Pokkiri's 200 days celebrations

Pokkiri's 200 days gala function
Galatta.com
June 16, 2007

The 200 days celebration of Vijay-Asin starrer Pokkiri is to be held in July. The success of the Ilai Thalapathy movie will be presided by the Dalapathy himself, Superstar Rajinikanth. The remake of the Telugu film of the same name starring Mahesh Babu was directed by Choreographer turned hit director Prabhu Deva.

Kamal to be torchbearer of Vijay's victory
By Behindwoods News Bureau.
June 30, 2007

Vijay-starrer Pokkiri will be soon be celebrating its victory in a grand way. And why not? With the movie crossing the 175th day mark, the team is gearing up for the silver jubilee function. Pokkiri, which was released on January 14, 2007, was the first directorial venture of Prabhu Deva in Kollywood.

The event will be held at the Nehru Indoor Stadium on July 8th. K. Balachandar would be the chief guest and Kamal Hassan is also expected to grace the occasion with his presence.

Well-informed sources say that dance master Kala’s troupe, along with Namitha and Malavika, will be performing their mind-boggling dance sequences during the function.

Celebrating the success - Pokiri
IndiaGlitz [Saturday, June 30, 2007]

Vijay's Pokkiri is running successfully to complete a 200-day run across theatres in the State. To coincide the occasion, a mega function is being planned in Chennai in which the cast and crew of the movie would be felicitated.

According to reports, the mega function would be held on 8 July in which 'Super Star' Rajnikanth is expected to take part and distribute mementoes and shields to the Pokiri team.

Directed by Prabhudeva, Pokiri featured Vijay, Asin, Prakash Raj, and Vadivelu among others. A remake of the recent Telugu hit titled the same, the movie opened big in Tamilnadu, Kerala and Andhra Pradesh.

At the function, popular actresses like Simran, Namitha are expected to perform dance numbers on the dais.

Business booms for Tamil cinema

THE HINDU

SREEDHAR PILLAI

Round-up The first half of 2007 has seen a number of hits with content-driven, smartly packaged films doing the trick.

Tamil films never had it so good during the first half of the year. There have been 50 releases from January 1 to June 29, 2007, eight more than last year’s 42 releases during the same period. Kollywood has enough reasons to smile as there has been more number of hits than last year which augurs well for the industry. The hits of the year are ‘Pokkiri’(blockbuster), ‘Mozhi’ (super hit), ‘Paruthiveeran’ (super hit), ‘Naan Avan Illai’ (hit), ‘Unnale Unnale’(hit) and ‘Chennai-600028’ (above average).

Rajinikanth’s ‘Sivaji’ which released on June 15 to record openings, does not feature here as it will take some more weeks to gauge its success. Though the industry is superstar-driven, formulaic films clicked at the box-office.

The message is once again loud and clear — stars alone cannot make a film a hit, a novel script and presentation do matter.

Coming of age

In a way, the new trend of content-driven films in attractive packaging with essential commercial ingredients and smart marketing show that Tamil films have come of age.

The Vijay-Asin starrer ‘Pokkiri’ became a blockbuster because of its packaging as a mass entertainer, music and the larger-than-life image of its hero Vijay. Says Vijay: “I think ‘Pokkiri’ clicked because it had all the essential ingredients. Added to that there was a twist in the story, rib-tickling comedy, great songs picturised beautifully, sentiments and never-before-seen action…”

The film made on a budget of around Rs. 12 crores should have done business worth Rs. 35 crores worldwide, according to trade estimates. ‘Pokkiri’ also created new records in Kerala and overseas.

Full news at: http://www.hindu.com/fr/2007/06/29/stories/2007062950500100.htm

Man of the masses

Vijay is emerging as the man of the masses. Last week on his birthday, (June 22), the star visited the Children’s Hospital, Egmore, and presented all the new born babies there who shared his birthday with gold rings. Says Vijay: “It was a spontaneous decision, as I was born there. I want to do something for the ordinary people.”

The rest of the day he spent at home and in the evening, he had a quiet dinner with his family and close friends. The actor had just completed a hectic shooting schedule for “Azhagiya Tamizh Mahan” (ATM) in Hyderabad, directed by newcomer Bharathan. The film has Shriya in the female lead and the music is by A. R. Rahman.

In the film, Vijay plays an unusual character with negative shades. All that he is willing to say is, “I’m my own enemy in ATM. My films are meant for the masses, so it will be packaged as an entertainer with all the ingredients that one associates with a Vijay film.”

SREEDHAR PILLAI

Vijay in Phuket islands!

By Moviebuzz | Wednesday, 27 June , 2007, 16:47

After a memorable birthday, where he presented gold rings to new born and a charity function organized by VFN (Vijay Fans Network) at Stree Seva Mandir, Saligramam which won accolades for his charity and dedication to the poor and needy, Vijay is back to work. Our Ilayatalapathy Vijay, along with Namitha has flown to the Phuket Islands in Thailand on Wednesday morning to shoot “the ultimate” dream song for Azhagiya Tamizh Mahan(ATM). Imagine Vijay and Namitha dancing on the palm fringed powder white beaches in Phuket, against the backdrop of the calm blue sea? The song is a peppy fast number from A.R Rahman, which is likely to be the hit number in the film. The views expressed in the article are the author's and not of Sify.com.

Vijay moving abroad

Actor Vijay, who celebrated his B’day in Chennai with his beloved fans, now taken a flight to western country to join Azhagiya Tamil Magan team. In order to celebrate his B’day with his family & friends Vijay came to Chennai from Hyderabad, the upcoming actor is doing the lead role in Azhagiya Tamil Magan.

At present the movie is busy with shooting of dance sequences, so the team running between locations to complete the shoot, after completing Hyderabad shoot, the film ventured into foreign land.

According to reliable sources, actor Vijay seen along with the crew and their is no detail about the heroines. After shooting major scenes in foreign land the team likely to touch Chennai, by end of June.

http://www.kollywoodtoday.com/news/vijay-moving-abroad/

Vijay's birthday celebrations

Vijay's B'day tomorrow IndiaGlitz [Thursday, June 21, 2007] Actor Vijay will be celebrating his birthday in a grand manner on 22 June. Vijay would be in town (Chennai) to celebrate his birthday. To commemorate the big day, Vijay would be gifting gold rings to all the babies which are born at Egmore Children's Hospital on 22 June. With his Pokiri declared a hit this year, Vijay would be in joy. It would be a happy birthday in deed for Vijay. A prominent television channel has run several contests for his birthday besides collecting wishes from his fans all across the State. "Listen and Download Vijay's SuperHit Songs @ Raaga.com" Vijay Birthday Celebration

[Saturday, June 23, 2007]

"I am ready to act in a Rajnikanth's film", says Vijay. Addressing media persons on the occasion of his birthday in Chennai on Friday, Vijay said, " I consider it a great opportunity to share the screen with Rajnikanth. If given an opportunity, I would immediately accept to be part of a film". "I admire Rajnikanth and enjoyed watching his latest release Sivaji", Vijay said and added, "His style did impress me". On Azhagiya Thamizh Magan, Vijay said, "It has a different storyline and I play opposite Shriya. It has so far come good". Vijay will soon commence shooting for director Dharani's film that would be produced by Udhayanidhi, son of State Minister M K Stalin. On his birthday, Vijay gifted 35 gold rings to new-born at Egmore Children Hospital and also conducted a mega blood donation camp in Chennai.

Vijay celebrates B-day with quiet dignity IndiaGlitz [Friday, June 22, 2007]

Vijay is a happy man celebrating his birthday with his family and fans Friday. The actor had recently returned from a hectic shooting for Azhagiya Tamil Magan. Vijay says, `I am hopeful that Azhagiya Tamil Magan would also go on to become a blockbuster. It features me in a different role. There is scope for action and humor in the movie. Director Bharathan has done a commendable job in the movie". Azhagiya Tamil Magan features Shriya opposite Vijay. Vijay says, "I thank my fans for making Pokiri a big hit. In typical lines, I vouch that Azhagiya Tamil Magan too would be entertaining for my fans". Asked about his forthcoming film for Udhayanidhi, Vijay said, "The movie would commence after I complete Azhagiya Tamil Magan. After a brief interval I am joining hands with director Dharani. We are confident of recreating the Gilli magic".

A quiet b'day for Vijay!

By Moviebuzz | Thursday, 21 June , 2007, 10:21

Vijay is celebrating his birthday on Friday, June 22. On the eve of his birthday, the ‘Ilayathalapathy’ of Tamil cinema invited Moviebuzz to his palatial seaside bungalow in Neelankarai on the East Coast Road in Chennai for a brief chat. Said Vijay: “I don’t believe in big parties and prefer to have a quiet birthday every year. But my fans are planning something innovative and this time we have decided to gift a gold ring to all kids born on June 22 at the Egmore Government Children hospital, where I was born.” Vijay says that he will be spending the day at home with wife Sangeetha and kids Sanjay and Sasha. He adds: “My close friends usually drop in to wish me and we all have home made food and have fun. My parents come to wish me and give their blessings”. The actor has just completed a long schedule of his forthcoming film Azhagiya Tamizh Magan in Hyderabad and says that it was a hectic shoot which is going at snail pace as director Bharathan is taking care about each and every shot and the film would be ready only by end of August or September.

Vijay celebrates birthday
Galatta.com
June 23, 2007

Vijay celebrated his birthday yesterday. On the occasion, he distributed gold rings to thirty babies born on 22nd June at the Egmore Government Maternity Hospital.

He also participated in the blood donation and eye checkup camps. On the occasion, he also announced that he would be opening a blood bank in the city.

Visitors from U.K. join students in dancing to film songs

THE HINDU

TAMBARAM: A delegation of officials from the U.K.-based Cooperative Financial Services found it hard to resist the temptation of joining a group of children dancing to the tunes of popular Tamil songs during a visit on Thursday to the Government High School in Medavakkam near Tambaram.

After they ran out of breath, unable to keep pace with the school students, Jim Slack, head of the delegation from the financial institution said: “We apologise for not being able to dance like the youngsters. This is the greatest welcome we have ever received in our lives,” an excited Mr. Slack said.

The delegation had arrived at the school to dedicate the computer centre and library that was started on the school premises along with IT company Xansa. They were given a traditional welcome and after they sat on the dais, saw a bharatanatyam recital by girl students to the tune of ‘Om namah shivaya’ from ’Salangai Oli.’

A ‘karagaattam’ dance performance by the students to the tune of a popular number from the film ‘Karagaattakkaran’ followed. The delegation was visibly impressed, but when the song ‘pokkiri pongal’ from the film ‘Pokkiri’ was played, the team members just could not resist dancing.

They joined the band of school boys, dressed in outfits similar to those worn by actor Vijay in the film. In fact, after the song concluded, they asked organisers to play it again and tried their hand at the gyrations commonly associated with ‘kuthu’ songs in Tamil films. Soon even school teachers joined the delegation.

After the performance, Mr. Slack thanked all for the wonderful moment, but reminded the students to make full use of the computer centre and library and also to work “really really hard".

Vijay impressed with Sivaji

IndiaGlitz [Tuesday, June 19, 2007]

After Rajnikanth and Kamal Haasan, Ajith and Vijay are considered the money-spinners in Kollywood. Movies starring Ajith and Vijay have never failed to rake in moolah at the box office.

Both the prominent actors of Tamil cinema were spellbound after watching Rajnikanth's Sivaji. Ajith, who is currently shooting for Billa, a remake of Rajnikanth's yesteryear blockbuster, watched Sivaji at Kuala Lumpur in an exclusive premiere along with Malaysian Minister Datho Samuvel. Impressed with movie, he heaped laurels on both Rajnikanth and Shankar.

Vijay managed to watch the movie at Prasad Labs in Hyderabad along with the likes of Mahesh Babu and others. Spellbound by the looks of Rajnikanth, Vijay poured encomiums on Rajnikanth and said that he admired Rajnikanth in every frame.

Silambarasan, called Little Super Star in the industry, is currently shooting at Theni for Kaalai. He watched the movie at a theatre in Theni and was highly impressed.

Vijay's birthday celebrations

By Behindwoods News Bureau.

Apart from the usual birthday celebrations of Vijay fan clubs, the Ilayathalapathy' s birthday this year on June 22, 2007 is planned to be celebrated in a grandeur manner by Vijay TV. As part of the birthday bash, Vijay TV has planned for a publicity vehicle adorned with life size cutouts of the star, performances of look-alikes and celebrity visits.

Vijay The vehicle – titled Vijay Rasigan Express – will travel across some of the major cities such as Chennai, Pondicherry, Trichy, and Coimbatore between June 14 and June 22, 2007. Besides, the channel is also organizing a host of programs to celebrate the star's birthday ranging from SMS trivia contest to the name contest where a fan whose name or part of it is Vijay can grab prizes. That apart, numerous contests were planned and merchandises and goodies will be distributed to the fans. To add to the excitement, fans will be allowed to take snaps with the life size cutouts of the actor.

Plans include a signature campaign on a 1000 mt canvas wherein fellow stars sign wishing Vijay a happy birthday. Vijay TV plans to air the special program `Vijay Rasigan Express' from June 14 at 10 p.m.

Vijay Express Chugs On

IndiaGlitz
[Thursday, June 14, 2007]

Vijay’s birthday is round the corner. The anticipation among his legion of fans is now becoming very high and huge. A Tamil entertainment channel has sought messages on the occasion from his fans and is going to deliver to the young star on his B-day.

The van has already started going around the Chennai city, and Vijay fans had a whale of time conveying their greetings to their Ilaya Thalapathi.

Celebrating in style

Vijay TV is planning to celebrate the birthday of superstar Vijay on June 22 with a an on-air-and-on-ground activity called “Vijay Rasigan Express” from June 14. A branded publicity vehicle in true Vijay style, will ply the roads of Chen nai, Pondicherry, Tiruchi and Coimbatore from June 14 to June 21. There will be photo sessions with the life-size cut-outs of Vijay. A signature campaign on a 1,000-meter wide canvas, where fans and celebrities can wish the star, is also being planned. The journey of “Vijay Rasigan Express” will be telecast as a three-part series from June 14 onwards, every Thursday at 10 p.m.

SREEDHAR PILLAI

Ameer and Vijay may come together

By Behindwoods News Bureau.
June 11, 2007

Ameer the latest toast of Kollywood has created a niche for himself in Tamil filmdom. His Paruthiveeran and Ram have earned him oodles of recognition and respect among quality film makers. Ameer will be joining hands with director Bala in floating a film company which will produce movies that will be directed by them and also will render opportunity for aspiring directors to make good films.

He also said that he had a misunderstanding with Bala which got resolved in due course and they are the best of friends now.

On his directorial assignments, Ameer said that he will be directing Kannabiran where Jeyam Ravi will play the role of hero. After this film, there are plans for him to do a film with Ilaya Thalapathy, the talks for which are going on currently.

Empire strikes back!

Empire strikes back!
By Moviebuzz Saturday, 09 June , 2007, 10:47

All these days, media was full of stories of how the yet to be launched Kalaingnar TV purchased the satellite rights of all latest films including Rajnikanth's Sivaji and the super hit of the year Mozhi.

Sun TV, the market leaders with the best Tamil film library in the world was keeping an extremely low profile, due to certain recent political happenings in the state. Now the latest we hear is that they have snapped up the television rights of Ilayathalapathy Vijay's mega hit of the year Pokiri and has also bagged his next release Azhagiya Tamizh Mahan which is under production!

It is not only the biggies but small films like Karan's Karuppusamy Kuthagaitharar, and films under production like Bharath's Nepali and Palani too has been snapped up by Sun. All this has triggered off the biggest ever Tamil films satellite rights boom, as some individual players with deep pockets have also entered the race.

Link: http://sify.com/movies/tamil/fullstory.php?id=14468335

Azhagiya Tamil Magan's judgement day

By Behindwoods News Bureau.
June 08, 2007

Vijay-starrer Azhagiya Tamil Magan landed in trouble with Muhammad Farook filing a case in the court against producer Appachan alleging that he had bought the story earlier. Before seeking legal redressal both the parties approached the Producer's Council wherein it was decided that Muhammad Farook should be paid Rs. 5 lakhs.

Of the Rs. 5 lakhs it was alleged that they paid Rs. 1 lakh and skipped paying the balance amount. Aggrieved by this, Muhammad Farook sought a stay order in the court of law to stall the movie's progress. The latest update on this issue is that it came up for hearing before Justice Rama Subramanian yesterday. Senior counsel P.S. Raman, on behalf of the defendants, contended that Appachan had bought the story from Prem Nawaz for which Rs. 10 lakhs has already been paid.

Based on the said facts the counsel argued that Muhammad Farook has filed the case with the intention to malign actor Vijay's name in the industry and therefore the stay order should be vacated.Having heard the arguments from both the sides the Judge reserved the judgement.

Stay on ATM!

By Moviebuzz | Tuesday, 05 June , 2007, 08:10

The Madras High Court has granted an interim injunction and against the shooting of Vijay's Azhagiya Tamizh Magan on a petition filed by Mohammed Farooq alias Raja of Grand Creations . The court also ordered issue of notice to Jeeva, story writer and producer `Swargachitra' Appachan claiming rights over the story of the film.

Raja says that he and S.K Jeeva, who now claims to be the writer of the film had jointly written the script under the name 'Guru-Prasad' and wanted to produce it with Vijay. Later Jeeva narrated the story to Vijay who liked it and asked director Bharathan and producer Swargachitra Appachan to make it into a film.

However Raja found that without his knowledge, Jeeva had sold it to Appachan. He approached the Tamil Film Producers Council where the producer and writer promised him Rs 5 lakhs as compensation. They paid Rs 1 lakh and refused to pay the balance, and were trying to complete the shoot and release it by August 15.

So Raja approached the Madras High court, who has granted a stay on the shoot, production and distribution of the film for the next four weeks

Vijay movie banned

Cinesouth.com

The Madras High Court has imposed a temporary ban on the production and release of Vijay's 'Azhagiya Tamilmagan'.

Director Jeeva works for the production company in Chennai run by Muhamad Farook. He had told Farook the story of a youth who is able to foresee the future. This movie was originally named 'Killaadi', and later changed 'Guru Prasad'.

They had discussed the same story with Vijay & his father S.A.Chandrashekar. A few days later Muhamad Farook heard through the media grapewine that the same story was being made by Appachan in the name of 'Azhagiya Thamizhmagan' . Muhamad took the complaint to the Producers' Union, where it was decided that Farook should be paid Rs.5 lakhs. He received an initial payment of Rs.1 lakh, but was cheated out of the remaining 4 lakhs.

Farook therefore approached the court requesting a ban on the movie till his 4 lakhs was settled.The judge not only imposed the ban but has also ordered a return statement to be filed within 4 weeks.