The actor, who bid adieu to car races a couple of years ago, is now getting ready to act in the Tamil remake of Hindi blockbuster ‘Race’.

According to sources, Ashok Amritraj who produced Shankar’s film ‘Jeans’ has approached Ajith with this offer. ‘Race’ is about two brothers played by Saif Ali Khan and Akshay Khanna double crossing each other which eventually leads to their downfall.

Attracted by the storyline, Ajith has expressed his consent to act in the film. Meanwhile, ‘Aegan’, the next venture of Ajith is also a remake of the Bollywood super hit movie Main Hoon Naa.  ‘Aegan’ is nearing its completion.

According to sources, Namitha has refused the offer following her recent decision not to accept cameos or item numbers as she feels they would mar her image.

The actress is currently performing in lead roles in a handful of films, including ‘Perumal’, ‘Indira Vizha’ and ‘Jagan Mohini’. She played breezy roles in ‘Billa’ and ‘Azhagiya Thamizh Magan’.

Namitha reportedly is mighty keen to continue playing heroine.

Following the successes of ‘Varalaru’ and ‘Billa’, Ajith is confident that ‘Aegan’ would also do well at the box office. Noted Malayalam actor Jayaram plays a prominent role in the film.

Jayaram plays the principal in the college that Ajith studies in. Interestingly Nayantara plays the role of a college lecturer.

Jayaram says ‘Aegan’ will have some rib tickling comedy.

‘The comedy portion has come out great. Sathyan is the other actor who will have you in splits’, he adds.

‘Aegan’ will hit screens this September.

Emerging from the shadows of his father and legendary music composer Ilayaraja, Yuvan Shankar has carved a niche quite distinct from his father’s style.

Yuvan Shankar and director Venkat Prabhu share a good rapport. The two came together in ‘Chennai 600028′ and managed to render a catchy album with a cocktail of peppy and soft numbers.

The two come together to recreate the same magic with ‘Saroja’. Hats off to the young music director who has done no harm to his reputation by belting out catchy numbers.

Good orchestration, catchy rhythms and apt vocals make ‘Saroja’ an entertaining and enthralling album. Yuvan Shankar Raja has proved his mastery over Tamil film music yet again.

A perfect one for the youth, ‘Saroja’ is sure to go down as one of the best in the annals of the history of Tamil film industry.

Aaja Meri Soniye (Vijay Yesudas, Premji Gangai Amaren, S P B Charan)

It is a perfect beginning to the album. An engagement song which features all prominent artistes of the small screen, the song begins on a pacy note. Yuvan manages to sustain the momentum all through. Accompoanied by Hindi lyrics at some places, the song is complimented well by the open-throated voice of S P B Charan and Premji. Yuvan’s orchestration is a delight.

Cheeky Cheeky (Yuvan Shankar Raja, Mathilda, Nridhaya)

A chic and a trendy number. Hats off to Yuvan for the peppy beats in the song. Mathilda, who featured in the Singapore Idol talent show has crooned for the song which has a mix of English and Tamil lyrics. At places, music overtakes the song. Nonetheless, it is a catchy number.  Yuvan Shankar reportedly appears in the number which is loaded with brisk music and catchy rhythm.

Dosth Bada Dosth (Haricharan, Rahul Nambiar, Naveen)

The pick of the album. It’s long since a song on friendship had come in Tamil cinema. Musthafa Musthafa by Rahman in Kadhal Desam was perhaps the last that created magic on screen. Yuvan joins the league of Rahman with this song. It is certain that this song which cherishes friendship gets lapped up by students. Valee’s lyrics is the other major highlight. The trio of Haricharan, Rahul Nambiar and Naveen does a good show.

Kodana Kodi (Mohammed Aslam, Ranina, Kavi)

A perfect number for everyone to shake their legs. Yuvan, who came up with numbers like Jals Pannunga Da, Saroja Saman Nikalo, Theepidika adds one more to his kitty. A perfect kuthu number made a lot crisp with the catchy voice of Aslam, who continues from where he left off in Pon Magal Vanthal.

My Life (Tanvi)

Yuvan Shankar is a master when it comes to Western stuff. All his songs have traces of his knowledge on Western music. All credit should go to Yuvanshankar Raja for his bold attempt in weaving a magic with Tanvi’s loud voice.  The orchestrations are in par with English pop numbers. Tanvi has used all her energy to get the song right. It provides one with the feeling of listening to a rock concert. Bubbly and energetic Tanvi hogs all the limelight.

Nimirnthu Nil (Shankar Mahadevan)

Yuvanshankar Raja knows the knack of using Shankar Mahadevan. A bundle of energy, Shankar Mahadevan begins on a slow note. As the song progresses, it gathers all the momentum with it. The brisk interludes give the song a new dimension.

All credit has to go to Yuvanshankar Raja because Saroja is sure to go places. This is an  album with all the essential ingredients for topping the charts. The album is sure to make it big among youngsters.

‘Sathyam’, the 25th film from his stable, is indeed very special. It has right mix of hip-hop, melody and kuthu songs. He has experimented with new sounds and new voices. A shrewd thinker, Harris has intelligently used the voices of Premji Gangaiamaran and Rahul Nambiyar.

The additional rhythm and the Chinese interludes in a couple of songs display his mastery in Tamil film music.

‘Chellame Chellamae’ (Balaram, Bombay Jayashree, Sunitha Sarathy)

This is a song to watch out for in the album. A typical Harris number, ‘Chellamae Chellamae’ has Harris’ favorite singer Bombay Jayashree at her best. A melodious number, the song has a lot of sheen thanks to Jayashree’s classical touch. Naveen joins the party later and excels at what he does best. A soothing melody, which has become a rarity these days, ‘Chellamae’ is a song that’s like a fresh evening breeze on a sunny day. Chinese preludes and interludes work well with this song.

Ennanbe (Sadhana Sargam, Beney Deyal)

Seemingly an extension of the ‘Chellamae’ song, this number has catchy lyrics that dwells a lot on romance. Harris comes up with new sounds that stick to heart immediately. Sadhana Sargam is the perfect choice to render the song as she has given her heart and soul to the number, which is appealing.

Paal Pappali (Naveen, Mahathi)

A kuthu number from Harris is a rarity. However, having proved his mastery in coming up with melody and western acoustics, Harris has got an opportunity to show his skills at a pacy kuthu number. Hats off to him as he manages to render a song that is mind-boggling. Rahul Nambiyar is a bundle of energy and his style is with a lot of enthusiasm.

Aaradi Kaatre (Hariharan)

Harris has proved once again with ease his mettle in coming up with songs on catchy instrumentation using only drums and guitars. Hariharan’s melodious voice coupled with Harris’s mastery on creating soft numbers provides a fresh feel. This is a song that will woo music-buffs big time.

Ada Gada Gada (Premji Gangaiamaran)

Premji Gangaiamaran has proved his mettle as an actor. Born in a family of musicians, Premji Gangaiamaran has proved that he is an equally good singer. This is a trendy number with hip-hop music and rap interludes and is sure to become the anthem among youngsters. Premji’s vocals blend well with the music. With catchy lyrics and racy beats, Harris Jayaraj oozes with energy in this song.

‘Sathyam’ comes across as a catchy album and Harris has given his heart out to package it with the right mix of songs. With good vocals and perfect rhythms, ‘Sathyam’ songs would be remembered by music-lovers for a long time to come.

‘Sathyam’ is one more jewel in Harris’s crown.

Speaking to reporters after offering his prayers, Rajinikanth chose not to speak about the controversy involving his regret over the speech made by him during the Hogenakkal protest.

He said that he was happy with the phenomenal opening for ‘Kuselan’ and ‘Kathanayakudu’.

Thanking his fans for the success, he said that he would commence shooting for ‘Robot’, which is to be directed by Shankar, from the 10th of August. The shooting would kick start in the USA.

Asked whether Aishwarya Rai would be part of the song, he said, “It is for the director to decide”.

The movie has musical score by A R Rahman. Meanwhile his full-length animated movie ‘Sultan – The Warrior’ is shaping up fast.

So does Aamir strike yet another ‘Taare Zameen Par’?

Synopsis…

Jai [Imran Khan] and Aditi [Genelia] are buddies who hang out with their group of friends, but have eyes for each other only. Their friends know that Jai and Aditi are perfect for each other. Their parents know this as well. Everybody knows this. But the couple doesn’t. So when do they realize its love?

Jaane Tu … comes across as a complete college teen flick. Director Abbas Tyrewala does succeed to a certain extent in bringing forth the so called ‘college days’ back to the viewer. The movie takes off well with the comic characters and events attached with college and every college group etc.

The 1^st half is indeed very entertaining right from the opening scene of a funeral to the bonding between Jai( Imraan ) and Athiti( Genelia). Even the songs in the 1^st half are so refreshing with ‘Athithi’ and ‘Pappu can’t dance’. Do watch out for Sohail Khan and Arbaaz’s guest appearance. It’s hilarious, especially the scene where Imran rescues Meghna (Manjiri) from them.

Sounds really great! But the big letdown comes with Abbas Tyrewala’s writing in the 2^nd half. The movie suddenly takes a dip and the plot is loosely held. The intercuts to the narration of the story by a bunch of friends at the airport gets annoying as it slows the pace of the flick. The group goes bla bla bla with their poor jokes and it bores.

The plot lacks conviction eventually and the fact that Atithi(Genelia ) misses Jai(Imran) and vice versa inspite of being in another relationship fails to come across strongly. The movie just becomes a series of parties.

The movie has a terrific music album composed by A.R.Rahman. The saddest bit comes across with the film skipping two terrific numbers ‘Jaane tu mera kya tha’ male and female version. How could one omit a Rahman composition sung by Sukhwinder Singh? Also the movie fails to capitalize on Rahman’s ‘Jaane Kahan Who Duniya’ which had the potential of being the next ‘Pehla Nasha’ and ends up being just another party number.

Imran Khan really impresses and no doubt lives up to his Chachajaan Aamir’s expectations. We have another Aamir in the making I suppose. Imran’s expressions are terrific. Observe the sequence where he goes to meet Genelia’s parents and the opening college fight scene. He does a bit of Aamir Khan from Ghulam when he sets off to Ayaz Khan’s home for revenge. The scene at the airport brings in Imran at his best.

Genelia comes in with all that masti(fun) and air of freshness. She is cute, delivers well and portrays the character of the wild, crazy , possessive Atithi with ease and is par excellence. She is superb and being already a big sensation down south , she is sure to hit Bollywood by storm.

Naseerudin Shah has a very hilarious role and does really well. Ratna Pathak is just apt as the mother. Paresh Rawal is ok. Arbaaz and Sohail are hilarious. Ayaz Khan fits the bill and so does Manjari. Prateik Babbar the son of Raj Babbar and the late Smita Patil doesn’t go unnoticed as Genelia’s brother. The other characters within the group such as Jiggy, Rotlu and Boms fit the bill.

Jaane Tu … definitely comes in with an air of freshness with the likes of Genelia and Imran. The film dips post interal but still has its moments. It’s sure to impress at least the youth. As for Genelia and Imran , they have left behind their footprints in Bollywood.

Cut to 2008 and we have Ugly aur Pagli being made by a new director Sachin Khot. And this film precisely has the same story. Kabeer (Ranvir Shorey) is an engineering student who has been failing for four years. And one night on way back to home he meets a drunk Kuhu (Mallika Sherawat). And the rest of the story follows as the Korean movie.

So obviously this one is what they called ‘inspired’. Which in straight sentences mean ‘Not an original story’. So much for all creativity!

That apart for people who has not seen the Korean film and people who do not mind copied stuff, Ugly aur Pagli is an interesting film. It’s a love story and yet stands far apart from the regular love stories. To add to it is the interesting narration and screenplay. And the jokes involved are simple and straight. There is no attempt to be double meaning. The dialogues are youthful and fun.

Ugly aur Pagli however falls in the characterization. While Kabeer’s character is pretty rounded, Kuhu’s character fails to impress. The character builds up too late and there are no reasons provided to why she behaves the way she does. The second half gets better but by then it has lost on attention. Clearly a problem with the script!

The movie looks bright and nice due to the camerawork and colours used. And the movie could have been made crisper by editing out some scene here and there. The music is no great kicks either. It works for the film but nothing you take with you outside the theatre.

On the acting front Mallika shows that she can’t do emotional scenes although she may slap and kiss well. There are a couple of scenes when she sheds tears and they almost make you laugh. Ranvir Shorey however continues with his terrific form. He is definitely one actor to look out for. But he should not be made to dance. His face gives away that he is uncomfortable doing that. Dances classes for suggested!

Ugly Aur Pagli may have drawn better marks if it was original. The youth will may like this movie for the ‘hatke’ storyline. But at the end of the day it really fails to entertain you the way it’s supposed to. You won’t regret giving this one a pass.

Watch ‘Kuselan’, where one can find a completely different Rajinikanth – the real Rajinikanth, the human being. The movie is perhaps an answer to his critics who have been criticizing the actor for doing routine ‘commercial masalas’. Thanks to P Vasu, Rajinikanth reinvents himself bringing out the actor within him through this film. One thing is very clear. He has not acted to commercial compulsions.

The movie throws light on the real Rajinikanth, who has been quite a puzzle with millions of his fans. And the star himself answers questions that have been plaguing the minds of millions of his fans. Want to know the answers to why Rajini has not entered politics? Why the superstar often goes to the Himalayas? Why the actor still prefers to work in run-of-the-mill stuff?

‘Kuselan’ has got all the answers. With Rajinikanth by his side, P Vasu has come out with a message that is quite though provoking. The usual adage is ‘Matha Pitha Guru Deivam’. With ‘Kuselan’ the adage gets an addition – ‘Matha Pitha Guru Nanban Deivam’.

He plays the ‘Super Star’ himself and does not at any time impose himself on screen. Watching Rajinikanth play the role with consummate ease is like watching Sachin Tendulkar on song at the middle of the crease. It’s like listening to Beethoven’s symphony sitting under the moonlight. Though the story doesn’t revolve around Rajinikanth, he manages to leave his indelible presence on screen. Especially towards the climax, an emotional Rajinikanth identifies his friend recalling their good old innocent days. These are sequences that evoke tears to our eyes bring the human side of each of us to the forefront.

It is a tough task for an actor like Pasupathy to carry the entire burden on his shoulders acting alongside a scene stealer like Rajinikanth. As a poor barber, fighting for survival, he evokes all the sympathy. Seemingly an extension of his role in ‘Veyyil’, Pasupathy passes out with flying colors. Hats off to him!

Meena as his caring wife is more of a realistic portrayal. She understands the emotional struggles of her husband and gives him the much needed solace and comfort. She sure manages to get under the skin of her character and has done an extremely good job.

Nayanthara plays herself in the film and executes the job entrusted to her quite well. She plays a heroine in films, who shoots for a movie alongside Rajinikanth. She fulfills the glamour quotient and serves the purpose indeed well. Vadivelu’s comedy compliments the script well. His trick to get an audition with Rajinikanth, who is shooting in the village brings down the roof with laughter.

The movie boasts of a huge star cast including Livingston, M S Baskar, Sona, Geetha, Fathima Babu, Brahmanandham, Chinni Jayanth. All have significant parts to play in the film.

Prabhu plays a cameo while a host of stars including Sneha, Soundarya Rajinikanth, Suriya among others appear for the ‘Cinema Cinema’ song.

Kuselan is about two childhood friends, with one becoming the Numero Uno in the film industry, while the other lands up as a barber in a hamlet.

Balakrishnan alias Bala (Pasupathy) is a poor barber in a village. He leads a happy life with his wife Sreedevi (Meena) and his children, until a film crew lands in their village to shoot for a movie. Coming to know that Super Star Ashok Kumar (Rajinikanth) has come for shooting in the village, and also with the understanding that he is Bala’s childhood friend, villagers flock to Bala’s house with favors. A man with tremendous self dignity, Bala fears to meet Ashok Kumar thinking that he may not identify him. But, when the two meet after a long gap, the emotional drama between the pals, sets up an emotional 20-minute climax.

Complimenting Vasu’s hard work are Arvindh Krishna’s excellent cinematography and the brilliant musical score by G V Prakash Kumar. The catchy numbers ‘Om zarerare’ and ‘Cinema Cinema’ have especially been captured in an attractive manner by Aravindh Krishna. The background score towards the climax sets up the momentum.

Hats off to director P Vasu! The film-maker, who knows the knack of remaking a Malayalam hit in Tamil, has rendered a movie that has the right packaging of emotions. He has intelligently packaged the movie with commercial elements that a hardcore Rajinikanth fan would love without spoiling the crux.

Produced by Pushpa Kandaswamy and Vijayakumar, ‘Kuselan’ is a movie that would go down well with Rajinikanth fans and this is a great opportunity to see the real side of this spectacular actor though on celluloid.