Kollywood actor Vishal’s mission for Swachh Bharat

The actor is raising funds for the national campaign towards sanitation and cleanliness today.

 Vishal

When Prime Minister Narendra Modi launched the Swachh Bharat Mission in October 2014, many celebrities extended their support for the scheme. They took to the streets with brooms, sweeping and even picking up garbage. K’town actor Vishal has gone one step further, and is raising funds to build toilets.

As an extension of the campaign towards installing toilets, Vishal is addressing a niche group of people including businessmen, doctors, industrialists and corporate leaders at Rajapalayam today to raise funds for constructing 1,000 sanitation facilities in the municipal town situated in Virudhunagar district. During the shoot of his upcoming flick Marudhu, he found the town lacking in basic amenities.

Emphasising on derth of facilities for women, Vishal said he felt very sad to see women wearing veils as they ventured to an open field to relieve themselves under cover of darkness, before sunrise or after sunset, adding that it could also prove dangerous. When the Kathakali actor found out that at least one toilet for each household was required, the idea of bringing all the affluent people of the district under one roof and discussing a fundraiser for the cause, came up.

“It costs Rs 20,000 to build a toilet, out of which, the government is providing Rs 8,000. I think the rest of the amount, is not a big deal. Even if each individual comes forward to contribute the deficit for one toilet, I am confident of getting 1,000 proper latrines in Rajapalayam. That’s why I am convening a meeting to explain the need of the hour to the gathering, which is hygiene and sanitation,” the actor concludes.

Rajinikanth, Kamal Haasan to take part in star cricket match

For raising funds to build Nadigar Sangam’s building, we are conducting a star cricket match on April 10, says sangam secretary.

 Rajinikanth

Chennai: The executive committee of South Indian Artistes’ Association met on Wednesday after its recent cancellation of deal with SPI Cinemas.

“For raising funds to build Nadigar Sangam’s building, we are conducting a star cricket match on April 10 in Chennai where all top Kollywood stars including Rajinikanth sir and Kamal sir are expected to participate.  We will be inviting all artistes to take part at the star studded event,” Vishal, sangam secretary told the media ahead of meet.

As she likes it!

Kajal Aggarwal talks to DC about the demands of characters that push her limits in more ways than one.

 Kajal Aggarwal

As somebody who rose to stardom at a young age, Kajal Aggarwal is quite confident about what she wants in her life. Her candid nature is what makes her special.

Gearing up for the release of the Jiiva-starrer Kavalai Vendam, Kajal says she’s in the best phase of her career now. “I have always wanted to be a good performer than being a mere actor. When I do so, I give my 100 per cent. It’s been nine years since my first film got released. Still when I sign a film, I have the same enthusiasm and energy in me. I am ambitious,” she smiles.

Speaking about Kavalai…, she says it’s a love story. “Jiiva is my co-star and he’s fun to work with. I play a strong-headed, like-minded, independent, yet confused girl. But like many other women out there, she contradicts herself emotionally when she falls in love,” she adds.Kajal is quite choosy when it comes to her films — “I go by the script mostly and my instinct. Any role that I am doing has to be well-defined. I don’t want to simply run around trees and vanish! Initially, I feared being typecast but it took me a while to get over it.”

“It’s quite fortunate that I have been a part of many hit films in Tamil, Telugu and Hindi. I love what I am doing, so I really enjoy it. I have Brahmotsavam, Sardaar Gabbar Singh and a film opposite Vikram here. There’s no time to think much, complain or introspect,” she says and adds that she’s aware of the expectations her fans have — “That, for me, is the biggest recognition. The belief and the love they have for me is amazing. So I try and pick roles that audiences like.”What has she learnt being here? “I always keep challenging myself and I like to push my boundaries. I have learnt to be more patient and be more self-critical,” she laughs.

Not many know that she has a jewellery brand, Marsala. “My sister and I started the brand together. I am looking forward to expand its presence down south as well. I have a start-up social commerce venture, too,” she quips.

Five years from now? “I am not really a planner in life, but I’d like to see myself as a successful entrepreneur someday. Now, I find it a bit tough to manage my personal life and professional ones... questions about my relationship status — I can only say I want to act, act and act for now! Success and fame are short-lived. Anyone can achieve success with one film, but sustaining it constantly is really an achievement,” she signs off.

Look, who’s back with a bang!

The actor is back with a thriller, which is titled Avan Aval.

 A still from Avan Aval.

Actor Vignesh who worked with the likes of stalwars like Bharathiraja and Balu Mahendra, has been  in the Tamil industry for more than a decade. Despite a bundle of talent, success still eludes him. The actor is back with a thriller, which is titled Avan Aval. He is producing the movice under his home banner, Khayan Pictures.  

Ramkrish Mrinalini is wielding the megaphone for the film. The actor has two heroines for company, namely Devika who was recently seen in Naalu Per Naalu Vidhamaa Pesuvanga and Chandrika from Tollywood.

Speaking to DC about the film Vignesh says, “The story is based on real life incidents. It is a revenge thriller with lot of suspense. The husband wants to take revenge on his wife, who has an extramarital affair. The way a mysterious girl befriends him and helps his endeavour, forms the crux. I play the lead with Chandrika as my wife and Devika as my friend. It has shaped up very well and I am confident of making a strong comeback.”

On his long gap he says, “These days, it is easy to make a film, but the toughest proposition is bringing it to theaters. Lack of availability of screens for small budget films is one of the biggest threats to producers.”

Kochiite running for Mrs World title

Mrs India World, Iris Maju is gearing up to compete in the Mrs World pageant in China from March 1 to 12 with 50 contestants.

 Iris Maju

In a society obsessed with women who are young, single and beautiful, it is truly refreshing to see a pageant that focuses on older married women who have successful careers and life experiences. The Mrs World pageant will be held in China from March 1 to 12 and will have around 50 contestants from all around the world.

Iris Maju, who was crowned Mrs India World and who is from Kochi,will be taking part in the Mrs World competition and is preparing hard for the competition that will have rounds that will judge the talents, accomplishments and skills of the candidates.

Iris is learning the martial art form kalari and is also practising yoga for the fitness aspect.

Lavanya replaces Taapsee in CV Kumar’s film

Touted to be a science fiction film, it is learnt that Sundeep will be playing a cop in it.

 Lavanya

Model-turned-actress Lavanya Tripathi has been roped in to play the female lead in producer CV Kumar’s untitled Tamil directorial debut, featuring Sundeep Kishan of Yaaruda Mahesh fame in the lead. Initially,  Taapsee Pannu was signed up to play Sundeep’s girlfriend in this film, but citing date issues, she left the project.

Touted to be a science fiction film, it is learnt that Sundeep will be playing a cop in it. Sources say that Lavanya was excited about the movie as Sundeep and she have been good friends, and added that she was looking forward to start working on it. Actor Ravi Kishan will be playing the antagonist in the film. Studio Green is bankrolling the project. We hear that the movie will have an interesting concept, just like the films that Kumar has produced before!

Dhanush gives a nod to Gautham Menon’s Yenai Nokki Paayum Thotta

According to reports, the script was written keeping actor Suriya in mind.

 Dhanush will begin shooting for this project in the first week of March.

After months of speculations, Dhanush has officially announced his next film with Gautham Menon. The actor, who is currently shooting for 'Kodi', took to his social media to put rumours to rest and make an official announcement. 

According to reports, the script was written keeping actor Suriya in mind. However, as the actor refused to be a part of it, Dhanush was approached for the same. The movie is said to be an action film and is likely to be completed in two months straight.

Dhanush will begin shooting for this project in the first week of March. He will complete the film before he heads to Paris for the shooting of Marjane Satrapi's film 'The Fakir'.

Madhavan to face off against Vijay Sethupathi

Madhavan talks about his next film Vikram Vedha, which will see him star opposite Vijay.

 Madhavan

Producer Sashikanth of Y Not Studios has pulled off a coup of sorts by bringing the pan-Indian actor Madhavan, who made a fitting re-entry with Irudhi Suttru, and Vijay Sethupathi, together for a movie that is titled Vikram Vedha (VV). While the director duo Pushkar-Gayathri will wield the megaphone, the film revolves around two characters — Vikram played by Maddy, and Vedha essayed by Sethupathi. Speaking to DC from Mumbai, Madhavan did confirm that talks are on for VV and he has to sit for a final narration. “I have seen Pushkar and Gayathri’s earlier works, and there is a spark in them. I would definitely love to work with them. If all goes well, in contrast to the grumpy boxing coach in Saala Khadoos, here in Vikram Vedha, I will play an encounter specialist.”

Sashikanth, who also bankrolled Irudhi..., tells us, “Both Maddy and Vijay Sethupathi have agreed in principle to come on board for the film. Sethupathi will be seen as a gangster in the movie. I wouldn’t call it a two-hero film; it is a two-character driven subject. We have been developing the script for the last one and a half years. Now, Maddy is back with a new image and people expect something novel from him. Having said that, we wanted the script to further his image. His agenda for choosing a script now is ‘expect the unexpected from me’. We are just augmenting his motto.”

On how Madhavan agreed to the script, he said, “Pushkar and Gayathri developed a rapport with Madhavan as they were part of the production for his recent film. We are not in a hurry. We are working on the final draft of the script, which will take two more months and I am planning to make an official announcement sometime in April,” concludes Sashi.

V-day posters a hit!

A few filmmakers unveiled their film’s romance-themed promotional posters.

 Tamannaah & Karthi

With the absence of any new releases on this Valentine’s Day, a few filmmakers unveiled their film’s romance-themed promotional posters as a consolation, on February 14. Take a look at the following posters. The Suriya-Samantha-Nithya Menen sci-fi thriller 24, directed by Vikram Kumar. Suriya told DC earlier that he did a triple role in the movie. The poster shows one of the close moments between Suriya and Nithya.

In Thozha, Karthi shares the screen with Nagarjuna, who plays a differently-abled person, and romances Tamannah. STR-Nayan’s Idhu Namma Aalu’s Valentine’s Day poster was simple, with the jodi seen as a married

Getting her swimsuit act right

Sakshi has been the talk of the town after her swimsuit act in the upcoming film Ka Ka Ka Po.

 Sexy model-turned-actress Sakshi Agarwal

Sexy model-turned-actress Sakshi Agarwal, who started her career with a Kannada film, has been the talk of the town after her swimsuit act in the upcoming film Ka Ka Ka Po (an acronym of Kavithavum Kannadhasanum Kadhalika Poraanga). Sakshi plays the role of Kavitha under debutant Vijay’s direction. “The film Ka Ka Ka Po is based on the idea that the first kiss is very important in any girl’s life, and will cause problems if not chosen correctly,” says Sakshi.

About her controversial outfit, she says, “I wore a proper single piece swim suit with a scarf tied around my waistline. Why the big fuss?” She adds, “In my introduction song Tan Tana Tan, the director showed nine aspects of my character, starting with a school girl and ending with a Miss Universe of sorts. I also have a signature dialogue which gets repeated throughout the film. It’s a very meaty role and I really enjoyed the shooting experience.”

Sakshi says that anyone can look glamorous — even in a saree, if the attitude is right. She has declined item songs because she wants to establish herself as an actress of substance. “I am a big fan of Dhanush and I would love to grab a film if the opportunity arises,” she gushes. Sakshi is also confident of doing her own dubbing — “I did my schooling and college in Chennai and am fluent in Tamil. In fact, I was a gold medalist from Anna University and again a topper in my master’s degree.” The bubbly girl has also crooned a number for the promo video of Ka Ka Ka Po. Her upcoming films include Brahma.com which is a romantic fantasy comedy, with Nakul.

Keerthy excited to work with Ilayathalapathy

She will be the leading lady of Vijay 60.

 Keerthy Suresh

The news is official: Keerthy Suresh, who rose to fame with films like Idhu Enna Maayam and Rajini Murugan, will be the leading lady of Vijay 60 directed by Bharathan of Azhagiya Tamizh Magan fame. For any upcoming actress, doing a film with Vijay would be a big dream, and yes — it looks like she’s super excited about this.

Putting all speculation to rest, the actress herself announced it on Twitter. Her tweet reads, “Signed Vijay 60. Feeling extremely happy to pair with Ilayathalapathy Vijay sir. Thanks for your support! Can’t wait to start (sic).” Apparently, the filmmakers initially planned on roping in two heroines, but they’ve finally settled for one! Meanwhile, we hear that the shooting will begin from April, and the second schedule is likely to begin in May and continue till August.

When DC contacted filmmaker Bharathan, he told us that they are planning to extensively shoot in Hyderabad, Chennai and Rajahmundri. “This will be an out-and-out family, commercial entertainer, very much like the other films of the actor, with equal doses of sentiment, romance, comedy, and action. And we are planning to release the movie by this year end,” he added. Santhosh Narayanan is composing the music, which includes five songs. Vijaya Productions will produce the film and Sukumar will be cranking the camera.

Balakumaran reveals Ajith’s new period film

Balakumaran recently confirmed the project, and revealed that he is working on a period film.

 Vishnu Vardhan and Ajith

Ajith had a fantastic 2015, and his Diwali offering Vedalam turned out to be his biggest blockbuster, breaking all previous records. Post his knee surgery, the actor is recuperating and spending quality time along with his family in an overseas locale.  

Though Thala in all probability will be teaming up with Sirutthai Siva for his next film, we hear that the Mankatha star will once again join hands with Vishnuvardhan, with whom he collaborated for two movies. Veteran writer Balakumaran  recently confirmed the project, and revealed that he is working on a period film with director Vishnuvardhan. Ajith is the frontrunner for the protagonist role of a Chola king. Balakumaran and the director were seen exploring many temples in south Tamil Nadu, and are said to be conducting vital research. But the writer also added that it is not about Raja Raja Chozhan who built the world famous Brihadeshwara r temple in Tanjore. Ajith is not new to historical movies; he has acted in the SRK starrer Asoka as the brother of the former. We could not reach Vishnuvardhan for comment, despite a few attempts.

Neetu to be seen in American sitcom

Neetu Chandra

After actresses Priyanka Chopra and Nimrat Kaur, Neetu Chandra, who rose to fame with films like Aadhi Bhagavan and Yaavarum Nalam, will be seen along Tarun Mullick, one of the lead actors in a new primetime Hollywood sitcom. We hear that she has been roped in to play a full-length comedy role that actresses usually don’t get to explore much. Sources say that the actress was auditioned for this one properly, and has been shooting since the first week of December. The show will be telecast sometime soon. It’s being said thatthis has been a great learning experience to her so far as she underwent some training to acquire an American accent for the show and also took up the offer as a chance to showcase Indian culture.

She is also looking forward to doing an action film in Hollywood! In Tamil, she has a musical thriller titled Vaigai Express where she plays a dual role for the first time in her career. Featuring an ensemble female cast of Komal Sharma and Suja Varunee, the film is being helmed by Shaji Kailas.

I would like to kiss under the mistletoe’

Catherine Tresa

Catherine Tresa, after making a mark in Tollywood, made an impressive debut in Tamil with a de-glam role in Madras. The dazzling diva who was last seen in the epic film Rudramadevi has her kitty full with four Tamil flicks, and a Telugu movie with Allu Arjun. The 25-year-old says she is now exploring her potential as an actress with varied roles. 

 

Catherine starts off about her plans for Christmas this year, by saying that she normally spends the festival as well as New Year’s day in an overseas locale with her parents. How about this year? “Christmas is going to be in Beijing this year!” she says, as she gets ready for her trip.  Has anything changed after becoming a star? Pat comes her reply,  “The festival for me now is about doing something nice for people who need it and animals too. It’s a time when everybody should be happy.”

 

On her childhood memories on X’Mas she says, “As a child, I mostly looked forward to chocolate and plum cakes, exchanging gifts and get-togethers. I also loved singing in the church choir.” But she categorically states that she does not believe in the myth of Santa Claus, when asked what she would want if he granted her a wish. Being a foodie, Tresa says, “I am a great food lover. And the best part of the festival is the various dishes from turkey to mince pies to puddings, cakes and sprouts and more. I am fond of turkey with all the stuffing, which is my favourite!”

 

Quiz her on her ability to cook special dishes, and all she does is flash her beautiful smile. “Cooking? Ha  ha ha,  no not really! I’m not there yet.” The much-loved classic It’s a Wonderful Life, tops the list of her favourite Christmas-themed movies. “I like many TV shows as well — five episodes of Big Bang Theory, Two and a Half Men and Everybody Loves Raymond will have me in splits (laughs).”

 

As the tradition goes would she like to be kissed under the mistletoe? Without any hesitation she quips, “Sure, I would like to try it.  I’m not particular about being kissed under mistletoe. That being said, I’m not averse to trying it either!” She reveals that the coming year is going to be one of the most exciting periods in her caree — “Kathakali with Vishal under Pandiraj’s direction will be out on Pongal. I love the way it has come out. Kanithan with Atharvaa, which is also ready for release is an interesting flick.  I’m still working on Veera Theera Sooran with Vishnu Vishal. In Telugu I am teaming up with Allu Arjun for Sarainodu.”

Parvathy gives back to an ugly online comment

Parvathy

Actress Parvathy of Mariyaan fame took some time to give it back to one of her pervert fans who commented on her social networking page after she posted a picture after watching the 100th day show of her Malayalam film Ennu Ninte Moideen. Below the picture, someone called Alfred posted, “poyi th**** dii”. Parvathy replied, “Congrats on being the representative of the most uncultured one year old of this generation. I feel sorry for your family and this world which inflicted by you. Learn to behave or the world will teach you and it won’t be pleasant boy (sic).”

 

Also she made an elaborate post on her Instagram page. The actress posted, “What a great day, people! Here, let me introduce you to Alfred. When I posted a photo of Kanchanamala and I watching ENM together, this most cultured boy felt the need to ask me to ‘go poop’. Proud moment for his family! Proud moment for us, we seem to churn out cyber bullies at such a tender age! Here I break my silence. No more of this, people. No one is taking this anymore. Beware. Enough is enough. I'm not turning a blind eye anymore. This is for all those who suffer bullying in silence. Time for manners to make a comeback! It’s time (sic).” 

 

Not so long, somebody commented inappropriately on actress Vishakha Singh’s photo that she had posted on her Facebook page to which she gave a befitting reply without mincing word! Looks like celebs no longer will take the online ‘heckling’ quietly!

Anirudh to compose for Prashanth’s film

Anirudh

The south remake of successful Bollywood film Special 26, starring Akshay Kumar and Kajal Aggarwal as leads, was acquired by director-producer Thiagarajan some time back. It was heard that Prashanth will reprise the role of Akshay in the Tamil remake and that Ravi Teja will be play lead in the Telugu version. However, there has been no news pertaining to the project for a long time. According to a source, Anirudh will be roped in as the music composer for the project. The young composer who was recently embroiled in the ‘Beep Song’ controversy has few other promising flicks too in his kitty.  The Why This Kolaveri composer who was the music director for the recent release Thangamagan, opted out of Suriya’s Singam 3 some time back .

Vetrimaaran’s next to be a multi-starer

Dhanush

Multi-starrers seem to be the new toast in Kollywood. The news about an unconfirmed project with Arya, Vishal, Rana, Arvind Swamy and Atharvaa under Bala’s direction was doing the rounds recently. Similarly, it was announced some time back that Vetrimaaran and Dhanush will join together for Vada Chennai after the national award-winning Aadukalam which released five years ago.

 

The movie will have Samantha being paired opposite Dhanush for the second time. Now, a source says that the crew is mulling over making the project a multi-starrer. The grapevine has it that two more leading stars will be roped in for the untitled film. We hear that the makers are keen on bringing Jiiva and Vijay Sethupathi on board. However, both the stars have their hands full. 

Suriya asks fans to stay away from celebrations

Suriya

It is commonplace in K’town that whenever any big hero’s flick releases, the ardent fans of the actor indulge in activities like erecting banners, pasting posters, doing palabhishekam and more, thus decorating the theatre premises. Suriya enjoys a huge fan base and his new film Pasanga 2 in Pandiraj’s direction is hitting the marquee on December 24.

 

At a time when Tamil Nadu is going through distress, Suriya has thoughtfully requested his fans not to waste money on banners, posters or decorating theatres for Pasanga 2. “I am not for it! I have insisted this to you in person on several earlier occasions. Instead, you help those who are affected by the recent deluge in whatever way you can,” he stated. 

Yet another philanthropic act of the Masss actor has come in for praise. Besides donating `25 lakh along with Karthi and Sivakumar, Suriya has also adopted three villages, Nelvar, Kachur and Keragambakkam in Thiruvallur district, one of the worst affected in the recent floods. He has pledged to rebuild those three villages.

 

When Kollywood’s BFFs surprised ECR resident

Sivakarthikeyan and Sathish

Actors Sivakarthikeyan and Sathish surprised few residents of ECR during a break while shooting their current film. The duo, who share a great bond off screen and make fun of each other sportingly on public platforms, took a break from the schedule of the untitled film being directed by Bakkiyaraj, and took a fun ride. According to a source, they enjoyed a ride on a Royal Enfield bike at midnight in the city, stopped near a teashop and clicked pictures. 

 

An excited Sathish posted a couple of pictures on his micro blogging page and wrote, “What a wowwwwwww bike ride after shoot with @Siva_Kartikeyan bro.” The source adds that the shooting of the film is happening in ECR for few days. Produced by RD Raja, the movie has Keerthy Suresh opposite Sivakarthikeyan for the second time.

Jiiva and Sri Divya to pair up?

Sri Divya

Jiiva, who’s awaiting the release of Thirunaal, is likely to do a film with newbie Ike, who was a former associate of Priyadarshan and Kamal Haasan. Rumours are abuzz that Sri Divya has been approached to play the female lead, but nothing has been confirmed yet. Jiiva’s hands are currently full with films like Pokkiri Raja, Kavalai Vendam, Gemini Ganesan and an untitled flick with KV Anand (with whom he worked earlier in Ko). If this materialises, it would be the first time that Jiiva and Sri Divya will be seen  sharing the screen.

 

We hear that the film is likely to be bankrolled by Fox Star India. As of now, Sathyan Sooriyan, known for his work in Maya, will handle the camera and TS Suresh will do the editing. Ilayaraja, the production designer of Vishwaroopam, will design the sets. The title of the project hasn’t yet been clinched, and the rest of the cast is still being decided upon. Sources close to the actor say that Thirunaal will be released first and Jiiva will be focusing on Deekay’s Kavalai Vendam by January end next year. However, after finishing the ongoing projects, Jiiva might go ahead with Ike’s project.