Kathanayakudu / Kuselan Movie Review

Story :
Balakrishna(Jagapathi babu) is a poor barber who leads a miserable life in Sirisilla with wife Sridevi (Meena) & 3 children.His Childhood friend Ashok kumar(Rajinikanth) is now a Superstar.Ashok kumar& his film crew comes to Sirisilla for a filmshooting.So the whole village,including his family,converges around Balakrishna seeking his favour for a meeting with the Superstar. Balakrishna is reluctant to approach the star thinking that Ashok kumar may have forgotten his lowly friend in these intervening years.Does the rich n famous Superstar remember his childhood buddy?does he values friendship ? is the rest of the story.

Highlights:
It isn't a regular Rajinikanth kind of mass masala movie.But the film almost resembles his ideology as a person.The Superstar should be lauded for his bold attempt to act in an offbeat subject.(though masala incorporated !)
Unlike other Rajini's films The film has an all Telugu cast Jagapathi babu,MS Narayana,Ali, Dharmavarapu Subrahmanyam,Sunil,Brahmanandam(guest role),Ananth,Duvvasi Mohan et al.
Comedy is good,Dialogue writer Marudhuri Raja did a commendable job in this aspect.
Climax is good.Rajini's speech in the climax is the lifeline of the movie.
Cinematography(Aravind Krishna),Art(Thota Tarani) are Good.
Jagapathi babu,Meena are adequate.
Nayanatara portrayed her real life role as actress Nayanatara.

Sidelights:
There are a lot of dull and boring moments.
Comedians got more footage than the lead characters.
Screenplay isn't that good.

Etc.,Etc.,
Rajinikanth told something about his larger than life image,his frequent trips to Himalayas & his political entry .

Public Talk : Just an Ok flick.it's Watchable for Rajinikanth,Comedy & Climax if you have got 'some' patience.
Industry Talk : May not work in Telugu.Hardly an average fare.

Rajni’s magic: 60 minutes, 60 Crores!

Tamil superstar Rajnikant means business! His last film, Shivaji, was the highest grocer in South India and stood on par with a Bollywood blockbuster. His popularity cuts across the regions. Hence even if he makes a guest appearance in a movie, the film sells like a hot cake. That is exactly what happened in the case of Kathanayakudu/Kuselan.

He is not the real ‘Kathanayakudu’ (star) of the story; he just appears for about 60 minutes in the movie. Rest of the movie is driven by Jagapathi Babu in Telugu and Pasupathi in Tamil.

Yet, both the Telugu and Tamil versions was done about Rs 60 Crores business. Pyramid Saimira has bought the theatrical exhibition rights for that sum.

That means, each minute of Rajni’s presence in the movie fetched Rs One Crore! Rajni is true superstar in South India.

18 Kathanayakudu prints overseas

Kathanayakudu has been censored with U certificate, 2 hours and 35 minutes is the running time. Rajinikanth appears for 60 minutes, Jagapathy Babu plays the main hero role with Bramanandham and Sunil donning comedy roles. 18 Telugu Prints are being shipped from Hydrebad to US on Tuesday, the movie will release on Friday August across major cities. Expectations are high as the malayalam version was the highest grossing movie last year, in addition to Rajinikath co-starting with Jagapathy babu. Last 20 minuets, climax of the movie talks about friendship and is very emotional between Rajinikanth and Jagapathy babu, which will be highlight and stay in audience heart and mind for a while.

Nayantara starts Kuselan publicity

Hot heroine Nayantara flagged off a mobile publicity van of Kuselan in Chennai. A big van with posters of Rajni in stylish attires fixed to it both sides will reach all the arterial junction in the metropolis, before taking to the overall state tour. The launch comes in the wake of the film's release on August 1. Inside the van, rare pics of Rajnikanth from the yesteryears film Apurvaragangal to the present day Kuselan has been displayed for public viewing. Director P. Vasu was also present at the function.

Rajnikanth's heartfelt appeal

Controversies seem to dog Rajnikanth's new Tamil film Kuselan. The latest is that Rajnikanth has requested the Karnataka Film Chamber of Commerce to facilitate the release of his film in the state on August 1.

His letter said that it was not his intention to hurt the feelings of anyone when he spoke at the protest rally organised by the Tamil Nadu Film Artists Association.

"I understand that some people in Karnataka are still feeling bitter and pained over what I spoke on the Hogenakal water issue. This has really saddened me. I am not a person who would hurt the feelings of anyone. It is not my habit to make any person bitter with my behaviour or speech. I have always believed that I should not create bitterness or difficulties to the people. This is my desire and ambition," wrote Rajnikanth in his letter addressed to Jayamala, the newly elected president of the Karnataka Film Chamber of Commerce. 

The letter written in chaste Kannada overwhelmed many in the Kannada film industry. That the superstar could be so prolific in a language he had studied in school amazed some of them. 

Reiterating that his films in Karnataka are viewed not only by Tamilians but also by Kannadigas and people speaking different languages, releasing Kuselan in the state should not pose any difficulty.

Meanwhile, taking note of the letter, Jayamala said that Kuselan will be released on August 1 as planned with ten prints in thirteen theatres across Bangalore. As number of prints has been restricted, Jayamala urged the pro-Kannada activists to forget all the bitterness.

NTR releases Vishal’s 'Salute' music

Hero NTR unveiled the music cassettes of Vishal’s forthcoming film - Salute. Charmee was also graced the event as the guest for the audio launch ceremony that was held today (Monday, July 28th) at Taj Krishna in a grand manner. Huge arrangements were made and gathering was also large. V V Vinayak, Suresh Krishna, G K Reddy and Dil Raju also graced the event. The film’s producer Vikram Krishna and his wife and actress Shriya Reddy attended together an event for the first time post their marriage.

NTR has all praise for Vishal. “I had seen his Pandem Kodi and felt bad not getting such beautiful film for me. It has remained one of my favorites. Vishal is doing right projects and tasting success. I wish him a great success with Salute too,” he wished.

“After D Ramanaidu, only G K Reddy has the distinction of having a popular hero and successful producer as sons. It is nice to see Vishal transforming into a macho hero,” Vinayak said.

Dil Raju informed the press that he is distributing the film in Nizam and Vizag areas.

Director Suresh Krishna shared his happiness over his disciple Rajashekar turning director. “He worked with me about 7 years as associate. Rajashekar has really come up with good product. The trailer is awesome. Vishal is a big hero in Tamilnadu. I wish him the best in Telugu too,” Suresh Krishna said.

Vishal said that the subject of the film is interesting and would surely be appreciated by the class audiences and masses as well. “I play the role of a cop. Police stories are very common but the director has dealt it uniquely. Haaris Jayaraj has given some great numbers. I believe this is my best audio,” he said.

Charmee wished the team all the best.

Prakash Raj to tender an apology?

Prakash Raj seems to be having a tough time with his personal and professional life going haywire. To make matters worse, the Telugu Producers' Council banned him from acting in Telugu films, as the producers and directors complained that the actor did not keep up his shooting commitments. To set things right for Prakash Raj, his Telugu film producer friend acted as a conduit between him and the officials at the Film Chamber of Commerce to lift the ban. Prakash Raj and his producer friend reportedly met the officials at the film chamber recently to discuss the issue. Sources now say that the ban could be lifted if Prakash Raj tenders an apology to the producers.

Superstar Rajnikant in Hyderabad

Tamil superstar Rajnikant has been put up in Hyderabad for the last four days. He will be staying another three, four days and shooting for his daughter Soundarya's animation film - Sultan The Warrior. The animation film is based on Rajni’s character and has live action image. For this, he has been shooting for the movie under huge blue mat screens arranged at Annapoorna Seven Acres.

It is also expected that Rajni might attend the audio release function of Dasari Narayan Rao's Adivishnu on Sunday. Dasari's son Arun Kumar and Sneha are playing the lead roles in Adivishnu which is directed by Bharat Parepalli.

Ileana turns down Rajni's film!

Tollywood top actress Ileana has turned down the offer to be part of Rajnikant’s animation movie. Rajni’s daughter approached her but the clever actress has refused it as she was offered abysmal amount.

Moreover, it doesn’t add any mileage to her career by acting in animation film as the focus is completely on Rajni. Who cares which actress does that live action episode opposite him in an animation movie, a source close to Ileana said.

Now, it seems a small time actress from Tamil is doing that role.

'Kathanayakudu' on Aug 1st !

It is official now. The confusion over the release of Kathanaykudu has been put to rest with the announcement of its date. Producer Ashwini Dutt today (July 23rd) announced that the movie is hitting the screens on August 1st worldwide. 1200 prints are ordered for both Telugu and Tamil versions (Kuselan in Tamil) of the film. This is the highest ever prints for a South Indian movie.

Trailer released

Just week before the release, the film’s official trailer was also handed over to Television Channels today. Rajnikant plays the role of superstar in the movie while Jagapathi Babu and Meena have the prominent roles. P Vasu has directed it while G V Prakash Kumar has given the music. “Cinema Cinema..” song has already become very popular.

It remains to be seen whether this Kathanyakudu will topple the records created by Rajni’s previous film - Shivaji.

Priyamani hikes her remuneration!

After bagging the national award for best actress, Priyamani is in much demand. She has already signed Maniranthnam’s next. So the pretty dusky actress has suddenly hiked her remuneration.

Cashing in on her new image of actress with good potent ional, Priyamani is now charging around Rs 40 lakhs per film. That means she has doubled her remuneration. But no one is complaining either, as good heroines have become hard to find nowadays.

Kathanayakudu Trailer

Rajinikath's Kuselan / Kathanayakudu - Trailer

Saroja - Music Review

One musical genius. Six songs. One rocking album, reads the cover of Saroja's music album.

The film is directed by Venkat Prabhu, the man who made a name for himself with the unprecedented success of Chennai 600028, and its album (by Yuvan Shankar Raja).

Read on to see if the Venkat Prabhu-Yuvan combination (lyrics penned by Vaali and Gangai Amaren) can repeat the magic of Chennai.

First off we have Cheeky Cheeky, which begins with a blitzkrieg of sound that explodes in your eardrums making you take a deep breath before trying to assimilate it all. Matilda and Nirdhya sing a potpourri of English while Yuvan Shankar Raja raps away to kingdom come. The music is a mixture of 80s disco and thundering beats that sink into the background and throb in the forefront. You cannot make out much of the lyrics amid the din.

In contrast, guitar pieces blend weirdly with the nadaswaram into a joyous singsong number in Aaja Mere Soniye, somehow bringing scattered images of Tahitian beauties floating into your mind. Rendered by S P Charan, Vijay Yesudas and Premgi Amaren, this piece is refreshing after the first bombardment. A mix of Hindi and Tamil doesn't sound too jarring as the song progresses into a steady rhythm. Destined to be played at wedding receptions.

Yuvan seems to be hell-bent on producing unknown sounds within a known framework and this is apparent in the next number -- Dosthu Bada Dosthu, which, even if the lyrics make you laugh with their rhyming Vaasthu pronouncements, do manage to strike a chord. Guitars strum in accompaniment while "Abdul Kalam" makes a timely entry, sung by Haricharan, Naveen and Rahul Nambiar. It also looks like the harmonica is in vogue again -- sudden flashes of it add a poignant touch. The second segment shows signs of labour, but the steady beats take your mind away from it.

Kodana Kodi, sung by Mohammad Aslam, Suvi and Raninam, carries with it touches of Theeppidikka, and the refrain of Oh baby. It is the equivalent of yesteryear's vamp dances, reminding you forcibly of a gangster staggering with an arrack bottle and spouting boozy lines. You have to admit that the composer's got the beats right, which make you sway despite yourself.

Shankar Mahadevan's Nimirndhu Nil! bursts in at a remarkable tempo, segueing into a chorus of enervating lyrics and a folk beat. Violins flash before you in a brisk tune that remind you of Thamthananam thaalam varum...except that they are set to rousing music, and the quick pace is present throughout the song. Such is the energy that something in you responds to the beat without your knowledge, making your heart thump, and the staccato way Shankar Mahadevan renders the song has a good deal to do with it.

My Life, performed by the band Yodhakaa, seems to be a whipping blend of Darbuka Siva's drums, Tanvi's vocals, Keith Peter's bass guitar, which strums at an amazing pace, accompanied by Keba Jakemiah's guitar. It's straightforward, energetic and primal, with little heed for the lyrics, sending your eardrums reverberating. You've got such a mixture of sound thumping through your system that you want to say, rock it, baby!

Despite the strange and bizarre sounds and phrases, you have to admit that Yuvan Shankar Raja has the ability to make you listen -- even if it's only to analyze what exactly that particularly bizarre note you just heard was. And most times, he gets it right -- even springing surprises when you least expect it.

Saroja's music is sometimes familiar, at others fascinating ...but you cannot deny that it is interesting.

Rajnikanth to visit Japan

For the first time, superstar Rajnikanth is flying to Japan for the ensuing Tokyo International Film Festival in October. Rajnikanth confirmed his participation in the festival, though he had expressed his inability earlier due to tight schedules. Rajni traveled all over the world, but is yet to set his foot on the Land of Rising Sun. Perhaps he is one and the only Indian star to have such a hysterical overseas fan following all over South East Asia, Fast East and China. More than a thousand fan clubs exist in his name. Almost all the DVD shops display the stuff of Rajni's films duly subtitled in Japanese and Chinese. The Japanese term Rajni as something like Emperor of Dance. Kuselan will be screened at the film festival in Tokyo.

Kamal about Marmayogi

Kamal Hassan's ambitious celluloid dream Marmayogi with a whopping budget of Rs. 100 Crore or above is likely to be launched with a traditional and high-profile opening in Mumbai in August. Kamal told the media in Chennai that the film's subject is set in the milieu of 7th century AD, based on historical evidences. "Rehman is already on the job of composing tunes to suit the ambiance of the time and theme of the film. I wish the film would ever remain a milestone in the history of the Indian cinema," he said. Referring to the divide talk over Dasavataram, he frankly admitted that he did make some strategic slip-ups, leading to inaccuracy in treatment, "which are but unavoidable." He felt that this experience would help him avoid such gaps in his forthcoming ventures. He thanked the audience who pointed out the drawbacks in Dasavataram.

Nayantara in Bollywood?

The buzz is that beautiful Nayantara might work in a Bollywood film pretty soon. She has been overwhelmed with offers from Bollywood ever since she acted in Chandramukhi; phone calls from Bollywood filmmakers deluged her after she featured in Billa in a two-piece bikini. But the actress played it safe and decided to concentrate on the Southern film industry.

Now it is said that she will sign a Hindi film pretty soon, as she thinks she has achieved a good position in Southern film industry, especially in Kollywood. But she has no plans to shift her base to Mumbai or settle down in Bollywood. She is not interested to follow the path of actresses like Vyjayanthimala Bali or Sridevi. The fact that she recently signed three Tamil films are ample proof. She said Southern film industry is where her heart is. Reports say she will not sign a Hindi film if she feels it will take too much of her time, making it hard for her to concentrate on Tamil films.

Aishwarya Rai in Robot photo session

Rajinikanth and director Shankar have been very busy over the past few weeks with the groundwork for Robot set rolling. The duo have completed about three photo sessions thus far – one in Mumbai and two in Chennai. It seems that Shankar is quite satisfied with the outcome but the final decision on Rajini's get-up in Robot is yet to be decided. Meanwhile, Rajini and Shankar will fly down to Mumbai in a few days time for the fourth photo session. Interestingly, this photo shoot session will have Aishwarya Rai also participating in it. Sources say that Shankar is taking extra care about Rajini's looks in Robot as his role happens to be that of a young scientist.

Salute audio releasing on 27th July

Audio of 'Salute' starring Vishal and Nayana Tara will release on 27th of this month and the film is slated to release in August. Audio of the film in Tamil version titled 'Satyam' was already released which is generating a record. Vikram Krishna is producing this film on G.K Films Corporation. Harris Jairaj composed music for this film. Mayuri Sudha is playing the mother to Vishal. Yet another challenging role will be played by hero Upendra and Ravi Kale is doing the main villain in the film.

Vishal and Nayanatara in Sathyam / Salute - Hot Images