Naai Sekar Tamil review : Strictly for kids

 

Naai Sekar is strictly for kids who look for comedy and nothing else. For the adults this film has so many boring moments and also have to keep in mind that the makers at the start of the film along with statutory warning said that do not look for logic as it is a fantasy comedy film. If this trend catches on then the same appeal can be used for action films that comes out.

 A man and a dog swap roles and  what follows is the story line. Comedian Satish plays the man along with  a real life dog Bruno . Satish who has been getting trashed film after film for being a comedian who fails, he struggles hard to do justice to the lead role. To a great extent, he comes out with pass marks. Among the many characters in the film that are half baked, only the gangster chief played by Shankar Ganesh ( music director) and Manobala as the IT company manager  are impressive and hilarious.

Forget all the hype of Sivakarthikeyan lyrics- Sandy choreography and Anirudh single. All counts to the boredom. Pavithra Lakshmi does her stereotyped role well.  Time Allen as The Shaggy Dog by Walt Disney could have inspired director Kishore to rework it for Tamil audience. It was then classified as for kids below age of ten. But when a film like Teddy mints money through OTT and gets a good response, Naai Sekar will definitely be a money spinner for AGS productions.

On a Pongal Day, Thalapathy Vijay was in tears - Why ?

 It was Pongal January 14th, Vijay walked in to the flat of the producer and sat there grumpily. He said - Look Sir, there is no body at the theater. All shows are houseful for Dheena and Vanchinathan.". Producer say -" look brother , things will improve from Monday. I have encountered this situation before in my career ". Vijay bursts out - "You could have sold the overseas rights and who will buy it now. My father wants to speak to you" . Father SAC on the line tells the producer -" I would not call it confidence but foolishness in not selling the overseas righ"t and hangs up. Vijay walks out with a low spirits and eyes moist.

Second day , Vijay comes again- "Sir, the theaters are full of laughter but the audience is still few,". His morale is a bit better. Producer  goes to theater ( Udhyan complex where only mini Chandran was allotted), he sees that a the few people who inside the theater are enjoying the film. He goes  to Thana Thanthi - Dinakaran- Dinamalar and says- "Look I want to book front page advt for one month. I have my agency and so give me credit.  ( Film Advertisement do not come in regular pages and come in a pull out  as it was the practice of Tamil Dailies. The rates for film advts in these pull outs were lesser than the commercial advts in regular pages).

 On Sunday, it was houseful in Chandran and producer saw that the crowds going back were enough to fill two more shows.   As it was Pongal, all films were running full but this overflow was not there and taking a cue, Front page advts started to come and from Monday onwards there was no looking back . Film ran for 175 days. This was narrated by Swarga Chitra Appachan, the producer  of Friends and who is now producing the fifth sequel to CBI Diary Kurippu with Mammooty.

Vadivelu's carprtner Nesamani is still remembered and a recent tweet on this beat even a tweet on Modi. Vijay acted in the Tamil remake of Aniyathipravu , produced by Appachan. Titled Kathuluku Mariuyadai and produced by Sangli Murugan, Appachan met Vijay and asked him what his salary was. Vijay said Rs 17 lakhs. Appachan said that after this film he would charge Rs 1 crore. A visibly happy Vijay said that - Rs 50 lakhs will do. Both then agreed that they would do a Tamil remake of a Malayalam film.  This was  in 1997. In 2001, Appachan went with Friends project and asked him what was his fees. Vijay said Rs 3 crores and added that he need pay only Rs 2 crore. A gesture for a person whose prediction of bigtime came true.

Suriya was paid only Rs 5 lakhs. There is another sidelight - Father Sivakumar was upset that a leading magazine said that Suriya was not cut out for acting ( post Neruku Ner in which Vijay and Suriya acted ). He threw out   Appachan and Editor T R Sekar from the house. It was Suriya's mother who told Sekar to give her son a chance. At first, it was Jyotika who was cast opposite Vijay and Suvaluxmi opposite Suriya, Even publicity stills were released. Jyotika was replaced by  Devyani and Vijaylakshmi for Suvalaxmi. Vijay - Jyotika later collaborated for all time hit Khushi. It's director S J Suryah later revealed that Jyotika had termed Kushi as a film that she did not like.

Sidiq, assistant to Fazil who directed Friends was pitted against Shaji Kailas directed film Vanchinathan starring Captain Vijaykanth in a super cop role and  Dheena was directed by none other than A R Murugadoss. , his debut and also Suresh Gopi first film in Tamil with Ajith playing the hit man of his gangster brother. It had Laila , then heart throb as heroine. 

Doctorate for Actor Simbu aka STR - A Flashback

Actor Simbu aka Silambarasan aka STR ( son of T Rajinder , veteran film maker) joined the prestigious list of Kollywood actors starting from MGR onwards to R Madhavan and Tamannah who recieved doctorates. `Superstar' Rajinikanth is one actor who has shunned the `honor' . The fact that STR is acting in three films produced by Dr Ishari Ganesh, the owner of Vels University who is  conferring the title on him should not be held against him. The reason stated  by  Vels University statement is "  “This is acknowledgement to Silambarasan talent and contribution to cinema.". He also added that Silambarasan Thesingu Rajendar ( STR) being part of Vels Film International ongoing projects has nothing to do with the doctorate. ( Is the Doctorate of Ishari Ganesh from his own University ?). R Madhavan who received his D Litt from Kolhapur University said at the function , " When actors like us get honoured with doctorates I wish the image of showbiz personalities as intellectually challenged frivolous dimwits would end. To a large extent, we are ourselves responsible for not being taken seriously. Some of us constantly stress and project the glamorous side of our lives. As though being an actor is fun and games. In reality, there are so many actors and films that have influenced the lives of millions, "

During my stint as freelance journalist, I  decided to dig into the "Doctorate' given to MGR. It was in mid seventies. My pal TSV Hari joined me in this `digging'. We traced the man who was responsible to a house in Triplicane. He was one Krishna . We posed as agents who can get `clients'.. He gave us details of the fees and that includes the thesis that had to be given. We took the framed photos of him with Karunanidhi - MGR to many other to a nearby studio and got it copied. We told him it was for our brochure to canvass clients.

The story- a joint byline of mine and Hari appeared in Onlooker magazine as an inset mention on cover. There was big hullabaloo about it. The then CM Karunanidhi was having a doctorate from Annamalai University . This university was widely seen as giving degrees through correspondence courses. He was caught in the same net laid out by Krishna . Karunanidhi laughed it away as an enthusiastic DMK worker's handiwork. MGR however after becoming CM got his `legitimate' Doctorate from  University of Madras.

I was told by Krishna that his Doctorate biz flourished after Kannada Superstar Rajkumar got one and added to his name.. It was from Mysore University . He was the first South Indian actor to get this.. Sivaji Ganesan got his in1986 from Annamalai University.. Then most of the doctorates came from institutions abroad. Chinni Jayanth got it from Open International University of Alternate Medicine. Chiyan Vikram  became our first Tamil actor to have received an honorary doctorate from a Foreign University. He was accredited the award by the Universita Popolare Degli Studi Milano, Italy in 2011.

Things changed when private colleges turned into Universities under Deemed University Act and owners became Chancellor ( a post held by Governor for Government Universities). and their children were VC's.. Sathyabhama University of the famous Jeppiar ( former bodyguard of MGR who later fell out with AMMA) and AC Shanmugham , a businessman who runs Dr MGR University competed to confer doctorates on Tamil film Stars. Jeppiar said that his University would give 100 doctorates to film people. Except for the function conferring the honor on Kamal Haasan by Sathyabhama and on Vijay by Dr MGR University , other functions were not given much publicity in media. Prabhu- Nassar, Vivek,  Vijaykanth were among those who got it.

Kamal after floating his own political party was conferred a honorary doctorate by Odisha's Centurion University of Technology and Management  and received it from Odisha CM Naveen Patnaik. Late Dr J Jayalalithaa had four  doctorates conferred on her by various Tamil Nadu State run Universities and one from Dr MGR University. Karunanidhi  got three from State run University.

After `Baahubali' success,  Actress Tamannah Bhatia! received her doctorate for "Recognising her contribution to South cinema, the Confederation of International Accreditation Commission (CIAC), an International NGO, has conferred Tamannah with an Honorary Doctorate". Going by this yardstick, STR who has been giving duds in a row for years and battling charges of unprofessionalism, finally got his first Box office big time in ` Maanaadu' and so he fits the bill to get the doctorate.

Simbhu's achievement is that he started out as, 

Will Singer Chinmayi tweet on Illaiyaraaja bring Vairamuthu back ?

 

Singer Chinmayi in a tweet asked how Illaiyaraaja could agree to score music for director Susi Ganesan's upcoming film as the latter is a MeToo accused. The singer kickstarted a MeToo charge on National award winner - lyricist Vairamuthu of  behaving improperly with her, a few years back. It is said that Mani Ratnam avoided using Vairmuthu for the upcoming film Ponniyin Selvan on this ground. Music is scored by A R Rahman. Illaiyaraaja and Vairamuthu combo that grew together to win many awards and notch many hits parted ways a decade back. Ironically it was A R Rahman who gave Vairamuthu a new lease of life through Roja and also brought to light the voice of Chinmayi.

Susi Ganesan  a former journalist turned director worked with Mani Ratnam and went to do independent films. His last release in Tamil was Thiruttu Pataley 2 (2017) and after that he was doing a Hindi film that is yet to be released. Leena Manimekalai an author and film maker had alleged that Susi Ganesan had misbehaved with her when she went to interview him for a media house. Director slapped defamatory charges on her and had her passport impounded. After a court order, it was returned. Amala Paul who worked in the Thiruttu Payalaey 2 too alleged that she too had suffered sexual harassment from Susi.

Susi Ganeshan announced the title of his next film Vanjam Theerththaayadaa, a real life story based in Madurai. Outrage broke out in Twitter over collaborating with a sexual abuser. Will Raaja Sir kick out Susi or go ahead with the project ?. If Raaja drops Susi then it means that he believes MeToo allegations and that includes his ex pal Vairamuthu , is one angle  if he goes ahead , it means. He feels that MeToo allegations are baseless and so also the one against his ex pal. It could pave way for a reunion of two music legends, says music industry.

After Chinmayi questioned the norm in giving an award from a semi- Kerala Government organisation to Vairamuthu, the lyricist returned it back.  As Mani Ratnam dropped Vairamuthu from Ponniyin Selvam , will Raaja show Susi the door ?. Singer - composer Karthik is one named by multiple women in MeToo campaign . He however scored for a segment in anthology produced by Mani Ratnam and directed by Gautham Menon and also for the latter's film Joshua. GV Prakash too uses Karthik for his compositions. Here the difference is that  Karthik tweeted - I fully support #MeToo and if there's truth in anybody's grievance, I shall be more than willing to apologise or face legal action because I don't want to ever leave a sour taste in anyone's life. (sic)". Karthik recently joined the dubbing union with whom Chinmayi is having a running feud. Mano is another singer who joined the Dubbing Union.

Helen Director Mathukutty Xavier reveals his next

 Helen , the Malyalam film that won the national award for best debut film maker is currently directing the Hindi remake with Janhvi Kapoor playing Anna Ben's role. It was remade in Tamil as Anbirkiniyal i with Keerthi Pandian essaying the central role and Gokul directing it while the Hindi remake is directed by Mathykutty who directed the original . The Hindi film is titled `Milli" ( remember Jaya Bahaduri / Bachchan) and shooting has been wrapped up.  Mathukutty said that his next will be a film produced by him and Helen script writer Alfred Kurian Joseph will be directing it. Kadaisi Biryani fame cameraman Nishanth will be cranking the camera.

He said that the offer to remake Helen first came from Arun Pandian who wanted to make some changes to the script. Xavier was not willing to allow it. At that time Lizzy Priyadarshan and Vineeth Srinivasan spoke to him and said that Boney Kapoor wanted to remake it as it was in Hindi. He agreed and  Ritesh Shah ( Pink - Airlift) wrote the screenplay.  

Mathukutty asked Janhvi to not take Anna Ben performance as a reference and emote the way she would.  Manoj Pahwa who seen in comic roles will play Lal's role in Hindi and it is a serious character..

Putham Pudhu Kaalai Vidiyaadhaa… has multi-composer music album

Putham Pudhu Kaalai Vidiyaadhaa upcoming anthology from Amazon Prime has music album brings together a unique mix of young, renowned and upcoming artists from the Tamil industry, which includes GV Prakash Kumar, Sean Rolden, Kaber Vasuki, Pradeep Kumar, Goutham Vasu Venkatesan and Karthikeya Murthy

*The five-part anthology is set to premiere this Pongal, 14 January on Amazon Prime Video in India and more than 240 countries and territories worldwide*.Following the success of Putham Pudhu Kaalai, music continues to be a defining factor in the second edition, illustrating tales of hope, resilience and human spirit amid the second Covid-19 lockdown. Bringing together renowned and upcoming artists like GV Prakash Kumar, Sean Rolden, Kaber Vasuki, Pradeep Kumar, Goutham Vasu Venkatesan and Karthikeya Murthy, the music album beautifully brings out the essence of each story of the Amazon Original series.

Known for creating some of the best soundtracks in Tamil Cinema, GV Prakash Kumar continues his successful association with the Amazon Original, becoming a common factor between both editions of the Tamil anthology. The multi-talented artist had previously created the the title song for Putham Pudhu Kaalai, and now he has sung and composed the theme title track for Putham Pudhu Kaalai Vidiyaadhaa…. The song is written by Kaber Vasuki and also sung by Yaamini Ghantasala.

Music album of the series also boasts of diverse and original tracks for the five stand-alone episodes, which are composed by five young and proficient composers from the Tamil industry. While Pradeep Kumar has sung and composed ‘Nizhal’ (lyrics by Kaber Vasuki) for Nizhal Tharum Idham, Sean Roldan has sung and composed ‘Kitta Varudhu’ (lyrics by Balaji Mohan) for the film Mugakavasa Muttham. Goutham Vasu Venkatesan has sung and composed ‘Thanimai Ennum’ (co-singer Amritha Susanthika and lyrics by Halitha Shameem) for Loners, Kaber Vasuki has sung, written and composed ‘Mugamoodi’ for The Mask and Karthikeya Murthy has sung and composed ‘Whistler’ (lyrics by Sabarivasan Shanmugam) for Mouname Paarvayaai.

Link here:    https://www.instagram.com/tv/CYbCjlUg6Ba/?utm_medium=copy_link
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QgMFdKWvqMc

Composers’ Speak

Speaking about his association with the anthology and the theme track, GV Prakash Kumar said, “We are all stories and there is nothing better than some music to weave magic into the same. It has been a delight working on both versions of this anthology that taps into myriad human emotions, stuck at the crossroad of adversity. The stories in this second edition brings with it more intense emotions  and to create its title track, embodying the spirit of hope and resilience, pushed me to dig deeper to bring out the the right notes in the melody. I hope the audiences like ‘Putham Pudhu Kaalai Vidiyaadhaa’ track as much as I enjoyed creating it. I am positive the music and the stories of Amazon Original series upon release will bring the much-needed positivity in current times.”

Sean Roldan, singer and composer of ‘Kitta Varudhu’ for Mugakavasa Muttham said, “As a film, Mugakavasa Muttham will surely tug at your heart strings and make even the coldest of hearts melt. We've seen how the pandemic has physically distanced most of us from our loved ones. Keeping in mind the theme of hope, we created ‘Kitta Varudhu’ to reiterate that the pandemic hasn't ended yet and we need to take our precautions for a better tomorrow. I hope that this catchy tune, with lyrics by Balaji Mohan, has the power to convey the message. I am excited for audiences across the globe to listen to ‘Kitta Varudhu’ and watch Putham Pudhu Kaalai Vidiyaadhaa… on Prime Video.”

Goutham Vasu Venkatesan, singer and composer of ‘Thanimai Ennum’ for Loners said, “Giving music to this film was a very special experience because it had to be aligned with the very current and unique theme the story is based on. Two individuals meeting at a virtual wedding was unheard of two years ago. To replicate this one-of-a-kind scenario through music and adding elements of togetherness was very gratifying. I am looking forward to everyone watching Loners in Putham Pudhu Kaalai Vidiyaadhaa… and am thankful to Prime Video for taking our music across 240 countries and territories.”

Karthikeya Murthy singer and composer of ‘Whistler’ in Mouname Paarvayaai said, “So close yet so far is the perfect way to describe the story of Mouname Paarvayaai. The film taps into a narrative that most couiples experience at some point in their relationship and highlights emotions that are simple yet unsaid. I tried to precisely convey this through my track ‘Whistler’ and I hope the audiences like it. Looking forward to the release of Putham Pudhu Kaalai Vidiyaadhaa…on Prime Video and the audience reactions to pour in for the track and the anthology as a whole.”

Pradeep Kumar, singer and composer of ‘Nizhal’ for Nizhal Tharum Idham said, “Nizhal Tharum Idham is a beautiful story of loss and longing involving a daughter and her estranged father. Through my track ‘Nizhal’, the intent is for the audience to feel the girl’s emotional state of mind and relate to her internal conflicts as she treads through the most difficult week of her life. I am excited for everyone to listen to the track and watch Putham Pudhu Kaalai Vidiyaadhaa…on Prime Video”

Kaber Vasuki, singer, composer and writer of ‘Mugamoodi’ in The Mask said, “Self-acceptance doesn't come easy. And once it does, we crave the acceptance of our loved ones, especially our parents. In The Mask, the protagonist’s relationship with his parents, his friends and himself are relatable and deep. The song’s lyrics reflects his life’s moments that lead up to his self-acceptance. The liberating energy that he feels is set to reflect in the musical composition. I am eager to see how the audiences react to the music and the anthology when it premieres on Amazon Prime Video.”

Putham Pudhu Kaalai Vidiyaadhaa… soundtrack is released by Warner Music India and is available on major music streaming services globally.

Synopsis:  
Each story in Putham Pudhu Kaalai Vidiyaadhaa… is standalone and yet they are all bound together by the theme of personal discovery of hope and new beginnings through human connection. These are stories of optimism, love and second chances, set in the second Covid-19 lockdown. The stories feature Aishwarya Lekshmi, Arjun Das, Dhilip Subbarayan, Gouri G Kishan, Joju George, Lijomol Jose, Nadiya Moidu, Nirmal Pillai, Sananth, and TeeJay Arunasalam, and are directed by Balaji Mohan, Halitha Shameem, Madhumita, Richard Anthony and Surya Krishna.

Ajith's Valimai to get three week run post lockdown assures theaters

Ajith's Valimai will get be the first film to release post the present lockdown as per the meeting with distributors - theater owners . Producer Boney Kapoor and TN distributor Madurai Anbu has assured that Valimai which is skipping the January 14th date would never go for an OTT premiere . Exhibitors have agreed that the maximum number of screens will be given to  Anbu  when releasing and added to that a three week assured run will be given in all these screens.  It means RRR and Radhe Shyam will have to renegotiate for screens when they come with Valimai.

Anbu had asked distributors to take back the money given as advance. None wanted to take back the advance . It was informally agreed that Valimai being a straight film would get a three week window in all screens and not to compete with any Telugu films. It was alsi agreed that even if any Tamil film was complete would be asked to defer release till Valimai's three week run.

Vishal's film that is looking to release with Covid restrictions will have to do so on a commission basis. No distributor is willing to give any advance as a full lockdown too could be enforced.