Madhavan won’t be an Idiot again!

Plans of remaking Bollywood blockbuster ‘3 Idiots’ in Tamil and Telugu have been in the pipeline ever since the Aamir Khan, R Madhavan, Sharman Joshi starrer hit the screen. However, the director and star cast have been recently finalized. 

Ace filmmaker Shankar, whose Endhiran is the most awaited flick of the year, has agreed to shoot the Tamil and Telugu versions of ‘3 Idiots’. However, though the actors to play Aamir and Sharman’s role are finalized for both the versions, the production house Gemini Films wanted Madhavan to play his bit.

Once on board, Shankar confirmed Vijay (Aamir), Simbu (Sharman) for the Tamil version and Mahesh Babu (Aamir), Simbu (Sharman) for Telugu. There was news that Maddy is not interested to do the role again. Industry insiders were hoping that Maddy might change his mind after Shankar joined the dream team. But the actor has confirmed that he will not be able to do the South Indian ‘3 Idiots’. 

Madhavan declared, “For the last and final time, I am unfortunately unable to do ‘3 Idiots’ in Tamil and Telugu.” The actor is currently shooting for Tamil film ‘Manmadhan Ambu’ and Bollywood movie ‘Tanu Weds Manu’ which is why he doesn’t have dates for anything new. 

With Madhavan’s ‘no’ to the film, the director and Shankar are on a hunt for an actor who can slip into his role. 

Question: Which actor can play Madhavan’s role from ‘3 Idiots’ in Tamil and Telugu versions? Leave comments below... 

Nayantara To Bid Goodbye To Acting

Is nayantara going to bid goodbye to acting? This is the question that is doing the rounds in Tamil Nadu these days. She has been making steady progress in South cinema over the past few years with her small but significant part in Chandramukhi garnering good appreciation. This year, both her Telugu films Adurs and Simha did well at the box-office. She now has only 3 films - Boss Engira Bhaskaran (Tamil), Super (Kannada) and Electra (Malayalam) - at hand and has no plans of signing any new films. Recently, she even refused the Kannada film Jogayya, which happens to be Shivrajkumar's 100th film. But sources close to her state that she wants to do quality films before she retires.

Exclusive: Film Story of Vijay’s ‘Velayudham’

Ilayathalapathy Vijay has already completed shooting for his next film ‘Kaval Kadhal’ and is now gearing up for the other project titled ‘Velayudham’. The film is produced by Aascar Ravichandran and is directed by ‘Jeyam’ Raja. The film is reported to be a remake of Telugu movie ‘Azad’ that had Nagarjuna, Bollywood actress Shilpa Shetty and Late actress Soundarya
The film’s shooting has been already done for 5 days at Palakkad and will have the other schedules soon after tomorrow’s Puja at University Hall in Chennai.

The story of Velayudham goes this way…
Genelia D’Souza is completely frustrated with the misdeeds of a criminal named Deva, who covers himself as a staunch follower of Bhagavath Geetha. But what the society doesn’t know about him is that he is real troublemaker of many problems in society. One day Genelia witnesses a group of baddies dying at a car accident. Apparently, Genelia D’ Souza develops a fictional character Velayudham and he is the cause for all the heroic acts of this assassinations. Sooner, the fame about Velayudham starts spreading like forest fires across towns and cities.
Cut to a village….
There is a humble and peace loving guy called Velayudham (Vijay), who is leading a happy life with his widowed mother, sister (Saranya Mohan) and cousin girl (Hansika Motwani). Once, he comes to Chennai to withdraw the savings amount of Rs.5Lakhs from a Chit Fund Company. At the same point of time, there are 5 bomb blasts occurring in the city out of which Velayudham escapes from every blast. Later, the news is spread that he is the real hero Velayudham assassinating the baddies.
Getting to know about it, Genelia D’ Souza reveals about her deeds of frightening the baddies with a fictional name. However, Velayudham isn’t interested in striving for this cause and plans to make his way back to Village soon after withdrawing the money meant for his sister’s marriage.
But then, the Chit Fund Company happens to be a bogus and many innocent victims who invested lots of money commit suicide. Finally, Velayudham turns to be a real hero, thereby carrying each and every work of the fictional character in reality.
But the biggest twist occurs in the tale when Velayudham gets to know that Deva is actually not a Muslim, but a Muslim terrorist planning to destroy entire India by causing clashes between the religions.
Now it’s up to Velayudham is revealing the true colors of Deva and saving the innocent people, who have laid their trust on Deva.

Theatre owners upset over Vijay films

Tamil Nadu Theatre Owners Associations general secretary while speaking to the media said,” All the 6 films which Vijay did the lead roles were utter flops. Because of this we have incurred a loss of Rs 30 Crores.

In order to compensate this Vijay has to pay us 35% of the money. Actors Rajnikanth, Kamal Haasan, Manirathnam and T Rajendhar have paid the compensations when their films failed.

In the same Vijay has also to compensate. We are asking this on humanitarian grounds. If he does not compensate us by June, we will discuss on all the forums and decide the next course of action against him.” 

Samira Reddy says that she loves Gowtham Menon

Samira Reddy says,” I am a great fan of Gowtham Menon. Though my role was small in Vaaranam Aayiram, I got lot of fans because of him. I love Gowtham Menon.”
Samira Reddy was a glamour doll in Bollywood but Gowtham Menon made her dress modestly in the film Vaaranam Aayiram and showed her as a beautiful angel. Because of this film, Samira Reddy had got a good name in Tamil cinema. Now again she is acting in Gowtham Menon’s film. The film is being produced by Gowtham Menon and is titled Nadunisi Naaigal. Samira Reddy eyes widen when she speaks about this film.
She said,” You will see a different Samira Reddy in this film. This film will create great thrill in the theatres. This film and I will be much spoken. I am not interested in glamour roles alone. I like to journey in everything.
Though my role in Vaaranam Aayiram was small I was able to earn lot of fans. But I was the heroine in Asal but many people did not like that. Now I will be choosy and act in selected films. I am a great fan of Gowtham Menon. It is a great gift for me to act once again in Gowtham Menon’s film. I love Gowtham Menon.
Both Asal and Vaaranam Aayiram had good stories. Above all I like Ajith and Gowtham Menon. That is why I agreed to act in these films. That doesn’t mean that I will act in the films directed by popular directors. I liked the Tamil film Kaaka Kaaka very much. So when Gowtham Menon called me to act in Vaaranam Aayiram, I was thrilled.”

3 Idiots overtake Endhiran

In a time when there is the sensational news about the release of Endhiran, there is also sensational news about the Tamil remake of the Hindi film Three Idiots. Vijay who was initially reluctant to act in this film decided to act after he came to know that director K Shankar would be directing this film. Now it is confirmed that Vijay would do the role which Amir Khan did in the original version.
Normally Shankar films will have the music of A R Rahman but Anniyan had the music of Harris Jayaraj. Now the news is that Yuvan Shankar Raja will be composing for this film. Apart from this Sathyaraj has also agreed to the professor role which Boman Irani did in Three Idiots.
This is the first time Shankar is directing a remake film. But now the question is who the three idiots are. It is confirmed that Vijay is acting in Amir’s role. It is also being mentioned that Simbhu will be doing another role. But it is not known that who will do Madhavan role.
The official announcement of the Three Idiots remake will be made after the audio launch of Endhiran.

Kollywood is in shock when the news came out on Linguswamy said NO to Simbhu!!!

Lingusamy, who has given consistent success like Run, Anandham, Chandai Kozhi, Paiyaa etc., has said 'Out' to Simbhu creating a shock wave in Kollywood.
It is said that Simbhu's new ventures in Kollywood has angered Lingusamy as he felt Simbhu should only work with him and not simultaneously with any other one.
While Lingu is keeping quite, Simbhu has come out openly and he called upon the reporter Richard of HosurOnline and discussed in depth about the rift between him and Linghu.
He is the extract of the discussion:
I agreed to work with Lingusamy's production company

Thirupathi Bros and the movie was said to be directed by Boopathy Pandiyan.  Later it was said that Dayanithi Azhagiri's Clound Nine will produce the movie and Linghu will be the director.
Even though Lingusamy had agreements with Azagiri, I never signed any contract with them, though Dayanidhi Azagiri was my close friend.  I waited for almost 100 days with the faith that Linghu will discuss story with me, but that never happened.
Now I have started working for Vaanam which was proposed even before the foot ball world cup final and even I had a courtesy to discuss the same with Dayanidhi Azagiri.
Now, Lingusamy declares to the media that he has chuked me out from his project and is discussing with another hero.  How is this fair?
He has made me wait for him for more than 100 days and has forced me to spoil all those days and now making me shame by announcing to the media about my drop from his project.
It is said that the other hero, Linghusamy has opted in is none other than Vijay!

Cricketer turns Hero in Kollywood

Famous cricketer from Tamilnadu Sadagopan Ramesh is ready to star as hero in the movie named Patta Patti 50:50. This flick is a full-fledged comedy, directed by debutant director Yuvaraj.








In the movie Sadagopan Ramesh role synchronizes his real life where he plays as an international cricketer. His previous movie was santhish subramaniam in which he did cameo appearance. Ramesh is the only cricketer after Ajay Jadeja who has represented Indian cricket is appearing as hero in the film, Jadeja had already done a film as hero in the Bollywood film.




 In the film Harini plays the lady lead opposite Ramesh. The film is produced by Sanraa Media and has music from Arul Dev.

Ajith is Gautham’s next Stylish Cop

Both Ajith and Gautham are coming together for their future project which is yet to be titled. Reportedly this would be Ajith’s 50^th film under ace director Gautham direction.

After Suriya and Kamal Hasan its Ajith this time to star as police in the movie. According to the insiders director has narrated a short description about the movie to Ajith in which Ajith plays a stylish cop. Both director and hero have well of experience doing police characters and roles and Gautham’s earlier flicks about cop was super hit.

The film to be produced by Dayanidhi Azhagiri. Reportedly Ajit had turn down the offer offered for the movie Kakka Kakka, which was later offered to Surya and movie was block buster in the box office.

Ananthapurathu Veedu Movie Review

Naga. The man behind many thrillers in small screen, has recreated the magic on big screen with 'Ananthapurathu Veedu'. At a time when films are made in a grand budget with actors hopping from one country to another to dance for songs and huge sets were erected where the hero bashes goons, Naga has rendered a tale that is woven inside an old house.

Director Shankar's ‘S Pictures’ has produced the film, which again is away from clichéd commercials keeping the reputation of the production house intact. The movie may sound like a scary one, but is a jolly fun ride for it talks about value, relationships and sacrifice within a family.

With just a handful of characters, Naga has penned a script that is engaging in most parts. But the lacunae are it goes lengthy towards the latter part with needless several portions, which fail to garner the attention of the audience.

Bala (Nandaa), comes to his ancestral village Ananthapuram with his wife Revathy (Chaya Singh) and four-year-old kid Anandh (Aryan). Bala's parents had an unnatural death killed in an accident.

Many unexplained incidents happen in the house which frightens the family. The little one feels the unnatural occurrence in the house first. Meanwhile there is a twist to the tale. The reason for Bala and his family taking refuge in the ancestral home is revealed.

Eventually the unnatural activities are nothing but that of spirits of Bala's parents who shower love and affection on the trio. Eventually they sort out all troubles for Bala and all ends well.

Naga has chosen an apt star cast who deliver what is required for the movie. Nandaa, who played a baddie in his last ('Eeram'), has played a doting husband and a caring father. Chaya Singh as his claustrophobic wife fits the role well. Watch out for young Master Aryan, who is right there impressing one and all. The rest of the cast including Kalairani as servant maid, Krishna and Ganesh Babu are adequate.

The movie has just a couple of songs by Ramesh Krishna. His background score compliments the good work of Arunmani Pazhani on camera.

Though the length is a problem in the movie, it can be overlooked for Naga's sincere approach to render a horror flick in a stylish manner without frightening the masses. All said, Naga deserves credit for giving a clean entertainer.

Kalavani Movie Review

Cool’ could be the right choice to describe ‘Kalavani’ in one word. Hardly the fact that the movie is directed by a debutant and there are no big stars in it would strike you, as you would be so glued to the film right from scene one.

In other words, ‘Kalavani’, directed by fresher Sargunam (a former associate of ‘Kireedam’ fame Vijay) is a light hearted film that comes across as a whiff of fresh air, throwing light on the sense and sensibility of human relationships.

The story is nothing new. It is about a boy and a girl from two different villages which are at loggerheads for years. Not just that, the girl has an elder brother too, who poses hurdles to the affair, a regular thing in most of the movies made in these parts.

But the treatment the director has given to the script and the way he narrated the story win all accolades. Aptly helping him is cinematography by Om Prakash and music by S S Kumaran (of ‘Poo’ fame), not to forget the support given by producer Nazir to make such a different venture.

Arikki (Vimal), a good for nothing youth, is pampered by his mother (Saranya), with his father (Ilavarasu) working in Dubai sending money for their survival. Arikki is the one who also does some harmless minor heists and makes marriage proposals to every girl he meets.

But things change when he falls for Maheswari (Oviya), a girl from a nearby village whose terms with Arikki’s place is not worth mentioning. The feud between the two villages is further fueled when one of Arikki’s friends crosses swords with Ilango (Thirumurugan), Maheswari’s brother.

How Arikki successfully crosses all hurdles and ties the knot to Maheswari is the rest of the story, which is told in a lively and unconventional way that could even make you to roll over the floor laughing.

For Vimal, it is an extension of his ‘Pasanga’ act and he does it with ease. Oviya fits well to the role of a village belle. The experience of Saranya and Ilavarasu is visible on screen while debutant Thirumurugan marks his presence. Ganja Karuppu as Panchayathu tickles the funny bone.

If you are ready to forget some loopholes which you rarely come across and game for a fun-filled ride, ‘Kalavani’ could be a wise choice to spend some quality time. For films like ‘Kalavani’ is not a regular happening in Tamil cinema.

Madrasapattinam Movie Review

Young filmmaker Vijay, who has stepped out of filmmaker Priyadharshan’s school, has made his mentor proud. If ‘Siraichalai’ was considered a master pierce from Priyan, his protégé has proved with ‘Madrasapattinam’ that he is equally skilled.

The movie is set in the 1940s when the Britishers were about to leave the Indian soil. The crux of the film is about an innocent and valorous Tamil youth falling in love with the daughter of the English Governor.

The troubles and turmoil that their romance face and what transpired between the young White girl and the Tamil youth on the day of Indian independence have been dealt clearly and crisply with a touch of political background, laced with patriotism.

Though shades of ‘Titanic’ could not be avoided in this period film, it is a sincere and a worthy attempt with the whole cast contributing their might, ably supported by sound technical brilliance behind the screen.

The Madras then has been craftily recreated by art director Selva Kumar. The dhobikhana, the waterways at Buckingham canal, which were used for ferrying, the Central Station and its platforms, trams and the royal Government houses of the British era have been erected close to perfection.

What more, the lens of Nirav Shah has been at its best capturing them well on screen. The lights and shades, the colour tone and the difference in flashback and contemporary on screen hog all limelight thanks to the cinematographer. His work is one of the assets of the film.

Manohar Verma’s stunts are pulsating and racy. Especially the chase at the Central Station is astounding. Antony’s editing as usual peps up the proceedings, though he could have trimmed a little in the second half. However his scissors seems to have woked with a purpose.

But the scene-stealer is young G V Prakash Kumar. He has come up trumps with the songs that reflect the time. What more, the background score is apt for the movie. At places, he reminds one of maestro Ilayaraja. He has shown a lot of promise and ‘Madrasapattinam’ is sure to take him places. The sorrow of a woman missing her lover has been brought out well by Prakash’s background score.

The movie begins more like Titanic as an old English woman (Emy Jackson) almost at her death bed in London, wants to come down to Chennai in search of a young man Parithi (Arya) whom she last saw on 15 August, 1947.

Almost 60 years from then, she is clueless as she has just a picture of Parithi, which was taken then. The search begins. There are scenes where she recalls her past. It is revealed that Parithi was a valorous dhobi in ‘Madrasapattinam’. He revolts against the British officials for they plan to construct a golf course in their dhobikhana

.

Comes Emi, daughter of Madras Presidency Governor, and she develops an affinity towards Parithi. She is friendly and helpful. Sequence of events leaves romance blossoming between them. Parithi calls her affectionately as Duraiamma.

Even as they face trouble from the angry White officials, comes 15 August 1947 which brings freedom to India. Duraiamma is now forced to go back to England. Parithi runs from pillar to post and fights to hold his sweetheart’s hands. But he couldn’t achieve his mission. Cut to present, Duraiamma is back in search of Parithi. Did she realise her mission forms the climax.

Arya excels in his role. He fits the role to T. Be it an angry youth voicing against the Whites or a romantic youngster running around to save his beloved, he is right there giving his best. Emy Jackson walks away with aplomb. Her spontaneous expressions are the highlight. For a foreigner to give right emotions in a Tamil film is no easy task. But she does the impossible with ease.

Cochin Haneefa’s one-liners are rib-tickling. The rest of the cast including Nasser, Balasingh, M S Baskar, Balaji, Kishore and Jeeva are adequate. English man Jack James as a greedy British cop is an apt choice.

Vijay has shown immense maturity in taking up such a difficult theme and working it out well with right entertaining and engrossing elements. His nose for minute details is worth mentioning. His adept screenplay and catchy screenplay work out right magic.

Produced by Kalpathy Brothers’ AGS Entertainment and presented by Udhayanidhi Stalin’s Red Gaint Movies, ‘Madrasapattinam’ is a movie to cherish for movie-buffs. Away from the madding crowd of commercial clichés, it is a film that would send positive vibes among those who love meaningful films.

Thillalangadi Movie Review

What can one expect when the likes of director Raja and his sibling 'Jayam' Ravi come together? A full-fledged racy commercial entertainer that never lags anywhere. Living up to their expectations, the brothers have come out with an engrossing fare in 'Thillalangadi', but only in parts.

Half the battle was already won by Raja, when he chose to do the remake, for he had a winner in his hand. The original 'Kick' with a racy screenplay and interesting storyline had swayed the masses in Andhra Pradesh.

Giving it a local touch, Raja seems to have embarked upon the journey with great energy and gusto. But unfortunately the end product lacks the necessary punch and power.

The movie has a mix of comedy, action, romance and sentiment. The script is woven in such a way to ensure that there is pep all through. However the eyesore at many places is some lengthy scenes and a feel of deja vu thanks to predictable scenes.

The movie boasts of huge star cast that includes 'Jayam' Ravi, Shaam, Tamannah, Vadivelu, Prabhu, Suhasini, Santhanam and Radharavi among others and interestingly unlike other films, all have a part to play.

Ravi (Krishna) is a happy-go-lucky youth who loves challenges and cannot live without getting a kick out of doing things. He falls in love with Nisha (Tamannah), but she leaves him after Krishna lies about his job.

Nisha goes to Malaysia, where she forms an alliance with a tough cop (Shaam). However, the cop has a mission. He is there to catch a notorious thief (it's Ravi again) who has been stealing money from rich people. What happens then forms a climax.

The energetic 'Jayam' Ravi, bubbly Tamannah, Shaam (who played the same role in the original) and Vadivelu have combined well in their attempt to recreate the magic of 'Kick'.

Jayam Ravi as callous and bubbly youth Krishna impresses in parts. Tamannah as Nisha oozes glamour. She has loads of dialogues too. However the lacuna has been the dubbing voice, which sounds alien at times.

Vadivelu as Jackson tries to tickle the funny bone in you. Otherwise his role is almost seen and enjoyed in several films before. Shaam repeats the Kick act. Hitherto seen as romantic hero in Tamil cinema, Shaam plays a different and a daring role.

Watch out for Radharavi who plays a Minister. A seasoned actor, the veteran has proved that doing such roles is a cakewalk for him. Prabhu and Suhasini play caring parents of Ravi.

Yuvan Shankar Raja, who has pulled it off in the background score, missed it off in songs. But for a couple of hum-able numbers, the songs fail to impress.

Cinematography by B Rajsekhar is cool while editing by L Sasikumar is crisp at many places though he could have trimmed few portions.

On the whole, the movie produced by Jayam Company and presented by Sun Pictures, is a raw 'Andhra Masala' presented in a Tamil palate. Interesting in parts, the movie would have ended up more shining and bright, had few loose ends been stitched together.

ARYA'S Chikku Bhukku

Times have changed. But changed not is the craze for romance fictions and travelogues. Blending the both on celluloid is Manikandan, a former associate of late Cinematographer-filmmaker Jeeva.

His forthcoming venture 'Chikku Bhukku', starring Arya and Shriya Saran in lead roles, is a romantic entertainer shot on a train. The film is produced by Media One Global Entertainment Limited in association with Majestic Multimedia Limited.

Interestingly, Manikandan and Media One share a good rapport even before the commencement of this venture. For it was Manikandan who completed 'Dhaam Dhoom' after its director Jeeva's sudden demise.

According to a press release, the duo has now aimed to reach even higher with 'Chikku Bhukku'. The release says: "The film stars Arya, who did a stunning performance in ‘Naan Kadavul’. Shriya Saran has done a never before performance in this film. Debutante Preetika has a very important role and she is the younger sister of Bollywood star Amrita Rao."

"Arya with his earlier performance in 'Varudu' has created a brand for himself with the Telugu audience, while Shriya is a leading actress in Tollywood. Considering the kind of response that these lead actors hold, the film will simultaneously release in Tamil and Telugu," it adds.

Most of the technicians who had worked with Jeeva are part of the 'Chikku Bhukku' team. Camera was handled by R B Gurudhev, dialogues were written by S Ramakrishnan, and lyrics were done by Valee, Pa Vijay and music by Colonial Cousins Hari and Lesle, while Rekha Chinni Prakash and Dinesh did the choreography. The costumes were handled by V Sai and Deepali Noor.

Says Manikandan, "The film is a romantic travelogue, which starts in London and ends in Karaikudi. The shooting took place in and around trendy areas of London, scenic locales of Mysore, Coonoor and traditional houses of Karaikudi.

The diversity between spectacular locations in London, rain forests near exotic western ghats in Karnataka and monumental Karaikudi would give a new look and grandeur to ‘Chikku Bhukku’."

He adds: “I learnt a lot of things from my mentor Jeeva. ‘Think big and be confident about whatever you take up,’ he would say. I am sure ‘Chikku Bhukku’ will work, thanks to its script and lead players.”

On the movie’s storyline, he says, “It is a romantic travelogue. As the title suggests, a train will be seen in the background in most parts of the movie.”

On the whole, 'Chikku Bhukku', a nostalgic clang of a train, is expected to give its viewers, a new romantic journey, which would be enjoyed by one and all.

VIJAY'S VELAYUDHAM

Remakes have always been safe bets for Vijay and director M Raja. With the former having a track record of films like ‘Kadhalukku Mariyadhai’, ‘Ninaithen Vandhai’, ‘Priyamanavale’ and ‘Pokkiri’, the latter has carved a niche for himself doing remakes from ‘Jayam’ to ‘Santosh Subramaniam’.

And now, both have come together for ‘Velayudham’, which too is said to be a remake of a Telugu hit, titled ‘Aazad’. Produced by Aascar V Ravichandran, the film that was launched amidst much fanfare has two heroines- Genelia and Hansika Motwani.

Says Raja, “This is my first film with a big actor like Vijay. He suits to the role well. The movie is about an ordinary youngster who transforms as a catalyst to reform the society. I am hopeful ‘Velayudham’ will work big time with the audience.”

Vijay plays an enterprising youngster while Genelia is doing the role of a journalist,” the director says and adds: “Hansika Motwani and Saranya Mohan are also doing crucial characters. Comedy will be taken care of by Santhanam and Sathyan.”

The plot is interesting. Genelia reports that a superhero is saving the city and circumstances lead Vijay to accidentally save the city from the impostors, making him the accidental superhero!

Vijay’s costumes in the movie seem to be inspired from a popular game title. Though nothing is known how long he’d be wearing the costumes, the first look given by the makers suggest Vijay’s up to something big!

Saying Priyan’s cinematography will be a highlight and Vijay Antony has come out with catchy songs, Raja continues: “On the whole, ‘Velayudham’ will be a wholesome treat to not just Vijay fans, but for every movie-goer.”

On his part, Vijay says, “Working for a big banner like Aascar gives me immense proud. Raja is known for his knack to deliver blockbusters without a break. ‘Velayudham’ is a nice story. Hopefully our combination should rock.”

VTV in hindi

The most successful romantic movie of the year 'Vinnaithandi Varuvaya', produced by RS Infotainment and Photon Factory, is all set to speak in Hindi.

The Hindi remake of the Gautham Vasudev Menon's classic will be directed by Gautham himself and would be produced by RS Infotainment in association with Photon Kathaas and Mumbai's Purple Arts. Shooting will start from today, said a press release from the producers

Playing the lead role in the romantic entertainer in Hindi version would be Pratik Babbar, son of yesteryear popular Bollywood hero Raj Babbar. Trisha who played Jessi in Tamil will repeat the act in Hindi.

Double Grammy and Oscar-winner A R Rahman would be scoring the music while Anthony handles editing, art by Rajeevan and cinematography by Manoj Paramahamsa.

Ravana review

Mani Ratnam's latest Raavanan is nowhere in the league of his previous

80s and 90s Tamil classics.

The trouble is that the master craftsman, whose films used to work due

to its offbeat storyline and unique presentation, has changed his

focus to hindi cinema

In the process he has lost touch with his roots and ends up making a

film which does not have strong Tamil nativity or flavour.

But having said that, Raavanan is good in parts, an off-kilter

cinematic experience. It is technically the finest movie made in

recent times, superb camerawork of Santosh Sivan and Manikandan, never

seen before stunning locales (in India) and crisp editing.

The major plus is the actors Vikram, aishwarya Rai, Prithviraj, Prabhu

and Karthik are very good and keep us engrossed, but the story and

screenplay by Mani Ratnam and Suhasini are a big let down.

The story is wafer thin and Mani has based it pretty much on Ramayan,

with a cop, and the Robin Hood story set in a forest with some twists

and subplots.

Veera (Vikram), a Robin Hood-like guy also known as Raavanan, and his

elder brother Singam (Prabhu) live in a tribal village somewhere near

Ambasamudram in Tiruneveli. They mete out instant justice and run

Kattapanchayat, but are loved, respected and feared by the locals.

Dev (Prithviraj), the Ram character is the Superintendent of Police.

He is on the hunt with other cops and a forest guard (Karthik), a new

Veera has a personal score to settle with Dev and the cops whom he

age Hanuman, for Raavanan, who has taken his wife Ragini (aishwarya)

believe is responsible for his sister Vennila's (Priyamani) custodial

rape and subsequent suicide.

Meanwhile, Ragini, who initially abhors Veera and thinks he is a

brutal beast, later discovers that her god like husband is no saint

and has dark shades in his character, too.

All this leads to a riveting climax on the cliffs.

The highlight of the film, as mentioned earlier, is the technical

wizardry. Mani's choice of lush locales fits in with the realistic

sets and props erected by art director Samir Chanda, and captures the

ethos and milieu effectively.

Water is the main motif throughout the film - the waterfall, the

characters having long conversations as it rains continuously, the

song and celebrations in rain.

You can feel and touch the greenery, the moss in the forest as Santosh

Sivan's camerawork is pure magic and his use of natural lighting gives

the film that raw, colourful, serene look.

The climax fight between Vikram and Prithviraj on the bridge is

extraordinary, with picture perfect top angle shots and camera

movements.

However, AR Rahman's music and Mani's song picturisation and

placement, for which he is famous, is pretty ordinary. Songs act as a

speed breaker and is not needed, but has been thrust in for commercial

reasons.

In fact, during post interval, two songs come back-to-back within a

span of five minutes. The particular song has been introduced to show

Veera's love for his sister, Thangachipasam Mani style!

Vikram as Veera towers above all. He brings a primal mixture of

beauty, affection and savagery to the character. You can feel the

earnestness of his intentions and the wetness of his tears, especially

in the climax. He adds the little touches that make all the difference

to his character and you can't take your eyes off him.

Armed with the film's best-written role,aishwarya raihas made a

sensational comeback as Ragini, whose fear and hatred for Veera gives

way to a sneaking admiration for her captor. She is mesmeric and has

come out with an award-winning performance.

Prithviraj is the ideal foil for Vikram, and is good, especially in

the final subtle showdown with Aishwarya.

Priyamani does her best in her cameo appearance, while Prabhu and

Karthik are hilarious and make a mark.

The film lacks the Mani Ratnam touch in the story and screenplay

department, and has a wobbly first half, where the story just does not

move. The last 10 minutes are the best part of this 2 hours 7 minutes

film. Mani Ratnam is better off doing straight Tamil ventures than

making such hybrid variety films that fall between two stools.

Raavanan will never feature among Mani Ratnam 10 best films.

Nonetheless, it is not to be missed.