Monday, December 31, 2007
Star graph of 2007
Since the leading lights of Kollywood – Superstar Rajini and Ulaganayagan Kamal – are in a different league, it would be unfair to compare them with the other stars. So let us straightaway move to the younger lot.
Vijay
Ilaya Thalapathy Vijay, the undisputed king of box office has given a huge hit in Pokkiri but failed to recreate the magic in Azhagiya Tamil Magan. But his stardom and the amazing opening remain the same and any news on him invariably makes headlines in filmy pages.
So, the verdict on Vijay is that he is still the Numero Uno of the younger lot.
Complete Article
Saturday, December 29, 2007
Vijay's daredevil stunts in Malaysia!
December 29, 2007
Vijay was in Malaysia for his next venture, Kuruvi, directed by Dharani. The shooting for this film is on at a fast pace and Vijay is all pumped up the way it is progressing. Actor Suman, last seen playing the baddie in Rajinikanth’s Sivaji released earlier this year, is donning a similar role in this film as well.
This is followed by an extensive stunt sequence shot very realistically and Vijay is said to have followed the instructions of the stunt choreographer to the T, in order to get the scene as realistic as possible. He is usually one person who performs stunts in a style of his own and in this film he has gone with the script and remained true to it. Hope this gives his fans another Gilli time.
Friday, December 28, 2007
Superstars dominate
SREEDHAR PILLAI
Round-up The year was good for films catering for Chennai’s multiplex audiences and those made on a shoe-string budget, with fresh subjects and faces. |
The superstars continue to dominate, with Rajnikanth’s ‘Sivaji’ turning out to be the year’s top grosser.
The year was also good for films catering for Chennai’s multiplex audiences and those made on a shoe-string budget, featuring newcomers and dealing with fresh subjects.
Film making and marketing also underwent a sea change as corporates such as Pyramid Saimira brought in a certain degree of professionalism into the industry.
Top five grossers
Here is the list of five top grossers in Tamil, based on their box-office collection worldwide and production cost, as per trade sources.
Sivaji: It couldn’t get bigger than this. The Rajnikant-Shriya starrer, directed by Shankar, is said to be the costliest Tamil film ever made and was sold at a record price to distributors. The film actually opened huge with a record number of screens and highest gross collection of all time.
‘Sivaji’ once again ascertained the fact that Rajnikant is a one-man entertainment troupe who still holds sway over Tamil audiences and new cross-over audiences from the Hindi heartland.
Box-office verdict: Super Hit
Pokkiri: The film, released for Pongal 2007, turned out to be Vijay’s biggest hit. Remake of a Telugu film, director Prabhu Deva packaged it in such a way that it suited the taste of Tamil audiences who danced to the hit tunes of Mani Sharma.
The on-screen chemistry between Vijay and Asin was great and the film turned out to be the highest grossing Tamil film in Kerala.
It did extraordinary business across A, B and C stations in Tamil Nadu and also overseas. It established Vijay as the most saleable star after Rajnikant. The trade says it’s the most profitable movie of the year.
Box-office verdict: Blockbuster
The star power
[Friday, December 28, 2007]
In our effort to look at the successful movies of 2007, here comes another set of movies that had an unmistakable stamp of difference. These efforts were hailed for their uniqueness and fresh ideas. Here goes the brief analysis of those films:
ATM
This was a double Dhamaka special treat for all Vijay fans this Deepavali! Living up to the title Vijay is indeed Azhagiya Tamil Magan in his first film with dual roles! His stylish and comical mannerism stole the show and scored well for him. The flat climax is a dampener, for which you can’t blame the hero. ATM may not be palatable to everyone, but for those who suck up this brand of hilarity with a straw, it’s plenty tickling.
Over all, though the film had many blemishes in its script, Vijay neutralizes all of these with his outstanding performance and smart looks! The excellent opening, however, could not be sustained for a long.
Complete Article
Ileana, Vijay’s next heroine
December 28, 2007, 1:32:16 PM
Illeana, the petite Goan beauty and the queen of Tollywood, is back in Kollywood. It is confirmed she will be the female lead opposite 'Ilayathalapathy' Vijay for his next film.
Ileana had earlier debuted in Tamil in KD opposite Ravikrishna and Kollywood’s current hot property Tamanna.
Vijay is currently shooting for Dharani’s Kuruvi with Trisha. After this, he will star opposite Ileana in a film to be directed by Prabhu Deva. The Prabhu Deva-Vijay team has given the blockbuster Pokkiri earlier this year.
Vijay pairs with Ileana
Vijay will be pairing with Ileana in the upcomming movie to be directed by Prabu Deva. The combination of Vijay and Prabudeva created Pokkiri who went on to become a superhit movie.
Vijay is currently acting with Trisha in Kuruvi, under the direction of Dharani. The Pokkiri success combination of Vijay and Prabudeva will be comming together again in Prabudeva’s next direction which will start rolling after Kuruvi.
In this movie Vijay will be paired with Telugu actress Ileana. The actress was earlier seen in Tamil in the movie KD(Kedi) opposite Ravi Krishna. Ileana D’Cruz hails from Mumbai. Buzz has it that Prabudeva has approched her for the next movie and the actress has accepted. The call sheet and other details are yet to be decided.
Wednesday, December 26, 2007
Top films of 2007: Choice aplenty!
[Wednesday, December 26, 2007]
After Sivaji, the stylish and cool Boss, there are many other films that vie for the top slot in terms of collection and critical acclaim. Here is a peep into those films that made a mark in some way or the other:
Pokkiri
Loaded with allure, the highlights of 'Pokkiri' embrace a racy script, solid performance by Vijay with ease propped up by the sparkling performance of Asin. While Vijay's breakout performance sends our pulses racing, the love scenes were done with flair.
Opened to 100% collections all across the state, and emerged as the clear winner of the Pongal race winning rave reviews. 'Pokkiri' created a record in Kollywood by completing 50 days in 147 stations (direct run) in Tamil Nadu and was declared a blockbuster.
To sum up, the movie is an action-packed entertainer with loads of amusements, bliss, and fun. Dance master turned Prabhu Deva has proved his mettle as a commercial director with this film.
Complete Article
Vijay and Ajith - diametrically opposite
December 26, 2007
The two stars vying for the superstar status are Vijay and Ajith. Both Vijay and Ajith have carved a niche for themselves with a loyal fan following that they managed to garner over the years. While Ajith is commonly referred to as Thala by his fans, Vijay is called Ilaya Thalapathi.
Then Ajith returned in an all-new avatar in Kreedom, which was critically acclaimed and was lauded for his restrained performance. Unfortunately, the movie didn’t go down well with his fans, as it didn’t have all the elements that were usually expected in Thala’s film. The director even tried to change the climax of the movie a few days after it was released but it was a little too late as by then it was rejected by his fans as being too serious and not masala enough.
Come deepavali and it was time again for a clash between the two actors. Vijay’s Azhagiya Tamil Magan had Rahman’s music and a dual role for him. To match this, Ajith’s Billa a remake of the 1980 Rajinikanth hit was getting ready with a stellar cast and dashing promos. Call it fate or destiny, ATM made it alone to the theatres but wasn’t able to capitalize on it; blame it on the bad script or poor direction.
The industry was pinning its hopes on Billa, which after many obstacles finally made it to the theatres on December 14, 2007. It couldn’t have given the box office a better reason to smile and end the year on a high. Billa finally did to Ajith, at the end of the year, what Pokkiri did to Vijay at the beginning. Good fortunes and luck couldn’t have struck them at diametrically opposite times of the year.
Monday, December 24, 2007
Vijay and Velankanni Temple
[Monday, December 24, 2007]
Ilaya Thalapathy Vijay is so pious that he visits Punitha Anthoniar Temple located in Chennai Parry’s Corner on every first Tuesday of each month. He also makes it a point to go to Velankanni after the release of each of his films.
You might wonder how the popular star could go to such a place where thousands of people gather without getting noticed. His security personals reveal that he visits there during mid night with the cooperation of the temple authorities.
Sunday, December 23, 2007
It’s Prabhu Deva vs. Perarasu for Vijay
December 23, 2007
Kuruvi is sticking to its schedule. Barring a few unfortunate turn of events, this movie will be completed on time. So, now, it's time for new scripts to contend strongly for Vijay's dates.
Though there had been reports earlier that it was all but confirmed that Vijay will be working with Prabhu Deva after Kuruvi, the question to be answered is when will this project take off. Will it be just after Kuruvi or will it even be after another movie.
It is reported that Perarasu had narrated a plot to Vijay even before Kuruvi had begun and Vijay had suggested a few changes to the script. Now Perarasu is getting ready with the script.
Both Perarasu and Prabhu Deva have good track records with Vijay. Perarasu has done two movies with the star out of which one was a super hit – 'Thirupachi' – and the other was a good grosser – 'Sivakasi', and Prabhu Deva is no lesser by any means with his only movie with Vijay 'Pokkiri' turning out to be the one of the highest grossers of 2007.
We do not have clear news about Prabhu Deva's level of preparedness for his project. So, will it be a Thirupachi or a Pokkiri that we see next, we shall tell you soon.
Saturday, December 22, 2007
Kuruvi flies to Malaysia; Vijay takes on smugglers; Ghilli and more
December 22, 2007
Kuruvi is flying high! This film’s shooting is progressing at a rapid pace and the latest report is that Dharani, Vijay, Trisha and the rest of the Kuruvi team have taken off to Malaysia to can a song sequence. The song will supposedly be a high point of the movie. Looks like Tamil Nadu is not the only place that has people excited about Kuruvi, for the Malaysian government has also extended near unconditional support to the Kuruvi team for shooting.
Sources say that the team has access to areas that had been considered out of bounds for shootings and other such activities. Malaysia is certainly doing everything to promote itself as a friendly destination for the film industry to capture some scenic locations. They had earlier given similar support to the 2006 Hindi blockbuster Krish.
Moving on to other news about Kuruvi, reliable sources have given a brief but exciting insight into the plot of Kuruvi and from what we have heard it is going to be a thrill-a-minute ride for all of us. Here is what we got to know about the Kuruvi story.
Vijay plays a courier delivery guy in Kuruvi. The courier is being used as a safe transit route for many illegal substances like narcotics by a smuggling gang and Vijay and the rest of the courier firm is unaware of this. Fate lands Vijay, carrying one such parcel with smuggled goods, in jail. How he extricates himself from this mess and manages to bring the gang, headed by a respected name in the society, to the fore is being told in this thrill-a-minute chase story.
Suman, who epitomized the ‘all white’ clad villain in Sivaji is back doing the familiar role yet again, flashing the ‘Close Up’ smile and running an empire of crime. The story is said to be full of adventurous escapades of Vijay from the police, engaging chases and a race against time to prove his innocence and capturing the gang red-handed. A plot that is reminiscent of the breakneck chase sequence that was the highlight of his earlier film Ghilli.
The Ghilli team looks good enough to create a repeat of 2004 when Tamil New Year became a great celebration for all Ilaya Thalapathi fans. Hope they can pull it off this time too.
Wednesday, December 19, 2007
Stars fly to Malaysia
- 19.12.2007
Despite the dissatisfaction of the Malaysian Tamils, the star nite is going on as planned on Dec 21 at Kuala Lumpur.
All arrangements for this are being made by Radhika's Radaan. Headed by dance master Kala, about 40 dancers are headed to Malaysia.
Vijay and Trisha have already left for Malaysia. After the star nite on 21 and 23, the pair will stay back in Malaysia for `Kuruvi' shoot.
Some of the stars participating in the event have already left day before night for Malaysia. Yesterday, Radhika and Sripriya left. Most of the other participants are leaving tonight for Malaysia.
Radharavi, Sarath Kumar, Sathyaraj, Prabhu, Vijay, Vikram, Surya, Abbas, Trisha, Nayantara, Sandhya, Reema Sen are some of the top stars who are participating. Asin has escaped. Even though the Hindi `Ghajini' shooting has stopped temporarily, Asin who is right now stationed in Mumbai, says she is very busy!
Tuesday, December 18, 2007
Vijay watches 'Billa' with Ajith
- 18.12.2007
After watching 'Billa' with his family, Vijay was all praise for Ajith.
The hostility between Vijay and Ajith is a thing of the past. The two are now on very cordial terms, dining with each other, and praising each other that their friendship is winning the admiration of Kollywood.
'Billa' has won a name for the way it has been made and a host of stars including Jeeva and Ramesh turned up for the premiere at Chennai's Inox theatre.
Ajith arranged a special show of 'Billa' at Four Frames preview theater for his close friends. Vijay and his wife Sangeetha, Surya and Karthi attended the show.
After the film, Vijay hugged and complimented Ajith as well as lavished praise on director Vishnuvardhan.
After the screening, Ajith hosted a dinner at a prominent 5 star hotel. Ajith's approachability to stars and fans of late has been much appreciated and well received.
Trisha Speaks About Vijay
Q: How is it working with Vijay for the fourth time together in "Kuruvi"?
A: Vijay is a good friend and working with him for the fourth time is great. We have a fantastic rapport and share a good comfort level on the sets.
Plus, he is extremely professional and a very sweet person. So that makes work even easier.
Source: Sify.com
Monday, December 17, 2007
Vijay: Vishal’s star of choice
But today, several hits later, he is the junior action king amongst his contemporaries. But he has in no way forgotten his direction dream.
In fact, he has even picked the hero for his first movie. Vishal has expressed that if he directs a full-length movie, he wishes to cast Vijay as hero.
Sunday, December 16, 2007
On the Sets of Kuruvi
Vijay-Trisha starrer Kuruvi, directed by Dharani, started off on a tight schedule of shooting.
Huge sets were erected at the MGR Film City where a song sequence and some scenes were shot. Then the crew continued the shoot in Irungaattukottai. Another set was also put up at Sriperambudur.
Recent rains in the city postponed the shooting for two days. The call sheets of a group of models brought from Mumbai and Bangalore for the song sequence went waste due to the postponement. The models have been booked and paid in advance.
But the delay and the subsequent wastage does not seem to bother the crew and they are back in action.
`Thalai` shows Billa to `Ilayathalapathy`
Sunday, 16 December , 2007, 20:35
The fans of Ajit and Vijay are fighting a no-hold war of words on the internet over Billa and ATM, but the two stars met up on Friday evening to watch the Ajit film at Chennai's premiere preview theatre Four Frames.
Ajit and his beautiful wife Shalini were holding a private show of Billa on its release day for their close friends. The guest list included arch rival (made out by the media?), Vijay and his lovely wife Sangeetha, Surya and his brother Karthi, and few friends from other walks of life.
Ajit the perfect host that he is, made everybody comfortable, and saw to it that all his friends had a good time watching Billa, and Vijay the gentleman that he is, after the show went and hugged him.
In Kollywood there is a lot of professional rivalry but they do not carry it to their personal life. Ajit and Vijay may be bitter foes at work place but in real life they are good buddies like Rajni and Kamal.
Saturday, December 15, 2007
Vijay and Trisha make peace!
- 15.12.2007
Everything about Trisha makes headline news. But the biggest headline-makers in the recent past were the ones about her new film with her good-ol' friend Vijay.
Vijay and Trisha were known in the industry to be thick family friends. In fact, there were times when Vijay's wife used to recommend Trisha for the heroine roles in his films because she thought that the actress and her husband share an excellent onscreen chemistry.
But recently rumors began that Vijay was consciously avoiding working with her because he didn't want to constantly keep repeating his heroines. However, the gossip columns were convinced that there was more to this "break-up" than that. When Trisha became the heroine of his new film, it had created rumors of a different kind.
Now, the lead actor and actress have decided to strike peace on the sets instead of maintaining a cold hostility.
Recently, Prabhudeva announced that he intends to do another film with Vijay. Even before everybody begins to wonder if his good friend Trisha would be the heroine of this film too, the actor has made it clear to his close friends that it wouldn't be the case.
Kuruvi flies to Malaysia
The Ghilli team, currently shooting Kuruvi, is all set to take off to Malaysia.
For starters, Kuruvi is Vijay’s next film where he is paired with his lucky mascot Trisha. The film is directed by Dharani, the man behind commercial blockbusters like Dhil, Dhool and Ghilli. The film is produced by Udayanidhi, the son of M.K. Stalin.
The unit will be shooting in picturesque locations of Malaysia that have not yet been captured on film.
Almost the entire team that made Ghilli is working on Kuruvi including music director Vidayasagar who has given rocking numbers for Dharani’s films.
The ‘Appadi Podu’ number in Ghilli is still in the minds of Vijay fans and the composer promises that there will be an even more rocking number in Kuruvi.
Friday, December 14, 2007
Vijay talks about Kuruvi to his fan
Hi Behindwoods Team & CO
I'm a regular viewer of your website and enjoy it thoroughly from the latest news to the articles. Recently a few of my cousins who are big fans of vijay got a chance to meet him at his house in Chennai. As I'm in Sydney, Australia I was unable to be present and it was mentioned when they met Vijay that I was his big fan.
You mention noble deeds to charity by stars, but Ilayathalapthy today showed a humble deed that made the day of one of his millions of fans around the world.
Sanjeev,
Sydney, Australia
sanjeev612@hotmail.com
Thursday, December 13, 2007
Nayanthara bags plum role with Ilaya Thalapathy
December 13, 2007
The career graph of Nayanthara, the beautiful actress from Kerala, has been steadily climbing with plum assignments in her kitty. She began her Tamil innings in Aiyya with Sarathkumar and went on to do the role of Durga in Chandramukhi who wooed the Super star. Her 'balalaika' number in Sivaji has enabled her to capitalize her position in the industry very well.
She has been carving a niche for herself in Tollywood too where she has been paired with popular actors like Nagarjuna and Ravi Teja to name a few. She was in the fray for the role of Vijay's heroine in Kuruvi but missed it narrowly to Trisha. However her patience seems to have paid off as she has signed on the dotted line for an unnamed project to be directed by Prabhu Deva with Ilaya Thalapathy as the hero. Vijay will join Prabhu Deva after he wraps up Dharani's Kuruvi. The combination of Vijay and Nayan under Prabhu Deva's direction is something to look forward to.
Tuesday, December 11, 2007
Hari with Vijay
IndiaGlitz [Tuesday, December 11, 2007] |
Hari is one of the busiest directors these days. He takes up a new project as soon as he finishes one. After 'Vel', he is now shaping the story for a film that has Bharath in the lead role. The rumour mills are busy churning out stories that Hari will direct a film featuring Ilaya Thalapathy Vijay as hero. When asked about this Hari simply shrugs off. “I haven’t even met Vijay yet. No efforts have been made in this regard so far. I don’t know from where these gossips generate” was his response. Why can’t Hari, known for his skills to make a hit movie, give a hit movie to his brother-in-law Arun Vijay, who is struggling to take off? “That will happen soon”, replied the director. So, will Hari be directing Arun Vijay before Vijay? |
Monday, December 10, 2007
Vijay's four films with Cheran
December 10, 2007
This was mouthed by Vijay himself at the audio launch of Karu.Pazhaniappan' s latest film Pirivom Santhippom. While speaking at the event he said that he had done 4 films with director Cheran, who was also present at the function. This kept everyone guessing, but Vijay was quick to clarify.
He mentioned that it was Cheran's assistant Jaganathan who directed him for Puthiya Geethai and Cheran supervised the shooting of the film for four days. Those five days, Vijay claimed, he felt like acting in four films of Cheran as he felt the director paid a lot of attention to detail. He even expressed his desire to act in Cheran's direction.
The event wore a different look when a leading director opined that his assistant director's presence intimidated him. Now how often have you heard that? We guess never. Parthipan made this revelation about his assistant Karu. Pazhaniappan to an audience that had all the bigwigs of Kollywood at the Santham Theater during the same event.
Parthipan, the eloquent speaker that he is, was at his jovial best. This isn't something we haven't seen in the past but what made this special was that he didn't spare anyone on stage.
Vijay under Cheran's direction – undisclosed news
- 10.12.2007
Veering away from commercial films, Vijay has been inspired to do meaningful roles.
While most top heroes in Tamil hesitate to do realistic roles, nowadays many directors themselves turn heroes. Ilaya Dalapathi has announced that he is ready to give it a go.
When talking at a function in Chennai, Vijay said, "Cheran is a wonderful director. In 'Pudhiya Geethai' I acted for 4 days under his directorial supervision. He has the knack of getting the best out of an actor. I want to do a full length film under his direction, but he seems to have turned into an actor himself."
In response, Cheran said he's ready to fulfill Vijay's wish.
"Vijay is to have acted in 'Pokkisham.' It was I who did not make use of the call sheet he gave. If I get another opportunity, I would love to direct Vijay in a different kind of role," said Cheran and Vijay nodded his head in assent.
Following this, Vijay has decided to check out stories with Cheran. So get ready to see Vijay in a film directed by Cheran, in the near future.
Pirivom Santhippom: Star studded function
IndiaGlitz [Monday, December 10, 2007] |
Friday, December 07, 2007
Vijay and Prabhu Deva say Pirivom Sandhipom
December 07, 2007
Yes, Vijay and Prabhu Deva are reuniting once again. No! This is not Pokiri II, but to launch the audio of one of the most-awaited family drama in recent times, Pirivom Sandhipom. Director Karu. Pazhaniappan' s third venture shot to fame after he released the first set pictures of the Cheran-Sneha- starrer and people fell in love with the movie instantly.
Karu.Pazhaniappan' s favourite composer Vidyasagar scores the music, and he is said to have given some fascinating tunes. The audio will be launched in Sathyam Theatres on the 9 December 2007. Film giants including K.S. Ravikumar, Ramanarayanan, Parthiban are expected to grace the occassion.
Wednesday, December 05, 2007
Vijay, Suriya and audio releases
IndiaGlitz [Wednesday, December 05, 2007] |
Vijay and Suriya will be involved in two different releases on the same day at the same complex. The releases, however, have nothing to do with their films. Vijay releases 'Pirivom Santhipom' audio in Santham Cinemas, while Suriya releases 'Indiralohathil Naa Azhagappan' audio at Sathyam Cinemas. Both functions take place in the same day (December 9) at almost the same time. Pirivom audio release will be at 9 AM while Indiralogathil release will be at 9.30 AM. Indiralohathil, produced by Seventh Channel 'Manickam' Narayanan, is a comedy entertainer featuring Vadivelu in the lead role. Pyramid Music releases the audio. Suriya will present the first copy of the audio CD to Silambarasan. The first copy of Pirivom audio CD will be received by Prabhu Deva. Music director Sabesh Murali is said to have given a touch of folk music in Indiralohathil music track. The sensational hot singer 'Mirchi' Suchi and Vadivel have crooned for the item number that features sensuous Shriya with Vadivel on screen. With sensational young stars like Vijay, Surya, Silambarasan and Prabhu Deva attending two different functions at the same time, the media persons, especially photo journalists, would find it tough to choose between the two functions. |
Tuesday, December 04, 2007
Udhayanidhi lauds Vijay
IndiaGlitz [Tuesday, December 04, 2007] |
Udhayanidhi Stalin, grandson of Chief Minister M Karunanidhi, heaps laurels on Vijay. “It's a nice experience for me to work with Vijay. Since 'Kuruvi' being my first production, he taught me many things. He is simple, adorable and affectionate” , says Udhayanidhi. 'Kuruvi', directed by Dharani features Vijay, Trisha, Suman among others in the cast. Vidyasagar scores the music. “Vijay and director Dharani proved themselves successful in 'Ghilli'. We just want to repeat the magic. The script is interesting, catchy and racy. Hope everything comes out well.” It is worth recalling that Udhayanidhi was very particular about the choice of hero in his maiden venture as producer. He was ready to wait for any long to have Vijay as the hero. |