Rana can't take his eyes off Trisha

Rana Daggubati had eyes only for Trisha during the SIIMA (South Indian International Movie Awards), irrespective of whether he was onstage, off it, or even at the after-party. There has always been a buzz that Kollywood actress Trisha and Tollywood star Rana seem to be dating.

Though the two have been repeatedly denying the rumours, adding fuel to the alleged relationship, the duo travelled to Malaysia together to attend the SIIMA 2014. When host Shiva candidly asked Rana how familiar he was with Chennai, the Telugu actor sportingly replied that the only place he was familiar with in Chennai was Trisha's house.

Earleir, the duo posted a selfie of them on board the Malaysia bound flight online and murmurs about their romance and impending marriage cropped up.

Swetha Basu sex racket: Businessman's identity to be revealed today!

Last week, 23-year old Shweta Basu was caught in the act in a posh hotel in Banjara Hills in Hyderabad, and this let to a sex racket expose. While the National Award winning actress' photo and identity was quickly revealed by the police, the public was angry, and many retaliated, saying that the names of the men involved should also then be revealed by the cops and not withheld.

The public may have its wish granted, after all, for, the latest buzz is that the court wants the businessman's identity disclosed. The police have been keeping secret details of the man who was involved with Swetha when she was arrested. Now, as per the court's order, it's likely that the businessman's identity will be disclosed at the hearing of the case today. Shwetha is currently lodged in a rehabilitation home for women. The actress, after her arrest, claimed that many more heroines are into prostitution and it is very common among the actresses.

Shweta Basu has acted in a few other Telugu and Tamil movies too, including 'Chandamama' with Karunas.

Simbu puts himself in Dhanush's shoes

Just when everyone was saying that the professional rivalry between Simbu and Dhanush is growing, the two became very close in real life and became good friends. While the duo has often been spotted spending time with each other lately, Dhanush couldn't make it to the SIIMA Awards function in Malaysia. However, Simbu, who was at the awards function, seems to have stepped in for Dhanush.

Since Dhanush couldn't be on the stage to c ollect yet another 'Best Actor' award for his performance in 'Maryan' at the event, Simbu walked up, and collected the award on his friend's behalf. Dhanush, who is currently busy shooting for his second Bollywood film 'Shamitabh', tweeted, "Thank u siima 4 givin me best actor 4 MARIYAAN.thanks 2 everyone who voted 4 me and thanks Simbu 4 collecting it."

 

Dhanush goes crazy and gets high on sets!

 Actor Dhanush, who made his debut in Bollywood with 'Raanjhana' is currently working on his second Bollywood flick 'Shamitabh' starring himself, Akshara Haasan and Amitabh Bachchan in lead. The star actor seems described shooting for a particular scene as the craziest shot ever in his life.

Dhanush tweeted, "Did d most craziest shot ever n my life 4 shamitabh. it was a different high. @pcsreeram at his genius best."

While the film is set to hit the screens on early next year on Feb 6th, the shooting of the film directed by R. Balki known for his films like directed Cheeni Kum and Paa has been progressing at brisk pace.

Arnold missed veshti; liked idli, dosai and pongal

 Arnold Schwarzenegger who was in the city for the audio launch of Shankar's I -which has Vikram, Amy Jackson in the lead and songs composed by AR Rahman -ensured that he didn't miss out on the taste of Chennai too. We hear that during his stay at a star hotel here, the Hollywood superstar had idli, dosai and pongal for breakfast -after which he worked out for six hours at the gym! He was also so fascinated by the south Indian culture that he wanted to wear a veshti during his meeting with the Chief Minister J Jayalalithaa. Sources say that arrangements were also made according to Arnold's wish. However, since he had to rush to make it in time for the appointment to meet the CM, he gave wearing the veshti a miss.

When we contacted the producer of I, Aascar Ravichandran, he confirmed the news saying, "Yes, Arnold liked idli, dosai and pongal a lot. When continental cuisines were provided to him, he insisted on having only our traditional breakfast. He also wanted to meet CM in veshti, but due to time constraints, he couldn't wear it."

Ask him about Arnold's epic six hour workout schedule and Aascar says, "He landed at 3.30 am, had breakfast at 5.30 am and then he headed to gym for the workout. He worked out for six hours. Our team was actually stunned by his dedication to his fitness regime."

Goof-ups at 'I' audio launch

While the audio launch of director Shankar's magnum opus 'I' was a grand event, there were quite a few goof-ups during the show. First, the launch was scheduled to start at 6 pm, but the stars turned up late pushing the kick off to close to 8 pm. While the guest and audience were in the arena by 5.30, the crowd were getting a bit restless. But they were all on their toes once the launch started and were stunned by every aspect of the film.

The show hosts singer Chinmayi and actor Bobby Simha couldn't keep the crowd engaged either. Though both are stars in their own profession, their hosting talent was in question. While Chinmayi welcomed Telugu star Rana Daggubati, who wasn't present at the event, Bobby's was left speechless on quite a few occasions.

Actor Rana Daggubati had earlier in the day said on his social networking page that he wouldn't be able to attend the grand audio launch of filmmaker Shankar's Tamil magnum opus I. "Won't be able to make it to the 'I' audio launch this evening because of shoot. Will be missing a huge event. Missing a chance to see the legends on stage @Schwarzenegger and @superstarrajini," Rana posted on Twitter Monday.

Actor Vikram too thanked Rana Daggubati for coming to the audio launch even though he didn't. A mistake on Vikram's part is understandable, considering the fact that he isn't on social networking site and also because he was putting on his make-up for the beast character he was performing at the audio launch. But Chinmayi, who is active on social network sites, should have known or at least should have kept to welcoming the stars by actually spotting them.

Chinmayi's co host Bobby Simha was take aback when a person from the audience said on mic that he wanted to take a picture with Arnold when asked to sing in a high pitch.

Kamal Haasan admitted in hospital

Ulaganayagan Kamal Haasan has been admitted in Apollo Hospital at Greams Road in Chennai due to food poisoning. The star actor is currently working on Papanasam, the remake of Malayalam blockbuster Drishyam. Kamal is said to be recovering well and is expected to be discharged today evening or tomorrow morning.

The remake is also being directed by Jeethu Joseph, who made the original in Malayalam with Mohanlal. Gauthami is playing an important role in the film with Kamal Haasan. Music for the film is by Ghibran, who is also scoring the music for Viswaroopam 2 and Uthama Villain. Once he is discharged from the hospital, he will be joining the sets of Papanasam.

Anushka getting married after Mahaabali

 We have it on good authority that recently a debutant director met Anushka at the shooting spot of Lingaa and narrated to her a script. The script was a heroine-centric one, and Anushka loved it. And yet, she did not accept the offer. The reason she gave the director was not the usual one actors dish out of not having dates. In this case, the actress reportedly refused the offer as she's getting married after the shoot of Mahaabali and has no plans to work on any film after marriage.

A source in the know says, "It was only because of her marriage plans that she politely declined to work in this film, though she liked the director's script very much. Anushka will be settling down after her shoot for Rajamouli's film is over."

Anushka's husband-to-be, apparently, is not from the film industry, but a businessman. The actress is currently working on Lingaa with Rajinikanth, Mahaabali and Rudhramadevi. Sources say that she will finish shooting her portions in Lingaa this month.

Suriya challenges Aamir Khan, Mahesh Babu and Sudeep

Looks like our Kollywood actors are taking up the My Tree Challenge seriously. It was Mammootty who nominated Vijay, Suriya and Shah Rukh Khan for the challenge. We had reported that Vijay has accepted the challenge and is set to plant around 25,000 saplings over a period of time. After Vijay, now, Suriya has taken up this challenge and planted a coconut tree a couple of days ago.

A source close to the actor, reveals, "He said that planting trees is close to his heart as afforestation is essential for a clean and green world." Though Vijay didn't nominate any celebrity for the challenge, Suriya has nominated three biggies for taking this challenge forward.

"He has nominated Aamir Khan, Mahesh Babu and Sudeep," reveals our source. That's not all. Suriya has also asked their fans and his fans to take up the tree challenge and spread the noble cause. It is interesting to note that Suriya has nominated one celebrity from the Bollywood, Tollywood and Sandalwood film industries.

Arnold was an inspiration for Vikram's character

At the glitzy audio launch of I, which had Arnold Schwarzenegger as the special guest, director Shankar finally opened up a bit about the film. Talking about the film, Shankar said, "This film is not like the Wolfman or Hulk. It is not about the Olympics or on sports as some people have written. It is not a sci-fi or a film with a social message or a fun film. It is an entirely a new genre for me — romantic thriller. The character that Vikram plays in the film is called Lingeswaran. Since Vikram is playing a bodybuilder, Arnold was an inspiration. We have even given the character a curl like the one that Arnold had during his bodybuilder days."

Almost 25 per cent of the film has been shot in China, he revealed. "The conditions there were extreme but we managed to shoot a song and some stunt sequences there. Action choreographer Peter Ming got actual cycling champions in China for a cycle fight scene that we shot there."

Vikram, who had to lose over 25kg to play the hunchback character in the film, remarked that fasting for a role is not a bother, if the role is interesting enough. The actor added that everyone around him started feeling a little awkward when he was losing weight. "They started asking me why I was even trying out such drastic things. So, I avoided going out to any event. I did not even meet my fans during this time and I thank them for standing by me," he said.

Eros Music to release 'Kaththi' audio

Eros has announced its music label, Eros Music's foray into Tamil music with the release its first Tamil album, Vijay starrer Kaththi, directed by AR Murugadoss with music by Anirudh Ravichander. Eros Music will release the sound track of this upcoming action thriller, one of the most anticipated Tamil films of 2014 on 18th September.

The soundtrack of Kaththi consists of an eclectic mix of singers and six tracks - soulful melodies to folk songs with Vijay himself lending his voice to one of the tracks - 'Selfie pulla'.

Speaking on the announcement, Soundarya A Rajinikanth, Director - Creative & Head Eros Digital for south India said, "We are very excited to associate with the Kaththi team to release the music of this much awaited film. This move marks Eros' debut in the Tamil music market and what can be more auspicious than joining hands with the stalwarts of Tamil cinema - Murugadoss, Vijay sir and youth icon Anirudh. With this move, we are looking forward to leveraging our strength in exclusively exploiting Tamil music content across all formats".

Atlee engaged to actress Priya; Wedding in November this year

Director Atlee of Raja Rani fame is now engaged to Priya. The director got hitched yesterday at a ceremony held at a five-star hotel in the city. Priya, a popular television personality, is also an actress, who is known for her role in Singam. We hear it is a love marriage, which has now been arranged by both the families.

Confirming the news, Atlee says, "Yes, I have found my real rani, Priya. We are friends, but of late, we fell in love and now, here we are, engaged. I've known her for the last eight years. We got engaged with the wishes and blessings of our close friends and family members. Our wedding will take place in November this year."

Udhayanidhi demands his 40 lakhs from Kajal

Producer-turned-actor Udhayanidhi Stalin has filed a complaint at the Tamil Film Producers' Council (TFPC) against Kajal Agarwal for refusing to return back the 40 lakhs he had paid her as advance amount for starring in 'Nanbenda'. 

While Kajal was initially signed to act opposite Udhayanidhi in 'Nanbenda', the pretty actress was by Nayanthara who had earlier worked with Udhayanidhi 'Ithu Kathirvelan Kadhal'.

Udhayanidhi's production house, Red Giant Movies, had requested Kajal to return back Rs. 40 lakhs, which was paid to her as advance. The Tamil Film Producers' Council is investigating into this issue.

Bharat Bala, Simhaa to team up for a dark thriller

Actor Simhaa has caught the attention of Kollywood after his performance as a gangster in Jigarthanda. While he is turning hero with Urumeen, the latest is that Maryan director Bharat Bala is planning to cast the actor as the lead in his next project.

Confirming the news, Simhaa says that the director had expressed interest in working with him even before the release of Jigarthanda. "He called me after the teaser of Jigarthanda was released and told me that he had seen Soodhu Kavvum and Neram, and told me that my performance in those films had impressed him. He started talking about working together and now, things have fallen into place."

The film, Simhaa reveals, will be a dark thriller. He says that while he is yet to sign on the dotted line, his involvement is very much finalized. Also, Bharat Bala had recently tweeted that he is giving the finishing touches to his script and had uploaded a picture with Simhaa on his micro-blogging page.

Shankar to release his assistant’s film

 Director Shankar, who had put his production plan on hold for sometime, is now going to release the upcoming film Kappal under his banner.

Talking about this development, the film's director Karthik says, "I have worked as an assistant with Shankar in Sivaji and Endhiran. I had earlier played to him the songs from the film and he said they were catchy. Once the film was complete, I screened it to him as he is my guru. He was in splits while watching the film. After the screening he told me that he had enjoyed the film very much and asked us what our release plans were. When we mentioned that we were planning to sell the film to an interested buyer, he surprised us and he offered to buy the film himself and release it under his own banner."

Kappal is a full-length comedy film and has Vaibhav, Sonam and Karunakaran in its cast. Shankar is planning to release the film in either October or November.

Gautham Menon on 'Thala55' and tiff with Suriya

There's a lot of buzz about the upcoming Ajith-Gautham Menon film. Pretty much everything about the film is being kept under wraps. We nail the elusive Gautham for a chat, and get him talking about this film, Ajith, Suriya and more. Gautham maintains, "I cannot reveal anything about Ajith's role, because the treatment of the film is such that during the first 45 minutes, the audience will be guessing who the man is. It's a character-driven film and Ajith's character, Sathyadev, is also a good sketch for a sequel. And if things go well, I can even come up one." But he gets candid about everything else. Excerpts...

Finally, a film with Ajith. How did it happen?
I wanted Ajith to act in Kaakha Khaakha and had approached him first. Then, it went to Vikram and then, finally Suriya. I was also supposed to do a film with Ajith when he was about to start Asal, then again, during Mankatha. We discussed a project, but couldn't start it. I don't have any reason as to why it didn't happen, it just didn't. Now, when the Suriya project was shelved and I was wondering what's next, Ajith's film came my way.

When Suriya released a statement saying he was walking out Dhruvva Natchathiram, why didn't you react?
He'd stated that I didn't tell him the script. But the question is, whether I didn't tell him the script at all, or didn't tell him the one he'd like to hear. I was disappointed, but only for three hours. After that, I just moved on. That night itself we started the Simbu film. The next week we started filming with Ajith. Since then things have only got better, so I thought why even talk about it.

Will you work with Suriya again?
Right now, I don't see that happening. Somewhere two people have to connect. Whenever I write a script, Trisha has been my first choice for lead because we have a good connect - like I feel with Ajith and the comfort level that I always feel with Simbu... till I feel that connect with somebody, I am not looking to work with that person.

Have you gone out of your comfort zone and added commercial elements for a mass hero?
When we sat and discussed the project, Ajith told me, 'let's make a film that you are comfortable with'. Even if I try to infuse extra commercial elements just for him, he usually says no to it. And also, I don't know how to commercialise anything, I have never done that. There is absolutely no pressure on me from any side.

Romance is your forte. Can we get to see a romantic Ajith?
Yes, absolutely. The audience will get to see a romantic Ajith in this film. We've shot a romantic song, Mazhai Varapoguthey, recently with Ajith and he has done it beautifully.

You haven't announced a title for this film, yet.
We have a title, but we want to wait before announcing it. There is so much buzz around it and this is exactly what a hero's film is all about. We are planning to release the film this December and the audio launch in November - we're planning to announce the title around this time.

We've heard that Ajith doesn't want his character's name highlighted in the title...
What you have heard is true...

When will you start working on the Simbu film again?
I have got just 30 days' shoot left for that film. I will re-start it as soon as I finish the current one. I know there are rumours that it has been shelved, but as I said earlier, I should be either rich or weird to drop this film. I am neither, so I will definitely start that film in December.

Khushbu's advice that Hansika won't forget

 

Hansika, who is referred to as 'chinna Khushbu' in Kollywood, reveals that she shares a warm rapport with the actress. Currently, Sunder C's Aranmanai features Hansika in a pivotal role. Working on the film, Hansika says, gave her the opportunity to get to know Khushbu personally.

Says Hansika, "Khushbu mam and I talk very often, because I worked with her husband — in fact, this is my third film with Sundar sir. The first time she called me was after Engeyum Kaadhal. I didn't know she was such a big actress back then. She told me, 'Hi Hansika, this is Khushbu. I have seen your film and I hope you choose your films very carefully...' At that time I was just overwhelmed that someone as legendary as her was calling me. Then people started comparing me to Khushbu mam. They are a sweet family."

Hansika admits that Khushbu in fact, has given her a bit of advice that she will never forget. "She told me, 'Hansu, people may compare you and me. But, whoever they compare you to, you are your own person because you are way better than me. You need to carve your own identity'. I don't agree to that, she is always the best. She messaged me when she saw Aranmanai and that she was taken aback by my performance."

Prithviraj blessed with baby girl!

Actor Prithviraj and his wife Supriya were blessed with baby girl on September 8. The star's wife Supriya gave birth to a girl in a private hospital in Kochi. Prithviraj met Supriya Menon, a journalist, in 2010 when she was covering news on southern cinema. The couple got married in Palakkadu in April 2011 and now they are blessed with their first child.

The actor is one of the top stars ruling the roost in the Malayalam film industry. He has also done several films in Tamil including Mozhi, Velli Thirai and Ravanan. Prithviraj is currently busy with the shoot of Ennu Ninte Moideen, helmed by R S Vimal.

Glimpses from Amala Paul-Vijay wedding

 

Director AL Vijay and actress Amala Paul tied the knot in a traditional Hindu ceremony on June12th, 2014. Amala Paul was glowing in her bridal attire and was seen enjoying every bit of the big day in her life. The dusky beauty has revealed a short video of glimpses from her wedding ceremony. The pretty actress actress thanked the team for capturing those great memorable moments and adding more beauty to them.
 

Nayan spotted with Simbu and Prabhudeva

Actress Nayanthara has always been in the news for her love life and break ups. After breaking up with actor Simbu, the pretty damsel was in a strong relationship with director-actor-choreographer Prabhudeva, which also came to an end. The hot and happening actress made headline recently when she signed the dotted line to pair with Simbu for a movie. While the duo have put the past behind and are working together, the rumour mills have been working overtime to suggest that the two might have fallen in love again.

While the two were often seen in public recently, the latest shock was that Nayanthara was seen along with Simbu and Prabhudeva. Before you jump into conclusions, let's make it clear that the sizzling actress was seen along with Simbu, but with the tattoo of her ex-love Prabhudeva, which reads 'Prabhu' (with P in English and rest of the name in Tamil).

After she was spotted with tattoo at the audio launch of Arya's brother Sathya starrer 'Amarakaaviyam', Nayanthara was taking conscious efforts to cover up her hand every time she made a public appearance. Looks like the pretty heroine wasn't prepared this time around at the premiere of 'Amarakaaviyam'.

Samantha the new 'Glamour Goddess'

Pretty damsel Samantha, who has upped the glam quotient in recent times in terms of skin show, has turned out to be the new 'Glamour Goddess' as termed by JFW magazine. The pretty actress who sizzled in a bikini in Suriya starrer 'Anjaan' as turned on the heat as the pinup girl for the new issue of JFW magazine.

Samantha looks hot flaunting her midriff in a tight white skirt. JFW has put an apt tagline for this cover page "The New Galmour Goddess Emerges!" The new hottie in K-town also flaunted her cleavage to some extent in another black dress.

Vijay's next with Atlee

Ilayathalapathy Vijay is currently awaiting the release of his 'Kaththi' directed by AR Murugadoss, which is set to hit the screens for Diwali. Meanwhile the buzz is that the star actor will be working with director Atlee of 'Raja Rani' fame after completing his next project with Chimbudevan.

Kalaipuli S.Dhanu who produced Vijay's 'Thuppakki' is said to be producing this untitled movie which will have music by GV Prakash. The director of the superhit 'Raja Rani' apparently narrated a script recently to Vijay and the actor was floored it seems. It must be noted that Atlee worked as the assistant director of Shankar in 'Nanban' that starred Vijay in the lead.

Actress Divya Sri caught in sex scandal

After Swetha Basu Prasad, another heroine Divya Sri, who acted in the Telugu film B Tech Babu has been caught by Police for being involved in prostitution racket in a house in Guntur. The police apparently raided a house after a tipoff, where the actress was caught red-handed.

Police sources have further confirmed that other actresses and models were also caught with Divya, and Actor Pawan Kumar, Chandu and along with others are active in the racket. Reports are rife that several bigwigs, business honchos are behind this sex scandal.

Earlier last week, the 23-year old Shweta Basu was caught in a posh hotel in Banjara Hills in Hyderabad. Shwetha Basu is currently lodged in a rehabilitation home for women. The actress, after her arrest, claimed that many more heroines are into prostitution and it is very common for them.

It is now being checked on whether this new racket has to do with anything with National Award winning Shweta Basu's prostitution rack.