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.

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.

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.

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"!

Anushka Shetty in "Rana"

And finally Anushka is in cloud nine. Anushka has been confirmed to do a role in Rana with super star Rajinikanth. Other leading beauties Vidya Balan and Ileana were also considered but the chance has gone to Anushka and its been confirmed.

Anushka who made it big in Kollywood after Arundhati, is so excited and happy about working with Super Star. As of now, only Deepika Padukone and Anushka have been finalized for this project. Sources do say that there are more female characters that are yet to be decided upon. After all everyone wants to be part of Super star’s film.

Rajni to romance 7 actresses

While earlier rumor mills were doing the rounds that megastar Rajinikanth’s upcoming flick ‘Rana’ will be having three heroines, now reports are trickling in that the forthcoming Rajini starrer will be having seven leading ladies.

Well, just like inflation, the number of female leads in Rajinikanth’s future film has also increased all of a sudden, and the unanticipated augmentation of female protagonists in the film was reported by the ‘Rana’ director K. S. Ravikumar.

Recently, in an exclusive one to one with the media, filmmaker K.S. Ravikumar uttered that the much talked about upcoming film ‘Rana’ will be having not three, but seven bombshells.

But at the same time, Ravikumar also said that only three out of those seven leading ladies will be playing Rajini’s love interest in the film.

The gripping female casting of ‘Rana’
Initially, it was learnt that Deepika Padukone, Vidya Balan and Rekha will be the three leading actresses in ‘Rana', but then eventually because of some unknown reasons Vidya and Rekha didn’t sign the dotted line.

After this, scuttlebutts had it that that superstar Rajinikanth, who is playing a triple role in 'Rana', will be seen romancing Deepika Padukone, Asin and South hottie Anushka Shetty in the flick.

However, moviemaker Ravikumar denied all gossips and said that only Deepika has been zeroed in for 'Rana' so far, whereas the other six actresses are yet to be finalized.

Deepika turns action heroine in ‘Rana’
After showing her tough side in 'Chandni Chowk to China', Deepika is once again gearing up for some action sequences for the Rajinikanth starrer ‘Rana'.

Apparently, the ‘Dum Maaro Dum’ sizzler is getting herself trained in martial arts for performing the stunts in ‘Rana'.

With Deepika turning an action heroine, and Rajini sharing screen space with 7 hotties, the forthcoming flick ‘Rana’ has become a much awaited one for the moviegoers.

Rekha says no to Rana

Nobody says no to Rajinikanth. But Madame Rekha has just done it. The actress has walked out of Rajini starrer Rana due to some monetary issues with the film's producers.

The producers of the film are now planning to rope in Hema Malini for the same role.

The film features South Indian superstar Rajinikanth in a triple role and Deepika Padukone in the female lead. The other two women in the film are yet to be finalised, now that Rekha has dropped out.

According to a source, "Rekha was scheduled to be paired opposite the older Rajinikanth, while Deepika was all set to romance the younger one. However, there have been some monetary issues between Rekha and the producers.

She in not keen to work in the film, unless she is paid what she thinks she deserves. The producers of the film, Ocher Studios, have now spoken to Hema Malini for the role and will be meeting her shortly.

Apparently, Rekha asked for around four crores for the film and the producers were not ready for such a huge amount. That's why Rekha chose to walk out of the film."

When contacted, the official spokesperson of Eros refused to comment on the problems, saying, "We will make an announcement once the casting is done."

Rekha remained unavailable for comments.

Big B to do a cameo in RANA

Temples have been built and aartis religiously conducted for these two superstars. Amitabh Bachchan and Rajinikanth, who are still worshiped by their loyal fans in north and south India respectively, are set to come together again on the silver screen after a gap of two decades.

We hear that Mr. Bachchan will have a guest appearance in Rajinikanth’s next film Rana. The movie, to be directed by K. S. Ravikumar, will have Rajinikanth in a triple role. Three actresses from Bollywood -- Deepika Padukone, Vidya Balan and Rekha -- have reportedly been signed opposite Rajini in the film.

But one of the highlights is sure going to be the cameo by Big B. He will appear in the second half of the film but the details of his role are not being revealed.

Mr. Bachchan and Rajinikanth have previously worked in Hindi films like Giraftaar and Hum. They are very good friends and Big B even shared the stage with Rajinikanth during the promotions of the mega star’s last release Endhiran (Robot) last year, co-starring the Bachchan bahu Aishwarya Rai.

Madhuri won't play Rajni's sister

Bollywood actress Madhuri Dixit turned down a film opposite Tamil superstar Rajnikanth because she didn't want to play his sister.

"Would have loved to do a film with Rajnikanth, but the role was that of his sister... need to wait for the right role," Madhuri wrote on microblogging site Twitter.

Madhuri has previously worked with the 61-year-old star in "Uttar Dakshin" in 1987.

Rekha opposite Rajini in Rana?

After Deepika Padukone, Rajinikanth is keen to get another Bollywood actress Rekha in his live-animation film Rana.

Rajinikanth seems to be really putting together things for a grand comeback in Bollywood. While his next ambitious project Rana is primarily a Tamil film, it is being made as a bilingual in Hindi as well. Top Bollywood actress Deepika Padukone has already been roped in to play the female lead opposite Rajinikanth. But Rajinikanth has a triple role in the film which adds to the possibility of having more leading ladies being paired opposite him.

Recently there was buzz that Madhuri Dixit was offered the film which she declined. If latest rumours are to be believed, the makers have approached Rekha to be paired opposite Rajinikanth in the film. Interestingly even the last Hindi film of Rajinikanth ( Bulandi , which released in 2000) had Rekha in it though they were not romantically paired opposite each other. Rajinikant and Rekha have also worked in the past in Phool Bane Aangaray .

Incidentally both Deepika Padukone and Rekha are from South origin though they are popular actresses in their own right in Bollywood.