When Ajith shot for two days with Murugadoss

After Murugadoss complete Ramana in 2002 with Vijayakanth, he was to do a film with Ajith by the name Mirattal. The project kicked off and even two days of shoot were done but for some reason the movie was shelved much to the disappointment of fans.
Asin was Ajith’s co-star in this movie and the promo posters of the movie featuring Ajith in a gothic look with long locks are still remembered. Yuvan Shankar Raja was to compose music for the movie and the late Jeeva was signed on as the cinematographer.
Now, with the buzz going around that Ajith and Murugadoss are set to reunite in 2013 for a movie under Ayngaran International’s production, the disappointment caused by Mirattal’s dropping might just be forgotten.

"Simbu is my god father," Santhanam

The music album of Kanna Laddu Thinna Aasaiya was released recently. Santhanam, who is also the producer of the film, took the opportunity to thank the star who introduced him to the film industry. “When everybody hesitated to use me in films, Simbu took the risk of casting me in his own film, Manmadhan. That special bond continues and I’m still part of almost all his films,” said the comedian.
Simbu has done a cameo in Kanna Laddu Thinna Aasaiya and he hasn’t charged Santhanam for that. “He has guided me on so many occasions and that’s why I consider him as my ‘Godfather’”, praised Santhanam.
Kanna Laddu Thinna Aasaiyaa stars Santhanam, Powerstar Srinivasan and newcomer Sethu in the lead roles and Vishaka Singh plays the female lead. Thaman has scored the music and Manikandan has helmed the megaphone.

Happy Birthday to the "Agila Ulaga Superstar"

Thamizh Padam fame Shiva is celebrating his 30^th birthday today. He is a busy star who is a part of many films currently like Sonna Puriyadhu and the remake of Thillu Mullu to name a few. Shiva recently got married to his long term girlfriend Priya.
Shiva’s claim to fame is his funny style of acting and ‘dry’ dialog based comedy which is popularly referred to as ‘mokka’. His other hits include Chennai 600028, Saroja and Kalakalappu.
Behindwoods wishes the ‘Agila Ulaga Superstar’ a very happy birthday and many joyful years ahead.

Truth behind Bala's Paradesi choice

After working with top actors like Suriya, Vikram, Arya and Vishal, Bala, out of the blue, picked the budding actor, Atharva for his next film Paradesi. The truth behind his choice came out of shadows recently. During his school days Bala had supposedly met late Murali, father of Atharva, during a shoot. Later, while working as an assistant director, he is said to have met the actor again in Chennai.

Murali supposedly took Bala to a few producers and requested them to give him a chance. Keeping the favour in mind, Bala in order to repay the late actor gave Atharva the lead role in Paradesi.

Paradesi, which also stars Vedhika and Dhansika in central roles, is set to release on December 21st.

Karthi's new record

The Kerala distribution rights of Karthi’s next release Alex Pandian, directed by Suraaj, have been sold for a record amount considering Karthi’s previous films. The final amount is 1.10 crores and Sayujyam have purchased the rights.
The audio of this DSP musical will be launched on 12^th December to coincide with the original Alex Pandian Rajinikanth’s birthday.
Anushka is pairing up with Karthi after her small cameo role in Saguni as a lady cop. We had earlier reported that Alex Pandian would also have a dubbed Malayalam version to cash in on Karthi’s popularity in Kerala. But he isn’t comfortable enough to dub for himself in Malayalam as yet.

Mani Ratnam's next and Bala's offer !

It is believed that Mani Ratnam is busy giving finishing touches to Kadal at the moment, but apparently that hasn’t seemed to hold the ace filmmaker back from preparing groundwork for his next project. Mani Ratnam, who is usually known to take his time after a release to decide and plan his next project, has supposedly shifted his stance and has already commenced pre-production for his next outing.
It is learnt that the director has employed writer Jeyamohan to begin working on his duties for the film which is expected to be a big budget affair.
Elsewhere, director Bala has expressed his desire, in an interview, to work as an assistant director with Mani Ratnam. Given the opportunity he said he would oblige any day, any time!

Boss turns 32 today

Popular actor Arya turns 32 today. The tall and handsome hunk is currently a busy actor working in films like Selvaraghavan’s Irandam Ulagam, Raja Rani co-starring Nayanthara, the untitled Ajith – Vishnuvardhan project and the Delhi Belly remake Settai opposite Hansika and Anjali.
He came into big prominence in 2010 thanks to hits like Boss Engira Baskaran and Madrasapattinam. Behindwoods wishes this cheerful actor a very happy birthday and many more successful films in future.

Vijay makes Sneha and Piaa jump

Vijay watched his cousin Sneha Britto's remake of his father SA Chandrasekhar's film, Sattam Oru Iruttarai and gave his feedback. Word is that he loved the film and had good things to say about it. Sneha called up leading lady Piaa at once to tell her all the nice things Vijay had said about the film and the two started jumping in joy!
Piaa mentioned all this on her microblogging site and added that she had spoken to the producer as well, who told her that Sangeetha, Vijay's wife had also loved the film and made a special mention of Piaa. The entire SOI team is giddy with excitement and they are waiting for the film's big release on December 21st.

"Vasanth was supposed to direct Rajinikanth"

Director Suresh Krissna who worked with Superstar Rajinikanth on films like Baasha and Baba recently released a book called ‘My Days with Baasha’ which recalls his accounts with the Superstar.
During a recent interview, he narrated one such account relating to the filming of Annamalai. He said that Vasanth had been the original choice of Kavithalaya Productions but he had backed out due to personal reasons. The opportunity then came knocking at Suresh Krissna’s door through K. Balachander, who had requested him to take up the project.
He revealed that he had commenced the shooting within two days of receiving the call from K.B, and that the story itself hadn’t taken shape yet at the point. He also said that several scenes and dialogues, including the classic ‘kannakku’ scene were developed literally on the spot. Suresh Krissna admitted that it was sheer destiny and magic that he could work on a blockbuster film like Annamalai.

Top actor's son in Bala's next!

Writer Jeyamohan looks to be one of the most sought after writers in the industry after stamping his excellence in the recently released Neerparavai and his participation in the forthcoming Mani Ratnam release, Kadal.
The writer recently revealed that he will be assuming writing responsibilities for Bala's next film. He said that a top actor’s son is expected to play the lead in it, but refused to divulge any further information on that. His other upcoming projects include Vasantha Balan’s Kaaviya Thalaivan starring Siddarth, which will reportedly have music by A.R. Rahman.

Bharathiraja backs Kamal Haasan

A press meet was held recently by the Producers Association and the Tamil Theater Owners Association, to express their views on Kamal Haasan’s DTH release model. The producers lent their full support to Kamal, whereas the other party disagreed and expressed their fear of losing the audience.
Director Bharathiraja, who was also present at the meet, spoke for Kamal and said that this trend would only bring more people to theater. The veteran director also recollected how the theater owners were against telecasting songs in television. “But it in fact brought more people to theaters,” pointed out Bharathiraja. The satellite rights trend, which was earlier opposed, was also pointed out by the producers association.
Abirami Ramanathan and K.R were also present among other officials.

Vijay's fans recommend Venkat Prabhu

Vijay's fans have been harboring a wish to see their favorite star do a movie with the Mankatha director Venkat Prabhu ever since Venkat made it big with his Ajith movie. On a particular ‘Vijay Special’ episode of the game show that Venkat Prabhu is hosting for a private TV channel, the director was recommended by the participating Vijay fans directly to their star through the program.
We have to see if this direct recommendation by his fans results in Vijay acceding to their wish. Currently, both Venkat and Vijay are busy with their respective projects and fans have to wait for some more months to see if anything happens in this regard.

Ameer eyes Poland next, for Aadhi Bhagavan

Aadhi Bhagavan seems to be fast nearing its release date after nearly two years of production. Just one song remains to be shot. The melodious number ‘Oru Thuli Vishamai’ composed by Yuvan, is set to be shot in Poland by Ameer and crew from December 16^th. Ameer will visit Poland three days in advance to do some location scouting and make sure that all the arrangements are done for the shoot.
This song will have an important role in the movie’s screenplay, Ameer asserts. Jayam Ravi and Neetu Chandra can be expected to bring some good chemistry on-screen for this track.

Amy Jackson Romance With Illaya Thalapathy Vijay ?

It is now confirmed that Vijay will be directed by Gautham Menon in the year 2012 and he will use the Thuppariyum Anand script that he had approached Ajith with. This film will be shot mainly in foreign countries; therefore, Gautham will require a foreign actress to play the heroine.

With Amy Jackson playing Trisha’s role in the Hindi version of Vinnaithaandi Varuvaya, Gautham, who is directing the movie, has decided to cast her opposite the Ilayathalapathy, sources report.

Anjali enters Tollywood

Actress Anjali who has been busy bee in the Tamil industry has made a break into Tollywood and has a couple of Telugu projects under her belt. The actress is currently shooting in Hyderabad with the likes of Samantha and Shruti Hassan. Reports even suggest that she is happy about sharing screens with other actors.

"She is excited about Seethamma Vakitlo Sirimalle Chettu which is releasing this month. The film has Mahesh Babu and Venkatesh. She is paired up with Venkatesh in the flick. Though the film has Samantha, she has essayed the title role Seetha in the film. She will be shooting for a film with Ravi Teja later this month which also has Shruti Haasan" says a source close to Anjali.

In addition to these films, Anjali is also busy with her Tamil projects including Settai and MGR. Interestingly; both these films have several actors in them too. It is also to be noted that she is doing an item number in Singam 2.

Who is Trisha in 'Boologam'?

Trisha wowed the audience by playing a Malayalee girl in 'Vinnai Thandi Varuvaya'. Now she seems to be repeating the act in 'Boologam'.

"Trisha plays a Malayalee girl in Boologam. It is a very interesting role and she enjoys being part of the movie," say sources close to the unit.

Directed by debutant Kalyan Krishna, 'Boologam' has 'Jayam' Ravi in the lead role. A grand set has been erected in Chennai for the film.

Apart from 'Boologam', Trisha is currently part of 'Samar' and 'Endrendrum Punnagai', while Ravi is eagerly awaiting the release of Ameer's 'Aadhi Bhagavan'.

Action time for Jiiva in Mumbai

Acclaimed cinematographer Ravi K Chandran is making his directorial debut in Yaan with Jiiva and Thulasi Nair in the lead. The film went on floors recently and the team has completed five days of shooting in Mumbai which consisted of action sequences. Jiiva and Thulasi were also part of the shoot, we hear.
DoP turned director Ravi K Chandran is quite happy with the shoot and has thanked his team for the positive energy. Behindwoods wishes Ravi K Chandran and his team the best of luck in the days to come.

Manisha Koirala diagnosed with cancer ...

Actress Manisha Koirala was hospitalized in Mumbai on November 28th when she fell unconscious. There was intense speculation about her health and the actress went to New York for diagnosis and treatment. Now it has been confirmed that Manisha has been diagnosed with ovarian cancer which has to be operated on immediately.
The surgery was supposed to happen on Thursday but has been postponed to Monday, December 10th. At one point in her career, Manisha was the leading actress in the country and she worked with the biggest names in the industry like Rajinikanth, Kamal Haasan, Aamir Khan, Shahrukh Khan, Mani Ratnam, and Shankar. 1942: A Love Story, Bombay, Dil Se are some of her most acclaimed films. Recently, she was seen in Ram Gopal Varma's Bhoot Returns.

"Give 4 to 5 hits and then approach Ajith" ...

Recently when director A.R.Murugadoss was asked if Ajith must work with new directors again like how he did when he was an emerging star, the director replied that the new director in question has to first prove himself by delivering four to five successful films. Then only, he has the credibility to approach a big star like Ajith, Murugadoss feels. It must be noted that Ajith worked with directors like SJ Suryah, AL Vijay and Murugadoss himself when these directors were taking their baby steps in the industry.

Good news from Sneha

Actres Sneha has just bagged a meaty role for a project that will be directed by Prakash Raj. The film will be titled ‘Un Samayal Arayil’ and is the official remake of the Malayalam hit film Salt N Pepper. This would be Prakash Raj's third attempt at direction after his previous efforts for the Kannada version of Abhiyum Naanum and the bilingual Dhoni. The film will also supposedly feature Tabu in a crucial role.
The recently married Sneha expressed her joy in signing up for this role since she believes that Prakash Raj is known to make films with substance. She is also happy about the fact that she’s keeping herself busy post her marriage to actor Prassana.