Rajnikanth's 'West' side story!

Ever wondered how did Rajnikanth look so fair much like a foreigner in a scene and a song? Well, the effect was not achieved through the usual method of applying make up. Instead, they spent a Lakhs of Rupees and used a unique method to make him look fair like a western guy.

While most believe that Chemical peeling was done on Rajnikanth but in actually the effect was done at a computer lab. A Chennai based software firm made him look like a foriegner by using the color complexion of a white man who danced along with Rajnikanth in Spain. Using that white man complexion, the software engineers have done Rajni's face doing each pixel .

A Team of 25 Technicians worked hard 4 nearly 365 Days using Eyeon Digital Fusion software for Digital Grafting to get this Effect.

Trade Talk: Sivaji Also Slowed Down In Collections

'Sivaji' that banged the world with huge collections in first week has slowed down now in AP. Apart from many theaters, the other theaters are looking scanty for many shows. There is no patronage for this film especially in towns. Lack of proper story line, weak music and poor comedy track made the film dull as per trade analysts. Many are coming to watch the film only to see how well the money is spent in making the film. It is a doubt if distributors come out safely from this investment.

No big film was released in these Sivaji weeks. Vihari is the only film that released with new faces. That failed at box office as none looked towards it. Aata completed 50 days successfully. Dubai Seenu is now running with 50% collections. 'Operation Duryodhana' theatres are deserted.

Humble Guy: Rajnikant’s modesty...

He may be India’s biggest superstar, but no one can beat Rajnikant or match him even remotely when it comes to being modest. Whoever meets him swears by his down-to-earth modesty and earthy appeal.

Take for instance bollywood filmmaker Anu Ranjan, who along with her husband Shashi Ranjan met the superstar a year back at a restaurant. “We invited him to join us at our table; he came, but refused to order any expensive drink and instead asked for a beer. And then we invited him to our house as we were celebrating Shashi’s birthday. He came straight from the airport to our house, met all the guests, wished Shashi and left leaving everyone present spellbound by his simplicity and modesty,” recounts Anu.

Let’s hope our stars learn a lesson or two from superstar Ranjikant

Only Rajni can do it: Rs150 crore in three weeks!

A week after India’s most expensive film, starring India’s highest paid actor, created mass hysteria across thousands of screens worldwide; box office collections are only getting bigger. If trade analysts are to be believed, the film will go on to collect a massive Rs150 crore in the first three weeks alone.

Interestingly, the hype around Tamil superstar Rajnikanth and his latest blockbuster Sivaji is slowly spreading to territories that are not known to welcome regional cinema. “I am getting calls from towns I didn’t even know existed. This is for the first time that new centres like Latur are also screening a south Indian movie,” says film distributor Nambirajan.

In Mumbai, the film is being screened during prime time at multiplexes and single screen theatres alike. “Typically, regional films are given the morning slot at multiplexes while a few single screen theatres have all shows,” says Nambirajan who also owns Aurora theatre in Matunga, which regularly plays Rajnikanth movies to packed houses.

This time multiplexes playing Sivaji have reported nearly 90 per cent occupancy in the last week. “The response has been tremendous. The film has repeat value even for north Indian audiences,” says Prakhar Joshi, head of programming, PVR Cinemas. Joshi adds that though the majority of their audience is Tamil, non-Tamilians are coming to watch the movie too.

Ask Ravi Sharma who does not follow the language but was amongst the hundreds of loyalists who whistled and danced in the aisles as their hero made an appearance on the first day first show. “I intend going back every weekend till the movie is playing,” he says.

Trade pundits estimate that Rajnikanth’s films release in 150 centres across Tamil Nadu — twice the number of centres that any other Indian actor can get. “A whole parallel economy depends on this man who is considered a god in Tamil Nadu,” observes trade analyst Amod Mehra.

Rajni’s old films to be re-released!

Distributors are scrambling to snap up as many movies of the superstar as they can

Now that Rajnikanth’s magnum opus ‘Sivaji - The Boss’ is a huge hit, distributors are falling over each other trying to get hold of his old movies. Some smart distributors — in a bid to make most of the Rajni fever — are planning to re-release them.

For instance, his Hindi films like ‘Gireftaar’, ‘Andha Kanoon’ and ‘Hum’ are most likely to be re-released in theatres shortly. Says distributor Pankaj Jaisinghani, “Yes, it is true that a lot of distributors are clamouring to get hold of the rights of Rajnikanth’s old Hindi films. They realise that he is a star who brings in huge profits and even his old films will run. With Rajnikanth anything is possible. He is one actor who has such a tremendous following in spite of him never making any pretence to hide his age or anything. It is amazing to see how much his fans adore him.”

In fact, even most of Rajni’s South Indian movies are also in the process of being re-released. Dilip Shah of Aryan Productions in Chennai has bought the rights of ‘Annamalai’, an old Rajnikanth movie in Tamil. He is also planning to buy the rights of three more Rajni movies.

“All distributors have realised the potential of Rajni movies and are trying their best to acquire the rights of as many Rajni movies as possible. Most of his movies were made under the ‘AVM’ banner and distributors are trying to bag them. They are all planning to dub them in Hindi and re-release them. Even his black and white movies are being sought after. Everybody is frantically searching for Rajni movies. It’s a huge craze now,” he says.

It is ironical that at a time when most Bollywood heroes are finding it difficult to find distributors for their brand new films, those very distributors are busy digging up Rajni’s old movies! Just more proof of the man’s incredible appeal.

Buzz: Rajnikanth turns down honor at IIFA

Though the IIFA awards ceremony at Yorkshire went off swimmingly, a little-known fact about the event is the reason behind non-presence of the Tamil iconic superstar Rajnikanth.

According to sources, Rajnikanth was offered a very special award at this year's IIFA for his tremendous popularity among Tamil-speaking audiences across the world. In fact the offer to receive this prestigious award was made by none other than the IIFA ambassador.

However Rajni who's always fought shy of awards and honours had to decline the offer. Says the Big B, "It's true we wanted to honor Rajnikanth at Yorkshire this year, but unfortunately he not could make it due to the release of Sivaji- The Boss. But we will someday, for he deserves many distinctions."

Rajnikanth's Related Links:

SIVAJI (THE BOSS) Fever in Silicon Valley

Reel Buzz: Muslims angry over Sivaji

'Sivaji' mania peaks ahead of release

Trade Talk: Sivaji rocks all over world!

Rajinikanth's SHIVAJI Movie Trailer

Rajnikanth's Special News

Rajinikanth, Chandrababu Naidu watched Shivaji Preview @ Prasad labs

Hollywood technology gives Sivaji superior imagery

Rajani Life story flyers on Ohio streets

‘Sivaji’ Review: Big War On Black Money

Shivaji - The Boss

Sivaji Today: First Day Rs 1.7 crore

Rajnikanth as Sultan - The Warrior

Rajini rules: It's thumbs up for Sivaji

Spotlight: Is Sivaji A Hit Or Flop?

Rajnikant: Reigning boss of Indian celluloid

Trade Buzz: 'Sivaji' Crossed 'Stalin' Just In 3 Days

Photo Feature: Imitating Hairless Shivaji In Chennai

Rajnikanth's : 5 Lessons To Learn From 'Sivaji'

'Sivaji' is a film for those who believe in 'Non existing'. Sivaji minus Rajni is a coool dud at box office. The theme chosen is good but the way it is dealt is completely farce and illusionary. What people can learn watching Sivaji? I listed 5 points for that:

1. You disturb others but don't get disturbed:

Sivaji disturbs Shriya's family despite a strict vehemence is seen from their side. But he will not expect any disturbance from Adiseshan.

2. Beat rich people to get black money:
You can beat all rich people in your city so that they will give away all their black money to you with fear. They will not have any influence of gundagiri with them.

3. Black is bad-Be it money or Skin:
Black is always bad. Make it white. Do hawala for money and jump into a tub filled with multana mitti for skin.

4. Getting Fake Passport is not illegal:
You can get fake passport and international identity with tonsuring head. Sivaji can become NTR and fool entire nation. What creativity?

5. Fight on black money-but earn black money:
Sivaji deals with war against black money. But the film tickets are being sold in black market. The purpose of the film itself is not justified. What hysteria!

Reel Buzz: Muslims angry over Sivaji

Chennai: Muslims in Tamil Nadu have threatened of agitations against superstar Rajnikanth’s latest blockbuster Sivaji, the Boss as it “insulted the community as one of hawala traders”. Upset that the movie shows the hero converting a huge amount of black money into legal tender by routing it through hawala channels of Muslim underground agents, the Tamil Nadu Muslim Munnetra Kazhagam has threatened it would hold demonstrations at the theatres showing the movie in Tamil Nadu unless the offending scenes were withdrawn.

“The scene showing the hero in an underground den full of Muslims dealing with hawala transactions is highly objectionable. It makes it seem that our community is involved in such illegal acts against the state and the people. We cannot accept this,” said the TMMK general secretary S. Hyder Ali. “We will also appeal to the chief minister to intervene since we know he is sensitive to the feelings of the minorities. We will launch protests throughout the state and may even move the court to seek justice for the Muslims. We are law abiding people but this film shows us as criminals operating hawala,” said Mr Ali, who is also the chairman of the state wakf board. The TMMK claims a membership of over seven lakhs across Tamil Nadu.

Mr Ali also accused Sivaji’s director Shankar of being “consistent in his insensitivity towards the minorities and the oppressed classes through several of his films starting with Gentleman” (1993) and swore to make him realise “at least now about his social responsibilities.” While Shankar himself could not be reached since he is away in Canada, sources in his unit claimed that the film only showed the Muslims as helping the hero in his efforts to launch educational institutions using black money extracted from the villains. Film was a medium to convey a good message in an entertaining manner and it would be futile to launch any serious moralistic debate on its contents, argued a Shankar aide.

Trade Talk: Sivaji rocks all over world!

Rajnikant’s “Sivaji” creating history through advance ticket sales even before its release is an old story!

The way it opened (June 15 to 18) across India and 28 countries worldwide was phenomenal.

“Sivaji” became the first Tamil film ever to be featured in the U.K. top 10 and took a 100 per cent opening in Mumbai and Delhi multiplexes, whereas Big-B’s “Jhoom Barabar Jhoom” released the same week could manage only a 50 to 60 per cent opening!

The Telugu version of the movie was simultaneously released in 350 theatres in the state, including 40 in the twin cities of Hyderabad and Secunderabad collected huge share.

In Kerala, despite heavy rains, “Sivaji” has taken the best ever opening for any film in history from a record 86 screens!

In Chennai, nearly two lakh seventy thousand people saw it, in 17 screens and the film collected Rs. 1.35 crore in the first four days. On the ECR, at Mayajaal, it rocked with almost continuous shows from Friday morning to late Sunday night. Says B. Udeep, CEO, Mayajaal multiplex: “Rajni is a global star! We had 78 houseful shows from six screens in three days, 12,200 audiences saw it and we netted approximately Rs. 13.5 lakh! No other star in the world can work this magic.”

Photo Feature: Imitating Hairless Shivaji In Chennai

Fans of Rajni got inspired by the tonsured look of their hero in the climax of Sivaji. Even the theaters roared with shouts and claps when Rajni calls himself NTR (NT Ranga Rao) with head shaved look. See how the Rajni fans are getting their heads shaved and trimming the moustache to look like Rajni in Sivaji climax.

Talk: ‘The Boss’ to launch his own party?

The newly-formed United National Progressive Alliance (UNPA) is yet to have a boss of its own, but is going all out to rope in 'Sivaji-the Boss' a.k.a Rajnikanth.

After attempts by TDP leader N Chandrababu Naidu, Samajwadi Party leader Mulayam Singh is said to be trying to use his proximity to Amitabh Bachchan to get Rajnikanth's support for the UNPA. The Tamil superstar whose latest flick is making waves across the country is, however, non-committal.

While the conglomeration of former chief ministers was hunting for influential people to buttress the front, Rajnikanth's name was on top of the list. Finally, it was Naidu, who made the appeal. After watching a preview of the movie with the superstar in Hyderabad, Naidu requested Rajnikanth to support the front. The actor thanked him.

The next day saw a bolder step: AIADMK leader J Jayalalithaa, against whom Rajnikanth made that powerful appeal during the 1996 Assembly elections in Tamil Nadu, watched a special screening of 'Sivaji'.

The UNPA meet at Jayalalithaa's residence in Chennai on Monday did not have Rajnikanth on the agenda, but insiders say the actor's name figured in discussions over the lunch Jaya hosted for the other UNPA leaders.

Since Jayalalithaa cannot have a one-to-one meeting with her former enemy so soon, Naidu seems to have taken the task upon himself. After the UNPA meeting, Naidu again called on Rajnikanth. Rajnikanth is said to have conveyed that the leaders should not give an impression that he is supporting the new front.

Coming out of the one-hour meeting with the actor, Naidu said: "We did not discuss politics."And now, Naidu has reportedly convinced Mulayam to use Amitabh Bachchan to arrange for talks with Rajnikanth. Meanwhile, sources close to Rajnikanth say the superstar does not want to support the front, let alone joining it.

"After the grand opening of 'Sivaji', fans want 'thalaivar' (leader, in Tamil) to launch his own party. He may support a particular stance of a party or a front on an issue, but not a party or a front per se," says an office bearer of the Rajnikanth fans' association.

Trade Buzz: 'Sivaji' Crossed 'Stalin' Just In 3 Days

'Sivaji' is running with huge collections in the US. The collections those were made by 'Stalin' on a whole were crossed just in 3 days in US by Sivaji being a dubbed film. The plight is same for both Telugu and Tamil versions. The recovery is a cake walk with this film and ending up with huge profits is also foreseen.

Sivaji is really creating waves with huge following from all segments of Telugu and Tamil population. It is also observed in a few places that Hindi and other language population belonging to India are also seen in theatres those came to watch the film looking at its hype. That way the audience size is also increasing going beyond the target lines.

Such huge collection was made because of huge ticket prices. On the first day the tickets were sold at US$ 15 in some places for Telugu version and US$ 20 - $25 for Tamil version.

Rajnikant: Reigning boss of Indian celluloid

The hype and hysteria surrounding the release of 'Sivaji: the Boss' in India and overseas needs to be seen to be believed but there is no doubt about who is the country's biggest superstar.

Shivaji Rao Gaekwad, or Rajnikant to the most people, who was never seen as a hero by the Mumbai based Hindi filmdom or Bollywood, is today the undisputed king of Indian cinema.

He took home a wad of Rs.160 million for 'Sivaji' which is the most expensive Indian film ever. Even A-list Bollywood stars like Amitabh Bachchan, Shah Rukh Khan, Aamir Khan and Salman Khan charge about Rs.90 million each per film.

Before 57-year-old Rajnikant's latest venture 'Sivaji' hit the marquees this week, it was a common sight to see fans performing ablution by milk on his cut-outs, breaking coconuts in front of the film's posters to ward off evil forces, offering prayers and standing in never-ending serpentine queues to get a ticket.

Fans could be seen gathered outside single-screen theatres as well as multiplex theatres prior to the film's screening and chanted slogans. In Mumbai, fans were seen with hair dyed blond (like Rajni in the film), bursting crackers, distributing sweets and flowers.

In cinema halls in Chennai, Hyderabad and Mumbai, frontbenchers and the so-called suave balcony crowd alike were seen hooting, whistling, clapping, slogan chanting, dancing and throwing confetti every time their hero made an appearance, broke into a dance, delivered a punch line or hit the villain on the silver screen.

Rajni's histrionics in 'Sivaji' with the coin, sunglasses and even his bald pate, have been hailed like there was no tomorrow. And the Rajni mania is not just griping India but according to reports desi fans wrecked at least 10 cinemas across Malaysia after a nationwide premiere of 'Sivaji: The Boss' was either delayed or cancelled due to technical glitches.

The Rajni mania is at its zenith in the US and Japan as well. Reports from the US said there is unprecedented rush for tickets of 'Sivaji' being screened in major cities.

No other Tamil film - be it 'Chandramukhi', 'Anniyan', 'Ghajini', 'Vettayadu Vilayadu' - has attracted the kind of craze that has preceded the 'Sivaji' release in the US. A similar story is taking place in Japan where Rajnikant is immensely popular, according to reports.

Supernova, superstar, 'Style Mannan'...the Periya Thaliavar of Tamil filmdom has many adjectives attached to his name. Now that his latest movie is said to have grossed nearly Rs.20 million in advance bookings from 17 theatres in Chennai itself, it wouldn't be wrong to anoint him as the biggest star of India.

The only time Bollywood cast Rajnikant in an important role was in Anil Sharma's 'Farishtey', J. Om Prakash's 'Bhagwan Dada' and 'Wafadar', which were forgotten soon after. But except for his crisp Tamil accent, a Romeo-style red scarf, a cowboyish swagger, there was little to write home about his Bollywood career.

Rajnikant has come up the hard way. He used to work as a bus conductor before he discovered his talent for acting and enrolled in an 'action school'. And since then, there has been no looking back.

His first notable performance was in 'Moondru Mudichu' wherein he played a character with negative shades and charmed one and all with his famous cigarette flip. String of blockbusters likes 'Pokkiri Raja', 'Thanikkattu Raja', 'Naan Mahaan Alla', 'Moondru Mugham' and 'Nettrikkam' followed, making him a phenomenon.

Rajnikant has portrayed people from various walks of life and his films always carry a social message. But he has not gone the MGR way and stayed away from politics so far.

'Sivaji' is the superstar's 100th Tamil film. It is his ninth movie under the banner of AVM Productions. The film is directed by Shankar and produced by M. Saravanan and M.S. Guhan of AVM Productions. It also stars Shriya Saran, Suman, Prakash Raj, Vivek, Raghuvaran, Manivannan and Nayantara. The music has been composed by the maestro A.R. Rahman.

With every movie he does, he just seems to get bigger and better. Clearly, for him the world is not enough.

Bollywood's internationally best known star Bachchan's latest film 'Jhoom Barabar Jhoom', which released the same day as 'Sivaji', could not even generate houseful collections on the opening day.

The film features Bachchan's son and Bollywood's most hot-n-happening star Abhishek, Bobby Deol, Preity Zinta and Lara Dutta. The film did not garner rave reviews but its music by composer trio Shankar-Ehsaan-Loy is a rage.

The film by Bollywood's most successful banner, Yash Raj Films, even had the benefit of a well-oiled publicity machine propping it up. A highly hyped film, 'Jhoom Barabar Jhoom' was released with a record number of 265 prints with 86 UFOs, 18 E-City digital and one Real Image format in the Mumbai circuit alone.

Amitabh's ostentatious number in the Shaad Ali film screams for attention. White shirt and faded blue jeans topped by a multi-hued patchwork jacket complete with long black boots, black hat with ruffled feathers, rings, bangles, beads, stones, chains, earrings, kohl, long hair et all.

But his song and dance could not take a flying start like 'Dhoom 2'. Though the film did take a decent opening and is expected to cover its investments from metros and multiplexes, it pales in comparison with the response to 'Sivaji'.

Rajnikanth's record remuneration for 'Sivaji' may soon be bettered by Bollywood. The new studios on the block are willing to cough out unheard of figures for snapping up actors and filmmakers for multiple movie contracts.

The wheeling-dealing has started with Hrithik Roshan finally agreeing to sign a contract with Adlabs for a three-film deal worth Rs.350 million. Now Adlabs has also struck a 10-film deal worth a whopping Rs.2 billion with director Vipul Shah.

The other big banner, UTV, has signed up three Bollywood actors. Actress Priyanka Chopra said in a TV interview, 'It's great to be associated with a producer who is willing to give you that much of a say and saying that I don't want to do this or may be we can work something else out. It's great to do that.'

With many new entrants in Bollywood like Studio18, Mosaer Baer and Frankfinn, money is flowing in the industry. One-film-old director Sagar Bellary has already signed a three-film deal with Sahara Motion Pictures after successful debut 'Bheja Fry'. Yashraj Films already has directors like Kabir Khan, Shaad Ali, Shimit Amin, Siddharth Raj Anand and Arjun Sablok working for them on three-film contracts.

It remains to be seen if Hrithik can equal Rajnikant in terms of histrionics and popularity.

Spotlight: Is Sivaji A Hit Or Flop?

Now this is the most inquisitive one that many are willing to know. The much hyped film in recent days, 'Sivaji' released yesterday and the result is with mixed opinions. Some say it's down and some say it's good. The other segment says that it runs with the Rajni factor. On a whole we can term it as the film that hasn't reached the expectations of majority people. It is a known factor that big budget films aim at quick recovery but not wait for 100 days celebration.

The interesting part of Sivaji business is that the film made profits much before the release of the film in the form of Satellite rights, distribution rights etc. "It is both distributors and exhibitors who suffer losses if a movie does not run well at the box office," Bellamkonda Suresh who bought the Andhra Pradesh rights of Sivaji. It is sure but in the matter of Sivai many theatre have sold out the tickets 1 week in advance making housefuls with all shows. That way the film proved to be a safe one for many exhibitors as well. It is the arrangement between the exhibitor and distributor that decides the fate of each other. Many times distributor compensates the loss incurred by exhibitors when there is lack of audiences. In that case distributors will be at loss. There were instances in the past that loss incurred by distributors with 'Baba' was compensated by producers who bought AP rights. Similar way when Johnny was flopped Pawan Kalyan filled the loss. But those things happen very rare.

Now coming to the point, the ones who were worried in big way are fans those watched the film with high expectations. It is also true that although expectations are not reached the film is not something to be shunned as entertaining factors are grooved in appropriately.

A segment of audiences say that the film will be like AR Rehman's music and it will enter into the heads of people like slow poison. They also recall the plight of Chandramukhi in initial days that was low. The film picked up only slowly. Similar way they say that Sivaji will also pick up.

Wait and see what happens.

Rajini rules: It's thumbs up for Sivaji

Jubilant fans of Tamil superstar Rajinikanth thronged over 1,000 cinema halls on Friday as his latest film Sivaji – The Boss hit theatres.

Delirious fans lined up outside halls before dawn to catch the first show of the film. According to reports tickets for the film, directed by Shankar and featuring music by A R Rahman, are sold out for the next three weeks at theatres in Chennai.

It is also the first Tamil movie to be simultaneously released in cities in northern India like Delhi and Gurgaon and outside the country.

Huge banners and hoardings were erected in front of halls where Sivaji was being screened with fans bursting crackers and breaking coconuts to ward off evil forces.

Reportedly shot for Rs 80 crore, Sivaji is about the protagonist's fight against black money in society, which Rajnikanth does in his own trademark style with a combination of punchy dialogue, comedy, romance, songs and colourful costumes.

A special screening of the film was arranged at AVM Studio in Chennai for AIADMK chief Jayalalithaa, who watched the film with Shankar, producer A V M Saravanan and Rajnikanth, who started out as a bus conductor before deciding to join films.

The film, which finally has good triumphing over evil, enthralled fans who travelled to Tamil Nadu from as far as Dhaka and Kolkata to watch it.

"It is a superb film with all the ingredients expected of a Rajini-starrer. The special effects are stunning," an avid fan Prakash Dharur told PTI after watching the movie at Prasad's I-Max theatre in Hyderabad.

The Telugu rights of Sivaji, described as one of the most expensive films produced in India, were sold for Rs 14 crore, an indication of the huge expectations from the movie.

In Bangalore, Sivaji was released amidst tight security following threats by the Karnataka Rakshana Vedike to sabotage the screenings, however, police said that no untoward incidents were reported.

The Karnataka Rakshana Vedike, a pro-Kannada outfit, had threatened to stop the screenings as the shooting of two Kannada films in Tamil Nadu had been halted and also due to Rajinikanth's stand on the controversial Cauvery water-sharing issue.

Despite the threat, a fan walked into a theatre at 0330 hours IST to book a ticket. The hall was forced to open its counter at 0900 hours IST as nearly 1,000 fans were standing outside to buy tickets.

Rajinikanth's last movie Chandramukhi, which released in 2005, has been running continuously for over 800 days in Tamil Nadu, creating a record in south Indian film history.

Even in northern India, the response to the film was "remarkable", said theatre officials in Delhi. A subtitled version of Sivaji released in two multiplexes in Delhi and two in Gurgaon had attracted large audiences, they said.

"Being a regional film, we didn't expect it to do so well. It is doing remarkably well and is house-full till Wednesday," Head of Sales and Marketing, PVR Cinemas, Shalu Sabharwal told PTI.

The film took 19 months to be completed and is said to be the most expensive movie ever produced in India.

Rajnikanth as Sultan - The Warrior

Everyone is wating for the release of Rajnikanth-starrer ‘Sivaji’. But Rajnikanth's daughter Soundarya along with Pooja Shetty of Adlabs is busy making a 3D animation film on her superstar father. To be called ‘Sultan the Warrior’, this animation film is the first-ever being done on a personality. AR Rehman is composing the music and it will be launched in Tamil, Telugu, Hindi and English.

The first look was shown along with the filmreels of Sivaji. "Sultan the Warrior’ will feature Rajnikanth as a mythological, larger-than-life hero in a gripping action adventure film. It also boasts of stylised Rajnikanth mannerisms and punch lines.

Ocher studios and a set of international specialists will be working on the production.

Sivaji Today: First Day Rs 1.7 crore

Sivaji The Boss to call the shots in tinsel town today, redefines big-budget films

Fans adore his silver-screen antics. His films are known to set new records at the box office and break them in style. And this Friday, when Kollywood superstar Rajnikanth's latest production Sivaji The Boss' is released, it is expected to create records in more ways than one.

The movie, with an estimated budget of Rs 60 crore is the costliest production in the history of Kollywood or Bollywood. Its world-wide release will make it, perhaps, the first Indian language movie to be screened in the largest number of theaters world over. The distributors of the movie claim it is a super hit, even before it hits theatres. Despite the feverish pitch generated by the Rajni starrer, the film's script remains a closely guarded secret even on the eve of its release. The only thing known about the storyline, as put by the superstar himself, is: 'it is all about black money, honey'.

P Saminathan, managing director, Pyramid Saimira Theatres Ltd, said: "It is a little known fact that south Indian films are costlier than north Indian movies. This film is possibly the costliest Indian film to date and might collect about Rs 150 crore plus, giving huge profit to distributors and exhibitors. It is being released in many countries and is expected to expand the market of the Tamil films world over. Going by advance reservations, the film is expected to be a major hit, breaking all records in the Indian film industry." According to reports, the collections on June 10 - the first day of advance bookings - were Rs 1.7 crore in Chennai alone, which is said to be a record in south India. The movie will be screened in 17 theatres across Chennai and tickets have been sold out for the first 12 days.

While GV Films and Abirami Ramanathan (owner of the multiplex Abirami Mega Mall) have bagged rights to distribute the movie within the city for Rs 6.5 crore, Pyramid Saimira and Ayngaran International have been given the overseas rights.

Pyramid Saimira has acquired rights to distribute Sivaji The Boss for Rs 25 crore in 252 screens across the world, including 110 screens in Andhra Pradesh, 86 screens in Tamil Nadu, four in Karnataka and 52 in Malaysia.

Shivaji - The Boss

Superstar Rajnikanth is undoubtedly is the boss of box-office in South India. His charisma and popularity cuts across the languages and regions. He proved his star power constantly with many hits including Narasimha, Basha, Muthu and Chandramukhi. The reigning star of South India is now coming up with Shivaji – The Boss. He joins hands with Shankar, one of the high-profile directors of South India. The prestigious production house AVM made this humongous film shot at Rs 60 Crores and did business around Rs 80 Crores.

Bellamkonda Suresh is acting as producer for Telugu version although all rights are with AVM.

What is it to offer?

Shivaji is Rajnikanth's film all the way. Yet it is shot in Shankar's style – gigantic on screen with a message. Great locales, stunning visuals, mind-boggling action episodes, entertainment, social message, beautiful heroine, rocking music – what not it offers everything one goes to see for a commercial movie.

Plot

Rajinikanth (Shiivaji) plays the role of a NRI software analyst. He returns from USA to India to set up colleges and hospitals. Suman plays a business tycoon who feels threatened by Shivaji's charity plans. So he conspires against Shivaji, ruins his plans and ensures Sivaji is jailed.

Once out of jail Sivaji seeks revenge on Suman who is responsible for his plight. He also unearths crores of black money from various businessmen and makes it white and does it for good cause. He also loves a traditional Telugu girl (Shriya) and marries her. But she initially refuses to marry him fearing he'd die if she marries him, as one astrologer told her.

Message that it gives

It talks about the lying black money in the country. If we can unearth all the black money and use it for the development of the society, India can become great nation.

Specialties

* For Rajinikanth, Shivaji is his 9th movie with AVM Productions and for director Shankar, known for making big budget films, this is his 9th movie in his directional career.Incidentally Rajinikanth's lucky number is also 9 and the superstar hopes this movie will bring great success.

* Rajnikanth plays the role of Shivaji, which happens to be Rajni's real name. Shivaji Rao is Rajnikant's real name before he became a star.

* Shivaji's look and style is designed by Shankar himself after watching all his films.

* Rajinkanth and heroine Shriya's costumes are designed by Bollywood designer Manish Malhotra.

* The first song on the film is shot on Rajnikant and Nayantara.

* Shriya's glamour is major attraction. Incidentally, Shriya was not Shankar's first choice. Names of leading Bollywood ladies including Aishwarya Rai, Ayesha Takia and Rani Mukherjee were initially proposed for the said role.

* Glass set erected by art director Tota Tharani and K V Anand's cinematography are said to be in top notch.

* Running time of the film is 3 hours 5 minutes. 3 + 5 = 8 which is director Shankar's lucky number.

‘Sivaji’ Review: Big War On Black Money

Film: Sivaji

Punchline: black to white
Banner: AVM
Cast: Rajni Kanth, Shriya, Vibek, Vadivukkarasi, Mani Vannan, Raghuvaran, Suman etc
Dialogue: Sri Ramakrishna
Art: Tota Tharani
Editing: Antony
Camera: KV Anand
Producers: Saravanan, Guhan
Story-Screenplay-Direction: Shankar
Release Date: 15th June 2007

The most expensive film of India boosted up many expectations among the audiences. Has it reached the expectations? Just give a read.

Story:

The film starts with Sivaji (Rajni) returning to India where his parents (Mani Vannan and Vadivukkarasi) and mama (Vivek) receive him at the Airport. Everything rolls on screen with typical Rajni style. He falls in love with Shriya who looks in traditional get up.

Shivaji’s motive is to spend his Rs 250 Cr for people and charity by setting up educational institutions. But Adiseshan (Suman) the owner of other engineering college group hinders Sivaji’s attempts. His fear is that he may lose his business if Sivaji starts free education for people. But Sivaji goes ahead ignoring Adiseshan and starts building the college and hospital. When the work is amidst and when almost all the amount was spent on that, Adiseshan uses his political influence and demolishes Sivaji’s dream. He brings him on roads. He drops a Re 1 coin in his hand and asks him to live with begging.

But Sivaji stands bold and uses his brain and brawn to get back his lost earning from Adiseshan. When he wins in that plan he uses the same with every rich man in the state. By unearthing black money he will do social service for all. In the process he wins the hearts of everyone. Adiseshan comes to roads with Sivaji’s strategy. Then he conspires to kill him.

What happens next? That has to be watched on screen.

Performances:
Rajni Kanth is at his best and the make up man and costume designer must be given all the credit. And the spark, spirit and driving force in Rajni Kanth are at his superlative degree and nothing waned even a little with his age. His buzz word in the film is ‘Cool’. His unique style in the film is throwing chewing gum into his mouth. He imitated NTR for the song ‘Aku Chaatu Pinde Tadise…’ Wah! What a perfection! Similarly his dance for the song ‘Abba Nee Tiyyani Debba..’ shows how able Rajni is in imitating other stars.

Shriya looted the hearts and senses with her spellbound beauty. Her body and body language are perfectly in tune with the commercial aura of the film. She is beautiful in traditional half saris, saris as well as in songs. Like a romantic madrigal, like an embodiment of feminine beauty, like a bright fair Venus she made her presence felt in this film. She looked perfectly pretty like Sridevi in the bit songs ‘Aku Chaatu Pinde Tadise’ and ‘Abba Nee Tiyyani Debba’. She made it impressive while enacting emotions and pathos as well.

Suman is to be lauded. His image definitely strides up with this film. He is given a typical facial look with projected teeth. His hefty built body and traditional Madrasi costume aptly suited his body language.

Vivek, Mani Vannan, Vadi Vukkarasi and others have justified their roles.

Shankar appears in the song ‘Ballelakka…’ where audiences shout in excitement and delight.

AR Rehman’s music is wonderful with international standards where some songs are pictured with the standards to take place in international chartbusters.

Ballelakka… is quite traditional on screen with dancing troupe starring slim and sexy Nayantara and Rajni Kanth. Oka Bandi Sunlight… is quite contemporary that shows Rajni Kanth with fair skin. In fact it’s a song on Rajni’s complexion. Sahana… is melodious to ears, peaceful to hearts, romantic to senses and elegant to eye balls. The highly splendid set erected for this song cannot be forgotten. Wah! Ji Wah! Ji Raraje Naa Sivaji… is grand and stupendous. The most expensive set used in the song stands on par or beyond Hollywood standards.

Other song… is pictured on par with the standards of Michael Jackson’s song. The graphics used in it are tremendous.

Screenplay - direction: Shankar is always known for mixing entertainment with purposeful message. He also tried the same thing with this film. But he had to add some other aspect called heroism to his recipe. By concentrating more on the love thread between hero and heroine in the first half, he missed his commercial formula. The mechanism in which he makes hero convert black money into white is good. The 'office' treatment is also good. If you observe all Shankar's films, there is always a strong motive for hero get the ultimate urge to help society (hero’s brother death in Gentleman, Hero's daughter death in Bharateeyudu, hero's sister death in Aparichitudu etc). But here we find no reason that prompted hero to develop the strong urge to help society. The following two points are unconvincing, more so because these two points are turning points to the movie -

1. Sivaji accepting that he bribed the officials to get permissions.
2. The CBI arresting Sivaji even without knowing what is there in the Laptops (as the data in laptop is locked by a voice-recognition security system)

Screenplay - direction: Shankar is always known for mixing entertainment with purposeful message. He also tried the same thing with this film. But he had to add some other aspect called heroism to his recipe. By concentrating more on the love thread between hero and heroine in the first half, he missed his commercial formula. The mechanism in which he makes hero convert black money into white is good. The 'office' treatment is also good. If you observe all Shankar's films, there is always a strong motive for hero get the ultimate urge to help society (hero’s brother death in Gentleman, Hero's daughter death in Bharateeyudu, hero's sister death in Aparichitudu etc). But here we find no reason that prompted hero to develop the strong urge to help society. The following two points are unconvincing, more so because these two points are turning points to the movie -

Other departments: The dialogues by Sri Rama Krishna are very good. Cinematography by KV Anand is an asset. Music by AR Rehman is adequate. On the picturization part, the second songs and the last song are extremely good. The main highlight of the film is Rajnikant dancing to Premabhishekam (ANR), Aaku Chatu (NTR) and Abba Nee Tiyyani (Chiranjeevi) with perfect body language. The fights of the film are adequate. The fight in Music Shop did not go well. Art work by Thota Tharani is good. The production values by AVM are lavish.

Dialogues:
1. Rajni: Vachchinadaani kante Nachchina daanni chesukovadamloney santhosham untundhi
2. Rajni: Amma! Nannu Nallaga enduku kannavamma
Vadivukkarasi: Tellaga kante maasipothaav nayana
3. Vivek: Six tarvata seven…Sivaji tarvata evadraa?
4. Vivek: BOSS-Bachelor of Social Service
5. Rajni: Nenu puttakathone karulo puttledu. Chinnavayasulo cheppullekunda tirigaa..’bussullo’ prayanincha.

Analysis:
The film is opened with crazy collections with Rajni factor and runs with the same. The story of the film is apt for the star image of Rajni. To say with critical outlook and common sense, the process to unearth the black money that’s shown in this film is completely impractical. But still Rajni mania and the hype that it created makes the film run marathon.

There are many notable scenes in the film those entertain and here are a few:

1. Chandramukhi scene between Shriya, Rajni and police officer
2. Shankar’s appearance in Ballelakka song
3. Rajni as NTR and Chiranjeevi
4. Shriya as a perfect replica of Sridevi

Illogical scenes:
1. Sivaji hires gundas to batter rich people to unearth black money. He follows same formula everywhere and becomes successful. That sounds illogical. It would have been shown intellectually without using cheap muscle trick (well. It’s for masses. So we have to compromise)
2. Stunts are hard to believe (again, it’s for masses and the hero is Rajni. So again we have to compromise)
3. MMS Episode- Why Sivaji sends that to doctor Raghuvaran? Why doesn’t he send it to media so that he can be protected easily and Adi Seshan will be arrested? (No No! by doing so, the film comes to End 40 minutes earlier).

To sum up, it’s a film with grand extravaganza that appeals for mass film lovers, Rajni fans and the ones who are habituated to watch routine masala flicks. As a thought provoking idea is discussed in the film to excavate black money, it will be a point of discussion among class audiences. Stunts, Rajni style and songs are for young ones. Sivaji’s love for villages and Shriya’s get up off the songs appeal B, C centers. That way the film targeted all the audiences. The result is obvious!

Bottom Line: Watch It!

Rajani Life story flyers on Ohio streets

This is the first time in OHIO history one telugu movie is releasing on the same date as in India . Usevally movies are releasing in this state 3rd or forth week. Superstar Rajanikanth and Shankar combinations “Shivaji” is going to hit the Ohio screens on this Friday. Fans are distibuting Rajani hisory flyers in Columbus and cincinati streets.This is going to be another record...

Rajani Life History

South Indian SuperStar RajiniKanth is an inconic actor and is the highest paid Indian film actor.he received India's third highest civilian honour, the Padmabhushan for his work in Indian cinema. He began his career doing various jobs in Karnataka, while also attending a theatre for stage plays. Before starting his career in the film industry, he served as a bus conductor for the state transport corporation in Bangalore. It was during this time that he nurtured his acting interests by performing in various stage plays.

He joined the Madras Film institute in 1973 with the help of a friend and completed basic acting course.[8] He started his acting career with the Kannada movie Kathaa Sangama, directed by Puttanna Kanagal, in 1975. since then gave several hits... to name a few in Thalapathi , Baasha, Muthu, Arunachalam, Padaippa, Chandramukhi

Apart from Tamil, Rajinikanth has acted in over 160 movies, including Telugu, Kannada, Malayalam, Hindi and Bengali. Rajinikanth made a foray into Bollywood with Andha Kanoon. But Rajinikanth could not concentrate on Hindi films because he was already safely ensconced down south. He still made a few films in Hindi, like Chaalbaaz with Sridevi. Rajinikanth also enjoys a special kind of popularity in Telugu cinema. He also had a brief stint in Hollywood with the movie Bloodstone in 1988.

Shivaji Rao Gaekwad is his Real name Finally He is acting in and as " S I V A J I " Releasing All over World on June 15th 2007

A. R. Rahman is the only son of R. K. Sekhar, a composer, arranger and conductor for Malayalam films. His father died when Rahman was nine years old, and his family used to rent out musical equipment to make ends meet. Amidst adverse difficulties, Rahman's sister, Reihana became afflicted with an unexplainable illness, which miraculously was cured after a visit by a Sufi saint. This led Dileep to convert to Islam, changing his name to Allah Rakha Rahman.

By Composing Music for Director Manirathnam's Roja, and the movie's super hit debut made him a household name in India virtually overnight and led Rahman to receive the Rajat Kamal award for best music director at the Indian National Film Awards, the first time ever by a debutant. Rahman has since then gone on to win the award 3 more times (for Minsaara Kanavu (Electric Dreams, Tamil) in 1997, Lagaan (Tax, Hindi) in 2002 and Kannathil Muthamittal (A Peck on the Cheek, Tamil) in 2003), the most ever by any composer.Rahman followed it up with a number of other extremely popular films, including Bombay, Kadhalan, Indira, Minsaara Kanavu, Muthu and Love Birds. His soundtracks gained him recognition and notice in the Tamil film industry and across the country for his versatality in classical, folk, jazz, reggae, soft rock and other styles. Rangeela, directed by Ram Gopal Varma, marked Rahman's debut in Hindi films. Many popular albums for films including Dil Se and Taal followed... he has worked with Mani Ratnam on ten films until 2006, all of which have been musical superhits. Also notable is his collaboration with the director S. Shankar - in Gentleman, Kadhalan, Indian, Jeans, Mudhalvan, Nayak, Boys and now S i v a j i.

S. Shankar is a popular film director from Kumbakonam, Tamil Nadu, India. He has made many Tamil movies which have social themes with a commercial narration. He is credited with delivering expensive, high end CGI in most of his films. Most of his movies from Tamil are dubbed into other languages especially Telugu and Hindi. He started his career with 'Gentleman' which grossed very well, then followed by 'Kadhalan', 'Indian', 'Jeans' and 'Mudhalvan' which were all mega-blockbusters. He directed the remake version of Mudhalvan in Hindi (Nayak),it was a success at the box office. His next film 'Boys' was a musical blockbuster but grossed moderately in Tamil and Telugu. His Anniyan(Aparichutudu in Telugu) which is based on Multiple Personality Disorder was a huge commercial hit in both Tamil and Telugu languages. and now S i v a j i: The Boss is all set to release on June 15th. to break all previous Records.