Rajni wanted Sonakshi out, Deepika in

Sonkashi who is going to make her debut in Kollywood with Vishwaroopam opposite Kamal Hassan was the first choice for Rana.

It is believed that the Dabangg girl was offered the role before Deepika was roped in. But before she could give her consent, Deepika got finalized for the same.

Apparently the decision of casting Deepika was taken by Rana's leading star Rajinikanth as he wasn't comfortable romancing Shatrughan Sinha's daughter Sonakshi as his leading lady. Rajini and Shatrughan Sinha are friends since long time. The duo has also worked together in films earlier.

So makers of Rana wanted someone who is equally suitable for the role and Deepika bagged it. While Sonakshi missed the chance to debut opposite a big star like Rajinikath, she will now make her debut opposite an equally big superstar Kamal Hassan.

Rajini 2.0

Rajini fans can rejoice now. Rajinikanth is currently in Mount Elizabeth Medical Centre in Singapore and his condition has improved. He has responded well to treatment and no longer needs dialysis. Doctors have decided to discharge him soon. Once out of the hospital, Rajini will stay on in Singapore for a period of convalescence.

There is even better news as he will be reporting back on the sets of Rana in September. In his absence, portions of the film with Deepika and Sonu Sood will be shot in August. Also doctors have forbade Rajini from doing strenuous action sequences, so director KS Ravikumar has to make certain changes regarding how the action scenes will be filmed.

Fans can breathe easy now, as Rajini is perfectly fine and will be back to rock our worlds soon.

Rajnikanth - Highest paid in Indian Cinema

The Indian film industry is abuzz that Superstar has been roped in to play the titular role in Rana with an advance salary of Rs 24 crore! This makes him the highest paid actor in the history of Indian film industry !

Not just that, the actor also gets a share in the profits that "Rana" will make.

As we had told you earlier, the star is seeing a speedy recovery and his medication is on a positive note in Singapore. It is said that he is utilizing all the time as a quality one with his family.

All this has only hyped the project more than ever.

"Rana" shoot to resume in August: Sonu Sood

Let all speculations come to rest. Rajnikanth is hale and hearty and raring to resume the shoot of 'Rana'. Come August he would be back on sets all over again. The production team is already putting together plans for the shoot and it is now only a matter of a few more weeks before the Superstar is back in action.

Confirmed Sonu Sood, one of the principal characters in 'Rana', who is in close touch with Rajnikanth's family and has already sorted out his dates to go well with the revised plan. "Yes, I have been informed that 'Rana' will get going in August. We would be assembling in London to start the film's shoot."

Rubbishing all speculations and rumor around Rajnikanth's health, Sonu says that none of the perceived issues around his kidney are true. Also, the superstar is basically taking some good rest in Singapore before he returns all rejuvenated and charged up.

"Don't go by everything that you read," he warns, "There isn't anything overtly serious with Sir. In fact, he has been inquiring about the shoot. We all want him to be in the best of his health when he charms us all over again. Starting August, it would be back to lot of fun."

This should stop the wagging tongues from creating any more misconception around Rajnikanth's health and his 'Rana' being shelved.

Superstar leaves for Singapore

Tamil superstar Rajinikanth flew to Singapore late last night. The trip is intended for "rest and rehabilitation" after being discharged from a private hospital where he was admitted for respiratory problems.

The Endhiran star was wheeled in through the cargo entrance through gate number two even as media personnel and others waited around gate numbers five and six, airport sources said.

Rajini was taken to the waiting aircraft by an ambulance and waved to the fans who gathered at the airport before being escorted into the flight, sources said.

He was accompanied by his two daughters and son-in-laws, including actor Dhanush and his personal doctor Muralidharan, sources said. Rajini's wife Latha would leave for Singapore tomorrow, sources said.

Earlier in the day, the family members of 61-year-old actor said he was "well" and "cheerful" following his discharge from the hospital.

A medical bulletin issued by Sri Ramachandra Medical Centre, where he was admitted, said "he is cheerful, taking his food himself, spending time with family. He has scheduled his trip abroad for a change and relaxation and incidentally to go in for selective checkups".

The bulletin said from May 13 till today, Rajini had 'progressively responded' to multi-pronged treatment resulting in normalisation of vital signs and varying lab parameters.

Meanwhile, Rajinikanth's wife Latha said in a statement that the actor was doing well and needed complete rest.

"We will be travelling to Singapore for his medical treatment and rejuvenation. Please do not believe in any unreal information about him," she said, thanking all well-wishers.

The Endhiran star suffered from exhaustion on April 29, the first day of the shoot of his latest venture Raana and was admitted to the Isabel Hospital here.

He was discharged the same day only to be readmitted on May 4 for allergic bronchitis and viral fever.

Since May 13, he is undergoing treatment at the Sri Ramachandra Medical Centre for respiratory infection and other problems. He was shifted to a private ward last Sunday after being in the intensive care unit.

Dhanush posted an old pic of Rajni?

It was a great relief for over 4 million fans of superstar Rajinikanth across the globe when the superstar's son-in-law actor Dhanush, who just won the National Award for the best actor for Aadukalam, posted a 'latest' picture of Rajinikanth on Twitter, urging fans not to worry about the superstar’s health or about the baseless rumours, as "he's rocking" in hospital.

But many fans now allege that Dhanush was “cheating” the fans by posting an old picture of Rajinikanth, who is currently admitted in the Sri Ramachandra Hospital in Chennai.

They say that the picture Dhanush posted on Twitter was apparently taken when the superstar was admitted in Isabella Hospital early this month and the St. Mary's calendar seen in the background proves the same. Now the fans wonder: Was there any necessity to post an old picture of the superstar to comfort his fans? They also requested Dhanush to post the latest picture of Rajinikanth at Sri Ramachandra Hospital.

Meanwhile, after the confusion erupted, Dhanush reasoned on his Twitter page: "Guys dis s d only pic I ve on my phone. tweetin from d shootin spot. Will update a much more recent nd a much better lookin SS pic soon." He requested the fans to remain calm and signed off, stating that he was shooting an intense scene.

Latest Sensation ..

Even before her Engeyum Kadhal released, Hansika Motwani was signed up for Mapillai opposite Dhanush directed by Suraj. Mapillai produced by Sun Pictures was the remake of Superstar Rajinikanth's yesteryear film of the same name.

Though Hansika has done a few movies in Telugu as the lead, she became more famous and managed to steal the hearts of Tamil youngsters as well after the photos from Engeyum Kadhal were officially released by AGS and Prabhu Deva.

Along with Tapasee, who also paired with Dhanush in Aadukalam, Hansika became one of the most preferred actresses for Tamil movie producers.

Actor Jayam Ravi, in a recent interview, mentioned how much fun it was to work with her during the shooting of Engeyum Kadhal.

Her career is confirmed for success after she was signed opposite Udhayanidhi Stalin in Red Giant Movies' Oru Kal Oru Kannadi (OKOK) directed by Rajesh (of Siva Manasula Sakthi and Boss Engira Baskaran fame). It is heard that other actresses such as Trisha and Tamannaah who were in the race for the role in OKOK are quite jealous of Hansika!

Hansika’s performance in Engeyum Kadhal has been loved by many, so we should see more of her in Kollywood in the days to come.

Rajni hospitalised for the third time

Just a day after dismissing rumours that Rajinikanth was seriously ill, the actor’s wife Latha Rajinikanth revealed that the actor was admitted to Sri Ramachandra Hospital today.

This is the third time in two months that the actor has been hospitalized. The first was on the shooting day of Rana. Rajni was exhausted and had passed out before being rushed to the hospital. This was the first instance in the actor’s career to have been hospitalised after a health condition on the sets. Rajni’s ill health was a matter of great agony to his fans and Kollywood.

After being discharged, Rajinikanth was again admitted to the hospital after a bronchitis attack and fever. This time Rajni’s admittance to the hospital sparked rumours about the actor’s deteriorating health. Reports from the hospital indicate that the actor has been undergoing tests and is doing well.

Rana dropped?

The film "Rana" has been in the news for not exactly the right resaons.

Initially there was speculation about the story, the female leads and finally the launch of the film happened in Chennai.

Just a few hours after the launch, came the big news that the Superstar had been hospitalised. Even as the election results were at their peak, the rumour mills were busy spreading news about the superstar’s health.

Now, amidst all the uncertainty, comes confirmed news that Rana may be dropped. It seems Rajini and his family were not prepared emotionally to go ahead with it and there were lots of obstacles to starting the film.

Reportedly Deepika Padukone has flown back to Mumbai from Rana’s sets.

After all the hype and promotional buzz, will Rana really be dropped? That’s a question that can only be answered within the coming weeks. We hope for Soundarya’s sake and for Rajini’s billions of fans, the film does see the light of day.

Superstar advised a month's complete rest

Superstar Rajinikanth has been discharged from Isabel hospital, after a week. The actor was discharged last evening and doctors have advised him complete rest for a month.

Rajinikanth was admitted to the hospital last week, after he complained of exhaustion and breathlessness. Even during the pooja of his latest film Rana, last week, the actor was not looking his usual best. He even skipped the press conference for the film, that was held on the same day, which had celebrities like director KS Ravikumar and Bollywood actress Deepika Padukone.

Sources say that the doctors have asked Rajinikanth to move to cooler climes to beat the scorching summer heat in Chennai, so that he can take complete rest.

Dhanush and Aishwarya say "All is well"

Rajinikanth was hospitalized last week where he was diagnosed of dehydration and food poisoning.

Though the superstar was discharged with doctors prescribing complete rest, he had to be admitted to the hospital again on Wednesday after he complained of breathlessness and fever.

The press and fans gathered outside the St Isabel's Hospital in Chennai ever since Rajni was admitted. To their respite, Rajni's daughter Aishwarya and son-in-law Dhanush updated them about the megastar's health.

Though the star is in the ICU he is said to be responding well to the treatment. Dhanush and Aishwarya addressed the press in the morning and revealed that Rajni suffered from allergic bronchitis but is now stable. They also said that the doctors advise him complete rest for the next several days.

Dhanush also said that Thalaivar will join the Rana unit only after the doctors give him the go ahead.

Rajni hospitalised again..!!

Superstar Rajnikanth, who was rushed to the hospital on the day of his upcoming film Rana's muhurat shoot, has been hospitalised again. According to an NDTV report, the actor is suffering from allergic bronchitis and high fever and was brought to Isabela hospital in Chennai on Wednesday night.

According to the hospital officials, the actor's condition is stable but he'll be in the Intensive Care Unit for two days as a precautionary measure.

Rajni's family is present at the hospital and has appealed to fans not to throng the hospital premises as the actor has been advised rest by the doctors.

The actor was admitted to the same hospital last week when he complained of uneasiness on the sets of his upcoming film Rana. It was later diagnosed as a bout of dehydration and exhaustion.

Rajni's playing a triple character in the film that's slated to release in 2012

Rajini Vs Vadivelu

Looks like Rajini’s fans are not going to take the mockery made by Vadivelu on the film Rana lightly. It may be mentioned here that Vadivelu had replied “Ranavavadhu… Ganavavadhu…” when media persons asked him why he was not in the film.

This has irked Rajinikanth’s fans so much that they are exhibiting their displeasure on Vadivelu in various ways. Rajini’s fans in Sri Rangam have censured Vadivelu by pasting posters all over the town. Several other fans from various districts are also planning to show displeasure in their own way, sources say.

Alex's Demise

Noted actor and magician, Alex, breathed his last at a private hospital in Chennai yesterday, May 1st 2011. He was 52. He entered the filmdom with the Rajinikanth starrer Valli and since then had acted in several Tamil films as character artiste and villain.

Alex’s name entered the Guinness Book of World Records for making magic continuously for 24 hours. His name also features in the Limca Book of World Record of creating magic for 12 hours continuously.

Apart from these honors, Alex was also honored with a doctorate and several awards including the Chevalier Award.

Rana visited by CM

The Tamil Nadu Chief Minister M Karunanidhi visited Rajinikanth at the St Isabel’s Hospital in Chennai in which the star was admitted. The Superstar was admitted to the hospital after he complained of queasiness while on the sets of Rana. He was rushed to the hospital where the doctors diagnosed him of being dehydrated and advised him complete rest.

The CM, on hearing Rajini’s health condition, rushed immediately to the hospital to enquire about his health. Karunanidhi’s daughter Kanimozhi was also present during this visit.

It may be recalled that Rajini suffered a bout of vomiting when he was shooting for Rana at the AVM Studios and the shooting had to be stalled to rush Rajini to the hospital.

First Look at Rajni's "RANA"

After the amazing success of Robot (Endhiran), Rajnikanth is back in ‘Rana’! We just can’t take our eyes off Rajni’s flowing mane and a very Sindbad look in the poster.

What’s more interesting is that the South Superstar will play a triple role in the film. The music for the film is being scored by A R Rehman and K.S. Ravikumar is directing the film. The film also stars Deepika Padukone and is said to have Ileana D’Cruz and Sonu Sood in the cast as well.

With Rajni looking so good, we can only imagine how Deepika would...!!!

Restricted Access

Rajinikanth’s next film with KS Ravikumar is ready to rock and roll. A colossal set has reportedly been erected at the AVM Studios and all is in readiness for the shoot. The first schedule will begin on May 1st. Some crucial scenes and a dance sequence with Deepika Padukone will be canned.

The director wants to preserve the surprise elements in the film, so access cards have been issued to crew members so that only select personnel may gain admission to the set. This move is likely to increase an already inflated interest in Rana, a hundred fold.

Deepika will sport a brand new look for this film and will epitomize the Southern beauty. Tabu will be paired up against the patriarch character and Ileana will be the other leading lady. Sonu Sood, who has become famous for his bad guy act in Arundhati and Dabangg, will be the villain in Rana. Interestingly, the actor did a small role and was in a fight sequence with Superstar in Chandramukhi.

"Rana" to hit floors on May 1st

Rajinikanth’s next film with KS Ravikumar is ready to rock and roll. A colossal set has reportedly been erected at the AVM Studios and all is in readiness for the shoot. The first schedule will begin on May 1st. Some crucial scenes and a dance sequence with Deepika Padukone will be canned.

The director wants to preserve the surprise elements in the film, so access cards have been issued to crew members so that only select personnel may gain admission to the set. This move is likely to increase an already inflated interest in Rana, a hundred fold.

Deepika will sport a brand new look for this film and will epitomize the Southern beauty. Tabu will be paired up against the patriarch character and Ileana will be the other leading lady. Sonu Sood, who has become famous for his bad guy act in Arundhati and Dabangg, will be the villain in Rana. Interestingly, the actor did a small role and was in a fight sequence with Superstar in Chandramukhi.

Ram Charan pulled it off when heroines fail . . .

Actor Ram Charan, son of Chiranjeevi, whose Maaveeran will be hitting the theatres shortly is overwhelmed with the warm reception he received from the Tamil industry. The journos were very surprised when he addressed them in perfect Tamil. Even the director Rajamouli and producer, Allu Aravind spoke in Tamil. This is amazing in an age where most of the heroines can barely string a sentence together in Tamil despite doing so many films in that language. They all received a thunderous applause from the delighted onlookers.

Ram Charan conveyed his gratitude to Kamal Haasan and Mani Ratnam for their kind words and encouragement. He said he loves Chennai as he spent his younger days in the city and it is close to his heart and hopes there will be more collaboration between the Tamil and Telugu film fraternities.

Rajni not satisfied with Deepika's beauty

Bollywood might swear by Deepika Padukone's ethereal beauty, but Rajnikanth is certainly not impressed with Deepika's current look for his upcoming movie "Rana". The south star wants Dips to look more beautiful.

Rajni wants Deepika to look more traditional with less of her present supermodel looks. Simple yet beautiful, that’s the look Rajni desires for Deepika in the movie.

According to a source, Rana is a very different film that spans three different time periods. Rajni plays a multi-generational triple role and Deepika is paired opposite him in his youth. The first schedule was to begin in Chennai. But, apparently, the precise look which Rajni wanted for Deepika wasn’t coming across. Rajni has now asked the make-up team to go back to the drawing board and devise a new look, sending the entire schedule into a tizzy.

Initially, when Deepika had learnt she was opposite Rajnikanth in this movie, she was thrilled. She had even walked out of the Housefull sequel to give her dates for Rajni’s Rana and that too on high priority.

We hope Dips is okay with "looking more beautiful"!