`June 29th Tuesday
My father chose my screen name: Ananya
Popular Tamil-Malayalam-Telugu actor Ananya of Nadodigal fame, who is currently awaiting the release of Mohanlal's forthcoming film Shikar, in which she plays Mohanlal's daughter, has a unique screen name!
Talking about the choice of her screen name Ananya, the actress said: "As my original name Ayilya was not too familiar in Tamil according to some and also for numerological reasons, I sought a different name for my screen avatar. I had considered Niveda, but then decided to go for Ananya, which my father suggested."
In Shikar, directed by M. Padmakumar, Ananya plays Ganga, who is brilliant in academics. "Ganga is set to join medicine and that is when the story takes off. She is actually the daughter of Mohanlal's elder brother. But after the death of her parents, she has been brought up by Balaraman (Mohanlal), whom she calls 'Papa'."
Ananya's other forthcoming films are Dhanush's Seedan (Tamil) and and Krishnudu's Amayakadu (Telugu). Amayakadu has already completed shooting and is all set to grace screens in July. A state champion in archery, the actress debuted in films with Positive and Rahasya Police in Malayalam and later shot to fame with Nadodigal in Tamil.
Asin's Ready in trouble?
Controversies surrounding the recently-held International Indian Film Academy (IIFA) Awards in Colombo refuse to die. Now the latest addition is South Indian beauty Asin, who is reportedly shooting in Sri Lanka for Anees Bazmee's Ready (remake of the Telugu hit Ready) with Salman Khan.
Meanwhile, the FEFSI is still upset over Salman Khan and Vivek Oberoi, who openly challenged the decision of the South Indian film industry. It is said that Salman Khan was so impressed by the scenic beauty of the country that he requested the producers to change the shoot location from Mauritius to Sri Lanka.
However, the decision did not go well with the SIFCC and now they have decided to launch a non-cooperation motion against Ready. Earlier, the SIFCC has also decided to boycott Bollywood actors and technicians who performed at the IIFA awards in Sri Lanka, following allegations of genocide against Lankan Tamils during the war against the LTTE and the continuing discrimination against them.
Meanwhile Asin is making a re-entry in Tamil with Kaavalkaran opposite Vijay. It would be interesting to see how FEFSI reacts to this?
Cloud Nine acquires 'VA' 1/4 Cutting
Pushkar and Gayathri, the director couple of Kollywood, is back with their next film 'VA' 1/4 Cutting. Recently Dayanidhi Alagiri's Cloud Nine Movies has acquired the release rights of the film.
'VA' 1/4 Cutting is produced by Y Not Studios of Thamizh Padam fame. Shiva, Lekha Washington and S.P. Charan are also in this joyride with the couple. Music is composed by G.V. Prakash while Nirav Shah handles the camera.
The couple's last venture Oram Po with Arya and Pooja was a hilarious comedy on the auto rickshaw drag race culture. Likewise, 'VA' 1/4 Cutting is also expected to be a laughter-inspiring movie based in Chennai.
A press release from Cloud Nine Movies states, “We have already worked with Y Not Studios in our last venture and it always has a terrific team and concept to work with. This film yet again carries a different concept like the designs, the marketing strategy and the story itself would be unique on its own. The film is currently in its final stages and the release date would be announced shortly.”
VIKRAM AND PRIYAMANI INVITED TO THE US
Vikram and Priyamani are invited to attend the annual convention of FeTNA (Federation of Tamil Sangams of North America) in Connecticut, US as special guests. The invitee list also includes Bharathiraja, Santhanam and Thamarai. The yearly event, which is being held for the past 23 years, will see a turnout of hundreds of Tamil population residing across USA from July 3 – 5. It will be a congregation of Tamils to recognize community achievements, organize professional forums, and enjoy music, dance, literature and theatre performances.
The convention will also feature Harris Jeyaraj’s musical evening with prominent singers from the Tamil industry. Entertainment skits and other programs are also planned by various US based Tamil Sangams, according to a press release.
GAUTHAM OUT… WHO DIRECTS AJITH’S 50TH FILM?
Cloud Nine’s proposed latest announcement will mark an end to the rumors surrounding Ajith’s 50th movie. The production company that owns Ajith’s call sheets is on the verge of producing a movie with Ajith in the lead, to be directed by Venkat Prabhu. Set in the backdrop of Mumbai’s Dharavi slums, this movie has been titled Mangatha.
On the other hand, Cloud Nine also owns the call sheet of Gautham Menon. Although there’s no news about what happened to the earlier speculated Gautham Menon–Ajith venture, looks like a Gautham–Cloud Nine production is in the cards. However, it is unclear if the director will wield the megaphone for a film that will have Ajith once the actor completes the assignment with Venkat Prabhu
A WEDDING AT KAMAL’S HOUSEHOLD
Anu Haasan, daughter of Chandra Haasan and niece of Kamal Haasan, will soon enter into wed lock with the London-based businessman Graham. The actress and television personality got engaged to Graham at her hometown Trichy recently.
It may be recalled that Anu was married to Vikas about 10 years ago but later divorced him on grounds of incompatibility.
She has acted in a number of Tamil films including Indira in which she was the leading lady. The film was directed by Suhasini Mani Ratnam, her cousin. Anu is also a popular television host and has modeled for a lot of commercials.
Monday, June 28, 2010
Friday, June 11, 2010
World Cup Football 2010 Opening Ceremony Images
June 11th Friday
World Cup 2010 Opening Cermony News
So the wait is almost over. We are just 24 hours away from World Cup Football 2010. South Africa is all set for a mind blowing and historical opening ceremony of the World Cup. The opening ceremony will be held at the new Orlando Stadium, Johannesburg at 8:00 p.m. local time (GMT+2). It will be 3 hours affair. The concert will feature musical performances by most popular African artists that include queen of pop Shakira. Shakira is going to sing the official song of the World Cup 2010, “Waka Waka (This Time for Africa)”.
Moreover, many celebrities and football legends will be present at the great occasion. John Legend, Alicia Keys, the Black Eyed Peas, and Colombian heart-throb rocker Juanes will also perform in the opening ceremony. Top African musicians such as Amadou and Mariam, The Parlotones and Angelique Kidjo, will also be there. Mexico will play the first match against World Cup Host South Africa. You can watch theOpening Ceremony of FIFA 2010 World Cup online as ESPN3 will be live streaming the Opening ceremony of FIFA 2010 online.
Nigeria Tackles Argentina as World Cup Kicks Off
Nigeria will today take on South American football power house, Argentina, in Group B as both countries commence their campaigns in the 2010 World Cup, which kicked off yesterday amidst jubilant scenes across South Africa.
But former President Nelson Mandela missed the opening ceremony after a car crash in Soweto killed his great-granddaughter, Zenani. Zenani Mandela, 13, died when the car taking her home from a pre-competition concert in Soweto overturned.
The spectacular and vibrant opening ceremony that took place at the 94,000-capacity Soccer City Stadium in Johannesburg was followed by the first game of the tournament between South Africa and Mexico.
However, South Africa was denied a winning start in the competition by Mexico’s last minute equaliser.Meanwhile, the Super Eagles yesterday arrived Johannesburg from their Protea Hotel Waterfront in Richard’s Bay camp amidst high hopes and have promised not to let the country down in today’s Group B match against Argentina at Ellis Park.
Both countries have a history of football encounters in different tournaments, but today’s match will be the third meeting at the World Cup level.
The first was at USA ‘94 when Nigeria lost 1-2, while the second was at Korea/Japan 2002, which Nigeria lost 0-1.
Speaking on arrival, captain of the side, Nwankwo Kanu said: “This is really exciting. I have been in two FIFA World Cup finals before but this is kind of special. This is being hosted in Africa and we have a real chance of doing something.”
Left back Taye Taiwo, who played against Argentina’s Under-20 team which defeated Nigeria 2-1 in the final of the FIFA Under-20 World Cup in the Netherlands in 2005, added: “I was not happy that we lost that day in Utrecht against Argentina because we worked so hard. But for sure, this is payback time.
“We know Messi is a good player and we can't allow him to roam round the pitch just like that. But we also have our great players. They’ve got a couple of great players and we’ve also got a couple of great players.”
Super Eagles had a feel of the Ellis Park Stadium at about 5.30 p.m. South African time, after which Coach Lagerback, skipper Kanu, vice captain Joseph Yobo and defender Dele Adeleye addressed the media.
Obafemi Martins, however, warned that the Eagles must look beyond Lionel Messi to get a result against Argentina today.
“People talk a lot about Messi, forgetting that there are other very good players in the Argentine team, such as Carlos Tevez and Diego Milito. It's a team game and we also have our own stars for the day.”
Tickets for the Argentina versus Nigeria encounter, which is billed for 3.00 p.m. local time, have sold out.
President Goodluck Jonathan is also said to have met with the players this evening in their hotel in Johannesburg during which he encouraged them to go all out to beat the Argentines.
The 40-minute opening ceremony at the Soccer City Stadium began with a five-plane military fly past over the stadium, which resembles a huge African cooking pot.
A group of drummers and dancers performed a 'Welcome to Africa' song that included an introduction to all 10 tournament venues.
The next sequence saw a gigantic beetle show off its football skills with the Jabulani - the official football of the finals - before large pieces of cloth were used to show a map of the continent.
Musicians and artists from the other African finalists - Algeria, Cameroon, Ghana, Ivory Coast, and Nigeria - also had their chance to perform in a joint sequence.
Multiple Grammy Award winner R Kelly then sang the ceremony’s showpiece song, 'Sign of a Victory’ with South Africa’s Soweto Spiritual Singers.But one of the loudest cheers was reserved for Mandela, whose image appeared on screens to a message of hope from him in song.
Not everyone made it to their seats by the start, with traffic problems delaying some fans.But Archbishop Desmond Tutu and President Jacob Zuma were in attendance, along with the likes of President Goodluck Jonathan; United Nations Secretary General Ban Ki-moon; Mexican President Felipe Calderon; Prince Albert of Monaco and United States Vice President Joe Biden.
The festivities began in earnest on Thursday night, with Shakira among the artistes at a vast pre-tournament concert in Soweto.
The Colombian pop star performed the official World Cup song Waka Waka and was joined by a cast of international stars, including the Black Eyed Peas and Alicia Keys, along with African stars Amadou & Mariam and Hugh Masekela.
For South Africa, what was supposed to be a day of celebration began yesterday with the formal announcement that the great-granddaughter of Mandela, former president and icon, had tragically died in a car crash on Thursday.
The 91-year-old Mandela stayed away from the opening ceremony - which preceded the game - to mourn, but through President Jacob Zuma, who declared the World Cup open, he asked people to “enjoy the game”.
Zenani was one of the 91-year-old anti-apartheid icon's nine great-grandchildren.The Nelson Mandela Foundation released a statement saying it would be “inappropriate” for Mandela, a former South African president, to be at the opening ceremony.
“We are sure that South Africans and people all over the world will stand in solidarity with Mandela and his family in the aftermath of this tragedy.
“We continue to believe that the World Cup is a momentous and historic occasion for South Africa and the continent and we are certain it will be a huge success,” added the statement.
Mexico’s Rafael Marquez struck 12 minutes from time to deny hosts South Africa a winning start to the World Cup at Soccer City Stadium.
Marquez controlled Andres Guardado’s cross at the back post and rifled past Bafana Bafana goalkeeper Itumeleng Khune to ensure the spoils were shared after a breathless opening to the tournament.The Mexicans were the better team throughout, but they fell behind when South Africa’s Siphiwe Tshabalala fired in a left-foot thunderbolt from an angle on the left to give the hosts a lead in which their supporters revelled.
Tshabalala, a 25-year-old Soweto-born left winger for Kaizer Chiefs, wrote his name down in football folklore with a strike of such pure quality that it almost took a second for him to realise what he had done.
In an atmosphere bordering on ecstasy in Johannesburg, Tshabalala’s screamer threatened to provide the 19th World Cup with the fairytale beginning it was hoping for, before Marquez and Mexico intervened.
Even then, South African coach Carlos Alberto Parreira saw his team almost snatching it in the dying moments, only for striker Katlego Mphela to agonisingly roll a shot against the post with keeper Oscar Perez beaten.
Yet over the 90 minutes, Parreira and his side were perhaps lucky to get away with a draw themselves in front of a partisan 84,490 crowd as Mexico failed to turn their startling superiority into victory.
It is unlikely many of the South African fans enjoyed the first 54 minutes of their moment in the global footballing spotlight as their team were comprehensively outplayed by a Mexico side that knocked the ball around the gorgeous surface with consummate skill and ease.
Meanwhile, the second match in Group A between France and Paraguay, which was played after the opener between South Africa and Mexico, ended goalless as both sides failed to hit the back of the net after 90 minutes on the pitch.
This means all four teams in the group ended with one point a piece and will be eager to improve their tally in subsequent matches.
JOHANNESBURG (AP)—Nelson Mandela would have loved it. The joy, the pulsating music and dazzling colors, the big party to celebrate the world’s embrace of South Africa—even the scrappy 1-1 draw.
Dashing the hopes of many, the anti-apartheid hero and former president couldn’t make it to the opening of the World Cup on Friday. Nearly 92, Mandela is frail, and his family was sent into shock when his 13-year-old great-granddaughter was killed in car crash on the way home from Thursday night’s gala pre-tournament concert.
But Mandela sent a message, via South African President Jacob Zuma, that the revelers should enjoy themselves. They took it to heart.
From the start of the ceremony to the final whistle of the first match, four hours later, Soccer City was abuzz with vuvuzelas—the plastic horns favored by South African fans that collectively sound like the amplified interior of a beehive.
Most of the crowd of 84,000 wore the yellow jerseys of Bafana Bafana, the host country’s team, with a few pockets of green—fans of Mexico, South Africa’s foe in the opener.
Even the result did little to did dampen the festive mood. Mexico is ranked much higher among football nations, after all.
The level of euphoria somehow ratcheted to a higher level when Siphiwe Tshabalala gave South Africa a 1-0 lead in the 55th minute. Mexico’s equalizer, 24 minutes later, subdued the noise only briefly.
It was a day that many South Africans welcomed with amazement. Only 20 years ago, their nation was still in the throes of apartheid—and the target of an international sports boycott because of those racial segregation policies.
On Friday, whites and blacks cheered side by side for the home team.
Just before kickoff, Zuma, wearing a scarf in national colors, and FIFA President Sepp Blatter spoke briefly to the crowd from midfield.
Blatter depicted this World Cup as a triumph for Africa, which had never before hosted the event despite its passion for the game. He added: “The spirit of Mandela is in Soccer City.”
The crowd then rose for the Mexican and South African national anthems—the latter a fusion of the main hymn of the anti-apartheid movement and the anthem of the former white-minority government.
Then it was game time and the horns sounded louder than ever.
Several key players in South Africa’s political transformation were there, including Archbishop Desmond Tutu, who at one point was dancing in his seat to the music. U.S. Vice President Joe Biden also was among the VIPs.
It was not an occasion for those who like it quiet, thanks to the vuvuzelas — although they were briefly drowned out by the overflight of military jets just before the opening ceremony.
The public address announcer then begged the crowd to ease up on the noise so the global television audience could hear the music. The plea met with limited success.
An all-star cast of musicians, including South African trumpeter Hugh Masekela and American singer R. Kelly, performed. Cast members brought out large placards with the flags of the 32 nations competing in the tournament, holding them high as a final burst of fireworks ended the show.
Before long, the video screens were showing South Africa’s players were dancing, singing and chanting in the tunnel on their way to the field.
Soccer City was nowhere near full at the start of the opening ceremony. Thousands of fans were stuck in traffic jams on roads leading to the stadium— regaled along the way by groups of dancing, chanting young people in Bafana shirts and by vendors selling the multicolored South African flag.
“The traffic was mad! There should have been better organization,” said 24-year-old Farzana Essop, whose party turned back before reaching the stadium, where they’d hoped—somehow—to obtain tickets.
Those who didn’t go to the stadium had ample options.
South African city officials set up 10 official fan parks in the nine host cities to cater to fans who couldn’t get match tickets.
In downtown Johannesburg, a viewing area was so packed that a crowd-control barrier was toppled. It didn’t stop the party.
World Cup 2010 Opening Cermony News
So the wait is almost over. We are just 24 hours away from World Cup Football 2010. South Africa is all set for a mind blowing and historical opening ceremony of the World Cup. The opening ceremony will be held at the new Orlando Stadium, Johannesburg at 8:00 p.m. local time (GMT+2). It will be 3 hours affair. The concert will feature musical performances by most popular African artists that include queen of pop Shakira. Shakira is going to sing the official song of the World Cup 2010, “Waka Waka (This Time for Africa)”.
Moreover, many celebrities and football legends will be present at the great occasion. John Legend, Alicia Keys, the Black Eyed Peas, and Colombian heart-throb rocker Juanes will also perform in the opening ceremony. Top African musicians such as Amadou and Mariam, The Parlotones and Angelique Kidjo, will also be there. Mexico will play the first match against World Cup Host South Africa. You can watch theOpening Ceremony of FIFA 2010 World Cup online as ESPN3 will be live streaming the Opening ceremony of FIFA 2010 online.
Nigeria Tackles Argentina as World Cup Kicks Off
Nigeria will today take on South American football power house, Argentina, in Group B as both countries commence their campaigns in the 2010 World Cup, which kicked off yesterday amidst jubilant scenes across South Africa.
But former President Nelson Mandela missed the opening ceremony after a car crash in Soweto killed his great-granddaughter, Zenani. Zenani Mandela, 13, died when the car taking her home from a pre-competition concert in Soweto overturned.
The spectacular and vibrant opening ceremony that took place at the 94,000-capacity Soccer City Stadium in Johannesburg was followed by the first game of the tournament between South Africa and Mexico.
However, South Africa was denied a winning start in the competition by Mexico’s last minute equaliser.Meanwhile, the Super Eagles yesterday arrived Johannesburg from their Protea Hotel Waterfront in Richard’s Bay camp amidst high hopes and have promised not to let the country down in today’s Group B match against Argentina at Ellis Park.
Both countries have a history of football encounters in different tournaments, but today’s match will be the third meeting at the World Cup level.
The first was at USA ‘94 when Nigeria lost 1-2, while the second was at Korea/Japan 2002, which Nigeria lost 0-1.
Speaking on arrival, captain of the side, Nwankwo Kanu said: “This is really exciting. I have been in two FIFA World Cup finals before but this is kind of special. This is being hosted in Africa and we have a real chance of doing something.”
Left back Taye Taiwo, who played against Argentina’s Under-20 team which defeated Nigeria 2-1 in the final of the FIFA Under-20 World Cup in the Netherlands in 2005, added: “I was not happy that we lost that day in Utrecht against Argentina because we worked so hard. But for sure, this is payback time.
“We know Messi is a good player and we can't allow him to roam round the pitch just like that. But we also have our great players. They’ve got a couple of great players and we’ve also got a couple of great players.”
Super Eagles had a feel of the Ellis Park Stadium at about 5.30 p.m. South African time, after which Coach Lagerback, skipper Kanu, vice captain Joseph Yobo and defender Dele Adeleye addressed the media.
Obafemi Martins, however, warned that the Eagles must look beyond Lionel Messi to get a result against Argentina today.
“People talk a lot about Messi, forgetting that there are other very good players in the Argentine team, such as Carlos Tevez and Diego Milito. It's a team game and we also have our own stars for the day.”
Tickets for the Argentina versus Nigeria encounter, which is billed for 3.00 p.m. local time, have sold out.
President Goodluck Jonathan is also said to have met with the players this evening in their hotel in Johannesburg during which he encouraged them to go all out to beat the Argentines.
The 40-minute opening ceremony at the Soccer City Stadium began with a five-plane military fly past over the stadium, which resembles a huge African cooking pot.
A group of drummers and dancers performed a 'Welcome to Africa' song that included an introduction to all 10 tournament venues.
The next sequence saw a gigantic beetle show off its football skills with the Jabulani - the official football of the finals - before large pieces of cloth were used to show a map of the continent.
Musicians and artists from the other African finalists - Algeria, Cameroon, Ghana, Ivory Coast, and Nigeria - also had their chance to perform in a joint sequence.
Multiple Grammy Award winner R Kelly then sang the ceremony’s showpiece song, 'Sign of a Victory’ with South Africa’s Soweto Spiritual Singers.But one of the loudest cheers was reserved for Mandela, whose image appeared on screens to a message of hope from him in song.
Not everyone made it to their seats by the start, with traffic problems delaying some fans.But Archbishop Desmond Tutu and President Jacob Zuma were in attendance, along with the likes of President Goodluck Jonathan; United Nations Secretary General Ban Ki-moon; Mexican President Felipe Calderon; Prince Albert of Monaco and United States Vice President Joe Biden.
The festivities began in earnest on Thursday night, with Shakira among the artistes at a vast pre-tournament concert in Soweto.
The Colombian pop star performed the official World Cup song Waka Waka and was joined by a cast of international stars, including the Black Eyed Peas and Alicia Keys, along with African stars Amadou & Mariam and Hugh Masekela.
For South Africa, what was supposed to be a day of celebration began yesterday with the formal announcement that the great-granddaughter of Mandela, former president and icon, had tragically died in a car crash on Thursday.
The 91-year-old Mandela stayed away from the opening ceremony - which preceded the game - to mourn, but through President Jacob Zuma, who declared the World Cup open, he asked people to “enjoy the game”.
Zenani was one of the 91-year-old anti-apartheid icon's nine great-grandchildren.The Nelson Mandela Foundation released a statement saying it would be “inappropriate” for Mandela, a former South African president, to be at the opening ceremony.
“We are sure that South Africans and people all over the world will stand in solidarity with Mandela and his family in the aftermath of this tragedy.
“We continue to believe that the World Cup is a momentous and historic occasion for South Africa and the continent and we are certain it will be a huge success,” added the statement.
Mexico’s Rafael Marquez struck 12 minutes from time to deny hosts South Africa a winning start to the World Cup at Soccer City Stadium.
Marquez controlled Andres Guardado’s cross at the back post and rifled past Bafana Bafana goalkeeper Itumeleng Khune to ensure the spoils were shared after a breathless opening to the tournament.The Mexicans were the better team throughout, but they fell behind when South Africa’s Siphiwe Tshabalala fired in a left-foot thunderbolt from an angle on the left to give the hosts a lead in which their supporters revelled.
Tshabalala, a 25-year-old Soweto-born left winger for Kaizer Chiefs, wrote his name down in football folklore with a strike of such pure quality that it almost took a second for him to realise what he had done.
In an atmosphere bordering on ecstasy in Johannesburg, Tshabalala’s screamer threatened to provide the 19th World Cup with the fairytale beginning it was hoping for, before Marquez and Mexico intervened.
Even then, South African coach Carlos Alberto Parreira saw his team almost snatching it in the dying moments, only for striker Katlego Mphela to agonisingly roll a shot against the post with keeper Oscar Perez beaten.
Yet over the 90 minutes, Parreira and his side were perhaps lucky to get away with a draw themselves in front of a partisan 84,490 crowd as Mexico failed to turn their startling superiority into victory.
It is unlikely many of the South African fans enjoyed the first 54 minutes of their moment in the global footballing spotlight as their team were comprehensively outplayed by a Mexico side that knocked the ball around the gorgeous surface with consummate skill and ease.
Meanwhile, the second match in Group A between France and Paraguay, which was played after the opener between South Africa and Mexico, ended goalless as both sides failed to hit the back of the net after 90 minutes on the pitch.
This means all four teams in the group ended with one point a piece and will be eager to improve their tally in subsequent matches.
JOHANNESBURG (AP)—Nelson Mandela would have loved it. The joy, the pulsating music and dazzling colors, the big party to celebrate the world’s embrace of South Africa—even the scrappy 1-1 draw.
Dashing the hopes of many, the anti-apartheid hero and former president couldn’t make it to the opening of the World Cup on Friday. Nearly 92, Mandela is frail, and his family was sent into shock when his 13-year-old great-granddaughter was killed in car crash on the way home from Thursday night’s gala pre-tournament concert.
But Mandela sent a message, via South African President Jacob Zuma, that the revelers should enjoy themselves. They took it to heart.
From the start of the ceremony to the final whistle of the first match, four hours later, Soccer City was abuzz with vuvuzelas—the plastic horns favored by South African fans that collectively sound like the amplified interior of a beehive.
Most of the crowd of 84,000 wore the yellow jerseys of Bafana Bafana, the host country’s team, with a few pockets of green—fans of Mexico, South Africa’s foe in the opener.
Even the result did little to did dampen the festive mood. Mexico is ranked much higher among football nations, after all.
The level of euphoria somehow ratcheted to a higher level when Siphiwe Tshabalala gave South Africa a 1-0 lead in the 55th minute. Mexico’s equalizer, 24 minutes later, subdued the noise only briefly.
It was a day that many South Africans welcomed with amazement. Only 20 years ago, their nation was still in the throes of apartheid—and the target of an international sports boycott because of those racial segregation policies.
On Friday, whites and blacks cheered side by side for the home team.
Just before kickoff, Zuma, wearing a scarf in national colors, and FIFA President Sepp Blatter spoke briefly to the crowd from midfield.
Blatter depicted this World Cup as a triumph for Africa, which had never before hosted the event despite its passion for the game. He added: “The spirit of Mandela is in Soccer City.”
The crowd then rose for the Mexican and South African national anthems—the latter a fusion of the main hymn of the anti-apartheid movement and the anthem of the former white-minority government.
Then it was game time and the horns sounded louder than ever.
Several key players in South Africa’s political transformation were there, including Archbishop Desmond Tutu, who at one point was dancing in his seat to the music. U.S. Vice President Joe Biden also was among the VIPs.
It was not an occasion for those who like it quiet, thanks to the vuvuzelas — although they were briefly drowned out by the overflight of military jets just before the opening ceremony.
The public address announcer then begged the crowd to ease up on the noise so the global television audience could hear the music. The plea met with limited success.
An all-star cast of musicians, including South African trumpeter Hugh Masekela and American singer R. Kelly, performed. Cast members brought out large placards with the flags of the 32 nations competing in the tournament, holding them high as a final burst of fireworks ended the show.
Before long, the video screens were showing South Africa’s players were dancing, singing and chanting in the tunnel on their way to the field.
Soccer City was nowhere near full at the start of the opening ceremony. Thousands of fans were stuck in traffic jams on roads leading to the stadium— regaled along the way by groups of dancing, chanting young people in Bafana shirts and by vendors selling the multicolored South African flag.
“The traffic was mad! There should have been better organization,” said 24-year-old Farzana Essop, whose party turned back before reaching the stadium, where they’d hoped—somehow—to obtain tickets.
Those who didn’t go to the stadium had ample options.
South African city officials set up 10 official fan parks in the nine host cities to cater to fans who couldn’t get match tickets.
In downtown Johannesburg, a viewing area was so packed that a crowd-control barrier was toppled. It didn’t stop the party.
Monday, June 7, 2010
New Latest Tamil Movie News
June 7th Monday
Music Legent Mastro Ilayaaraja Amazing Stills
MAESTRO'S NOTING BUT WIND - IMAGES
Global Vikram after ‘Raavanan’
We expecting a lot for Vikram after his bi-lingual ‘Raavanan’ is released. Well-wishers are hopeful that his international popularity will soar many folds after Mani Rantnam's film. That’s not saying too much after we heard a story that happened when he was in Cannes to promote the film along with Mani Ratnam, Abishek and Aishwarya.
Mani Ratnam had taken only the Hindi version of ‘Raavanan’ to Cannes and while briefing the media about the film, the delegates came to know that Vikram who is playing Dev in Hindi is also the Veera in Tamil ‘Raavanan’. That news struck the audience and they went into utter disbelief. Every body was curiously surprised and said it is remarkable that the same person playing Dev in Raavan could do a completely contrasting Veera in Tamil ‘Raavanan’. Appreciations poured over Vikram on the spot.
Anushka plays second to Lakshmi Rai
Larencce, after ‘IKMS’ is working hard to retain his success quotient. The actor-director has started his second directorial venture in Tamil which will be a bi-lingual with Telugu also.
The film is a sequel to his earlier film ‘Muni’ and Larencce has titled it 'Kanchana'. News was out some time back that Anushka is the heroine for both versions and it is now being denied.
According to sources Anushka is playing an important role but that's not of the heroine. Larencce's ‘IKMS’ girl Lakshmi Rai plays the heroine role which features from start to finish. Anuskha's character appears only after the interval sources further add.
Larencce is introducing a new villain Satheesh in ‘Kanchana’. Currently the film is progressing at Sneha Bungalow on ECR with action scenes choreographed by Super Subbarayan canned under the direction of Larencce.
Simran is hearing scripts
Simran is not the one to give up that easily. The once dream girl after marriage lost her stardom. She then tried television and met with moderate success. Now she is out to prove her popularity one again comprehensively.
Simran is building her dream bungalow in Chennai Muttukadu and the construction is progressing steadily. After she moves into her new home she will go full swing in cinema and television production and acting simultaneously.
Knowing her production interest associate directors are flocking her residence and even Simran is showing interest and listening to scripts. Her first initiative will be producing two films and a television serial all at one time. Meanwhile she is also meeting experts to start the production house in her husband Deepak's name.
GAUTHAM DISCLOSES THE ONE-LINER OF HIS
Gautham Menon, in a recent interview to a popular Tamil magazine, has said that he is trying out something that he has never done before, in his next film. The movie has Sameera Reddy playing the protagonist and is a thriller, he has said.
According to Gautham, he has never treaded upon the thriller genre and this will be his first such venture. The director has said that the one-liner of this film is based on what repercussions a violent love can have.
The ace director, who is known for his penchant for music, as all his previous films have some chartbusters to boast of, says that this film will not have any songs. In fact, it does not have a music director, he has said.
THIS FILM IS THE HIGHEST GROSSER OF THE YEAR
Raajneeti, directed by Prakash Jha, is fast turning out to be the highest grosser of the year. The film is said to have grossed over Rs. 10 crores on its opening day surpassing the previous releases this year. This is the second film of the year to make such a huge profit with the first being the Aamir Khan starrer 3 Idiots.
The film, a riveting political drama, was released on June 4th 2010 and has a gamut of stars including Ajay Devgan, Manoj Bajpai, Ranbir Kapoor, Arjun Rampal, Katrina Kaif, Naseeruddin Shah and Nana Patekar.
Suriya-Jyotika expecting second child!
he most sensational couple of Tamil film industry, Suriya and Jyotika, are expecting their second child in the second week of June. "We are eagerly looking forward to the arrival of the new member of our family. Whether it is a boy or a girl does not matter, as long as Diya has someone to fuss over and play with,” Suriya said to a leading English daily.
John refused to work with Asin?
Bollywood hunk John Abraham has reportedly refused to work with talented lass Asin in Vipul Shah’s Hindi remake of Telugu film Kaakha Kaakha and asked the director to rope in a sexier looking actress for the role. It is said that the actor has even suggested the name of three actresses: Deepika Padukone, Sonam Kapoor and his lady love Bipasha Basu.
Confirming the news, a source revealed, "Vipul Shah was very keen to have Asin as the lead actress of the film. She and Venkatesh were the lead pair in the Telugu original. Vipul was also impressed by Asin’s performance in London Dreams and hence spoke to her about his forthcoming venture. But on suggesting the same to John, he was shocked as the actor refused to be paired opposite Asin.
Meanwhile, when asked if John has refused to be paired opposite Asin, Vipul Shah said: "This is absolute rubbish. Asin’s costumes are ready. John has no issue with Asin or vice versa. It is purely a date issue and we are hopeful it can be worked out. Asin’s movie goes on floor in mid-June and is a one month-long schedule." John remained unavailable for comment
CHANDRAMUKHI COMBINATION TO ROCK AGAIN...
With the Ajith starrer Asal turning out to be an average grosser, Sivaji productions is gearing up for their next production venture. Although no names are formally under consideration for the next project, highly placed sources speculate that the banner is keen on a project with director P Vasu, whose earlier association with them turned out to be a blockbuster super star starrer - Chandramukhi.
If it's true, there are chances that Vasu might even want to direct the sequel to Chandramukhi. The sequel, called Aptharakshaka and directed by Vasu himself, already released in Kannada in February and was declared a super hit. It was also late Vishnuvardhan's last film (200th).
CHIMBU DEVAN PRAISED FOR IKMS
Director Mahendran, in a letter to director Chimbu Devan, had congratulated him on making a film like Irumbu Kottai Murattu Singam. The director has said that Chimbu Devan was always coming out with novel ideas and his debut venture Imsai Arasan 23am Pulikesi and the latest IKMS bear testimony to this.
Mahendran also lauded the efforts of the IKMS’s technicians and stars for giving their best performance to make the film a success.
He also disclosed that he thoroughly enjoyed the film right from the beginning to the end.
Mahendran showered accolades on Chimbu Devan for choosing very different storylines and selecting the right cast and crew for it.
KAMAL’S INTEREST
Kamal Haasan’s Manmadhan Ambu is creating a lot of expectations because it is said to be romantic comedy. The film is directed by KS Ravi Kumar and produced by Udayanidhi Stalin.
Sangeetha, who has bagged a meaty role in Manmadhan Ambu, says that her character is very different from what she had done earlier. The actress reveals that Kamal Haasan conducts regular rehearsals in his Alwarpet office to bring out the best from the stars. She adds that some of the rehearsals are video taped to let the stars know how their performances are.
With Kamal Haasan taking keen interest in shaping up each of the character in the film, the film is sure to be huge success.
Canadian Tamils hail Big B
The Canadian Tamil community which is no less than 300,000-strong has hailed Amitabh as the "great ambassador for mankind" for not attending the IIFA ceremony in Colombo.
"Big B is really big. This name suits him, and he is our hero today. We Tamils salute him. By not going to Sri Lanka, Big B stands tall among Tamils around the world," said Canadian Tamil Congress national spokesman David Poopalapillai in Toronto.
"Tamils are proud of Big B, his family and all the Indian actors who refused to become hosts of Sri Lanka which has innocent Tamil blood on its hands. We thank them from the bottom of our hearts. Bachchan has shown that he cares for us. He has shown to the world that he is a great ambassador for mankind and a great champion of human rights, the Tamil leader said.
Poopalapillai also has said the Tamil Diaspora would "suitably reciprocate" his gesture at appropriate time.
Tamils around the world has been condemning the Bollywood for helping the Sri Lankan government to hide its alleged war crimes by conducting the IIFA event in Colombo.
Music Legent Mastro Ilayaaraja Amazing Stills
MAESTRO'S NOTING BUT WIND - IMAGES
Global Vikram after ‘Raavanan’
We expecting a lot for Vikram after his bi-lingual ‘Raavanan’ is released. Well-wishers are hopeful that his international popularity will soar many folds after Mani Rantnam's film. That’s not saying too much after we heard a story that happened when he was in Cannes to promote the film along with Mani Ratnam, Abishek and Aishwarya.
Mani Ratnam had taken only the Hindi version of ‘Raavanan’ to Cannes and while briefing the media about the film, the delegates came to know that Vikram who is playing Dev in Hindi is also the Veera in Tamil ‘Raavanan’. That news struck the audience and they went into utter disbelief. Every body was curiously surprised and said it is remarkable that the same person playing Dev in Raavan could do a completely contrasting Veera in Tamil ‘Raavanan’. Appreciations poured over Vikram on the spot.
Anushka plays second to Lakshmi Rai
Larencce, after ‘IKMS’ is working hard to retain his success quotient. The actor-director has started his second directorial venture in Tamil which will be a bi-lingual with Telugu also.
The film is a sequel to his earlier film ‘Muni’ and Larencce has titled it 'Kanchana'. News was out some time back that Anushka is the heroine for both versions and it is now being denied.
According to sources Anushka is playing an important role but that's not of the heroine. Larencce's ‘IKMS’ girl Lakshmi Rai plays the heroine role which features from start to finish. Anuskha's character appears only after the interval sources further add.
Larencce is introducing a new villain Satheesh in ‘Kanchana’. Currently the film is progressing at Sneha Bungalow on ECR with action scenes choreographed by Super Subbarayan canned under the direction of Larencce.
Simran is hearing scripts
Simran is not the one to give up that easily. The once dream girl after marriage lost her stardom. She then tried television and met with moderate success. Now she is out to prove her popularity one again comprehensively.
Simran is building her dream bungalow in Chennai Muttukadu and the construction is progressing steadily. After she moves into her new home she will go full swing in cinema and television production and acting simultaneously.
Knowing her production interest associate directors are flocking her residence and even Simran is showing interest and listening to scripts. Her first initiative will be producing two films and a television serial all at one time. Meanwhile she is also meeting experts to start the production house in her husband Deepak's name.
GAUTHAM DISCLOSES THE ONE-LINER OF HIS
Gautham Menon, in a recent interview to a popular Tamil magazine, has said that he is trying out something that he has never done before, in his next film. The movie has Sameera Reddy playing the protagonist and is a thriller, he has said.
According to Gautham, he has never treaded upon the thriller genre and this will be his first such venture. The director has said that the one-liner of this film is based on what repercussions a violent love can have.
The ace director, who is known for his penchant for music, as all his previous films have some chartbusters to boast of, says that this film will not have any songs. In fact, it does not have a music director, he has said.
THIS FILM IS THE HIGHEST GROSSER OF THE YEAR
Raajneeti, directed by Prakash Jha, is fast turning out to be the highest grosser of the year. The film is said to have grossed over Rs. 10 crores on its opening day surpassing the previous releases this year. This is the second film of the year to make such a huge profit with the first being the Aamir Khan starrer 3 Idiots.
The film, a riveting political drama, was released on June 4th 2010 and has a gamut of stars including Ajay Devgan, Manoj Bajpai, Ranbir Kapoor, Arjun Rampal, Katrina Kaif, Naseeruddin Shah and Nana Patekar.
Suriya-Jyotika expecting second child!
he most sensational couple of Tamil film industry, Suriya and Jyotika, are expecting their second child in the second week of June. "We are eagerly looking forward to the arrival of the new member of our family. Whether it is a boy or a girl does not matter, as long as Diya has someone to fuss over and play with,” Suriya said to a leading English daily.
John refused to work with Asin?
Bollywood hunk John Abraham has reportedly refused to work with talented lass Asin in Vipul Shah’s Hindi remake of Telugu film Kaakha Kaakha and asked the director to rope in a sexier looking actress for the role. It is said that the actor has even suggested the name of three actresses: Deepika Padukone, Sonam Kapoor and his lady love Bipasha Basu.
Confirming the news, a source revealed, "Vipul Shah was very keen to have Asin as the lead actress of the film. She and Venkatesh were the lead pair in the Telugu original. Vipul was also impressed by Asin’s performance in London Dreams and hence spoke to her about his forthcoming venture. But on suggesting the same to John, he was shocked as the actor refused to be paired opposite Asin.
Meanwhile, when asked if John has refused to be paired opposite Asin, Vipul Shah said: "This is absolute rubbish. Asin’s costumes are ready. John has no issue with Asin or vice versa. It is purely a date issue and we are hopeful it can be worked out. Asin’s movie goes on floor in mid-June and is a one month-long schedule." John remained unavailable for comment
CHANDRAMUKHI COMBINATION TO ROCK AGAIN...
With the Ajith starrer Asal turning out to be an average grosser, Sivaji productions is gearing up for their next production venture. Although no names are formally under consideration for the next project, highly placed sources speculate that the banner is keen on a project with director P Vasu, whose earlier association with them turned out to be a blockbuster super star starrer - Chandramukhi.
If it's true, there are chances that Vasu might even want to direct the sequel to Chandramukhi. The sequel, called Aptharakshaka and directed by Vasu himself, already released in Kannada in February and was declared a super hit. It was also late Vishnuvardhan's last film (200th).
CHIMBU DEVAN PRAISED FOR IKMS
Director Mahendran, in a letter to director Chimbu Devan, had congratulated him on making a film like Irumbu Kottai Murattu Singam. The director has said that Chimbu Devan was always coming out with novel ideas and his debut venture Imsai Arasan 23am Pulikesi and the latest IKMS bear testimony to this.
Mahendran also lauded the efforts of the IKMS’s technicians and stars for giving their best performance to make the film a success.
He also disclosed that he thoroughly enjoyed the film right from the beginning to the end.
Mahendran showered accolades on Chimbu Devan for choosing very different storylines and selecting the right cast and crew for it.
KAMAL’S INTEREST
Kamal Haasan’s Manmadhan Ambu is creating a lot of expectations because it is said to be romantic comedy. The film is directed by KS Ravi Kumar and produced by Udayanidhi Stalin.
Sangeetha, who has bagged a meaty role in Manmadhan Ambu, says that her character is very different from what she had done earlier. The actress reveals that Kamal Haasan conducts regular rehearsals in his Alwarpet office to bring out the best from the stars. She adds that some of the rehearsals are video taped to let the stars know how their performances are.
With Kamal Haasan taking keen interest in shaping up each of the character in the film, the film is sure to be huge success.
Canadian Tamils hail Big B
The Canadian Tamil community which is no less than 300,000-strong has hailed Amitabh as the "great ambassador for mankind" for not attending the IIFA ceremony in Colombo.
"Big B is really big. This name suits him, and he is our hero today. We Tamils salute him. By not going to Sri Lanka, Big B stands tall among Tamils around the world," said Canadian Tamil Congress national spokesman David Poopalapillai in Toronto.
"Tamils are proud of Big B, his family and all the Indian actors who refused to become hosts of Sri Lanka which has innocent Tamil blood on its hands. We thank them from the bottom of our hearts. Bachchan has shown that he cares for us. He has shown to the world that he is a great ambassador for mankind and a great champion of human rights, the Tamil leader said.
Poopalapillai also has said the Tamil Diaspora would "suitably reciprocate" his gesture at appropriate time.
Tamils around the world has been condemning the Bollywood for helping the Sri Lankan government to hide its alleged war crimes by conducting the IIFA event in Colombo.
Surya in Singam Movie Amazing Review News
June 7th Monday
Singam Movie Review
Cop stories doesn't necessarily mean the hero bashing goons, mouthing punch dialogue or standing stiff. The cop can be simple, straight forward and still accomplish his mission.
Filmmaker Hari and actor Suriya, who come together after 'Aaru' and 'Vel', have laced ‘Singam’, Suriya’s 25th movie, with such events that sustain the attention of masses all through. Both have a major responsibility on their shoulders as their earlier cop stories ('Samy' and 'Kaakha Kaakha' respectively) did raise the bar in Kollywood. 'Singam', which sounds a masculine title, is a pukka commercial entertainer.
Though the story may sound similar to many mass masala movies before, Hari's pacy treatment to the screenplay and Suriya's screen presence gives necessary pep.
A collage of action, song, romance and comedy at right mix has always been a safe bet. With Suriya at the helm of affairs, the commercial cocktail straightaway sticks to our heart. The movie comes with a huge star cast as in any of the Hari film before.
Besides Suriya, it has Anushka, Vivek, Prakash Raj, Nasser, Sumitha, Manorama, Vijayakumar, Bose Venkat and ‘Nizhalgal’ Ravi to name a few in the cast.
The movie tells the tale of a simple and sincere police officer Duraisingam alias Singam (Suriya), a sub inspector in Nallur in Tuticorin district. He wants to run the family business - running a provision shop and convert it to a huge departmental store. But his father (Radha Ravi) fantasizes him to become a cop. He lives up to his father's words and becomes a sub-inspector in the local police station.
An amiable family, Singam lives at peace with everyone. Obviously their family is respected a lot in the village. Enters Kavya (Anushka), on a vacation to the village to her grandparents’ house. She comes across Singam and his upright manner and righteous nature attracts her. It’s romance between them.
There is ‘Eatu’ Erimalai (Vivek), who works as a head constable in the police station. Fate now enters in the form of Mayilvaganan (Prakash Raj), a dreaded baddie in Chennai who is into evil acts to make money. He is aided by his brother Vaikundan (Aadhi). He bumps off an old man in Nallur village when he denies parting with money demanded by him.
The old man was constructing a house in the village thanks to his sons’ money from abroad. His death has severe repercussions as his sons shoot a mail on the death to the embassy. This leaves in the arrest of Mayivaganan, who manages to get a conditional bail that he has to appear at Nallur police station and sign everyday.
Mayilvaganan comes face to face with Singam and his upright ways increases his wrath. He uses his might to get Singam promoted as inspector and brings him to Chennai. It's now a cat and mouse game between Singam and Mayilvaganan.
Singam comes across another side of Mayilvaganan - that he runs a kidnap racket and gets away with ransom. By bringing to books the nasty side of Mayilvaganan, the Home Minister (Vijayakumar) promotes him as ACP –Anti Corruption Squad operations. Meanwhile Singam's chase begins. How he accomplishes his mission forms the climax to a movie that begins in Nallur, (TN) and ends in Nellore, (AP).
Its out-and-out Suiriya show. He plays a cop who is in total contrast to Anbu Selvan in 'Kaakha Kaakha'. If Anbu was stiff and serious, Singam is cool but furious. The latter is friendly and has strings in his culture. Suriya is flawless in his expressions and delivers his best body language.
Anushka is more than a regular heroine here. She romances with Suriya and got a few scenes to perform too. Prakash Raj is the scene-stealer back to do what he knows the best. He is menacing with his eyes and does a good role that he has done many a time before. Vivek as head constable evokes laughter.
Devi Sri Prasad's racy music is another highlight. His fast songs compliment the swift screenplay. Priyan's cinematography is cool and pleasant.
Due credit goes to Hari. The man in his 10th film has given a movie that has his stamp in the form of an entertaining and engrossing screenplay. Unlike his earlier films where there would be wild chase and men all over with aruvals, 'Singam' comes with a difference.
Produced by Gnanavel Raja and presented by Sun Pictures, 'Singam' is the king of the masses, who love action and commercial films
It’s really been a very long time that our movie buffs enjoyed watching a good film. With most of this year’s releases turning to be mere disappointments, Surya’s Singam stands out as a mind-boggling entertainer
. Aye! The duo Surya-Hari makes it on for a successful hat trick with Singam as the film proves to be an excellent showpiece
To be precise, you wouldn’t actually agonize that you have spent 2.5hrs keeping an eye on this film. Hari has penned such a screenplay, which has the right mix of action, fun, frolic, emotions and romance. Surya doesn’t try to touch the lines of typical mass heroes by uttering loud punch dialogues and bashing down hundreds of men at the same time. Of course, there are more action sequences that have logical factors and are sure to win your appreciations.
Set in the backdrop of Nellore, a small town, the film revolves around inspector Durai Singam (Surya), who joined the service incisively because of his father’s wish. He settles every dispute in town patiently with his gentle talks. Then comes Kavya (Anushka), a city girl on vacation who promptly falls in love with him. Everything seems to be marked by good fortune until Mayil Vaaganam (Prakash Raj) comes across Durai Singam. As they lock horns, things take a different turn with second half keeping everyone on the edge-of-seats.
Kudos to director Hari for churning out such a successful commercial entertainer, he has overshadowed all his previous records with this film. Doubtlessly, Singam can be adjudged as a better show than his yesteryear film Saamy for its interesting plot prevailing all throughout the show. Although, it nearly takes an hour to establish the characters and the conflicts, the voltage peak after intermission trivializes such minuses.
On performance levels, Surya is outstanding with his flawless performance. Even during scenes, where he hops up and down doing goofy stunts, things turn out to be incredulously good. That’s all because of his charismatic appeal. His proficiency to emote with the right feel gains him more acceptance as a mass hero.
Well for Anushka, it’s the best film as she gets more footage. Thanks to Hari, for utilizing her potential to a greater magnitude unlike other filmmakers, who just sign her for glamorous attributes. Vivek’s comedy tracks are really enjoyable but can be better if he avoids his double-entendres. It’s obvious that he has been coming up with similar shows from his previous films. Radha Ravi, Nasser and Manorama have played their roles well. Prakash Raj is simply outstanding as he gets a powerful role to perform after his magnum opus Ghilli. For sure, this will be one of the greatest milestones in his career.
Just watch out for his performance during the penultimate sequences and while playing the fool with Surya on the chase, he is just superb. Devi Sri Prasad strikes with pleasing melodies as almost all the songs have been tuned out well. Especially, the numbers ‘Kadhal Vandhale’ and ‘En Idhayam’ wins hands down.
Cinematography and editing have been put to use with the best results as these technical arenas add momentum to the screenplay. Hari deserves a special mention for establishing brilliant characters as even the minor roles have their importance. Hats off to production designers as they have perfectly managed to complete such a brilliant film within such a short span of time, Avoidance of unnecessary expenses makes the film look sleek which is commendable.
ingam is sure to be one of the best top-drawers of 2010 and the producers will surely be elated as it brings them profits to unexpected levels.
Banner: Sun Pictures, Studio Green, Big Pictures
Production: K.E. Gnyanavel Rajan, Kalanidhi Maaran
Direction: Hari
Casts: Surya, Anushka, Prakash Raj, Vivek, Nasser, Manorama, Vijayakumar and others
Music: Devi Sri Prasad
Verdict: Excellent piece of work
Movie Review: If you are one of those who is worried that this film will be too much like ‘Saamy’ or too close to ‘Khakha Khakha’, the film in which Suriya stumped movie goers with mind blowing cop presence, rest assured, your fears are unfounded. ‘Singam’ manages to stand apart.
However, if you are gonna go, "Everyone listen, he’s on a mission" (a line in one of the songs in ‘Singam’), you are only partially right. You see, it takes a while for Duraisingam ( Suriya) to get there, although once he does, it is paisa vasool for you.
It is Suriya who makes it worth the wait, until the story warms up, although to be fair, Hari keeps a tight rein on the screenplay throughout. Duraisingam is comfortable nabbing thieves who escape with temple jewels or settling petty disputes and playing cop to his relatives in Nallur village in Thoothukudi, although he would rather scale up his father’s (played by Radha Ravi) ‘maligai kadai’ to a departmental store. He has no burning ambition in him to change the world or prove himself. Until two people cross his life.
One is Kavya (Anushka) daughter of Mahalingam (Nasser), a rich cycle tycoon. The other is Mayilvahanam (Prakash Raj), a racketeer who turns out to be involved in holding children for ransom. By the time Singam stumbles upon that, however, he and Mayil have gone around a few rounds. How Mayil removes Singam from the protective comfort of Nallur and transports him to his ‘area’ Thiruvanmiyur in Chennai , for the inevitable climax is what the second half is all about.
This is far racier compared to the first, and although you wonder why Suriya has been given such dud steps in ‘en idhayam’, the other duet, ‘kadhal vandhale’ makes up for it. Do we see shades of Vijay and
Simran in some of the moves in this number? Surely Hari is not spoofing here? Or music director Devi Sri Prasad? The songs ring a bell, if you know what I mean. Anushka passes muster, and you have seen better reel chemistry between Suriya and his heroines in the past. If you find out why Prakash Raj is so off-colour, do let us know. Vivekh as constable Erimalai is good in parts.
When it’s a Hari film, you know what to expect when you walk into the theatre— a chess board hero who is all white, while the villain is totally black, no half measures for you. Even with a sleepy narration in the first 30 minutes or so , ‘Singam’ is worth a watch.
he much-awaited Hari-Suriya combo is back in this landmark 25th film of Suriya. The story was initially narrated to Vijay for his 50th film by Hari but for some reasons Vijay could not do it and Suriya lapped it up.Throughout the career graph of Suriya, the actor has diligently worked towards balancing the niche and the mass and this time around he has proven once again that he can deliver a commercial masala flick with as finesse as he can deliver a performance-orientedfilm.
It is Suriya all over; the guy stumps with some gravity defying stunts, mouths a few intense sentimental dialogues, floors his lady partner passionately and challenges the baddies and cleanses the society from obnoxious elements.Durai Singam is the SI of Nallur police station who is into the police force mainly to satisfy his father. His ambition is to expand his provision stores business to a super market.
All the same, he is sincere in his work and is the darling of his town as he settles many disputes in his town amicably. Mayilvaganan (Prakash Raj), the fraudster from Chennai, involved in criminal activities, gets trapped into a police case which requires him to sign in Nallurpolice station for a period of 15 days. There is a proxy who comes to do this job in the police station which triggers an encounter between Prakash Raj and Suriya that leads into a series of events between the two which form the rest of Singam.
Meanwhile, an offshoot of this plot is the love angle between Anushka and Suriya, the former comes to the village to her grand parents place for vacation and bumps in to the latter. Thankfully, it is not love at the second meeting but something that happens gradually with believable events. Vivek as Erimalai takes charge of comedy in Singam as Suriya’s subordinate and acquits himself well. The comedy scenes do bring the intended effect and the lorry scene which results in Vivek’s suspension tops the list. There are many such enjoyable instances which are sure to get into the comedy channels soon.Anushka looks good and acts too.
When she is on the phone with Suriya and gets caught by her father Nasser, the instant play of expression to get out of the situation is noteworthy. The lady does have a good future. She rides on twin horses with glamorous costumes in the song sequences and a homely demeanor in the rest of thefilm . Radha Ravi and Sumithra as the parents of Suriya do a convincing job. The other supporting cast members are satisfactory. Music by Devi Sri Prasad is nothing to rave about except the En Idhayam number. However, the morphing technique adopted to cover a few frames in this number is unwarranted. Background score is also ordinary. True to the name Singam, thefilm is dominated by action sequences but there is no blood and gore. Cinematographer Priyan has done a decent job. Director Hari has stuck to his genre and has delivered a crispfilm . Although the events and the premise are not something new in Singam and the formula of one scene each of ‘action-romance-sentiments-comedy’, is strictly adhered to, he should be credited for rendering an engaging and entertaining product. He succeeds in holding the interest of the audience to a larger extent and satisfies the viewers. However, in the second half, the interactions between the villain and hero get a bit drab and seem to drag on.
There is not much of an intelligence displayed by the villain to counter the hero except in the climax. On the whole, Hari has concocted and packaged his masala contents in the right proportion and has served a tasty dish.
Singam Movie Review
Cop stories doesn't necessarily mean the hero bashing goons, mouthing punch dialogue or standing stiff. The cop can be simple, straight forward and still accomplish his mission.
Filmmaker Hari and actor Suriya, who come together after 'Aaru' and 'Vel', have laced ‘Singam’, Suriya’s 25th movie, with such events that sustain the attention of masses all through. Both have a major responsibility on their shoulders as their earlier cop stories ('Samy' and 'Kaakha Kaakha' respectively) did raise the bar in Kollywood. 'Singam', which sounds a masculine title, is a pukka commercial entertainer.
Though the story may sound similar to many mass masala movies before, Hari's pacy treatment to the screenplay and Suriya's screen presence gives necessary pep.
A collage of action, song, romance and comedy at right mix has always been a safe bet. With Suriya at the helm of affairs, the commercial cocktail straightaway sticks to our heart. The movie comes with a huge star cast as in any of the Hari film before.
Besides Suriya, it has Anushka, Vivek, Prakash Raj, Nasser, Sumitha, Manorama, Vijayakumar, Bose Venkat and ‘Nizhalgal’ Ravi to name a few in the cast.
The movie tells the tale of a simple and sincere police officer Duraisingam alias Singam (Suriya), a sub inspector in Nallur in Tuticorin district. He wants to run the family business - running a provision shop and convert it to a huge departmental store. But his father (Radha Ravi) fantasizes him to become a cop. He lives up to his father's words and becomes a sub-inspector in the local police station.
An amiable family, Singam lives at peace with everyone. Obviously their family is respected a lot in the village. Enters Kavya (Anushka), on a vacation to the village to her grandparents’ house. She comes across Singam and his upright manner and righteous nature attracts her. It’s romance between them.
There is ‘Eatu’ Erimalai (Vivek), who works as a head constable in the police station. Fate now enters in the form of Mayilvaganan (Prakash Raj), a dreaded baddie in Chennai who is into evil acts to make money. He is aided by his brother Vaikundan (Aadhi). He bumps off an old man in Nallur village when he denies parting with money demanded by him.
The old man was constructing a house in the village thanks to his sons’ money from abroad. His death has severe repercussions as his sons shoot a mail on the death to the embassy. This leaves in the arrest of Mayivaganan, who manages to get a conditional bail that he has to appear at Nallur police station and sign everyday.
Mayilvaganan comes face to face with Singam and his upright ways increases his wrath. He uses his might to get Singam promoted as inspector and brings him to Chennai. It's now a cat and mouse game between Singam and Mayilvaganan.
Singam comes across another side of Mayilvaganan - that he runs a kidnap racket and gets away with ransom. By bringing to books the nasty side of Mayilvaganan, the Home Minister (Vijayakumar) promotes him as ACP –Anti Corruption Squad operations. Meanwhile Singam's chase begins. How he accomplishes his mission forms the climax to a movie that begins in Nallur, (TN) and ends in Nellore, (AP).
Its out-and-out Suiriya show. He plays a cop who is in total contrast to Anbu Selvan in 'Kaakha Kaakha'. If Anbu was stiff and serious, Singam is cool but furious. The latter is friendly and has strings in his culture. Suriya is flawless in his expressions and delivers his best body language.
Anushka is more than a regular heroine here. She romances with Suriya and got a few scenes to perform too. Prakash Raj is the scene-stealer back to do what he knows the best. He is menacing with his eyes and does a good role that he has done many a time before. Vivek as head constable evokes laughter.
Devi Sri Prasad's racy music is another highlight. His fast songs compliment the swift screenplay. Priyan's cinematography is cool and pleasant.
Due credit goes to Hari. The man in his 10th film has given a movie that has his stamp in the form of an entertaining and engrossing screenplay. Unlike his earlier films where there would be wild chase and men all over with aruvals, 'Singam' comes with a difference.
Produced by Gnanavel Raja and presented by Sun Pictures, 'Singam' is the king of the masses, who love action and commercial films
It’s really been a very long time that our movie buffs enjoyed watching a good film. With most of this year’s releases turning to be mere disappointments, Surya’s Singam stands out as a mind-boggling entertainer
. Aye! The duo Surya-Hari makes it on for a successful hat trick with Singam as the film proves to be an excellent showpiece
To be precise, you wouldn’t actually agonize that you have spent 2.5hrs keeping an eye on this film. Hari has penned such a screenplay, which has the right mix of action, fun, frolic, emotions and romance. Surya doesn’t try to touch the lines of typical mass heroes by uttering loud punch dialogues and bashing down hundreds of men at the same time. Of course, there are more action sequences that have logical factors and are sure to win your appreciations.
Set in the backdrop of Nellore, a small town, the film revolves around inspector Durai Singam (Surya), who joined the service incisively because of his father’s wish. He settles every dispute in town patiently with his gentle talks. Then comes Kavya (Anushka), a city girl on vacation who promptly falls in love with him. Everything seems to be marked by good fortune until Mayil Vaaganam (Prakash Raj) comes across Durai Singam. As they lock horns, things take a different turn with second half keeping everyone on the edge-of-seats.
Kudos to director Hari for churning out such a successful commercial entertainer, he has overshadowed all his previous records with this film. Doubtlessly, Singam can be adjudged as a better show than his yesteryear film Saamy for its interesting plot prevailing all throughout the show. Although, it nearly takes an hour to establish the characters and the conflicts, the voltage peak after intermission trivializes such minuses.
On performance levels, Surya is outstanding with his flawless performance. Even during scenes, where he hops up and down doing goofy stunts, things turn out to be incredulously good. That’s all because of his charismatic appeal. His proficiency to emote with the right feel gains him more acceptance as a mass hero.
Well for Anushka, it’s the best film as she gets more footage. Thanks to Hari, for utilizing her potential to a greater magnitude unlike other filmmakers, who just sign her for glamorous attributes. Vivek’s comedy tracks are really enjoyable but can be better if he avoids his double-entendres. It’s obvious that he has been coming up with similar shows from his previous films. Radha Ravi, Nasser and Manorama have played their roles well. Prakash Raj is simply outstanding as he gets a powerful role to perform after his magnum opus Ghilli. For sure, this will be one of the greatest milestones in his career.
Just watch out for his performance during the penultimate sequences and while playing the fool with Surya on the chase, he is just superb. Devi Sri Prasad strikes with pleasing melodies as almost all the songs have been tuned out well. Especially, the numbers ‘Kadhal Vandhale’ and ‘En Idhayam’ wins hands down.
Cinematography and editing have been put to use with the best results as these technical arenas add momentum to the screenplay. Hari deserves a special mention for establishing brilliant characters as even the minor roles have their importance. Hats off to production designers as they have perfectly managed to complete such a brilliant film within such a short span of time, Avoidance of unnecessary expenses makes the film look sleek which is commendable.
ingam is sure to be one of the best top-drawers of 2010 and the producers will surely be elated as it brings them profits to unexpected levels.
Banner: Sun Pictures, Studio Green, Big Pictures
Production: K.E. Gnyanavel Rajan, Kalanidhi Maaran
Direction: Hari
Casts: Surya, Anushka, Prakash Raj, Vivek, Nasser, Manorama, Vijayakumar and others
Music: Devi Sri Prasad
Verdict: Excellent piece of work
Movie Review: If you are one of those who is worried that this film will be too much like ‘Saamy’ or too close to ‘Khakha Khakha’, the film in which Suriya stumped movie goers with mind blowing cop presence, rest assured, your fears are unfounded. ‘Singam’ manages to stand apart.
However, if you are gonna go, "Everyone listen, he’s on a mission" (a line in one of the songs in ‘Singam’), you are only partially right. You see, it takes a while for Duraisingam ( Suriya) to get there, although once he does, it is paisa vasool for you.
It is Suriya who makes it worth the wait, until the story warms up, although to be fair, Hari keeps a tight rein on the screenplay throughout. Duraisingam is comfortable nabbing thieves who escape with temple jewels or settling petty disputes and playing cop to his relatives in Nallur village in Thoothukudi, although he would rather scale up his father’s (played by Radha Ravi) ‘maligai kadai’ to a departmental store. He has no burning ambition in him to change the world or prove himself. Until two people cross his life.
One is Kavya (Anushka) daughter of Mahalingam (Nasser), a rich cycle tycoon. The other is Mayilvahanam (Prakash Raj), a racketeer who turns out to be involved in holding children for ransom. By the time Singam stumbles upon that, however, he and Mayil have gone around a few rounds. How Mayil removes Singam from the protective comfort of Nallur and transports him to his ‘area’ Thiruvanmiyur in Chennai , for the inevitable climax is what the second half is all about.
This is far racier compared to the first, and although you wonder why Suriya has been given such dud steps in ‘en idhayam’, the other duet, ‘kadhal vandhale’ makes up for it. Do we see shades of Vijay and
Simran in some of the moves in this number? Surely Hari is not spoofing here? Or music director Devi Sri Prasad? The songs ring a bell, if you know what I mean. Anushka passes muster, and you have seen better reel chemistry between Suriya and his heroines in the past. If you find out why Prakash Raj is so off-colour, do let us know. Vivekh as constable Erimalai is good in parts.
When it’s a Hari film, you know what to expect when you walk into the theatre— a chess board hero who is all white, while the villain is totally black, no half measures for you. Even with a sleepy narration in the first 30 minutes or so , ‘Singam’ is worth a watch.
he much-awaited Hari-Suriya combo is back in this landmark 25th film of Suriya. The story was initially narrated to Vijay for his 50th film by Hari but for some reasons Vijay could not do it and Suriya lapped it up.Throughout the career graph of Suriya, the actor has diligently worked towards balancing the niche and the mass and this time around he has proven once again that he can deliver a commercial masala flick with as finesse as he can deliver a performance-orientedfilm.
It is Suriya all over; the guy stumps with some gravity defying stunts, mouths a few intense sentimental dialogues, floors his lady partner passionately and challenges the baddies and cleanses the society from obnoxious elements.Durai Singam is the SI of Nallur police station who is into the police force mainly to satisfy his father. His ambition is to expand his provision stores business to a super market.
All the same, he is sincere in his work and is the darling of his town as he settles many disputes in his town amicably. Mayilvaganan (Prakash Raj), the fraudster from Chennai, involved in criminal activities, gets trapped into a police case which requires him to sign in Nallurpolice station for a period of 15 days. There is a proxy who comes to do this job in the police station which triggers an encounter between Prakash Raj and Suriya that leads into a series of events between the two which form the rest of Singam.
Meanwhile, an offshoot of this plot is the love angle between Anushka and Suriya, the former comes to the village to her grand parents place for vacation and bumps in to the latter. Thankfully, it is not love at the second meeting but something that happens gradually with believable events. Vivek as Erimalai takes charge of comedy in Singam as Suriya’s subordinate and acquits himself well. The comedy scenes do bring the intended effect and the lorry scene which results in Vivek’s suspension tops the list. There are many such enjoyable instances which are sure to get into the comedy channels soon.Anushka looks good and acts too.
When she is on the phone with Suriya and gets caught by her father Nasser, the instant play of expression to get out of the situation is noteworthy. The lady does have a good future. She rides on twin horses with glamorous costumes in the song sequences and a homely demeanor in the rest of thefilm . Radha Ravi and Sumithra as the parents of Suriya do a convincing job. The other supporting cast members are satisfactory. Music by Devi Sri Prasad is nothing to rave about except the En Idhayam number. However, the morphing technique adopted to cover a few frames in this number is unwarranted. Background score is also ordinary. True to the name Singam, thefilm is dominated by action sequences but there is no blood and gore. Cinematographer Priyan has done a decent job. Director Hari has stuck to his genre and has delivered a crispfilm . Although the events and the premise are not something new in Singam and the formula of one scene each of ‘action-romance-sentiments-comedy’, is strictly adhered to, he should be credited for rendering an engaging and entertaining product. He succeeds in holding the interest of the audience to a larger extent and satisfies the viewers. However, in the second half, the interactions between the villain and hero get a bit drab and seem to drag on.
There is not much of an intelligence displayed by the villain to counter the hero except in the climax. On the whole, Hari has concocted and packaged his masala contents in the right proportion and has served a tasty dish.
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