Monday, April 30, 2007

Vijay seeks two hour permission

By Behindwoods News Bureau.
April 30, 2007

Ilaya Thalapathy’s next project after Azhagiya Thamizh Magan will be with director Dharani. This venture film will be produced by Udayanidi, son of local administration minister Stalin and the team of Gilli will come together once again to cast a magical spell on the audience.

This film was formally launched today with just a simple pooja followed by a two hour shooting in front of a Vinayagar statue at the Shyamala House in Valasaravakkam. Today being an auspicious day, the crew wanted to begin the shooting for a couple of hours though the full fledged filming has been slated for the month of June.

Currently Vijay is busy with Azhagiya Thamizh Magan, the shooting of which is likely to extend till the end of May. Sincere artist that he is, has taken a two hour permission from the director of ATM to take part in Dharani’s film.

Friday, April 27, 2007

Azhagiya Tamizh Magan - tale of sets worry

By Behindwoods News Bureau.
April 27, 2007

In film industry sticking to deadlines plays a crucial role as every step in making a film involves money in great amounts. For the upcoming Vijay starrer Azhagiya Thamizh Magan, an enormous bungalow set was erected at A V M studios where a considerable part of the film involving Vijay and Shreya were filmed.

But the unit is in trouble right now as they are not able to complete shooting at the premises as per their schedule due to the absence of Geetha, yester year heroine of Pudu Pudu Arthangal who plays the role of Shreya's mother in this film.There are some sequences in the film involving Geetha which needs to be shot at the bungalow set. But the actress is said to be in America right now.

This has put a temporary break in the progress of the film as the unit is not in a position to remove the set but at the same time is forced to pay the rent for the same. Hope the lady in question returns soon to complete her portion.


Copyright: Behindwoods. com

Thursday, April 26, 2007

Superstars and their emotionally intense stunt scenes

Courtesy: Behindwoods.com

Think of those fight sequences that have thrilled and excited you. No doubt, there will be many. But try and think of those fights that have made you clench your fists, screw your lips and roll your eyes more intensely than the hero himself. When you have felt restless in your own seat, transported onto the screen as the hero himself, brooking no mercy at the perpetrator of peace. Such fights are very few, fights with emotion, passion and of course some very heavy punches. We look at some of Tamil cinema’s emotionally intense fight scenes performed by our Super stars over the last few decades…

Ghilli

This must qualify as the shortest stunt scene in Tamil cinema. Prakash Raj is this baddie against whom no one stands up and when he tries to force Trisha into liking him, appears a man with a hood, jogging along. The entire town watching, Vijay casually jogs up to Prakash Raj, with little idea of how big a monster he was looking at. The director builds up the scene perfectly for a huge pandemonium, only to finish it off in style with the hero delivering a thundering blow on the villain. What followed was one of the most exciting chase sequences in Tamil Cinema. A blow it was, had the impact of 20, pushing the movie to silver jubilee.

Tuesday, April 24, 2007

Vijay hits another century

By Behindwoods News Bureau.
April 24, 2007

Readers may be aware that Behindwoods' review team had predicted earlier that Vijay's Pokkiri would be a huge hit. The prophecy has turned out to be true indeed. Pokkiri has already completed over 100 days of successful screening and is marching towards greater victory.

The movie has been running to packed houses at the city's Devi, Satyam and Abirami cineplexes and Agasthya theatre apart from other theatres all over the state. Moreover, Pokkiri has attracted the attention of movie buffs of the neighboring states as well. It was well received in Kerala and is marching towards success there too.

It is not just the star value of Vijay and Asin but the story, music and other technical details are also attributed to Pokkiri's success. With the smashing hit of Pokkiri, the Illaya Thalapathi has once again established his status in Kollywood.

Monday, April 23, 2007

Pokiri completes 100-day run

IndiaGlitz
[Monday, April 23, 2007]

Pokiri completes a successful 100-day run all across the state on Monday.

A remake of a Telugu blockbuster titled the same, the success has come at the right time for Vijay. He waited for almost a year to commence Pokiri.

Directed by Prabhudeva, the movie starring Asin opposite him released on Pongal this year. It is not just opened big but managed to complete a 100-day run, which is a rarity these days.

Unlike his earlier films, the movie had action and humor at right mix and Vijay visited all the theatres where the movie was screened and interacted with the audience.

Thanking Prabhu Deva, Vijay, says, “I was confident that Pokiri would put up a good show at the box office. My hopes came true. I thank all my fans who made the movie click”.

Interestingly the movie managed to collect huge revenue not just in Tamil Nadu but also in neighboring Kerala. It has completed 100 days in a few centers in the state, and has collected around five crores from the state alone. This is one of the biggest run made by a Tamil film in Kerala, in the recent years.

Sunday, April 22, 2007

Irattai Vedathil Nadikirena? – Vijay paeti : Kungumam Interview

Interview of Vijay in Kungumam

The whole town is in festive mood. Guru, who was cupid struck by Abhi’s beauty was warning her not to go to Madurai, Thanjavur, Thoothukudi and Kodaikanal. But why? The jasmine flowers of Madurai would become jealous of Abhis beauty. The dancing doll of Tanjore would stop its head seeing her. In the same lines, Guru was singing about Thoothukudi ship hitting rock bottom, Kodaikanal clouds chasing her and so on scaring her. Oh, we didn’t tell u who is Guru right? Our Vijay only. Then Abhi?? Its Shreya. All these happened on the sets of Azhagiya Thamizh Magan.

Since A.R.Rahman is the music director, he is taking the required time for every song and working on it like a string of pearls. One such hot song that was ready was shot by Barathan in Karaikudi and Pollachi.

Since he come back from the shoot, Vijay has been humming the same song and was spotted in the shooting of the same film in Valasarawalkam. On the way back shopping with Shreya, we asked “How is Azhagiya Thamizh Magan going on?”

When he tried to escape saying “Now only we have completed 25-30%. What can I say if you ask now itself?”, we enquired “Just give us one line about it”. He looked at us deeply and said laughing “Have you seen dominoes? If you remove just one card, the whole setup will fall off. The story of this film is like that. Even if I say one line, you will nicely thread it and run a whole story out of it”

Then he himself said “You saw Pokiri… There was action, dance and a whole lot of fireworks. This is just opposite of it. Now don’t ask if there is no action. There is action, songs, and all that you expect from me. Its new for me too. When you watch the film, there will be a thrill that gets caught over you like fire.”

“How is Shreya?”

I have seen her Telugu films. Those dance movements will be really fast. Now when seeing it directly, the same amazement remains. Not only dance, good acting and expressions too come naturally for her. Now that Rahman has rocked with folk instruments in the festival song, we both have danced very well.

The director of the film, Barathan was an associate of Dharani. He has a good comedy sense. So he is shooting all scenes rapidly with god humor. There is a plan to use different get ups in the next 2-3 songs that we would do.”

“Namitha is also there?”

Yes. But we have shot very less scenes with her. There is still a lot pending.

“There are rumors that you are doing a dual role in this?”

“No. But its true that the film is a thriller”

“What is the basis of you participating in a lot of public functions amidst this film shoots?”

You too noticed that? Its all these functions that give me more enthusiasm. Normally, I do helping activities through my Fans’ Welfare Associations. Now that Pokiri is running successfully, the profited distributors call me to their cities and giving donations to the needy. Isn’t that nice?

That’s why I go and help without refusing whenever they call me. Without being like ‘we profited and we earned’, Madurai distributor Anbu donates cows to the poor. Pudukottai distributor Jinnah is giving computers to poor students. All these continue…

I have been helping according to whatever I could do. When I become more powerful in earning, isn’t that right to make the donations also bigger?

“Will you enter politics just like what others say?”

“My God.. You reached the same question that others think of. Now the acting profession is going on well. So for now, only this”

Style na Rajini, Nadippu na Kamal, Adhiradikku naan – Kalakalakiraar Vijay : Kumudham Interview

Interview of Vijay in Kumudham

Vijay looks fresh and youthful as Azhagiya Thamizh Magan. There are lots of whistles from the great crowd that came to watch the shooting as Vijay dances catching hold of the “dangerous curve” aka Sherya’s hip.(Apdi thaanungo potrukku) He welcomes us with his favorite smile. He talks relaxed in the shooting break,

How is Azhagiya Thamizh Magan? Please tell us.

Just now Azhagiya Thamizh Magan is getting hot. 30% has been completed. I don’t have ant get up changes. I am doing it with fun. To say the truth, this is not a story that will change the trend of Tamil cinema. But, its totally very new for me. This project has a different storyline among the 45 films that I have acted in till now.

Next Shreya. She takes lot of interest even though she doesn’t know the language. She surprises by getting clear the meanings of even small words that she doesn’t understand. Only when we shot the song, I came to know that she is a super dancer. I am not able to compete in dance with her nna… Apart from this, Azhagiya Thamizh Magan is all about the story. Myself, Shreya are all support for the story. My naughtiness, dances and fights are all there.

There has been a pucca formula set for you like Adhiradi(is there an English word for it?), dance and celebrations. Did you plan and create this Vijay formula?

Whatever the Adhiradi, dance and celebrations formula you are talking about cannot be termed as my formula. Its there for ages. Its Commercial formula. When I take this route, it happens that I have to act in films of such pattern. I love fun. Whatever can be done with that base, I am doing it. I am sailing in the commercial formula that is there for ages. That’s all.

“You are all set in commercial route and have become a hit in that. For a change, will you return back to romance?”

“I can surely act. But I have to undergo a total change. Think of me now as a very soft person, carrying flowers in my hand. First I have to change for that. It would be good if my usual items are mixed up with love and made as a film”

“Have you thought patiently about yourself when you were down in the past?”

Those times there were lots of misses. And some pluses too. For instance, whatever decisions I have taken boldly taken on my own have become pluses. I liked the story of Dhool when Dharani narrated it to me. I ask few people for second opinion. Some of them didn’t like Dhool when I asked them. So I also decided not to accept it. Really,. I missed Dhool. The same situation aroused during ‘Thiruppachi’. No one liked it very much. I liked it very much. Here, I made a different decision. I didn’t consider any others opinion, the film went on to become hit.”

“As far as Tamil cinema is concerned, Rajini means style, Kamal means acting. So on the same lines, will you accept if we say Vijay means Adhiradi?”

If fans give me such an appreciation, I will be happy.

“You have acted in more than 40 films. You have seen lots of ups and downs. How was the cooperation from your family for your cinema life?”

What is more important for cinema is our mood. It shows up on screen when I am not in a good mood. Its very difficult. I have got stuck many times like this. I understood this after many years. My father is very precarious. If he wants to discuss something important with me, he will wait for the right day to talk. He calls me and talks with me only if I don’t have any shooting the next day. Even if I have the same mood the next day, it won’t affect me since there will be no shooting. Now my wife has also understood me very well”

“Once when talking in a film function, Rajinikanth hinted in the lines of ‘Vijay in my way, Vikram in Kamal’s way’ Have u attained your destiny in Rajini’s way?”

I don’t do anything by planning it. I understand that I am in an important position when hearing what you say and what others say. I realize that it is a great status. I feel happy with whatever you say now. But it’s happiness mixed with fear. It’s the fear of how to retain the status I have attained” winks Vijay.

Anbunna Pidi, Vambunna Adi - Kurumbu Thalapathy

Interview of Vijay in Ananda Vikatan

Vijay is always “Don’t care master”

All fire cracker action is only on-screen for him. Any time when approached for an interview, he would escape saying “Don’t drive me into controversies” in a jolly sense. Now, there is a beautiful twist to it.

“Whatever u want, we can talk about it” he says winking with a colorful smile. He looks fairer and smarter, true to be the striking handsome “Azhagiya Thamizh Magan”

“Its really rocking. 'Azhagiya Thamizh Magan' is really a new and trendy film for me. My name is Guru in the film. His character is the highlight. He is a wonder for himself, A secret which he himself couldn’t understand.

Life become interesting if we foresee what will happen tomorrow right? Because everyday problems that come as shocks and surprises only make us run everyday, in search of solutions. What Guru feels about the different problems he foresees, how he deals with them… All these are thrillingly made by Barathan in a great way.

Mind is always beautiful. Always we should wish good things for others. We should do what we plan. When u see anything wrong in front of u, u should blast them. Should be true in love, Should be humble even after earning money and status.

Anbunna pidi, vambunna adi… Like this, Azhagiya Thamizh Magan comes as an example for every youth to understand what is beautiful for him.

Barathan is a person of total fun. It shows up in every scene of the film. The rocking comedy that is interleaved between my routine action, dance and romance is the special menu of Guru.”

“Ok, you won’t let out the story now. Tell us about Shreya atleast?”

We brought in the girl who was singing duet with Rajini. Be it in moving with others, or be it performance, Sherya is super. If she speaks two sentences, one of them will be about “thalaivar”

She is a beautiful girl. We danced together for a duet. Gosh… she astonishes getting her steps okay in a single take. Being slim, her body does what movements she wants.

“Maduraiku pogadhadi

Maillipoo Kannai Vaikkum

Thanjavur pogaadhadi

Thalai aatama bomma nikkum

Thoothukudi pogaadhadi

Kappalu tharai thattum

Kodaikaanal pogaadhadi

Megam unnai thurathum”

We have played like this. For the coming days, Shreya is “Azhagiya Thamizh Magal”

“What else is special?”

Won’t u feel happy if I say Namitha is also there? It is really a good role that will earn her a great name. Sure, there is a kuthu song. I am gald to have joined hands with Rahman in this film. Only few people stay at great heights always, no matter whoever comes and goes. Rahman is one such person. MGR had sung “Azhagiya Tamizh Magan Ivan” right? The same lyricist Vaali sir is making a song “Azhagiya Thamizh Magan Ivan” for this film. There is dance for sure

“What movie did u see? Your next generation has also started dancing and fighting now…”

Its good only right? I was surprised watching “Paruthiveeran” I felt “What an excellent movie they have made” Priyamani super. Karthi has really excelled. The reason for all these is director Ameer. I consider him as an important director. As for me, director is the hope of an actor. If we get them right, everything after that will go on well.

“It seems you are the next super star??”

“Naa.. If I say that we can talk anything, does that mean you can ask anything?(in jolly sense) Its wrong… U have seen Shivaji fotos right? The audio release itself has caused a festival season in Tamilnadu. Is it easy to get such a status and such a place in people’s heart? Rajini sir has crossed a long way and even today he stands with the same enthusiasm. Till he exists, he is the superstar. I am always his fan”

Saturday, April 21, 2007

All that you want to know about Azhagiya Tamil Magan

By Behindwoods News Bureau.
April 20, 2007

Azhagiya Tamil Magan (ATM), the forthcoming film of Ilaya Thalapathy Vijay is getting ready at a steady pace. This film is being funded by Appachan and directed by Bharathan who wrote the dialogues for Gilli, Madurey, Dhool and Dhil. According to reliable sources, 30% of the shooting is completed which included a thiruvizha track which is a romantic number where Vijay employs numerous metaphors in praise of Shreya’s beauty. Songs are being chiseled with utmost care and the hero appears in diverse get ups in a couple of numbers.
Azhagiya-tamil-magan
Vijay says that ATM is a thriller where he is not playing a double role. He will be called Guru and Shreya goes by the name of Abinaya. The other heroine Namitha’s portion is yet to be filmed and it has been said that there is a surprise element for viewers in the film. There are enough sequences in ATM to tickle the funny bones of every one as the director is known for his penchant for comedy.

A R Rahman scores the music for ATM and he has broken the myth that he takes longer time to turn in his musical scores. Vijay is said to have been floored by ARR’s tracks. Maniraj is responsible for art department and he has erected a colony reminding one of Royapettah area in Binny mills which is generally used to film stunt scenes. So… Vijay lovers… get set to receive Azhagiya Tamil Magan soon.

Friday, April 20, 2007

Vijay speak on Azhagiya Thamizh Magan

IndiaGlitz
[Friday, April 20, 2007]

Vijay's Azhagiya Thamizh Magan, which is produced by Appachan and directed by Dharani's associate Bharathan, is fast progressing.

Featuring Shriya opposite him, the movie is fast nearing its completion. Says Vijay, “I am not going to say that this film will be a trendsetter. But the screenplay is something new and the audience will get to see me donning a different role altogether”.

Slated for a release this August, the movie has musical score by A R Rahman. On Rahman, Vijay says, “He is a musical genius. I am confident that he would come up with catchy tunes”.

Thursday, April 19, 2007

Vijay is clear about his priorities

IndiaGlitz
[Wednesday, April 18, 2007]

Vijay has got a flying start with Pokkiri this year.

Vijay was in no mood to rush after Aathi and took his time to find a story that suits his image and also the one that satisfies the needs of his fans. It so happened that only a remake did the trick.

On running behind remakes, Vijay says, "There is nothing wrong in doing remakes. Once you find a good story in other languages it is natural that you want to remake it in Tamil. Anyway slight alterations and improvisations are made to the story to suit the taste of the audience here".

"My roles are getting along well with people and youth in particular. Going by the response to my movies in recent times, I think fans want me to play an angry young man fighting for a social cause. At this juncture, I am not sure whether people will accept me in soft roles," says Vijay.

Vijay assures that Azhagiya Tamil Magan will be a different film. "The screenplay is something new and the audience will get to see me donning a different role altogether".

Wednesday, April 18, 2007

Vijay's costly house!

Cinesouth.com
- 17.04.2007

A costly house is being made for Vijay at AVM Studios.

A.r.rehman

'Azhagiya Thamizh Magan' is coming up at a brisk pace. Vijay is happy that he's doing a news kind of role in a stylish film which is peppered with distinct mannerisms and punch dialogues. These are being guarded zealously.

Workmen are working day and night to put up a grand set for 'Azhagiya Thamizh Magan' designed by art director Maniraj. It is almost over. This house will have hi tech facilities, including a swimming pool inside the house. The set costs up to 85 lakhs till now.

AR Rehman usually takes his time, but he has already composed the songs, which according to director Bharathan are super.

After 'Sivaji,' Rehman is composing for 'Azhagiya Thamizh Magan,' and if it is even 10% as good, they are sure to be hits!

Tuesday, April 17, 2007

The film that is uniting Vijay and Gautam

Cinesouth.com
- 16.04.2007

The actor in the hit list of heroes and the man in the hit list of directors are coming together in a new film.

How would it be if Vijay who is a king in making high class audience like local films and Gautam who can make local audience enjoy class offerings? It would be like the menu that combines the military hotel and Mami mess.

The film that is going to bring them together is produced by Udayanidhi, the son of M.K.Stalin, the Minister of Tamilnadu.
Gowtham
Vijay became ready for the character from the moment he heard the story from Gautam Menon. The central theme and the title of the film are kept in suspense.

Right now Vijay is busy in 'Azhagiya Thamizhmahan' and Gautam Menon in 'Varanam ayiram' films. After completion of these films, there is a plan to launch the film with a large scale Pooja.

Gautam is likely to name the film differently like those of 'Vettaiyadu vilayadu' and 'Pachaikili muthucharm'. Most likely the title would be 'Nilave ennidam nerungadhe'.

http://www.cinesouth.com/masala/hotnews/new/16042007-2.shtml

Saturday, April 14, 2007

Rajini, Kamal and Vijay converge

IndiaGlitz
[Friday, April 13, 2007]

The AVM Studios in Chennai wore a festive look on Tuesday. The likes of Rajinikanth, Kamal Hassan and Vijay were shooting under roof.

The patchwork for Rajinikanth' s Sivaji, shooting for Dasavatharam starring Kamal Hassan and Vijay's Azhagiya Thamizh Magan were on simultaneously.

It was indeed a happy sight to see sought-after heroes of Tamil cinema shooting busy for their films at one place.

It may be recalled that recently Rajinikanth had been to the sets of Dasavatharam at AVM Studios and exchanged pleasantries with Kamal Hassan and enquired about the progress of Dasavatharam.

Meanwhile, buzz is that Sivaji is progressing fast for a release this May. The re-recording works by A R Rahman is almost through in Scotland.

Thursday, April 05, 2007

Exclusive - Vijay joins Gautham Menon

Vijay has always had his kitty full with offers. Now that this busy bee actor is in the second schedule of Azhagiya Thamizh Magan, his next project is also finalized. He is all set to act in a yet-to-be-named film which is to be produced by Udhayanidhi, Minister Stalin's son and grandson of the Tamil Nadu Chief Minister.

Director Dharani is expected to direct the film with Trisha accepting the offer to don the grease paint as the heroine.

And that is not all! Another project in the pipeline is a project for Oscar Ravichandran, which is to be directed by Gautham Menon. This unnamed movie will commence once Gautham Menon's Varanam Aayiram and Vijay's next venture is completed. Gautham in his recent interview had expressed his wish to direct Vijay in an out right commercial movie. Hmm…maybe his wish is coming true. This is one hell of a combination, which is set to ignite the expectations among Vijay fans beyond imagination.
Vijay
Looks like Vijay, an admirer of the young director has also accepted the offer knowing well that Gautham's ventures are different from the run-of-the-mill films churned out everyday.

And as a tail piece, did you know that the recent blockbuster, Paruthiveeran's one line story was told to Vijay by Ameer first. Woo... that would have been a lap-it-up delight for the Superstar's fans. But perhaps destiny had some other plans.

http://www.behindwoods.com/tamil-movie-news/apr-07-01/05-04-07-vijay.html

From Indiaglitz:

Vijay in Gowtham's direction
IndiaGlitz [Friday, April 06, 2007]

After the roaring success of Pokkiri, the actor has a busy schedule ahead on completion of his Azhagiya Thamil Magan. First is the untitled venture produced by Udhayanidhi, son of State Minister Stalin. Vijay is paired with Trisha while Prakashraj plays the baddie in the movie.
In the pipeline is a movie for Oscar Ravichandran. Buzz is that the movie would be directed by Gowtham Menon, who is on the job of finishing Varanam Aayiram. The combination has evoked interest as the director is known for his racy thrillers with Vijay sticking to formula entertainment- laced films.

Monday, April 02, 2007

Rajini in Malayalam version replaced by Vijay in Tamil!

Cinesouth.com
- 02.04.2007

Recently, a scene was shot for 'Veerappu.' It's an action scene that shows Sundar C in a theatre, bashing up the inspector who thrashes him at the police station. On the screen is Vijay dancing to "Pokkiri pongal..."

Vijay, AsinIn the original Malayalam version 'Spatikam,' the screen shows an action sequence by Rajini in 'Dalapathy' where in the pouring rain he bashes up Dalapathy Dinesh while Mohanlal thrashes the inspector in the theatre.

How did Rajini in the Malayalam version get replaced by Vijay in the Tamil version?

"Both my daughters are ardent Vijay fans. To make them happy, I used Vijay's 'Pokkiri pongal..." in the film," says Sundar C.

Sundar C is indeed a doting dad!