 Kamal Haasan who is a man of perfection is going little extra than usual with his upcoming film 'Manmadhan Ambu' with K S Ravikumar. Kamal usually finds it easy to work with K S Ravikumar. That’s because K S Ravikumar usually discusses a story of a Kamal film with his assistants for at least a week before getting the final screenplay ready. If the story is by Kamal himself Ravikumar boldly involves Kamal for changes he requires in the script as the director. But for ‘Manmadhan Ambu’ there are a whole lot of changes being implemented by Kaml and K S Ravikumar. The most important change is maintaining absolute secrecy of the script. According to new plan Kamal invites only three people for the story discussions. They are Director K S Ravikumar, Era. Murugan and Crazy Mohan - Also he has requested the director not to disclose the story development to anybody else including his assistants and associates. The other members of the team will come to know about the story only at the beginning of each schedule. So why is Kamal so cautious like never before? It is to preempt any vicious attempt by persons claiming the story to be his. All most all of recent Kamal films faced a problem before release by unscrupulous person claiming credit for his stories. |
Kamal to take no chances
'Manmadhan Ambu' launched
IndiaGlitz was the first to report about Kamal Haasan's forthcoming film’s title 'Manmadhan Ambu', the actor launched the movie in Chennai today.
Speaking at a function organised to announce the launch of the flick, which would be produced by Udayanidhi Stalin and directed by K S Ravikumar, Kamal said those who act in stage plays do thorough rehearsals, whereas it is missed in cinema.
"Actors and actresses involved in a film should undergo proper rehearsals before they start shooting. If we take rehearsals seriously before shoots, we can reduce needless expenses in film-making and sharpen acting skills," he said.
"I thank all my co-stars including Trisha, Madhavan and Sangeetha for agreeing to do proper rehearsals." he added. Speaking about the film, he said, "Ravikumar and me share common ideas and it was evident in all our earlier outings (Panchathantram, Avvai Shanmugi, etc). This film will be a lighthearted romantic-comedy and hopefully would entertain fans".
On his part, Ravikumar said, "It is my privilege to work with Kamal again and am also grateful to Udhayanidhi (Stalin) for bringing us together. Most of the movie would be shot abroad, in countries like Italy, Spain and Greece. We should be shooting in a star cruiser."
He said, Kamal would play the role of a romantic youth in the film and there wouldn't be any special get-ups. Cinematography is by Manush Nandan, son of noted journalist Gnani while story, screenplay, dialogue and songs are by Kamal Haasan himself. Devi Sri Prasad will score the music.
Trisha, Madhavan and Devi Sri Prasad, who were present, expressed their admiration for Kamal and said they would ensure that the film would be a grand affair.
Earlier, welcoming the gathering, Udhayanidhi said, "It was my long-time dream to work with Kamal and it has come true with ‘Manmadhan Ambu’. Plans are on to release the film for Deepavali."
Amitabh and Kamal meet in Paris
 Amitabh Bachchan who is in France for a shooting had a chance to recite the poetry of his father Harivansh Rai Bachchan to an international crowd at the Paris’ Theatre des Champs Elysees on last Saturday. And our legend Kamal Haasan also was there as a special invitee in the audience. Kamal who is in Paris for the shooting of ‘Manmadhan Ambu’ was personally invited by Big B after Kamal SMSed him that he is in Paris for a shoot. The team of ‘Manmadhan Ambu’ comprising Kamal, Trisha, K S Ravikumar and others left Chennai on June 10 for a 45 days schedule in France, Spain and other European locations. |
I am not experimenting, says Kamal
Denying reports that he is making 'Unnaipol Oruvan' on an experimental basis, Kamal Haasan has said it is a commercial film with all necessary ingredients to woo the audience.
Speaking at the audio launch of 'Eenadu', the Telugu version of 'Unnaipol Oruvan' in Hyderabad on Sunday, he said the film's director Chakri Toleti did a wonderful job. "The movie will be so gripping," he said.
The actor, who said that he never interfered in the music of the movie, scored by his daughter Shruthi Haasan, added that the opportunity was given to Shruthi only due to her talent. "It is not because she is my daughter," he said.
Venkatesh, who is doing an important role in the film, Gouthami, Shruthi, Akshara and others took part during the audio launch.
Rajini refuses but Kamal accepts
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Kamal Haasan to chair Indian Screen Writers' Conference
Actor Kamal Haasan will be one of the chairpersons at the second Indian Screen Writers' Conference to be held in Mumbai on December 13th and 14th at Indira Gandhi Institute of Development Research.
This annual meeting is conducted by Film Writers' Association whose main objectives are to improve the status of Indian screenplay writers, to protect their rights, and to take Indian screenplay writing to higher standards.
Kamal Haasan, who is also an excellent screenplay writer and one of the panelists of Indian Screen Writers' Conference, has been invited to join the chairpersons of the conference this year.
Post Dasavathaaram (also spelt as Dasavatharam), for which Kamal Haasan wrote the story and screenplay, the thespian has gained a new status in the arena of screenwriters. Ramji Londonwaley (Hindi), Mumbai Express, Chachi 420 (Hindi), Anbe Sivam, Virumandi, Hey Ram, Thevar Magan, Virasat (Hindi) and many more films are examples of his skills as a screenplay writer.
The agenda of this conference: Screenwriters' rights, remuneration, credit protection and royalties; writing for TV; improvement of the standards of Indian screenwriting; and improvement of writer-director and writer-producer relationships.
The meeting is split into eight sections and each section will be chaired by an eminent and experienced writer in Indian Cinema. Kamal Haasan chairs the second and important session of the meeting.
When Kamal Haasan chairs the conference, the topics discussed would be: Writing for TV and improvement Indian screenwriting standards. It is pertinent that Kamal Haasan, a modern thinker full of pioneering ideas, has been chosen to chair the session which discusses ways to improve screenwriting.
The writers will not only discuss ways to improve the standards of screenplay writing, they will also draft a definite plan to help bring about this change. Bigwigs of Bollywood like Ashuthosh Gowariker, Subash Ghai, Javed Akthar, Rajkumar Hirani and Amol Palekar will also attend this conference.
Tamil tution for 'Marma Yogi' cast
'Marma Yogi' started off with a photo shoot at the AVM Studios in Chennai recently and Kamal Haasan, Trisha, Shriya and Hema Malini were part of it. All actors looked ravishing at the photo shoot especially because of a new form of make-up that was used. Called Spray Make-Up, this is probably the first time it is used for an Indian film.
The results were there to see as both Trisha and Shriya glowed with radiance and charm. Kamal Haasan, who has written the script, will also be directing the film. Touted to be the costliest film to ever come from India the film will be shot using the most modern Red Camera. A cinematographer and a team of make-up artists from Hollywood are expected to be part of the film.
Interestingly, some prominent actors of the film who would dub for themselves like Trisha will be trained to speak in chaste Tamil as was spoken centuries ago. Trisha has been provided with a trainer who has started coaching her in Senthamizh. Looks like the perfectionist in Kamal Haasan does not want to leave any stone unturned.
Kamal's 'Marmayogi' casts a quartet of heroines
Next to Kamal Haasan's dream project 'Dasavatham', the magnum opus 'Marmayogi' has already made it to the news stirring expectations that it will be nothing short of incredible.
Latest buzz is a new technique of spray makeup is being used in this film. An accolade is that this is first ever happening in the history of Indian Cinema. The latest news is about the heroines of this film.
Acquainted news is that Trisha has already been roped in to play the heroine. Shriya Saran has also rendered her consent to appear alongside Trisha in another lead role. Now it is learnt that there will be 4-heroines in this film. Along with the newbies, the yester year's dream-girl Hemamalini and popular actress Shobana are proposed to share screen space along with the other two actresses.
Further, they will be cast in the sequences featuring 8th century incidents. Another scoop is some of the sequences is to be shot near Sivasamudram waterfall, in Mandya District of Karnataka, and few others at various exquisite locales.
Mumaith Khan in 'Marma Yogi'
Mumaith Khan, who shot to fame playing item numbers in a slew of Tamil films in the recent past, is the latest addition to the ‘Marma Yogi’ team.
The movie enacted and directed by Kamal Haasan, features Trisha and Shriya in prominent roles. Buzz is that Venkatesh and Hemamalini have been roped in for special roles. With music by AR Rahman, the period film is all set to go to floors very soon.
Latest news says Mumaith Khan has been roped in for a special role. Sources close to Kamal Haasan indicate, “Mumaith Khan would be playing a negative role in the film. Her role will have some grey shades.”
Trisha to pair Kamal Haasan in 'Marma Yogi'!
There has been a lot of speculation shrouding Kamal Haasan's 'Marma Yogi' of late with special emphasis to the female lead of the film.
It was first reported that Kamal Haasan who directs the film was quite keen in casting Kajol, but then the actress could not make herself available due to various reasons. Then attention was turned towards Shriya Saran and Padmapriya. It is now confirmed that these actresses have nothing to do with the film. The latest news is that Trisha would be paring Kamal Haasan. However, it has been confirmed that the only actress to have signed on the dotted line is Jayapradha who would be playing quite a prominent role.
We'll have to wait and see if Trisha's involvement with the project holds water or not. Certain sources claim that Trisha has okayed a 100-day call sheet for the 'Marma Yogi' and that she's looking forward to acting with Kamal Haasan.
Kamal, Asin in an English flick
The name Walt Disney evokes respect and admiration world over for quality films in both the animation and live action categories.
The latest news is that Walt Disney in association with Bharath Bala Productions will be producing a film in English titled '19 Steps'. The backdrop of the film would be martial arts and world audiences will get a taste of some exquisite Indian forms of combat like Kalaripayattu.
Kamal Haasan is slated to play a veteran Kalaripayattu expert who takes it upon himself to train a young Japanese man. Popular Japanese star Tadanobu Asano will play the young man and the story would revolve around his quests in life. Asin is to play a character most actresses around the world would die for….a local princess and a martial arts expert who finds herself falling in love with the Japanese lad in this period film. The film also traces the roots of Kalaripayattu.
The movie is expected to be filmed with a budget of $50 million and will have versions in Hindi, Tamil, Telugu and Japanese.
The story of the film is based on veteran Malayalam scriptwriter M. T. Vasudevan's earlier work. The writer is one of the highly respected personalities in India winning five National Awards for screenplay writing. However, Hollywood writers have been appointed to work on the script to make it compatible to international standards.
The film will be directed by Bharath Bala and will have music by A. R. Rahman.
Is 'Marmayogi' really 'Maruthanayagam in disguise'?
For well over a decade now it has been very clear that Kamal Haasan has a dream project in mind and that is 'Maruthanayagam'. The project was started way back and about thirty minutes of the film was canned. According to sources, several Crores of Rupees were spent for the thirty minutes and the thought of canning the rest of the film scared away the producers. 'Maruthanayagam' then came to a screeching halt.
It can be recalled that when the Queen of England, Elizabeth II, was in Chennai, certain shots were filmed having her as an audience and later the filmmakers showed her some of the already canned scenes.
'Maruthanayagam' as revealed then is supposedly the story of a man who single handedly revolted against the exploits of the mighty British Empire and because of which was hanged to death. But then he had made a mark. The stamp of righteousness and the will to fight for what he knew was right.
The character of Maruthanayagam is much like the life of the legendary Spartacus – the man brushed away to obscurity for being born a slave and yet had the gumption to lead a slave army against the mighty Roman Republic. Spartacus is a character in history who won hearts by perishing the way he did. Rome won on the day it killed Spartacus, but as time the weary traveler plodded on, that victory had become a pathetic failure in terms to how Spartacus had changed the way Rome functioned in the years to come. Spartacus's real intent had reached the world and today he is hailed as a man who stood for the rights of the oppressed. Spartacus had become the real winner.
The story of Spartacus was made in Hollywood in the year 1960 with a terrific cast that included Kirk Douglas, Lawrence Olivier and Jean Simmons. It went on to win four academy awards.
Kamal Haasan's 'Maruthanayagam' has Spartacus's soul in it and in order to recreate the magnificence of the character, huge sums of money were needed.
What makes big news at this juncture is that there is a whiff in the air as to what the connection between 'Maruthanayagam' and 'Marmayogi' could be. Owing to the fact that 'Maruthanayagam' met with protests by a section of the public when it was being filmed and the fact that 'Marmayogi' requires about 120 Crores of Rupees to materialize has brought about the question – Is 'Marmayogi' really 'Maruthanayagam' in disguise? Moreover, it has been officially declared that 'Marmayogi' is a period film set in the sixth century AD.
Has Kamal Haasan started disguising his stories when they are under production much like he disguises himself on screen?
The real truth will surface soon.'Marmayogi' goes to Sweden
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Is 'Marmayogi' a musical?
Kamal Haasan's 'Marmayogi', is all set to hit the floors very soon. A. R. Rahman joins hands with Kamal Haasan after a long gap for the movie.
The music maestro, who is making waves in the Tamil and Hindi film industries had recently stated in an interview that Kamal has demanded many songs for the film, as the script had ample scope for music.
To a question on Kamal's reported remarks that movies should be made without songs, Rahman said, 'I don't think so. If it is the case, then why would Kamal ask for more songs to be incorporated in 'Marmayogi'.
'Marmayogi' will have new and interesting music, says Rahman.
The ace music director is a happy man for his 'Sakkarakatti' audio is doing terrific business, while 'Sultan - The Warrior' and 'Robot' are getting ready.
'Marmayogi' and Shriya – TOTAL STRANGERS
It was reported a few days earlier that Shriya would play the heroine in Kamal Haasan's 'Marmayogi'. But then the news has turned out to be totally false. Shriya was in Chennai for a brief period and has categorically denied her association with 'Marmayogi'.
“I was quite surprised to see the media go hammer and tongs on me being a part of 'Marmayogi' because nobody had approached me to be a part of the film. If such an opportunity came, I'll most definitely be one of the happiest people in the world”, says Shriya.
The gorgeous actress has her hands full at the moment and is part of Vikram's 'Kanthasamy' and was in Mexico for the film's shooting. She is slated to start filming for 'Jaggubhai' soon where she plays Sarath Kumar's daughter. K. S. Ravikumar would direct that film.
Shriya will be pairing with Dhanush once again as she will be joining the successful 'Polladhavan' team soon, for their next film. Director Vetri Maaran is currently coming up with a story that's expected to have a slick and compelling narration.
The two Hollywood projects that Shriya has been part of have reportedly shaped up very well. 'The Other End of the Line' produced by Ashok Amritraj has the actress play a Call Center employee who falls in love with a customer just by listening to his voice.
The other English movie she is working in is Deepa Mehta's 'What's Cooking' where she'll share screen space with Seema Biswas and Lisa Ray.
Shriya is also part of a Hindi project titled 'Mission Istanbul' which is expected to release by the end of this month.
If there is someone who can be termed ON DEMAND – Shriya would be a perfect fit.
Big B in 'Marmayogi'?
It has been confirmed that ‘Marmayogi’ will have veteran Bollywood actress Hemamalini playing a prominent role. But the biggest surprise that could lead to tremendous anticipation is that Amitabh Bachchan might be part of the project too. Kamal Haasan, it seems is trying to rope in the legendary actor for an interesting role.
According to sources, Kamal Haasan has recently expressed this desire saying ''We are working on ‘Marmayogi’ which will be on a grand scale and Amitabh Bachchan would be perfect for a role in the film”.
It can be recalled that plans were on to rope in the Big B for the Rajini starrer 'Sivaji'. However he declined the offer.
It would be interesting to see if the Shahensha of Hindi films is fascinated by 'Marmayogi'. Sure would be great if he is. If that happens, it will be the first time Amitab would be part of a Tamil film.
Kamal Haasan in 'graphics'
Actor Kamal Haasan will play a guest role in 'Indiralohathil Ilavarasan', a movie starring Telugu hero Srikanth.
The movie is the dubbed version of the Telugu film 'Yamagola'. Meera Jasmine and Reema Sen are part of the cast. For the Tamil version, a few scenes have been shot. Among them, a prominent sequence involving Kamal Haasan will be added to the movie. A sequence depicting Kamal Haasan from his earlier films would be added to the film with a lot of graphics.
“As far as the story is concerned, the entire movie unfolds in Indiraloham. It is a humorous and entertaining film”, says Srikanth.
St.Thomas brings Rajinikanth and Kamal Haasan together?
As reported earlier, Madras Archdiocese is producing a film on the life of St. Thomas, an apostle of Jesus Christ.
St. Thomas came to India to spread God's message after the crucifixion of Jesus Christ and his tomb is located at the Santhome Basilica in Chennai. Plans were made to make a spectacular film along the lines of 'Benhur' and 'The Ten Commandments' showcasing the life and times of St. Thomas.
It has been confirmed that Ajith and wife Shalini will be part of the project. According to unconfirmed sources, superstar Rajinikanth will be playing the role of legendary Tamil littérateur Thiruvalluvar in the film. The sources also add that Kamal Haasan will play a prominent role and actors Vijay and Vikram will also feature in the film.
Funded by the Government of Canada and the Vatican, the film will be made at a whopping cost in various locations in India and abroad. Shooting is slated to happen in January 2009 and the film will grace movie screens in 2010.
If the unconfirmed sources are to be believed, Rajinikanth and Kamal Haasan will share screen presence after a very long time….well over twenty five years.
The film was recently launched at the Santhome Basilica compound by Chief Minister M. Karunanidhi.
Shriya to pair Kamal Haasan
Terrific news has reached the ears of Shriya. The cute actress, who acted opposite Rajinikanth in 'Sivaji', will share the screen with Kamal Haasan now.
Reports suggest that she has been urged to act in Kamal Haasan's multilingual project 'Marmayogi'.
''I went over to cloud nine when they approached me to act opposite Kamal sir in ‘Marmayogi’. However, talks are still on and nothing has been finalized yet.'
When asked for the reason, Shriya said, 'Since I am already committed to a couple of projects including ‘Kandasamy’, ‘Jaggubai’ and a Hollywood film produced by Ashok Amritraj, I need to squeeze some time in between to be part in this prestigious project'.
On Kamal Haasan, she says, ' he is a talented actor, who has a passion for cinema. To be part of his project is a delight for any actress'.
Shriya plays a Call Center employee in the Hollywood film and ends up falling in love with a foreigner. How they meet and does love really blossom forms the rest of the film. Shriya incidentally has won the heart of Ashok Amritraj with her portrayal.
Kamal's short film on ‘Marmayogi’
In similar vein, the actor has now come up with a short film on his forthcoming movie 'Marmayogi'. Sources reveal that the short film comprises the theme of the movie, cast and crew along with other technical details. It would be screened at the grand launch of 'Marmayogi' planned at Mumbai by this month end.
It is said that bigwigs of Bollywood like Amitabh Bachchan, Dharmendra, and Shah Rukh Khan are expected to attend the launch ceremony. Produced by Pyramid Saimira, ‘Marmayogi’ would have Hema Malini and other Bollywood actors in pivotal roles.
