Saturday 10 March 2012
Aravaan (2012) Movie Review
Every since its launch, Vasanthabalan's Aravaan has been rated as one of the most awaited films in Kollywood. Fresh from the success of Angadi Theru, Vasanthabalan started shooting for Aravaan in April 2010. But due to financial crisis and other technical problems it took almost two years for the film to see the light. The film is based on one chapter from Su. Venkatesan's novel Kaaval Kottam, which depicts the history of Madurai during 1310-1910.
In earlier days every village used to have its own security guards called as Aravaans. They are named after the son of Arjuna, who sacrificed himself before Goddess Kali for the victory of the Pandavas in the Kurukshetra war in Mahabharata. And Vasanthabalan's story revolves around one such Aravaan. The film has a huge star cast which includes Aadhi, Pasupathy, Dhaniska, Archana Kavi, Karikaalan and Singampuli. Bharath, Anjali and Shweta Menon have also made special appearances in this historic flick. The movie is produced by T. Siva under the banner of Amma Creations. The technical team includes Siddharth (camera) Praveen-Srikanth (editing) and Vijay Murugan (art direction).
Another major highlight of Aravaan is its music composed by singer Karthik!
What is it about?
Set in the mid 14th century the film narrates the story of Aravaans in Kotayur, Tamil Nadu. Kombodhi (Pasupathy) is the leader of Kombadi Koothu, a group of thieves which steals money and gold for the village people. Interestingly Kombodhi and his men also have certain rules and regulations which they strictly follow. One day guards from a neighbouring village attack Kotayur! Reason? The queen's precious necklace has been stolen by someone who is believed to be from Katoyur. Finally the queen's men make a deal with the village people; if they give back the necklace they will be awarded with 100 bags of rice. Obiviously Kombodhi and his men start their mission. On the way they find out that the culprit is Varipuli (Aadhi), an orphan who can complete any big mission single-handedly. Impessed by his skills Kombodhi brings Varipuli to his village and also returns the necklace to the kingdom. Within a few days Varipuli develops a great bonding with Kombodhi and his men. Meanwhile Chimtti (Archana Kavi) develops a liking for Varipuli.
When Kombodhi takes his sister's proposal to Varipuli, he reveals that he is already married! Meanwhile a group of men attack Varipuli and take him. So who exactly is Varipuli? Watch out in Aravaan!
THE PERFOMANCE AND TECHNIQUES
Rugged look and dark makeup is nothing new to Aadhi and as usual he excels in Aravaan too. Every since his debut Aadhi has been mastering the art with every film that he does. His body language, physique and dialogue delivery skills are perfect for a 14th century warrior. It is also said that the actor developed an eight-pack abs especially for this film; the hard work reflects clearly on screen. Another major character in Aravaan is Pasupathy who plays a meaty role in the film. There is no doubt that Pasupathy is a seasoned actor and one of the best actors in the industry today. In this film he has also tried his hands at dancing. Archana Kavi is sensual, Dhansika is perfect for the role while Singampuli is hilarious. Bharath, Anjali and Shweta Menon have done their parts well too.
The main highlight of the film is that there are no unwanted characters; kudos to Vasanthabalan for a making such an intense drama which no other filmmaker has attempted till date. The dry and rustic locales are well captured by cinematographer Siddharth; Singer Karthik, who makes his debut as music director, is impressive and his background score is perfect for the story. Praveen-Srikanth's editing works and Vijay Murugan's art direction need a special mention too.
In earlier days every village used to have its own security guards called as Aravaans. They are named after the son of Arjuna, who sacrificed himself before Goddess Kali for the victory of the Pandavas in the Kurukshetra war in Mahabharata. And Vasanthabalan's story revolves around one such Aravaan. The film has a huge star cast which includes Aadhi, Pasupathy, Dhaniska, Archana Kavi, Karikaalan and Singampuli. Bharath, Anjali and Shweta Menon have also made special appearances in this historic flick. The movie is produced by T. Siva under the banner of Amma Creations. The technical team includes Siddharth (camera) Praveen-Srikanth (editing) and Vijay Murugan (art direction).
Another major highlight of Aravaan is its music composed by singer Karthik!
What is it about?
Set in the mid 14th century the film narrates the story of Aravaans in Kotayur, Tamil Nadu. Kombodhi (Pasupathy) is the leader of Kombadi Koothu, a group of thieves which steals money and gold for the village people. Interestingly Kombodhi and his men also have certain rules and regulations which they strictly follow. One day guards from a neighbouring village attack Kotayur! Reason? The queen's precious necklace has been stolen by someone who is believed to be from Katoyur. Finally the queen's men make a deal with the village people; if they give back the necklace they will be awarded with 100 bags of rice. Obiviously Kombodhi and his men start their mission. On the way they find out that the culprit is Varipuli (Aadhi), an orphan who can complete any big mission single-handedly. Impessed by his skills Kombodhi brings Varipuli to his village and also returns the necklace to the kingdom. Within a few days Varipuli develops a great bonding with Kombodhi and his men. Meanwhile Chimtti (Archana Kavi) develops a liking for Varipuli.
When Kombodhi takes his sister's proposal to Varipuli, he reveals that he is already married! Meanwhile a group of men attack Varipuli and take him. So who exactly is Varipuli? Watch out in Aravaan!
THE PERFOMANCE AND TECHNIQUES
Rugged look and dark makeup is nothing new to Aadhi and as usual he excels in Aravaan too. Every since his debut Aadhi has been mastering the art with every film that he does. His body language, physique and dialogue delivery skills are perfect for a 14th century warrior. It is also said that the actor developed an eight-pack abs especially for this film; the hard work reflects clearly on screen. Another major character in Aravaan is Pasupathy who plays a meaty role in the film. There is no doubt that Pasupathy is a seasoned actor and one of the best actors in the industry today. In this film he has also tried his hands at dancing. Archana Kavi is sensual, Dhansika is perfect for the role while Singampuli is hilarious. Bharath, Anjali and Shweta Menon have done their parts well too.
The main highlight of the film is that there are no unwanted characters; kudos to Vasanthabalan for a making such an intense drama which no other filmmaker has attempted till date. The dry and rustic locales are well captured by cinematographer Siddharth; Singer Karthik, who makes his debut as music director, is impressive and his background score is perfect for the story. Praveen-Srikanth's editing works and Vijay Murugan's art direction need a special mention too.
Sunday 19 February 2012
Prabhu Deva names his video album Borudaa
Probably in an effort to reflect his personal life in the context of the events that have occurred in the past fortnight or so, choreographer-filmmaker Prabhu Deva has named his upcoming video album as Borudaa (meaning: ‘It’s boring!’).
Prabhu Deva has been in the news for the past few years for his alleged liaison with Nayanthara. The actress, who reportedly fell in love with him during the making of Villu, continued the love affair till a fortnight back when she announced that she was calling off the relationship with him. Charges and counter-charges are now being made by either side accusing the other for breaking the relationship.
Nayan, as readers might be aware, converted into Hinduism and changed her name into ‘Nayanthara’ (note the ‘h’) for marrying Prabhu Deva and reportedly funded him on many occasions including the time when the latter spent crores of rupees to make his first wife Ramalat agree to his marriage with Nayanthara.
Prabhu Deva was planning to release Borudaa on the eve of Valentine’s Day tomorrow but his friends and well-wishers had advised him to release it at a latter date and in a grand manner. Putting behind all the disappointments of the recent past, Prabhu Deva is said to have done a wonderful job in the album.
Let’s wish that the album’s sales takes the ‘boredom’ out of him!
FEFSI strike stalls shooting of Ajith’s Billa-2?
That the shooting schedules of many films have been disrupted due to the ongoing stir by the employees and workers of FEFSI and its affiliated unions is a known fact. The shooting schedules of many films starring leading and upcoming actors and actresses have been stalled for want of spot boys, lightmen, etc.
Actor Ajith’s upcoming film Billa-2 is also one of the movies which have been affected by the strike, it is reported. For the past 25 days, the Tamil film industry has almost come to a standstill with no shooting taking place. Only a few films have been progressing taking help from among the relatives and friends of the films technicians and actors.
Billa-2, the sequel to Ajith’s 2007 hit film Billa, has been progressing at Hyderabad’s Ramojirao Studios for the pats many days. Some film industry employees, who visited the sets a few days back, reportedly gheraoed the crew as to how they could proceed with the shooting schedule while the rest of the Tamil film industry has been striking work. They also raised slogans leading to some tense moments.
Suresh Balaje, the producer of the film, says that “We have only been doing patch-work of sequences which haven’t been shot earlier. Some FEFSI employees came to us and objected to our shooting schedule. We explained to them that as per the agreement entered into with the said Studios, we have only been making use of the apparatus and employees of the Studios.
“They agreed to our viewpoint after which we continued to shoot. We’re not against any union/body in this strike. We had started our shooting schedule long back and are about to wrap it up. We’re not in Hyderabad to stay away from the problems in Chennai but are here only as per the contractual obligations,” he concluded.
Anjali reveals the humane side of her personal
Actress Anjali has, without an iota of doubt, garnered lots of name and fame in quick time. The actress is also one of the very few actresses in Tamil films who have the confidence and the adequate voice to dub in their own voices for their characters in films. From time to time, Anjali does involve her name in furthering social causes.
A favourite with most of the directors she has worked with, the talented Anjali does use her fame at times for the sake of the society. On the eve of the ‘World Childhood Cancer Day’ on 15th February, the actress involved herself in a noble cause along with director Kalanjiyam to screen the recently released film Marina for cancer-affected children in the city.
She and Kalanjiyam got in touch with director Pandiraj who promptly arranged for the special screening of the film for the sake of the impoverished children. As many as 200 children watched the film on the said day and enjoyed. Anjali was present on the occasion as a special invitee. She presented gifts to each of the 200 children individually besides spending time amid them by talking to and playing with them.
“I couldn’t control my emotions after watching those children…I ever cursed God for having given them such a bad misfortune in their lives…Also, the reality that our own life system is in a way responsible for these children getting this dreaded disease makes me get angry on the entire humans…Only after learning that cancer, when detected early in children, can be cured did I star feeling at ease,” said Anjali who had become visibly emotional.
Thursday 26 January 2012
Gautham Menon's Neethaane En Ponvasantham
Another Southern hottie Samantha Ruth Prabhu is all set to enter into Hindi cinema with Aditya Roy Kapur as her co-star.
Remember Aditya Roy Kapur? UTV's Siddharth and Delhi Belly actor Kunal Roy Kapur's curly-haired kid-brother made quite an impression with his two films Action Replayy and Guzaarish in 2010. Thereafter, he vanished almost to the point of non-existence, not answering messages or phone calls.
It now turns out that the chuppa rustom Kapur has actually been busy in the South shooting for a Tamil-Telugu-Hindi tri-lingual being directed by Gautham Menon, in the news for his new Hindi film Ekk Deewana Tha.
Gautham apparently has shot almost the entire film already. When asked about the project, the prolific Tamil-Telugu-Hindi director admitted, "Yes, I am working with Aditya Roy Kapur in a film that I am making in three languages Tamil, Telugu and Hindi. The Hindi version with Aditya is called Assi Nabey Poore Sau."
While Roy Kapoor plays the lead in the Hindi version of this adventure-comedy-drama, Tamil superstar Jiiva and the Telugu star Nani play the lead in the other two versions of the film.
Interesting, Samantha whom Gautham Menon introduced in Tamil film in 2010 stars in all three versions of the film.
Says Menon, "I already have three different heroes in three different languages to deal with. In addition, three heroines would've been impossible to handle. So Samantha stars in all three languages."
The director says shooting a tri-lingual is like making three different films. "I do one shot with Aditya and then the same shot with Jiiva and Nani. We go through every shot three times over in exactly the same way. I've never done a film simultaneously in three languages."
About Aditya Roy Kapoor, Menon says, "I spotted him on the location for Vipul Shah's Action Replay. I immediately knew he was right for Assi Nabey Poore Sau."
Interestingly, the Roy boy has made headway on his own. Though his Bade Bhaiyya is the head honcho at UTV, it has been made clear to the ladla sibling that his corporate connections in Bollywood aren't going to get him roles.
Adds Gautham Menon, "At the moment my full focus is on the release of Ek Deewana Tha. It's simple old fashioned love story."
Remember Aditya Roy Kapur? UTV's Siddharth and Delhi Belly actor Kunal Roy Kapur's curly-haired kid-brother made quite an impression with his two films Action Replayy and Guzaarish in 2010. Thereafter, he vanished almost to the point of non-existence, not answering messages or phone calls.
It now turns out that the chuppa rustom Kapur has actually been busy in the South shooting for a Tamil-Telugu-Hindi tri-lingual being directed by Gautham Menon, in the news for his new Hindi film Ekk Deewana Tha.
Gautham apparently has shot almost the entire film already. When asked about the project, the prolific Tamil-Telugu-Hindi director admitted, "Yes, I am working with Aditya Roy Kapur in a film that I am making in three languages Tamil, Telugu and Hindi. The Hindi version with Aditya is called Assi Nabey Poore Sau."
While Roy Kapoor plays the lead in the Hindi version of this adventure-comedy-drama, Tamil superstar Jiiva and the Telugu star Nani play the lead in the other two versions of the film.
Interesting, Samantha whom Gautham Menon introduced in Tamil film in 2010 stars in all three versions of the film.
Says Menon, "I already have three different heroes in three different languages to deal with. In addition, three heroines would've been impossible to handle. So Samantha stars in all three languages."
The director says shooting a tri-lingual is like making three different films. "I do one shot with Aditya and then the same shot with Jiiva and Nani. We go through every shot three times over in exactly the same way. I've never done a film simultaneously in three languages."
About Aditya Roy Kapoor, Menon says, "I spotted him on the location for Vipul Shah's Action Replay. I immediately knew he was right for Assi Nabey Poore Sau."
Interestingly, the Roy boy has made headway on his own. Though his Bade Bhaiyya is the head honcho at UTV, it has been made clear to the ladla sibling that his corporate connections in Bollywood aren't going to get him roles.
Adds Gautham Menon, "At the moment my full focus is on the release of Ek Deewana Tha. It's simple old fashioned love story."
Arulnidhi on cloud nine!
After his sleeper hit Mouna Guru, Arulnidhi is going places. Now the actor has signed a project with Karu Pazhaniappan (of Parthiban Kanavu fame) which is likely to go on floors in March. The young actor has been getting lots of offers from top director after his recent release Mouna Guru, which was a winner at the box office due to its interesting storyline and racy screenplay.
Mouna Guru is produced by Arulnidhi's father Tamilarasu under their home banner Mohana Movies and directed by debutant Shantakumar.
Mouna Guru is produced by Arulnidhi's father Tamilarasu under their home banner Mohana Movies and directed by debutant Shantakumar.
3 release postponed to April
All eyes are on the Kolaveri song to see how Dhanush and team has shot the cult song which created a global impact.The film is an emotional love story which will be different and catchy. In the film Dhanush will appear as Ram and Shruti Haasan plays the role of Janani. Debutant Anirudh is the music director.
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