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Many cineastes think Francis Ford Coppola’s The Godfather is the most influential film of all times. I would have to go with that. So would Feroz Khan, who’s been in two of the worst Godfather-influenced films of all time. Here’s saluting The Godfather clones, good, bad and the awful.

1. Dharmatma (1975):

Feroz Khan was always ahead of his time. So, it’s no surprise that he was the first Bollywood filmmaker to jump on the The Godfather bandwagon with this wildly out-of-control remake—an almost scene-by-scene reaffirmation of the original with Feroz playing Al Pacino and Premnath as Marlon Brando. A laughably crude homage to the original, the silver lining was the beauteous Hema Malini as Reshma, the exotic Afghani lass whom Michael, sorry Feroz, falls in love with. Hema dancing to Lataji’s ‘Mere galiyon se logon ki yaari ho gayi’ would have probably given Coppola...

EntertainmentThe show features an ensemble cast that includes Suhasini, Miya, Suresh Krishna, Maniyanpilla Raju, Balachandran Chullikad, Vishnu Govindan, Sidhartha Siva, and Rahul Riji Nair in pivotal roles.After launching critically acclaimed originals in Tamil and Telugu, digital streaming platform Sony Liv has ventured into Malayalam with a political drama titled Jai Mahendran. The show focuses on the life of Mahendran, a manipulative officer who believes in getting things done through powerplay and by use of his influence within the system. However, his freedom within the office comes to a halt and his ideologies get challenged, as he becomes the victim of the same powerplay. In an attempt to safeguard his job and restore his reputation, he plans to sabotage an entire system to his advantage. Jai Mahendran is helmed by the national and state award-winning filmmaker Rahul Riji Nair as writer, producer, and showrunner, and Srikanth Mohan as the director.

Champion Campion

The Sydney Film Festival will present ‘Jane Campion – Her Way,’ a retrospective of films by the pioneering director. Campion herself will appear in conversation with David Stratton on June 10 at the 2023 edition of the festival, its 70th anniversary presentation (June 7-18).

Held in association with Acmi and the National Film and Sound Archive, ‘Jane Campion – Her Way’ will encompass screenings of all nine of Campion’s feature films, as well as a selection of her short films. The selection will go on to tour the Acmi in Melbourne (June 15 – July 2) and at Nfsa in Canberra (July 20-30).

“For our 70th edition, we wanted to present a retrospective commensurate with the milestone, reflecting the audacious and boundary pushing filmmaking synonymous with our festival and region. Campion is a ground-breaking filmmaker who has made a profound impact on cinema with her daring and unforgettable films,” said Sydney Film Festival director Nashen Moodley.

TollywoodThe filmmaker-actor made the announcement on the occasion of actor Bharmanandam’s birthday on February 1. Facebook/Tharun Bhascker DhassyamTelugu filmmaker-actor, Tharun Bhascker is back with his next film, which is being touted as a crime comedy. On the occasion of Telugu actor Brahmanadam’s birthday on Wednesday, February 1, Tharun announced that Brahmanadam is one of the main characters in the film. The filmmaker took to social media and wrote a post saying, “There are 8 main characters in this film, no heroes or heroines. When I was supposed to cast I had immense pressure. The pressure of working with a star was becoming a burden & I didn’t want to fall prey to that. This is a crime comedy and say it with me - who’s the star of comedy? The Og meme god? Re-Introducing Mr.Brahmi ! Like never before.” Tharun further added that Brahmi would be seen in a new avatar,...

Tollywood actors N. Balakrishna, Junior Ntr, Kalyan Ram and other family members of former Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N.T. Rama Rao paid rich tributes on his 27th death anniversary on Wednesday.

Ntr’s sons Balakrishna, N. Ramakrishna, daughter N. Bhuvaneswari, grandsons Junior Ntr, Kalyan Ram, Suhasini and other family members paid floral tributes at Ntr Ghat on the banks of Hussain Sagar in Hyderabad.

Talking to media persons on the occasion, Balakrishna said he considers his good fortune to be born as son of Ntr. He described the late leader as a great personality who would always be remembered by the people.

He termed Telugu Desam Party (Tdp) as an asset given by Ntr to the coming generations. “Tdp is not merely a political party. It is an institution. No other party has workers like the Tdp,” he said.

Balakrishna recalled the contributions of Ntr for economic empowerment of women...

EntertainmentThe reunion, attended by renowned 80s actors from across film industries, was on hold for the last two years due to the Covid-19 pandemic.Tnm StaffNikkil Murugan/ FacebookFilm stars who ruled the 80s caught up for their 11th reunion in Mumbai on Sunday, November 13. An annual affair, the gathering was held after a gap of two years. Celebrities from across film industries took part in the bash, photographs of which have been doing the rounds on social media. The reunion was attended by renowned actors including Sarathkumar, Chiranjeevi, Rajkumar, Bhagyaraj, Venkatesh Daggubati, Arjun, Sunny Deol, Anil Kapoor, Khushboo, Ramya Krishnan, Radha, Ambika, Saritha, Shobana, Revathy, Meenakshi Seshadri, Madhoo, Nadiya Moidu, Menaka, Suhasini Maniratnam, Sanjay Dutt, and Vidya Balan, among others. The chosen dress code for the event was orange and silver for women, and grey and orange for men. The 10th reunion was hosted by actor Chiranjeevi at his Hyderabad...

Over 30 stars from the south Indian film industries and Bollywood attended a reunion hosted by actors Jackie Shroff and Poonam Dhillon at their home in Mumbai. The stars from the ’80s, who, as a practice, have a reunion every year to celebrate their friendship and camaraderie had suspended the practice after 2019 due to the outbreak of the pandemic.

The 10th year reunion in 2019 was hosted by Chiranjeevi in his fabulous Hyderabad home. Nearly 40 stars from South India and Bombay had attended that reunion. However, after that, due to the pandemic, the event was not held. This year, they revived the practice and met in Mumbai for their annual reunion.

Actors Poonam Dhillon and Jackie Shroff graciously hosted the actors from the four southern states. They invited a few of their colleagues from Bollywood too for the evening.

Just like every other year, the get together had a colour theme. This year,...

ReviewThe Kannada remake of the 2018 Telugu film ‘C/o Kancharapalem’, ‘Monsoon Raaga’ is directed by S Ravindranath.Shivani KavaThe 2018 Telugu film C/o Kancharapalem is one of the best slice-of-life films to have emerged recently. Remakes are desirable, given that the film is socially relevant and rejects toxic masculinity through the insightful, sensitive portrayal of its male leads. The Kannada remake, Monsoon Raaga, directed by S Ravindranath brings to life four tales of romance, amid evolving attitudes on relationships, gender and religion. Forty-nine-year-old Raju (Achyuth Kumar), a single man, cannot claim to be content with his marital status. Things seem to never work out for him and he often faces pressure from his peers to get married. He slowly, reluctantly falls in love with his 42-year-old work supervisor Haasini (Suhasini Maniratnam), who asks him to marry her. Schoolboy Sundara wears a pink shirt to school to impress his crush, Suchitra, but ends...

Actor Chethan Cheenu, best known for playing the lead in Telugu films like Charmi-starrer ‘Manthra-2’ and ‘Raju Gari Gadha’, says that the shooting of his next film, which is being directed by actress Kaveri Kalyani, is over and that post production work of the film is going on in full swing.

The actor, who has been getting consistently good offers in Telugu, will be looking to establish himself in Tamil with this bilingual film, which incidentally will mark the debut of actress Kaveri as a director.

Says Chethan, “Actress Kaveri Kalyani, who has delivered several commendable performances as the lead heroine in critically acclaimed hits like ‘Punnagai Poove’, ‘Samuthiram’ and ‘Kasi’, is turning director with this movie.

“Apart from directing the film, she is also producing this pan-Indian movie that is being simultaneously made in Tamil and Telugu. I am happy to play the lead role in this movie.”

Stating...

Tamil Superstar Rajinikanth has now disclosed how actor Kamal Haasan helped him outsmart director Mani Ratnam while shooting for the blockbuster ‘Thalapathy’.

Speaking at the audio and trailer launch of director Mani Ratnam’s magnum opus ‘Ponniyin Selvan 1’, Rajinikanth said: “I wish to share one or two incidents with you now about what happened while working with Mani Ratnam.

“It was the first day of shooting of ‘Thalapathy’. Shooting was happening in Mysore and I arrived at around midnight from Bombay where I had been shooting for a Hindi film. The next morning, I went for make-up and the make-up man said that no make-up was to be put on for me. ‘Just put some foundation,’ is what I was told. I was concerned. I was acting with Mammootty, who looked like a fresh apple. I eventually agreed.

“Then came the question of costumes. The costumer arrived with a pair of loose pants and shirts.

CinemaVeteran actor and filmmaker Pratap Pothen, who worked in over a hundred films in Malayalam, Tamil, Telugu and Hindi, passed away on July 15 in Chennai. Tnm StaffPratap Pothen/ Facebook Condolences poured in from all quarters following actor Pratap Pothen’s death on Friday, July 15. While fans and members from the film fraternity mourned his loss, many took to social media to revisit his notable movies as an actor, director and writer. Pratap started his acting journey with The Madras Players, the oldest English theatre collective in Chennai. Popular Malayalam director Bharathan, who enjoyed his performance in the play Androcles and the Lion, invited him to act in his film, Aaravam (1978). Pratap acted in over a hundred films, primarily in Malayalam and Tamil. He also appeared in several Telugu and Hindi movies. We bring to you a list of the actor’s memorable performances, ranging from the romantic hero in the...

ReviewLike most Indian anthologies, ‘Modern Love Hyderabad’ is a mixed bag. It has some enjoyable films and some duds, and our wait for a truly satisfying and edgy Indian anthology continues.Sowmya RajendranYouTube screengrabNagesh Kukunoor already made a modern love story way back in 1998. Hyderabad Blues was one of those little indie films that became a big marker for people like me, who grew up in the ‘80s and ‘90s. Breaking away from mainstream cinema with its superman heroes and damsel-in-distress heroines, Hyderabad Blues spoke for a generation that had to reconcile with the strong pull of local cultural links in a globalised world. Modern Love Hyderabad, now streaming on Amazon Prime Video, is produced by Elahe Hiptoola and Nagesh Kukunoor, with the latter directing three of the six short films. Of these, My Unlikely Pandemic Partner — starring Revathy and Nithya Menen — is my favourite. Noori (Nithya) leaves her home when her mother,...

RepresentationFor a long time, Malayalam and Tamil movies have resorted to using dwarf persons for humour, which often borders on the cruel. Are we any better now, Tnm explores.Lakshmi PriyaMore than 40 years since its release, veteran Malayalam director Kg George’s 1980 film Mela has proved to be a milestone in many ways. Adapted to the screen from a book of the same name, written by circus artist and writer Sreedharan Champad, Mela tells the story of a 27-year-old dwarf person, who struggles with jealousy and insecurities after his marriage to a woman almost double his height. In his book ‘An Album of Indian Big Tops (History of Indian Circus)’, Sreedharan refers to Mela as the first film in the world to be made with a dwarf person as the hero: Puthenveli Sasidharan. Sasidharan eventually came to be known as Mela Raghu — a beloved screen name he received thanks to...

WeddingThe wedding was attended by Tamil Nadu Cm Stalin, Ar Rahman, and several actors including Mohanlal, Shobana and Suhasini Maniratnam. Tnm StaffInstagram/Rushda RahmanActor Rahman’s daughter Rushda Rahman married Althaf Navab on December 9. Photographs and videos of their lavish wedding ceremony, which had music composer Ar Rahman, Tamil Nadu Chief Minister Mk Stalin in attendance, and major actors including Mohanlal, Suhasini Maniratnam and others, have flooded the internet, as fans wish the couple and their families amid the celebrations. Rushda is also the niece of music composer Ar Rahman. Photographs of Cm Stalin wishing the newlyweds, and posing along with actor Rahman, Ar Rahman and other members of the family, have been doing the rounds on social media. View this post on Instagram A post shared by Rushda Rahman (@rushdarahman_) View this post on Instagram A post shared by Shwetha Menon (@shwetha_menon) The bride Rushda shared several images...

MollywoodTouted to be Malayalam cinema’s first techno-horror film, the movie is helmed by filmmakers Ranjeet Kamala Sankar and Salil V. Tnm StaffDigital Native Actor Manju Warrier’s Malayalam film Chathur Mukham is now streaming on Over-the-Top (Ott) platform Zee5. Directed by Ranjeet Kamala Sankar and Salil V, the film stars actors Sunny Wayne, Alencier Ley Lopez, Niranjana Anoop, Babu Annur, Shyamaprasad and Rony David in pivotal roles. The movie was released in theatres in April but was withdrawn in view of the second wave of the pandemic. Although the film received positive responses from fans, it had to be withdrawn due to the surge in number of cases and the subsequent lockdown. Touted to be Malayalam cinema’s first techno-horror film, Chathur Mukham is bankrolled by Manju Warrier, Jiss Toms and Justin Thomas under the banners of Manju Warrier Productions and Jiss Toms Movies. Composer Dawn Vincent was roped...

Marakkar Release The release of the multi-crore period drama, which is directed by Priyadarshan, has been postponed multiple times since March 2020.Tnm StaffMarakkar: Arabikkadalinte Simham, Mohanlal’s multi-crore movie directed by Priyadarshan, will have an exclusive three-week release in over 600 screens across Kerala when it releases in time for Onam on August 12. This comes after an agreement was reached between the Film Exhibitors’ United Organisation of Kerala (Feuok) and the Kerala Film Producers’ Association (Kfpa). Feuok President K Vijayakumar confirmed to Tnm that a verbal agreement has been reached with Kfpa. The much-hyped movie was originally scheduled to hit theatres on March 26, 2020. However, the Covid-19 pandemic had delayed the plan. According to Vijayakumar, no other film would be released in that time period as per information that Feuok has received so far. “We have not signed an agreement. We have verbally agreed and decided to give an exclusive three-week window...

Mollywood ‘Marakkar’ bagged the National Award for best feature film in 2019, even before releasing in theatres.Tnm StaffScreengrab/ YouTubeSeveral films have skipped theatrical releases and opted for an Ott release, amid the pandemic. However, the makers of Mohanlal’s big-budget period film Marakkar- Arabikadalinte Simham announced on June 18, Friday that the movie will hit the big screens on August 12, 2021, on the occasion of Onam. Mohanlal took to Twitter on Friday to share the news with fans. “We sincerely hope that we will be able to present to you the 'Marakkar' as an Onam release this coming August 12th, with the hope that your prayers and support will be forthcoming,” the translation of Mohanlal’s tweet read. The film’s producer Antony Perumbavoor also shared a note hoping that the magnum opus could have a festival release on Onam. He also added that the team is moving forward with prayers and support from fans.

KollywoodOn the professional front, Keerthy Suresh has a number of projects in her pipeline including Mohanlal’s ‘Marakkar’ and Rajinikanth’s ‘Annaatthe’.Tnm StaffActor Keerthy Suresh, who predominantly works in Tollywood and Kollywood movies, recently shared with fans on social media that she has taken a dose of the Covid-19 vaccine. Sharing a photo where a medical professional is seen administering the vaccine to her, Keerthy wrote, “#TakeTheJab.” The 28-year-old actor is seen wearing a blue and white striped dress and a white face mask. Several celebrities including actor Nayanthara, filmmaker Vignesh Shivan, actors Gautham Karthik and Radhika Apte, among others have taken their first jab of the Covid-19 vaccine in the past week and have also urged fans who are eligible to get vaccinated. Keerthy Suresh was last seen in Venky Atulri directorial Rang De. The romantic- comedy flick was released in theatres on March 26 this year. Produced by Sithara Entertainment,...

MollywoodThe track was released on Friday marking Mollywood star Mohanlal’s 61st birthday. It is composed by Ronnie Raphael and penned by director Priyadarshan. Tnm StaffScreengrab/ YouTubeOn the occasion of Mollywood star Mohanlal’s 61st birthday, the makers of the Malayalam movie Marakkar: Arabikkadalinte Simham dropped a new lyrical single from the movie. The track ‘Chembinte Chelulla’ is composed by Ronnie Raphael and penned by director Priyadarshan. The song features Mohanlal as Kunjali Marakkar IV, the naval chief of the Zamorin. The makers have released two singles from the movie so far including romantic number ‘Kannil Ente’ and ‘Chembinte Chelulla’. The film was initially slated to release on May 13, however, the makers postponed it in the wake of the second wave of the coronavirus pandemic. The theatrical release of the film has been postponed four times so far. The movie was originally slated to release on March 26, 2020. It was later postponed to March 26 this year,...

Film CommentaryThese are two very different films but there is a connecting factor — how the women characters suffocate with the patriarchal home.Sowmya RajendranJoji, directed by Dileesh Pothan, premiered on Amazon Prime Video on April 7. Just a few days before this, Jeo Baby's highly acclaimed film The Great Indian Kitchen, also released on the same Ott platform, months after it originally came out on Neestream. (This article has spoilers ahead) The two films are very different from each other. The Great Indian Kitchen, starring Nimisha Sajayan and Suraj Venjaramoodu, is about a newlywed couple and how the woman starts feeling oppressed day by day within the institution of marriage. The film also looks at how patriarchy and misogyny are sanctioned by religion. Joji, an adaptation of the Shakespearean play Macbeth, has Fahadh Faasil playing the youngest son in a Syrian Christian family who exhibits murderous tendencies and ends up...

KollywoodThe film is directed by Gautham Menon, Sudha Kongara, Vetri Maaran and Vignesh Shivan.Digital NativeIt’s raining anthologies in Tamil and Telugu film industries. Netflix India recently announced its first Tamil anthology film, Paava Kadhaigal. The film is directed by Gautham Menon, Sudha Kongara, Vetri Maaran and Vignesh Shivan. Tipped to be the Tamil adaptation of Netflix’s Lust Stories; each story will however, deal with a different subject unlike the original. On Friday, the Ott platform shared the anthology's teaser on their Twitter handle which will stream from December 18. The Ott platform wrote, "Idhuku mela wait panna mudiyathu! (We cannot wait anymore) Presenting the teaser of Paava Kadhaigal (sic).” Idhuku mela wait panna mudiyathu! Presenting the teaser of Paava Kadhaigal.@menongautham @SimranbaggaOffc @AadhityaBaaskar @BhavaniSre @kalidas700 @imKBRshanthnu @VetriMaaran @Sai_Pallavi92 @prakashraaj @VigneshShivn @yoursanjali @kalkikanmani @RonnieScrewvala @ashidua_fue pic.twitter.com/IamJVlclGD — Netflix India (@NetflixIndia) November 27, 2020 In the teaser, we...

TollywoodDirector Lokesh Kanagaraj and music composer Anirudh came on the show and also wished Kamal on his birthday.Digital NativeScreenshotKamal Haasan, who is hosting Bigg Boss Tamil season 4, celebrated his 66th birthday on Saturday. This week’s weekend special of the Bigg Boss Tamil and Telugu were really exciting as the show celebrated Kamal’s birthday on the episode. As a pleasant surprise, Bigg Boss Telugu host Nagarjuna connected with Kamal over a video call and wished him a happy birthday, saying: “Let’s welcome the pride of India Kamal Ji,” and wished him “Piranthanaal Vazhthukkal”. The Telugu contestants also interacted with Kamal and wished him for his birthday. Kamal greeted everyone in Telugu, “Andarki Namaskaram... Bavunnara?” Nagarjuna requested Kamal to announce the contestant who was saved from eviction this week, who turned out to be Harika. Expressing his happiness at the crossover episodes, Kamal said, “This is a phenomenal meeting.

EntertainmentThe duo are currently shooting for the film ‘Hey Sinamika’ by debut director Brindha Gopal.Tnm StaffActor Dulquer Salmaan on Thursday took to social media to wish his current co-star Aditi Rao Hydari a happy birthday. The duo are currently shooting for Hey Sinamika, directed by debut filmmaker Brindha Gopal. The actor joked about his co-star having trouble learning some dialogues and called her a ‘cry baby’, with two selfies of the both of them, where Aditi looks upset. “Happy happy birthday Hrh @aditiraohydari !! I was trying to find these pics ! This was the day some lines were troubling you ! Cry baby !! #heysinamika jokes apart, hope you had the best bday!” he tweeted. Happy happy birthday Hrh @aditiraohydari !! I was trying to find these pics ! This was the day some lines were troubling you ! Cry baby !! #heysinamika jokes apart, hope you had the best bday ! pic.twitter.com/fquTJlFJr5 — dulquer salmaan...

ObituaryBeginning his career with ‘Ulkaladal’ in 1979, Velayudhan has worked with directors such as Kamal, Sathyan Anthikad, Sibi Malayil, Priyadarshan, Fasil, Lohithadas and others.Tnm StaffRenowned costume designer from the Malayalam film industry, Velayudhan Keezhillam, passed away in Chalakkudy, Kerala, following a cardiac arrest. He was 66. He died in a hospital in Chalakkudy, reports Asianet News. Velayudhan won the state award for best costume design in 1994 for his work in the film Manathe Vellitheru, which starred Shobana and Vineeth in the lead. As an independent musician performing on stage, Shobana appeared in all sorts of fashionable clothes, then unseen in Malayalam cinema. Vineeth too was seen as a suit-wearing, fashionable hero-villain in the film. Velayudhan was also behind the costume design of the iconic film Manichithrathazhu, in which Shobana plays a woman with multiple personality disorder and one of these characters is a Tamil dancer from another era. The role in...

ObituaryBeginning his career with ‘Ulkaladal’ in 1979, Velayudhan has worked with directors such as Kamal, Sathyan Anthikad, Sibi Malayil, Priyadarshan, Fasil, Lohithadas and others.Tnm StaffRenowned costume designer from the Malayalam film industry, Velayudhan Keezhillam, passed away in Chalakkudy, Kerala, following a cardiac arrest. He was 66. He died in a hospital in Chalakkudy, reports Asianet News. Velayudhan won the state award for best costume design in 1994 for his work in the film Manathe Vellitheru, which starred Shobana and Vineeth in the lead. As an independent musician performing on stage, Shobana appeared in all sorts of fashionable clothes, then unseen in Malayalam cinema. Vineeth too was seen as a suit-wearing, fashionable hero-villain in the film. Velayudhan was also behind the costume design of the iconic film Manichithrathazhu, in which Shobana plays a woman with multiple personality disorder and one of these characters is a Tamil dancer from another era. The role in...

In the upcoming episode of Yeh Rishta Kya Kehlata Hai unfolds a drama in Kartik and Naira?s life.

After Naira meets with an accident and is assumed dead, Kartik is left all alone and is waiting for Naira to anyhow come back in his life.

Kartik and Naira are separated. Naira shifted to Goa with their son Kairav, while Kartik has found solace in his nephew Vansh. ?A woman Vedika also lives with the Goenkas. The Goenkas try to convince him to move on and marry Vedika.

Meanwhile, Kairav mistakenly calls Kartik and addresses him as "Papa?. Unaware Kartik agrees to go to Goa with Vedika for her exhibition only so he can meet this child Kairav. Kartik and Kairav frequently meet at the park.

In the latest episode, Suhasini (Dadi) is on the death bed and Kartik takes an instant decision to marry Vedika. Naira along with Kairav...

MollywoodThe 1980s – considered the golden era of Malayalam cinema – is said to have created strong women characters, but were they really so?CrisAmmukutty (Seema), alone and looking after her old uncle in a Kerala village, is the heroine and unnamed subject of the title – Aalkoottathil Thaniye, ‘Alone in a Crowd’. Rajan (Mammootty), her cousin – the old uncle’s son with the big job in the city – had once been in love with her. But he is married to another now – city-bred Nalini who gave him a son. When they visit the ailing father, Rajan cannot hide his remorse looking at the old lover who had given “her all” for him, including the little money she earned as a schoolteacher to send him to the city for higher studies. He loathes the wife, rich and ambitious and wanting to leave for a better career. IV Sasi’s 1984 film is an example...

SandalwoodThe actor was roped in to play the female role played by Revathi in its Tamil original 'Pa Paandi'.Digital Native Ambareesh’s Ambi Ning Vayassaytho will mark the comeback of the veteran actor. The Kannada film, which is the remake of the Tamil blockbuster Pa Paandi, the directorial debut of actor Dhanush, went on to the floors some months ago. Recently, the actor participated in a rigourous action sequence, shot at Garuda Mall. Suhasini who was roped in to play the crucial female role played by Revathi in Pa Paandi, backed out as she is currently stationed in Portugal for a prior commitment. .Reports have emerged that Revathi might reprise her own role in the Kannada remake of the film. The makers were also in talks with actress-politician Khushbu and Ramya Krishnan for the same role. But now, the makers have returned to their original plan of having Suhasini join the sets of the film, and she has joined the sets already and completed one schedule. Meantime, Ambareesh, who is also gearing up for the upcoming assembly elections, has almost completed his with the shoot. With just six days of the shoot remaining, which will take place in Kerala and he will wrap up his portion and start his political campaign. Kannada superstar Sudeep has acquired the remake rights and he will be seen playing the titular role. Veteran actor Ambareesh will be seen playing Raj Kiran’s role of a former stuntman. The yet-untitled remake will be directed by Nanda Kishore. The rest of the cast and crew are yet to be finalised. Also starring Sudeep and Sruthi Hariharan in important roles, Ambi Ning Vayassaytho has music by Arjun Janya. In 2017, Dhanush made a terrific directorial debut with Power Paandi aka Pa Paandi, which not only appealed to critics and audiences alike but also struck gold at the box-office. A heart-warming story of a 60-year-old, who goes on a self-exploration road trip, the film featured Raj Kiran in the titular role and also starred Dhanush in a cameo.

KollywoodThe actor was initially roped in to play the female lead in the film.Digital NativeDigital NativeAmbareesh’s Ambi Ning Vayassaytho will mark the comeback of the veteran actor. The Kannada film, which is the remake of the Tamil blockbuster Pa Paandi, the maiden directorial venture of actor Dhanush, went on to the floors some months ago and the team is gearing up for the second schedule. Suhasini was initially roped in to play the female lead in the film but the actor has now backed out as she is currently stationed in Portugal for a prior commitment. Following this, the Ambi Ning Vayassaytho team is in talks with Kushbhoo and Ramya Krishnan to take up the role depending on their availability. Reports are that one of the two may be signed up to play the role done by Revathi in the Tamil version. The film, directed by Gurudatta Ganiga, is bankrolled by Jack Manju and Sudeep under the banners Kiccha Creations and Ksk Showreel Productions. Ambi Ning Vayassaytho is based on the story of Pa Paandi, penned by Dhanush, who had also directed it. The film is being shot in Bengaluru with both the actors Sudeep and Ambareesh shooting for their respective portions. The film is being shot round the clock with Sudeep shooting for his scenes in the night and Ambareesh shooting for his portions during the day. The Kannada version will have Sudeep playing the cameo done by Dhanush in the original and it will be the younger version of Ambareesh. Sources in the know say that extensive computer graphics will be included in this film to match the height of Ambareesh and Sudeep. Shruti Hariharan will be seen in a pivotal role in it as well. Arjun Janya is the music director for this flick with Jebin Jacob cranking the camera and Kiran in charge of the editing. Ambareesh’s last film in a prominent role is Doddmane Hudga which was out at the theatres a couple of years ago. He was seen in a guest role in Raja Simha that was released earlier this year. Ambi Ning Vayassaytho is touted to be Ambareesh’s comeback film as he plays the lead role in it. (Content provided by Digital Native)...

MollywoodThe actor is playing the baddie in the Dhanush starrer.Digital NativeTovino Thomas will be making his debut in the Tamil film industry with the Br Vijayalakshmi directorial Abhiyum Anuvum and the Dhanush starrer Maari 2, which is in progress. Tovino, who is playing the baddie in Maari 2, confirmed recently that he was on the sets of the film for a day and will be working with the team for some more days to complete shooting his portions. On working in Maari 2 and sharing screen space with Dhanush, the actor has said that he has a meaty role to essay in the film and will be seen appearing in two different get-ups. Directed by Balaji Mohan, Maari, which released in 2015, is one of the biggest hits in Dhanush’s career. Ever since then, there have been a lot of expectations around its sequel, in which he returns as a dhoti-clad, moustache-twirling rowdy. While the prequel had Kajal Aggarwal as Dhanush’s lead pair, in the sequel it will be Sai Pallavi and Varalaxmi Sarathkumar sharing screen space with the actor. Reports indicate that Varalaxmi may be seen in a negative role in the film. Maari 2 is being bankrolled by Dhanush’s home production Wunderbar Films. Yuvan Shankar Raja is composing the music with Om Prakash cranking the camera, Gk Prasanna editing it and Silva choreographing the stunts. Tovino has a number of films lined up for release this year. His Abhiyum Anuvum, a bilingual in Tamil and Malayalam, is set for release soon. This film’s post-production is going on and the release date is expected to be announced soon. The film has Pia Bajpai playing the female lead with Suhasini, Rohini and Prabhu in pivotal roles. Tovino’s next Malayalam film lined up for release is Theevandi which will be a Vishu release this year. Directed by Tp Fellini, Tovino reportedly plays a chain smoker in the film. He also has Oru Kuprasidha Payyan, Luca and Maradona slated for release this year and the films are in various stages of production. (Content provided by Digital Native)...

MollywoodTitled 'Abhiyum Anuvum' in Tamil and set to release on March 9, the film marks his debut in Kollywood.Digital NativeDigital NativeTovino Thomas came up with a surprise on his birthday a couple of days ago with the big announcement on Twitter, “It’s my big bday announcement: Happy to share the release date of my forthcoming bilingual film – Abhiyude Kadha Anuvinteyum (Malayalam) and Abhiyum Anuvum (Tamil): 9th March. A fearless love story with Pia Bajpai directed by B.R. Vijayalakshmi. Save the date! (sic)” Happy to announce that the bilingual film - Abhiyude Kadha Anuvinteyum (Malayalam) & Abhiyum Anuvum (Tamil) will release on 9th March. A fearless love story *ing Tovino & Pia Bajpai, directed by B. R. Vijayalakshmi. Save the date! @brvssk @ttovino @PiaBajpai @YoodleeFilms pic.twitter.com/8qIlr4AyWP — Gauthamvasudevmenon (@menongautham) January 21, 2018 His bilingual Abhiyude Kadha Anuvinteyum (Malayalam) and Abhiyum Anuvum (Tamil) is all set to release on March 9 and it will mark his debut in the Tamil film industry. Apart from this big announcement, he also released the first look of his yet another upcoming film Maradona. The actor, on the bilingual, has said that it is a bold movie and an intense romantic drama. He is reported to have told that he wants the film to be critically acclaimed rather than the theatre response. The film also veteran actor Suhasini, Rohini and Prabhu in pivotal roles. Apart from this film, he has a slew of movies in his kitty including Aami, in which he plays a cameo, Naam, Theevandi, Luka, Oru Kuprasidha Payyan, Tick Tock etc. With a number of films in both Malayalam as well as Tamil, the young actor is certainly looking forward to expanding his horizons to the other film industries as well. Tovino’s last release Mayanadhi turned out to be a big hit with critical acclaim pouring in. Released on December 22nd, the film is one of the best releases last year. Directed by Aashiq Abu and written by Syam Pushkaran and Dileesh Nair, this romantic thriller had Aishwarya Lekshmi playing the female lead. With a slew of films lined up for release, movie buffs can expect a variety of films starring Tovino in the lead role this year.

The teaser of one of the most anticipated films in Kannada film industry, Tagaru is out and it has caught the attention of the film buffs in a big way. From the teaser of the film, it is evident that it would be an intense action thriller that will have the audiences glued to their seats.

Directed by Duniya Soori, Tagaru stars Shiva Rajkumar in the lead role with Manvitha Harish and Bhavana as his heroines. The star cast of this action thriller also includes Dhananjay, Vasishta N. Simha, Devaraj and Suhasini Maniratnam.

Anu Hasan talks about doing stunts, not doing the same roles, on whether she discusses her career with Mani Ratnam, Suhasini and Kamal Haasan, on nepotism and her famous surname, on playing sisters and mothers, and on the culture shock between foreign and Indian productions...

Kalki Koechlin’s upcoming film ‘Waiting’ is already earning accolades internationally and her performance alongside Naseeruddin Shah is being highly celebrated too. In the film, Kalki plays a young, sexy and brash newly-wed whose husband is critical with a brain injury post an accident. And director Anu Menon reveals that Kalki was her first and only choice for the role of Tara. “Even as my script developed I could only envisionKalki play Tara and right till the end I didn’t know who I would approach if she had refused to do the film,” says Anu.

However, the director reveals that much to her delight, Kalki agreed immediately. “Kalki has contributed not just as an actor but also with the dialogue-writer. She has given that extra edge to Tara with the inputs on her lingo and body language. So, as soon as she was on board I knew that Tara...

Akshay Kumar who is gearing up for the release of Airlift has decided to join the league of actors in order to work towards the development of the Chennai, Tamil Nadu after the city faced terrible losses due to floods recently. The actor has donated Rs. 1 crore to the relief fund of Chennai floods. Director Priyadarshan who has worked with Akshay Kumar in films like Hera Pheri helped the actor for making the donation. Since Akshay was in a dilemma about how to go about the process of contributing to the relief funds, he decided to take the help of the filmmaker. Priyadarshan revealed that since it was a huge amount, he advised Akshay to donate it to the Bhoomika Trust, a charity fund run by actress Suhasini Ratnam, wife of filmmaker Mani Ratnam. Priyadarshan also stated that Akshay Kumar wanted to keep this news private but the filmmaker decided...

Wife of acclaimed filmmaker Mani Ratnam and noted actress, Suhasini Ratnam, is all set to step into Bollywood. The actress is making her debut opposite Naseeruddin Shah in Anu Menon’s Waiting that is slated to have a world premiere at the Dubai International Film Festival (Diff) on December 11. Interestingly however, the director reveals that Suhasini, who has acted in over 50 films in the South and even won a National Film Award for Best Actress for a Tamil film, required a little persuasion from her filmmaker-husband before she accepted the film.

Anu says, “Suhasini was shocked when I offered her the role of Naseer’s wife. She said that the only time she had ever spoken in Hindi was with a Bihari cook.” The director reveals that in the film Suhasini’s character speaks a mix of Hindi and English with a strong South Indian accent. “She used to take...

Suhasini Maniratnam

Actress, producer and filmmaker Suhasini Maniratnam will sit on the New Currents competition Jury of the 19th Busan International Film Festival. The Jury will be presided by Iranian director Asghar Farhadi.

Suhasini has directed several TV series, short films, public service films, and a feature film. She has acted in 225 films in all south Indian languages and has won a National award. She and her husband, Mani Ratnam, run a production company called Madras Talkies.

The New Currents section presents works by promising new directors from Asia;  the jurors will select 2 films for a 30,000 Usd award each.

The other members of the Jury are Dina Iordanova, professor at the University of St. Andrews in Scotland; Jacques Rancière, French philosopher; and Bong Joon-ho, Korean director.

The 19th Busan International Film Festival will be held from October 2-11, 2014.

The Indian Film Festival of Melbourne 2014, presented by the Victorian Government, finally came to a close on Sunday. The 11-day celebration brought Melbourne to a stop as people from all walks of life and ethnicity joined in to enjoy the films and the various events.

The festival was opened by the one and only Amitabh Bachchan with the Australian premiere of Sholay 3D. Bachchan interacted with his fans and answered questions about his films and career with his inimitable wit and candour. The 600-strong audience was left mesmerised as he recited some of the most loved poems written by his father. Bachchan was also honoured by the Victorian government and the festival at the glittering inaugural Iffm Awards night at Melbourne’s iconic Princess Theatre.

The heritage listed theatre came alive with roaring appreciation as the awards were given out to the much-loved stars from Bollywood – Bachchan (International Screen Icon...

Chennai, June 27: Popular composer G.V. Prakash Kumar, nephew of Oscar winner A.R. Rahman, married his childhood friend and singer Saindhavi here Thursday.

The wedding took place at 10:25 a.m. in the presence of family and close friends in true south Indian style at Major Ramanathan Chettiar Hall. Some of the noted celebrities who graced the occasion included Suriya, Balu Mahendra, Bala Pazhanisaamy, Mani Ratnam, Suhasini Mani Ratnam, K. Bhagyaraj, A.L Vijay, Shanthanu, Gayathri, Dhansika and P. Vijay.

The bridegroom was dressed in white dhoti and shirt, the bride was draped in a Kanjeevaram silk sari.

The family of the newlyweds will.

Chennai, Jan 9: Having completed three decades in the industry, veteran Telugu filmmaker Vamsy, known for movies like "Sitaara", "Anveshana" and "Ladies Tailor", feels he is happy to be still making films.

"Thirty years is a very long time in a line of work. I'm happy that even after all these years I am active and working," Vamsy told Ians.

The 56-year-old started his career in 1982 with the Telugu film "Manchupallaki" starring megastar Chiranjeevi, Suhasini and Rajendra Prasad.

Since then, he has gone on to make 24 films. He is all set to begin work on his next project.

He will begin filming his upcoming yet-to-be-titled.

Chennai, Dec 13: Oscar-winning Indian composer A.R Rahman's son Ameen gave his first public performance at the opening ceremony of 10th Chennai International Film Festival (Ciff) here Thursday.

The 10-year-old Ameen performed a short medley on the piano from Mani Ratnam's "Roja" to a full house here, while students from Rahman's Km music conservatory also entertained with exhilarating performances.

Members from Km foundation choir performed "Al Maddath Maula" from Aamir Kan starrer "Mangal Pandey" and two of Rahman's greatest Tamil hits from "Thiruda Thiruda" and "Kadhalan".

The event was led by Tamil actress Suhasini Maniratnam.

Here is a little disappointing news for all the Aishwarya Rai fans out there. The reports doing the rounds about Aish starring in Mani Ratnam’s adaptation of Daphne Du Maurier’s famous 1938 novel Rebecca have been rubbished by Mani’s wife Suhasini.

Suhasini denied the reports and said that right now Mani is caught up with completing his shoot for Kadal, which has a 7 day schedule left after which he needs a good 8 months to write his next script. “He is not focussing on new releases for quite some time now, so any news until his next script is ready will be false,” she stated.

Another close source of Mani Ratnam told us that he is busy with the post production work of Kadal and has no time to think about the next film for now. “All stories about his next film with Aish are just rumours,” he confirmed.

It is highly speculated that Aishwarya Rai Bachchan will be returning to films post motherhood with director Mani Ratnam’s movie which is an adaptation of Daphne Du Maurier's famous 1938 novel Rebecca but the report was fully denied by Mani Ratnam’s wife Suhasini. When she was asked whether Mani Ratnam has signed Aishwarya for Rebecca, she said,"No, it's wrong." Suhasini went on to add, "Mani is currently focussed on Kadal, which still has seven days of shoot left. He will decide on his next only after this film releases. It will take him eight more months after that to write his next script. So, any news about his future project that ...

Mani Ratnam's wife has denied that he will be working with Aishwarya Rai Bachchan on her next film. It was widely reported that Rai Bachchan was lining up her first post-pregnancy role as Mrs de Winter in an Indian adaptation of Daphne du Maurier's Rebecca.

Speaking to The Times of India, Ratnam's wife Suhasini denied the reports, saying: "No, it's wrong. Mani is currently focused on Kadal, which still has seven days of shoot left. He will decide on his next only after this film releases. "It will take him eight more months after that to write his next script. So, any news about his future project that comes (more)...

Movie Review: 'Gabbar Singh'; Star Cast: Pawan Kalyan, Shruti Haasan, Abhimanyu Singh, Kota Sreenivasa Rao, Brahmanandam, Ali, Thanikella Bharani, Nagineedu and Suhasini Mani Ratnam; Producer: Banda Ganesh; Director: Harish Shankar; Music Director: Devi Sree Prasad; Camera: Jayanth Vincent; Verdict: Pawan Kalyan hits the bull's eye.

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With the release of Ra.One coming closer Bollywood superstar Shah Rukh Khan has been on a promotion spree all month. Earlier this week Shah Rukh Khan travelled all the way to Chennai for the Ra.One’s music launch in Tamil. The event was graced by South Superstar Rajinikanth and his daughter Soundarya Ranjinikanth Ashwin. Other guests present at Satyam theatres were director Mani Ratnam, wife Suhasini and Abirami Ramanathan. Srk tweeted saying, “In Chennai…overwhelmed by the lov shown by mani rathnam, santosh sevan. Soundarya &Rajini sir. Launch of Ra.one in tamil, grateful to all”. Arjun Rampal also tweeted saying, “So much been happening,working round the clock,today Rajni sir unveiled the first look of Ra 1 the character super excited.in chennai.”

Winners of a contest held by the organizers also got to attend this star-studded affair and got to witness Srk dance to the tunes...

South baddie Prakash Raj, who takes on Ajay Devgn in the recently released Singham, is all set to head the acting department at Nagarjuna’s new film school, International School of Film and Media. Set up by Annapurna Studios, the film school is based in Hyderabad. Prakash says, “I am designing the acting course and its curriculum. I will also be scouting for faculty with Nagarjuna and mentoring them keeping in mind the institute’s vision.” They have already approached Mani Ratnam, Revathy, Suhasini and Shobana to come for guest lectures. The short-term courses at the institute will last for eight weeks ...

South baddie Prakash Raj, who takes on Ajay Devgn in the recently released Singham, is all set to head the acting department at Nagarjuna’s new film school, International School of Film and Media. Set up by Annapurna Studios, the film school is based in Hyderabad. Prakash says, “I am designing the acting course and its curriculum. I will also be scouting for faculty with Nagarjuna and mentoring them keeping in mind the institute’s vision.” They have already approached Mani Ratnam, Revathy, Suhasini and Shobana to come for guest lectures. The short-term courses at the institute will last for eight weeks ...

South baddie Prakash Raj, who takes on Ajay Devgn in the recently released Singham, is all set to head the acting department at Nagarjuna’s new film school, International School of Film and Media. Set up by Annapurna Studios, the film school is based in Hyderabad. Prakash says, “I am designing the acting course and its curriculum. I will also be scouting for faculty with Nagarjuna and mentoring them keeping in mind the institute’s vision.” They have already approached Mani Ratnam, Revathy, Suhasini and Shobana to come for guest lectures. The short-term courses at the institute will last for eight weeks ...

South baddie Prakash Raj, who takes on Ajay Devgn in the recently released Singham, is all set to head the acting department at Nagarjuna’s new film school, International School of Film and Media. Set up by Annapurna Studios, the film school is based in Hyderabad. Prakash says, “I am designing the acting course and its curriculum. I will also be scouting for faculty with Nagarjuna and mentoring them keeping in mind the institute’s vision.” They have already approached Mani Ratnam, Revathy, Suhasini and Shobana to come for guest lectures. The short-term courses at the institute will last for eight weeks ...