Kodambakkam Kissu Kissu: September 2007

'Bheema' tops Tamil albums :
The songs of "Bheema" may not measure up to the standards set by composer Harris Jayaraj but they still top the Tamil charts.

The top five Tamil albums are:

1. "Bheema" - Music Director: Harris Jayaraj. Though "Bheema" faces competition from "Sivi", the album tops the list this fortnight.

2. "Sivi" - Music Director: Dharan. The rap songs from "Sivi" are driving youngsters crazy.

3. "Inimey Nangathan" - Music Director: Ilayaraja. This is the maestro's album for an animation film but the songs are so good that you feel the human element in each song.

4. "Bommalattam" - Music Director: Himesh Reshammiya. Reshammiya's first Tamil album is not really creating any waves.

5. "Sathum Podaathay" - Music Director: Yuvan Shankar Raja. "Pesugiren Pesugiren" by the Viva Girls is the current favourite.

'Sivaji' dream run in Tamilnadu :
Rajnikant's "Sivaji: The Boss" is still ruling the Tamil box office with no film in sight to topple it.

The top five Tamil films are:

1. "Sivaji" - Director: Shankar. The success of "Sivaji" has proved that Rajnikant is the real boss of the Tamil film industry. No question about that.

2. "Arya" - Director: Balashekaran. The box office performance of "Arya", a typical masala entertainer, shows that R. Madhavan, who has been tagged a class hero, can cater to the masses too.

3. "Ammuvagiya Naan" - Director: Padmamagan. It needs a lot of courage to make a film like this. Both the director and hero R. Parthiban have it. Parthiban had the guts to act in a film that revolves around a sex worker. A very sensitively made film.

4. "Veerappu" - Director: Badri. A remake of a Mohanlal hit, the film is a huge hit in the B and C centres. Now director Sundar C knows that he has an audience out there too.

5. "Kireedam" - Director: Vijay. "Kireedam" is also a remake of a successful Malayalam film starring Mohanlal, but only the A centres have liked the Tamil version unlike "Veerappu".

September schedule! :
Come September, a lot of small movies which have been waiting for a theatrical release for the last few months are due. In fact a dozen films have announced that they are likely to release this month. The tentative release dates told to the trade is given below. Please note, some of these films may be postponed, as it will not be possible for all the 12 to release.

They are

September 7:

1. Maruthamalai

2. Seena Thana 001

3. Thoovanam

Sep 14:

1 Theekuchi

2. 18 Vayasu Puyale

3. Vegam

Sep 21:

1. Bomallatam

2. Kannamoochi Ennada

3. Malaikottai

Sep 28:

1.Pollathavan

2. Sivi

3.Sila Nerangallil

Prakash Raj's record :
Prakash Raj in association with Moser Baer will be launching three films on one day.

Prakash Raj's Duet Movies, which has churned out films like Azhagiya Theeyae, Naam, Mozhi among others will be launching three movies (Vellithirai, Abhiyum Nanum and Mayilu) on Wednesday. This is the first time that three films of a production house are being launched on the same day.

Prakash Raj and G Dhananjayan, COO, Moserbaer Entertainment will be present on the occasion.

Vellithirai starring Prakash Raj, Prithviraj and Gopika is the remake of Malayalam hit Udayananu Tharam, while Abhiyum Nanum features Trisha in the lead role.

Awards for Kamal, Ajith :
The Film Fans association has selected Kamal Haasan and Ajith as best actors of the year 2006. Nayanthara and Sandhya were adjudged as best actresses.

Kamal and Ajith were selected for their performances in Vettaiyaadu Vilaiyaadu and Tirupathi respectively, whereas Nayantara and Sandhya are receiving the honours for E and Dishoom.

E has been selected as the best film of the year. Others selected for the awards include Prakash Raj and Pasupathy.

Azhagiya Tamil Magan makes money :
Quite appropriate to its name, Vijay's Azhagiya Tamil Magan's (ATM) has made enough money even before its release.

According to reports, producer Appachan has made enough money from the movie even before its release.

Buzz is that Azhagiya Tamil Magan has made a new record among Vijay films in terms of business.

It is said that Pyramid Saimira Theatres had brought the distribution rights of Azhagiya Tamil Magan for a whopping amount of Rs 25 crore.

With shooting is expected to complete soon, it is expected that the film would hit theatres on Deepavali. Directed by Bharathan, Azhagiya Tamil Magan has Shreya and Namitha opposite Vijay.

Ayesha Takia - Vijay pair up for a new film :
Vijay has signed a new film. Prabhu Deva would direct the movie. The team of Vijay and Prabhu Deva are coming together again and expectations are high after the blockbuster hit ‘Pokiri’. Ayesha Takia has been signed in for the female lead in the film and will be seen opposite Vijay. She will play the heroine in the film, which is all set to roll early next year.

Vijay in the meantime will be completing the film he has in hand. He is currently shooting for ‘Azhagiya Tamil Magan’. After that he would commence shooting for ‘Kuruvi’. The film is directed by Dharani and produced by Udhayanidhi, the grandson of Chief Minister M Karunanidhi. Work on Prabhu Deva's film will begin only after that.

Everything going right for Trisha! :
Happiness and success has surrounded Trisha. She is basking in the thrilling moment and is in high spirits. The young actress is to be bestowed with the coveted Kalaimamani award by the Tamilnadu government and Nandhi awards by Andhra Pradesh government this year.

Sharing her happiness with us she says, "It is a rare honour to receive two coveted awards this year. I am happy that my career is on right track in both the languages. Recently my Athadu in Telugu opposite Mahesh Babu did well in Tollywood. Its Tamil version Nandhu also did a good business in Tamil. Honour and recognition are like tonic for artistes like us. It motivates us to do more and achieve more laurels in life. Happy that it has come so early for me."

She is now busy acting in couple of Telugu films and Tamil films.

Four Friends unite for 'Thozha' :
'Chennai-600028' team is back again to create furor! The film based on local cricket recently celebrated 100-day run. Big wigs from the industry like Kamal Haasan and Rajinikanth participated in the celebration. Lead characters of the film Premji, Nithin Sathya, Ajairaj and Vijay are coming together again now for a new film titled ‘Thozha’. Director Sundareswaran will regale the audience this time. Along with the golden successful team of the film, new faces will be introduced. Sahithya, Jennifer and 'Miss Bangalore' Lakshana have been cast in the film. M Pazhani, M. Suresh Kumar, V. Bhaskaran and P. Paramasivam are producing the film under Arovana Films banner.

‘Thozha’ is the story is about four friends and the consequences they face together after a shocking incident involving them. The film is presented in a lighter vein laced with wit and humour. Other than acting Premji will also make his debut as music director with the film.

Surya readying 'Vel' for Diwali :
Actor Suriya has been missing from action at the screens this year so far. His last release ‘Sillunu Oru Kadhal’ was almost a year back. He is currently shooting for ‘Vel’ and is expecting the film to release this year. ‘Vel’ is one of the most awaited films in the sense that it features Suriya in a dual role. Asin is paired with him and she plays a radio jockey.

Suriya speaking about the movie, says, "We have highlighted the need for the joint family system that is on the decline today. Our culture and values are lost due to the emergence of nuclear families".

‘Vel’ is expected to arrive onscreen this Diwali. A major portion of the movie was shot in a village near Tirunelveli. After wrapping up ‘Vel’, Suriya will begin shooting for director Goutham Vasudeva’s ‘Varanam Aayiram’.

Quiet Ajith makes valid points :
Ajith is reformed and refined these days. Known for his open talk, Ajith has turned quiet and he prefers his movies to do all the talking instead.

He is currently shooting for the remake of yesteryear Rajnikanth classic Billa followed by a movie for London Karunas.

Soft-spoken Ajith says, "When we ourselves do not have enough time to know about ourselves, why comment on other people. I prefer silence these days. Happiness I derive maintaining silence is great".

Asked whether Ajith would venture to race again, the actor says, "I quit racing since I did not get good sponsors. I'm not into racing any more. It is a matter of pride to have participated in a Formula 3 race".

Ajith says, "My cherished desire is to be known as an actor, who commands influence at the box office".

Nayantara out, Trisha in :
After several rounds of in and out, Trisha has finally pipped Nayantara to bag the heroine's role in Kuruvi.

In a sensational turnaround, Trisha has made a comeback as the heroine of Vijay in Dharani directed Kuruvi, produced by Udayanidhi Stalin.

Just a couple of days ago, sources in the production house confirmed that Nayantara would be the heroine.

Dharani, Vijay and music composer Vidyasagar, who came together to create magic on screen with Gilli, are back again for Kuruvi. It meant Trisha, who was part of the Gilli team, missing the bus.

Dharani has denied rumours that Kuruvi would be a sequel to Gilli. Vijay is fast wrapping up the shooting for Azhagiya Tamil Magan and is expected to commence shooting for Kuruvi soon.

In a turnaround, Trisha has reportedly replaced Nayantara now. Dharani has left to Hyderabad to brief Trisha on her role in Kuruvi.

Alas, Trisha has pipped Nayantara now to bag the plump offer.

Shriya in the thick of it :
Shriya is now a hot property both in Tollywood and Kollywood. Adding more, her Hindi venture Awarapan went on to become a hit.

Now Shriya is flooded with offers from all corners.

She is acting with Vijay in Azhagiya Tamil Magan, while shooting for Kandasamy opposite Vikram would commence soon.

Buzz is that talks are on to cast Shriya opposite Prabhas for a Telugu film, a movie starring Ajith and a Hindi film with Bobby Deol.

Shriya says, "I am getting plenty of offers. I want to go slow. Choose the best and give my best for it".

Rare honor for Dr.Ilayaraja :
Dr.Ilayaraja needs no introduction. The legendary music composer, who dominated the Tamil film music world for over three decade has won several awards and honors.

Having worked in over 700 films in various Indian languages, Dr.Ilayaraja has carved a niche for himself in the history of Indian cinema.

In recognition of his phenomenal talent and service to the film industry, the Andhra Pradesh government has chosen to confer him the NTR award.

Considered a coveted award in Andhra Pradesh, NTR award will be presented to Dr.Ilayaraja at a grand function to be held later.

Vijay not comfortable using 'doctor' title :
Top-notch Tamil star Vijay has become the latest celebrity to be honoured with a doctorate but he doesn't want to use the title.

The star of box office hit 'Pokkiri' received the honour at MGR University Monday. G. Madhavan Nair, the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) chief, was the special guest to confer the honorary doctorate on Vijay.

Speaking at the function, Nair said the star deserved the honour as he served as 'a role model for the youth'.

However, the very next day Vijay appealed to his fans to avoid using 'doctor' before his name.

'Whoever calls me 'doctor', you my fans should not. I want to remain your intimate Vijay,' the actor said at a function here to mark the 126th day of 'Pokkiri'.

It remains to be seen whether his fans' association will act in accordance with his request. But so far almost all the VIPs in the state who have received the doctorates have not only cherished the honour but flaunted it too.

Vishal moves up :
With his Malaikottai nearing completion, Vishal has commenced his next venture Sathyam, which features him in the role of an encounter specialist.

Vishal is confident that Sathyam would surely turn a new leaf in his career, since the storyline and screenplay has been penned in an engrossing manner.

"I am a great fan of director Shankar. When I heard Sathyam story, I felt that the knot was something similar to a Shankar movie. Immediately, I decided to act in the film with my brother producing it", says Vishal.

Interestingly, Vishal met Sylendra Babu, the top police officer in Tamilnadu. He took several tips from the police officer to enact the role of a tough cop.

Nayanthara plays a TV reporter in the movie, who falls in love with Vishal.

Popular Kannada actor Upendra plays a prominent role in the film.

Thamizh MA Completed :
Jeeva's Thamizh MA has been successfully completed. The movie starring Jeeva and Anjali in pivotal roles will be released shortly. The movie is directed by debutant Ram.

Heaping laurels on Jeeva, Ram says, "The actor takes on different types of roles and not averse of change of get ups. His growth has been phenomenal, considered to be a safe bet among the younger crop of emerging talents in Tamil cinema. Jeeva has reduced a lot of weight for Thamizh MA and appears in three different getups. His performance is scintillating. Equally attractive is newcomer Anjali. I am confident that the two will not only receive rave reviews for their performance but also awards and accolades".

It's party time :
A private party was thrown by some close friends of Vijay, to celebrate the actor getting a doctorate. The party was held on Tuesday evenning at The Park in Chennai, and the cream of Kollywood turned up to congratulate the actor.
The guest list was selective, and there were hardly 25 persons and no camera was allowed. Vijay and his lovely wife Sangeeta were the toast of the evening. The actor was seen in his elements as he enjoyed all the attention showered on him by his buddies.

The Kollywood guest list included Vijay's friends like 'Chiyaan' Vikram, Dharani, Nayanthara, Reema Sen, Shriya, Dhanush and Aishwarya. Among others spotted were producer Udayanidhi Stalin, Vishal and a few non-filmi people.