Saguni

'Saguni' is Karthi's forthcoming political satire which marks the debut of director Shankar Dayal. The film will be produced under the Dream Warrior Pictures banner and Karthi will be seen opposite Pranitha. The film will do away from clich�d racy political thrillers where the hero beats up goons and baddies or dons the role of a politician to teach his villain a lesson. For, 'Saguni' has no villains! "Karthi, after facing tussles in his village, moves to Chennai where certain circumstances lead him to opt for politics. Karthi's character has negative shades in the film, but in the end, he does it all for the good of the society", express sources in the know. In fact, it is said that his character, at certain portions will remind one of corporate lobbyist Nira Radia, of 2G spectrum scam. The film also has Radhika Sarathkumar playing a pivotal role, of a politician again. With good on-screen chemistry between Karthi and Pranitha, a political satire without villains and Karthi in part grey shades, 'Saguni' sure looks like a promising venture.

Rajapattai

Both Vikram and Suseenthiran are known for off-beat films. But when the actor and the director come together, the output is a 'full-fledged commercial entertainer'. We are talking about 'Rajapattai', which is taking shape in a brisk pace.

Produced by Prasad V Potluri of PVP Cinema, 'Rajapattai' has Deeksha Seth opposite the Chiyaan. For the first time, Yuvan Shankar Raja is composing music for a Vikram-starrer and the music composer is upbeat about it.

In 'Rajapattai', Vikram plays a gym instructor-cum-cinema stuntman, who aspires to become a leading villain in films. However, life has got some twists in store for him. Besides, the film is said to be taking a dig at those involved in land grabbing, an issue which is in the headlines of late.

Says Vikram, "I have taken audience on an emotional journey in Ravanan and Deiva Thirumagal. Now I would like to make my fans feel good with my 'gym boy' persona in Rajapattai, which is a powerful entertainer."

Vikram hopes to identify with the young with his 'gym boy' role. To further 'connect' with his audience, the actor has released a string of mobile apps across all platforms. He is the second actor (the first being Telugu actor Mahesh Babu) to do so.

Says Vikram, "I can assure Rajapattai will be a complete treat to one and all. Suseenthiran is a gifted filmmaker, I must say, as he is good at extracting the best from his colleagues."

"It is a movie on the lines of Dhool, Samy and Dhil. Suseenthiran, known for doing movies close to reality, has opted for a colourful-film loaded with commercial elements and I enjoy doing it", adds Vikram.

On his part, the director says, "It's the first time I am experimenting with an out-and-out commercial film. I am really glad to have cast a versatile actor like Vikram in this film. He has given nothing but his best for each and every scene."

Giving more details on the project, the maker of 'Vennila Kabadi Kuzhu' and 'Azhagarsamiyin Kudhirai', says, "These days we read in newspapers on incidents of land grabbing and the police action on the wrong-doers. This is the basic knot of Rajapattai."

Billa II

Ajith's forthcoming offering, 'Billa 2', is a prequel to his 2007 blockbuster hit, 'Billa'. This film by Chakri Toleti showcases how a commoner who is an Eelam refugee, David (read Ajith), from the coastal regions of Tamil Nadu goes on to become Billa, one of the most feared underworld dons.

Ajith plays the titular role in the film with Parvathy and Bruna Abdullah playing his lead ladies and Sudhanshu Pandey in a pivotal role. Earlier, Huma Qureshi was supposed to play the main female lead; however she was replaced by Parvathy after the first schedule of the film, as the script underwent changes, which was after the makers watched Ajith's 50th offering, 'Mankatha'.

It may be mentioned that Ajith's 'Billa' that released in 2007 and was directed by Vishnuvardhan, fetched him more fans than ever and the movie was one sleek package with Nayanthara and Namitha on board and racy scenes.

An interesting aspect is that the director of this film, Chakri Toleti, will use an EPIC camera for filming. 'Billa 2' is now the first ever Indian film to be shot using an EPIC camera. It was the same breed of EPIC Camera that was used by James Cameron to film 'Avatar'.

Audiences will also get to see a younger Ajith in this film as the script demands for it. The tunes for the film have been composed by Yuvan Shankar Raja who composed the songs of 'Mankatha' as well. Cinematography is by RD Rajashekar.

The film's logo that was recently unveiled has become quite a rage among thala fans, especially in social networking sites.

With thala Ajith playing the lead along with two hotties for the female leads, Yuvan's music and Chakri's direction, 'Billa 2' that will release in April 2012 is definitely going to be one of the most expected films next year.

Mouna Guru

'Mouna Guru' has been creating a speculation right from the day posters of the film released with its hero, Arulnidhi, sporting a T-shirt with the words, I'm not weird I'm gifted. Now the film is complete and gearing up for a release.

Arulnidhi is all set with his third film titled 'Mouna Guru', which from the trailers and posters that have released, seems to be a different film in the making. One thing is clear from the trailers; the attitude of the hero is going to be steadfast in this movie. The film sees Arulnidhi as Karunakaran in titular role with Iniya as Aarthi, both playing his lady love.

The film is directed by Shantha Kumar who is debuting as director with this film. There is also a new choreographer, Dinesh, who is being introduced through this film. The film is set in Chennai. It revolves around a college crowd, an accident and what happens from then on. 'Mouna Guru' belongs to the action thriller genre, and Arulnidhi has revealed that this film will take him to the next level.

Iniya plays a subtle and simple girl-nextdoor in this film. The film is produced by MK Tamilarasu, and music is by Thaman. Lyrics have been penned by Na. Muthukumar and Karthik. The film is all set to hit theatres on December 16.

3 - Three In One

A National Award winning actor is the protagonist. The elder daughter of the one and only Superstar is the director. And the heroine is the daughter of the Ulaganayagan. Make way for '3' that comes with these three interesting talents at the helm of affairs. With 'Why this kolaveri di...' a single track from the film, going viral all over the world, the film has raised enough expectations. "It's a romantic entertainer with a difference," says Aishwarya. Happy about making her debut as director with '3', she says, "It feels great to work with Dhanush, for he is ready to do whatever the director wants. Shruti Haasan is a thorough professional and we all had great time shooting for 3." "It was my longtime dream to direct a film," Aishwarya says and adds: "I penned the script keeping Dhanush and Shruti Haasan in mind. It so happened both agreed to be part of this project." On the music composer, Anirudh, who is a close relative of her, Aishwarya says, "He has been working with me for a longtime now. He composed music for all my short films. So he obviously became the music composer for my maiden feature film. He is a promising talent." Says Dhanush, "We forgot that we are a couple on the sets of 3. Aishwarya treated herself as a director and I was just an actor, doing what she expected out of me. Honestly speaking, she has shaped up 3 in a very interesting manner." He adds: "The film has an interesting storyline and I am sure that anyone who watches the film would like it. It has all the ingredients today's youngster expects from a movie. I am eagerly expecting the movie's release." On her part, Shruti Haasan says, "I know Aishwarya right from the day when we were kids. We became very close while working for 3. I had a very meaty role to play and Dhanush is a very good co-star to work with." Anirudh hopes that the film would carve a place for him in Kollywood. The young composer in his early 20s is very humble when he says, "The credits for 'kolaveri...' not just belong to me. Dhanush came out with good lyrics and he crooned it well. Aishwarya ably supported us."

Thadaiyara thaakka

Not all films generate expectations. But Arun Vijay's 'Thadaiyara Thaakka' is sure one. For the movie comes after two decent shows by the actor ('Malai Malai' and 'Maanja Velu'), and it is directed by Magizh Thirumeni, who made an impressive debut with 'Mundhinam Parthene'.

A former associate of Gautham Vasudev Menon, Magizh seems to be going his mentor's way. Like how Gautham's first film 'Minnale' was a romantic entertainer, so was 'Mundhinam Partheney'. And like how Gautham's second film 'Khaakka Khaakka' was an action extravaganza, so is going to be 'Thadaiyara Thaakka'.

Produced by Dr N S Mohan on Feather Touch Entertainment banner, 'Thadaiyara Thaakka' has music by Thaman S. The young music composer is said to have soon given foot-tapping numbers, fitting well to the mood of the racy flick.

Happy about the way the film is shaping up, Arun Vijay says, "Director Magizh Thirumeni hails from Gautham Vasudev Menon's school of filmmaking and he is proving it each passing day. We are having a blast shooting for the film and I am sure that it would click big time in the box office."

Mamta Mohandas makes her reentry in Kollywood by playing Arun Vijay's love interest in this film. It is said that Arun Vijay and Mamta share a good chemistry in romance scenes. Earlier it was Prachi Desai who was set to play the heroine, but she walked out of the project. "Mamta is far better than Prachi," Arun says,

On her part, Mamta, who is busy with projects in Tollywood and Mollywood, says, "I was waiting for one such offer from Kollywood. It is a good role and I am happy to be part of a young and energetic team."

Director Magizh says the film will be high in action, and at the same time will be logical. "Arun Vijay's talents have been utilized to the best possible extent. He is a gifted actor who is an expert at dance and stunts. I am happy to work with him."

Shooting for 'Thadaiyara Thaakka' is almost over and the film is getting for a release. Sources close to the producers say attempts are on to release the flick in as many cinema halls as possible. 

Attakathi

This is the first-time effort of Ranjith, who will be debuting as director into the Tamil film industry with 'Attakathi.' Ranjith has assisted Venkat Prabhu in the latter's films like 'Goa.' 'Attakathi' is a real-life story and at the same time a humorous take on the lives of guys based in the suburbs of Chennai. The film sees Dinesh and Swetha as the lead pair.
 
Dinesh has earlier appeared in 'Aadukalam' as well as in the more recently released 'Mouna Guru.' The film also sees a handful of fresh faces who are venturing in to cinema with this film. So why the name attakathi (a sword made of cardboard)?
 
The director recently revealed regarding the title of this film. He said, the hero of the film is just like a pseudo sword. All talk and no action. The film depicts a phase of the hero's life - his family, people close to him, his friends and people whom he does not favour much, his relatives.
 
'Attakathi' is produced by Thirukumaran Entertainments and has music by Santosh Narayanan. The music audio of this film will soon go on air, and the film will see a release in a couple of months, reveal some sources in the industry.

Mugamudi

Tamil films are getting bigger and better every passing year. This year, Mysskin, who is popular for his critically acclaimed films, is all set to deliver one more time this time with a different genre. Mysskin's 'Mugamoodi' which has Jiiva playing the lead with see him in a superhero's avatar. The film is touted to be Tamil's first ever full-fledged superhero venture. Mugamoodi has Narain portraying a very pivotal albeit negative role. Pooja Hegde is the heroine. The film sees veteran actor Nasser and Prakash Raj in important roles. Even before the shoot for 'Mugamoodi' began Jiiva and Narain have undergone rigorous training in martial arts to get in to the character and for their actions in the film to seem real. The movie is also touted to have a hair-raising stunt sequence between the protagonist and the antagonist. Jiiva is believed to have undergone a lot of training for portraying a superhero's role in this film. Pooja Hegde will appear as a news reporter as well as Jiiva's lover in the film. The superhero costume of Jiiva has also come under the scanner. The dress which has been designed in Hong Kong is touted to be priced at more than 50 lakhs! For this hefty price the costume also comes at a heavy 10 Kg! Music for 'Mugamoodi' is by Krishnakumar who is also known in the film industry as K, and the lyrics are by Madhan Karky and Kabilan. The film is produced by UTV Motion Pictures. All previous films from Mysskin have won the director as well as its stars a lot of critical appreciation. And this being a superhero subject, the expectations are high on 'Mugamoodi.' The film's shoot has begun and is progressing at a quick pace. The director plans to wrap up the shoot quickly and go ahead with the post production details. Mugamoodi is touted to release during the summer of 2012!

MANKATHA-TALKS

DIRECTER VENKET

ACTOR BHARATH


AMALAPAL       
                                                  
DEVAYANI

 SJ.SURYA

 DHEENA RJ

 ATHARVA

                                                                                                                         CHARAN

                                                                                                                         PUSHKAR & GAYATHRI

                                                                                                                         PRASSANA

                                                                                                                         JAI

                                                                                                                         SUSEENDRAN

                                                                                                                         RAMESH KANNA

                                                                                                                         DHEENA

mankatha

Mankatha' is seeing a release in 34 locations at USA! It truly can't get bigger than this. Online ticketing is currently open in many locations. Check out the below and book your tickets in advance for Thala Ajith's game, 'Mankatha'!

Big cinemas Locations:

Phoenix Big Cinemas Dos Lagos Stadium 15 

Big Cinemas Towne 3, San Jose, CA 

Big Cinemas Freemont, CA 

Big Cinemas Norwalk, CA 

Big Cinemas Columbia Park, NJ 

Big Cinemas Movie City, Edison, NJ

Big Cinemas Peach Tree, Atlanta, GA 

Big Cinemas Golf Glenn, Chicago, IL 

Big Cinemas Loehmanns, VA 

Cinemark Locations:

Austin, TX Tinsel Town 

Century 20 Great Mall and XD, Milpitas, CA

Century Folsom 14 (Sacramento)  

Century Aurora (Denver), CO 

Cinemark Movies 10, Charlotte (Matthews), NC 

Cinemark Warren, Detroit, MI

Other Locations:

The Screens at the Continent - Columbus

Georgetown 14 Cinemas - Indianapolis 

West Hills -Laemmle Fallbrook - Los Angeles

Reading Cinemas, Carmel Mountain 12 - San Diego

Fun Asia Hollywood, Dallas, TX 

Fun Asia, Houston, TX 

MyGalaxy Cinema Raleigh

Britton 8 Tampa, Florida 

Bloomfield 8 Cinema - Connecticut

Entertainment Cinemas, Boston, MA 

Navrang Theaters, Roswell, GA 

Peoria, IL 

Bloomfield, IL

Green Bay, WI 

Milwaukee, WI 

Madison, WI 

Mann Maple Grove, Minneapolis 

Pollack Tempe Cinemas, Tempe, AZ

Totem Lake Seattle, WA

Paagan

Srikanth is back in the limelight after some set backs in his career during the mid 2000s. The actor is at the moment busy with a handful of films in Tamil and Telugu.

In Tamil Srikanth is shooting for director Shankar's 'Nanban' alongside a pompous star cast to the likes of Vijay, Jiiva and Ileana. A Tamil version of Bollywood's '3 Idiots' 'Nanban' is touted to have all the ingredients of a Shankar film in terms of grandeur, larger than life sets and beautiful locales over seas.

Apart from Shankar's 'Nanban,' Srikanth will don the lead's role in 'Ethiri En 3.' This flick is believed to be a thriller with Poonam Bajwa playing Srikanth's female lead. Srikanth also recently signed 'Paagan' which will be directed by Aslam, a subordinate to director Ameer.

Janani Iyer who made a mark with Bala's 'Avan Ivan' has been signed on to play the female lead in this 'Paagan.' The shoot for 'Paagan' has already started rolling from Pollachi. Character artist and popular comedienne Kovai Sarala will play an important role in this film.

Anbulla Kamal

'Four Friends', a Malayalam film that released last year is being dubbed to Tamil as 'Anbulla Kamal'. The film features our very own Kamal Haasan in a pivotal guest appearance towards the end.

This film by Saji Surendran features Jayaram, Jayasurya, Kunchako Boban and Meera Jasmine in the lead roles. The film is inspired by Hollywood blockbuster 'The Bucket List' which garnered much appreciation from critics.

Kamal appears in a scene, portraying his real self, that of a top-notch actor. The film has all the four actors as cancer victims and they meet one another and become close friends during their treatment. Kamal who meets them in an airport gives them pep talk that boosts their confidence.

Rajinikanth's blockbuster 'Anbulla Rajinikanth' also dealt with a cancer patient and the film is a dear one to many fans till date. 'Anbulla Kamal' boasts off a clean script that does away from masala entertainers, we'll have to wait to see if the film strikes the chord at the BO

pandiraj's next film

He hit the bull's eye with 'Pasanga' which bagged a whole lot of awards, locally, nationally as well as some international trophies. Now the director, Pandiraj, is all set to crank the camera for his next project which is touted to be on children along with a love tale in the sideline.

Pandiraj has roped in Oviya ('Kalavani' heroine) as well as Siva Karthikeyan, who is a TV host gaining momentum for his humorous style of hosting shows on small screen. Set in the northern part of Chennai, this film is about kids and deals with the lives of children who grow up amidst local thugs and how the young minds get inspired by the local goons.

The film is yet to be titled and Pandiraj has revealed that he would disclose the title to the media after naming his film. This film will also mark Siva Karthikeyan's entry in to the silver screen from the small screen, and going by the popularity he has garnered on television he might capture the hearts of the movie going audience too soon.

7am Arivu

As august is drawing to a close, eager film lovers are awaiting the films of their icons to hit theatres one behind the other. It was earlier reported that Suriya fans might get to hear the tunes of their star's '7 Am Arivu' on September 10. But there are some sources in the know, who have revealed that there might be a delay in the audio launch of '7 Am Arivu,' with the music hitting stands only by September 22.

The birdies also have suggested that the '7 Am Arivu' team is looking at either one of two places to launch the music - the Nehru Indoor stadium, Chennai or from Malaysia. But one thing is certain, irrespective of the place where the music disc might first be launched this would undoubtedly be a grand affair.

'7 Am Arivu' is  Murugadoss' brainchild and sees Suriya and Shruti Haasan sharing onscreen space for the first time. This film will also be launching Shruti Haasan in to Kollywood as heroine. Apart from this '7 Am Arivu' is packed with other USPs like three dramatically different makeovers of the lead star, spine chilling stunts a cool-as-a-cucumber-villain and a taut storyline.

Music is by Harris Jayaraj and Udhay's Red Giant Movies has produced this picture; the audio launch will be telecasted live on Sun TV.

Dheera

Superstar Rajinikanth's 'Sultan The Warrior' might see a name change and that Soundarya had zeroed in on three names to choose the final title from.

Now the Kollywood grapevine is abuzz that 'Sultan The Warrior' will be rechristened to 'Dheera' as Soundarya wanted a Tamil title for the film. Sources further add that Rajini will don dual avatars in this film, and their names might be Sultan and Dheera.

This live action-cum-animation movie will also feature Prakash Raj, Rahul Dev and many others in pivotal roles and has music by AR Rahman.

An official announcement on the name change from 'Sultan The Warrior' to 'Dheera' will be made soon and the film may see light of the day before Rajini's 'Rana'.

Vettai

The shoot for Vettai starring Arya and Madhavan has begun. They have begun shooting in Karaikudi. Sameera Reddy and Amala Paul will be paired opposite the duo. Arya and Madhavan are riding high after their recent successes at the box office. Maddy delivered a smash hit with Tanu Weds Manu (Hindi) and Arya had Boss Engira Bhaskaran. All eyes are on these hit machines.

There are high expectations for Lingusamy’s Vettai as Maddy chose this film despite being flooded with offers from Bollywood. We wish the entire unit the very best for their project!

It is no more a secret that Madhavan is playing a honest police officer and a doting elder brother of Arya in 'Vettai', a film directed by 'commercial expert' Lingusamy.

The name of his character in the film is Thirumoorthy. "A man with principles, he wants to serve the department and the society with utmost sincerity. But what happens when hurdles come in his way is the crux of the story," sources say.

Arya plays a carefree younger brother of Madhavan who later takes on an action avatar, sources say and add: "Sameera Reddy plays Madhavan's wife and Amala Paul as her sister."

"Arya falls in love with Amala at the very first sight and their romance scenes will be the highlight of the movie. Vettai is taking shape fast and would hit the screens soon," they further say.

Naanga

Selva is a creative director who started his career with his first debut was ‘Thalaivasal’ and made wonderful hits in the 90s. His other films like Amaravathi, Karna, Pooveli, James Bond, Unnaruge Naanirunthal, Student No. 2 and Naan Avan Illai are admired by audience for somany reasons.

After a long break, Selva is now back with his 25th film 'Naanga' under a new banner Cinema Kottagai. Just as his first film, Selva has chosen a college student’s drama, even for his 25th film.

 The individuality in this is the story spreads over a period of time starting from 1985 to 2010. Selva is the writer director of this film and Balabarathi who did music for ‘Thalaivasal’ does the music for ‘Naanga’ also. 

The silver screen is on its first schedule happening in Tenkasi, Kutralam, Nellai, Pollachi and Coimbatore.

Poda Podi

After the stupendous success of the song “Evan di una pethan,” in Vaanam STR is really coming into his own as a singer and songwriter par excellence. Buoyed with the positive response, he is hard at work with what will hopefully be another chartbuster.  

The song is for Poda Podi and is entitled “Naan correctanavan.” It will be typical of his brand of style that is fast becoming a name unto itself. The Young Superstar feels that he needs to develop these talents as well. His fans cannot wait to hear it!

Nanbargalum 40 Thirudargalum

Kollywood is abuzz with the news that Kamal Haasan, Crazy Mohan and Prabhu are coming together to make a comedy flick. Grapevine has it that the film has been titled Nanbargalum 40 Thirudargalum.

It is worth mentioning here that the trio joined hands for Vasool Raja MBBS, a remake of the Hindi blockbuster Munna Bhai MBBS, and the film was a smash hit. Nanbargalum 40 Thirudargalum will be produced by Sivaji Productions.

Sources in Kollywood say that Kamal may commence this film once he wraps up Viswaroopam, which went on floors this week. More details about this project is expected to be made soon.

Mareesan

Director Chimbudevan may just be three films old in Tamil cinema as a director, but he has definitely carved a niche for himself, what with laugh riots like 'Imsai Arasan 23m Pulikesi', 'Arai En 305-il Kadavil' and 'Irumbukkottai Murattu Singam'.

Now the latest is that, the director is coming up with a movie, 'Mareesan', with Dhanush playing the lead role!

This film will be Dhanush's biggie with a budget of Rs 30 crore and will be produced by UTV Motion Pictures. 'Mareesan' will be a fantasy period film set in the 12th  century and have Dhanush in a never-seen-before suave avatar.

It seems the director took extreme care in penning the script of this fantasy period drama as he wanted to pay attention to every detail, and do justice to the big budget the film boasts off.

Music for 'Mareesan' will be by GV Prakash and camera by Kathir. The hunt for Dhanush's lady love in this film is on and the 'Mareesan' will go on floors by the end of the year.