Thursday, December 28, 2006

VIP recommended by Vijay

www.behindwoods.com

Dec 27, 2006

It is natural for people to throng a shooting spot as they are attracted to films and film stars. The crowd would be unmanageable if a popular star is involved in the shooting. Fans might want to take a picture with their favorite star, shake hands with them and observe them at close quarters.
Vijay

It is only normal. But from the directors’ point of view, this hampers the progress of the movie in a lot of aspects. The idea about a specific getup of the star or the storyline would be revealed if people are allowed to enter the shooting spot.

But recently, during the shooting of Pokkiri, this rule was broken to accommodate a VIP. He would never listen to anyone and insisted that he would stay for the filming of the remix song ‘Vasantha Mullai’. Finally he left the shooting spot only after witnessing the entire song. This privileged person is none other than Sanjay, Vijay’s son. Having received the nod from his father, the little boy surely enjoyed his time watching Vijay dance in ‘royal’ style

Wednesday, December 27, 2006

No trouble for Pokkiri

www.behindwoods.com

Dec 26, 2006

The much awaited Vijay starrer Pokkiri is in the news again but this time for a different reason. The association of theatre owners in Tamil Nadu has protested against the release of this Vijay starrer. According to them, they had incurred heavy losses during the release of Adi which has not been compensated till date.
Vijay & Asin

Though there was an assurance from Vijay's side to offset the losses, it was not done till date. Hence the theatre owners have staged a protest now stating that unless Adi losses are taken care of, they would not let the release of Pokkiri for this festival season beginning from Pongal.

But situation seems to have been brought under control now with hectic parleys between these two parties. Now it is expected that an amicable solution would be arrived soon resulting in the release of Pokkiri for Pongal. So fans of Vijay can now concentrate more on the pre-release revelry now to receive the film of their favorite icon.

Sunday, December 24, 2006

Star-studded Reliance Mobile Vijay Awards

Galatta.com
December 24, 2006

The Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium in Chennai saw some glittering stars and a fun-filled few hours earlier tonight as the Reliance Mobile Vijay Awards took to the stage in the presence of thousands of stars, film celebrities and an excited audience.

Film-related award functions these days seem a dime a dozen, but some stand out nevertheless, thanks to their pioneering efforts, the quality of presentation and packaging and their global reach on television and other media. Star Vijay's Vijay Awards 2006 by the title sponsor Reliance Mobile was one such award function that excelled tonight.

The evening saw a host of stars, top-notch film technicians and many ardent movie-buffs and fans thronging to the Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium to see who wins which award.

Hosted by the incredibly glib and funny Yugi Sethu, the event was colourful and fun.

Galatta.com will bring your exclusive pictures and details on the event very soon, but meanwhile, here is a quick roundup of who was there and who won what:

Most of the big names of Kollywood were present at the show tonight - Kamal Haasan with his daughters and brother (of Raaj Kamal Films fame), Sathyaraj, Prabhu, Sarath Kumar R. (with his daughter), Khushbu, Vikram, Vijay, Trisha, Shreya, Dhanush, Sangeetha, Rohini, Kovai Sarala, Anu Haasan, Thirai Paarvai Madhan, directors Balu Mahendra, K.S. Ravikumar and Dharani, singers SPB, Janaki and Chinmayi and many more.

Let's look at some of the awards won:

Best Director: K.S. Ravikumar, award given by Sarath Kumar

Best Actress: Trisha, award given by director Dharani

Best Actor: Ajith (though he was not present at the show)

Tomorrow's Superstar: Vijay, award given by Kamal Haasan

Youth Icon: Vikram, award given by Sathyaraj and Khushbu

Best Comedian: Vivek, award given by Kovai Sarala

Best Playback Singer (Male): SPB, award given by Kamal Haasan's daughters

Best Playback Singer (Female): S. Janaki, award given by Rohini, Anu Haasan and Seventh Channel's Mr. Manickam Narayanan

Best Stunt Director: Kanal Kannan

More award details very soon. As for the festivities at the show, it was a nice mix of stars and Star Vijay programmes shown on stage, with special dances by couples from Star Vijay's Jodi #1 programme. Super Singers (another programme on the channel) was also shown on stage, with some super singers performing remixes on the theme of the Moon, with songs from the past to the present.

To add glamour to all this, great performances by Lakshmi Rai, Rahasiya, Yana Gupta and Priya Mani kept the audience's attention. Rahasiya gave an especially cool performance to the beat of "Sikki Mukki" from the film Vettaiyaadu Vilaiyaadu.

All in all, a well-organized evening by Star Vijay TV and Galatta.com will bring you special coverage of the Reliance Mobile Vijay Awards show very soon (with television telecast timings), so stay tuned!

Friday, December 22, 2006

Pokiri - Action all the way

IndiaGlitz
[Friday, December 22, 2006]

Pokiri, a remake of blockbuster Telugu hit starring Mahesh Babu in the same title, promises to be a racy entertainer with a power-packed screenplay.

What's more, the movie is directed by choreographer- cum-actor Prabhu Deva. After his directorial ventures in Tollywood with Nuvvastanantae Nenodantana and Pournami, Prabhu Deva wields the megaphone for the first time in Tamil with Pokiri.

Produced by Kanakarathina Movies, Pokiri stars Asin opposite Vijay and Prakash Raj plays the baddie in the movie. An action-packed adventure, the movie has all the commercial elements in the right mix.

The movie features Vijay in the role of a ruthless baddie, who is part of a mafia. But he is a man on a mission. He has objectives to achieve. What they are and how he accomplishes them forms the story line.

Asin, after Sivakasi, teams up with Vijay again. She plays an aerobic instructor in the movie. Prakash Raj plays a pivotal character in the movie.

Mani Sharma scores the music for the film. His tunes in the original were highly acclaimed. He has come up with seven songs in Pokiri including a remix of yesteryear hit Vasanthamullai Polae. Nirav Shah cranks the camera. A couple of song sequences were shot in New Zealand.

Pokiri is slated for a release this Pongal. Says Prabhu Deva, "We have made minor changes in the script to suit Tamil audience. With a winner in hand, we are sure to go all out and rock theatres this Pongal."

Thursday, December 21, 2006

CM's grandson into film production

IndiaGlitz
[Thursday, December 21, 2006]

The latest buzz doing rounds in Kollywood is that Udhayanidhi, son of State Minister M K Stalin and grand-son of Chief Minister M Karunanidhi is venturing into film production.

Udhayanidhi had been evincing a keen interest to do movies for the last couple of years. Sources say that he has now decided to do two movies next year.

Udhayanidhi had confirmed reports that appeared in few sections of the press that he would produce a couple of movies in 2007. However, he was tight-lipped about the cast and crew.

Sources say that he has signed Vijay and Vishal for his movies respectively. Vijay and Ileana might come together for a movie while director Dharani and Vishal would combine for another movie.

Udayanidhi's grand-father is known for flawless screenplay, while his father had sucessfully acted in a teleserial.

Pokkiri Pongal ... fantastic dance by Vijay

Cinesouth - 21.12.2006

The Aalthotta Bhoopathi team is freaking out in Hyderabad again.

An opening song for Vijay has become a must, like SIM card for a cellphone. Vijay is always thrilled to work on Kabilan's songs. Dance Master Ashok Raja adds to this thrilling combination.

The song "Aalthotta Bhoopathi... " in this trio combination rocked Tamilandu. Now this new song for 'Pokkiri' is getting ready.

The lyrics for Kabilan's opening song "Pokkiri Pongal...Pokkiri Pongal... Iduppu elumbai udaichu eduthu adupillaamal eriya vittaal..Pokkiri Pongal..."

This song is being picturised by Prabhudeva for the past two days at the Ramojirao Film City in Hyderabad.

Sriman, Vaiyapuri & a host of supporting actors/actresses join Vijay to create a stunning atmosphere.

This song is already a favourite in Tea stalls. 'Pokkiri' to be released for Pongal is bound to rock the theatres.

Wednesday, December 20, 2006

Vijay and Ileana come together

Dec 20, 2006

Udayanidi is the grandson of Chief Minister Karunanidi. He is planning to produce a film in Tamil. Since he is a great fan of Ilaya Thalapathy Vijay and also their good family friend, he has decided to cast him as the hero of the film. Meanwhile efforts are on to bring in Ileana, the latest heartthrob of Telugu Desam as the heroine of Vijay.

Ileana
Since she had already refused to play the lady lead in Pokkiri due to her busy calendar there, persistent trials this time seemed to have fetched a favourable reply from this star. Kollywood circles feel that this new combination is sure to rock

Vijay Next to Rajinikanth (Loyola College Survey 2006)

Courtesy: http://thatstamil.oneindia.in/news/2006/12/20/dmk.html

Monday, December 18, 2006

Vikram's opinion on Vijay

This is taken from Kumudam's article titled Vikram's Answers to Fans. One of Vijay's fans asked his opinion on Vijay.

0

Kalai Ulaga Kathalane, Whats your opinion on my Ilayathalapathy Vijay?
-Vijaypriyan, Sethamangalam

Vijay is a soft person. The thing that I like most about him is, he only speaks when necessary. He also told ealier in Kumudam that, Even a small smile that hurts others is bad, and everthing that doesnt hurt others are good. From his speech, we can know that he is controlled person. Nice man. I like the way he treats his fans. I like Vijay as normal human being. As "actor Vijay", I like his dance, comedy, action everything. Dhool kilapurar.

Copyright: Kumudam Weekly Magazine

Link: http://www.kumudam. com/magazine/ Kumudam/2006- 12-20/pg4. php

Courtesy: STEVE

Pokkiri has racy music

Review by Rediff.com

Pokkiri is the remake of Maheshbabu's Telugu superhit by the same name. With this Vijay-Asin starrer, Prabhudeva makes his directorial foray into Tamil cinema. When jigs-expert Vijay and dance guru Prabhudeva join together what else can it be but incendiary stuff? That is exactly what music director Manisharma has created for Pokkiri.

The songs are tailor-made for Vijay (and his fans) to jive around. It is fireworks all through -- fast beats, racy tunes, heavy percussion and what not. Most of the tracks are a combo of hip-hop and rap. Surprisingly, the composer has woven a slender thread of melody running through most of the numbers. But some of the songs generate an 'already heard' feeling.

The album starts with Aadungada ennai suthi , a self-introduction by the hero. Brisk rhythm and fast beats predominate. Though the percussion is heavy, it never drowns the lyrics. Naveen has done full justice to Kabilan's lyrics which paint a clear picture of the 'pokkiri's devil-may-care attitude, his valour, his recipe for his brand of 'pongal"etc. Metaphors used are rural. There are light melodious two-liners in between the fast couplets.

Dol dol by Ranjith and Suchithra is a fast duet in hip-hop style. The melodious touch of sitar creates a soothing effect. The swara passage in between adds a classical touch. Suchithra's tonal modulation is superb and she very well matches Ranjith's effervescence.

Vasantha mullai polae is the remix of the T M Soundararajan hit from the old film Sarangadhara. Only the lyrics are different after the opening line. The same has been replicated towards the end of this number in a gramophone record tone. It might create nostalgia in
old-timers. A racy piece with lyrics by Muthukumar, and rendered energetically by Rahul Nambiar and Krishnamurthy.

The remixed version of Nee muthamonnu koduthaal is a foot-tapping number interspersed with rap. Swetha's lilting voice is a perfect foil to Ranjith's ebullient one. Lyrics are by Pa Vijay.

The soaring high-pitched Yuthamae is the theme song with hardly any lyrics. Orchestration is sizzling jazz ensemble revealing signs of A R Rahman's influence.

En sellappaeru apple by A V Ramanan and Suchitra has some erotic lyrics. The style is fusion of hip-hop and Rap spiced with Hindi words. Suchitra with her seductive voice dominates in her dazzling manner.

The melodious version of the earlier remix of Nee muthamonnu koduthaal is repeated. The beats are fast and orchestration is a mixture of Indian and western. The sitar interludes are so enticing that you will yearn for more.

Mambazhamam mambazham is a hot duet with rustic flavour. Sankar Mahadevan in his typical full-throated style joins Ganga to render this fast-paced number. Percussion is mild and lavishly garnished with nadaswaram strains. Lyrics are by Snehan. Ending the number on a mournful note is a deft touch.

If you are addicted to racy music, you will enjoy this album. And if you are a Vijay fan, you will have a blast. But the album is of only fleeting interest. There is not a single tune that will go on ringing in your head after the album is over.

Saturday, December 16, 2006

Pokkiri audio release – plan shifts ground

www.behindwoods.com

Dec 15, 2006

With the onset of the Tamil month Margazhi, film fraternity is busy scheduling audio releases and performing poojas for new projects. Point in fact, today is the last day of the auspicious Tamil month Karthikai and the month of Margazhi is considered to be inauspicious for commencement of projects.

Keeping that in mind – and the fact that Vijay is in Australia for the shoots of Pokkiri – the earlier planned mega event of Pokkiri audio release – as reported by us earlier – has reportedly been shelved. Vijay stable seems to have decided to release Pokkiri’s audio in a simple event this evening and postpone the grandiose ceremony to Azhagiya Tamil Magan release instead.
Pokkiri

The audiocassettes and CDs of Pokkiri are likely to be out in the market this evening. Manisharma scores music for Pokkiri.

Friday, December 15, 2006

Pokkiri - Pudhu Puyal

Just one month before the release of Pokkiri, the songs of this film, one of the most anticipated audios of the year got released today. Its celebration Friday, another mini Diwali for Vijay fans. This review of mine is from a neutral point of view mostly, as I wanted to highlight both the pluses and minuses of the songs.

The major pluses of the album are:

  • Its completely youth oriented. You can call it an album by the youth for the youth. The long list of new singers getting credits for the songs is a proof of it.
  • It is a combination of class and mass genre. Anyone can sit and enjoy the album.

The minor disadvantages are:

  • Some songs remind you of already heard songs in parts (though not the full song).
  • The lyrics are crap in couple of songs. Considering the fact that Vijay has lots of kids fan following who recite his songs by-heart, such cheap lyrics won’t sound good in their mouth. Hope it will be taken care in future films.

Having said that lets get into the song by song review. Each song is evaluated for 50 points, on 5 important parameters, each on a scale of 10.

(Note: Charisma is chosen after a lot of search in MS Word dictionary. Don’t mistake it to be Kareena kapoor’s sister’s first name :D)


Aadungada Enna Suthi by Naveen

This is a typical Vijay introduction number and sure a treat for his fans. New face Naveen does a good job and his voice is refreshing though there is a slight lack of feel like the one in Tippu’s voice. Also the beats sound a bit like “Yemmadi Aathaadi” from Vallavan. Nevertheless, it is song that will have Vijay fans bringing the roof down. The chorus voices in the middle sounds like the ones in Deva’s old songs. That is one drawback. But lyrics are nicely written like “Cheri illa oorukulla porakka venum pera pulla… theepandham eduthu theendaamai koluthu”. Sure rocker!!!

Music: 9 Singers: 9 Lyrics: 9 Orchestration: 9 Charisma: 10

Total: 46/50


Dole Dole by Suchithra, Ranjith

Everyone knows the husky and unique voice of Suchithra. She recreates the magic she did in Telugu Pokkiri in this adapted song also. Ranjith, of course one of my favorite singers, is great as he did in telugu. The drawback is some of the opening lyrics which sounds odd but the lyrics of rest of the song is really nice. “Valapakkam suzhalum bhoomi pandhu thirumbi ida pakkam suzhaludhu unnaale..” Nothing genuine or new in lyrics. But sounds really good for the tune. One of the best picks of the album.

Music: 10 Singers: 10 Lyrics: 7 Orchestration: 10 Charisma: 10

Total: 47/50

Vasantha Mullai by Rahul Nambiar, V.Krishnamoorthy

This song the much hyped remix is one the picks of the album. Set with nice folk beats and a bit of olden day orchestration, it’s a very good effort. “Appo gaana thaan pidikume ippo melody-um pidikudhe, kushi iduppa mattum paathavan, ippo kanna nimirndhu thaan paakaren” “ Nambiyaar-a pol irundhene, MGR-a pol maathitaa” etc. The lyrics are naughty and very catchy. The actual remix of old TMS voice in the middle however reminds me the similar one in “Theepidikka Theepidikka” song.

Music: 8 Singers: 10 Lyrics: 8 Orchestration: 9 Charisma: 10

Total: 45/50


Thamizh Thamizh by Ranjith, Swetha

This is a nice melody sung by my favorite Ranjith again and Swetha, who I am 90% sure is the daughter of famous singer Sujatha. The song has a rap part also like in Kannum Kannumthaan(Thirupaachi) and Deepavali(Sivakaasi). But this rap is much better than the other two mentioned. The singers have done full justice to the song and the lyrics are good. The lyrics speak a lot about Thamizh, I guess it has something to do with Vijay’s name (Thamizh) in the fim. The remix of the same song is also neatly done without spoiling the melody. I can say that it is the best song of the album.

Music: 10 Singers: 10 Lyrics: 9 Orchestration: 10 Charisma: 9

Total: 48/50

(For both the original and remix versions)

Yuthame – The Pokiri theme

This partly adapted tune from “Jagadame” song in Telugu is neatly redone for Tamil. Few tamil lyrics and a small bit added to the end makes it right for the film’s theme. Hope it will be frequently repeated in the film’s BGM track.

Music: 9 Singers: 9 Lyrics: 9 Orchestration: 10 Charisma: 9

Total: 46/50


En chella peru apple by Suchitra, AV Ramanan

Again Suchitra takes credits for the same song she did in Telugu. This song though sounds ordinary in first listen, is sure to be better and better as you keep listening to it. Thats what happened for me with “Ippatikinka” of telugu Pokkiri. I could see a little more beats added for the Tamil version probably for the much-spoken-about dance of Vijay and Mumaith Khan for this song. The lyrics are again very ordinary, but okay for this club genre song. AV Ramanan entering music scene after a long time, has very little to offer with this song. Main credits for this song goes to the nice mixing.

Music: 9 Singers: 9 Lyrics: 6 Orchestration: 10 Charisma: 8

Total: 42/50


Maambazhamaam Maambazham by Shankar Mahadevan, Ganga

This is the least good song of the album and thanks that it is placed at the last. The main let down is the poor lyrics and the beats and tune reminding you of some Srikanth Deva’s kuthu numbers. Shankar Mahadevan is surprisingly very ordinary. The female credit mentioned as Ganga sounds like singer Mahalakshmi. :) Never mind, a fast number for front benchers. Though more responsibility relies on the picturisation. It could be recalled that Vijay’s dance in ordinary songs like “Kattu Kattu” from Thirupaachi made the song hit after film’s release. The same is likely to happen for this song too.

Music: 8 Singers: 9 Lyrics: 6 Orchestration: 8 Charisma: 7

Total: 38/50

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
On a grand average: 89%

(For comparision: I would rate Sivakaasi 80%, Sachien 90% and Aadhi 85%)

Verdict: Sounds very very good!!!
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Pokiri music from today

IndiaGlitz
[Friday, December 15, 2006]

Pokiri was a big hit in Telugu, with its racy screenplay and power packed action sequences. It is a film of just the right kind of blend for die hard fans of Vijay, who have always backed his action films with much zest.

The Tamil version of Pokiri is being directed by Prabhu Deva, who was a choreographer first, actor next and a successful director at present. S.Ramesh Babu is producing this film for Kanagarathna Movies.

Mani Sharma is the music director for this film. The audio of this pacy entertainer is getting launched today, much to the delight of Ilaya Thalapathi's fans.

Wednesday, December 13, 2006

Pokkiri' shooting minus director!

Cinesouth
- 13.12.2006

Have you ever heard of a flight without a pilot? Without director Prabhu Deva, Vijay has gone for shooting!

There were reports that Prabhu Deva and Vijay were having differences of opinion at the 'Pokkiri' sets. Both artistes denied the rumours and at a shooting that took place at Chennai, both looked amiable.

That was only 2 days back. Now, both Vijay and Asin have flown to Australia minus Prabhu Deva for shooting a song sequence for 'Pokkiri.'

Vijay

Only 2 more songs have to be shot for the film that's to have a Pongal release. Vijay, Asin, cameraman Nirav Shah and choreographer Raju Sundaram have gone to Australia, but Prabhu Deva remains in Chennai.

It is said the Vijay-Prabhu Deva skirmishes is the cause of this. Others say, because of the editing, dubbing and re-recording work, Prabhu Deva is staying back in Chennai and this is not the first time a song sequence is being shot without the director being present.

As long as the film is a hit, it does not matter!

P.S: This dumb site doesn't know that Prabhu has entrusted each song shooting to a different dance master and this is a part of that plan.