Role play
Actor-director Cheran is happy with the way “Muran” has shaped up. Directed by Rajan Madhav, son of acclaimed Malayalam music composer Raveendran, the film was produced by Cheran initially, and when over half of it was completed, UTV took over. “I liked the story when Rajan narrated it to me, but was more than glad to give it to UTV because I knew the film would have a big release,” says Cheran. Rajan was an associate to director Mysskin for films such as “Anjadhey”, “Nandhalala” and “Yuddham Sei”. The film's music is scored by his brother Sajan Madhav. “Muran” is the tale of two men (the roles essayed by Prasanna and Cheran) with contrasting characters and about how their chance meeting starts a new chapter in their lives. “I liked Prasanna's role very much; he's done a good job,” says Cheran.
Packing in a six
Actor Shaam's next has a title without a word — it's just a symbol representing ‘six' in the form of a candle. The story includes events that occur over six years, six months, six weeks, six days, six hours, six minutes and six seconds. Shaam is said to be essaying six roles in the film, which has been shot in Tamil Nadu, Andhra Pradesh, Maharashtra, Bhopal, Delhi, Goa, Kanpur, Lucknow and Kolkata. A lot of theatre artistes from these places are believed to have roles in the film. Directed by V.Z. Dhorai, the film's dialogues are by Jeya Mohan and music by Srikanth Deva. The cinematography is by Madhi, and editing, by Anthony.
Wielding the megaphone
Prakash Raj is the latest to join the direction bandwagon in Tamil. He directed the film Kannada film “Naanu Nanna Kanasu” last year, and is now working on a script to be directed in Tamil and Telugu. Titled “Dhoni”, the film will see Prakash Raj in his familiar roles as as an actor and producer too. The five-time National Award winner says: “I'd requested Ilaiyaraaja to record the songs and the background scores live. He's completed the songs, and they sound wonderful.”
The film's is expected to hit the screens by the year end.
And, the song goes on…
Singing sensation L.R. Eswari is delighted to have completed over 50 years in the industry. Known for her popular numbers such as ‘Vaarai En Thozi' (from “Paasamalar”), the singer says she's happy with her journey. “I remember Latha ji , one of the best singers the industry has seen, appreciating me for my rendition of ‘Pattathu Rani' and how she said she could not have done it in Hindi! I also remember R.D. Burman praising me for some of the songs I'd sung. I owe my success to all the music directors who gave me an opportunity to sing, and most of all K.V. Mahadevan who introduced me to singing,” says Eswari. The singer will be felicitated at a music programme organised by Sridevi Fine Arts, featuring Sadagapparavaigal. It will be held on September 25 at Kamaraj Arangam.
