Theatre plays a role

Silambarasan’s 'Silambattam' is on the initial stage but its director is in search of a theatre. Saravanan needs a theatre to tell his story on screen. The story has a theatre as one its strong components.

While writing the story, Saravanan had Virugambakkam National theatre, located in the outskirts of Chennai, in his mind. But before he could approach the owners of the hall, Ilaya Thalapathy Vijay has purchased the theatre and started constructing a shopping complex in the place.

Disappointed Saravanan looked for other cinema halls and finally settled for the one located in Visagapattinam.

Mirugam: A sigh of relief

The sensation surrounding 'Mirugam', right from the slapping incident, continues till its release. After getting the nod from the censor board, the movie was in for a shock, which came in the form of a notice served by Blue Cross.

The organization that works for the welfare of the animals has objected to the Jallikkattu (Bull fight) scene in the film. Blue Cross sent a notice to the censor board demanding to stall the release of the film.

The unit was shocked. It had already got the oral clearance from the censor board and announced the release date. The board has withheld issuing the certificate following the receipt of the notice.

Director Samy was simply shattered, as he did not expect such a predicament at the last moment. Finally he accepted to cut the Jallikkattu shot and the Blue Cross immediately withdrew the notice.

Then the censor board issued the certificate and the movie is opening on December 14 as planned. Samy and the unit are now happy and eagerly awaiting he results of the movie.

Meanwhile, an encouraging development took place for the 'Mirugam' team. Vijay – Shriya starrer 'Azhagiya Thamil Magan', which was running four shows in Udhayam theatre, in Chennai, has been reduced to a single show and the three shows have been allotted to 'Mirugam'.

This, the unit feels, is a sign of success.

KB and Bharathiraja acting together

The veteran directors K. Balachandar and Bharathiraja are acting in a film. Thamira, who has been working as a dialogue writer in Balachandar’s unit has narrated a story to both of them and got their nod to act in the film. He has impressed them by creating the characters that suit them perfectly.

Thamira has now approached a leading production company to produce the project.

It is worth recalling that Thamira, who had been working as an assistant director, approached Kavithalaya to narrate a story. But KB was impressed with his dialogue writing skills and made him write dialogues for his serial 'Anni'. Thamira also penned the dialogues for 'Poi', directed by Balachandar. But he couldn’t get a chance to direct a film under Kavithalaya banner.

Now that he has impressed two veterans with his story, he is more likely to get a producer and get his dream - to become a director - fulfilled soon.

Silambarasan’s brother makes debut

Vijaya T. Rajender is all set to launch his second son in the tinsel town. It was he who provided the launch pad for Silambarasan, who is now one of the hottest young heroes of Kollywood.

Now TR is launching his second son Kuralarasan in 'Karuppanin Kadhali'. TR directs the film, which is produced by Pyramid Saimeera.

TR is planning to hit the market with his twin products. Apart from 'Karuppanin Kadhali’, he is making 'Kallori Naatkal’. Hero? It is none other than TR himself. The movie is produced by Lakshami Movie Makers, who produces Silambarasan’s forthcoming movie 'Silambattam'. TR has planned to direct both the projects simultaneously.

Here is wishing Kuralarasan a great launch and a successful career.

'Chakkara Viyugam' is ready for release

The controversies surrounding 'Chakkara Viyugam' are over and the movie is ready for release. The movie, jointly produced by Sri Ashta Vinayak Cine Vision Ltd. and Nataraja Arts Company, was struggling under many troubles and hiccups right from the beginning. The latest one was the tussle between the director and the heroine.

It was all about non co-operation. Director Udhayabanu Maheshwaran accused heroine Daisy Bopanna of non co-operation and Daisy, in turn, hit back with the same complint. She had listed charges against the producer Natraj as well.

Now, both have come down from their respective positions keeping the larger interest of the project in mind. The dispute has been settled, as the warring parties have assured not to repeat the allegations. The shooting, that took place in Chennai, Kolkata and Kochin, is now complete and the film is gearing up to be released soon.

Karthik Raja has composed the songs to the lyrics of Snehan. Super Subbarayan and Santhi Srihari have taken care of stunt and dance aspects respectively. Cinematography is by Dwarakanath while K.K. Ravi is the associate director.

The lead actors are Natraj, Jayasurya, Daisy Bopanna and Maliska. Udhayabanu Maheshwaran has written the story, screenplay and dialogue besides directing the film.

'Billa' making a huge business

'Billa' is definitely the most sought after project in recent times. Ananda Pictures has sold the film to Aingaran International for a sizable amount. Aingaran initially planned to release the film on its own but somehow changed its mind and sold the distribution rights to Pyramid Saimeera with a profit of some crores.

Pyramid releases the film in more than 200 theatres with 176 film prints and around 50 digital prints. It also arranges a special premiere for the film. The profit of the premiere will go for the trust of a famous religious leader. The tickets meant for the VVIPs are praised at astonishing rates. It is rumoured that a ticket costs some thousands.

'Billa' is really making big money.

Raj Kiran: Anti climax?

Raj Kiran is donning a very important role in 'Pagadai'. He was very much impressed with the story narrated by debutant director Rakmohan and hence accepted to act in the movie.

However, the movie, which was launched as a bilingual project (Tamil and Telugu), is now stalled. Reason? The climax!

The movie has a newcomer acting in an important role. Producer J. Karthigeyan wants the climax be made around this actor, while the original climax, conceived by the director is centered on Raj Kiran. The producer pressurizes to change it but the director is not ready to relent.

Now the producer has gone a step further. He refuses to release funds to shoot the climax. The director is stubborn in his choice. As a result, the film is stalled.

The tussle over the climax has turned out to be an anti climax for Raj Kiran. He has met with a twin trouble. His film gets delayed and the payment for his work is yet to be settled.

Quite sad, indeed.

A film on coastal life

We have been seeing cinematographers turning directors. Here is one who turns producer. Raj Preeth, who has been the cameraman in many hit movies, has now entered into production. He produces 'Alaiyodu Vilaiyaadu', with newcomer Vijayan and 'Thoothukudi' fame Karthiga playing the lead roles.

True to its title, 'Alaiyodu Vilaiyaadu' is all about the life of the fishermen who are living with the waves through out their lives.

Sevalai is a young fisherman, for whom romance is a luxury. The tough man leads a life full of struggle. All that he knows is to work hard.

Kavitha enters as a gentle breeze in his life. Her presence makes sea of change in the character of Sevalai. He struggles to cope up with this unique feeling, which is new to him.

The relationship between Kavitha and Sevalai, played by Vijayan and Karthiga, is told in the backdrop of the coastal life.

The film has Manivannan, Ponvannan, Roshini, Jenny Jasmine (sister of Meera Jasmine), O.A.K. Sundar, 'Mahanadhi' Shankar, Muthukkalai, and Nellai Siva play important roles.

K. Raghavan handles the story, dialogues, and direction. Raj Preeth takes care of cinematography, while Sabesh Murali does the music.

The shooting is going on in a single schedule in the coastal areas of Kanyakumari district.

Srikanth’s anxiety

Srikanth, on his comeback trail, is working meticulously to make his forthcoming venture 'Ettappan' a success. The shooting is in progress in Ooty. The young hero has gone to Ooty with his wife Vandana.

After a lot of failed attempts, Srikanth has almost given up his efforts to bring out 'Sathurangam', directed by Karu. Pazhaniappan. The director, however, hasn’t given up his hopes. He is trying his best to release the film.

Recently he has shown the movie to a rich lady in Prasad Deluxe theatre. The lady is yet to decide anything about the movie. Srikanth is in touch with Pazhaniappan to get updated about the developments.

Meanwhile, 'Veeramum Eramum' fame Sanjay Ram has narrated a story to Srikanth. He is impressed with the story and has given his nod. Sanjay Ram will commence this project after finishing his current project 'Sethu Samudram'.

Jeevan in search of heroine

The young and upcoming young hero Jeevan is facing a peculiar problem. The hero, who has got to act with five different heroines in 'Naan Avanillai', is struggling to get a single heroine for his movie titled 'Payanigal Kavanathirku'.

Jeevan has been giving hits and hence the recent setback in 'Machaakkaran' hasn’t affected his market. The villain turned hero touched one crore mark and looking ahead with confidence.

But Vijayakumar, the director of 'Payanigal Kavanathirku' is finding it tough to find a heroine to act opposite Jeevan. He has approached all the leading actresses including Trisha, Nayantara, and Shriya to act opposite Jeevan. All of them have turned down the offer saying that they are busy for the next one year. Even Bhavana, who is not that busy, has refused to act in the project.

Vijayakumar is continuing his hunt for the heroine for 'Payanigal Kavanathirku', a film with a budget of Rs. 5.5 crore. Meanwhile, Jeevan is busy with his on going project 'Thotta' with Priyamani.