Mani, Guru and Controversies...

Mani, the genius and Alwarpetvasi, seems to be flirting controversy yet again, this time with his forthcoming release Guru.

Here are some nuggets of information and rumours that are floating in Bollywood:

- Its loosely based on the life of Dhirubhai Ambani, with the story also resembling the Hollywood blockbuster "The Aviator" (For a presentation in Pune, when I was doing a bit of reading on Ambani, there was someone who mentioned Ambition + Money = Ambani. Bingo)

- Whats interesting is that there are reports that Mukesh Ambani has been given shades of grey and is reportedly upset about this. That Anil Ambani-owned Adlabs Films is distributing the film, seems to be adding some credibility to that rumour.

- Madhavan said in an interview in Sun TV that he was asked by Mani to lose 8 kgs for the film. Thankfully somone told Madhavan this. But he looks more "Alaipayuthe"ish now (meaning he looks smart again)

- And yeah finally, both my favorites Ash and Vidya Balan provide the glamour element.

Mani, you have two of us eagerly waiting to watch it on Day 1. And if you do come across this blog, you can also come back to watch my review of Guru.

At Big FM studio

I visited the studios of Big 92.7 FM in Chennai on Friday, when I went over to their office. I was in the studio when "Speed" Dheena's program went live at 6 p.m. Realised at that point of time that being a radio jock is definitely not an easy task, especially when the whole world is listening to you live. Truly difficult. Got to see the other RJs too. I still stand by my earlier blog on Big FM - they have the best line up of songs in the Chennai radio scene.

Amar shonar Bangla...

Amar shonar Bangla (my Bengal of Gold)
Ami tomae bhalobashi (I Love You)...
...That's Tagore's description of Bengal.

Well, I was in Kolkata early this week on official travel, my first ever visit to the City of Joy. Though I did not get to see much of the city. I kinda liked whatever I little I saw of it. Maybe, that's because my trip was completely confined to the more posh Salt Lake area. Or probably my opinion of Kolkata was too biased.

Telegraph, rasmalai, rosgolla and Maach (fish) is the essence of Kolkata (much like The Hindu and filter coffee in Chennai). Interestingly, fish is like considered vegetarian by Bongs and is part of their staple diet along with aloo (potato).

I also went to the popular Park Street on the second day. For lunch, I went to Sourav's (the popular food court managed by Sourav Ganguly) with my colleague. Both the ambience and the bengali food that I got to lay my hands on, were good. I even went to the City Centre mall and let me tell you, the city is not as conservative as everyone thinks it to be. Quite hep actually.

Since my mom grew in and around the Ballygunj area of the city, she has a fascination for the city and would not miss an opportunity to visit the city. Though I would have preferred to travel by the Metro and visit the Victoria memorial, time was too short. Just hope I get another chance to visit the city in detail...

Style + Class + Bikes + Bikini = Dhoom 2

Watching D:2 on the first day of release at Mayajaal (Chennai) was definitely worth the long drive and the expensive tickets. In my assessment, this is probably the first time an Indian film oozes styles and class that can give Hollywood films a run for their money. Stunning action stunts. Glitz and glamour. Exotic foreign locales. Bikinis and Rio festival. A no-brainer story with a taut but hard-to-believe screenplay. Thats Dhoom 2 for you.

Before signing off, need to say Ash has never looked so stunning before in bikini tops and mini skirts. And neither Bipasha nor Ash looked vulgar even in those skimpiest costumes.That's definitely an art for south actresses should emulate. Though all of them looked classy, Hrithik stole the thunder right under Abhihek's nose. When you walk out of the hall, the signature tune is in your lips and an all-pervading sense of overawe around the gloss and glitz. A feel-good movie that's definitely a dekko for no specific reason.

Jodi No 1

The latest reality show to grip Tamil TV audience is Vijay TV's Jodi No 1. If AirTel Super Singer started the genre of reality shows, this program has taken it to the next level. Considering that it has got reel and real couples from small screen competing for the title of Jodi No 1, it has got a lot people that I know glued to it. At this stage, there are just three couples vying for the top honours. Though personally i dont feel Vijay Adhiraj and Rashna are all that great, they have managed to make it to the semis...and yeah, Preetha Raghav need to really reduce weight...anyways I am glued to it like many others

Weekend getaways

Weekend getaways
Originally uploaded by krishsriram.

Its been a hectic month to be very precise, and I have been away on weekends to Coonoor, Pondicherry for official strategy sessions. And between this, I was in Bangalore for just a day. So without saying, my blogging had to take the brunt of travel.

I got to stay at some of the choicest of locations - The Dune in Pondicherry , Taj Garden Retreat in Coonoor and The Oberois in Bangalore. Though The Oberois undoubtedly walks away with top honours in terms of comfort, both Dune and Garden Retreat brought me close to nature.

I had read in the previous edition of The India Today that the Dune was one of the "places to be". And it indeed is different and enjoyable, provided you vacation there with your family. With no locks on the main door (and even in bathroom for some of the rooms) coupled with a small-size double cot, it definitely is not a great place with your colleagues. Plus, very interesting in terms of different types of architecture (such as Kerala or Chettinad). Must say, it was a perfect mix of business and pleasure.

Chennai Police, la Hollywood style

DSC01245
Originally uploaded by krishsriram.

Early this september, I had taken this photograph when I was driving down on Mount Road in Chennai. It was then not public information that Chennai Police would get a face-lift with 100 Hyundai Accent cars to be gifted by the Korean automaker. Well i had clicked pictures thinking it might be dummy cars for a movie . Looks like the Chennai Police make over is definitely for the good, la Hollywood style. Just hope that the policemen too get a make over, la Bruce Willis. Wishful thinking!

Laughter riot "Imsai Arasan 23rd Pulikesi"

pulikesi
Originally uploaded by krishsriram.

I got to watch "Imsai Arasan" just yesterday. Must I reiterate the public verdict that it is a laughter riot. What impresses is not just the way Vadivelu has come to the fore with his differentiation of "Pulikesi" and "Ugaraputhiran" (the two characters he plays in the movie), but the way day-to-day problems and their solutions are conveyed comes out strikingly.

Be it the snipe on the cola-pesticide controversy, "tamilisation" of film names or even the spoof on tamil cinema, I think director Simbudevan has handled this in a manner that has not been seen in Tamil cinema. Way to go!

Shankar has just proved that he is a better producer than a director. Maybe he too must focus on small budget films with a story value, than the large budget-special effects and violence laden films that he directs.

Vadivelu is truly the king.