Saturday, February 4, 2023

Playback Singer Vani Jayaram Passed away

 


By N.Thyagarajan

Vani Jayaram is known for having sung in over a dozen languages including Tamil, Marathi, Telugu, Hindi, and Bhojpuri. The singer was honoured with Padma Bhushan, India's third-highest civilian award ahead of Republic Day this year.

She was 78.

Jayaram who lived alone was found dead with bruises on her forehead, according to police. Vani Jayaram's house- help, Malarkodi, had reached her residence on Saturday morning but she did not receive any response upon knocking repeatedly.

That is when the house help alerted Vani Jayaram's sister Uma. After Uma and Malarkodi entered the house using a set of duplicate keys they found the singer unconscious in her bedroom with bruises on her forehead. Police arrived and found her dead.

Known for her vocal range and ability to adapt to any difficult composition, Jayaram began her singing career in Bollywood and her first break came in the Hindi film 'Guddi' (1971). The song 'Bole Re Papihara', featuring Jaya Bachchan in the lead role catapulted the singer into fame.

'Kelviyin Nayakaney' song for the film Aboorva Rahangal, directed by K.Balachander had also become a hit. 

Orey Naal Unnai Naan Parthadhu in Ilamai Oonjal Adugiradhu, Malligai Mannan Mayangum in the film Theerka Sumangali, Malligai Mullai Poo Pandhal in the film Anbe Ariyurey, Nee Kettal Naan Matten Endru Solven Kanna in the film Ilamai Unjal Adigiradhu were some of the hit songs of Vani Jayaram.




Tamil Film comedian, director T.P.Gajendran passes away


                                                    T.P.Gajendran
 

By N.Thyagarajan


Chennai, Feb.5:


When the fans of the renowned playback singer Vani Jayaram are trying to get away from the sad news of her demise, there is yet another shock befallen on the fans. The shocking news of the Film Comedian and director T.P.Gajendran having carved a niche for himself at his house suddenly passed away. 

A native of Tuticorin is also the son of  Tamil film comedienne T.P.Muthulakhmi who in her days of acting did the very best roles with comedian K.A.Thangavelu. Hence, there is no doubt, that this late comedian T.P.Gajendran also became the best comedian, by acting in school dramas and films in his native place.

T.P.Gahendran had become famous for his direction for the films like Pandi Naattu Thangam, Enga Ooru Kaaval Karan, Budget Padmanaban, Middle-Class Madhavan, Seena Thaana and many others films.

The late comedian has also acted in more than 100 Tamil films, including films like Pitha Mahan, Perazhagan, Bana Kathadi, Villu, Velayudham and Chandramuki.

When a film journalist approached the late comedian to write his biography, he reportedly replied that though his native was Tuticorin he was born in Chennai Gosha Hospital and studied in AVICHI School, Chennai up to 8th standard. " I have no interest in my studies and was loitering to get into films. His father was working in a studio, and I used to watch previews of many films and this has catapulted my passion to become a director". He also replied to the report that he did not like to write his biopic, as he considered himself a small spark in an ocean.

Knowing the desire of his son his father wanted to send him to a school in Karaikudi from Chennai.

In the Karaikudi School T.P.Gajendran was given a chance to act as Chanakya and for which he mugged up 40-page dialogues. Being very young then he ridiculed a school girl due to which he was suspended from school, recalled the late director.

Due to his capacity, he could mug up all the dialogues, the Headmaster of the school suspended the orders of his suspension from the school and he won the names by acting in the Chanakya.

Again he came back to Chennai as a student of the AVICHI School, Vadapalani and his old friends from the school had been supportive.

In the year 1979, the comedian got married and luckily worked under Director K.Balachander for the Mazhalai Pattalam, Thillu Mullu and Thanneer Thanneer films. He not only the direction but also the editing work in all the films.

The hard work under the tutelage of the renowned director K.Balachander had brought him to do direction in films like Veedu, Manaivi, Makkal, Enga Ooru Kavalkaran, Thaaya Dharamma, Nalla Kalam Porandhachchu, Pengal Veeting Kangal, Konjum Kili, Paatu Vaadhiyar, Paasamulla Pandiyarey, Budget Padmanaban and many other films.

" I have not achieved anything in the Tamil film industry. Why should I write my biography" saying humbly this late comedian did not like to write books on him.

Thursday, February 2, 2023

Dhanush to direct films

 




Dhanush is to complete Captain Miller by March

By N.Thyagarajan


Mr Dhanush after the completion of important scenes in Captain Miller's film by this March this year has planned to direct a film. According to sources, Dhanush will begin his role as a director in May, said the sources.

One of the leading heroes of the Tamil film, Dhanush has recently completed the final schedules of the film Vaathi produced in Tamil and Telugu languages. It is expected that the Vaathi will be released in March.

Dhanush has scripted the story for his directorial film in which he will appear in a meaty role, it is said. In the proposed film Vishnu Vishal, S.J.Surya, Dushara Vijayan and many other known actors have given their consent to act to be directed by Dhanush.






Tuesday, January 18, 2022

US Emotional Entertainment Network launches 'theaterhoods.com' , a new OTT platform

 

                                                                                                                                                             

US Emotional Entertainment Network launches

'theaterhoods.com' a new OTT platform 


Chennai, Jan.18:

USA-based entertainment company Emotional Entertainment Network is expanding its operations in India with the launch of the “theaterhoods.com” OTT platform. The brand-new streaming service will be a one-stop place to watch films and series on your own screens.

Besides, it will also be your entertainment partner that provides tickets to watch films in theatres, that too at free of cost. 

According to Theatrehoods Indian Regional Marketing Head Prasad Vaseekaran, "we deeply understand Indian cinema lovers. Being an Indian, I am proud of our Indian cinemas. It is our part of life, and it would be no exaggeration to say it is mixed with our blood. Our primary goal is to make our OTT platform users enjoy the content every moment, in whichever mode they want."

He adds: "We supply world-class content. We are building more than five thousand Indian regional languages content in our libraries and one thousand original movies and series. So, we are sure to strike a chord with the audience." 

The idea behind Theatrehoods, Mr Prasad Vaseekaran says, "now very few movies directly premier on OTT platforms. More big movies are theatrically released. Cinema fans must wait till 30 to 45 days to watch on OTTs. Moreover, the cinema theatre experiences are different. We would like to fill this gap. We offer free tickets all over India for theatrically released new movies and an unlimited content watching experience on our Theaterhoods OTT platform." 

To be launched in India and overseas on 15 January 2022 as a Pongal/Sankranthi delight to the audience, Theatrehoods brings cinema theatre and OTT experience together, in all Indian regional languages including Tamil, Telugu, Malayalam, Kannada and Hindi. 

While it provides unlimited entertainment to subscribers, Theatrehoods also offers a cost-free solution for filmmakers and content creators to promote their products. Also, it has forged partnerships with theatre chains like PVR. Thus, it will serve as a subscribers' delight, producers' preferred choice and theatre owners' trusted partner. Contents like Movies, Web Series, TV Shows and Music will be available on this all-in-one platform. 

Theaterhoods will be available on the web and Android, IOS mobile apps worldwide. 

For free of cost promotion of their ventures, Film Producers/Directors/Content Creators can reach us with trailers and production details at: content@theaterhoods.com

Speaking to newsmen the Company's Coordinator and Film PRO Nellai Kalaimamani Sundararajan said that the persons becoming members of the OTT, viz, the theaterhoods.com will be given free tickets for all the films getting released in Chennai.


 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Tuesday, February 9, 2021

 

Rajini readies himself for Annatthe shooting




( By N.Thyagarajan)

Chennai, Feb.10:

Superstar Rajinikanth is ready to finish the final schedule of the 'Annaatthe', the Tamil film, filmed at a Hyderabad studio.

According to sources, during the last schedule of shooting, the producers have to abruptly abandon the shoot of the film, due to some of the workers in the film were affected by the COIVID-19. Doctors making periodical medical check-ups also asked Rajinikanth to maintain his good health, by postponing the shooting of films. They also advised him to take rest and that was the main reason, the Superstar announcing eschewing floating of a new political party. 

Now, Rajinikanth who looks hale and healthy after several months of rest is ready to take his usual active role for the 'Annatthe', sources said. The shooting of the film will commence by the end of this February or the first week of March, added the sources.

Director Siva has planned to film 'Annaathe' in some northern parts of India and also in other countries. The producers have decided to shoot the film in Hyderabad and Chennai.

Director Karthik Subburaj who directed the film 'Petta' is likely to produce the second part of the film, sources added.




Wednesday, January 20, 2021

 

Master achieves box-office collection of Rs.150 crores

By N.Thyagarajan


Chennai, Jan.21:

The Co-Producer of the Vijay Starrer Master Tamil film, Lalith Kumar on behalf of the Seven Screen Studio has recently sent a legal notice to a private firm seeking compensation of Rs.25 crores for leaking some of the scenes of the film.

Pongal festival release, Vijay starter Master, the Tamil film with English title has been making huge collection of more than Rs.150 crores around the world in the last six days of the release of the film.

According to sources, this is the highest collection, of all the films of Vijay that were released so far. Master was directed by Lokesh Kanakaraj.

Though the TN government has restricted the sale of tickets to only for the 50 % of seating capacity in all cinema halls, Master has been making a huge collection, it is said.

When the producers of the film were keeping their fingers crossed over whether to release the film on OTTs, as have been released in the pandemic situation or to release them in cine theatres after the government relaxed to allow the people to watch films, it gave a little relief to the film producer to take the decision of releasing the Master in cine theatres. However, the TN government has imposed the ban restrictions of the filmgoers allowing just 50 % to watch films in theatres. 

A few days ago, before the release of the film in cine theatres some of the scenes of the film started appearing in some websites, it is said.

Hence the producer of the film has decided to sue the concerned websites to seek compensation.













Tuesday, October 6, 2020

 Millions watch

ka/pe Ransingam released today at G5 OTT

By N.Thyagarajan







People from different strata welcome the release of new films in OTTs, for they need to spend money on snacks, standing in long queues to reserve for tickets at theaters. If the system of release of new films continued on OTTs, it is feared many cinema halls will have to face a total loss in revenue,  Minister for Information and Publicity Kadambur S.Raju in Kovilpatti, has stated this.

However, the persons who are in the house and did not go out for fear of the Coronavirus, they could enjoy the new films with all the family members from house, provided they subscribe to some of the channels which telecast the new films from the day of its release.

Time was when the people used to chalk out different programmes to enjoy holidays, would plan to choose new films running theaters. Last Friday (Oct.2),  was a National Holiday for all on account of the celebration of the Gandhi Jayanthi. The next two days being Saturday and Sunday, which are usual weekly holidays, and to kill the time, the people needed at least a sort of relaxation by enjoying films from homes.

Keeping this in view, Vijay Sethupathy- Ishwarya Rajesh starrer Ka/Pe Ranasingam has been released through the G-Flex OTT platform. Just shelling out Rs.199 one could enjoy watching the films from their idiot boxes hanging around in millions of homes.

Jibran has done the music direction for the film and Vairamuthu has written lyrics for the film. 

Similarly, the much-expected Madhavan- Anushka starrer film with the title Nisaptham produced in Malayalam, Telugu and Tamil languages also released on October 2. This is the third film for Madhavan-Anushka combination. The title of the film for the Tamil and Malayalam versions is 'Silence". 

Hemant Madhukar has directed the film

The shooting for the Silence began in the year 2018 and was expected to be released in April this year. Due to the contagion and the lockdown from March this year, the film could not be released as planned.

Now the film was released in the OTT of Amazon Prime, and the news that millions of people watching both the films every day.




Monday, January 20, 2020

Color TV Channel Kodeeswari, a differently-abled woman wins Rs 1 crore







Mrs Kausalya Kharthika, a differently-abled from Madurai on the wings of ecstasy after winning
Rs 1 crore prize money and also receiving Kodeeswari title from the COLORS Tamil TV Channel
Kodeeswari programme, hosted by film-actress Radhika Sarathkumar. The programme was telecast today 8 pm, which was enjoyed by lakhs and lakhs of the channel's viewers.- N.Thyagarajan.



Chennai, Jan 21:

Championing the indomitable spirit of women in India, 31 year old Kousalya Kharthika from Madurai, wins the jackpot prize money of Rs. 1 crore on COLORS Tamil’s Kodeeswari. History will be created as Kousalya, the first ever differently abled woman in the world will take home the coveted title, this Tuesday, January 21st at 8 p.m. With this landmark milestone, Kodeeswari establishes itself as a pathbreaking show which fulfils its promise of giving wings to small dreams.
Kousalya Kharthika who resides in Madurai suffers from speech and hearing impairment and communicates through vibrations and lip-reading. Kousalya’s determination and grit has helped her pursue her dreams and overcome  obstacles in her life

Commenting on becoming the first winner of Kodeeswari, Kousalya Kharthika said, “I have always depended on my family members for my day-to-day life. But, right from my childhood I have been determined to learn and excel in whatever I do. I truly thank COLORS Tamil for giving me the opportunity to participate in the show and fulfil my dreams.  It was an exhilarating experience being on the hot seat with Radikaa Ma’am who made me extremely comfortable. I am more than honoured to be part of this iconic game show and equally proud to tell the world that ‘I am now a Kodeeswari’.”

The mother of a 1 year old toddler, Kousalya has triumphed over her disabilities throughout her life, becoming a university topper and going on to secure a B.Sc in Technology, M.Sc in Information Technology and an MBA degree. Today she works as a Junior Assistant at the
Principal District Court of Madurai.

Speaking about how the money will be used, she adds, “I first want to do my bit for people in need, especially the Deaf and Dumb school in Nagarkoil where I studied.  Additionally, I want to visit either Italy or Switzerland which has always been my dream.”

Expressing his delight on this marquee moment, Ravish Kumar, Head - Regional Entertainment Cluster, Viacom18 said, “My heartfelt congratulations to Kousalya for creating such a historical moment for herself, Kodeeswari and broadcast television in entirety. Kodeeswari is a first of its kind platform as a show exclusively for women where they are empowered and encouraged to pursue their dreams no matter how small, no matter what circumstances they come from. Kousalya’s winning moment is therefore a moment of inspiration for so many others who are struggling to fulfil their dreams..” said

Said Anup Chandrasekharan, Business Head – COLORS Tamil said, “Kousalya’s victory on Kodeeswari opens up newer avenues for women like her. This is a moment of pride for COLORS Tamil. Kousalya’s win will go on to empower, engage, influence and motivate generations of women to come. What makes it even more special is that Kousalya has created history by being the first female differently-abled winner of the format in the world.”

Commenting on Kausalya becoming the first Kodeeswari, Radikaa Sarathkumar, the Host of Kodeeswari said, “Many congratulations to Kousalya who has created history today with her knowledge and determination. I must say that I am lucky to have met her and experienced her incredible win. Her success is truly an inspiration and will motivate many others. I wish her all the best in life and hope that this achievement helps her make a positive difference in her life.”

Presented by Colgate; powered by Nippon Paint, Arun Excello and RIN; with Kotak Mahindra Bank as the Banking Partner, and Tamil Matrimony App and Helo App as Special Partners, Kodeeswari has been on air since December 23rd, every Mon - Fri 8 pm on COLORS Tamil and Viacom18’s video-on-demand platform VOOT.
Tune in to watch Kausalya Kharthika win the title of Kodeeswari and take home the prize money of Rs. 1 Crore on Tuesday, January 21st on COLORS Tamil. Viewers can also watch the show anytime on VOOT.













Friday, November 15, 2019

Iru Kodugal to be screened at IFFI Golden Jubliee

By N.Thyagarajan










 ( BY N.THYAGARAJAN)



The IFFI has planned to screen the National Film Award film Iru Kodugal at its Golden Jubilee celebration to be held in Goa. The film directed by the late Director K.Balachander for the story of I.Joseph Anandan will steal the show among various other films to be screened at the IFFI. it is said.




Late Director K.Balachander could not be forgotten  for his acumen in direction and also in penning dialogues, in 70s and 80s gave many successful films. Todays popular actors like Kamalahassan and Rajinikanth are popular because both of them were from the school of Balachander, I have been hearing on many occasions from various people.
Balachander might have directed various films and written dialogues, but one would not forget the two of his films, Edhir Neechal with Nagesh in the lead role pairing with Jayanthi and another one Iru Kodugal with Gemini Ganesan and Jayanthi.

In Edhir Neechal, Jayanthi-Nagesh and in Iru Kodugal Jayanthi with Gemini Ganesan along with Sowcar Janaki took the film to a pinnacle house. There are no love scenes between Jayanthi and Gemini Ganesan in Iru Kodugal. The hero and the heorine appear as mother and father of two children who are studying with the only one son of Sowcar Janaki. Gemini comes to know that his previous love Sowcar Janaki becomes IAS when she gets transferred where Gemini Ganesan is working as a clark in the same government department.

Gemini Ganesan falls in love with Sowcar Janaki, when he make visits to Varanasi and looking for a coffee shop. Sowcar Janaki who then as a girl, daughter of V.S.Raghavan understands that a Tamil from Chennai wanted to have a cup of coffee. She to divert the attention of Gemini Ganesan, she speaks in Tamil from kitchen. She also supplies a cup of coffee and this creates love between them.

Nagesh as another clerk in Gemini Ganesan's office, with his comedies and best supportive actfor the story's narration.

I am seeing people still today, including several youngsters have been watching the film, for the story of I Joseph Anandan who had penned the story. Incidentally, he was also a colleague of the late Director in a Central Government office.

If one should appreciate the 1969 Tamil films , one has no option, other than to accept the story-line of the Iru Kodugal, for which it has no other parallel line.

One more remarkable scene in the film was that Comedian C.K.Nagesh appears as Poet Bharathi for a song of the film. ( Pappa Paatu Paadiya Bharathi Naan dhaney)

Wednesday, November 13, 2019

Priyanka feels proud over her role in Miga Miga Avasaram



 By N.Thyagarajan








 
Puducherry, Nov 13:

I felt the joy of acting when Puducherry Chief Minister Narayanasamy praised me for the role I had in the Miga Miga Avasaram, directed by Suresh Kamakshi.

A native of Puducherry Union Territory,  when met some newsmen, Priyanka said that the story-line of the film finds solutions for various problems of women, and would encourage several women here to become artistes.

The budding actress said that she had been interested in rolls like Miga Miga Avasaram and wanted to do more films.

Priyanka looked calm with a smile on her face, says that the film in which she acted, has been making collections at several theaters in Pudhucherry and several parts in Tamil Nadu theaters.