Friday, October 26, 2007

RANJITH KUMAR BRINGS IN NATURAL ACTING



By... N.THYAGARAJAN


Of all the serials, 'Aarumaname Aaru' of the Raj TV Channel has a largest number of actresses having good faces are acting in good characters. It is the story of six daughter-in-laws who all unitedly change their ruining husbands. The serial has a lot of feed back from various World Tamil Centers in India and abroad, for the story talks about education and the evils of drinking habit, claims the director K.K.Ranjith Kumar.

It is considered among the four of Raj Tv channel's serials, this one is considered the best and many who watches other channels in the prime time of 9.00 PM to 9.30 PM had slowly began to switch over this channel for Aarumaname Aaru. "It is the story and the dialogues of V.L. Bhaskar Raj which is bringing in more and more viewers" says the director Ranjith Kumar.

In an interview to the Guide, Ranjith Kumar says, "the subject of the story is to create social awareness. This is not a usual story based on 'tit for tat' or an act of vengence which usually takes place in most of the serials.Take for instance, the last son Kabilan in this play has been watching various social problems and tries to set them right".

Simlarly, when the court tries to vacate the house of Seetha due to non payment of loan money, how all the daughter-in-laws come to the rescue to save their traditional property.

The serial has Seetha, Elizabeth, Shanthi Anand, Shobana, Jayalakshmi who are all known faces to the tv viewers, but they see all of them appearing in different roles, tells the director. Besides, Deepan Chakravarthi, Art Director G.K., Suruli Manohar, Kannan, Ashok and Isaac are acting in the serial. "Viewers could see them acting in slow movement with pure dialogue deliveries and proper movements for the scenes. One need not take much strain to watch the serial" says Ranjith.

Ranjith says, "Last month the serial has to show a marriage taking place in a choultry. I asked the producers, the scene must be natural and hence I asked them to hire a marriage hall with some invitees for the marriage. We did the shooting of the marriage in a big choultry with the real play of Nadaswaram, Purohith and many people to attend the marriage. The marriage scene was an event and we decorated the choultry with colour bulbs as it would take place in real marriages. Followed by the subamuhurat we arranged reception in which most of the visitors will visit the marriage with a different words of congratulatory to the couples. Of course, we arranged belly-full marriage meals with sweets and payasam. We spent nearly Rs.5 lakhs for the nine-hour shooting of the marriage alone".

On seeing the scene, many wrote to the production company and the channel that the marriage was like that of their family wedding. When asked about how the idea struck the director, he said " I had been working for various AVM's mega soaps for more than eleven years and also I worked for the films like Pista, Minsara Kanna, Arivumani under Abavaanan, MU.Kalanjiyam and M.A.Kennady. The past experience taught me to do this for this serial. I think I have won in this endeavour, because a lot of feed back still pouring in".

Last month, Aarumanme Aaru celebrated its 50th day celebrations. Ranjith says the serial is going to be a milestone for the trio S.Saravanan, S.Sangeeth and S.Srikumar under the banner Akashan Media Works. Some of the serial's watchers who came to the function praised the story line and the artistes wholeheartedly. " There is going to be big function, when the serial touches its 100th episode" says the director.

Says the young Ranjith Kumar who is also receipient of Best Film Award for his telefilm "Kanavugal" when it was screened in Europe Film Festival very recently. " I can make all to act in any role whether they are experienced in acting or new to acting. First I will tell the situation of the scenes and will ask them to imbibe in their minds. Then I will ask them to act for the scene step by step with simple dialogues that is used in our ordinary lives. Even, if they could not follow my advice, I will ask them to think of some leading film artistes acting. If they could bring atleast 50 percent of their feelings into them then the scene will be success".

" I have never scolded anyone so far if they did not perform well in their roles. It may take time for the new entrants to pick up in acting. Hence, we allow them to take their own time to act in their roles" says Ranjith Kumar who has the patience to make everyone to become good artistes of the small screen. He has plans to do a lot of work in the film direction and till then he said that he was not prepared to marry.

SEETHA SAYS THE DIRECTOR HAS A BRIGHT FUTURE:

"Ranjith Kumar has a bright future. First a director must have good character to maintain relationships with his co-workers including the artistes. This director has all the ingredients to film even difficult scenes within a span of time with his pre-planned thought. In fact, all the artistes including myself are gifted to work under his direction. He is disciplined person in maintaining time in the sets" says Seetha when sought her opinion to talk about the serial's director.

SARATH APPOINTS NIKIL AS PRO


( N.THYAGARAJAN )

Actor Sarath Kumar has appointed Nikil Murugan as his Public Relations Officer for his political party and Cinema. The actor announced this at a press-meet held recently while describing about his newly formed party and his new film to be released in the near future. Sarath is always expert in forming a good political party which will serve the public especially for the people of Tamil Nadu and while acting he always used to act in good roles. Similarly, he thought that Nikil good do well and is apt person for the PRO for his politics and cinema as well.

Thursday, October 25, 2007

BANDHAM TO END ON A HAPPY NOTE


( BY N.THYAGARAJAN )

Sanmedia's Bandham recently crossed its 275th episode, being aired on all working days in the morning between 11.30 AM and 12.00 Noon through Sun TV Channel. It is considered as one of the best serials of the Channel's morning soap for housewives, since the story is revolving around Nithila and Jeeva ( Preethi Srinivas in double role) who lost their father's property to Adhilakshmi ( Nalini). Nithila supports Nalini while Jeeva tries to retrieve the property from Adhilakshmi and also tries to prove that she was alone responsible for her father's murder. She also tries to prove her mother Thamirabarani was in no way responsible for her father's death.

Nearly, 90 percent of the story of Bandham was already shown in all these episodes. The third highly TRP rated show will go on, till the Sun TV decides about the viewerships, said an official of the Channel. However, each and every episode ends in a suspenseful way was the tricky way that was handled by the director S.Haribabu.

Wednesday, October 24, 2007

"I WANT TO GO ON ACTING" SAYS NEEPA

( BY N.THYAGARAJAN )


Soon this small-screen artiste Neepa is to appear as one of the two heroines in the big-screen film Thotta. In the midst of the busy shooting schedules at the Foreshore Estate's Fishermen Quarters which was not washed away by the recent Tsunami, the budding actress was performing her role in changing the Besant Nagar Ravi, a villain to change his character from rowdyism.

Talking to the TV Guide, Neepa said, " Many wrongly mistake that acting for TV soaps will brand them as the artistes of small-screen for ever. I will not accept this statement. See, when I started acting for the Kaavyanjali for the Vijay TV Channel, many thought that I could fit in to do small roles. I did the main 'Kavya role' in the Second Part. Aftermath I got an opportunity to act in Krishna Cottage for the Jaya TV. I did comedy role. After seeing me in the serial, I was asked to do role of heroine in Perisu with Madhu. Then the film was directed by G.K. I got the Best Supporting Actor of New Face Award in the year 2005 from the Tamil Nadu government".

Neepa says, if one had decided to become an actor either he or she should fully try to become a part of the celluloid world. There should not be second thought to go back from the film industry after having acted in serials or films.

" My mother wanted me to continue my studies after I have qualified in tenth standard. Then the opportunity came on my knees and hands to act for the mega soap serial. Without any hesitation I started to appear, as if I had some past experience in the acting line, though my father and mother are choreographers for various films. One day I told my mother that I wanted to concentrate only on acting and I discontinued my correspondence courses" says Neepa.
Now Neepa is doing the role of second heroine in Bandham which has crossed 275 episodes. She does the role of a negative character and tries to separate her one-time-boy-friend from his wife.
Neepa also dancing in Masthana Masthana dance competition of the Sun TV channel.Her performance in Avargal serial for the Sun TV brought her back to the filmdom. " One should not belittle the acting for the small-screen. Had I refused the offers of the small screen acting, by this time I would not have asked to do some good roles like heroines or character artiste roles in films", quips Neepa.
Besides, Neepa's role film Pallikoodam was appreciated by many leading artistes, She did the small role of Ammuvaagiya Naan. She said, " I refused to act in the main role when it was offered to me, since my family members felt that acting in red-light area girl somewhat bothered them. However, I did the role of hero's lawful would be wife".She has done a good character role in Kannum Kannum film to be released. Now she is acting in Kudiyarasu as the second heroine with Vignesh.
It was in the last October 23, Neepa did her arangetram at the Chennai Vani Mahal. Bharathi Raaja, Director S.P.Muthuraman, Pandiarajan, Devayani and her husband and director Raj Kumar were the chief guests and guest of honour. "Veteran Dance Exponent Radhika Shurajith lauded my performance on the stage" says Neepa.Neepa's mother Vaman Malini and father Vaman have done choreography for various films like Mouna Ragam, Cholai Kuil and Porkalam.When asked how to become success actor both in small screen and films, Neepa replied, " that any actor who comes to act for both small screen and big screen should know the story of the serial or the films. In films, one has enough time to act in a particular scene after having a lot of rehearsals or monitors. So with the understanding of the story line with the part of the actor or actress in it, one should achieve their desired goals" .
Now Neepa is doing the role of second heroine in Bandham which has crossed 275 episodes. She does the role of a negative character and tries to separate her one-time-boy-friend from his wife.
Neepa also dancing in Masthana Masthana dance competition of the Sun TV channel.Her performance in Avargal serial for the Sun TV brought her back to the filmdom. " One should not belittle the acting for the small-screen. Had I refused the offers of the small screen acting, by this time I would not have asked to do some good roles like heroines or character artiste roles in films", quips Neepa.

Besides, Neepa's role film Pallikoodam was appreciated by many leading artistes, She did the small role of Ammuvaagiya Naan. She said, " I refused to act in the main role when it was offered to me, since my family members felt that acting in red-light area girl somewhat bothered them. However, I did the role of hero's lawful would be wife".

She has done a good character role in Kannum Kannum film to be released. Now she is acting in Kudiyarasu as the second heroine with Vignesh.

It was in the last October 23, Neepa did her arangetram at the Chennai Vani Mahal. Bharathi Raaja, Director S.P.Muthuraman, Pandiarajan, Devayani and her husband and director Raj Kumar were the chief guests and guest of honour. "Veteran Dance Exponent Radhika Shurajith lauded my performance on the stage" says Neepa.

Neepa's mother Vaman Malini and father Vaman have done choreography for various films like Mouna Ragam, Cholai Kuil and Porkalam.

When asked how to become success actor both in small screen and films, Neepa replied, " that any actor who comes to act for both small screen and big screen should know the story of the serial or the films. In films, one has enough time to act in a particular scene after having a lot of rehearsals or monitors. So with the understanding of the story line with the part of the actor or actress in it, one should achieve their desired goals" .
"Now I am no longer even student of the correspondence courses. You know the amount of mental tension, if one fore go her studies. But, the acting career has given me a new lease of life with confidence that I will become a renowned heroine in the film industry" says Neepa."I have interest to start a dance school. But it may take some years" hoping the income from her acting would be supportive.
"Now I am no longer even student of the correspondence courses. You know the amount of mental tension, if one fore go her studies. But, the acting career has given me a new lease of life with confidence that I will become a renowned heroine in the film industry" says Neepa.

MISS AGRA VANDANA SPEAKS OUT ABOUT HER FILMS

( BY N.THYAGARAJAN )

Miss Agra Vandana who is appearing in the films Dhavan and Ajantha speaks about her roles. In an interview, she says " I am acting in Ajantha being produced in four languages. I act in Tamil and Telugu languages. It is a triangular love subject. In the first half I appear as a village girl. In the second half I regain my vision and becomes a playback singer. I am a parent-less girl in the film, hence I am being troubled by my relatives".

Vandana's entry into the film was not all of a sudden. She first won the Miss Agra Title, in her native place Agra. Following her selection as the Miss Agra, she was offered with chances to act in Telugu films like Brahmma and Hyderabad Nawab.

Ajantha film producers said, that Vandana was apt for the roles, because she looked simply like south indian village girl. There was no dispute over it, said the producers.

Now Vandana has been asked to act with Anirodh for a Kannada film. Anirodh is the brother-in-law of veteran actor Vishnuvardhan.

RADHA IN ARRACK SHOP



Sundara Travels fame Radha has come back again in Tamil film Kaathavarayan as an arrack vendor. The hero of the film is Karan. When asked about the role Radha said, that she loved to do the role, because, for anyone she would appear as arrack vendee but in the actual story she loves Karan very much. She claims the character in the film is a replica of the Revathy character in Manvasanai. " I don't want to elaborate about it now. Watch the movie, after its release" says Radha challengingly.

Tuesday, October 23, 2007

AJITH'S NEW DECISION


Ajith has taken a decision not to act under the new directors who are coming to films। According to the hero, there are a lot of films which did not turn success under the new directors who have come to the Tamil films।Hence , after scrutinising the success trend of the market Ajith took this decision.

ROTARY SIVAJI AWARDS PRESENTED


(N.THYAGARAJAN)



Rotary Sivaji Awards were presented to the veteran actress Saroja Devi, Lakshmi, Nagesh, Playback singers like P.Susheela, Vani Jayaram at the 79 th birthday celebration of the Late Shivaji Ganesan at a function organized by the Chennai Vision Charitable Trust and Rotary Club of Chennai -Samudra recently (30.9.07). The money received by way of ticket sales were given to the various community projects undertaken by the Rajan Eye Care Hospital with Rotary Club, actor Y.G.Mahendran said.

Y.G.Mahendra who has been celebrating the birthday of Shivaji Ganesan for the last five years was instrumental for the community service projects. This year Shivaji Ganesan's birthday coincided with celebrating of the Tamil films two directors late A.P.Nagarajan and late A.C.Trilokchander who produced a lot of films with the late Shivaji in main roles. Thillalana Mohanambal, Thiruvarut Chelvar to cite a few films which rocked the Tamil film industry in seventies.



In the celebration Y.G.Mahendran's Y.Gee Melody Makers music troupe performed the songs of Shivaji Ganesan in which the late directors A.P.Nagarajan and A.C.Trilokchander were associated. This is the 79th birthday of Shivaji Ganesan. Besides, the film songs, the clippings of those films in which the late actor acted were shown for a few minutes, to brush up the veteran audiences mind.



While receiving the Sivaji Award, the actress Saroja Devi said that she feels still at the passing away of Shivaji Ganesan. It was he who taught her how to act, the actress recalled. She had flew down to Chennai from Bangalore to receive the award. Actress Lakshmi said, that she had been considered and accepted as an actress because of her association she had with the late actor Shivaji Ganesan. Nagesh who has to receive the award was not present due to his health problems, and his award was received by Y.G.Mahendran itself. Playback singers T.M.Soundararajan, Vani Jayaram and P.Susheela received the award.



Shivaji Ganesan's wife Kamala sons actor G.Prabhu and G.Ram Kumar and the late directors' wives of A.P.Nagarajan and A.C.Thirulokachander and their family members were present on the function.

RAJINI IS NOT ACTING WITH KAMAL


( BY N.THYAGARAJAN)

Super Star Rajinikanth is not acting with Kamal Hassan. Speaking to a Telugu Channel recently at the Chennai Four Frame Theater, Rajini denied the rumours that are going around. He also denied that he is going to act in Mani Rathinam film. " Of course, I am in search for a good story. Once I approve a good story I am going to act in the film. Till then, I won't be acting" Rajini said in the Telugu Channel interview.

When the reporter sought the opinion of the Super Star on seeing the Ram Charan's acting in the Telugu film, he replied that he recalled the days of his as a young boy and Charan's father Chiranjeevi. He also praised the young actor, that he had not seen even iota of his father's action in the Telugu film which was screened in Four Square. " It shows, he is going to achieve something in his future.. He has put in his energies of 75 films to do this film" Rajini praised Ram Charan.

During the interview the Super Star spoke in chaste Telugu.

I ALWAYS LIKE TO ACT IN MEGA SOAPS" SRI KALA

( N.THYAGARAJAN)

Many dream of becoming good actress by acting in films. If they fail to achieve in their desired goals, then their immediate attention would be acting for small screens' serials. But this budding artiste, Sri Kala who had been a one-time-child artiste through Kamala Hassan's Devar Magan as Nazar's daughter, as Simran's friend in Thulladha Manamum Thullam and in Thulli Thirindha Kalam as Arun Vijay Kumar's sister had brought some recognition and instilled faith in her that she could do good roles.

After that she received a lot of offers to act in films, but those offers did not give her mental satisfaction. In an interview on the Porandha Veeda Pugandha Veeda sets, Sri Kala opens up her silence, perhaps this is the first occasion she speaks about her experiences.

"What I had seen in my film acting career so far was a lot of disppointments followed by vexations to act in films. I don't want to mention name of those films, in which I was promised with five or six scenes. But to my suprise, I saw either the censor board or those films' editors have used scissors, particularly in my scenes", says Sri Kala.

"It is only after I entered the small-screen acting, people slowly began to recognise me and my acting. I was offered a chance to act in Anubavangal, a weekly serial of the Sun TV directed by actor K.Bhagyaraj. I did a role in it. My scenes escaped from the scissors of the producer" says Sri Kala.

When it was very difficult to get act in tele mega soaps, Sri Kala was offered to do a lengthy role in AVM's Sondham, under Venkat's direction. " The serial was a turning point in my career. I appeared atleast in 50 episodes with the leading actress Bhanu Priya. Then many producers began to recognise me and I was choosy aftermath in selecting my characters. I started to act in other serials like Vazhkkai, Pallangkuzhi, and Sathya in good serials"

When asked to tell about her small roles in mega soaps," Yes I did small roles in the beginning when I started to act for tv serials. But on seeing my sincerity and inerest in acting and many directors extended my roles to another 20 episodes. At any time I never underestimated acting for small-screen. It is a blessing in disguise, that I have chosen my career to act in soaps. Of course payment wise the salary will be less, but I visit the house of more than three crores people living in Tamil Nadu and other parts of the world everyday through my acting in various serials" says Sri Kala.

Sri Kala says, " there is one more good thing in acting for the mega soaps.The actors and other technicians or whoever work for these serials move as if one-family-member. Hence, there is no place for risk or fear for the parents of the female artistes acting in serials".

When asked about her role with Bhanu Priya's younger sister in Porandha Veeda Pugandha Veeda, she said "Bhanu Priya Madam is really a loveable person. I respect her always for her experience. I have not seen such a nice artiste like her. She sometimes would come to me and coach me to do my roles with particular action. If I follow the advice, then I will be surprised to see me in a good position in the soap. Many praised me on seeing this new mega-serial. If the credit goes, it must go to the director V.Sekar and then to Bhanu Priya".

Now Sri Kala is acting for Thavam produced by Shivaji Productions. " I am doing a negative character. I take revenge against my uncle's son and his wife to separate them. My uncle's son promised me that he would marry me. But he didn't, hence the revenge" shortly quips Sri Kala about her character.

Beside mega serials, Sri Kala is appearing in a weekly comedy show Kalakarey Chandru produced by GV Films for Kalaignar TV channel.

When asked about her role as comedienne she said an artiste should do comedy roles too. "In comedy scenes you should bring laughter with your talent and it should not be a mockery of the people over the way you are doing the comedy. Similarly, one should follow the stirct roles in doing emotional scenes. If any one is capable of doing comedy as well serious roles, then they are the best artistes" says Sri Kala.

Reaffirming that her only aim is to act in small screen soaps, and that she could able to breathe freely and could give dates for other serials' callsheets after completing her role in 30 episodes for Gemini TV's Mega Sandhesam of the Radaan Tv, says " I want to act in other lanuguage serials to become a great person. I want to act and act and nothing else I want, other than acting for small-screen".

DASAVATHARAM SHOOTINGS OVER


( BY N.THYAGARAJAN )

The entire shootings of the Dasavatharam is over. The dubbing and remixing works have started and that will be over in a couple of days. However, the Oscar Film's Ravichandran has decided to release the film for Pongal falling next year instead of Deepavali festival falling next month November.