A R Rahman for a Bond film?

Luck follows success and success follows hardwork. After the success of Slumdog millionaire and marathon of awards at Oscar Ceremony, AR Rahman has reached new heights of his career.

The latest talk is that Rahman is all set to compose his magical Tunes for the next Bond film. This would be 23rd James Bond film which will be produced by Barbara Broccoli and co producer is McDougal who earlier produced a successful movie ‘Beach’ jointly with Danny Boyle.

Danny Boyle is the key person who values the talent of AR Rahman and is said to have attached him into this opportunity. Good Luck Rahman we expect the same wonders in music again.

Bhagavan releases Today ...

Mohanlal’s experimental Bhagavan is releasing on Friday (May 15). In the film Mohanlal plays a doctor who takes charge when terrorists take over his hospital and go on a killing spree.

The film tells what happens in a hospital during 17 hours of the hostage drama. The entire film’s shooting was completed by Mohanlal in 12 hours using nine camera units! The shoot of the film began at 9 a.m. and ended at 9 p.m at a private hospital near Thrissur

The film is directed by debutante Prashanth Mambally, and features Lakshmi Gopalaswamy and Lakshana and Tamil villain Daniel Balaji as the terrorist.

Says director Prasanth Mambally: "Bhagavan is a tribute to NSG commandos who saved the lives of hundreds when terror shook India's commercial capital. The film has chilling scenes of commandos being airdropped atop a hospital to free the Home Minister taken hostage by terrorists. Mohanlal plays a gynecologist in the hospital who fights the terrorists along with the commandos.”

Dileep’s Passenger is a Mega hit!

The Sreenivasan- Dileep- Mamta edge of the seat, taut thriller Passenger, directed by Ranjith Shankar has been declared a hit by the Kerala trade.

The film has not only taken a good opening but also carries super word of mouth, which is increasing its collections.

At Ernakulam Padma, the opening day which was a ‘Bandh day’ in Kerala it registered 100 percent opening for the evening and night show. Next day, with two new releases Black Dalia & Currency, there was a marginal drop.

On Saturday and Sunday, all shows at Padma went full, and the all Kerala report from ‘good’ became ‘very good’. The collections picked up in smaller stations and Central Pictures, the distributors are going to increase the number of screens in the second week.

The family audiences like the film, and with Sathyan Anthikad’s Bhagyadevatha loosing steam, Passenger is going to pick up even better.

The whole of summer holidays is ahead, and with a lot of families having seen 2 Harihar Nagar, their next choice is this thriller with top class performances from the star cast and a story to boast.

18 year old girl from St Teresa’s College "Aswathy" is Arjun’s heroine

Aswathy Ashok, the 18 year old girl from St Teresa’s College, Ernakulam (Asin Thottumkal’s alma mater) has become the youngest ever heroine to be cast opposite ‘Action King’ Arjun in Major Ravi’s new action adventure film Mei Kavu.

Aswathy whose parents were working in Dubai, made her debut in Fazil’s Malayalam film Moz and Cat, which released for Vishu in Kerala.

A Fazil discovery or those who act in this noted director’s films early in their career has always made it big in south cinema. Ask Poornima Jayaram, Nadia Moidu, Kushboo, Shalini and so many others?

Major Ravi has an impressive track record in Malayalam making patriotic army based films with Mohanlal, and his Aran was an above average in Tamil. Now he is making another action adventure patriotic filmMei Kavu with Arjun, which may work well keeping the actor’s image in mind.

The tagline of the film produced by ITA Films says- “One vision One mission”. Noted cameraman Ravi Varman is the cinematographer, while Sundar.C Babu is the music director of the film which will be shot in foreign locations of Thailand.

Pasupathi comming to malayalam

Pasupathy, one of the talented actors in Tamil cinema is doing a Malayalam film titled Vairam.

He had earlier made his debut in Amal Nerad directed Mammootty starrer Big-B! This film is about a father’s quest for justice, and is directed by M.A Nishad

The film has Pasupathy playing Sivarajan a bank employee and is married to Devi (Meera Vasudev). Tragedy befalls the couple’s only daughter Vairamani (Dhanya), a plus two student, and Sivarajan goes all out to find the truth, which leads to a stunning climax.

Says writer Cherian: “The story is about the plight of a girl child who goes through a trauma and her father’s experiences when he tries to uncover the truth.”

Vairam also has Suresh Gopi playing a lawyer, while Mukesh and Kalabhavan Mani are investigative cops. Jayasurya plays Thilakan’s son in the film which is based on a newspaper report of a real life incident in Kerala. The film has music by M.Jayachandran

Mammootty's Ee Pattanathil Bhootham on May 14

Malayalam superstar Mammootty's much-anticipated Ee Pattanathil Bhootham, directed by Johny Antony, is all set to grace screens on May 14. The movie, which was earlier slated for April 30 release, was postponed due to the delay in completion of heavy graphics and animations. The film has been scripted by Siby K. Thomas and Udayakrishnan.

Ee Pattanathil Bhootham is a fantasy-filled adventure, donning Mammootty in a double role as a bike jumper named Jimmy in a circus company and a friendly ghost! The story revolves around an orphan Jimmy brought up by Krishnettan (Innocent), who runs a street circus group.

Jimmy rescues a couple of street children from some goons and they become part of the street circus group, which is later merged with a commercial circus company, run by Philipose (Janaradhanan) and his daughter Ancy (Kavya Madhavan), a management graduate. While Jimmy is away, the kids again run into some trouble. However, they are rescued by a ghost who only they can see. The film develops from this point.

Produced under the banner of Hi Bright Movie Creations, the film has cinematography by Azhagappan and music by debutant music director Shaan Rahman. For the first time in her career, Kavya Madhavan is cast as Mammootty's heroine in Ee Pattanathil Bhootham.

Bollywood pays tribute to Feroz Khan

With the sad demise of Feroz Khan, the Hindi film industry has truly lost a gem. The film industry got together to share their memories of the star, and pay their condolences.

Anees Bazmee

I feel fortunate to have had the opportunity to work with such a great actor in Welcome. I shared a very close relationship with him. We got close during the shoot of my film, No Entry [which starred Feroz's son Fardeen].

I still can't believe he is no more. He was a great man apart from being a devoted actor. Initially, he did not want to do any film. But later, he told me that he would do it only because it was my film.

He had really liked No Entry and was impressed by Fardeen's work. I last met him in South Africa where we had a good time. I have always loved his films. I even remember his dialogues and most of his films, scene by scene. He was astonished because I could remember his films and dialogues.

He was so stylish. He had a class -- not only about his persona but also about his work, may it be direction, acting, writing...

I remember an incident during the shooting of Welcome. We shot most of the film in Switzerland but for the climax, we had to shoot in Dubai due to some technical problems. In Swizerland, Ferozsaab would wear muflers and woolen clothes due to the cold weather. But when we shot the climax in Dubai, the temperature was 48 degrees. Yet, Feroz Khan did not change the style of his costumes, as that would effect the continunity. We found it difficult to wear even cotton clothes but he never complained.

He was very disciplined and punctual. He would always be on time on the sets. His dedication surprised me sometimes.

He was very emotional when the shoot was over. When we returned to Mumbai, he surprised me with many gifts. I feel I have lost a family member.

Want to hear Salman sing?

Salman Khan has once again proved why he’s the darling of B-town! The actor recently allowed the makers of his film Wanted to use a track that was produced and recorded by him. And reports are that ace music director Sajid of the Sajid-Wajid duo is so impressed with Salman’s singing voice that he can’t stop raving about it. Sajid revealed that the star is touching notes like a consummate professional and the song is a result of Salman’s urge to sing.

The music director also admits that the hunky actor handpicked the 101 sounds used in the song and that the song has been recorded at a stunning 140 beats per minute (bpm). The last time Salman tried out his vocal talents, it was for Hello Brother, the music of which was composed by Sajid-Wajid.

Wanted is being produced by Boney Kapoor and directed by choreographer turned director Prabhu Deva. It has Ayesha Takia in the female lead role and is a remake of the 2006 Telugufilm Pokiri

Celina jaitley on her sensual photo shoot

Name Celina Jaitley has always been synonymous with 'sensuality' and when she poses for the camera, she ensures that all eyes are indeed on her. For someone who has always been known for being comfortable with her body and doesn't carry any inhibitions whatsoever, Celina has done it again by arriving in a photo shoot that for a popular film glossy that has made heads turn yet again. Wearing a two piece bikini with a shirt thrown in a tantalizing manner, she has yet again made a statement. Joginder Tuteja catches up with Celina as she reveals what made her go for the shoot.
Q. The shoot does show you in a hot and bold avtar. Or would you rather say that it is more on a sensual side?
A. I would say that this shoot shows the feminine side of me. I think there is a lot of femininity in the pictures and yes, I feel it's sensuous too. Actually if I have to really look at it very objectively, these pictures tell a lot about me as a girl who has a healthy respect for herself and her body. A girl who is on the verge of being a woman and is someone who is comfortable in her own skin.

Q. Since this is not the first time that you have gone for a dare bare shoot like this, it must not have taken too much convincing for you to shoot for the magazine, isn't it?
A. This magazine has always been gracious in promoting new talent and they have always promoted me even in the beginning of my career. I knew they would do justice to my pictures and they did more than that.

Q. It has been quite a while since one saw you in a dare-bare photo shoot like the one you have done this time around. Had you been waiting for the right moment to strike?
A. Maybe. I don't really know but this shoot worked out fabulously well at the right time perhaps. See, 'Golmaal Returns' has been a hit, my work is being appreciated and I have 7 films on floor. Soon, 'Paying Guest' would be released too. (Smiles) I guess God has finally sent his angels to watch over me!

Q. So can one safely presume that after the shoot, Celina would eventually be making a statement to her colleagues in the industry?
A. (Laughs) May be this question should be put up to my colleagues.

Q. Overall happy with the way life is treating you?
A. Life is fabulous. It has given me so very much at such a young age. I am very happy and grateful to God and all the many people who love me. I am truly blessed. Inshahallah!

'Love 4 Ever' shoots at New Zealand

Directed and produced by Jayant C Paranji under the banner of Laughing Waters Entertainment Love 4 Ever is introducing Ranadeep and Mridula in the lead. The film had recently completed 34 days of shooting in New Zealand.

Giving details, producer cum director says, "It is a love story that runs with grapes orchard in the backdrop. We want to portray that love story in a different angle. As it is a delicate love story that runs between two clean hearts, it needs good cinematography for perfect presentation on the celluloid. So, we summoned Jayanan Vincent who was presently staying in Canada and off to the film industry. He earlier worked for two of my films, 'Takkari Donga' and 'Premante Idera' and bagged Nandi awards for both the films too. That is why I gave him the responsibility of handling the camera."

The unit shot four songs in New Zealand besides some scenes on hero and heroine. Over 75 per cent of the shooting was complete with the abroad schedule. The film unit is planning to complete the shooting in February, post-production work in March and release the film on April 9th as summer gift. The film would be released in two languages – Telugu and Hindi – simultaneously. Story is by Anwita, dialogues are by Rajasimha, music by Ram Sampath, editing by Marthand K Venkatesh, art by Krishnamaya, while base story, screenplay direction and production are handled by Jayant C Paranji.

Jayasurya, Samvritha hurt

Actors Jayasurya and Samvritha Sunil were reportedly hurt during the shooting of Ivar Vivahitharayal, directed by Saji Surendran. The shooting of the film was going on at Pondicherry when their speed boat went out of control and the two actors fell into water. They are safe with minor injuries, as per the latest information.

Jayasurya and Samvritha are playing friends studying in a college there. The accident happened just a day before the schedule was over.

Jayaram in double role

He is a hot property all over again, after Veruthe Oru Bharya and now Jayaram will be seen in a double role. The shooting of the film in which Jayaram plays a cop and a goonda is going on at Thodupuzha. The film, which has not been given a title as yet, is being directed by K Madhu and has script by S N Swami. It’s a murder mystery with Samvritha Sunil, Sindhu Menon, Ayilya and Mangala among the female lead.

Jayaram has more reasons to cheer about with two films with him as the hero ready for release. Bipin Prabhakar’s Samastakeralam P O will be out at the movies on April 11 and Sathyan Anthikkad’s Bhagyadevatha is slated to hit the theatres on April 23.

Tamannaah to debut in Malayalam?

Tantalizing damsel Tamannaah, one of the highly-sought-after heroines in Tamil-Telugu films today, is all set to make her debut in Malayalam films with debutant director Prakash Kasi Nath's Campus Days, produced by Saudamini Jayan under the banner of Devi Creations, sources said.

Touted to be the next “born to win” after the reigning of Trisha, Nayantara and Shriya, teenage sensation Tamannaah will don the role of Leena, who wins the title of Miss Kerala. However, it is not confirmed whether Tamannaah’s role in Campus Days is a cameo or lead. Debutant Kiran Karthik is the hero.

Leading Malayalam actress Bhama is the heroine. Bhama dons the role of Meenakshi, a college student. Veteran actor Mukesh will play the role of a college lecturer. Also in the cast are Riyaz Khan, Indrans, Suraj Venjaramoodu and others. B. Joys wields the camera. Lyrics are by Anil Panachooraan and music is scored by Alex Paul. More details are yet to be announced.

Beginning her career with the victory of Happy Days in Telugu and Padikathavan in Tamil, Tamannaah's latest success is Suriya starrer Ayan, emerging to be a huge box office grosser in recent times. However, her other recent release Aanandha Thaandavam, directed by Gandhi Krishna, has garnered only mixed responses from the audience.

Shobhana turns 25, on Mallu Screen

Shobhana, one of the most popular heroines of Mollywood turns to his 26th year on screen, this week. The actress was presented to the industry on a Vishu day, exactly twenty five years ago by ace director Balachandra Menon, through his big hit, April 18. Shobhana, who was then aged barely 13, then went on to become one of the most accomplished actresses of all times.

She had been the most wanted heroine of both the superstars of Malayalam, Mammootty and Mohanlal, for a long time, playing the unforgettable characters in the female lead in the big hits like Manichithrathaazhu, Papayude Swantham Apooz, Yaathra, Vellanakalude Nadu, Nadodikkattu, Thenmaavin Kombathu, Mazhayethum Munpe, Kalikkalam and Valiyettan.

Amidst these years she also became popular star in other south Indian languages. The actress who was showered with many state awards for her mesmerizing performances also received the best actress award in the national level for her sensitive performances in 'Manichithrathaazhu' and 'Mitr, My Friend'.

Shobhana who moved out of limelight and celluloid pressures to concentrate on her dancing career was recently seen on films like 'Sagar Alias Jackey. She had also completed her short role for 'Musafir', which will hit the theatres in a short while.

Bodyguard re-starts in Ottapalam!

The second and the final schedule of Siddique’s Bodyguard featuring Dileep and Nayanthara has started at Ottapalam.

Siddique will complete the entire talkie portion and two remaining songs for the film during this one month schedule.

The buzz on Bodyguard is very good, as the film is said to be a comedy entertainer with something new. Remember Siddique has been writing and polishing the script for the last three years.

Mohanlal’s Casanova dropped?

The grapevine is abuzz that Mohanlal’s big budget romantic action film Casanova to be directed by Roshan Andrews has been scrapped!

Remember that the film had a big ‘pooja’ launch in Bangalore and shoot of the film was to start on April 10 in Vienna in Austria, but now it has been indefinitely been postponed.

More shocking is that the original producers the Bangalore based Confident Group of Companies is rumoured to have backed out of the project.

The rumour mill has it that after the lackluster performance of Mohanlal’s big budget summer release Sagar alias Jacky, the producers got cold feet and withdrew from the project

The film scripted by Bobby and Sanjay had Tamil actor Arya debuting in Malayalam. They had also signed up Lakshmi Rai, Bhavana and Priyanka in the female lead. The film at Rs 7 to 8 crore was said to be the costliest Malayalam film in the making.

Now the latest we hear is that Casanova budget has been pruned and instead of Austria, the film may be shot in Dubai. The basic reason is any Malayalam film with a cost of production, print and publicity above Rs 4.5 crore is not viable in these days of meltdown

Kamal and Mohanlal come together!

Kamal Haasan is back again before the camera! And this time, it's for Thalaivan Irukiran, is a Tamil remake of critically-acclaimed Bollywood film A Wednesday. Kamal is expected to essay the role played by Naseerudin Shah while Mohanlal is playing the cop's role played by Anupam Kher.

The role played by Jimmy Shergill will be taken up by Ganesh Venkatraman. The film is directed by Chakri and Shruti Haasan is expected to work on the background score.

This is the first time that both Kamal Haasan and Mohanlal are coming together. They are considered the two pillars of the Tamil and Malayalam film industry respectively. We can for sure get to see a fine treat with a combination as rare as this!

Shooting began in Ramoji Rao Studios and is expected to be completed by May 31. Tentatively, the movie's release has been fixed for the first week of July.

Malayalam FIlm Thanthra as Thanthiran in Kollywood

Malayalam Director K.J. Bose's debut directorial venture Thanthra (2006), starring Aravind Akash, Shwetha Menon and Siddique in key roles, is being dubbed in Tamil as Thanthiran. The Tamil version, which will hit screens soon, is produced by Baburaj under the banner of M2 B2 Moviemakers.

Set in the backdrop of tantric arts, yoga and mysticism, the film revolves around a mysterious saint Aacharya Suryadharman (Siddique), who wants to increase his supernatural powers by mantras and poojas. He resides in a fearful, lonesome mountain called Vikramashila. While he is set to perform a special pooja to gain more powers, he has some unexpected visitors: Kiran (Aravinder) and his fiancée Swethamukhi (Shwetha Menon).

Kiran, a BBC reporter, wants to investigate the continuing relationship of Acharya with mystic powers, while Swethamukhi is in search of her long-lost brother. Suryadharman agrees to locate and bring back her brother with the help of his magical manifestations, but in turn proposes to use Swethamukhi, a virgin, to complete his poojas. What happens next is the rest of the story.

This magical thriller was scripted by the director himself. Thanthra has music by Alex Paul. The film, cinematographed by Saadath, has five songs written by Subhash.

'Junior Senior' to arrive as ‘Super’

Into the list of Mammootty's releases for the year, is arriving a dubbed movie in the title ‘Super’. A dubbed version of Tamil movie ‘Junior Senior’ directed by J Suresh which came out three years ago, the movie features Lena, a former Miss Malaysia as the heroine.

Mammootty will be Sathyanarayanan, a business magnet who made it big from his humble beginnings. Entirely shot at Malaysia, the movie has music by Yuvan Shankar Raja.

Produced by Dharani films, the movie will be brought to theatres by J R international and Winner films.

Rekha is back

She started off her career as the heroine in Mollywood with the Siddique-Lal film RamjiRao Speaking. After the film became a sensational hit, Rekha became a hot property with films like Aey Auto, Dasaradham, Lal Salam, Arhatha and so on. Even before Mollywood films happened, she was a top heroine in Tamil, Telugu and Kannada films.

Now she makes a comeback with director Saji Surendran’s Ivar Vivahitharayal, in which she plays Jayasurya’s mom. Her character is that of a bold woman, who is a lawyer by profession. Rekha says that she is looking forward to more meaningful roles in Malayalam.