|
Rajini refuses but Kamal accepts
Rajini's fans make a move
After painting Coimbatore red with wall-posters heralding the entry of actor Rajinikanth into politics, his fans in Kovai on Monday launched a political party in an attempt 'to put pressure' on the 'Superstar' to take the political plunge.
Announcing the party's name as Desiya Dravidar Makkal Munnetra Kazhagam (DDMMK), they also released the party flag in red, white and black - featuring Rajini's face inside a shining star.
About the new outfit and flag, Rajni Babu, who is a councillor in Madukkarai says that the party had been launched only to impose pressure on their hero to foray politics. We have made this flag and outfit to represent ourselves in the world of politics and wish our leader to make his announcement soon.
Sources close to the actor said, “Rajini was scheduled to discuss the issue of entering politics and starting a party with his fans from 12th to 18th October.”
The meeting will take place amid expectations by his fans that he will follow the footsteps of Chiranjeevi, says one of his close friends.
'Kuselan' – A boon or bane to Tamil cinema
Ever since 'Kuselan' was announced and the exhilarating stills of stylish Rajinikanth were released, expectations began to soar sky high. P. Vasu's decision to make 'Kuselan' after his successful outing in remaking the Malayalam classic 'Manichitra Thazu' as 'Chandramukhi' in Tamil, seemed quite reasonable. Rajinikanth seemed the perfect choice to play a superstar on film.
Both Rajinikanth and P. Vasu have spent decades as filmmakers in Tamil Cinema and yet seem to have completely lost the plot when it comes to presenting their latest release. Despite a lovely story that presents itself as an ode to friendship, can a character exist in a film with just a tag and no plausible role to perform? An insight into the fact that even the tremendously adulated larger-than-life Rajinikanth can never be above the story. This is something Tamil filmmakers will have to think about very seriously.
This is probably the reason why Sreenivasan, the writer of this story made it a point to showcase Mammooty (who played the superstar's role in the Malayalam original 'Katha Parayumbol' for less than ten minutes in the entire film because he carries a tag with no role to perform till the end. If this had been the case with 'Kuselan' things might have been very different.
P. Vasu seems to have banked more on the star appeal of Rajinikanth than what the actor portrays on screen. A major miscalculation. Nayantara has been featured in a nothing role and every time she is seen on screen, the director's thirst to incorporate glamorous scenes cry out loud making mincemeat and mockery of the storyline.
The story of the real protagonist of the film played by Pasupathi and his livelihood have been made in a refreshing manner but then 20 minutes into the film one gets the feeling the lead character had walked out of the sets of 'Veyyil' only to walk into 'Kuselan'.
The final twenty minutes of the film showcases Rajinikanth's inimitable style of narration and appeal synchronizing with the storyline. A sense of great relief can be felt amidst the audiences especially because the irritating 'beating-about-the- bush' sequences are over once and for all and there is an emotion that the audience can finally relate with.
'Kuselan' an adapted remake comes across as a 'what could have been' movie rather than a 'what is' movie.
The film also gives insight into two main facets of filmmaking that no one can ever change – no matter what.
- The story has to be the 'superstar' of the film and actors will have to strengthen it (even if the actor is Rajinikanth).
- There is no such thing as a sure-shot filmmaker until and unless the basics of storytelling are adhered to with loads of creativity and hard work.
'Kuselan' sure has been successful in making many think along these lines. Probably it's time.
'Kuselan' will not spoil Shahrukh's chances – Priyadarshan
'Kuselan' has released with heightened fanfare and is running to packed houses in Tamilnadu and Andhra Pradesh. As already reported Rajinikanth's 'Kuselan' is the remake of the Malayalam film 'Katha Parayumbol' written by Sreenivasan.
Another Malayalam filmmaker who has been quite successful in Hindi films as well, Priyadarshan, is remaking the film in Hindi with Shahrukh Khan and Irfan Khan in the lead roles and the movie is called 'Billoo Barber'.
There was speculation in the media that 'Kuselan' would be dubbed in Hindi soon. According to this information, Shahrukh Khan was reportedly in panic because Hindi audiences would see Rajinikanth in the role he is slated to play. 'Billoo Barber is expected to be released during the Diwali season.
This report also added that Rajinikanth had stepped in and assured Shahrukh Khan that the dubbed version of 'Kuselan' would not be released before Diwali.
A new light is now thrown on this entire episode. Director Priyadarshan has declared that 'Kuselan' cannot be dubbed into any other language.
Says Priyadarshan, 'when P. Vasu and his team approached Sreenivasan for acquisition of copyright, he consulted with me. We agreed to go ahead with all their requests because they were adamant Rajinikanth would be cast in the film. However, we made sure to include a clause that said 'Kuselan' cannot be dubbed in any other language'.
Priyadarshan also added that 'Billoo Barber' would be very different from 'Kuselan'. 'Only the ending of both the movies would be the same. I have always maintained that Irfan Khan would be the main character of the film and not Shahrukh Khan'.
'Rajinikanth is introduced in the film riding a winged horse. My portrayal of the 'superstar' character would be more on a realistic approach. It will be very different from 'Kuselan' said an assertive Priyadarshan.
With Priyadarshan's statement, all speculation as to 'Kuselan' spoiling Shahrukh Khan's dreams can be laid to rest once and for all.
"Accolades are pouring from all quarters for my performance in 'Kuselan'", says a happy Meena.
She played the role of Pasupathi's wife in the film and the character had enough and more scope to bring out her inner acting strengths. "All credit to P Vasu sir who considered me the apt choice for the role", she says.
Meena enacted the same role in the Malayalam original ‘Katha Parayumbol’. "Since I had to do the same role, I had no tension enacting it", she says with glee.
"It was a dream-come-true-experience for me to share the screen with Rajinikanth sir. Beginning with ‘Anbulla Rajnikanth’, I have acted in six films with the 'Super Star' so far", she says and adds, "Appreciation for my performance is pouring in from various quarters. I consider this the greatest moment of my life".
Asked why she is very choosy these days, Meena says, "I want to choose only the right scripts. Only those films which have a challenging role for me would appease me".
Aishwarya Rai on ‘ROBOT’
Aishwarya Rai has finally spoken out on ‘Robot’. The former Miss World has said that she has earmarked the entire month of September to shoot for Rajinikanth's ‘Robot’.
'Rajini and director Shankar have been very busy over the past few weeks with the groundwork for ‘Robot’. I will join them in September,' said Aishwarya, when asked about the mega project.
Meanwhile, Rajini told reporters in Thirupathi a couple of days ago that he along with director Shankar would leave for the US soon to start filming ‘Robot’, which is being jointly produced by Ayngaran and Eros International.
Will Rajinikanth and Aishwarya Rai paint the town red together?
Let's wait and see.
Rajinikanth clarifies
A press meet was held in the morning of 2nd August and superstar Rajinikanth clarified his stand on the recent 'apology' he had made to the Kannada media.
'I am happy where I stand today. My speech during the protest meeting over the Hogennakkal issue was directed only to the people who indulged in violence and not to Kannadigas in general' said Rajinikanth.
Speaking at a function organized to distribute financial aid to the technicians who worked for his latest film 'Kuselan', Rajinikanth said, 'Now I say that I have learnt my lesson'.
It may be recalled that Rajini's reported apology to Kannadigas evoked protests from a section of Tamil film personalities.
Earlier, speaking at the function, director Balachander said, 'I discovered Rajinikanth and know him very well as a man of principles and integrity. He had only expressed his regret and did not apologize. Put an end to this once and for all and let us not be party to a fight within Tamil cinema'. He also appealed to everyone to stay united.
P Vasu, Pushpa Kandasamy and P.T. Vijayakumar of Seven Arts were also present on the occasion.
'Rajini on a sticky wicket'
Though most 'Rajini fans' celebrated the release of 'Kuselan', Rajinikanth's regret to the Kannada chauvinists for his remarks on the Hogenakkal issue has won him the wrath of many from the film industry.
South India Film Artistes' Association president Sarath Kumar wanted to know why his friend (Rajini) regretted his speech and what he meant by saying 'he had learnt a lesson'.
'He must clarify his apology to the people of Tamilnadu who have made him the Superstar,' he said.
Actor Sathyaraj said, "It is a disgrace not just to him but also to his fans. If Kannada organizations had threatened to stall the release of my movie in Karnataka, I would happily compensate my producers and distributors from my own pocket rather than apologize to them".
Actor-director Vijaya T Rajendar said, 'Rajni wanted to showcase himself as a hero. But now he proved that he is a zero.'
'Kuselan' Fever in Bay Area
'Kuselan' fever is catching up in the United States. After introducing the cut-out culture in USA, the Super Star's sensationalism doesn't just seem to end there. A group of hard-core enthusiastic fans, have tagged up with the sponsors Pyramid Saimira Entertainment Group, Narmadha Travels and Tirupathi Bhimas planning for a 'Kuselan' pre-release launch on Friday, the 25th of July.
The launch is going to happen in Thiruapthi Bhimas restaurant itself. There is going to be a slogan contest in which prizes will be given away for every one hour for the winning slogans. Since 'Kuselan' is a movie which portrays the greatness of friendship, the participants are expected to write a slogan about their best friend and the winners' details are going to be published online.
Bay Area Rajini Fans have also planned for an exclusive screening of Super Star Rajinikanth's videos, 'Kuselan' slideshow, etc at the restaurant. Already, there have been numerous enquiries about the ticket sales. According to the distrubtor, Jayavel Murugan of Narmadha Travels, people are very anxious to get the tickets for the opening weekend itself.
'Kuselan' 'Rajini special' chocolates invade USA
M&M the American equivalent of Cadbury Gems in India is coming up with chocolates with the image of superstar Rajinikanth on them at a time when the highly awaited 'Kuselan' is to hit screens across the United States of America.
| |
For the first time ever in the history of the USA, an Indian film actor is being featured in highly sought-after products. M&M is a huge household name in the United States when it comes to candy. It is a brand that is synonymous with sweets and is adored by kids as well as adults. It is this company that wants to be associated with the Indian film superstar in a bid to woo Rajini fans in the United States. Customizing superstar Rajinikanth image on the candies is indeed a phenomenal beginning and a valid recognition to the star power the Indian actor enjoys in far away United States.
'We have ordered 20 pounds of candies for every city where the movie is screened in the USA and will be distributed to Rajini Fans on the premier show' said Jayavel Murugan, a major distributor of Indian films in the USA. He is extremely happy at the unbelievable response the movie has generated in the USA.
Every Rajini movie in the recent past has generated a lot of interest among multitudes of people from Indian origin. 'Kuselan' is in many ways the moment of reckoning pertaining to all the interest generated over the years.
Rajini imprinted M&M candies and huge vinyl cutouts will light up the launch of superstar Rajinikanth's 'Kuselan' in all cities in the USA. Imagine huge Rajini cut-outs at all the theaters releasing 'Kuselan' and candies with Rajini images being showered on all those coming for the premier show. Just perfect.
Movie lovers coming in for the premier shows would not only be showered with the candies but will also be treated to mouth-watering 'Rajini Special' Dosas. All this has the look and feel of a carnival. This carnival atmosphere can be created in movie theaters only by the magnificent aura that the name Rajinikanth creates.
A slice of India is being experienced in the United States and it sure is a welcome sign.
| |
Pyramid Saimira distributes 'Kuselan' in the USA. 'We are ordering a total of 50 prints for USA and no city would be without the movie's launch on the release weekend', said a representative.
Rajinikanth to woo Japanese fans
Rajinikanth is going to Japan and perhaps with, his new film Kuselan. Rajini is already an iconic figure to many Japanese fans though he never been to the country ‘Land of the Rising Sun’.
The South Indian Diaspora in Japan naturally is fans to this Super Star, but surprisingly the legend has huge following amongst native Japanese too. The Japanese call him the Dancing Maharaja! And admire him for his energetic dancing, fighting skills, and abundant talent in comedy, drama and emotion. The local stores have DVD's of all his movies. Ten years ago his film Muthu ran for 23 weeks at a Tokyo Theatre and watched by over one lakh Japanese. Now the release of a new film of Rajnikanth is a cause for celebration.
Receiving an invitation from the Tokyo International Film Festival, Rajni is preparing to take Kuselan to Japan. However, his visit to Tokyo is not yet confirmed; however, Kuselan will be a treat for them to watch the Star in a younger and more dynamic role than Shivaji – The Boss. Incidentally, Kuselan is also being made in Hindi title as 'Billo Barber’ with Shah Rukh Khan in the lead role. The centre theme of the films is friendship and is slated to be released internationally in the first week of August to coincide with World Friendship Day.
Superstar Rajinikanth ROCKS in Kuselan Trailer
Watch Kuselan Trailer
Courtesy / Thanks : IndiaGlitz
As actor Sathyaraj famously said once, 'Rajini's body language is great even when he sleeps', the man of the moment Rajinikanth has done justice to his part as a star on screen. The trailer also reveals many things. An insight into the story of how a world which was common for two boys had drifted apart creating two different worlds as time the weary traveler moves on stealthily.
Vadivelu looks comical and vibrant. One look at him and you are sure to have a good laugh. Wonder what the twin mustache does for him. The mustache grows bigger and smaller at will. Wonder what controls that?
The music and the general appeal of the trailer sure carries the soul of the film at its flamboyant best.
P. Vasu, the master at amalgamating good stories and the commercial element seems to have gotten out of the correct side of his bed when he started off with 'Kuselan'. Everything seems to have fallen in place. Rajinikanth of course is the star….be it the trailer or the full length film.
The superstar rocks in this trailer.
Finalizing Rajini's looks for Robo
 Director Shankar and costume designer Manish Malhotra are busy men these days. They have the rather pleasant task of stylizing superstar Rajinikanth in such a way that he jells with the character he plays in the film. Initial reports indicate that Rajinikanth would play a young scientist in the film and would be seen in a rather eccentric getup. But then, what is a Rajini film without style and substance? Manish Malhotra is a big name when it comes to dressing up popular stars. His work in 'Sivaji' was 'to the point' and brilliant. The Shankar-Malhotra combine would most definitely want to recreate the stunning Rajini demeanor with Robo as well. To finalize his looks, photo-shoots were held at the AVM studios and a popular studio in Nungambakkam. Rajinikanth dressed up in Manish Malhotra's costumes and reportedly looked dazzling. Rajinikanth is not all that young anymore and so requires wigs these days. Many of his fans still believe that no wig can actually live up to his original hair. But then his original hair is lost forever and so hairstylist Banu was roped in for 'Sivaji'. She has been restored with the responsibility for 'Robo' as well. Shankar is known to experiment and so he is expected to organize many more photo-shoots before actually finalizing the star's looks. Aishwarya Rai who plays Rajinikanth's leading lady in 'Robo' is currently on a world tour with her husband and in-laws. As soon as she gets back to India, another round of photo-shoots are expected to take place. |
Animated Rajinikanth starts work
It has been confirmed that Vijayalakshmi would be playing the leading lady in the film and not Ileana as reported earlier.
Motion Capture technology entails actors to be wired up with infrared lights and as the actor moves, the movements are recorded onto a computer. These movements would then be applied to 3D models that are designed after the actors.
This is the very first time that a 3D animation movie is being made based on an Indian actor. Rajinikanth's unique body language and mannerisms would be reflected completely on the 3D model that's going to play Sultan – the warrior.
The movie is being produced by Ocher Studios owned by Soundarya Rajinikanth and is expected to be released in 2009.
Rajini cut-outs in USA
 The adulation superstar Rajinikanth receives in Tamilnadu is well known. The reception to every single film of his is truly one of a kind. From milk abishegam to bursting crackers, distributing sweets and dancing wildly, boisterous celebration is a regular feature when it comes to fans' expressing their admiration to their favorite actor. Giant cutouts are also erected in all theaters that release Rajini films. This feature is now traveling all the way to the United States of America. The Indian populations who reside in the States make it a point to watch all the films that Rajinikanth acts in. With 'Chandramukhi' and 'Sivaji' making it big even in the US, expectations for 'Kuselan' are soaring across Indian populations there. The distributors of the film in the United States have perceived these expectations very well and are planning to match it in all ways possible. The very fact that Rajinikanth plays a superstar in the film is reason enough for all the expectations because of the plethora of opportunity for RAJINI STYLE. Cutouts of Rajinikanth are going to be erected in cinemas that are going to screen 'Kuselan'. These cutouts are being made in India and will be taken to the United States and they will be about twenty five feet in height. Rajini magic surely is catching up in the United States big time. |
'Kuselan' countdown starts
The movie would be getting released in over 10 screens across Chennai. Distributed by Pyramid Saimira worldwide, the advance booking for 'Kuselan' is set to begin very soon. 1200 prints have been made ready for 'Kuselan' worldwide.
Since 'Chandramukhi' and 'Sivaji' went on to become big hits, 'Kuselan' is expected to complete a hat-trick of hits for Rajinikanth. The combination of the superstar and P. Vasu is known for striking gold at the box office.
Rajinikanth plays himself in the movie and this has brought on a Himalayan expectation that there is plenty of scope for the superstar's inimitable style and mannerisms in the movie. Rajini fans are ecstatic with this fact.
Various fans' associations of Rajnikanth are planning to celebrate the release in a big way. Festoons and huge banners are expected to come out in various parts of Tamilnadu.
Trade analysts feel that the Rajini magic at the box office would take the movie to very great heights. Produced by Seven Arts Vijayakumar and Kavithalaya, 'Kuselan' features Pasupathy, Nayanthara, Vadivelu and Meena in lead roles.
The audio is already a big hit thanks to the peppy tunes by G V Prakash. The movie is expected to rock theaters from July 31.Get ready to watch a chic and trendy Rajinikanth soon.
'Kuselan' – 1200 prints for July 31 release
'Kuselan' is definitely going to rock with Rajinikanth' dashing looks and style as he plays a reel-life superstar.
Pyramid Saimira is going to release 'Kuselan' with a starting 1200 prints, on 31st July. The movie is being produced by K. Balachander's Kavithalaya. The movie trailer will be out in a few days amidst huge expectations.
P.Vasu is directing the movie. Rajinikanth paired with Nayantara plays the star role, while Pasupathy is co-starring Rajini for the first time. Meena and Mamtha Mohandas are appearing in prominent roles.
G.V.Prakashkumar (nephew of A.R.Rahman) has composed the music.
Soundarya Rajinikanth in 'Kuselan'
As already reported, the song is a tribute to 75 years of South Indian Cinema and superstar Rajinikanth himself. The song will also delve into the working atmosphere of all the technicians who have come together in making the film 'Kuselan'. Since Soundarya is in charge of the 'graphics' part, she has been shot in a 'working mode' in her office.
Similarly, G. V. Prakash has also been shot in a 'working mode'. Chandramukhi also had its director P. Vasu, producer Ramkumar and music director Vidyasagar egging on the audience by shouting 'Repeat' in the song 'Devuda….Devuda'.
Every single news about 'Kuselan' is exciting and more such info is expected to be pouring in till the movie's release.
Ileana in Rajini's Sultan
Ileana, who entered Kollywood with ‘Kedi’ opposite Ravi Krishna, would begin her second innings in Tamil filmdom with Sultan.
Besides, she has also been asked to share the screen with Vikram in a movie to be directed by K S Ravikumar. Vikram would act in two different roles in this project.
The movie is produced by Soundarya Rajinikanth's Ocher Studios. A R Rahman is scoring the music.
“It is privilege to do a movie on my father, who is a mass hero and man admired by the masses”, says Soundarya.
‘Sultan The Warrior’ would hit the screens in April 2008.
'Kuselan' in Hindi, Kannada now
Titled 'Kuselan' and 'Kathanayukudu' in Tamil and Telugu respectively, the movie is directed by P Vasu.
Buzz is that director Priyadarshan has already starting work on the project and plans are on to remake it in Hindi with Shah Rukh Khan in the lead role.
Rumors are doing the rounds that efforts are being taken to remake the movie in Kannada now. In all probability, Ramesh Aravind and Golden Star Ganesh might be part of the project.
The film is all about two childhood friends among whom one becomes a superstar in the movies and the other becomes a rustic barber.
The sensitive theme of the movie has already created waves and it looks like the story would be very valid across cultures.
