Jai Bhim featured in Oscars You Tube channel

 Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences on its official YouTube channel called the 'Oscars'.featured a video on the blockbuster hit, 'Jai Bhim', starring Suriya, Lijomol Jose and Manikandan in the lead. The video clip, which has some scenes from the film, which was produced by Jyotika and Suriya under 2D Entertainment, has the film's Director TJ Gnanavel explaining all about the film, including its theme.

The video has been featured under the 'Scene At the Academy' segment.   The Oscars channel described the video saying, "Jai Bhim weaves in real case studies helmed by Activist-Lawyer Chandru, who brought justice to indigenous tribes in Tamil Nadu through his relentless efforts. Writer-director TJ Gnanavel reveals how the story narrative was formed and executed."
Speaking on the development, Co-producer & CEO of 2D Entertainment Rajsekar Karpoorasundarapandian said, “We are very happy that our film Jai Bhim, which portrayed the story of marginalised people is getting recognised the world over.”

Director Gnanavel said, “Our genuine attempt to tell the story of the unknown has served its purpose by creating world wide attention and now, needy people are reaping the benefits. This is the best award we could get.”

The news that the film has made it to the Oscars channel has not only delighted the makers but also the fans of the film, which released on Amazon Prime Video on 2nd nov 2021.

Dhanush- Aishwarya wedding that publicly ended Rajini- Jayalalithaa war

 Dhanush – Aishwarya Rajinikanth wedding was dramatic as the divorce tweet that came yesterday night. It was the wedding that signaled to the Superstar fans and AMMA followers that the hatchet has been buried. The climax to a political war that had Jayalalithaa humbled at the polls saw AMMA elevated to the eldest person of the family and gave the thaali to Dhanush to tie the three knots. 

Ego bruised Rajinikanth could not forget the moment when cops at the road leading to his house told that he could sit in the car and wait in the footpath till Amma passes by or walk down to his house. When AMMA security informs that she is leaving office for home, all traffic is frozen. Only after her car goes inside the Veda Nilayam does the freeze order is lifted. Rajini walked to his house. Rajini and Jayalalithaa are not next door neighbours and actually live quite away from each other.

Many barbs against her through dialogues in films took place. 1996 the adopted son wedding gala fest and corruption added to Rajinikanth’s cryptic speech appealing to save Tamil Nadu did her in. Rajini continued with his barbs till 2001, when he fell silent. Jayalalithaa came back to power. She changed her security measures and became more people friendly. 

There were gossips of Rajini’s daughter Aishwarya and Simbu (actor- son of TR) seeing each other. They were studying in the same school run by Latha Rajinikanth.  A coffee shop was the meeting place. Soon scenario changed and rift happened between the two. Around that time, Kadhal Kondain with Dhanush as hero and his brother Selvaraghavan as director got released. At a preview, Aishwarya met Dhanush. Next day, a bouquet landed at Dhanush house. 

They met each other at many joints. At this time, Rajinikanth found that Dhanush was a simpleton and though his father Kasthoori Raja was a director – producer, he did not have any of the trappings of a filmy brat (  Simbu had in plenty).  Arranged match between two families took place and when it was said Jayalalithaa would come, many thought it was wishful thinking. It did happen. M Karunanidhi came for the reception. It was Latha Rajinikanth who through Sasikala got Madam to see them and accept the invitation. Before that Rajinikanth too chipped in his bit by calling Amma as Dhaariya Lakshmi (Goddess of courage) at the felicitation function. Aishwarya is three years older than Dhanush. He was 21 at time of marriage. 

Simbhu nursed his wounds of being ditched and made many barbs against Dhanush in his films and his fans enjoyed it. Dhanush got prime roles and soared ahead. Simbu got caught in charges of unprofessionalism. Simbu got in to relationships with Nayanthara and Hansika and broke up. On November 25th, 2021, release of Maanaadu changed everything. Simbu aka STR is hottest property in town. He was conferred a doctorate by Vels University in Chennai. ( Many upcountry media wrote it as Wales University). 

Leaked photos of Dhanush with Star Vijay anchor Divyadarshini ( DD) was one that did much damage. It was said that director A L Vijay ( Thalaivi ) and actress Amala Paul separated as the latter was in a relationship with Dhanush. Even  Dhanush name was dragged into the Samantha – Naga Chaitanya split. 

Aishwarya herself is a director ( film 3 ) and the song Kolaveri Di did give her mileage. Her Bharathanatyam recital at UN was heavily trolled. Despite all her shortcomings, she comes across a woman with a mind of her own. A quote from an interview with her - “ "The best thing about our relationship is the fact that we give each other plenty of space. Neither of us believes in changing for the other person just because we want to be together. When you are in your mid-20ss your mind is set in terms of what you believe in and it is very hard to change yourself.". 

Incidentally younger sister Soundarya (married the second time) tweeted a congratulatory post on Simbhu getting doctorate and it had Dhanush fans fuming. 

 

From Archives: Didi rocks Star family and Complete actor plots to take over incomplete film - Kodambakkam Kodangi speaks

 Kodambakkam (May12,2021): Kodangi informs that wife of the actor who arrived unannounced from abroad caught hubby with his pants down. Kodangi laughs at the mediation efforts of a Complete Actor to complete an incomplete film as the actor idea is  that the film production will ultimately go to the actor's production house and adds that don't be surprised if the director is replaced by the actor.

 Didi ran with her stilettos in hand and a sheet wrapped around her to avoid the fury of this STAR wife who coes from a family of STARS. One night stands with actresses and actors is accepted in the family. The family rule is that such pleasure activities should not be inside the house- even if it is a beach house. Before and after marriage, this DIDI was frollicking with this Star. Some video clips and friendly birdies told wifey about it. She ignored them.

Finally,Didi whose hubby with a narrow mind, decided  to part ways. Now she was a free bird who silently wept that she could not go public with her love for the actor like Karnan was not willing to break  a promise that he gave.  Karnan wanted her only as soulmate . Now to action part. Wifey was abroad shopping and then as flights were getting cancelled due to Covid, she drove to the airport and boarded the first flight to Chennai. She drove to her beach house  and found a car parked outside the house. 

She opened the house with her key and went to the bedroom to see Didi with Karnan hubby. Didi picked up her clothes and fled. Now the news reaches pa-in-law of actor, shooting in Hyderabad. He rushes back as he does not want a hasty divorce. This wifey had broken the heart of a young actor and married Karnan. who saw this as a best visiting card he can flaunt. She and her family saw him as veedu mapillai who can be twirled around her finger. His dramatic rise in career and fortune made him a disciple of Osho. The actor hastily left for a shoot abroad braving the corona and is extending his stay till wifey cools down. To make her happy he had even bought her a land in prime area and told her to build her dream home. 

A film that started three years back is only 20% complete. So far the guy who handled the Chennai operation for this production company pocketed his millions and walked away. New guys come and say finish our film. Director rolls out reasons for delay. Actor who has business links with the producer is now damn free as his efforts to cleanse the society has born fruit  after the people recognised him and gave his rival a befitting post. He has turned mediator in director- producer.

Director wanted Rs 250 cr for completion. Actor tells producer behind the back - throw out the director and I will direct and finish it for Rs 200 cr. My company will do the film on first copy basis. Pay off director and his team and come, I will finish it for you. Kodangi laughs and asks Will he also finish the producer too ?

Kamal Haasan first OTT entry- Bigg Boss Tamil to start on January 26th

 

Disney+ Hotstar is set to exclusively launch its first-ever OTT exclusive season of the popular reality show, Bigg Boss Tamil, from 30 January. Beginning the year 2022 with the biggest OTT debut, actor Kamal Haasan, who has hosted five glorious seasons of Bigg Boss on television, will be seen hosting Bigg Boss Ultimate, which fans can watch exclusively on the platform.

The OTT season will reunite some of the most popular and celebrated contestants of past seasons, giving them a second chance to claim the coveted title, win over the audience and redeem themselves. Taking

the entertainment quotient a notch higher, the makers of the mega show have made innovative

changes to the format to keep audiences engaged throughout the season. The most exciting of the

innovations is the 24hr feed, which will allow fans to watch what's happening in the Bigg Boss house

throughout the day. This novel, immersive experience is bound to be a big draw for audiences.

Actor Kamal Haasan, who will be the host of Bigg Boss Ultimate, said, “The first OTT version of Big Boss

Ultimate is on Disney+ Hotstar. I’m extremely excited to continue staying in touch with you by hosting

the OTT version as well. The new format is now available 24/7 to engage and entertain you more. I am

100% confident that you will find this whole new experience refreshing and interesting.”

Talking about the first-ever launch of Bigg Boss Ultimate, spokesperson, Disney+ Hotstar, said, “At

Disney+ Hotstar we have always challenged conventions and been at the forefront of content creation

with powerful and innovative storytelling formats. With a massive hit show like Bigg Boss Ultimate, we

endeavor to take one more step towards elevating the entertainment experience for viewers. The

addition of this one-of-a-kind show on Disney+ Hotstar is a definitive step to bringing top notch, cutting

edge entertainment experiences to Tamil audiences. We want to continue to provide entertainment

experiences that are high in quality in a manner that viewers can immerse themselves in stories we Disney+ Hotstar is set to exclusively launch its first-ever OTT exclusive season of

the popular reality show, Bigg Boss Tamil, from 30 January. Beginning the year 2022 with the biggest OTT debut, actor Kamal Haasan, who has hosted five glorious seasons of Bigg Boss on television, will be seen hosting Bigg Boss Ultimate, which fans can watch exclusively on the platform. 

The OTT season will reunite some of the most popular and celebrated contestants of past seasons, giving them a second chance to claim the coveted title, win over the audience and redeem themselves. Taking the entertainment quotient a notch higher, the makers of the mega show have made innovative changes to the format to keep audiences engaged throughout the season. The most exciting of the innovations is the 24hr feed, which will allow fans to watch what's happening in the Bigg Boss house throughout the day. This novel, immersive experience is bound to be a big draw for audiences.

Actor Kamal Haasan, who will be the host of Bigg Boss Ultimate, said, “The first OTT version of Big Boss Ultimate is on Disney+ Hotstar. I’m extremely excited to continue staying in touch with you by hosting the OTT version as well. The new format is now available 24/7 to engage and entertain you more. I am 100% confident that you will find this whole new experience refreshing and interesting.”

Talking about the first-ever launch of Bigg Boss Ultimate, spokesperson, Disney+ Hotstar, said, “At

Disney+ Hotstar we have always challenged conventions and been at the forefront of content creation

with powerful and innovative storytelling formats. With a massive hit show like Bigg Boss Ultimate, we

endeavor to take one more step towards elevating the entertainment experience for viewers. The

addition of this one-of-a-kind show on Disney+ Hotstar is a definitive step to bringing top notch, cutting

edge entertainment experiences to Tamil audiences. We want to continue to provide entertainment

experiences that are high in quality in a manner that viewers can immerse themselves in stories we Disney+ Hotstar is set to exclusively launch its first-ever OTT exclusive season of the popular reality show, Bigg Boss Tamil, from 30 January. Beginning the year 2022 with the biggest OTT debut, actor Kamal Haasan, who has hosted five glorious seasons of Bigg Boss on television, will be seen hosting Bigg Boss Ultimate, which fans can watch exclusively on the platform. The OTT season will reunite some of the most popular and celebrated contestants of past seasons, giving them a second chance to claim the coveted title, win over the audience and redeem themselves. Taking the entertainment quotient a notch higher, the makers of the mega show have made innovative changes to the format to keep audiences engaged throughout the season. The most exciting of the innovations is the 24hr feed, which will allow fans to watch what's happening in the Bigg Boss house

throughout the day. This novel, immersive experience is bound to be a big draw for audiences.

Actor Kamal Haasan, who will be the host of Bigg Boss Ultimate, said, “The first OTT version of Big Boss

Ultimate is on Disney+ Hotstar. I’m extremely excited to continue staying in touch with you by hosting

the OTT version as well. The new format is now available 24/7 to engage and entertain you more. I am

100% confident that you will find this whole new experience refreshing and interesting.” Talking about the first-ever launch of Bigg Boss Ultimate, spokesperson, Disney+ Hotstar, said, “At Disney+ Hotstar we have always challenged conventions and been at the forefront of content creation with powerful and innovative storytelling formats. With a massive hit show like Bigg Boss Ultimate, we endeavor to take one more step towards elevating the entertainment experience for viewers. The addition of this one-of-a-kind show on Disney+ Hotstar is a definitive step to bringing top notch, cutting edge entertainment experiences to Tamil audiences. We want to continue to provide entertainment experiences that are high in quality in a manner that viewers can immerse themselves in stories we Disney+ Hotstar is set to exclusively launch its first-ever OTT exclusive season of the popular reality show, Bigg Boss Tamil, from 30 January. Beginning the year 2022 with the biggest OTT debut, actor Kamal Haasan, who has hosted five glorious seasons of Bigg Boss on television, will be seen hosting Bigg Boss Ultimate, which fans can watch exclusively on the platform.

The OTT season will reunite some of the most popular and celebrated contestants of past seasons, giving

them a second chance to claim the coveted title, win over the audience and redeem themselves. Taking

the entertainment quotient a notch higher, the makers of the mega show have made innovative

changes to the format to keep audiences engaged throughout the season. The most exciting of the

innovations is the 24hr feed, which will allow fans to watch what's happening in the Bigg Boss house

throughout the day. This novel, immersive experience is bound to be a big draw for audiences.

Actor Kamal Haasan, who will be the host of Bigg Boss Ultimate, said, “The first OTT version of Big Boss

Ultimate is on Disney+ Hotstar. I’m extremely excited to continue staying in touch with you by hosting

the OTT version as well. The new format is now available 24/7 to engage and entertain you more. I am

100% confident that you will find this whole new experience refreshing and interesting.”

Talking about the first-ever launch of Bigg Boss Ultimate, spokesperson, Disney+ Hotstar, said, “At

Disney+ Hotstar we have always challenged conventions and been at the forefront of content creation

with powerful and innovative storytelling formats. With a massive hit show like Bigg Boss Ultimate, we

endeavor to take one more step towards elevating the entertainment experience for viewers. The

addition of this one-of-a-kind show on Disney+ Hotstar is a definitive step to bringing top notch, cutting

edge entertainment experiences to Tamil audiences. We want to continue to provide entertainment

experiences that are high in quality in a manner that viewers can immerse themselves in stories weDisney+ Hotstar is set to exclusively launch its first-ever OTT exclusive season of

the popular reality show, Bigg Boss Tamil, from 30 January. Beginning the year 2022 with the biggest OTT

debut, actor Kamal Haasan, who has hosted five glorious seasons of Bigg Boss on television, will be seen

hosting Bigg Boss Ultimate, which fans can watch exclusively on the platform.

The OTT season will reunite some of the most popular and celebrated contestants of past seasons, giving

them a second chance to claim the coveted title, win over the audience and redeem themselves. Taking

the entertainment quotient a notch higher, the makers of the mega show have made innovative

changes to the format to keep audiences engaged throughout the season. The most exciting of the

innovations is the 24hr feed, which will allow fans to watch what's happening in the Bigg Boss house

throughout the day. This novel, immersive experience is bound to be a big draw for audiences.

Actor Kamal Haasan, who will be the host of Bigg Boss Ultimate, said, “The first OTT version of Big Boss

Ultimate is on Disney+ Hotstar. I’m extremely excited to continue staying in touch with you by hosting

the OTT version as well. The new format is now available 24/7 to engage and entertain you more. I am

100% confident that you will find this whole new experience refreshing and interesting.”

Talking about the first-ever launch of Bigg Boss Ultimate, spokesperson, Disney+ Hotstar, said, “At

Disney+ Hotstar we have always challenged conventions and been at the forefront of content creation

with powerful and innovative storytelling formats. With a massive hit show like Bigg Boss Ultimate, we

endeavor to take one more step towards elevating the entertainment experience for viewers. The

addition of this one-of-a-kind show on Disney+ Hotstar is a definitive step to bringing top notch, cutting

edge entertainment experiences to Tamil audiences. We want to continue to provide entertainment

experiences that are high in quality in a manner that viewers can immerse themselves in stories weDisney+ Hotstar is set to exclusively launch its first-ever OTT exclusive season of

the popular reality show, Bigg Boss Tamil, from 30 January. Beginning the year 2022 with the biggest OTT

debut, actor Kamal Haasan, who has hosted five glorious seasons of Bigg Boss on television, will be seen

hosting Bigg Boss Ultimate, which fans can watch exclusively on the platform.

The OTT season will reunite some of the most popular and celebrated contestants of past seasons, giving

them a second chance to claim the coveted title, win over the audience and redeem themselves. Taking

the entertainment quotient a notch higher, the makers of the mega show have made innovative

changes to the format to keep audiences engaged throughout the season. The most exciting of the

innovations is the 24hr feed, which will allow fans to watch what's happening in the Bigg Boss house

throughout the day. This novel, immersive experience is bound to be a big draw for audiences.

Actor Kamal Haasan, who will be the host of Bigg Boss Ultimate, said, “The first OTT version of Big Boss

Ultimate is on Disney+ Hotstar. I’m extremely excited to continue staying in touch with you by hosting

the OTT version as well. The new format is now available 24/7 to engage and entertain you more. I am

100% confident that you will find this whole new experience refreshing and interesting.”

Talking about the first-ever launch of Bigg Boss Ultimate, spokesperson, Disney+ Hotstar, said, “At

Disney+ Hotstar we have always challenged conventions and been at the forefront of content creation

with powerful and innovative storytelling formats. With a massive hit show like Bigg Boss Ultimate, we

endeavor to take one more step towards elevating the entertainment experience for viewers. The

addition of this one-of-a-kind show on Disney+ Hotstar is a definitive step to bringing top notch, cutting

edge entertainment experiences to Tamil audiences. We want to continue to provide entertainment

experiences that are high in quality in a manner that viewers can immerse themselves in stories we Disney+ Hotstar is set to exclusively launch its first-ever OTT exclusive season of

the popular reality show, Bigg Boss Tamil, from 30 January. Beginning the year 2022 with the biggest OTT

debut, actor Kamal Haasan, who has hosted five glorious seasons of Bigg Boss on television, will be seen

hosting Bigg Boss Ultimate, which fans can watch exclusively on the platform.

The OTT season will reunite some of the most popular and celebrated contestants of past seasons, giving

them a second chance to claim the coveted title, win over the audience and redeem themselves. Taking

the entertainment quotient a notch higher, the makers of the mega show have made innovative

changes to the format to keep audiences engaged throughout the season. The most exciting of the

innovations is the 24hr feed, which will allow fans to watch what's happening in the Bigg Boss house

throughout the day. This novel, immersive experience is bound to be a big draw for audiences.

Actor Kamal Haasan, who will be the host of Bigg Boss Ultimate, said, “The first OTT version of Big Boss

Ultimate is on Disney+ Hotstar. I’m extremely excited to continue staying in touch with you by hosting

the OTT version as well. The new format is now available 24/7 to engage and entertain you more. I am

100% confident that you will find this whole new experience refreshing and interesting.”

Talking about the first-ever launch of Bigg Boss Ultimate, spokesperson, Disney+ Hotstar, said, “At

Disney+ Hotstar we have always challenged conventions and been at the forefront of content creation

with powerful and innovative storytelling formats. With a massive hit show like Bigg Boss Ultimate, we

endeavor to take one more step towards elevating the entertainment experience for viewers. The

addition of this one-of-a-kind show on Disney+ Hotstar is a definitive step to bringing top notch, cutting

edge entertainment experiences to Tamil audiences. We want to continue to provide entertainment

experiences that are high in quality in a manner that viewers can immerse themselves in stories weDisney+ Hotstar is set to exclusively launch its first-ever OTT exclusive season of

the popular reality show, Bigg Boss Tamil, from 30 January. Beginning the year 2022 with the biggest OTT

debut, actor Kamal Haasan, who has hosted five glorious seasons of Bigg Boss on television, will be seen

hosting Bigg Boss Ultimate, which fans can watch exclusively on the platform.

The OTT season will reunite some of the most popular and celebrated contestants of past seasons, giving

them a second chance to claim the coveted title, win over the audience and redeem themselves. Taking

the entertainment quotient a notch higher, the makers of the mega show have made innovative

changes to the format to keep audiences engaged throughout the season. The most exciting of the

innovations is the 24hr feed, which will allow fans to watch what's happening in the Bigg Boss house

throughout the day. This novel, immersive experience is bound to be a big draw for audiences.

Actor Kamal Haasan, who will be the host of Bigg Boss Ultimate, said, “The first OTT version of Big Boss

Ultimate is on Disney+ Hotstar. I’m extremely excited to continue staying in touch with you by hosting

the OTT version as well. The new format is now available 24/7 to engage and entertain you more. I am

100% confident that you will find this whole new experience refreshing and interesting.”

Talking about the first-ever launch of Bigg Boss Ultimate, spokesperson, Disney+ Hotstar, said, “At Disney+ Hotstar we have always challenged conventions and been at the forefront of content creation with powerful and innovative storytelling formats. With a massive hit show like Bigg Boss Ultimate, we endeavor to take one more step towards elevating the entertainment experience for viewers. The addition of this one-of-a-kind show on Disney+ Hotstar is a definitive step to bringing top notch, cutting edge entertainment experiences to Tamil audiences. We want to continue to provide entertainment experiences that are high in quality in a manner that viewers can immerse themselves in stories "

Bigg Boss Tamil 5 winners are Star Vijay inhouse employees

 Bigg Boss Tamil 5 season ended with the title winner Raju and Priyanka , both employees of Star Vijay, the channel on which it is aired, walking away with the trophy and Rs 50 Lakh cash prize. With utter disregard to ethics and taking into account a conflict of interest, Star Vijay blatantly advertised that two of their winners were from their own ranks. The channel that conducts the reality show made it look as if the most talented genius are from their stable and Kamal Haasan chipped in with his bit that the guys out there slogging behind the camera for the show can now think of making it as title winner of Bigg Boss Tamil 5.

In any contest for the public conducted by a company, first golden rule is that employees working directly or indirectly offering services to them should not compete in the competition. Some even say that close relatives of employees are not allowed to take part in the contest. The idea is that the selection of winners and contestants can be clouded and charges of  favouritism can arise. The audition is done by Star Vijay and each week the person who goes out of the contest is decided by a votes cast through the Disney Hotstar app by the public.

 For argument sake, channel can say they are contract employees hired from show to show and are not on the rolls. Secondly, it may say that some audit company like Deloitte or PWC are handling the vote counting and show process. I remember that I as a kid would regret that I cannot fill the gallop coupon of Filmfare winners as there was a clause that said close relatives of any employee working in Bennet and Coleman was not allowed to take part. My uncle was head of the Research desk in Economic Times. 

There was a rule in Indian Express that employees should not sit as judges or participate in any contest that was conducted by a company who is our advertiser. Star Vijay onwards many channels give away awards for film and TV and mainly they are for the inhouse serials and actors- films and actors whose telecast rights they have bought.

Imman Annachi who became popular through Sun TV's kids show anchor and a comedian in many films along with Abhishek Raaja, A YouTuber did not take part in the finale. Abhishek figured in a spoof skit held at the finale. A video shot a few years back in which Abhishek lampooning Kamal says that all the gimmicks that is done in front of camera for 100 days to become Tamil Nadu CM and saying it as Bigg Boss  cannot be understood has gone viral. He told Kamal on entering as  contestant in BB 5 that he saw the past shows for few minutes to see the fashion statement of Kamal.

Kamal Haasan also did a publicity plug for his production house upcoming project with Sivakarthikeyan as hero and Raja Periasamy ( he directed a film Rangoon and worked in Star Vijay on shows with Kamal). Sivakarthikeyan was formerly an anchor in Star Vijay. Star Vijay's biz man Mahendran ( he used to decide on which films to be bought for the channel) is now co- producer of Rajkamal and according to UlagaNayakan ( Universal actor), Mahendran has filled in the void created by the demise of his brother Chandrahaasan who looked after the production house biz. Kamal had announced Indian 2 on BB floor almost 3 years back and Dil Raju was to produce it. Rest is history.

Kamal's Kamal House of Khaddhar ( Khadi) has  added perfume too to it's clothing inventory and gifted a set to Raju and Priyanka. It was a trip to Chicago to open his cloth store that the actor got Covid.

Aditi Shankar's First look on Pongal Day with Karthi in Viruman released

Aditi Shankar , daughter of ace director Shankar, had her debut film Viruman First look released on Pongal Day. Karthi - Muthiah director combo had give a blockbuster hit with Komban  and they come together in the rural entertainer set in Madurai.  Nuthiah said the subject is inspired from what happened at his neighbours house. He said that the title is the name of the family deity of  the her

o. Anybody be it an elder in the family that points out your mistakes is somebody who is your long lasting well wisher and this is the story of Viruman. Aditi plays a tomboyish role in the film. The film, which has music by Yuvan Shankar Raja, has been produced by 2D Entertainment. 

Iruvar the movie : A Pongal Flashback 25 years back

 Iruvar made my Pongal day memorable. It was 25 years back on a Pongal day, I hobbled on the steps of Woodlands Theater to see the film. ( I was in crutches and had two friends- RK and Charles as escort ). I wanted to see the film for two reasons -   I was the first to break the story that it was a film on MGR- Karunanidhi and secondly Mohanlal was playing MGR under the direction of Mani Ratnam and Santosh Sivan was the cameraman.

I was sitting under a tree in Old Woodlands Hotel chatting with makeup man M O Devassia. He told me about doing the MGR type makeup for Mohanlal and the the details of it that took place in Merryland Studios at Trivandrum. He did not realise that the casual info he was passing was something that Tamil media was groping around. A heavily guarded secret. After it was published in  front page of SCREEN , it was picked up by a top selling vernacular magazine. I remember Alai Osai Mani who  known to break such news come up and congratulate me. I kept Devassia name out of it.

I went to Trivandrum and managed to enter Merryland studios. The part where Iruvar shoot was on but it was a no entry zone. There was nothing I could get. After this story, all media was about Karunanidhi then CM going to crush the film release. It is said that Vairamuthu the lyric writer of the film combed the film and after a few cuts, got ok from Karunanidhi.

I sat in the ground floor back row as I did not want to take steps to Balcony. As the show started, there was hardly anybody in the movie hall. After some time, a couple sitting in front of us started to get amorous. My pal got up and took a seat that had nobody sitting in front of him.  The other pal told the couple to go elsewhere and continue.

Talking about the film's merits has no relevance -  masterpiece of Mani Ratnam and best of Santosh's camerawork. The empty hall broke my heart and created a confusion - Are we critics far away from reality ?. Mani Ratnam continues to blaze on and Tamil cinema has come a full circle- now we have Thalaivi , a biopic on Jayalaaithaa. Looking back , I find it amusing that it was a Northern heroine who played Jayalalithaa , in both the films. Aishwarya Rai in Iruvar and Kangana Raut in Thalaivi.

For Iruvar failure, it was said that MGR - Karunanidhi fans were disappointed as no one emerged victorious, For the poor opening , it was said by casting Mohanlal- Aishwarya Rai , the film did not relate to Tamil audience. A day later `Bharathi Kannamma' was released and in Southern Districts of Tamil Nadu it created  strong protests. It was about a Thevar girl falling in love with a Dalit youth, This film marked the entry of director Cheran and the controversy helped. If  ManiRatnam did not subject to unofficial censoring it could have a been a hit ?. It could have been banned also.   Kathalukku Mariyathaai which put Vijay on Superstar category released just before for Christmas  , replaced Iruvar in many theaters. In the running was Ajith's Nesam for Pongal and failed to create a stir.