"What Madhan? Why Alphonsa has married so suddenly?" Shanthi asked as she came along.

"You must know, Shanthi. Is it not the time-tested fashion for our actress would spring a surprise only when she conducts her marriage duly giving prior notice and after distributing proper wedding invitations. In the beginning, Alphonsa told that they are destroying her very life for the lure of money. But, do you know what she had told finally?"

"Yes. I am aware of that. She has told that she won't act hereafter in films. She has further told that money is not important to her. She has preferred peace of mind to prosperity. Really, this is a surprise. Until now she has donned glamourous roles only for the sake of money. But the very same money has become her tormentor and enemy in the end. This is the quirk of fate."

"I see eye to eye with you. This is the other side of Life. All must understand this"

"Madhan! A maxim is round the corner in Kodambakkam about Nagma. Are you aware of it?"

"Oh, it is simple! That is, 'Eri Vandha Eniyai Etti Udhaikkiruthu', meaning 'kicking the very ladder on which one has climbed up'. She was lying in the house for want of film opportunities. But Ajith had paved the way for Nagma's reentry into the Cine field, on the recommendation of Jyothika through her paricipation in 'Dina' and 'Citizen'". But Nagma is not contented. She demands more. When you offer biscuits to her, she wants cakes! She blows her horn all over the city accusing that they have spoiled her film career itself by providing poor dubbed voice for her in the film 'Citizen'. Ajith has a put up a long face too. He complaints that he deserves such a treatment at her hands as he himself had gone out of the way voluntarily to offer chances to her. I think you mean only this".

"Yes. The sorrowful point is this, anyway. She has been sidelined again. Hereafter she would be in a position to act in the film to be produced by her sister Jyothika alone".

"Pity on her! Manirathnam has inaugurated his next film alright. But, as usual, he is suffering from his initial hesitation, they say. Is it so?".

"Ya. The selection of the heroine is the cause for the delay of his film. He returned emptyhanded after making a thorough search in Mumbai. Suddenly a brainwave hit him Simran in 'Vaali'. Immediately she was selected to share the screen with Madhavan. He went in for the beautiful title, 'Kannaththil Muththamittaal' also. On second thoughts, he changed the name of the film as 'Manjal kudai' as the former name has a tinge of romance in it. Obviously he does want to hurt the feelings of women".

"Does the film has the subject of 'Liberation tigers'?"

"Yes. A spark was ignited in the creative brain of Manirathnam during last years war in Srilanka in which the tigers held the upper hand. It all resulted in 'Manjal kudai'. As the subject is highly controversial by all means, he has obtained the assurance and the signatures from all the members of his crew to the effect that they should not leak out any matter about the film".

"Nice! He is the personality to sign in autographs. But still he is collecting the signatures of his deputies. Wonderful!. Then, Madhan! Have you seen the movie, 'Lovely'?"

"Yes! Had they improved the screenplay a little more the film would have turned into another 'Kadhalikka Neramillai' or 'Ullaththai Alliththa'!"

"But, Madhan! Karthik and Malavika have obtained a new lease of life through that film".

"Quite true. Karthik has given his utmost cooperation for this film. His is a very fine histrionic feat indeed. His image has increased because of the film. People have started entertaining respectful thoughts once again about Karthik."

"Vivek?"

"You are always very particular about him. No one can deny that 'Lovely' has earned a special merit just because of him. Vivek's unique script-writing style is the reason for the day-to-day increase in his fame and fortunes. We would be soon enjoying his classic comedy in '12B!"

"Do you know whom he is mocking in that film?"

"Vivek is figuring in that film as a garage owner. Therefore he is going to dish out many jokes about traffic and vehicles. In addition, he is making fun of the 'Coke' advertisement featuring Hrithik Roshan!"

"I think if he continues his present trend, well, even the V.V.I.Ps like George bush, Clintion, Musharaff and Kofi Annan may get caught in his fine net. Doubtlessly, he is riding on the crest of the wave of success, at the present moment. He would be enjoying an unassailable position until another comedian emerges on the scene to challenge and dethrone him".

Vijayakanth vs Rajinikanth ?

"What has happened to Vijayakanth?" Kollywood wonders.

In the bygone days, there has existed a rivalry between Rajinikanth and Vijayakanth. That Vijayakanth has dared to make it public, through the recent happenings, raises the brows of all.

All might have guessed that certain dialogues have been interpolated in his film 'Narasimha' with a view to turn the heat on the present-day Chief Minister. He delivers an authoritative dialogue in the film: "No politician, hereafter, should try to get admitted into a hospital on the plea of having a sudden chest pain, whenever they are arrested". He went further to say the following:

If at all I want to enter into politics, well, I would do so straightaway. I wont confuse the public by telling that "I don't know whether I would become a politician or not. God only knows!" etc, I won't play any hide and seek in this connection. I won't pose any big stand even while remaining outside the political arena.

This telling dialogue arouses the spontaneous applause and the whistles of the audiences. The theatres reverberate with joyous din and noise.

Why? In a meeting held recently by the South Indian Artistes' Association too he had made his feelings publicly known: "The big actors do not at all turn for the meetings of the association as if they alone are engaged otherwise. Don't we people have any work at all to attend to?" He has accused Rajini indirectly thus.

When asked about this, the Rajini fans cited certain countryside adages to air their feelings. They talked ill of Vijayakanth in the end:

"There was a time in which Jayalalitha irritated our leader in many ways. The leader retarded her by asking her not to cross in his way. Jayalalitha, in the meantime, had to confine in her house, fight many cases in the court of law and suffer a lot before reaching her present exalted position. Despite knowing all these things very well, Vijayakanth has uttered some words against our leader without any reason in 'Narasimha'. We don't know what would happen to him in the times to come. But we, the fans of Rajini, are not talkers but doers. This is our warning. Take it from us, Vijayakanth is going to be frightened by seeing our show of strength."

Looking at the rivalry between Rajini and Vijaykanth we cant even say that this is real valid fight.

Storm in the tinsel cup

Since the glamour of Simran and Jyothika do not fascinate with the passage of time (is it really so?), Priyanka Trivedi has become the center - point of the glamour storm that blows around Kodambakkam.

Her fans are really lucky. The diva they worship has practically come to their very doorstep i.e. to Kodambakkam. She had been a veritable feast to their eyes during the pooja and the shoots of 'Swasam', being produced by Kunjumon. In 'Swasam', she dons a dignified role dressed with decorum. However, the stills from 'H20' show her in the minimum of apparels.

One wonders whether an actress could wear still lesser amount of cloth. She has bared her features amply so as to challenge the strengths of Ramba. To put it in a nutshell, the stills of H20 are intoxicating. Now Priyanka has several films like 'Kadhal Sadugudu', 'Manadhai Thirudi Vittai' and …….. in her hand.

As such, there is a person to throw a bombshell at the prospects of Mumtaj!





 
Ajith, in the eye of the rumor storm

From the day when rumors floated thick and fast that Ajith was in love with Swathi, Ajith finds himself amidst perpetual gossip. He is always surrounded by sensational news.

After the release of 'Citizen', news is abundant in air, day in and day out.

The following are the two latest sensational news that are in currency in the wake of 'Citizen'.

The first one: The Citizen unit is going to launch their next production, 'Ithihasam'. Director Saravana Subbiah had some problems about his share in the Telugu rights for 'Citizen'. The director got the support of Super Star Chiranjeevi also when he wanted to make his mark in Telugu filmdom which is always ready to give a red carpet welcome to the competent directors from Tamil Nadu: Meanwhile, Saravana Subbiah deemed it his prime passion to carve an epic out of 'Ithihasam' and turned his attention towards the Tamil film. But Ajith had his own thoughts. The criticisms leveled against 'Citizen' were more than enough for him. He had brought the films, 'Erumugam' and 'New', which were kept in abeyance hitherto, into shooting spots. Therefore, it is said that the progress of 'Ithihasam' is hampered by Ajith himself.

The next one: Ajith had given word to the effect that he would be presenting the hundred workers who partook in the making of 'Citizen' with free color television sets. But now that the things have changed, Ajith had pointed his finger at the producer of the film. But the reaction from the producer has been a negative one. Ajith is no Kaliyuga Karnan (the philanthropic war hero of Mahabharata) anymore. As he has not kept his promise, his honor has had a black mark.





 
Udhaya's rebirth

For 'Udhaya', it all started with a bang one-and-a-half years ago. It created a sensation among the moviegoers, as it claimed to have Vijay and Simran as its leading pair and A.R.Rehman as its music director.

But as time passed by, the full moon was reduced in size to become a crescent moon. No doubt, 'Udhaya' made a start alright. But it was not a headstart, it never took off.

The financial stringency of Producer Pyramid Natarajan, the call-sheet problem of Simran, the dissatisfaction of Vijay over the script are the obstructions for the growth of the film. Alagamperumal who was tipped as the director of 'Udhaya' promptly severed his connections with the film, applied his mind fully on directing his mentor's film 'Dum Dum Dum' and made it a success too.

Now the producer and director of 'Udhaya' want to give a new lease of life to the film and to proceed further with the project. But they find it more difficult to get songs from A.R.Rehman than in obtaining the call sheets from Vijay and Simran.

But Alagamperumal is hopeful in releasing the film on August 15th. He is busy with the script work. He is giving meticulous attention to the finer parts of the story.

In the eye of a storm: Prashanth

 Virumbukiren is struggling and staggering to hit the silver screen for the past two years. It took very long for the cast to come off the bag. It has caused innumerable problems for Prashanth, the hero of the film. It has landed him verily in hot waters.

The distributors have promulgated an ordinance to the effect that no other picture of Prashanth should precede the release of 'Virumbukiren'. In the meantime, Prashanth has finished several more films. Caught between Prashanth and 'Virumbukiren', those pictures, despite completion, are unable to make their way to the theatres.

As 'Virumbukiren' was stalled indefinitely, his other pictures 'Star', 'Chocolate' and the long-time production 'Majnu' grew in a fast phase. Inevitably, a problem was there in the brewing.

All the three pictures started vying with each other for an early release. But the veto decision of the distributors stands as a stumbling block on their way. The situation has given rise to many bottlenecks.

Each hero has a film of his released, once in three or four months. But only two films of Prashanth have seen the light during last year. E-mails and letters have poured in from Prashanth's worldwide fans urging him for frequent releases of his films. This has caused a virtual headache to Prashanth, who is usually a jolly person.

Despite all these things, Prashanth has a reason to heave a sign of relief. Susi Ganesan, the disciple of Manirathnam, has carved out a statue of the film, 'Virumbukiren'. He has formed a beautiful screenplay, so to say.





 
Non-Tamil blockbusters

 As per the statistics given by the film distributors, the first two films that fetch top box-office collections today in the big cities of Tamil Nadu such as Chennai, Coimbatore and Trichy is not 'Citizen' and 'Anandham' as you think. Very sorry.

Actually, the films, which have made record collections recently in Tamil Nadu are the English movie "The Mummy Returns" and the Hindi, picture 'Lagaan'. The two films are practically reveling and rolling on money.

The fans have fallen in love for those two films. The films have captivated the minds of the moviegoers in Toto. Amir Khan's 'Lagaan' runs for three hours and forty minutes. The theatres have been forced to reduce the number of shows from four to three. But the patience of the viewers is not at all tested. The movie engages the attention of all of them most endearingly. For all this, they don't know not even a grain of Hindi. But, when they return from the theatre a ray of pride gleams in their eyes as if they had seen a wonderful cricket match on the 70 mm screen!

'The Mummy Returns' has gone one step ahead. It has set a record of sorts. The films have proved a blockbuster by amassing Rupees Ten crores during the phase of a 10 days all over India. (Most of the Tamil movies that run for 100 successful days themselves earn only so much amount!). The film with English and Tamil Versions has been released in seven theatres within the limits of Chennai City.

Several present-day producers of Tamil films have made it possible to make their films in Kodambakkam out of the enormous profit made by them from their distributing rights of English films. [Particular mention in this respect must be made about Oscar Ravichandran, Vishwas Sunder and CTV]

Next to these two films, the fans feel more enthusiasm for and enjoyment from the picture, 'Pearl Harbor', even the trailer of which inspires awe in the minds of Viewers.

Hurrah!!!!!

Vijay:

Ajith is an efficient actor I enjoyed his acting ability through his fine performance in 'Vaali'. He has acquitted himself very well in 'Citizen'. It is also a grand histrionic feat. Among the movies of Madhavan, I like 'Minnale' most. I like his bubbling enthusiasm and extreme agility.


 
This Week's Felicitation:

Murali Krishna (The director of 'Paarvai Ondre Podhume'):

I won't accept that 'Paarvai Ondre Podhume' is a picture that has failed. The film is reaching 100 days in Trichy and Kumbakonam. No distributors who purchased the film had to burn their fingers.


T I T B I T S

 
Monal is different from the actresses who run away from the chance of acting in the role of a prostitute. She had accepted easily to act in such a role in the movie, 'Charlie Chaplin'.
(Then there won't be any limitation for glamour)



 
Devayani is frantically searching for opportunities in Tamil films. But chances for her are galore in Malayalam movies.
(There is no place like one's own home)




 
Ramba stays in Mumbai for fifteen days in a month. She sis perpetually getting chances to act in Hindi films.
(Have you ever dreamt of acting as the pair of Hrithik Roshan, Ramba?)



 
After 'Sethu', all the unit members have become busy. But Abitha alone stands on the shore. Will she cross the stream? "The gap has occurred for want of a good story and a good character", says Abitha.
(Oho!)



 
All the three sisters are ready to act in the film to be produced by Jyothika. There is delay in the progress of Jyothika's project. But the story is not yet ready.
(Are the sisters entitled to received their salaries?)



 
Before accepting to act in the film of Thankar Bachchan, Nanditha das made serious enquiry about him to assess his caliber. She has given her nod to in his film, 'Azhagi', only after viewing his past films.
(It's all right. Whether the cinematographer - director also might have seen the pictures in which Nandita Das has acted already?)

 

 
'Karumari Kottan', the Malayalam remake of 'Padhinaaru Vayadhinile' has become a superhit in Kerala. So the attention of Kausalya, the heroine, has completely turned towards the shows of Kerala.




 
Abirami does not require anyone anymore to dub for her. She has relied upon her own voice when she acted in 'Dosth'. It seems she is going to talk on her own accord in all her future films.
(Alas! Meena's record has been shattered)