Nanban - Tid Bits

Fans who were are eagerly awaiting for the release of Nanban's audio is completely thrilled as the audio of the film was launched in a grand manner yesterday..

The audio was launched at Coimbatore HIT College which was followed by Harris Jayarj's On the Edge Musical Programme.

The film which is the remake of b'wood blockbuster 3 Idiots is directed by Shankar..The film has Vijay, Jiiva, Srikanth, Sathyaraj,Illeana, Anuya and a host of others in prominent roles..

Just as the teaser trailer of the film has created enough buzz among the viewers, the songs scored by Harris Jayaraj is also said to be rocking..

Nanban Crew Talks About Nanban

Vijay says ‘follow your dream’

The idiot factor: It was the last scene of the movie when it gets too emotional, and I was supposed to be happy for my friends. Jeeva said something so funny that I really couldn’t control my laughter for almost 20 minutes. The entire crew was waiting for me to finish.

Working with Shankar: I wanted to work with him for a very long time. He can also act well and has good timing. He is one of the best directors I have worked with.

Favourite sound: The Tamil version of ‘Zubi Dubi’, ‘Aska aska’, is my favourite song. I enjoyed shooting it. Incidentally, I’m hooked on to the ‘Kolaveri’ song.

Real life connect: My parents never wanted me to act. When I reached my 12th standard, I realized I had to act. I followed my dream, and that’s what the movie tells you to do.

Three’s company: I need to like the script to do any role. I really don’t mind working with Ajith or anyone else for that matter if I like the script.

Time out: I love playing games and sports like tennis and cricket with my kids. I also like animated movies. Last month, I took my son and his classmates out to watch ‘The Adventures of Tintin’.

Jeeva becomes Koji

The Idiot factor: I used to travel in buses without a ticket. Once, a conductor came to check my ticket, I jumped out and ran. My friend got caught and had to pay a huge fine. After all the drama, he caught up with me, slapped me hard, and scolded me in the choicest language. Also, when I became an actor, I used to use a lot of foul language on the sets and the director could actually hear me. It took me a while to realise this.

Working with Shankar: He has no airs and has been very encouraging, especially since my role is supposed to be comical. He constantly gave me instructions as to what I should do and all the instructions are given over the microphone. He calls me ‘Koji’ after the release of my movie ‘Ko’. So he would say, ‘Koji turn right’ or ‘turn left.’

Favourite sound: I love the music of the film, especially ‘En friend pola’.

Three’s company: I am open to experimentation. In fact, all my roles have been different till now.

Time out: I am a gadget freak. I have all the new gadgets in the market including my favourite, the PS3. I love playing cricket as well.

Srikanth, the risk taker

The Idiot factor: In one part of the movie, I have a beard. One fine day, I assumed that those portions of the movie were completed, and I shaved. When I reached the sets, the director was shocked. He advised me not to be so careless. I felt very guilty.

Working with Shankar: He made each one of us feel very comfortable. Getting an opportunity to work with a man who has made brilliant movies is overwhelming. He would imitate us so well.

Favourite sound: My favourite track in the movie is ‘En friend pola’, the Tamil version of ‘All is well’. It took us 14 days to shoot this song.

Real-life connect: I was always into arts and drama and couldn’t imagine doing a ‘nine to six’ job. My parents warned me not to enter the film industry. I knew I was taking a calculated risk but I went ahead.

Three’s company: This film will be a trendsetter and help people break the shackles. We share an equal amount of space and importance in the movie.

Time out: I love gaming and carry my PS3 wherever I go. I also love cricket and will soon be a part of the Celebrity Cricket League.

YOHAN - TidBits

Gautham Vasudev Menon said, “I am really looking forward to filming an all-out action film after Vettaiyadu Villaiyadu. Also interesting because I will be working with Vijay for the first time. Yohan will be made like an international film while still retaining all the elements, especially music, that makes Indian cinema work. A.R. Rahman has already composed a theme song for the film which is simply outstanding. PKP (of which I am a part of) and I have found the ideal partners in Eros for a film on this scale, which needs to be produced and released on an international scale.”

Oscar award winner AR Rahman will be scoring the music for Yohan: Adhyayam Ondru. On his association with the project, he has said, “I am really excited working with Photon Kathaas and Eros on the movie Yohan. This is a completely new direction for both Gautham and me. We hope to come out with a product which is different yet rooted experience for the audiences.”

Nanban teaser trailer creates stir

Nanban teaser, with the song En Friend Pola Yaru Machan…has generated huge amount of buzz among the movie goers..

The makers feel that this song will be the highlight of the album that’s likely to release next week in a grand ceremony. 

According to sources, Special attention has been given by director Shankar and composer Harris Jayaraj on this song. It has a couple of English words in it as well and this is expected to strike a chord with the audiences, now that Kolaveri is a phenomenon over the world.

As the film’s title is Nanban, a friendship song would be featured in it as well..

Post Anniyan, director Shankar joins hands again with Harris Jayaraj and we are sure the songs will be rocking..

Ilayathalapathy Vijay - Director AL Vijay Movie Details...

As reported earlier, after completing 'Thupaki' with AR Murugadoss and 'Yohan Adhyayam Ondru' with Gautham Vasudev Menon, Vijay will join hands with another leading filmmaker of Tamil cinema, Vijay of 'Madrasapattinam' and 'Deiva Thirumagal' fame.


"The director, who has just started Thaandavam with Vikram, is ready with a one-liner for the Ilayathalapathy. He will develop it into a full-fledged script after completing Thaandavam. Vijay is happy with the knot narrated to him by AL Vijay," sources tell us.


While other members of the cast and crew are yet to be finalized, GV Prakash Kumar, the lucky mascot of director Vijay, will compose music for this yet-to-be-titled venture. He is planning to make the top actor to sing a song in the film.
"Vijay has made a decision to work with top-notch directors alone in the coming years. His last venture Velayudham was helmed by Jayam Raja, while his next Nanban is by Shankar. And his forthcoming films are by Murugadoss, Gautham and AL Vijay," sources point out.


COURTESY : INDIAGLITZ

Vijay's next - Thuppakki

It's confirmed. Sources from the produc tion house inform us that Ilaya Thalapathy Vijay's next flick with A.R. Murugadoss has been titled Thuppakki. The movie also stars Kajal Agarwal, currently riding high in K'town, who will be playing opposite the Velayudham star. The source adds that both Vijay and Murugadoss felt that Thuppakki, a Tamil name, had tremendous title value and they have already registered it with the Producers' Council. Council.

Rumours were rife that Vijay was playing a cop in the movie and hitting the gym every day to get fit and toned for the role. Now the latest buzz is that the Pokkiri actor rules out playing a cop. “These are just rumours. I am not hitting the gym for any particular char acter, I always do my workouts to stay fit,“ he reveals with a smile. Santhosh Sivan will be behind the camera and Harris Jayaraj composes the music.

Don(Dada) Type Of Role For Vijay In Murugadoss Film

In the AR Murugadoss film, Vijay is playing a Mumbai dada, reports some sources in Kollywood. Though this fact has not been confirmed either by AR Murugadoss or Vijay, the news has started to make rounds.

The film has not been titled yet and AR Murugadoss is expected to announce the title any time now. However, the speculations on Vijay’s role in this film have started to make rounds. As per some reports in Kollywood, Vijay’s role in the movie will be similar to that of Kamal Haasan’s in Nayagan.

Yet another news that we hear on this project is that the film will begin in Tiruchendur and it will show Vijay’s transition as dada in Mumbai.

Kajal AGarwal Is Heroine For Vijay - ARM movie.

Kajal can barely believe it. It can’t get bigger than this for the Punjabi lass! Yes, we’re talking about Kajal Agarwal, who’s got a prize catch —- Ilaya Thalapathy Vijay's next film directed by A.R. Murugadoss.

Though several names including Priyanka Chopra and Priya Anand were tossed around, the opportunity to romance Vijay on-screen has fallen into Kajal’s lap.

Sources say that the leggy lass, who’s on a high after her Bollywood debut hit Singham with Ajay Devgan, was on cloud nine after signing the film on Tuesday with mass hero Vijay.

She is the only lucky girl to sizzle with two K’town biggies simultaneously — Suriya in Maatran and Vijay in this untitled flick. Her Tollywood career is also looking up with two films — one with Mahesh Babu and another with her Magadheera costar Ram Charan Teja.

A source reveals that the movie, which is produced by Vijay’s dad S.A. Chandrashekar, is set in Mumbai and will be shot extensively in the business capital.

Reportedly it will go on the floors from December 1. Santhosh Sivan will handle the camera and Harris Jayaraj is expected to score the tracks.

SOURCE : DECCAN CHRONICLE ( http://www.deccanchronicle.com/channels/showbiz/kollywood/kajal-bags-vijay%E2%80%99s-film-917 )

Nanban Audio Release - 10th December 2011

It’s a great year for Vijay and Harris Jayaraj as they have been streaking success in their own respective arenas. Well they’re coming together for the first time in Shankar’s ‘Nanban’. Harris Jayaraj has managed to churn out chartbusters one after the other.

Harris Jayaraj is now working on the final mix of the album and the master copy will be ready somewhere by next couple of weeks. As the producers are planning to release the film on January 14 for Pongal. Sources says that the music is likely to hit audio stores by 10th of December as they need at least a month gap between the audio and theatrical release.

Nanban Audio Release 10th December 2011

It’s a great year for Vijay and Harris Jayaraj as they have been streaking success in their own respective arenas. Well they’re coming together for the first time in Shankar’s ‘Nanban’. Harris Jayaraj has managed to churn out chartbusters one after the other.

Harris Jayaraj is now working on the final mix of the album and the master copy will be ready somewhere by next couple of weeks. As the producers are planning to release the film on January 14 for Pongal. Sources says that the music is likely to hit audio stores by 10th of December as they need at least a month gap between the audio and theatrical release.

Nanban songs to be unveiled soon

Director Shankar is reportedly very pleased with the way Nanban is shaping up and he's thrilled with Harris Jeyaraj's compositions for the film. There is anticipation that the songs will turn out to be chartbusters, especially considering that the original, 3 Idiots, had hit numbers. According to sources, Harris has been paid a whopping sum for this project and one hears that the song Aska is actor Vijay's favourite in the film. Recently Harris tweeted that the film's music would be unveiled soon.

Apparently Shankar has shot the songs in a manner that is much different from the way they have been picturised in 3 Idiots. One hears that the final mixing of the audio is in progress now and the audio will be released some time in December.

Info About Vijay - A.R.Murugadoss Movie Shooting

The Ghajini filmmaker has chosen Thiruchendur, one of the six abodes of Lord Muruga, as the backdrop for the film's commencement

Unfazed by the mixed response he has been getting for his recent movie 7 Aum Arivu, A.R Murugadoss has quickly moved on to his next, another biggie. This one stars Ilaya Thalapathy Vijay . The untitled flick, produced by Vijay's dad S.A Chandrashekar, will go on the floors by the middle of next month. The Ghajini filmmaker has chosen tives Thiruchendur, one of the six abodes obje of Lord Muruga, as the backdrop for the the film's commencement, with the w Velayudham star very much a part of f the scenario.

Sources said that the story demand ed a venue like Thiruchendur temple, which is situated at the seaside. From there the action is said to travel to Mumbai, where most of the script unfolds.

A high action drama, the makers are yet to finalise the female lead, although Bollywood hottie Priyanka Chopra is said to be the front-runner, with others also in contention. Unconfirmed sources inform us that it is a two-heroine subject and Murugadoss is keen to rope in Priya Anand of Nootri Enbadhu fame as one of the heroines.

Nanban a Grand Audio Launch?

Now that director Shankar has confirmed on his blog that the shoot of his forthcoming film 'Nanban' is 100 per cent complete and the Vijay-Jiiva-Srikanth starrer would make it to cinema halls for Pongal, a guessing game is on as to when would be the film's audio will release.

When we probed, inside sources expressed that a mega music launch function is being planned in Chennai by the last week of November. "It will be a grand show in which top guns of Tamil cinema will mark their presence. Cultural programs will also be there," they said.

"Harris Jayaraj, who had earlier worked with Shankar in 'Anniyan', has come out with beautiful songs. All the songs in the film have the quality to emerge chartbusters, as they are composed in such a way that it would strike an instant chord among the youngsters," they added.

Produced by Gemini Film Circuit, 'Nanban', a remake of Hindi hit '3 Idiots', is currently in its post production stage. Shankar, known for crafting his films with the precision of a goldsmith, is said to be working overtime for 'Nanban', for this is his first remake project.

Vijay's interview to Times of India

• Velayudham has been liked by the audience and critics. How do you feel?
I am very happy. After one year of hard work put in by the whole team, it’s nice to reap the rewards. I was keen on working with Jayam Raja and I am glad this worked out well for us.
...
• Were you confident the movie would click?
When you are making certain movies, you know almost instinctively that it will work. When this movie was 60 per cent complete, I told director Raja that I had seen the rushes and I am confident that the movie will turn out well. The highlight of this film is the story. My father always says that for a movie to be a commercial success, the base of the film has to be strong. I also don’t believe in talking too much about my film before it releases — I would like the audience to go with an open mind, without any expectations and really enjoy it. And I think they did.

• So it’s a remake of Azaad?
It’s been inspired by Azaad. I first saw that film years ago and I thought I should do a film like that at some point. When I met director Raja and we got chatting, this movie came to mind. And then we realized the remake rights were actually with my father!

• There was talk that you had trouble getting adequate screens to release Velayudham :
I don’t want to waste time talking about such things. The movie is a success and that’s all that matters.

• How is Nanban coming along?
If Velayudham has been a success, Nanban will create euphoria of a different kind. Everyone would have seen 3 idiots. Even if you have seen the Hindi version, the Tamil film will be fresh. Director Shankar has tailor-made it for the Tamil audience.

• Director Shankar?
Working with director Shankar has been an amazing experience. I was supposed to do Mudhalvan with him but it didn’t work out unfortunately. His knack of bringing out a performance from an actor was novel to me. He appreciates the little nuances in an actor. And, he’s a wonderful human being as well.

• Are remakes a good trend?
I personally believe it’s a healthy trend. We are taking something that has already worked and adapting it to our sensibilities. When the remake of 3 idiots came along, I definitely wanted to do it.

• You have seen a few ups and downs in the last few years :
Sura was one film which affected me terribly (laughs), but it was my mistake. I did the film with full faith, but unfortunately it didn’t work. Kaavalan was cute and it did well.

• Would you want to do try something offbeat?
I would like to try different things within the framework of commercial cinema which I have been successful at.

• And what keeps you busy at home?
Right now, I am between films so I am spending a lot of time with my family.

Velayudham Vs 7am Arivu – Box Office Collection

Chennai, Nov 4 : Both 7am Arivu and Velayutham had a grand opening and have been grossing big box-office collections.

Tamil cinemas were on a roll this Diwali with tough competition between Suriya and Vijay’s films 7am Arivu and Velayudham respectively. But the box office report easily points out to which film made it and which tanked. Suriya’s 7am Arivu stood out as a clear winner according to the opening week sales.

According to box office reports, 7am Arivu earned about Rs. 37 crore, whereas Velayudham managed to collect Rs. 31 crore in the first week. Till date ‘7am Arivu’ has collected Rs. 40.5 Crores and ‘Velayutham’ Rs. 40 Crores at box-office. The competition is still neck and neck and looks like this competition will end in a draw.

Shahrukh Khan’s Ra.One dubbed in Tamil has also been rated at No 3 at the Tamil box office. In about three days, Ra.One managed to collect about Rs. 6 crore.

‘7am Arivu’ was made with a whopping budget of Rs. 84 Crores and ‘Velayutham’, Rs. 45 Crores. Both the films are still running to packed halls and making big collections.

It is said that the state government’s permission to increase the screenings during the 5-day weekend have helped the producers of both the films to large extent. The collections of 7am Arivu are expected to slow down, as the theatre owners are now planning to reduce the number of screenings thereby increasing Velayudham.

The entire dynamics will change after that. Let us wait and watch what the collections for the second week would turn out to be!

Courtesy :- http://truthdive.com/2011/11/04/7am-arivu-vs-velayutham-%E2%80%93-box-office-collection.html

Velayudham Beats 7am arivu...

Vijay starrer Velayudham has beaten Surya's prestigious 7aam Arivu at the Tamil Box Office (BO) in its first week. M.Rajah directorial movie has successfully managed to rock at the BO.

Trade reports say that Velayudham has managed to collect Rs.52.2 crore plus, whereas 7aam Arivu raked in Rs. 50.2 crore in the first week. Surya's movie had edge over Vijay starrer film because it hit the screens with 1200 prints worldwide. On the other end, Jayam Raja's movie, which was approximately released in 820 theatres, started attracting audience after getting thumbs up from the fans and good word-of-mouth from the viewers.

It is said that the state government's permission to increase the screenings during the 5-day weekend have helped the producers of both the films to large extent.

However, the collections of 7aam Arivu are expected to slow down, as the theatre owners are now planning to reduce the number of screenings thereby increasing Velayudham.

Velayudham Collection Details So Far In Kerala

Ilayathalapathy Vijay's Velayutham directed by Raja has been running successfully worldwide..


The mass entertainer, also stars Hansika and Genelia in lead, and the songs and action sequences in the film have been the talk of the town....Vijay Antony has scored the music..


The film's Record Breaking collections In Kerala - 5.63cr in 5 days, 1st day - 1.62cr thu & fri 1.30cr Sat & sun 2.71cr.

Vijay As a James Bond In YOHAN

Gautham Menon is busy completing the shooting of Nee Thanae En Ponvasantham starring Jeeva and Samantha. Soon he would start Yohan Athiyayam Ondru.


Throwing light on the movie, he says, ‘it is an interational film with a international theme. Vijay and I were planning to come together for a long time and it eventually worked out now’.


It would be a different film and Vijay plays an international agent. So impressed with the storyline that Rahman immediately composed tunes for the movie, he adds.


Asked about the title, he says, ‘ we titled it as Yohan Athiyayam Ondru for we have plans to start a sequel sometime later for it’.

Grand Opening For Velayudham...

The bumper opening for Velayudham has brought smiles in Vijay's face. The actor is elated and bubbling with enthusiasm.

Addressing media persons in Chennai on Friday, the actor said, 'I choose this occasion to thank my friends, fans and well-wishers who made this movie a bighit'.

Director M Raja and producer Aascar V Ravichandran deserve special mention. They have given life and Velayudham is sparkling thanks to them, he added.

The fact that more prints are now being ordered for the movie is a pointer to its success, he added.

On his part, director Raja, said 'doing a commercial film is no easy task. It has to have all mass elements at right mix. Velayudham is perfect entertainer and Vijay hogged all limelight and made my job easier'.

More Demand for Velayudham

In spite of other big releases, producer Aascar Ravichandran managed to get bigger and more screens across Tamil Nadu and other areas for his Diwali release ‘Velayutham’. Released on October 25, the film has lived up to the expectations of not just Vijay fans, but has attracted the family audiences.

With a longer weekend still going on, the theatre owners and exhibitors have demanded for additional prints of the film. Across the states of Kerala and Karnataka, the fans circle for Vijay has increased than the usual limits. The repeat audiences in Kerala are rushing into the theatres to watch it again and again.

Well, it’s worth mentioning that Kerala audiences have welcomed even his films like ‘Sura’ and ‘Velayutham’ has become a huge hit over there.

Ilayathalapathy Vijay has thanked his fans for extending their support and making the film successful.

The king of openings

The Velayudham star opens up on his plans for the `D' day

Though bookings for Vijay's Diwali r e l e a s e Velayudham started only on Sunday, tickets are sold out for the next five days -till the weekend; the Ilaya Thalapathy once again proving that he is the undisputed `King of Openings'! For the actor, Diwali means `watching plenty of films'. Vijay, in a freewheeling interview to DC says, “I will burst a lot of crackers with my son and go watch all the films released on Diwali day with my family. Right from childhood, that has been the practice in my household.

Earlier, there used to be seven to eight Diwali releases. My day would start with watching the noon show and then moving on to the next theater for the matinee show and then, to the evening show -it just went on! However, this time around, only three films -Velayudham, 7 Aum Arivu and Ra One are releasing, and I will watch all the flicks.“

Talking about Velayudham, he says that it is the culmination of his style and Jayam Raja's distinctive formula, produced by Aascar Ravichandran at a mammoth budget.

On teaming up with new-age directors Shankar, Murugadoss and Gautham Menon, he opined, “Honestly speaking, I got the opportunity only now! Earlier, I was just accepting scripts that came my way!“ He was quick to add, “Having completed Nanban, I felt that I missed working with Shankar all these days.“ Suriya started his career much later -alongside Vijay in Nerukku Ner. How does he feel about growing to a level that both their films are clashing on Diwali day? He gives his inimitable smile and says, “I wish the 7 Aum Arivu team all the very best as well as a big congrats to my team.“

What's Special About Velayudham Climax?

Vijay is super confident about his upcoming film ‘Velayudham’ in spite of having a strong competition with Suriya’s ‘Ezham Arivu’. The makers of ‘Velayudham’ have precisely mentioned that both the films are good and on the grounds of different genre.

The distributors and theatre owners have mentioned that the climax of Vijay’s ‘Velayudham’ is something unforeseen and one of the best climax scenes of Tamil films.

The film has already occupied the major screens of Tamil Nadu and is opening in around 150 theatres of Kerala and 100 theatres of Karnataka. The bookings for the film across UK and USA are happening well.

ALL IZZ WELL WITH NANBAN

Looks like Shankar is working hard towards releasing his Nanban for the next big festival, Pongal. After completing the last scene in the multi-starrer, the ace director wrote on his blog, “Nanban shooting is 100 per cent complete. Since Velayudham is releasing on Deepavali, Nanban will be for Pongal.” 

There were recent reports of Ileana’s tantrums on set while shooting for Farah Khan but looks like all izz well with the Nanban team. A source informs us, “The shooting was wrapped up five days ago, with a song featuring both Vijay and Ileana being the last one to be shot. It’s a melodious romantic duet, choreographed by Farah, and was shot in a studio in the city. Shankar will now concentrate on the post production work of the film and release it for Pongal.” 

A spokesperson of the production house that’s presenting Nanban, says, “I think Raju Hirani has done a brilliant job with 3 idiots. But after seeing the rushes of Nanban, I can say that Shankar has done an even better job. There’s a ‘Shankar touch’. He has made this film to suit the Tamil sensibilities, without altering the core of the story. We are looking to launch the audio, composed by Harris Jayaraj, by the end of November.”

Interview - Vijay Abt Velayudham

As ‘Velayudham’ is gearing up for a Diwali release and the team is running from pillar to post as part of the promotional activities, IG caught up with Ilayathalapathy Vijay for an interview. Read on as Vijay gets candid and speaks on his role in Velayudham, clarifies reports on the much talked about Dookudu remake, his project with AL Vijay, his plans this Diwali and a lot more!Excerpts from the chat with the ace personality…


Velayudham is special to you?

Yes, it is very special and  I accepted the film, as I liked the story very much and working with director Raja was a pleasure. My last release Kaavalan was a pure love story and now Velayudham has shaped out well as a sensible mass commercial film.


Why do you say sensible commercial film?

As reported by a section of the media, I don’t play a superhero nor do I possess any super power. I play an ordinary man who has a reason to take the cudgels and fight the system. Director Raja has made the transformation of my character with realism and that according to me is the highlight. I shared excellent rapport with Raja and all credit goes to him.


Why don’t you promote your films aggressively?

I hate to speak or praise my film before the release. I want my fans and audiences to go to the theatre without much expectation and get entertained. I hate to blow my own trumpet saying that my film will satisfy you and blah blah.. I have been getting a lot of positive feedback of the trailer and audio. Now after release, I’m sure that the visual impact of songs will satisfy the audiences.


Tell us about the two heroines?

Hansika and Genelia were excellent co-stars. Hansika has terrific comedy timing and realising that, Raja utilised it to the maximum. Genelia has a very important role of a journalist who motivates and brings about a transformation in me.


Your next films are all with top directors like Shankar, Gautham Menon and Murugadoss. Was that a conscious decision?

(Smiles) If I tell you the truth, I have been contacted by the so-called big directors only now. I didn’t plan anything. It just happened. Remember that I am an actor I do roles that are given to me. My job is to give the people a ticket to their very personal Disney Land for three hours.


You are working with Santhanam for the first time...

Yes, Santhanam has this unique quality of bringing a smile on everybody’s face when he appears on screen. He need not even open his mouth to crack jokes and no wonder women and children love him. We had a great chemistry on the sets.

How did this film with Jayam Raja happen?

and again. But this is your first part superhero project, what’s special

about it? What about the horse riding scenes?

I have watched all his films and I was supposed to work with him two years back itself under Sanguli Murugan sir’s banner. We missed out on it and he started off a project with his brother, Jayam Ravi. Then we met one day and he came with a one-liner on Velayudham which interested me so we started off with this project immediately. I asked him jokingly whether he will do movies only with his brother and not me and that’s how all this started off.

Yes but this is not a superhero film with extra powers for the hero
or something on those lines. 'Velayudham' portrays the hero somewhere between a common man and a superhero. Speaking
on horse riding, actually I learnt horse riding quite a while ago,
even before stepping into films. All the training is being of use to
me now (smiles).

Most of your films highlight upon brother – sister bonding, but can we
say your bond with Saranya forms the crux of this plot as she has reported
in an interview?

No it definitely is not the crux of the film but can be called as one
of the highlights in 'Velayudham'. No matter what, be it now or
after many years, this is one relationship among our folk that
will never change! It’s an evergreen something.

Speaking on stunts, are there other highlights apart from the train
stunt sequence?

Tom Delmar did the train sequence and yes, much has been
spoken about it to audiences already. Apart from this there’s a
 fight scene in a harbor which will definitely be a big highlight
in 'Velayudham', I can assure it will be something very interesting
to look forward to and something my fans will enjoy watching
on-screen.

How true is it that there are 30 comedians?

Well, I can say that under Santhanam’s captainship there will
29 comedians. There’s a whole team of comedians itself that he
 heads so we have meant it in that way.

All your forthcoming films are with top-notch directors, Murugadoss, Gautham Menon and Shankar. We understand we'll be seeing a suave
avatar of Vijay, but why haven't we seen this earlier?

To tell the truth, honestly, I have been approached by all these directors only now and I loved the scripts so I accepted them. It is not like I wanted to do these kind of films only now but these projects are coming my way only now and I am happy to accept them.

Are you doing Dookudu remake?

I watched the film, I really liked and enjoyed watching it but I am not doing the film’s Tamil remake.

Udhaynidhi has expressed he’ll watch 'Velayudham' first show. When
will you watch '7aum Arivu'?

I will definitely watch it on Diwali, no doubts about that but I don’t know which show. I will watch '7aum Arivu', my film 'Velayudham' and 'Ra.One' on Diwali. How many ever films will release that day I will watch them all the very same day, no doubts. That’s how crazy I am about films (smiles).

No doubts we see a balance between Hansika & Genelia in trailers, but
can you tell what will be the highlight?

The director has beautifully balanced between Hansika and Genelia’s character. There’s no way anyone can compare their characters since they are so different from one another. My scenes with both of them are like two different episodes to frame it rightly. However I must say that Genelia’s character plays a key role in my character seeing a change in the film, from that of a commoner to that of a superhero.

About your film with AL Vijay…

Yes we both are talking about it but it will take time, probably even two more years to go on floors! But there’s a lot of time for an official announcement on this front.

A recent Tamil film that Vijay enjoyed thoroughly…

'Kanchana'! My kids enjoyed this horror film so very much that when I’m home they’ll be enacting the scenes from the film to me!

                                            THANKS!!!

வேலாயுதம் பற்றி ஜெயம் ராஜா

‘‘எனக்கு எல்லாருடைய படங்களும் பிடிக்கும். ‘மங்காத்தா’வாகட்டும், ‘அங்காடித் தெரு’வாகட்டும் முதல் நாள் முதல் ஷோ பாத்துடுவேன். அதேபோல என் படங்களும் எல்லாத் தரப்பினருக்கும் பிடிக்கணும்னு நினைப்பேன். அதுக்கான உழைப்பு என் எல்லாப்படங்கள்லயும் இருக்கும். அதுல உச்சம் இந்தப்படம்...’’ என்கிறார் ஆஸ்கர் பிலிம்ஸின் ‘வேலாயுதம்’ இயக்குநர் எம்.ராஜா.

‘‘அதிலயும் இதுல விஜய் ஹீரோவாகிட்டதால, அவருக்கேத்த ஹீரோயின்கள், அ...வருக்கேத்த வில்லன்கள், அவங்க தாங்கற அளவுக்குப் பிரச்னைகள், அதுக்கான பேக்ட்ராப்கள்னு படம் பெரிசா போய்க்கிட்டேயிருந்தது. அது அத்தனைக்கும் ஈடு கொடுத்து ரசிகர்களுக்கு தீபாவளி விருந்தா இந்தப் படத்தைக் கொடுக்கிறோம். அதுலயும் செம விருந்தா இருக்கும் ‘வேலாயுதம்’...’’ என்ற ராஜா, கடைசியாக காஷ்மீர் சென்று படத்துக்கான பாடலைப் படம்பிடித்து வந்த அனுபவத்தைச் சொன்னார்.

‘‘காஷ்மீர்ல ஸ்ரீநகர் தாண்டி 200 கிலோமீட்டர்ல இருக்கிற அற்புதமான டூரிஸ்ட் ஸ்பாட் ‘பகல்காம்’. எந்த சீசன்லயும் போகமுடியும்ங்கிறது அந்த இடத்தோட சிறப்பு. ஆனா என்ன ஒண்ணு, அங்கே போக மோட்டார் வாகனங்களால முடியாது. முழுக்க குதிரை சவாரிதான். நாங்க தங்கியிருந்த ஹோட்டல் வாசல்ல கார்கள் போல ஆயிரக்கணக்கில குதிரைகள் சவாரிக்காகக் காத்திருந்ததைப் பார்த்து அசந்து போனோம். விஜய், ஹன்சிகா, ஜெனிலியான்னு நாங்க எல்லாருமே குதிரைல போனது மறக்க முடியாத அனுபவம். அதேபோல காஷ்மீர் கலவர பூமியானதால, ராணுவத்தினர் காவல்ல படம் பிடிச்சதும் த்ரில்லான அனுபவம்.

‘முளைச்சு மூணு இலை விடல...’ங்கிற விவேகா எழுதிய பாடலை அங்கே எடுத்தோம். அந்தப் பாடலோட சிறப்பு... அதுல விஜய், ஹன்சிகா, ஜெனிலியா மூணு பேருமே நடிக்கிறதுதான். ஆனா ஒரு ஹீரோயினோட டூயட் பாடறது இன்னொரு ஹீரோயினுக்குத் தெரியாது. அதை சரியா மேட்ச் பண்ணி அழகா கம்போஸ் பண்ணியிருந்தார் ஷோபி மாஸ்டர். படத்தில வரிசைப்படி நான்காவதா வர்ற இந்தப்பாடல், விஜய்யோட மெலடிகள்லயே அலாதியா அமைஞ்சிருக்கு. பரபரன்னு ஃபாஸ்ட்டா ஆடற விஜய்க்கு இத்தனை மெலடி சாத்தியமான்னுதான் முதல்ல இந்தப்பாடலைக் கேட்கும்போது தோணும். ஆனா சாத்தியப்பட்டுதுங்கிறதுதான் உண்மை. 7&8 ரிதம்னு சொல்லக்கூடிய அற்புதமான மெலடியில விஜய் ஆன்டனி இசைச்சிருக்க இந்தப்பாடல்தான் என்னோட ரேட்டிங்படியே நம்பர் ஒன். விஜய் ஆன்டனியோட மெலடி வரிசைலயும் இந்தப்பாடல் இன்னைக்கு இடம் பிடிச்சிருக்கு..!’’

விஜய் பற்றிப் பேசும்போது சில டெசிபல்கள் சப்தம் கூடியது மென்மையாகப் பேசும் ராஜாவின் பேச்சில்...

‘‘இதுவரை தமிழ்ல வராத கதை இதுங்கிறது போலவே, விஜய் இதுவரை ஏற்காத கேரக்டரை இதுல ஏற்றிருக்கார். அவர் தகுதிக்கு எவ்வளவு இறங்கி நடிக்க முடியுமோ அவ்வளவு இறங்கி நடிச்சிருக்கிறதோட, இதுவரை இத்தனை ஏறி நடிச்சதில்லைங்கிற அளவில ஏறியும் சூப்பர் ஹீரோவாகியிருக்கார். இதுவரை சூப்பர் ஹீரோவான நடிகர்கள் கூட ஃபேன்டஸியாதான் அப்படி ஆகியிருக்காங்க. ஆனா இவர்தான் முதல்முதலா லாஜிக்கா சமுதாயத்துக்காக சூப்பர் ஹீரோவா ஆகியிருக்கார். இந்தப்படத்தோட ஸ்பெஷாலிட்டியே ஹீரோவைப் போல, ஹீரோயின்கள் போல, வில்லன்களைப்போல மக்களும் இதுல கேரக்டர்களா வர்றதுதான்.

சில வசனங்கள் ஹீரோக்களுக்குப் பேர் கொடுக்கும். சில வசனங்கள் ஹீரோக்களால புகழடையும். இதுல அப்படி ஒரு வசனம்... விஜய் பேசற ‘உழைக்கிறவன் வியர்வை தாய்ப்பாலைவிட உயர்வானது...’ இது டிரெய்லர்ல வெளியான நாளிலிருந்தே மத்த டைரக்டர்கள் என்னைக் கூப்பிட்டுப் பாராட்டற அளவுக்கு பவர்ஃபுல்லா அமைஞ்சிடுச்சு. ‘நான் சும்மாவே காட்டு காட்டுன்னு காட்டுவேன். இதுல நீ வேற காட்டு காட்டுன்னு சொல்றே... காட்டாம இருந்தா நல்லா இருக்குமாங்ணா..?’ன்னு அவர் பேசற இன்னொரு வசனம் தியேட்டர்கள்ல பட்டையைக் கிளப்பும்னு நம்பலாம்.

இதுல எந்த அளவுக்கு விஜய் இன்வால்வ் ஆகியிருந்தார்னா, பால்காரரா வர்ற அவருக்கு ஒரு சண்டை இருக்கு. அதுல இறங்கி அடிக்கணும்ங்கிறதால சட்டை போடாத வெற்று உடம்போட அவர் அதை செய்தா நல்லா இருக்கும்னு நினைச்சேன். அதுக்காக ஒருமாசம் பிரேக் விட்டு அவரை உடம்பை ஏத்தச் சொல்லலாம்னு நானே முடிவு கட்டி அவர்கிட்ட விஷயத்தைச் சொன்னேன். அவர் உடனே சட்டையைக் கழற்றி, ‘இந்த அளவுக்கு இருந்தா போது மா..?’ன்னு கேட்டப்ப என் கண்களையே நம்ப முடியலை. அத்தனை கட்டுமஸ்தா ஏத்தி வச்சு அந்த ஃபைட்டுக்காகக் காத்திருந்தார். அவர் மேல சட்டை போட்டிருக்கும்போது அந்த உடம்பு தெரியலை. சட்டையைக் கழற்றினா கும்முன்னு தெரியறார். பேர் பாடியோட ஃபைட் யோசிச்சது நல்லதா போச்சு. இல்லாட்டி அந்த ஸ்பெஷல் விஷயத்தை ரசிகர்கள் மிஸ் பண்ணியிருப்பாங்கன்னு நினைச்சுக்கிட்டேன். படத்துக்கே ஹைலைட்டா ஆகியிருக்கு அந்த ஃபைட்.

இந்தப் படத்துக்குப் பிறகு ஸ்டன்ட் மாஸ்டர் செல்வா பெரிய இடத்துக்குப் போவார். ப்ரியனோட ஒளிப்பதிவும், வி.டி.விஜயனோட எடிட்டிங்கும் எனக்குத் தோள் கொடுத்திருக்குன்னா, புரட்யூசர் ஆஸ்கர் ரவிச்சந்திரன் என் கனவுகளை நிஜமாக்க உதவியிருக்கார். அதோட ரிசல்ட், சென்சார்ல படத்தைப் பார்த்தவங்க பாராட்டி சர்டிபிகேட் கொடுத்திருக்கிறதுதான். மக்கள் சர்டிபிகேட்டும் இதுக்குக் குறைவிருக்காதுன்னு நான் எதிர்பார்க்கிறது போலவே ரசிகர்களும் இந்தப் படத்தை தீபாவளி ட்ரீட்டா எதிர்பார்க்கலாம்..!

Ilayathalapathy Vijay : The new Rajinikanth of Kollywood

For people who didn’t know that celebrities are looked upon as demi-gods, the incident that took place on Dickenson Road yesterday is proof enough. The launch of a jewellery store saw Kollywood superstar Illayathalapathy Vijay visiting the city on Saturday morning. If you think that only stars like Amitabh Bachchan or Rajinikanth can witness such fan frenzy, this one seemed to have challenged them all!

Picture this: Fans hanging from the trees, buildings and almost everything else to catch a glimpse of the star; the entire road which had hosts of people trying to take pictures of him on their mobile phones; young lads calling out slogans and holding placards for the star; kids gleaming with joy when the star lifted his hand to wave to his fans — this is pretty much the scene in India when the local people gets to witness their favourite star.

With fans being overjoyed at one side, one could witness an action-packed scene going on the other side. With fans climbing on top of the cars and trying to fall on the superstar himself, the police force had a tough time handling fan frenzy. Impatient with their attempt, some police personnel used lathis to control the situation. With security guards banging the gates on the faces of the people, the injuries that people suffered definitely need a mention.

You have kids holding on to their mothers, crying to take a picture with him; along with chairs and boards falling down — the scene was quite pathetic, we must add. It was a tough task for mediapersons to enter the store. With security guards and the police questioning why we didn’t come at 7.30am, it came as a quite shocker for us.

With Vijay’s upcoming film Velayudham releasing this Diwali and his political ambitions being the hot topic, all this worked to his advantage. With this kind of chaos and confusion, it looks like the new superstar has arrived. However, all this fan fare is undoubtedly overwhelming and it’s surprising to witness such frenzy even at this era.

SOURCE : http://www.dnaindia.com/entertainment/report_illayathalapathy-vijay-the-new-rajinikanth-of-kollywood_1599496