Jiiva to pair up with Tamanna in Gemini Ganesan

Jiiva, who is busy with the shooting schedules of Pokkiri Raja co-starring Hansika and Sibiraj, will be pairing up will Milky White beauty Tamanna in his forthcoming movie.

The new film titled Gemini Ganesan
is touted to be a romantic-comedy entertainer, while a debutant director Muthukumar will helm it. The makers have titled it Gemini Ganesan, after getting the due permission from legendary actor’s family. ace actor Sathyaraj is also been zeroed in for a prominent role.

PT Selvakumar will produce this interesting project and Imman has been roped in to provide the soundtrack for Gemini Ganesan. The shooting schedules will commence from early 2016.

Other details of the cast and crew of the film are currently being finalized, and an announcement is to be made. Jiiva meanwhile has other lineup of releases- Pokkiri Raja and Kavalai Vendam, besides Thirunaal.

Rajinikanth’s film title for Vijay Sethupathi

Actor Vijay Sethupathi is on a signing spree after his super success of Naanum Rowdy Dhaan. While the actor has already a bunch of films in pipeline, he is set to act in a new film under Studio 9 productions titled Dharma Durai, which is also the title of yesteryear Super hit starring Rajinikanth.

However, director Seenu Ramasamy
revealed that the film’s story has no resemblances to the old hit Dharma Durai. Though Vijay Sethupathi opted out of Studio 9 production initially, the producers have lodged complaint in Producers’ council against the actors, and after several talks Vijay Sethupathi has given his nod for Dharma Durai. Yuvan Shankar Raja will provide the soundtrack for the movie.

This apart, Vijay Sethupathi also has a line-up of films including Iraivi, Idam Porul Yaeval, Kadhalum Kadanthu Pogum, and an untitled flick for Dhanush’s Wunderbar Films. 

Dhanush’s Thanga Magan release date soon

After ‘Maari’, Dhanush has been shooting for the film titled Thanga Magan, which was initially referred with the title VIP 2. The comeback project of Dhanush-Velraj-Anirudh trio is touted to be a family drama with loads of romance.

Meanwhile, Dhanush has announced
that the film’s audio will be release in the end November, while audio will be launched soon. Dhanush on his micro-blogging page tweeted, “Thangamagan trailer will come this month end. Audio sooner :) thank you :)”

Thanga Magan features Samantha and Amy Jackson as the female leads while KS Ravikumar, Radhika, Priyasri, Sathish are playing pivotal roles.

Produced on Wunderbar Films, Gopuram Films, Thanga Magan has Cinematography by A. Kumaran and editing by M. V. Rajesh Kumar. 

Vedhalam collects big on Day 1

Ajith’s Vedhalam, which has hit the big-screens on 10th of November for Diwali has taken massive opening on Day 1 ending up with a record collection, which is Ajith's highest till date in his career.

Reportedly, Vedhalam is said
to have grossed 15.5 Crore in Tamil Nadu while in Kerala, it has collected 1.2 Crores on par with Rajinikanth and Vijay films. The massive figures have made Vedhalam listed in the top Tamil films such as Enthiran, Lingaa and Kaththi as one of the biggest openers, and the second day collections are also as impressive as Day 1 gross. The film was released in 500 plus screens in Tamil Nadu.

Directed by Siva, Vedhalam has got mixed reviews from critics and audiences, but the film has done extremely well in the festive season, with family audiences watching the movie. Shruti Haasan played the female lead and Lakshmi Menon was seen as Ajith’s sister in this commercial mass entertainer.

Thoongavanam Movie Review

Kamal Haasan’s Thoongavanam has hit the big-screens today, and the makers have promoted the film as an action-thriller where the story revolves around crime and kidnapping aspects. Does Kamal Haasan manage to set cash registers ringing with Thoongavanam. Here is Thoongavanam Movie Review.

Story

The story takes off with CK Diwakar (Kamal Haasan) and Yugi Sethu(Mani) who are in  Narcotics Control Bureau, but were involved in a secret mission to confiscate and rob cocaine. But a series of sequences lead to Diwakar’s son being kidnapped by local drug dealer Vital Rao(Prakash Raj). How does Diwakar deal with it and where does Mallika(Trisha) fit in is rest of the story.

Performances

Kamal Haasan steals the show, and get into the skin of the role. He entertains with his trademark style and antics. 

Prakash Raj is routine and regular as a devious villain. 

Trisha, as a curious intelligent officer even performs some stunts as well. Aman Abdullah, as Kamal's son is impressive in portraying emotions. He bagged meaty role. Kishore, Sampath, Yugi Sethu, Jagan and others were adequate in their brief yet key roles.

Technical Analysis

Ghibran has given his best for the film and the BGM takes it to the next level, especially it syncs perfectly with the action sequences. Cinematography is on top-notch while Giles and Ramesh need a special mention for their stunning stunt choreography. Director Rajesh does a decent job while editing by Shan Mohammed is smooth and consistent. Suka's dialogues are intense and go with the flow. Like any Kamal’s movie, Thoongavanam is also high on technical values.

Analysis

Thoongavanam is the official remake of French film Sleepless nights, with few amends to impress the Tamil audiences. Major story will take place in a night club, and the film is slick, smooth and is high on technical values.

Besides Kamal Haasan’s show, the other major casts Prakash Raj, Trisha, Aman Abdullah are all apt in their roles and are highly impressive. Kamal's action thrillers have stunning stunts and Thoongavanam one is no exception.

Rajesh Selva does a good job, and the screenplay packs few delighting thrills and twists, though the entire film doesn’t fall in suspense category. He doesn’t add unnecessary forced comedy or other commercial elements. The first half is racy and the screenplay is sharp and interval block is brilliant. However, it is the second half that turns predictable and is dragging. Nevertheless, the hardcore action keeps you glued to the screens.

Overall, Thoongavanam impresses with standout performances, stunning action sequences and high technical values, but the complain is with the slow-paced second half.

ZC Take

Thoongavanam- Slick action thriller, but slightly predictable!

Tamil Zustcinema Thoongavanam Rating :- 3 / 5

Ajith’s Vedhalam Review

After the super hit success of 'Veeram', Ajith and director Siva teamed up for Vedhalam film which has hit the big-screens today on the eve of Diwali. The pre-release buzz is humongous and Vedhalam has taken massive openings, thanks to Ajith’s enormous craze. Here is Vedhalam Review

Story
Vedhalam story deals with Ganesh (Ajith), a call taxi driver who lives with his sister Tamizh (Lakshmi Menon). But he has another side as well as Gangster Vedhalam who hunts for the three heads of mafia (Rahul Dev, Kabir Singh, Aniket Chouan). What is the reason behind his mission against the three criminals and how does he accomplish is Vedhalam.

Performances
The biggest asset of Vedhalam is Ajith, and he steals the show with his style of mannerisms. He shoulders the most of the film and proceedings highly depend on the Ajith's mass appeal and entertaining performance. 

Shruti Haasan is glamorous though wasted in a poor comedy role along with other comedian Soori. 

Lakshmi Menon is justifying in sister role. Rahul Dev, Kabir Singh, Aniket Chouan were ok in their roles not-so powerful. Vidyu Raman, Kovai Sarala, Bala Saravanan and Lollu Sabha Swaminathan fills the space.

Technical Analysis

Vetri's cinematography is captivating and attractive with vibrant colors. Anirudh's musical scores 'Aaluma Doluma' and 'Veera Vinayaga' are entertaining while BGM is elevating. Antony L Ruben’s editing is decent though it could have been crisp in the second half. Stun Silva 's actions sequences are another asset. Siva’s direction is mediocre.

Analysis

Vedhalam is a mass entertainer, with a predictable storyline, expected twists and turns. Majority of the proceeding rely on Ajith’s mass appeal and his entertaining aspects. The action sequences are quite entertaining but the logic has gone for a toss. The biggest advantages besides Ajith for Vedhalam are its first half though the comedy hardly works. The suspense elements are well-maintained and Ajith’s characterization is well-etched. Brother-sister sentiment scenes are few of the things to watchout for.

But sadly, once the mystery and suspense elements are revealed, the second half turns very much predictable and routine and proceedings become unexciting. The director could have focused on the flashback sequences. Had director Siva concentrated much on these episodes, Vedhalam may have created wonders.

 All in all, Vedhalam is a predictable formulaic mass entertainer with few glitches that may be appealing to all ardent fans of Ajith.

Tamil ZC Take

Vedhalam- Predictable mass entertainer

 Tamil Zustcinema Vedhalam Rating :- 2.75 / 5