Chennai: (IANS) Superstar Rajinikanth, known for his unassuming attitude and charming aura, celebrated his 62nd birthday Wednesday with close friends and family at his residence here. “Though early in the morning he stepped out on to his balcony to wave to his fans outside his house, he spent the rest of the day with his family and select friends from the industry,” a source from the industry told IANS.
Nevertheless, Rajinikanth fans had every reason to celebrate to the fullest. Members of a Rajinikanth fans association cut cakes and unfolded banners in different parts of the city to mark this special day. “`12.12.12` is a very special day and our superstar`s birthday falling on the same day makes it much more auspicious. This day comes only once in 100 years and, therefore, we wanted to make the best of it,” Sarathy, a member of Rajinikanth fans association, told reporters.
“We also performed puja in the temple, wishing our superstar health, happiness and prosperity,” he added. Meanwhile, some members of the Tamil film industry also celebrated the actor`s birthday in style. At the audio launch of a Tamil film titled ‘Payapulla’, a 63-kg cake was cut by Rajinikanth`s mentor, K Balachander.
On the other hand, two books – ‘My Days with Baasha – The Rajinikanth Phenomenon’ and ‘Rajinikanth – 12.12.12, A Birthday Special’ were launched. The former is authored by veteran southern filmmaker Suresh Krissna, and the latter is published by The Hindu.
Rajinikanth`s ‘Sivaji 3D’ also hit screens Wednesday. All the fifteen screens showing the 3D film across Chennai had sold-out shows. The film was released in Tamil Nadu, Kerala and Karnataka.
Remember Anirudh Ravichander, arey the one who composed ‘Kolaveri di…’ song. Anirudh has once again come into news but this time for wrong reasons. His pictures with Tamil actress-singer Andrea Jeremiah have leaked online which depict them in intimate moments.
Anirudh and Andrea are least bothered about these pictures. Andrea admitted that the pictures are not morphed and were taken almost 15-16 months back when they were in relationship. These pictures have gone viral and it is being circulated from down south to up north without any restraint.
Hit adult comedy ‘Delhi Belly’ will be remade in Tamil with popular south actor Arya. In original, the Aamir Khan home production was directed by debutant Abhinay Deo in English and dubbed in Hindi. The Tamil version will be helmed by South director R Kannan.
“‘Delhi Belly will work well with Tamil audiences and we are thrilled with the exceptional screenplay that the team of young writers has developed,” UTV Motion Pictures, CEO, Siddharth Roy Kapur said in a statement.
In the untitled Tamil version, Arya will play Imran Khan’s role while Santhanam will reprise Kunaal Roy Kapur’s character and popular actor Premgi will essay Vir Das’s role.
Hansika Motwani and Anjali have been roped in to play the airhostess and journalist respectively. “We have brought on actors who are youthful and popular, along with a very skilled director at the helm. We are confident that the great content of ‘Delhi Belly’ will act as a bridge for cinema loving audiences across languages,” Kapur said.
The Hindi film was co-produced by UTV Motion Pictures and Aamir Khan Productions. The yet to be titled Tamil version will be produced by UTV Motion Pictures and is slated for a Pongal release in January 2013.
The Biggest Superstar in Asia after Jackie Chan and Mega Star in Indian film industry Rajinikanth has returned to what he does the best. He started shooting for his next film’ Kochadaiyaan ‘ yesterday and released the first look of the movie which showcases Rajini sporting eight packs. This movie will be shot in 3D and with the first look itself this movie has generated huge interest among cinegoers not only in South India but also in the northern part where Rajinikanth was not popular in the last century.
‘Kochadaiyaan’ is an costume drama directed by Rajinikanth’s daughter Soundarya and the script is penned by KS Ravi Kumar. AR Rahman is composing music for this film. Katrina Kaif is expected to play Rajini’s love interest in the movie. Bollywood actor Jackie Shroff has already been signed for the movie.
Filmi Files will keep its readers posted about the movie.
Queen bee of Bollywood, Katrina Kaif is all set to star opposite southern superstar Rajinikanth in ‘Kochadaiyaan’ which is being directed by Rajini’s daughter Soundarya.
A source close to the film revealed the news to a daily and said, “It`s true. We were very keen on Katrina. Two superstars together from the South and the North would create magic. We`ve been negotiating with her for some time. She is shooting for Yash Chopra, and has assured us of her dates in the next few months.”
When director Soundarya was asked, she confirmed the news and said, “Yes, we are indeed in talks with Katrina and we will let you know soon.”
Most of the shooting has been completed and only Katrina’s portions are left. Katrina, who is busy shooting for ‘Ek Tha Tiger’ with Salman Khan, and an untitled film with Shah Rukh Khan, will squeeze out time to shoot for the film. Once her portions are shot, the film will be complete.
“In ‘Kochadaiyaan’, Rajinikanth plays a king, a devotee of Lord Shiva. His love story with Katrina, their songs, will be shot on an epic scale,” another source said.
The film’s music is being composed by A R Rahman, who has composed a beautiful love song which is to be filmed on Rajinikanth and Katrina.
A friend of the actress reveals that even though Katrina has a hectic schedule these days, she has agreed to work in ‘Kochadaiyaan’ as it has been her dream to work with Rajini for a long time.
It would be interesting to see the new jodi on screen. What say, guys?
‘Rajapattai’, which means `the path of the king`, has turned out to be a poor show in terms of story, script and performances. Director Suseenthiran, known for presenting films with different themes, has failed to impress with his new offering. The story, script, romance, item song, the characterisation – everything has been poorly conceived and executed. The stunts by Anal Arasu and the cinematography by Madhie are the only saving grace for the film. Not even Vikram`s charming presence could save the film.
‘Rajapattai’ is another hero-centric film. Vikram, with his toned physique, dons different get-ups and handles the fighting sequences stylishly. But his efforts fail to make any impact as the script has no life in it. Anal Murugan (Vikram) is a gym boy who acts as stuntman in cinema and dreams of becoming a villain on screen. He meets a noble-hearted but helpless Dakshinamoorthy (K Viswanath) and saves him from the clutches of his own son Chidambaram (Avinash), who wants to grab his father`s assets to get political mileage.
Chidambaram wants to gift land to Ranganayaki (Sana), a minister and a land mafia, who promises to make him an MLA in return. But Dakshinamoorthy doesn`t want to give his land, as he runs an orphanage in that place. Ranganayaki manages to deceive the old man despite Murugan`s resistance. Murugan is now determined to get the land back. He is ready to fight with the politician come what may. But there is another powerful person called Vappa (Pradeep Rawat), acting as the brain behind Ranganayaki. Vappa is the most dreaded underworld person, but Murugan is ready for the challenge.
The rest of the movie shows how the hero fulfills the mission. Everything is predictable — so there`s no suspense, no brilliance and no thrills. Vikram tries his best to lift the movie, but the script didn`t give him much scope. His get-ups and satirical act are good, but they don`t add anything to the fare. Beautiful looking Deeksha Seth gets a forgettable role in her debut movie in Tamil, while K Viswanath ensures some interesting moments. Sana is impressive in her maiden outing in a stereotype role.
Yuvan Shankar Raja disappoints with his songs. Suseenthiran made his debut with ‘Vennila Kabadi Kuzhu’, which was critically acclaimed. Then he proved his credentials as a commercial director in ‘Nan Mahaahn Alla’, followed by an off-beat movie ‘Azhagarsamiyin Kuthirai’ which was also received well.
Unfortunately, ‘Rajapattai’ has turned out to be a poor show, and the director is to be blamed. He had a good storyline, and a hero with proven credentials. But he failed to make use of them. Overall, ‘Rajapattai’ is a tiring ride on an improper road.
For someone who is born in Tamil Nadu, this man needs no introduction. His name alone sells better than freshly baked cakes, for he is the apple of everyone’s eye. Here’s presenting Shivaji Rao Gaikwad, who is popularly known as Rajinikanth.
In real life, Shivaji played various roles that proved to be a litmus-test of sorts for transforming him from a piece of coal to a diamond. After having lost his mother Jijabai at the tender age of 5, Shivaji had to struggle to make ends meet. He studied at Government Model Primary School and got his elementary education in Kannada. He also worked as a porter before becoming a bus conductor.
The superstar of tomorrow, Shivaji took keen interest in theatre and once played Duryodhana in Topi Muniappa’s play. Raj Bahadur, a co-worker and a friend of his, recognized the exceptional talent in him and encouraged Shivaji to join the Madras Film Institute.
And that is how the ace filmmaker K Balachander discovered him. With the director’s 1975 blockbuster `Apoorva Raagangal` winning the National Award for Best Feature Film in Tamil, Indian cinema got one of its most loved heroes- Rajinikanth.
Despite playing an antagonist in his debut film, Rajini stole people’s hearts. His villainous stint continued with `Moondru Mudichu` where he played a womanizer and a roadside Romeo in `16 Vayadhinile`.
`Bairavi` released in 1978, launched Rajini as the protagonist. A number of films followed as the newly born superstar of South Indian enthralled audiences with his uber cool unique style with élan. He redefined heroism through his performances that could make people believe in making even impossible things happen. He could fire at a note of Rs 100 and turn it into coins of an equal amount. He could even slice a bullet aimed at him by throwing a knife at it in his trademark style. And he continues to make people believe the unbelievable.
The trendsetter has inspired generations of actors and many have tried aping his style of tossing a cigarette and flipping a match stick in the air and making the lighted cigarette ready for a puff. His style is matchless and his persona incredibly attractive.
Want to know who or what Rajinikanth is? You may ask the Japanese people, for he is for Japan what Raj Kapoor was for Russia.
A sexagenarian now, Rajini has gracefully accepted aging in real life. On screen though, he convincingly romances girls half his age. However, what is unique and praiseworthy is that Rajini isn’t someone who is conscious of looking older and different in real life from his screen self. He still rules the hearts of millions and is followed by a sea of humanity even if he is sporting grey stubble and a bald head.
Surprisingly, the man has never been part of any controversy in a field where grape juice turns into wine overnight. He is certainly one of those exceptional souls who are above gossip. In a career spanning over three and a half decades, Rajini has had a pristine journey. Seldom do entertainment professionals manage to live a spotless life.
Perhaps that is something that makes Rajinikanth a demigod. He is worshipped by his diehard followers who can go about doing the craziest of things for him. Recently, when news of Rajini’s illness made headlines, many fans of his, tonsured heads at various temples to pray for his recovery.
Post recovery, Rajinikanth addressed his fans for their unconditional love and support saying, “I am talking to you after speaking to the chief minister who had assured government`s help and to Kalaignar (Karunanidhi) who has immense affection for me. Sorry for not talking to you first.”
That’s Rajinikanth for everyone- someone who is as humble as a modest commoner.
Though he primarily does South Indian films, his performances in Hindi films too have shined. He has also become a subject of a series of gags that present him as an enfant terrible that are incredibly hilarious. That goes to show what Rajinikanth is all about.
For many he is a trendsetter, for many others a demigod, but this institution of learning is class apart- he is a charmer whom God has bestowed on the film fraternity to entertain generation after generation.
Here’s wishing the living legend a very happy birthday (12th December).
Chennai: (IANS) Superstar Rajinikanth, known for his unassuming attitude and charming aura, celebrated his 62nd birthday Wednesday with close friends and family at his residence here. “Though early in the morning he stepped out on to his balcony to wave to his fans outside his house, he spent the rest of the day with his family and select friends from the industry,” a source from the industry told IANS.
