Archive for December, 2006

What do Pongal releases look like?

Saturday, December 30th, 2006

It is customary for Kodambakkam to cash in on the Pongal festival season, which is the next big festival after Diwali. The movies that are lined up for Pongal in 2007 look promising. Big name movies, with lead stars, are scheduled for release on this auspicious day.
   
Pokkiri and Aalwar are the two big names reverberating in movie circles for seasonal releases. Will the Prabhudeva/Vijay duo work their magic at the box office, or is it going to be Ajith with his Aalwar? That’s for the fans to determine. On the other hand, Surya’s sibling Karthick is all set to hit the silver screen with his Paruthi Veeran. Though the movie made headlines more often for its financial crises than for its artistic merit, Amir managed to survive and get the movie ready for a Pongal release.

Vying with the youngsters is Vijayakanth, who is back for Pongal with his Sabari, after Dharmapuri’s dismal performance during Diwali. Jyothirmayi is cast alongside “the captain” in the coming flick.

The release of Pachaikkili Muthucharam has been postponed, with lack of theatres for the release quoted as the reason.

On the whole, the Pongal scene assures promising entertainment for fans. The slash in ticket rates may bring in larger audiences; however, the profit margin of the movies will only be decided when the movies sustain their attraction for a longer period than just the holiday period at the Tamil box office.

Source: http://www.behindwoods.com/tamil-movie-news/dec-06-04/30-12-06-pongal.html

Ajith’s new role

Saturday, December 30th, 2006

In the film world, there are many people who believe in investing their money in the same industry which had given them their bread and butter. Prakash Raj is one such actor who through his ‘duet films’ gives opportunities to aspiring directors. Now Ajithkumar is also joining this list of people by starting his own production house. The recent hit of Varalaru has understandably raised the spirit of this actor.
 
Currently he is busy shooting for Kreedom after which it is Billa 2007 with director Vishnuvardhan.

Meanwhile plans are underway to produce a movie on his own after he completes Billa. This venture has been named AK International – which as you all would have rightly guessed-is Ajith Kumar International. He has applied with Producers’ Council for the registration of his company. Hence it is only a matter of time before AK International starts its operation in a full fledged way. Good Luck Ajith on your new role!!

Source: http://www.behindwoods.com/tamil-movie-news/dec-06-04/30-12-06-ajith.html

Ajith to turn producer

Saturday, December 30th, 2006

Ajith, who has managed a successful comeback in Tamil cinema with a big hit in Varalaru, is aspiring to take up production. The actor is nursing ambitions to produce a movie next year.

A blockbuster hit in Varalaru this year revived Ajith’s fortunes in the industry. The actor has a steady flow of offers now. His Aalwar is releasing on Pongal followed by Kireedom on 1 May, 2007.

Meanwhile, the actor has accepted to act in the remake of Billa, a yesteryear classic that featured Rajinikanth. After Billa, it is said that Ajith would act in his home production.

His production house is tentatively named A K (Ajith Kumar) International.

Source: http://www.indiaglitz.com/channels/tamil/article/28137.html

Actresses vying to act with Ajith!

Thursday, December 28th, 2006

There is fierce competition among actresses to pair Ajithwith Ajith in the remake of ‘Billa.’

Rajini did a dual role in ‘Billa’ 20 years back and it was a super hit. Praveena and Sripriya were his leading stars. The film is being re-made by Ananda L Suresh.

The film to be directed by Vishnuvardhan stars Ajith in the role done by Rajini.

Nayantara has been approached to do Praveena’s role and her confirmation is expected any time. There is competition to do the Sripriya’s role. Trisha and Shriya are eyeing the role.

Trisha is already pairing with Ajith in ‘Kireetam,’ so it is expected that Shriya would be the preferred choice. As soon as she got paired with the superstar, Shriya hiked her fee to Rs.40 lakhs per film.

Production sources say if Shriya does not reduce her fee, the role could well go to ‘Thamirabarani’ Banu or Rima Sen.

Source: http://www.cinesouth.com/masala/hotnews/new/28122006-1.shtml

Rajini, Kamal, Ajith and Vijay to the producers rescue

Thursday, December 28th, 2006

Kollywood predicts a riot in the name of slashed ticket rates. Here is how. Like we stated in our earlier report, movies like Alwar, Pokkiri, Sivaji, and Dasavatharam were sold at rates based on the ticket rates prevailed earlier. Now reservations shroud the distributors who are concerned about the returns the movies would make at the box office since the ticket rates are cut down.
 
Distributors association is convening a meeting today in this regard based on the request of several distributors to address the issue. It is evident that – if the Government refused to revoke its order– lead stars will receive a cut in their paycheck, or atleast will be forced to do so. Would the stars be ready for that? Seems like they would have to.

It is learnt that Rajinikanth has not received any sort of payment from AVM for his Sivaji and has agreed upon the 60:40 (Producer: Actor) profit and sales ratio of the movie. Though the production company would manage to reap cash in loads when the movie is released even in the current scenario, sources also state that Rajini has come forward to reduce his pay packet if it is essential.

Kamal, on the other hand, seems to be studying the situation and is expected to come up with a decision when the issue is settled. Ajith, sources say, has extended his support to the producers of Alwar and is ready for a cut in paycheck, if required. Vijay, as it seems, is adopting the strategy of Kamal and is waiting for the issue to settle down.

Amidst this, it is learnt that multiplex owners have decided to call on the chief minister to address their reservations regarding the slash in admission rates.

Watch this space as we bring in updates every now and then in this regard.

Source: http://www.behindwoods.com/tamil-movie-news/dec-06-04/28-12-06-rajini.html

Billa 2007 – Trisha and Shreya vie for honors

Thursday, December 28th, 2006

Looks like there is stiff competition between the lead ladies of Tamil cinema to be cast in the remake of old Rajini hit Billa, which is titled Billa 2007. The late 80s hit which starred Rajini, Praveena, and Sripriya will be remade with Ajith in the lead. Though Nayanthara has been finalized for the role done by Praveena, the other role is yet to be taken.

News has it that Trisha and Shreya are eyeing the hot spot and are in constant contact with the crew. Shreya stands a better chance this time since Trisha has already been roped in for Ajith’s next Kreedom. However, Shreya’s market has skyrocketed ever since she starred in Sivaji and her paycheck is scraping the borders of Rs. 40 lakhs. Sources state that Shreya could lose the opportunity if she shows no interest in slashing her paycheck. The other contenders for the role are Thamiraparani Banu and Reema Sen.

Billa’s shoots will commence from February. The movie is produced by Ananda Suresh and directed by Vishnu Vardhan.

Source: http://www.behindwoods.com/tamil-movie-news/dec-06-04/28-12-06-ajith.html

Ajit Vs Vijay- Pongal 2007

Thursday, December 28th, 2006
Ajit was the clear winner in the Pongal 2006 battle. His Paramasivan was a bigger hit than Vijay’s Aathi. Now all eyes are on the traditional rivals as they meet once again at the Pongal 2007 battle field.

Pongal 2007 has Ajit’s Aalwar pitched in an eyeball to eyeball confrontation with Vijay’s Pokiri. Ajit fans are saying that he has an advantage as it is releasing after that super hit Varalaaru.

At the same time, Vijay fans who were in deep slumber for an year after the failure of Aathi have geared up to promote Pokiri which they feel will break all existing records!

However, the trade is not very happy as they feel that Ajit will not be having his famous Opening. After the government slashed admission rates and also stopped hike in ticket rates during the opening weekend, it has become a level playing field.

For example Ajit’s movies could be sold at Rs 100 plus during the opening weekend, while Vijay mass movies were always kept at a standard rate to attract the common man. Now Vijay’s Pokiri will open at the huge Devi in Chennai, while Ajit’s Aalwar is scheduled to open at the big Sathyam.

The net collections at both the theatres which have the same seating capacity will be almost the same as ticket rates will be at Rs 50 and Rs 45! So the winner will be the film which has more number of prints and shows in the opening week. Later the film which has better content will be the ultimate winner.

Source: http://sify.com/movies/tamil/fullstory.php?id=14356387

Ajith back in circulation

Thursday, December 28th, 2006

He can’t be ignored for long, and he proved it yet again when he bounced back with a splendid performance in a triple role in Varalaaru which led the Deepavali releases at the box office. Ajith, of course, had never lacked admirers or takers in the film industry. But the spotlight is more on him today. Currently shooting for Kireedam with Trisha, Ajith re-enacts the role played by Mohanlal in the original. The script has undergone many changes to suit the actor, nativity and the times. And there is Alwaar where he is yet again paired with Asin, the duo coming together after their successful pairing in Varalaaru. The Balaji camp is remaking their old hits like Billa and Thee, and Ajith may well be playing the dual role of Billa, re-enacting what Rajinikant had played in the film. Seems like 2007 would turn out to be a favourable year for the actor.

Source: http://www.chennaionline.com/film/Reeltalk/2006/12reel113.asp

Keerthi is out to prove a point

Thursday, December 28th, 2006

Lady luck is smiling on Keerthi Chawla, who began his career with an average outing in Aanai opposite Arjun. Currently she is acting in over five movies including Ajith’s Aalwar.

Says Keerthi, "I play a prominent role in Aalwar. It is a big movie in my career."

The actress has a lot of sequences with Ajith and is thrilled at the prospects of the film.

Says Keerthi, "It was an extremely enriching experience. Initially I was tensed to act with such a big hero. However he made feel at ease."

"I await the release of Aalwar. I am hopeful that my career will take an upward swing after the movie’s release," she adds.

Keerthi Chawla is acting in Piragu, 1999, Vettai, Kadhalar Kadhai and an untitled Telugu film now.

Will she do glamour roles? ‘Yes’ is her instant reply. "I am not averse to do such roles but they should be within limits."

Keerthi Chawla is aspiring to do movies in Bollywood too.

Source: http://www.indiaglitz.com/channels/tamil/article/28039.html