shankar

S. Shankar (born 17 August 1963) is a popular film director from Tamil Nadu, India. He has made blockbuster Tamil movies which have social themes and are also entertaining, making them a right combination for commercial success. He is credited with delivering expensive, visually beautiful action movies and the use of latest visual technology in his movies. Most of his movies from Tamil are dubbed into other languages especially Telugu and Hindi. Some criticize him for the overdose of gimmicks in his movies and consider him as a sensational entertainer than a serious director.

Biography

He was at first an assistant to S.A.Chandrasekhar

Assistant Director

He started his Career as an assistant to director S.A.Chandrasekhar

Director

His directorial career began with the film Gentleman (1993) with Arjun playing the lead role, which was a Mega hit. His next film was Kadhalan which was a mega hit. This was followed by Indian with Kamal Hassan in the lead role. This was a grand success all over India. It was dubbed in Hindi as Hindustani. It was the Indian entry for the Academy Awards.

His films are well known for the songs and sound track. A. R. Rahman has composed music for all his movies except Anniyan.

His project Anniyan has featured most cameras used for a shot in Indian cinema. His previous films Nayak and Boys also held the earlier record with Main Hoon Na.

Producer

He had immense success as a producer with his own production house S Pictures Movies he has produced include

• 1999 - Mudhalvan directed by himself
• 2004 - Kaadhal directed by Balaji Sakthivel [1]
• 2006 - Imsai Arasan 23m Pulikesi directed by Chimbudeven
• 2006 - Veyil

Actor

He has acted in small roles in films directed by S.A.Chandrasekhar

Filmography

• Gentleman – Arjun, Madhubala, Goundamani, Senthil, A.R.Rahman.
• Kadhalan – Prabhu Deva, Nagma,Vadivelu, A.R.Rahman
• Indian – Kamal Hassan, Manisha Koirala, Urmila Matondkar, Nedumudi Venu, A.R.Rahman.
• Jeans – Prashanth, Aishwarya Rai, Nassar, Senthil, A.R.Rahman
• Mudhalvan – Arjun , Manisha Koirala, Sushmita Sen, Vadivelu, Raghuvaran, A.R.Rahman.
• Nayak –Anil Kapoor, Rani Mukherjee, A.R.Rahman
• Boys – Siddharth, Genelia D'Souza, Bharath, Vivek, Senthil, A.R.Rahman
• Anniyan – Vikram, Sadha, Yana Gupta, Vivek, Prakash Raj, Harris Jayaraj.

Currently in production

• Sivaji: The Boss - Rajinikanth, Shriya Saran, Amitabh Bachchan, Nayantara, Mallika Sherawat, Vivek, A.R.Rahman

Mani Ratnam

Biography

Early life

Ratnam was born June 2, 1956, in Madurai, Tamil Nadu, India. He was educated at Jamnalalal Bajaj Insitute of Management, a management school in India. He got into film direction with the help of his late brother, film producer G. Venkateswaran.

Career

Mani Ratnam consistently chooses realistic, contemporary themes and complex plots for his movies in an industry often accused of making commercial, fairy-tale-like, formulaic movies. With a career spanning over two decades, he has been praised for handling serious issues whilst retaining a high entertainment factor in his films. Familial and marital hardships, terrorism, love, class and religious conflict, war, politics, adoption, history and disability are just some of the socio-political issues to have been featured in his films. His movies are generally made in the Tamil language, but are usually also dubbed into other languages like Telugu and Hindi, owing to their national appeal. He has also made films in other languages like Hindi, Malayalam, Telugu and Kannada. His first movie was Pallavi Anu Pallavi in 1983 starring Anil Kapoor.

Widely known for his ability to tread the middle way between artistic cinema and commercial cinema, working out a perfect recipe for all kinds of audiences, Ratnam's movies are further noted for their brilliance in technical aspects like art direction, cinematography and background score. His work has come to be recognised nationally and internationally, and in 2002, he was awarded the Padma Shri.

Filmography

* Pallavi Anu Pallavi (1983)
* Unaru (1985)
* Pagal Nilavu (1985)
* Idaya Kovil (1985)
* Mouna Raagam (1986)
* Nayagan (1987)
* Agni Natchathiram (1988)
* Geethanjali (1989)
* Anjali (1990)
* Thalapathi (1991)
* Roja (1992)
* Thiruda Thiruda (1993)
* Bombay (1995)
* Iruvar (1997)
* Dil Se (1998)
* Alaipayuthey (2000)
* Kannathil Muthamittal (2002)
* Aayitha Ezhuthu /Yuva (2004)
* Guru (2006)
* Lajjo (2007)


In 1994, a retrospective of his Tamil films was shown at the Toronto International Film Festival (TIFF).

The characteristic elements of Mani Ratnam's films include memorable music by notable Indian composers Ilaiyaraaja and A. R. Rahman, a strong story line, sharp dialogue and innovative cinematography and art direction. He has worked with the best cinematographers in the country - notably P. C. Sriram, Balu Mahendra, Santosh Sivan, Ravi K. Chandran, Rajiv Menon and the likes.

Stage

* Netru, Indru, Naalai (2006)

Family

* Mani's father Gopal Ratnam Iyer was a film producer.
* Mani's brother G. Venkateswaran, popularly known as G.V. was also a film producer who committed suicide.
* Mani married to actress Suhasini, niece of Kamal Haasan and they have a 15-year old son Nandan.
* Mani co-founded and co-runs the independent production company Madras Talkies along with his brother G. Srinivasan.

Tamil Directors and their works...

• Mani Ratnam – Mouna Raagam, Nayagan, Anjali, Roja, Bombay, Iruvar, Alaipayuthey, Kannathil Muthamittal, Aayitha Ezhuthu
• Gautham Menon – Minnale, Kaaka Kaaka,Vettaiyadu Villaiyadu
• Rajiv Menon – Minsaara Kanavu, Kandukondain Kandukondain
• Shankar – Gentleman, Kadhalan, Indian, Jeans, Mudhalvan, Boys , Anniyan
• Cheran – Pandavar Bhoomi, Autograph, Thavamai Thavamirundhu
• Bala – Sethu, Nandha, Pithamagan
• Santosh Sivan – Malli, The_Terrorist ,Navarasa
• Vishnu Vardhan – Kurumbu, Arinthum Ariyamalum, Pattiyal
• Selvaraghavan – Kadhal Kondein, 7G Rainbow Colony, Pudhupettai
• K.S. Ravikumar – Muthu, Avvai Shanmugi, Aethiree
• Vikraman – Pudhu Vasantham, Poove Unnakkaga, Suryavamsham, Unnai Ninaithu
• A. R. Murugadoss – Dheena, Ramana, Ghajini
• M. Raja – Jayam, M. Kumaran son of Mahalakshmi, Something Something ... Unnakum Ennakum
• N. Linguswamy – Run, Anandham, Ji, Sandakozhi
• Kamal Hassan – Hey Ram, Virumaandi
• Ameer Sultan – Mounam Pesiyadhe, Raam
• Balaji Shaktivel – Samurai, Kaadhal
• Bharathiraja – 16 Vayathinile, Muthal Mariyathai, Vedham Pudhithu, Karuththamma
• K. Balachander – Iru Kodigal, Apoorva Raagangal, Thanneer Thanneer, Achamillai Achamillai
• Balu Mahendra – Moondram Pirai, Sandhya Raagam, Sathya Leelavathi
• P C Sreeram – Kuruthipunal, Vaanam Vasapadume
• Srinivasa Rao Singeetham – Dikketra Parvathi, Apoorva Sahodarargal, Magalir Mattum, Mumbai Express
• Thangar Bachan – Azhagi, Thendral, Chidambarathil Oru Appasamy
• T. Rajendar – En Thangai Kalyani, Uyir Ulla Varai Usha
• John Abraham – Agraharathil Kazhuthai
• S.P. Muthuraman – Sri Raghavendra, Adisaya Piravi, Guru Sisyan,
• Bharathan – Avaarampoo, Thevar Magan
• J. Mahendran – Mullum Mallarum, Udhirpookal
• Rudraiya – Aval Appadithan
• Kamal – Piriyatha Varam Vendum
• R. K. Selvamani – Pulan Visaranai, Captain Prabhakaran, Chembaruthi
• A.P. Nagarajan – Vaa Raja Vaa, Sarasvathi Sabatham, Navarathnam
• A. Bhimsingh – Ammaiyappan, Pathi Bakthi, Pasamallar'

Jayaram-Kamal-Ravikumar combo back in Dasavatharam!

Jayaram-Kamal-Ravikumar combo back in Dasavatharam!



Two movies that have kept cinema buffs speculating are Rajni's Sivaji and Kamal's Dasavatharam. Even as people wonder who the ten heroines of the film will be (as Kamal is touted to play ten different roles!), one sure actor who will definitely be a part of this venture is the actor Jayaram.

It is a well-known fact that the Jayaram, KS Ravikumar and Kamal combination share a rare kind of camaraderie that has given them a success like Tenali.
In fact, Jayaram and Kamal's friendship began many years ago during the filming of Chanakyan, a Malayalam film where Kamal played the lead with Urmila Matonkar. Jayaram, was making his debut in the industry then and acted as a mimicry artist in the film, and since he was already known across the state of Kerala for his mimicry prowess, the role was befitting Jayaram's fame.
The film was the starting point for their strong bond, and it is said that Jayaram's addictive sense of humour is what beguiled Kamal, and formed the basis for a friendship that is strong even today.

Years after that first film, a series of Tamil films like Tenali, Panchatantram, and now the much-sought after Dasavatharam, Jayaram has become an actor to lookout for in Kamal's comedy capers. In fact, in a recent interview, Jayaram talks about the rare chemistry he shares with Kamal and with KS Ravikumar too.



"We shot the film Tenali in just 25 days and it was an absolutely amazing experience! Most of the scenes we would improvise in the last minute! I think it was the spontaneity that worked for the film, as I still remember, K S Ravikumar would set up the scene, give us a brief background on what the incident was, and that was it. We would simply improvise and because Kamal and I share the same comedy wavelength, the results were hilarious situations that were finally filmed. And of course, I have to mention that Ravikumar is an amazing person, as he always gave us the freedom to improvise."

About Dasavatharam, this is what he says: "Yes I have been approached for a role in the movie, and I actually don't even know what the role is! Frankly, I am not worried or bothered by it either. Even if I have an insignificant role, I would never give up the opportunity of working with Kamal and watch him act. That is something I love doing."

Well, Jayaram and Kamal sure are lucky to have chanced upon the formula for successful comedy situations. With KS Ravikumar also in the scene, Dasavatharam promises to be a laughter riot.

Dasavatharam – The Avatars Revealed!

Dasavatharam – The Avatars Revealed!


Dasavatharam’s shoot continues at a rapid pace and as usual, we have more news on its proceedings. Sources reveal that among the ten roles, seven roles are shot in Chennai, and three in the USA. Portions involving five of Kamal’s avatars in Chennai have already been shot.


These roles are those of
a young Vaishnavite,
an old man,
an old woman,
an army man,
and an English detective.

Kamal watched the rushes of these roles in his own preview theater and was ecstatic with the outcome. The unit is currently in the US, shooting the sequences involving the two roles based there. Kamal and the Dasavatharam unit would return to Chennai after the month long US schedule to complete the portions invlolving the remaining two avatars.

Sivaji’s price tag is 60 Crores!

Sivaji’s price tag is 60 Crores!

The release dates of Sivaji and Dasavatharam is probably the most debated topic in Kollywood right now. Both movies are expected to be ready for an April 14 release. However, the concerned production houses, AVM and Oscar Films are not too eager to release the films together.


Both movies are big budget projects with several crores riding on them. With so much at stake, even the usually flamboyant Oscar Ravichandran is looking for a risk free approach. Eventhough the fans would be delighted to see the titans clashing yet again, the distributors are wary of the same. The trade believes that the two films would release with atleast a month’s space between them, with either Sivaji or Dasavatharam making it to the screens on the 14th of April.

Meanwhile, Sivaji’s distribution rights are estimated at a whopping 60 crores.
This news has discouraged several distributors who were vying for a share of the lucrative rights. With such a huge price tag, this Shankar directed film is expected to be purchased outright by a corporate firm like Adlabs.

Kamal on his journey through Life, Movies and Rajini!! -part 02

Kamal on his journey through Life, Movies and Rajini!!


However, when they come together, it would result in something that almost every Tamil would look forward to. The biggest question here, he said, was who would direct the movie. Obviously Rajini would not. So it has to be either Kamal or someone else. At the Thenali silver jubilee function Rajni recalled an incident when he was riding pillion on Kamal’s bike.

When the bike skidded Rajni asked if he knew how to ride a bike! Kamal assured him that even if he fell, I wouldn't let Rajini fall.
Rajini said, Kamal has kept that word up through the years. Manirathnam, another great of the Tamil industry with whom Kamal made one of his best movies, Nayagan, would be the ideal person to direct Rajini and Kamal. But will that happen?
Songs…? Indigestible!!
In spite of being a good singer and a great dancer, Kamal detests the song and dance routine in movies. He said he was happy was when Kannada movies came out of that trap. And admonished the Tamil industry for making commercial crap. Saying that songs were like whores in the prostitution business, Kamal breathed fire on the inescapable reality of Indian Cinema, which necessitated a silly song and dance sequence even to characters like a serial killer. Even greats such as Shyam Benegal, whom he had once admired for their bold stance, have now fallen into the familiar trap. He lamented about the state where a useless and pointless song was thrust irrespective of the genre.

Kamal
Cannes in Chennai
Dismissing the Oscars as an exclusivist American thing, he said it was an uneven playing field that was not worth the effort. His dream is to create an international film festival in Chennai, on line of the Cannes Film Festival. He also hope his endeavor would be helped by the press by staying out of his personal life.

Kamal on his journey through Life, Movies and Rajini!!

Kamal on his journey through Life, Movies and Rajini!!

Kamal Hassan is a worried man. Strange as that may sound, he is anxious that he is running out of time. That he is getting old. It is a testament to the commitment of the actor to his profession that he genuinely feels he does not have much time left in his acting career. He wants to achieve greater things – especially his dream project Maruthunayagam.
Dreams unattained….
Kamal

He says he is still trying to live his dreams at 19. Which only makes us wonder, what those dreams should have been, if after 30 years of such a stellar career, they are still not attained. He is almost adamant that each film of his should be better than the previous. Even when he has made immortal classics like Hey Ram which is quite simply tough to beat. He takes comfort from the fact that India is now economically flourishing which will enable funding for Marudhunayagam from within the country. Thankfully, the parts where Kamal Hassan should be younger have already been shot.
Filmmaking? It’s much like a war!!

One of India’s greatest actors says, filming making is much like a war. Where there is a constant battle between the outcome and the desired. A legend, living in changing times, he acknowledges that his replacement is probably in the industry already. Chuckling and reminiscing about the time 30 years ago when he and his fellow actors were in the same boat. Recalling how the illustrious Sivaji Ganesan said there would come a replacement in time, it still took the great man 7 long years to acknowledge Kamal Hassan as his.

Sarika & Kamal

A look for technical details in Sarika’s fatal fall
Kamal & Rajini

Kamal was a reluctant actor at the beginning. But now, he has come to enjoy acting so much that he finds it most gratifying. However, he still likes to be known as more than a mere actor. Ever the observant student of Cinema, he admits, even when his former wife Sarika had a near fatal fall, a part of him was fascinated by the technical details of it. Talking about the differences in Bollywood and Kollywood, he said there were prejudices at both places. This meant a cross over was difficult. Anil Kapoor had acted in several of the Hindi remakes of his movie. But, the remake will never be as good as the original, the star opined.
Even if he fell, wouldn't let Rajini fall…

Recalling his special relationship with Rajinikanth, he remembered the time when he and Rajini were starting to branch off. Rajini when asked why he was doing movies in a over stylized manner, had said he would choose his path and Kamal should choose his. Now we know, how lucky we are because of that, as the audience. Both Rajini and Kamal did not have any godfather in the industry – unlike many do, today. Both started from scratch.

Kamal
Kamal indicated that he was always very interested in exploring the possibilities of acting together with Rajini. He warned though, as Rajini had, that the expectations would be too much.

strictly not for captain vijaykanth's fan.....

A funny way of looking at Dharmapuri

If you are still in Diwali mood, please don't read the following review,

After contributing to the major downfall of Ajith's tirupathi, its director..per ..per ..perarasu....he was thinking who could he terminate next and ..yes....he got our captain and that's the evolution of a legendary universal(tamil) film "DHARMAPURI"...
Dharmapuri movie


Precautionary steps to watch this film:

1.Four pieces of cotton...(2 to keep in ears...and the rest 2 will be kept in our noses after we watch the film fully)

2. zandu balm,tiger balm..if possible original time bomb.

3. itch guard (b'cos paadhi padam paarthu namaku udambellam pull'arikum').

Actors:

Captain Vijaykanth(3/4 screen...),Heroine-achacho paavam(not even 4 scenes including songs),comedy..all scenes where captain comes becomes comedy to the core.

All other vetti actors(donno what they do ½ time).
Moments of the film:

1.Captain's intro:----- NO Indian..oops..hollywood film could ever try such imagination to project his hero to this level as perarasu does.(u deserve an applause..).while all his partymen,wait for his entry in screen..there comes captain to save a minister's girl from a rowdy in rameswaram..rowdy threatens everyone including policemen nearby with his gun and no one goes near him(obvious..)Captain looks at him,goes nearhim barehanded. The rowdy warns him 3 times(Indian cinema rule..not more than 3) and then shoots at him..the bullet hits vijaykanth's chest...and reflects back and hits the rowdy's chest and kills him...Please wait...don't get astonished.then he takes out the "archanai plate"he hid in his shirt(what a archanai thattu..if u can get for 10 rs.it acts as bullet proof and save ur life).

Dharmapuri movie
Dharmapuri movie


Advice to all military forces:please dismantle all ur bullet proof shields and get archanai thattu's for them. cost cutting one.

2 if time permits captain gets his costume change and start performing exercises..iam sorry..dances.. and 30 to 40 dancers surround him and shout"neenga thaan nallavar, neenga thaan vallavar, neenga naaliku CM, morning na AM,evening na PM"...happa horrible torture and where on earth his costumes are picked up...fluorescent coloured shirt specially and he makes to a point that in all scenes including his duet or romantic scene his party's "flaming torch"symbol is projected well.And a grand make up like rajkiran with a big crown on his head and sandal on his body(weak hearted people pls omit the scene)

3. Half the film is like assembly meetings and virudhachalam campaign speeches.and everybody including the villain praises him .

"naan adangi poravan illai adakitu poravan"

"ivaru kootani vaika maatar,thani aala thaan irupaar"

"ennai nambuna nambikai..mathavangalukku etcharikai

ivar naadodi illai....naadodi mannan"..

Dharmapuri movie
Dharmapuri movie

When u atleast rest in peace that the director Perarasu didn't act in this film as he did in tirupathi....after interval even that dream goes crashed..oops.here we have his entry as "Speed"lawyer perarasu.he comes and says"naan porandha edam sivakasi, valarandha idam tirupachi, pona idam tirupathi,ipo nikaradhu dharmapuri"innum neraya idam poven....(oh god we are done for...mokkanayakanur,paanaampati,paradesipalayam..lots to come ). Soon he will become best competitor of T rajendhar.

Note:- don't miss the scene where captain hits 50 men in a row with a single kick which even matrix Keanu reaves couldn't get it right. And also the scene where captain blasts 1000 figure bombs(kanni vedi.he..he) with his small remote control which we use for MP3 players in car's.(technology drives...)

Iam sorry guys(?????)I didn't see the climax, I came away ½ hr before climax as I was in a mood to hit my head somewhere and cry badly seeing this.

Last but not least "Dharma puri"---poisonous pani puri. Die another day.

ok!!!

hi guys & gals
how are you'll doing, me very ceria and cool. hope to see all tonight. came and give your support. lotus pj is good because it has its own parking and big space for all of us to do 'haahoooohiiiii'.

hope that X'mas we can plan something.

Pulen de Great
Salam Ceriaaa

Hi Friends!

Regarding RR 2nd Annual Gathering........initially we plan to have buffet dinner in Rumahku Gallery but due to some technical problem we have change the venue. Below is the details on the gathering

Venue : Lotus Restaurant PJ State
Date : 19 November 2006 (Sunday)
Time : 7.30pm
Cuisine : Asean
Cost for the gathering : Sdn. Bhd.

This gathering is open to Real Reels members, ATV3 former students and friends. Meaning members can bring their friends , bf , gf , husband , wife etc.

Our last gathering we had in Nagas and we got a good support from members. Those who could not make it for last gathering and our usual gathering hope can see you all in this gathering.

The main purpose of this gathering is just to keep in touch with former ATV3 students and build up good a networking.

Note: Pls bring your name cards along.


Cheers!
Balan

Simple dears.....

Hey guys, happy diwali to everyone. Well rajin, the message is extremely simple. Like the original raju says "don't do unto others the things that you don't want others to do unto you"
I must agree Baker was really good in the ad though! hehhe. Anyways are we confirmed for the for the dinner. Just a suggestion. thought of moving the dinner to friday night. 17th. are you guys alright with that and please give balan or me a list of friends, co-workers, girlfriends, boyfriends, wife or husband that you guys are planning to bring for the dinner. it's help to ensure there sufficient food.

Happy Deepavali !!!!!

Hi, guys.

I would like to wish all real reels members, a bright and joyous deepavali and selamat hari raya.

Dun forget to watch my muzikal prog. 'Deepa Oli' on Deepavali Nite (sat), 9 pm on Astro Ch. 6 vannavil.

Enjoy the holiday....

Petronas Deepavali TVC 2006

Does anyone watch this year Petronas Deepavali commercial? Well I'm happy to see Baker in the commercial . I cant believe that Baker can be funny. I like when he said " This is Raj". And the dance....hmmmm not bad lah...

The commercial was nicely done. In term of production..But what the most important things that missing in the commercial is the 'message'. What actually they try to convey ? The massage was not clear at all....

Taking the incident of Sri Pandi restaurant issue , Petronas try to convey a very big message to the Indian society....that is :
a) don't underestimate the elderly folks
b) don't try to steal others business
c) don't fight over on a ineffectual matter or
d) must be cunning in the business .

I don't get the message that Petronas trying to convey... it was a big disappointment for me. I was looking forward for this year Petronas commercial since last year the don’t have one and just reply the 2003 TVC (the best deepavali TVC ever). But this year TVC doest have message and doesn't have the spirit of Deepavali at all. How come the can approve this kind of storyboard? Look at the past Petronas TVC. It was nicely done and the message was powerful till it can capture the mind and touch the heart of the audience. This year Deepavali TVC is another waste of our fuel money like the 2004 Deeparaya TVC. ( thinking of change to SHELL)

And I wonder why this years there is no DeepaRaya spirit in the TVC ? is it coz Takaful Malaysia Syariah department head Mohd Fauzi Mustaffa statement?


DeepaRaya 2004

Petronas tv advertisement deepavali 1998 2001

Petronas - Deepavali 2000 I See

Petronas - Deepavali 2000 I See

Petronas Deepavali Boys

Petronas Deepavali Boys

Thats a pretty good idea!

Let us all in the spirit of forgiving and compassion in conjunction of Deepavali, send a DEEPAVALI greetings card without any added profanities & vulgarities to takaful executif.

Let us proof that we Indians do not stoop too low with such acts.

I'm sure it doesnt cost us much and in the meantime get the message across effectively, loud and clear!

Takaful wants our money by way of the special (monopolised &
exclusive) government privilages accorded to them but doesnt want our friendship nor respect.

Ok , all together now, without any written vulgarities & profanities;Send a Deepavali greetings card to the address below:

*
Ustaz Mohd. Fauzi b. Mustaffa
Secretary to the SHARIAH SUPERVISORY COUNCIL,

Syarikat Takaful Malaysia Berhad,
26th Floor Annex Block, Dataran Kewangan Darul Takaful,
No. 4 Jalan Sultan Sulaiman,
50000 Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
*


p/s: i'm ok wit RR reunion. anyday, anytime, any menu....

RR annual gathering

Well i have seen the menu that post by balan... the menu quite impresive. I like the menu A , C and F.


Dinner Menu C

Rice
Black Pepper Chicken
Fish Sambal
Thai Style Beancurd
Asparagus in Garlic Sauce
Brinjal Belacan
Stuffed Golden Beancurd
Fruit Platter
Honey Lime
RM 30.00




RKU Dinner
Dinner Menu F
Chinese Fried Rice / Rice
Plum Sauce Chicken
Crispy Fried Fish with Mango Kerabu
Indonesian Style Claypot Prawn
Mix Vegetables
Mini Fruit Tarts
Honey Lime
RM 30.00


gallery & cafe
Dinner Menu A

Tom Yam Chicken Soup
Rice / Fried Mee Hoon
Deep Fried Calamari Rings
Satay Chicken
Dry Mutton Porial
Portugese Fish
Braised Beancurd & Vegetables
Apple Danish with Fresh Cream / Custard
Ice Lemon Tea
RM 32.00

I think the food and the place is fine with me. Hope others will give a respond also.

ps: who is that guy pulen...look familiar is it our MIIM student

Real Reels 2nd Annual Gathering !

Hi Friends!

Regarding RR 2nd Annual Gathering........as I mention in the earlier posting, We planning to organise a gathering among our frinds in November 2006.

This gatheting is open to Real Reels members, ATV3 former students and friends. Meaning members can bring their friends , bf , gf , husband , wife etc.

Our last gathering we had in Nagas and we got a good support from members. Those who could not make it last gathering and our usual gathering hope can see you all in this gathering.

The main purpose of this gathering is just to keep in touch with former ATV3 students and build up a networking.


Venue : Rumah Ku Gallery (Opposite The University Hospital PJ)
Date : 18 November 2006
Time : 7.00pm
Cuisine : Indian & Chinese - Buffet
Cost for the gathering : RM 30.00 nett (Per Person)

The host of this gathering
is Balan , Kamini , Rajen & Prem.


Cheers!
Balan

See this guy ????

Do any one know this guy.....?

Malaysian Indian Short Film Screening (MiSF) 2006

KELAB SENI FILEM MALAYSIA
presents


Malaysian Indian Short Film Screening (MiSF) 2006


Presenter & Moderator: Hassan Abd Muthalib

Saturday 7 October 2006, 8.30pm
HELP University College Theatrette, Pusat Bandar Damansara, KL

FREE ADMISSION

ALL ARE INVITED (BOTH PUBLIC/FILM BUFF)



1. Seinandri Kondre Mahagke (SKM) (Sasitharan Rajoo / 7 min)

SKM tells a story about a married couple who face problems taking care of their elderly parents. The wife feels that her husband needs to send his parents to the old folks home. A normal argument which practically takes place every day where the wife convinces the husband to send them there. SKM was nominated for the first 8 best short film for the Astro Short Film Competition Open category.

*Sasitharan Rajoo, video editor, director & actor,has been a film buff since childhood. Performed on stage in plays & musicals since age 6. Diploma in multimedia production from Akademi TV3. Started as a production assistant in commercial houses. Now works at Vision Works as video editor.

E-mail : sasi_slash@... / hp : 017 3916760



2. No Worry Chicken Curry (K Shunmugam / 10 min)

A journey of a boy who brings a chicken to his aunty’s place. Along the way he faces obstacles. Will he manage to overcome them?

* Shumugam (b. 1974) graduated from Akademi Filem Malaysia in 1999. He worked as a Camera Technician with Film Equipment Gallery until 2001, handling all manner of cameras, from film to video and stills. From 2002, he was with ASTRO and directed 52 episodes of the Tamil magazine programme, Unggal Virrupam. His foray into narratives began as an Assistant Director for the Tamil TV drama, Pavithra. As a cameraman, he has shot Tamil and Malay dramas, among them, Piala Untuk Mama and Nasib O Nasib for the NTV7 Odisi series. He handled the underwater camera for the Chinese movie, Crazy Tourist and shot stills for local feature films, Manjari and Susuk. He has since directed Tomi Cinta Delia (for the Odisi series for NTV7), a Tamil drama for TV2, Letchiyem, documentaries, commercials and TV fillers. His shorts, No Worry, Chicken Curry and Me, My Mother and Mosquito, won Gold Awards, with Oh, My Goat, winning a Silver Award at the MVA. Sweet Dreams is his first feature.

Email: jiboombah@... / hp : 012 2887545



3. Bavam (ST Bala / 10 min)

Saraswati, a dancer, keeps her co-dancers and manager waiting. She shows up at the 11th hour. She puts on an excellent performance, but was actually haunted by the
incident that had delayed her. After the dance, her manager queries her. She breaks down and explains.
Shot on 35mm. "The film was inspired by my observation of a dancer on and off-stage, who despite facing personal problems, became a totally different person, a picture of calm and beauty."
* ST Bala is a playwright & director of theatre and TV dramas.

Email : stbala@... / hp : 019 6496962





4. Chittappa (Kannan Thiagarajan / 15 min)

Raghu, a young web designer in search of love on the internet. His dreams come true when he gets to know Nisha. Both are passionate about their new-found relationship but little do they know about the shocker that awaits them!

* Kannan Thiagarajan is an ex-tutor at Multimedia University where he taught Film & Animation. Now, a freelancer and working on his first full-length movie. ‘Chitappa’ is his first short film made in early 2005, which traveled to Singapore, Thailand and Portugal.

Email : kannan.t.m@... / hp : 012 6368934



5. Season of Perception (T Sathiya Varmaan, Rameswaran, Ven Soma / 8 min)

This short portrays three directors planning to do a short film. But misunderstanding and difference of opinion cause them to go their own ways. Later they realise that to do a good piece of work, they have to stay united.

*A short film directed by three Academi Seni Kebangsaan students.

Email : sathiyaa8@...



6. Thaipoosam (Shanjay Perumal / 4.22 min)

A visual essay on the Hindu religious festival. Shown in Malaysian Documentaries 2006 and International Short Film Festival-French and Asian 2006,Thailand.

Basically I have used visuals and music to express the feeling of this documentary. I purposely avoided the usage of the voice over as I believe both visual and music could narrate the whole event.

* Shanjay Perumal graduated from University Sains Malaysia (USM) in 2003, majoring in Film and Broadcasting. Directed 26 episodes of Celi-Cilik, a Malay children’s program (RTM2) and several other TV programs. Works as producer in a local TV station.

Email : sanjayperumal@... / hp : 012 2345183



7. Broken Wings (Wickneswaren / 14 min)

Wicky, a young college student, reflects on what most of our Indian youngsters have become today. Set up in an Indian community way, this short action drama reflects what most Indians take for granted.

*Wickneswaran (Wicky) is a 21 year old student. Eldest of 4 siblings, he is currently pursuing a course in Multimedia University majoring in Film & Animation, and dreams of becoming a successful movie director .



8. Guns or Roses (M.S. Prem Nath Pillai / 11.27 min)

This award winning short film, tells a story about a group of robbers that's caught in a dilemma between the police and a hostage. The story gets intense when the robbers realized that they have no way of getting out of there with tight police force surrounding them in an abandon building. This short film goes with a fast tempo, with fast cuts and movements, making the film more enjoying.

*The director for this short film is an editor as well. Graduated from Academi TV3 (Malaysia Institute of Integrative Media), and has worked for various production houses upon graduating. Extremely passionate about modern cinema and filmmaking. His 1st feature was 'UYIR' THE SOUL (Horror) and now he embarking next venture called 'CRIMINALS'(crime-thriller).

Email : g5prem@... / hp : 012 6088743



9. Oh My Goat (K Shunmugam / 7 min)

Do you know where your food comes from?

Even in our “today’s world” as we say which is all about freedom and independence, there are many of those who are caught in the dilemma of our family values and culture that still restrict us of our freedom and independence. The goat in this film resembles all this, from young we are natured with love, care, food and time that we are so attached and respectful as we grow we have the thought of an independence with the freedom given at times but all it come to at the end is something that is truly unexpected to sometimes compromise that freedom and independence into being something of a “disastrous sacrifice”



10. My Father and his Celluloid (Devan R / 10 min)

As his father lies critically ill in hospital, the director recreates the possible scenario when his parents meet for the first time in front of the open projection screen in a rubber estate. A tribute to the filmmaker’s father, a travelling projectionist, through the films, sights and sound of his work and times.
* Daven R with his short My Father and his Celluloid has participated at several international film festival including the Torino Film Festival, Sarawak Millennium Film Festival, Bangkok Film Festival, New York Film Festival etc. This movie has won Best Film and Best Director for short film category in Malaysian Film Festival 2003. Currently, Daven is a well known cinematographer in Malaysia, Hong Kong and Indonesia.He has shot 8 feature films and many TV commercials.
Email : cinemaya@... / hp : 019 3599278

SPREAD THE WORD

AN OPPORTUNITY NOT TO BE MISSED

Hey guys, how are you'll? Okie, I attended a function in Finas yesterday and wrote this article. Please read it and for those who are interested, please e-mail this people k...


Chance to show documentaries to the world
03 Oct 2006
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
KUALA LUMPUR: Local documentary makers have two reasons to work even harder now.
A total of US$400,000 (about RM1.5 million) is being offered to fund the production of two high-definition documentaries.
As a bonus, the documentaries will be aired in 27 languages over the National Geographic Channel in 164 countries.
At the signing of a memorandum of understanding yesterday, National Geographic Channels International (NGCI) and the National Film Development Corporation (Finas) urged local filmmakers to submit proposals for the NGCI-Finas HD Documentary Fund 2006.
"There aren’t many documentaries on Malaysia when this country has much to show, so this would be a great challenge," NGCI executive vice-president of production, Bryan Smith, said.
The project is open to local production companies registered with Finas.
The stringent selection criteria will ensure that only two of the most resourceful and deserving producers with dramatic topics, strong central characters and great storytelling skills will get the money.
Each of them will be expected to produce an hour-long documentary, shot using high-definition equipment, which would showcase Malaysia to the world.
"High-definition" or "HD" is the emerging industry standard for clearer pictures on television.
Smith said the chosen producers would have to follow strict guidelines, including the selection of themes for their documentaries.
The proposals, which must be submitted by Nov 15, should be based on preferred themes such as the modern world, science and technology, wildlife or an in-depth look at topics such as space launch or the secret service.
Proposals must also include a detailed budget, estimated production schedule, the biography of members of the production team and VHS or DVD sample of previous work.
"National Geographic and Finas will play the role of advisers. Besides funding, we coach them on proper filmmaking techniques, development of story idea and pitching tactics," said Smith.
He added that short-listed filmmakers would be notified in early December. They will attend a two-day workshop on Dec 12 and 13 where they will pitch their projects to a panel comprising NGCI senior producers.
Arts, Culture and Heritage Minister Datuk Seri Dr Rais Yatim, who witnessed the signing of the MoU, said it was a dream come true to have high quality documentaries on Malaysia shown to a worldwide audience.
"NGCI is a global leader in making high quality documentaries. This partnership enables our local producers to gain invaluable knowledge and compete globally," he said, adding that one of the documentaries should be completed by Aug 31, in time for the Golden Jubilee celebration of the country’s independence.
Rais said the ministry was planning to create a scheme to buy proposals from local filmmakers and help produce more quality documentaries.
"The Government has allocated RM6 million this year for the production of local movies and documentaries but it has not been utilised."
For details on the NGCI-Finas HD Documentary Fund 2006, send e-mail to mok@ngcasia.com.


___________________________________________________________________________________________________________


So if any of your respective prod houses are registered with Finas, you'll should really try out. I've included what the National Geographic People are looking for and what they NOT looking for. Below was their AD


'Malaysia To the World'
NGCI-FINAS HD Documentary Fund 2006

WANTED: National Geographic filmmakers from Malaysia...

Send us your proposals by 15 NOV 2006

National Geographic Channel International and Finas will be commissioning 2 onehour documentaries shot in high definition with budgets up to USD200,000 per program.

Submission Guidelines: The Contest is open to all Malaysian production companies. The films must be primarily shot in Malaysia.

What are we looking for?: Dramatic stories, strong central characters and innovative storytelling. Programs that make you THINK AGAIN.

Preffered themes:
1. Building a modern world: from skyscrapers to super highways to the world busiest port, how dies our modern world work? Look behind the world's engineering and architectural marvels

2. Science and Technology: From gene hunters to cyber criminals, from medical miracle workers to earthquake chasers, take us behind the scenes of the scientific breakhthroughs that will define our world and change our future.

3. Inside: We've gone inside a space launch, inside a secret servioce and behind the scenes of a rolling stones concert. Where can you take us next? With exclusive access to places and events, take us behind the scenes to show is the people, technology, infrastructure and logistics that really make them run

4. Wildlife: Give us a new vision of thye action and drama in the animal kingdom. Show us cutting edge filming techniques and technology that reveal extraordinary stories and behaviour in nature's hidden worlds.



WHAT WE ARE NOT LOOKING FOR?

1. Broad subject surveys
2. Educational Programmes
3. Soft Travelogues and lifestyle programmes
4. Children's Programme
5. Art House Films


wWHO IS ELIGIBLE? : ALL Malaysian Production Companies registedred with FINAS. At least 50% of production personnel must be MALAYSIANS or Permanent residents.

WHAT IS THE SUBMISSION PROCESS: Send in an original proposal by Nov 15. Each submission must include
1. Program proposal with one oage executive summary
2. detailed budget
3. estimated production schedule and delivery date
4. production team biography
5. VHS OR DVD Sample of previous work
6. Pitch/character reel (if available)
7. Signed waiver for submission of new ideas (release form is attached)

PLEASE MAIL PROPOSALS TO:

"Malaysia to the World"
National Geographic Channel
c/o Star Regional Pte Ltd
No.7, Jalan Semangat, Section 14, 46200, Petaling Jaya, Selangor

For Enquiries please contact: Ms. Mok Choy Lin, Supervising Producer through email mok@ngcasia.com

SHORTLISTED CANDIDATES WILL BE REQUIRED TO ATTEND A WORKSHOP IN KL FROM DEC 12-13.

Who is this guy?

Kamal's Dasavatharam

One of Kamal's avataram in his forthcoming film Dasavatharam.

All the best Kamal!

No re-mix rights for Yuvan, says Ilayaraja

There is a vast discrepancy in the success rates of the two sons of Ilayaraja, viz Karthik Raja and Yuvan Shankar. Though these two started their career in the tinsel world almost at the same time, Karthik is not able to click like his younger sibling.

This has created some kind of anxiety in the mind of their legendary father. On the other hand, Yuvan has already carved a niche for himself and has reached a level where music albums are sold just for his name. Yuvan is slowly taking the place of Rahaman and has developed a style for himself.

Wanting to do something for his elder son, Ilayaraja has given all the remix rights of his songs for Karthik. Attempts are also being made to make Kamalhassan sing the re-mix songs. Popular singers also have been approached for this venture. The response that remix songs have been receiving is quite noteworthy.

Re-mix is very popular especially with the younger population. Hence, as a father Ilayaraja does not want to leave any stone unturned for his elder son Karthik. Whether Yuvan would use his dad’s songs for remixing any more should be waited and watched.

Guru VS Nayagan

Will Ace Director Mani Ratnam's forthcoming film GURU (2006) will hit his Masterpiece Nayagan (1987)?

Prem Joshua & Inner Space Live In Concert

To all Prem Joshua fans out there!! The Temple of Fine Arts (TFA) and the Vijayaratnam Foundation proudly presents PREM!! (Prem Joshua & the musicians of TFA's Inner Space live in concert)

Multi instrumentalist & composer prem Joshua is a pioneer in the field of World Music, exploring & creating a new synthesis in sound which takes us beyond the borders of both east & west.

Haunting melodies on the sitar, bamboo flute & soprano sax soar over driving tabla rhythms - ancient sanskit & sufi poems are re-awakened by captivating songs & chants. And while drawing inspirations from these deep wells of the musical traditions of the east, Joshua has never lost touch with the pulse of contemporary western music. over the years he has continued to refine his awesome talent for fusion, mixing meditative classical indian ragas with highly energetic compositions, modern cutting-edge sounds & grooves, to create a music both distinctive & unique.

He is now the number 1 bestselling world music artist in India and the daily newspaper 'The Times of India' has lauded him as the new 'Guru of Fusion'.In 2003, the BBC nominated him for its prestigious 'World Music Listeners Award'.

In early 2005, MTV invited Joshua & his band to give a half-hour live performance during one of their regular MTV live shows in Bombay. His performance was broadcast on TV several times - a rare opportunity for a musician of his genre to be featured on a TV music channel that otherwise concentrates mainly on mainstream music.

Besides being busy with composing & studio recording, Prem Joshua has always been a passionate live performer - he is as much at home on a stage in Bombay as in the clubs of New York, touring the globe for almost 7 months each year. In Malaysia, Joshua performs live alongside multiple award winning musicians of TFA's Inner Space - Jyotsna Prakash, Kumar Karthigesu & Prakash Kandasamy, themselves highly acclaimed musicians & composers, to create a 2 hour music concert that will take east - west fusion music to an entirely new dimension, that is at once soulful, meditative & exciting. Together making up a symphony comprising of the sitar, bamboo flute, soprano saxophone, piano, keyboards & table, PREM promises to be a night of sheer enjoyment & musical fulfillment.

Details of the show are as follows:-

Kuala Lumpur - 11 & 12 October 2006, 8pm @ PJ Civic Centre

For invitations & enquiries, please contact the following:-
1. Tower Records, KLCC
2. The Temple of Fine Arts, 128, Jalan Berhala, Brickfields, 50470 KL, 03-22743709
3. Annalakshmi, The Boulevard, Mid Valley City, 03-22843799
4. Ragaas, 23 Jln Chantek 5/13, 46000 Petaling Jaya, 03-79602846
5. Hema Enterprise, 6, Jln SS5A/9 Kelana Jaya 47301, 03-78760025

Cheers
Balan Ji

Job for editor

Got anyone interest to be video editor? There is a job vacancy in Bernama for tamil news. please contact me for futher info

Vallava Ennai Vellava

Vallava Ennai Vellava

Vallavan -the biggest movie of the year

Vallavan trailer

Newyork Nagaram - Sillunu oru kadhal

Newyork Nagaram - Sillunu oru kadhal

Jillendru oru kathal

Jillendru oru kathal

ennai konjam matri

ennai konjam matri

Surya.Jothika.Kalyanam.( Marriage Video )

Surya.Jothika.Kalyanam.( Marriage Video )

Surya jhotika

Chennai, Sept 11:

Capping their nearly three-year-long love affair, celebrity Tamil film actors Surya and Jothika today entered into wedlock in the presence of Tamil Nadu Chief Minister M Karunanidhi and members of the Tamil celluloid world.

Also present was Union IT and Communications Minister Dayanidhi Maran. Nearly an hour after Karunanidhi and Maran left the venue, AIADMK supremo and former Chief Minister Jayalalithaa also visited and blessed the couple.

While Jothika sported a pink silk saree with gold border and wearing diamond rings and necklace, Surya was wearing pure white silk full shirt and dhoti.

Top film stars who attended the wedding included Rajinikanth, his wife and daughter, Kamal Haasan, Sathyaraj, Abbas and Prasanth.

Surya's father and popular actor of yesteryear Sivakumar and his family members were there to receive the guests.
On August 5, Sivakumar announced the wedding of Surya with Jothika ending speculations about their romance that were doing rounds in the Kollywood.

Jothika, daughter of Chander Sadanah, is also a cousin of another popular actress Nagma.
Coming together on screen for the first time in 'Poovellam Kettu Paar', the duo paired in about 10 films, including 'Uyirile Kalandadhu' and 'Kaaka Kakka'.

Surya with his success in 'Ghajini' had broken into the top five heroes category while Jothika's latest hit was Rajinikanth starrer 'Chandramukhi', a box-office hit.

Both have bagged several awards, including the best actor and actress award given by the Tamil Nadu government.

Rajini's money matters

Everybody knows Rajnikanth is the highest paid actor in India, and he is said to be the second highest paid actor in Asia, next only to Jackie Chan.

Sources said that he got around Rs.20 crores for 'Chandramukhi', while other Tamil actors like Kamal commands only Rs.5 to 7 crores per film, Vijay gets 4 crores, Ajith gets 3.5 crores and so on. However, Rajini has a surprise for everyone this time around.

His magnum opus 'Sivaji', produced under AVM banner is even bigger than 'Chandramukhi'. So, everybody would wonder how much he would be paid. However, the truth tells another story. He has not spoken about his fee to the producer yet.Surprisingly, AVM Saravanan has revealed that Rajini has received only Rs.1, 500 for his role so far though major portion of the film has been completed.

Everybody including the superstar is secretive about the storyline of the film. A R Rehman has already completed four songs out of the five

NON FICTION FILM DIRECTING WORKSHOP

NON FICTION FILM DIRECTING WORKSHOP



COMES, LEARNS STEP BY STEP HOW TO DIRECT COMMERCIALS AND CORPORATE VIDEOS AT MERDEKA STUDIO, FINAS HULU KLANG (NEXT TO ZOO NEGARA),

MONDAY 11 SEPT - SAT 16 SEPT 2006.

A WORKSHOP ORGANIZED BY FILM DIRECTORS' ASSOCIATION OF MALAYSIA (FDAM).

FEES: FDAM MEMBERS RM300/-

NON MEMBERS RM500/- TO BE PAID DURING REGISTRATION AT FINAS TRAINING STUDIO 8.30AM ON THE 11TH.

INTERESTED, PLS CONTACT EMAIL: fdam@streamyx.com or fdamemail@gmail.com DETAILING YOUR FULL NAME, IC NO, CONTACT ADDRESS AND HAND PHONE FOR QUICK REPLY. LUNCH AND TEA BREAK, EQUIPMENTS AND RAWSTOCK WILL BE PROVIDED. LIMITED PLACE.

posted by UNIT MEDIA FDAM

"Me? A Copywriter?" Workshop

"Me? A Copywriter?" Workshop

The Advertising industry needs more lawyers, bankers and doctors.

Nope, we're not criminals, in debt or sick (although some people may think otherwise),
but did you know that a lot of successful people in the advertising industry didn't start out studying advertising?Some even started in a totally different career, like the ones mentioned above.So why did they switch to advertising? For some, it was the opportunity to be creative, to solve puzzles, crack problems.

For others, it sounded exciting. And for a few,well, they just liked the idea of being able to wear jeans to work every day.Whatever their reasons, once they got in... they got hooked.There's nothing quite like the thrill of seeing your work in the newspapers or even on TV.And if you're really good at it, there's no limit to how much money you can earn or how fast and how high you can climb.Interested?

This is how you can get in...If you are good in English, and you enjoy being creative, you can learn to be a Copywriter.You don't need art skills, just the ability to come up with fresh ideas and use words to move people. Oh, and a sense of curiousity is an advantage too (it may kill a cat, but it inspires a true copywriter).

If you'd like to find out more abouy copywriting as a career, come for the one day "Me? A Copywriter?" workshop at 95% The Writers Academy.

You'll meet Janet Lee, a Creative Director who has won over 80 awards in her 20 years experience. She'll give you a taste of what a Copywriter's life is like and you'll see if you're cut out for it or not.It may open up a whole new career path for you.

Call 03-2287 7095 to book your seat now.Workshop : "Me? A Copywrter?"
Date : 9 Sept (Saturday)
Time : 10am - 4pm
Venue : 95% The Writers Academy80A Wisma DicklinJalan Bangsar, Kuala Lumpur.
Fee : RM50 (Free if you bring your student card)

posted by Eva Phone: 03-2287 7095, Fax: 03-2287 8095, askme@95percent.com.my, http://www.95percent.com.my

Casting Call for a Deepavali Ad

Casting Call for a Deepavali Ad


We are currently holding an opening casting for the following
2x Main Indian Male (Age: 40-60)

2x Featured extra Indian Female (Age:40-60)

10x Featured extra Indian Male (Age: 20-25)

5x Featured extra Indian Male (Age: 20-25)able to play the tabla, or any indian percussion

60x Extras Indian Male/FemaleAge: 7-60

Please do not hesitate to contact me should you have any further queries. Casting starts on the 6th Aug 06 from 11am to 7pm weekdays, 2pm to 7pm Saturdays & Sundays till 10th Sept 06 @ superwonderful films.
Thank you.
Regards,Darrel Tan
Casting ManagerSuperwonderfulSuper Wonderful Films Sdn Bhd
No. 11, Persiaran Damansara EndahDamansara Heights,
50490 Kuala Lumpur
Tel. 03-2093 6909
Fax. 03-2094 5909
hyonle (alias) gmail (dot) com

Krishen Jit ASTRO Fund

Krishen Jit ASTRO Fund Application


The Krishen Jit ASTRO Fund has been created by ASTRO to encourage and support creative work in Malaysia.

Download Application PDF

One of the main objectives of Krishen’s pioneering work was celebrating original Malaysian creativity in as varied and alternative ways as possible in all the areas of the arts. His groundbreaking theatre practice straddled and brought together a wide range of contesting spheres, producing projects that were inter-disciplinary, multi-cultural, multi-lingual and experimental. Negotiating between academia and practice, tradition and contemporary pop culture, Hollywood and Bollywood, the mainstream and the marginalized, Krishen’s work articulated a Malaysian identity that was ever evolving and encouraged practitioners and audiences to reflect on their lives and societies. This is the spirit of the Krishen Jit ASTRO Fund.

The fund will give out grants ranging from RM5,000 to RM20,000 for :


• Training

• Workshops

• Attachments/residencies

• Experimental productions

• Research and documentation

• Writing

• Creating new work in music, dance, theatre, writing, visual/performance art

• Others


Examples include, but are not limited to:

- Artist A might want to study under well known Indonesian theatre director Putu Wijaya. Artist A could apply to be attached to a production directed by Putu Wijaya for a 4-6 week period. This would give artist A insights and learning on methods of this director.


- Artist B might want to do research on a subject for purposes of writing a new script. Artist B could apply to do this research and write the script.


- Artist C could apply to direct and mount an experimental workshop or production.


- Artist D could apply to attend a training workshop within or outside of Malaysia.


- Attachments and internships.


The Krishen Jit ASTRO Fund will try to be inclusive, but work sited in Malaysia will be given preference. All arts practitioners in Malaysia are eligible to apply. The fund will be managed by Five Arts Centre and ASTRO.


The selection panel for awarding the grants shall comprise :


• Ravi Navaratnam – Five Arts Centre

• Mac Chan – Five Arts Centre

• Kathy Rowland – Kakiseni.com

• Norliza Rofli – Ministry of Culture, Arts and Heritage, Malaysia

• Representative from ASTRO


Deadline for applications : 30 September 2006

Vetaiyadu Velaiyadu review

So as you guys knoe last week I , Balan and MS went for this movie.. this is the review for the most awating movie of the year:

Vettaiyaadu Vilaiyaadu is a police story that places emphasis on brain rather than brawn. It is an involving police procedural that handles a different subject(for Tamil cinema) in a different way(again, for Tamil cinema) and is a worthy follow-up to Kaakka Kaakka for Gautham.

Raghavan(Kamalhassan), a DCP (Crime Branch) in Chennai, is brought in by his friend Arokiaraj (Prakashraj), whose daughter has been brutally raped and killed. With almost no clues to what seems like a random killing, Raghavan is forced to bid a sad goodbye to Arokiaraj and his wife, who leave for New York to try and forget the past. But another tragic news takes Raghavan to New York, where he works with NYPD to apprehend some killers. Meanwhile, he meets Aradhana(Jyothika), who stays in the same hotel, and becomes good friends with her.

VV is probably the closest Tamil cinema has come to a real police procedural. Kamal finds his targets with real, painstaking police work rather than easy-to-find clues or obvious witnesses. We are with him every step of the way as he questions witnesses, uncovers clues and puts the pieces of the puzzle together. We understand his dedication and the scene where he listens to his own notes on the Dictaphone is an insightful glimpse into how he works. But Gautham cheats when its time to put the final pieces together. He connects the initial dots patiently but as he nears the final dots, he relies on the cop’s instinct or coincidence or the bad guys’ bravado to finish the picture.

VV has a protagonist and a villain who are equally matched and nowhere is this more evident that in the tense one-on-one encounter they share in an apartment. Balaji’s psychotic desperation and Kamal’s never-say-die attitude make their meeting fascinating and it is never clear meeting who the hunter and the hunted are. It is a tense, thrilling scene whose rawness and intensity is not in evidence at any other point in the film.

The film is essentially one long chase as Kamal tries to first uncover and then nab, one or more serial killers. Initially, his pursuit seems real as he grasps at straws in his chase of the men, who are little more than ghosts to him. His MO is interesting and the excitement is palpable when he gets closer to them. But as the chase nears the end, the proceedings become more cinematic with the killers indulging in very cinematic activities like moving in and out of disguises and taunting Kamal. It is definitely good movie making with the proceedings being tense and intense. It just doesn’t deliver on the cerebral promise the movie made when it started.

Almost the opposite happens in the relationship between Kamal and Jyothika While we’ve met characters who grow on us in other movies, here’s a relationship that grows on us. The initial meeting between Kamal and Jyothika is straight out of romance novels with a damsel in distress and her knight in shining armor. Their relationship from then on is built almost completely on coincidences (they even manage to get out of their hotel rooms at the same moment!). But it is developed in a way that pushes even the serial killer to the background. Their tentativeness beautifully reflects the heavy baggage each of them is carrying. The two share some wonderful conversations and even more wonderful silences.

One feels that even Gautham understood this shift in importance of the two relationships as the movie proceeds. So, what was a serial killer story with a romance thrown in, becomes a romance with a serial killer sidetrack! While stories about serial killers always throw in a twist or two, it is the Kamal-Jyothika track that gives us a bigger surprise here. The time afforded to Kamal and Jyothika increases as the movie proceeds and in the end, the relationship between Kamal and Balaji is terminated quite abruptly while the closure to Kamal’s relationship with Jyothika takes a lot longer.

It is almost a pleasure to see Kamal looking like Kamal instead of being hidden under layers of makeup or having a different hairstyle or getup for the sake of being different. I’m not sure if the bags under his eyes in the close-ups and the noticeable paunch under his tucked-in shirt are intentional but they do help make him look the part of a middle-aged cop. He plays the part with the dignity it deserves and underplays his emotions. Jyothika once again proves that Gautham brings out the best in her, with probably her best role since Kaakka Kaakka. She displays a quietness that one never knew was a part of her. Kamalini Mukherjee makes a mark in the criminally short time she is onscreen. But it is Balaji who is the scene stealer as the killer. Going against the recent trend of quietly chilling villains, he rants and raves and brings to life, a detestable character. Prakashraj is quietly impressive in a cameo.

The cinematography plays a big part in giving a classy, slick sheen to the proceedings. The Karkka Karkka… number scares us about camera tricks being overused but such opulent visual flourishes are limited to the song sequences. While Paartha Mudhal Naale… is the most romantic number, Manjal Veiyil… is the most attractive visually, with the camera taking us on a tour of New York at night (Gautham shows up in the latter, dancing to the Vennilave… bit). Uyirile… occurs at a rather unexpected but emotional moment and so the picturization is not what I expected at all. Neruppe… is an unnecessary item number that Gautham could well have avoided.

Helooo

Hi guys...

Welcome back Kamini... i got a solution for your selective amnesia and loosing your mind. I can keep your brain in my loker. It onbly cost US 10 a day. How?.....hehe

So i saw alot of post from our MS Prem look like his the only one posting now. But the problem is .... this is suppose to be a blog so it would be better to post something related to our blog rather than some forwarded email copy.... No hard feeling ok....

So wat happen to others all.... our posting is get less every day.

YIPPIE!!!

I'm back!!!! yay! found part of my brains that left me annoyed and lost for a few days! Hey guys, can we go out for a bowling game say end of this month? what ya'll say?

aDaM & EvE....

aDaM & EvE....

One day, Adam sat outside the Garden of Eden
shortly after eating the apple, and wondered about
men and women. So looking up to the heavens he
says,





"Excuse me GOD, can I ask you a few
questions?"

GOD replied, "Go on Adam but be quick I have a
world to create."






So Adam says,
" When you created Eve, why did you make her
body so curvy and tender unlike mine?"

GOD replied, "I did that, Adam, so that you could
love her."






So Adam says,
"
Oh, well then, why did you give her long, shiny,
beautiful hair, and not me?"

GOD replied,"I did that Adam so that you could love
her."







Adam says, "Oh, well then, why did you make her
so stupid? Certainly not so that I could love her!"

GOD replied," Well Adam, now, I did that so that
she could love you"

a little story...

ere is a little story...that teaches a lot...

A giant ship engine failed. The ship's owners tried
one expert after
another, but none of them could figure but how to
fix the engine. Then
they brought in an old man who had been fixing
ships since he was a young. He carried a large
bag of tools with him, and when he arrived, he
immediately went to work. He inspected the engine
very carefully, top to
bottom.

Two of the ship's owners were there, watching
this man, hoping he would
know what to do. After looking things over, the old
man reached into his
bag and pulled out a small hammer. He gently
tapped something.
Instantly, the engine lurched into life. He carefully
put his hammer away.

The engine was fixed! A week later, the owners
received a bill from the
old man for ten thousand dollars.

"What?!" the owners exclaimed. "He hardly did
anything!" So they wrote
the old man a note saying, "Please send us an
itemized bill."

CAN YOU GUESS WHAT WAS THE BREAK
DOWN????

The man sent a bill that read:
Tapping with a hammer. ............. . $ 2.00

Knowing where to tap..........$ 9,998.00

Effort is important ,

but knowing where to make an effort in your life
makes all the difference.

Reasons Why I Never Visit My Rich Friend

Reasons Why I Never Visit My Rich Friend

Once while visiting a very rich friend, the maid
approached me and……

Question: “What would you like to have? Fruit
juice, Soda, Tea, Chocolate, Capuccino,
Frapuccino or Coffee?”

Answer: “Tea please.”

Question: “Ceylon tea, Indian tea, Herbal tea,
Bush tea, Honey bush tea, Iced tea or Green tea?”

Answer: “Ceylon tea.”

Question: “How would you like it? Black or white?”

Answer: “White.”

Question: “Milk or fresh cream?”

Answer: “With milk.”

Question: “Goat’s milk or cow’s milk?”

Answer: “With cow’s milk please.”

Question: “Freezeland cow or Afrikaner cow?”

Answer: “Um, I’ll just take it black.”

Question: “Would you like it with sweetener, sugar
or honey?”

Answer: “With sugar.”

Question: “Beet sugar or cane sugar?”

Answer: “Cane sugar.”

Question: “White, brown or yellow sugar?”

Answer: “Forget about the tea, just give me a
glass of water instead.”

Question: “Mineral water, tap water or distilled
water?”

Answer: “Mineral water.”

Question: “Flavored or non-flavored?”

Answer: “I think I’ll just die of thirst.”

WAYS TO TURN DOWN UNWANTED MEN !!!!

WAYS TO TURN DOWN UNWANTED MEN !!!!


HE : Can I buy you a drink?
SHE : Actually I'd rather have the money.

HE : I'm a photographer. I've been looking for
a face like
yours.
SHE : I'm a plastic surgeon. I've been looking
for a face like
yours.


HE : Hi. Didn't we go on a date once? Or
was it twice?
SHE : Must've been once. I never make the
same mistake twice.

HE : How did you get to be so beautiful?
SHE : I must've been given your share.

HE : Will you go out with me this Saturday?
SHE : Sorry. I'm having a headache this
weekend.

HE : Your face must turn a few heads.
SHE : And your face must turn a few
stomachs.

HE : Go on ,don't be shy. Ask me out.
SHE : Okay, get out.

HE : I think I could make you very happy.
SHE : Why? Are you leaving?

HE : What would you say if I asked you to
marry me?
SHE : Nothing. I can't talk and laugh at the
same time.

HE : Can I have your name?
SHE : Why? Don't you already have one?

HE : Shall we go see a movie?
SHE : I've already seen it.

HE : Where have you been all my life?
SHE : Hiding from you.

HE : Haven't I seen you some place before?
SHE : Yes. That's why I don't go there
anymore.

HE : Is this seat empty?
SHE : Yes, and this one will be if you sit down.

HE : So, what do you do for a living?
SHE : I'm a female impersonator.

HE : Hey baby, what's your sign?
SHE : Do not enter.

HE : Your body is like a temple.
SHE : Sorry, there are no services today.

HE : If I could see you naked, I'd die happy.
SHE : If I saw you naked, I'd probably die
laughing.

FORWARD TO WOMEN IN NEED OF SOME
LAUGHS
(and men who may appreciate good humor)

RR Movie Outing- V V

Hi Friends!

Last week Sunday was Vinayagar Saturthi aka Lord Vinayagar's Birthday and on the same day few of our members went for Kamal's VV in Berjaya Times Square.Intially the movie outing plan is on saturday but due to some reason we have to postponed it to Sunday.

I booked 6 tickets but only five of us went for the movie....Me, Rajin , Thailaivar Prem and 2 of Rajin's friends.

Vetaiyadu Velaiyadu was superb..... Kamal's 'Selamba' acting with serious face comedy...good editing...cinematography....stunt and ofcourse Gautham's Direction and Rap Dance.....This movie is ala CSI and it's about serial killer. For tamil movie standard...this movie was fantastic.

After movie, we went for dinner and had some serious discussion on movie sensorship..

This was RR's first movie outing...so in future we expect more movie outing to make our team more strong. I know some people think that RR is just waste of time...anyway it's depend on individu.

I m thinking to have Diwali gathering after Diwali. I will take incharge to organize this gathering. So, pls give some suggestion and I hope all ex ATV3 students will attend this gathering...I will keep u all posted the details.

P/S: To thailaivar Prem thanks for the treat. Prem belanja me Starbuck ice blended coffee last sunday. Thanks Prem!

Cheers!
Balan Ji

The 4th CON-CAN Movie Festival Calls for Entries

Megumi Otani
Producer, CON-CAN Media Plaza Executive Committee
Media Research Inc.
SK Building 4F, 4-14-4
Sendagaya, Shibuya-ku
Tokyo, 151-0051, JAPAN
Tel: +81-3-5414-6532
Fax: +81-3-5414-6510
E-mail: otani@...


********************************************************************************
The 4th CON-CAN Movie Festival Calls for Entries

Do you want to submit Fiction short film?
Hurry Up!

Fiction: 3 July 2006 - 11 September 2006
Animation: 3 July 2006 - 20 October 2006
Documentary: 3 July 2006 - 2 March 2007

http://www.con-can.com

Audience-Interactive International Short Film Festival

Total Cash Prizes US$18,000
********************************************************************************
*For the detailed application procedure:

English; http://www.con-can.com/festival/4th/guide.html
Spanish; http://www.con-can.com/festival/4th/guide_sp.pdf
French; http://www.con-can.com/festival/4th/guide_fr.pdf
Portuguese; http://www.con-can.com/festival/4th/guide_po.pdf

*Objective*
The CON-CAN Movie Festival, organized by the CON-CAN Media Plaza,
Tokyo, Japan, is an audience-interactive online international short
film festival which aims 1.) to discover hidden creative talent
from all over the world and 2.) to enable image creators and a
global audience to share the underlying messages and sheer
creativity expressed in profound short film productions.
Selected movies will be distributed free via internet streaming on
CON-CAN's audience-interactive website with English/Japanese
subtitles.


*Entry Eligibility*
Films/Videos up to 20 min. in length, in any language, regardless
of production date
Applicants may apply to the most suitable section from the
following three sections:
- Fiction
- Animation
- Documentary


*Entry Fee*
Free


*Awards*
[CON-CAN Grand Prix (for 1 movie)]
- Cash prize of US$10,000
- Plaque
- Travel & accommodation expenses (2 nights) to attend the
Award-Giving Ceremony in Tokyo, Japan (late October, 2007)

[Tamashii Awards (for 2 movies)]
- Cash prize of US$2,000
- Plaque
- Travel & accommodation expenses (2 nights) to attend the Award-Giving
Ceremony in Tokyo, Japan (late October, 2007)


[Global Audience Awards]
- Fiction (for 2 movies): Cash prize of US$1,000
- Animation (for 1 movie): Cash prize of US$1,000
- Documentary (for 1 movie): Cash prize of US$1,000

*Schedule*
[Submission Deadlines]
- Fiction Group 1: 11 September 2006 (Mon)
- Fiction Group 2: 2 November 2006 (Thu)
- Animation: 20 October 2006 (Fri)
- Documentary: 2 March 2007 (Fri)

*Entries MUST ARRIVE at the CON-CAN Media Plaza by these dates.

[1st Round's Audience-Rating Period (Movies viewed via internet streaming)]
- Fiction Group 1: 6 November 2006 (Mon) - 12 January 2007 (Fri)
- Animation: 13 January 2007 (Sat) - 12 March 2007 (Mon)
- Fiction Group 2: 13 March 2007 (Tue) - 14 May 2007 (Mon)
- Documentary: 15 May 2007 (Tue) - 17 July 2007 (Tue)

[2nd Round's Audience-Rating Period (Movies viewed via internet streaming)]
CON-CAN Grand-Prix Nominees 20 July 2007 (Fri) - 31 August 2007 (Fri)

[Final Judgment : Internet Conference]
22 September 2007 (Sat)

[Announcement of CON-CAN Grand-Prix and Tamashii Awards]
25 September 2007 (Tue)

check dis out!!

check dis out!! holiday packages starts from rm 1 !!!

http://www.viewmalaysia.com/index.php?ref=vmlsh

join as a member n get it at cheaper rates!!

i think now v change from cameron highland to pulau pangkor.

Mani Ratnam's GURU

Ace Director Mani's forthcoming film GURU set to release on December 2006.
So let's wait and see...!

Meeting

Ok Guys...
The meeting is confirm on this Friday night at 8 pm in B'Sentral....
Hope to see everyone...

About the movie outing... it's a good idea..
just book the ticket..
i'm on....

Real Reels Movie Outing

Hi Friends!

Finally our Kamal's much-awaited movie 'Vettaiyaadu Vilaiyaadu' will hit the screens on 25 August (Friday).

After witnessing several troubles, the movie is finally getting ready for release on 25 August 2006

So, let's watch and support our Ulaga Nayagan Padmasri Dr Kamal's latest movie 'Vettaiyaadu Vilaiyaadu' ...!

I'm proposing early evening so that we could go for dinner after the show or before the show...Though it is subjected to the showtime.

Venue : Mid Valley GSC or Berjaya Times Square GSC
Date : 26 August 2006 (Saturday)
Time : Evening (TBC)

Pls confirm ur attendance so that we can book the ticket earlier....!

Thanks!

Cheers!
B'

Screening for Charity

Kelab Seni Filem Malaysia

Screening for Charity
Day-long film events in aid of victims of the Jogja earthquake and the south Java tsunami

Saturday, 26 August 2006
Theatrette, HELP University College
Pusat Bandar Damansara, KL
Enquiries: 012255136

Feature Films:

Uyir (The Soul)
Dir: Premnath Pillai; 90 min
Another chance to see this made-in-Malaysia first-ever Tamil horror film (with English subtitles) that showed to full houses when it was first released.

Reframe
Dir: Joe Luping; 80 min
An intimate and first-hand documentary look at the suffering of the Palestinians by our own Sabahan filmmaker Jo Luping.

The Road to Guantanamo
Dir: Michael Winterbottom; 90 min
Based on the true experiences of three Muslim Britons who travel to Afghanistan, are falsely accused of being involved with terrorists, detained and sent to the notorious Guantanamo detention camp. Winner of the Silver Bear at Berlin Film Festival 2006.

Short:

My Beautiful Rambutan Tree in Tanjung Rambutan
Dir: U-Wei Hajisaari; 24 min
First ever public screening in Malaysia of U-Wei’s much anticipated short film which was shown at the Cannes Film Festival in May 2006 – a dark tale of two siblings who fight over rambutans. Followed by Q & A with U-Wei.

Clips from new films (to be shown before each film screening):

Mukhsin (Yasmin Ahmad) Rain Dogs (Ho Yuhang)
The Birdhouse (Khoo Eng Yow) Before We Fall in Love Again (James Lee)
Flowers Beneath My Skin (Kit Ong) Love Conquers All (Tan Chui Mui)

Panel Discussion:

New Directions for Malaysian ‘Indie’ Cinema?

Malaysian ‘indie’ directors faced incredible odds in getting their films made. They also had to endure hostile reaction, mainly from critics from, of all places, at home. Nonetheless their films are now a regular fixture at international film festivals. Where do they go from here?

Moderator: Hassan Muthalib (critic): Will the Centre Hold? - Prognosis for the Future
Ho Yuhang (filmmaker): In Front of and Behind the Camera: Random Thoughts on Filmmaking
Yasmin Ahmad (filmmaker): My Detractors and I
Amir Muhammad (filmmaker): What It Takes to Continue to be a Maverick
Gertjan Zuilhof (Asian Programmer, Int Film Festival Rotterdam): The Diversity of Southeast Asian Independent Cinema

Talk:

Amir Muhammad: “Communism is Alive and Well: The Saga of The Last Communist.”
Hear Amir’s reflections on the controversy surrounding the banning of his film.


The Schedule

10.00am Film: Reframe (Jo Luping)
12.00pm Film: Uyir (The Soul)
2.00pm Film: My Beautiful Rambutan Tree in Tg Rambutan
3.15pm Panel Discussion
6.00pm Film: The Road to Guantanamo
8.30pm Talk: Communism is Alive & Well: The Saga of The Last Communist



ADMISSION BY DONATION -- PLEASE GIVE GENEROUSLY

MEET UP

Heloo every one...

so can we meet up this saturday. Dah lama kita tak jumpa and get together..
so i think it's time for us to meet up.
so how?

anyone out there?

what happen to our bloggers? u guys got nothin to post. atleast movie review, book review, any thing, juz so i've sumthing look at when i opene this blog. i feel like i'm in 'silent hill' !!!! spooky !!!!

any1 seen 'sumthin sumthing enakkum unakam'?