Vijay inauagurates the Chennai SuperKings (IPL Team)

Chennai Super Kings, run by India Cements Limited has the logo of a roaring lion and the tagline is: Fearless entertainers who will play to win.

Ilayathalapathy Vijay was formally launched as the star ambassador for the Indian Premier League`s Chennai team, Chennai Super Kings, run by India Cements Limited

Says Gurunath Meiyyappan:` Vijay is the most popular Tamil star among the youngsters. His love for cricket is well known and his association with the Chennai Super Kings represents a perfect fit. With Vijay and Nayanthara on board, India Cements Limited will kick start a series of innovative and fun-filled events and promotions.`

Vijay was given a terrific introduction like in his movies, with lights at the hall switched off and the door of the fortress opening to thunderous ovation and the star sitting in a throne .

When media men wanted to know the price at which Vijay was signed up to be brand ambassador, V.B Chandrasekhar, Chennai Super Kings team coordinator said: `We are all excited that he is a part of our team and will be cheering for us. Vijay is priceless.`

The cricket brand ambassador Krishnamachary Srikanth the former dashing opening batsman introduced Vijay to the media in the presence of T.S Raghupathy, Executive President, India Cements, V.B Chandrasekhar, former test player and Chennai Super Kings team coordinator and Gurunath Meyyappan.

Vijay in his speech said that he is crazy about cricket and watches all the one-day matches.

Added Vijay: ` I love cricket and has played it at college level. My son loves watching these matches on television, he is a fan of M.S Dhoni . I`m just waiting to meet him`

Vijay is fascinated by Dhoni`s captaincy, which he feels got India the cup in the recent Australian tour. Says Vijay: ` Dhoni is an inspirational leader and has been fantastic as captain. I will surely meet him on April 23 during the match in Chennai.`

The host introduced Vijay as `the king of Kollywood`, to the background score Unnal Mudiyum racy number sung by A.R Rahman from his film Azhagiya Tamizh Magan

Says T.S Reghupathy of India Cements: ` With Vijay and Srikanth being our ambassadors, we hope more youngsters will take to the game and provide new talents that will shine in the International arena.`

Vijay and Asin in top places

Cinesouth.com
- 18.03.2008

This should be sweet to the ears of Asin who is now in Mumbai. Though she has been missing after 'Gajini' the Tamils have not forgotten her.

Now, what is the news?
A survey was conducted recently on the photos of actors downloaded most by young people in mobiles. Vijay has outranked all including the superstars. While Rajini is in 5th spot, Kamal is not in the top 5 at all.

Among female stars Asin is top of the five. The others in the rank are Trisha, Nayantara, Sreya and Bhavna has silently captured the fifth in the top 5.

Among the movies, 'Sivaji' is the boss. Irrespective of any number of movies, 'Sivaji' has taken a strong root among the young people.

Vijay and Nayantara add attraction to IPL

IndiaGlitz
[Tuesday, March 18, 2008]

The Chennai team of BCCI’s Indian Premiere League (IPL) has roped in two top stars from Kollywood to add colour to the team.

Chennai Super Kings formally embraced the glamour that cinema is believed to bring along by roping in two Kollywood biggies as its brand ambassadors. The leading young actor Ilaya Thalapathy Vijay and the hot girl of Kollywood Nayantara were officially announced as brand ambassadors of the team.

The announcement was made at a glittering function held in Chennai today (March 18). Vijay, who was present in the function said, “I am thrilled to be part of the Chennai Super Kings. I am an ardent fan of cricket, thanks to my son, who is glued to the television set whenever India plays.”

He added that, “To be part of our Chennai team is a delight for me and I hope that I can contribute my bit in my new role. All my fans and well-wishers too have a great passion for the sport. Let's all join hands together and support Chennai Super Kings to ensure that namma team rocks”.

Nayantara, who is the other star ambassador, could not turn up for the event.

K Srikkanth, former Indian skipper and cricketing brand ambassador of Chennai Super Kings, was also present on the occasion.

IPL, the BCCI's money-rich Indian Premier League, already has top Bollywood stars Sharukh Khan and Peity Zinta as popular franchises.

Source: http://entertainment.oneindia. in

Leading Tamil Actor Vijay and sexy Nayantara have been signed up to be the brand ambassadors for Indian Premiere League's Chennai Team for a whopping amount. India Cements, the owner of the team Chennai SuperKings, has officially announced this today and the logo for the team,a roaring lion, also released.

The inclusion of Vijay and Nayan, the new pair of AVM's next film, will add more glamour to the team and its forthcoming Twenty: 20matches in the City. The pair will travel Mohali, Kolkatta and Mumbai to cheer up the team, where they play their matches with rival teams.

India Cements Vice-Chairman and Managing Director, TNCA President and BCCI Treasurer N Srinivasan have expressed their pleasure of getting the leading stars as ambassadors for their team.

This is the first time that Vijay and Nayan have endorsed for a cricket team.

Kuruvi - First look

By Behindwoods News Bureau.
March 18, 2008

Udhayanidhi's production house Red Giant Movies has released the first still of its forthcoming venture Kuruvi. With the entire Ghilli team associated with Kuruvi, its progress is closely being monitored in Kollywood circles.

From Kuruvi's still release recently we can infer that it is going to be another rollicking film from Vijay. Moreover, the design of the title also indicates that it will be an action-packed film.

Expecting this to be as huge a success as Ghilli, Kuruvi has been sold for astounding sums even in the neighboring states Karnataka and Kerala.

Kuruvi gets ready to fly!

By Moviebuzz | Monday, 17 March , 2008, 09:21

The first print ads of 'Ilayathalapathy' Vijay's Kuruvi appeared in select Tamil and English dailies on Sunday (March 16). The ad release says that the film produced by Red Giant Movies Udayanidhi Stalin and directed by Dharani is a "chitirai release"(May release).

Meanwhile the news is that Kuruvi has become the hottest film in the trade. Last week we reported that Kerala theatrical rights were sold for Rs 1.50 crore. The latest is that Karnataka rights has gone for a record Rs 1.20 crore.

Karnataka theatrical rights have been purchased by 'Mandya' Srikanth, a regular Tamil film distributor in Karnataka area who owns Nanda and Yuvasri theatres in Mandya.

Kuruvi has been purchased for the highest ever price for a Vijay film in this area surpassing ATM's price of Rs 75 lakhs.

"Kuruvi" in Karnataka
IndiaGlitz [Monday, March 17, 2008]

Ilaya Thalapathy Vijay and Dream Girl of south India Trisha starrer "Kuruvi", is the hottest property of the industry at present. Last week we reported that the movie was sold to a whooping amount of Rs 1.50 crore in Kerala. Now the movie has fetched Rs 1.20 crore towards Karnataka rights.

'Mandya' Srikanth, a Tamil film distributor in Karnataka, who owns Nanda and Yuvasri theatres in Mandya, has purchased the distribution rights of "Kuruvi".

It is officially announced that "Kuruvi", produced by Udayanidhi Stalin under the banner of Red Giant Movies and directed by Dharani, would hit the halls somewhere between April and May (during Tamil month Chithirai). The makers of "Kuruvi" have made it official through print ads that appeared on Sunday in the leading newspapers.

Trisha's interview on Kuruvi

செனடாப் சாலையில் இருக்கும் த்ரிஷாவின் வீடுகூட அத்தனை அழகாக இருக்கிறது! "நேத்துதான் 'லேசா லேசா' படத்துல அறிமுகமான மாதிரி இருக்கு.அந்தப் படத்துக்கான விமர்சனங்களில் என்னைப்பத்தி வந்த வரிகளும் இன்னும் ஞாபகம் இருக்கு! இன்னிக்கு த்ரிஷான்னா ஒரு நல்ல நடிகைனுபேர் சொல்லும்படியான படங்கள் பண்ணி யிருக்கேன். ஆனா, எனக்கு இதெல்லாம் போதாது. இன்னும் பெரிசா ஏதாவது சாதிக்கணும். அதை நானே ரசிச்சு அனுபவிக்கணும்!"

என்ன சொல்லுது 'குருவி'?

''இப்போதான் விஜய்யோடு மலேசியாவில் செமத்தியான டூயட் முடிஞ்சுது.இன்னும் அந்த டான்ஸ் மூவ்மென்ட்ஸ் உள்ளுக்குள்ளே ஓடிக்கிட்டே இருக்கு.எனக்கு தரணி ரொம்ப ஃப்ரெண்ட். விஜய் பத்திச் சொல்லவே வேண்டாம்.
அப்படியே திரும்பவும் 'கில்லி' ஸ்பாட்டுக்குப் போயிட்ட மாதிரி ஒரு ஃபீலிங்!

எங்க கில்லி கேங்க்ல இப்ப புரொடியூஸர் உதயநிதி சார் புது மெம்பர். 'தான்எவ்ளோ பெரிய வி.ஐ.பி'ங்கிற பந்தா துளிகூடக் கிடையாது அவர்கிட்டே!சகஜமா பழகுவார். எந்த அதிகார தோரணையும் கிடையாது. ரொம்ப ரொம்பஎளிமையானவர். திட்டம் போட்டுப் பரபரப்பாகவும், அதேசமயம் ஜாலியாகவும்பறந்துகிட்டு இருக்கு 'குருவி'.''

''மனம் திறந்து சொல்லுங்க, உங்களுக்குச் சரியான ஜோடி யாரு சினிமாவில்?''

''ஒரு சமயம் சித்தார்த் தான் 'பெஸ்ட்'னு சொன்னாங்க. 'சாமி', 'பீமா' பார்த்துட்டு சாமிதான் மாமிக்கு ஏத்த ஜோடின்னு சொன் னாங்க. 'அக்கம் பக்கம் யாருமில்லா பூலோகம்' பாட்டுல எனக்கும் அஜீத்துக்கும் அத்தனை கெமிஸ்ட்ரினு ொன்னாங்க.எனக்கும் விஜய்க்கும் ஆட்டத்தில் பொறி பறக்கும் கிறது எல்லாருக்குமே தெரியும்.மத்தபடி, உங்க கேள்விக்கு என்னால பதில் சொல்ல முடியலை. நீங்க என்ன சொல்றீங்களோ அதை அப்படியே நான் ஏத்துக்கிறேன். சரியா?''

Full article

Vijay spreads his tentacles in Kerala

By Behindwoods News Bureau.
March 15, 2008

Ilaya Thalapathy Vijay's popularity in Tamil Nadu is a known fact but the young man's charisma is soaring high in the neighboring Kerala also. His films are received with great response and record commercial success on par with any of the Malayalam film.

Pokkiri crossed the one hundred day mark and Azhagiya Tamil Magan which received a lukewarm response in Tamil Nadu met with tremendous reception there. Following this, expectations surrounding `Kuruvi' the next release of Vijay with Trisha directed by Dharani is on the high and the film has been sold for 1 crore and fifty lakhs in Kerala alone.

If sources are to be believed this is the first of its kind.

'Kuruvi' reaping crores

Cinesouth
- 15.03.2008

Even before the completion of the film, 'Kuruvi' is experiencing exciting business prospects.

Vijay is a little superstar in Kerala. If his films run on two legs in Tamilnadu, they race on four legs in Kerala. His 'Pokkiri' has made even the Malayalam superstars uneasy.

Now the demand is very high in Kerala for 'Kurivi' starring Vijay and directed by Dharni. The Kelara distribution rights have now touched Rs.1.50 crore. Producer Mahi has paid Rs.1.50 crore to buy the Kerala distribution rights of 'Kurivi'.

The budget for most Malayalam movies itself is Rs.1.50 crore. Kamal's 'Dasavataram' was recently sold there for Rs.2.50 crore. Malayalam stars are now a worried lot.

அலை பரப்பும் 'குருவி'

ரஜினிக்கு அடுத்த இடம் விஜய்தான் என்பதை நிரூபிக்கும் விதமாக விஜய் நடித்துள்ள குருவி படத்தின் கேரள விநியோக உரிமை ரூ. 1.50 கோடிக்கு விற்பனையாகியுள்ளதாம்.

தரணி இயக்க, விஜய், திரிஷா நடிக்க உருவாகியுள்ள படம் குருவி. இப்படத்தின் விநியோக உரிமைக்கான விற்பனை தொடங்கியுள்ளது. முதல் போணியை கேரளா செய்துள்ளது. ரூ. 1.50 கோடிக்கு கேரள ரைட்ஸ் போயுள்ளதாம்.

மலையாளத் திரையுலகின் முன்னணி ஹேர் டிரஸ்ஸரும், தயாரிப்பாளருமான மஹி, குருவி படத்தின் விநியோக உரிமையை வாங்கியுள்ளாராம். ராயல்டி அடிப்படையில் இந்த விற்பனை நடந்துள்ளது.

தரணியின் படம் ஒன்று கேரளாவில் விற்பனையாகியுள்ளது இதுவே முதல் முறையாகும்.

மே மாதம் குருவியை திரைக்குக் கொண்டு வரத் திட்டமிட்டுள்ளனர். கேரளாவில் விஜய்க்கு நல்ல ரசிகர் கூட்டம் இருப்பதாலும், அவரது போக்கிரி படம் பெரும் ஹிட் ஆனதாலும் குருவி படத்திற்கு எதிர்பார்ப்பு அதிகரித்துள்ளது.

கேரளாவில் பெரும் வசூலை வாரிய குறிப்பிட்ட சில படங்களில் போக்கிரியும் ஒன்று. அதேபோல தமிழகத்தில் சரிவர போகாத அழகிய தமிழ் மகன் கேரளாவில் பரவாயில்லை என்ற அளவுக்கு போனது.

குருவி படத்தின் தயாரிப்பாளரான, அமைச்சர் மு.க.ஸ்டாலினின் மகன் உதயநிதி, இந்த விற்பனை குறித்து சந்தோஷம் தெரிவித்துள்ளார். படத்திற்கு பல்வேறு தரப்பிலிருந்தும் நல்ல விலை கூறி பலரும் அணுகியிருக்கிறார்களாம். இருப்பினும் தமிழகம் முழுவதும் படத்தை சொந்தமாகவே திரையிட திட்டமிட்டு வருகிறாராம் உதயநிதி.

படத்தின் சர்வதேச உரிமையை ஏற்கனவே ஐங்கரன் இன்டர்நேஷனல் நிறுவனம் பெரும் விலை கொடுத்து வாங்கி விட்டது நினைவிருக்கலாம். இந்த நிறுவனம் கொடுத்த விலை, படத்தின் பட்ஜெட்டுக்கு சமமாம்.

Source : Thatstamil.com

'Kuruvi' flies high in Kerala

IndiaGlitz
[Friday, March 14, 2008]

Ilaya Thalapathy Vijay's forthcoming release 'Kuruvi', directed by Dharani and produced by Udayanidhi Stalin, has fetched a record amount through the distribution rights in Kerala.

The rights are said to have been brought by leading hair dresser Mahi, for Rs 1.50 crore. Mahi has earlier produced and distributed two Malayalam films.

‘Kuruvi’ is scheduled for May release. The mid summer vacations and the increasing number of fans in the state, could fetch large number of crowd to the film, it is believed.

Mollywood filmy associations have been trying to avoid Malayalam releases clashing with the releases of Tamil biggies in the state. Since many Kollywood stars command big openings in Kerala, even small time filmmakers are careful enough to reschedule the dates according to the release dates of Tamil films.

Recently the associations has passed a resolution which permits the Tamil films to get released in Kerala only after two weeks from their original release dates in Tamil Nadu. Despite this move, Tamil films continue to command good response in Kerala.

It may be recalled that Vijay’s 'Pokkiri' was one of the highest collecting films of last year, which completed hundred days in many centers in Kerala. Though Vijay’s latest film 'Azhagiya Tamil Magan' did not do well in Tamil Nadu, it made good businesses in Kerala.

Kerala is also awaiting the big Tamil releases like 'Dasavadharam', 'Yaaradi Nee Mohini' and ‘Varanam Aayiram’, which will hit the theatres in a couple of months.

Source : IndiaGlitz

Kuruvi – Kerala goes for record price

By Moviebuzz | Thursday, 13 March , 2008, 11:18

Ilayathalapathy Vijay has once again proved that he is the king of Kerala among other language actors in the state. His Dharani directed Kuruvi, produced by Udayanidhi Stalin has gone for a record Kerala theatrical rights!

The Kerala theatrical rights has been snapped up by Malayalam cinema's leading hair dresser Mahi, for a rumoured Rs 1.50 crore on royalty basis, which means print cost and publicity will have to be met by the distributor. Mahi has produced and distributed two Malayalam films Dileep's Chess, a hit and Suresh Gopi's Detective an average film.

Kuruvi is scheduled to release in May and theatres in Kerala are eager to give it priority dates, as Vijay commands a terrific opening. There are no big Malayalam films due (Mammootty and Mohanlal's summer releases are for Vishu- April 14), and after them Vijay is the biggest star in Kerala!

Vijay's Pokkiri is one of the highest collecting Tamil films in Kerala. And his ATM, a flop in Tamilnadu did average business in Kerala. The buzz on Kuruvi in Kerala is big as Vijay and Trisha are a hot pair, and Vidyasagar who provides music for the film also does Malayalam films and is very popular

Source: Sify

Vijay relishes 'Anjathey'

Cinesouth.com
- 12.03.2008

Mishkin's 'Anjathey' has raised expectations among film folks too.

Having watched his 'Chitiram pesudadi', Vijay congratulated Mishkin and told him of his desire of doing a film under his direction.

He was also keen to watch the film 'Anjathey'. Immediately a special show was arranged at the Four Frames theatre in Chennai.

Vijay accompanied with his wife and daughter enjoyed the film 'Anjathey'. He also had words of praise for Naren, the hero of the film.

Particularly, he enjoyed the climax of the film and praised Naren for that.

Nayantara too watched the film along with Vijay. She liked the film very much and complimented director Mishkin for that.

Several Malayalam directors and actors also watched the special show.

Rajini and Vijay – at the same time!

By Behindwoods News Bureau.
March 11, 2008

Production house Ayngaran International is gearing up to start one of the most expected projects of the year – Robot – on May 10th, 2008. This film will have Rajinikanth playing the lead role. Meanwhile, the Superstar is busy with a short-term project Kuselan, which is shaping up well under director P. Vasu.

Fans are exuberant about Robot because of the success that Rajini's previous film, Sivaji, reaped. Added to the excitement of this are the big names involved in the project. With the beautiful Aishwarya Rai Bachchan bagging the female lead and sharing the screen space with the Superstar for the first time, it is no surprise that this film has managed to generate enough curiosity even before it hits the floors. The Ash factor apart, director Shankar and music director A. R. Rahman's association with Robot is another reason for all the buzz.

Ayngaran International has another project on hand that could also take off around the same time Robot commences. This film has Vijay in the lead and will be directed by Prabhu Deva. The duo already has a big hit to their credit with Pokkiri. Will the magic rub off this time too?

Vijay’s advice to Ajith

IndiaGlitz
[Tuesday, March 11, 2008]

Vijay, who is very keen in not allowing his child’s picture appearing in the media, has advised Ajith to follow the same policy. Vijay, in fact, did not allow any one to take photograph till the child completed one year.

Ajith, who has decided to follow Vijay’s advice, hasn’t given any photographs of his child to the media. He has even refused to tell the name of the child.

Is a ‘Rasigar Manram’ flag mandatory Vijay?

IndiaGlitz
[Saturday, March 08, 2008]

Some news is doing the rounds in Kollywood about Vijay soon going to introduce a flag for his fan club. But is a flag all that necessary for an actor’s fan club? Wont it make the fan club look more like a political party?

Recently a welfare meeting of Vijay’s fan club was held in Dharamapuri district. Actor Vijay too was there for a good cause. He donated around 10 personal computers to a government school, he presented away tricycles for the physically challenged, gave away sewing machines for the widows and the actor has also issued funds for bringing up bus shelters in some places. Seems like Vijay is one charitable person!

When someone asked him what has made him so popular in such a short span is Tamil Nadu, Karnataka as well as Andhra Pradesh, the actor divulged that it is the unconditional support from his fans that has made him so popular. He has also mentioned that every time his fans call him up and wish him he gets a boost to perform even better in future. But will Vijay act in other languages if given a chance. The actor is reported to have answered that he will not be interested in acting in any other language other than Tamil. Vijay seems to be one loyal son of the soil!

Recently there was a Vijay Rasigar Manram that took place in Erode and the actor was believed to unveil a flag for his fan club members. When asked by the news men as to why he is introducing flag for his fan club the actor replied that it was a wish from his fans that he was fulfilling. When he was asked if he was doing all these to enter politics, Vijay was prompt to say a definite ‘no’ and he also mentioned that he feels good that he is able to do such acts which make him feel good. Earlier his father, director Chandrasekar, had denied about Vijay stepping into politics.

The actor was also commended by his fans on his acting skills his timing in comedy as well as his ability to dance. Vijay also cheered his fans by singing the song ‘Adungada yenna suthi’ from his film ‘Pokiri’.

‘Ilayathalapathi’ Vijay for sure seems to be a true crowd puller.