Here’s news for music lovers. Composer Ilaiyaraaja gets the ninth spot among 25 world-renowned musicians, in a list prepared by cinema portal Taste Of Cinema . And, he’s the only Indian who’s figured in the list. Meanwhile, life goes on for the maestro. He will be busy with music composition for his 1,001st film — Bala’s next on the folk dance karagattam . He’s said to have composed 12 songs in just six days. Director-actor Sasikumar will play the lead.
On a different note, Karthik Raja, the composer’s son, is all set to head a fan club for the maestro. The club will look at working for social causes.
Two at a time
Even before the buzz on his turning actor with Pencil has died down, music director G.V. Prakash Kumar has signed to play the lead in Trisha Illana Nayantara . So, what made him sign the film? Says the composer-actor, “I was drawn to the story when first-time director Aadhik narrated it to me.” Director Bharthiraja and Sridevi are said to be playing important roles in the film.
Close to reality
It played out like candid camera for the team of Gandharvan . The film has Kadhir in the lead, playing the role of a water tanker driver. Apparently, while shooting was in progress one day, Kadhir who was driving a tanker around was stopped by the public demanding that he supply them with water. Kadhir tried to explain to them he was only an actor, but in vain. The angry crowd blocked his vehicle and did not allow him to proceed. For another sequence, the actor wielding knife in hand and with blood spluttered all over his shirt was being chased by cops. Passersby are said to have caught him and begun beating him up. Thankfully, the rest of the crew rushed to his rescue. The film’s director Salangai Durai says, “While shooting, we’d hidden the camera since we did not want the public to know about it. The film tells love from three angles — the past, the present and the future. Honey Rose is paired with Kadhir. ‘Ganja’ Karuppu will turn ‘Kanja’ Karuppu, since he plays a tight-fisted person in the film.” The film’s music is by Alex Paul and the camera is handled by Anil K. Sekhar.
Novel title
After her directorial debut Aarohanam , Lakshmy Ramakrishnan is said to have begun work on her next. With a novel title Nerungi Vaa, Muthamidaadhe , the film’s said to revolve around a petrol crisis lasting a week. While Piaa Bajpai plays the lead, Sruthi Hariharan of Lucia fame will be seen in a significant role. The shooting will be on in Tamil Nadu and Singapore.
