Film scorer makes mark in global list of the best
Sooraj names film
AT last! Sooraj Bharjatya’s next film has a title. It was speculated that the movie was to be called Bhade
Bhaiya, but the talented filmmaker has gone with
Prem Ratan Dhan Payo. Salman Khan and Sonam Kapoor will fill the lead roles and Neil Nitin Mukesh will play the younger brother of Salman’s character. Bharjatya has made masterpieces such as Maine
Pyar Kiya and Hum Aapke Hai Kaun.
Irrfan goes Jurassic
Irrfan Khan — known to Western movie fans through Life of Pi and Slumdog
Millionaire — continues to spread himself thin. Not only has he signed up for Shootjit Sircar’s film Piku , but he has been offered a role in the new Jurassic Park movie.
Legacy lives on
Against all odds, Isai Nyaani Illaiyaraja is in the top 10 on a list of the world’s best 25 composers for film. He is the only Indian to make the list, which was published by the Taste of Cinema internet portal. Illaiyaraja’s inclusion at number nine is noteworthy because his greatest achievements were recorded before the internet boom and largely confined to southern India.
Gathering the fans
In related news, Illaiyaraja’s son, Karthik Raja, has announced that an official fan club in honour of his father will be launched on April 5. The club will be registered with the government of India and the aim of forming it is to unite all the composer’s fan clubs. This will enable Illaiyaraja’s supporters to collectively participate in social service. There will also be a weekly magazine called Isai Nyaani.
Double trouble again
Fans of Tamil actor Surya can look forward to double the thrills when his next film,
Anjaan, goes on circuit. Last week, it was revealed that he would play a dual role in the film. The last time Surya did this was in KV Anand’s film
Maatraan , when he played conjoined twins. Anjaan also marks the first time Surya and comedian Soori will star together in a film. Samantha Ruth Prabhu plays the female lead in the action thriller.
In his son’s footsteps
Young director Karthik Subbaraj, who made a sensational debut with Pizza, is completing his second film, Jigarthanda. And, not to be left out, Subbaraj’s father is making his acting debut in the film
Mundasupatti , directed by Ram and starring Vishnu Vishal. Subbaraj’s father will play the on-screen dad of the female lead, 19-year-old Nanditha Raj. Mundasupatti is produced by Fox Star Studios.
Boost for Gautham
Gautham Karthik’s second film, Ennamo Edho, which is now nearing completion, has been given a boost — Kalaipuli S Thanu has bought the distribution rights. Thanu is highly regarded for his skilled and effective marketing.
Gautham’s debut film — last year’s Kadal, directed by Manirathinam — bombed at the box office. But the young actor, a thirdgeneration thespian — was nevertheless praised for his performance.
New project for Vijay
Samuthrakani, director of the controversy-plagued
Nimirndhu Nil, which is on circuit at the moment, says he is in the final stages of putting together another production. Vijay will be in the lead role. An official announcement is expected within a fortnight.