'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': Siddharth opens up on his marriage plans with Aditi Rao Hydari, shares about how long it took for her to accept his proposal
By Vivek Raj | Galatta | 04:48 PM
It was a grand evening at the Galatta Golden Stars 2024 held in Chennai on March 29 as several leading celebrities from Tamil cinema and the entertainment industry graced the star-studded event. Among the prominent names who were celebrated was leading Tamil actor Siddharth, who was honored with the 'Entertainer of the Year' award, which he received from Tamil filmmaker Sasi and Mr Eswar Rao, Founder and Managing Director of Max Gold. Complimenting Siddharth on his performance in Chithha (2023) at the Galatta Golden Stars 2024, Sasi showered his praise on the actor for his efforts and contributions to take Tamil cinema to the next stage recalling how it is a big gesture to not only act in the lead role in the film, but also serve as a producer.
Siddharth, who recently announced his engagement to Tamil actress Aditi Rao Hydari, was also queried about his marriage plans at the Galatta Golden Stars 2024. Speaking about his engagement, the Chithha star said, "Many had told me that we had done this in secret. There's a big difference in doing something in private with family and in secret. The ones whom we didn't call are saying it's a secret, but it was a private ceremony to those whom we know. It all depends on the elders and what they have to say next because this isn't like a shooting date that I can decide on. This is a lifetime date. So, when they say it correctly, it will happen on its own." Upon being queried about how long it took for Aditi Rao to give her nod for his marriage proposal, Siddharth informed, "These questions about how much time it took shouldn't be asked. The end result must be either yes or no. I'll see whether the result is pass or fail. I've never seen how many marks I'll score. I was in tension whether it would be a yes or a no and my name was in the pass list."
Watch Siddharth at the Galatta Golden Stars 2024 in the video below:
Varalaxmi Sarathkumar and Nicholai Sachdev seal it with a kiss at their engagement, romantic celebrations video out now
By Vivek Raj | Galatta | 07:34 PM
Leading Tamil actress Varalaxmi Sarathkumar and gallerist Nicholai Sachdev got engaged in a private ceremony on March 1 in Mumbai. The intimate ceremony saw family members and close friends in attendance where the couple exchanged engagement rings with their parents' blessings. With congratulatory messages and wishes continuing to pour in for Varalaxmi and Nicholai who have known each other for 14 years, a video from the engagement ceremony is now out showing several special moments where the two families are seen having a blast at the celebrations, with the couple sealing the ceremony with a kiss. The video also shows Varalaxmi's father actor-politician Sarathkumar, her sister Pooja, followed by her step-mother Radikaa Sarathkumar along with her daughter Rayane Mithun, among several other family members and close friends in a jubilant mood at the happy occasion.
Posting the engagement video on Instagram, Varalaxmi also penned a heartfelt statement expressing her gratitude to all those who extended their wishes ahead of the next big phase in her life. She wrote, "Thank you all for the wonderful blessings and the lovely birthday wishes.. I feel so blessed and loved.. every single person that took the time to call ..msg.. post.. my gratitude to you all.. it’s a new journey in my life.. and I’m excited that you all are a part of it.. love you.." Varalaxmi, who will be tying the knot with Nicholai later this year, added, "Thank you to all my amazing family and friends who flew down to mumbai to be with me on this special day.." She also tagged her best buddies in her post writing, "A special mention to my friends and my darling who made all this possible..I can’t live without u all..!!"
Varalaxmi Sarathkumar, who impressed everyone with her performance in her debut Podaa Podi (2012), garnered appreciation for performances in films Tharai Thappattai (2016), Vikram Vedha (2017), Sandakozhi 2 (2018), Sarkar (2018), Maari 2 (2018), Iravin Nizhal (2022), including the recent Telugu hit Hanu Man. She has been cast next in Dhanush's much awaited Raayan in Tamil, followed by Sabari in Telugu and will also be seen in the upcoming Malayalam film Colors.
'Vettaiyan': Rana Daggubati joins the sets of 'Superstar' Rajinikanth film with a powerful message, says "Let's fire it up"
By Vivek Raj | Galatta | 01:18 PM
Leading Telugu actor Rana Daggubati has joined the sets of 'Superstar' Rajinikanth's Vettaiyan on Monday, March 4. Known best among fans for his role as Bhallaladeva in the nationwide blockbuster Baahubali films (Palvaalthevan in the Tamil version), the popular star shared a selfie along with a powerful message about filming his portions in the highly-anticipated film being directed by TJ Gnanavel of Jai Bhim (2021) fame. Seen in a navy blue shirt, Rana shared his excitement at stepping into the sets of Rajinikanth's Vettaiyan writing, "Day - 1 of filming! ! Lets fire it up 🔥🔥🔥 #T170" (sic)
Rana Daggubati has garnered a huge following over the years and is not new to Tamil cinema audiences after he debuted in Ajith Kumar's Arrambam (2013), followed by appearances in films Inji Iduppazhagi (2015), Bangalore Naatkal (2016), Enai Noki Paayum Thota (2019), Kaadan (2021), and 1945 (2023). Having also starred in several notable Hindi films, Rana's inclusion in Vettaiyan is set to add strength to the Rajinikanthp-starrer and he will be seen alongside several other popular names among whom are iconic Bollywood superstar Amitabh Bachchan, Malayalam actors Fahadh Faasil and Manju Warrier, Irudhi Suttru heroine Ritika Singh and Sarpatta Parambarai fame Dushara Vijayan, among others in pivotal roles.
Gearing up for a release sometime this year, Vettaiyan will showcase 'Superstar' Rajinikanth as a police officer and he will be seen donning the khakhi once again after AR Murugadoss' Darbar (2020). The film will feature songs and a background score by 'Rockstar' Anirudh Ravichander and is his next big outing with Rajinikanth after delivering chart-topping hits in Petta (2019), Darbar, and Jailer (2023), while also being announced to be composing the music next in the tentatively titled Thalaivar 171. A power-packed mass title announcement teaser for Vettaiyan was also released on Rajinikanth's birthday last year to a sensational response giving viewers a glimpse at what awaits them in cinemas.
'Manjummel Boys': Director Chidambaram's big fanboy moment with 'Ulaganayagan' Kamal Haasan, calls it "final climax" for the team
By Vivek Raj | Galatta | 08:19 PM
The Malayalam film Manjummel Boys has taken the box office by storm in Kerala and is now the talk of the town in Tamil Nadu. The survival thriller film directed by Chidambaram S. Poduval of Jan. E. Man (2021) fame is witnessing a huge audience turnout in cinemas everywhere and features several references to Tamil superstar 'Ulaganayagan' Kamal Haasan. In that light, director Chidambaram has now posted a picture of his meeting with Kamal Haasan on social media on Wednesday, February 28, while labeling it the final climax for the Manjummel Boys gang.
Expressing his gratitude to Kamal Haasan, Chidambaram wrote on Instagram, "Final climax for our Manjummel Boys Always grateful @ikamalhaasan" (sic). Another picture has also been shared by the team showing them all posing for the camera alongside Kamal Haasan and filmmaker-actor Santhana Bharathi. Ganapathi S. Poduval, who is also a part of the film, posted a picture expressing his joy writing, "What a day with the Legend @ikamalhaasan â¤ï¸ðŸ”¥! Best closure for Manjummel boys ✨Thankyou SanthanaBharathi sir for coming 🫡" (sic)
The story of Manjummel Boys is set amidst the backdrop of the Guna Cave that gained popularity after the release of the Tamil psychological romantic drama Gunaa (1991) and director Chidambaram's photo with Kamal Haasan has fans calling it a full circle moment for the hit Malayalam film's team. The film has a packed star cast featuring the likes of Soubin Shahir, Sreenath Bhasi, Balu Varghese, Ganapathi S. Poduval, Lal Jr., Deepak Parambol, Abhiram Radhakrishnan, Arun Kurian, Khalid Rahman, among others and had collected 36.11 crores in its first four days in worldwide gross. Manjummel Boys has also been getting a strong audience feedback across Tamil Nadu, with several theatres across the state subsequently increasing the number of shows and screenings.
Burglars steal 'Kadaisi Vivasayi' director Manikandan's National Award and return it with an apology note, incident leaves fans puzzled
By Vivek Raj | Galatta | 11:10 AM
Tamil film director M. Manikandan shot to the limelight in his debut film, Kaaka Muttai (2014), which won the National Film Award for Best Children's Film. He then went on to direct critically-acclaimed films like the Vidharth-starrer Kuttrame Thandanai (2016) and Aandavan Kattalai (2016) with Vijay Sethupathi and Ritika Singh, following which his fourth directorial Kadaisi Vivasayi (2022) earned him national laurels once again. Having won the Best Feature Film In Tamil for Kadaisi Vivasayi in 2023, it came as a shock when Manikandan's house had been robbed earlier this month.
Manikandan, hailing from Usilampatti, has been residing in Chennai for the last two months with his family as he's working on his next film. According to reports, unidentified individuals had broken into house in Usilampatti on February 8 and stolen the National Award medal awarded to him for Kadaisi Vivasayi, including Rs 1 lakh in cash and five sovereigns of gold. A case was lodged by the local police and a probe was subsequently was launched by officials. That being said, a cover with the National Award medal was found at hanging on the gate of Manikandan's house along with a handwritten note in the wee hours of Tuesday, February 13. In their note, the burglars apologized to the filmmaker stating that they have returned the fruits of his labor, which he won for Kadaisi Vivasayi, with the authorities then conducting an investigation.
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— Galatta Media (@galattadotcom) February 13, 2024
இத௠கà¯à®±à®¿à®¤à¯à®¤à¯ உஙà¯à®•à®³à¯ கரà¯à®¤à¯à®¤à¯ எனà¯à®© ?🙂#Manikandan #KadaisiVivasayi #Galatta pic.twitter.com/7t6hr1dv3M
This incident is now creating a big buzz as fans recently celebrated the second anniversary of Kadaisi Vivasayi on February 11 on social media with wishes to Manikandan and actor Vijay Sethupathi, who played a pivotal role. The rural drama film, which portrayed the struggles of an elderly farmer fighting for his land and his freedom after his false arrest, garnered massive critical acclaim and won the Best Film honor, including a Special Mention for its lead actor, the late Nallandi, at the 69th National Film Awards.
'Thalapathy 69': Will it be 'Leo 2' with Lokesh Kanagaraj? 6 directors Tamil cinema fans wish to see Vijay team up with - FULL LIST
By Vivek Raj | Galatta | 04:48 PM
Actor Vijay announced the launch of his political party, Tamizhaga Vetri Kazhagam, on Friday, February 2. Addressed fondly as 'Thalapathy' by his fans everywhere, the Tamil superstar also informed that his party will make its electoral debut in the 2026 Tamil Nadu Assembly polls, while also revealing that he will complete all his duties on his upcoming film before entering the political arena in a full-fledged manner. Ever since Vijay's announcement, there has been a big buzz on social media in regard to his future in cinema after his ongoing film, The Greatest of All Time, which will see him in dual roles as father and son under Venkat Prabhu's direction.
Since the blockbuster success of Leo (2023), a lot has been debated on whether Vijay and filmmaker Lokesh Kanagaraj will reunite once again since the film ended with being established to be a part of the Lokesh Cinematic Universe (LCU). The wheels of the LCU, as known already, was set in motion in Karthi's Kaithi (2019), whose character was then referenced in 'Ulaganayagan' Kamal Haasan's Vikram (2022). Although Kamal Haasan didn't appear in physical form in Leo, his telephonic conversation with Vijay in the final moments of the film did spike the interest of Tamil cinema fans with the hopes of witnessing them all together on the same screen. Addressing the possibilities of Leo 2, Lokesh Kanagaraj said at the Leo success meet last year that it all depends on Vijay giving his nod to appearing in the sequel and it now remains to be be seen if that will become a reality.
With the big debate about Thalapathy 69 being Leo 2 doing the rounds on social media, there is also a buzz that Vijay could team up with other leading names in Tamil cinema among whom include a few filmmakers he has worked with before and others with whom he hasn't yet collaborated. Below is the list of 6 leading directors whom Tamil cinema fans want to see Vijay join hands with for Thalapathy 69:
ATLEE
A combo that has struck gold at the box office each time they have come together, Vijay and Atlee's association has spelled nothing else than magic and a section of fans have been expressing their interest to see their team-up for the fourth time after blockbusters Theri (2016), Mersal (2017), and Bigil (2019). Considering Atlee has often expressed himself to be a fan of Vijay first, it will seem that he would be the perfect choice to direct the Tamil superstar in his final big-screen performance in Thalapathy 69.
NELSON DILIPKUMAR
Although their first-time collaboration in Beast (2022) ended up receiving a mixed reaction from audiences, Vijay and Nelson Dilipkumar's combo delivered the results at the box office. Nelson, who came out with a thumping box office success with Jailer (2023) starring 'Superstar' Rajinikanth, is also a fan favorite to direct Thalapathy 69, and it now needs to be seen what Vijay's plans are next.
SHANKAR
A towering giant in Tamil cinema, filmmaker Shankar, who has directed some of the biggest record-breaking box office hits, continues to lead the way in the film fraternity even today. Having previously worked with Vijay in Nanban (2012), it will seem like a dream reunion project for Shankar with the leading Tamil star, and time will tell whether this partnership will indeed happen again.
VETRI MAARAN
A blockbuster collaboration that has been long-awaited by Tamil audiences and it now needs to be seen whether Vijay and National Award-winning director Vetri Maaran will work together. Considering Vetri Maaran revealed a few years back that such a team-up will indeed happen, it is now a waiting game for fans of the filmmaker and 'Thalapathy' Vijay.
KARTHIK SUBBARAJ
Having directed box officer money-spinners like Petta (2019) and more recently, Jigarthanda DoubleX (2023), there has been a big talk about filmmaker Karthik Subbaraj associating with Vijay for a film for the first time. There have been rumblings on social media about the possibility of such a team up and it will no doubt turn out to be an exciting combo if such a partnership gets set on the paper.
H. VINOTH
There has also been a lot of chatter on social media about a collaboration between director H. Vinoth and Vijay for quite some time now. Considering he has experience working with a superstar like Ajith Kumar in films Nerkonda Paarvai (2019), Valimai (2022), and Thunivu (2023), and delivering back-to-back commercial successes on each occasion, it will seem the right choice for Vijay to consider joining hands with H. Vinoth. It would also be a bold and interesting move for Vijay to contemplate and go with H. Vinoth for the much-talked-about Thalapathy 69 since they haven't worked before.
All said and done, Vijay's fans everywhere will now have to wait and watch what the superstar is planning for his swan-song role in Thalapathy 69.
'VidaaMuyarchi': Ajith Kumar film gets a massive announcement, Netflix says "You know it's going to be electrifying when it comes to AK"
By Vivek Raj | Galatta | 11:33 AM
Leading Tamil actor Ajith Kumar's VidaaMuyarchi will begin streaming on Netflix after its theatrical release, an official announcement revealed on Wednesday, January 17. The surprise announcement came from the global streaming giant as part of their 'Netflix Pandigai' and informed the Tamil superstar's fans on social media that the highly-anticipated film will be coming out soon on their platform in Tamil, Telugu, Malayalam, and Kannada languages post it's theatrical release.
Netflix, in their latest announcement, said, "You know it's going to be electrifying when it comes to AK ? #VidaaMuyarchi is coming soon on Netflix in Tamil, Telugu, Malayalam, Kannada after theatrical release! #NetflixPandigai" (sic) This latest update has come as a big joyous news for Ajith's fans, who have been keeping a close watch on the progress of the much-awaited film, which is touted to be an action-packed thriller and is gearing up for a grand worldwide theatrical release this year. There is tremendous buzz surrounding VidaaMuyarchi considering Ajith has been on a massive winning streak since his Viswasam (2019), which he followed up with Nerkonda Paarvai (2019). Valimai (2022), and Thunivu (2023).
You know it's going to be electrifying when it comes to AK ?#VidaaMuyarchi is coming soon on Netflix in Tamil, Telugu, Malayalam, Kannada after theatrical release!#NetflixPandigai pic.twitter.com/1NIVzKMyqS
— Netflix India South (@Netflix_INSouth) January 17, 2024
VidaaMuyarchi is being directed by Magizh Thirumeni of Thadam (2019) fame and is the filmmaker's next after Kalaga Thalaivan (2022) with Udhayanidhi Stalin. The upcoming film will see Ajith Kumar paired once again with leading Tamil actress Trisha Krishnan and marks their fifth-time collaboration after Ji (2005), Kireedam (2007), Mankatha (20111), and Yennai Arindhaal (2015), and sees them sharing screen space with 'Action King' Arjun, Regina Cassandra, Bigg Boss Tamil season 1 winner Arav, among others, who will be seen making appearances in pivotal roles. VidaaMuyarchi will also include songs and a background score composed by 'Rockstar' Anirudh Ravichander and is a big reunion for the blockbuster music director with Ajith once again after their Vivegam (2017).
'21 years of Trisha': 'Leo' actress looks back on her film journey, shares a heartfelt video - WATCH IT HERE
By Vivek Raj | Galatta | 08:13 PM
Leading actress Trisha completed 21 years in Tamil cinema on Wednesday, December 13, after she made her debut in the lead role in Mounam Pesiyadhe (2002) opposite Suriya under filmmaker Ameer's direction. The romantic drama film also marked the directorial debut of Ameer, with Trisha now appearing in a video to extend her gratitude to fans for their congratulatory messages and wishes along with a heartfelt note. Seen last on the big screen in 'Thalapathy' Vijay's blockbuster Leo, the actress said in the video, "So, I just wanted to take a little time out and say thank you to each and every one of you who made today so special for me. Thank you so much for the lovely wishes, for keeping it going, and I'm here today because of the support and love that I have consistently received from you guys. Thank you and I love you, and I'm so grateful. Thank you."
Trisha also penned a statement conveying her thankfulness to all those who gave her the support to reach where she is now in life. She wrote, "I am deeply thankful and blessed... for the special, unique, amazing people in my life who support me, uplift me, comfort me and bring joy to my soul as they share a piece of their own in the precise magical moment it needed to happen. My being truly loves yours." (sic) She also posted a picture of herself and shared a quote explaining how she's indebted to all those who stood by her during her difficult times. The quote posted by Trisha reads, "It's all about who stands in the rain with you when they could be dry if they wanted to."
🤲ðŸ»â¤ï¸ðŸ§¿
— Trish (@trishtrashers) December 13, 2023
And just like that…..#21years pic.twitter.com/TNDrdpGiZL
Ameer's Mounam Pesiyadhe saw Trisha play Sandhya, while Suriya was cast as the character Gowtham, and featured chart-topping hit songs and a memorable background score composed by Yuvan Shankar Raja. The film went on to be well-received at the time of its release and has since attained a cult classic status. 2023 has turned out to be a successful year for Trisha after she reprised her role as Kundavai in Mani Ratnam's multi-starrer epic historical action drama film, Ponniyin Selvan: II, the sequel to Ponniyin Selvan: I (2022). The actress has wrapped up the year with the spectacular success of Leo alongside Vijay and is currently gearing up for a big start to 2024 with Ajith Kumar's highly-anticipated VidaaMuyarchi, which marks her reunion with the actor after their four previous big-screen outings - Ji (2005), Kireedam (2007), Mankatha (2011), and Yennai Arindhaal (2015).
'Vettaiyan': 'Thalaivar 170' title announced, mass teaser released as 'Superstar' Rajinikanth's birthday treat - WATCH IT HERE
By Vivek Raj | Galatta | 05:46 PM
The day just got bigger for 'Superstar' Rajinikanth's fans everywhere as the title of Thalaivar 170 has been revealed to be Vettaiyan. Announced on the grand occasion of the iconic Tamil cinema actor's birthday today, Tuesday, December 12, the team of the upcoming film has also released a special celebration video as a teaser giving fans a big glimpse into the exciting action awaiting them in theatres up ahead in 2024. Scheduled to open in cinemas worldwide next year, Vettaiyan being directed by Jai Bhim fame T. J. Gnanavel and featuring music composed by 'Rockstar' Anirudh Ravichander will see Rajinikanth sharing the screen alongside the likes of Bollywood superstar Amitabh Bachchan, Fahadh Faasil, Rana Daggubati, Manju Warrier, Ritika Singh, and Dushara Vijayan forming the core cast, with Kannum Kannum Kollaiyadithaal fame VJ Rakshan, Sarpatta Parambarai actor GM Sundar, among others also making appearances in pivotal roles.
The Vettaiyan title teaser starts off showing Rajinikanth as a police officer reading a book on Indian freedom fighter 'Netaji' Subhas Chandra Bose and walking towards the light, with Anirudh Ravichander setting the wheels in motion with his foot-tapping beats. The glimpse features the classic 'Superstar' Rajini title card on display and the actor then standing in front of several other police officials and the people. The Vettaiyan teaser goes on to show Rajinikanth snapping his fingers and then appearing in full glory while sporting black sunglasses inside the lobby of a building and swinging a wooden stick baton. The video then has Tamil cinema's 'Superstar' putting on his sunglasses with impeccable style and saying, "When the hunt is on, the prey must fall!", after which we see him loading a revolver and firing a shot with the title Vettaiyan finally being revealed.
With Thalaivar 170 announced to be titled Vettaiyan, the expectations, and anticipation for the film are set to get bigger with the passage of each day as it will see 'Superstar' Rajinikanth and the 'Shahenshah' of Indian cinema Amitabh Bachchan reunited once again after their last appearance together in the nationwide blockbuster Hum (1991) in Hindi 33 years ago. The buzz surrounding Vettaiyan has been massive right from the get-go as fans are waiting to witness Rajinikanth set the screen on fire once again after the sensational box-office success of his Jailer earlier this year.
Watch Rajinikanth's Vettaiyan title reveal video below:
