Nayanthara - Vignesh Shivn efforts pays dividends -Koozhangal gets The New Yorker's pat

Chennai,April30 : Apart from usual news of jet setting by  Nayanthara and beau Vignesh, -  Their production house Rowdy Pictures Pvt Ltd backed  Koozhangal ( Pebbles) the Tamil film has been adjudged the best film of  a new director by film critic Richard Brody ,under the category New Directors/New Films series (which runs from April 28th to May 8th, both online and in person).. This was mentioned in the The New Yorker online portal by the film critic. He tweeted -Pebbles, directed by P.S. Vinothraj, is the one essential, unmissable dramatic feature I've seen in @NDNF  which starts tomorrow; it's further proof that observation is inseparable from imagination, aesthetics from substance:

About director Vinothraj film making he writes - Vinothraj films the women’s work in intimate detail and at awestruck length, showing exactly what a mere cupful demands of them. It’s among the most memorable endings in recent cinema.

He writes - "Vinothraj’s passion for detail is analytical—it’s a passion for infrastructure, for the conditions of mere subsistence, and for the menace and despair that those conditions impose. (In another scene, he painstakingly films a different family’s poignantly ingenious schemes to catch and eat rats.)"

Richard is movies editor for Goings On About Town and the author of “Everything Is Cinema: The Working Life of Jean-Luc Godard.”. He started writing for The New Yorker since 1999 and  writes about movies in his blog, The Front Row. 

Koozhangal is only the second Indian movie to win the Tiger Award after Sanal Kumar Sasidharan’s Sexy Durga in 2017 in International Rotterdam Film Fest.

The film would have been among the many films that started  with gusto and little money to end up a dream half completed. Lean and Teach Production House members who felt that Vinothraj had the stuff after seeing his short films backed the project. Half way through, it ran out of money. It was placed in the Film Baazar of IFFI Goa (2019) asking for co= producers. Director Ram whose film Peranbu and Taramani are most talked Tamil films saw the film work. He got excited seeing the output. He took it to Yuvan to score a BGM ( it has no songs), next he suggested a few changes and reshoots. From there he took it to Vignesh Shivn who with Nayanthara had floated a production house. Rest is history.

Bigg Boss 3 Malayalam contestant Dimpal's father body cremation in Delhi to wait for space

 

Chennai, April 29 :  Bigg Boss 3 Malayalam contestant Dimpal Bhal's father's cremation is facing delay as there is scarcity of space in crematoriums, said a source in New Delhi. Asianet channel which is part of Star - Disney network is using all channels to get a speedy nod.  

Dimpal's father Satyavir Singh Bhal, a native of Meerut , is resident of Delhi. He was undergoing treatment for respiratory and cardiac problems. On April 27 , he took ill and died on the way to the hospital. His body was tested for covid 19 and was found negative.

Sathyavir Singh Bhal lives in New Delhi with his youngest daughter Nayan and his wife Mini along with her daughter Simple and Dimpal lives in Kattappana ( Kerala). The news of Dimple Bhal's father death was at first confirmed by Lakshmi Jayan, ex contestant and one of the first to get eliminated from the show. Later Bhanu, recently eliminated from the show and one who developed close bond with Dimpal in Bigg Boss House confirmed it. Later Simple took to Instagram Live to break the news. Sources said that Dimpal left Chennai Airport yesterday and reached Delhi. Her mother and sister Simple too reached from Kochi. 

Like in Bigg Boss 4 Tamil, a contestant's father passes away in Bigg Boss 3 Malayalam reality show telecast on Asianet. Those who watched Bigg Boss  4 (Tamil) recalled the exit of Anitha Sampath, a TV news presenter from the show on hearing about her father's death. Both the contestants were in the last four weeks of the contest and strong contenders to the title.

Dimpal had in the yesterday episode told the BB camera that she was happy to complete the task as it required a lot of running. As a cervical cancer survivor, Dimpal is not to undertake any task that puts a strain on her cervical region. She said that she had told her father once about her desire to run in the track field and her father said in Hindi - Sapna dekhthe  raho uske liye koi izzazath nahi chaiye ( Keep dreaming, for that you do not need any permission).

As the reality show reached the last 30 days of the 100 days, a contestant openly voiced the opinion of many other contestants who think that Dimple is using the cancer survivor card to get audience sympathy. It led to severe backlash from various NGO's and fans of Dimpal. Host - actor Mohanlal pulled up the contestant, who offered to quit the show and publicly apologised for his utterance.

In today's episode, one of the contestant Manikuttan, a close pal of Dimpal makes his re-entry . He abruptly left the show and left Dimpal in tears. His entry would no doubt cheer her but to only plunge her in grief later in the day.

When Power Star turned Politician fails to power the Box Office - Pawan Kalyan

 

Chennai, April 28; The most talked about gup shup in Hyderabad is about everybody deserting Pawan Kalyan the POWER STAR after the debacle of Vakeel Saab . Talk is that  except the producer of an upcoming film nobody was even near the actor when he was admitted in the hospital. Political circles are abuzz that BJP after taking advantage of Pawan's Janasena party in the Hyderabad civic polls  ditched him after the beating at the box office.

The Jubilee Hill guys are wondering as to where the big brother great Chiru and his clan had vanished. The flop of Vakeel Saab is not the first in his career. This flop has more significance to his future as it also reflects on his political journey . The path he has charted seems to be a path to isolation from filmdom and politics. The very lone tusker attitude in filmdom and in public life as well his simplicity and frankness adhered him to the youth of the early 2000's.

Today ten years later, his BJP alliance has created a rift in his fan base , which should be by a rough estimate in their late forties or fifties.  The  rise of YSR and KCR has put Pawan in a spot as they seem to be more attractive as politicians to the actor's fan base.

As an industry watcher noted that when Pawan's films flopped earlier, the industry took it cooly and judged by the flaws in the making. Now it gets a mix of politically tainted response too and it does not help the actor.

To a hardcore Pawan fan, Vakeel Saab did not deliver the hit songs that he could be humming even if the flop flopped and that was the case for even the non Pawan fans.Johnny, gudumba shankar, balu, puli, teenmaar, panjaa, annavaram, bangaram had atleast 3-4 good songs that really made his fans to have expectations on each and every movie that released even after a flop. This made distributors go crazy about his movies, Vakeel Saab did not have that for his fans.

The lifestyle of an actor that is simple and his principles ( his party Janasena's moves and goals) made him a STAR that had surmounted his movie popularity and flops and hits no more matter, is what a die hard fan tells me. He says that nobody has a draw like Power Star in B&C centres and that the film is a profit and a bigger blockbuster abroad. Vested interests ( read political rivals and jealous family members) are spreading false rumours.

Fans are waiting for Pawan to recover from Covid 19 fatigue ( no idea what it means) and start work on remake of Ayyapanum Koshiyum Malayalam film with Rana. Also a period film with him playing a Robin Hood is on the floors.

Those who watched Pink should watch Vakeel Saab coming in Amazon on April 30 to know how films are tweaked to suit fan base of Power Star. Those who worked in Ayyapanum Koshiyum should watch to get an inkling of how their film would be tweaked for Power Star.

Love Life and Pakodi : A teenage love story told without frills ( Movie Review)

 Chennai, April27: Love- Life and Pakodi ( Telugu) is a love story of two youngsters who are grappling with the issue as to a legalised  marriage is needed to continue living and loving each other. Director Jayanth Gali tells the story as it is and conveys the feeling of the two youngsters towards this issue. He just leaves you to make the judgement and as he says in the end it is for the lovers to decide when they come across practical problems in our society.

The boy and the girl get together in rather a strange situation which many might not face. This bonds them further. They think alike and they are the bindaas type. Having sex and sharing an apartment has no issues. In fact, the girl loves him for the space that he gives and him being non judgemental about her.

Over a time, the boy develops the feeling that it is needed to get married to go further in their relationship. She is dumbfounded as to why this demand when everything is rosy. This moves creates a query in her mind about marriage. Things move on till it lands at the Registar office and she then tells her mind about what she thinks is life together without somebody uniting them on paper and her idea of what marriage is all about. You expect him to walk away but he says that his love for her makes him go along.

Without getting into a mushy romance or as the girl says Shah Rukh Khan style, it is a pleasant watch for elders too. The only twist in the tale of the boy's father and the girl's mother linkup was something that was filmy. It reminded me a K Balchander movie and the puzzle.

Actors Bimal Kartheek and Sanchitha Poonacha ( new finds) do well and film is technically good . 

Mohanlal's Marakkar for OTT -Telugu - Malayalam films most affected by Covid 19 second wave

Chennai, April 26 : Telugu industry has put off 4 film releases, Malayalam two , Kannada two and Tamil one due to second wave of Covid 19, says trade reports. Mammooty's One will release on Netflix tomorrow ( Apr 27) which will  be followed by Karthi's Sulthan on Hotstar May 2, Dhanush Karnan on Amazon -May 7th, Operation Jawa (Malayalam) on Zee5 - May 9th, Radhe Most Wanted - Salman Khan on Zee Plex on May 13th and Dhanush's Jagame Thanthiram on Netflix - June 18d. In between Sivakathikeyan Doctor is said to be heading for OTT release as it was to release on April 30th. In Telugu,Anasuya Bharadwaj’s Thank You Brother is the first Telugu film to go for OTT release amid second wave.Pawan Kalyan-starrer Vakeel Saab is set to premiere on Amazon Prime Video on April 30.

The Telugu films whose release dates have been postponed are Chiranjeevi - Acharya, Venkatesh Narappa ( Asuran remake).Love Story, Virata Parvam, Tuck Jagadish 4

Kannada film Adivi Shesh s Major  and KGF, Malayalam film Kurup starring Dulquar Salman and Arattu of Mohanlal were  May releases that are postponed.

Kerala trade circles say that Marakkar producer has started taking back advance given to theatres. This is seen as the producer heading for a OTT release if the pandemic situation worsens in May. Latest report says that the producer has given August 12 the release date.

Thalapathy Vijay Master and Suriya s Singam wipe out Star Vijay's Cook with Comali finale

Chennai, Apr24 : SunTV with Thalapathy Vijay Master premiere hit top of 15th week TRP  and backed by Singam release for Tamil New Years week. It has pushed Star Vijay further down in the top 5. The grand finale of Cook with Comali, highly rated reality show on Vijay TV had got in Stars like Simbhu onward for the finale but the Master of Vijay premiered diverted all eye balls to Sun. If two movies that come in top 5 are put in place, Star Vijay has only Bharathi Kannamma in this lineup. all others are Sun soaps.

Master might have washed out Star Vijay's hope to enter Cook with Comali finale in top 5 but Ajith fans are happy that it has not broken the record set up Viswasam. Master TRP of 17.10 and has registered 13755.46 impressions with its world television premiere. Viswasam- 18143000 impressions still is No 1 in TV premiere history.

One reason is that Master after theatre release is still available on Amazon.

Oral Antiviral CleVira Tablets gets Ayush Ministry clearance

 

Chennai Apr 22 : Apex laboratories private limited receives Government of India regulatory approval for Oral Antiviral CleVira Tablets, as a supporting measure for Mild to Moderate condition of COVID-19

• Manufacturing and Marketing approval granted for Clevira as a supporting measure for Mild to Moderate condition of COVID-19 as an additional indication in addition to its existing Antiviral approval.  

• Clevira has shown 86% recovery rate on the 5th day of treatment (86% Patients recovered – RT PCR – CT Value).

• 100% recovery on the 10th day of treatment. 

• Clinical recovery from all signs and symptoms in 4 days.

• One tablet twice daily dosing convenience of oral administration.  

• Safe on Liver and Kidney parameters.

Marking a landmark development in the fight against COVID-19 Pandemic in India and around the globe, apex Laboratories Private Limited ,a Chennai based Pharmaceutical manufacturer and exporter known for Research, Innovation and quality medicines for more than four decades, today announced the approval of Antiviral drug Clevira as a supporting measure for Mild to Moderate condition of COVID-19.

apex laboratories private limited has received approval from Government of India (Ministry of AYUSH) regulators, for their Anti-Viral Drug Clevira as an additional indication as a supporting measure for Mild to Moderate condition of COVID-19 making it first of its kind approval in India through various stages of scrutiny at CCRAS (The Central Council for Research in Ayurvedic Sciences) and Inter Disciplinary Technical Review committee (ITRC) a 12 member technical committee constituted by Ministry of AYUSH and headed by Dr.S.K.Maulik Former Professor Department of Pharmacology AIIMS.

Clevira is the brain child of apex’s R&D Center based on proven scientific evidence and was launched in Indian market during the recent outbreak of Dengue epidemic and associated mortality in 2017. Clevira is extensively studied for its safety in animal model (Wistar rats) and efficacy in Human subjects in Phase II and III clinical trials. Clevira is an approved Antiviral formulation for the treatment of various viral infections including viral fever associated with or without thrombocytopenia. Clevira has proven for its efficacy as Analgesic, Antipyretic and reversal of thrombocytopenia apart from its Antiviral property. 

A phase III Clinical trial was carried out in Government Medical Collage Omandurar Govt. Estate Chennai, based on Government approval from The State Government of Tamil Nadu. The trial outcomes revealed that Clevira has shown 86% recovery rate on 5th day of treatment in Mild to Moderate COVID-19. 100% recovery rate noticed on 10th day of treatment. Clinical recovery from all signs and symptoms was registered in          4 days. Clevira is proven to be safe on Kidney and Liver parameters.

The study outcomes were placed before the Government of Tamil Nadu, Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) and Ministry of AYUSH in 2020. After various stages of scrutiny and deliberations before various technical review committees, Government of India (Ministry of AYUSH) regulators have granted approval for Clevira as a supporting measure for Mild to Moderate condition of COVID-19.    

Clevira is effective when taken orally and the dosage is one tablet twice daily after food for 14 days. 

About apex laboratories private limited 

apex laboratories private limited is more than 4 decades old Pharmaceutical manufacturer and exporter based at Chennai India, known for its flagship brands such as Zincovit, P range of Paracetamol and a whole range of branded formulations including dermatology, having global presence in over 30 countries. Research, Innovation and quality are the guiding principles of apex. It is ranked among top 50 Indian pharmaceutical companies. For more information visit www.apexlab.com

References:

1. CTRI/2020/05/025483

2. Ramesh Kannan S et al, International Journal of Innovative Research in Medical Science , Vol 04, Issue 09,Oct 2019

3. http://www.apexlab.com/preview-Clevira-tablets.php

Salman Khan Radhe sets in Hollywood style release - Tamil Nadu exhibitors might not go along

Chennai, Apr22 : Salman Khan starrer Radhe release simultaneously on OTT and in theatres for Eid ( May 13) might not get backing from Tamil Nadu exhibitors . In the South, single screen theatres outnumber multiplexes.The Tamil Nadu exhibitors Association which the Multiplex theatre association too works in tandem is unlikely to agree to screen Salman Khan Radhe ( directed by Prabhudeva) along with release on pay per view on Zee Plex. Doing this will open the gates for Tamil film producers to follow suit.

The release of Surya's Soorarai Pottru on OTT first led to heavy backlash from exhibitors. The release of Vijay's Master in theatres came as a relief. The newly formed active Producer's body is rooting for producer's right to screen films on platforms of their choice and not agreed to give in writing that any film released in theatre will have a lock-in period of 50 days before release on OTT. This body had managed the digital server agencies to levy  the virtual print fee from producer's.

If the Radhe system is implemented, many producers would go in for this in Tamil Nadu. The  TN exhibitors decided to keep open the theatres despite night curfew with at least one screen functioning. Karthi's Sulthan and Dhanush Karnan is still being screened in the theatres. A few more small budget films might get released.

Sasikumar's MGR Magan which was to release coming Friday has postponed the release. Sivakarthikeyan's Doctor is said to premiere on Amazon Prime after the new restrictions came in place. The alarming spike in Covid infection cases in Tamil Nadu and 40% is accounted by Chennai.

Star Vijay brings Mr and Mrs. CHINNATHIRAI season 3

Chennai, Apr 21 : STAR VIJAY’s Mr & Chinnathirai is back with a brand-new seaso, to ramp the weekend evening slot. The show Mr &Mrs Chinnathirai is very well familiar with the viewers as it has had already seen two successful seasons in the recent past. The show gears up for a brand-new third season.

Mr &Mrs Chinnathirai launches on 24 April 2021 airing every Saturday and Sunday at 6.30 PM with the most celebrated pairs from Television and Film industry.

The most favourite small screen celebrities are going to participate in this show along with their spouse to win the most coveted titled Mr & Mrs Chinnathirai. This season is filled with lots of games, nail biting tasks, romance, skits, emotions etc.

The rounds will prove the mental and physical strength of the couples.Through this show viewers can witness the couples’ compatibility and support the duo have for each other. This show will witness the joy and ruckus between the husband and wife when their roles get swapped. It will unfold the untold stories of our favorite celebrity couples. There are many surprises on the show as the teams get into many new facets to give their best in the competition.

The following small screen celebrities are going to rock the show viz

Rajmohan & Kaveetha, Gopalakrishnan & Haritha,Shankar & Deepa, Yuvaraj & Gayathri, Velmurugan & Kala, Vinothkumar & Iswarya, Sarathkumar & Krithika, Yogesh & Nandhini, Manikandan & Sophia, Dhiwakar & Abinaya, Jack & Roshini, Ajay Kumar & Anandhi

The show is hosted by Ma Ka Pa Anand and Archana. The judges for the show would be Neeya Naana Gopinath and Devadharshini. 

Central Intelligence report says EPS ministry just pass in State poll

 Chennai, Apr 21: EPS Govt may just scrape through the State polls says a Central Intelligence report communicated to Union Home Ministry. The Western heartland of State seems to have gone a big way in pushing up the numbers for EPS and team ,said the report.

Those in the know of things revealed that EPS has been communicated about this and has brought cheer to the AIADMK top echelons. The report says that the Prasanth report that predicts a 180 seats for DMK combine is far too much of the actual numbers. The South Districts voting seems to have gone in favour of DMK combine and the AMMK- MNM- TMK- have created a divide of votes that would have gone to AIADMK.

The PMK is the weakest ally but still it is not that it will draw a blank as said by DMK circles and it has to a great extent got Vanniyar votes rallied behind them citing the consolidation of Thevars and other OBC against them.

The report however has made it clear that BJP need not draw any solace from this since in most of the seats it is in for a drubbing. Unlike the DMK in last State poll which made a mistake by giving 40 odd seats to Congress , the AIADMK has given many seats to BJP that it would not have won on two leaves symbol. The report might set off a revolt against BJP State President for accepting seats that it did not have any base.

The worst scenario that the Central agency suggests is that a hung Assembly could happen. On the other hand, DMK is drawing up a ministers list and portfolios, says Arivalayam sources.

The report says that caste politics with Thevar- OBC ganging up and Gounders feeling threatened if EPS was voted out took priority over governance and the AIADMK playing down Modi in the campaign has given it the edge. As usual cash for votes played a major part in areas where AIADMK felt it was tottering, said the report.

Actor Nassar's wife Kameela quits Kamal Haasan party

Chennai, Apr21: Kameela Nassar, wife of veteran actor Nassar, quit from the primary membership of  Makkal Needhi Maiam (MNM), headed by Kamal Haasan. The party in a communication to it's office bearers announced that she was no more member of the party.

The problem is said to have started with Kameela staking her claim to contest from Virgumbakkam, a suburb in Chennai. As a resident, she had close ties with many civic organisations in the area. To her shock, Lyricist Snehan was given the seat. Snehan is a recent entrant and had formed a bond through Bigg Boss reality show hosted by Kamal Haasan.

The usual procedure is that the selection committee decides on the applications received. Kameela who is Zonal head of Chennai was bypassed for Snehan ,came as an insult for her. The selection panel for 2019 Lok Sabha poll of MNM had come in for some mirth as it had Kovai Sarla, a comedienne and novice to politics.

After the polls, Snehan had listed out the non-cooperation of Kameela in the campaign in his constituency . The complaint was sent to her and it was replied with a resignation letter. The letter given a week later was accepted by the party and a public statement issued. Many recalled the time when Jayalalithaa in  2006 had offered Kameela, a seat in Trichy. She declined it as she was not keen on politics. 

Nassar and Kamal Hassan friendship dates back to over 30 years. They have worked together in many films together and off screen too they have collaborated on many philanthropic activities. Kameela too had been part of this. She had been active in organisations like Seva and Banyan as well as a child counsellor to Govt schools . She holds a MPhil in child development and family relations. As a producer of films, she is accepted by all warring groups in Tamil trade bodies. Naasar was President of Nadigar sangham (actor's body).

In 2019, Kameela who is the Chennai zonal head of MNM, had contested the Chennai Central constituency Lok Sabha poll ( 2019) which had stalwarts Dayanidhi Maran (DMK) as candidates. She was in forefront of many civic issues of Chennai.She had led the cleaning of Cooum outlet near Mylapore ( Chennai).

Thalapathy Vijay not ok with intro song by Rahman

The producer went with the CD to Thalapathy Vijay. He heard the CD  in his imported car audio system. After the song was over, Thalapathy told the producer that the song was not fit for an intro song. Producer is in a fix. How to get A R Rahman to give another song?.

Producer goes back to Rahman studio and tells Swamy ( manager of Rahman), hero is not happy with the intro song. Swamy says - I will inform Anna. He comes back and says Anna wants to see you. He goes in. ARR asks - Hero is not happy about the song ? Are you happy ?. Producer sheepishly says - No.

ARR thinks for a moment and says put a call to Vaali ( lyricist). He says - I composed an intro song for Vijay but he does not like it. You write the lyrics and I will compose it. If I compose and ask for lyrics, it will not work.

Next dat Producer goes and gives Rs 1 lakh to Valee. The few days later the CD is ready. Thalapathy Vijay hears it and in his characteristic way smiles and nods  his head meaning - Yes adhu thaan da. 

On the 60 th film of Vijay, he tells press that his fav song is this intro song. The intro song was of En Azhagiya Thamizh Magan produced by Swargachitra Appachan. Producer says that Rahman had at that time worked only for Hindi films and for Mani- Shankar in Tamil. Vijay put a condition. Get Rahman for the film.

Appachan who saw him ages ago at Kondandapani Studio as a guitar player decided to approach him, Rahman to his surprise said okay I will do the film. Will you give Rs 25 lakh cash tomorrow ?. My salary for Hindi is Rs 2 cr. You decide for Tamil. Producer says Rs 1.75 cr. Ok says Rahman and it was the second film that Rahman scored for Thalapathy Vijay. First was Udhaya directed by Azhagam Perumal.

( Told to YouTube channel Master Bin )

99 screenplay does not pitch the emotions of A R Rahman the writer

99 songs fails to satisfy the legions of ARR 's fans  as it is not the music but the way the film has not been to able to tap the wonderful story line and make it into a valuable addition to ARR's achievements . 

 The target audience is the scores of ARR music lovers who identify him with the wonderful music that he gave for films. To most of them , the music and lyrics can be so good only if ARR has that something inside him. Now that man is writing and producing a film - 99 songs. trailer shows it's a love story. Lead pair looks wonderful. You go in expecting a romantic saga with ARR in full blast. You then realise that ARR songs or BGM alone cannot give you what you are expect. You realise that the director is the man who works the magic of the ARR . Sadly, ARR choice of a director came out wrong.

The film plot has a wide range of emotions in it. I think a director of some one like Mahesh Bhatt ( not because there is a Bhat in the cast) or someone whose film's are know to mix music with emotions. You have to give due credit that the song placement is no where wrong.

The second half drags and tests your patience. O Aashiqa, Sophia and the jazz number are the three takeaways from the film. If there a music video of 99 , then buy it play it be happy that ARR is the Mozart that we all love. For 99 film means only ARR and not Vishesh the director or any of the others involved in it, that way ARR has failed. So why go through it. 

PS I saw the HINDI version. Some say the Tamil one is badly dubbed. Wonder what the need for Tamil- Telugu ones. The entire starcast is Bollywood .

Vivekh's death adds to Shankar- Kamal Haasan Indian 2 woes

The sudden death of comedian Vivekh has created a problem for Indian 2 directed by Shankar. The comedian had acted in lengthy portions with Kamal Haasan and has a pivotal role. The film of Vivekh awaiting release is Yaadhum Oore Yaavarum Kelir with Vijay Sethupathi. It is for the first time that Sethupathi and Vivek had come  together.

Vivekh took ill when he was acting in retail consumer chain owner Legend Saravana's film directed by JD- Jerry. Recently Vivekh had posted pixs of him at outdoor shoot in Kulu Manali.

Indian 2 has Vivekh playing a pivotal role along with Kamal Haasan. Sources say that Vivekh's role was not of a mere comedian but of a satirical do-gooder who is an accomplice of Kamal in the film. He also comes in various  disguises. Even if changes to the plot can be done, finding a suitable voice to dub is a problem says a senior dubbing artiste.

Lyca Productions had moved the court to restrain Shankar from committing new films till Indian 2 was over. The court declined to stay the director from entering into new assignments. Last week the court granted permission to Lyca to go in appeal against the verdict to not restrain the director. 

A fire accident that resulted in fatalities had made the producer's pay compensation, The shooting did not re-start and the set erected in EVP is still lying unused and in shambles. The floor rent for the multi- crore set is mounting.

SCOOP : Rajinikanth's Annaatthe iconic scenes revealed - Setback for Shankar's new projects ?

A well-placed source within Kollywood movie circles had exclusively informed BollywoodLife that Rajinikanth's Annaatthe will see Superstar recreate the magic of yore, with the makers reportedly having decided to reference several of the actor's older superhits from the 90s and early 2000s, with many of the mass scenes in Annaatthe said to pay homage to those big Rajini hits, including the dialogues, comic sequence and even some of the action scenes in the film touted to contain nods to his previous iconic moments on screen. Now if this piece of news doesn't make every Rajinikanth fan skip a heartbeat, we don't know what would asks the portal.

Director Shankar suffered a setback in Indian 2 case filed by Lyca Productions. The production house has filed a case in Madras High Court asking it to stop director Shankar from taking any more projects and complete Indian 2 that is 70% complete. The Court had refused to issue any stay on the director's moves to sign other projects. The court however ruled on Friday that Lyca was free to appeal against Shankar signing more projects. Shankar has Ram Charan film and remake of Anniyan ( caught in a legal bind).

Sun Tamil in 29th year gets a rival - Star Vijay

 

As Sun Tamil enters 29^th year ,  the pioneer in Tamil TV  which  held a brute majority in terms of the Average Audience Minute (AMA) rating over rivals,  is seeing Star Vijay breathing down its neck.. Sun  Network’s other channels in three other South language are at the bottom.

To quote the BARC report - in Tamil Genre, Sun TV bagged the 1st spot with 2267.7 of weekly AMA, Star Vijay claimed the second place by 1752.56 AMA, the 3rd spot was taken by Zee Tamil with 1029.79 of weekly AMA followed by KTV of 4th place with 709.52 AMA, and lastly Star Vijay Super of 5th place with 468.02 AMA.

If this is not enough, the Telugu report says In Telugu Genre, Star Maa Bagged the first spot with 2202.48 of weekly AMA, Zee Telugu claimed the 2nd spot with 1582.71 AMA, the 3rd spot was taken by ETV Telugu by 119.96 of weekly AMA, followed by Sun network ‘s Gemini TV of the 4th spot with 783.41 AMA and lastly Gemini Movies on 5th place with weekly AMA of 622.2.

In contrast, Asianet of Star network still hold good. In Malayalam Genre, Asianet bagged the first place with weekly AMA of 894.6, the second spot was claimed by Flowers TV with 244.78 AMA, Zee keralam took the 3rd spot with 232.2 AMA followed by Mazhavil Manorama on 4th place with 225.9 AMA, and lastly Surya TV ( Sun network) on 5th place with 210.89 of AMA.

According to advertisers, Sun’s hold is in the rural markets and is losing fast the urban viewers. The Urban + Rural rating gives Sun soaps a clear lead but now the situation is changing as Star Vijay’s soaps have started wooing the same audience with the same formula. In the top 5, the positions are shared by Sun and Vijay. Zee Tamil that began with a bang is losing out on the race.

TV content makers say that change in approach to woo audience by Star Vijay has given them results. Vijay TV initially positioned itself as the urban channel and more so a Chennai one. As it got the tag that it was not visible beyond Chennai, advertisers dwindled. To top it the Sun TV cable network monopoly hold did not help either. The cable TV domination got broken with State owned Arasu cable  getting teeth under ten year AIADMK ‘s AMMA rule and an I&B ministry and other regulatory bodies throwing spanner in the works for Sun. The booming of TataSky Dish business in South, especially TamilNadu, gave rural viewers more options.

Shifting to the same formula of Sun TV soaps, Vijay started making inroads into rural areas. It further strengthened by remaking its own network’s popular  Hindi soaps. The reality shows that Star had the rights helped it to further make inroads. Apart from Bigg Boss, Cook with Comali has become a big hit. Sun continues as top in paid channel list and the movie library is helping them a lot. Vijay is yet to match up to Sun in the movie acquisition market.

Vijay was also helped by rival Sun TV’s failings. Sun decided to move towards the channel funded method and stop the selling of slots to producers. Many top production houses decided to look elsewhere. Ongoing  serials took a hit. After opening up post lockdown, Sun never managed to get going. Vijay on the other hand was firing on all barrels.  Sequel to all time hit Chitthi was to make history again for Sun. It did by reaching dismal TRP ratings and breaking the myth that actress Radhika and Chitthi were still all time favourites.

Sun has pumped in money into OTT arm Sun Nxt and hope to get the satellite- OTT deals from big names and also go in for big Star budgeted movie production. As Star Vijay has tie-up with Netflix – Amazon and Zee with Zee 5 for respective South movie languages, Sun without Sun Nxt will get isolated, says  trade experts. If as per survey results, DMK rides to power, Sun News which is  ranked low will hit the bottom for next five years,

 

Why Trisha did not promote Paramapadham Vilayatu and director K S Ravikumar in amateurish Mathil ?

 

The producer of Parmapadham Vilayatu (PV) complained to Producer's Council that Trisha who plays the pivotal role did not come for promotional event. Why did she do this ? See the film and it has all the answers you need. Next is Mathil. Director is Mithran Jawahar, who gave three hits in a row with Dhanush. Joining him is veteran director- actor K S Ravikumar and being a political thriller( as trailor shows),it should be damn good. You come out pitying the two talented people who have suddenly lost their talents.

The common factor in both films is that they claim to be political thrillers and have contemporary topics. PV teaser gives you an impression that it is all about the hospital treatment that was given to Jayalalithaa and you realise that except for a few scenes, it is a survival drama of a single mother and her child. Next is Mathil. It is about a personal tug of war between a retired employee and a local politician and has no larger picture.

Most of the time in PV, Trisha is lying knocked out cold by the baddies. , otherwise she has a red paint on her cheek ,worried look and is running from the bad guys. As part of promotion,if she had gone on stage saying that PV is her comeback film , it would be something that she has to  live down for rest of her life. Director is Thirugnanam , a first timer. After a long time you see Nandha. In many angles he looks like Rahul Gandhi.

`Madras' by Ranjith was about two groups in a political party laying claim for a wall. Here ,the owner of the house( Raviknmar) with compound wall takes on MLA ticket aspirant (Gopi) who wants to paint his own face and a few lines about him on the wall. The way they both fight over it has an amateur approach. Ravikumar acting falls flat and Gopi who has perfected the bad guy role fits in easily. 

Both came on OTT.  Praise the Lord

Roja of Sun TV continues to be No 1 - 14th week TRP Tamil TV - Star Vijay TV award to `Mullai' Chitra an emotional moment

Roja continues it's No 1 supremacy in the 14th week TRP rating. Star Vijay's award for TV sector to be telecast on April 18th at 3 PM left many in tears as parents of Late Chitra walked up to receive the best actress award for her role in Pandian Stores. 

Roja showed a marked increase of 300 impressions from 6310 last week. Second position is Bharathi Kannamma of Star Vijay. Third position is Star Vijay's mahasangamam of Bharathi Kannamma - Raja Rani. Fourth position is Sun's Vanatha Pol. Fifth is Sun's Maruthu.

Sun TV to mark 28 yr completion telecast Master of Vijay in Sunday slot. TV shoots are going at break  neck speed fearing restrictions due to lockdown. At present, the status quo continues in terms of people employed for TV shoots.

Meanwhile Sun has introduced new characters in Chitthi 2 and hopes to increase the TRP and move to 9.30 PM slot from 10 PM. Star Vijay's premiere movie Mandela telecast on Sunday recieved wide appreciation as the content was related to cash for votes.

The 6th Star Vijay TV awards had it's best moments. the most favorite actor Chithra (who died in the recent past) played the ‘Mullai’ character in Pandian Storeswas awarded a special category of award that was received by her parents that made the audience shed tears as everyone missed her and yet to come out of the shock of her demise.

Also, there are other great moments where female artistes were honored for their devoted commitment to their profession. Actors like Manasa, Hema were awarded for their sincere effort and come back after their motherhood. Special awards went to Neeya Naana Gopinath,Pandian Stores Moorthy (Stalin) and actor Ranjith for their social responsibilities in farming and so on.

Madhavi - Renjith film on virginity - Script fails Kerala Lady Superstar

Director Ranjith in a 36 min short Malayalam film `Madhavi' brings out the approach of two woman in the same strata of society and same age group towards the issue of virginity. The mother ( Sreelakshmi) is aghast that her daughter wants to tell about her losing virginity to a co-worker a year ago to the guy who is supposed to marry her. Why bring it out now ? Tell  some other reason and back out- is the mother's advice. It becomes all more embarrassing since the boy's mother is her school mate.

The daughter Madhavi ( Namitha Pramod) wants to make a clean breast of it for reasons of her own. The guy with whom she made love has surfaced and sent her some pixs shot together. Better to tell it all and avoid problems later is her stance.

Madhavi and the boy go for a drive and then come back, The boy and his parents say that they will come back in the evening. To Madhavi's surprise, the boy and his parents do come. To her it looks like a social  gesture towards her mom by her friend. Madhavi's mother is in knots.

The boy's mother ( Kuku Parameswaran) says that it is a closed door matter and they have no issues. She says that she did not tell about her life before marriage as she felt it was not something that her hubby had to know about.

Till here the film takes a mature attitude. Then it slips to a pulp romance track with the boy taking Mahavi in a push cart for a stroll and the friends of the girl abusing the guy who had the one night stand.

The line is that parents should not be judgemental about their children and instead go along with them and sort issues. There is also the way that the mother of the boy looks at the proposal. For the mother , her son  and hubby who are architects gets an architect `bahu' and that her son is no saint either.

Best part is that there is no BGM - camera angles to impress you that it coming from a director like Ranjith. With no distraction you can watch it. You can shrug it off and go on,or like me ponder about it for a few minutes. There is nothing that as critics say will haunt you or  have something that one usually says the Ranjith stamp on it. As the roles are lightweight, there is no need not go gaga about the actor's performances.

Chathur Mukham : Kerala Lady Supestar Manju Warrier being in it and the pre-release hype of the film being `techno horror film'. What can Manju do in a film that starts out to be a horror film and find a scientific solution to become a routine horror tale ?. She struggles hard but the script does not help her. Add to it Sunny Wayne with his trademark Mr Cool dialogue delivery and Navas Vallikunnu trying to be a Suraj Venjaramood, you are finished.

Tears for Ugadi- Vishu and CHEERS for Tamil New year - Box Office Report

The festive season has brought cheer to Tamil filmdom and  tears to Telugu filmdom while Kerala has nothing to write home about either. Starting with Kerala, a Joju George- Kunchacko film Nayattu held ground by recovering the investment of Rs 1.5 cr from theatrical collections.  Surprisingly the film opened to a Rs 95 Lakh opening. Superstar Manju Warrier's Chathura mukham made at Rs 3 cr budget took a opening of Rs 25 lakhs only and three day net of Rs 35 lakhs. and Tamil Lady Superstar Nayanthara's Malayalam outing Nizhal did slightly better. Made at Rs 3 cr budget it took an opening of Rs 22 lakh  and held steady for next two days to close on Day 5 with net of Rs 1.3 cr. .

Tamil film exhibitors bounced back with Karthi Sulthan released just a week before the festive season It gave an all round profit to  those involved in the film;s business. The much expected Karnan of Dhanush outdid the trade expectation. Struck by a 50% occupancy limit on the eve of the release, the producer Thanu went ahead with the release. A total net of Rs 39 cr has been collected ending this week. Said to be the second highest opening after Vijay's Master.

Pawan Kalyan's Vakeel Saab made at Rs 70 cr budget  got a gross  collection of Rs 101.7 cr. Closing figures on Day 6 ( April 13 ) gave distributors a share of  Rs 70.85 cr . The film opened to a massive Rs 40 cr but started sliding heavily to Rs 10 cr per day on day 2 and 3 and falling to below Rs 5 cr. The film tickets were sold at rates fixed by theatres . The mutilation of the original story and banking on Pawan Kalyan's star image instead had spoiled the pitch.

Remake of `Anniyan' ( Aparichitudu ) with Ranveer Singh leads to Producer- director clash

 

Aascar V Ravichandran has in a legal notice objected to Shankar and producer Jayantilal Gada and Pen Movies from remaking Anniyan (  dubbed as Aparichitudu in Hindi) with Ranveer Singh. southfilmy.blogspot.com had in a post 22/02/21 reported that Shankar and Ranveer Singh had wanted to remake Anniyan earlier and it had to be shelved as there was copyright issues with the producer.  (https://southfilmy.blogspot.com/2021/02/before-ram-charan-indian-2-shankar-to.html). We had told you that Shankar was working on a dual role subject for Ranveer and a script was locked.

Now a tweet from Shankar yesterday that he was remaking Anniyan in Hindi set off a chain of reactions. Aascar Ravichandran in a legal notice to Shankar claimed that the story was written by Late Sujatha and he had records to show that he had paid for it. Shankar replying to the notice through a public tweet said that the film carried the credit of story- screenplay- direction of his name and Sujatha had only written the dialogues. He claimed absolute rights over the story.

Aascar Ravi taunted that when the BOYS  was released and the image of the director was dented ( a story of juvenile boys coming of age had created a backlash for the overt sexual overtones), he agreed to produce Anniyan and it put him back on the rail. Shankar replied that the producer had gained substantially from the film and even now was `trying enrich in my future endeavors to which you have no co-relation’ Producer Jayantilal Gada of Pen Movies steered clear saying that the issue was between Shankar and Aascar.

Legal experts say that  Shankar as director and author of the film has all rights to remake the film and with  the same producer and not with anybody else . Similarly the producer cannot remake the film with out Shankar (Ref Mr. Thiagarajan Kumararaja vs. M/s Capital Film Works (India) Pvt. Ltd). Secondly, even  if the producer shows proof ( an IT return of that film that shows the payment to Sujatha ) that he purchased the subject from Mr Sujatha, the payment and film credits made to director for the story- screenplay by the producer is proof  , that Shankar is the author. If there is no separate contract between Aascar Ravi and Shankar , then as per Section 17 of the Copyright Act, whereby the producer of the work is the first owner of the copyright in the underlying work and not the author of the underlying work. Unless the producer and the author ( Shankar) are on the same page, a remake is not possible. If Shankar had taken the exclusive rights from Aascar Ravi to remake the film in any language, then there is nothing that the producer can do to claim any compensation.  If story rights were given to Shankar, then would it have been dubbed ?. Dubbing a film is not violation of the author’s copyright as it does not change anything and only further communicates to other regions, as per a Court order.

Those who know how  Sujatha works, there is no chance that the famed literary genius would allow someone else to take credit for his story idea and then agree to be only a dialogue writer for the project. Shankar is already facing a plagiarism case for story of Enthiran 2.0. (related link : https://southfilmy.blogspot.com/2021/01/why-shankar-says-enthiran-is-not-jugiba.html)

Nizhal (shadow): No idea why Nayanthara agreed to be part of this stupid film

Nizhal (Malayalam film) evoked curiosity as it had Nayanthara in it and she being the Lady Superstar of Tamil, is said to do a film in other language for either the role or the money. Obviously with Kunchacko Boban as hero, the money cannot be the reason and so it had to be the role. Next we were shown posters of Boban in mask that looked like he was a Zorro. Title said Nizhal (shadow). Director Appu is said to be whizkid of editing.

Films starts with great scenes and you keep wondering where in the hell is such places in Kochi. First the mask is said to be a sort of aid to put the fractured nose bone in place. Second you are led to a boy ( son of single mother Nayanthara who works for motion graphics) who writes down about murders that happened 30 years back. So Chackoachan who is a munsiff by profession starts to trace out this mystery. Events are true. So how did this boy know this ? Supernatural force- paranormal ?. Hang on

All these stories were told to Nayan's mother and she heard them as a baby and she in told it to her kid son. Narrator is her uncle (Lal) who did the murders for the party (???). So Munsiff now protector of Nayan's say you have to face the music for murders then. Nayan's takes pity on Uncle and tells him to vanish. Does he vanish ? Why does he want to kill Nayans ? The answers will leave you in splits.

The technical lineup is very impressive. Sadly the guy Sanjeev who wrote the script probably did not have enough stuff to build on. Camera- Music all good but the writing ???.  Still I am trying to figure out why Nayans did Nizhal? Did Appu edit the films of Vignesh Shivan free?. 

Nayattu : A Chilling tale of a compromised system

Nayattu means hunting in Malayalam, is a chilling tale of how a system gets compromised to serve the political masters. The screenplay never once drops and keeps the pace if the happenings that follow after three cops are on the run after getting framed in the death of a Dalit youth hit by their vehicle.

The film brings to Indian cinema, a brilliant actor Yama Dilgamesh, who plays the head of the special team hunting  the cops. Director Martin Prakatt has kept to the plot without any digression. The camera by Shyju following suit. Joju George, Kunchacko Boban and Nimisha, all seasoned actors easily slip into the roles given to them. The casting of Jaffer Idukki as CM turns out to be apt.

Scriptwriter Shahi Kabir shows how  the police system is a victim of the political masters  The route map he puts to show how a police system works when it is under pressure from a office as high as the CM and especially when it's their own men who they have to hunt, is highly effective.

The film shows the divide within the police force. The lower rank officers are supportive of their own colleagues who are on the run while the top -IPS are the yes men of the political system. They(IPS) unite only to get one of their colleague off the hook by cooking up evidence. When Nimisha ( a Dalit girl and police constable who needs the job badly) refuses to sign the  statement that would put the blame on the dead cop, it gives us hope. This comes at a time when you sit flabbergasted at the way the top brass is subverting truth.

Yama who played the woman top cop on the hunt gets the body language right and scores in a scene where she looks at the woman constable with sympathy (or helplessness?) as she herself is a victim of the same system that made her a pawn. Truly haunting !!!

Mammooty's The Priest on April 14 - Puneeth's Yuvarathnaa hits OTT after a week More to follow

 As Tamil Nadu- Karnataka are the latest to revert back to the 50% limit for theatre occupancy, newly released films in the last two weeks and one that are scheduled release in coming weeks in these two languages have lined up before OTT to get release dates.

Within a few days of Kannada's Puneeth Rajkumar's Yuvarathnaa getting released in movie halls, State Government announced the 50% limit on seat occupancy. Puneeth met the CM and asked him to implement the order after the weekend was over. In 6 days, the film collected Rs 40 cr gross at the theatres. Amazon that bought the rights paid Rs 20 cr for Yuvarathnaa while it paid Rs 18 cr for KGF1. The producer of KGF1 and 2 is also producer of Yuvarathnaa.

In Kerala, a 50 day gap is needed and Mammooty's The Priest is coming on Amazon Prime - April 14th. `One' will follow and majority of the films released for Vishu (Apr8 ) which are in medium budget  with heroes like Kunchacko Boban, Shane Wayne, Biju Menon and female centred film of Nayanthara and Manju Warrier have earned critical praise but did poorly at the box office will head for OTT. Tovino's action thriller Kala too is headed for OTT.

Tamil Nadu has relaxed norms and allowed extra one show till next Friday, After this, the travel restrictions within city including night curfew is  expected. Many films in Tamil- Kannada that were to release in May at theatres will now opt for straight OTT download.

TRP scam hit Hansa ends ties with BARC and MDL

Hansa Research, a part of the R K Swamy Group in  Chennai, would not be offering services for getting ratings for TV serials to Channel broadcasters formed  Broadcast Audience Research Council ( BARC) and Meteorological Data Pvt  Ltd. MDL  will hire new vendors who will give data from August, 2021.

Sources said that Hansa had after filing a police complaint that certain channels were manipulating TRP ratings. in October 2020 at the behest of BARC.,  given a withdrawal notice. It asked MDL to take new vendors to do the TRP rating job from Jan 2021 . As four months passed, MDL did not give any reply.

Now MDL and Hansa decided to part ,with service ending on July end 2021. Mumbai police filed cases against several ex employees of Hansa for aiding certain channel to get high TRP by asking households having bar-o-meters given by BARC to track viewership patterns to view only one channel the whole day. In turn the households got money from the ex employees who were getting heavy kickbacks from the channel.

Enforcement Directorate too had filed charge sheet on this ground against Hansa relationship managers. Hansa alleged that the working of the company was affected by frequent summoning of the employees by Mumbai Police.

Simbhu aka STR at Cook with Comali Finale - Velammal 1st period drama of Tamil TV - Star Vijay Tamil New Year offering

Star Vijay's most popular reality show Cook with Comali finale will see actor Simbhu as chief Guest. Velammal- a period drama will telecast from April 12th on this channel. 

The finalists for Cook with Comali season 2 are Ashwin, Baba Basker, Kani, Pavithra Lakshmi and Shakila. The comalis to pair them would be Pugazh, Manimegalai, Shivangi, Bala and Sunitha. The judges are chef Venkatesh Bhat and chef Dhamu. The anchor of the show is Rakshan. The grand finale of COOK WITH COMALI  is airing on 14 April 2021 from 2 pm onwards as a six-hour special show..

First Ever Fictional Period Drama on Tamil Television , Velammal is ldunches on 12 April 2021, Mon – Sat 6 pm -Star Vijay. The story of Velammal depicts an interesting and a profound bravery of a young princess who was born in a Royal family. 

The casting includes prominent names such as Ambika a predominant heroine of 80’s, actor Vignesh, O.A.K. Sundar, Mouna Raagam fame Krithika (Sakthi), Thamara Bharani Banu, Ramya, Reshma, Ramji, Karate Raja and many others.

Tamil TV TRP 13th week- Sun scores all 5 top slots in urban + rural - Star Vijay tops urban ratings

 th week TRP shows that all 5 top slots with a combined urban- rural viewers rating is with Sun TV . The other two - Star Vijay and Zee Tamil has only urban ratings to it's advantages. Vijay lost the 8 PM slot to Sun and has the 8.30- 10 PM slots in the rankings. The Urban + rural rating is as follows:

No 1- Roja, No 2-Vanatha Pol, No 3- Poove Unakahe, No 4 -Kannane Kannaleay No 5- Sundari. In the urban ratings, Star Vijay has No 1 slot with Bhagyalakshmi, No 2 with Sun's Roja pushed to second slot ( No 1 in urban+ rural), third slot by Sun's Vanathapol, 4th by Pandian Stores( Vijay) and 5th by Poove Unkahe ( Sun).