Yogi Babu's Mandela to premiere on Star Vijay

Tamil filmdom's top comedian Yogi Babu's Mandela is to premiere on Star Vijay. It is the second movie after Halitha Shameem's Aelaywith Samudrakanni  to come directly on the channel. Sun TV that owns OTT platform Sun NXT had already premiered - Naan Romba Busy and Pulikutti Pandi. Pandi had garnered highest TRP in that week  and it came as an eye opener since the film had Vikram Prabhu in the lead. Vikram's film had off late been giving duds at the box office.

The producers of Mandela are Shashikant of Y Not Studios and director Balaji Mohan's Open Window. Shashikant's Aelay shifted to Star Vijay skipping theaters after the producers rejected the exhibitors who wanted an agreement that the film would not be telecast for 30 days from date of release in theaters. Shashikant had tied up to release Dhanush starrer Jagame Thandhiram directed by Karthik Subburaj  on OTT directly and this created bad blood among the exhbitors.

Vijay's Master released in theaters came on OTTwithin three weeks of release. This prompted exhbitors to ask producers to give an undertaking that non -Star films will come after 30 days and Star studded movies after  60 days on OTT.

The film is directed by Madonne Ashwin who is writer of Kurangu Bommai and directed a short film Dharmam. Mandela a comic - satire deals with the life of a barber. Balaji Mohan, one of the producer's  is known for his directorial ventures Kadhal Sodhapaddhu Yeppadi and Dhanush film Maari. He is directing a sequel to Maari. Sheela Rajkumar of Tolet fame is in the cast of Mandela.

The film after the premiere will be available on Disney- Hotstar.

TN Political-film mix - Sarathkumar in Kamal's Third Front - BJP ticket for Gautami irks AIADMK - Wheelchair politics jibe by Kamal

Kamal Haasan was centre stage. Actor Sarathkumar's AISM had been in DMK- AIADMK camps and now decided to hitch thier wagon to Kamal's Makkal Neethi Maiam (MNM) . Kamal's ex GF and actress Gautami is BJP choice for Rajapalyam seat while Minister Rajendar Balaji wants to contest from the same seat. The annual founders day of MNM raised the hackles of Karunanidhi supporters that included many writers and intellectuals for his tongue in cheek comment that he would not disturb the party workers sitting on a wheel chair. The question is whether Vijaykant DMDK will also tieup with MNM as it's enemy PMK been given a berth in AIADMK fold.

Sarathkumar who was part of AIADMK alliance had demanded a sizable share of seats in the coming poll. The party was allotted two or three seats and that too after Sarathkumar's wife Radhika - a well known actress had decided to take an active role in the party affairs of her hubby. DMK had long back closed it's doors on AISM after it Sarathkumar who became Rajya Sabha MP defected at the end of the term to AIADMK. Now MNM that is looking to align with people with clean image is in talks over seat sharing with AISM.

AIADMK is angry as BJP for starting campaigning in some constituencies, even before the coalition head had announced it. Kushboo started campaigning for BJP in Triplicane ( Chennai). Similarly in Rajapalayam, BJP has given AIADMK the name of Gautami as their choice. Though AIADMK has asked all ministers who are re-contesting the poll to shift from their present constituency and stand in areas where they do not face anti incumbency, Rajainder Balaji wants Rajapalyam. He was told to take Sivakasi. The issue is serious as the National leadership conveyed Gautami's candidature.

MNM founder day saw Kamal talking about a US  advisor on development telling him that if he were to win, then he should come back after 5 years to get a ten year blueprint for devolpment. Kamal told him that he was in his 60's and cannot wait for 15 years. in the same vein he said that did not  want to trouble his party members sitting on a wheelchair. it was meant to convey that he wanted to implement many party schemes when he was physically fit.

Karunanidhi supporters took to social media to lambast Kamal. Many posted pixs of Kamal talking to karunanidhi .Poet Rajathi Salma tweeted, "Tamil Nadu stands out because one person in a wheelchair, one carrying a urine bag and another with cancer travelled all across the State. Learn to speak responsibly." Salma was referring to Karunanidhi, Periyar and Anna. Kamal stood his ground saying that he was speaking about himself and that he had great regard for Karunanidhi.

Actor- politician Seeman, whose party NTK is equidistant from both Dravidian parties as he has dubbed them  corrupt. paid a visit to Chinna Amma Sasikala at her house. He said it was to say hello to a Tamil lady who suffered jail. Netizens have blasted him for this visit.

AIADMK is in no mood to give the seats asked by Vijaykant's DMDK, a alliance partner. If this continues, DMDK like AISM mght enter in to an alliance with MNM.

Vijay Sethupathi Tamil films hot in Telugu dubbing market

Vijay Sethupathi after the sucess of Uppena with Vaishnav Tej as hero, is become hot favourite for producer- distributor of dubbed fims in Andhra and Telangana. The first to roll out is ' Oka Manchi Roju Chusa Cheptha'. It is the dubbed version of Tamil film Oru Nalla Naal Paathu Solren with  Gautam Karthik in it. The film apart from the popularity of Vijay Sethupathi after Master and Uppena is the heroine Niharika Konidela.

Niharika Konidela is daughter of Chiranjeevi- Pawan Kalyan 's brother Nagendra Babu and her brother is Varun Tej. Now Vaishnav Tej joins the list of  her star cousins- Ram Charan - Allu Arjun- Sai Dharam Tej - Allu Sirish. She last acted in Chiranjeevi film Sye Raa Narasimha Reddy in the role of Bhagyam, released in 2019. In 2020, she married Chaitanya Jonnalagadda and quit films. 

The film is a black humour. It is set in a forest with Sethupathi playing Yeman, chief of a forest tribe that lives on stealing gold from city households and Niharika is his love interest. Niharika is a college student and in love with Gautam Karthik. Film is directed by Arumuga Kumar. The dubbed film is releasing on March 19th.

Naduvula Konjam Pakkatha Kaanom , Soodhu Kaavum and 96 were remade in Telugu, his other sucessful films have been dubbed and released in Andhra/ TS. Now the hunt is on for films of VSP which has not done well or has him in cameo roles.Idharkuthane Aasaipattai Balakumara, Rummy, Pannaiyarum Padminiyum, Orange Mittai are some of the films that are hot in the dubbing market.

Suriya's Soorarai Pottru entering Oscar race is no BIG NEWS ???

The tweet that 2D Entertainment put out - We are elated and Thrilled Sooraraipottru joins Oscars has been dubbed as no big feat by a section of the media. The figuring of the film in list of films shortlisted for Best Feature film category is said to be because the film taking the paid service and not that it passed the Oscar scrutiny. Though the report suggests that it has to cross several rounds before entering nominations. Deadline.com however says -With today’s list finalized, Academy voting will run March 5-10, with nominations to be announced March 15. Is this not the start for race for Oscars ???.  The route may be different but it has atleast started the trot.

News Portal reports _" Movie was submitted for Oscar nominations scrutiny and everyone thought that it made it to the Oscar nominations by itself. However, the latest reports say that the movie made it to the scrutiny of the nominations through paid service. ‘Soorarai Pottru’ was said to have used Academy Screening Submission and through this filmmakers across the globe can submit their movies through a subscription fee plus watermarking cost and the former alone was said to have cost $ 12,500. The official entry for Oscars from India was already selected and it’s Malayalam movie ‘Jallikattu’ nominated for Best International Feature Film Category. ‘Soorarai Potru’ has to cross several rounds before making it to the nominations list".

Update ; South Korean actress Suzy Bae is heroine of Shankar- Ranveer Singh Hindi film

 Update ; South Korean actress Suzy Bae, who was earlier reported to be considered for a role to be played alongside Kamal Haasan in 'Indian 2', is said to be in talks for playing the female lead in Ram Charan - Shankar film.She captured hearts as a college student's first love in the hit Korean movie Architecture 101 (2012). Her girl-next-door appeal earned her the title of "Nation's First Love" in South Korea.

Shankar will direct his second Hindi film with Ranveer Singh. It will be the next after Cirkus directed by Rohit Shetty  for Ranveer , whose Suryavanshi - Akashay - Katrina film is releasing on April. 83 the sports film too is releasing and has Tamil actor Jeeva in it.

Source in the know of the development said that Shankar and Ranveer were to collaborate for a Hindi film sometime back.  Ranveer had spoken to Shankar about tweaking Anniyan script to suit Hindi aidience. The project fell through as producer V Ravichandran of Aascar Films was not game to part with the story for the remake.

Ranveer had since been in touch with Shankar for a dual role subject and some how it did not matierialize. Ranveer is currently working in a dual role for Cirkus. Shankar and Ranveer had already locked a script before the Ram Charan film.

Sources said that Shankar had tweeted about the performance of Ranveer after seeing Padmavat. He also attended the wedding reception of the actor in Mumbai.

Shankar's first Hindi film was Nayak , remake of Muthalvan, with Anil Kapoor. The film bombed and remains as the only film in his filmography that failed at the Box Office. The Ranveer film is not the usual 2 year project of Shankar and   would be completed like any other film. Lyca who is bankrolling Indian 2 might back Ranveer film through Karan Johar's Dharma Productions with whom it has a 5 film deal.

On the Ram Charan project, reports say that a big Bollywood hero along with Rashmika Mandanna will join. Due to this, Rashmika is said to be quoting a very high price as from start of 2022, she has  given bulk dates to Ram Charan- Shankar film.

The Ram Charan film with music by Anirudh, will be a political thriller like Muthalvan. It will have a subject that will touch the nerve of the political class across Andhra /TS and TN, said the source.

As soon as Kamal gives the dates, Indian 2 shoot will begin and be wrapped up. S B Satheesan who won the National and Kerala State award for Malayalam film Daya was quoted saying that for a scene in the film a  ceremonial dress designed for the British Army head, set in pre- Independence era alone cost Rs 15 lakhs. He   was comissioned to look after the costumes of the British Army for the film.

He revealed that unless Shankar got  the costumes in hand, he did not fix shoot dates and gave the costumer the full freedom to travel and collect references from various places in India for input to design the costumes.

Sridevi thithi performed in Mylapore - New Editor for Thala film -Vikram not in Karnan magnum opus - Siddharth tweet on Metro railman

 For the third death anniversary of Sridevi, Boney Kapoor and two daughters came to the CIT Colony house in  Mylapore and performed the annual rites. Vikram will not be playing the title role in Rs 300 cr magnum opus Karnan. Director H Vinoth has brought in a new Editor to edit Thala Ajith's Valimai. Actor Siddharth's tweet welcoming E Sreedharan, the MetroRail Man entry to BJP has angered the sangh parivar.

Boney follows the Hindi almanac and as per that the thithi this year fell on Feb 22. The family conducted the rituals. Last year, it was on March 11. Sridevi was found dead in a Dubai hotel room on Feb 24, 2018. on March 11, daughter Jhanvi's film Roohi is releasing.

Valimar unit has finished all the talkie portions and edit is in progress. Director H Vinoth has this time got onboard Vijay Velukutty of 'Jackpot' and 'Sangu Chakkaram' fame . Vinoth has opted to work with Velukutty as to give a different look other than his earlier films. The unit has to can action scenes in Spain and expected to leave in April.

The Producers of Suryaputra Mahavir Karna announced the launch of Rs 300 cr film made in multiple languages. The film was intially to be done by Prithiviraj as the director R S Vimal and he had worked in Ennum ninte Moideen , a Malayalam blockbuster. Later as early as 2018, Vikram through Instagram announced that he was playing the title role.

Sources said that the film that was started with Rs 80 cr went to reach a budget of Rs 300 cr. While at first it was the Bhagnan's who were producer's, now there has been additions. Pooja Entertainment is bankrolling the film. A Bollywood actor is likely to reprise the role. Dr Kumar Vishwas, noted Hindi poet will be penning the dialogues,

Vikram started  shooting for his portions for 10 days in Russia  before he is back in Chennai. Post this, Cobra  team will shoot for a week in Kolkata and Chennai before calling it a wrap.  Vikram will commence shooting for Chiyaan 60 along with Dhruv Vikram for 30 days, starting from the first week of March,” the source added. Vikram has yet to  complete his portions in Ponniyin Selvan for which he will start in April. He has another major chunk of portions lo be shot for Ponniyin Selvan for his role of Aditya Karikalan,” the source added. 

Actor Siddharth  reacts to many public issues put out a tweet- Big fan of E. Sreedharan sir and his service to our country as a technocrat. So excited he has joined the BJP and wants to be the next CM of Kerala. I'm just apprehensive that it might be a little premature. He could have waited 10-15 years IMHO. He's only 88 after all.

Yogi Babu plays Malaylam comedian Innoncent in Priyadarshan short for Mani Ratnam Navarasa antholgy

 Tamil comedian Yogi Babu plays Malayalam comedian Innoncent in Priyadarshan's short for Mani Ratnam's Navarasa anthology. The film is  based on the happening in the life of top Malayalam film comedian Innoncent , said a source. Halitha Shameem who was to direct for this anthology had to back out due to her upcoming release Aaleay and an under production film that has to be completed.

The  film was shot extensively on the Kerala -Karnataka- Tamil Nadu border and it is titled `Summer of 92'. The director has not confirmed that it is taken out of the life of Innoncent and instead describes it as `on lines of Malgudi Days'. The director said that to make a humourous film with a duration of 35 minutes screen time was tough. We wrapped the film in 7 days. While shooting for the film at Tamil Nadu- Kerala border, I developed high fever and had to be hospitalised. It was a scratch from the poisionous leaf and a surgery had to be done to remove the  poison. Under production work is over," he revealed. Karthik Subburaj, Bejoy Nambiar, Aravind Swami are the other directors.

The film's proceeds go to FEFSI, apex body of South Film cine workers to be given as aid to those who suffered during COVID 19 period. Meanwhile Kalyani Priyadarshan who completed her portion in Vineeth Srinivasan's Hridyam opposite Pranav Mohanlal has moved on to do a film with actor Tovino Thomas.

Chakra 3 day box office net Rs 10.10 cr All India - Pogaru 3 day collectionl

 Vishal's Chakra performed well on its first 2 days at the box office and earned ₹ 7.35 Cr India net On Day 3 it collected Rs  2.75 Cr all languages .Overseas Collection ₹ 0.45 Cr.Worldwide Collection Rs 12.20 cr. Split up is as follows;Tamil Gross Collection ₹ 6.65 Cr,Telugu Gross Collection ₹ 4.60 Cr,Hindi Gross Collection ₹ 0.50 Cr. Total net RS 10.10 Cr [Tamil: 5.80 Cr; Telugu: 3.90; Hindi: 0.40]. Occupany overall in Chennai stood at 18.75%. 

Pogaru the Kannada film with Dhruv Sarja - Rashmika has done extremely well in it's home territory collecting Rs 13 cr Gross in three days. Releasing by the same name in AP/TS, it faced competetion from existing hits like Uppena. It collected Rs 3.15 cr in three days. The scenario in TamilNadu was pitiable as the dubbed version Sneha Thimiru hardly touching Rs 1 cr total for three days. Total Gross collection stands at Rs 16.80 cr.

According to Dhruv Sarja the film collected Rs 10.05 cr on  Day 1. Released in 1000 theaters of Karnataka, makers claim that three days it collected Rs 30 cr.

Review: Chakra - makes u dizzy / Kamali : Motivational film sans entertainment

Chakra is a cyber crime cracking tale that  can be watched if you are not the one to ask questions about the charachters and sequences that take place. If u are thinking it could be a blotched up version of Irumbu Thirai - u are wrong. It is an original plot that can get no worse.\ As some one who believes in motiovational films that are taken out of the  real life of those who suceeded despite obstacles, Kamali from Nadukaveri did not instill any feeling of elation when the protaganist wins. For a change u dont have a woman protaganist who wins only coz she has a male goading her. Secondly it is not a sports motivational film where village lads and gals turn national heroes with motivational talk and no sports gear.

Chakra, one can realise was made with the mission to save Vishal's career that has been marked with collosal duds .The director was told that only thing that can be rustled up is something like Irumbu Thirai , a cyber crime story..  Covering up  the weak plot  with national cyber threats and from local neighbourhood thieves and for change make the villain a woman and the protagnist a woman cop. Hero starts out as aide of supercop and then takes over as she is critically injured. Villain woman starts out fine  - A chess player who treats life like a chess game  starts buckling down and even loses a chess game to a novice (hero). 

Mercifully we are spared the half clad heroine and villain songs with hero in some God forsaken locales. To keep us reminded that Yuvan is the music director, the BGM keeps playing out of synch with happenings on screen. Kudos to the cameraman and Editor to retain their sanity.

Kamali from Nadukaveri is in love with school topper.( a chikna guy and not a dark skinned lad) who gets into IIT. She too wants to join IIT to be with this guy. Now all she has is a retired Professor ( Pratap Pothen). From here the film drags to a climax of  a quiz ( not a Crorepati one but inter IIT one). Without Dr Abdul Kalam mention how can a motivational film end ?

Despite no script worth looking at, Anandhi as the protaganist and Pratap Pothen as Prof do keep the goings on.  I heard Blue Settai tell on his channel to patronise Kamali or we will keep getting trash. Sometime back we patrnised a movie on plight of farmers and it was low budget film that made big bucks. What followed is trash about farmers lives in film after film. Latest horror inflicted on us being Bhoomi.

I am going to give my next review of Sneha Marudhu Kannada dubbed) released in theaters. Reason being that I have reviewed first film of Action  King Arjun and want to register my feat of reviewing his nephew Action Prince Dhruv Sarja.

Cinematographer Kabir Lal directs Tamil film - Anu Emmanuel dating `Indian' Producer's son

 

Cinematographer Kabir Lal ( Kaho na pyaar hai', 'Taal', 'Pardes', 'Welcome back' ) turns director with multilingual romantic thriller titled 'Un Paarvayil'  Malayalam actress Anu Emmanuel who debuted as heroine in Nivin Pauly film Action Hero Biju, went on to do Tamil film (Thupparivalan) and  Telugu films. She acted as one of the heroines in the Telugu film `Oxygen' directed by A M Jyothi Krishna. Reports say that Jyoti and Anu are seeing each other.

Kabir Lal is directing a romantic thriller in Tamil, Telugu, Marathi and Bengali. In the Tamil version, Ganesh Venkatraman and Parvathi Nair play the lead roles.The film is being shot in Dehradun, Uttarakhand.Ajay Singh is producing "Un Parvaiyil" on behalf of Lovely World Productions. The film is slated to release in July.

Jyothi Krishna is son of Producer A M Rathnam who has produced blockbusters like Shankar's  Indian , Boys , Hindi film Nayak ( remake by Shankar of Muthalvan with Anil Kapoor) among others. Rathnam also produced three films with Ajith . His last outing in Telugu was Oxygen directed by his son Jyothi in 2017.

Anu had a release in January this year - Alludu Adhurs starring Bellamkonda Sai Sreenivas which was released recently on the occasion of Sankranthi and currently she is working for upcoming action drama Maha Samudram starring Sharwanand and Siddharth under the direction of RX 100 fame Ajay Bhupathi.

Venkatesh had agreed to act in the Drishyam 2 remake if only Jeethu Joseph directs it. Drishyam was remade in Telugu by actress Sripriya. She had acquired the Telugu- Tamil rights before the release. In Tamil, Jeethu directed it. Jeethu has started scouting for locales in Andhra and TS.

Review : Drishyam 2 - LOVE - Pitta Kathulu ( All on OTT)

 

 Is it not normal for a police officer to send the viscera for examination to Central Forensic Lab in Hyderabad as it is a high profile case ? In that case will the samples be kept in Kottayam Medical College morgue or taken to Ernakulam, the nearest place that has connectivity to Hyderabad ?  It also gives police time to tie up loose ends till the report comes, with accussed in jail. As Sai Kumar says the climax had lot of risk elements.  I liked the pot shot taken by the maker at the OTT platform itself. When the employee says that we will make  cables digital broadband, Cable TV owner Mohanlal asks - How many of them have Smart TV's ? Let them change and we will.All said, Drishyam 2 is a good watch  . As lots has been written and spoken by eminent critics about the strong screenplay writing of Jithu Joseph , yours truly has nothing to add. 

Khalid Rahman's Unda is one of my fav films.I watch it whenever it comes on TV. But LOVE is something that I would stay away. Never seen a pseudo film of such magnitude, in recent times. He tries a Inside Out ( American film) of a quarelling couple and a murder. If it was not for Tom Shine - Rajisha and supporting actors Koppa and Gokulan and the black humour at the start, the film is unbearable.

Pitta Kathalu a Telugu abthology is a compilation of beaten to death plots, offers nothing new and the only exception is the one by NagAswin. A novel plot- good acting by Sanjith Hegde - Sruthi Haasan makes it stand out,

Update : Star Vijay Bharathi Kannamma still at No 1 Sun TV Namma Veetu Pillai in 2nd - 7th week TRP

7th week TRP shows that one time No 1  Sun TV's Roja that was in 2 ndspot has slipped to third. Sun TV's Namma Veetu Pillai has jumped to second . Star Vijay is premiering Aelay on Sunday ( Feb 28) 3 PM slot . Bharathi Kanamma made a swift gain and came to the top, garnering high viewers in Urban and Rural. Fourth position has gone to Sun's Vanathey Pola and Pandian Stores from Star Vijay has come down to 5th.. 

Aelay starring Samthirakani and Manikandan will be aired on STAR VIJAY on 28 Feb 2021 at 3 pm.  The movie trailer was released online and has garnered the attention of movie buffs.  The movie is hyped to be a neo-realistic comedy drama.  The movie has skipped the theatrical release and will have its Worldwide Television Premiere only on STAR VIJAY this Sunday afternoon.

The movie is based on a father-son relationship, played by Samuthirakani and Manikandan. K, while the other actors in the cast are fairly new faces who are residents of the Manjunayakanpatti Village in Dindugal District of Tamilnadu.  The technical crew of the film includes Theni Eshwar for Cinematography and the music is scored by Kaber Vasuki and Arul Dev.  The film has been jointly produced by Y Not Studios, Reliance Entertainment and Pushkar & Gayatri’s (Vikram Vedha fame) Wall Watcher Films. 

The ratings are sum total of urban and rural. In the 6-10 slot, Vijay TV has two serials and Zee Tamil with one. If reality show of Cook with Comali is added then Star Vijay rating would be high.

UPDATE :Ram Pothneni accepts Director's Lingusamy's script rejected by Allu Arjun !!!

 The budget of  Ram- Lingu film is Rs 75 cr. The previous film RED got only Rs 60 cr net . Producers are betting big on this subject.Krithi Shetty , heroine of Uppena ( blockbuster hit) who is playing  the heroine in Lingusamy- Ram film has hiked the price six times of what she got for Uppena..After the sucess of `RED' , the Telugu remake of Tamil film `Thadam', Ram Pothineni will act in Director Lingusamy's film, a  bi-lingual. The surpising factor is that Lingusamy had been after Allu Arjun since 2017 with a script. At many times, it came close but at the last moment it slipped through.

Sources close to Arjun said that Lingusamy had narrated a script and after wrapping up the shooting of Duvvada Jagannadham aka DJ in 2017, Allu Arjun was start work on Lingusamy film. But Arjun did not and since then Lingusamy has made several changes to suit Bunny Arjun but nothing came out of it.

However when Ram's RED , remake of Tamil film clicked, Lingusamy naratted the script meant for Arjun and made a few changes to suit Ram. Ram is currently on a silent mode as part of the penance that he has undertaken.

The upcoming film marks Ram's 19th project and it will be bankrolled by Srinivasa Chitturi under his banner  Srinivasa Silver Screens. Lingusamy's sequel to Sandaikozhi was a huge flop. His production company too is facing financial trouble. Lingusamy had given blockbusters like Sandaikozhi and Run  but offlate he hit a bad patch. 

Vishnuvardhan to direct Thalapathy's Uncle -Master producer's son-in- law launch - Great Indian Kitchen Tamil- Telugu remake

Thala's director Vishuvardhan will direct Thalapathy's Uncle's son - in - law launch film. Director Kannan has acquired the Tamil- Telugu remake of the Malayalam film The Great Indian Kitchen. 

Director Vishnuvardhan will direct the launch film of  actor Atharvaa's brother ,  Akash Murali who married Sneha ,daughter of Xavier Britto , Master Producer and Thalapathy Vijay's uncle.Britto has locked a script by director Vishnuvardhan for the debut film. At the engagement ceremony, Vijay had attended the function.

Vishnuvardhan has directed 8 films and two of them were Ajith's Billa and Araambam. Ajith and Vishuvardhan was to collaborate once again. In 2019, he directed a webseries Fingertip for Zee5 and is currently working for Karan Johar's production Shershaah, a biopic of Captain Vikram Batra, a PVM awardee with Siddharth Malhotra in the lead.

The Great Indian Kitchen released on OTT,  was critically acclaimed and also created a controversey over the remarks by some right wing leaders about some dialogues that they felt were anti-Hindu with regard to Sabarimala and stigma of menustration. The married woman confined to the drudgery of cooking and the insensitive attitude of the husband and men folk form the theme. National award winner Suraj Venjaramood and Nimisha Sajayan play the couple. The film was rejected by  Amazon and NetFlix and came on Neestream, a OTT in Kerala. Word of mouth publicity made it a hit. It also was telecast on Asianet TV.

The film casting is not finalised and shoot will begin in March at Karaikudi. P G Muthiah handles the camera. Kannan's Thalli Poguthey with Atharva- Anupama Parameswaran is awaiting release.

Mythiri Movie Makers advance for Vijay straight Telugu entry or son launch ?

Telugu film Producers Mythiri Movie Makers  has advanced Rs 10 cr to Thalapathy Vijay to do a film for them. The buzz in Tollywood is that the Producers have sounded a few directors in Tollywood to get a storyline and treat it as Vijay's straight Telugu entry. Yet another buzzo is that the producers are going to launch Vijay's son in a Telugu- Tamil film. This is probably the outfall of same producer's Uppena that launched Vaishnav Tej which  is creating Box Office records.

As Master did bumper biz in both States of Andhra/TS, the next step is to do bilingual for Vijay, says trade. Mythiri Movie Makers are the current ones who have an impressive line up.

They have Sarkaru Vaari Paata with Mahesh Babu, Pushpa with Allu Arjun, and Ante Sundaraniki with Nani.

In an exclusive interview with Greatandhra.com, producers Naveen Yerneni and Ravi Shankar revealed their future lineup.

"We are doing Pawan Kalyan - Harish Shankar film and Chiranjeevi - Bobby film. We will work with NTR and Prashant Neel after Salaar. Gopichand Malineni is working on the script for Balayya Babu. It will go on floors after #BB3.

Vijay Deverakonda - Shiva Nirvana film will also happen. We also have film with Varun Tej. We will produce a pan-India film with Prabhas also,"

Anarkali Marikar( Uyare) and Sarath Appani ( Angamaly Diaries) film Amala 's Tamil version at Chennai Intl Film Fest

 

Anarkali  Marikar ( Uyare) and Sarath Appani (Angamaly Diaries) who acted in `Amala' are thrilled that the Tamil version of the bilingual  is being screened at the Chennai International film festival starting on Feb 18th,  Sreekanth, Rajisha Vijayan, and Sajitha Madathil. are in the cast

Anarkali Marikar won rave reviews for her supporting role in Uyare, the Parvathy film and also the Ramu Kariat Award. She was part of the blockbuster Aanandam.

“It's been almost 4 years since the shoot of amala. Amala had to go through a lot of struggles that it finally is about to get into big screen and that too in the Chennai International Film Festival. Now, at first, I really didn't see that coming and that too as a Tamil film. So, that's my first Tamil film which I didn't know until a few days back. Haha!!! (It’s basically a bilingual film),” Anarkali Marikar penned on her social media handle. The film is written and directed by debutant Nishad Ebrahim. Cinematography is by Abhilash Sanker.Music is by Lijin Bambino.

“It’s exciting to be a part of the festival, even as I am shooting here a very interesting, performance-oriented role in Abin’s film. I have more prospective projects lined up in Tamil,” Sarath  said. In the Abin film, The actor plays the antagonist pitted against Aari Arjunan - the winner of the latest season of Tamil Bigg Boss - in the film. Vidya Pradeep plays the female lead.

In a FIRST - Mohanlal's Drishyam 2 will release in theaters after OTT premiere

 Kerala Exhibitors Federation President Liberty Basheer has stated that 120 theaters are ready to screen Drishyam 2 , if given two weeks after the release on Amazon. He said if the film is a hit on OTT, it will be screened in theaters. Quick to retort, Film Chamber Vice President Anil Thomas said that Chamber has not made any change in the decision of no film on OTT first release can be screened in theaters.

Liberty Basheer says that Mohanlal had admitted that he made the mistake of accepting Amazon offer as there was no sign of any opening of theaters. He says that unlike other films that got clearance from Chamber to sell to OTT, Drishyam 2 did not get any such order. Taking into consideration that Mohanlal who has contributed so much towards Kerala filmdom, the film must reach the public through theaters and an exemption must be made. In case it was not coming, federation would go ahead and release it.

Trade says that despite many criticallly acclaimed films being released, the occupancy rate for evening shows is low and there is no night shows. Covid cases continue to be on the high side and second to Maharashtra on national level. Only Tamil film Master had brought cheer to Kerala Theaters. In this situation, Drishyam 2 will at least get lal fans to boost the sagging revenues, says trade analysts.

The ball lies in Amazon who has the exclusive rights ( including theaterical) and a rethink at this moment is not possible. Many say that Liberty Basheer is just playing up a publicity stunt. Most of the Kerala film trade bodies are headed by persons said to be in the lal camp.  As Drishyam 2 is not a visually stunning film to be seen on big screen, OTT will satisfy the audience, point out critics.

Pa Ranjith production Seththumaan screened at IFFK - Review

 

The Pa Ranjith production's director Tamizh’s debut movie Seththumaan, based on a story by Perumal Murugan, was premiered at the International Film Festival of Kerala’s Thiruvananthapuram edition. The story  written by Perumal Murugan as short story Varugari (Fried Meat) was  written by him for the screen. A Tamil film buff who attended the IFFK writes what she felt about the movie. She suggests that those from TN can catch the film when it comes to  the IFFK venue in Palakkad. She prefers to keep name out of the review for reasons of her own. Here is what she mailed us :

In a scene the orphaned grandson ( actor Ashwin) Kumaraesan telling about his first day in school asks the grandfather Poochaiyappa ( actor Manickam) whether it is wrong to eat meat as the school teacher sniggered at him and asked Do you eat all kind of meat ?. The grandpa's answer reflects the mindset of the Dalit who knows the heirarchy and the hypocritic attitude of the bosses. He replies - The ones who eat and relish meat do so discreetly.

Thefilm little short of 2 hours tells about the caste divisions and their functionality and rules that decide what should we eat . The film shows how the lower caste compromise by which neither they nor the ones who want to crush them are  winners or losers.

Seththumaan, or a pig, kicks off a problem as the upper caste Vellapayyan for whom Poochaiappan works wants the latter to kill the animal and cook pork for him.  Vellapayyan's wife is horrified and says Poochaiappan is the influencer for her hubby to crave for pork. A pig rearer is in no mood to satisfy the secret craving of the upper caste landlord.

Instead of rage, grandpa handles it in a way that keeps the lower caste and upper caste ego intact.

The film's highlight is  the conversation between the grandfather and grandson. Though the old man dreams that his orphaned grandson would be boss one day , he knows that only by staying on the right side of the upper caste can he survive.

Cinematographer Pradeep Kaliraja does capture the mood of the film but many a scene and especially the climax needs to be trimmed. A good add to the list of films that bring out the realities of the caste system.

Editor's Note : Hope this get's a theater to screen. Probably ,will as it is a Pa Ranjith Neelam production. 

Arvind Swami 's Tamil- Malayalam film, - Operation Java and Chakra on same topic- One more anthalogy on love - Betrayal

Arvind Swami has signed a Malayalam- Tamil film with Kunchacko Boban . Yet another anthology this Friday about love - betrayal .Operation Java released in Kerala and Chakra  the Vishal film due for release next week are on same subject .

 Directed by Tovino Thomas hit film Theevandi  , Fellini has titled the Swami film as Ottu, The film is produced by August Cinemas who produced Theevandi. Goa, Mangalore and Mumbai are major locales. A R Kashif , nephew of Rahman, made his debut as composer with Pathinettam Padi’, also produced by August Cinemas is scoring music for this film. Arvind Swamy debut film in Malayalam was Daddy directed by Sangeeth Svan with Gauthami as heroine and the second was Devaaraagam with Sreedevi and directed by legendary Bharathan.

As anthology has got a bad name among  Tamil film goers, NetFlix is coming on Feb 19th with Pitta Kathalu ( It is in Telugu but it is as good as Tamil since it will be dubbed and has Sruthi Haasan- Amala Paul - Lakshmi Manchu ( she played a supporting role with Vidharth in Kaatrin Mozhi , Jyotika starrer apart from Telugu actress Eesha - an interesting info is that she acted in a Tamil film Oyee released in 2016 and hero's name is Geethan Britto - any relative of Master producer Britto ?) , Now to scare all those who have had an overdose of love in anthology films - NetFlix describes it as - “Four different women, four journeys of love and betrayal. The common thread? Their tenacity when it comes to challenging norms”. One can expect a good one from director Nag Ashwin (of Keerthy Suresh's Mahanati) listed among the four.

Operation Java released last Friday in Kerala has recieved rave reviews. It deals with cyber crimes on common man and  Vishal "s Chakra deals with e-commerce scams. Chakra is also getting dubbed into Malayalam and released in Kerala next week Kerala audience will get the choice to compare two director's take on cyber crimes.

Malayalam actor Dhruvan in Thala Ajith's Valimai and more

 Malayalam actor Dhruvan is part of the Ajith film Valimai. Clint EastWood heroine Hillary Swank likely to play MohanLal role in English remake of Drishyam. For first time in Indian Cinema, a person afflicted with Down Syndrome plays the lead. The film is Thirike , Malayalam film releasing on NeeStream, OTT platform that released the The Great Indian Kitchen. 

Dhruvan made his debut with the hit film ‘Queen’ is also noted for his roles in films like ‘Children’s Park’ and ‘Finals’. Rumours are rife that Dhruvan essays a cop’s role in ‘Valimai’ .Telugu actor Karthikeya Gummakonda will be seen as the antagonist in the film. Dhruvan His upcoming projects include Prithviraj Sukumaran and Suraj Venjaramoodu starrer Jana Gana Mana and Mohanal’s upcoming flick Aaraattu.

Jeethu Joseph the director said that an Indian working in Hollywood asked for remake rights of Drishyam. He has submitted the English version. He said that the Hollywood film will  be heroine centric film with Hillary Swank ( the boxer girl in Clint Eastwood's Million Dollar Baby). She has been given the script for a reading. A director from Hollywood will direct it.

Gopi Krishnan (22) afflicted with Down Syndrome acts in  Thirike. He also dubs for the film.Writer George Kora  takes on directing this film along with Sam Xavier. The film is a tale of brothehood.The message is do not empathise for different disabled persons but celeberate them.

How Vijay Sethupathi was roped in for Master ? Britto says Vijay is Diamond and so pay up

Makers of Master had Madhavan and Telugu actor Nani for the role of Bhavani played by Vijay Sethupathi. The reason was that Makkal Selvan has a strong fan base in Tamil Nadu. He might not be interested in doing a negative role in a Thalapathy film as it would affect his image.‘Aadai’ director Ratha Kumar, who is also one of the writers of ‘Master’.said that Satish, producer of upcoming film Corona Kumar spoke to Sethupathi and he readily agreed.

If anybody feels Thalapathy Vijay is charging too much for a film , ask Master producer. Master producer Xavier Britto said, “Mr Thalapthy Vijay agreed to a certain salary, and it was paid. That’s it. I never went back to him for any negotiation. My relationship with him has been very professional from the start. We were very clear about what we were going to do. Today Mr Vijay one of the most saleable heroes. You pay a different price for silver, gold, and diamond. The value differs. So naturally, for a diamond, you have to pay a very high price. And, the more you retain it, the more value it holds.”

He further added, “So, what Mr Vijay asks for is completely justifiable. It is because he has been in this industry for such a long period, given a lot of hits, and has created such a big fanbase. All that matters a lot. It doesn’t come from one or two years; it is a matter of so many years, probably from 1992 till today. He has worked hard to get here. He’s eligible for what he asks,”

Suriya - Shah Rukh Khan in Maddy’s Nambi bio, Shankar Shanmughan to direct , Priyadarshan back , Vijay Devarakonda to dub in Hindi

 

Suriya in Tamil and Shah Rukh Khan in Hindi will be seen in the role of a journalist who takes the audience through the protagonist’s journey in flashback of the Rocketry : Nambi Effect. R Madhavan  who directs the film appears in multiple looks. Since the story traverses different timelines, he paid special attention to his looks. He went through physical transformations to get a look strikingly similarly to Nambi Narayanan. The film in Tamil- Hindi – Malayalam  is based on Nambi Narayanan’s own book ‘Ready to fire: How India and I survived the ISRO spy case’, which details about the controversial case and his infamous arrest.  

South film buffs were taken aback to read in B’Town portals that Shankar Shanmughan is to direct Ram Charan in a multi – lingual film. It is none other our own Shankar, it turned out. An over enthu PR  dug out out the full name of S Shankar. Priyadarshan who has not been in B’Town for past 9 years will be back this summer with Hungama 2 that has Paresh Rawal- Silpa Shetty, Meezaan, Pranitha Subhash, Rajpal Yadav, Tiku Talsania, Manoj Joshi and Johny Lever in pivotal roles. Ratan the producer said the film is in edit stage and release date will be announced soon. Priyan is waiting for Marakaar the multi lingual film with Mohan Lal to release. It has been caught in Covid crisis and is waiting for a pan India release date.

More on RRR –Rajamouli film. Alia Bhatt is keen to sing her own songs in the Telugu – Tamil version apart from the Hindi. She had earlier sung for two of her Hindi films. It seems that Rajamouli and Boney who had a run in over release dates of Maidaan and RRR , had a rift sometime back. The director wanted Sreedevi to act in Bahubali. Boney felt that acting with a non  Star like Prabhas needed a big compensation. He demanded the Hindi theatrical and satellite rights apart from money. Many clauses were put in fine print about the demands to be met during shoot.  RRR ‘s South theatrical rights has touched Rs 348 crores.

Karan Johar’s Dharma Production revealed the first look poster of Vijay Deverakonda – Ananya Pandey starrer Liger and said “Roaring and raring to go! Get ready to experience #Liger as it gears up for a worldwide theatrical release on 9th September 2021, in 5 languages – Hindi, Telugu, Tamil, Kannada & Malayalam.” Vijay will speak his own Hindi lines. Both producer Karan Johar and Vijay have taken a call to stick to the star’s own voice in Hindi.

Many Production houses quit Sun TV - Radhika latest

 

The TRP ending First week of Feb shows Sun TV sweeping all top five slots . This keeping aside the weekend movie from sun that gets the 2nd spot. However Sun TV is now looking to shed some prime time slot serials by shifting it to noon slots. As expected, Radhika whose Raadan had given many blockbuster serials to sun has said that she was bidding goodbye to TV serial acting and asked viewers to continue watching Chitthi 2 in which she plays the pivotal role. this implies that Raadan will continue to do business with Sun.

Chitthi 2 the sequel to the all time hit soap was hit by many problems including actors falling sick due to COVID etc, The serial slipped to past 9.30 PM slot. It ranks 13th in TRP. Sun is planning to shift the soap to noon slot and rope in veteran actress like Ramya Krishnan to fill Radhika's role.

Stat Vijay continues to figure in 6-10 top slot with Bhagyalakshmi, Bharati Kanamma and Pandian Stores. The star singer - Cook with Comali shows are having good TRP.

The combined Urban- rural rating puts Sun ahead while Star Vijay is popular in irban TRP. As Sun network has posted quarterly profits and decided to start a Marathi Channel and pump in money to buy films and move towards sanctioning funded serials instead of selling slots, rivals are far behind.

Kutty Story - Paris Jeyaraj : Both good in second half

 Though the film title is Kutty Story , the directors with the exception of Nalan Kumarasamy has interpreted it as film with no story and minimum screenplay. The A1 team of Santhanam - Johnson that gave a hit has this time too made a time pass film , but for that you have sit through the boring first half of Paris Jeyaraj.

GVM has written a subject  that is always his pet  - Platonic love. Now to not sound repetetive , he puts in a safety net with his pals ribbing him about this aspect of love. The climax is what should have hooked the audience. It does not. It tells nothing new.

Move to director Vijay. If he is telling us the traumatic story of an  unwed mother who has to give away her new born child , sadly nothing comes through to pull your heart strings.

Next is Venkat Prabhu. Here the subject line is novel. A gamer and the charachters in the game merging with  illusionary- make believe world. The problem is that he does not carry the audience with the gamer's mindset. Maybe a longer time format could do justice.

The last segment and surprise is director Nalan Kumarasamy( Soothu Kavvum). The subject starts and ends smoothly. Hubby caught red handed by wife for his love talk with GF and her getting back at him is handled deftly and realistically. Add Vijay Sethupathi and Aditi Balan and you get a real good KUTTY STORY.

in Paris Jeyaraj ,Santhanam though not given up the trappings that go with a hero, has delivered a good laugh when the script demands. Sadly it comes in the second half. Director has effectively used the huge battery of comedians and  Santhanam charachter is in check and not overdoing the heroism bit. Gaana songs are bit too much in number. Time Pass after interval.

UPDATE ; Aelay on Star Vijay Feb 29th as TN theaters - Producer clash over Aelay OTT release -

 

Producers of Aelay have said that the film will premiered on Star Vijay Feb 29th. Though no reason was given the move was obviously a fall out of the clash between TN Theaters body and the Tamil Film Producers Fraternity led by Bharathiraaja  over the former insisting  that producer Shashikanht of YNOT , whose film Aelay due on Feb 12  give an undertaking that there will be no OTT release for 30 days from release date. Producer has refused to give any such declaration on the grounds that it was a unilateral decision taken by theaters.

The film Aelay directed by Halitha Shameem is rural comedy subject with Samudrakanni and Manikanthan ( Kaalai) playing father and son. Halitha’s anthology, Sillukarupatti had got good response is directing this film. Sashikanth under the YNot Studios banner and filmmaker duo, Pushkar-Gayatri as its creative producers are behing Aalay. Shashikanth‘s film Jagame Thandiram (JT) starring Dhanush is headed for an OTT release and this had caused many heartburns in the theater circles. Dhanush and his fans have made public their preference for a theater release.

The Aelay problem cropped up as it was a own release and theater’s had no risk and they were not paying any advance money. In this situation a lock-in period of 30 days for OTT release was not needed. Keeping the JT in mind, theater association said that new diktat cannot be waived for any one person. The matter then went to the Producers body. As the theater’s had taken a decision, post Master , to bring this rule without talking to producer’s,, a meeting to sort it out was needed. Exhibitors were not for any talks. A 50 day gap is needed for a Star film.

Producer’s pointed out that the 30 day lock in period for small budgeted and non star cast films was not needed. Bharathiraaja pointed out that the same people who hailed Master producer as God , later cussed them. He pointed out that without mutual agreement, nothing can be implemented. Hiding the comb will not stop a marriage said Bharathiraaja to the exhibitors who are fighting the OTT.

Kerala Film Chamber has put in a 42 day lockin period for OTT release and said it would consider small budget producer’s plea to waive this on merit basis. OTT was paying only Rs 2-3 cr for a Malayalam film and this would mostly help small budget films. First Star film in Malayalam to be directly released on OTT is Drishyam 2 starring MohanLal and Meena and directed by Jithu who did the first part. Coming on Feb 19^th at Mazon Prime, the film’s remakes in South were hits. It was also remade in Hindi with Ajay Devgan, but was a flop.

Vijay Sethupathi films pile up for release - strategy revealed

 

Vijay Sethupathi has  9 films in Tamil ready for release, 2 under production . two Hindi films , one Malayalam and Telugu film under production. An anthology featuring him is releasing next week ( Feb 12). Even while writing this `Makkal Selvan’ Vijay Sethupathi (VSP) would have signed a film. Now after Ra Pa Ranasingam, VSP had no release that has him in a lead role. Master, though a Vijay film was to many a VSP film.  A source close to VSP spills the beans on the strategy.

Trade has a different take on this VSP films piling up. If one bombs, the next producer will have to do a distress sale. If that clicks, fine, otherwise? This is the way for every Star at the box office. The only difference is that the remuneration of a Star is fixed by the previous film box office. Re ason being that distributors decrease or increase the price as per BO as per last release. In case of VSP, he comes with MRP. If the film gets good business or bad, his MRP remains unchanged. This insulates the Producer from any price hike and also leaves no scope for haggling for a discount.

When it comes to cameo – extended cameo  , VSP charges a fee that is calculated as per the days he is required. If it be another language, the price  for such cameo appearance remain the same. The argument is that a Malayalam – Telugu- Hindi film will be dubbed and sold as VSP film like a straight Tamil film where he is doing a lengthy guest role. If it is villainy, in other language it does not matter that he should have anything as meaty as he had in Master. His MRP for a lead role in Tamil is applicable to villain  or any other supporting roles ( not extended cameos) in non Tamil. These producers are going to get back the money from OTT Tamil dubbed sale.

Now the query that rises is that VSP will lose his position as Makkal Selvan if he does not build up and nurture his image and instead if goes to do all that comes in his way from other languages and that reaches Tamil shores , it will only do harm. VSP signs only those Tamil films as lead actor, if it keeps his image of a performing actor and doing roles that relate to the non Metro crowds and single screen audience.  If anybody thinks that a fat advance fee is enough to get VSP to sign a straight Tamil film , then they are in for a shock. The usual reason is  - Wait for my films to release and meanwhile do a film with other talented actors and create a name for yourself.

One major attraction for VSP in doing a non- Tamil film is that there is no pressure on him to think about BO. Secondly, the payment is prompt. Thirdly,  the  working hours   on such films are less than in a Tamil film. It gives him time to recoup his energy. Moving with multiple language film industries, gets him connected to creative people with different thought process.  I am putting out a list of VSP films that are to come on screen and under production. 

Thughlak Durbar

Kadaisi Vyavasayi

Maamanithan

Labam

Yaadhum Oore Yavaarum Kelir

Kaathuvaakul rendu kadhal

Soodhu Kaavum 2

Idam Poru Eval

Annabelle Subramaniam

VetriMaaran  direction – Soori hero untitled

Uppena ( Telugu)

19(1)(A) – (Malayalam )

Mumbaikaar ( Hindi remake of Maanagaram) Director Santosh Sivan.

Gandhi Talkies ( Silent film in 8 languages  by Marathi director)

Master Tamil film remake in Hindi (director not fixed)

Anthology Navarasa releasing on Feb 12.

 

Post Bigg Boss Archana hosts V Day show for Star Vijay

Post Bigg Boss 4, Archana the top draw of Zee Tamil now shifts to Star Vijay as host of Kadhaley Kadhaley a Valentine day special show on 14 Feb, Sunday at 3 pm, an event with Dance, Music and Romance with stars and their spouses.

TV screen  real couple to take part in this romantic show are Sidhu – Shreya, Sanjeev –Manasa, Vinoth – Sindhu, Manimegalai – Hussain, Nisha – Riyaz, Thangaduria –Aruna, Reshma – Madan.

The Reel couple are Prajin – Reshma, Pavithra – Dhiraviyam, Naveen – Neha,Dharsha Azhar – Pughazh, Arun – Farina, Bala – Rithvika.Kadhaley Kadhaley takes the viewers through a journey of various era of love period wise , with songs starting from MSV, Ilayaraja, A.R. Rahman, Yuvan Shankar Raja and goes  on.

BookMyShow ticketing platform launches OTT in India

 

BookMyShow, the online ticketing platform, has announced that it is launching OTT in India. It  has a library of 600+ movies and 72,000 hrs content to offer. As it is primarily a theatre ticket online booking platform, it will stream only movies that come in theaters. The movies streamed on BookMyShow will be exclusive to them and it will be premiered on their site.

As of now, BMS does not have any Indian content and has `tenet'. Wonder Woman 1984 and Craft Legacy among the latest releases that hit theaters. Many upcoming big ticket movies are given in the list of movies that it will stream in future.

The subscription rate is from Rs 70 to Rs 700. It gives the pay per view model to subscriber who can rent or buy the movie for the period of his choice and watch it as per his convenience. The platform says that it has already 22,000 of exclusive content.

Hopefully, it might use the same format to get Indian film content to add to it's library.

V Day gift to theaters - film about extra martial relationship - Sangh Parivaar to cheer or protest ?

 

Kutty Story, anthology of Love to be released as  V Day gift and  that too in theaters, a first, is all about extra martial relationship.  It has Vijay Sethupati -Amala Paul in the cast and Gautam Vasudev Menon (GVM) among the four directors helming it. The Sangh Parivar who say that V Day is anti- Hindu  ( read as traditional culture of Bharat) as it promotes illicit relationship should probably use this as a propaganda film.  Yet another anthology- Sshhh , produced – directed by IB Karthikeya  and it claims to make the feeling of lust , no more a taboo in social world. Next is Navarasa – another anthology from Mani Rathinam stable.  This boasts of big names like Suriya acting in GVM short  and this takes a poke at the thought process that films should have a social message. Incidentally one of rasas is Shringara rasa, the most powerful and King of rasas , according to Bharata muni.

Kutty Stories  trailer makes it evident that the whole central theme is extra martial relationship. Going by what is shown, the plots seem to quite familiar like best friend cheating and so on. Vijay Sethupati and Amala Paul are the big names with Aditi Balan etc. A twitterati felt that Vijay Sethupati looks like Robo Sankar in the trailer. GVM  is the only one to have made most use of lockdown by directing and acting in the anthologies that came his way from production houses that do pay. He too figures in this anthology.

 Dr Ishari Ganesh ,the producer is kind enough to give this Kutty Story to theaters before OTT and that as a gift to GVM – Vijay Sethupati – Amala Paul fans  on Feb 12 to celebrate V Day ( also as a penance for giving Nayantara film Mookuthi Amman for OTT premiere). Mani Rathinam during the lockdown had taken to anthology route but as producer. Now GVM ready with a plot says that it took him only a phone call to get Suriya to agree to act in Navarasa.

To go in to a little rewind – Surya had told GVM some time back that he was not going to do a film just on a story line. He wanted a script. GVM  talked about great directors doing iconic films with only spot improvisation but Suriya was not impressed. Now GVM fans would ask whether KK had a script that Suriya read ?. To my knowledge, there was no script. Why now a script ?. Answer is that GVM’s last hit was a couple of years back.

Any way back to Navarasa . As the name suggests, it is about nine emotions. Each tackled by each director. Halitha Shameem whose anthology was a hit ,was one among the 9. She had then two films Aleay and Minmini with shoot completed and a lockdown in place. As the lockdown got lifted, Halitha is said to have opted out to finish her films. It was said that Sarjun, a hit in short film circuit has stepped in.  Yet another info we got was that an Illaiyaraaja song was the  inspiration for the theme of the anthology. The song right has been bought ( can never know if Isai ganani might go to court claiming compensation for his song being inspiration for a subject/theme ).

Now yesterday R K Selvamani got for third time elected as FEFSI President. Suriya donated part of proceeds from SP OTT sale to FEFSI to help film workers and to producer council for ailing members. Mani Rathinam and his partner Jayendra  ( whose firm handles Qube , a bone of contention between producers and theater owners) as producer of Navarasa  would give part of income to FEFSI .

EVERYTHING IS FOR THE GOOD

After Master back to trash

 

After release of Master and three weeks later it is back to routine fare and down right trash that has flooded the theaters.  Two big names figure in the week release -Yogi Babu and Super Good Films.  

Yogi Babu once again gets a warning that by acting in amateur director film like Trip will  drive away his admirers who think he can deliver the laughs. It will send him on a trip of no return.

SuperGood should understand that by merely saying Kalathil Santhipom is 90 th film does not make it a grt crowd puller that it was. Instead of repackaging 'family entertainer' like Kadaikutty Singham did i,t gives  an ancient formula with a predictable ending  and director doing the balancing act  between  two actor scenes ( both of them have zero market) ,alternating between comedy-action -song-melodrama film is a lesson that Chowdury should take careful steps as he reaches century or the reputation will be wiped out by a few more such bad batting.