Yohan: Secret Agent or Law Enforcer ?

There are a lot of speculations regarding Vijay's role in Gautham Menon's film.

Vijay and Gautham have been playing with their cards close to the chest and are unwilling to reveal any details though official word on the project is expected soon, if only to put a rest to the rumors.

"Vijay will play a law enforcement official or a sexy secret agent like James Bond in 'Yohan: Adhyayam Ondru'. He is very pleased with Gowtham's script and is very enthusiastic about his role," reported sources associated with the project.

Yohan: Adhyayam Ondru is going to be a stylish action flick like Gautham Menon's Kaakha Kaakha and Vettaiyaadu Vilaiyaadu.

Rahman composes to Hollywood's take on Ramayana

The Indian epic Ramayana, which narrates the story of Lord Rama, will be soon made into a Bollywood-style animated musical adventure by Hollywood director Kevin Lima. This animation musical is titled Monkeys of Mumbai. Oscar winning musician A.R. Rahman will compose music for this film, which will be produced by DreamWorks Animation.

Lima, director of A Goofy Movie, Tarzan, 102 Dalmatians and Enchanted, will narrate the story of Ramayana through the point of view of two common monkeys. Gurinder Chadha and Paul Berges, who collaborated on Bend It Like Beckham, will pen the story of Monkeys of Mumbai.

Sequel to VTV

Great news for all those who love to see romantic flicks; the team that gave us the sweet and lyrical Vinnaithaandi Varuvaaya is coming together once again. And, the best part is that they are going to give us a sequel to VTV, one of the most lovable romantic musicals to come out in recent years. Its going to be Silambarasan and Gautham Menon joining hands one again with the core team that gave us VTV being retained. We are not yet sure how much of the team is being retained, but knowing the part that Rahman’s music played in taking VTV straight into our hearts, it is difficult to imagine a sequel to the superhit without the wizard’s compositions.

VTV came at a time when Silambarasan’s career was being perceived to be moving on an action/mass hero track. But, choosing to go subtly and delightfully romantic, in the classy way of Gautham Menon, Silambarsan broke all perceptions and images that had been associated with him. Yes, this actor had different dimensions and he had chosen the right time and team to exhibit that. The character of Karthik will be remembered even a decade from now as the one that put Silambarasan on the course that he was destined for. And, it is not surprising that he is eager to be Karthik once again. And, if we talk about Karthik, how can we forget Jessie. We are not yet sure whether Jessie will be a part of the sequel, but Jessie will be close to the hearts of movie lovers as the character which presented Trisha in her most classy persona as yet. And, can we overlook Ganesh? Gautham Menon’s casting masterstroke that was the most endearing character in the movie after Karthik and Jessie.

Yes, we know that you want to see them all again, but we are not sure how much of Vinnaithaandi Varuvaaya will be carried over to Vinnaithaandi Varuven – yes, that is the provisional title as of now. But, it is not going to be all like VTV-1. If that was a smooth, mellow and sweet love story that left you with a lump in your throat towards the end, the new one will have more color, more vigor and more energy. The energized version of VTV!

So, are Gautham Menon and Silambarsan getting to work on it immediately? No, Silambarasan is still busy with Vettaimannan and Gautham Menon is working on the Hindi version of VTV-1 and is also in talks with Jiiva for a Tamil film. So, VTV-2 will take off only after Vettaimannan and the Hindi VTV are done and a final decision is taken on the project with Jiiva.

Its Gautham Menon back to what he does best, romance. After the change of track in Nadunissi Naaygal, he is getting back to the endearing romantic ways that have made his films favorites with lots of viewers around the world; so get ready to fall in love all over again – hosanna.

Gowtham, Jiiva and A R Rahman

Gautham Menon’s next Tamil project will be with Jiiva and pairing up opposite him will be Samantha.

The director has decided to direct an action-romantic flick and has found Jiiva to be the most suitable for this. This venture will go on floors once Gautham is done with the Hindi version of Vinnaithaandi Varuvaaya that is currently shot in Chennai titled 'Premkatha' starring Prateik Babbar and Amy Jackson reprising the roles originally played by STR and Trisha.

Manoj Pramahamsa may wield the camera for this venture too while Gautham has decided to retain Rajeevan (art director) and Anthony (editing) for the production. The icing on the cake for this venture is the Oscar Winner A R Rahman, who has been roped in to score the music for this flick.

Prem Katha in Chennai

Gautham Menon's Hindi remake of VTV, called Prem Katha is being shot currently in hot spots all over the city.

For the past three days, the shoot took place in Amethyst, Chennai. Picturesque ECR will also be featured in the film. Adyar Ladies Club will be used to shoot the police station scenes. Finally, some songs are scheduled to be shot in AVM.

Prateik Babbar the talented son of yesteryear Bollywood actress Smita Patel and he will be reprising Silambarasan's role and Amy Jackson will be playing Trisha's character. The makers are confident that the film will repeat its success.

Ismail Darbar apologizes for accusing ARR

After rumours about the Academy planning to sue him for $50,000 million, Ismail Darbar, who had accused AR Rahman of having bought the Oscar awards, says he is ready to apologise.

The musician had indicted Rahman, who received two Oscars in 2008 Best Original Score and Best Original Song for his music in Slumdog Millionaire, of having paid for them.

Following this, there was scuttlebutt that The Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences might sue him for insinuating that the awards can be bought.

Darbar now says he has nothing against the Oscars and that he just wanted to warn his 'friend' Rahman for churning out inferior quality music since last one year.

Darbar says, "I am grateful that I have been respected in the industry for my work. I did say some things about Rahman, because as a friend I want to jolt him out of his reverie and start giving good music. I chose a public platform to do it, because he wouldn't listen to me otherwise. I have nothing against the Oscars. It is the most respected award, the whole world acknowledges it, and I do, too. If any of them (Academy) are hurt by my comments, I apologise to them."

Darbar says he is not saying this out of fear of anyone, but God.

"I am not scared. The truth is, I realise that those people who respected me for my work, might misunderstand me and think I am baddimaag (arrogant person). Also, the fact is, I can have nothing against the Oscar panel or those behind the awards. My issue was with Rahman and I guess he's got the message by now," he said.

Rahman bought his Oscar?

Bollywood music director Ismail Durbar has claimed that AR Rahman had bought the Oscar Award by paying for it. This had stirred the hornet’s nest with several people in the film industry alleging that Durbar is making such statements for some cheap publicity.

On the other hand, AR Rahman has said that there is certainly no money involved in the Oscar Awards. He added that the coveted award is given with the consensus of about 3000 people and it is impossible to buy it.

The film fraternity has appealed to Durbar to refrain from making such comments. They added that every Indian should be proud that AR Rahman had achieved this feat by sheer hard work and hence should not doubt its veracity.

Godfather..

The Upendra-Catherine-Soundarya starrer Godfather is briskly underway. The film, which is already the talk of the town, has A R Rahman composing his original tunes for the first time in Kannada. And this he’s doing for a whopping amount of Rs 1.5 crore, which is said to be half of what he charges for Tamil films.

“Rahman, who has had early associations with Sandalwood as a keyboardist, was coaxed to sign this project by long time associate and friend PC Sreeram. The Chennai-based cinematographer has previously worked with him in the Tamil original Varalaaru and also in films like Maymadham and Alai Payuthey. He convinced Rahman,” says a source close to the unit.

Producer K Manju doesn’t deny the fact either. “Yes, the figures are in three digits, I wouldn’t like to disclose the exact amount, but having him as part of my film is worth it all. I’m going to ensure that this film rocks the Kannada film industry as far as the music is concerned,” says he.

Manju, quite excitedly, also talks about the plans for the soundtrack. “We’re going to have the best lyricists in the state writing the seven songs in the soundtrack. These will include directors Prem and Yogaraj Bhat, music director-lyricists Hamsalekha and K Kalyan, lyricist Kaviraj and one song will be written by Upendra himself.”

Quiz him on whether Upendra, whose current song from Jogaiah has become such a huge hit, will sing any number, and he says, “I am not sure about that, we haven’t thought about it. But, what I have requested Rahman is to lend his voice to one of the tracks in the film. I’m hoping he agrees to that.”

Lead actor Upendra has said that he’s keen in seeing how the Oscar-winning music director composes the soundtrack and has even expressed that he will be closely involved with that. Looks like this soundtrack is going to be something to watch out for!

A R Rahman's new association

AR Rahman has said that he is happy to work with the legendary filmmaker Yash Chopra. The musician said that he is humbled by the faith that the director has in him. Speaking about the offer he had bagged, AR Rahman had said, “I am very excited to work with Yashji and I am humbled by his faith in me for his film. I have seen that Yashji always portrays music as the inevitable essence of love and divinity in his movies. I hope, as a team, we can bring tremendous joy to all.”

Yash Chopra had also confirmed his association with AR Rahman and said that Shah Rukh Khan will play the lead role. He said the SRK is like a family member to him. The film will go on floors once Aditya Chopra finalizes the script. Yashji also confirmed that there will be two heroines in the film and they will be finalized shortly.

Alaipayuthey again . .

The news about Mani Ratnam’s ‘Ponniyin Selvan’ shelved has disappointed the fans of Vijay and Mahesh Babu. However, Mani Ratnam’s team members are reportedly happy that he didn’t involve in the project that is profitably not viable.

The latest we hear from the closer sources is Mani Ratnam is glimpsing through three different scripts that he had crafted before the completion of ‘Raavanan’. It looks like his next preference is a breezy rom-com starring newcomers in lead roles. The inside reports mention that audition for new faces is going on at initial levels. However, the technical team will have P.C. Sriram and A.R. Rahman, who are considered as the lucky factors of Mani Ratnam’s films.

Rajini Vs Vadivelu

Looks like Rajini’s fans are not going to take the mockery made by Vadivelu on the film Rana lightly. It may be mentioned here that Vadivelu had replied “Ranavavadhu… Ganavavadhu…” when media persons asked him why he was not in the film.

This has irked Rajinikanth’s fans so much that they are exhibiting their displeasure on Vadivelu in various ways. Rajini’s fans in Sri Rangam have censured Vadivelu by pasting posters all over the town. Several other fans from various districts are also planning to show displeasure in their own way, sources say.

Rana visited by CM

The Tamil Nadu Chief Minister M Karunanidhi visited Rajinikanth at the St Isabel’s Hospital in Chennai in which the star was admitted. The Superstar was admitted to the hospital after he complained of queasiness while on the sets of Rana. He was rushed to the hospital where the doctors diagnosed him of being dehydrated and advised him complete rest.

The CM, on hearing Rajini’s health condition, rushed immediately to the hospital to enquire about his health. Karunanidhi’s daughter Kanimozhi was also present during this visit.

It may be recalled that Rajini suffered a bout of vomiting when he was shooting for Rana at the AVM Studios and the shooting had to be stalled to rush Rajini to the hospital.

Embarrased ?

It has been over a fortnight since the music of 'Jolly Boy' was released, but the one person who's been conspicuously missing is composer Yuvan Shankar Raja. Arguably the hottest property in Chennai now, Yuvan has the busiest of schedules. But, it is surprising that he's not said a word, nor is willing to respond to queries about his participation in 'Jolly Boy'.

A source says, "The soundtrack remains similar to 'Pathinaaru', the film that 'Jolly Boy' is based on. The Tamil original, although tanked at the box office, was hailed for its music, which Yuvan had composed for free, back then. He's just recreated the same music with different singers for the Kannada version."

When After Hrs contacted Yuvan, he didn't bother reverting about the music or the film. And the producer of 'Jolly Boy', K Manju, also maintains, "Yuvan is very busy, which is why he hasn't been part of the promotional activities of the film so far."

D Sabapathy, the director of 'Pathinaaru', has directed this film as well, which has Diganth and Rekha in the lead. While this remains puzzling. Does Sandalwood really embarrass Kollywood composers?

Now, this ain't anything new. Few years ago, Sajni - a film starring Dhyaan and Sharmila Mandre made news for its music resembling that of A R Rahman's Jodi ( which itself reused some songs of his earlier album Doli Saja Ke Rakhna ) and neither he acknowledged of his Sandalwood stint. Albeit he'd just recreated tunes from his hit Tamil film 'Jodi', he didn't really speak much about the film.

Again, Does Sandalwood embarrass Kollywood composers, we wonder!

Bulls Eye

S J Suryah is ready with the script for his next film and he is very confident that the film would certainly hit the bull’s eye. The film is titled ‘Isai’ and S J Surya will not be just the hero in this film but is also going to surprise everybody scoring music for the film apart from directing and producing it.

Initially Surya wanted to rope in A R Rahman to score the music, but since Rahman is too busy Surya is to try and score the music himself taking Rahman's advice as the director has his own knowledge in music. Celebs Factory wishes S J Surya all his very best and luck for his new venture.

Another Musical with A R Rahman - Ghai

Most of the Subash Ghai’s films have been musical hits and his combination with A.R. Rahman in ‘Taal’ was a tremendous success while ‘Yuvvraj’ was lauded for its musical grandness. It looks like the duo will come together again, this time for a musical animation film. Recently Subash Ghai collaborated with Ketan Mehta’s Maya Digital to make 3D and animation flicks.

With Subash Ghai close on the heels of completing the script work and other preproduction works, the filmmaker is keen about signing A.R. Rahman as music plays a vital role in the film.

Right now Subash Ghai and Ketan Mehta are planning to recreate Sholay in 3D and have already completed the test shoot.

Post Nadunisi Naigal . .

Post Nadunisi Naigal and its mixed reviews, ace director Gautham Vasudev Menon has come up with another bilingual project and this time he'd direct the Young and Energetic hero Ram Pothineni with Samantha leading opposite him.

This venture is to be produced by Bellamkonda Suresh and would be presented by Sravanthi Ravi Kishore under their production banner Sri Sai Ganesh Productions Pvt. Ltd. The Tamil version of the same would be produced under Gowtham's "Photon Kathaas" banner with the same actors in the lead.

The producer Bellamkonda Suresh says, "Gautham Menon has come up with a wonderful concept that was both interesting and thrilling at the same time. Actor Ram immediately gave his nod on hearing the script. This would be a prestigious project for our banner with AR Rahman's musical score as an asset to the film. We have already recorded two songs. However, the regular shooting of the film will begin only in June as Ram and Samantha are equally busy with their shootings of their own projects Kandireega and Dhookudu respectively."

Dhookudu is Prince Mahesh's upcoming film with Samantha and Kandireega is Ram's ongoing project with Hansika Motwani. While these two are by itself are the most anticipated films, the project thats yet to be launched officially is hot news in the industry.

All credits to Freida says AR Rahman

Living his humility once again, Oscar winner A R Rahman in a candid admission credited his colleague from Danny Boyle's `Slum Dog Millionaire', Frieda Pinto for bagging him a plum assignment in Hollywood: Julian Schnabel's controversial film `Miral'.

In an industry plagued with insecurity and ingratitude, Rahman's admission comes as a fresh whiff of air. "It was sweet of Freida to recommend me to Julian Schnabel for Miral. I really mean it," he said and added further, "I was very keen to write something new for the film, but Julian insisted that I use `The Bombay Theme' track, and track from He Ping's `Warrior of Heaven and Earth'. He said no one's heard it there and it'll be loved by the audience there".

The story of an orphan (Pinto) growing up in the troubled border of Israel and Palestine has courted controversy from the beginning and the recent murder of its star Julian Mer-Khamis saw it grab headlines. A number of Jewish groups have asked for a ban on the film, including asking the UN not to show it at a planned screening.

However, Miral has found supporters in Hollywood superstars Johnny Depp and Javier Bardem. They called it unique and courageous glimpse into one woman's painful journey.

AR Rahman becomes producer

Music composers are not just music composers and we have some good examples from the past and present. There was Kishore Kumar, then Udit Narayan who has produced a Bhojpuri film; music director Shravan had turned towards producing films and last but not the least Himesh Reshammiya who has several television serials…. But now what we are going to share is much more exciting….

The latest buzz is that music maestro A R Rahman will soon turn a producer and will make films under his newly launched production company Y M Movies. “Talks are currently on,” say sources in the know.

“Rahman’s first production venture will be a musical entertainer, and will be a new age cinema. Like how the Oscar-Grammy winner changed the rules in film music, movies produced by him will set a new trend,” they added.

“It was a longtime wish of the music maestro to produce movies, but he was prevented by his busy schedule. He has now finally decided not to delay his decision anymore,” another source said.

However it’s not known whether the project for a Hindi or south one…

Anyways, our best wishes to the renowned composer… Way to go, Rahman!

Mom sold all of my sister's jewels: AR Rahman

Oscar winner Rahman gets witty and candid about his life at the launch of his biography.

It started little late but the launch of AR Rahman's book in a Juhu hotel was worth the wait. Rahman's mother Kareema, wife Saira, sister Raihanah and bro-in-law flew down for the occasion – release of a biography by Nasreen Munni Kabir and published by Om Publishing House.

Others who came to wish the two time Oscar winner were Rahman's mentor Mani Ratnam, showman Subhash Ghai, Ram Gopal Varma, Ashutosh Gowarikar, Imtiaz Ali, Govind Nihalani, Shyam Benegal, Javed Akhtar and Shivamani to name a few. Mani Ratnam opened the lovely evening recalling his association with a `shy young' child called Rahman who invited him to his so-called studio – a small shed with a swing outside it. "The music he made me hear that day is as good as his music is today. I am his big fan, but I am a greater admirer of him as a humble human being", declared Mani Sir. We briefly chatted up with Rahman post the event. In place of the shy and reserved music maestro is a suave and confident person who's beaming with positivity.

Don't you feel too young for a biography?

No. I started working from the age of 11 and that's a long time back. The book explores the spirit of music, which is my being and I love to talk about it.

Considering your hectic schedule, how long did it take to complete the book?

Guess Munni got down to writing, like she says, about four years ago. But I don't keep an account of time. But yes, I had to give her a deadline. And only deadline makes you stop procrastinating.

Any special part in the book?

Everything related to my life is special to me. But yes, the most memorable part in my life was 1989, a turning point in life. I finally got my own studio, but the only problem was that it was empty. There was no equipment in it. I would be sad and often go and sit there wondering how I would fill it up. I needed Rs. 4 lakhs which is equivalent to Rs. 4 crore today. My mother came to my rescue. She sold of all the gold jewellery that she'd kept for my sisters wedding. And with that money I bought my first Fostex 16-track mixer/recorder. Life changed for me.

You returned that money?

Of course! So much more than that...

You have also ventured into the Hollywood market. How comfortable you are there?

I am comfortable in both the environment. When I was scoring `Couples Retreat' there, it was little difficult as I was trying to coordinate from India with the production team in LA. But now I have a home there, thank God! I have met some wonderful people in the West. And I am glad that I have experienced the best of both the worlds.

How do you deal with the pressures considering your hectic schedules?

I visit a Sufi dargaah, located near Mahabalipuram which is next to the sea. I derive my sanity from there. Just stepping inside is therapeutic for me. It removes all my stress.

Anything specific you indulge in other music?

Music is the only passion I shamelessly indulge in. However, for recreation I enjoy watching movies. ' Wizard of Oz ' was the first film I ever saw, followed by the ` Bond ' movies. I also watch a lot of World cinema through DVDs mostly brought by one of my best friend who's now based in Toronto. I also like catching up with my old friends, walking all by myself and being with the family.

You are also starting a film company?

Yes. And my vision through the production house is to provide a platform for new ideas and change the perception of music implementations in films in such a way that it can bring back the old charm. Beautiful film music can be made relevant to any period. I am keen that we produce family entertainment that enriches our lives. I am also hoping that my vision will change the status of musicians in India. A musician is a professional, whether he or she is successful or not. The profession itself must be regarded as a stable job.

Clicked for Rana

Superstar Rajinikanth commenced the works for Raana on Thursday at AVM Studio in Chennai. The first photo shoot for the film was held under the supervision of director K S Ravikumar.

The movie which has story by Rajinikanth himself features the actor in triple roles. Raana is a co-production between Ocher Studios and Eros International. Deepika Padukone plays the female lead in the film.Sources say that she was also spotted at the photo shoot session.

The movie which would have music by A R Rahman would be shot in London. Says Ravikumar, ' it is a movie where everything would be rich and grand. Rajnikanth coming in triple roles would be a treat for fans'.

Plans are on to do the movie in Tamil, Hindi and Telugu simultaneously. The director further says, ' the movie would be made in a whooping Rs 100 crore budget and the story would have traces to 17th century'. Without divulging much details about the movie, he said, 'it would be a commercial entertainer and would appease all'.

All preparations and the final star cast will be decided in the next few days.