Vishal – En route to mass appeal

'Chellame' became a stupendous hit and propelled Vishal to stardom with just one film under his belt. After carefully being part of many other successful projects notably 'Sandakozhi' and 'Thimiru', the actor had come to stay as a bankable star. Vishal and the think-tank behind his acting endeavors probably think it is time to reach out to the next level which obviously is turning into a hero with mass appeal. The outcome clearly is 'Satyam' produced by Vishal's big brother Vikram Krishna.

In a society that worships cinema-heroes, there is absolutely nothing wrong in becoming a mass hero as did superstar Rajinikanth and Vijay with great effect. It is actually a very credible effort and can be viewed as a strategic career move. 'Satyam' has projected Vishal as a cop with an impressive physique and there is a telling difference to his macho appeal when compared to his looks in previous films.

Talking about the film itself, it is a regular run-of-the-mill action flick but with a difference. An ambitious attempt to please the tastes of two states, Tamilnadu and Andhra Pradesh is very evident. 'Satyam' was made simultaneously as 'Salute' in Telugu. Can this trend be adhered to with future movies? Only time will tell and the course of the future might probably depend heavily on the success of 'Satyam'.

Technically, the film is brilliant with impressive cinematography by R. D. Rajashekar who seems to be excelling with every project of his. Computer Generated Imagery in the film has been marvelous except for a few shots that clearly show 3D cars composited along with real cars. Art direction and stunt sequences have been made in a refreshing manner. These technical facets along with Vishal's appeal and Upendra's character depicted in an elusive manner are the positive elements of the film.

However, a serious thought has to start plaguing the minds of most Tamil filmmakers. The fact that the script is the real lifeline of any film and that technicalities though brilliant can only act as catalysts in reaching out to the masses. If only Rajashekar, director of 'Satyam' had a serious thought along these lines, the film might have become one of the biggest sensations this year.

However, the film might just have enough in it to be financially viable and Vishal's quest to be a mass hero will see the light of day especially because of his hard work on and off screen.

'Satyam' creates ripples of anticipation

'Satyam' starring Vishal and Nayantara is releasing on the 14th of this month and has been quite successful in creating a wave of expectations not only in Tamilnadu but also in Kerala.

After the big success of 'Dasavatharam' in Kerala, more Tamil films are being sought after. Rajinikanth's 'Kuselan' was released in 85 centers and in the first week itself, the movie made a collection of more than two crores. Despite mixed reviews the film is expected to do well in the next couple of weeks. 'Kuselan' is all set to be a winning proposition for the distributors of Kerala.

The latest flick starring Vishal and Nayantara 'Satyam', has already become hot property in Kerala. The movie is distributed by Mulakupaadam and is eagerly bargained for by many theatres. According to new reports, the movie will be released widely in more than sixty centers across Kerala.

It is ironical to note that 'Aayudham' a Malayalam film starring Suresh Gopi seems to be in the back seat as the hype over 'Satyam' is heating up. Both films release on the same day.

'Satyam' releases in Andhra Pradesh as 'Salute'.

'Satyam' running the race alone?

Will 'Satyam' run the race alone? This is the question doing the rounds in Kollywood now. Normally a host of movies hit the screens on 15 August (Independence Day) every year.

However this time around , it is said that a slew of movies have backed out of the race at the last moment since Rajinikanth's 'Kuselan' had released just a week ago and also because Kamal Haasan's 'Dasavatharam' is still doing good business at the box office.

The likes of 'Jayam' Ravi's 'Dhaam Dhoom' and 'Sakkarakatti' have pulled out leaving Vishal's 'Satyam' to run the race alone. 'Satyam' starring Vishal and Nayantara is directed by debutant Rajasekar and has Harris Jeyaraj's musical score.

Filmed with a huge budget, the movie has been produced by Vishal's brother Vikram Krishna and is simultaneously getting released on 15 August in Telugu as 'Salute'.

Expected to be an action-packed venture, the movie features Vishal, Nayantara, Kannada actor Upendra among others in lead role. Vishal plays a tough cop for the first time.

Nayantara's sex appeal in 'Sathyam' not forced – Rajashekar

Nayantara's sex appeal in 'Sathyam' not forced – Rajashekar

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'Sathyam' features Nayantara in a glamorous role and has reportedly performed in a steamy manner with Vishal in a song sequence. Ever since the movie's stills were published in the press there has been a lot of talk of the 'onscreen closeness' of the lead pair. Many even started wondering if Nayantara was forced to step on the glamour element.

When a section of the press voiced this to the director of the film Rajashekar, during a press meet held recently, he categorically denied forcing Nayantara into appearing sexy in the film.

'The story needed the female lead to be glamorous and I had made this point very clear when I narrated the story to her' said Rajashekar.

Nayantara plays a daring television journalist in the film and her relationship with a top cop adds on the fuel to her investigation as well as the police department's hunt for the baddies.

'Nayantara is a thorough professional and took it upon herself to do justice to the role' Rajashekar added.

The film is slated for release on August 15 as 'Sathyam' in Tamil and 'Salute' in Telugu. What started as a four-Crore budget went on to a whopping cost of 23 Crores. About 600 prints are being made available for the release.

Vishal will become the number one amoung the young heroes

Vishal is creating waves in the movie industry. His movie Sathyam is to hit the screens on August 15^th 2008. The negotiation continuing with the distributors is for Rs 40 crores and the Andhra Pradesh rights for Rs. 25 crores.

If the movie Sathyam made with Rs. 25 crores is released for Rs.40 crores Vishal will become the winner among the young heroes. It was said by the reporters close distributors, that Nayanthara’s glamour sequence which Vishal made her to do and his action sequence increased Sathyam’s popular among the distributors.

Angry Vishal

Actor Vishal who happy and enthusiastically waiting the release of his movie with hot and beautifully actress Nayantara on August 15^th is now very angry. He got very upset about the rumours about him and Nayantara that they are in love and Simbu is trying to interfere.

He spoke to the media about the rumour; he said there no such thing between him and Nayantara. Vishal said he would like to get the person who is spreading the rumours about him.

Then he added if he was in love he would not hide it

Suriya and Vishal – On collision course

Suriya's 'Varnam Aayiram' directed by Gautham Menon and Vishal's 'Sathyam' directed by Rajshekar are expected to fight for audiences as both films release on Independence Day.

Both films are highly anticipated and are touted to have good storylines. Suriya has turned body builder with this film. His new look with a 'six –pack torso' has stirred enough and more curiosity and Suriya fans can't wait for the film's release. Suriya has been depicted as a young, middle-aged and old man in this film that also stars Divya Spandana and Sameera Reddy. Simran has also been cast in an interesting role.

The combination of Gautham Menon, Harris Jayaraj and Suriya is a highly successful one after its electric appeal in the form of 'Khakka Khakka'. 'Varnam Aayiram' with its technical brilliance and good storyline might just go ahead and recreate the magic once again. Ratnavelu is the cinematographer of the film.

'Sathyam' has been made at a whopping cost of 12 crores and revolves around the life of an Assistant Commissioner of Police. This is the first time Vishal plays a cop. Nayantara has bagged a role most actresses would die to perform. The role of a daring television journalist seems to be tailor-made for her and the character would be a major influence on the storyline. A number of children also perform in this film.

'Sathyam' has been extensively shot abroad and international talent has been used for 'chase' sequences. Harris Jayaraj has composed music and R. T. Rajshekar has cranked the camera. Kanal Kannan and Stunt Siva have worked out the fight sequences.

With both films creating healthy expectations, one will have to wait and see as to which one will make it bigger at the box office.

At this point we can only say….may the better film win!!!!