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Sunday, July 05, 2009

Movie

Regional

News & Gossips

Manipuri cinematographer arrested for aiding separatists Noted Manipuri cinematographer L. Surjakanta was arrested here Thursday on charges of aiding a top separatist outfit leader, police said.

	Kerala to set up film institute, cine park and archives centre The Kerala film industry has lots more to cheer about - it is set to get a film institute, a film park and an archives centre, state Culture Minister M.A. Baby announced in the assembly Wednesday.

Darshan's 'Yodha' brings respite to Kannanda film industry Southern star Darshan's first release of the year "Yodha" has received the biggest opening in recent times and trade analysts say the film could change the tide of Kannada film industry, which was going through a bad phase with downward revenues week after week.

	Trisha dumps Dhanush's film to work with Akshay Kumar After shooting for more than 10 days, Tamil actress Trisha has opted out of Dhanush starrer "Aadukalam" to work in Bollywood star Akshay Kumar's home production.

Top Manipuri actress arrested for terror links Popular Manipuri actress Urikhinbam Devita was arrested by police on charges of terror links after she was caught from a hotel room in New Delhi with a top separatist leader, police said here Tuesday.

	I didn't fly to Mumbai to console Dhoni: Lakshmi Rai Tamil actress Lakshmi Rai, who has been romantically linked with M.S. Dhoni, rubbishes reports that she flew down to Mumbai from here to console the Indian cricket skipper after the Indian team was ousted from the T20 World Cup.

Malayalam writer-director Lohithadas dead Veteran Malayalam film director and script writer A.K. Lohithadas died here Sunday morning following cardiac arrest, leaving the Malayalam movie industry and film fans in shock. He was 54.

	Acting is easy, direction most satisfying: Filmmaker Lal Multi-faceted Malayalam film personality Lal, who has just won the Kerala state best actor award, Saturday said that acting is the easiest part of filmmaking and production is the most lucrative, but directing a movie is the most satisfying.

'Jai Ho, MJ!' says Rahman, Prabhu Deva numbed "Jai Ho, MJ!" said Oscar winner A.R. Rahman, for whom pop legend Michael Jackson symbolised limitless energy, perfection and vision, while the death of his "role model" has left dancing star Prabhu Deva numb.

	PM assures film producers he would protect the industry Prime Minister Manmohan Singh Thursday promised a film industry delegation that called on him that he would protect the industry against piracy, and that he wanted "Indian cinema to flourish".

Glamorous Mumtaz is slimmer and back to work Tamil actress Mumtaz, who is known for her sizzling item numbers, is back in action and has lost oodles of weight too.

	Priyamani too goes to Bollywood After Asin, Genelia D'Souza, Shriya Saran and Trisha, yet another south Indian actress is entering the Hindu film world albeit in an indirect way. Priyamani would be essaying a role in the Hindi version of Mani Ratnam's Tamil film "Ravanan".

I don't see Asin as my competitor: Trisha (Southern Snippets) Popular Tamil actress Trisha is all set to make her Bollywood debut opposite Akshay Kumar, but insists that her foray into Hindi films shouldn't be seen as competing with Asin.

	Tamil star Vijay too eyes politics Tamil actor Vijay could be the next on the list of film stars turning to politics. He revealed his political aspirations on his birthday, but said he would start off by forming a social organisation with the help of his fans.

Actor Jeeva opts for 'commercial' roles Actor Jeeva, with back-to-back Tamil hits in "Thenavattu" and "Siva Manasula Sakthi", is done with experimental roles and is now gearing up for a new "commercial streak".

	Veteran Kannada film producer Lakshman dead Veteran Kannada film producer R. Lakshman, who received the prestigious Dadasaheb Phalke Academy Award passed away Saturday night in Bangalore. He was 82.

Sikkim's first ever Marwari film completed in record time The makers of "Khoto Sikko", the first Marwari film to be made here highlighting the lives of the migrant Marwari community living in the state for generations, have made a record by completing the film in 20 days' time.

	Kannada actress Roopa impresses with directorial debut Bangalore, June 19 (IANS) Popular Kannada actress Roopa Iyer's debut directorial venture "Mukhaputa", which deals with the problems of young children suffering from HIV, has been applauded by the film fraternity.

'Kettavan' as good as shelved: Tamil actor Simbu Chennai, June 19 (IANS) Tamil actor Simbu's much-hyped "Kettavan" has been shelved and he says he has now moved away from it.

	Injured Asin learning to be independent Mumbai, June 19 (IANS) "Ghajini" star Asin Thottumkal, who injured her right leg while practising Kalaripayattu in Kerala, has no plans of taking help from her parents and is managing all alone in her new house.

Shriya Saran says no to soft drink ads Chennai June 18 (IANS) Following the footsteps of Tamil actor Ajit, southern actress Shriya Saran too has decided not to endorse any soft drink brands.

	'Yaavarum Nalam' completes 100 days, grosses Rs.130 mn New Delhi, June 16 (IANS) "Yaavarum Nalam", the Tamil version of Hindi film "13B", completed 100 days at the box office and has grossed Rs.130 million so far.

Innocent re-elected president of Malayalam film body Kochi June 16 (IANS) The Association of Malayalam Movie Artistes (AMMA) has unanimously elected comedy artiste Innocent as its president for the fourth time in a row.

	Film star Mammootty turns producer, distributor Malayalam film superstar Mammootty Sunday geared up for a new role - that of a producer and distributor - with the inauguration of his production company named Play House

Kannada producers-multiplexes end row, new films being released Bangalore, June 12 (IANS) Film buffs in Karnataka can heave a sigh of relief - the Kannada film industry's long stand off with the multiplexes over revenue sharing has ended and two new films - "Olave Jeevana Lekkachara" and "Karanjji" - are being screened at multi-screen theatres Friday.

	Tamil star Trisha forays into Bollywood, teams up with Akshay Chennai, June 12 (IANS) Director Priyadarshan has signed Tamil star Trisha to play the female lead in his forthcoming Hindi film starring Akshay Kumar.

Deepika Padukone to do item number in Telugu movie Hyderabad, June 9 (IANS) Bollywood actress Deepika Padukone is set to shoot an item number for a Telugu film titled "Love 4 Ever".

	Kerala's award winning actress Priyanka says no to skin show Thiruvananthapuram, June 8 (IANS) Malayalam actress Priyanka, who won the state film award for the best actress for director T.V. Chandran's "Vilaapangalkappuram", says she is not interested in exposing on screen.

Gracy Singh to start shooting for Malayalam film Wednesday Chennai, June 7 (IANS) Bollywood actress Gracy Singh will begin shooting Wednesday for a Malayalam film opposite superstar Mammooty, director Jayaraj said Sunday.

	Malayalam film awards spark controversy Thiuvananthapuram, June 5 (IANS) Two days after acclaimed director Adoor Gopalakrishnan's "Oru Pennun Randu Annum" swept the state film awards, veteran Malayalam filmmaker T.V. Chandran Friday said that the awards were given to a "TV serial and not a movie".

Kannada film academy to be inaugurated Friday Bangalore, June 3 (IANS) Karnataka will soon get a film academy of its own - the cinema body will be launched here Friday and it will not only take care of film-related activities, it will also act as a mediator between the government and film agencies.

	Adoor's 'Oru Pennun Randu Annum' sweeps state film awards Thiruvananthapuram, June 3 (IANS) Internationally acclaimed Malayalam filmmaker Adoor Gopalakrishnan's "Oru Pennun Randu Annum" swept the State Film Awards winning five main awards. He says it will lure the people to theatres to see his movie.

I'll do Tamil films if offered good script: Asin Chennai, June 3 (IANS) After the "Ghajini" success, southern actress Asin Thottumkal is concentrating on Bollywood films but says she won't mind doing Tamil movies if she gets a challenging role to play.

	Kannada films got me recognition: Suhasini Mani Ratnam Bangalore, June 2 (IANS) She has worked in all the four south Indian film industries but veteran actress Suhasini Ratnam says that she got huge fame and popularity by working in Kannada films.

I won't apologise for coming late: Kannada actress Ramya Popular south Indian actress Ramya has refused to apologise for arriving late to a press meet for the promotion of Kannada film "Jothegaara". She claimed she was not informed about the event or else she would have come on time.

	John Abraham fractures his foot Bollywood hunk John Abraham fractured his foot while shooting a day-long cricket match for David Dhawan's "Hook Ya Crook" and he will sport a cast for a month. The actor says it won't affect any of his films' shooting.

Kannada film to be shot in South Africa, Iceland Bangalore, May 31 (IANS) The much-awaited Kannada film "Raaj, The Showman", which has popular actor Puneet Rajkumar in the lead, will now be shot in South Africa and Iceland as well.

	Madhavan's kitty is full Mumbai, May 30 (IANS) Multilingual actor R. Madhavan is on a roll after the success of his thriller "13 B". He now has his hands full with major projects.

Kerala film industry happy with 'Mundakkal Sekharan' Napoleon as minister Thiruvananthapuram, May 28 (IANS) The Kerala film industry is excited to have one of its own in Prime Minister Manmohan Singh's cabinet. D. Napoleon, who became a household name by playing the villanous Mundakkal Sekharan in two popular Malayalam films, has been chosen to be a minister of state.

	Madhavan relieved over much-delayed Tamil film's release Chennai, May 24 (IANS) Multilingual actor R. Madhavan is happy that his much-delayed Tamil film "Avan, Aval, Athu" is releasing Friday even though he didn't dub for the film.

No hard feelings over New York airport delay: Mammootty Kochi, May 24 (IANS) Malayalam superstar Mammootty says he has no ill-feelings towards immigration officials at the JFK Airport in New York for delaying his clearance as they were just doing their job.

	Kannada star Arjun Sarja making Hindi film Bangalore, May 23 (IANS) Popular South Indian actor Arjun Sarja, called "Action King" by his fans, is all set to direct and star in a Hindi film that will be made under the banner of his own production house.

New movie timings in Karnataka for better revenue Bangalore, May 21 (IANS) A film body Thursday rescheduled the timings of the film shows after the Karnataka government extended it for two hours in a bid to help the Kannada film industry generate more revenue.

	Mohanlal celebrates a quiet birthday Thiruvananthapuram, May 21 (IANS) Malayalam superstar Mohanlal Thursday celebrated his 49th birthday without any fanfare at a hotel in between the shooting of his latest film.

Meera Jasmine makes comeback to Kannada films Bangalore, May 21 (IANS) National award winning actress Meera Jasmine is making a comeback to Kannada films after a gap of four years with the feel-good sentimental drama "Devaru Kotta Thangi". She will play the lead actor's sister and director Sai Prakash says she fits the role perfectly.

	Rajnikant votes, Kamal Haasan not allowed to Chennai, May 13 (IANS) While Tamil superstar Rajnikant voted for a "stable government", here Wednesday, thespian Kamal Haasan was unable to cast his ballot since his name was not on the electoral rolls.

Tamil actors, directors rant against Congress over Sri Lanka Chennai, May 6 (IANS) They are not contesting the Lok Sabha elections and don't care who wins either. But many Tamil film personalities are campaigning actively to prevent the Congress from winning in Tamil Nadu -- all over Sri Lanka's war.

	Vijaykant - the black MGR of Tamil Nadu politics Chennai, May 4 (IANS) Tamil movie hero-turned-politician Vijaykant is known to have performed stunts in films without a duplicate. In these Lok Sabha polls too, he and his party DMDK are going solo. And all eyes are on the 56-year-old man known as "Karuppu (Black) MGR".

Tamil industry bids tearful farewell to movie mogul Balaji Chennai, May 3 (IANS) The Tamil film industry bid a tearful farewell to "remake-king" K. Balaji as he was cremated Sunday. Superstar Rajnikant along with other big names like Prabhu and Manorama paid their respects to the eminent filmmaker.

	Veteran Tamil actor-producer K. Balaji is dead Chennai, May 2 (IANS) Veteran Tamil actor and producer K. Balaji died here Saturday, his family members said. He was in the 70s.

Kamal Haasan hopes for peace returning to Sri Lanka Chennai, May 1 (IANS) South Indian superstar Kamal Haasan Friday said he hoped that peace will return to Sri Lanka through the efforts of Tamils the world over.

	What will Kamal Haasan do with 'A Wednesday', ponders Neeraj Pandey Mumbai, April 25 (IANS) Director Neeraj Pandey is unperturbed by UTV's decision to sell the rights of his directorial debut "A Wednesday" to Kamal Haasan but admits he would love to see what the Tamil superstar does to his thriller.

Asin Thottumkal no more daddy's girl Mumbai, April 25 (IANS) Actress Asin Thottumkal has to manage her life and career on her own for the first time as her father prepares to go in for surgery. But she says she is determined to prove herself.

	Acting with Big B is a huge bonus: Kannada star Sudeep Bangalore, April 22 (IANS) Popular Kannada star Sudeep is enjoying every bit of shooting in Ram Gopal Varma's next movie "Rann" where he plays Amitabh Bachchan's son. He says sharing screen space with the superstar always charges him up.

Malayalam film industry deadlocked by trade unions Thiruvananthapuram, April 21 (IANS) Two movie shoots have been disrupted by protests over the attitude of leading stars Mammootty and Dileep, scuffles have broken out and members of film units have even been arrested. The tussle between two rival trade unions in the Malayalam film industry seems to have entered a deadlock and neither side is ready to give in.

	Malayalam film on child beggars stars 500 kids Thiruvananthapuram, April 20 (IANS) Malayalam director Sunil's film on child beggars "Kathaparayum Theruvoram" (Street Symphony), which boasts of starring as many as 500 kids, is finally set to release May 1, nearly six years after its shoot was completed.

Fresh trouble brews in Malayalam film industry Thiruvananthapuram, April 18 (IANS) In a sign of fresh trouble for the Malayalam film industry, nearly 300 members of a technician's body disrupted a film shoot in Palakkad in Kerala protesting the attitude of leading stars Mammootty and Dileep.

	Sorry, no politics for me, says actor Mohanlal Sorry, no politics for me, says actor Mohanlal Chennai, April 19 (IANS) Malayalam superstar Mohanlal Sunday ruled out a political career for himself.

Tamil filmdom stands divided over support to UPA Chennai, April 19 (IANS) The Tamil film industry stands divided over support to political parties, with the plight of the Sri Lankan Tamils becoming an emotive issue for the Lok Sabha polls.

	'Mani Ratnam went off to hospital quietly' Mumbai, April 17 (IANS) Mani Ratnam first complained of uneasiness and then left the recording studio and checked himself quietly into the Apollo Hospital on his own, says Lyricist Gulzar.

Telugu filmstars make a beeline to polling booths Hyderabad, April 16 (IANS) Popular actors and other Telugu film personalities made a beeline to polling booths here to cast their votes for the first phase of parliamentary and assembly elections Thursday.

	'Billa', fourth remake of Hindi original 'Don', creates history Hyderabad, April 16 (IANS) Recent Telugu release "Billa" has created history by becoming the fourth consecutive hit remake of the 1978 Hindi original "Don", said director Meher Ramesh.

'Item song will boost Preeti Jhangiani's career' Hyderabad, April 16 (IANS) Telugu director Raj K.S. Gopi says that Bollywood actress Preeti Jhangiani's sensuous item number in his directorial debut "Tejam" will boost her career in southern films.

	Mammootty casts vote despite hectic filming schedule Kochi, April 16 (IANS) Malayalam superstar Mammootty took time out from shooting for his latest movie "Daddy Cool" to cast his vote here Thursday for the parliamentary polls since he believes that it is only by voting that one "becomes a part of the democracy".

Kannada film shoots go smoothly during Thailand protests Bangalore, April 15 (IANS) Anti-government protests in Thailand did not affect the shooting schedules of two Kannada films being shot in Pattaya and Bangkok. The producers and directors of these films say the shooting of the song sequences went off without a hitch.

	Rahman to perform for HIV+ kids Thiruvananthapuram, April 15 (IANS) Malayalam superstar Suresh Gopi has a new mission in his life - a school for HIV positive children. And joining him is double Oscar winner A.R. Rahman who will stage a musical night in Kerala for free.

I've ego problems with my co-actresses: Navya Nair Thiruvananthapuram, April 15 (IANS) Popular south Indian actress Navya Nair admits that she has ego problems while working with other female co-stars in the same film.

	Mani Ratnam admitted to Chennai hospital Chennai, April 15 (IANS) Multilingual filmmaker Mani Ratnam was admitted to a private hospital Wednesday following "breathing difficulty and dizziness", a family source said.

Kamal Hassan starts shooting bilingual remake of "A Wednesday" Bangalore, April 10 (IANS) Versatile actor Kamal Hassan has started shooting for his new bilingual film which is a remake of the critically acclaimed Hindi film "A Wednesday".

	Actor Rajasekhar invokes caste for votes, arrested Hyderabad, April 10 (IANS) Andhra Pradesh Police Friday arrested Telugu film actor Rajasekhar for seeking votes in the name of caste.

My passion is cinema, not politics: Suresh Gopi Thiruvananthapuram, April 7 (IANS) Malayalam superstar Suresh Gopi Tuesday said his passion is films and he doesn't have any intention to join politics.

	For Andhra's Lady Amitabh, screen image comes in handy Medak (Andhra Pradesh), April 7 (IANS) "You know your Ramulamma, don't you?" asks actress-turned-politician Vijayashanti at every election meeting she addresses in this Lok Sabha constituency.

Movie mogul Nagi Reddy's memoirs coming soon Hyderabad, April 5 (IANS) The memoirs of the celebrated late doyen of south Indian film industry and Dadasaheb Phalke award-winner B. Nagi Reddy will be released soon in Telugu.

	Posters at New Jersey metro station for Tamil film 'Ayyan' Chennai, March 30 (IANS) Tamil superstar Surya's "Ayyan" is set for a world premiere Friday. The actor says it is the first Tamil movie whose posters are being displayed at a metro station in New Jersey.

Allu Aravind files nomination for Ankapalli Lok Sabha seat Hyderabad, March 30 (IANS) Film producer and Praja Rajyam Party (PRP) general secretary Allu Aravind Monday filed his nomination for Ankapalli Lok Sabha constituency in coastal Andhra Pradesh.

	Junior NTR injured in road accident Hyderabad, March 27 (IANS) Junior NTR, popular Telugu film actor and star campaigner of the Telugu Desam Party (TDP), has suffered multiple injuries after a road accident in Andhra Pradesh, police said Friday.

Indian film industry should change its attitude: Kamal Haasan Chennai, March 26 (IANS) Multilingual film actor Kamal Haasan Thursday slammed the critics who say that Oscar winning film "Slumdog Millionaire" showed India in a bad light.

	Actress Asin's missing aide traced in Andhra Pradesh Chennai, March 26 (IANS) An aide of actress Asin who had been missing for the past 10 days has been traced to See more stills of Asin.... Puttaparthi in Andhra Pradesh. He has reportedly admitted to blackmailing the actress, the police said Thursday.

Vijaykanth launches campaign, rules out electoral alliances Kanyakumari (Tamil Nadu), March 26 (IANS) Actor-politician Vijaykanth Thursday told huge crowds that his DMDK party would not have any alliance with other political parties for the Lok Sabha polls and would prove it was a party to "reckon with".

	Catch a falling star - parties woo Kannada 'he-man' Ambareesh Bangalore, March 25 (IANS) He is an ageing star, suffered a shock defeat in the assembly poll, rarely attends Lok Sabha and did not answer a single question in the house while union minister. But M.H. Ambareesh is being sought after by the Congress, to which he belongs, as well as the JD-S, from which he crossed over some years ago, and the BJP.

Kannada film industry faces slump at box office Banglaore, March 24 (IANS) The Kannada film industry is going through a rough patch, with even star-studded films biting the dust at the box office while films with newcomers are generating only 10-15 percent opening collections, members of the industry said.

	Popular Tollywood actor Kantharao expires Popular yesteryear's Tollywood actor Kantharao (85) died at Yashoda hospital here due to illness.

Action director Peter Hein shoots from wheelchair Hyderabad, March 21 (IANS) Action director Peter Hein suffered as many as 18 fractures while doing a stunt around 20 days back, but he is now back to work on a wheelchair, shooting for the Rajnikanth-starrer "Yenthiran" (Robot).

	Mammootty says politics not his cup of tea Thiruvananthapuram, March 22 (IANS) Malayalam superstar Mammootty, who considers himself a "liberal Leftist", has said that he was neither interested in entering politics nor predicting the election results as he is a busy actor and not a politician.

Film director Raj Aditya hangs self in hotel Hyderabad, March 21 (IANS) Film director Raj Aditya was Saturday found dead in a city hotel, sending shock waves in the Telugu film industry. The police said it appeared to be a case of suicide.

	Artists to rally in Bangalore for Chaplin statue Bangalore, March 19 (IANS) Artists and writers are planning a demonstration here Friday to counter objections raised by Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) workers against erecting a statue of Charlie Chaplin for a movie by director Hemanth Hegde.

Karnataka artists rally for Chaplin statue Bangalore, March 16 (IANS) Film and theatre personalities in Karnataka are coming together to support filmmaker Hemanth Hegde's plans to erect a statue of Charlie Chaplin for a movie -- a move opposed by Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) workers on grounds that the master comedian was a Christian.

	Telugu film 'Mestri' takes a jibe at Chiranjeevi? Bangalore, March 17 (IANS) The new Telugu film "Mestri" has become a talking point in political and movie circles in the south with many saying that it takes potshots at superstar-politician Chiranjeevi. But director Suresh Krissna maintains that he never intended to hurt anybody's sensibilities.

I am confident we are going to win: Chiranjeevi Hyderabad, March 15 (IANS) It is just eight months since he floated his political party but Telugu megastar Chiranjeevi is very confident of winning the Andhra Pradesh assembly polls, being held along with the Lok Sabha elections, and promises he will bring "a change" in the state.

	Kannada composers laud S. Janaki for doctorate honour Bangalore, March 15 (IANS) Legendary south Indian playback singer S. Janaki, who has sung in umpteen Kannada, Tamil and Malayalam films, has been awarded an honorary doctorate by Mysore University and leading music directors say it is high time a state institution recognised her contribution.

Star wars hit Andhra political turf Hyderabad, March 14 (IANS) Top Telugu stars have hit the campaign trail for different political parties, and some of the rivalry is spilling on to the big screen as well.

	Tamil actor Siva Kumar gives new flavour to Kamba Ramayanam Chennai, March 14 (IANS) The beauty of the Kamba Ramayanam so entranced well-known Tamil actor Siva Kumar that he memorised 100 verses of the 9th century classic and recited it before a highly appreciative audience.

Balamuralikrishna to act in Tamil film Chennai, March 13 (IANS) Veteran composer and south Indian classical vocalist M. Balamuralikrishna will appear on the Tamil screen after a 20-year hiatus in a venture titled "Kadhai" (story), in which he plays himself.

	Kannan directing Tamil remake of 'Jab We Met' Chennai, March 12 (IANS) Shooting of the Tamil remake of Bollywood hit "Jab We Met", being directed by Mani Ratnam's protege Kannan, has begun in the city.

Tamil actress Priyamani signs first Kannada film Bangalore, March 10 (IANS) Tamil star Priyamani grew up in Bangalore but has only now got around to signing her first Kannada film "Raam". A remake of Telugu superhit "Ready", she will be starring opposite Puneet Raj Kumar.

	Actor Balachandra Menon may contest elections Thiruvananthapuram, March 7 (IANS) National Award winner and veteran Malayalam actor Balachandra Menon Saturday said he planned to contest the Lok Sabha election as an independent from Thiruvananthapuram.

Kannada star Roopa Iyer making film on HIV positive kids Bangalore, March 8 (IANS) Kannada actress and danseuse Roopa Iyer is now wielding the megaphone for a film on the problems faced by children afflicted by HIV or AIDS.

	Frenzy in Kerala village over Oscar winner Pookutty's arrival Thiruvananthapuram, March 5 (IANS) A grand welcome awaits Oscar winner Resul Pookutty, who will arrive here Friday. A cavalcade of over 100 vehicles will take him to his village, where a reception will be hosted in his honour - the first of a series of felicitation events in Kerala for the Mumbai-based sound technician.

Don't divide artists of Tamil Nadu, Karnataka: Rajnikant Bangalore, March 3 (IANS) Tamil superstar Rajnikant has endorsed his colleague Kamal Haasan's view that art and politics should not be mixed and urged politicians to not create divisions between artists of Tamil Nadu and Karnataka.

	Venu Nagavally returns to direction after eight years Thiruvananthapuram, March 2 (IANS) Actor-scriptwriter-director Venu Nagavally, who makes a comeback after eight years with "Bharaya Swantham Suhurthu", Monday said Malayalam films have lost the Malayali touch.

Don't mix art with politics, urges Kamal Haasan Bangalore, March 2 (IANS) Tamil superstar Kamal Haasan struck the right chords with fans at the Kannada film industry's platinum jubilee celebrations by urging politicians of Karnataka and Tamil Nadu not to mix art with politics.

	Kannada film industry to mark 75 years in grand style Bangalore, Feb 28 (IANS) Southern superstars like Rajnikanth, Kamal Haasan and Vishnuvardhan are set to come together as the Kannada film industry celebrates its 75-year existence with a three-day extravaganza that kicks off here Sunday.

Slumdog's Tamil version to hit cinemas Friday Chennai, Feb 26 (IANS) "Naanum Kodeeshwaran", the Tamil version of multiple-Oscar-winner movie "Slumdog Millionaire", is scheduled to hit the screens Friday.

	Kannada film industry gets emotional after Rahman's Oscar triumph Bangalore, Feb 23 (IANS) Kannada film personalities, who have worked with A.R. Rahman, have gone on an emotional trip after hearing the big news of the Indian music maestro's twin win at the 81st Academy Awards.

Kerala village basks in Pookutty's Oscar glory Anchal (Kerala), Feb 23 (IANS) It seemed like all roads in Kerala led to Villakkupara village, the home of Resul Pookutty who Monday won the Oscar for sound mixing in the film "Slumdog Millionaire".

	Politicians join the chorus, praise Pookutty's Oscar Thiruvananthapuram, Feb 23 (IANS) From the village council head to ministers, politicians of all hues are making a beeline to laud Resul Pookuty's Oscar win.

Harmonium was Rahman's constant companion, even during honeymoon Thiruvananthapuram, Feb 23 (IANS) As the country rejoices at A.R. Rahman's double Oscar win, his brother-in-law and namesake Rahman says it is the reward for the maestro's life-long commitment to music.

	Rahman and Pookutty are role models for youth: Jayalalitha Chennai, Feb 23 (IANS) AIADMK chief J. Jayalalitha Monday congratulated A.R Rahman and Resul Pookutty for winning Oscars for music and sound mixing, saying the duo were role models for youth.

Rahman is worthy son of Chennai: Karunanidhi Chennai, Feb 23 (IANS) Tamil Nadu Chief Minister M. Karunanidhi Monday hailed music maestro A.R. Rahman for his double win for "Slumdog Millionaire" at the 81st annual Academy Awards and said the Oscars were "precious jewels". He also wished Rahman more awards.

	Tears, cheers and sweets at Pookutty's Kerala home Anchal (Kerala), Feb 23:His family was in tears, villagers crowding around a TV set in front of his house here cheered and plates of sweets did the rounds as Resul Pookutty became the first Indian to bag an Oscar for best sound mixing for critically acclaimed film "Slumdog Millionaire".

Kannada film star says police denying him protection Bangalore, Feb 15: Kannada film star Vinod Raj and his mother, veteran actress Leelavathi, are upset with police for not providing protection to them despite an allegedly murderous attack on them.

	Kannada film stars Vinod Raj, Leelavathi allege murder attempt Bangalore, Feb 7 Kannada film star Vinod Raj and his mother, veteran actress and producer Leelavathi, Saturday said there had been a murderous attack on them. The police were probing the incident

Tamil film body bans actress Nayanthara Chennai, Feb 5 Tamil actress Nayanthara has been banned by a state film body for allegedly not fulfilling her commitment to complete the shooting of 'Paiyya' being produced by N. Subhash Chandra Bose. Nayanthara denies this is the reason behind the ban.

	Gracy Singh heads South She featured in hits like "Lagaan" and "Munnabhai M.B.B.S", but Gracy Singh couldn't carve a niche for herself in Bollywood so she has decided to try her luck down south.

Kavya Madhavan tied the knot and becomes Kavya Nishal Feb5:The beauty queen of Malayalam movie industry, Kavya Madhavan is tying the knot with Nishal Chandra today at Mukambika temple, Kollur.

	Malayalam star Suresh Gopi sells lottery tickets! Thiruvananthapuram, Feb 3 (IANS) People walking down a busy road here were in for a surprise when they spotted Malayalam actor Suresh Gopi selling lottery tickets.

Tamil film industry mourns comedian Nagesh's death Chennai, Jan 31 (IANS) The Tamil film industry paid rich tributes to veteran movie actor-comedian Cyril K. Nagesh, who passed away here Saturday at the age of 77, with superstar Kamal Haasan calling him an "acting institution par excellence".

	Vijayshanti merges her party with TRS Hyderabad, Jan 31 (IANS) Popular Telugu film actress Vijayshanti Saturday merged her Talli Telangana Party with the Telangana Rashtra Samithi (TRS).

People won't call me sexy after 'Venkata In Sankata': Sharmila Bangalore, Feb 1 (IANS) Kannada actress Sharmila Mandre, who shot for a sensuous rain sequence in "Venkata In Sankata", says she won't be tagged "sexy" after the movie releases.

	Veteran Tamil actor Nagesh dead Chennai, Jan 31 (IANS) Veteran Tamil movie actor-comedian Cyril K. Nagesh, popularly known as Nagesh, died here Saturday, a family source said. He was 77.

Mammootty busy with big projects in 2009 too Kochi Jan 30 (IANS) Malayalam superstar Mammootty, who gave hits like "Roudram", "Annan Thampi" and "Twenty 20" last year, says 2009 has begun on a high note with his latest release "Love in Singapore" performing well at the box office and prestigious projects in his kitty.

	Tamil star Prabhu makes debut in Kannada films Bangalore, Jan 21 (IANS) Tamil star Prabhu, the son of legendary actor Shivaji Ganesan, is busy shooting in Mysore for his first Kannada film, "Boss".

Desi sport kabaddi now features in Kannada film Bangalore, Jan 19 (IANS) Though the desi sport of kabaddi has won many medals for the country at international sporting events, the game has never been adequately represented in cinema. Now, Kannada film director Narendra Babu has just wrapped up a film revolving around it, titled "Kabaddi".

	'Orkuka Vallapozhum' among my best films: Thilakan Thiruvananthapuram, Jan 18 (IANS) Septuagenarian Malayali actor Thilakan is elated with his performance in his latest release "Orkuka Vallapozhum", which he called among one of the very few roles that he had "really enjoyed".

Music director-actor Ananthaswamy dead, Kannada film industry grieves Bangalore, Jan 17 (IANS) The Kannada film industry and Karnataka's music fraternity were in deep shock Saturday over the death of 39-year-old renowned musician and actor Raju Ananthaswamy at a hospital here.

	Adoor, Mammootty, Umayalpuram to get doctorates Kerala University Tuesday decided to confer honorary doctorates on ace film maker Adoor Gopalakrishnan, veteran Malayalam superstar Mammootty and mrudangam expondent Umayalpuram K. Sivaraman.

No alliance with BJP for Lok Sabha polls, says Chiranjeevi South Indian film star-turned-politician Chiranjeevi Monday ruled out an alliance between his newly formed political outfit Praja Rajyam and the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) in his home state Andhra Pradesh for the coming Lok Sabha elections

	Karnataka film chamber restricts 'Ghajini' screening Taking strong exception to the way Aamir Khan-starrer "Ghajini" was released throughout the state in violation of its guidelines, the Karnataka Film Chamber of Commerce (KFCC) has limited the number of theatres where it can be screened.

Year of disaster for Rajni, mixed for Kamal, Kolleywood in tears Neither buoyant nor completely sunk, Tamil film industry, which had won accolades in international arena last year, had an economically bad and 'tragic' 2008.

	Rajni's "Endhiran" cleared of roadblock, Sun group chips in Touted as one of the most expansive and expensive project in Indian film Industry, Tamil Superstar Rajnikanth's latest film "Endhiran," will now be produced by Sun Pictures, a division of Sun Network.

Tamil film director arrested for inflammatory speeches For the second time in two months, Tamil movie director Seeman was arrested at a shooting locale here Friday for allegedly making inflammatory, secessionist speeches, police said.

	Remember K.J. Alphonse? Bureaucrat-turned-legislator now turns actor He has been a controversial bureaucrat as well as a legislator in real life. But now K.J. Alphonse Kannanthanam is all set to be Kerala chief minister - on screen!

Rajni's "Endhiran" cleared of roadblock, Sun group chips in Rajni's "Endhiran" cleared of roadblock, Sun group chips in

	Malayalam film industry will help develop Arabian cinema: Mammootty Malayalam film superstar Mammootty, who has just returned from a two-day Dubai trip, Wednesday said that he had assured the full support of the Malayalam film industry to develop the Arabian cinema industry.

Telugu actress died of stab injuries, says autopsy report Telugu film actress Bhargavi, who was found dead with her her live-in partner in her apartment here Tuesday, died of stab injuries, according to the autopsy report.

	Upcoming Telugu actress found murdered Upcoming Telugu actress Bhargavi was Tuesday found murdered in her apartment here, with the police suspecting her live-in partner Praveen Kumar, who committed suicide, behind the crime.

Kannada star Upendra teams with Celina Jaitley for bilingual Kannada star Upendra has teamed up with Bollywood actress Celina Jaitley for a bilingual movie in Kannada and Telugu, scripted by the actor himself.

	Kannada star Darshan launches two films on same day Kannada action hero Darshan, whose last film "Navagraha" was much liked by audiences, has signed on two back-to-back big budget films and both were launched the same day.

Mammootty ends 2008 on a happy note Malayalam superstar Mammootty started the year 2008 with hit film "Roudram" and has ended it with blockbuster "Twenty 20". No wonder he says he is satisfied with his work.

	Shah Rukh's Red Chillies ventures into TV production Bollywood superstar Shah Rukh Khan's production company Red Chillies Entertainment that churned out hit films like "Main Hoon Na" and "Om Shanti Om", is now venturing into television production with a children's awards show.

Nana Patekar's southern debut 'Bommalattam' set to release Bollywood actor Nana Patekar's southern debut "Bommalattam", which has been lying in cans for sometime, is set to hit the screens soon.

	Chennai entertainment group defies downturn, plans investment Despite mounting losses in the aftermath of the global meltdown, city-based entertainment group Pyramid Saimira feels it is the right time to invest.

Kannada composer Gurukiran wants to do more reality shows Popular Kannada music director Gurukiran Shetty is overwhelmed by the positive response he has received for hosting the talent hunt programme "Confident Singer". The composer says he is now keen to do more television reality shows.

	MGR to be featured in forthcoming animated film Iconic actor and Tamil Nadu's late chief minister M.G. Ramachandran will compete with "current younger heroes" for screen space in a forthcoming animated 3D film "Puratchi Thalaivan" (revolutionary leader), its producer said Friday.

Tamil Nadu rains disrupt shooting, cause Rs.100 mn losses Shooting schedules of at least 35 films and over 40 television serials were disrupted resulting in losses of around Rs.100 million following heavy rains in Tamil Nadu, industry sources said Thursday.

	YSR blows kisses to crowds, takes a dig at Chiranjeevi Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister Y.S. Rajasekhara Reddy Sunday hit back at actor-turned-politician Chiranjeevi with sarcasm and reminded him that politics is not like acting in films.

Tamil film industry demands 60 percent slash in star fees Following the poor show of blockbusters, Tamil film producers have asked stars to slash their rates by at least 60 percent, warning that they would have to otherwise think twice before launching new projects, officials in the Tamil film industry said.

	Mohanlal bags Congress award Superstar Mohanlal, who has acted in over 250 films, will be honoured by the Congress party with the Samskara Sahithi for his contribution to Malayalam cinema.

Pyramid Saimira agrees to compensate theatres for 'Kuselan' losses Entertainment major Pyramid Saimira has agreed to compensate Tamil Nadu distributors and theatre owners for the losses incurred over Rajnikant starrer "Kuselan", which bombed at the box office.

	Sri Lanka fighting continues to dominate Tamil tinsel town In a bid to show his solidarity towards Sri Lankan Tamils, superstar Rajnikant has urged his fans to avoid celebration of his birthday on Dec 12.

Adoor Gopalakrishnan's omnibus among Dubai film fest Indian line-up Acclaimed Malayali director Adoor Gopalakrishnan's "Oru Pennum Randaanum" will be the highlight of the Indian segment of the Dec 11-18 Dubai International Film Festival (DIFF), where Sudhir Mishra's "Tera Kya Hoga, Johnny...!" will also have its world premiere.

	Veteran Tamil actor M.N. Nambiar dead Veteran south Indian actor M.N. Nambiar, who acted in Tamil Malayalam and Telugu films, passed away after a brief illness Wednesday at the age of 89, family sources said.

Malayalam movie directors make beeline to Chennai Successful Malayalam movie directors Lal Jose, Vinayan, Renjith and Shaji Kailas, among others, are making a beeline for Chennai to cash in on Tamil audiences' fascination for meaningful cinema.

	Malayalam movie directors make beeline to Chennai Successful Malayalam movie directors Lal Jose, Vinayan, Renjith and Shaji Kailas, among others, are making a beeline for Chennai to cash in on Tamil audiences' fascination for meaningful cinema.

Rajnikant to head own fan club association Tamil superstar Rajnikant has decided to head his own fan club association, its current head Sudhakar said here Tuesday.

	Koena Mitra returns to Tamil screen after six years After six years, Bollywood actress Koena Mitra returns to Tamil cinema with a cameo in "Ayan".

Rage among youth Tamil actor Vijay leads fast on Tamils issue Tamil film hero Vijay today observed a day's fast along with his fans, throughout Tamil Nadu, for the cause of Sri Lankan Tamils.

	Now, film on Chennai's recent law college violence The recent violence in the Dr Ambedkar Law College here will be the subject of a forthcoming Tamil movie, a film producer said Saturday.

Unsuccessful Bollywood heroines in demand down south now With top south Indian heroines demanding exorbitant fees, filmmakers down south are increasingly turning to not so successful Bollywood actresses like Sneha Ullal, Nisha Kothari and Suman Ranganathan to up the glamour quotient of their movies.

	'Kuselan' fiasco continues to affect Tamil filmdom The debacle of Rajnikant-starrer "Kuselan" at the box office continues to dog the Tamil film industry.

Malayalam superstars come under criticism Malayalam film superstars Mammootty and Mohanlal came in for criticism Thursday by two leading film personalities, who accused the stars of dictating the kind of films being made, thereby diluting the aesthetic value of Malayalam films.

	Music director Harris Jayaraj parts ways with director Gowtham Menon The bond between a music composer and the director is vital and once it's lost, it is difficult, said popular music composer Harris Jayaraj here Thursday as he announced the end of his professional association with ace director Gowtham Menon.

Top Telugu stars to clash in Andhra polls The ensuing elections in Andhra Pradesh are likely to witness a keen tussle among top stars of the Telugu film industry, with the ruling Congress party planning to rope in popular actor Akkineni Nagarjuna to counter superstar-turned-politician Chiranjeevi as well as former chief minister N.T. Rama Rao's sons and grandsons.

	Mohanlal's 'Bhaghavan' to be shot in just one day Veteran superstar Mohanlal says he likes to experiment and therefore will shoot his "Bhaghavan" in just one day on Nov 19.

'Malayalam actress Kavya Madhvan to tie the knot It's wedding bells for one of the most popular Malayalam actresses Kavya Madhavan.

	Rajnikant defers political career again Tamil thespian Rajnikant Monday ruled out a political career for himself till further notice.

I will do TV serials after retiring from movies: Rambha South Indian actress Rambha rubbishes reports that she is doing television soaps and says she will move to the small screen only after taking retirement from big screen.

	Movie directors released on bail, express support for Sri Lanka Tamils A huge crowd of admirers greeted Tamil movie directors Seeman and Ameer on their release here Friday after spending a week in jail for making allegedly seditious speeches in Rameshwaram during a demonstration to express solidarity with the Sri Lankan Tamils.

'Kanchivaram' my best work yet: Priyadarshan Multilingual movie director Priyadarshan describes his critically acclaimed Tamil "Kanchivaram" as his best work yet.

	'Decks cleared for release of costliest Malayalam film The decks have been cleared for the Nov 7 release of the blockbuster "Twenty Twenty", one of the costliest Malayalam films that features superstars Mohan Lal, Mammootty and several other top actors, after a film body ended the impasse between two warring groups of distributors.

Increasing violence in Kannada films worries censor board An increase in the number of Kannada films glorifying violence is causing concern among censor board officials here who feel the continuing trend could lead to the downfall of the industry.

	Dubai pays tribute to Indian musical legend V. Dakshinamoorthi It was an evening of entertainment with a cause when expatriate Malayalis packed an auditorium here to pay tribute to the living legend of south Indian music, V. Dakshinamoorthi, who has created music for over 125 films.

Kannada star Ganesh promises entertainer with 'Sangama' After his action-hero image in his last film "Bombaat", Kannada actor 'Golden Star' Ganesh now looks forward to "Sangama", which is set for a Diwali release. He says the film is a combination of intelligence and fun.

	Tamil film industry rift over championing Sri Lankan Tamils Most Tamil film actors have promised to turn up for the Nov 1 day-long token fast organised by actor-turned-politician Sarath Kumar here to protest the suffering of Sri Lankan Tamils, and politely excused themselves from Sunday's rally in Rameshwaram organised by ace director Bharati Raja.

'Twenty Twenty' made to raise funds for ailing artistes Malayalam film "Twenty Twenty" is unique in many ways - not only has it a record 65 film personalities who acted for free for a cause, it also brings together two superstars - Mammootty and Mohanlal - after eight years.

	Meera Jasmine bags Sreevidya best actress award Popular South Indian actress Meera Jasmine Thursday bagged the first Sreevidya award for the best actress in the Malayalam film industry.

Rajnikant again defers political career Refusing to acknowledge the political "party" formed by a group of his fans last week, Tamil superstar Rajnikant Monday said no one could "force" him to enter politics.

	Meera Jasmine plays a Kannada courtesan National Award winning actress Meera Jasmine, who is known for playing her roles to perfection, will now be seen as a courtesan in a Kannada film.

Navjot Singh Sidhu to work in a Kannada film Well-known cricketer-politician Navjot Singh Sidhu is set to play himself in the Kannada film "Houseful", a full length comedy. Director Hemanth Hegde says Sidhu's cameo will be the highlight of the movie.

	Many claims over Kannada hit's Tamil remake Confusion over the ownership of a Kannada film's Tamil remake rights has resulted in a series of complaints being lodged with the Tamil Film Producers' Council (TFPC), sources said Sunday.

Opinion poll indicates Rajnikant's dimming popularity Tamil superstar Rajnikant, presently the highest paid actor in India, came a poor fourth in a state-wide opinion poll conducted by students of a private educational institution.

	Tamil comedian accuses Vijaykanth of conspiracy Tamil comedian Vadivelu Sunday filed a complaint against actor-turned-politician Vijaykanth alleging a conspiracy after his residence and office here were stoned by a group of people, police said.

Yet another star son's Telugu movie career launched With the launch of superstar Nagarjuna's son Nag Chaitanya, yet another Akkineni scion has entered tinsel town.

	Mumbai based actress Shreya in trouble Shreya Saran of "Shivaji: The Boss" fame is in trouble over her Hollywood assignments.