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More news →Limiting Big B's persona in wheelchair was big task: 'Wazir' director
"Wazir" director Bejoy Nambiar says that constraining lead actor Amitabh Bachchan's strong persona in a wheelchair was a major task to get used to for the film, in which he plays a paralysed chess grandmaster. "Right from the beginning, we knew that the protagonist had to be on a wheelchair. Casting Mr. Bachchan, who has got such a strong persona, and limiting him in a wheelchair, was a big task for us to get used to," Nambiar said here. Nambiar, who marked his feature film debut with the Hindi movie "Shaitan", thinks that as an actor, the 73-year-old made the role of a wheelchair-ridden man convincing without any hitch. "He made it his own. The way he went about it and in the way he approached the role, you don't even feel that there is a handicapped person. And that's what was magical about a legend like him." "He made it look very easy, he made it look like he has been on a wheelchair for the longest time. He made the character very believable - that's what was required by the script and that's what he did," Nambiar added. The director, whose last feature film venture was "David" with Neil Nitin Mukesh, is aware of the expectations that "Wazir" has created right from its trailer release. Now he hopes the film justifies the audience's anticipation. Actors Farhan Akhtar, John Abraham and Neil Nitin Mukesh are also a part of the film, which is said to be packed with action and an interesting story. Co-written by Abhijat Joshi and Vidhu Vinod Chopra, "Wazir" will release on January 8.
Sky is the limit for Manickam Narayanan
Keen to come out with a grand movie in Indiralohathil Na Azhagappan is producer 'Seventh Channel' Manickam. Starring Vadivelu in the lead role, the movie is directed by Thambi Ramiah and produced by Manickam Narayanan. Heaping laurels on Vadivelu, he said, 'He is a talented actor and has played his part well. The movie will be remembered as the history of Tamil cinema'. Art-director Thota Tharani and cinematographer Gopinath have expressed confidence that even after 50 years from now, the movie would remain a reference point for those who wish to do historic movie. It is the story of a youth, who reaches the heaven and is floored to see Lord Indira resembling him. He then visits Yamaloham, where Lord Yamaraja too resembles him. The encounter between the three forms the crux.
Ajith has no speed limit
For the vaunted bike sequences in Mankatha, Ajith used a bike that was acquired in Singapore. It is a special bike with a truly powerful engine which Ajith enjoyed driving full speed on the open road. His average speed on it was about 190 kms/ hr. When the cinematographer Sakthi Saravanan expressed his amazement over the speed Ajith drove at, Thala only laughed. Ajith admitted that the bike could actually go much faster but as per the legal rules a lock had been put on the mechanism curtailing its speed levels. Otherwise Ajith said he would have easily managed to more than 220 kms/hr.
PVR Pictures Limited to raise Rs.1.2 billion
PVR Pictures limited which is the film production and distribution branch of the parent company PVR Limited has signed agreements with ICICI Venture Funds Management Company Private Limited and JPMorgan Global Special Opportunities Group, one of JPMorgan Chase Bank N.A's private equity arms for the investment of Rs.1.2.billion in the company. The deal was signed as part of PVR Picutres Limited's major expansion plans. Both JPMorgan and ICICI Venture will invest Rs. 600 million each in PVR Pictures. This mega financial deal between the entertainment company and the two financial institutions will enable PVR Limited to become a fully integrated film and entertainment company with interests across the entire value chain including production, distribution and exhibition. Touted as one of the biggest private equity investments in the Indian film and entertainment sector in the recent times, this deal exhibits the strong confidence ICICI Venture and JPMorgan have in the entertainment company's strong business structure, expertise in management and the future potential of the film Industry. PVR Limited is now one of the biggest owners of multiplexes in India and contributes around 15% of the box office collections of any successful Bollywood film. This deal will result in PVR Pictures exhibition circuit getting stronger and also make the company a leading player in the production of the movies. PVR Pictures is already a seasoned player in the Indian film distribution space with the experience of distributing over 100 Bollywood and Hollywood films during the last couple of years. However the company ventured into the movie financing business only recently with the block buster 'Taare Zameen Par' which it co produced with Aamir Khan Productions Private Limited. The film was appreciated both by the public and critics and received 5 Filmfare and 5 Screen awards. Upbeat about its success in the first attempt itself, the company is charged up to release more of its production ventures in the coming months. The next film is 'Jaane Tu Ya Jaane Na' which is a co production with Ram Gopal Verma, 'Mere Khawbon Mein Jo Aaye" and 'Ghost Ghost Na Raha'. PVR Pictures will also increase the number of films in its production pipeline to 8-10 films from 4-5 this year. PVR is also distributing the forth coming films like 'Sarkaar Raaj' which it is distributing in only a few territories and 'Mere Baap Pehle Aap' which will be distributed all over India. Managing director of PVR Limited which is listed on the BSE and NSE, Mr.Ajay Bijli said that the new deal is a matter of great pride for the company as it shows the faith of the two leading private equity funds in the business model and management team of PVR Pictures. He also expressed certainty in the partnership as one which will accelerate the entertainment major's ambition of making PVR Pictures one of the leading companies in the film production and distribution space in Indian market.
Aascar Ravichandran - filmmaker beyond limits
Aascar Ravichandran has become Tamil Nadu's biggest name in film production especially after the release of 'Dasavatharam'. Known to be the biggest risk taking producer, Ravichandran has produced and distributed almost all the major hits of Tamil Cinema over the last three years making many wonder what his 'magic potion' is. The impressive list of movies he has distributed includes Pokkiri, Chithiram Pesuthadi, Dishyum, Thambi, Parijatham, Thalai Nagaram, Vettaiyadu Villaiyadu, Varalaru, Rendu and Thiruvilayadal Aarambam. He is also famous for taking up the production and distribution of movies with good stories that run into troubled times financially. Ravichandran has quite a success percentage even with these endevours. The list of movies he has produced has the potential to make an average producer go green with envy. The line up is simply stunning. Vaanathaipola, Poovellam Un Vasam, Roja Kootam, Ramana, Sollamale, Jay Jay, Tagore (Telugu)Anniyan, Maja, Dishum, Unnale Unnale, Pachaikili Muthucharam, Marudhamalai and Dasavatharam. Two more films for 2008 are currently under production in the form of Vaaranam Aayiram and Ananda Tandavam. Aascar Ravichandran had been distributing Jackie Chan movies in India for well over a decade. It was this association that brought the international star to the audio launch function of Dasavatharam. Filmmakers need to have a vision in order to make it big. Aascar Ravichandran can be termed a vivacious visionary and a magnificent go-getter. Anyone with a trend setting story for films? Knock on the doors of Aascar Ravichandran'.your dream could very well become a reality no matter what the production costs are'.
Salman launches limited edition ‘Being Human’ watches
Bollywood star Salman Khan has launched a limited range of luxury watches named after his “Being Human” charitable foundation. The 24 pieces are conceptualised and designed by Salman himself and the money from their sale will support the causes of education and healthcare. “I personally think watches are a great way to express one’s personal style. With ‘Being Human’ watches, the wearer also expresses his or her support for the twin causes of education and healthcare. ‘Being Human’ watches are about looking good and doing good,” Salman told reporters here. The watches will be available in a number of stores and are being distributed by Mak Luxury Watch Pvt. Ltd. “These watches have Salman’s vision to combine three excellent components – great watch-making, signature style and affordibility. These three elements inspired us to develop these watches,” said Arun Malhotra of Mak Luxury Watch. The watches are priced Rs.7,500 onwards.