southscope april 2013 issue

APRIL 2013 VOL 04 | ISSUE 07 40

“Simbu is NOT a good friend of mine…”

hansika motwani

photoshoots for your viewing pleasure!

South Scope’s

photoshoots for photoshoots for your viewing your viewing photoshoots for your viewing photoshoots for photoshoots for your viewing photoshoots for

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South Scope’s

hottest

Akkineni Nageswara Rao

“A producer should know everything”– the doyen of Telugu cinema

speaks

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Managing Editor

from the editor...

April is a super special month for Southscope as the magazine’s founder and advisor Allu Sirish gets ready with his stellar debut in the bilingual Gouravam. Having known him as a business partner for more than a year and a half, I have seen his incredible transformation from a very young and very mature businessman to a debutant actor who has spared no effort to put in his best.

Team Southscope wishes Sirish a fabulous debut and a rocking career in cinema.

On that note, here is another fabulous issue of Southscope, full of spicy interviews, brilliant photo shoots and crisp features coming together in one helluva rollicking read. Enjoy!

Aruna R Krishnan

Southscope takes no responsibility for unsolicited photographs or material. ALL PHOTOGRAPHS, UNLESS OTHERWISE �� "#$# %�&' '� '((��%��)'�'*'+-��

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veracity and authenticity of the advertisements published herein. Readers are requested to make appropriate enquiries before incurring any expenses or acting on medical recommendations or otherwise in relation to any advertisement or article published herein. Views in

articles are those of the respective authors only. Southscope does not necessarily subscribe to these views. ��9�� 3��3�:��3��9��#$;<��=>#$$?>#?<6?

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Design

Editorial Coordinators

Senior Correspondent

Senior Media Executive – Film Promotions

Whoa Mama Design

Maureen FernandoKirthi Jayakumar

Shankaran Malini

Sanjay G

ContributorsAravind G ShivkamalKirthi JayakumarMalini ShankaranPavithra SrinivasanRadhika RajamaniUnni R NairSwarnalata

Marketing Manager

Publication Consultant

Praveen Kumar [?;?6F;?J<$?$

Raghurama Raju Kalidindi

Managing Editor Aruna R Krishnan

Founder & AdvisorAllu Sirish

FASHIONBRIGADEFind out which stars had everyone’s jaws dropping – and for what reasons, too 82

BharathirajaThe veteran speaks

Rupesh PaulFrom behind the scenes

Thulasi Nair�� head on her shoulders

Vijay SethupathiA slice of pizza

40

44

46

38

Here’s what caught our attention of our Roving Eye 12 ~ 26

Audio launches, movie launches, previews – �� 28

What’s in this edition?

Kannada�� 83

TamilJayam Ravi makes Boologam go around 84

MalayalamBlack Ticket ahoy 82

KannadaAngaraka is making waves all through this month

87

Telugu� ��

TamilMadha Gaja Raja is grabbing eyeballs

88

90

MalayalamIt’s time for Neram 86

This month, get ready for a visual treat as we present to you some of Southscope’s best photoshoots with stars 50

CAMEO

�� Nageswara Rao. Read our interaction with �� !�� 74

SPECIAL FEATURE: PRODUCERS

The leading lady speaksHansika Motwani 32

PREV

IEW

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Visit us @ www.sadayush.co.in

Krusangee - For sustained weight loss - Counters the root cause of Su-Kesi

hair fall - Panchakarma treatment for Thaila-Sekam

, neck pain arthritis, back pain and joint painSu-Netri - Aids in strengthening vision

Sadayush’s treatments follow the Keraleeya Panchakarma treatment method.

Modern-day science has had an adverse effect on modern-day ailments. The world is

now turning towards the ancient doctrine of Ayurveda for holistic solutions to lifestyle

disorders. Sadayush, Chennai’s Advanced Ayurvedic Treatment Centre, is based on

the very tenets of this therapy. Sadayush has a group of highly qualified Ayurvedic

doctors and therapists to awaken your senses in a relaxed and classy ambience,

maintained by a strict hygiene vigil. Come experience Ayurveda at a different level.

THE PERKS OF BEING AN ACTRESSD'2'0��'�)'0��'��(�)�*(/))%1�she feels she missed out on education by taking to cinema and becoming an actress. Although she has grown into a force to reckon with today, Kajal is a little despondent that her dream of completing her education did not ��%�0��%�/��'1��%�'��/�%��opportunity to act when she was just in class ten, and the dreams of pursuing an MBA did not come through. She’s decided to pursue a degree in Business Administration through correspondence. Meanwhile, she’s all for symbolism, as she’s eager to take on roles as a student, especially one with a convocation scene so she could enjoy the feeling of graduating! Awww, Kajal!

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ANOTHER ONE BITES THE DUSTAt the receiving end of the Kerala Film Chamber’s disappointment is Rima Kallingal. The actress’ �07�%'&�4��(4'((��41�%��%'74��('show of their disappointment in her for having disregarded the notice of the chamber warning her against being involved as an anchor for television programmes. Other stars who got the notice besides Rima included Siddique, Archana Kavi, Suraj Venjaramoodu and Kanihaa. While everyone else replied to the Film Chamber agreeing to cooperate, Rima gave it a pass and continued to work on a television show in a Malayalam channel. The Chamber embarked on a strong action plan against her, and consequently, none of Rima’s movies will be released or produced after :'1;5�̀ �001�*��

HERE A SNIP, THERE A SNIP, EVERYWHERE-A-SNIP-SNIPIf the censor board had a tag line, this could be it. Anjali Menon’s Manjdikuru is neck deep in trouble with the Kerala Film �%'74��̀ %�0��/��+'��%�D��'0'��07�%'74��0'�7��%'��%�7/&��)'��(�/��(#$$J'(��%'��%��)%'��-47��'��K��(�/��&��/(�(2'0�:�(/(�0'�7��%'��%��07��(/��%��(�/�9/'��'��4'�*�%�(��(��%�+/��K+�/�-��/()/�*/��%�7/&��)'��00+�(��(��'++�'��%'��(2'0��'��/(�'��%'��%��07)'��'*�(/&��41%��+�/�-��/(%/-��(#$;$'(�)'��/7+0��(#$;#� �(��%�1%'�'++0��'�0��/�'��(�/�'++�/&'0'(��(��/7+-0�/�1�%'��&��1�07�%/-0�%'&�/(01/(��(�/�(-74��%�1)��&�('��'��)��%�%��7��&��)%��%)'��%�(��(��41'(/��%'��'��%'��%��'��)'�(/��&�� '��(��%&��'2�'%7'(9�(�-�'(��*��'(��&'�%�'7/(�/�%��%��07��7�to have a lot of attention already. Here’s hoping it gets to reach the masses!

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DELAYED KICKUpendra, who was eager to commence shooting for the Telugu remake of Kick in Kannada, appeared a disappointed man. Producer K Manju, who purchased the remake rights of Kick, is concentrating on his political career for the time being. With elections to the Assembly set to take place on May 5 in Karnataka, Manju seems to %'&��'��%��07�/77��7�(��(favour of contesting the polls from his home constituency. It looks like Upendra has to wait for a while before giving his next project the much required kick.

PRIYAMANI HOUNDED?Did Priyamani make a mistake by performing an item number in Shah Rukh Khan’s Chennai Express? Well, after having '��+��%'�+�/2��%�'��_//��)��%/��/7��0-�-�077'*��/��7�'(��@-�(��++'��(�01�%�'��%'��'��'��7�(/��/'00�-�%/��/7��&��'0�077'*��(�0-��(�:�%��'7��%)%/)'(��1'7'(��/�'(��(%��(��07 %'�/)��'�-��(��(*'��%'(��''+��Pannu. Priyamani may be happy with Chennai Express, but ��0-�-�077'*��'��'�(01��'++/�(��)��%%��'(��

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DIVYA SPANDANA GAGS SCRIBES�%��)'��/7��%�(��/7+0��01-(��+��&1' +'(�'('Q�'71'X%'��0��'+/0��/7+0'�(�'�'�(��)/0�'��(��07photojournalists for allegedly uploading her working stills from the movie Neer Dose. Apparently, the lensmen were on the sets of the movie at the invitation of the producer. Though Ramya objected to the photojournalists taking candid pictures of her, there were no �+��(��-��/(��/7�%�+�/�-��'�'�(��-��(��%��7'��But when one of the photojournalists uploaded a picture on to the internet, things turned ugly.

Photographer: Karthik Srinivasan Styling: Kaushik Velendra Make up & Hair: Page 3 Location: Hilton Chennai Wardrobe & Footwear: Actors own Accessories: Casablanca

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MOTHER DEAR, YOU ARE HERE!Vidya Balan wowed audiences when she daringly took to playing Big B’s mother on screen. Balki’s Paa had the masses reaching /-��/��%��*��%��'��(��_��//*')'1'00�%�'��(��/(��/7+/+�/�(��(�(�%��/)(�+/��(�%�2/-�(�1'�'('��Kavya Madhavan is all set to play the role of the mother of a #$K1�'�K/0��(�(�0D-(2'++'��-+�/7�(��07�(��77'�D'&1'��+��/��/��/0��%-��Z'(��/�'1�%'��%'�'&'��1within is making an understatement. Reports have it that Kavya is driven by the question of how much a role challenges her, and if she would enjoy that challenge. This appears to have motivated %��/�'*�/(�%�(-'(��)/7'(K��(��'(�0'1��/0��̀ ��all eyes, Kavya.

PUNEET IN NINNINDALE�-(��'2*-7'��(�01'((/-(��%��(��07Z��((�(�'0�Z�/4��41^'1'(�%�'�'(2��)%/%'��0�&��&��'0hit movies in Telugu. Puneet chose to announce the project on his birthday in the presence of his fans. The title of the movie incidentally happens to be a popular track from his blockbuster Milana. The star cast and the technical crew of the new movie are 1��/4��('0��9-��((�(�'0��0�*�01�/4�')�((��/�(�by the way Puneet has changed his looks for the movie!

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WAY TO GO, SIRISH!Telugu and Tamil cinema are both abuzz about the '��&'0/��%�(�)��7��'��'�*��/(�%�40/�*ZAllu Sirish. The handsome actor who is debuting with the bilingual Gauravam, has already won %�'��3��(��0/&�%��/-��-�(�(�%��07and are also eagerly waiting to see Sirish perform action hero roles with a dash of romance thrown in. Venturing into business at a very young age, Sirish has already proved his mettle as a producer with Ghajini and as a publisher too! We think it is merely a question of time before he becomes one of the hottest stars in South Indian cinema. Sirish )%/'�/�(��%��+��0#$;<�/&��/�� /-�%India’s premier lifetsyle magazine recently shot at the Hyatt Regency in Chennai. The photographer and the crew could not stop raving about his energy on the sets and the fact that he managed to bring a different mood and look to each shot with just his expressions!

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TRYST WITH LUXURY��(��'�'1�/-0�(/�%'&�'�*��/�7/��4��((�(�#$;<)��%'4'(��%�/-�%4'�*K�/K4'�*%��%�'��%'�4��/7��%�+�/-�/)(��/�'0-�-��/-�9: ̀ ��%�'��4��%��0'��'�@-��/('�%��'7�'��(��''0��'�1/)(�three luxury cars and BMW is the latest addition to her stable. The last we heard was of Aindrita planning to paint the town red driving her snazzy car. Atta girl!

LOOK WHO’S COMING BACK!If rumour mills are to be believed, two of Malayalam cinema’s leading ladies of yester year are making a comeback. Wondering who? Look (/�-��%��)��001/-� '71-*�'�'�7')%/��'��/�9�2-:�(/(��wife, and Parvathy, who is actor Jayaram’s wife. Both actresses bowed out of cinema after marriage, and have been out of the limelight for a while now. While reports claim that Samyukta will play the role of Biju :�(/(��)��(/(�/��%��/��%�/7�(��07�+�/�-��-(��%'**'0�Films, Biju’s own production house, Parvathy’s comeback plan is still obscure. It looks like Indian cinema is playing host to several comebacks Z��%��/7 ��&��/�%��)/:K�/)(0'��

BUT LOOK WHO ISN’T!As much as these ladies are into the groove again, there appears to be one actress who is eagerly waiting in hope to make her comeback on the silver screen. And that happens to be Manju Warrier, who bid adieu to tinsel town when she tied the knot with actor ��0��+��7-�%'�%��'74��/(��00�(�'(-��-��(�hand in her heart, Dileep seems to be turning the /�%��)'1�%��7'��'��0�'�'��'1�%'�%�%'�(/intentions of supporting Manju’s cinematic dreams.

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WAIT... WHAT?Siddharth has declared that he is ready to tie the knot. After being linked with a bevy of women right from Shruti Haasan to Tamannaah, Siddharth is all set to kiss singledom goodbye and don the robes of a family man. With hopes to have a family and children, he does want to get hitched soon.

�̀��)/(��(�)%/%�)�007'��1�%/-�%Z0��0�4��*�+��/7�(��(��/7'00@-'��/��00-�'4/-� ��%'��%'(� '7'(�%'��(��/�1with each other. After the duo were seen with their parents offering a pooja at the Sri Kalahasti temple, rumour mills worked overtime to buttress their contentions. But Siddharth was not pleased with the news, and Samantha was set on telling the world that they were good friends and that was all. Oh well. Time will tell.

MAKING THE WORLD GO ROUNDJiiva has been making waves with his stellar performances and interesting roles. But what’s been the most worthy of appreciation among his many avatars is the one where we see him supporting causes. The young actor showed his unstinting solidarity to the cause of Global Warming, by joining hands )��%�%�̀ /�0�̀ ��-(��/��'�-��Q``�X�/*��*/��'��%3/-�#$;<�̀ �0/&��%��'&'�'��

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ANOTHER REASON TO GO AWWWWW!Amy Jackson has adopted a dolphin. Yep, you read right! The actress who is currently working on Shankar’s I in Tamil is an ardent animal lover. Amy �'1��)�(��/:��/�/��%��)��'�'(�%'��%��%'(��/�)�7)��%the dolphins in the open sea and fell in love with them! So, as part of my birthday celebrations, I’ve adopted Smoothie, the dolphin. She’s a wild �/0+%�()%/�)�7�'�/-(��%��/'��/��D��

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MAKING WAVES 3��4-��077'1(/�%'&�7'��)'&��'��%�4/�/��4-�%��/='-�%'7Karthik has got his share of recognition. The charming actor who reminds us of his dad Karthik in his heyday has signed on projects which will kickstart soon. New �07�'��%�7��:'(��'�('7+/��D'�'0��3��'&��14��/��/-�+��&'�1K0/&�(�(/��%�*�(�)%/would like it if I just gave him a call. I will go in person to meet him soon, as I have '0/�/��'��/�%�7��(�%�7�'()%�0�the charmer is back in action with his old 0/&�Z�%��-��'��

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A BITE OF THIS APPLE...

That the Apple iPhone 5 has a lot of fans across the world is already news. With '�'�0�(��%'��-(��/&�(��'�1��%'��)%1�/7'(1+�/+0��/��(/wonder really that the product has made a mark in the heart. But for Jayam Ravi, �%�4/(��+�� '1��%�'��/��:1��%/(�5)'��/7�4171�(K0')��/��)'0��'72-��/+�/-�/��%��is why perhaps all other mobile handsets �/(��'++�'0�/�%�'��/�7-�%Z�/7-�%�/�%'�%��'00��%�7��/'+�'44'�Q�/'+4/�X�3��'1�0'-�%�(�01��(��1/-own an iPhone, you feel that you own a complete phone. All other phones are �/'+�'44'��/7��%��%-�*0��̀ �hear you, buddy.

DADDY’S DAY OUT? OR BABY’S DAY OUT?Although Irandam Ulagam is keeping director Selvaraghavan busy, the doting daddy doesn’t miss out on the fun of parenthood whenever he gets the chance. 3�%'��)��')%�0�'�/�'1�(��'��(�%//��-�%2/1�=�&�('�%/��)/-0�@-��&��1�%�(�'(��'��71�%�0��(��:/��(�01�%��'��1K�'-�%��-/)'��(��K��&�(��/7�(�))%��0��'��%�1)��/-�shopping for new toy cars for baby Lilavathi. Watching Selvaraghavan and his wife putting up pictures of their daughter on social networking sites only makes us go awwwww!

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RAJAMOULI PAT FOR SUDEEPRajamouli is sad about Sudeep not winning National Award for his performance Eega. Though the movie won two National Awards recently, the '��/��'++/�(��%'� -��+)'�(/��&�('(')'��3��)��%��0�(��'1�(��/(��'�-0'��/(�B�%'(*�#71+�/�-�� '��'�-F4�0��&�(��(�/(��(�B�7/��/(/��''(� -��%9'4-�'�-F%��'4�0��1�/�(&��/(71��'7�9-��)/-0�%'&�4��(��'001%'++1%'� -��+��&��%��/�(��/(�/�%��'/��('�1��/��'��(/��%��'7�)��%/-�%�7��Q��X

NOPE, THIS ONE AIN’T TRUE!Thus spake Rajamouli. Why, you ask? After rumours _/'��(��/��/(2��-��'4/-� �'2'7/-0��alleged initiative of approaching Shruti Haasan for his second lead in his upcoming project, the director denied it all. Posting on his social media handle, the director had reportedly gone on record to note that � %�-��3''�'(4��(��/+��(�/'��(9'%-4'0�)'��'0��(�)��'(��%'�%�%'�(��'++�/'�%��%��/�any role at all.

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Claim to Fame: Daughter

of ‘Action King’ Arjun.

Although there are artistes

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Arjun considers herself

unique. “I am currently

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Here’s the scoop on the new beginnings, audio launches and everything new that happened last month

ANR and Nagarjuna graced the occasion of Sushanth’s birthday celebrations at Annapurna Studios, Hyderabad.

Prince Mahesh Babu and his gorgeous wife Namrata Shirodkar launched the Rainbow Hospital, at Kondapur, Hyderabad.

Happy Birthday

Spreading rainbows of cheer!

MARCH MANIA

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Check out the many moods of the Chennai Rhinos Team during a CCL match at the MA Chidambaram Stadium in Chepauk, Chennai.

Lakshmi Prasanna Manchu, Taapsee and Manoj Manchu got together to meet scribes in connection )��%�%��07=-(��00/=/�'��

Rhinos Roar!

Gracing Gundello Godari

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Venkatesh, Srikanth, Taapsee and Madhurima came together for the music launch of Shadow, at the Shilpakalavedika in Hyderabad.

The music of the new Junior NTR starrer, Baadshah was launched at the Ramanaidu Studios in Hyderabad.

Shadowing success

Baadhshah begins

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... we’d be quite knocked out, by now! Chiranjeevi, Ram Charan and Priyanka Chopra created quite the Thoofan '��'�*31'��(31��'4'�'��%�0'-(�%/��%��0//*��'�0��/��%//�'(�%��07�

If the first look could kill...

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She’s hot property in Tamil and Telugu cinema at the moment. Meet the vivacious Hansika Motwani

as she chats with Shankaran Malini

OF MINE”FRIEND

“SIMBU IS NOT A GOOD

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Let’s backtrack a little. Was your entry into South Indian cinema planned? Or did you always want to go to Bollywood, but then wound up coming down south because things didn’t work out there?

You know, nothing was planned. I am here �( /-�%�(��'(�07�4��'-��/�'00171destiny. When I was a small child, my mother always used to tell me that she wished I were born in the south. ‘I wish you were a South Indian child’, she used to tell me. Invariably, in its own way, a variation of her wish has now come true. I became a South Indian child after all!

Showbiz happened when you were preciously young. It must have meant a lot of work and responsibilities. Do you wish sometimes, that life were different?

I was nine when I became a child artiste. I always came and went through the back gate of the school, unlike other children who normally use the front gate. I was always treated like a star kid, even though I didn’t want to be. I remember my principal once asking me, ‘If Sachin Tendulkar sat in the school and did not sweat it out in the playground, how would he be what he is today?’ In the same way, if Hansika was in school and not on the sets how could I be what I am today? People used to take my autograph when I was a kid and tug at my cheeks, which I hated. There was this one lady who would touch me quite often and I resented it. But I would never tell them that I hated it!

Tell us about your childhood: the ��

As a kid and as a young girl, Hansika was like any normal child. And even today, as an actress, Hansika is just as normal as any other girl. Just because I am an actress doesn’t make me feel superior about things in comparison with others.

You started out in Bollywood and then came to South Indian cinema. Aap Ka Suroor didn’t do very well, and then you ��

not see the light of day. So we take it that it is curtains down on Bollywood for you?

I disagree! Aap Ka Suroor was a huge hit. Money Hai Toh Honey Hai was a multi starrer and didn’t do that well. After that, I got many offers in Hindi. I began with Bollywood, after which I came down �/-�%�/)/�*�(��0-�-'(��'7�0�07��I am comfortable here, working in both the languages. I know what Bollywood is because I that’s where I am from. It is not that I have come here because I didn’t have offers there. It is also not that because I am successful down south, I will soon head to Bollywood.

Tell us about your experience of working opposite Allu Arjun in your debut. That must have been huge.

�)'�';5K1�'�K/0��0�%�(��(��&�(know who Allu Arjun was. I only knew that he was Mega Star Chiranjeevi’s nephew. I interacted with him as a friend and didn’t treat him as a star. I was very normal with him.

Bindaas remains your only Kannada �� conscious decision to stay away?

Bindaas was directed by Babu, and starred �-(��'2*-7'�'��%�%��/��%��07)'�a huge hit. I was extremely busy in Hindi at that time and then I moved on to Telugu and Tamil. Even to this day, many people, including big directors and big production %/-��'007��/)/�*�(D'(('�'�07��But the thing is that with the movies I have currently signed on, I also have the additional ��+/(��4�0��1/��'*�(��'��/�##�%�0��(��2-��/(��%'&��%��7��/�/D'(('�'�07��Think about it, how would I have the time when I am so busy already? Whenever I do �(�'0��0��7��)�00+�/4'401)/�*�('D'(('�'�07�

You acted with Junior NTR in Kantri. Tell us more about that experience.

Kantri was directed by Ramesh Menon and he is like a brother to me. I’ve known him since my Desamudru days. When he

“I don’t think I will ever look back again because I work very hard for my future”

approached me for Kantri, I did not even %�'�'(1�%�(�4�1/(��%��0�(��7+01said ok. Tarak was a gentleman, and a very kind person. It was a very good experience �%//��(��/��%��07�

From that point on, there was no looking back. Hansika had arrived! Can you tell us what changed for you personally from that point onwards?

Trust me, nothing has changed. It is just that I have to work harder than I used to. Now the responsibility is much greater. I feel extremely good that I am not looking back. I don’t think I will ever look back again 4��'-��)/�*&��1%'��/�71�-�-��Zwhich is where my sights are set.

How come you are game to work in multi-starrers?

��'7'('��/��'(�'��'�(��clichéd as this may sound, I am not too fond

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of number games. Settai which has just been ��0�'��'7-0��K��'�� /�� (�'7#where I am working with Anushka Shetty and Suriya. I always go by how much I can contribute to the script myself. When it comes to remakes like Settai, I tell them upfront that I can’t perform exactly like in the original, and they adapt my role accordingly, to suit Tamil audiences.

��"��"��#�� How do you handle failure? Has it affected how you handle success?

Fortunately heroines don’t have to go through as much stress as heroes do. Neither success (/��'�0-��'��7��̀ %�(�'��/'�07��&��71%�'��'(��/-0'(�71;$$�effort. If it doesn’t work, it doesn’t affect me too much. But I will continue to slog.

Tell us a little about a day in your life. What’s it like?

�(/�7'0�'1�/�7��'��'�/-(�5�;5�:��'74'�*%/7�416�$$�:��%�(��/71��'(��//��/�0��+41?�$$�:�

What’s in the pipeline?

Many, many scripts come to me. I am very choosy about them, and I want to be very �'��-04��/��(�(�/((�)�07��9-�then, I already have so many projects in %'(��%'��(��/�(��%4��/��(�(�(�)ones. My social work is also very important to me. Like I just said, I have taken on the ��+/(��4�0��1/��'��(��/�##�%�0��(��%'&�another project in mind, which is a setup for old people so that they can be looked after. I want to have nurses and the like, and I need to make lot of arrangements. The old age home is a very big task.

$��"��#��"��male-dominated - in terms of the love and adulation a male actor gets for his acting skill, while the woman is judged by her sex appeal?

I have no comments on this question.

Alright, then. What do you think of the prospect of two actresses being friends? ��"��"��

I don’t know whether two actresses can be friends or not. All my best buddies are from my school days. I don’t have friends in the industry. I do not have time for parties, and I don’t go out in the evenings. Maybe that’s the reason why I don’t have many friends out here!

“There was this one lady who would touch me quite often and I resented it. But I would never tell them that I hated it!”

What was the most ridiculous rumour ever written about you?

Let me put this in the plainest way possible. Everyday, there is something new that is being written about me. None of these rumours make any sense to me, but I must say that all of them surprise me a lot. All I request is that people should please let me do my work. Let me work hard and entertain you all!

Alright…. But what is the deal with you and Simbu? Are you seeing someone? Where is Simbu in all of this?

Simbu is not a good friend of mine. He is 2-��'�/K��'��'7�/4-�1)��%)/�*'(�71social responsibility projects. Do you think I have time for all these things? I hardly have the time for anything else besides work. I am very upset about such things being written about me and this unsubstantiated stuff that is doing the rounds.

You’ve gone on record telling your fans not to build temples for you. What does this kind of fandom mean to you?

They have already built it! Your question should actually be, now that people have already built a temple for you, what do you have to say about it? Well, I want to say to my fans with folded hands, that I am just as human as they are. I’ve always been clear that I did not want my fans to build a temple for 7�Z4-��%�1��'++�'0�/�%�7(/��/�/such things henceforth.

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rupesh paul

Let’s start at the beginning. What made ��"��#��%��transition from literature and journalism to cinema – how and when did it happen?

I am, at the bottom of my heart, a poet. But back when I used to write poetry, it was never in demand. May be, back in those years poetry didn’t have a proper platform to reach out to people, unlike today’s scenario. Disheartened with my poetry failing to reach a wide audience, I decided to push it aside for a while. I never felt that poetry could provide me with a grand platform where I would be able to communicate with people directly. Anyway I was determined to remain an artist at any cost. I stepped into the creative world of cinema which gets you a wide range of people as an audience. Like it is for most

people, movies were my passion. I believe that one can always create poetry onscreen.

��"��"��of My Mother’s Laptop? What were your experiences?

My Mother’s Laptop was the biggest mistake �%'&�7'��(71�'��'�'�077'*��/7��%�(��%/+��/�/��/��&��%��07�(��'001%'�'�%//��(��%��-0�/�#5�'1�'(�4��'-��/��%��('(��'0��%'��/)�'+��-+�(2-��6�'1��J$��(��/��++��as I had to cut it short. I was compelled to make a prolonged version, with the few ��(��0��4�%�(��/�/(&��(�/'#K%/-�K0/(��07�/��0�'��(��01)��%�%'�(/newcomer gets to face such a debacle right at the beginning of his career.

��"��#��once again, how would you do it? What would you do or not do?

I will just never do it again. After making it, I realised that it was never meant to be a movie. Its theme and content cannot be stretched into '�07�/�7'��

&�"��#��'��satisfying was it?

When I ended up as a failure making feature �07��71�'0�(��(�/7'*�(��%/��07��('001��&��/7��/�(��/()%�(�)//�71�%/��07��/-�'(��+twice into the same river and Mrigam (The 9�'��X+��7��'��%�+��/-��'((��Film Festival. That was a grand exposure I

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%'�(�&��'7�/��(�� %/��07�'��a different genre altogether, and cannot be written off. You have to have talent to make '��/-��%/��07� /7��%/��07��'(�&�(/-�+��/�7�%��'�-��07�'��'�'�perfection is concerned.

How did Saint Dracula and The Secret Diaries of Mona Lisa come up?

The idea of the movie Saint Dracula was derivative of an image that occurred to me unexpectedly, of the very distinguished hero of many movies and literary adventures Z��'�-0'��%��7'��)'�/(��%'�)'�essentially contrary to those popular images of him that portrayed him as the vampire ��'&�(��/��%�&��(��40//��%��07��'0�/an endeavour to comprehend the historical

facets of Dracula. In such an attempt, I had started following the footsteps of the greatest %��/��'0��-��/��/7'(�'�%��(��/�

'̀00'�%�'�0'��+��%�;5�%��(�-�1warrior prince had fought several gruesome wars to save the Church from perishing but in course of time and history became the bloodthirsty vampire of the myths and folklore. I wanted to highlight this saviour image and proclaim that Dracula was never a devil worshipper who was against God or Catholicism. Saint Dracula is a humble '��7+��/��0&��+�(�/�%�7-0��Zdimensionalities of the titular character. Saint ��'�-0'<�%'�'0��'�14��(��(��'��%�^'�+-��(��('��/('0��07��&'0/(#(�February. The Secret Diaries of Mona Lisa is another movie, which is born out of pure aesthetic temperament. Like everybody else, I am also intrigued by Mona Lisa’s smile. While researching the theme, I have found that there are thousands of theories about Mona Lisa’s smile. All these have come out /��%��/&��(7�(�K�-(��'��%��/(�41�%��/K�'00��(��00��/��%��&�0/+��countries. None of the theories seem to be authentic or real. From this curiosity aroused the idea of tracing the truth behind the smile. Interestingly, I had got a beautiful script and ��(+0'1�/��%��07�̀ %�0��%//��(�)��%a small budget, the theme had outgrown our expectation and demanded a large canvas. �(�/��-('��01�%��07��%�0&��4��'-��/��(�-��(��-(��'(4��-��)��'(�(�%-��'��)%/�'(�('(��%��unique endeavour.

How and when did the idea of ‘Kamasutra’ strike you?

D'7'�-��')/-0�%'&�4��(71��07��the same favourable situation prevailed years ago, when I conceived of it. No producer was even ready to sit and listen to the story. In the current scenario, with the globalization etc., )�'��'4��4/0��/��/(��(�017/&��forward with this project. I have a special interest in portraying erotica rather than an �+��%��/�1'(��'7�/(��(�/��/�(��with perfection. I also had the intention of �/(&��(�'�'��(��'(��(�/�07�(�%�;$$�%1�'�/��(��'(��(�7'�D'7'�-��'is ideal as it is a sacred text which is secretly admired and openly renounced in India, defying its wide acceptance abroad.

Why ‘Kamasutra’? Is it because sex sells ��

Even though it deals with an excessive amount of nudity as per the demand of the theme, Kamasutra can never be called a movie just for sex. Essentially, it is a saga of love which verges on sexuality. My attempt is to come up with a movie which is aesthetically admirable rather than visually explosive. It will cater to all kinds of sensibilities.

What made you think of working it out in 3D?

<�'++�'��/4��%�4��/�7'��/+/��'1classic erotica, but it was hardly experimented )��%-(��0��(�01��(�%��07)�'��1�(�to give an extra dimension to sexual positions described in the ancient treatise on the art of 0/&��%�/-�%�%�<��/�7'��

What has your Hollywood experience been like?

From what I have perceived closely, I �/(��3/001)//�'�/�+/�'��7'�'��&��1��-0��/7'*�'(�(��1��1/-%'&�genuine talent and intelligence coupled with an attractive script, you may stand a chance of making it big. The technical perfection they exude is something to learn from.

What’s the present state of affairs, in your ��(��)��(��being made, the changing perspectives ��#��the audience...

�-��(�01�%�:'0'1'0'7�07�(�-��1��_//��)��%'7'8�(��'0�(��1/-�'*�any three newcomers, all of them will be talented. It can surely be called the heyday of Malayalam cinema. Fresh themes and treatments are coming and we have a group /�1/-(��077'*��)%/�'*��%��2/4seriously. The audience sensibility has been upgraded dramatically. With the advent of social media, they get a platform to directly �/77-(��'��)��%�077'*��'(�+-�forth their opinions. The audience actively participates in the evaluation of each and �&��1�07�/��(��077'*��/�'��%��standards and come up with compelling themes. The access provided by the internet �/�//��07��/7'(1+'��/��%�)/�0�has enhanced the intellect of the audience. Such a promising scenario is paving the way for the comeback of talented people like Joy Mathew. It’s a positive and progressive change which should go on.

A comeback, to Malayalam cinema... is it on the cards?

No, not right now. But I will surely think about if I get my hands on an exceptionally good script.

When are you beginning work on Kamasutra 3D? When would it hit theatres?

The shooting has already started and is progressing steadily. We plan to premiere the 7/&��/(:'1;<'��%�#$;<�'((��07Festival. The commercial release has not yet 4��(+0'((��Y$�/��%�+��'0��%'&�'0�/been completed.

Rupesh Paul, who took

to fi lmmaking after a

stint at journalism and

writing, is now working on

international projects. His

fi rst outing of course was

the Malayalam fi lm Laptop

(English version titled My

Mother’s Laptop), following

which he did short fi lms,

a couple of which got

wide acclaim after being

premiered at Cannes. That

paved the way for him to go

international and Rupesh

then started work on The

Secret Diaries of Mona

Lisa. The fi lm however

hasn’t been completed, but

the ever-zealous Rupesh

Paul went on and did an

international project of

even bigger proportions

– Saint Dracula 3D. Now

that Saint Dracula 3D is

done, Rupesh gets ready

to do his next, Kamasutra

3D, which is already very

much in the news. Sherlyn

Chopra does the lead role,

supported by an impressive

cast that comprises of the

choicest of actors from

across India. Here’s Rupesh

Paul in conversation with

Unni R Nair

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thulasi nair

She’s all of fi fteen, but speaks with the

wisdom of one that has seen the best

and the worst in life. Thulasi Nair is cute,

bubbly and charming on the one hand,

and profoundly mature on the other.

Kirthi Jayakumar discovers both sides

to this rather interesting coin.

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Kadal came back to you after several turns. Take us through the intriguing turn of events that landed you the project.

Mani sir approached me when I was about twelve, just shy of turning thirteen. I was �%-441Z�%��)'�'�'��7�)%�(�)'�'*��and all naive and innocent. I was wearing a )%��/-��'(�%��'7��/��7��3��+�(�some time just looking at me. I wondered to 71��0�'4/-�%/))��'00)'�Z�7�'(Mani Ratnam was just looking at me. Now why would he do that? He left, without saying a word. I had no idea what this had to do with anything, so I just went about being myself. Later, my mother told me that he had found my innocence and naive looks to be apt for a role, but that I was both young and rather �%-441Z'(�%�)'�-(�-��/-0�'��

�̀_�)�/)(�/�%�(('��%�(��7/�(�(�where I was to go and give an audition. At the studio we met a couple of people. One guy in a lungi walked past us, and I just went ahead like normal. Suddenly, I heard my mother scream ‘Gautham!’ I turned to see %��%-��(��%��0-(��K�0'��-1��%'�)'�)%�(��%��7�Z%�)'�'��/�D'��%�*��/(��apologised for being aloof, and attributed it to how well he looked the part. We auditioned, but then I did my part precisely as my mother and sister coached me. I think Mani sir wanted it differently, so he showed me things to do, but I couldn’t snap out of the lessons I’d gained over the past few days from my mother and sister. I came back to Mumbai, and through the grapevine, I heard that he was considering others. I was a bit disappointed on hearing that, after waiting around for half a year. So I started eating happily, piling on the kilos. It was at that point that Mani Sir called 7�4'�*'(�'�*��/7��7�Z�/��+�(�'whole week working my guts off, lost weight and made a beeline for Chennai. Mani sir was all set to have me in Kadal, and the rest, as they say, is history!

Go on…

Actually, I didn’t decide to take on the role 71��0��)'�717/�%��̀ %�(�%��07came to me, I was very young, very naive and very much dependant on my parents when it �'7��/71��/(��:1��7��(�)��%Mani sir was great, and I suppose it clicked because I got to work with him. Debuting �(':'(��'�('7�07)'�'%-��0�'�(�(��+��(��Z��)'��'(�'��4��'-��/��/understand that I could emote and act, and I think he is simply the best person one can learn from!

Your role in Kadal wasn’t too big.... And yet you chose to be part of it?

For me, it didn’t matter what or how big my role was. Even if I had to be a background

artiste, I’d have agreed. The learning and the experience you get from working with Mani sir was what was important. He chose 7�Z�/�)%'��&��'�/(Z/-�/��/7'(1others he considered. I wanted to live up to that expectation of me. I ask him even now as �/)%1%��%/��7�Z'(�%�2-��7�0��'(��'1��'��

But Kadal tanked, right? What’s on your mind? What do you think went wrong?

�/�&��1/(�)%/)/�*��/(D'�'0Z��%��/7:'(��'00�%�)'1�/)(�/7�Z�%�movie will always be a success. We know and appreciate all the hard work we put in. �%��/�10�(�)'��'�%��7+0�Z4-��-��audiences perhaps didn’t understand it when we put it across that way. I also think that the expectations were pretty high, and matching up to that is a task in itself. I suppose you cannot do too much with a subject like that, and what we did pretty much covered it all. :'(��)'(��/�%/)�%��&��1��7//�%�'�0�(��0��/�'��%��7'(4-��-��%�people out there wanted something different.

Was it very hard, working with a director of such wide acclaim?

No. The thing is, he knew what he wanted. I don’t know what he saw in me that he thought I was a good choice. When I started off, I didn’t know a thing about the character I was playing. He told me to just be expressive and to crack it open by being myself. So I began workshops with Kalairani, and I was blank '�� %�2-��/�7��/��1�/4�7/��'(�more expressive as an artiste. A time came when Mani sir thought I had what it took, so he told me what I was supposed to be +0'1�(��(�%��07��0-�*)/-0�%'&��%�character I played, Bea, was very close to me.

/̀�*�(�)��%:'(��)'�&��1�'�1Z%�would explain the scene to Gautham and me, and tell us to work on it the way we wanted to. We would go aside, prepare together and come and present it to him in some sort of a rehearsal. If he liked it, we took a shot. If he thought we had room to improve, he would tell us, and we’d roll with it.

Your mother debuted with Karthik. And now you’ve made yours with Gautham Karthik. I can only imagine the kind of expectations you would have faced…

When I was introduced to Gautham, I never saw him as Karthik’s son. We were introduced to each other as our characters in �%��07�̀ %�0�)��%/�)�(�&��*(�)/�the outside world and its expectations of us. ��)'�/(01'��)��(��%��%//��(��%'�we got back to all the social media outlets, and that was when we understood all the expectations. We had our phones taken away and got off Facebook and all of that

during the period of the shoot, so that we didn’t have to start with the knowledge of the huge expectations on our shoulders and the obligations to live up to it. My mother told me to just go and do the role as I would. When I was acting, I was Thulasi, not Radha’s daughter, not Karthika’s sister. I was just myself.

Shuttling between school and shooting: did it become too much to take at any point?

It was tough. The thing is, Mani sir was &��1_��40�'(�'00/)��7��/2-��0�4/�%� %//��)/-0��%��/7F�:�/6�:each day, and then I would Skype with my teachers using my laptop. My teachers, for their part, wouldn’t let me go a day without a session with them. I was either reading my ��+�/�'��K4//*�/�%'��%��)%/0�(��>artiste life going for me!

Having started working at such a tender age, do you think you have grown up too fast?

Even before Kadal, I was always under the notion that I was a bit mature, or that I grew up too fast. I have always had a mature side �/71��0�Z�/7��%�(��%'�%�0+�7�0�'�(�'��and just evolve quicker.

What are you taking with you from the Kadal experience? How has it changed you personally?

Predominantly, it is the understanding that '��(��('�07��(/��'�1��'�0��%/-�%�it was very simple and easy to do, but now I realise that it is one of the toughest jobs one can hold down. You have to be dedicated all the time; faltering even for a moment shows on screen. I’ve personally understood from the Kadal experience that it is important to ��(�/�%��%'�'��Z'(�(/�+��(��/4�the character.

“I turned to see her hugging this lungi-clad guy. That was when it hit me – he was actor Karthik’s son!”

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What were the best and worst comments you heard for Kadal?

The best comment I received was that I lived the character and portrayed her well through my eyes. This was something a very +�/7�(�(�+��/(��/7�%��07�(�-��1�/0�me. Some people went so far as to say that they couldn’t imagine anyone else playing Bea! The worst, though, was that I had to lose more weight.

What’s happening in the coming days?

��%�(/)+/��KD'�'0��7�(�%��+'��where I realise that I can act. I have grown fond of the artform, and I think I want to do more to show other people and myself all that I can do. Right now, I am working with Yaan, /++/��^��&'��'&��+�/2��and there’s the expectation that I should do the needful for it, as well. I am falling in love with cinema, and I hope to make my space %��Z�%/-�%(/�'+��7'(�(�/(��:1%�'��is set in business and education. Acting is a fun experience, and for me, with everyone at home involved in it, it’s all about being able to do it just as well. But ideally, I see myself pursuing a business degree, and doing something with hotel management.

What are your expectations from Yaan?

91�%��7��%��%'0�/��%��/�1�/�/&��I was excited. I simply wanted to be a part /��%�+�/2��%�7/7�(��'&��(��%��%��('��'��/(��%'��&��1�%�(�Z�/7'(��/7��1'��/(�%��00Z1/-('7��1/-have it! It keeps you on the edge with its twists. The character I play is completely the opposite of my role in Kadal. Here, I am this #5K1�'�/0��0'�'�%��4/0�'(�+'��/('��one at that. The whole style has changed, and I’m watching Karthika to learn and imbibe the way I’m supposed to behave, for the role.

*��#��"��time in the industry with not many hits to her credit. Did you learn from her mistakes?

Karthika and I are similar. We don’t care about our successes, we just focus on what we have learnt. I think there were times when she was misled into thinking a movie would turn out a certain way, but in the end it turned out different. Right now, though, I’m seeing that Karthika’s time to shine is here. Annakodiyum Kodiveeranum has something fantastic in store for the audiences. It is her ��'7+��/�7'(��Z��')'��)��(��71��0�'(��'7_//��/+0�%'&��/7�

thulasi nair

to her saying that she will bag awards for her role. Her time’s come, it’s just about everyone seeing it and that’s all that needs to be done.

As a debut actor, what advice did you take from your mother and sister? How did they prepare you for the experience that was to come?

My mother and sister didn’t advise me for Kadal at all. They told me that Mani sir was the best, and that I didn’t need anyone else’s inputs at all. Post Kadal, Karthika’s advice to me is to just introduce a bit of me into my characters. My mother, now, for Yaan, is my complete guide. I sit with her and run every scene with her, including just reaction scenes.

Who is Thulasi the person?

If you came to Mumbai and tried to look for me, you’d never spot me. I’m in my skinny jeans and these loose shirts from my dad or brother, or even a hoodie. I either always have a book in my hand with these huge nerd �0'��/(/�'(7+<+0'1��2'77��(71ears. I’m this simple girl, not the glamorous one you see on screen.

And who is Thulasi the artiste? What is her USP?

I think my USP is that I need to know everything. The whats, the hows, the whys, �%�)%�(��%�)%��Z��'4�/0-��01fundamental for me to know it all before I do anything. I am a hard worker, and I work fast!

You seem to know a thing or two about dressing up. Is it thanks to your Mumbai upbringing?

Seriously, I just told you how I lounge about at home, and you think I’m capable of ��(��10��%01/(71/)(�Q0'-�%�X:1mother and sister are my fashion gurus. I’m �/��&��71��K-+�/00'(��7not complaining!

“I was wearing a white outfit, and he came to see me. He spent some time just looking at me..”

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I’m this simple girl, not the glamorous one you see on screen.

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vijay sethupathi

From an accountant to an actor: what does this new style of book-keeping look like?

Q�'-�%�X��'('��/-(�'(��/-(�712/4very monotonous. My heart just wasn’t in what I was doing. I wanted a change of career. I have always had this urge to be part /��(�7'��(��(/��/+-��-��%'��joined the theatre group Koothuppattarai as an artiste. They didn’t have a dearth of actors at that time, so they didn’t want any (�)/(��9-��+��('001�/��%�chance to act, but my only stint with theatre remains the one play that was screened across 5$��%�(�&�00'��7'��&��'0��(��networked a lot and got in touch with many ��/7�%��07��'��(��1��/��0��('screen test and was shortlisted as an artiste. That I eventually became a hero was way beyond my expectations, because I always wanted to become an actor, not a hero. To enhance my skills as an artiste I even tried dubbing, but here too, I had very few offers. I am happy with how things have turned out now.

A majority of my experiences come from cinema. It is a pretty tough medium and you need to be very fast. There are a lot of rehearsals and a lot of training happens when ��/7��/�07��%��7'14��'*��)%�(1/-�%//�4-�/(��1/-��07��/-�)%'��('0��)%'��/��-+��%'��1/-��'��Good or bad, you can’t do anything about '(1�%�(�/(��1/-��07��/-��(�7'��very risky that way. At least in plays you have a chance of correcting yourself in subsequent �%/)��(�07�/(��1/-7'*�'7��'*�1/-can’t do anything about it.

After a small role with Dhanush in Pudhupettai, you soon became a force to reckon with. Was this something you saw yourself doing?

By the time Pudhupettai happened, I had already signed up for a serial on Sun TV. It was during my tryst with the small screen through television serials that my learning process began. Subsequently, I did small �/0��(�07�0�*��((�0'D'4'��D-8%-Naan Mahaan Alla and the like. I was even ��/++��(�/-��07�('��/)017��(�'chance to play the hero. I waited nearly seven

years after which Thenmerkku Paruvakaatru happened. I was excited to play the hero. Thenmerku Paruvakaatru happened in just four days, on one I was enquired into and sent in my photographs, by evening I was selected, the next day I boarded the train to my native place, and on the fourth day the shoot commenced.

Despite all the national awards that the ��(��"��portrayal of Seenu Ramaswamy got, you didn’t get an award yourself... Did that affect you?

��-��%'�71+/��/(��(�%��07)��not recognised. I went around feeling bad for sometime. But the director always had kind words of encouragement for me. See, it was '��7�)%�((/+�/�-��&��'7��/7�Zand even if I was considered for a lead role in '�07�%�1)/-0��'1�`%1(/��1�/7�/(�else.’ That affected me a lot. I started getting noticed after Pizza.

Do you think there is a dearth of performance-oriented roles in cinema these days?

I have no opinion about that. As regards the audiences, audiences laud actors when they �(��%��07��(��(��/77��'0�07�are not easy to do because an actor needs to live up to the expectations of his audiences. You need to create the energy and generate effective performances. It is not an easy job. I am happy that the audiences appreciated my performance and good roles have started coming to me.

What are your thoughts on the actors with careers that just “get made”, especially seeing as fewer and fewer actors go through the route of honing their skills through theatre and the like?

There is nothing called an easy way or a ��-0�)'1)%�(��/7��/�07�'(�stardom. It took me seven years to learn and understand cinema. Had Thenmerkku Paruvakaattru come to me seven years ago, I am sure I would have messed up. And the reason why I did well was because of the maturity and experience I had gained as an actor in the interim. Your background doesn’t count when it comes to good cinema. It’s only

the talent that counts. If you have talent, then you are here to stay.

Pizza was not the conventional �� )��budget, it became a huge success. Would you attribute it to your performance? What worked?

The script kept surprising the audiences across all frames from the beginning of �%��07��00�%��(��*�+��%�7�(�'��=�(��'001�(��K/�K�%�K��'��%��00��%��is the beginning set of thrilling moments and then the story progresses and eventually reaches its climax. But in Pizza, surprises were intermittent right from the start of the �07��%�'-��(��/��(&/0&��;$$��(Pizza. The portion in which the suspense of �%��07)'��&�'0��)'�'%-��7/7�(��/�

Having started his career in cinema as early as 2006 with Pudhupettai, Vijay Sethupathi was recognised through Thenmerku Paruvakaatru. With hits like Pizza and Naduvula Konjam Pakkatha Kaanom, he is riding a big wave of approval from the audiences. Vijay Sethupathi is no product of overnight fame. Stardom wasn’t a cakewalk for him, and yet he crusaded till he found his spot.

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Looks like the unconventional

Vijay Sethupathi is here to

stay. Shankaran Malini fi nds

out why.

the audiences. A lot of people asked if Pizza )/-0��+�'�'-��(��/�%��%�'��Z��did, and because of the script. Pizza is not 2-��'�074-�'�'7�/�+-880��%�7/&��released on a Friday and on Saturday the director thanked me and congratulated me for my performance. I was convinced and �'��%'��0�&��-+�/�%��+��'��/(�/�the director. There was a great comfort level working with him. He gave me the freedom to perform and the space to do my part well.

Naduvula Konjam Pakkatha Kaanom ��'��#��Did you see this one becoming such a huge hit?

��+��%��07�/�/)�00��/7the moment director Balaji Tharaneetharan narrated the script to me, I was sure it would

click. Balaji is not just a good script and screenplay writer but is also a good actor. Just watching the way he enacted the scenes that %�('��'��/-0��%'��%��07)/-0�be a hit. It is just a simple story about a guy who suffers from a memory lapse after being hit on the head, and traces the way in which he deals with it and the things that get crazy after that.

You’ve done immensely well for yourself so far, but what there must be some big regrets…

��%��'��)%�(1/-��07�'��dropped or you are denied roles or you are rejected outright. The battery goes down a little when expectations fail. But I always had the belief deep inside me, that I would make

No producers ever came to me – and even if I was considered for a lead role in a film, they would say, ‘Why not try someone else’

it big in cinema some day. And I must say that day eventually came!

So can we say that Vijay Sethupathi has “arrived”? What’s happening next?

�(71�07�0�*��88''(��'�-&-0'D/(2'7Pakkatha Kanom, I believed strongly in �%��+��/4/�1�'7��/��%��07�with the expectation of watching Vijay Sethupathi. They didn’t come with an image of me created in their minds already. That is something I want to continue. I don’t want to be stereotyped and I certainly don’t want people forming opinions about me )%��%)�00�(_-�(��%��+��'��/(�/�71�-�-��07��'7(/)�/�(��07�0�*�Soodhu Kavvum, Pannaiyarum Padminiyum, Idharkuthane Aasaipattai Balakumara, Sangudevan and Rummy.

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bharathiraja

Bharathiraja: the writer, director, actor and producer. Take us through your journey so far.

My journey has been a very long one. And it is still on. I hail from Pannaiapuram, near Theni, where I met Ilayaraja. I used to act in plays in my childhood. After coming to Chennai, I called Ilayaraja to the city. In those days, cinema was a viable career option. In order to act, one had to look good. Today, it ��(/��%��'��'7��/�%�(('��(;?Y6��(;?JY71��07�/77�(��)'�'��'�'�%��&�7�(��(�%/��'1��/4��(��07�from sets to the villages. I have made about 5$�07��/7;?JY�/#$;<Z'��)�(3�(��'(��0-�-'(�'�/-(�<5�07��(�'7�0�

You are known for your sensitive and realistic portrayal of villagers and life in the villages. How did that come about?

I am someone who can never forget my roots. For instance, I am very attached to my mother consider her cooking to be the best. Irrespective of how well the wife cooks, there is no comparison to one’s mother’s cooking, don’t you agree? Similarly I am attached to the style of my upbringing. My understanding /�&�00'��0��/��4'�*�/�%��5$�'(��Y$�villages. My memories of the time back then '��00��%Z�%�1'��&��(��%'��what I portray in various dimensions; from �%�%-��/�%��/��'��Z�%�17'1%'&�become buildings now, but their soul still remains. Culture and values will still remain.

My latest venture Annakodiyum Kodiveeranum is yet another refreshing village saga. A lot of reports were circulated about the shooting having been stopped �-��(��%�D��'0'�'7???�/)4-��%��-�%is that I never stopped my shooting ever. It was on as per schedule. Another bit of news surfaced about a part of the script being used �/��/7'*�'(�)�070'��%'�)�00happen. But whether with the same cast or (/�Q0�*��7��'(��(�1'X��(/�*(/)(because you never know what can happen �(�%��07�(�-��1'�'(1+/�(�/��7��Annakodiyum Kodiveeranum is set in the 4'�*��/+/��%�(��(�%�;?Y$��

You began in the 1970s. From then until now, what have the biggest changes

��#��(��obvious changes in technology?

Back in the day, you had Rajinikanth, Kamal 3''�'('(�:/%'('��(��'(�%��/��Today you have Ajith, Vijay and more. You also had cult directors like Sridhar, Bharathiraja, Balu Mahendra and Mani Ratnam. Today you have directors like Suseendran, Vetrimaran, Seenu Ramaswamy, Pandiraj, and Prabusolomon. The new age ��/��7'*��07�)��%��%�'��'(�/(low budgets. Those days, joint families were intact. But now joint families have broken into nuclear families; women have started going out for work, which was not the case then. Naturally, there are lots of stories there. Those days, directors would call writers for stories or adapt from their novels. But now directors write stories themselves.

What’s your creative process like?

I read a lot of books and novels by Jayakanthan, Akhilan and Parthasarathy. I ��1�/'�'+��/7��%�(�Z7'14�'(��'��love my people. I like their victories and their ��'��4/&�'00�%'&��%��/(��(��%'�I can do anything. The soul is always young. An artist doesn’t age. As an artist, at any age your thinking is still as fresh as it was when you started.

Besides hard-hitting scripts and well-��"��(��"��a message, especially those on the caste +"�� /��"��#��#��

You can do whatever you feel like, but without hurting others. If it affects another person, then don’t do it. Who formed this world? Who formed us humans? All of us 2-��%'&�'+-��/-0Z)��%/-��%'��%��no individual, there is no community. When a man and woman fall in love, it is not the form Z4-�/(��/-0�'00�(��(0/&�)��%'(/�%��Without man and woman there is no universe. Love is universal, love is clear. Don’t colour it with anything else. My idea is to break all those barriers that hold love back. Thats why �7'��'�07�'00��%'7�-�%��%-��('society, there are rights to write about. Films are made on incidents that have happened. What is wrong in saying that the Indian

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Known for his evergreen works fragrant with rustic charm, Bharathiraja needs

no introduction to Tamil audiences. A cult fi lmmaker of his time who still

continues to mesmerise with his timeless creations, Bharathiraja is all set with his

forthcoming directorial venture, Annakodiyum Kodiveeranum. Shankaran Malini

has a chat with the ace director at his offi ce, on a warm Sunday afternoon.

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bharathiraja

“The soul is always young. An artist doesn’t age”

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Mujahideen, who masterminded bomb blasts, are Muslims? It is a fact that they themselves acknowledge. The Central Board approves '�07�3/)�'(1/-��/+�%'��07��/7releasing? This is not how things were, back �%�(��/�'1�%��(/-(��1�(�%��07industry. When we are sick, the body is ill and )��'((/��%��%��00(��

$��"��#��#��"��become all about aesthetics and empty ��"��comes to the fore, it gets relegated into the “art” category, or is otherwise drubbed “non-commercial”. Your thoughts?

That is because there is more art in them than �%��/77��'0�0�7�(��%��'��//��07�'(�4'��07��/�71�07�1/-�'(��judge whether they are commercial or art. Parallel cinema has been made by the likes of Shyam Benegal.

What do National Awards mean to you?

I have got about seven National Awards so far. I have sat on the jury panel twice. But now I don’t know the case as I have stopped going there. There is partiality out there. South Indians are a minority there.

There are some very typical traits of “Bharathiraja” that are common to most ��"��

Yes, whenever a heroine swings in a white saree, it is considered a typical Bharathiraja stamp, although I have used it only in two of 71�07��-��-(_/)��(71�07��0�/when heroines cover their faces coyly, that is '0�/�/(��1+��'0/�'9%'�'�%��'2'�07��0�*�-��(�)%��(71�07�4��'-��)%��is pure, white is clean, there are no blemishes in that colour.

In your trajectory so far, can you take us through your most memorable moments?

�/-�'��-0��(�&��1��+/�1/-�life. I have also faced hurdles in every step of my way up. But my policy is to keep going, challenge those hurdles that come your way and emerge a winner.

2��"��"��/��did you overcome the challenges?

I proved myself. The thing is, no matter who you are, you have to open up. See the good and the bad. Study what the people like and what they don’t, then give them what they like. That’s where you rise above the challenges.

From Goundamani to Priyamani, you have introduced so many actors into Tamil cinema. How do you spot talent? What do you need to see in a prospective actor to believe that he or she is worth your effort?

I have never done a screen test for any artist. �̀�%�'�%�07�)/-0�2-��&��-'0��71

artistes to be a certain way. If you know how to laugh and how to cry, then that’s all I need in you. I can make the artiste do what I want �/��%��07��'(4��/(�411/-'(�7�Z��is not some kind of a superpower. So that is why I have never done a screen test for '(14/�1Z��0��71'��/(�%��+/��

You are a winner of the Padmashri as well. And yet, you returned it. Why?

I returned it, yes; because it is always the truth that the struggles up north are taken care of and given attention, but nothing is done here. A woman was raped in the North, and the whole nation went into overdrive. So many )/7�('��'+��%��Z4-�)%'�'��/(��being taken?

You’ve also taken on considerable positions and activist stands in contemporary issues such as the Cauvery ��"� ��"��"�pursue closely at heart? Do you think you are obligated to remain politically correct as a person in the limelight?

Take this water issue for instance. Even after the judicial bodies and state and central bodies had passed a decision, the people concerned disobeyed it. And yet we call ourselves Dravidians and say that Dravidam denotes all the four southern states and languages put together. I don’t believe in these things. I am only a Tamilian.

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CA

MEO

A picture is worth a thousand wordsThe visual display was stunning each time: but what went on behind the scenes? This issue, we bring to you, the Southscope

photoshoot special, as we revisit some of our most memorable photoshoots over the years.

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Ram charanJanuary 2010

Phot

ogra

pher

: Avi

nash

Gow

arik

er, S

tylis

t: Le

epak

shi E

llawa

di, M

akeu

p: V

ipul

Bha

gat,

Hai

r: A

alim

Hak

im

CAMEO

EXCERPT FROM INTERVIEW:

“When it comes to styling and fashion, I love shoes and watches! All men do. I love Breitling and Roger Dubuis watches. And my choice of shoes is very seasonal!”

SOUTHSCOPE PERSPECTIVE:

Classy, path-breaking, trend-setting – when the subject is the hunky Ram Charan and it is a Southscope photo shoot, these adjectives are a given. When this issue was released, the pictures were an absolute rage all over Andhra Pradesh.

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VikramOctober 2009

Photographer: G Venket Ram, Stylist: Vivek Karunakaran, Coordinated by: Sridevi Sreedhar


Vikram is one superstar who doesn’t hesistate to keep working on a shot until perfection is attained. His willingness to contribute his best to ensure the best possible end result shows through each of the images of this shoot. And of course, it helped very, very much that he looks like a Greek God!

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CAMEO

Phot

ogra

pher

: Mun

na S

Sty

ling:

Nisc

hay N

iyog

i Mak

e up

and

hair:

Ven

us Ju

mps

uit a

nd a

cces

sorie

s: R

MX

JOSS

Jewe

llery

: Cur

io C

otta

ge S

hoes

: M

UAH

ShruthiJanuary 2011

NISCHAY, STYLIST: Shruti Haasan is absolutely unique. I haven’t seen many women who are so multitalented. Styling her was so easy as she carried off most of the looks with pizzazz. Beauty with brains is what Shruti is all about.

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TrishaMarch 2010

Phot

ogra

pher

: G V

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t Ram

Sty

list:

Chai

tany

a Ra

u M

ake u

p: V

ikra

m M

ittal

Hai

r: R

acha

el


�� was different because Venket tried something which was a bit glam and sexy. To be honest I am not a great fan of photoshoots. Somehow makes me feel a bit awkward but working with the Southscope team has always been different and challenging because of their concepts and also their willingness to experiment. I like the fact that they never compromise on quality.

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CAMEO

Tamannaah & allu arjunFebruary 2010

Phot

ogra

pher

: Avi

nash

Gow

arik

er S

tylis

t: Ni

scha

y Pol

avar

apu

Allu

Arju

n’s M

ake-

up a

nd H

air:

Ash

win

Tam

anna

ah’s

Mak

e-up

: Cha

krav

arth

y Hai

r: S

habn

am


Let’s show you one romance that captures all those moments and shades of love in southern cinema across the years. That’s at once classic and youthful, spirited and eternal, clichéd yet fresh. He’s easy and ��sweet and childlike. He charms her. She captures his heart. The sizzling chemistry between Allu Arjun and Tamannaah that showed up before Avinash Gowariker’s camera had all the makings of the endorphins and stuff in action! They show us what being in love is!

NISCHAY POLAVARAPU, STYLIST:

Allu Arjun and I knew each other for a long time as we went to a computer course together before I went to London for my studies at London College of Fashion. Years later we met again and I knew I would style him one day. I had the opportunity to style him for Southscope cover with Tamannaah in Mumbai with Avinash Gowarikar as the photographer. It was a lovely experience as the theme was Valentine’s Day and romance. Tamannaah gave some of her best expressions and body language. The pictures were quite saucy and a huge hit on the magazine cover. Allu Arjun is one of �� currently. Very hardworking dedicated and focussed. He would go to any lengths to get the picture right.

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ShriyaJanuary 2010

Phot

ogra

pher

- G V

enke

t Ram

Sty

list-

Rich

a G

oenk

a Cl

othe

s- C

haita

nya

Rau,

Ric

ha G

oenk

a H

air-

Sure

kha

Niva

te

Mak

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- Maq

bool

Pat

el C

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natio

n- S

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i Sre

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r Loc

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Cut to the Taj Club House, Chennai. The photo shoot is meticulously planned and everything seems to be in place. Except, Shriya is suddenly not sure if she wants to go ahead with a bikini kinda mood. A panic situation ensues. The early afterrnoon doesn’t feel quite as cheerful as it did moments ago. Nobody is sure about what to do. It takes a terrorist’s negotiator’s skills to convince her. But when she sees the clothes, Shriya decides she’d like to do a real bold shoot after all, just like that. Now she’s cranky, now she’s game. And the result was stunning. “It takes a lot of experience to make such wonderful pictures in such a short time,” she says beaming. Her personal favourite seems to be the one in the pool. Like she’s using some supernatural siddhi, she lies on the surface of the water, hold your breath, for a good 45 minutes! She emerges in true water nymph style and almost immediately, starts talking about her scuba diving holiday she came back from some time back. “You must do it to know what I did! I went scuba diving to Lakshadweep through Laca Dive. I saw shipwreck, ��of sea life, the coral was so beautiful and everything else too. Wonder why a teeny �� the most awesome colours I’ve ever seen, under the sea. I’m not exaggerating when I ��shades of green alone. You know, when you are under water and you stop breathing for just a second, you are ��ocean which are not chaotic but together create a sense of calm. It’s like learning a new language, learning to walk all over again, oh it’s beautiful!”

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KajalApril 2010


Shooting with Kajal Aggarwal was a dream because she transforms brilliantly and with such ease. She can go from glam bombshell to girl-next-door in a matter of seconds and that is such a refreshing quality in a star.

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CAMEOCAMEO

Phot

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: Mar

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: Nisc

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KarthiJune 2012

Phot

ogra

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: G V

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t Ram

, Sty

ling:

Cha

itany

a Ra

u, H

air:

Rac

hel B

Sin

gh, W

ardr

obe:

Tim

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nd

& &

Cha

itany

a Ra

o, A

cces

sorie

s: A

ldo

& E

volv,

Foo

twea

r: T

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.


I have done two photo shoots for Southscope, both of them were done in Chennai. And on both occasions what I liked was the fact that they give me a different styling each time, which gave freshness to ��"�#��the calendar, shot by Munna. I wore animal prints and long coats, the kind of stuff that I had never worn before nor can ever wear willingly. It gave me a very different look. At the time of the photo shoot, which was at Le Waterina, I can recall this particular shot where I was to pose at the edge of the swimming pool, and that shot in particular had the visual effect of standing at the endless seas. The second photo shoot was done by Venket Ram. Chaitanya Rau did the styling. My styling for the magazine and the kind of look I was given in this shoot, impressed directors like Venkat Prabhu so much that they were inspired to use ��$�

CHAITANYA RAU:

Karthi was my absolute favourite! We did that shoot when Southscope was being given a new look, and even now, Karthi tells me that the photos that were shot were among his most favourite!

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Rana & TrishaAugust 2012

Phot

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: G V

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t Ram

Sty

ling:

Reh

ane Y

avar

Dha

la R

ana’s

Mak

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and

Hai

r: V

ijay D

ham

ne, T

risha

’s M

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p: U

mes

h Sa

dana

nd P

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Tr

isha’s

Hai

r: R

upal

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huna

th T

haku

r Clo

thes

: Gab

bann

a, R

EHAN

E, E

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: Jai

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Ald

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RANA:

Southscope’s shoot is a lovely ��and ourselves. It is always fun.

TRISHA:

It was awesome shooting for Southscope for the second time. I loved the team and the concept. It was fun, casual and very ‘today’. I am looking forward to more such stuff. It was more like working with a bunch of friends, where all the input is appreciated and there is no protocol for the shoot.

VENKET RAM:

Rana is suave and sophisticated and pictures of him always end up looking very sleek and stylish. He’s open to experimenting with styles and I really enjoy that part. I’ve known Trisha since her high school days, when she started her modelling career. I’ve worked with her on lots of movies and advertising campaigns since then. It’s lovely to see her blossom into the successful actor she is today. The Southscope shoot had romance as its theme. The styling was done by Rehane in pastel shades, which was in sync with the theme. We shot in the studio with some lovely props and great backgrounds. Both of them share a great rapport with each other and it shone through every shot.

CAMEO

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TamannaahFebruary 2013

Phot

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: Har

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ling:

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Mak

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Cha

krav

arth

i Kad

ali H

air :

Sab

nam

Azm

i

PHOTOGRAPHER HARPREET BACHAR:

The shoot with Tamannah was beautiful. I loved how we used colours – it was the most colourful shoot I’ve ever done. We �� backgrounds. The shoot represented freshness and the vibrancy of youth. It was very real and natural, and we hardly used any Photoshop tweaks. The pictures represented everything that was already there. It was effortless and went by very smoothly. I remember that I had under three hours to shoot, as I had a ��%�� "�&��%�in about 50 minutes, with each shot taking nothing more than seven minutes. One was shot in four minutes, actually. I think the whole process was beautiful because it was so effortless, and all our energies congregated with ease. Tamannaah was really amazing – she was this simple, mellow girl up until we began, and once she was before the camera, she really blossomed. It was a great shoot!

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CAMEO

DiganthJanuary 2011

(Shot for Calendar 2011)

Photographer: Sharath Shetty, Stylist & Clothes: Sameer Junaidi, Make-up and Hair: Maya, Location Courtesy: F Cafe Lounge, Hyderabad


Southscope has a huge readership across the four southern states. So when we got the opportunity to style and feature Kannada stars it was impossible to resist. Diganth is one of the best-looking actors in Sandalwood and it shows in our pictures!

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VenkateshJune 2010

Phot

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pher

: G V

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t Ram

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m In

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td, L

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VENKET RAM:

Venkatesh is one of the most successful actors in Telugu cinema and I’ve always looked up to him. It’s a pleasure to do photoshoots with him. He’s handsome and very photogenic. All of Venkatesh’s pictures turn out so well that we have a tough time choosing the best. He carries himself with great style, oozes charm and is a classy gentleman.

CHAITANYA RAU:

It was memorable styling Venkatesh for Southscope – he is simply fabulous. That said, it isn’t just my work – it is a huge collaboration between the designers stylist, the photographer and the magazine that results in �� "�

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CAMEO

SamanthaMay 2010

Phot

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: G V

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Sty

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& C

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es: C

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nya

Rau

Hai

r: P

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Mak

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“I love it in front of the camera. Just being able to pour out the emotions is lovely. It is cathartic at ��"�'��$(

VENKET RAM:

I share a great rapport with her since I’ve known her from when she started her career as a model. I have worked with her in a number of projects. She did �� %��me and also happened to do her blockbuster movie. She had the same nervous way during this shoot, as ��"�She was nervous about looking too much like a kid in a sari. She kept asking me if she looked okay in a crisp cotton sari. It’s heart-warming to see her as a successful star now.

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Amala Paul December 2012

Phot

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: Sun

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ochiSUNDER RAMU:

First of all it was a very different experience for me with Amala because ��%��backdrops in a studio after a long time. I’ve been doing most celeb shoots on location. Here when there are no props, the subject has to bring life to the shoot completely on her own without too much help from location or props. Amala did a great job by bringing completely electrifying the shoot with her personality. She has great energy and carried off the slightly unconventional looks with ease. It was a fun shoot.

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CAMEO

IleanaJanuary 2012

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When we organised this photoshoot with the sultry and sizzling Ileana D’Cruz, )��$��released. But one look at the star’s very presence and you could tell she was going to strike gold in Bollywood. Her slim frame lended the right amount of chutzpah to the beautiful clothes and the result was a series of pictures worthy of adorning the cover of our big 2012 “new look” issue.

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Nag & Nayan

September 2012

Phot

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: G V

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p: D

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p: U

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VENKET RAM:

Nag is a very warm person and ��"�*��is open to experimenting with his looks in terms of styling. In fact, his open mind ensures we get fantastic results.

Nayanthara is very photogenic. Both, traditional and western styling suit her very well. What is really remarkable is she manages to look beautiful in traditional clothes without losing her oomph factor. The Southscope shoot was in Park Hyatt. We shot in the restaurants, which had great ambience and the poolside had a very interesting background too. Nag and Nayan shared a beautiful chemistry that came across in the shots very well.

CHAITANYA RAU:

+�%��/��%"�*��"�*��is a legend and such a charmer. It was fantastic working with him. Nayanthara is a really beautiful girl and brought her personality into ��"

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CAMEO

PrithvirajMarch 2013

Phot

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: Sha

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Tha

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air M

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Mak

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I am going to really make an effort to make sure that my body is not my USP. The fact is that I’ve been blessed with a good physique. That I’ve put in lot of hard work to hone that physique is one thing. But I really don’t want to known just as an actor with a ‘body’!

PHOTOGRAHPER SHAHEEN THAHA:

Working with Prithviraj was a memorable experience for me. His energy levels are really high. He would always offer suggestions, improvisations and ideas. His motive is clear – he wants perfection. I guess this trait helped my crew to pull off great shots of him. Working with Prithviraj was a memorable experience for me. His energy levels are really high. He would always offer suggestions, improvisations and ideas. His motive is clear – he wants perfection. I guess this trait helped my crew to pull off great shots of him.

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GeneliaAugust 2010

Phot

ogra

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: G V

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t Ram

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list:

Vira

Sha

h H

air:

Rac

hel M

ake u

p: V

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m M

ittal

Set

s & P

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: Pur

shot

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This is one shoot that is still remembered and lauded by our readers. The colours used, the makeup, the clothes were just perfect. Genelia looked like a billion dollars and the shoot literally changed the way South ��%��magazine shoots.

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Nayanthara November 2009

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air:

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Clo

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: Stu

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Saks

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list:

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Asr

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“I do not believe that you have to take off your make-up and look simple to prove you’re an actress!”


The seductive Nayanthara turned the glam quotient many notches up for this splendid shoot.

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The leading lady smiles coyly at the paparazzi as they go ballistic clicking pictures. Flanking %��/(��%��'��%�%��/'(��%��077'*��wearing wide smiles. The music director tears the wrapping paper off a copy of the album. Everyone pauses to clap, the applause being nearly thunderous. From somewhere in the 4'�*��/-(��%��/(��/��%��074��(�/+0'1one by one. The members of the cast and crew each have one copy of the album in hand and hold it up in tandem as the cameras whirr and buzz to capture the moment. As the next frames are called for, more members from the cast and crew join.

The turn of events may vary from being absolutely ostentatious to subtle and simple; but the outcome is the same. And that is what you call a grand beginning.

�̀0�/7��/ /-�%�(��'(��(�7'�')/�0�)%��'-��/0'-(�%��'��'0'��K�%'(K0��+%�(/7�(/(')/�0�)%��%�7-��'0��'�(�/�'�074��/7��%��0//*�%��+�&/�'0+/�(��(�%��+��/��/��%�(��/�/7��/�'�07-(��0its release.

��/7'(��'��'��(��(;?;Y)%��0�(�7/&��+��&'�0��'00�%�)'1-(��0;?<;)%�� /-�%�(��'(��(�7'�/��+�/2��)��%'-��40��'0/�-��/'��7�)%��%��/(�K'(�K�'(��routines are virtually indispensible, we have certainly come a long way in cinema. Standing testimony to that, are the institution of audio launches. Truly, how better to celebrate the foray /�'(�)�07�%'(�//��7-��'0��'�(��Nevertheless, what seems striking is that the 0'-(�%/��%�'-��/��'�*�/�'�07%'&��7'�(��as big a deal from the inception where music was ��0'-(�%��%�-+�/(/)�

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It is no surprise, therefore, that music in South Indian cinema in itself, is a substantial revenue generator and sends the cash registers tolling aplenty. The music rights alone account for a comfortable share of the net revenues that are generated by a �07��/77��'001 /-�%�(��'(�077-��0�+-��'�/(��'40�'7/-(��(�%�4'(*�/(��-��(�'7'��&��%-(*/��%��/-(��1��/&��'007-��'0��1+��'0�077'1%'&�'�/-(�5/�Y�%/��/��'+%��/(��+��'��%�/-�%/-��%��07��length, and as trends have continued to evolve, there are additional or bonus tracks, and sometimes, remixed versions of some or most of the keynote tracks in an album.

The phenomenal value attached to the audio launch is understandable. It is South Indian cinema that has given the world Ilayaraja and A R Rahman. It is South Indian cinema that has given the world some of �%�7/��&��(�-(��Z'(��/7�/��%�7/��'��%1'(�4�'-�1rhythms. While chinna chinna aasai still rules the roost among a massive fan base, the world couldn’t stop crooning the recent hit, Why this Kolaveri Di? for days at end. Bollywood began to look to /-�%�(��'(��(�7'�/��(�+��'��/(�'��&��1�%�(��(4��)��(��/7Dhinka Chika in Ready to Chintha Tha Tha in Rowdy Rathore began �/�'*�3�(��077-��41��/�7�

�%�'-��/0'-(�%�%��/��(��'(��/��)/��'�/(��7'��014��'-��_��%��(��%/�/��%��07�%'��/�/7��/7��'��'7'�'(�'��/(�07�%'&��/-(��'�*��%'�7/��-��%��(��%��07��+��(��/+��%�'��(��/(/��%�'-��(��/)'��%��07��%��+'(��%�'-��/0'-(�%does just that. Secondly, audio launches are a way of showing the '-��(��%/)��(��'(��%�7-��0��/�'(�(�-��1�%'�%'�been very proactive about its stance against piracy, the amount of time

and energy that is invested in an audio launch is very important. In setting aside so much for an audio launch, the industry suggests that it offers, and enjoins its fans and supporters as well in the process, to respect the effort that goes into the composition of a list of songs.

�/�%� /-�%�(��'(�07�(�-��1��+��/��%��'��/7��4��/��'(1�%�(��0��'�1��/)(��-+/('4�/0-��01Z)%��%��(7-��/��(+��(��/��%��07��0��/�%� /-�%�(��'(�07�(�-��1�%��/��/��&��10�(�%+�(�(�%�+�/��/��077'*�(��+��lauded and credited. Naturally, of course, it is no different for the 7-��(�-��1��/(�'��'�07��0�'��'(��-(��/-��the sole thing that continues to remain immortal is the soundtrack /��%��07��%�/(01�%�(��%'�'��-'401�/7��0/��/�%��'�-�/��%��%��'*�')'1��/7'�07'��%��'��'(�7'14��/7�dialogues at the most. Take a walk down a street and ask any random +��/('4/-�'(/0�7/&��0�Z�%�1'��7/��(�0�(��/��001/-)%'��%�1�%/-�%�/��%�7-��(�%��07�

And that’s why, the audio launch is a big deal.

Kirthi Jayakumar takes a look at the phenomenal value that audio launches have, in the world of South Indian cinema.

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The producer is the unseen hero of cinema. A creative mind does not see the light of �'1-(0��%��'�/(��(�'(��'��&�producer to support it. The producer himself needs to have a creative mind, but not without the requisite business acumen.

As I enter the expansive Annapurna Studios in the heart of Banjara Hills, the cool shade from the trees offers relief in the sweltering beginnings of summer. I wait for the Pitamaha, the living legend Akkineni �'��)'�'�'/Z�%�7'(4�%�(��(('+-�(' �-��/��%��-��/4-�0��(31��'4'��%'�0'��%��/-(�'��/(/�7/&�(��0-�-�07industry to Hyderabad.

��)'�;?)%�(%�/��'001��4-��(��0-�-��(�7'4-�%�)'�?)%�(%�started acting in village plays. From there, he went on to become the superstar of Telugu cinema. He started Annapurna Studios which later on became a production house as well. Annapurna has grown by leaps and bounds over the years, playing a key role �(�'��0��'��(��077'*�(�'(��%-�(�(�/-�several blockbusters of Telugu cinema.

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Hyderabad and set up the studio. His peers were shocked with his decision but he stood ��7��'��/�(&��/(�%��-�-��/�Telugu cinema. He laid the foundation for ��(�0�K%'(��01'(�+�/&��-��-0��%��/(�/7/&��/31��'4'�)'�+-��01+��/('0��)'�?1�'��/0��(�%�industry, and my kids were at a tender age. I wanted my kids to know their mother tongue. My wife and I dropped out of school after class four. The thought then was that when my kids grew up, they would be educated and be able to read and write Telugu. My love for my mother tongue and wish that my children know the language made me move to Hyderabad. I believe every incident in life should be used wisely. One must extract the best out of it. The wise use of my decision to move to Hyderabad was building �(('+-�(' �-��/��

��%�+/+-0'�@-/��'1��%��-�-��belongs to those who believe in the beauty /��%��'7��%�(/�/(01��'7�4��4-�also believed in his dream and converted it into reality. In a scenario wherein the Telugu �(�-��1)'��1�(��/�(��(��1%�took up the challenge and built the studios �%'��+��'�/&��;5'��3�0'��'-�7�(��)��%'(/�%��J'��)��%0-�%��(surroundings and facilities that cater to every (��/��077'*�(��9-�0��(��%��-��/was an adventurous journey. When I moved to Hyderabad the government then was very happy with my decision. We analysed various options available to spread and develop the ��0-�-�07�(�-��1��(��')'�4-�0��(�this studio. I still remember Banjara Hills was nothing but barren land. It was converted into this beautiful place with the effort of hundreds /�)/�*��)%/)/�*��'1'(�(��%��

��'��%��'��(�%�F$��)%�(Telugu cinema was in its nascent stages. ��0-�-��(�7')'��'*�(��(��'0��+��:1��07)'��%/��(�&�7/(�%�'(��/�+'��#5$�-++��/'��(��)'�+'��/(�0'*%�/�71;<6�%�07�9'�*�%�()�(��%��had the technology nor the faciltiies. Every 7�74��/��%��07-��/)/�*+'��/('��01and put in his best. Our attitude to cinema )'��&��(��'0��%'��/7��&��(��(D��0-=-��'7Q'�/0*0/��07X)%��'7�%/)(_1�(�/('%/��'(1/-�7'��(�)��%/��%/��&��(��/�'++�/��7'��01��1�'1��'�%�'1�)'�7'��/��/(�/�%�%/��)%��%)'�'4/-�;5��'4/&��%�ground. I was not allowed to climb down until the shot was okayed. One day while the two lady artistes and I were shooting �%��(��%�%/��4�/*��'(�)�'00��00down! Devadas which is considered one of �%�4��%��)'�7'��)��%F0'*%�'(�)'��/(��'4��4-��07��(�%/��days, the cost of all the artistes put together �/�'�07)/-0�)/�*/-��/'7'��7-7/�J$$$$�-+��:�(�1/-�%��(�0-��&�/�the hero, heroine, father, mother and others! �%/��)��%��/(��/(�)�)/�*��(��

Whew! I am astonished as he continues, ��(�7'�%�()'�4-��(��'(��/��(/)�The only difference is, back then, though it was business, the priorities were different. NTR and I were the top actors of our time.

�̀)/�*��/('�/-(�<$�07��/��%��and all of them were blockbusters, running �/�/&��#$$�'1��3/)�/1/-�%�(*��happened? All because of good stories that brought us together, despite our star status. �/(��(��%��(��/�'�07(/��%��'��Cinema then had beautiful language which cinema now lacks. If you don’t have the basic natural beauty, how much ever you compliment it with external attractions, you would not look beautiful. Same is the case )��%�07��7-��'7��')/�*��%��'(�'00/��%'�'��('0��/�'��/(��The story is the natural beauty or essence. When techniques are masterfully used to

And behind that name is one man: Akkineni Nageswara Rao. Swarnalata talks to the legend that ��"�� "��#

The name that became synonymous with Telugu Cinema

Annapurna:

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�/7+0�7�(�'�//��/�1�%��074��/7��'�-��0��07�0�*�=-(�'77'*'�%':��'77''(�9%//*'�0�'Z)%'��+��'0�they were! They were just simple, sensible and neat stories which were made perfectly. These days, artistes are considered to be the success factors and not the story. The real %��/�%/-0�'0)'1�4��%��+��

Over the years, cinema has grown hugely not only in terms of reach also in terms /�7/(�1�(&/0&��/�-��%�()��knowledgeable people who understood cinema in the creative perspective as well. A majority of the producers now are mere monetary investors. Producers then had a �/7+0��/77'(�/&��07�%��+�the making and artistes. Now if a producer asks for a narration, the director is mostly expected to offer it later. Even the attitude of actors towards cinema has changed. I remember, Jagapathi Rajendra Prasad, one of the successful producers of yesteryear wanted �/7'*�'�07)��%7��3�)'�0//*�(�/-�for a good script and my call sheets were ��(��00��-+�3��/0�7�/(��'1�%'�he hadn’t gotten a subject and that my dates were getting over, and that he was wondering what to do. I told him that we were not in a

hurry and no one was forcing us to make a �07�/��%��'�'�(��7��71�'��)��getting booked, that’s okay. Just because my dates were getting over we cannot work on '(1��/�1)%��%)/-0��&�(�-'0014�'_/+�I told him that we could search for the right script. Now you tell me, would any artiste or producer do this in the current scenario? No. These days, getting the dates of a star is a big thing. Now, if I am not wrong the artistes are paid by the day. Those days, be it the director, the actor, the producer or for that matter any technician, we all believed in the quality /�)/�*��

Apart from setting up the studio, ANR also %'�'��(�'�'+�/�-��+�/�-��(��07�-(��%��(('+-�('4'((��%/-�%�)'�the chairperson of the production house, it was Madhusudhan Rao garu, my guru, who played the active role as a producer. I however had a say in the script. Anybody with a project had to run the script by me. D'01'(��%��07-(��%��(('+-�('banner, was completely made my way. I �%��%�%'��07'�'+�/�-��4��'-��)'��%��((+-�('+�/�-��/('(��%��/�1/��%��07)'��/7��%�(�)%��%71)��and I completely believed in. We wanted the ��07��/7/-�4'((��/4�'��(��40�

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'(��0�'(�077�(-�&-0�'��1��%��07was directed by Dasari Narayana Rao and became quite successful. From then on, the journey started and Annapurna has churned out many blockbusters like Shiva, Super and Manmadhudu to name a few. It has been a roller coaster ride with ups and downs but �(('+-�('%'��//��/(�)��%�/(&��/(��

�̀�%/&��Y$1�'��/��+��(��(�%��07�(�-��1'(�'�/-(�<$$�07��/%��'�*%�7)%'�7'*��'�//�+�/�-��producer should know everything. When I say everything I mean that a producer must have the capability and eye to spot talent. He should know who can act well, who can write what kind of subjects, who can compose suitable music etc. A producer need not be a director or poet or musician but should know how to spot talent in order to form the perfect team. If this happens, one can be assured that �%��07)�00(/��'�0��

After his stint as producer, the reins of the production were taken by his sons Venkat and Nagarjuna. I curiously ask him how he )/-0��(�%��/(�'�+�/�-��9/�%/�them are quite strict. They don’t give a green signal to any project unless and until they get a complete narration of the story and are �'��)��%��%'&��/�/7+'��)/-0�say as much he is a fabulous actor, Nagarjuna has brilliant business acumen and is a

commercial producer. Venkat is somewhat similar to me. Now, Venkat and Nagarjuna have taken up the complete responsibility of �%�+�/�-��/('�)�00'��%��-��/��

Akkineni is a name that started with him and soon became a brand representing a family �%'��+01'��/��'��)��%��(�7'��am very happy and I see a great future for �(('+-�('��%��'7�01��/)�(��(�07��This legacy will not end with me or Venkat or Nagarjuna. My grandchildren are ready to take the legacy ahead and are capable enough to guide and groom the fourth generation. All my children and grandchildren are a part of the studio and production. The future may have different modes of entertainment but �07�)�00'0)'1��'1'(��%��/��Annapurna playing a much bigger role in �%��-�-��

��(��'(��(�7'�/7+0��;$$1�'��this year, I ask him for a piece of advice to �077'*��(�7'/&��%�+'��;$$1�'��has changed and has its merits and demerits. Cinema is what made me what I am today. I am in a position where I can’t criticise it, and at the same time, I feel sad at its condition. ��%(/0/�1K)��'�%K)��'7%'++1with the way in which cinema has grown. As it is growing, though, it is losing its essence. Cinema seems to move towards vulgarity, gimmicks, and techniques as the basis of �-��(�7'%'��%��'+'��1�/�(_-�(��people and is making us insensitive to emotions. My only advice or suggestion is to -(��'(��%'��%��/(��(�/��%��07��%�%�'��'(��/-0/��%��07��(��1/-4�0��&��(�%��/(��(�1/-)�00_/-��%'(��/�%'00�%��(�-��1��

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Who wore what, and who dressed how!

FASHIONBRIGADE

SrikanthShadows of time

Anirudh and MahatCelebrating the backbench

TaapseeColour me pretty

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Aravind KrishnaLove the look

Nagarjuna�'�-'0_'��

KarthiThe Bad Boy in green

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Manoj and Lakshmi ManchuSibling solidarity

Mahesh BabuAlways handsome

NaniMarried and loving it

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Piya BaajpaiAll set to scorch the backbench

NTRBlack and blue hits it right

STRVery puzzled, are we?

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Malayalam

BLACK TICKETCast: Siva, Sajeer, Anjana Menon, Saikumar, Premkumar, Anil Murali, Ambika Mohan and others

Direction: UdayachandranProduction: Varsha Productions

Music: Gayoz Johnson

Directed by debutant Udayachandran, Black Ticket is produced by Varsha Productions. It narrates the happenings in and around a posh coffee shop. Debutant Siva plays the lead role while another debutant Sajeer plays an equally important role. Anjana Menon is the heroine. Saikumar plays a key role, that of Gabriel, who is a businessman and a don. The story takes an important turn after Gabriel is killed and Martin takes it upon himself to save Gabriel’s daughter Ann Mary, played by Anjana. Black Ticket has been shot in Ernakulam, Bengaluru and Munambam.

- Unni R Nair

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kannada

BRINDAVANACast: Darshan, Karthika Nair, Milana

Direction: K. MadeshProduction: Seetha Bhairaweshwara Combines

Music: V. Harikrishna

Darshan has returned to remakes through Brindavana. This movie is a remake of the hit Telugu movie, 9��(�'&'('7��'�-��(�^-(�/��%�+�/�-��%'&��/+��(��/�D�:'��%'%��077'*��)%/specialises in remaking movies from other languages. The movie will see the debut of Karthika Nair in Kannada ��(�7'��%��07)'�0'-(�%��/(�'��%'(��4��%�'1'(��%'0�K)'1�%�/-�%��%�+�/�-��/(4'((��'(�Darshan have left no stone unturned to ensure that Brindavana becomes a hit.

- Aravind G Shivkamal

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tamil

BoologamCast:�^'1'7��'&��%'��'*'�%�'2�'�%'(^/(��Q/��/1�'7�X��+��'(�'�'2��%�/(&'(('( %'(7-�%'�'2'(and others Director: N Kalyana KrishnanProduction: V Ravichandran of Aascar FilmsMusic: Srikanth Deva

9//0/�'7��'�4/��(�K4'��'��/(�07�)%��%+�/7��/��0�&��'�/��/��/7'(��'(��/7��1'�)�00��41�D'01'('D��%('(�%��07��%��4-�&�(�-��'(��'�-��^'1'7�'&�'(��%'�(0�'��/0��%��%0��%�/��%��07��'��%'��)/4/��'7�0��/()%��%�%��/�10�(��4'��+0'1'+'��(�%��07�3/001)//�'��/��'�%'(^/(��+0'1��%�7'�(&�00'�(�(�%��07��%��'��/(��(�%��07��/��41Srikanth Deva.

- Shankaran Malini

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Neram marks the debut of Alphonse Putharen as a director. Starring Nivin �'-01'(��'8��1'�'8�7�%��07��4��(�produced under the banner of Winner Bulls Films. Actor Simhaa has a pivotal role in �%��07�̀ ��%7-��41��4-�'(��'2��%Murugesan, and cinematography by Anend C. Chandran, Neram is also being made in Tamil. Most of the scenes have been canned in Chennai.

- Kirthi Jayakumar

MALAYALAM

NeramCast: Nivin Pauly, Nazriya Nazim, Lalu Alex, Manoj K Jayan, Shammi Thilakan, S V Krishna Shankar, Wilson Joseph, Deepak Nathan and SimhaaDirection: Alphonse PutharenProduction: Winner Bulls Films

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KANNADA

Angaraka Cast: Prajwal Devaraj, Pranitha Subhash, HardikaDirection: Srinivas KaushikProduction: Devaraj B SMusic: Arjun Janya

Angaraka has Prajwal Devaraj playing the protagonist, with Pranitha Subhash and Hardika in the female lead roles. The theme ��/7'(��'(��%��07%'��%�+/��(��'0to be a trendsetter this year. Composer Arjun Janya has made several melodious tracks for the movie. According to the producer, Prajwal has given one of his best ever performances in this movie. The plot traces the story of the protagonist who is compelled to alter his approach in winning /&��)/7�(��%��0�7�'(��%��'(��7'�(��/4��(%/)7-�%/�'��%��he is.


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IddarammayilathoTELUGU

Cast: Allu Arjun, Amala Paul, Catherine TresaDirection: Puri JagannadhProduction: Bandla Ganesh BabuMusic: Devi Sri Prasad

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Iddarammayilatho is directed by Puri Jagannadh. Allu Arjun looks super hot in �%�7/&��'��(��'(�+/��/(/�)%��%has been shot in Spain and Bangkok. Another highlight of the movie is the daredevil stunt sequences that Arjun executed without using a body double. Among the songs composed by Devi Sri Prasad, one dance number is shot in Spain, and is expected to waltz to the top of the charts.


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Madha Gaja RajaTAMIL

Cast: Vishal, Varalaxmi Sarath Kumar, Anjali, SanthanamDirection: Sundar CProduction: Gemini Film CircuitMusic: Vijay Antony

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-(�'��-+�/7�(��07:'�%'='2'�'2'��'7-0��K��'��+�/�-��41=�7�(�Film Circuit. Vishal plays the hero, while Anjali and Varalaxmi Sarath Kumar play �%��7'0�0�'��%��07��'��/4�'complete commercial entertainer. Sonu Sood plays the villain and Santhanam has a pivotal role as well. The highlight /��%��07��'('��/(��@-�(��(�%�climax, which is an unforeseen experience. Shot in Karaikudi, Palani, Coimbatore, Pollachi, Ooty, Hyderabad, Rajasthan and :�04/-�(��%��07��(�+��41�%��-0�-��/��%�6$��

- Shankaran Malini

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As April blossoms, here are some good tidings for our

��

April brings with it an ocean of opportunities. This being your birth month, there will be plenty of room for contemplation and spirituality. You might rekindle an old relationship.

Virgos like Vishal are going to have a great month. Filled with laughter and celebration with old bonds and great friends, this is a month to sit back and enjoy indeed.

Leos like Dhanush will have a lot of hard work to put in this month. There are chances of some old projects renewing themselves after an impasse.

For Taureans like Trisha, this month is a time ��"��#��"�$��$��talents that haven’t come to fore thus far.

Geminis like Karthi Sivakumar will have success knocking on their doors. With hard work paying off after a long period, this is a ��!��

For the Cancerian, April will bring in a time of mild confusion. Too much might seem to be happening all at once, but hang in there, and �� !�� !#� �� !�� themselves out anyway.

ARIES

VIRGO

GEMIN

I

CANCER

TAURUS

LEO

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For the Libran star like Prithvi Raj, April ushers in a time of decision-making. There will be plenty of factors to account �� $�� "��on. The key is to follow your heart.

This month offers a considerable amount of time on hand for stars like Puneet Rajkumar. After months of spinning like a top with plenty � �� "��

April is a time for adventure for stars like Shruti Haasan. Think ��$�� "�� interesting new turns in life.

Saggitarians like Rana will have a very busy month. New avenues will seem to open up, but there are also prior commitments that will tug ��#�%��'��

April brings to the Scorpio star like Nayanthara a chance to set some things right. There have been occasions in the past to help keep the records straight – but this is perhaps the best time to get it done.

For actors like Jiiva, April will be ��"�� #��are going to be moments of self-introspection, all of which have potential for the betterment of oneself.

LIBRA

PISCES

SCORPIO

CAPRIC

ON

SAGITTARIU

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AQUARIUS

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DECEMBER 2012 VOL 04 | ISSUE 03 40

“I am not dying to be friends with anyone”

on relationships, puppy love episodes, that ‘special’ gift and of course, her movies

AMALA PAUL

“History knows what my heroes and heroines were before and after my films”

DIRECTOR AMEER

on his forthcoming films, the TV show and managing a quick getaway in between…

Kannada Superstar

PUNEETHRAJKUMAR

PART 1 OF 2

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pril

2013

southscope april 2013 issue

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