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Multihyphenate G.V. Prakash Kumar is expanding his reach in Indian cinema, with several high-profile projects as both composer and actor on the horizon.

Kumar, who made his debut as a film composer age 19 with Vasanthabalan’s 2006 Tamil-language movie “Veyil,” entered Hindi-language cinema with Anurag Kashyap’s “Gangs of Wasseypur,” for which he composed the background score, in 2012.

His journey in the film industry began even earlier, when he debuted as a singer as a child, in his maternal uncle A.R. Rahman’s “Gentleman” (1993). Kumar’s recent Hindi composing efforts “Sarfira” and upcoming “Emergency” mark his continued expansion in Bollywood. Kumar notes that while core emotions in film music are universal, incorporating regional flavors is crucial when scoring.

“Sarfira,” for example, is Sudha Kongara’s remake of her own Tamil Nadu-set “Soorarai Pottru.” “If the film is placed in a particular region or state, we need to study and translate the folk elements into the film,...

Politicians in India often make the news for their involvement in some sort of crime, but what happens when the Chief Minister of Tamil Nadu is on the verge of facing jail time? Veteran director Vasanthabalan’s political thriller series, Thalaimai Seyalagam, deals with such a tricky premise with great execution. Unlike most political dramas, Vasanthabalan’s series mostly shows the power struggle within the Cm’s own family and party. Here’s a quick recap of the eight episodes of this engaging political drama.

Spoilers Ahead

Episode 1: The King’s Gambit

Cm Arunachalam’s 63rd birthday isn’t what one would expect it to be, as the party members and family are in a state of worry rather than celebrating. He’s being presented in the special court of Andhra Pradesh for his involvement in the Kuzhaichalur Car Company. This is supposed to be the last hearing before...

Entertainment“We happened to meet, click a picture and I just posted it. There is nothing brewing here. We are just friends,” Aishwarya clarified in an Instagram story.Tnm StaffArjun Das and Aishwarya LekshmiOn January 11, Wednesday, actor Aishwarya Lekshmi shared a photo on Instagram with actor Arjun Das, accompanied by a heart emoji. This was apparently enough to break hearts and start speculation. It seems Aishwarya’s inbox was soon inundated with queries by fans, who weren’t happy with the idea that their two favourites could be ‘committed’. Many even took to Twitter to express their heartbreak. Finally, Aishwarya had to intervene. A day later, she responded to all concerned fans via an Instagram story, clarifying that the duo was, indeed, not dating. “To all Arjun Das fans who have been messaging me since yesterday, be rest assured. He is all yours,” she wrote. Further explaining the circumstances in...

Well-known Tamil actor Bharath, who has been part of several critically acclaimed superhits including director Vasanthabalan’s ‘Veyil’ and ace director Shankar’s ‘Boys’, will now be seen in a Telugu film titled ‘Hunt’ after almost a decade.

Taking to Instagram to disclose details of his character in the high-voltage action entertainer, Bharath said: “The world of ‘Hunt’ is all about guns, bullets, terror, deceit. So what makes the difference to this world ? It’s the swagger and the flamboyant ‘Dev’!”

“Presenting myself as “Dev” from the world of #Hunt . A Tollywood venture almost after a decade!! Super geared up for this! Thanks to my team Mahesh Surapaneni, Sudheer Babu, Bhavya Creations, Actor Srikanth Meka, Ghibran and Anand Prasad.”

Apart from Bharath, the film will also feature two other Telugu stars in the lead.

While actor Srikanth plays a character called ‘Mohan Bhargav’ in the film, actor Sudheer Babu, plays...

Director Vasanthabalan, who has delivered masterpieces such as ‘Veyil’ and ‘Angaadi Theru’, tries to showcase in ‘Jail’ the miserable lives that poor people living in slums, who play an active part in building a city, are forced to lead by a selfish and ungrateful society. Rocky (Nandan Ram) and Karna (G V Prakash) are two […]...

The makers of director Vasanthabalan’s much-awaited ‘Jail’ on Tuesday released a behind-the-scenes video of the fiery hit number ‘Nagarodi’, which has garnered over 1.5 million views on YouTube. The song, which speaks about poor people who are pushed to the outskirts of the cities they have helped build, has been penned by lyricist Arivu and […]...

CoronavirusVasanthabalan announced the news on Facebook.Tnm StaffDirector Vasanthabalan, known for directing films such as Veyil, Angadi Theru and Kaaviya Thalaivan, has been admitted to a hospital in Chennai after he tested positive for the coronavirus. The director himself shared the news on social media via his official page on Facebook. “Dear friends, I have been affected by Covid-19 and admitted to a hospital. I have not been able to attend many of your calls because of that. I am surrounded by friends, doctors, relatives who love me and this gives me the strength of one thousand elephants. I will once again raise like the horse with 12 feet (sic),” he wrote in a message shared on Facebook. Updates regarding his health are awaited. அன்புள்ள நண்பர்களுக்கு! நான் கொரோனோ பெருந்தொற்றால் பாதிக்கப்பட்ட...

KOLLYWOODThe yet-untitled project will star Arjun Das and Dushara in the lead. Digital NativeActor Arjun Das, who rose to fame with his work in films such as Kaithi, Andhaghaaram and Master, is all set to join hands with national award-winning filmmaker Vasanthabalan for his next project. The yet-untitled film was officially announced on Friday and it will feature Arjun in the lead. The project will be bankrolled by Vasanthabalan along with some of his friends from school, under the banner of UBoyz Studios. The team has made an announcement on the female lead as well. Dushara, who currently awaits the release of Pa Ranjith's Sarpatta Parambarai starring Arya, has been signed to play the female lead. As per multiple reports, the project is said to be the official remake of The Lift Boy – about a young man and how his life changes when he takes up the job of a...

EntertainmentSuja Varunee and Vaishnavi were consigned to the secret room after a staged elimination during 'Bigg Boss' seasons one and two respectively.Digital NativeWith just eight contestants remaining inside the Bigg Boss house Tamil season 3, director turned actor Cheran who is a four-time National Film Award winner has got evicted from the house in the show's eleventh week. In this week's nomination process we had Mugen Rao, Kavin, Sherin, Losliya, and Cheran up for eviction. Although he had been nominated for evection by the other housemates several times, untill last week audience had saved him from evection.   When Kamal Haasan called Cheran out of the house, he apparently left the house without showing any sign of disappointment. As a surprise, Cheran was given an opportunity by Bigg Boss to re-enter the show through the secret room, where he can closely observe the behavior of the inmates and then rework on...

KollywoodVishal who is General Secretary of the Nadigar Sangam and President of Tamil Film Producers' Council (Tfpc) had promised to weed out piracy from the industry when he came to power.Digital NativeDigital NativeAt the promo meet of Podhu Nalan Karudhi, that took place recently in Chennai, award-winning director Vasanthabalan took the opportunity to lash out against actor-producer Vishal for not being able to effectively curb piracy. Vishal who is General Secretary of the Nadigar Sangam and President of Tamil Film Producers' Council (Tfpc) had promised, as part of his election promises, that he and his team would work hard to root out piracy from Tamil film industry. However, with every film release, piracy rears its ugly head, uncurbed. Director Vasanthabalan pointed out, “Sarvam Thaala Mayam and Peranbu which garnered good reviews was on TamilRockers on the day of release itself. Tfpc President has been a ‘Thupparivalan’, he uses ‘Irumbuthirai’ to control things,...

KollywoodThis song will feature in director Vasanthabalan’s 'Jail' starring Gv Prakash in the lead.Digital NativeLast seen in Mani Ratnam's multi-starrer gangster drama Chekka Chivantha Vaanam as a Journalist, Aditi Rao Hydari croons her first Tamil song for director Vasanthabalan’s Jail, composed by actor and composer Gv Prakash Kumar. Sharing the news, Gv Prakash tweeted, "Super happy to announce that the super talented @aditiraohydari will be singing her debut Tamil song in my music for @vasantabalan sirs #jail .. it’s a duet with me ... the song is called #காத்தோடு #kathhodu .. can’t wait for u guys to hear it" Aditi Rao too tweeted, "Recorded my first song in Tamil!Butterflies in my tummy! Thank you for trusting me with such a pretty song and guiding me through so smoothly @gvprakash... all the best to you and @vasantabalan sir for #Jail" Super happy to announce...

KollywoodThis film is the Tamil remake of Naga Chaitanya starrer '100 Percent Love'. Digital NativeDigital Native100 Percent Kadhal, the Tamil remake of Naga Chaitanya starrer 100 Percent Love, has been wrapped up and the makers made the announcement via a statement on Sunday. The film, directed by Mm Chandramouli, stars Gv Prakash Kumar and Arjun Reddy fame Shalini Pandey in the lead. At the launch of the project last year, Prakash said “100 Percent Kaadhal will be a young and energetic film like Kushi. This film will fill the void created by the vibrant films made by late cinematographer-director Jeeva". Around 10-15 percent of the film was shot in India, while the rest of the portion was shot in London Lavanya Tripathi was originally signed for the film. However, delay in the commencement of the project forced her to exit as her dates with her other projects were clashing. Apparently, she tried...

KollywoodGoing by the posters, it looks like Prakash plays someone locked up and the story will follow events that lead to his arrest. Digital NativeDigital NativeNational award-winning filmmaker Vasanthabalan returns to direction after four years with upcoming Tamil thriller Jail, which features Gv Prakash Kumar in the title role. The first look poster and title of the film were unveiled on Friday. Going by the posters, it looks like Prakash plays someone locked up and the story will follow events that lead to his arrest. Abarnathi of Enga Veetu Mappillai fame plays the leading lady. The project has already gone on the floors; however, the makers have kept the rest of the cast under wraps. Apparently, Balan had planned this project with some other hero but when things didn’t work out, he roped in Prakash, who is thrilled to be part of this project. Interestingly, Prakash and Balan had...

InterviewGV Prakash speaks to Tnm about the success of 'Naachiyaar', criticism on misogyny in his films, and upcoming projects. Siddarth SrinivasFacebook/Gv PrakashAfter having a flowery start as a musician, Gv Prakash flipped sides to turn into an actor. Now, he is arguably one of the busiest artists in the industry, with more than 7 films at different stages of production currently. Tnm caught up with the actor on the sets of his upcoming action thriller with director Vijay, which has completed close to 50% of its shoot within a short span of time. Gv Prakash is now gearing up for the release of his rural family entertainer Sema which hits the screens this Friday, the 25th of May. The actor goes by the name of Kulanthai in the film, a jolly character who sells vegetables for a living. Speaking about it, he says, “Sema is my first rural family entertainer. Pandiraj sir approached me with some interesting in-family concepts such as a friendly relationship with the mother, the challenges and comedy in a match-making scene and so on. It is actually an episode from an assistant director’s life.” While his films so far have mostly catered to the youth, Sema will be a complete entertainer that’s fit for the whole family. “All of the audiences are important, including kids and family. I have never touched the rural side yet, and this was a good opportunity to get onto that. I’ve given my 100% to it. Here, we have a lot of women characters playing important roles. Be it Sujatha (of Paruthiveeran fame), the heroine Arthana or Kovai Sarala (who supposedly has a hilarious part), they’ll all have their own space in the film,” he says. Gv Prakash’s last release Naachiyaar was a facelift for him as an actor, bringing in the audience who had written him off as a shallow artist. Ask him about the changes in his choices post the release of the film, he is quick to say, “Naachiyaar is definitely a turning point in my career. A lot of people have noticed me as an actor, and I have been bestowed with more performance-oriented scripts. Most of my other upcoming films such as Al Vijay’s film which I’m currently doing, Sasi’s film and Vasanthabalan’s hard-hitting drama, have arrived because of Naachiyaar’s success. Even Anurag Kashyap called me said that we should collaborate. It’s a huge compliment.” Of all his upcoming films, what looks the most interesting is definitely Rajeev Menon’s Sarvam Thaala Mayam, a musical ride which will depict the story of a Dalit musician making it big in the industry. Gvp plays the lead role in the film, which has music by Ar Rahman. The actor’s face brightens up when we start talking about this exciting project. “It was quite challenging, because Rajeev sir was very particular that I learn the drums and mridangam properly to get into the skin of my character. I had to go for classes for the film. Like how Mayakkam Enna exhibited passion towards photography, Sarvam Thaala Maayam will be a celebration of music. A lot of other factors such as Dalit politics too, have been explored. With Ar Rahman’s music, it’ll be a treat for music lovers.” Gv Prakash promises some terrific visuals too in Sarvam Thaala Mayam. He gives us an update that the special 111-minute long international version of the film is currently being screened at Cannes, with director Rajeev Menon making his presence felt at the festival. Putting aside all his acting commitments, Gv Prakash is spending enough time on the keyboard to bring about some high quality music for his only upcoming film as a composer – the Suriya starrer directed by Sudha Kongara. The film is now in its pre-production stage, and is expected to take off by the end of the year. Throwing some light on it, he says “I know Sudha from her days as an assistant director, we share a great rapport. She’s very different, and so will be the subject that she has undertaken. Musically, we are doing our best to arrive at a new sound for the film. Composing is almost done for the project.” Since the start of his career, there has been a lot of criticism against the actor for the amount of misogyny and sexism in his films. Gv Prakash goes on the defensive when asked about this and says, “I think Trisha Illana Nayanthara is the only film where such a thing has happened in full. If you see my first film, the character of the woman was given the maximum importance and screen space there. Look at Naachiyaar, where the woman is the one who guides me in the right direction. In the same way, all of my upcoming films will provide tons of preference and room to the women's side of things. Especially, watch out for Sasi sir’s film, where the woman character is the center-point of all the proceedings." Apart from the above-mentioned projects, Gv Prakash has several interesting films in hand, including the scientific thriller Ayngaran, mystery drama Adangathey, the romantic entertainer 100% Kaadhal, the comic ride Kuppathu Raja, the fun-fiction based 4G and the yet-to-be-titled fantasy adventure where he joins hands once again with Adhik Ravichandran.

KollywoodWhile films like 'Alaipayuthey' or 'Vtv' are popular romance flicks, here's a look at some unconventional love stories we've seen. Sowmya RajendranWith Valentine's Day around the corner, it's a good time to look back at some of the on-screen couples in Tamil cinema who have stayed with us long after the film came to an end. While love is a popular theme in films and nearly every movie that hits the screens has a romance track, it isn't often that the script gives it more credence than a few duets in the snow. Films like Alaipayuthey, Ok Kanmani, and Vinnaithaandi Varuvaya are popular romance flicks which come to the mind immediately when someone mentions the genre. Here, we look at films which are not conventional romances but have nevertheless caught our eye because there's something different about the relationship and how it has been portrayed. Kabali and Kumudhavalli (Kabali) The 2016 Pa Ranjith film subverted many tropes that we've come to expect from Rajinikanth films, not in the least the treatment of women characters. While the film opened to mixed reviews, the relationship between Kabali (Rajinikanth) and his wife Kumudhavalli (Radhika Apte) warmed the audience. Though Kabali is told that the woman he loves so much might have been raped and may have been sold into a brothel, he's eager to find her. This is a marked departure from how rape and sex work have been viewed in mainstream cinema, as a loss of "honour" (perhaps with the exception of Mahanadhi). Further, Kumudhavalli is outspoken and even orders her husband around - which has thus far been a strict no-no in Rajini films. The song Mayanadhi, which marks their reunion is full of crackling chemistry between the two actors. Gandhi and Karmegha Kuzhali (Aandavan Kattalai) Directed by M Manikandan, this delightful black comedy was about a young man (Vijay Sethupathi) who desperately wants to go abroad. Listening to some ill advice, he fills in a random name - Karmegha Kuzhali - as 'spouse' in his passport. And thus, begin his travails. Ritika Singh, who plays Karmegha Kuzhali, a quick-tongued journalist, is among the few well-written heroines we've seen over the years. The unlikely couple get together over a mock court divorce and the romance is real and funny at the same time. Jyothi and Kani (Angaadi Theru) Vasanthabalan's film on a big store in T Nagar's busy Ranganathan Street and the exploitation that the workers there are subjected to, made for a gut-wrenching watch. Jyothi (Mahesh) and Kani (Anjali), as a young couple who work in the shop together, and stand up to the oppression within made for a memorable on-screen pairing. The song Aval appadi onrum azhagillai, which underscores love between ordinary people, remains one of Na Muthukumar's best lines. John and Regina (Raja Rani) Atlee's debut film has similarities to Mani Ratnam's Mouna Ragam and the Kannada film Milana but it was nevertheless refreshing to see a modern young couple deal with their past relationships within a marriage in a Tamil film. John (Arya) and Regina (Nayanthara) get married against their wishes. The two of them abuse each other and behave atrociously until later when they come to understand each other's past. There haven't been too many Tamil films which have looked at moving on and letting go of old love, so it was interesting to watch this premise unfold on screen. Selvam and Agal (Thiruttu Payale 2) This Susi Ganeshan film was about a woman (Amala Paul) who is trapped by a pervert (Prasanna) on Facebook who manages to procure her nude videos. Bobby Simha plays her husband, Selvam, who also happens to be a cop. The husband-wife relationship in the film was interesting because Selvam doesn't go down the usual victim blaming route or speak of his wife's 'honour'. He remains focused on getting her out of the situation and plans a happy future with her. Paandi and Poonthendral (Pa Paandi) This Dhanush directorial was an unusual story of a stunt master who goes in search of his old girlfriend. Played by Raj Kiran and Revathy, the aged pair shared a beautiful chemistry on screen. Elderly people are usually shown as "sacrificing" and hardly thinking about themselves, but Paandi and Poonthendral look to rekindle their old romance and carve out a new life for themselves. The relationship had its share of emotions but remained light and fun to watch.  Aishwarya and Murugan (Kaadhal) This film by Balaji Shaktivel is indeed about love, as the title suggests, but it isn't the candyfloss romance that we can watch happily while munching popcorn. Delving into the dark subject of 'honour' killings, the film was about a young inter-caste couple Murugan (Bharath) and Aishwarya (Sandhya) who defy society to elope. Based on a true life story, the film doesn't stop with the elopement but also shows their struggle to stay together and survive. The film ends with Aishwarya and her husband taking care of Murugan, who has lost his mind thanks to the torture Aishwarya's family had subjected him to. A hard to watch film, Kaadhal depicted an unsavoury reality that we don't see often on screen without flinching. Anbuchelvan and Maya (Kaaka Kaaka) Gautham Menon has since tried to repeat the chemistry between this film's pair in subsequent cop films but they've never lived up to what Suriya and Jyothika could do together. Suriya's understated performance as Anbuchelvan, an upright police officer who is uncomfortable in the presence of a woman he's attracted to, is among his best to date. Jyothika, who was known for her "bubbly" roles, played Maya, a teacher who expresses her feelings freely to the cop. Though their romance is short-lived, it was among the reasons why the film went on to become a big hit. Kathiravan and Yazhini (Kadhalum Kadandhu Pogum) An official remake of My Dear Desperado, this Tamil film by Nalan Kumarasamy was about a thug called Kathiravan (Vijay Sethupathi) and his neighbour Yazhini (Madonna Sebastian). The couple, who start off on the wrong foot, end up liking each other through a series of events. From getting drunk together to fighting and expressing their feelings to each other, the film had many sequences that made it an enjoyable adaptation.

Chennai, July 22: Celebrated lyricist Vaali, who passed away last week, had penned a romantic number "Kodaali mudichu pottu" in upcoming Tamil period-romance "Kaaviya Thalaivan", and its director Vasanthabalan says he wrote the song with lot of soul.

"I had met him in June for the song. It was a romantic number and I remember he wrote the song with so much of enthusiasm. Though he was struggling with some breathing problem, he managed to finish it in few days," Vasanthabalan told Ians.

"I spent few hours with him explaining the situation behind the song in the film. He was very quick to understand it and gave me a wonderful song,".