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This week two films have released ---Pokiri and Veerabhadra. The important factor in the movies is the presence of Shayaji Shinde. The Hindi-Marathi actor is has turned out impressive performances in both. And interestingly, he appears in two different kind of roles in the movies. In Pokiri he plays a ramrod straight, honest cop out to take on the big bad land sharks. His role is very important to the movie and he has turned out a stellar performance in that. In Veerabhadra, which released this morning, he is on the other side of the fence. Shinde is the arch villain who takes on the hero Balakrishna. It is around Shinde that the story revolves. Tanushree Dutta plays his sister and there is plenty of drama. Again, Shinde has given a rivetting performance. Slowly I am getting used to the pace and tenor of the movies here, he says unassumingly. This National award winner seems to be on a good wicket here.
MAN-TURNED-WOMAN to star in a film
The name of the film is 'Paal' and is directed by D. Sivakumar. The movie's mission is to show facts of life keeping in mind that every single individual has a right to peaceful life immaterial of gender ' male, female or transsexual. Most of Indian Cinema has always depicted transsexuals in a rather shabby vein in order to tickle the funny bone of 'insensitive' people. Barring a few short films and documentaries, the lives and emotions of transsexuals have always been underplayed and even exploited. This is where director D. Sivakumar steps in. His film 'Paal', meaning 'gender' in Tamil would explore the hitherto unexplored terrain of the lives of transsexuals in mainstream commercial Tamil cinema for the very first time. The Compact Oxford English Dictionary defines transsexual as follows'."a person born with the physical characteristics of one sex who emotionally and psychologically feels that they belong to the opposite sex" Many transsexuals undergo surgeries in order to fully relate with the sex that they emotionally and psychologically are attached to. D. Sivakumar zeroed in on Karpaga, a middle class lady from Erode, Tamilnadu, who was born a boy and at age 17 went away to Mumbai only to return back a woman after five years. Her parents were reportedly shattered but then came to terms with reality and accepted her. "'Acceptability' is what the film is going to talk about in detail" says the director. 'How many people are ready to accept?' he asks. According to the story, Karpaga plays an intellectual short filmmaker who happens to fall in love and is terrified to reveal herself to her lover. The debutante has been taking acting lessons and is also training to be a dancer. Actress Revathy will play Karpaga's mother and this role is a very vital part of the film. The director of the film is hopeful that the message the film comes out with will be well received by the general public. Karpaga, it seems, is being approached for other films as well. She has been offered to play heroine in a film and villain in another. However, Karpaga is keen on seeing 'Paal' released first.
Man vs Machine The 'Yanthram' sagaMan vs Machine The 'Yanthram' saga
'Sujatha' Rangarajan, a magnificent writer in the Tamil language showed his fascination for modernity with many of his works. The element of human life that is changing ever so rapidly thanks to technological advancements has been a subject of intense fascination for him. The late writer had written a script with the core of having an antagonist in the form of a Robot. He had even thought of having Kamal Haasan play the role. But then the script has been lying around for a long time with no takers as the film would involve a whopping amount if it has to see the light of day with the right effect. Along came a film director Shankar who had always made it a point to insist on Sujatha's talent in his films. After the huge success of 'Sivaji', Shankar was looked upon as a man who could churn out lavish films nationally. Sujatha Rangarajan's 'Robot' became a viable option when Sharukh Khan made public his desire to work with Shankar. The name 'Robot' was copyrighted by Shahrukh's production house Red Chilles. But then things fell apart as Shahrukh was not convinced totally with the project. Rajinikanth-Shankar combo had worded wonders at the box office and people were thirsting to see the two come together for another project and so the superstar was roped in for 'Robot'. Then came Aishwarya Rai into the picture. Shooting has begun for this film that went through a name change to 'Yanthram'. The 'supposed' story of 'Endhiran' has already surfaced and the following is probably what the film is all about. The film is about a scientist, played by Rajini who lives about 200 years in the future. He is passionate about making robots that have the ability to rationalize things. Designed to help humanity the robots are themselves like humans with many emotions. One such robot (played by Rajini again) is tampered upon by people of evil intent. And so this robot lives a life of its own putting humanity at risk. To boot to the mayhem this robot even falls in love with the scientist's girlfriend (played by Aishwarya Rai). The film is expected to be released in the summer of 2010. The story does sound interesting, but then we'll have to wait and see if the balance between modernity and traditional human emotions exists. Technical details are being worked out right now. Since the story was written by Sujatha a long time ago, the filmmakers have decided to add in the necessary updates. A team of about 250 people have been assigned the responsibility of researching these updates. 'We just would have needed one person in Sujatha to work on these updates. Since he is no more, we need 250 people to fill in for him', rues director Shankar.
Sikandar - The man of all seasons
In his acting debut Woodstock Villa, Sikandar has portrayed fine acting skills. Sikandar, who plays a Casanova, seems quite confident. He suits the image of a playboy, who constantly gets into trouble. It does not look like this is his first performance on screen. Though the film has few dialogues, Sikandar says his lines well. He is perfect in his acting. We wouldn't be surprised if Sikander Kher wins the style icon award of the year. The performance of the debutant actor is absolutely awesome as he has surely made his presence felt at the screen and has proved his acting skill. He is attractive in his own unconventional way and does complete justice to his role. Quite strong in presence, he exudes dewy freshness and confidence. Sanjay Gupta has a history of introducing newcomers in his films in a very stylish and sleek manner. Sikandar's introductory shot on the bike depicts the same in Woodstock Villa. As per some sections of trade, after the IPL got over, the film showed some escalation in collections. Sikandar is all set to carry forth the legacy of his illustrious parents, Kirron and Anupam Kher.
Akshay is the new man of Levi Strauss
So Akshay Kumar has clinched a brand endorsement that suits his dare devil tough personality the most. Levi Strauss, the American jeans brand which is responsible for bringing the all weather most popular style statement into this world has roped in the action star to represent the brand. The jeans was first invented by a necessity to provide the mine workers in U.S.A for a harder, tougher clothing so that it will not be destroyed quickly due to the harsh, rough conditions of the work in the mine caves that extended for long hours. Levi started the mass manufacturing and still now no other apparel has been as successful in relating with the men of guts having nerves of steel than the good old jeans. That makes the association of the Khiladi and Levis the perfect lethal combination and given his no fear attitude that is now part of Bollywood folk tales, the brand has to gain a lot. Akshay will be launching the brand Levi's 501 in India. The advertisements which will be soon beamed through the channels have being shot in Los Angeles and is said to be extremely stunning.
Ranveer Singh: The Most Desirable Man of 2015
1. Ranveer Singh It wasn't a surprise that Ranveer Singh emerged as the numero uno on this list that compiles India's most irresistible men. He is thrilled about his win and tells us why being desirable is beyond being an attractive visual package. What do you think makes you so desirable? I am thrilled that I am considered the Most Desirable Man in India today. Whatever it is, it feels wonderful to be called that. The dictionary meaning of desirability is 'someone high on sex appeal'. In my case, iss baat mein koi sandeh nahin hai. When I was launched in 2010, people told me that I wasn't the best looking guy, so I would have to act really well. I am awar e that I am not conventionally good looking. I have heard it so many times that I have started believing it. Aditya Chopra had told me, 'You are not very good looking, so you have to act. I can't sell you on a poster to people; they have to watch you to like you.' I have grown up believing that when an individual excels at what he does, it makes him desirable. I am a living example that lack of conventional good looks shouldn't hinder you from being awesome. 2. Virat Kohli Claim to fame: Blazing form as a batsman, his natural aggression and drive to win are his biggest assets Relationship Status: It's complicated Desirability Quotient: He is as fiery off the field as he is on field scoring his sixes. He is hotness personified be it in his selfies or endorsements 3. Fawad Khan Claim to fame: After his debut Bollywood film Khoobsurat, he stunned us with his daring choice of role in Kapoor & Sons. Now he is high on the list of most filmmakers Relationship Status: Married to Sadaf Khan Desirability Quotient: His dapper looks, deep baritone, along with impeccable style has women across all ages drooling over him 4.Hrithik Roshan Claim to fame: This superhero is only looking hotter with age. Despite no releases last year, this hunk still has a humongous fan following Relationship Status: Single Desirability Quotient: His Greek God looks, sexy dance moves and hot bod make him a killer combo 5.Sidharth Malhotra Claim to fame: His power-packed performances in Kapoor & Sons catapulted him into the big league Relationship Status: Rumoured to be dating Alia Bhatt Desirability Quotient: Debonair looks, sexy style and unmistakable charm makes him hot property 6.Mahesh Babu Claim to fame: This Telugu superstar's massive fan following comes from his image of being a perfect family man. His latest release Srimanthudu's reinstated his star power further Relationship Status: Married to Namrata Shirodkar Desirability Quotient: In spite of his super stardom, his affable personality and natural charm makes him extremely desirable 7.Rohit Khandelwal Claim to fame: This Provogue Personal Care Mr India World 2015 who is a new entrant on this list, got his first TV break with Yeh Hai Aashiqui. He will represent India at the Mr World pageant in 2016 Relationship Status: Single Desirability Quotient: His dashing good looks make him droolworthy 8.Varun Dhawan Claim to fame: From playing a 40-year-old in Badlapur to the boy-next-door in Dilwale, he has showed versatility from the start of his career Relationship Status: Dating Natasha Dalal Desirability Quotient: His boyish charm, loveable screen presence and witty sense of humour make him the boy every girl wants to take home 9.Shahid Kapoor Claim to fame: This powerhouse performer is making all the right moves with his choice of films Relationship Status: Married to Mira Rajput Desirability Quotient: From his chocolate boy look to his intense rugged avatar, Shahid has come a long way. The father-to-be is still irresistible to the ladies New Entrants 17. Sooraj Pancholi Claim to fame: A dream launch in Hero by Salman Khan made him an overnight star Relationship Status: Single Desirability Quotient: Good looks are in his genes and his lover boy image makes girls swoon over him 28. Shikhar Dhawan Claim to fame: The 'Gabbar' of Indian cricket team is known for his explosive batting Relationship Status: Married to Ayesha Mukherji Desirability Quotient: His flamboyance and style off the pitch is what gives him an edge. And that trademark moustache makes him truly sexy 29. Gautam Rode Claim to fame: From music videos to popular shows and soaps on TV, this hottie is household name. He's best remembered for his stint in Saraswatichandra, Maha Kumbh and Suryaputra Karn Relationship Status: Single Desirability Quotient: His perfectly chiselled body and quintessential good looks makes him popular among the ladies 32. Kartik Aaryan Claim to fame: This Pyaar Ka Punchnama actor catapulted to fame with his girl-bashing monologue in the romcom Relationship Status: Single Desirability Quotient: His affable personality and dimpled smile make him immensely attractive 36. Nivin Pauly Claim to fame: With four hits in his kitty last year alone, including the most-loved Premam, this Malayalam heartthrob is busy making inroads in the other south film industry as well Relationship Status: Married to Rinna Joy Desirability Quotient: Brooding good looks and a warm smile that can melt anyone's heart 40. Rahul Rajasekharan Nair Claim to fame: With a degree in business management and passion for photography, the Provogue Personal Care Mr India 201 5 1st runner-up is busy globetrotting, thanks to his ad assignments Relationship Status: Single Desirability Quotient: His smouldering looks and easy-going demeanour will surely take him places