Indian Film News

65th National Film Awards

2018-04-13T20:24:00.001+05:30

The 65th National Film Awards ceremony is an upcoming event during which the Directorate of Film Festivals presents its annual National Film Awards to honour the best films of 2017 in the Indian cinema. The awards announced on 13 April 2018 The awards ceremony will be held on 3 May 2018

Name of Award	Name of Film	Language	Awardee(s)	Cash Prize
Best Feature Film	Village Rockstars	Assamese	Producer: Rima Das	₹ 250,000/- Each
			Director: Rima Das
Best Debut Film of A Director	Sinjar	Jasari	Producer: Shibu G. Suseelan	₹ 125,000/- Each
			Director: Pampally
Best Popular Film Providing Wholesome Entertainment	Baahubali 2: The Conclusion	Telugu	Producer: Shobu Yarlagadda, Arka Media Works (P) LTD.	₹ 200,000/- Each
			Director: S. S. Rajamouli
Best Children's Film	Mhorkya	Marathi	Producer: Kalyan Rajmogli Padal	₹ 150,000/- Each
			Director: Amar Bharat Deokar
Best Direction	Bhayanakam	Malayalam	Jayaraj	₹ 250,000/-


Name of Award	Name of Film	Language	Awardee(s)	Cash Prize
Best Feature Film on National Integration	Dhappa	Marathi	Producer: Sumatilal Popatlal Shah	₹ 150,000/- Each
			Director: Nipun Dharmadhikari
Best Film on Other Social Issues	Aalorukkam	Malayalam	Producer: Jolly Lonappan	₹ 150,000/- Each
			Director: V. C. Abhilash
Best Film on Environment/Conservation/Preservation	Irada	Hindi	Producer: Irada Entertrainment	₹ 150,000/- Each
			Aparnaa Singh
Best Actor	Nagarkirtan	Bengali	Riddhi Sen
Best Actress	Mom	Hindi	Sridevi
Best Supporting Actor	Thondimuthalum Driksakshiyum	Malayalam	Fahadh Faasil
Best Supporting Actress	Irada	Hindi	Divya Dutta
Best Child Artist	Village Rockstars	Assamese	Bhanita Das
Best Male Playback Singer	Viswasapoorvam Mansoor	Malayalam	K.J. Yesudas
Best Female Playback Singer	Kaatru Veliyidai	Tamil	Shashaa Tirupati
Best Cinematography	Bhayanakam	Malayalam	Nikhil S. Praveen
Best Screenplay	Thondimuthalum Driksakshiyum	Malayalam	Sajeev Pazhoor
• Screenplay Writer (Original)
Best Screenplay	Bhayanakam	Malayalam	Jayaraj
• Screenplay Writer (Adapted)
Best Screenplay	Hello Arsi		Sambit Mohanty
• Dialogues
Best Audiography
• Sound Designer
Best Audiography
• Re-recordist of the Final Mixed Track
Best Editing		Assamese	Reema Das
Best Production Design	Take Off	Malayalam	Santhosh Raman
Best Costume Design
Best Make-up Artist	Nagarkirtan	Bengali	Ram Rajjak
Best Music Direction	Kaatru Veliyidai	Tamil	A. R. Rahman
• Songs
Best Music Direction	Mom	Hindi	A. R. Rahman
• Background Score
Best Lyrics	March 22 (song: Mutthu Ratna)	Kannada	J. M. Prahlad
Best Special Effects	Baahubali 2: The Conclusion	Telugu	R. C. Kamalakannan
Best Choreography	Toilet Ek Prem Katha	Hindi	Ganesh Acharya
Best Stunt Choreographer	Baahubali 2: The Conclusion	Telugu	Peter Hein
			King Solomon
			Lee Whittaker
			Kecha Khamphakdee
Special Jury Award	Nagarkirtan	Bengali	Producer: Sani Ghose Ray
			Director : Sani Ghose Ray
Special Mention	Newton	Hindi	Tripathii Pankaj	Certificate only
	Take Off	Malayalam	Parvathy (Actress)
	Hello Arsi	Odia	Prakruti Mishra
	Mhorkya		Yasharaj Karhade

Regional Awards[edit]

Name of Award	Name of Film	Awardee(s)	Cash Prize
Best Feature Film in Assamese	Ishu	Producer: Udara Films	₹
		Director : Utpal Borpujari
Best Feature Film in Bengali	Mayurakshi	Producer: Firdausul Hasan, Prabal Halder	₹
		Director : Atanu Ghosh
Best Feature Film in Gujarati	Dhh	Producer:	₹
		Director: Manish Saini
Best Feature Film in Hindi	Newton (film)	Producer:Drishyam Films	₹
		Director : Amit V Masurkar
Best Feature Film in Kannada	Hebbettu Ramakka	Producer: S..A. Puttaraju	₹
		Director : N.R. Nanjunde Gowda
Best Feature Film in Malayalam	Thondimuthalum Driksakshiyum	Producer: Urvasi Theatres	₹
		Director: Dileesh Pothan
Best Feature Film in Marathi	Kaccha Limboo	Producer:Mandar Devastali	₹
		Director:Sagar Ballary
Best Feature Film in Tamil	Tolet	Producer: Prema Chezhian	₹
		Director: Chezhiyan
Best Feature Film in Telugu	The Ghazi Attack	Producer:Anvesh Reddy	₹
		Venkatramana Reddy Prasad V Potluri NM Pasha Jagan Mohan Vancha
		Director: Sankalp Reddy


Name of Award	Name of Film	Awardee(s)	Cash Prize
Best Feature Film in Jasari	Sinjar	Producer: Shibu G Suseelan
		Director: Pampally
Best Feature Film in Ladakhi	Walking With The Wind	Producer: Mahesh Mohan	₹
		Director: Praveen Morchhale
Best Feature Film in Odia	Hello Arsi	Producer: Ajaya Routray
		Director: Sambit Mohanty
Best Feature Film in Tulu	Paddayi	Producer: Nithyananda Pai
		Director: Abhaya Simha


Name of Award	Name of Film	Language	Awardee(s)	Cash Prize
Best Non-Feature Film	'		Producer:	₹ 100,000/- Each
			Director:
Best Director in Non-Feature Film	'		Producer:	₹ 150,000/- to the Director
			Director:


Name of Award	Name of Film	Language	Awardee(s)	Cash Prize
Best First Non-Feature Film			Producer:	₹ 50,000/- Each
			Director:
Best Biographical Film / Best Historical Reconstruction / Compilation Film	Naachi se Baanchi		Producer: Films Division	₹ 50,000/- Each (Cash Component to be shared)
			Director: Biju Toppo
	Sword of Liberty
			Producer: R C Suresh
			Director: Shiny Jacob Benjamin
Best Arts / Cultural Film	Girija		Producer: Madhu Chandra, Sudha Datta	₹ 50,000/- Each
			Director: Debapriya Adhikary, Samanwaya Sarkar
Best Environment Film including Best Agricultural Film	The Pangti Story		Producer: RAJIV MEHROTRA	₹ 50,000/- Each
			Director: SESINO YHOSHU
Best Promotional Film	Poetry on Fabric : Chendari Nama		Producer: Sanjay Gupta for Pro Art India	₹ 50,000/- Each
			Director: Rajendra Janglay
Best Film on Social Issues	I am Bonnie		Producer: Films Division	₹ 50,000/- Each (Cash Component to be shared)
			Director: Satarupa Santra
	Veil Done
			Producer: JUHI BHATT
			Director: RAJIV MEHROTRA
Best Educational / Motivational / Instructional Film	The Little Girl We Were and the Women We Are		Producer: RAHI Foundation	₹ 50,000/- Each
			Director: Vaishali Sood
Best Anthropological/Ethnographic Film	Name, Place, Animal, Thing		Producer: Nithin R	₹ 50,000/- Each (Cash Component to be shared)
			Director: Nithin R
	Slave Genesis
			Producer: Aneez K M
			Director: Aneez K M
Best Exploration / Adventure Film	Ladakh Chale Richawala		Producer: Films Division	₹ 50,000/- Each
			Director: Indrani Chakrabarti
Best Investigative Film	1984, When the sun didn’t rise		Producer: Teenaa Kaur	₹ 50,000/- Each
			Director: Teenaa Kaur
Best Animation Film	The Fish Curry		Producer: MUNISH TEWARI	₹ 50,000/- Each (Cash Component to be shared)
			Director: ABHISHEK VERMA
	The Basket		Animator: ABHISHEK VERMA

			Producer: Nilima Eriyat
			Director: Suresh Eriyat
			Animator: Studio EEKSAURUS
Best Short Fiction Film	Mayat		Producer: Dr Suyash Shinde	₹ 50,000/- Each
			Director: Dr Suyash Shinde
Best Film on Family Welfare	Happy Birthday		Producer: FTII	₹ 50,000/- Each
			Director: MEDHPRANAV BABASAHEB POWAR
Best Cinematography	Eye Test		Cameraman: Appu Prabhakar	₹ 50,000/- Each

	Dawn		Cameraman: Arnold Fernandes
Best Audiography	Pavasacha Nibandha		Avinash Sonawane	₹ 50,000/-
Best Editing	Mrityubhoj The Death Feast		Sanjiv Monga & Tenzin Kunchok	₹ 50,000/-
Best Music Direction	Shored of Liberty		Ramesh Narayanan	₹ 50,000/-
Best Narration / Voice over	The Lion of Laddak		Narrator: Francois Castellino	₹ 50,000/-
Special Jury Award	A Very Old Man with Enormous Wings		Producer: Films Division	₹ 50,000/- Each (Cash Component to be shared)
			Director: Prateek Vats
	Monday
			Producer: FTTI
			Director: Arun K
Special Mention	Rebirth		Jayaraj	Certificate
	Cake Story		Rukshana Tabassum	Certificate
	Afternoon		Swapnil Vasant Kapure	Certificate
Best On Location - Sound Recordist	The Unreserved		Samarth Mahajan	₹ 50,000/-

Dileep-Kavya Madhavan wedding: Here’s all you need to know about the secret ceremony

2016-11-28T15:52:00.003+05:30

It’s official now. Dileep and Kavya Madhavan got married in a ceremony at a hotel in Cochin. The function was held between 8-10:30 a.m. The entire ceremony was LIVE streamed for all the fans to see. Both their families were present on this occasion. The couple had arrived on Thursday night itself. They had informed their friends about this function on the same day. Now, here’s all you need to know about this much-talked secret ceremony.

#Kavya Madhavan and Dileep are popular Malayalam actors. The two have acted together in many Malayalam movies – Thilakkam, Darling Darling, Runway, Valayar Paramasivam. They two are known for their rocking chemistry and acting skills

It’s Dileep-Kavya’s second marriage. Dileep was previously married to Mollywood actress Manju Warrier. They were officially divorced in January 2015. Kavya Madhavan was also married to Nischal Chandra and but soon after got separated from him.

#Dileep went LIVE from his wedding to make this big annoucement. As a few months, he had mentioned, if there was a news like this he would inform his fans. He has kept his word. He aksed all his fans for their support, love and prayers.

Dileep has a daughter Meenkashi from his first marriage. In fact, he had mentioned, his daughter’s consent was most important to him. Only then would he take the next step.

#The two gave an EXCLUSIVE interview to Vanitha, a regional magazine few months ago itself, hinting at wedding plans. When asked about remarriage, here’s what Dileep had said then, “Time will tell everything.”

#Nobody from their co-stars, Meera Jasmine, Jomol knew about this wedding. They were told about this event the previous night.

#Most of them were Mollywood were present for the wedding – Mammotty, Urvashi, Jairam, Jolmol, Meera Jasmine and others were there for the function

Alia Bhatt

2016-11-28T13:17:00.000+05:30

Bollywood celebrities like Saif Ali Khan, Alia Bhatt, Soha Ali Khan and Kunal Kemmu attended Adoptathon, where pet lovers can choose from over 150 Indian breed pups and kittens for adoption. Its aim is to find homes for these animals.

Kunal, who was accompanied by wife Soha at the event, said: "We have been attached to the cause for last three years. Last time, we adopted two puppies. I am grateful to the association for doing this good job."

Soha, a pet lover, added: "We always encourage people to spend time with animals."

Which is Kunal's favourite - a cat or a dog? The actor said that he is more of a dog lover.

But Alia, who was present at the event along with sister Shaheen, wanted to take home cats. She said: "I already have two cats in my house. I feel like taking home one more. But my mom has warned me not to take any cats as I am not able to look after them."

Dhaakad' crosses 12 million views

2016-11-28T13:10:00.000+05:30

After making us nostalgic with "Haanikaarak Baapu", the makers of 'Dangal' released their second 'Dhaakad'.

The Haryanvi rap by Pritam, Amitabh Bhattacharya, Raftaar is very powerful and captures the local flavour of its setting very well. Now reports have it that the raw, hard hitting and catchy song has crossed over 12 millions of views within three days of it’s release.

In comparison to the music of other films this year, Dangal’s music is very distinct and is being loved by all. Looking at the response an overwhelming Aamir also tweeted, to thank everyone for the fantastic response that the songs of 'Dangal' are receiving.

With every content piece that the makers are releasing, 'Dangal' is generating is lot of excitement and anticipation in audiences. 'Dangal' produced by Aamir Khan, Kiran Rao and Siddharth Roy Kapur and directed by Nitesh Tiwari is slated to release on 23rd December, 2016.

Suraj's National Award Winning Movie Perariyathavar

2014-04-16T17:37:00.002+05:30

61st National Award winners

2014-04-16T17:22:00.005+05:30

The 61st annual National awards for the year 2013 have been announced.

Here are the winners in the major categories:

Best Feature Film: Ship of Theseus

Best Hindi Film: Jolly LLB

Best Actor: Rajkummar Rao for Shahid (Hindi) and Suraj Venjaramoodu for Perariyathavar (Malayalam)

Best Actress: Geetanjali Thapa for Liar's Dice

Best Director: Hansal Mehta for Shahid
Best Supporting Actor: Saurabh Shukla for Jolly LLBBest Supporting Actress: Amruta Subhash for Astu (Marathi) and Aida El-Kashif for Ship of Theseus (English)
Best Child Artist: SOmnath Avghade for Fandry (Marathi) and Sadhna for Thanga Meengal (Tamil)

Best Children's Film: Kaphal

Best English Film: Coffin MakerBest Film on a Social Issue: Gulabi Gang
Best Non-Feature Film: Rangbhoomi
Best Popular Film providing wholesome entertainment: Bhaag Milkha Bhaag
Best Cinematography: Rajeev Ravi for Liar's Dice

Best Editing: VJ Sabu Joseph for Vallinam (Tamil)

Best Sound Design: Bishwadeep Chatterjee for Madras Cafe (Hindi)

Best Music Direction: Kabir Suman for Jatishwar (Bengali) and Shantanu Moitra for Na Bangaaru Talli (Telugu)

Best Lyrics: Na Muthukumar for the song Ananda Yaazhai in Thanga Meengal (Tamil)
Special Jury Award: Yellow (Marathi) and Miss Lovely (Hindi)

Best Choreography: Ganesh Acharya for Bhaag Milkha Bhaag

61st National Awards: Suraj Venjaramood, North 24 Kaatham Bag Awards

2014-04-16T17:11:00.000+05:30

It is a proud moment for all Kerallites as well as for the whole Malayalam industry. Suraj Venjaramoodu, who rose to fame with his comedy roles in movies and with the Trivandrum slang, has won the National Award for Best Actor. He shares this award with yet another actor Raj Kumar.

Also, North 24 Kaatham wins the Best Malayalam film.

Yes, Suraj has made it happen. With his out standing performance in the movie Perariyathavan, he bagged the National Award for the Best Actor for the year. He said that he give this award to all the Malayalis and the Malayalam industry.

Perariyathavan was directed by Dr Biju and Suraj played the role of a sweeper in the film. It was a de-glam role and it mainly focussed on the difficulties faced by the marginalised people in the society. Indrans had also played a pivotal role in the film. This is Suraj's first National Award. Now, this has proved once again that the Malayalam industry is indeed blessed with having many profound actors who have extreme range in acting. Indian Film News congratulates Suraj Venjaramoodu and North 24 Kaatham team on winning the National Awards for Best Actor and Best Malayalam movie for the year.

Suraj Wins the Best Actor National Award

2014-04-16T16:50:00.000+05:30

Congratulations from Indian Film News!

The award is being shared between Suraj for the malayalam movie Perariyathe and Rajjkumar as Kashmiri Lawyer in Shahid

Remya Nambeesan-Keeping fingers crossed

2014-04-15T18:55:00.001+05:30

Actress Remya Nambeesan who was last seen in the superhit Pizza with Vijay Sethupathy has a busy summer ahead for her in Kollywood this year.

She has three back to back releases scheduled in the coming months. Her Daamal Dumeel with Actor Vaibhav is scheduled to release next Friday Apr 18th.

Director CS Amuthan’s Rendavathu Padam is already censored and waiting to release. Vimal, Arvind Aakash and Richard are her co-stars in Rendavathu Padam.After that, she has a movie with Arulnithi – Naalu Policeum Nalla Irundha Oorum. The producers of NKPK and iDhaaba Leo Visions are producing it.

Apart from that, she has another movie Muriyadi with Actor Ganesh Venkatraman which is delayed for some time. Hopefully, these movies help Remya to reach next level in Kollywood.

Dileep goes on record about the rift with Manju

2014-04-15T18:40:00.000+05:30

Actor Dileep has said in an interview to a women’s magazine that he and wife Manju Warrier are separated.

“But I have no plans to talk against her. I am happy being with my daughter,” says the hero.

The timing of the interview is rather curious with Dileep bouncing back to winning ways with the laugh riot Ring Master and Manju all set to make a comeback to films with How Old Are You? releasing next month.

The rumours about their separation have been doing the rounds for sometime now but Dileep had refused to comment on it until now.On the question on whether Kavya is the reason for their rift, Dileep says that “if it was so, me and Manju were like friends. We could have sorted it all easily.”

Ranbir-Katrina to live-in together?

2014-04-15T18:34:00.000+05:30

Following his cousin Kareena Kapoor's footsteps, Bollywood actor Ranbir Kapoor has also decided to live-in with his girlfriend Katrina Kaif before marriage. Since the couple hardly get time to spend with each other due to work commitments, they have decided to just stay together.A Saharasamay report says that Ranbir has finally decided to move out of his Pali Hill family residence, Krishna Raj, where he hitherto was staying with his parents Rishi and Neetu Kapoor, and has decided to buy his own apartment where he can move in with Katrina.

Quoting a source, the report adds he has already spoken to a few builders and is looking for a big apartment situated somewhere between Bandra and Juhu. In fact the actor will visit the apartments shortlisted by his agent personally before he finally selects his love nest for his alleged lady love.It is said that Katrina used to visit the actor frequently at Krishna Raj. Her frequent visits were allegedly disapproved by his father Rishi, who often commented on her coming to their residence so often. Hence, Ranbir took this big step and has decided to move out of his parents house and live with Katrina.

Recently, there was a buzz that Ranbir and Katrina are planning to tie the nuptial knot in 2015. However, the actress has denied these rumours.

Shah Rukh, Aamir, Salman, Karan pushed Indian cinema globally: Big B

2014-04-15T18:30:00.001+05:30

Megastar Amitabh Bachchan has travelled the world, meeting cinema icons from all over. He feels happy at the growing reach of Indian movies and says younger stars like Shah Rukh Khan, Aamir Khan and Salman Khan deserve the credit for realising their potential globally and pushing it in the world.

Of course, filmmakers like Satyajit Ray, Bimal Roy and Mrinal Sen as well as actors like Raj Kapoor meandered their way into hearts across boundaries with their craft, but the visibility of Indian films - Hindi and regional - currently seems to be at an all-time high.

The movies are not just getting screen space at international film festivals but are also getting theatrical releases in an increasing number of non-traditional foreign markets like Peru, Panama and Morocco.That gives Amitabh, whom French director Francois Truffaut once called a "one-man industry", a reason to cheer.

"Internationally, it is very heartening to see the interest in Indian cinema," the 71-year-old told IANS in an interview here.

Going back in time, he said: "For many years in the time when I started, cinema was not marketed or promoted the way it is now. We didn't know about these markets. There were international distributors, but we never knew exactly what used to happen to a film - we used to give it at a pittance because we never realised that people outside would want to watch a Hindi film or any Indian film.

"But once it began, we found the importance of the number of people that are seeing it. The international market has now become a major territory. It bodes really well because there's a large expatriate audience and they have passed on their likes to their friends, and therefore this whole community, even foreigners, have started identifying with our films."

The actor, who made his debut with the 1969 film "Saat Hindustani", remembers having performed to a packed audience at London's Wembley Stadium and at New Jersey's now-demolished Giant Stadium in the 1980s and 1990s.

"We used to have a stadium full of people where we used to sing, dance to numbers of the Hindi film industry - filling up the Wembley Stadium of 65,000 people - it was immense - New Jersey - 75,000 people. I saw the amount of love, affection and interest and that was really a revelation for us.

"But somewhere the generation that came immediately after us - Shah Rukh, Salman, Aamir and (filmmaker) Karan Johar too - they pushed this potential into the international world. So if you want to give credit for the recognition, these are the people who should be credited," Bollywood's once 'Angry young man' told IANS.

He added that it is because of works like "Kabhi Khushi Kabhie Gham", which "became an iconic film in the western world", that it was found that Indian films had a potential abroad.

"Shah Rukh is as popular in Germany as he is here, Hrithik (Roshan) and Salman and Aamir are loved internationally in equal proportion. So, obviously Indian cinema is doing well.

"The fact that there are festivals that invite our films and personalities and stars, is also wonderful. Marrakech, Cannes, Berlin, US, Britain...that's wonderful," said Amitabh, who is due to attend the Melbourne International Film Festival towards the end of July.

Ajith's 1000 bullets

2014-04-14T08:18:00.003+05:30

Ajith's 55th film directed by Gautham Menon kick started with a formal pooja on April 9. The film stars Anushka as the lead lady and actor Aadhi is said to play an important role in the flick.

Sources have confirmed that the music director of the film will be Harris Jayaraj. Don Macarthur will handle the camera and Anthony will be the editor though there has not been an official word about the cast and crew of the film. Now we hear that the title of the film will be 'Aayiram Thottakkal' and the title will be officially revealed on May 1 coinciding with 'Thala' Ajith's Birthday. Gautham Menon had earlier revealed that he has a script titled 'Ennai Nokki Paayum Thotta' but it is unknown whether Gautham has modified the same script for Ajith film.

Amar Singh with Dimple in Malayalam

2010-05-06T13:01:00.001+05:30

A few weeks before, IndiaGlitz has reported about the first ever role of Dimple Kapadia in Malayalam. She was said to appear in the new film directed by Umar Karikkad titled as 'Bombay Mittai'. The interesting bit to the proceedings is that National level politician Amar Singh is all set to appear with Dimple in this movie.

Amar Singh will be in the role of a musician in the movie. Describing him as an intense fan of Dimple Kapadia, Amar Singh is in thin air for getting a chance to act with his dream actress, that to as her husband on screen.

Amar Singh is to appear free of cost in this movie which will have Vinoo Mohan and Bala as the heroes. Amar Singh had earlier been in cinema in a small role in a Dev Anand film.

‘Bombay Mittai’, being directed by Umar Karikkad, revolves around the life of two youth struggling to make out a living. In another matter of interest, Sreelankam politician Varada Raja Perumal's daughter Neelambari Perumal is also appearing as the heroine of this movie. She will play a young journalist living in north India, who decides to go back to her home town in South India to uncover the mystery behind a murder.

Pazhassi, big hit even on DVD's

2010-05-06T12:58:00.001+05:30

Following the record breaking performances that it had attained in the Kerala Box Office, 'Kerala Varma Pazhassi Raja'- Gokulam Gopalan- Hariharan- Mammootty's period film has repeated the feat in the selling of its DVD's and VCD's as well.

Launched by Moser Baer Home Entertainment on home video, the sales of the DVD's and VCD's has already touched a whooping two lakhs in just four days. The discs which were launched on the first of May were hot property from the day one, courtesy the increased ads and boost ups and marketing made by Moser Baer in association with the retailers. This is the highest as far as the selling of any of the videos in Mollywood has made, so far.

A travels for Jayaram

2010-05-06T12:55:00.001+05:30

Do you remember Sathyan Anthikkad's Varavelppu? One of the most satirical movies films ever to have made in Mollywood, which narrated the fate of NRI's who decide to start any fresh endeavor in the state. The movie is often named and discussed whenever such a discussion on NRI endeavors are on. Mohanlal, in the movie, was thrown into mayhem following his decision to buy a route bus and run it in his village lanes.

Again there was “Ee Parakkum Thalika” from Dileep which also had a similar story-line about a bus owner and a bus in decrepitude. Both there films created worthy hits for their lead stars.

Going by the previous experiences of these two hits, Jayaram is also preparing himself to be in the role of a private bus owner. He will be in the character for the new movie titled as 'Kudumbashree Travels', which is in its final stages of pre production. The movie will be directed by debutant Kiran.

Meanwhile, Jayaram's latest movie 'Makeup Man', directed by Shafi is getting ready in the sets at Ernakulam.

Shah Rukh, Kareena rule popularity charts

2010-05-02T15:32:00.002+05:30

Bollywood stars Shah Rukh Khan and Kareena Kapoor left behind a brigade of other celebrities in popularity to top the Bollywood Barometer ranked by eBay India.

The Bollywood Barometer judges on the basis of number of celebrity products available for sale on eBay India.

Shah Rukh tops amongst the actors, followed by Akshay Kumar and John Abraham. Kareena tops amongst the actresses, followed by Rani Mukherjee and Aishwarya Rai, according to a statement.

The barometer chose the top 10 actors and actresses from the celebrity-related merchandise of around 50 Bollywood stars.

The range of products listed to judge included movie memorabilia like film magazine covers, DVDs, posters, press booklets, lobby cards, movies and books.

Shilpa Shetty and Abhishek Bachchan's popularity seems to be low as they were on the 10th position.

Trisha’s new love in her life

2010-05-02T15:29:00.001+05:30

Trisha has a new love in her life. She has started doing yoga, which she finds relaxing and soothing.

The actress says: “I just love it. I’m also reading a lot on Yoga, and understanding it better.”

Trisha after a packed three day schedule in Hyderabad where she finished some of her endorsement deals, and celebrated the 100 days run of her Telugu film Namo Venketesa, is back in Chennai.

The actress was spotted at Kamal Hassan’s office where she listened to the script of her forthcoming KS Ravikumar directed film. Trisha has given four months bulk dates for the Udhayanidhi Stalin produced film which has her pitted against Kamal Hassan and Madhavan. The film will start rolling in Monte Carlo from June.

In a recent interview Trisha has said: “It is the most challenging film in my career. I can’t wait to begin work on my new film with my all time favourite actor Kamal Sir.”

Shwetha engaged to Ashwin in Chennai

2010-05-02T15:27:00.001+05:30

Playback singer Shwetha, daughter of noted singer Sujatha was engaged to Ashwin at a grand function in Chennai.

The wedding will take place on January 16, 2011 in Kochi. Shwetha has sung many songs in Malayalam and Tamil. Singers Vijay Yesudas, Srinivas, director Priyan, Lissy, were among the film personalities who attended the engagement.

Dev Anand, Pran receive Dadasaheb Phalke honour

2010-05-02T15:24:00.001+05:30

Bollywood's evergreen actor Dev Anand was on Friday conferred the Phalke Ratna award in Mumbai while iconic villain Pran was honoured with the Phalke Icon and Legendary Cine Versatile Cine Star award.

The honours were given away on the 141st birth anniversary of Dadasaheb Phalke, considered the father of Indian movies.

"Whenever I close my eyes and try to recollect, I see all the legends of Bollywood those who have contributed immensely to Indian cinema. I salute them for all their efforts," Dev Anand, known for giving hits like Guide, Jewel Thief and Hare Rama Hare Krishna, told reporters after receiving the honour.

Pran, who came in a wheelchair, too poured his heart out. "I feel extremely honoured to receive this highly esteemed award. I thank the industry for showering their love and support," said Pran, who is still remembered for his roles in Madhumati and Ram Aur Shyam.

Hindi cinema's highest grosser 3 Idiots, too, won two awards.

Producer Vidhu Vinod Chopra was awarded the Phalke Memorial Commercial Film 2009 award for 3 Idiots, while superstar Aamir Khan was conferred with the Phalke Memorial Performance award for the same. But neither of them were present to collect the honour.

Held at the Bhaidas Hall in Vile Parle in Mumbai, the awards were handed over by Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Chhagan Bhujbal. As many as 59 awards were given to actors, technicians and other film industry members by the Dadasaheb Phalke Academy.

Nightingale of India Lata Mangeshkar was given the Phalke Golden Era Singer award; veteran actor Chandrashekar was honoured with the Phalke Golden Era award and comedian Jagdeep received the Phalke Legendary actor award for his contribution to comedy as an actor.

Veteran actor-filmmaker Manoj Kumar was also present at the event.

Fardeen Khan's generosity towards John Abraham

2010-04-27T17:03:00.002+05:30

Fardeen Khan is generous - and John Abraham can vouch for that.

John was keen to do Suriya's role in the Hindi remake of Gautham Menon's 2003 Tamil blockbuster Kaakha Kaakha, about a cop on a vendetta trail. But the film's Hindi remake rights were with Fardeen.

Filmmaker Vipul Shah too saw Kaakha Kaakha and agreed to produce it for director Nishikant Kamat with John in the lead. Shah personally approached Fardeen and a deal was stuck without much delay or ado.

"Fardeen was gracious, supportive and generous. I didn't have to persuade him at all. When he saw how keen we were to re-make Kaakha Kaakha in Hindi, he gave over the remake rights to us without hesitation," Shah said.

"I don't see why we can't be more generous in this industry. When Ajay Devgn asked me to give over my title All The Best, I happily did so. It was meant to be the original title of my Aankhen. I didn't need it because at that time English titles were taboo," said Shah.

Did Fardeen ask to be signed as the lead of Kaakha Kaakha in Hindi?

"Fardeen didn't even suggest I sign him for the remake. It would've caused embarrassment for both of us if he had. I don't think we should ever mix business with pleasure. I'd love to work with Fardeen when I've the right project for him. But not be coerced emotionally into signing him," said Shah.

Though Shah is not divulging the amount that he paid Fardeen to acquire the remake rights, it is reliably learnt the amount was Rs 6 million.

"I gave Fardeen exactly the amount that he had paid for the remake rights of Kaakha Kaakha. He didn't expect anything more," he said.

Now Kamath is busy rewriting Kaakha Kaakha for a pan-India audience. Though the original Tamil film was shot only in India, the remake will be shot in many countries abroad.

John's action sequences will be better than Suriya's in the original.

As for Asin signing the role opposite John, Shah clarifies: "Genelia d'Souza was never considered. I don't know why it was written so. Asin was Nishi [Nishikant]'s choice. He thought she was perfect for the part. The choice had nothing to do with my comfort level with her during the making of London Dreams.

"I don't care how many projects she turned down recently or that she was sitting home for eight months. I'm glad she's doing our film. The film is an acid test for Nishi. So far he has been identified with strong offbeat films. Kaakha Kaakha is his first full-fledged commercial film. And John-Asin is a fresh pair. Always exciting for audiences."

Vijay’s son Sanjay in Kavalkaran

2010-04-27T16:59:00.002+05:30

Ilayathalapathy Vijay’s son Sanjay who made an impressive debut in the song sequence Naan Adichaa Thangamatte… in Vettaikaran is said to be once again doing a film with his dad.

The grapevine has it that Sanjay is making a cameo appearance as the son of the character played by Vijay in the climax of his under production Siddique directed Kavalkaran.

The shooting of the film is taking place in Kumbakonam.

Raj and I are co-owners of Rajasthan Royals: Shilpa

2010-04-27T16:53:00.001+05:30

Bollywood actress Shilpa Shetty on Monday hit out at reports that she and her husband Raj Kundra are not the co-owners of the Indian Premier League (IPL) team Rajasthan Royals.

She expressed her resentment on microblogging site Twitter, tweeting: "Woke up and heard on TV that we are not co-owners of RR! Only want to say there is NO DOUBT that RAJ is a stake holder and I am the Brand ambassador, This IS THE TRUTH!

According to Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) president Shashank Manohar, Shilpa and Raj's names do not even figure in the IPL team's shareholding papers. The brewing IPL controversy has put Shilpa's team under the scanner for allegedly being partly owned by Lalit Modi, who was suspended as BCCI vice president and IPL commissioner late on Sunday night.

Mukesh to desist daddy roles

2010-04-27T16:09:00.002+05:30

Senior actor Mukesh has decided not to do any more roles as father characters, after his latest movie 'Mummy And Me'. The actor seems to have been disappointed by the promotional and previews of the movie which site it as an emotional story of the intense relationship between a mother and her daughter.

The presence of a caring father, who is an integral part of the plot seems to have been left out by the makers who gave more importance to characters played by Urvashi and Archana Kavi.

Directed by Jithu Joseph, the movie is expected to be in theatres by the first week of May. It is only by then that we can access whether the character played by Mukesh is such a highlight of the flick.

Another star son, for Mollywood landing

2010-04-27T15:54:00.001+05:30

Like every other film industry in India, Mollywood too witnessed the landing of many star-sons, of which majority couldn't prove good as their star fathers. The big list of such entries include Shanavas, Saikumar, Meghanathan, Jishnu, Fahad Fazil and Saji Soman. Mollwyood being a peculiar case, the very few who could find a good name and space for themselves include a very few, the latest being Saikumar, Prithviraj and Indrajith.

Superstar Mohanlal's son Pranav had been in a passing shot in the movie 'Sagar Alias Jackey', which gives a hint that the star son will land up in Mollwyood cinema, in a couple of years. Anyhow, what we are on is about the buzz around Megastar Mammootty's son ‘Dulquar Salman’ who is all set to be in movies, in a short while. As per the Tamil director Lingusamy who is a close friend to Mammootty, the megastar has already demanded him to cast his son in his first Malayalam film. Mammootty seems to have agreed Lingusamy that if needed, he will come-up in a guest role to support his son, in this new movie.

It is not yet clear when will Lingusamy, who is presently busy around his Tamil projects, find time to start off his first Mollywood movie. And if it happens in the near future, we may soon witness Dulquar Salman as a star material, probably rechristened with a more popular name.