Mani Ratnam To Direct Akshara Hassan

Mani Ratnam To Direct Akshara Hassan


August 31, 2011

Akshara Hassan, daughter of Kamal Hassan, seems to be getting a dream debut, as Mani Ratnam is gearing up to launch her in his next movie. The ace filmmaker has chosen her for the female lead role in his next Tamil movie.

Reports say that Mani Ratnam, who has at least three scripts in hand, is planning to start a love story before directing Ajith Kumar's film. The movie will be the launchpad of veteran actor Karthik's son Gautham. So, to pair him up in the film, the filmmaker has decided to cast Akshara Hassan, claim reports.

The filmmaker has reportedly convinced Kamal Hassan and his ex-wife and mother of Akshara Hassan, Sarika. They are happy that their daughter is getting a grand launch, says a report. The shooting of the film will take off in September 2011. It will be shot in Kanyakumari and Kovalam in Kerala.

The story of the film is about the Sri Lankan fishermen issue turmoil. The script is written by Jayamohan of Naan Kadavul and Angadi Theru fame. (OI)

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Madhavan not in Mani Ratnam's next project

Madhavan not in Mani Ratnam's next project

August 19, 2010

There was a report recently that filmmaker Mani Ratnam is planning to cast actor R. Madhavan and Vidya Balan in his next movie. But Madhavan has denied this report of starring in Mani Ratnam’s next project.

The actor posted a tweet on his page in Twitter saying that unfortunately he has not signed any such project with Mani Ratnam and Vidya Balan. However, he would have loved to do a film with them if given an opportunity. Mani Ratnam’s story was supposed to be a love story.

The sparking chemistry between Madhavan and Vidya was loved by the audience when they were paired in film Guru starring Abhishek Bachchan and Aishwarya Bachchan. Though the duo was not cast in the lead role in that film, the little bit of scenes that they had together were eye catching and they looked very nice together on-screen.

There was also a recent report of filmmaker Sanjay Gupta trying to sign the pair for his next project, which did not take off. Earlier in an interview, Madhavan expressed his interest to work with Vidya again provided some really big project comes on their way.

Later, they were again seen together in a commercial of Airtel and both rocked together.The pair became instant hit after the Airtel ad and many wanted to cash in on this popularity. Hopefully, Mani Ratnam comes out with a lovely project for this much talked on-screen pair and create a magic on screen again. (OI)

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‘I have no problem to act with new heroes’: Priyamani

‘I have no problem to act with new heroes’: Priyamani

August 5, 2010

The gorgeous dusky beauty Priyamani who is ruling both tollywood and kollywood had also proved herself in Hindi with recently released Maniratnam’s ‘Raavanan’.The actress says that she has no problem to act with new heroes and she is ready to pair up with them even.

Speaking about her upcoming projects as well as false rumors milling around her, Priyamani says “I wanted very much to act in a Mani Ratnam film. He gave me a small role in ‘Ravanan.’ My wish was fulfilled through this film. I’m now getting some Hindi film offers because of ‘Ravanan.’ I’ve been so busy these last few years that I’ve had no rest at all. I just had some free time and took a holiday in America with my family.

There was some news about my acting with Salman Khan. That’s false information. Another rumour that Priyadarshan replaced me with Kangana Ranaut is also false.

I am presently acting in Hindi film ‘Raktacharitra.’ If the story is really good, I have no problem in acting opposite newcomer heroes.” [WaY]

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Manirathnam’s hot and beautiful actress is back now

Manirathnam’s hot and beautiful actress is back now

August 2, 2010

Guessing who could be the actress? She had stolen the hearts of millions with her cherubic beauty and happened to be a dream girl for them. The actress is none other than Madhubala, who created high waves with her astounding performance in K. Balachandar’s ‘Azhagan’, ‘Vaanamae Ellai’ and later shot to fame with Manirathnam’s ‘Roja’. Off the late, the actress quit her filmdom and settled down with her family life. Nearly after a decade, she is making her comeback with a Hindi film.

Speaking about this, the actress says, “Hema Malini is my relative and since she persistently requested me to take up the offer, I had no other option. I will continue to act in films, if I come across good scripts and roles. I am an ardent buff of Vijay and love his onscreen chemistry with Trisha…”

Madhubala will be seen performing lead role in a TV serial Soundaravalli, which will be telecasted on Jaya TV from 2nd August. (KT)

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Anu Hassan to marry a London based businessman

Anu Hassan to marry a London based businessman

June 30, 2010

Actress Anu Haasan who made her debut as heroine through Manirathnam’s Indira got married to Vikas some ten years back. Vikas was working in the army. Anu Hassan is the daughter of Kamal Haasan’s brother Chandra Haasan. Due to difference of opinion, both of them parted ways and divorced. After the divorce Anu Hassan avoided going to functions and parties.

Later on she started acting in small screens and Ad films. At this point, there is news that she is going to get married to London based business man. It seems that Anu Haasan loved one Graham through internet and she has decided to marry him.

The marriage engagement with Graham has took place in Trichy recently. It seems that only relatives and close friends participated in this engagement function. Anu Haasan confirmed this news in a recent interview to an English magazine. (KT)

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Will Priyamani's hard work pay off?

Will Priyamani's hard work pay off?

June 17, 2010

Actress Priyamani's dream of working with ManiRatnam has finally come true with the movie Villain, the dubbed version of Raavanan. Though she has a small role to play in the film, none can deny the fact that every characters, irrespective of the length, will have its own values in Mani Ratnam films.

The actress may not have played the lead role in the film. But she has a challenging job of doing justice for all the three versions of the film. She had to change her costumes every now and then from half sari to ghagra choli during the shooting for each versions.

She has learned a good lesson after missing out a few awards for not dubbing her voice. This time, she has dubbed her own voice for Tamil, Telugu and Hindi versions. Having grabbed a role in another trilingual film Rakta Charitra this skill might come in handy.

Well, we wish Priyamani all the best for her career ahead and hope her hard work will pay off. (OI)

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Vikram sure to win National Award for Raavanan

Vikram sure to win National Award for Raavanan

June 14, 2010

Movie Raavanan, which has Tamil actor Vikram in the lead role, is directed by Manirathnam and scheduled to be released simultaneously in Tamil, Hindi and Telugu languages on the 18th of this month. Aishwarya Rai Bachchan and Priyamani are also in the cast, which is an exception too.

Vikram, while speaking about acting in the film said, “I am really lucky to act in a Manirathnam’s film. This film has been produced in Tamil and Hindi languages. It was a great challenge for me to act in two different kinds of roles one for each version. Manirathnam, who had great confidence in my acting, made me act in both these roles.”

“People those who watched this film during the screening in the Cannes Film Festival were stunned seeing me do two different kinds of roles. No actor has so far done it. This was a real thrill for me. I am donning a tough village guy in the Tamil version while in Hindi I am donning the role of a police officer. Manirathnam has made me dub in Hindi. I don’t know Hindi. Because of this I found it very difficult. I think I will get the National Award once aging for acting in Raavanan though I don’t act for awards.

I will always act with the intention of satisfying my fans and audience. I will be happy if I get the awards. But Manirathnam will grab lot of awards for this film. Technicians will also get the awards. Abhishek Bachchan and Aishwarya Rai have acted magnificently too. I am getting a lot of offers in Hindi even before the release of Raavan. I will act in Hindi films only if I get a good story but my priority will be Tamil films.” (OI)

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Vikram gets an international recognition

Vikram gets an international recognition

June 10, 2010

Tamil actor Vikram has got an international recognition nowadays. All thanks goes to Mani Ratnam’s RAAVAN, which gave a new lease of life in Indian film industry as well as at Cannes international film festival.

It is a fact that RAAVAN was screened at Cannes, but the Hindi version was presented at Cannes with the scrolling and our Chiyaan has won praises for his stupendous acting in the movie RAAVAN. There are reports that many small grade English directors were impressed with Chiyan’s performance and are approaching Vikram.

When contacted, Chiyaan thanked Mani Ratnam, for giving him international recognition, but did not accept about English film offers. He just replied “wait N C” (HC)

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What made Priyamani emotional?

What made Priyamani emotional?

March 3, 2010

The glamorous actress Priyamani has become strong-minded to dub for her films from now. This strong decision was taken as she recently missed a Kerala State Award for the film ‘Thirakkatha’ because she has not dubbed herself for the film even with an unbelievable performance. So, she decided not to take any more chances.

In recent times, Priyamani was dubbing for herself for both the Hindi and Tamil versions of Mani Ratnam’s magnum opus bilingual film ‘Raavan’. All the things are going fine as she knows the languages well.

Priya says that there was an emotional scene which has to be dubbed with deep modulations. For that scene, director asked her to do the Tamil version first followed by Hindi as she knows the feel better in Hindi. Sources say that as soon as the dubbing started for that typical emotional scene, she became so emotional and finally she broke down in to tears.

Priya says, the scene was so heart touching and she was practically merged with the scene. The film ‘Raavan’ is going to be a milestone project in her career. [WaY]

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‘I admire Selvaraghavan’ - Andrea

‘I admire Selvaraghavan’ - Andrea

January 29, 2010

How come the actress accepted to act in ‘Aayirathil Oruvan’, when she had nothing much to do in second half? Ask Andrea and she says, “Of course, I shot the same question on Selva and he said, it’s all about putting so many things together. And, I was convinced at last”.

The actress wasn’t present there at the film’s press meet held this Tuesday in Chennai. When asked about the reason, she said, “It’s nothing to do with the rumors stating that I am a broken heart…. At the time, I was busy dubbing for ‘Aadukalam’ for the film’s heroine since she has lots of English used with her dialogues…”

She admitted that, her favorite directors are Manirathnam, Quentin Tarantino and Vishal Bharadwaj and would love working with in future. (KT)

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Vijay turns 'Dalapathy'!

Vijay turns 'Dalapathy'!

December 9, 2009

The latest buzz in Kollywood is about the title of Vijay's 51st film. The actor titled this movie as Dalapathy! Remember, Dalapathy was the title of the Rajinikanth- Mammootty blockbuster released in the year 1991, as Diwali special. The Rajini movie produced by G.V.Films was a cult classic directed by Mani Ratnam and is still remembered as one of the best ever movie produced in Tamil.

Sources say that the similarity ends with the title. While Mani's film dealt with the friendship between two gangsters, the new movie will be a family entertainer with lots of action. The director has finalised Asin as to play the lead lady and Yuvan Shankar Raja as composer. The remaining technicians list will be expected soon.

Meanwhile, after hearing this news, the ardent fans of Rajini are totally upset and are planning what to do to prevent the damage for their Thalaivar's classic.

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Actress Poorna has got her hands full

Actress Poorna has got her hands full

June 30, 2009

All with her earnest efforts, the actress has shot to fame within overnight. Although, she hasn’t spelled any blockbusters on her part, it all happened with a word of mouth statement by Ilayathalapathy Vijay, ‘She Looks like Asin’. Right now, the actress is much elated with more projects in her hand that the schedules are full till the next year.

She has paired up with Srikanth for ‘Drohi’ directed by Mani Rathnam’s assistant Sudha that will soon hit the floors. 90% of her filming for ‘Arjunan Kadhali’ with Jai has been completed while ‘Kandakottai’ with Nakul and Parthiban’s ‘Vithagan’ are on the fastest move.

The actress has confirmed that she doesn’t care about people comparing her with Asin as she has got her own identity wouldn’t replicate her gestures and actions.

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Kollywood Producer File A Case Against Suhasini Mani Ratnam

Kollywood Producer File A Case Against Suhasini Mani Ratnam

June 3, 2009

Producer-director Shakthi Chidambaram had said that he would file a case against Suhasini Mani Ratnam for commenting on his recently released Rajathi Raja in bad taste. The actress, in a TV show hosted by her, reviewed Rajathi Raja and said that it has used the commercial formula used in MGR, Rajini and Vijay films and added that the movie had pushed Tamil cinema where it was twenty years ago.

Irked by her comment, Shakthi Chidambaram questioned if that is so, her husband Mani Ratnam is making a film based on Ramayana, which is more that 2000 years old. He added that all Mani’s previous films were based on historical books like Karnan, Satyavan Savithri and the like. Wonder what Suhasini has to say to this?

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Director Mani Ratnam Upset With Media Reports

Director Mani Ratnam Upset With Media Reports

May 16, 2009

Ace director Mani Ratnam is gradually recovering and has resumed work. Cources close to him say the director is upset with some media reports claiming the director wants to shoot his next film in Sri Lanka. Actually, Mani never wanted to shoot there because of the atrocities being committed aginst Tamils; he had never sought any support or help from the Sri Lankan government either.

He has decided to shoot the remaining parts of his film in Pollachi (Tamil Nadu) and Chalakudy in Kerala. The entire cast and crew, including Aishwarya Rai and Abhishek Bachchan, had to adjust their schedule because of Mani’s illness. His doctors have advised him to take rest; at the moment, about 70% of the Ravan shoot has been completed. In the meanwhle, word has got out that he is ready with another script, a village-based love story tentatively titled Rukmani.

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Mani Ratnam gearing up for his next film

Mani Ratnam gearing up for his next film

May 11, 2009

By: Settu Shankar

Ace director Mani Ratnam has fully recovered and the shooting of his forthcoming film Ravan (Ashokavanam) is to commence 20th of this month. Starring Vikram, Abhishek Bachchan , Aishwarya Bachchan, Priyamani and others in the lead, the call sheet given by Aishwarya Bachchan for one month got wasted because of the postponement of the shooting. But Ash was promised to give extra days, just to show her regards on Mani Rathnam.

Now the director will be gone for the shoot of Ravan in the dense forest of Kerala next week. A doctor will be also accompanied with the director for few days, as Mani rathnam's family sources say. Meanwhile, the director is getting ready with his next script for the next project, reportedly titled as Rukhmani.

According to the sources, the story is a whole some village subject. AR Rahman has already composed one song for this film.

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Prakash Raj to play LTTE chief Prabhakaran in new film

Prakash Raj to play LTTE chief Prabhakaran in new film

May 2, 2009

Multilingual actor Prakash Raj says he has been offered the role of LTTE chief Vellupillai Prabhakaran in a Tamil film and that he will be doing it.

“I would like to perform the role according to the dictates of the script and requirement of the director. I will not do any homework or prepare for this role in details as I think spontaneity will provide better results than anything,” said the actor at an interactive session organised by the Karnataka Film Journalists Association.

But he refused to reveal the name of the director and producer of the proposed film.

This is not the first time that Prakash Raj is playing a real life character. He has won three National Awards and 18 state awards for his high voltage performances as young M. Karunanidhi, DMK president and the current Tamil Nadu chief minister, in Mani Ratnam’s “Iruvar” and faction leader Rayalaseema in director Krishna Vamshi’s “Anthapuram”.

“Acting career is like a journey to me. Acting has been a process of learning to me. You learn many things while interacting with many people. I think any actor will gain confidence and maturity with experience. Working with different directors and the best of the actors make you determined to give the best shot,” he said.

Prakash Raj also worked with Bollywood megastar Amithabh Bachchan in two Hindi films - “Khakee” and “Zamanat” and is all praise for him.

“He is truly a legend. He is extremely patient. He used to call me ‘Kalaakar’ and I enjoyed working with him. Despite his stature, he doesn’t question the decision of a director. I saw him agreeing for the eighth take for director Raj Kumar Santhoshi while shooting for ‘Khakee’. I was really impressed with his professionalism,” he said.

The actor also produces films in Tamil and is known for making quality films like recently released and much appreciated “Abhiyum Naanun”.

His film “Mozhi” won many awards and was also a box office success.

“I have made ten Tamil films so far. I would like to take up projects which have a good story. I want to encourage younger talents who want to prove their mettle with their stronger scripts with novelty elements. I’m happy that young directors like Priya, Guhan and Radha Mohan are established names today,” said Prakash Raj.

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Mani Ratnam admitted in Hosptial due to heart attack

Mani Ratnam admitted in Hosptial due to heart attack

April 15, 2009

By: Settu Shankar

Mani Ratnam, one of the top film makers of the country has been admitted to Appollo Hospital in Chennai with a third heart attack today.

His ardent fans and film lovers are waiting in front of the hospital to hear the good news about Mani's improving health condition.

This is the third time in the last 5 years that Mani Ratnam has suffered such a heart attack. The first attack was in December 2004 at Panaji, Goa shortly before the closing ceremony of the International Film Festival of India.

He had a second attack during the shoot of Guru on top of the Howrah Bridge in Kolkata in 2006.

Mani Ratnam had returned from his hectic Kolkata Schedule just a few days ago and has been planning to leave for Kerala to shoot the climax scenes of Ravan. He has got the Government (Kerala) approval to shoot the particular shots in the protected forest area of Chalakudi, after a long wait.

According to his PRO Nikhil Murugan, the health condition of Mani is improving now.

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Priyamanis Negative Role In Mani Ratnams Ravana

Priyamanis Negative Role In Mani Ratnams Ravana

March 18th, 2009

When you ask an actor or an actress what kind of roles they would love to play, the top two answers are: a negative role or that of a menatlly-challenged person. Both these roles entail a lot of research and a great deal of effort. But if you’ve done your homework and given it your 100%, critical acclaim is almost guaranteed. So it’s no wonder these roles are much sought-after. And for ladies whose roles today are reduced to providing the glam-relief, to land roles with so much scope to act is a dream come true.

For Priyamani , the chance to do so came on golden platter offered by Mani Ratnam, accompanied with precious gems Abhishek Bachchan, Aishwarya Rai and Vikram! So if she’s simply dancing around in ecstacy, she must most certainly be excused! She has landed a pivotal part in Mani Ratnam ’s Ravana, her part being one with many dark shades, and she just cannot stop smiling about it! "I met Mani sir on my way to Goa for the International film festival two years ago. He had congratulated me for my performance in Paruthiveeran at that point. Then one fine day, when I was working in Bengaluru, I got a call from Madras Talkies informing me that Mani sir wanted to meet me. I rushed to meet him and on hearing the script of Ravana, I said yes," she says, her smile broadening!

On acting with Abi Bachchan, one of the most popular Bollywood stars, she says, "Abhishek brings the sets to life with his pranks. He is great fun and a powerhouse of energy. But the moment he is summoned for his shot, he transforms into a no-nonsense professional; working with him has been a great learning experience."

And what exactly is her part in the movie? "I am not allowed to talk about it now. It is a performance-oriented role and a pivotal character. The entire story takes place because of this one character. I like to play negative roles, and I had blast," is all she let slip!

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Priyamani Says Bye To Mani Ratnams Movie

Priyamani Says Bye To Mani Ratnams Movie

February 23rd, 2009

Ashokavanam has been progressing over the past couple of months at different locations across India. We had reported about a wedding scene being picturised in the Orccha jungles of Madhya Pradesh involving Priyamani .

The actress has been on the sets of Ashokavanam continuously for over a month now. Only 10 more days of her allotted dates remain. However there are no problems as the shooting has progressed as planned and if all goes as planned, Priyamani will say bye to the Ashokavanam team sometime next week.

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Asokavanam Maniratnam’s movie update

Asokavanam Maniratnam’s movie update

February 19th, 2009

Ace director Mani Ratnam is busy carving his next movie which is likely going to be titled as Raavan in Hindi and Asokavanam in Tamil. Aishwarya Rai and Vikram are in kolkata for the shooting of this film and very soon Big ‘B Amitabh will join the unit of Maniratnam’s film.

According to close sources, Amitabh Bachchan is all set to feature in the movie in a typical role which is said to be a high light. Presently, the whole cast a crew are based in a Jute mill in Kolkata and will stay for a 15 day long shooting schedule till this weekend.

According to the unit sources, some of the crucial scenes are being canned and the movie will be shaped out by September and will be released by October. Though the movie may be in lines of Ramayan vana parva, but will be presented with a typical storyline which will be parallel to the Ramayana, but will be with a typical storyline.

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