Section: Movies

Naan Sirithal Movie Review: A Comedy With A Role Tailor-Made For Hiphop Aadhi That Could Have Been More Entertaining

BY Aparajitha Balu On

Cast: Hip Hop Aadhi, Iswarya Menon, Badava Gopi, Munishkanth, KS Ravikumar, Sha Ra, Ravi Mariya, Yogi Babu

Director: Raana

Music Director: Hip Hop Aadhi

After endlessly ranting about it here in my reviews, I am thankful that there is finally a commercial film that’s truly stuck to its genre right through. Now if you ask me if the comedy actually worked in this film, that’s debatable. The film is based on the director’s popular short film Kekka Bekka, and there’s no better person to replace Kishore Rajkumar than Hip Hop Aadhi. You’re looking for someone who looks a bit innocent, funny, ready to get thwacked at any moment but still holds an appeal amongst some audiences.

Gandhi (Aadhi) develops a condition where he begins to laugh when he’s actually experiencing opposite emotions like fear, sadness, and anxiety. He’s not allowed to speak about this state of his to anyone for a period of six months because he’s prayed to lord Veerabathran to cure the condition. In this time, he gets unexpectedly embroiled in a fight between dons Dilli Babu (KS Ravikumar) and Sakkara Das (Ravi Mariya) who are fighting to reach the top, in the city. While the comedy genre of the original short film was retained, no extraordinary comedy was retained. And in the second half, no attention was retained. Over the top wordplay and too many coincidences brought down the film after a decent first half.

Naan Sirithal Movie Stills Starring Hiphop Tamizha, Iswarya Menon

Naan Sirithal Movie Stills Starring Hiphop Tamizha, Iswarya Menon

Engineers are jobless or they either end up in jobs unconnected to their area of study — something every Hip Hop Tamizha film, let alone every film where the titular character is an engineer, has spoken about. And ideas taken out of memes like “boy besties”, Facebook and WhatsApp statuses… When will the audience be freed from these outdated ideas?

We find Aadhi narrating everything to Archana Chandhoke in a show which brings in unique people from around the world and while at it, he says the last week of those six months were the most horrifying. While I understood that it was horrifying, I failed to understand how long a week can be in cinema. It seemed like those horrific events happened over three weeks, not one. And in that case, he could’ve just opened up about his condition and saved himself from all the violence, in turn, saving us too from all the confusion.

He works at an IT company, and his girlfriend Ankitha (Ishwarya Menon), is the HR in the office. But after we’re introduced to his condition, the office turns redundant. We don’t find him nor Ankitha visiting it. At least Gandhi walks in to find out that he’s been sacked, but the HR Ankitha can be found all dressed up and at home even at that instance. I wish she had more to do than just show up, dolled up in every scene, and dance to every number.

Hiphop Tamizha Aadhi At The 'Naan Sirithal' Audio Launch

Hiphop Tamizha Aadhi At The ‘Naan Sirithal’ Audio Launch

Every film of Aadhi’s has to comprise his Youtube personalities team, has to speak about Tamil (which I secretly admire in every film for obvious reasons), has to make references to his previous films or anything that reached the trending list in recent times and most importantly requires a supportive parent. Luckily, it manages to strike the bull’s eye every time. After Vivek in Meesaya Murukku, Kausalya in Natpe Thunai, it’s Badava Gopi in this one pulling off a wonderful performance as the supportive elder. A funny and relaxed character undoubtedly works well when taken up by an actor like him.

Despite the unnecessary song that pop up at the oddest of times, few songs managed to ring in my head till the end. It’s a trademark Hip Hop Tamizha album and works no matter how mainstream.

As a short film idea, the story was outstanding and deserved the recognition it got. But if you take a look at it as a film, I can’t quite say the same. But the message always holds good no matter what format adopted. Just smile through it all.

Also Read,

Oh My Kadavule Movie Review: A Fun Rom-Com And A Fairly Inventive Tribute

Love Aaj Kal Review: A Colossal Misfire That Also Begs The Question, ‘When Did Imtiaz Ali Turn Cynical?’

The Naan Sirithal review is a Silverscreen original article. It was not paid for or commissioned by anyone associated with the film. Silverscreen.in and its writers do not have any commercial relationship with movies that are reviewed on the site.

Madhuri Dixit Launches Guns Of Banaras Trailer

BY Shruthi Padmanabhan On

Actor Ganesh Venkatram will be making his Bollywood debut with the film Guns of Banaras. The film’s trailer was launched in Mumbai recently, by Madhuri Dixit.

Ganesh plays the antagonist in the film, Vikram Singh – a cocaine-snorting, power hungry gangster from Benares. While speaking at the trailer launch, the actor said, “I needed to undergo a major transformation for this role, and I am at my meanest yet.”

Ganesh Venkatraman

The actor is a big fan of the legendary actress, he was quite gushing in his compliments at the launch event, saying, “When your eternal childhood crush, launches your debut film trailer a day before Valentine’s Day it is the perfect Valentine’s gift.”

Madhuri Dixit, who also shared her thoughts at the launch, was quite complimentary of the film. She praised the raw and real action stunts in the trailer and congratulated the team on their efforts. She especially spoke about the actors Karan Nath and Ganesh Venkatram on their intense avatars in the film.

Action choreographer Shyam Kaushal, who is known for his work in Gangs Of Wasseypur, spoke of the fights in the film which were quite raw. He felt that both the new comers were fully involved with every aspect of their characters.

The film also includes Nathalia Kaur, Vinod Khanna, Abhimanyu Singh, Shilpa Shirodkar and Mohan Agashe in its star cast. Directed by Shekhar Suri and produced by Shainna Nath, Guns of Banaras will release all over on 28 February.

Closer home, Ganesh is busy with his next Tamil venture with actor-director Yugi Sethu. “We have wrapped up 80% of the shoot and I think we should complete the entire portions by mid-March. It’s a supernatural thriller or a gothic film. It will keep you on the edge of your seats with the right dose of emotions. It has been shot largely in and around London,” he said.

Ganesh is simultaneously shooting for his upcoming Telugu commercial entertainer, Dhaadi, in Hyderabad. “I play an actor in the film. I have teamed up with Srikanth, who plays a journalist. How two guys from different backgrounds come together to solve a social issue is the plot of the film,” he said.

WATCH: ‘Kutti Story’ Is A Song Tailor-made For Vijay Fans

BY Silverscreen India Staff On

Vijay’s new song Oru Kutti Kathai dropped today. The Master song composed by Anirudh feels like the ‘best of Vijay’s quotes’ especially those addressed to his fans, at audio launches, compiled together. It’s a fun, breezy song but tells us very little directly about the film itself, apart from the fact that Vijay plays a college professor in the film.

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The video though seems to talk about new and old problems — like Corona virus and poverty. There’s also a news clipping that shows a politician-like saffron headed cartoon (with devil horns) talking to a crowd of saffron heads, titled, “Don’t be the person spreading spreading hatred”. No points for guessing what that’s about.

The song has lyrics by Arunraja Kamaraj and Master is set to release in summer 2020. The film also stars Vijay Sethupathi in an important role.

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Oh My Kadavule Movie Review: A Fun Rom-Com And A Fairly Inventive Tribute

BY Krupa Ge On

Cast: Ashok Selvan, Ritika Singh, Vani Bhojan

Director: Ashwath Marimuthu

In an interview the director of Oh My Kadavule, Ashwath Marimuthu gave to Silverscreen, he said his favourite filmmakers are Gautam Menon and Frank Capra. And among his favourite films, he listed Vinnai Thandi Varuvaya and It’s A Wonderful Life. Sure enough, these weren’t off-the-cuff answers. His first film, that hit the screens for Valentine’s Day weekend, today, feels like a rich tribute to both these films as well as the filmmakers. In fact, Gautham Menon makes an appearance in the film in a short cameo. (There is a road trip, a Christian bride, a man with a crush on a woman slightly older than him, women who have careers, and… a boxer.)

What makes Oh My Kadavule impressive is how it weaves these elements, that are meant to be tributes, seamlessly into the canvas of the story. None of these feel forced or even, like they are borrowed. They feel natural. Like elements from a universe that fit snugly.

Arjun Marimuthu (Ashok Selvan), Anu Paulraj (Ritika Singh) and Mani (Sha Ra) are childhood friends. A minute into the movie, we see Vani Bhojan (she’s superb as Meera ‘akka’) as well. All of them are in a pub. Anu asks Arjun (who’s only her friend) to marry her because she doesn’t want to marry someone she doesn’t know (through the arranged marriage system). Since he doesn’t have a reason to say no, he says yes. All is okay initially but soon cracks begin to appear. He doesn’t have feelings one is supposed to for one’s wife when he’s with her. Nor is he attracted to her. They’re seen fighting and playing and play-fighting but we know it’s a relationship that is staring at a dead-end. In comes, Meera again, as Gautam Menon’s assistant director, helping Arjun out of his seemingly directionless life as well. Vani Bhojan’s role in the first half is very well written and she is in great form here. In fact, her role is better written than that of Ritika Singh’s who seemed inaccessible (written like that on purpose I am sure, but still we should have been able to see a little bit of her view of the marriage in the first half).

Just before the interval, Arjun gets what he wants (and this part is the tribute to It’s A Wonderful Life). A second chance aided by Vijay Sethupathi and Ramesh Thilak who breeze through their scenes with consummate ease. The trio is reunited in this film after Soodhu Kavvum. The second half gives Arjun a chance to see Anu in new light and the time he needed to actually have the feelings one must have for their significant other.

There are little quirks in the film as well. A bartender breaks a glass bottle in the first scene, after Anu asks Arjun to marry her. He also breaks one in the second half when Anu asks for two tequila shots in full bridal costume. Vijay Sethupathi’s (spoiler alert) supernatural  ‘lovecourt’ is on Periyar Salai. There’s a Marriage Story-esque, punch-the-wall with rage kind of scene, in which Ashok Selvan is very convincing. (Ritika’s lines here too betray the inability of the writer to really see her point of view or show it to us). Though in the second half she is more relaxed (no clenching of teeth here) and waltzes in and out of the frame, even then we know little of her emotions.

Some of the staging is awkward, some writing not so organic, and the second half felt indulgently long. The laughs were also beginning to thin. The film has niggles that pop up consistently. However, Ashwath sails over these with some amount of control over the craft and with a cast that is very good. It is far from perfect, but it’s a fairly good rom com. And that’s just rare to come by in Tamil cinema.

The Oh My Kadavule review is a Silverscreen original article. It was not paid for or commissioned by anyone associated with the film. Silverscreen.in and its writers do not have any commercial relationship with movies that are reviewed on the site.

Big Bull First Look Poster, Announces Release Date

BY Silverscreen India Staff On

Abhishek Bachchan starrer, The Big Bull The Man Who Sold Dreams To India, has been in the news for its main premise – the real-life events that shook the country’s stock market between 1990 and 2000. The man behind the financial crime was Harshad Mehta, and the film focuses on his financial crimes. The makers of the film released a first look poster recently.

BB AB Reveal Poster

The poster features Bachchan, dressed to the nines, in a sharp suit and vintage sunglasses, a throwback to the 90s formal office look.

The film stars Abhishek Bachchan, Ileana D’Cruz, Nikita Dutta, and Soham Shah. The film is being directed by Kookie Gulati and is being produced by Ajay Devgn and Anand Pandit. The Big Bull began filming in September 2019 and is scheduled to release on 23 October.

The actor took to social media to launch the poster as well as share relevant details of the film.

 

“Kaltha Is A Movie With A Social Message,” Actor Antony At Kaltha Audio Launch

BY Silverscreen India Staff On

Kaltha, an upcoming Tamil film centred around the issue of the dumping of medical and industrial waste from Kerala that is deposited across Tamil Nadu, had its audio launch on Wednesday, 12 Febturary.

The cast and crew of the film were present for the launch and also took time to interact with the media. Actor Karunanidhi, who plays negative role in this film, said, “This is a film based on a serious social issue. The film throws light on the origin of dangerous viruses, which takes many lives. I believe it will be educational for all, and I would request everyone to watch the movie for themselves to know more.”

Among the people present was Actor Radha Ravi. He was concerned about the pressure that film producers face in bringing a project to the screens, he said, “I congratulate the entire team of Kaltha. I wish the team good luck. Directors and producers need to work together to ensure that the film they are making together gets the top priority. I underwent a lot of hardships while producing films, so, I request producers to be more careful while investing their money in a film.”

Actor Antony, who plays one of the leads, said, “The press-media and audiences made Merku Thodarchi Malai, a huge success, and this has made me more conscious of the films I am taking up. I am elated to be a part of a film like Kaltha, because it is a movie with a social message.”

Also Read: “The Youth Revolution Is Out On The Streets:” Kaltha Director Hari Uthraa

The film features a star cast of newcomers, and the film itself is backed by some industry big names like Director Lenin Bharathi who was also present at the conference. He said, “Art is meant for the people. While most movies are about hero worship, it is exciting to find a film like Kaltha that focuses on an important issue.”

Director Raghupathy, said, “This movie has been made with good intentions, and I sincerely believe that audiences will accept the message. I found the whole situation to be a little scary. Some solution has to be found so that the next generation doesn’t suffer from cruel diseases.”

Kaltha stars Siva Nishanth and Antony, and is directed by Hari Uthraa. The film is produced by R Usha, Hari Uthraa, and Malarkodi Ragupathy for Malar Movie Makers.

Rana Daggubati Looks Fierce In The Teaser Of Prabhu Solomon’s Trilingual ‘Kaadan’

BY Aparajitha Balu On

The teaser of Rana Daggubati starrer Kaadan/Haathi Mere Saathi/Aranya is out now. The trilingual is helmed by Prabhu Solomon and is being bankrolled and distributed by Eros International. The actor is believed to play a 50-year-old mahout in the film. This is the first time the actor is having a release in three languages namely Tamil, Telugu and Hindi.

Rana Daggubati has one purpose he’s fighting for – the safety of elephants and the forests they are inhabited in. A forest man, Kaadan, as he calls himself, he is willing to go to any extent to protect wildlife and nature. Playing a 50-year-old, he is seen to adapt to the character’s body language pretty well. Vishnu Vishal who has always befitted rural characters plays another mahout in this one and is undoubtedly convincing. We also find Zoya Hussain in the teaser resembling a forest officer and glimpses of a herd of elephants standing together.

The makers took to Twitter to release the teaser.

The film talks about how man’s greed affects the survival of wildlife. The team has shot extensively in the forests of Kerala, Assam, and Thailand. After the 2017 drama film, Oru Kidayin Karunai Manu, Eros International is bankrolling a film in the Kollywood industry.

“The work of Jadav Payeng, the famous forest man who built a forest through seed bombs, inspired me to write this story. The character of Rana is partially based on Lawrence Anthony, the author and protagonist of one of my favourite books, ‘Elephant Whisperer’,” said Prabhu Solomon in a press statement.

The trilingual will also feature Shriya Pilgaonkar in an important role. While Vishnu Vishal will be seen in both the Tamil and Telugu versions, Kaadan and Aranya, Pulkit Samrat will play the role of Vishnu Vishal in the Hindi version, Haathi Mere Saathi. 

Debut cinematographer AR Ashok Kumar is handling the camera, 3 Idiots fame Shantanu Moitra is composing with Resul Pookutty on sound design, Buvan is on the edit, and Mayur Sharma is handling production design. Kirti Kolwankar and Maria Tharakan are working on costumes with ‘Stunner’ Sam and Stun Siva on the stunts. While Niranjan Iyengar has penned the dialogues for Haathi Mere Saathi, Vanamaali has for Aranya.

Recently, the first look posters of Rana and Vishnu Vishal were released.

Kaadan-rana-daggubati

kaadan-vishnu-vishal

The film will release in all three languages on 2nd April.

“I’m Really Happy To Make My Debut As A Producer Along With My Sister,” Ashok Selvan On Oh My Kadavule

BY Silverscreen India Staff On

With its release tomorrow, Oh My Kadavule has been in the news for all the right reasons. The Ashok Selvan–Ritika Singh starrer’s trailer has been getting a positive response since its release and has crossed more than 2.5 million views.

The leading man of the film, Ashok Selvan, spoke to the media about his film, “We are thrilled with the response to the trailer,” he said, adding, “This is a rom-com with a fantasy element thrown in. My friendship with Ashwath goes back for a long time, to the days of Naalaiya Iyakkunar.”

This film also marks the actor’s debut as a producer, and he is joined by his sister in his venture. Touching upon this aspect the actor said, “I’m really happy to debut as a producer along with my sister Abinaya on a project like this. I also can’t thank enough Dilli Babu sir for his support. With a phenomenal success like Ratsasan, he came forward to choose a small project like this and his presence in the roster has elevated the film for sure!”

The film also stars Vijay Sethupathi, an announcement that generated a lot of interest. The actor was all praise for his co-star, he said, “The role of the Kadavule, needed an aura and charisma, which Vijay Sethupathi possesses. His is a powerful and quirky role along with Ramesh Thilak. I am sure the audiences will love this avatar of his.”

The attention to detail also went into choosing a female lead, the actor continued on the casting of the film, “Once the script was finalised, we were on the lookout for someone who would do full justice to this role, and Ritika Singh was the unanimous choice.”

Oh My Kadavule releases tomorrow, 14 February.

“Baaram Is An Enlightening Piece Of Art,” Mysskin At Baaram Press Meet

BY Silverscreen India Staff On

The small budget, Indie film, Baaram, has earned accolades nationally and internationally. The National Award-winning film is finally getting a theatrical release. The team behind the release met the media recently to talk about the movie.

Directed by Priya Krishnamoorthy the film features a cast comprising 85 actors who are all new faces, and without prior connections to the film industry. The film is being released worldwide by director Vetrimaaran’s Grass Root Film Company and SP Cinemas is releasing the movie.

Producer Kishore, SP Cinemas said, “I am so happy that I got the opportunity to release this film, I am sure that this film will break new ground for cinema, and the awards it has won is testament to its calibre.”

Ardra Swaroop, who is also the daughter of the film’s director, from the Reckless Roses banner said, “I’m a Mumbaikar, through and through. The film took me by surprise, and especially knowing that my mother had made it. I wanted to be a part of this film with its amazing story and performances.”

IMG_0203

Speaking to the media, the director of the film, Priya Krishnamoorthy, was visibly excited. She said, “The film was made on a shoestring budget. The National Award was a surprise for us, but we are thrilled with the honour. My gratitude to Ram sir, Vetrimaaran sir and Mysskin sir for making this happen. And also to Sivakarthikeyan and Vijay Sethupathi, who took time out form their busy schedule to support my film.”

Also Read: Vetrimaaran Brings National Award Winning ‘Baaram’ To The Big Screen

Among the film’s biggest supporters are Director Ram and director Mysskin, the were both present at the meet and had a lot to say about Baaram. Director Ram said, “This film winning awards has just provided us with extra material for our promotions. In Tamil Nadu, there is no separation of genres like art and commercial. Our audiences watch all kinds of films and will show their appreciation if a film is good. I am certain that Baaram will do well.”

At the forefront of the film’s release is Director Vetrimaaran. At the meet, he was quite straightforward with his remarks. He said, “I haven’t done anything except give my banner’s name to this film. The mother and daughter duo have created something that will revolutionise things. They have made an exceptional film despite their nativity.”

Director Mysskin said, “The movie surprised me. Ram had called me and said that someone has made the movie that we have all failed to. When I watched the film, I realised that his statement was true indeed. It was like a slap in the face for me. Baaram is not just a movie, it is an enlightening piece of art. It will be a life-changing experience for all.”

Baaram releases worldwide on 20 Feb.

 

Kaadan Teaser Starring Rana Daggubati, Vishnu Vishal

Movie Name: Kaadan/Haathi Mere Saathi (Tamil)
Cast: Rana Daggubati, Vishnu Vishal, Zoya Hussain, Shriya Pilgaonkar
Produced by: Eros International
Directed by: Prabu Solomon
Story and screenplay: Prabhu Solomon
DOP: A.R.Ashok Kumar
Music and Background score: Shantanu Moitra
Sound Design: Resul Pookutty
Editor: BuVan
Production Design: Mayur Sharma
Costumes: Kirti Kolwankar and Maria Tharakan
Lyrics: Vanamaali
Action: ‘Stunner’ Sam and Stun Siva
Associate producer: Bhavana Mounica (Eros)
Line Producers: Sushil Tirwadkar, Inder Singh Bariya, and Satish Mane
VFX: Phantom FX & White Apple
Chief Operating Officer: Kumar Ahuja (Eros)
Group Chief Marketing Officer: Manav Sethi (Eros)
Head of Distribution: Nandu Ahuja (Eros)
President Motion Pictures – Ram Mirchandani (Eros)
Publicity Design: Marching Ants
Visual Promotion: Navin Nooli
PR Agency: Pro-Nikil Murukan

Meendum Oru Mariyathai Trailer Starring P Bharathiraja

Movie : Meendum Oru Mariyathai
Star Cast : Bharathirajaa, Nakshatra, Joe Malloori, Mounika
Writer & Director : Bharathirajaa
Cinematographer : Salai Sagadeven
Music Director : N.R.Ragunanthan
Background Score : Sabesh-Murali
Lyrics : Kaviperarasu Vairamuthu, Madhan Karky, Kabilan Vairamuthu, Na. Muthukumar
Art : Mohana Mahendran
PRO : Nikil
Designs : Kambam Shankar
Film Banner : Manoj Creations

Thatrom Thookrom Trailer Starring TeeJay

Thatrom Thookrom Movie Cast & Crew :

Cast: TeeJay, Sakthivel Kalkona, Nandu Suresh, Cheenu Mohan , Marimuthu , Kaali Venkat, Fouzi
Director: Arul S
Music : Balamurali Balu
DOP: N Sathish Murugan
Editor: Sudharshan
Lyrics & Dialogues: Kabilan Vairamuthu
Banner: Media Marshal
Label : Trend Music

A Dangerously Communal (And Ridiculously Silly) Smear Campaign Against Vijay, Vijay Sethupathi

BY Silverscreen India Staff On

With the Tamil Nadu elections just over a year away, polarising campaigns have begun in earnest here as well. The IT raids on actor Vijay while he was on the sets of his upcoming Master too have to be seen in this light. And in the backdrop of the fact that the BJP and several right wingers use dogwhistles while talking about the actor. They don’t call him Vijay like the rest of TN does. They specifically call him Joseph Vijay. (They claim to do so because actor Vijay’s letterhead says so. But the title cards of his movies, the actor’s social media handles, newspapers, everywhere else… he’s called Vijay or Thalapathy Vijay).

Today, actor Vijay Sethupathi who is co-starring alongside Vijay in Master posted an uncharacteristically angry, (yet very restrained) tweet. He was asking those in-charge of the smear campaign against him “to go and do some work”.

The inflammatory and highly defamatory message, looks like one of those typical conspiracy theories, intended to polarise people against a ‘conversion racket’. It also looks so far-fetched that you’d have to be very gullible (ie very communal) to fall for it.

Among other things, the fake message claims Vijay Sethupathi has converted to Christianity, is involved in a racket meant to convert other actors belonging to the cinema industry and that the profits from Bigil are being funnelled towards this.

Dhanush-Karthik Subburaj’s ‘D40’ Wraps Up Shoot

BY Aparajitha Balu On

The much-awaited Dhanush starrer D40 has finally wrapped up shooting on Monday evening. Helmed by director Karthik Subbaraj, the film is being jointly bankrolled by S Sashikanth and Chakravarthy Ramachandra for YNot Studios and by Reliance Entertainment. The film marks the first association of the actor with the director.

Karthik Subbaraj took to Twitter to announce the news.

Although the film’s shoot wrapped up only recently, Dhanush completed his portions in the film at the end of December. The actor even mentioned that it is one of the quickest films he has ever done.

The film is touted as a gangster film and has been filmed entirely in the United Kingdom. The film began shooting in August 2019. While the makers have announced that the title of the film in Tamil and Telugu will be revealed along with a motion poster on the 19th of February, 2020, speculations are rife that the film has been titled Suruli.

Action fame Aishwarya Lekshmi will be seen opposite the actor. Game of Thrones, Braveheart, Troy and The Chronicles of Narnia: The Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe fame James Cosmo along with South-Indian actors Kalaiyarasan, Joju George, and Sanchana Natarajan also play important roles in the film.

Santhosh Narayanan is composing music, Shreyaas Krishna is handling camera, Vinoth Rajkumar is helming art, and Vivek Harshan is editing the project. Dinesh Subbarayan has replaced Anbariv on the stunts, M Sherif and Baba Baskar are choreographing dance with Praveen Raja D on costumes..

Karthik Subburaj has been working on this script for a while, but, the project materialised only two years ago. D40 will reportedly hit screens in May 2020.

dhanush-aishwarya-lekshmi

Dhanush had two releases last year — Asuran and Ennai Nokki Paayum Thotta . He is currently enjoying the success of his Pattas which recently completed 25 days since its release. The film will also release soon in Telugu as Local Boy. The actor recently won the Filmfare award for ‘Best Actor (Tamil)’ for his performance in Vada Chennai (2018) at the 66th Filmfare Awards South and the ‘Best Actor’ award for Asuran at the Ananda Vikatan Awards 2019 and at the Zee Cine Awards Tamil 2020.

Dhanush is currently filming for his next titled Karnan with Pariyerum Perumal fame director Mari Selvaraj. The title of his next Bollywood venture with director Aanand L Rai, Atrangi Re was recently announced. The film is expected to go on floors shortly. He will also be working on D43 with director Karthick Naren under the banner of Sathya Jyothi Films and in a film under Kalanithi Maran’s banner Sun Pictures, the director of which is yet to be revealed.

Karthik Subbaraj, on the other hand, has several films he’s producing under his Stone Bench Films banner in various stages of production, namely Keerthy Suresh starrer Penguin, an untitled starring Aishwarya Rajesh and another untitled starring Vaibhav Reddy. He has also forayed into the production and distribution of independent films with his initiative Stone Bench Indie. Their first production Alli starring Joju George will hit screens soon.

Watch the trailer of Pattas here.

Also Read: Pattas Movie Review: A Typical Revenge Drama, A Forgotten Martial Art And An In ‘Form’ Sneha

Kamal Haasan Congratulates Arvind Kejriwal For Delhi Win

BY Silverscreen India Staff On

The Aam Aadmi Party’s jhaado has swept the Delhi elections. Final results are yet to come in but as of 4pm on February 11, AAP has won in 63 seats, and the BJP has won 7 seats. After what has been one of the most vitriolic campaigns, (with the BJP calling the CM a terrorist and asking voters to press the evm button so hard that the shock is felt in ‘Shaheen Bagh’), Delhi elections draws to an end. Reactions have begun to come in.

Actor-politician Kamal Haasan reportedly spoke with Arvind Kejriwal on the phone and congratulated him for his impending victory in the Delhi polls.

Back in 2017 Arvind Kejriwal visited Kamal Haasan’s home, even before the matter announced the launch of Makkal Needhi Maiam.

Haasan had said, “I am honoured that the Chief Minister of Delhi decided to visit my abode. This house has been political since my father’s times, and I was the one who got into it late. We got together for a purpose. The purpose is singular and it will always be that of fighting against corruption and communalism. He has a national purpose for fighting against communalism and corruption. It is no wonder that we decided to have a dialogue on the existing situation. It is more of a learning curve than whatever purpose he came to visit me for.”

Kejriwal had then said, “We had a very good meeting, we exchanged our ideas and that was the purpose I came down. And we will also continue to discuss and meet each other in future also. And I thank him for the warm hospitality.”

Other opposition politicians have congratulated Kejriwal today as well, from MK Stalin and Kanimozhi to Mamta Banerjee and P Chidamabaram.

Here are some other reactions

 

Amala Paul Forays Into Bollywood With Mahesh Bhatt’s Web Series: Goes On Floors

BY Aparajitha Balu On

Actress Amala Paul who was last seen in the 2019 thriller Aadai, is awaiting the release of her long-delayed Adho Andha Paravai Pola tentatively hitting screens on Valentine’s Day.

In the meanwhile, the actress has announced that she would be foraying into Bollywood with director-producer Mahesh Bhatt’s web series, which went on floors last week, on February 4th. The series also marks the digital debut of both the actor and director.

Helmed by Pushpdeep Bhardwaj, the web series is being jointly bankrolled by Mahesh Bhatt’s Vishesh Films and Jio Studios.

Amala Paul plays a North-Indian heroine in the series. Mahesh Bhatt and Pushpdeep Bhardwaj had reportedly taken into consideration almost all of the top Indian actresses and finally decided upon Amala stating that she would perfectly suit the role.

The actress has been training for the challenging role for the past three months to perfect the language as well as the body language, appearance, and style of the character.

amala-paul-bollywood

The announcement for the web series was made by Mahesh Bhatt at the beginning of December, last year. He also went on to reveal that the story, set in the backdrop of 70s Bollywood, talks about the relationship between a struggling filmmaker and a top actress of the era.

Rumour has it that the dramatic web series is based on the extramarital relationship between Mahesh Bhatt and Praveen Babi, a successful Bollywood star back in the 70s. Back then, Praveen Babi had broken up with Kabir Bedi and got into a relationship with Bhatt, who, in turn, left his wife Kiran Bhatt (Lorraine Bright) and daughter Pooja to live with Praveen.

There have already been films based on the relationship between the two namely Arth (1982) and Woh Lamhe (2006). While the former starring Kulbhushan Kharbanda, Shabana Azmi, and Smita Patil, directed by him, was entirely based on them, the latter starring Shiney Ahuja and Kangana Ranaut, written by him, spoke of Praveen’s battle with schizophrenia as well as the bond forged between them.

Speaking about Mahesh Bhatt, Amala Paul said, “Some surprises knock on your door unexpectedly. And that’s what this opportunity truly is. Every South Indian actress has a dream of working with Mahesh Bhatt sir. His enduring films always contain strong and sensational women characters that stand to date. I am very excited and can’t wait to learn from someone of his caliber.”

“Pushpdeep Bhardwaj is very talented and clear with his work. After giving the screenplay a read, I was very confident that the series would turn out to be an extraordinary one,” added Amala Paul.

Chhichhore fame Tahir Raj Bhasin essays the director in the series. Aisha and Kai Po Che! fame Amrita Puri has also landed a significant role. The rest of the crew details are yet to be announced by the makers.

Meanwhile, Amala Paul will also feature in Malayalam films Aadujeevitham co-starring Prithviraj Sukumaran and Cadaver headlined by her, for which she also turned producer. She will also reportedly feature in the Telugu remake of the Hindi web series, Ghost Stories.

Read: Ghost Stories Review: Misfires And Meaning In Netflix’s Rooted Horror Anthology

Watch the trailer of Ghost Stories here.

Spanish Film Festival In Chennai To Feature Award-winning Films

BY Silverscreen India Staff On

The Indo Cine Appreciation Foundation(ICAF) in association with the Embassy of Spain in India (New Delhi), Instituto Cervantes (New Delhi), and Honorary Consulate of Spain and Head of Mission in Chennai are organising a Spanish Film Festival from 17th February  to 19th February at the Alliance Française of Madras, 24, College Road, Chennai.

The Festival will be inaugurated by Antony Lobo, Hon. Consul of Spain and Head of Mission, Chennai. Bruno Plasse, Executive Director, Indo-French Cultural Centre, Chennai will be the Chief Guest. Kalaimamani  Sukanya Ramesh, Cine Artiste, will light the lamp. Sivan Kannan, President, ICAF will preside over the function.

The festival features The Secret In Their Eyes, an Oscar-winning film from 2009, that will open the festival. The line up also includes Marshland (2014), Flowers (2015), Can’t Say Goodbye (2017), and A Gun In Each Hand (2012), which will conclude the festival.

I’m Working In A Tamil Film After Three Years: Ritika Singh On Oh My Kadavule

BY Silverscreen India Staff On

National award-winning actress Ritika Singh is elated about her next Tamil film, Oh My Kadavule (OMK), an out and out rom com that releases on Valentine’s Day. The film’s trailer has received a good response, and the actress is certain her film will be a Valentine’s Day success story.

She interacted with the media recently about her film. Speaking of her comeback, she said, “Oh My Kadavule is a special film because I am working in a Tamil film after three years. I was looking out for a unique project, and this film really got my attention.”

She added, “To me, dressing up as a Christian bride was what caught my attention. The script being fabulous was the cherry on top. I know for a fact that everyone will have smiling faces at the end of it. Ashok Selvan is really talented.”

She was all praise for the other female lead in the movie, Vani Bhojan. She said, “Vani is an actress with exceptional caliber. Apart from being a wonderful performer, her positive and good hearted nature brought the good vibes to the sets of the film. OMK is not just about romance, it emphasizes so much on friendship, and all other relationships. All the characters on screen have a vital part to play.”

Oh My Kadavule is produced by G. Dilli Babu for Axess Film Factory in association with Abhinaya Selvam for Happy High Pictures. The film is directed by debutant Ashwath Marimuthu with Leon James composing music. Vidhu Ayyanna is handling cinematography and Boopathy Selvaraj is taking care of editing.

Is The Indian Right Upset With ‘Shikara’ Makers For Not Whipping Up Hate?

BY Silverscreen India Staff On

Last week, when Vidhu Vinod Chopra’s Shikara released, a video reaction of Divya Razdan’s, (who posted it herself on her Twitter handle) went viral. She was seen loudly admonishing the filmmaker for incorrectly representing the Kashmiri Pandit exodus.

Rahul Pandita, on whose book, Our Moon Has Blood Clots this film is based and who co-wrote the film, said in an interview, “Hundreds of Kashmiri Pandits gave a standing ovation after watching the movie. We never wanted to make a movie that stirred communal riots. The plight of Kashmiri Pandits was not compromised.”

However, following the release of the film the sharp attack on Vidhu Vinod Chopra and Pandita from the Indian right and media that is used by the right for propoganda and for ‘marking out’ enemies, such as OpIndia and Republic, have increased. The general consensus has been that the far right in India is upset that the film does not do enough to demonise Kashmiri Muslims.

Razdan wrote in OpIndia, “The biggest salt on our wounds was the selection of Muslim lead roles for the depiction of Kashmiri pandits plight… In the end, I just want to say, there was no Azaadi slogan shown and neither we Hindus have received any Azaadi from such people’s betrayal.”

Sushil Pandit reviewed the film for Republic and said, “…Shikara has not only airbrushed the horrors of our brutal cleansing from the Valley, it has been fairly inventive about its origins too.”

Chopra has written an open letter on his Facebook page, addressed to young Indians.

He says, “Taking a cue from Shiv Kumar Dhar, a Kashmiri Pandit refugee in my film Shikara who writes letters hoping that his voice will be heard, I’m writing this letter to you. You are the future of this country. Which is why I feel the need to have a conversation directly with you.”

Chopra writes that the recent incidents related to Shikara have deeply disturbed him. “I am an affected Kashmiri Hindu. My house in Kashmir was ransacked and my family members attacked. My mother who came with a small suitcase to Bombay for the premiere of Parinda could not go back home – she died in exile in Mumbai. While most of you know me for producing films like Munnabhai and 3 Idiots, I’ve actually been making films for the last 40 years – my first short film was nominated for an Oscar in 1979. My journey in cinema has been extremely satisfying and I have never felt even an iota of doubt in my mind that I ever strayed from the commandments of the iconic filmmaker Ingmar Bergman who said that Thou Shalt Entertain but that Thou Shalt Entertain Without Selling Your Soul.”

“Now I’m being accused of selling my soul, of commercialising the subject of Kashmiri Pandits,” he adds, “It’s a nonsensical accusation because if I wanted to make money I would have made the sequel to Munnabhai or 3 Idiots. But the reason I made Shikara is because I have witnessed first hand what the loss of a home means. And because most of you are unaware of the extent of our tragedy. You weren’t even born when we were thrown out of our homeland in 1990. And if you don’t know history, you will be condemned to repeat it.”

Chopra says Shikara is his truth. His mother’s truth. And his co-writer Rahul Pandita’s truth.

“This is the truth of a community which despite going through such trauma did not pick up a gun or spread hate. Shikara is an attempt to do the same – to speak of unimaginable pain without sowing the seeds of violence and animosity. And to begin a conversation that will hopefully enable Kashmiri Pandits to return to Kashmir. Violence will only beget violence. I have seen my home destroyed by hate. Do not let it consume you. I want you to have a future that is different from my past.”