All credit goes to Vijay: Arya

All credit goes to Vijay: Arya

Sridevi Sreedhar | Thursday, 08 July , 2010, 11:30

Arya is content in his own league. It’s this quality that makes him so endearing. It’s his child-like vulnerability that strikes you the most, when you have a conversation with the actor. He may give the “I’m casual about my work”- vibe but directors like Bala and now AL Vijay vouches that there is no compromise for Arya when it comes to his work. Meet Kollywood’s most adored young star in his most candid mood on the eve of the release of his big budget period drama called Madharasapattinam. Excerpts Are you tensed on the eve of the release? (Laughs) My job is over when the film is complete. What happens after that is in the hands of the audiences. It’s the love and affection of the fans that matters most. My job is to give every role I portray, my best shot. I don’t have any hang-up’s and I like doing things my way. I am doing my best to promote the film. I am relaxed and chilled out. Tell us about Paruthi, the character you are doing in the film? Paruthi is a poor dhobiwala who is also a wrestler. He is strong headed and you will see a new Arya as far as acting, and body language goes. This guy falls in love with the British governor’s lovely daughter and how he fights against the powerful British for his love. Madharasapattinam- A sify special How was it working with Vijay? He is the most hardworking director that I’ve ever met. He is so clear in his thoughts and this film is his dream comes true. I have to confess that Vijay totally controlled me and made me act the way he wanted, something I’ve not done so far. But I enjoyed it to the hilt. And if someone says that my acting is good, the credit goes to Vijay. How did you complete a period film of such huge canvass in less than 100 days? It was perfect planning. Vijay was ready with sketches and a bound script before the shoot started. He has spent almost a year in pre-production, research and making sketches and with cameraman Nirav Shah and art director Selva around, it was picture perfect. Producer Aghoram totally believed in Vijay and his script and that’s how we completed the film in just 103 days. Any nostalgic moments during the making of the film? (Thinking). We were shooting the climax in Mohan Studio where art director Selva had re-created the Central Railway station of 1947. The scene was happening on August 14, 1947 the night before Independence and we all suddenly realized that it was August 14, 2009. We all became so nostalgic and emotional about the whole shoot that we became speechless for some time. I can never forget that day. How was Amy Jackson on the sets? She is such a sweet person. Very hard-working, sincere and down-to-earth that she would even go to the extent of getting up from her seat whenever someone on the sets gives her a glass of water or juice and say ‘Thank You”. Do you think the film will be a hit? If not for anyone, but for Vijay I hope the film becomes a huge hit. Aghoram believed in the script and if the film works big time, it will be a reward for him and big boost to other producers to make more Madharasapattinam’s in future.

Bhram movie review

Bhram

Movie Bhram Director Pawan Kaul Producer Nari Hira Music Pritam Chakraborty Cast Milind Soman, Dino Morea, Sheetal Menon, Simone Singh

Sonia Chopra

Supermodel Antara Tyagi (Sheetal Menon, lots of lip gloss) is in the thick of fashion industry grime. Warding off `interested’ men at all corners, even sleeping with some, she meets charming, flirtatious Shaan (Dino Morea) whom she begins to like. The lovebirds are all set to make it serious when Antara’s introduction with Shaan’s older brother Devendra (Milind Soman), his only family, takes an unexpected twist. This meeting brings about an ugly childhood memory relating to Antara’s older sister Namrata. Antara accuses Devendra raping and killing her sister, and act she witnesses as a child. Of course the fact that Dev happens to be something of a scion whose mug appears in the papers all the time, and yet, Antara never recognised him, is a script folly. Initial shock later, Shaan sets into action to uncover whether this accusation is true or whether it’s Antara’s bhram. Assuming this plot must have sounded reasonably bearable story on paper, the film fails in its execution and the bizarre final minutes of the film. The climax is convoluted, it’s the typical film ending where all the main characters are present and emotional dialogues are exchanged for the longest time. Here you also have thundering skies atop a Manali mountain, and the culprit Dev confessing he raped his own girlfriend (Namrata) when she resisted running away with him, which indirectly led to her death. `I loved her. Maine Aisa Kya Gunah Kiya Hai’?, he asks his dazed wife, bro and victim’s sis. Really, now! Performance wise everybody is so-so; you’re neither impressed by anyone’s work, neither grudge them the screen presence. Sheetal Menon as the perennially high supermodel is an emotive actress, but suits this particular role well. The character writing is average, but Antara’s character has been fleshed out interestingly. She has many ranges – she’s the smoking, drinking, moody, even eccentric, supermodel who has it in her to sleep with multiple partners as well. Yet, she’s also the girl tenderly in love; and also the strong woman who wants to fight for her sister. The technical aspect has been given importance here. The back-and-forth storytelling and novel transitions to the next shot are interesting. Also is refreshing, even if jarring, the unabashed abuse-laden lingo, the staple of young talk today, especially in the industry the film talks about. Songs are just about ok. You can safely shut eyes and skip this illusion. Verdict: One and a half stars out of five

Apartment review: Nothing chilling here

Apartment review: Nothing chilling here

Movie Apartment Director Jag Mundhra Cast Tanushree Dutta, Neetu Chandra, Rohit Roy, Anupam Kher

Taran Adarsh/IndiaFM Suddenly, schizophrenia and memory loss seem to be the new flavours of the season. First Ghajini [memory loss], then Karthik Calling Karthik[schizophrenia], then Prince [memory loss], and now Apartment talks of a schizophrenic who spells havoc in another woman's life. Jag Mundhra comes up with a fairly taut thriller, which is absorbing in parts. Inspired by the Hollywood film Single white Female [Bridget Fonda, Jennifer Jason Leigh], the film has been adapted decently well to suit Indian sensibilities, but there's a hiccup. Neetu Chandra uses every predictable trick in the book to make Tanushree's life miserable. From poisoning the cat to eyeing Tanushree's man, the stunts that she pulls off don't send a chill down your spine, which is very, very vital for a film that banks on terrifying moments to keep its audience hooked. Yet, when compared to the content in the marketplace today, Apartment is at least watchable in parts. Tanushree Dutta is an airhostess living in with her boyfriend Rohit Roy. They share a nice apartment and are befriended by their elderly neighbour Anupam Kher, a struggling poet and lyricist. Tanushree is possessive and has issues with trust. When she mistakenly suspects her boyfriend to be unfaithful, she throws him out of the house, but soon realises she can't afford the payment on the apartment on her own. On the advice of a fellow airhostess, she advertises for a tenant to share her apartment. Enter Neetu Chandra, a modest small-town girl looking for accommodation. Very impressed by her simplicity and respectfulness, Tanushree believes she has found a perfect tenant. The two girls soon become close - their camaraderie leads them to even become companions. Until things begin to go disastrously wrong. Tanushree's seemingly normal life is thrown off gear. Is Neetu really as simple as she seems? The best thing about Apartment is that it doesn't deviate from the main plot. It stays true to the story and the four principal characters in the film. But the writing isn't convincing in its post-interval portions. Neetu's past in Igatpuri is tame and lacks the dramatic high. Also, the plot tends to get predictable after a point and you actually know what's in store next. Besides, the chill factor is missing. Especially when Neetu becomes a killing machine. It just doesn't evoke any fear. Bappa Lahiri's music is functional. Neetu is getting confident with every film. She uses her eyes to express the varied emotions. Tanushree carries her part effortlessly. Rohit doesn't get much scope. Anupam Kher is likable. On the whole, Apartment is absorbing in parts. Wish the drama in the second half was more punch-packed. It would've only enhanced the impact! Rating: One and half stars

Lakshmi Rai-Sour grapes

Lakshmi Rai-Sour grapes?

By Moviebuzz | Monday, 05 July , 2010, 09:27

Indian Cricket captain MS Dhoni, the most eligible bachelor in the country got married to Sakshi Singh Rawat on Sunday and created heart burns for thousands of his fan following including our own Lakshmi Rai! Remember, Lakshmi Rai made it a point to be present at all cricket matches where Dhoni was present and tried to piggy back ride on his star celebrity status. She went to Mumbai without a solid Bollywood offer and tried to cash in on her supposed closeness to Dhoni, though it backfired. After Dhoni’s hush-hush wedding the actress has taken a U- turn and said: “We were always good friends but the media misunderstood our relationship.” Even more incredible is her statement that she knew Dhoni was getting married to Sakshi! The actress who did not miss any opportunity to grab upcountry news channel headlines earlier, now says: “I was keeping it under wraps all this while, as he is my close friend and it was a closely guarded secret. I’m very happy for him and would like to wish the couple all the very best.” But we are amazed how this “close friend” of MSD was not invited for the wedding in Dehradun where only “selective guests close to the couple” were present!

Simbu gets Anushka

Simbu gets Anushka!

By Moviebuzz | Wednesday, 07 July , 2010, 10:41

At last, Silambarasan is all smiles as Anushka has agreed to be a part of his next film. It is the Tamil remake of Vedamfrom Telugu. And the icing on the cake for the actor is that there will be a song shot on them which is not there in the original. A visibly elated Simbu told Sify.com: “Yes, I am very happy. I loved Vedam and thought that the subject will work big time in Tamil. I have about 20 days work in this film and then I will be off to London for Poda Podi shoot”. Remember that Silambarasan is a huge fan of Anushka and has confessed in all his interviews that she is his favourite actress! Anushka who had done the original, was initially not excited about doing the Tamil version. But sources close to the actress say that she gave the green signal after making sure that Krish the director who directed the original will direct the Tamil version. Now Simbu will do the role of cable Raju made memorable by Allu Arjun and Manoj (son of Mohan Babu) will play the same character he did in the original . Hunt is on for a girl to play Simbu’s heroine while Santhanam may play his side kick. Jithen Ramesh and VTV Ganesh will produce the film which will start rolling from July 10 in Chennai.

Endhiran- Rajini- Aishwarya song canned

Endhiran- Rajini- Aishwarya song canned

By Moviebuzz | Thursday, 08 July , 2010, 09:32

The shoot of the last song of Sun Pictures big budget, Shankar directed Endhiran(Robot) is over. It was shot at the state-of- the- art Sun Studios at Perungudi in Chennai. The song likely to be the chartbuster and tuned by AR Rahman was picturised on Rajinikanth and Aishwarya Rai on a futuristic set created by Sabu Cyril. The latest we hear is that the mixing of this prestigious film will take place in Los Angeles. Shankar is flying to US next week after the release of his S Pictures Anandhapurathu Veedu for the post production work of the biggie. Meanwhile the grapevine is abuzz is that Endhiran audio will be launched in style at KL in Malaysia, on July 31 with the entire cast taking part. It will be the greatest show on Tamil television as Sun TV, the market leaders are planning to telecast it live!

Eeram

Eeram

Movie Eeram Director Arivazhagan Producer Shankar Music Thaman Cast Nandaa, Aadhi, Sindhu Menon, Saranya Mohan

By Moviebuzz

Director Shankar always makes the right choice when it comes to picking people to direct his home productions. His latest discovery Arivazhagan too has made a decent debut with his Eeram, a supernatural psychological thriller laced with romance, sentiments, revenge and well etched characters with motives. Water and rain is the motif around which the film flows. In all scenes in the film water is there in the background and it is either raining or after the rains giving it a cool look and the title. But for a supernatural thriller it moves at a sluggish and leisurely pace (2 hrs 45 minutes), making the audiences restless. Not much of a story as the director is concentrating more on presentation and style and providing the dread in the minds of the characters and as well as the watcher. Vasu (Aathi) is an ACP and is called to investigate the “suicide” of Ramya (Sindhu Menon) who lives in an upper middle class apartment in Chennai. It looks like an open and shut case as she has left behind a suicide note taking up the responsibility of her death. But Vasu goes emotional and nostalgic on seeing the body of his ex-lover! The story proceeds as flashback scenes are intermixed along with the police investigation into her death. Vasu and Ramya met each other in Tiruchy during their college days and love blossomed at the local bus stop and her sister Divya (Sarnya Mohan) played cupid. But due to opposition from her dad, the marriage never took place. Ramya marries a businessman Bala (Nandha), and they look like leading a happy life till she “commits suicide.” Vasu whose heart still aches for his ex-flame suspects “foul play” as key people in the apartment building end up in watery graves. Finally his investigation leads to some startling facts as he starts seeing the ghost of Ramya! Is he hallucinating or is there a supernatural power play? For all the answers you have to watch the film. But after being initially being wired up you begin to feel weary. Why? After great first half, post interval the film plods, the same scenes are reworked to create dread. Logic and reason takes a backseat and the suspense element is revealed at an early stage. You can see the red herrings repeated and as the film winds down to its finale, there is a sense of déjà vu. However what works for the film is its lead actors, packaging and technical wizardry. Its unfamiliar twists and confusing turns are likely to baffle you along the way. The new star cast is what makes the film watchable. Aathi is a revelation, he has come out with a power packed performance without going overboard and fits the role to a T. Nandha in a negative role shines, especially in scenes where his friend (Srinath in an impressive cameo) brings out his suspicious and doubting nature. Sindhu Menon is lively and does her character with a heart- warming dignity. The music of Thaman is passable and his background score is the backbone of the movie. However it is Manoj Paramahamsa’s camera which is the real hero of the film. As a cameraman he is able to give the entire film the hazy blue look using Cyan color by the removal of red from white light for the first time in Tamil cinema, creating the eerie atmosphere and stillness against the continuous beating of the rains. Eeram is cool and chilling, but would have been better if it was trimmed by atleast 15 minutes. Anyway Shankar can be proud of his new discovery- Arivazhagan, the film is worth a look. Verdict- Good