"Nanban" almost complete

Shooting for Nanban is going on at breakneck pace at Sun Studios, Chennai. Currently Vijay and Srikanth's scenes are being filmed. Word is that Nanban will be wrapped up by August 5th and post-production will get underway.

Shankar being quite the perfectionist is working very hard to ensure that there are no glitches. Insiders are claiming that the ensemble cast which Shankar and the producers took so much time to finalize have gelled perfectly and the results will be evident on the big screen. If all goes according to plan, Nanban will be a Diwali release.

Vijay's confusion..

It’s a well-known fact that Vijay is close on the heels of completing his 52nd movie Velayudham which is directed by Jeyam Raja. Though it may take few more months for the actor to wrap up Shankar’s Nanban, he had already okayed Seeman’s script that is tentatively titled as Pagalavan with the plans of commencing the project later.

But the latest report is that director Perarasu, who had earlier churned out blockbuster movies like Thirupachi and Sivakasi, has approached Vijay. It is worth mentioning that both of them were supposed to work together again, but didn't happen due to the prior commitments of Vijay.

Closer sources reveal that Vijay is very much impressed with Perarasu's storyline and is keen on working with him again. However, the star seems to be confused over deciding his next project between Seeman and Perasu.

Nervous Idiot..

Ileana is gung ho about Nanban with Vijay, directed by Shankar. She bubbles over with enthusiasm while discussing the project.

Apparently 'Nanban' is not a scene - by - scene lift from the original Three Idiots but a remake that takes Tamil sensibilities into account .

Ileana's character has also been tweaked a little and she credits her director Shankar for developing the character as well as her look in the film.

About working with Vijay she says "I was a little nervous but everyone made me feel comfortable and helped me out with the language barrier. Vijay is a very composed person and is very friendly. He shares a great rapport with Jiiva, and Srikanth and the three enliven the sets considerably. As for me, I am the fourth idiot on the set", she adds with a laugh.

Producer threatened to Death..

Romesh Babu, the producer of the Vijay starrer Kavalan, has complained to the police that producer Shakthi Chidambaram threatened to kill him if he did not give a written statement that he is willing to forego 2.75 crores which a private television channel owes him. Romesh Babu said that he had sold the satellite rights of Kavalan to a private television channel for 5.5 crores of which he had received 2.75 crores. The channel refused to pay the balance for the past four months despite repeated requests.

Now, producer Shakthi Chidambaram has intervened in this issue and has threatened Romesh Babu with dire consequences if he does not forego the remaining amount. A complaint has been registered against Shakthi Chidambaram on this issue.

Velayudham's Climax ..

Genelia has said that she is back to the sets of Velayudham for the shooting the film's climax scene. The actress has said that director Jayam Raja has planned an elaborate climax and is filming it with the lead stars.

Vijay, Genelia, Hansika and others are shooting together and this shooting is expected to go on for a week or so before Raja wraps it up completely.

Soon after Velayudham shooting is over, Vijay will move over to Nanban shooting which is currently going on in Europe.

With the shooting of Velayudham reaching its final stages, the audio launch and film release dates are expected to be announced very soon.

Ileana is burning up . .

Actress Ileana has had her share of trouble recently as those in power at the tinsel town are considering slapping a ban on her for alleged unprofessional conduct.

In the meantime she has been shooting at a breakneck pace for Shankar’s Nanban with Vijay in Andaman and Amsterdam.

While in The Netherlands, Ileana was taken ill with high fever. She was rushed back to India and admitted to a hospital in her hometown, Goa.

The doctors have prescribed a treatment program for her that includes strict bed rest for 10 days. Hope she recovers soon.

Alaipayuthey again . .

The news about Mani Ratnam’s ‘Ponniyin Selvan’ shelved has disappointed the fans of Vijay and Mahesh Babu. However, Mani Ratnam’s team members are reportedly happy that he didn’t involve in the project that is profitably not viable.

The latest we hear from the closer sources is Mani Ratnam is glimpsing through three different scripts that he had crafted before the completion of ‘Raavanan’. It looks like his next preference is a breezy rom-com starring newcomers in lead roles. The inside reports mention that audition for new faces is going on at initial levels. However, the technical team will have P.C. Sriram and A.R. Rahman, who are considered as the lucky factors of Mani Ratnam’s films.

Excited !

Handsome actor Srikanth despite his good looks and talent has failed to make it big in the Tamil film industry. But the actor is now being directed by hit-maker Shankar in the film Nanban which also stars Vijay, Jiiva, Ileana and Satyaraj. The actor has signed his next film and it has been titled Ethiri En.3.

Srikanth is excited about this movie and says that the script is very novel and that he is happy to have signed the dotted line. Ethiri En.3 is scripted and is to be directed by debutant Ram Kumar and is produced by Sixth sense production house. The film is touted to be a crime thriller and will start rolling from the 11th of May. We hope this movie gives Srikanth the much deserved break!

Birthday Surprise !

The producer and director of Vijay’s Velayudham, Aascar Ravichandran and Jayam Raja respectively are keen to release the film as a birthday surprise on Vijay's birthday that falls on June 22nd.

Almost 80 per cent of the film is completed and those who have seen the rushes are gushing about it saying that the action, dance, and music of this entertainer is simply astounding.

Genelia and Hansika play the lovely lasses on either arms of Vijay, a milkman reminiscing us of Superstar Rajnikanth in Annamalai. Genelia plays an intrepid reporter and Hansika does what she does best with the role that she has been offered.

With lovely lasses on either of his arms and miling more milk with astounding entertaining elements Velayudham is expected to hit screens on Vijay's birthdate to make good business to that of a good looking milkman he has turned out to be.

The superhero Vigilante slash the alter ego of the milkman on the script is a surprise for which the director along with his producers play with the cards close to their chest as this project is another remake of the Telugu hit Azad (2000) that had Nagarjuna, Shilpa Shetty and late Soundarya playing pivotal roles.

Furious Fans

A house owned by Vijay, which was rented out to Vijay Anthony, came under attack recently. Some miscreants hurled stones inside and caused damage to this house situated in Virugambakkam. It was suggested that certain political factions, who disapproved of Vijay’s entry into politics, may have been behind the attack. The police report however put it down to drunken misconduct on the part of a few individuals.

This has angered Vijay fans who felt that justice has not been served. They have decided to organize protests to express their anger. The Coimbatore branch of Vijay Makkal Iyakkam was the first to make their feelings known and have organized a demonstration in that area. Many fans have joined in and they are all screaming for vengeance against the men who did this to their hero. They are demanding that the perpetrators be arrested and punished immediately.

Priyanka for Prince Mahesh : Mani Ratnam

Mani Ratnam intends to make Ponniyin Selvan in three languages – Hindi, Tamil and Telugu. Since this film requires a huge star cast, Mani is planning to cast at least one popular face from each film industry, sources report. While for the Tamil version it will be Vijay, for Telugu it is Mahesh Babu.

Having offered the two important male lead roles to the most popular stars in the Tamil and Telugu film industry, sources say that the director feels that Priyanka Chopra would be the apt choice to appease the Bollywood audiences. She will play Mahesh Babu’s on screen pair in this film while Anushka will be Vijay’s.

Violent attack on Vijay’s house

Vijay’s house in Saligramam was attacked by unknown persons today. Incidentally, music director Vijay Anthony has been residing in this house as Vijay’s family had shifted base to Neelangarai some months ago. Window panes broke down in the attack and Vijay Anthony immediately complained about the attack to the police.

Though the reason for the attack is not immediately known, it is widely believed that Vijay’s political opponents are behind it. It may be noted here that Vijay incurred the wrath of the DMK party by declaring openly that he would enter into politics. However, the star did not enter politics as widely publicized but he supported the AIADMK which added fuel to the fire.

First Look of "Nanban" out

3 Idiots, the biggest hit in Indian cinema history is being remade in Tamil as Nanban. Director Shankar is remaking it with Vijay, Srikanth and Jeeva in the lead roles. There is huge buzz on this movie as it is the first ever remake film from Shankar’s table.

People are excited to see how Shankar handles this light hearted entertainer which has a strong message questioning our educational system. Also Vijay fans are thrilled that their matinee idol has chosen a down to earth role in Nanban.

The first look of Nanban is out and Shankar tried to make it look different from the Hindi posters. He has chosen vibrant colors and weird make ups to grab the attention. However, the tagline ‘All is Well’ is not replaced or rephrased. There are plans to remake it in Telugu too but it will take time as the suitable cast is not found at the moment.

Hansika excited about her K'Town entry

Hansika Motwani, who was in the news for quite a while despite not having had a single release in Tamil, is currently thrilled about opening her K’Town innings with Maapillai, which hit cinemas recently.

“I hope people like me in this film, I am keeping my fingers crossed,” said the gorgeous Hansika, who was recently in town for her upcoming flick Velayudham’s shooting with Vijay.

The Tollywood star seems to enjoy every moment that she’s shooting with Vijay. She said Velayudham was the first film in which she played a village belle, a role totally different from her prior performances. “I play a naïve and bubbly girl from a village. It’s an out-and-out mass masala commercial movie.”

She heaped praise on her costar. “Vijay is a sweet person and a wonderful costar. He is very helpful and we share a great chemistry on screen. His energy levels, especially in songs, are amazing!”

We told her we had heard that she’d done a steamy romantic number with Vijay. She shrugged. “It is part and parcel of cinema. There is a cute sizzling number, but it is not as hot as the rumours make it out to be,” she clarified.

Hansika said that Oscar Productions were treating her like a princess and with so much of positive vibes around she was able to perform better. Didn’t she feel threatened by the presence of another Bollywood heroine Genelia in Velayudham? She shook her head emphatically.

“Oh, no. I have a lot of faith in the script narrated by my director Raja. Moreover, I am playing the love interest of Vijay in Velayudham,” she announced with a triumphant glint in her eyes. The message was clear!

Hansika paired with Vijay again?

It seems luck is working overtime in favour of Hansika Motwani. The actress's maiden venture 'Mappillai' hit the screens only yesterday, but she has three more promising projects in hand.

And now, Hansika has made another prize catch- by becoming the heroine of Vijay's forthcoming film with Seeman, titled 'Pagalavan'. Remember she is already working with the Ilaya Thalapathi for 'Velayudham'.

Other projects in which Hansika is currently part of are 'Jayam' Ravi starrer 'Engeyum Kadhal' directed by Prabhu Deva and Udhayanidhi Stalin starrer 'Oru Kal Oru Kannadi' directed by Rajesh.

Genelia & Hansika in Vijay's Velayudham

The much-awaited Vijay-starrer Velayudham, directed by Jayam Raja, is almost complete.

Produced in a grand maner by Aascar Ravichandran, the movie stars Genelia and Hansika Motwani opposite Vijay. Genelia D'Souza will play the role of a journalist, while Hansika Motwani will be a village belle. Santhanam plays the comedian.

According to reports the movie's shooting is almost complete. Plans are on to release it this summer. Vijay Anthony has come up with peppy numbers.

Meanwhile, Vijay is shooting currently for Shankar's Nanban, a remake of Three Idiots.

Priyanka approached for "Ponniyin Selvan"

If sources from Bollywood are to be believed, hottie Priyanka Chopra has been approached by ace filmmaker Mani Ratnam for his period film Ponniyin Selvan to play one of the female leads.

The actress is not new to K’Town as she has already starred opposite Ilaya Thalapathy Vijay in Tamizhan way back in 2002. Interestingly, Mani roped in Vijay to play the lead protagonist Vandhiyathevan for this multilingual project and the actor’s associates confirmed it to this newspaper.

Reportedly, Anushka has been finalised for one of the female leads and she’ll be seen opposite Vijay. Mahesh Babu is another hero in the film. Apparently, according to the story, Anushka is Mahesh Babu’s sister in the movie. Reports suggest that Mani wants Priyanka to play Mahesh Babu’s love interest.

Actor Arya will also be seen in an important role.It is reliably learnt that Priyanka is excited about working with Mani and will soon be meeting him for a personal discussion.

Though the Fashion star is busy with Bollywood movies, insiders reveal that considering this is a Mani Ratnam film, the actress will not relinquish the opportunity.

Maniratnam's next epic

The Duo starting from Roja (1992) till Raavanan (2010) has always resulted in producing exceptional music thats magic to the listeners and the upcoming extravagant epic venture Ponniyin Selvan will be magic again only to be in its best form.

Ponniyin Selvan with a cast that is yet to be finalized has A.R. Rahman determined to do his best again for Mani and has already completed five songs. The tunes are said to be outstanding and Mani was moved by his gesture. He seems to have approved the songs and is keen to begin shooting for them as he wants to make them memorable.

As per the news circles, The film would have Vijay, Mahesh Babu, Arya, and Sathyaraj portraying keyroles with Anushka playing Vijay's love interest. Mani Ratnam is in plans for casting a top heroine from Bollywood opposite Mahesh in this movie. Stay tuned for more scoop.

"3 Idiots" in Tamil : The cast

The Tamil version of the super hit film 3 Idiots has been named ‘Nanban’. Sources say, Vijay will play the main lead, which we know without saying. Jeeva who will play Sharman Joshi’s role is super excited about it. And the role played by Madhavan will be done by Srikanth.

The powerful role of Boman Irani as Virus has gone to Sathyaraj while Sathyan will be stepping into Omi Vaidhya’s shoes. Director-actor SJ Suryah will make a cameo in Nanban and play Javed Jefri’s character. Ileana is the leading lady and Anuya will play her sister in the film.

Vijay's Pagalavan: First Look

Ilayathalapathy is a busy bee these days as he is apparently managing his acting and political career. Vijay is currently working in director Raja's superhero subject 'Velayutham' and Shankar's '3 Idiots' remake movie, 'Nanban'.

Vijay has also revived his project with director Seeman, which was considered to be shelved due to the imprisonment of the latter. Director Seeman, after his jail sentence, has started the ground works for the film titled 'Pagalavan'.

As per the initial reports, some of the big technicians are being signed for this project. Seeman is good at making power packed movies in which the protagonist delivers a strong message to the society. Considering this fact, Vijay must be highly involved in this project to exploit it for his political career.

As of now the confirmed list of technicians are Padma Shri award winning art director Thotta Tharani, Yuvan Shankar Raja, Devi Sri Prasad and K.V Anand's favorite script writer Vivega. The film will go on floors after completing 'Nanban' and 'Velayutham'. Pagalavan will be produced by Kalaipuli S Thanu under V creations banner.