Vijay’s courtesy

Galatta
[May 8, 2008, 5:44:14 PM]

Vijay recently gifted a 32 gm. gold chain to Prem Nazeer, a famous dance director in Tollywood who received a lot of attention after he choreographed a dance sequence for NTR Jr. in Yamadonga.

The dance sequence not only won the hearts of Tollywood audience, it also won Vijay’s heart. He immediately got in contact with Prem and requested him to work with him in Azhagiya Tamizh Magan.

Prem choreographed the dance sequence for 'Ella pugazhum oruvan oruvanukkae', which came out well. Now he has worked on two songs in Kuruvi which have become very popular with audiences.

Vijay was very happy with all this and presented Prem a 4-sovereign gold chain as a token of appreciation.

Kuruvi - No.1 Indian Film @ UK Box Office

U.K. BOX-OFFICE
- By Taran Adarsh, May 7, 2008 - 09:11 IST
Weekend: May 2 - 4, 2008.

· KURUVI [Tamil film] has debuted at No. 15 position. In its opening weekend, the film has collected £69,001 [approx. Rs. 55.96 lacs] on 13 screens, with the per screen average working out to £ 5,308.
The breakdown:- Friday: £ 19,673; Saturday: £ 22,622; Sunday: £ 26,706.

· TASHAN [last weekend: No. 13, this weekend: No. 17]: In its second weekend, the film has collected £54,660 on 43 screens, with the per screen average working out to £ 1,271. Total: £2,96,135 [approx. Rs. 2.40crores].
The breakdown:- Friday: £ 13,025; Saturday: £ 19,705; Sunday: £ 21,930.

· MR. WHITE MR. BLACK has debuted at No. 27 position. In its opening weekend, the film has collected £15,037 [approx. Rs. 12.03 lacs] on 11 screens, with the per screen average working out to £ 1,367.
The breakdown:- Friday: £ 3,451; Saturday: £ 5,591; Sunday: £ 5,995.

· U ME AUR HUM [last weekend: No. 26, this weekend: No. 32]: In its fourth weekend, the film has collected £ 7,066 on 18 screens, with the per screen average working out to £ 393. Total: £ 4,11,760 [approx. Rs. 3.30 crores].
The breakdown:- Friday: £ 948; Saturday: £ 2,199; Sunday: £ 3,919.

· KRAZZY 4 [last weekend: No. 44, this weekend: No. 67]: In its fourth weekend, the film has collected £1,081 on 4 screens, with the per screen average working out to £ 270. Total: £ 1,37,660 [approx. Rs. 1.10 crores].
The breakdown:- Friday: £ 187; Saturday: £ 231; Sunday: £ 663.

THIS WEEKEND IN U.K.
[Based on screen averages]

RANK	FILM	AVERAGE
1	KURUVI [Tamil film]	£ 5,308
2	MR. WHITE MR. BLACK	£ 1,367
3	TASHAN	£ 1,271
4	U ME AUR HUM	£ 393
5	KRAZZY 4	£ 270

'Kuruvi' Screened For Kalainger

IndiaGlitz
[Wednesday, May 07, 2008]

Our CM, Dr. Kalainger, is one person who has shown a constant interest in films. He recently saw the Vijay-Trisha starrer 'Kuruvi' and congratulated the effort put in by the entire team.

'Kuruvi' released a week back with much ado from the fans of Ilayathalapathy. After a week now, the film is circling high with a good collection at the box office.

'Kuruvi' directed by Dharani and produced by Udhayanidhi Stalin has music by Vidyasagar.

After 'Gilli', director Dharani has satisfied the fans as well as the movie buffs this time with 'Kuruvi'. Haven't you seen the film yet? Grab a ticket and watch the film in a theater.

We also have for you some snaps that were shot while the CM was present for watching the film along with the hero of the film, Vijay.

CM watches Kuruvi
Galatta [May 5, 2008, 5:59:36 PM]

Kuruvi is flying high, with its opening weekend just gone past. They say practice makes perfect and this seems to be the case with Kuruvi. The team that made the super-duper success of Ghilli, has worked its magic again, with even better results in Kuruvi.

Such is the success and hype around Kuruvi that the Chief Minister M. Karunanidhi has seen it and given the movie a big thumbs up. To receive him at the private viewing theatre were Dharani and Vijay, not to mention his grandson Udayanidhi Stalin, debut producer of Kuruvi.

Kuruvi stars Vijay, Trisha, with the comedy track provided by Vivek. The movie is produced by Udayanidhi Stalin under his Red Giant Entertainment Ltd. banner.

Vijay’s plans for Singam

By Behindwoods News Bureau.
May 07, 2008

Vijay’s next project after Kuruvi is Singam, which will be directed by Prabhu Deva. Nayanthara, the leading lady of Kollywood, plays Vijay’s heroine in this film. Though there were widespread reports that Singam would commence on the day of Kuruvi’s release there were no such signs.

Now reports flow in stating that Vijay’s busy schedule with the IPL matches has delayed the arrival of Singam. With the summer vacation on for most of the Kollywood families, Vijay is also expected to travel to some vacation spot.

Will the actor prefer a customary pooja before traveling or commence the project after the much-deserved vacation?

Chennai Box Office (May 2-4, 2008)

Chennai Box Office (May 2-4, 2008)
Tuesday, 06 May , 2008, 14:05

Ilayathalapathy Vijay's Kuruvi, has made an impressive two day opening and is in the number one slot. Though it carries mixed reports, its opening is good and may cover its price as it is a B & C film. From eight Chennai screens it has netted approximately Rs 36 lakh in two days, with Sathyam big screening collecting Rs 8, 60,000 from 10 shows in two days!

At number two is Santosh Subramanian, which is very good in Chennai city. In the third position holding on is Yaaradi Nee Mohini, while Allu Arjun's Telugu film Parugu is in the fourth position. In the last place is Tashaan, which has collapsed.

குருவி - விமர்சனம்

ஆந்திரா காரத்தையும், தமிழ்நாட்டு ஈரத்தையும் கலந்து பிசைந்த மசாலா மிக்ஸ். குருவியாக மலேசியாவுக்கு பறக்கிற விஜய், அங்கே த்ரிஷாவை சந்திக்கிறார். வழக்கம்போல் ஜோடியின் அண்ணனே எதிரி. அவரிடமிருந்து விலை உயர்ந்த வைரத்தை சுட்டுக் கொண்டு இந்தியா திரும்பும் விஜயை விடாமல் துரத்துகிறது காதலும், கலவரமும்! குருவி, கழுகாக விஸ்வரூபம் எடுக்கிறது. எதிரியை போட்டுத்தள்ளி... காதலியை கைப்பற்றி... அப்பாவை காப்பாற்றி... ஒரு ஹீரோவுக்குதான் எத்தனை வேலைகள்? அடேயப்பா...!

விஜயின் அறிமுகக் காட்சியே விட்டலாச்சார்யா படத்தை விஞ்சுகிறது. புவியீர்ப்பு விசைக்கு சவால் விடுகிறார் ஒவ்வொரு காட்சியிலும். இவர் நடப்பதை விட பறப்பதே அதிகம் என்பதால்தான் குருவி என்று பெயர் வைத்தார்களோ?

அப்பாவுக்கு தரவேண்டிய கடனை வசூலிக்க மலேசியா செல்லும் விஜய் அங்கு செய்யும் சாகசங்கள் த்ரிஷாவுக்கு மட்டுமல்ல, ரசிகர்களுக்கும் வியப்புதான். சுமனின் வீட்டிற்குள்ளேயே புகுந்து வைரத்தை கிளப்பிக் கொண்டு தப்பிக்கும் விஜய், ஃபிளைட்டில் ஏறும் வரை ரசிகர்களுக்கு இறங்காது பி.பி. அடுத்த பிளைட்டிலேயே சுமன் சென்னைக்கு வந்திறங்க தீப்பிடிக்கிறது திரை.

இன்னொரு பக்கம் கொண்டா ரெட்டியாக முண்டா தட்டுகிறார் ஆசிஷ் வித்யார்த்தி. விஜயின் அப்பா மணிவண்ணனையும், அவருடன் சேர்த்து நூற்றுக்கணக்கான குடும்பங்களையும் கொத்தடிமைகளாக வைத்திருக்கும் இவரது கோஷ்டிகள் செய்யும் அட்டகாசங்கள், பதற வைக்கும் பரிதாபங்கள். மெல்ல இந்த கொத்தடிமை கூட்டத்துக்குள் ஊடுருவும் விஜய், கடப்பா ராஜூவை அடித்து துவைத்து, தூக்கில் தொங்க விடுகிற காட்சிகள் கைதட்டல் ரகம்.

விஜயை தேடி சென்னைக்கு வந்திறங்குகிற த்ரிஷா, தனது பேக்கை தவறவிட்டு தேடுவதும், டர்க்கி டவலுடன் ரிசப்ஷனில் சண்டை போடுவதும் கலகலப்பு. அண்ணன் அடிவாங்கி அரை பிணமாக கிடந்தாலும், அடித்துப்போட்ட காதலனிடம் ஒருவார்த்தை கேட்க வேண்டுமே? நல்ல தங்கச்சிங்கப்பா!

இடைவேளை வரைக்கும்தான் சுமனின் ஆட்டம். அதன்பின் நாற்காலியில் உட்கார்ந்தே நடிக்க வேண்டிய பரிதாபம். லேப்-டாப் மூலமாக குவாரிக்குள் இருக்கும் விஜயை சுமன் அடையாளம் காட்டும் காட்சி த்ரில்+கலகலப்பு. கடைசி ரிலீல் அவர் சக்கர நாற்காலியில் இருந்து ஜம்பென்று எழுந்து சண்டை போடுவது எப்டிங்ணா?

மணிவண்ணன், இளவரசு என்று மனதில் நிற்கிற கேரக்டர்களுக்கு ஜே.

விஜய் படங்களுக்கேயுரிய கும்மாங்குத்து பாடல்கள். அதிலும் “மொழ மொழன்னு யம்மா ய ம்மா பயங்கரம். அர்த்தம் புரியாமலே குழந்தைகளும் பாடுவார்கள். ஹ¨ம்...!

மேன் ஆஃப்த மேட்ச் ஒளிப்பதிவாளர் கோபிநாத்துக்குதான். ஒவ்வொரு பிரேமும் பிரமிப்பு! நம்ப முடியாமல் அமைக்கப்பட்டிருக்கும் சண்டைக்காட்சிகள்தான் இப்படத்தின் பலமும், பலவீனமும்.

'Kuruvi' flies high- record

IndiaGlitz
[Tuesday, May 06, 2008]

Vijay starrer 'Kuruvi', has opened in a big way. Released last week-end, the movie featured Trisha, Suman, Ashish Vidyarthy among others in the cast.

Produced by Udhyanidhi Stalin, the movie was directed by Dharani and had musical score by Vidyasagar.

The movie opened in over 300 screens across the State witnessed a bumper opening. Vijay fans thronged theatres in large numbers and it was gala-time at all the screens with huge cutouts and wall posters erected at various places.

Though the movie had managed mixed reviews from the media, Vijay fans are hopeful that the movie on mass-centric theme would certainly click and go on to become a blockbuster.

Awards and accolades all the way

Seven Tamil films bagged most of the Reliance Mobile Vijay Awards at a recent function

Photo: R. Shivaji Rao
MOMENT OF PRIDEDirector Maniratnam receiving the Chevalier Sivaji Ganesan Award from Director K. Balachandar at the second annual Reliance Mobile Vijay Awards 2007

“Paruthiveeran” and “Polladhavan” bagged four jury awards each (including Best Film and Best Director respectively) as “Pokkiri” and “Sivaji” shared honours in the popular category, winning four statuettes each as well. With “Chennai 28”, “Mozhi”, “Kattrudhu Tamizh” winning two pieces each, 20 out of the 30 Reliance Mobile Vijay Awards were clearly dominated by these seven films.

Satyaraj was adjudged the best actor for “Onbathu Rooba Nottu”, Superstar Rajnikant was voted by fans as their favourite Hero and the industry awarded the Best Entertainer Award to Vijay. Karthi and Anjali won the best debut actor awards for “Paruthiveeran” and “Kattradhu Tamil”. Priyamani was adjudged Best Actress and Nayanthara was voted Favourite Actress.

All of this took over five hours to unfold as one man decided to make it an enduring experience for the audience. When Yuhi Sethu announced “I am back,” little did we know what we were in for. Clearly lacking in brevity and wit, Sethu decided to pun-ish us with his brand of dry humour that was received with an appropriately dry response from the crowd.

“Cinema was moving closer to realism as news was becoming larger than life,” he observed on behalf of the jury that included Bhagyaraj, Madhan, Priyadarshan, Lizzy and Yuhi Sethu himself.

“Vijay is regarded as one of the smartest Tamil language channels,” said Ajay Vidyasagar, president — Content, STAR TV, recalling how “Kathai Illai Nijam” was the first live reality show in Tamil ever and now Jodi No. 1 rated as highest viewed non-fiction show ever. He said that STAR’s association with the Tamil film industry goes back to Channel V’s Quick Gun Murugan ads made in 1996 that popularised the catchphrase: Mind it, today used by the Chennai Super Kings team mascot Dhoni in the latest Pepsi commercial.

The emotional highpoint of the event was when a frail Film News ‘Anandan’ was honoured for his contribution to Tamil Cinema by Manorama who called him the ‘Chitraguptan’ of Tamil Cinema. Later in the evening, K. Balachander gave away the Chevalier Sivaji Ganesan award for excellence to Mani Ratnam, who said it was honour to get the Sivaji award and wished he had the opportunity to have worked with the veteran. And, A.R.Rahman said, “Ella Pugazhum Iraivanukke.”

Among the acceptance speeches, the most sentimental were by the directors Vetrimaran and Venkat Prabhu, the most unassuming speeches were by Prakash Raj and Prabhu Deva (Prakash Raj said other people from his team probably did a better job and a visibly thrilled Prabhu Deva said how he didn’t expect this as he admired all filmmakers nominated, including Vishnuvardhan for “Billa”) and the actors thanked the directors (Satyaraj gave Thankar Bachan all credit, Karthi did a crowd-pleaser saying a couple of lines from the movie before thanking Ameer and Superstar in a video-recorded acceptance speech held Shankar responsible for the success of Sivaji).

The Best singers Neha Bhasin (who said she it was her first award ever) and Krish performed, the king of bling BlaaZe did a hip-hop act and there were item numbers by Kamna, Samiksha, Rahasya and Sada who were accompanied by John Britto’s energetic bunch of dancers.

Overall, it’s a show best seen on TV where you have the option of changing channels to escape Yuhi’s longish academic preludes to each of the thirty categories.

* * *

AND THE AWARD GOES TO…

Eva Best Actor – Female Debut: Anjali, “Kattradhu Tamizh”

Best New Actor – Male Debut: Karthi, “Paruthiveeran”

Best Film: “Paruthiveeran”

Best Director: Vetrimaran, “Polladhavan”

Hitachi Best Actor – Male: Sathyaraj, “Onbathu Rooba Nottu”

Best Music Director: A.R.Rahman, “Sivaji”

Favourite Director: Prabhu Deva, “Pokkiri”

Reliance Mobile Favourite Film: “Pokkiri”

Favourite Hero: Rajnikant, “Sivaji”

Entertainer of the Year: Vijay, “Pokkiri”

Chevalier Sivaji Award for Excellence in Cinema: Mani Ratnam

Contribution to Tamil Cinema: Film News Anandan

By SUDHISH KAMATH

குருவி'யின் சாதனை

Cinesouth.com
- 05.05.2008

ரசிகர்கள் ஆவேசப்பட்ட அளவுக்கு இல்லையாம் விஜய்யின் 'குருவி'.

இதற்காக யாரும் உட்கார்ந்து ஒப்பாரி வைக்கவில்லை. ஓபனிங் எந்தப் படத்துக்கும் இல்லாத அளவுக்கு களை கட்டியிருக்கிறது. எந்தளவுக்கு என்றால், சில இடங்ளில் 'சிவாஜி'யையே ஓரம் கட்டியிருக்கிறது 'குருவி'.

சென்னை மல்டிபிளிக்ஸில் புதிய படங்கள் ஒரு தினத்தில் ஏழுமுறை திரையிடப்படும். அதிகம் போனால் பதினைந்து. 'சிவாஜி' சிங்கத்தின் படம் அல்லவா 25 காட்சிகள்வரை திரையிடப்பட்டன. தமிழ் நாட்டில் இதுதான் சாதனையாக இருந்தது

விஜய், தரணி கூட்டணியின் 'குருவி' 'சிவாஜி'யின் இந்த சாதனையை முறியடித்திருக்கிறது. சென்னை மல்டிபிலிக்ஸ் ஒன்றில் 'குருவி' ஒருதினம் முப்பத்து மூன்று காட்சிகள் திரையிடப்பட்டன. வேறு எந்த ஹீரோவும் நினைத்துப் பார்க்க முடியாத சாதனை இது.

இந்த ரேஞ்சில் படம் பத்துநாள் ஓடினாலே பக்காவாக லாபம் பார்க்கலாம் என சந்தோஷ முகம் காட்டுகிறார்கள் திரையரங்கு உரிமையாளர்கள்.

Kuruvi - Certainly not ‘Gilli’

IndiaGlitz
[Monday, May 05, 2008]

Much was expected on Vijay starrer ‘Kuruvi’ since it brings back the successful ‘Gilli’ team. The Vijay, Trisha, Dharani and Vidyasagar quartet oozed abundance energy and ‘Gilli’ turned out to be a racy entertainer, going on to become a blockbuster.

When they teamed together again, obviously expectations soared to greater heights. Unfortunately, ‘Kuruvi’ has failed to live up to expectations and the pep and energy in ‘Gilli’ was sorely missed in ‘Kuruvi’.

Dharani, known for rendering right commercial elements in his movie, has handled a wafer-thin storyline. He has tried his best to sustain the momentum, which works out in parts.

All credit to Vijay, who manages to leave his screen presence in his usual self. He fights, romances and tries his hand at comedy. The actor with a mass fan-following has tried to play to the gallery.

The on-screen chemistry between Trisha and Vijay deserve a special mention. The bubbly Trisha fits the bill well. Though she has limited scope to perform, unlike ‘Gilli’, she is right there delivering one of her best. Suman continues from where he left in ‘Sivaji’. As a baddie, he performs what one expects of him. The scene stealer is Vivek, who with his usual punch lines walks away with applause.

Music composer Vidyasagar's groovy music is good specially the number Darna..., which will rock the front-benchers.

In a nutshell, the movie is about Vetrivel (Vijay), a racer in Chennai, who sets out to free his father Singamuthu (Manivannan) and his peers who are bonded laborers in a mine run by Kocha (Suman) and Konda Reddy (Ashish).

In the meantime, he also finds time to romance Kocha's sister Devi (Trisha), who falls in love when he comes to her brother's place in Malaysia as part of his mission.

Special pat to producer Udayanidhi Stalin for spending his might to bring grandeur on screen. Dharani, known for his commercially masalas, disappoints those expecting the same from him. It can be enjoyed only in parts.

‘Kuruvi’, a racy thriller loaded with romance and action, is a sure treat for Vijay fans.

சிவாஜியை முந்திய குருவி

Cinesouth.com

பீர் அபிஷேகம், பிரமாண்டமான ஓபனிங், பிரமாதமான கூட்டணி. எல்லாம் இருந்தும் எதிர்பார்த்த அளவு இல்லையாம் குருவி. சைலண்டாக குமுறிக் கொண்டிருக்கிறார்கள் ரசிகர்கள். அவர்களுக்கு ஆறுதல் அளிப்பது போல் ஒரு செய்தி.

சூப்பர் ஸ்டாரின் சிவாஜியையே சைக்கிள் கேப்பில், ஸாரி... தியேட்டர் கேப்பில் தாண்டியிருக்கிறது குருவி. இதுவரை ஒரு காம்ப்ளக்ஸில் அதிக காட்சிகள் திரையிடப்பட்ட படம் என்ற சாதனை சிவாஜிக்கு இருந்தது.

சென்னையிலுள்ள மல்டி ஃபினிக்ஸ் ஒன்றில் 25 காட்சிகள் (ஒரு தினத்தில்) திரையிடப்பட்டது சிவாஜி. இந்த சாதனையை குருவி முறியடித்திருக்கிறது.

தமிழ் திரையரங்கு சரித்திரத்திலேயே முதல் முறையாக ஒரே நாளில் 33 காட்சிகள் குருவி திரையிடப்பட்டது. இளம் ஹீரோக்கள் யாரும் அண்ட முடியாத அபார சாதனை இது. தசாவதாரம் குருவியின் சாதனையை உடைத்தால்தான் உண்டு.

It seems Vijay's 'Kuruvi' did not come up to the expectations of the fans.

No one's weeping over it. It had a great opening like no other film, to such an extent that in some places, it even outdid 'Sivaji.'

In Chennai multiplexes, a film is screened 7 times in a day. Maximum is 15. 'Sivaji' went on to be screened about 25 times. This was a record for Tamil cinema.

The Vijay-Dharani team has outdone the 'Sivaji' record. At one Chennai multiplex, 'Kuruvi' was
screened 30 times, something that no other hero can dream of.

At this range, even a 10 day run is enough to make theatre owners happy.

Dhoni’s moustache a la Vijay

In yesterday's match between Chennai Super Stars and Rajasthan Royals, M.S. Dhoni was seen sporting a moustache in line with the tradition of Tamil Nadu. Dhoni, who is usually cleanly shaved or seen sporting a five o'clock shade, was seen yesterday sporting a well-trimmed moustache, which looks exactly like the one that adorns actor Vijay's upper lip.
Maybe both discussed Tamil culture when they interacted, especially how a moustache plays a role as an indicator of bravery and Dhoni hit upon the idea of growing a moustache. But this time, he chose to follow actor Vijay's style. Earlier, Dhoni was seen sporting a horseshoe-style moustache and even a hipster.

Up North, a clean-shaved face is considered gentlemanly, though hirsute faces are more common in Punjab, Haryana, and Rajasthan, which share with Tamil Nadu ideas about facial hair.

In an ad too, Dhoni has a thick fake moustache, caricaturing a maverick Tamilian who issues warning to other teams in the IPL.

Vijay awards presented

Galatta.com [May 5, 2008, 4:08:25 PM]

On May 3, the Jawarharlal Nehru stadium in Chennai witnessed the presentation of the second annual Vijay awards. The most popular persons of Tamil cinema gathered here amidst much glitz and glamour to participate in the event. The winners were selected by counting the votes that the Rasigan Express collected from the public while travelling through the state. So ultimately, the judges of the evening were the movie-loving public who voted for their favourite stars.
Rajinikanth won the award for the ‘Favourite Hero’ for Sivaji while the special award called ‘Entertainer of the Year’ went to Ilayathalapathy Vijay for Pokkiri and Azhagiya Tamizh Magan. A.R. Rahman bagged the ‘Best Music Director’ award for his peppy numbers in Sivaji. The prestigious ‘Chevalier Sivaji Ganesan' award for excellence in Tamil Cinema’ was presented to Mani Ratnam, the man who has taken Tamil cinema beyond the borders of Tamil Nadu and overseas. The Award for the ‘Favorite heroine’ was given to the ravishing Nayantara (Billa), the current heart-throb of Tamilnadu .The Best Actor (male) award was given to Sathyaraj for his excellent performance in Onbath Roobai Nottu; the best actress (female) award went to Priyamani for her memorable performance in Paruthi Veeran. Vetrimaran bagged the Best Director award for Polladhavan. ‘Icon of the Year’, decided by the media agencies and advertisers, was given to actor Suriya. Pokkiri was declared as ‘Favourite Film’ and ‘Favourite Director’ was given to Prabhu Deva for the same film.
‘Film News’ Anandan walked away with the award for the ‘Contribution to Tamil Cinema’. ‘Face of the year’ award went to Silambarasan. Paruthiveeran was adjudged the ‘Best Film’. Vadivelu bagged the award for the ‘Best Comedian’ for Marudamalai. Polladhavan took 3 more awards for Cinematography (Velraj) Stunt direction (Rambo Rajkumar) and the Best Villain (Kishore) categories. Best Playback Singer Male award was bagged by Krish for the song 'June Ponal' (Unnalae Unnalae) and the Best Playback Singer Female Award was won by the VIVA fame Neha Bhasin (Song: Pesugiren, Film: Satham Podathey). Venkat Prabhu of Chennai 600028 fame took home the award for 'best find of the year' and the team of the same film won the ‘Best Crew’. Sivaji bagged two more awards -- one for best lyricist (N. Muthukumar ) and the other for best Art Direction for Thota Tharani.

Best Supporting Actor went to Prakashraj (Mozhi) and to Sujatha for her commendable performance in Paruthi Veeran. ‘Best Dialogue Writer’ was given to Viji (Mozhi) and the award for ‘Best choreographer’ was won by Dinesh (Pokkiri - 'Vasantha Mullai'). The award for Best Actor Male in a debut performance was bagged by Karthi (Paruthi Veeran); the award for Best Actor Female in a debut performance was given to Anjali for Kattradhu Thamizh. The Best Editor award was won by Srikar Prasad (Kattradu Thamizh).

In addition to the presentation, the show glittered with sizzling performances by Sada, Ragasiya, Neha and Kamna. The popular rap artiste BLAZE joined in the celebrations with his many foot-tapping numbers.

Kapilan, a man of simple words

Galatta.com
Prasanna Singh [May 5, 2008, 1:14:57 PM]

Kapilan is the name to reckon with when you speak of lyricists. Most of the popular songs that we hear on TV/ radio shows these days have been penned by this genius, including the ubiquitous 'Kannadasan Karakudi' and 'Kattazha Kannala kutthadhe nee enna'. Now, a new song is making waves on the block. It is Kuruvi’s 'Kuruviyoda pattu, koluthungada vettu'. The song is catching up with every one in the city real fast.
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In fact, Kapilan and Vijay have been giving hit songs for quite some time. Most of Vijay’s songs were penned by Kapilan. Some of them are: 'All thotta boopathi', 'Arjunaru Villu', 'Machchan peru Madurai', 'Ayyanaru vettu kathi', 'Pokkiri Pongal' and the likes. All of these have become quite famous, and they are enjoyed by everyone, not just Vijay’s fans.

Kapilan’s style is very simple. Even a commoner can relate to it easily. It has the ability to present the pathetic situation of the downtrodden in simple sentences like 'rottu kadaiyile manushan jolliya paru, settu kadaiyila manaivi thaliya paaru'. At the same time, his lyrics can bring out the romance between onscreen characters with the use of simple words, though he can also use complex words too with equal ease. Even his similes are very simple; take for example, the way the heroine of Anniyan is compared to 'cappuccino coffee'.

Kapilan is one of the eminent writers of Kollywood. Maybe that is the reason why Kamal Haasan has made him act as himself in his forthcoming Dasavathaaram. It only shows Kamal’s talent for identifying talents and bringing them forth.

Kuruvi - The Movie Review

Summer heat has begun all over Tamil Nadu and to make it hotter, we have the hottest release of the season, Kuruvi. A perfect movie for your summer vacation, Kuruvi is a family entertainer with lots of mass and masala mixed to excite you in every frame you see.

Story: Vetrivel, a happy-go-lucky person living with his huge family in Chennai goes to Malaysia as “Kuruvi” along with his friend Ops(Vivek) to get a pending payment from Gocha(Suman) and clear off his family debts. There he finds himself betrayed and beats up Gocha’s henchmen. In the chase for Gocha, he ends up getting his sister Devi (Trisha) fall in love with him. Vetrivel and Ops return to India stealing a diamond from Gocha along with Devi who elopes in search of her Kuruvi. Gocha comes to India in search of the diamond, chases Vetrivel and finds him at last. Lots of hidden secrets get revealed about Gocha’s plans and the whereabouts of Vetrivel’s father who is considered as missing by the family. The rest of the film is about how Vetrivel wins over Gocha and his aides to save his father and how Trisha unites with her Kuruvi. (60%)

The Director’s seat: This is not Dharani’s movie definitely considering his track record in Tamil Cinema. The director, who holds his grip till the end of first half, loses control in the second half and the whole burden of the film falls on Vijay who has taken it successfully till the end. The story line is simple but as usual Dharani’s screenplay barring a few scenes has lifted it to the levels of an entertainer. Still, if Ghilli was a Dharani’s film ruled by Vijay, this is a Vijay’s film supported by Dharani. (50%)

The technical team: Gopinath’s camera takes us through this roller coaster ride so perfectly that the frames get registered in your mind as and when you see them. The camera work in Happy New Year and Pallanadhu songs deserve a special mention, so are the scenes shot in Malaysia and the rusty look maintained throughout the action packed second half. Maniraj’s art direction is picture perfect and the sets speak for his talents, even in the songs. Editing by VT Vijayan is brilliant but a few jerky scenes in second half could have been done well. This trio gives the film a very good look and feel. The visual effects however could have been done better, to be specific the rope fall scene in Malaysia and the jump scene before the interval. Vidhayasagar’s BGM score is a main highlight of the film giving each and every scene the perfect effect when watching on screen. Completely techno in Malaysian scenes, lovable in Vijay-Trisha romantic scenes, explosive in action scenes and so on, it changes your mood for every scene. Dialogues just pass the muster with a few punches but you will miss a punch like “Evlavo pannrom” or “Oru vaati mudivu pannita” (85%)

Action: The film has action too much over the top which is a main negative in few scenes. The club fight with theme music in the background and the chase scene after Pallanadhu song have been done well. But others especially the ones in second half are too much exaggerated may be with a reason to showcase the super hero power of Vijay. Even though Vijay has done his part in action well, the stunt composing could have been better as there is nothing new in the ideas. Above all, the too much exaggerated jump just before the interval is definitely not required, and there were so many ways to make Vijay run away from villains. (50%)

Songs: The songs which are already chartbusters become visual treats to watch and foils perfectly with the film. Short and sweet, they don’t distract the film’s flow very much. If choreography in Dandaana Darna and Mozha Mozhanu is outstanding, in Thaen Thaen it is soft and romantic. Pallanadhu is grandly shot and is situational while Happy New year is a treat for eyes. The theme music has been put to use very well in the Malaysian club fight. (100%)

Supporting cast: The villan gang consisting of Aasish Vidhayarthi and his new comer brother, and the guy who acts as Cudappah Raja have done their parts well. Suman as Gocha has done a better job than in Sivaji, surprisingly as a silent villan for the action filled second half. Saranya as Suman’s wife, Manivannan as Vijay’s father, the huge cast of Vijay’s family including T.K.Kala, Ilavarasu, the blind girl and the kid who comes as her brother have all provided very good supporting performances for the film. (90%)
Comedy: Vivek is one of the pillars of Kuruvi and his presence throughout the first half is a big advantage for the film. Perfect in timing, he does a brilliant job with Vijay to support him. Vijay who always has a good knack of comedy has a good sharing this time with Trisha who also does a good job. Scenes in Malaysia involving Vijay, Trisha and Vivek are a laugh riot and in second half Chitti Babu and Aashish Vidhyaarthi provide some lighter moments among serious scenes. (95%)

Trisha: The perfect commercial heroine for Vijay. Hot, glamorous and comic in the first half, cute and simple in second half, her vibrant acting, expressions and attitude wins your heart every time she appears onscreen. Her popular chemistry with Vijay works out very well in this film in all scenes and the songs, specially in “Thaen Thaen”. The Mask of Zorro style scenes between her and Vijay are a visual treat and kids are sure going to have a blast in these scenes. She fits the bill of Malaysian Tamil girl perfectly, though director could have given her some more footage in the second half. (85%)
Vijay: Time to talk about the super hero, the one man army, the messiah of Kuruvi – Ilayathalapathy Vijay. Without his unmatchable screen presence, comedy timing, power packed performance and the involvement and dedication he has shown, all the above said ratings will be of no use. For the whole first half, his restrained performance along with Vivek and Trisha wins our hearts. His dance in Dandaana Darna and Mozha Mozhanu songs, where he performs even the most difficult steps with utmost ease, yet again proves he is a gifted dancer. When the director has taken a side seat in second half, he has single handedly carried the whole episode successfully keeping audiences entertained. He has used his expressive eyes very well in this film. Even when other things fail, he has handled the situation with “Why fear when I am here” kind of attitude. Kuruvi is another feather in the cap of mass hero Vijay.(100%)

Positives:
1. Vijay the performer
2. Trisha’s presence
3. Songs and background score
4. Vivek and the supporting cast
5. Camera work and art direction

Negatives:
1. Some over the top and exaggerated action sequences
2. Poor visual effects in couple of scenes
3. Loss of director’s touch in second half

Rating: 8/10

Overall Verdict: The hottest summer entertainment from Vijay.