Lok Sabha election 2024: Vikram, Suriya, Karthi, Vadivelu, Shankar, and Vijay Antony participate in Tamil Nadu polls
By Vivek Raj | Galatta | 04:10 PM
The first phase of the 2024 general elections commenced in Tamil Nadu at 7 a.m. on Friday, April 19, with voting currently underway for all the 39 seats in the state. Several leading celebrities in the Tamil film fraternity too have been visiting polling stations across Chennai to cast their votes in the 18th Lok Sabha elections, with 'Chiyaan' Vikram sporting an uber cool look while being accompanied by police personnel in Chennai. Likewise, siblings Suriya and Karthi along with their father and veteran actor Sivakumar too exercised their duty, while being mobbed by reporters and fans during their exit in their car.
Filmmaker Shankar along with wife Easwari, younger daughter Aditi Shankar and son Arjith Shankar too came together to cast their votes, with each of them waiting for their turn at a polling station in Chennai. Vadivelu, who fulfilled his democratic duty at the 2024 Lok Sabha election, addressed the media and expressed his hope for more people to cast their votes saying they haven't showed up yet due to the scorching heat across the city. He further stated that the people are more aware now compared to the previous elections and will cast their votes after a lot of thought. Composer turned actor Vijay Antony too shared his words of wisdom to first-time voters in the 2024 general elections urging them that it will be a good experience, while informing them that they will have done their duty.
Elections are currently underway in 102 seats across 21 states and Union Territories, and the counting of the votes have been announced to be held on June 4. The 2024 general elections are set to take place in seven phases across the country and will be ending on June 1.
Lok Sabha Elections 2024: 'Thalapathy' Vijay casts his vote in Chennai, gets mobbed trying to reach the polling booth
By Vivek Raj | Galatta | 01:51 PM
The first phase of the 18th Lok Sabha elections started on Friday, April 19, in 21 states and union territories, and several leading Tamil cinema names arrived at polling stations in Chennai to cast their votes. Tamil actor Vijay, fondly addressed by his fans as 'Thalapathy', has also cast his vote in the General Elections 2024 today, but got mobbed trying to reach the polling booth. Photos and videos of Vijay dressed in a white shirt and dark trousers entering the polling station are now out and show him being accompanied by police personnel and trying to make his way through to enter the polling booth, while being surrounded by a group of photographers and videographers, and fans.
Vijay returned to Chennai today morning from Russia where he was shooting for his upcoming film, The Greatest Of All Time, which is announced to open in cinemas worldwide on September 5. The actor was seen with a bandage on his left hand after sustaining a minor injury. Vijay's arrival to cast his vote in the first phase of the 2024 Parliamentary Elections at the polling booth in Kapaleeswaran Nagar in Neelankarai had been anticipated from the morning, with many fans and the press gathered outside his residence in Chennai from the wee hours.
Back in February, Vijay announced his political entry by launching the Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam, while stating that he will make his exit from cinema after completing his last film, the tentatively titled Thalapathy 69, which is yet to be announced. "Politics is not just another career for me. It is a sacred work for the people. Politics is not a hobby for me as it's my deepest desire. I want to fully involve myself in it. I would also like to inform that I am going to complete all duties on the film I have already agreed to, without interfering with party work, and fully engage in politics for the service of the people. I consider that as my debt of gratitude to the people of Tamil Nadu," the actor had said in his press note announcing the launch of the Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam.
Lok Sabha Elections 2024: Rajinikanth, Kamal Haasan, Ajith Kumar, Dhanush, Sivakarthikeyan, and Vijay Sethupathi cast their votes in Chennai
By Vivek Raj | Galatta | 11:21 AM
The first phase of voting for the General Elections 2024 has begun today (Friday, April 19) and leading Tamil cinema stars have been seen arriving to cast their votes at polling booths across Chennai. 'Superstar' Rajinikanth cast his vote at the Poes Garden polling booth amidst heavy police bandobast and urged everyone to do the same as Tamil Nadu goes into the first phase of the Lok Sabha elections. Although Makkal Needhi Maiam president Kamal Haasan or 'Ulaganayagan' as he is fondly called by fans is not contesting the elections this year, he was seen showing his inked finger after he cast his vote at a polling station in Alwarpet.
According to reports, Ajith Kumar was one of the first in the Tamil film fraternity to exercise his duty in Chennai and had flaunted his inked finger to election officers, the press and the paparazzi before exiting the polling station. Likewise, Dhanush too cast his vote at the St Francis Xavier School, followed by Sivakarthikeyan at the Good Shepherd School, while Vijay Sethupathi was seen bonding with other voters at Kilpauk. Addressing media persons, Sivakarthikeyan stressed on the importance of voting and how it is every person's right, while extending his wishes to first-time voters. The actor also quoted Abraham Lincoln saying, "The ballot is stronger than the bullet."
The first phase of Lok Sabha elections is currently underway in 102 seats across 21 states and Union Territories, and the counting of the votes will be held on June 4. The first phase polls is being held on all seats of Andaman and Nicobar Islands (1), Arunachal Pradesh (2), Lakshadweep (1), Madhya Pradesh (6), Meghalaya (2), Mizoram (1), Nagaland (1), Puducherry (1), Rajasthan (12), Sikkim (1), Tamil Nadu (39), Uttar Pradesh (8), and Uttarakhand (5). Furthermore, there will be five seats each in Assam and Maharashtra, four in Bihar, three in West Bengal, two in Manipur, and one each in Jammu and Kashmir, Tripura, and Chhattisgarh.
'Ghilli' re-release: Producer A. M. Rathnam recalls how he boarded the 'Thalapathy' Vijay film, says "I told them that it won't work out in Tamil" (EXCLUSIVE)
By Vivek Raj | Galatta | 03:49 PM
'Tis the season of re-releases and Tamil cinema fans are set to take their celebrations a notch higher with 'Thalapathy' Vijay's mega-blockbuster Ghilli scheduled to open in cinemas starting April 20. The romantic sports action film released in 2004 directed by blockbuster Tamil filmmaker Dharani also starred Trisha Krishnan as the female lead and Prakash Raj as the antagonist, with Ashish Vidyarthi, Dhamu, Mayilsamy and Janaki Sabesh playing supporting roles, and features chart-topping hit songs and a power-packed background score composed by Vidyasagar. With only a few days left for Ghilli's re-release, producer A. M. Rathnam has now in an exclusive interview with Galatta opened up on how he boarded the 'Thalapathy' Vijay film.
Ghilli, a remake of the Telugu film Okkadu (2003) starring Mahesh Babu, Bhumika Chawla, and Prakash Raj, went on to become a massive box office success running in theatres for more than 200 days at the time. Speaking about Ghilli, A. M. Rathnam said that he first received a call from Vijay to remake Okkadu in Tamil. The hit producer said, "I wasn't the first person to watch this film (Okkadu). Vijay sir and his father watched it first. After watching the film, they called me. I told them that I hadn't watched it yet. So, after they watched it, they felt it's costly and that A. M. Rathnam can produce it." He added, "I told them that it won't work out in Tamil because it's a costly film. However, I said I'll produce the film, but it'll workout if we can do two films. If this film turns out to be a hit, its benefits will go to the people in the next film. But, they already had a commitment to do another film and that was Madhurey. Only after this is done could he board the next project. And, that is how we began the film."
Watch A. M. Rathnam talk about Ghilli re-release in the video below:
'Galatta Golden Stars 2024': Jayaram shares about his reunion with 'Thalapathy' Vijay in 'The Greatest Of All Time', does mimicry of 'Superstar' Rajinikanth singing 'Kanmani Anbodu'
By Vivek Raj | Galatta | 09:54 AM
Tamil cinema fans got to witness the biggest stars in the film industry take to the stage at the Galatta Golden Stars 2024 held on March 29 at the Sir Mutha Venkatasubba Rao Concert Hall in Chennai. Among the popular names who graced the star-studded event was acclaimed Malayalam actor Jayaram, who has garnered a huge fan following for his performances in Tamil films over the years. Jayaram, who will be seen next in 'Thalapathy' Vijay's The Greatest Of All Time being directed by Venkat Prabhu, was honored with the 'Pride of South Indian Cinema' award at Galatta Golden Stars 2024 for his contributions to cinema in an illustrious career spanning over 35 years, which was accompanied by a standing ovation.
Receiving the 'Pride of South Indian Cinema' award at Galatta Golden Stars 2024 from Manjummel Boys director Chidambaram S. Poduval, Jayaram said, "Standing on this stage makes me happy and proud, and there are no words to describe the feeling. This stage has given me everything. I won in the Best Actor, Best Comedian, Best Mono Act, Best Mimicry categories continuously for three years at inter-collegiate competitions during my college years between 1981-83. It was at that time when the living legend Yesudas sir saw and asked me to join his programs on more than hundred stages between 1982-87. And, it was from this stage where the great director Padmarajan saw and offered me my first acting role in cinema. So, each time I get on this stage, it is extremely special and I'll call this as Saraswathi Mandapam for giving this award and honoring me."
Speaking at Galatta Golden Stars 2024, Jayaram was also queried about The Greatest Of All Time, with the celebrated Malayalam star expressing his joy at being able to reunite with Vijay once again after Thuppakki (2012), while getting the opportunity to work alongside veteran actor Mohan. Upon being asked how The Greatest Of All Time was shaping up, Jayaram kept it simple by saying he's yet to watch the film. We then see Jayaram once again show his mimicry skills and this time imitating 'Ulaganayagan' Kamal Haasan from Gunaa (1991). The actor also surprised the audience by singing the iconic 'Kanmani Anbodu' song in the style of 'Superstar' Rajinikanth, which received a huge round of applause.
Watch Jayaram at Galatta Golden Stars 2024 in the video below:
'Whistle Podu': 'The Greatest Of All Time' first single sets a massive new record, 'Thalapathy' Vijay and Yuvan Shankar Raja's reunion turns magical
By Vivek Raj | Galatta | 06:44 PM
The celebrations are on as the first single in 'Thalapathy' Vijay's The Greatest Of All Time titled "Whistle Podu" has now set a new record. The song composed by Yuvan Shankar Raja and featuring lyrics penned by Madhan Karky in director Venkat Prabhu's upcoming film has been declared to be a chart-topping hit crossing more than 25.5 million realtime views in 24 hours and has now become the most-viewed lyric video in South India. On Monday, April 15, Venkat Prabhu announced the big news with a short video of the 'Whistle Podu" song on X (formerly Twitter), and writing, "Only he can break his own records!!! Cos @actorvijay na is #TheGreatestOfAllTime our first single #WhistlePodu crosses 25.5 MILLION realtime views in 24 hours!! @thisisysr @madhankarky @archanakalpathi @aishkalpathi @Jagadishbliss @Ags_production @TSeries #TheGOAT #aVPhero". (sic)
Only he can break his own records!!! Cos @actorvijay na is #TheGreatestOfAllTime our first single #WhistlePodu crosses 25.5 MILLION realtime views in 24 hours!! @thisisysr @madhankarky @archanakalpathi @aishkalpathi @Jagadishbliss @Ags_production @TSeries #TheGOAT #aVPhero pic.twitter.com/V2kRQquoxC
— venkat prabhu (@vp_offl) April 15, 2024
The Greatest Of All Time's director Venkat Prabhu has also reposted the news of the record set by "Whistle Podu" going past Vijay's songs like "Arabic Kuthu" in Beast (2022), "Ranjithame" in Varisu (2023), and "Naa Ready" in Leo (2023), and "Dum Masala" in Telugu superstar Mahesh Babu's Guntur Kaaram (2024). The song is incidentally the slogan of the Chennai Super Kings (CSK) cricket franchise in the Indian Premier League (IPL), was released yesterday amidst much fanfare and is a party track featuring Vijay alongside Prabhu Deva, Prashanth, and Ajmal Amir in dance mode. The visuals unveiled towards the end of the "Whistle Podu" lyric video showing the four stars dancing together in The Greatest Of All Time has also received a huge response, with many taking to social media to show their excitement to watch the full song next.
"Whistle Podu" has been sung by Vijay and Yuvan in The Greatest Of All Time and has undoubtedly turned out to be a magical reunion for the duo after two decades when they last collaborated for Pudhiya Geethai (2003). The film is billed to be a "high-octane action entertainer" and will reportedly feature science-fiction elements showcasing Vijay in dual roles for the sixth time after Azhagiya Tamil Magan (2007), Villu (2009), Kaththi (2014), Puli (2015), and Bigil (2019). The Greatest Of All Time has Vijay, Prashanth, Prabhu Deva, and Ajmal sharing screen space with Meenakshi Chaudhary playing the female lead, while the rest of the ensemble cast includes Jayaram, Sneha, Laila, Mohan, Yogi Babu, VTV Ganesh, Premgi Amaren, Vaibhav, Aravind Akash, and Ajay Raaj, among others in key roles, and Trisha Krishnan making a cameo appearance.
'Whistle Podu': 'The Greatest of All Time' first single song video shows 'Thalapathy' Vijay in dance mode with Prabhu Deva, Prashanth, and Ajmal
By Vivek Raj | Galatta | 06:09 PM
The big day is finally here and the wait for 'Thalapathy' Vijay's fans everywhere has come to an end as the first single from his next big film, The Greatest of All Time, has been released on the festive occasion of Tamil New Year on Sunday, April 14. The upcoming film has been directed by blockbuster Tamil filmmaker Venkat Prabhu and sees him teaming up once again with his frequent collaborator and music director Yuvan Shankar Raja. With The Greatest of All Time in its final stages of filming, the much awaited first single of the film titled 'Whistle Podu' has set the stage for celebration among Vijay's fans everywhere.
The Greatest of All Time first single titled 'Whistle Podu' sung by Vijay, Venkat Prabhu, Yuvan Shankar Raja, and Premgi Amaren to the lyrics penned by Madhan Karky is a peppy and foot-tapping number, and will no doubt top the charts for its highly-energetic beats that will no doubt set the dance floor on fire. The 'Whistle Podu' song in The Greatest of All Time is set to become yet another chart-topping hit for the Yuvan Shankar Raja-Venkat Prabhu combo and showcases Vijay leading the celebrations with Prashanth, Prabhu Deva, and Ajmal Amir.
Announced to open in cinemas worldwide on September 5 on the auspicious occasion of Vinayagar Chaturthi, The Greatest of All Time will see Vijay in dual roles sharing screen space with an ensemble cast featuring the likes of Meenakshi Chaudhary of Kolai (2023) and Guntur Kaaram (2024) fame playing as the female lead, followed by Prashanth, Prabhu Deva, Ajmal Amir, Jayaram, Sneha, Laila, Mohan, Yogi Babu, VTV Ganesh, Premgi Amaren, Vaibhav, Aravind Akash, and Ajay Raaj, among others in key roles, while Trisha Krishnan will be making a cameo appearance.
Watch the 'Whistle Podu' lyrical video below:
'The Greatest Of All Time' first single promo: 'Thalapathy' Vijay says "start music", Yuvan Shankar Raja kickstarts the party in Venkat Prabhu film
By Vivek Raj | Galatta | 06:33 PM
The promo of the The Greatest Of All Time first single is now out and 'Thalapathy' Vijay's fans have kicked off the celebrations. The first visuals of the song composed by hit music director Yuvan Shankar Raja in the highly-anticipated film directed by blockbuster Tamil filmmaker Venkat Prabhu showcases a party atmosphere along with the announcement that the full track will be out on April 14 at 6:00 p.m. The Greatest Of All Time first single promo starts off with Vijay saying "start music" and a glimpse of his hand signaling the start of the celebrations, with the actor singing the song also being revealed to the lyrics penned by Madhan Karky.
There is massive excitement surrounding The Greatest Of All Time first single as the film marks the first time in more than two decades that Vijay and Yuvan are collaborating after Pudhiya Geethai (2003) and fans are looking forward to see the hit composer deliver a chart-topping hit album for the leading Tamil actor. Expectations shot up instantly after it was announced that the duo were joining hands with Venkat Prabhu for the upcoming Tamil film, which has been announced to open in cinemas worldwide on September 5 on the festive occasion of Vinayaka Chaturthi and the countdown is now for the The G.O.A.T's first single releasing tomorrow evening.
The Greatest Of All Time team is currently filming key sequences in Russia and principal photography is on track to be completed soon after which full-fledged post-production works will take flight. The film is billed to be a high-octane action entertainer and will see Vijay sharing screen space Meenakshi Chaudhary of Kolai (2023) and Guntur Kaaram (2024) fame who is cast as the female lead, followed by Prashanth, Prabhu Deva, Ajmal Amir, Jayaram, Sneha, Laila, Mohan, Yogi Babu, VTV Ganesh, Premgi Amaren, Vaibhav, Aravind Akash, and Ajay Raaj, among others in key roles, while Trisha Krishnan will be making a cameo appearance.
Watch The Greatest Of All Time first single promo below:
'The Greatest of All Time': 'Thalapathy' Vijay film's first single announcement is out, new colorful poster hints at song's title
By Vivek Raj | Galatta | 02:19 PM
The wait is all set to come to an end for 'Thalapathy' Vijay's fans everywhere as the much awaited first single of his next big film, The Greatest of All Time, has been announced to be coming out on Sunday, April 14. The makers of the highly-anticipated film being directed by blockbuster Tamil filmmaker Venkat Prabhu and featuring music by hit composer Yuvan Shankar Raja dropped the update on Saturday, April 13, along with a special colorful poster possibly hinting the title of the song as 'Are You Ready?'
Although not much is known about G.O.A.T's first single at this point, the poster has revealed that it will be a party dance track as it showcases beer bottles. Fans are expecting composer Yuvan Shankar Raja to come out firing on all cylinders and deliver yet another chart-topping hit akin to his celebration song "Machi Open The Bottle" from Ajith Kumar's blockbuster Mankatha (2011), which was also directed by Venkat Prabhu. There is considerable excitement for The Greatest of All Time first single as it marks the first time in two decades Vijay and Yuvan are collaborating once again after their Pudhiya Geethai (2003), with Venkat Prabhu also sharing his enthusiasm ahead of the Tamil New Year celebrations tomorrow.
Are u Ready??? #GoatFirstSingle #TheGreatestofAllTime pic.twitter.com/EslIdsb5pW
— AGS Entertainment (@Ags_production) April 13, 2024
Naalai sambavam urudhi 🔥 🔥
— venkat prabhu (@vp_offl) April 13, 2024
Announced to open in cinemas worldwide on the festive occasion of Vinayaka Chaturthi on September 5, The Greatest of All Time is billed to be a high-octane action entertainer and will also reportedly feature science-fiction elements, with Vijay set to appear in dual roles. The buzz for the upcoming Tamil film releasing in Telugu and Hindi has been huge right from the get-go as it also features an ensemble star cast that includes Kolai (2023) fame Meenakshi Chaudhary playing the female lead, followed by Prashanth, Prabhu Deva, Jayaram, Sneha, Laila, Mohan, Ajmal Amir, Yogi Babu, VTV Ganesh, Premgi Amaren, Vaibhav, Aravind Akash, and Ajay Raaj, among others who are set to appear in pivotal roles, while Trisha Krishnan will be making a cameo.
'The Greatest of All Time': 'Thalapathy' Vijay film gets a festival release date, Venkat Prabhu drops a new action-packed poster asking fans to 'Whistle Podu'
By Vivek Raj | Galatta | 01:31 PM
The wait has come to an end for 'Thalapathy' Vijay's fans everywhere as the release date of his next big film, The Greatest of All Time, is now out. The upcoming film's director Venkat Prabhu has unveiled a new special poster featuring the Tamil superstar, while also revealing the release date to be September 5. With The Greatest of All Time now announced to coming out as a grand Vinayaka Chaturthi release this September, the film's poster also depicts quite a lot of action in the form a bomb blast taking place possibly in a European city. "Eid vaazhthukaludan.. vinayaga chathurthi ku varrom #TheGreatestOfAllTime from SEPTEMBER 5th!! Namma #Thalapathy ku #WhistlePodu @actorvijay @archanakalpathi @aishkalpathi @thisisysr #TheGOAT #aVPhero", Venkat Prabhu wrote in his announcement on X on Thursday, April 11.
Eid vaazhthukaludan.. vinayaga chathurthi ku varrom #TheGreatestOfAllTime from SEPTEMBER 5th!! Namma #Thalapathy ku #WhistlePodu @actorvijay @archanakalpathi @aishkalpathi @thisisysr #TheGOAT #aVPhero pic.twitter.com/xuWT02pKJt
— venkat prabhu (@vp_offl) April 11, 2024
The buzz for The Greatest of All Time has been massive right from the get-go and the release date announcement will no doubt come as a joyous news for Vijay's fans everywhere, who have been waiting for an update for quite sometime now. The film is in its final stages currently being filmed in Russia and the team is expected to wrap principal photography in the days ahead. The Greatest of All Time has been carrying tremendous buzz ever since the film was announced in May 2023, with Venkat Prabhu revealing that the film is a "high-octane action entertainer" and will reportedly also feature science-fiction elements.
The Greatest of All Time will see 'Thalapathy' Vijay sharing screen space alongside a massive ensemble star cast among whom include Kolai fame Meenakshi Chaudhary playing the female lead, while Prashanth, Prabhu Deva, Jayaram, Ajmal Amir, Mohan, Laila, Sneha, Yogi Babu, VTV Ganesh, Premgi Amaren, Vaibhav, Aravind Akash, and Ajay Raaj, among others will be appearing in pivotal roles. The Greatest of All Time also marks the first time in two decades that Yuvan Shankar Raja is composing the music for a Vijay-starrer after Pudhiya Geethai (2003) and fans expect him to come out firing on all cylinders with chart-topping hit songs and a memorable background score.
