Kollywood Hotspot!

Kandasamy opens with scenes showing ordinary people flocking to a Murugan temple which has become famous as all your wishes can be fulfilled at the temple. All those who submit their woes as petitions to Kandasamy (another name for Lord Muruga) on a piece of paper and tie it to a tree in the temple, their problems mainly financial are solved.

Meanwhile there is this brave and daring CBI officer Kandasamy (Vikram), who is on a mission to uncover black money and illegal wealth of rich and corrupt Indians stashed in foreign banks, which he believes is responsible for all the crime in our society. And our hero has the IQ of a genius, the strength of a bull and the speed of a cheetah.

Soon he crosses swords with Pallur Paramajyoti Ponnusamy or PPP (Ashish Vidyarti), the man with a golden tooth and conducts a raid in his palatial bungalow and finds unaccounted cash and documents of various foreign deals worth over Rs 1000 crore! PPP is devastated after the raid and his only daughter Subbalakshmi (Shriya Saran) swears revenge and pretends to fall in love with the dashing IPS officer.

What is the connection between masked crusader Kandasamy and the CBI officer Kandasamy? Why is the CBI Joint Director Krishna Rao (Telugu actor Krishna) protecting Mr. Kandasamy? Can the villains- PPP, Rajmohan of RMG group, and Mexican Pitchumani (Alex) expose and bring Kandasamy to trial? Will the DIG succeed in proving that Kandasamy is no God? The underlining message in the film is, “Money (read black) is the root cause of all evil”.

Don’t ask the answers to all these questions, the idea is to have a chill out time. Watch the action which is fast paced even though slightly long ( 3 hours 12 minutes), chew on your popcorn as the adrenaline goes pumping. The rooster Kandasamy introduction scene where he comes crashing through the dome of a police station, and plays around with the bad comic cop (Mansoor Ali Khan) is terrific.

But the highlight is Kandasamy dressed as a woman, a la Aishwarya Rai and teaching Charly and Mayilsamy a fitting lesson is hilarious. The verbal foreplay between the quarrelsome Kandasamy and Subbalakshmi is quite ticklish, and Kandasamy’s blindfolded action scenes in Mexico are stunning.

Technically the film is chic with slick production values. The innovative camera angles and lighting of cinematographer NK Ekambaram makes the film visually stunning. He has given a different colour tone to the Mexico episode of the film. Thotta Tharini’s set designs are fabulous, the luxury bedroom of the heroine and the interior of the plush bus used as villain’s hide out is fantastic. The VFX work of Movinstilz makes it picture perfect, the night effect scenes especially the fight scene in the corn field.

Music of Devi Sri Prasad blends with the mood of the film. Two of the six songs, Excuse me Mr.Kandasamy… and Yen Peru Meenakumari have been well picturised and lavishly shot. There is grandeur and richness in every shot in the film, no wonder it took two years to complete. Susy Ganeshan who does a cameo in the film joins the big league of directors in Tamil for directing an adventurous film with an underlying message.

But the film indubitably belongs to Vikram and he rocks. He is mesmerizing and has given an extra dimension to the characters he plays in the film and steers it to the winning post. There are very few people in Indian cinema who can do the larger-than-life fantasy character as easily as Vikram.

Shriya sizzles throughout and carries the glamorous role with élan and the attitude. Prabhu fits the role of an investigative cop, while the villains are a bit clichéd. Some of the film's most enjoyable moments are Vadivel‘s comedy track as Thengakadai Thenappan. The scene where Prabhu takes him to the police station for questioning and uses water cannon is a scream!

Director Radha Mohan, known for his realistic films, is all set to nosedive into a new genre of action films.

Despite being only four films old, the director managed to carve an identity for himself through his films, which were marked by sensitive issues and real characterization.

The director however says he has no interest in being pigeon holed and would like to try out new genres. “I’m currently working on my next script. It is an action based film and we are still working out the cast,” says the director, whose association with actor Prakash Raj is well known. In fact, Prakash Raj has produced three of Radha Mohan’s films.

Originally, it was said that the director was making plans to direct his blockbuster 'Mozhi' in Bollywood, to be produced by Boney Kapoor. “Plans to remake the film have been stalled as the producers want to wait until their film ‘Pokkiri’ is released,” says the director.

“Despite being an action film, it will have interesting characters like all my earlier films,” assures the director, whose 'Abhiyum Naanum' released late last year and met with immediate success.

A project that has been suspected for long, Arya is finally teaming up with director Manikandan, who directed 'Dhaam Dhoom' following Jeeva's demise. The film, titled 'Chikku Bhukku', will have Shriya Saran playing his love interest.

Following 'Naan Kadavul', Arya seems to have his eyes set on romantic films, with ongoing 'Madharasapattanam' providing fodder for his acting abilities. Following 'Sarvam' with Trisha and Vishnuvardhan, will be another love story with a twist.

The film is being produced by Media One and also brings to Kollywood, Preethi Rao sister of actress Amritha Rao. About 25 days of shoot for the film has been completed, and a song with elaborate choreography by Rekha Chinni Prakash has been canned. 'Chikku Bhukku' will have music by Colonial Cousins, who have debuted as music directors with 'Modhi Vilayaadu'. Cranking the camera is another associate of Jeeva, RB Gurudev.

Shooting for the film will also be done in unseen locales of Austria, besides Mysore and Conoor.

We are all well acquainted with the ‘Jaganmohini’ of the past. An unearthly white figure, long unruly hair, loud throaty laughter and her feet in fire! This is the ‘Jaganmohini’ we have seen so far. But with the advance of technology she takes a new shape and is getting ready to send a chill down our spine!

Sexy siren Namitha will be playing the protagonist and Raja and Nila will be essaying the lead pair in this N.K. Vishwanathan directed spooky flick ‘Jaganmohini’. Unlike the older and the original version this latest version will feature state-of-the-art technology, sound effects and visuals.

The film is being wrapped in a feverish pace and the filming is going on in Ramoji Film City, Hyderabad. The film stars Narasimha Raju the man who played hero in the older version, but this time around he will be playing the hero’s father. Jyothi Lakshmi the yester year bombshell will be making a come back with this film and she will be portraying as Namitha’s mom.

The film is said to hit theatres by mid-June.

Director Cheran is back to doing what he is best at! Chronicling yesteryear love stories, in the most poignant way. He back at it again with ‘Pokkisham’ whose audio was launched recently at Kalagnar TV.

Following the audio launch, the movie’s crew met the press at a preview theatre. The director Cheran called it “A simple love story between a Hindu boy working in Kolkata and a Muslim girl living in Nagoor. Over 70 percent of the film is narrated in flashback format, like my previous films Autograph and Thavamai Thavamirundhu.” The movie is slated for a May end release.

One of the songs of the film, Nila.. sung by Vijay Yesudas and Chinmayi, will be the highlight of the film, says the director, who adds that the music duo of Sabesh Murali have provided astounding music, with three full songs and seven bit songs in the movie.

Padmapriya, who plays the role of Nadira in the film, called it a well etched character, which was demanding for her as she had to play a girl enamoured by Tamil literature.

Isaignani Ilayaraja is acting in a song for the first time in his career for the film Azhagar malai. Showing up in his own car in his usual sparkling white attire, the musician dedicated six days for the shoot of a song, Ullagam Ippo, in the film directed by SP Rajkumar.

The Isaignani, who is known to let his music speak for himself, has finally agreed to even don the greasepaint. Acting as himself in the movie’s first song, the musical genius is said to have worked like any professional actor. The song was shot in locations that had an impact in his real life, including his school, the bridge he grew up near, the banyan tree he played with his wife in, and his mother’s cemetery. The song was captured in Thiruvannamalai Raman Assramam, where the genius picked his spiritual learnings from, the Uthama Palayam Aatru Paalam, Mullai Periyar, and the Madurai American College where he studied, apart from the Banyan tree that he and his wife Jeeva played under.

The musician, who looks up to the land of Thiruvannamalai, as a holy place, trod the entire area without wearing footwear, and let his mother’s cemetery been shown on screen for the first time. He also insisted on cleaning it completely by himself and participated with a lot of enthusiasm in the shoot. Director SP Rajkumar gives all credit for making this happen to his producer Sangili Murugan who persuaded the Isaignani to act.

Ocher Studios and Warner Bros will jointly produce a film by director Gautham Vasudev Menon, after Ocher completes Venkat Prabhu’s ‘Goa’.

This film, if reliable sources are to be believed, is a thriller by the director who is currently completing his ‘Vinnaithaandi Varuvaaya’, with Silambarasan and Trisha in the lead. More than half the film is complete and the director is said to be working on his next script already.

Following Gautham’s film, Ocher and Warner Bros will be producing a Malayalam project with Mammootty in the lead, apart from a Kannada flick directed by Prem with Puneet as the protagonist.

‘Goa’ is Ocher Studios’ second production, after the animation flick ‘Sultan The Warrior’. ‘Naan Kadavul’ Pooja is the latest to have been signed up for ‘Goa’, in which Sneha plays a different role. It is not a negative character, but is one that she has not tried before, says its director. Shooting for the film has been going on in Theni for sometime, and the movie features Jai, Vaibhav, and Premji in the lead.

Mass numbers for a mass hero. This seems to be the mantra for music composer Mani Sharma as he comes up with songs for the latest Vishal starrer ‘Thoranai’, which are racy and riveting.

Mani Sharma shares a good rapport with Vishal as the two had delivered a musical hit in ‘Malaikottai’ before. Thoranai has songs that include a mass intro one song, a couple of romantic duets and of course racy numbers.

Mani Sharma has opted for few young voices in his album and has given a good output. Ranjith, Naveen, Vijay Yesudas, Janani, Thippu and Saindhavi have crooned for the songs, while Udit Narayan comes up with a beauty in between.

Peppy beats and fast rhythm make up the album. It would be a treasure for die-hard Vishal fans, who would love to see their favourite star’s peppy dance sequences.

Vedi Vedi Saravedi (Ranjith, Naveen) Listen here

What else but for peppy beats and racy chorus when it is the mass introduction song of the hero in the movie. The song is in all praise of the hero penned by Viveka. A shrewd lyrics writer has also used the names of hit Vishal films of the past. Mani Sharma smartly uses percussion instruments including Thavil.

Certain to please Vishal fans, the song flows like a waterfalls. It is progresses at quick pace sure to make fans shake their legs in theatres. Ranjith and Naveen do their job well.

Vaa Chellam (Udita Narayan) Listen here

Interestingly Udit Narayan has been used to render a soft romantic song. Slow to begin with thanks to guitar notes, the song kind of gains momentum as it progresses. Mani Sharma has liberally used the Latino music. Pa Vijay’s lyric is the major highlight of the song. It is rolled with fun and romance.

Udit Narayan’s seems to have consciously sung the number from his belly. It is entertaining thanks to his catchy tune.

Pattucha (Vijay Yesudass, Janani) Listen here

The moment one says Vijay Yesudass, it becomes very obvious that it would be a soft melody with thrust on vocals and less instrumentation. Pattucha rendered by Vijay Yesudass and Janani, lyrics penned by Kabilan, is perhaps the pick of the album. Unlike other numbers, it progresses at steady pace with easy hummable tunes and simple lyrics. Vijay Yesudass reminds us of his father especially in the second part of the number.

Peliccan Paravaigal (Ranjith, Rahul, Rita, Jai) Listen here

Peppy beats, catchy rap and loud music that make our spirits go high. These form the hallmark of the song Peliccan Paravaigal rendered by Ranjith, Rahul, Rita and Jai. Watch out for the veteran Vaali’s lyrics, which are trendy and youthful. The addition rhythm and harmony in the song are impressive. The singers has consciously underplayed their emotions in the song and whispered few lines to give a different feel.

Manjasela Mandakini (Thippu, Sainthavi) Listen here

An album without ‘kuthu’ number is incomplete in Kollywood. Mani Sharma has come out with a song that is ‘fast and furious’. Penned by Pa Vijay, the song has everything to appeal to front-benchers. Thippu’s voice modulation and Sainthavi’s apt diction of lyrics gives it more sheen.

Verdict:

All said. Thoranai is an album that has a mix of mass and soft numbers. No wonder it is an attempt to satisfy Vishal fans. Mani Sharma seems to have succeeded in his attempts.

Climbing fast the ladder of success is Jai. With back-to-back hits in ‘Chennai 600028’ and ‘Subramaniapuram’, this young lad is keen to scalp a hat-trick with ‘Vamanan’. Written and directed by Ahmed (a former associate of director Kathir), the movie is about the travails of a young man who aspires to be a film hero, narrated in a very attractive manner.

Jai, who has a striking resemblance to Vijay, is busy acting in ‘Adhey Neram Adhey Idam’ and ‘Aval Peyar Thamizharasi’.

'Vamanan is fast a wholesome entertainer sure to entertain all sections of the audience', Ahmed said and added, 'it has action, romance and sentiments at right mix'.

According to sources, the dialogues especially the one-liners penned by Ahmed are the major highlight of the movie.

‘Vamanan’ was one of the 10 avatars of Lord Vishnu according to Hindu mythology. He was short but prevailed over the giant king Mahabali. So would be Jai in the movie, they add.

Paired opposite Jai is Priya Anand, a model-turned-actress. A native of Chennai, she has appeared in several commercial advertisements. She is making her debut as heroine.

Ravindran of Dream Valley Corporation is producing the movie which was shot in various exotic locales in Chennai, Chalakudy and Coimbatore. A couple of songs were shot in abroad.

Jai has expressed his confidence that ‘Vamanan’ would be a movie to reckon with in his career for it had shaped up well so far.

Yuvan Shankar Raja has composed the music for the movie which has lyrics by Na Muthukumar. Arvind Krishna, who handled the camera for several Selvaraghavan's films and the recent Rajinikanth starrer ‘Kuselan’, will be Vamanan’s cinematographer.

The movie would be a treat for audience this summer. Gear up to welcome ‘Vamanan’.

Hip Hip Hooray!!! Here’s the thriving combo back in town with yet another grand fiesta. Winning laurels for their best path breaking film ‘Subramaniapuram’, Director Sasi Kumar and his ducky James Vasanthan make it big this time with ‘Pasanga’. Who can forget the most mesmerizing tune ‘Kangal Irandaal’ that would ever remain cherished in hearts and souls. ‘Pasanga’ produced by Sasi Kumar of Company Pictures as his protégé Pandiraj wielding megaphone. James Vasanthan has scored 4 splendiferous melodies that are enchantingly marvelous. Doubtlessly, the entire album is going to be top-chartbusters of the season.

1. Naandhaan - Listen here

Singer: Sathyanarayanan, Larson Cyril

Lyrics: Yughabharathi

Genuinely, it’s a grand mix of Western beats with lyrics that’s mostly loved across the crossroads. Aye! Ever imagined about heeding to Boney M’s style with our native lines blended? James Vasanthan embellishes the tune with Hip-hop rhythms on Congo-drums, tremendous Bass and running notes on guitars. For sure, it’s a song that will peak through the graphs.

2. Oru Vetkam - Listen here

Singer: Naresh Iyer, Shreya Ghoshal

Lyrics: Thamarai

An unparalleled style to previous number on all dioramas and James excels tuning it. If the first song had more lights on instruments, this is a distinct one that swings with best singers and lyricist on the tracks. Naresh Iyer and Shreya Ghoshal – Crooning for the resplendent tune ‘Munbe Vaa’ (Sillunu Oru Kadhal) are back transfixing us with their mellifluous voices. Thamarai’s trenchant lyric prettifies the song more catchy to our senses.

With special Video Blog with Suriya, ardent fans uploaded their video messages to the actor, and guess what - Suriya replied with his very own message! Over 1,000 fan videos hounded the blog in just a matter of 36 hours and the actor only seemed ecstatic about seeing his fans! He patiently watched each and every question and responded for the ones which attracted him very much with undying enthusiasm.

Suriya's and the community as a whole, categorically said this is way better than a live chat or a text blog, because it gives both the fans and the celebrity enough space to talk their mind in leisure. Even on TV shows so far user interaction has been mostly over the phone, but this medium pushes it further and allows the celebrity to actually see and listen to their fans first hand.

First of its kind and unmatched in its genius, our Video Blog was a resounding success!! Thanks to you!

IndiaGlitz’s status as a leading entertainment portal has been further validated by such initiatives and an ear for fans’ voices. Though it has also become a recent trend in for actors to have blogs, this is the first time that a celebrity has had a live Video Blog. It was conceived by IndiaGlitz, which now has plans to open such blogs for many more leading actors in the industry. This will be just another step by IndiaGlitz to cater to your wishes.

We have plans to roll out EXCLUSIVE Video Blogs and are currently hard at work to let you express yourself to your favorite stars. No matter where you are in the world, with just a click of a button (and a webcam) you can tell your beloved stars just how much they mean to you! So stay tuned to IndiaGlitz and watch for more in this space!

With shooting wrapped up for Jayam Ravi’s 'Peranmai' yesterday, post production work is all set to begin. The film features five heroines, all new comers, all of who play NCC students who reportedly help Jayam Ravi chase terrorists out of the country.


The film is an ambitious project by director Jananathan, who always tries something novel in his flicks. If 'Iyarkai' dealt with the lives of fisher folk, 'Ee' took on the huge issue of Biowar. And now, 'Peranmai', is said to have Jayam Ravi play a role no other Tamil actor has played before. While it is known that he is a tribal leader and a forest guard, the exact nature of his character has not been revealed. After a year of shooting, the film is all set for post production work now.


The director pins his hopes on Tanishka, who plays one of the heroines in the film. In fact, the director says all heroines will be in all songs with the actor. But he says Tanishka will be noticed for her stunts, which remind him of Angelina Jolie. “I affectionately called her that after seeing her performance in the movie,” he says, adding that he picked her from a crowd when he spotted her at an exhibition.

Who calls SLUMDOG MILLIONAIRE the best movie ----here it is NAAN KADAVUL
Naan Kadavul "aham Bramhasmi" is an awesome movie...i would rate it with 5 stars.Bala sir has touched in the areas where noone has stepped in.be it humour,the sentiment,the characterisation and no matter what this movie stands first.I find it really outrageous that some movie sites and news papers have commented about this great movie as filth.Dinamalar's firiday's paper quoted that the movie has ditched the producers which is really too bad.Bala sir is someone who doesnt care about this but i dont know what to say about these filthy idiots who underrate this movie.Nomatter what HATS OFF TO BALA ,POOJA ,ILLAIYARAJA and the entire crew.....

THIS MOVIE WILL HAVE ITS NAME IN THE HISTORY OF BTAMIL CINEMA FOREVER.

Sarvam, Ayngaran international's next venture with arya and trisha in the lead is a bubbly romantic movie which one can find easily from the trailer and the songs.Yuvan's songs are really amazing ..especially the theme music with a mexican touch is really great...some might find a song or two a bit boring...but they turn out to be really pleasant on the second time...anyway folks Enjoy the Music

For spiritual and astrological amends, a father drives his son away from home. The boy leaves Tamilnadu and takes refuge in Kasi. He (Arya) grows up in the midst of Saadhu and Sanyasins and become one with long hair and gory looks. Meanwhile, realising his folly, the father goes in search of his son to Varanasi. Shocked to see his son in such state, he decides to bring his back to his home town. His encounters in Tamilnadu and turn of events after he leaves to Varanasi forms the story.


Highlights of Naan Kadavul

• This is Bala's fourth directorial venture after Sethu, Nandha and Pithamagan.
  
• For the first time Bala is not penning the dialogues for his film. It is handled by noted Tamil literararian and writer Jayamohan
  
• Pooja has dubbed in her own voice
  
• Lyricist Vaale has penned a song in praise of Lord Vishnu in Dasavatharam. In Naan Kadavul, he has written a song in praise of Lord Shiva.
  
• The climax stunt sequences were shot for 26 days
  
• Three directors form part of the project ( Acharya Ravi, Singam Puli and Rassaiya Kannan)
  
• With hope that Naan Kadavul will sweep national awards, the movie would be censored on 30 December, 2008 to join the race for the acclaim this year itself.
  
• Since movies with Digital Interlude (DI) are not considered for National awards, both the cinematographer and the director have not used DI in the film.
  
• It would be released simultaneously in Tamil and Telugu.
  
• A total of 450 physically challenged children and elders form part of the movie. Bala was felicitated for his mammoth effort on World Handicapped Day celebrations recently.
  
• Over 48 physically challenged persons, who know nothing about cinema had been to Chennai to dub in their own voice. A team of doctors attended them in case of emergency during the shoot.
  
• Ilayaraja was mightily impressed seeing the film and wondered the work to be done for re-recording.
  
• Ilayaraja was joined by acclaimed Bollywood composer Uttam Singh for re-recording.
  
• For the first time, a full-fleg song in Sanskrit feature in the movie
  
• The movie was shot in Varanasi, Kasi, Kanchipuram and Periyakulam
  
• The newcomers in the movie include Rajendran, a popular stunt artiste, director Singampuli, producer Azhagam Thamizhmani, an eunuch Keerthana and a physically challenged singer Kovai Krishnamurthy. Keerthana hails from Madurai.

Director Bala's hard toil for over a couple of years is finally there to be seen and admired. The much-hyped and awaited movie of the year 'Naan Kadavul' is ready to storm theatres in a matter of few weeks.

Supposedly a class film that was shot mostly in Kasi and Varanasi, the movie dwells on the theme – 'Aham Brhamhasmi' (everyone is God by himself). Known for his quality, Bala, who in his career spanning nearly a decade has churned out just three movies (Sethu, Nandha and Pithamagan), has given his heart and soul for Naan Kadavul.

Arya plays a Saadhu, who is brought up in Kasi. No doubt Bala, the man who gave a facelift to the careers of Vikram and Suriya, would have exploited the best from him.

Illayaraja's has come up with catchy melodious songs. He seems to have shared a good rapport with Bala in the past and their tie-up continues. Impressed with the film, he wondered at the work that had to be done for re-recording. Eventually he was joined by acclaimed Bollywood composer Uttam Singh for re-recording.

The movie was shot in Kasi, Kanchipuram and Periyakulam. It stars Arya, Pooja, Rajendran, Azhagan Thamizhmani among others. The film is about a father, who for spiritual and astrological amends drives his son away from home. The boy leaves Tamilnadu and takes refuge in Kasi.

He (Arya) grows up in the midst of Saadhus and Sanyasis and becomes one with matted hair and unkempt looks. Meanwhile, realizing his folly, the father goes in search of his son to Varanasi.

Shocked to see his son in such a state, he decides to bring his back to his home town. His encounters in Tamilnadu and turn of events after he leaves for Varanasi forms the story.

Lyricist Vaalee had penned a song in praise of Lord Vishnu in Dasavatharam. In Naan Kadavul, he has written a song in praise of Lord Shiva.

The climax stunt sequence was shot for 26 days. The other credits are Arthur A Wilson (cinematography), Ilayaraja (music), Krishnamurthy (art), Super Subbarayan (stunts), Suresh Urs (editing), Jayamohan (dialogues), Raju (effects) and Vaalee (lyrics).

The movie is produced by Vasan Visual Ventures' K S Srinivasan. The story, screenplay and direction are by Bala.

Naan Kadavul was cleared by the Regional Censor Board in Chennai, with a UA certificate. The film has become eligible for National Awards 2008, as it has been censored that year. Also the buzz is that the movie would have a grand release as all the areas are already sold out.

All hope is not lost in Kollywood! At a time when the theatre-going audience has dwindled and a general criticism prevails that quality has taken a beating in Tamil cinema, 'Vennila Kabbadi Kuzhu' has come a whiff of fresh air.

There is no bad mouthing villains and no crass comedy or needless romantic duets. Debutant director Susindhran has consciously avoided all clichéd commercial elements, yet managed to render an engrossing entertainer. But, the movie has abundant human emotions in it.

A refreshing and a different film, 'Vennila Kabbadi Kuzhu' lives up to the title, dwelling upon a group of friends for whom the valorous sport of kabbadi is everything in their life. Susindhran's engrossing screenplay coupled with pacy narration works out all the wonders. Glorifying the victory of underdogs never failed to appease the masses.

Seemingly inspired by the success of films like Bollywood's 'Lagaan', 'Chak de India' and Tamil flicks 'Chennai 600028' and 'Lee' that were made around sports, Susindhran has churned out a film which is all about kabbadi, a hugely popular sport in rural Tamilnadu.

Every character in the film but for the kabbadi coach played by Kishore is new and hence provides a fresh feel for the audience. As an inspirational coach he reminds one of a similar role played by Shahrukh Khan in 'Chak De India'. He oozes charm and elegance in the role as a kabbadi coach. A dignified portrayal by him wins the heart of the film-buffs at the first go.

Not far behind is Vishnu, the newcomer. He fits the role like a 'T' thanks to his innocent and the boy-next-door-looks. As Marimuthu he brings out on screen the emotions of a caring son, a yearning lover and a determined sportsman. The cute-looking Saranya Mohan as Vishnu's ladylove is adequate for the role. Clad in Pavadai and Thavani, she does a breezy role. A convincing cameo by her is praiseworthy.

A host of other characters including newcomers Vairavan, Nithish, Sundar, Appu Kutti, Suri and Pandi does have a role to play in the film and they resemble the youngsters we see every day in rustic villages.

The movie has threadbare storyline. In a nutshell, it is the triumph of a group of young men, who are considered the 'regular' losers in kabbadi by people in their own backyard. Touted as the fit for nothing bunch, these men go on to win accolades to their acquaintance with a skilled coach.

The entire story unfolds in a remote village near Madurai. What begins as a soft romance between a poor young boy Marimuthu (Vishnu) and a young girl (Saranya Mohan), who comes to the village soon takes a turn. Marimuthu along with his childhood friends Ayyappan (Vairavan), Sekar (Nithish), Murthy (Sundar), Appu Kuttu (Appu Kutty) and Pandi (Pandi) yearn and crave to win a kabbadi tournament. Their Vennila Kabbadi Kuzhu is popular for they never managed to win a tournament.

They manage to find themselves by chance in a State-level tournament where they are considered to bow out in the very first round. But the bunch of young men, who share different thoughts and ideas, with the help of Souda Muthu (Kishore), a professional kabbadi coach, emerge winner. But the story doesn't end here for there are more surprises that are thrown for the audience.

The highlight of the movie is debutant music composer V Selvaganesh's (son of Ghatam exponent Vikku Vinayakaram) melodious music and background score. Especially, the pacy re-recording during the kabbadi match sets up all the momentum.

Equally appealing is the art work by G C Anandhan. An able craftsman, he has created the rural village well before our eyes. Especially, the grand décor in 'thiruvizha' scenes is amazing. The soft lens of J Laxman and crispy dialogues by Baskar Sakthi brings before our eyes the innocence that prevails in the daily life in villages.

K Anand Chakravarthy, the young producer, can walk proudly for he has rendered a movie that is entertaining from the word go, sans any glamour or double entendre.

On the whole, 'Vennila Kabbadi Kuzhu' is a movie that is different from commercial clichés ushering hope and confidence in Tamil cinema.

Ajith is gearing up for his next film that is to be directed by Saran. The movie tentatively titled 'Asal' will be produced by Sivaji Productions and would have musical score by Harris Jayaraj.

Ajith who would be playing an action role in the film has gone in for a drastic change in his looks. He will be sporting a long moustache like that of Kamal Haasan in 'Virumandi'. He has also reportedly lost considerable weight after undergoing rigorous workouts.

The shooting for the film is slated to begin next month. Expectations are high on the film as Ajith and Saran had earlier teamed up to render hit films such as 'Kadhal Mannan', 'Amarkalam' and 'Attagasam' earlier.

When you compare the statures of Vijay and Dhanush, it is obvious that Vijay is a mighty force to reckon with in Tamil Cinema and would easily breeze past Dhanush when it comes to the number of fans.

But then, can 'Villu' become more successful than 'Padikathavan'?….well….now…. here is something to think about? Let's take a look back at the immediate past to search for the answers. Vijay's previous release was the infamous 'Kuruvi' while Dhanush's 'Yaradi Nee Mohini' which released around the same time went on to become a huge blockbuster. Let's rewind a little further when Vijay's 'Azhagiya Tamil Magan' released. That was the period Dhanush's 'Polladhavan' also released. 'Polladhavan' went on to become a blockbuster while 'Azhagiya Tamil Magan' was a damp squib.

Going by this and also the fact that 'Padikathavan' is being promoted by the Sun Group, 'Villu' might find it hard to sustain its brilliant opening especially because mixed views have started pouring in about the film.

While Dhanush appears to have his priorities right and finds himself hoping for a hat trick of hits, Vijay has to come out of the shell he has got himself into, in order to get back to his winning ways. For all we know, 'Villu' might go on for a hundred days, but is Vijay winning more hearts by making out-and-out larger-than-life films with utmost disrespect to the art of screenplay?

Vijay is a natural crowd-puller with tremendous dancing and stunt abilities. But then somebody in Vijay's camp should be telling him this daily…. "Mr. Vijay, no matter how big a star you are, you have to bow down to the story and screenplay of your films for success. They should be the real heroes".

Probably when this realization dawns, Vijay will be back to his winning ways in style.

Getting back to the question, 'Can 'Villu' pierce 'Padikathavan'?' We'll know very soon….keep coming back for more analysis.

A whiff in the air suggests that Trisha would be teaming up with Dhanush for 'Polladhavan' director Vetri Maaran's second film. Although official confirmation is expected in the coming days, Trisha could be a possible option to play the role of an Anglo Indian girl in the film.

Trisha will soon be seen in the Vishnuvardhan directed 'Sarvam' that stars Arya and if it goes on to be successful, there could be another spurt in her career graph which has not been very impressive of late.

The yet-to-be-named Vetri Maaran film would be shot completely in Madurai and shooting is to begin on the 15th of February. A never-seen-before Dhanush (with mastery over the Madurai diction) is expected to be part of a riveting storyline that also involves a love affair with an Anglo Indian girl. The film however will be released later this year.

After Polladhavan's success, Dhanush has been keen to work with the same team hoping to recreate the success. Vetri Maaran is one among the few new-breed Tamil directors who believe in good content with slick narration. 'Polladhavan' was about the travails of a Chennai lad whose motorbike gets stolen. What would this new film be all about? Keep coming back for more.

To get himself along with sleek and stylish films, Ajith is in talks with producer Ashok Amritraj to remake the latest Bollywood blockbuster Race that had Saif Ali Khan, Akshay Khanna and Anil Kapoor in lead roles.

Tale about two brothers who set traps for each other is all this film about and Saif-Akshay played brother roles. However, Ajith has convinced Ashok Amritraj that he is ready to don dual roles. Everything has been kept confidential and official launch would be announced sooner.

Saran is the final choice for directing Ajith's next movie titled "Asal".

Ram Kumar and his younger brother Prabhu under the banner of Sivaji Productions will produce the film.

Saran is Ajith's favourite director with whom the 'ultimate star' has done three films _ "Khadal Mannan, "Amarkalam" and "Attagasam". All these films were hits.

"Asal" is the 49th film of Ajith and fourth under the direction of Saran who is Ajith's friend and favorite director. The project has been delayed because of dilly-dallying on the choice of the director. Originally Gautham Menon's name was doing the rounds the air has now been cleared by naming Saran as the director of "Asal" which will be a remake of a popular Telugu film.

Harris Jayaraj, selected to score music for "Asal" when Gautham Menon was in the news, has been retained. He has been signed by Sivaji Productions.


According to sources close to Harris Jayaraj, the music director, acclaimed for his puppy songs, is thrilled to work with Saran and Ajith.

The rest of the star cast and technicians are being finalized.

Saran will take up "Asal" after completing the shooting of "Modi Vilayadu".

VILLU- ONLY FOR VIJAY FANS.......................

Review : After Pokkiri, Prabhu Deva and Vijay are back with 'Villu' a 'Power pack Pongal' for Vijay Fans. Vijay Fans in USA are thrilled to taste the feast two days prior to release in India. After two not so good movies such as ATM and Kuruvi, Vijay is back in form. As a rigid formula everyone in the theatre expect only a Mass entertainer from 'Pugazh'-Vijay, and Prabhu Deva has done his best to maintain all the elements needed to give a complete Vijay movie - with super hero intro, romance ,comedy, several fights, item songs and finally hero wins over the baddies.

To describe this satanic piece of shit Villu as a movie is akin to considering nature’s freaks like Hitler, Prabhakaran and Stalin as humans.

Are Prabhu Deva, Vijay and Nayantara utterly bereft of shame that they stoop so low as to unleash bizarre rubbish on Tamil movie fans and dare call such stinking offal a movie.

Folks, unlike other Tamil movies there are no weak links in Villu because the entire beastly movie is one long weak link featuring the missing links in human evolution - Nayantara, Vijay and Vadivelu.

Villu belongs to the kuppa category of Tamil movies like Sathyam, Aegan and Kuruvi.

Compared to the blithering idiot Prabhu Deva (screenplay and direction), Gautam Menon and even that thieving swine Venkat Prabhu are master storytellers.

And if you are deluding yourself that Vijay is the new James Bond, let’s set the record straight - this bozo is not even anywhere close to being James Gaand. For the most part, the stunt scenes in Villu are hopelessly amateurish be it the ones involving the water scooter in the beginning, the many ridiculous fight scenes in the middle or the helicopter scene that comes later.

Monumental Folly
With a fatuous story that scales the Mount Everest of nonsense, Villu is a monumental act of hubris that presumes just because some moving images are flashed on a screen they morph into a movie.

Director Prabhu Deva and his ugly spawns in Villu, Vijay and Nayantara, wouldn’t recognize a movie - we mean a real movie - if it whacked them hard on the face.

Villu’s story is hopelessly silly and centers around the crude antics of a young fellow Pugal (Vijay) chasing around the bad guys in as cartoonish a manner as posssible.

As Pugal goes gallivanting around in India and Switzerland with his skimpily-clad lady love Janavi (Nayantara) in tow, the dazed moviegoers are left rubbing their eyes in sheer horror at the grotesque spectacle unfolding on the screen.

Prakash Raj, who delivers the most lethargic performance of his career in Villu, is cast as the baddie JD (drugs/arms smuggler and a traitor).

As if one Vijay is not torture enough, bizarre meets stupidity in Villu with a flashback revealing another Vijay!

Boy, who needs guns when a mother’s tortured wails to the gods can raise a dust-storm, opening up the very earth.

Mon dieu, are there no limits to Prabhu Deva’s nonsense.

And what’s with the repeated instances of multi-image photography. Awful.

Flop Thalapathy Vijay
For a guy who’s done 50 films, Vijay is a pretty pathetic actor with a grossly limited repertoire of expressions.

The fella can’t even deliver a punch dialog well and needs to get back to acting school. Pronto.

And while you’re there, Vijay, do learn some nice dance steps and the meaning of nuance as well.

To see this puny eli-kunji Vijay fight and pummel dozens into the dust is a Faustian bargain requiring us to endure a slow, agonizing journey through the hades.

No, Vijay is neither Bruce Lee nor Jet Li (as the villains in Villu refer to him in the beginning of the movie) but a Sundeli (mouse).

Ugly as Only Nayantara can be
Nayanthara is her usual hellishly ugly self, trying the utmost to look as slutty, crude and vulgar as humanly possible. Guess what, she succeeds wildly in that slutty mission.

Whether in the songs (wearing mini skirts that give you a liberal display of her thighs seemingly all the way up to the mons veneris and a bra masquerading as a top) as she sways her ample ass and shakes her bountiful bosom, or in the sophomoric comic scenes or in the crude parts such as the one near the well, Nayanthara makes you want to puke your guts out.

When Nayantara brags in her Dionysian stupor na pathinanji vaiyasale vaiyasakhu vandha ponnu, tears rolled down our cheeks.

Ah, the injustices man has to endure on earth.

This Nayantara thing is the dregs of the Kollywood dregs and that’s being charitable.

Vadivelu Drivel
The repeated insertion of juvenile drivel like the Vadivelu or Vivek comedy tracks without any connection to the main story in one Tamil movie after another can only mean that Kollywood film makers consider the Tamil film audience to be still perched on the lowest rung in the ladder of evolution.

These comedy tracks are not merely bad but offensively bad.

In Villu, this completely unnecessary comedy track with zero integration to the rest of the movie reaches its acme. With a weird hairdo, Vadivelu is made to look and act like a chimp in heat.

Starting from his introduction in a bullock cart headed to a marriage while listening to English songs to getting kicked in his cojones by a cow to his banshee-like screaming on a beach later, the so-called comic scenes in Villu are asinine beyond description and a gratuitous insult to the paying audience.

For instance, when Vadivelu lands at the airport, the Swiss police confer among themselves that an African Chimpanzee has escaped and upon discovering that this Chimpanzee is actually a human from India, they offer to let it go if it’ll do a Bollywood dance for them. And guess what - Vadivelu obliges by dancing on the table and the cops are soon dancing away too.

Such is the infernal nonsense that Tamil movies have descended to.

Other equally pathetic crap like having yellow paint flung in his face, hot water thrown on his body, a cow expelling dung on his face or cast into a well by a small kid or loudspeakers thrust into his body make Vadivelu an object of pity than a source of mirth in Villu.

Pedestrian Music
No great shakes in the music department too.

Whether it’s the absolutely disgusting Daddy Mummy with those fat-thighed girls or the boring Hey Rama Rama or the dragging Vaadaa Mapilley, music in Villu is no more than a synonym for cacophony.

Nee Kobapattal (reminiscent of Nee Mutham Ondru in Pokiri) inflicts the least damage.

Yes, all the songs are very badly picturized. No exceptions.

Overall, a Luciferian Nightmare
Paying $12 to watch this hellish nightmare is Prayaschit for the sins of seven lives.

Several members of the audience at MovieCity in Edison (NJ) were quite disengaged with the movie, playing with their phones, chatting and frequently walking out (our neighbors left and never returned).

If Vijay’s ATM was Asingamana Tamil Magan and Kuruvi was plain K**thi, then Villu is no better than P**lu.

Folks, do not consider seeing this piece of junk a.k.a. Villu even if you are paid $$ to watch it. Villu is not a movie but a sickening assault on the senses.