CELEBS FACTORY

Director K.S Ravikumar is making his directorial debut in Bollylwood with the Hindi remake of the Tamil hit 'Saamy' with Sanjay Dutt in the lead.

If our Bollywood sources are to believed, then K.S Ravikumar has supposedly created wonders with Sanjay Dutt's work ethic.

The actor, who hardly shot couple of scenes a day in the past is now shooting up to six scenes a day without budging until his director is totally satisfied.

The actor himself was heard saying that he now understands how top stars like Rajinikanth and Kamal Haasan work in the South, on the evidence of K.S.Ravikumar's previous experience with the two superstars.

All eyes are on Kamal Haasan, when the news broke out that he was signed up for a project with Aascar Ravichandran. The actor's fans across the globe are very eager to hear about his next film after his magnum opus 'Vishwaroopam'.

It was reported that a mega budget film titled 'Thalaivan Irukkiran' was in the works but apparently, this project has been delayed because Kamal Haasan and the producers were keen to rope in Shankar, who didn't have the dates.

Now it is being said that Aascar films will make a comedy with Kamal Haasan.

Director K.S Ravikumar is expected to team up with Kamal Haasan again after films like Avvai Shanmughi, Tenali, Panchathanthiram and Dasavatharam.

Crazy Mohan will also join this team and word is that it is going to be a sequel to Panchathanthiram and will be a laugh riot. An official announcement is expected soon.

Will Simran be Kamal's heroine?

Jayam Ravi is kicked about his film with Samuthirakani in which he plays a dual role for the 1st time. One of the characters in the script is a middle-aged Casanova in the likes of Rajinikanth from 'Netri Kann (1981)'.

Jayam Ravi is working hard on his look as well as body language and dialect for his characters in his film with Samuthirakani requiring everything to be perfect. The actor realized that his elderly looks would be a crucial element for his role and only a renowned make-up artist can help him in pulling this off successfully.

The young actor, recalling the different avatars that Kamal Haasan portrayed in Dasavataram, has decided to request help from the master perfectionist 'Universal Hero - Kamal Haasan' who specializes in such legendary roles.

Kamal Haasan's roles of the elderly martial arts expert in 'Indian' and the nanny in 'Avvai Shanmughi' are great examples of magical work by a make-up artist and none but the superstar would know better of the kind of make-up that Jayam Ravi's role in  Samuthirakani's film would demand.

Ravi, a big fan of Kamal Haasan seeks the superstars help regarding the make-up and other particulars and is planning to meet him once he returns from his busy schedule in the United States of America, putting the finishing touches on his magnum opus, Vishwaroopam.

Every film lover is dying to see Kamal and Rajini again together, sharing the screen space.

In fact there were rumours that Kamal would soon be resuming Marmayogi and that Superstar Rajinikanth would be a part of the film.

However, now there is a chance for us to see the two stalwarts sharing the screen space.

In this era, where the masterpieces of Sivaji Ganesan and MGR are being re-released, one of director K Balachander’s masterpieces Ninaithale Inikkum, starring Rajinikanth and Kamal Haasan is expected to re-release soon.

It seems to be the season of first-looks.

Billa 2 unveiled on Tamil New year. Now, we have news that Kamal is getting ready to unveil the first-look of his magnum opus Viswaroopam very soon.

All along, Kamal has been very secretive about this mammoth project and has played his cards very close to his chest, so much so that not even a single still has been available so far.

Therefore, it will be a huge suspense unravelled when Kamal officially releases the first-look.

All speculations about Kamal playing a terrorist and an army general will be confirmed or disposed very soon. And, as far as we know, the first-look could be followed pretty soon by the film itself.

Andrea Jeremiah has estabished herself as a singer and an actor but dancing makes her a little nervous, she admitted. Especially when she has to match steps with Kamal Haasan who is an exceptional dancer.

Andrea's role in Viswaroopam demanded that she learn Kathak and the films director Kamal Haasan for a perfectionist that he is, brought in acclaimed Kathak dancer, Birju Maharaj to train them.

"Kamal Haasan was an eager learner and picked up his moves very quickly. It wasn't very easy for me and I had a difficult time," said Andrea adding that "It was an honor to work with Birju Maharaj."

Fortunately, Andrea had taken Kathak lessons while in college and had somehow managed to keep up with the masters of dance!

Kamal Haasan has done it again!

The actor's film Viswaroopam has been wrapped up in record time and has made the deadline for Cannes, the prestigious film festival. The powers at Cannes extended the deadline so that Viswaroopam could be entered in the competitive category and Kamal did not let them down.

The cast of Viswaroopam includes, Rahul Bose, Shekhar Kapoor, Pooja Kumar, Andrea and has music by Shankar, Ehsaan and Loy.

Celebs Factory wishes the film all the best for the event at Cannes and Singapore!

Although she is shuttling between Bollywood and regional movies, Asin seems to be landing plump roles in Tamil as well.

After her last year hit Kavalan, if rumors are to be believed, Asin might be in the Shankar directed Thalaivan Irukkiran. Speculations are abuzz in the internet that she will play Kamal’s lead in Thalaivan Irukkiran.

It’s also reported that Telugu actor Prabhas, Malayalam superstar Mohanlal and Hollywood star Jackie Chan will also be part of the movie. Produced by Aascar Ravichandran, the movie is in its pre-production stage.

Hollywood Superstar, Jackie Chan has been approached for a key role in Thalaivan Irukindran starring Kamal Haasan that is to be produced by Aascar Ravichandran.

It now seems like a sure thing as Jackie Chan has a lot of respect and affection for Kamal Haasan and he is also very familiar of the the producer as he interacted with both Kamal and Aascar Ravichandran during Dasavatharam and we hear he is intrigued.

This is already a much talked about project as the producer is hoping to rope in Shankar to direct the film and Katrina Kaif for the heroine's role.

Now it will certainly be a casting coup if Aascar Ravichandran can pull this off.

Katrina Kaif is yet to sign on the dotted line for a Tamil film and already she has achieved something that every top heroine in the Southern film industry is constantly aspiring towards.

Katrina has been approached for both Rajinikanth's and Kamal Haasan's upcoming films.

Buzz is that she was offered the female lead in Kochadaiyaan and now Aascar Ravichandran also wants her in Thalaivan Irukinran opposite Kamal Haasan.

Katrina, who is on a high after the fabulous reception to her item song Chikni Chameli in Agneepath, is very excited about being offered projects with the giants of Indian cinema but unfortunately, she is already booked to the hilt.

Katrina now being anxious to play the lead opposite South Indian Superstars is trying hard to find dates for these films, we hear.

What more could an actor expect than getting a pat on the back from none other than the legendary Kamal Hassan?

Ulaga Nayagan who was at the Four Frame Preview theatre to watch the film Nanban on Saturday was all praises for Vijay.

Vijay accompanied Kamal for the screening of Nanban.

The film is one of the best things that has happened to Vijay in terms of collection and appreciation, it is stated by industry pundits.

Ajith Kumar's Billa II is now considered one of the biggest films of the year and this was proved when the overseas rights of the film was purchased for a million dollars by GK Media, a Tamil film distribution company that operates out of the United States of America.

With this staggering feat, Ajith joins the likes of Rajinikanth, Kamal Haasan, Vijay and Suriya whose films have hitherto been sold overseas for the same amount.

Gowtham Menon's Vettaiyadu Vilayadu that starred Kamal Haasan and Jyothika in the lead is being remade in Hindi. The director is considering either Shahrukh or Salman Khan to play the lead in the remake.

Gautham is currently busy directing Nee Thaane En Pon Vasantham with Jiiva and Samantha in the lead and has Yohan – Adhyayam Ondru with Vijay in his kitty.

The director is also on the verge of releasing Ek Deewana Tha, the Hindi version of Vinnai Thaandi Varuvaya very soon. In all probability, the Vettaiyadu Vilayadu remake is expected to take off once Yohan – Adhyayam Ondru is completed.

Kamal Haasan is very passionate about his new film Vishwaroopam, an upcoming bilingial spy thriller which he says is currently the biggest project in Tamil cinema.

"I was not getting any younger to just stand by and let the director waste anyone's time besides wasting his own," said Kamal Haasan on his decision to direct the film. It can be recalled that Selvaraghavan was supposed to direct this film before Kamal Haasan was forced to take over the responsibilities.

Kamal Haasan also mentioned of actress Sonakshi Sinha whose dates were also wasted being the original choice for the heroine's role that is now being played by Pooja Kumar. The actor conveyed his apologies to Sonakshi and parted ways hoping to work together in the future.

About the kind of films being made in India today, Kamal said that he appreciates the kind of films that Aamir Khan does and it is such films that keeps his interest in Bollywood movies going.

With Vettai gearing for release, Lingusamy is already looking ahead and thinking of his next project.

Lingusamy as we heard is very keen to work with Kamal Haasan as he is a huge fan and would love to direct him someday. The director seems to have a script in mind for the Universal Hero and revealed that Kamal Haasan would be perfect for the part.

Kamal Haasan of course is currently busy with his Vishwaroopam and it will be a while before he is ready to take up a new project.

Fans will have to wait and see if this combination is going to happen.

Kamal Haasan’s Viswaroopam is fast progressing and the shooting that was going on in Chennai has been wrapped up.

The star, who is also directing this film, is now getting ready to fly down to Jordan to shoot some songs and important scenes.

The team comprising about 50 members are expected to return during the first week of December. Kamal Haasan has said that Pooja Kumar is the leading lady in Viswaroopam.

To a question on whether the film is inspired from the movie Hannibal, Kamal said that it is just a baseless rumor. He added that story of Viswaroopam is based entirely on his imagination.

Pooja Kumar is one name that is doing the rounds in the industry and buzz is that she is going to take over the Indian film industry over a storm.

Who is Pooja Kumar? Is she that hot?

Pooja Kumar, an American actress, producer, model and television hostess who was crowned Miss India USA has also been a veejay for Channel V, a newsreader on the show Namaste America. She has also starred in few feature films like Kaadhal Rojave, Night of Henna, Flavors, Hiding Divya, Park Sharks, Bollywood Beats, and Anything For You.

The actor is now cast as the leading lady opposite Universal Hero Kamal Haasan for his magnum opus Viswaroopam.

There was news reported earlier that actor Shriya Saran would be replacing Sonakshi Sinha, who was signed for this role initially. However, when things didn't turn out well as expected, it called for another talent to be zeroed in.

When Celebs Factory queried about this progress,

"Pooja Kumar is the leading lady in 'Viswaroopam'. She's a Punjabi girl of Indian origin. 'Vishwaroopam' is probably one of the biggest film being made in Tamil Nadu and It could be a big break for a talented actress as Pooja," said the Universal star.

There is a fascinating news about an interesting scene in 'Nanban', the Shankar-directed Tamil remake of Bollywood blockbuster '3 Idiots', which would make the lovers of Tamil cinema to jump with joy.

"In a song sequence, Vijay would appear in get-ups of top stars of the Tamil film industry and this would also include Superstar Rajinikanth and Ulaganayagan Kamal Haasan as a joint effort by director Shankar and Vijay to pay tributes to the veterans," say the sources.

The source further says that "The highlight of the song would be Vijay's appearance in the 'Enthiran' robot get-up of Rajnikanth and the 'Indian' looks of Kamal Hassan," and added that "Ilayathalapathy will be seen in other interesting get-ups too."

Remember the Shankar directed Rajnikanth starrer 'Sivaji The Boss' that had the Superstar imitate MGR, Sivaji Ganesan and Kamal Haasan in the lead scene to the 'Adhiradikaran...' song.

It looks like the director is now planning something similar with Vijay.

Superstar Rajnikanth has announced that he is completely fit and fine, thanks to the prayers and blessings from his fans, well-wishers and his fans worldwide.

Rajni attended a function organized by Sankara Nethralaya, one of the reputed eye hospitals in the country, to confer the 'Sankara Rathna' award to veteran director S P Muthuraman, in Chennai on Saturday evening and this became Rajini's first public function after he came back from Singapore.

Speaking on his hiatus even after recovering, Rajini expressed, "I want to act and there's no such thing as retirement from films as of now. But, audiences and fans are attracted to me is only because of my style and speed in my films. I am not Sivaji Ganesan or Kamal Haasan who are brilliant performers. My strengths are my style and speed and only when I have the energy to play hero I can".

"I take this opportunity to convey everyone that I am completely alright. I am back to normalcy," said Superstar Rajnikanth.

Recalling his association with Muthuraman, the Superstar said, "I have done 25 films with him. He is a gem of a person and he wanted me just to send a greeting letter to this event. But I have attended this function, as there could be no better occasion for me to declare to the world that I am fine."

First things first. Kamal Haasan's 'Viswaroopam' is not a trilingual being simultaneously made in Tamil, Telugu and Hindi, as reported earlier. It is a bilingual which Kamal is directing in Tamil and Hindi and he has plans to later dub it in Telugu and other languages.

"The Ulaganayagan is ensuring that all the actors learn their dialogues in both the languages. He has given them their portions as printed material and wants them to be clear before standing in front of the camera," says a unit source.

"As per the script, the story has to be canned in a couple of foreign countries. Till now, Kamal has zeroed in on the United States and the United Kingdom to shoot Viswaroopam. His look will be completely different in the film."

Apart from directing this thriller roping in his younger daughter Akshara Haasan as his assistant, Kamal is also penning the lyrics for the one of the songs with ace lyricist Vairamuthu for working on the rest of the songs.