Kalluli Mangan launched

Kalluli Mangan, a new film went on floorstoday which was launched by Mayor M. Subramaniam. This is the directorial debut venture of Jai Gurudevan who had apprenticed with Sundar C and Iyakkunar Sigaram K Balachander. Raj Verma a new comer is the hero and Jaanavi from Sandalwood plays the heroine.

The shooting of Kalluli Mangan is slated to be held in Karaikudi, Theni, Pollachi and in Tanjore. The film is said to be based on a real life incident centering around a confusion caused in a marriage ceremony. The entire situation turns down the lives of those involved into topsy-turvy scenario and what unfolds next forms the crux of the story. Patrick has scored music and Abdul Kalam has cranked camera. Sai Suresh is the editor and Dheena is the music director

Quick Gun Murugan

Cast: Rajendra Prasad, Naseer
Direction: Shashanka Ghosh
Rating: ***

Something happened to us in the ‘90s. A lot of which is rightly credited to the then Finance Minister (and the present PM) Manmohan Singh, though curiously not as much to his under-rated boss, PV Narasimha Rao.

India began to economically leap out of a soft-socialist, porous curtain. The insecurities of the urbane Indian toward the West gradually gave way to a certain swagger about being who you were.

Doordarshan ceased to be our only source of entertainment and the world at large. MTV, and later Channel V (with a similar logo), imported into our homes, multiple advertisements of the desi cool. It isn’t acknowledged enough how these two TV stations alone gave many Indians a sense of self, beyond a sense of humour: We’re like this only.

Quick Gun Murugan, one tumbler whisky, one plate masala dosa, was one of this New India’s early mascots. Shashanka Ghosh was the creative director; Rajesh Devraj, its uncannily brilliant writer and concept guru.

Fifteen years since, Bollywood is a thing of discotheque-cool; our peculiar English isn’t considered poor anymore, only naughtily different; and Quick Gun Murugan is a full-length film. This low-budget picture, amateurish in portions, could well remain a minor Sholay for what’s now called the MTV generation.

This gentle soul of the spoofy Sambar Western (Rajendra Prasad; Quick Gun forever) is committed to vegetarianism, and his dead lover in his locket (Anu Menon). Even non-vegetarian jokes don’t go down too well into his system. And a woman, buxom to the southern Indian taste, Mango Dolly (Rambha), just can’t get into his red leather tights.

This cowboy wants to save cows, I presume, from turning into fillings in the dosa. You instantly take a shine on him, to a moment where you could fill in the pet words “Mind It” in the monologue, even though he doesn’t say it on cue himself. Rice Plate Reddy (Naseer) of the McDosa’s chain is the non-vegetarian, evil archenemy. Rowdy MBA (Raju Sundaram) is the gun-totting corporate henchman.

Clearly the plot ain’t the point. This is true for Westerns, truer still for its parody. The background score sometimes starts off with an Indian flute rendition of The Good The Bad The Ugly theme. Quick Gun literally bites the bullet. His rivals are nearly equal gun-masters. Self-indulgence is supreme. Sure, there are scenes that occasion fatigue.

Yet, it’s an achievement how the makers have turned a 60-second vignette into a full-length, full-blown farce, and importantly, succeeded in an almost undivided attention from their audience. This is a genre Indian cinema isn’t the most proficient at.

The film strews along the way its own subtle takes on business-suits, Mumbai’s traffic woes, red-tapism... The idiom remains cockily wild; the grammar, entirely original.

Ghosh’s directorial debut Waisa Bhi Hota Hai Part 2 was a similarly hilarious collection of crazy caricatures. I still can’t take those pub-brawling Sardarjis from that film off my mind. It was definitely funnier in parts. This one is so much funnier as a whole. Go for it, I say!

‘Kanden Kadhalai’ goes the way of ‘Jab We Met’

‘Kanden Kadhalai’ is making news all over the town with the vigorous promotions courtesy by its producer G Dhananjayan. The producer has been making earnest efforts in drawing big results at box office. Meanwhile, director Kannan has started filming promotional song ‘Oru Naal Iravil’ (similar to ‘Mauja Mauja’ in ‘Jab We Met’).

The song is being pictured in the grand sets erected at AVM Studios. Closer sources have revealed that both director Kannan and producer Dhananjayan have planned to broadcast the song continuously on the air for the promotions.

With Vidhyasagar scoring music, Benny Dayal and Tippu have crooned for the song.

The film is slated to hit the screens in the third week of September.

GC September issue: Kanden Kadhalai special

Kanden Kadhalai lead actors Bharath and ravishing Tamannaah will release the Kanden Kadhalai special September issue of Galatta Cinema, the Complete South Indian Movie Magazine, on September 1 (today) at 7 p.m. at Landmark, Citi Centre, Chennai.

The first copies will be received by director Kannan and G. Dhananjeyan of Moser Baer in the presence of Girish Ramdas, President, Galatta.com and Shri Shakthi Girish, Editor, Galatta Cinema.

Tamannaah and Bharath will interact with the fans in a special segment at the magazine release and autograph the first few copies of the magazine bought by fans. Many top movie celebrities, advertisers and socialites will be present.

This special issue, with 100-plus pages, has many special features, including an exclusive tete-a-tete with the Kanden Kadhalai team for the cover story, an exclusive look at actor Suriya with never-before-seen photographs from Aadhavan, a festival special where celebs share their experiences about Onam, Navarathri and Id, a Teachers' day special as shisyas remember their gurus and of course, all the regular sections like Kickstart, Galatta Talkies, Beyond South, In the Groove and more...

Yaavarum Nalam – Sequel

Madhavan, in a recent interview, has said that plans are on to make a sequel of the smash hit film Yaavarum Nalam (13B in Hindi). The actor said that making a sequel for Yaavarum Nalam is a difficult task because it needs to match the expectation levels of the audience.

At present, Maddy has his hands full with three Bollywood films - Sikander, 3 Idiots, and Teen Patti and the director of Yaavarum Nalam, Vikram Kumar has been signed up to direct Vikram starrer. With both the actor and the director busy with their own projects, it needs to be seen when the duo would find time for the sequel.

Exclusive: Aadhavan Vs Vettaikaaran for Diwali race

Nothing is going to stop Kollywood buffs from getting invigorated for this Diwali. Producers have confirmed to release their “big tickets’ for Diwali without any delay. First to be confirmed in the list is Vijay’s “Vettaikaaran’ produced by AVM Productions. The film is directed by debutant Babu Sivan, once an associate of Dharani.

Next to hit-the-screens for the festive occasion is Surya-Nayanthara starrer “Aadhavan’ directed by K.S. Ravikumar. Produced by Udhayanidhi Stalin under the banner of Red Giant Movies, the film’s release for Diwali was confirmed during the audio launch held recently.

Ayngaran Productions’ “Peranmai’ featuring “Jeyam’ Ravi in lead role is likely set for release as well. Last but not the least is Dhanush-Shriya Charan starrer “Kutty’ (remake of Telugu movie “Aarya’). Jawahar Mithran directs the film and Sun Pictures has acquired the film rights.

Earlier, Silambarasan’s “Vinnaithandi Varuvaaya’ directed by Gowtham Menon and Ajith Kumar’s “ASAL’, were supposed to get released for this season. Precisely, due to unavoidable reasons, completion of these projects got delayed resulting in postponed release.

Kandasamy is a commercial cocktail

Post the success of an intelligently made Thiruttu Payale, it was only to be expected that Susi Ganesan's next Tamil movie should raise a boatload of expectations. It was supposedly the first super-hero movie in Tamil, boasting a glittering star-cast- all factors that made it a blockbuster-in-the-wings. So, does V Creations' Kandasamy, arguably the most anticipated movie of 2009 fulfill those hopes?

It tries to but doesn't quite make it to the finish line.

Right from the opening scenes, you see the path this mega-movie is going to take. Hordes of people from the economically weaker sections of the society are writhing in anxiety and lack of resources, while rich men barter in crores and fly from Paris to London [ Images ] with scant concern. The police play their part in ignoring pleas for help.

All is chaos when help comes, it seems, from divine sources: the lord Kandasamy, straight from the heavens or specifically around the vicinity of Thirupporur. All that you need to do is write a message and tie it around the temple tree, and your prayers are answered.

In the meantime, there's the trim and fit V Kandasamy IPS (Vikram) looking dashing and packing a lot of panache as he walks around very effectively around the CBI headquarters, conferring with his boss and a whole horde of cohorts. He canoes, works up a sweat with martial arts and conducts raids on stinking rich men, all with just the hint of a smile lurking on his face. All pretty amazing, and the scene is set perfectly making you eager for more.

You're not disappointed when the daughter Subbulakshmi (Shriya) of rich guy PPP (Ashish Vidhyarthi) prances onto the screen to the catchy tunes of Allegra composed by Devi Sri Prasad. It's the heroine's introduction, after all, and you've got to give allowances for these pointless interruptions. (To give credit where it's due, Shriya does a very creditable imitation of the matchless Shakira [ Images ] and the applause hits the roof).

And then its back to business as Kandasamy IPS dons his rooster make-up (yes, that's his avatar, actually since he's an incarnation of Lord Muruga and must conform to one of the deity's symbols) and voila! He's superhero rooster, wearing a red eye-mask (that conceals nothing), a red cape, swishing it very admirably and makes clucking noises that takes some getting used to (and the audience erupt in giggles every time he does it). There's no suspense element to the IPS Officer/Super-hero alter-egos; you know straightaway it's the same guy and so, it seems, does everyone in the business.

Still, Kandasamy does have a definite presence, and he goes about accomplishing his purpose with a gang of 11 friends: to be a modern day Robin Hood who deprives the rich of ill-gotten gains so that he can shower the poor with money. In effect, he has no real super-powers except the one that's the mainstay of every Tamil hero from MGR to Vijay: the man can bash up 100 goons with just a flick of his wrist. He's a one-man killing machine, and logic can go for a toss.

Then there is Thengai Thenappan (Vadivelu), who provides the mandatory comedy track; even movies like this require one like it.

There are a couple of scenes where you can see signs of brilliance: when Kandhasamy's gang arranges a rescue attempt and the whole event is brilliantly "choreographed," the enormous set-up that exists to help him achieve it, and DIG Parandhaman's (Prabhu) attempts to track the divine Lord Kandasamy who's supposedly helping people right and left. At one point, Kandasamy is even captured, and his role-playing instincts are stripped away but there's a twist to it.

Problem is, that's all the evidence there is in Susi Ganesan's screenplay. A superhero usually has a rock-solid flashback, attempting to explain why he becomes one. Here, Kandhasamy worked in a pizza shop, sang a song, and saw a friend's left hand amputated. Oh, and he loves acting as well. (That explains the rooster avatar). That's enough for him to take on multi-billionaires single-handedly, kill trained assassins and fool every law enforcement system in the country. And there are the mandatory speeches as well; endless lectures on how economic offenses cripple our country and how distributing everyone's wealth can help solve India's debt thus making every Indian citizen the best in the world.

Vikram is certainly the best thing in the movie. He's fit, lean, a great fighting machine with a permanent smile lurking in his eyes, which makes you forget a lot of imperfections in the screenplay. This man is made to play the intelligent hero though it's a pity that Kandasamy doesn't quite match his glittering screen presence.

Shriya shows you just how well she can shake those hips; her costumes just mould to her shape and she makes sure you get an eyeful. Her dubbing voice is sultry, sexy and she could give any Hollywood heroine a run for her money. Which is a good thing, because, aside from prancing around in skimpy outfits in Mexico and other areas, there's nothing else for her to do.

Ashish Vidhyarthi is his usual, over-acting self while Prabhu is calm, cool, dignified, making him a pleasure to watch. Various smaller characters have done well. If only the extraneous poor people hadn't been played in such a wooden fashion.

Devi Sri Prasad has realised that movies with this budget don't often get made, and with plenty of copied tunes, goes all out. But the movie ultimately, belongs to cinematographer N K Ekambaram who performs magic with his camera, the special effects team, and costumers who have worked their hearts out. Technically and visually, the movie's excellent. Thotta Tharani's art-work is done with professional finesse.

At 3 hours 20 minutes, the movie could have done with some editing.

Watch Kandhasamy for its beautiful locales, a ravishing heroine, and Vikram's smile but go with nil expectations as this particular super-hero doesn't have much to offer a discerning viewer.

Mallanna Review - Robin Hood Meets Staged Superhero

Cast: Vikram, Shriya, Krishna, Prabhu, Brahmanandam, Ashish Vidyarthi, Mukesh Tiwari, Mumait Khan and others.
Action: Chatrapathi Shakti.
Art: Padmashri Thota Tharani.
Cinematography: NK Ekambaram.
Editing: Praveen KL & Srikanth KB.
Lyrics: Sahithi.
Music: Devisri Prasad.
Presenter: V Creations Kalaipuli S. Thanu.
Story, Screenplay, & Director: Susi Ganeshan.
Release Date: August 21, 2009

Vikram and Shriya After all that hype and numerous delays, Mallanna is finally here. If it had released right after the hit Aparichitudu, it would have gotten a different reaction. As it is, a lot of curiousity has been aroused-what took so long to make? After Gentleman and Shivaji, this is another movie on Black Money. While Bharatiyudu was essentially about bribes and Aparichitudu on corruption, and the former had a freedom fighter and the latter an multiple personality disorder (MPD) patient, Mallanna has an honest cop who raids rich homes and with a gang of poor childhood pals all of them now in the department, gives it to the poor a la Robin Hood. He comes in the guise of an Avtaar of Lord Shiva, Mallanna, with an elaborate super hero costume and feathers.

He has his reasons for the set-up and while he is scrupulous, he isn't omnipotent. People who pray to the village deity write letters and tie it to a tree outside the temple. With a whole crew working for this cause, the letters are brought, read and acted upon and black money goes back to the public. Logically unattainable? Oh yeah? When was the last time we met someone who got bitten by a spider and started jumping off scrapers without injury? It's fiction so view it as such.

It's not without its faults. Parts of it look outdated. Shirya is Subba Laxmi, a spoilt rich kid whose father is paralysed due to a raid by Mallanna-IPS, and she seeks revenge and the duo have a love-hate relationship trying to outwit each other and pretending to be in love. Sometimes those parts drag, along with Brahmanandam who is wasted in a series of not-so-funny sequences where he pretends to be Mallanna. But they spent all this time not for nothing. The script seems to have been reworked and the effect is that it is compact for the most parts and does not drag as a whole.

Vikram's job is not easy, but it is simple. He seems to pick one animal per movie. Like a gorilla or a rooster this time. As Mallanna IPS he is a suave, smug officer, straight-backed, tuck-shirt, aviators. As Mallanna-the-rooster-avataar he's over the top, graceful and clearly enjoying himself even though as an officer he has a permanent "the joke is on you" expression. He has a strong screen presence, and even Shriya in her brief and slightly irritating role with that silly hairdo has a good presence, seems to have grown very confident as an actor and somehow manages to pull off a sensual and grey portrayal like this-a big deviation from looking pretty and acting 'bubbly' or dimwitted. She dances and moves really well, but the music by Devisri Prasad is too repetitive and even the Tamil dubbing sounds off sometimes.

The movie has its moments like when you realize that a team of young officers are pulling off a spectacle show for real to scare people or make them believe in the enigmatic God. The black money routing, as shown in Shivaji, is explained again with some real people references (find them). Mallanna using Subba Laxmi to get the password after she cheats him into confessing about his alter nature.

Two of the action sequences are good. Overall, it's an entertaining one-time watch.

Saroja Devi In Aadhavan

NR Creations chief Chandan Ramesh had taken the rights of Surya and Nayanatara starrer Aadhavan. The film Aadhavan is produced by Udayanidhi Stalin's (Karunanidhi's son) Red Giant Movies and directed by KS Ravi Kumar.

The film's script was actually penned by Ravikumar's close friend Ramesh Khanna, an actor as well as a filmmaker. The film has Surya playing an anti-hero role. The entire film was shot in Kolkata. Saroja Devi has made her comeback after a long time and she will be a treat to watch. The film in Telugu has not be titled yet and is presented by G. Kumar Babu. The film is releasing in Tamil and Telugu on 17th September.

Aadhavan songs from August 19 on Galatta.com

The music of Suriya starrer Aadhavan will be released on August 19. Directed by K.S. Ravikumar, the movie is produced by Udayanidhi Stalin's Red Giant Movies. Nayantara teams up with Suriya for the first time.

The music of the film is composed by Harris Jayaraj and the album is being released by Think Music. The duo of Suriya and Harris have given two consecutive hits in Vaaranam Aayiram and Ayan. Aadhavan is sure to make it a hat trick for them.

Aadhavan songs on Galatta.com

The top names of the industry lent colour at the audio launch of Aadhavan at Sathyam Cinemas on Wednesday.

Director Shankar heaped praise on Ravikumar, describing him as a director of the producers. “The visuals are very good and the credit should go to the entire team,” he said.

Receiving the first copy of the trailer from producer R.B. Chowdhary, actor Vijay said he has long admired Suriya for his hard work and commitment.

Producer Udhayanidhi Stalin hoped that the box-office returns of Aadhavan would surpass those of Ayan. “Ravikumar also took the production responsibilites to make my job easier,” Udhayanidhi said.

Music composer Harris Jayaraj said he looked forward to the opportunity of working with Udhayanidhi again with Suriya in the lead and directed by A.R. Murugadoss.

Releasing Aadhavan Songs was Postponded

Aadhavan, a forthcoming Tamil film directed by K. S. Ravikumar starred by Surya Sivakumar and Nayantara in the lead roles. Harris Jeyaraj given his best music to Aadhavan songs. Chennai, India ( Freepressreleases ) August 18, 2009 — Surya’s current venture Aadhavan’s audio is all set to release on August end. This film has Surya and Nayanthara in lead roles, for the first time Surya pairs up with Nayanthara in this film. This film is produced by Udhayanidhi Stalin under Red Giant Movies banner.

The shooting of Suriya's Aadhavan is progressing in the final stage. The audio release of Adhavan Songs was supposed to take take place on August 15th in Chennai, but it may be postponed. Why the delay, souces say's "The main reason is that the Aadhavan team is busy shooting in South Africa and has not returned to Chennai yet. Only after the unit's return will a decision be taken by the makers". For the first time Surya pairs up with Nayanthara in this film, produced by Udhayanidhi Stalin. Harris Jeyaraj given his best music to Aadhavan songs. Based on the sources there are six tracks in this movies.The film is directed by K.S. Ravikumar and music is composed by Harris Jayaraj, it has six tracks.

Sources say that 'Surya' is playing a negative role in this movie. Actress Saroja Devi plays the role of a rich woman who owns big mansion and has four sons. Nayantara is the daughter of the oldest son. Surya joins as a servant in their house, who wants to take revenge on the family members and the story takes a different turn, when Surya happens to fall in love with Nayantara. Vadivelu gives life to the comedy track, playing the cook role in 'Saroja Devi's mansion.

The story is by N.S. Ramesh Khanna. Cinematography is by Ra. Ganesh, the art director is Rajeevan, editing is by Don Max, stunts are by Kanal Kannan and the film was expected by surya fans. In this time there have copetition between Aadhavan, Asal songs and Vettaikaran songs.