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.”