Bridge on the River Kwai’ (1957) by the famous Director David Lean as a young student from Batticaloa was his inspiration to become a cinematographer and director.

Bala and Vetrimaaran who won the Indian National awards for their films Naan Kadavu’l and Aadu Ka’lam respectively were his film students and assistant directors.

His recent film Thalaimu’raika’l where he was the cinematographer, editor, director and main actor won him much acclaim. He leaves behind his wife Akila and son Sangi Mahendra.

[Full Coverage]

Vaali, Tamil cinema’s prolific lyricist passes away

NDTV — Sat, 20 Jul 2013 08:24:00 +0000

One of Tamil cinema’s celebrated lyricist, an evergreen poet, Vaali, who ruled the film industry for over five decades, passed away in Chennai on Friday. He was 82.

He died due to respiratory illness in a private hospital.

Vaali, who acted in Tamil films such as "Sathya", "Hey Ram" and "Parthale Paravasam", had also penned the biographies of Rama, Krishna and Ramanuja. He even wrote an autobiography titled "Naanum Indha Nootrandum".

Born as T.S Rangarajan, he rechristened himself as Vaali, since he was a devoted fan of artist Mali.

Before picking up the pen to write, he worked with All India Radio (AIR) for a brief period of time. He was also actively involved in Tamil theatre and even directed a few plays.

He came to Chennai in 1950 and struggled for many years. He wrote his first song in 1958 for the film "Azhagarmalai Kalla", but his much needed recognition came in 1963 with the song "Idaythil Nee" from the film "Karpagam".

In 1964, Vaali penned the lyrics for the song "Thottal Poo Malurum" from the film "Padagotti" featuring late Tamil Nadu chief minister M.G Ramachandran (MGR). The song went on to be a chartbuster, and subsequently he wrote for almost all films of MGR.

Besides MGR, Vaali also wrote several songs for Kamal Haasan and Rajinikanth. In the last decade, he wrote songs for young actors such Dhanush, Siddharth and Suriya.

In Dhanush-starrer Tamil romantic-drama "Maryan", which is releasing on Friday, Vaali wrote two songs "Naetru Aval" and "Sonapareeya".

Known to be the nemesis of lyricist Kannadasan, Vaali only went on to be called his heir-apparent. Even though both were professional rivals, but in real life they were considered best friends.

Vaali has more than 10,000 songs to his credit. In his illustrious career, he has penned several chartbusters such as "Naan Aanai Ittal", "Moondrezhuthil Yen Moochirukkum" and "Puthiya Vaanam, Puthiya Boomi".

[Full Coverage]

Tamil activist film director Manivannan passes away in Chennai

TamilNet — Sat, 15 Jun 2013 11:51:00 +0000

Tamil activist, film director and actor P Manivannan has passed away due to cardiac arrest at his residence on Saturday. He was 59. Mr Manivannan has directed nearly 50 films. He has also made a mark in acting Tamil cinema by playing sharp character roles having shades of comedy and political sarcasm in more than 400 films. Director Manivannan took an active role of an artist in expressing solidarity with the Tamil struggle and was instrumental in maintaining the link between the Tamil Nadu cinema artists and the nation of Eezham Tamils.

“I came to the world of Tamil cinema after reading Marx, Lenin and Mao. I have nothing to lose except my life.”

“If I had been born in Eezham, I would have served under my national leader Pirapaharan and sacrificed my life.”

“If I am to die, drape my body in Tiger flag and make a funeral without having other rituals,” Mr Manivannan registered his last wish at a meeting held in April this year, before the release of his last movie Nagaraja Cholan MLA.

[Full Coverage]

Ajith’s fan base likened to MGR’s …

Behind Woods — Mon, 27 May 2013 08:25:59 +0000

Former actor and renowned journalist Cho Ramaswamy’s comments are much in demand, be it in the political space or in the film space. He is known for his candid observations which are frank and reveal the truth in no uncertain terms.

He recently said that when it comes to having a loyal and huge fan base, like how the late MGR enjoys till date, Ajith leads the way among the current generation of actors. Cho also said that MGR continues to remain the darling of the masses even decades after his death.

[Full Coverage]

Biriyani and All in All Azhagu Raja’s status, as on May 25

Behind Woods — Mon, 27 May 2013 08:24:39 +0000

With Karthi’s birthday having passed on the 25th of May, fans were treated to a teaser from his next movie, Venkat Prabhu’s Biriyani. The teaser is fun, youthful and promises typical Venkat Prabhu entertainment with Yuvan’s peppy music for company. Posters were also splashed across the city proclaiming that Biriyani would be an August release.

Posters of Karthi’s other upcoming movie, All in All Azhagu Raja, were also unveiled informing that the movie is nearing completion. Looks like an exciting 2013 ahead for Karthi and his loyalists.

[Full Coverage]

Amala Paul targets Ajith and Suriya

Behind Woods — Mon, 27 May 2013 08:23:22 +0000

Actress Amala Paul has checked one of her to-do boxes with regard to Tamil cinema by doing a film with Ilayathalapathy Vijay. Amala Paul will be seen in a crucial role in Director Vijay’s Thalaivaa. While in the Telugu market Amala Paul has already worked with some of the big young stars, the young lady has her agenda set to work with Ajith and Suriya in the future.

Amala Paul enjoys good recall value in the Tamil and Telugu market and therefore producers believe that the young lady is a safe bet to pair with the top actors as it provides them a reach over the neighboring state’s audiences as well. With all-round abilities as well as a strategic advantage, it is only a matter of time before Amala Paul’s wishes come true.

[Full Coverage]

Legendary singer T.M.Soundararajan is no more!

Behind Woods — Mon, 27 May 2013 08:21:52 +0000

Legendary playback singer T.M.Soundararajan was admitted in a private hospital in Mylapore a couple of weeks back following respiratory difficulties. Earlier this evening he passed away after suffering from several months of ill health. He was 91 years old.

The industry will no doubt mourn his loss as he was one of the famous voices behind superstars such as MGR and Sivaji Ganesan. Behindwoods extends its deepest condolences to the singer’s family.

[Full Coverage]

Porn star Priya Rai to venture into Tamil films!

MISC — Wed, 08 May 2013 07:58:36 +0000

Indo-American porn star Priya Anjali Rai is all set to enter into Indian films. Well, after Sunny Leone, a Canadian porn star who has created a niche for herself in Bollywood, Priya is the latest porn star to enter our films.

According to reports, producer-director R Babu Nair has approached her for a forthcoming Tamil movie. He had offered the film a few months ago and had been waiting for her to give green signal. Finally, the talks have ended as she has given a nod to the project.

Priya Rai is a popular name in porn industry. The 35-year old has worked in over 100 films and has won adult awards. Born in New Delhi in 1977, she was adopted by American parents at the age of two. She did a marketing course in Arizona State University.

Later, Priya Rai turned a professional stripper for 12 years before adult industry discovered her. She entered porn industry in 2007 and instantly earned fame.

She has been placed at the 19th position in the list of ‘The Top 100 Hottest Porn Stars Right Now’ by Lifestyle magazine. (oneindia)

[Full Coverage]

Exclusive: Gautham Menon and Suriya’s Dhruva Natchathiram confirmed

Behind Woods — Sun, 14 Apr 2013 21:40:14 +0000

A few weeks back, Behindwoods 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.

[Full Coverage]

Vikram’s new look for ‘I’ spotted !

Behind Woods — Sun, 14 Apr 2013 21:39:24 +0000

As always the case Shankar has been closely guarding the details of his under production film, ‘I’, that stars Vikram and Amy Jackson in the lead. There have been several reports that have emerged regarding Vikram’s various looks in the film. It has been reported that Vikram’s character will be seen completely beefed up in one portion of the movie, while another half of the movie will shown him with a leaner physique, warranting a rapid loss in weight from the actor.

Now it has been brought to Behindwoods’s attention that Vikram was recently spotted in the city with a completely shaved head, leading us to believe that the tonsured look too is going to be part of Shankar’s ‘I’.

[Full Coverage]