Rajini at Vijay's function

IndiaGlitz [Thursday, June 02, 2005]

Recently the 100 days function of the mega hit Gilli was held in Chennai. And it was not the film's hero Vijay who hogged the limelight. Instead, it was the surprise guest Rajinikanth who walked away with all the applause. Rajini rarely makes a public appearance these days. In fact, he not only made it to the function, but also spoke at length. He praised Vijay and director Dharani for coming up with a hardy entertainer. He also praised Vijay and Vikram (another guest on the occasion) for being friendly and competitive. He said it reminded him of the days with Kamal in the 80s.

Vijay's Interview

Interview
'`Sachien` will be a slow but sure winner': Vijay
By Moviebuzz

Vijay is in a holiday mood. The actor is relieved that his latest release Sachien is being appreciated by ladies and students. He spoke to Sify.com before leaving for London with his family on a 15-day trip, at his palatial beach front house in Neelankarai on the East Coast road in Chennai.

How is Sachien faring at the Tamilnadu box-office?
Unlike my mass masala films that take a great opening, Sachien will be a slow but sure winner at the box-office. No one will lose money and distributors are happy. It was intentional on my part to give a film without any mass elements and it is being well appreciated by ladies and students who are calling me and congratulating me.

Why are you going to London?
Well, I am on a holiday with Sangeetha and my son Sanjay. My in-laws are there and this is a yearly routine to take my family during summer holidays. I want to do things that I am unable to do here in Chennai…like taking Sanjay for a walk on the streets, do some shopping, and generally be in a holiday mood.

What is Sivakasi all about?
There are rumours that you are doing a dual role? (Thinking) No. It’s not a dual role for me. It will be mass film with all commercial elements that would please my fans. Asin is the heroine and Perarasu has a good script ready.

After Sivakasi, what is your next film?
Nothing has been firmed up. Talks are on with S.J.Suryah who may direct my next film for Swargachitra Appachan.

Is Simran doing an item number in Sivakasi?
I have no idea. I too read the news and called up my director and producer who say that even they are unaware of it! So, these are all figment of people’s imaginations.

They say those songs in Sachien were not impressive. Comments?
Songs in my films always grow on you very slowly. Initially the songs in Tirupachi were also not appreciated but see, now they are all chartbusters. My friends and fans are liking the songs in Sachien too.

Transcript of the chat with Vijay

Tuesday, 26 April , 2005, 12:20

Among the younger lot of stars there is only one man who gets a Minimum Guarantee (MG) and he is none other than the superstar Vijay, popularly called ‘Ilaya Thalapathy’.

Here is the complete trascript of the chat with him.

rajesh_guru2k asks You seems growing young these days what is the secret of that-dont say exercise,anything else
Vijay says Exercise is the first factor... and also the fact that I dnot put on weight that much... thanks to my body structure

vara85 asks say something about ur kid
Vijay says His name is Sanjay and he is in the UKG. He is very naughty and he imitates me from my latest movie. He is very naughty and very interesting to be with.

vara85 asks what type of characters do u like to do,?
Vijay says A character that the public would like to relate to. A normal guy. a mechanie, a college student, or an unemployed guy.. something that the youth of today can relate to..

janaonline asks Hi Vijay, I am great fan of u. I like ur dance.keep it up
Vijay says thank you.

janaonline asks who is ur fav actor and actree in tamil
Vijay says I like all actors and simran is my favrouite actress

janaonline asks I wish to see you and superstar in one frame. when can i?
Vijay says Even i would love to see myself on screen with HIM. I am also waiting for teh same.

g8hitler asks Hi Vijay,when'll u do action oriented movies in bala direction?
Vijay says As and when everything fits I will take up the role.

appu_smile asks Are u acting in the next Mani ratnam's movie?
Vijay says NO, i am not. It is just a rumour.

ganeshac asks Hello Vijay. Who played a major role in moulding your career. Was it your mother or father? Do they still play a part in you choosing the right script for you as both of them are established writer/directors?
Vijay says My father used to tell me what will be good and what what I should not comit myself to. But at the end of it I used to take the decision.

sachein_usa asks Hi Vijay, I'm a die hard fan of yours from new york. your latest movie sachein is superb. I have a request to make. Can you make sure that your website is updated from time-to-time bcos thats the only source of reliable information for people like me who
Vijay says Thanks a lot, and I will try and see to it that it is updated.

sumiarumugam asks how is ur marriage life and ur next film what. THen ur film thullatha manamum thullum is superp. i saw 10 times
Vijay says I am happy, and my next moviw is `Sivakasi`

csas_saravana asks what is ur child name?
Vijay says Sanjay

sachein_usa asks my friends and i have been awake just to have a chat with you. its almost 1a.m here in NY...eagerly waiting for u to start the chat session
Vijay says Thanks a lot.

sumiarumugam asks hai vijar your smile is superb. u keep it always ur life. then
Vijay says Thank you.

kavisai asks Hi Vijay. I am very happy to meet u here. I am the greatest fan of yours . I saw ur latest fil sachein. Its simply fantastic and heard the song sung by you. I pray god to shower all his blessings on u.Wats ur next film. I kindly request u to give
Vijay says Sivakasi is my bext movie and thank you for your support

ganeshac asks Appadi Podunga Vijay!! Can we see your younger brother (Vikranth) and (Karthik) Surya's brother making it big like you and Surya. And will you both (Surya and yourself) act together with them and promote them?
Vijay says I have acted with Surya, and as far as all of us coming together in one movie is concerned all this depends on the script.

vijay_sister asks hey brother!!sachin was a fantastic movie..do more films like this..btw do u know tht sachin movie is already online on the net!!u have to stop this piracy...
Vijay says Thanks for this information. We would do something to stop this piracy.

deivanayagam_v asks Helo vijay..deiva here...god morning...i like ur dance very much....no one can beat u...keep it up..
Vijay says Thank you.

gorothomas asks Your comedy is always entertaining.Keep it up.By the way, have you ever thought of doing a really serious movie instead of the masala movies that every lead actor is doing.Say, something with adventure,intrigue and suspense. Basically something that will
Vijay says I am not doing the role for an award. All that I am doing is acting for the mass, to entertain them. I am happy with the kind of roles I am donig and I plan to continue on the same vein.

n_vasanthan asks hi vijai why u have centiment scences in all the film u act?
Vijay says When I am choosing a movie i make sure that there are all the necessary ingredients in it.

srrajavel asks Hi vijay How are you what is your target?
Vijay says As long as my fans will accept me I want to continue acting.

vijay_sister asks is simran acting in sivakasi? can we expect another althota boopathy?? ;)
Vijay says NO, there is nothing like that in here.

mvijayemail asks Hi vijay, This is vijay from chandigarh. I'm a fan of u. We hope that u r the next Super star for Tamil films. Because u r very much suited for that. No one can beat u. Any comments pls??
Vijay says Thank you for your support.

tin2tin asks Hey Vijay do u think we need to promote south indian movies more overseas. Cause the Foreigners call all Indian films Bolly wood but here the Hindi wallahs make all the crap movies and call themselves Bollwood, which r either remade from our south India
Vijay says Yeah, but now I guess the condition has changed a lot. Now the next to Bollywood, the Tamil movie industry is standing tall.

chandruraman asks Hi Vijay,This is your old school mate from Balalok Martic Hr.Sec School. We all know that ur the only pet Student of Mrs. Meena Suresh.My question is do you remember all ur school days.
Vijay says She was my English teacher and yes I do remember my schoool days.

nana_sify asks Hi Vijay... How r u..? This is Thiru from Singapore... u got big fan base in singapore. So for in ur career which is the most diffult role u played..?
Vijay says There was no role that can be called a tough role... the only role that was a little tough was the movie Kannukul Nilavu with Shalini.

suresh86 asks Hi Vijay.What do u fell about the difference between the batular life and married life?
Vijay says Bachelor life was loads of fun and Married life is also fun, but a little less in quantity.

smeera2k asks Wassup Dude, Can we expect Sanjay on Silver screen in a near future like Sharukh's son?
Vijay says It all depends on him. I am right now into giving him teh basic education.. and once heis grown up he can decide what he has to do with his life.

hari_kandasamy asks Hi Vijaya, Sometime back we had a news that u r acting in cheran's direction. Wht happedn to tht film now. no updates on that from ur part. wht happened to that project?
Vijay says The dates did not match and the movie has been satlled as of now.

vasanth_2kch asks Hi Vijai, Do u have a plan to direct a movie.. since your father is a very good director. Why all actors are not able to succeed in their in direction?
Vijay says Yes, I am planning to direct a movie, sometime in the future. I have not thought about the storyline as of now but I am thinking about it.

nana_sify asks Are you intend to do any other language film?
Vijay says NO, I plan to stick to Tamil movies nad only Tamil movies.

harshan_vn asks what makes you feel that 3-4 stunts and 5 songs,make the movie hit,though nothing else worth watching is in it?
Vijay says This is an essential ingredient of the movie, but i will not say this is what made the movie a success. But all this definitely had a role to play in the movies success.

mmv_vel asks hiya tell me any jovial incident with Genelia during the shooting of Sachin
Vijay says Genelia is fun to be with. EVen though she did not know know the language she tries real hard to make it perfect. She has a lot of mannerisms, very spontaneous cute actions that make her very cute to watch.

Sachien Review - The Hindu

Return to romance

Changing tack: Sachein, entertainer with a fairytale ending.

Opening on a sober note, switching over to the flashback mode almost immediately, and moving on to touch a joyous plane, V Creations' `Sachein' (U/A) is the latest entertainer from Vijay that has a feel-good charm about it. After a winning spree with action flicks, Vijay turns romantic once again in `Sachein.' The last time he donned such a role was probably in `Kushi.' With dignified demeanour, charming smile (as the tiny tot in the film comments) and mischievous eyes Vijay is undoubtedly appealing.

Shalini (Genelia) is a bubbly, headstrong college girl with a quick temper. Sachein (Vijay), also a college goer with a heart of gold, sees her on a rainy day and it is love at first sight for him. But he doesn't adopt the usual, predictable ploys to woo her. Shalini, however, shuns overtures from all the boys in her college, dismissing their attempts as mere rigmarole. After Sachein challenges her that she would fall for him before the end of the term, things are not the same for her. The best part is, `Sachein' does not have the conventional villain hovering around.

As in `Kushi'

Vijay seems to have unwound himself suitably to play Sachein. He is not the serious, vengeful hero that he was in his other recent films. His scenes with Vadivelu are hilarious though it is difficult to swallow the idea of the comedian as a college student! Vijay, Vadivelu, Balaji and Santhanam present some laughable sequences. But the college backdrop with comedians as students gets a little tiring after a point. In temperament the heroine of `Sachein' is very much like the one you saw in `Kushi.'

Genelia, who hardly made an impression in `Boys,' makes much impact in `Sachein.' Her sparkling eyes and cheerful smiles are a treat. At times you do feel she could play things down a little, but probably you wouldn't have the heart to tell her so. After all the earlier hype and hoopla, and the later hullabaloo, you get to see Bipasha Basu, in a minuscule part as the ever sighing Manju pining for Sachein's love.

Moaning and groaning when Sachein touches her albeit with a flower (!) in the presence of an entire group of college students, she makes the sequence repulsive for its sheer unnaturalness. It's sad that the sexy siren from Mumbai has been reduced to the state of a glorified junior artist.

Jeeva's cinematography lends an aesthetic touch to the movie. The dance, ambience, and picturisation of the first song sequence with Genelia, is a commendable group effort. But the second (`Gundu Manga ... ') is an aberration. Composer Devi Sriprasad's beats in the racy numbers are so typically Telugu.

The choreography of the `Maaro ... Maaro' song will make the young in the audience try a jig (Raju Sundaram?). The hospital sequence, where you see Sachein holding the dying girl's hands till the end, appears contrived mainly because the loving mom of the child who you had seen earlier is nowhere in sight at the crucial moment! Instead you see `Thalaivaasal' Vijay suddenly walking in as the dad.

`Sachein' should prove a successful debut for writer-director John Mahendran. The tagline calls it `The Miracle of Love.' Only there's nothing new about this miracle — `Sachein' is a fairytale romance where all ends well.

MALATHI RANGARAJAN

Priyanka wants one more with Vijay

IndiaGlitz [Wednesday, April 20, 2005]

Former Miss World and actress Priyanka Chopra is a hot and happening gal in Bollywood. The tall actress, who made her debut in silver screen with Thamizhan opposite Vijay, has now one secret desire. What's that? "I want to do another movie in Tamil and that to opposite Vijay. I am a great fan of his and love all his movies". Priyanka says that since the subsequent offers that she got after Tamizhan failed to impress her, she stayed put in Mumbai. But I am keen to do a movie in Kollywood now, she says. Priyanka Chopra, who sang a song - Hot Party in Thamizhan with Vijay, says "I have a great passion for music. I love to come out with a private music album soon". Whenever I choose an offer, I would ensure that it is a movie with good story involving good technicians, she adds. Knowing her priorities right is Priyanka Chopra.

Sachien Review - Rediff.com

Sachein, April 14th, 2005

http://in.rediff.com/movies/2005/apr/14sachein.htm

If you want to know what Sachein (yes, the numerologist seems to have been at work) is all about, here goes: College boy meets college girl, falls in love, and declares his love.

The girl does not believe in infatuation and vociferously spurns the boy's love. But finally, the girl falls in love with the boy but does not divulge it to him -- it would hurt her ego to do so.
The film ends with the boy and girl in a tight embrace but only after some suspenseful moments.

No, it's not at a railway station but at an airport. So instead of the train's horn, you hear the announcement: 'passengers are requested to proceed for a security check...'

Though the story and situations are predictable, what makes the film interesting is the way writer-director John Mahendran has shaped Sachein's character. And Vijay is simply adorable in the film! He may be in his early 30s but looks every inch a college student, unlike Ajith in Ji.

Hugely successful action films like Gilli, Thirupatchi and Madurai have given Vijay numerous young male fans but with this film, he is all set become the darling of the teenagers. He oozes style and innocence, and his portrayal of Sachein, with a tinge of comedy, is quite novel and endearing.

Genelia's character Shalini is not just a dancing doll. She is as important in the film as Sachein, which is a rarity in a Vijay film. For instance Trisha, the top Tamil female lead now and Vijay's co-star in his earlier blockbusters, has never had a strong role opposite Vijay.

But it seems no other actress could have portrayed Shalini with so much energy and innocence as Genelia. She matches up to Vijay in acting and style too.

John Mahendran told rediff.com that Bipasha Basu is not an item number showpiece in the film. I would say her item number is most disappointing and her character is redundant and forgettable. In her scenes with Genelia, Bips looks like her aunt!

Even in sex appeal, Genelia wins. It is ridiculous to see a jaded-looking Bipasha trying to seduce a much younger-looking Vijay. She looks more like an agony aunt to Genelia than a seductress to Vijay!

There is a lot of daring action from Vijay, never mind whether they are needed.

Though it is a college story, nobody is ever seen going to class, and there is no talk of studies either. The only thing they discuss is love. You also will not get any idea what they study.

Are Vijay and Genelia classmates? No idea. But they seem to finish college at the same time.
Yes, Sachein is one of those films you should not question, just watch and enjoy.

But I can assure you one thing. The film will stay in your mind for a while because of the way Mahendran has shaped the characters, and the way Vijay and Genelia have portrayed their roles.

Vijay on Sachien

Interview
"They are the living legends of Tamil cinema": Vijay
By Moviebuzz

In Tamil cinema Vijay is closest to superstar Rajnikanth in terms of box-office pull. All his recent films including his last release, Tirupachi has been super hits and he is the darling of the trade.

For the first time ever Vijay speaks about Rajnikanth, Kamal Haasan, and how his latest film Sachin will meet the competition. Vijay spoke to Sify.com at the Prasad studios, Chennai during the shooting of a song with none other than the dusky Bollywood sex symbol Bipasha Basu.

Excerpts:

April 14 is going to be the red letter day as your film Sachin will clash with Rajnikanth’s Chandramukhi and Kamal Haasan’s Mumbai Express Please comment
There is no such potti(competition) as people and trade make out (smiles), I am too small an actor compared to Rajni sir and Kamal sir. They are the living legends of Tamil cinema and I have grown up on their films. They have done more than 200 films and compared to them who am I? A payyan who has done just 40 films and given a few hits. I cannot even be placed along with them.

Come off it, you are the current ‘numero uno’ of Tamil films according to the trade. Are you being too modest?
Rajni sir and Kamal sir are on a different league and to compare me with them is not fair. A comparison with heroes of my generation would be better. I don’t want to talk further about it as some people may make politics out of it.

If you are so much in awe of the two great actors, why didn’t you postpone the release of Sachin to May?
When Sachin was launched last October, my producer Kalaipuli.S.Thanu had announced at a press conference that the release would be on April 14, Tamil New Year. At that time both Rajni sir and Kamal sir had not even launched their respective films. And so there is no going back on what we promised the audience, distributors and theatres.

Why are you doing the same kind of formula films that cater to your fans?
That’s what they ask for and I want to keep them entertained. It has worked well for me and why should I change tracks and experiment when such genre has proved lucky for me at the box-office?

Is Sachin also in the same genre?
(smiles) It is a romantic film. You will not find punchline dialogues or mass songs. But I assure you that Sachin will be a treat for everyone as it has all the necessary ingredients to make it successful.

VIJAY the victorious!!!

Vijay has once again proved that he is numero one in the elite panel of Tamil cinema actors with his exceptional acting faculty in the recent release ‘Sukran.’ Trade mongers are amazed at the youngster’s vast acting competence that is hidden underneath the soft veneer of the nearly silent actor. He should be applauded for his clairvoyance in picking the right projects that have attributed to the string of success the star has encountered.

Successive films like ‘Thirumalai,’ ‘Ghilli,’ ‘Madurey,’ ‘Thirupatchi’ and now ‘Sukran’ that has him in an important guest role, have all been super hits thereby proving he is one of the most reliable actor who can retrieve the producer’s cost of production and more. Time and again he has proved his detractors wrong who have periodically written him off after one or two failures.

It amazes everyone to wonder how this inconspicuous gentle guy is able to emit such fire, fury and emotion once the word “take” is called. He passes of as someone who is in the least interested in all the hype and excitement going around him. His slow drawl and nonchalant behavior sometimes have left people near him doubt if they have got his attention after all. But at the word “action” the emotions gush out faster than the tsunami rushing inland when the earth’s plates had their contour altered. More forceful than the Narmada gushing out when the gates of its dam are opened. Such is the power of his performance. And dangerous too….

Dangerous to all his competitors! The man can emote any emotion, be it sentiment, comedy, sarcasm, drama and of course his all time favorite - action. Special mention has to be made about the hilarious scenes in ‘Ghilli,’ a remake from the Telugu original ‘Okkadu’. Remakes generally lose the flavor of the original and rarely create the same magic; but ‘Ghilli’ has detracted from the usual and scores more on several aspects when compared to ‘Okkadu’.

With no shred of consciousness, he becomes the character itself. Over the years he has shed the clout of awareness that is a bane to actors. He doesn't act; rather exhibits a realistic portrayal like the scenes in ‘Kushi’ that his fans claim could not have been done by any other artiste with such élan.

Certain scenes in the film ‘Kannukul Kanavu’ where as an amnesia patient he reacts to the attention of Shalini and in ‘Thirupatchi’ where he justifies the need to get her a husband from the city clearly are masterpieces. The dialogues he speaks, even the most emotional and difficult ones, do not seem to be rehearsed and repeated. Instead he sounds like a commoner’s everyday communication with others, not many heroes of today are blessed with this gift.

His comfort level with any kind of mood, feeling and reaction has left us pondering if the actor’s versatility has been wasted by his constant endeavors with action roles. It is time he goes past the ‘all time successful formula driven storyline’ and concentrate on roles that will challenge his caliber and potential.

Adulation is pouring on him with both cinema industry, fans, critics and public calling to wish him. It brings cheer to reminisce his early days, when in the mid 90’s he was cast in the film ‘Poove Unakkaga,’ he had to endure the disapproval of distributors and rejection of several top heroines who were sought to act opposite him in that film. But now that he has scaled the peaks of success his films are grabbed at the launch itself and actresses line up to be part of his film.

He has gloriously touched the crest of the luminous that so far only a handful have encountered. With winsome youthful looks still intact and eclectic acting potential in him, Vijay’s road to acting is still long and bright. Thanks to his father’s adroit moves while charting his son’s career graph, it is on the rising as like the mercury in our city.

Great going Illayathalapathi…

Sukran - Review

IndiaGlitz
[Friday, February 18, 2005]

Sukran begins as a campus love story ends haywire with the heroine being gang raped by a Judge, a Minister' son and a police officer and eventually the hero taking revenge on them for their heinous act.

As usual, Chandrasekhar points an accusing finger at the corrupt judicial system and selfish police officers for the evils of the society.

Ravi Shankar (Ravi Krishna) and Sandhya (Nadheesha), students of a college in Dindigul, are love birds. When Sandhya's mother and a village panchayat chief (Nalini) comes to know of their affair, she puts spokes in their wheel. But the caring father of Ravi Shankar (Nazar) sends them to Chennai. For his act, Nazar gets bumped off by Nalini.Upon reaching Chennai, a corrupt police officer (Sreeman) apprehends Ravi Shankar on a complaint given by Nalini that he had murdered his father when he put his foot down on their affair. Ravi is put behind the bars.

Sandhya is persuaded to seek the help of a Judge (Rajan P Dev) to get a bail for Ravi Shankar. When she reaches the place, she gets gang raped by the police officer and the judge, which they also videograph. After a series of events, the couple decides to commit suicide. At this juncture, they comes across Sukkran (Vijay ) who advices them to face all troubles boldly.

Again the couple gets harassed by the police and Sandhya gets arrested on (false) charges of prostitution. All efforts by Ravi to get her out on bail is futile. An agitated Ravi shoots the inspector, the judge and the Minister's son who raped his girlfriend and escapes with her from the court.

Sukkran steps in and promises to save the couple. He appears on behalf of Ravi and puts forward enough evidence to help out Ravi. He also eventually kills the Minister (FEFSI Vijayan) responsible for all wrong-doings.Ravi Krishna does nothing but appear for a few numbers and goes behind Nadheesha romancing. Even when she gets gang raped, Ravi Krishna's amateurish performance fails to win over the sympathy of the audience.

Vijay, who plays a criminal lawyer to bail out Ravi, is the welcome relief in this movie. Vijay speaking lengthy and punchline dialogues and his acrobatic stunt sequences are aimed at his fans. Dialogues demeaning judges, college professors and police officers could embarrass audience.

The director has accommodated two item numbers with Rambha and Ragasiya.

Vijay Interview on Thirupachi

Behindwoods Monday, January 17th, 2005 In the midst of the busy shooting schedule of Sachein, actor Vijay talks about Thiruppachi which was released on January14. Question: Do you think that Thiruppachi will do well? Vijay: I strongly believe that Thirupachi will be a hit film for me. This film has sentiments, romance and action mixed in the right proportion. Question: How do you differentiate your other films like Thirumalai, Ghilli, Madurae from Thirupachi? Vijay: Usually, my films have a common formula, but this film has something different. You won't be satisfied with my answer to this question unless you yourself watch the movie and compare it with my other films. Question: Comment on the fight sequences in Thirupachi? Vijay: You wouldn't have come across a fight sequence as in Thirupachi in any other films. Of course, it is going to be praised by all and the credit goes to the producer and the stunt master. Question: Do you believe that luck is on your side? Vijay: I believe in my work. I try to perform well without even committing small mistakes. Whether luck is on my side or not, I see that my producers don’t burn their fingers. This film is produced by R.B.Chowdry who fetched me hit films like Poovey Unakaga, Thulladha Manamum Thullum. I believe that Thiruppachi will also be a hit film for me. Question: How was your experience working with director Perarasu. Vijay: He is a talented person. He talks very less but he shows everything in his work. He acts before me, scene by scene, before the take is on. Director Perarasu helped me to perform well in this film. I am sure that director Perarasu will soon find a position in the famous young director's list. Question: Are you satisfying your fans? Vijay: Yes. I hope so. I am always giving them what they need from me in my films. If their expectations are more, then I would work hard and satisfy them. Question: Please comment about Sachein? Vijay: The shooting of the film has started and I will let you know more about it after sometime. Question: Did Tsunami affect your mind? Vijay: A tragedy like this should not have taken place. I felt very much for the victims of Tsunami. I participated in the Tsunami fund raising program organized by the Film industry. Personally, I gave a cheque of Rs.2 lakhs in favor of Chief Minister’s Tsunami Relief Fund.

Thirupachi, Jan 14th, 2005

http://www.hinduonnet.com/thehindu/fr/2005/01/21/stories/2005012102510201.htm

"Thiruppachi" ... a complete commercial fare.

AFTER MADHESH'S "Madhuray" it is Perarasu's "Thiruppachi" (U/A) - but Vijay is the same, performing incredible stunts and scaling superhuman heights with the ease of a typical commercial hero.

A fiesta for Vijay fans from the house of R. B. Choudhry, this Super Good Films' production could prove a money-spinner, but does it have something for the level headed filmgoer? Yes, to a certain extent - because for the first time a hero is clever enough to see to it that when he takes on the ruthless criminals his family is safe, far away from the wrath of the wrongdoers.

Too much gore

Sivagiri (Vijay) is a doting brother and a responsible son. The scene shifts from the village when his sister Karpagam (Mallika) is married to a man in Chennai.

He finds the city infested with criminals and underworld dons. And of course there is the corrupt police official. Though shocked by the atrocities he keeps away from the menacing forces.

Till they would not let him be. His close friend Kannappan (Benjamin) is ruthlessly murdered at a cinema complex and Sivagiri is not going to turn a blind eye to their bloody cruelty any longer.
The film halts at an impressive point, and when action resumes you expect some very astute moves from the hero. But he adopts the usual routine of warning the villains over phone before finishing them off.

However, in a couple of scenes Sivagiri does prove that he's a commendable combo of brain and bravery.

Vijay portrays emotion and action with élan and if the hero begins to choose scripts that are more challenging and different, it would be a field day for viewers. Sibling affection, comedy and serious expression come easily to Vijay.

The heroine is Trisha - and expected to look chirpy and radiant, she fills the bill. Mallika has all the makings of a character actor and she proves it once again. It is a big break for Benjamin and he makes proper use of it. Why has such an experienced artiste such as M. N. Rajam not been properly used? Prabhakar's art concentrates on being natural and captures the ordinary household in the village and city aptly.

But why is it that bad men have to meet at a precarious height on an unfinished building at least in one or two scenes?

Saravanan's cinematography is a highlight of Vijay's introduction scene because the camera angles help establish the larger than life image of the hero straightway.

If it's Dhina it has to be more of din and less of sound. The composer doesn't seem to believe in anything that falls softly on the ears. Of the seven songs, Manisharma and Devi Sriprasad have composed one each.

Unwarranted sequences (like the Chaya Singh number) and disruptive duets mar the pace of "Thiruppachi."

Yet Vijay's portrayal and writer-director Perarasu's intelligence come to the fore now and then.

Vijay - The Biodata

Full Name : Joseph Vijay

Affectionately called : Ilayathalapathy

Profession : Actor, singer

Date of birth : 22-June1974

Mother tongue : Tamil

Height : 5'11''

Father : S.A.Chandrasekharan is a writer-producer-director

Mother : Shobha Chandrasekharan is a singer, story writer and director

Uncle : S.N.Surendar (playback singer and dubbing voice for actor mohan for over 85 films)

Wife : Sangeetha

Son : Jason Sanjay

Daughter: Divya Saasha

Friends : Sajai, Srinath, Sanjeev, Manoj and Ramkumar

Education : Bachelors Degree of Visual Communications at Loyola College (discontinued)

Debut:

* Child artiste -'Vetri '
* Action Hero -'Nalaya Therpu', directed by S A Chandrashekar(father)

As an Actor : Famous for stunts, dance, comedy and singing. Excels in all departments.

As a Person : Introvert, famous for one-line answers.

Favourites:

* TOURIST SPOTS - London and Los Angeles
* FOOD -Dosa and Chicken
* CLOTHES - Jeans and T-shirt
* COLOUR - Black
* LOCATION - his room

Best films :

' Poove Unakkaga', 'Love Today', 'Nerukku Naer', 'Kaadalukku Mariyathai' 'Thulladhamanamum Thullum' and 'Ghilli'

Awards and Honors :

* Kalaimamani award(1998)
* Tamil nadu state Best Hero award (1997) for "Kaadhalukku Mariyadhai"

Social Activities:

* Educating 32 children every year
* Conducted many free weddings
* Issued notebooks to children
* Donated upto 3 lakhs to put streetlights for a famous shiva temple in Kaveripattinam

Influential person in his life : Father

Influential person in movies : Rajinikanth

Moments :

* Happy- marriage
* Sad- sister's death

Facts :

* Had been in coco-cola commercial
* Had a sister by name Vidya who died when she was very young
* Has built a kalyana mandapam called J.S.Kalyana mandapam
* 'Kadhalukku Mariyathai' a film with shalini made people recognise him

Salary : More than one crore

Future goals : Producing films

Vijay

I don't have any other title for this blog, because for me he cannot be explained in just one line :-D I may sound like a fanatic here and even foolish, but it is very difficult for me to speak less of him...

God knows when and how I started admiring Vijay. But my hero worship has developed to such an extent that today, I watch his movies only for him. I am not a blind movie lover to accept any crap as good movie. But today, if Vijay acts in the movie nothing else bothers me. I like movies like Mouna Raagam, Azahgiya Theeye etc where there was no heroism and even the ones like Snegidhiye, where there was no hero at all....At the same time, I simply love movies that project heroism. May be that was one of the reasons why I started liking Vijay.

The first and foremost thing I like about him is that he looks as simple as a guy next door, a good friend of yours or even like one in your family...Yet he makes people accept him as hero. The transition from the soft spoken guy he is, by nature, to the explosive and thunder storm kind of hero he portrays on-screen is just amazing!!!

Next, he has not undergone any major changes as far as appearance is concerned for any of his movies. Be it a romantic lover, college student, action hero or a rowdy, he appears as himself. The difference he makes is in the form of body language and expressions. And it is really difficult to make people accept you in any role with just these.... I hate heroes doing getup changes for movies just like that!!!

To speak more, though he had a very good launch pad to enter into film industry unlike others, whatever he is today is only because of his hardwork and sincerity. Oher actors who struggled to make an entry, had only the problem on establishing them as good actors. But Vijay had to work on everything right from appearance, acting, dance and everything. How he converted his negatives into positives remains the secret of his success. He is one of the few Tamizh actors who can speak proper Tamizh.

Being a native of my own Chennai, the way he speaks Chennai Tamizh is simply superb. No wonder why he is KING OF CHENNAI. And amongst actors who do playback singing, I personally feel that his voice is the best. His screen presence and dressing sense are just amazing.

Finally, after all his successes and the kind of fan following he has today, inspite of being termed next to Superstar Rajini himself by the media, he still remains calm and cool without any change in his nature. Starting from my childhood, I have been a fan of Kamalhassan, then Rajinikanth (I am still his fan and he is my thalaivar), later Madhavan, but no one has inspired me like Vijay.

And it is highly impossible that in future, anyone will replace Vijay from his position in my list of favourites. If he declares that he quits acting in movies tomorrow, even then I will be his fan for whatever work he has done till now.

More than an actor I like him as a person. I have learnt a lot from observing him and I consider him as one of my inspirations or influences. If ever I had an elder brother in my life, I wish that he could have been like Vijay. :-)

This is a small space to speak about him. But I will try my level best to provide most information about him. This will include the collection from my mails, from websites and other sources like magazines and newspapers. Atleast, I could make a permanent record for all these information on the web by this small venture :-)

Vijay Rulezz!!!

Vijay wants villain's role

IndiaGlitz [Friday, October 29, 2004]

Vijay has acknowledged that he was floored by Sathyaraj's role in "Amaidhippadai". The star, shining brighter after "Gilli" and "Madhurey", said he appreciated the performance of the character named Amaavaasai very much and would like to do a similar role. "It has been my desire for a long time to do such a villainous role," said Vijay.

Straight from Vijay's heart

IndiaGlitz [Thursday, October 28, 2004]

Can you classify Madurey a big hit like Ghilli? When asked this, Vijay says "though Madurey cannot be equated to the mega success of Ghilli, it has collected a huge revenue. All distributors and exhibitors of Madurey have made enough profits. Everybody appreciated my performance as a district collector in the movie". Asked about his rise to stardom, he says, "I cannot say my growth in filmdom is overnight. I took cautious steps to establish myself in the industry. I thank all my directors, producers and my fans for my steady climb. I take success and failures alike. I give my best for any movie. When it fails, I feel for a while. "But immediately I begin to concentrate towards my next to achieve more success. "I have no plans to act in other languages now. After Ghilli, all my concentration is towards rendering a big hit. My forthcoming venture Thirupachi for Supergood Films would be a racy entertainer sure to make it big with masses, the actor adds.