Madras Off To A Good Start At Box Office

Karthi's Madras has opened up to wonderful reviews from critics and audience. The movie has also got good opening at the Box Office in the first weekend. Madras was released with less expectation. Unlike Karthi's earlier movies, this flick remained low key and it was not publicised much. This factor played a significant role in its success. As people did not have huge expectations, the flick has managed to win the audience's mandate.

On the release day, Madras got a good opening in Chennai and the overall response in the state was just average. But on Saturday and Sunday (September 27 and 28 respectively), the Tamil movie performed well and enjoyed good occupancy in the state due to good word-of-mouth. The early trade reports say that Madras has raked in about Rs.75 lakhs in the first weekend in Chennai. The Tamil movie has made about Rs.4 crores from other regions. Madras is an action-drama movie written and directed by Pa.Ranjith. The realistic presentation, well-written screenplay, good performances of the lead stars, mesmerising music, brilliant camera work and editing are the highlights of the movie.

Read more at: http://www.filmibeat.com/tamil/news/2014/madras-off-good-start-box-office-160477.html

Enakkul Oruvan Wallpaper

Kollywood Observes Hunger Strike In Support To Jayalalitha

Kollywood has stood by former Chief Minister J.Jayalalaitha, who has been put behind the bars over disproportionate asset case.

The entire Kollywood industry comprising of actors, distributors and exhibitors' associations are observing a day hunger strike today (September 30) in protest against a Special Court's verdict on J.Jayalalaitha. The former Chief Minister has been sentenced to four years in jail, besides a Rs 100 crore fine.

"We plan to fast to extend our support to Amma (Jayalalitha). We can't comment on the verdict. But since she's done so much for film industry, this is the least we could do for her," an Association member told the IANS.

And also, activities related to films has come to standstill and theatres will remain shut today. The film industry has always stood by the ruling goverments. Be it over the Cauvery dispute or the Sri Lankan Tamil issue, the cine fraternity has supported the state government's agendas.

Source: http://www.filmibeat.com/tamil/news/2014/kollywood-stands-by-jayalalitha-160523.html

Arnold's Thank-You Letter To I Producer Aascar Ravichandran

Arnold, who was in Chennai last week for the audio launch of forthcoming Tamil movie I, has written a letter to Aascar Ravichandran thanking the producer for making his visit a memorable affair. We bring you below the text from the letter: Dear Aascar, Thank you for everything you did to make my visit to Chennai such an incredible success. I was proud to be part of the launch of the soundtrack of I and you and your brothers all deserve a lot of credit for producing not only such a dynamic film, but also for putting on one of the best events I've ever attended. From the moment I arrived, everything was taken care of and I was blown away by your hospitality. From the incredible hotel to the delicious food, everything was just perfect. But the icing on the cake was the event. I have been to the Oscars and the Golden Globes and every event you can imagine. Let me tell you something - they can all learn from how you stage a production. The whole event flowed perfectly and the energy there could have powered all of India. The body-builders were a fantastic touch and made everything organic. I couldn't help but take the stage after the performance, because I knew it was the perfect time. Thank you for everything and I look forward to working with you again in the future. 

Sincerely, 
Arnold Schwarzenegger

Read more at: http://www.filmibeat.com/tamil/news/2014/arnold-thank-you-letter-i-producer-aascar-ravichandran-160120.html

Venkat Prabhu Comes To Lingusamy's Rescue

Lingusamy has been in the receiving end from netizens over Anjaan disaster. People on the social media sites trolled him and took pot shots at his over-marketing strategy. Even though the director remained silent, another filmmaker and a former associate of him Venkat Prabhu has come to his rescue. Venkat Prabhu had worked as an associate director to Lingusamy in the movie Ji. As people on the social networking sites madu too much fun of the Anjaan director, the Mankatha creator said,"Movie making is not as easy as u think guys!! We always do our best!! Sometimes it works out and most of the times it don't ." Asking counter questions to the netizens, he wrote, "Everything that matters to u is whether a movie is a hit or not!! If u guys are good audience why didn't u make Thanga Meengal a hit!!!?!???????? U can only troll us!! But what if we trolled u?!?! We make the movies for u!! We agree but why don't u make a good film a hit?!?" He concluded, "Lingusamy Saar is a great film maker!! I worked with him in Ji!!! Every creators are not god!! Even god made mistakes in his creations!! So who are we to judge!! "

Read more at: http://www.filmibeat.com/tamil/news/2014/venkat-prabhu-comes-lingusamy-rescue-160109.html

What Shankar Said To Rajeev Masand In CNN/IBN Interview!

Busy director Shankar made time for a special interview with Rajeev Masand on CNN/IBN. The Tamil filmmaker spoke about his forthcoming Tamil movie I, his lead actor Vikram, his penchant for huge-budget movies etc. Here, we bring you the edited excerpts from the interview that we found on Vikram's fan page on Facebook. On Being Asked About Vikram's Commitment, Shankar Said: Vikram's commitment amazed me. I'm bit doubtful if any other actor would have agreed for the script. Interestingly though, he was the only actor I approached for I. Citing An Example Of His Dedication, Shankar Revealed: There are so many actors who think a lot before tonsuring their head, but Vikram said that he will do anything for I. He is really great. Extraordinary VFX: VFX work in a film succeeds when the audience do not realize it is VFX. Except for a few shots such as the bike transforming into Amy Jackson, you cannot realize that it is special effects. We worked with Rising Sun Pictures, who worked in the Harry Potter series. The audience are watching a lot of films on television, so their intelligence levels are obviously high. We have to satisfy the audience who come to the film looking for bigger things every time. Srinivas Mohan is a wonderful VFX artist, it feels great to work with him. 

Read more at: http://www.filmibeat.com/tamil/news/2014/shankar-said-rajeev-masand-cnn-ibn-interview-160198.html

Leading Ladies Of Vishal's Ambala

Vishal Krishna's next movie Ambala will be a visual treat. Yes, three hot babes will play female leads in the colourful cast in the Sundar C directorial Tamil movie. Yesteryear sensational actresses Ramya Krishnan and Simran along with Kiran Rathod are part of the cast. Are they playing the roles that we mentioned in the above paragraph? Well, the fact is that they will be playing the mothers of the female leads, who will romance Vishal Krishna in the flick! Hansika Motwani, Madhurima and Madhavi Latha are the three girls who are starring in Ambala. The story of the film goes like this, the hot moms are in the race to make Vishal Krishna as their son-in-law. Who does he opt? This is the interesting part of the story, which will be told with humour. Vishal and Sundar C had teamed up for Madha Gaja Raja before. But the movie is still in the cold storage and there are no signs of its release. Ambala is the second movie of the duo. And for Hansika Motwani, she has worked with the director in Theeya Vela Seyyanum Kumaru and recently-released Aranmanai. Both the movies have earned her a good name. She hopes that her good association with Sundar C will continue with Ambala. And for Madhurima, this is her second movie in Tamil and it is a debut Kollywood flick for Madhavi Latha.

Read more at: http://www.filmibeat.com/tamil/news/2014/leading-ladies-vishal-ambala-160175.html

Shankar's I Shooting Ends With A Party

After working for more than two years, the shooting of forthcoming movie I has been wrapped up. To mark the occasion, the makers threw a party to the entire cast and crew on Wednesday (September 24). Aascar Ravichandran had organised a wrap up party last evening at Hyatt hotel, Chennai. The team, which has been relentlessly working on the film, completed the final portions of the shooting in North Chennai. A song was shot on Vikram and Amy Jackson. (Find a picture of the wrap-up party below) Shankar along with his cast and crew started the party by cutting a big cake. Sharing the celebration, Amy Jackson posted a picture and tweeted, "2 and a half years later.. And it's a WRAP!!!! #I." As per our sources, it was just restricted to the film unit. The team, after the hectic schedule, relaxed and enjoyed the occasion. Shankar looked after the arrangements and made sure that everybody enjoyed the bash. Now, the team will start working on the last segment of the post-production works. AR Rahman has already started scoring the background score. I is a romantic-thriller made with a huge budget. The movie, which will be censored soon, will be releasing for Diwali.

Read more at: http://www.filmibeat.com/tamil/news/2014/shankar-i-shooting-ends-with-party-160160.html

Lingaa: SPB Sings Intro Song For Rajinikanth Again

The popular trend followed by the filmmakers, who directed Rajinikanth for years, ensured to rope in veteran singer SP Balasubramaniam to sing the introduction songs of the superstar. The same trend has continued again in Lingaa. 
Yes, SP Balasubramaniam has crooned the introductory track of Rajinikanth in Lingaa. The song is composed by the two-time Oscar winning musician AR Rahman. Poet and lyricist Vairamuthu has penned the lyrics for the song. 
As per our sources, AR Rahman and his team took extra care to make sure that the track impress Rajinikanth's huge mass fan following. The song has come out well, the team believes. Meanwhile, the the 42-day shooting schedule has come to an end on Wednesday (September 25). 
The latest schedule of shooting was started in Karnataka and the team filmed key portions in and around Shimoga. The concluding climax portion was filmed at Ramoji Film City. However, the introductory song and two other songs are yet to be shot. While one track will be filmed in Chennai, the remaining two will be shot in the beautiful locations in the Europe. 
Rajinikanth starrer Lingaa is directed by KS Ravikumar and produced by Rockline Venkatesh. The movie featuring Sonakshi Sinha and Anushka Shetty will release on December 12.

Read more at: http://www.filmibeat.com/tamil/news/2014/lingaa-spb-sings-intro-song-rajinikanth-160228.html

Fans Want To Build Temple For Nayantara

People are very affectionate about their favourite actors in Tamil Nadu. Often we hear and read about the activities that they do to express their love. If big cut-outs outside theatres and charities are usually done for male stars as token of respect, building temples for actress is a popular way of showing their fanship for an actress here even though only two actress have reached such pinnacle till date! After Khushboo and Nagma, it is Nayantara's turn to get a temple in her name. Some of her crazy fans have approached her through fans club to erect a temple for the actress. They have told her that it is their dream to build a temple to her and treat her like a goddess. The enthusiastic fans are not seeking any financial help to construct it. What Nayantara Says? Surprisingly, Nayantara has turned down their idea. She has politely told them that she does not like them treating like a goddess. The Arrambam actress said that she was humbled by their affection but asked them to oblige her request. We hear that without any other option the fans have put off their temple idea owing to her request. Meanwhile, Nayantara is busy with a few movies including Simbu's Idhu Namma Aalu and Udhayanidhi Stalin's Nanbenda in Kollywood.

Read more at: http://www.filmibeat.com/tamil/news/2014/fans-want-build-temple-nayantara-160212.html

Plagiarism Suit Against AR Murugadoss For Kaththi Quashed

Kaththi creator AR Murugadoss has got a big relief after a court has dismissed the plagiarism case against him. The plaintiff Gopi Nainar had dragged the director to the court accusing the director of stealing his creative property. The court, after hearing the arguments from both the parties, dismissed the case for lack of evidence. Reports say that the Hon., judge could not discover any concrete evidence against the respondent. Gopi Nainar, in his petition, had claimed that he was a former associate of AR Murugadoss. In a bid to turn a full-time director, the plaintiff had narrated a story to Thuppaki director. But the latter, without his consent, made moderate changes to his story and went ahead with Kaththi project. Gopi Nainar's claims that he has neither been paid nor given credit to the story, which forced him to take the legal route to get justice. However, there was no proof to prove his claims. Thus, his petition has been dismissed. AR Murugadoss had experience similar plagiarism incident during his last movie Thuppakki and his name was cleared then. Meanwhile, the preparations for the release of Kaththi are in full swing. The Tamil movie starring Vijay and Samantha will hit the screens for Diwali.

Read more at: http://www.filmibeat.com/tamil/news/2014/kaththi-creator-murugadoss-wins-plagiarism-case-160284.html

Why Pooja Hegde Turned Down Mani Ratnam's Offer?

Offers did not come Pooja Hegde's way after making a decent debut with Mugamoodi in 2012. The numbers (films) in her profile will give a clear picture of her progress post her debut in Kollywood. For the next two years, the Mumbai-based girl has worked in only two films and it appeared like her career was going nowhere. But recently people had a suprise when they read that she has turned down an offer made by none other than Mani Ratnam! While some felt that Pooja Hegde was just bragging to gain attention, many assumed that the budding star displayed her arrogance by first rejecting the film. But the real reason behind her the story remained elusive for the gossip mongers. Now, the actress has come out to give a clarification on the same. "There is no such thing as rejecting a Mani Ratnam film. He's one of the directors I dream of working with. It is a little disheartening to see reports that I said 'no' to him," Pooja Hegde told the Times of India. She has prided the experience of having talks with the maverick filmmaker and claims it is a good experience for her. Pooja claims that it was quite unfortunate not to be part of this movie as she is committed to Ashutosh Gowrikar's movie starring Hrithik Roshan. She has given bulk dates to his Hindi movie. Hence, Pooja Hegde opted out of Mani Ratnam movie.

Read more at: http://www.filmibeat.com/tamil/news/2014/pooja-hegde-mani-ratnam-offer-160440.html

Sundar C Aranmanai Strong At Box Office

Sundar C directorial Aranmanai got a good opening at the Box Office last weekend. The Tamil movie, without any competition, had a good run at collection centres in the first week, which ended on Thursday (September 25). Aranmanai had made more than Rs.3.5 crores in Tamil Nadu in the first weekend and about 90 lakhs in Chennai. The good word-of-mouth seems to be doing wonders for the Tamil movie. It is evident with the Kollywood movie witnessing only a marginal dip in collections in the weekdays. The performance of Aranmanai is good in Karnataka. The response is same in some international circuits including Malaysia. The Tamil movie will now be facing competition from this-week releases like Karthi's Madras and Vishnu's Jeeva. Both the films have opened up to positive reviews and this development is likely to have impact on the Hansika Motwani starrer flick. Aranmanai is a horror-comedy movie directed by Sundar C. The director has blended the story with thrilling and humorous moments. The performance of Hansika Motwani, Andrea Jeremiah and Lakshmi Rai have added value to the Tamil flick. In total, the film has turned out to be a perfect family entertainer, which is driving audience to theatres.

Read more at: http://www.filmibeat.com/tamil/news/2014/sundar-c-aranmanai-strong-box-office-160293.html

Trisha Stands By Vijay

Trisha Krishnan has stood by Vijay! We are actually not referring the latter to namma Illayathalapathy rather to the Tiger, which killed a 12th standard student at a zoo in New Delhi. The tiger named Vijay recently killed a student, who accidentally fell into its enclosure at the National Zoological Park in New Delhi. The video-footage of the incident shows that the beast mauled the youth in defence and it was not the tiger's fault. People, who witnessed the incident, want the tiger to be killed and a section has supported it. Reacting to this, Trisha Krishnan, who is fond of animals, has requested the President of India, Pranab Mukherjee, not to permit such sacrifices for the mistakes not committed by the tiger. On Twitter page, Trisha Krishnan wrote, "Please do not allow the sacrifice of the tiger of New Delhi Zoo,he did not attack, he was only defending himself." There is an online petition on the issue to save the life of the tiger and her tweet have got good response from her fans. Meanwhile, Trisha Krishnan, who is basking in the success of her debut Kannada movie Power***, has couple of projects in her kitty. Notable among them is Boologam and Ajith Kumar's 55th film.

Read more at: http://www.filmibeat.com/tamil/news/2014/trisha-stands-by-vijay-160451.html

Yaan Set For Big Release

Ravichandran's Yaan is all set to hit the screens on October 2. The movie will release this weekend in good number of screens. As per our sources, the makers of Yaan have so far got 300+ screens and they are expected to get additional 60 screens in the next two days. It is a big number for a Jeeva starrer movie, opine traders. In Chennai, the flick will have a big release and the final count has not been revealed. Of late, the Tamil movie has drawn the audience's attention with big names from Bollywood talking about Yaan. Amitabh Bachchan and youth sensation Ranbir Kapoor have said good words about Ravichandran and Yaan. The movie is expected to get good opening at the Box Office. It is mainly because of the wide release and the long Gandhi Jayanthi-Navaratri weekend. The other advantage for Yaan is that the film has received clean 'U' certificate from the Regional Censor Board. It means the movie is exempted from the 30% entertainment tax. Yaan stars Jeeva and Thulasi Nair in the lead roles. The movie, which marks the directorial debut of popular cinematographer Ravichandran, is produced by Elred Kumar. It has Harris Jayaraj's music and Manush Nandan's cinematography.

Read more at: http://www.filmibeat.com/tamil/news/2014/yaan-set-for-big-release-160458.html

Raai Laxmi taking rice bucket challenge

The ice bucket challenge might have given rise to several other indigenous challenges, but there’s only one challenge that actress Raai Laxmi is interested in and has willingly taken up. Wondering what that is? Well, it is the rice bucket challenge.

Says the actress, “I like to take up challenges through which I can directly help someone, and the rice bucket challenge suits me just fine. I have already done it once before. I donated buckets of rice as part of the challenge. However, I couldn’t do more as I was in a hurry and had to leave for Malaysia. Now, I intend to go to the slums in Mumbai and donate buckets of rice as part of the challenge.”

Meanwhile, the actress, who has been doing both Malayalam and Tamil films, has couple of interesting Tamil films, including Lawrence’s Oru Ticketla Rendu Cinema.

Talking about them, she says, “I have always been getting good roles in the Malayalam film industry. Now, I am getting the girl-next-door kind of roles, even in Tamil. I am happy about the way things are shaping up.”

Source: http://www.kollyinsider.com/2014/09/raai-laxmi-taking-rice-bucket-challenge.html

Kollywood Actress Salary Report - 2014

An leading portal as just published a salary report. Here is the remuneration report of our Kollywood heroines.In that list Nayan, Asin and Trisha are in the top of the race. 

1. Anushka Shetty:

Salary: 2-2.5 crore

Due to Anushka’s big starring film in Tamil like Thala 55 and Lingaa, and big Telugu’s market helps Anushka to be in top. She has moved her peak and beats Nayantara.

2. Nayantara:

Salary: 1.5-2 crore

Nayantara had a great come back after Arrambam and Raja Rani. But she doesn’t increased her remuneration.

3. Samantha:

Salary: 1.5-2 crore

After Anjaan’s disappointment, she is waiting for Kaththi’s release. After Kaththi Samantha’s salary might have been increased.

4. Kajal Agarwal: 

Salary: 1-1.5 crore

After thuppaki, her market was in peak, but Jilla didn’t helped to Kajal. She is waiting for retrieve her place.

5. Trisha:

Salary: 1-1.5 crore

Trisha’s big hope will be Thala 55. After Thala 55 she can be in top.

6. Hanshika:

Salary: 75 lakh- 1 crore

7. Tamannah:

Salary: 70 lakh- 1 crore

8. Priya Anand:

Salary: 70- 80 lakh

9. Tapsee:

Salary: 70 lakh

10. Lakshmi rai, Andrea:

Salary: 70 Lakh

Source: http://www.kollyinsider.com/2014/09/kollywood-actress-salary-report-2014.html

'Yaan' Hangout with Jiiva [Fans Interview]

Jiiva and Thulasi Nair's Yaan directed by Ravi. K Chandran was censored and got U certificate and all set to release on Oct 2. Recently Jiiva interacted with fans who were selected through a contest in Chennai.

In that occasion, he said he was happy to work in Ravi K. Chandran's directorial debut. Jiiva said filming in Morocco was an experience by itself. The shoot happened at the same place where Hollywood movie "Inception" was shot. Hollywood action choreographers who have worked with the likes of Matt Damon have worked in Yaan.

Having done lot of "local" movies, Jiiva is happy to work in a glossy movie like Yaan. He is confident that the movie will be liked by everyone when it releases on Oct 2.

In Detail:

When Anbu, a medical student, called Jiiva ‘Thalaivaa’, the actor turned back to see who he was referring to. And then, he smiled and said ‘Thank you’ before going on to answer the youngster’s question.

Anbu was one of the ten lucky winners of a fun-filled event called ‘Hangout with Jiiva’ at Marrybrown, Ispahani Centre. Selected from a contest that used the Augray App, the ten fans got an opportunity for a fun tête-à-tête with the star.

His upcoming film, Yaan, was obviously on top of the fans’ minds. Jiiva said: “Ravi K Chandran, the director of the film, has worked with small actors before this. Small stars like Aamir Khan, Shah Rukh Khan (laughs) and, of course, the smallest of them all, Amitabh Bachchan! He is making his directorial debut after years of experience as a cinematographer in the industry. He brought out the best in me.”

The trailer of the action thriller, which stars Thulasi in the female lead, has already been praised for its rich look. “I want to do glossy films,” he said. “I’d like youngsters to watch my work. I have a son and want him to watch me sing, dance and fight on screen. Kids love all that – I’m investing in them big time. Even Mugamoodi, which didn’t do well, was loved by kids. You’ll have all those elements in this too.”

The film has been shot in Mumbai and various other locations in the world. “We shot in Morocco; at the same place where Inception was filmed,” he revealed. “In fact, that road you see in the trailer is the same location where Leonardo Di Caprio canned a few scenes.” Also close to the actor’s heart is learning from the stunt choreographers he trained with in Morocco. “Just like Ravi sir, they’ve also worked with small actors. Like Matt Damon (laughs). I was happy that they liked my work in the action sequences. After the schedule there, one of them gifted me the action gear that Matt had used. That was overwhelming.”

Jiiva is overwhelmed by Bollywood praise for the film’s trailer and songs. With Ranbir Kapoor and Amitabh Bachchan having a word of encouragement for the entire team, Jiiva is a happy man. “Bollywood watches Tamil films keenly. They respect talent a lot.” So, is Bollywood on the cards, asked a fan. “I am ‘Raghu Thatha’ only in Hindi,” guffaws the actor, referring to a popular Tamil film dialogue. “I’m interested, yes, but not as a mainstream hero. I’d like to do something offbeat or perhaps play the villain in a mainstream project.”
Source:http://www.kollyinsider.com/2014/09/yaan-hangout-with-jiiva-fans-interview.html

Madras Movie Critis Review - Go and Watch it

Critics Review:

True Madras spirit all the way! - Walk in to get a hovering feeling of North Madras
- Indiaglitz

Madras definitely deserves a trip to the theaters
- Behindwoods

Madras is a bold and captivating film that has a perfect blend of emotions.
- Galatta

Jeeva Movie Critics Review - A Fulfilling Experience

Critics Review:

Jeeva takes us through the faulty system that forces out the deserving, and is an engaging watch!
- Behindwoods

Suseenthiran has garnished the love, passion, and cricket in the right proportion to serve a fulfilling experience!
- Indiaglitz

Nice entertaining film, and another feather on the director’s cap.
- Sify

Jeeva is a sincere effort to show sports is for talent and not politics.
- Galatta

Jeeva is worth watch, but lacks the unique touch that director
- Rediff