The mutual admiration between directors Mani Ratnam and Bala is legendary. While the former has said he likes Bala’s films, the latter has expressed his desire to work as an assistant for Mani Ratnam. Interestingly, the projects of both the directors will be released in a few weeks’ time. Both have completed their films, and are onto post-production — Mani with Kadal and Bala with Paradesi.
On a song
Actor Karthi has his hands full with Biriyani directed by Venkat Prabhu. Apparently, Karthi is singing a peppy number along with Premji Amaren for the film. Says Venkat Prabhu, “Karthi has a good voice. And, on the sets he always sang Ilaiyaraaja’s songs, and we decided to make him sing. It has come out very well.” Biriyani is a rom-com made in Tamil and Telugu, with Hansika paired with Karthi, and music by Yuvan Shankar Raja.
Two lives
Vikram is thrilled about his upcoming project David, directed by Bejoy Nambiar. “The film is the story of two lives and two journeys, revolving around two protagonists, both named David. When the director narrated the story to me, I told him I wanted to do this specific role. I enjoyed the 30 days of work,” he says. Jiiva plays the other David. The cast also includes Tabu, Isha Sharvani, Lara Dutta, Nasser, John Vijay, Sheetal Menon, Nishan Nanaiah, Saurabh Shukla and Rohini Hattangadi. Seven music directors, including Anirudh, have been roped in for the film.
One for the record
The film Russian Ark (90 minutes) holds the Guinness World Record for being made in a single shot. And now the film Agadam by Last Bench Boys Productions has attempted to break the record. The unit recently shot in the city for over two hours in a single shot in front of the Guinness officials. The digital camera was hand-held throughout the movie shot by cinematographer J. Naushad. The film’s directed by Z. Mohamad Issack, who has roped in new faces. The cast includes Seenu Iyer, Baskar, Kalaisekaran, Thamizh, Saravana Balaji, Sri Priyanka and Anisha. The team is now working on the post-production.
