Half of 'Kuselan' tickets exclusive to Rajini Fans

Superstar Rajinikanth's 'Kuselan' will grace theaters on the 1st of August and tremendous fanfare is expected from diehard Rajini fans and the general public.

The latest news however is that fifty percent of tickets would be made exclusive only to Rajini fans. The president of the Rajinikanth Fans' Association, Sathyanarayana made it very clear that only fifty percent of tickets would be sold at the theaters that screen 'Kuselan' in the initial weeks.. The rest would be distributed to members of the Rajinikanth Fans' Association.

When 'Kuselan' was announced, Rajinikanth had reportedly said he will just appear in as many sequences as Mammootty had featured in the original Malayalam film 'Katha Parayumbol'. That is somewhere around 18 minutes in a film whose total duration is144 minutes. That's about fifteen percent of screen time.

But then, when 'Kuselan' entered its production stage, the entire plans have changed and the screenplay was altered in such a way that the superstar's screen time would be much higher. This is what probably happens when a big star fits into a small story.

As per latest reports, Rajinikanth is appearing in three out of the five songs in the film and will take equal share on screen with Pasupathy who plays the role of the poor barber, played in the original by Sreenivasan.

P Vasu, the director of 'Kuselan', has taken special care to present the superstar as being young and vibrant. The director had no inhibitions when he announced that the film would be an out and out Rajinikanth film.

The movie is distributed by Pyramid Saimira. In Kerala , the movie is released by Seven Arts International, who incidentally is also a co producer of the film.

'Kuselan' will grace 80 centers in Kerala.

'Kuselan' Fever in Bay Area

'Kuselan' fever is catching up in the United States. After introducing the cut-out culture in USA, the Super Star's sensationalism doesn't just seem to end there. A group of hard-core enthusiastic fans, have tagged up with the sponsors Pyramid Saimira Entertainment Group, Narmadha Travels and Tirupathi Bhimas planning for a 'Kuselan' pre-release launch on Friday, the 25th of July.

The launch is going to happen in Thiruapthi Bhimas restaurant itself. There is going to be a slogan contest in which prizes will be given away for every one hour for the winning slogans. Since 'Kuselan' is a movie which portrays the greatness of friendship, the participants are expected to write a slogan about their best friend and the winners' details are going to be published online.

Bay Area Rajini Fans have also planned for an exclusive screening of Super Star Rajinikanth's videos, 'Kuselan' slideshow, etc at the restaurant. Already, there have been numerous enquiries about the ticket sales. According to the distrubtor, Jayavel Murugan of Narmadha Travels, people are very anxious to get the tickets for the opening weekend itself.

'Kuselan' 'Rajini special' chocolates invade USA

M&M the American equivalent of Cadbury Gems in India is coming up with chocolates with the image of superstar Rajinikanth on them at a time when the highly awaited 'Kuselan' is to hit screens across the United States of America.

For the first time ever in the history of the USA, an Indian film actor is being featured in highly sought-after products. M&M is a huge household name in the United States when it comes to candy. It is a brand that is synonymous with sweets and is adored by kids as well as adults. It is this company that wants to be associated with the Indian film superstar in a bid to woo Rajini fans in the United States. Customizing superstar Rajinikanth image on the candies is indeed a phenomenal beginning and a valid recognition to the star power the Indian actor enjoys in far away United States.

'We have ordered 20 pounds of candies for every city where the movie is screened in the USA and will be distributed to Rajini Fans on the premier show' said Jayavel Murugan, a major distributor of Indian films in the USA. He is extremely happy at the unbelievable response the movie has generated in the USA.

Every Rajini movie in the recent past has generated a lot of interest among multitudes of people from Indian origin. 'Kuselan' is in many ways the moment of reckoning pertaining to all the interest generated over the years.

Rajini imprinted M&M candies and huge vinyl cutouts will light up the launch of superstar Rajinikanth's 'Kuselan' in all cities in the USA. Imagine huge Rajini cut-outs at all the theaters releasing 'Kuselan' and candies with Rajini images being showered on all those coming for the premier show. Just perfect.

Movie lovers coming in for the premier shows would not only be showered with the candies but will also be treated to mouth-watering 'Rajini Special' Dosas. All this has the look and feel of a carnival. This carnival atmosphere can be created in movie theaters only by the magnificent aura that the name Rajinikanth creates.

A slice of India is being experienced in the United States and it sure is a welcome sign.

Pyramid Saimira distributes 'Kuselan' in the USA. 'We are ordering a total of 50 prints for USA and no city would be without the movie's launch on the release weekend', said a representative.

Rajinikanth to woo Japanese fans

Rajinikanth is going to Japan and perhaps with, his new film Kuselan. Rajini is already an iconic figure to many Japanese fans though he never been to the country ‘Land of the Rising Sun’.

The South Indian Diaspora in Japan naturally is fans to this Super Star, but surprisingly the legend has huge following amongst native Japanese too. The Japanese call him the Dancing Maharaja! And admire him for his energetic dancing, fighting skills, and abundant talent in comedy, drama and emotion. The local stores have DVD's of all his movies. Ten years ago his film Muthu ran for 23 weeks at a Tokyo Theatre and watched by over one lakh Japanese. Now the release of a new film of Rajnikanth is a cause for celebration.

Receiving an invitation from the Tokyo International Film Festival, Rajni is preparing to take Kuselan to Japan. However, his visit to Tokyo is not yet confirmed; however, Kuselan will be a treat for them to watch the Star in a younger and more dynamic role than Shivaji – The Boss. Incidentally, Kuselan is also being made in Hindi title as 'Billo Barber’ with Shah Rukh Khan in the lead role. The centre theme of the films is friendship and is slated to be released internationally in the first week of August to coincide with World Friendship Day.

Superstar Rajinikanth ROCKS in Kuselan Trailer

One look at the full length trailer of 'Kuselan' and your jaw would drop in awe and admiration at the style and magnificence of Rajinikanth's personality in 'Kuselan'. The superstar looks decades younger and his body language is just about perfect with stunning precision.

Watch Kuselan Trailer

Courtesy / Thanks : IndiaGlitz
As actor Sathyaraj famously said once, 'Rajini's body language is great even when he sleeps', the man of the moment Rajinikanth has done justice to his part as a star on screen. The trailer also reveals many things. An insight into the story of how a world which was common for two boys had drifted apart creating two different worlds as time the weary traveler moves on stealthily.

Vadivelu looks comical and vibrant. One look at him and you are sure to have a good laugh. Wonder what the twin mustache does for him. The mustache grows bigger and smaller at will. Wonder what controls that?

The music and the general appeal of the trailer sure carries the soul of the film at its flamboyant best.

P. Vasu, the master at amalgamating good stories and the commercial element seems to have gotten out of the correct side of his bed when he started off with 'Kuselan'. Everything seems to have fallen in place. Rajinikanth of course is the star….be it the trailer or the full length film.

The superstar rocks in this trailer.

Courtesy / Thanks : IndiaGlitz

Finalizing Rajini's looks for Robo

Director Shankar and costume designer Manish Malhotra are busy men these days. They have the rather pleasant task of stylizing superstar Rajinikanth in such a way that he jells with the character he plays in the film. Initial reports indicate that Rajinikanth would play a young scientist in the film and would be seen in a rather eccentric getup. But then, what is a Rajini film without style and substance? Manish Malhotra is a big name when it comes to dressing up popular stars. His work in 'Sivaji' was 'to the point' and brilliant. The Shankar-Malhotra combine would most definitely want to recreate the stunning Rajini demeanor with Robo as well. To finalize his looks, photo-shoots were held at the AVM studios and a popular studio in Nungambakkam. Rajinikanth dressed up in Manish Malhotra's costumes and reportedly looked dazzling. Rajinikanth is not all that young anymore and so requires wigs these days. Many of his fans still believe that no wig can actually live up to his original hair. But then his original hair is lost forever and so hairstylist Banu was roped in for 'Sivaji'. She has been restored with the responsibility for 'Robo' as well. Shankar is known to experiment and so he is expected to organize many more photo-shoots before actually finalizing the star's looks. Aishwarya Rai who plays Rajinikanth's leading lady in 'Robo' is currently on a world tour with her husband and in-laws. As soon as she gets back to India, another round of photo-shoots are expected to take place.

Animated Rajinikanth starts work

Superstar Rajinikanth is starting work in his daughter Soundarya Rajinikanth's film 'Sultan – The Warrior' today. Shooting is happening in a 3D Motion Capture studio in Hyderabad.

It has been confirmed that Vijayalakshmi would be playing the leading lady in the film and not Ileana as reported earlier.

Motion Capture technology entails actors to be wired up with infrared lights and as the actor moves, the movements are recorded onto a computer. These movements would then be applied to 3D models that are designed after the actors.

This is the very first time that a 3D animation movie is being made based on an Indian actor. Rajinikanth's unique body language and mannerisms would be reflected completely on the 3D model that's going to play Sultan – the warrior.

The movie is being produced by Ocher Studios owned by Soundarya Rajinikanth and is expected to be released in 2009.

'Kuselan' countdown starts

Just a few more days are left for the release of 'Kuselan'. Rajinikanth fans are planning to celebrate the release of the movie in a big way.

The movie would be getting released in over 10 screens across Chennai. Distributed by Pyramid Saimira worldwide, the advance booking for 'Kuselan' is set to begin very soon. 1200 prints have been made ready for 'Kuselan' worldwide.

Since 'Chandramukhi' and 'Sivaji' went on to become big hits, 'Kuselan' is expected to complete a hat-trick of hits for Rajinikanth. The combination of the superstar and P. Vasu is known for striking gold at the box office.

Rajinikanth plays himself in the movie and this has brought on a Himalayan expectation that there is plenty of scope for the superstar's inimitable style and mannerisms in the movie. Rajini fans are ecstatic with this fact.

Various fans' associations of Rajnikanth are planning to celebrate the release in a big way. Festoons and huge banners are expected to come out in various parts of Tamilnadu.

Trade analysts feel that the Rajini magic at the box office would take the movie to very great heights. Produced by Seven Arts Vijayakumar and Kavithalaya, 'Kuselan' features Pasupathy, Nayanthara, Vadivelu and Meena in lead roles.

The audio is already a big hit thanks to the peppy tunes by G V Prakash. The movie is expected to rock theaters from July 31.Get ready to watch a chic and trendy Rajinikanth soon.

'Kuselan' – 1200 prints for July 31 release

The very thought of a Real Film Star appearing as a Reel Film Star on screen is mighty thrilling. And when it is Superstar Rajinikanth it would be just perfect in wowing audiences…! This very thought brings the word 'Awesome' doesn't it?

'Kuselan' is definitely going to rock with Rajinikanth' dashing looks and style as he plays a reel-life superstar.

Pyramid Saimira is going to release 'Kuselan' with a starting 1200 prints, on 31st July. The movie is being produced by K. Balachander's Kavithalaya. The movie trailer will be out in a few days amidst huge expectations.

P.Vasu is directing the movie. Rajinikanth paired with Nayantara plays the star role, while Pasupathy is co-starring Rajini for the first time. Meena and Mamtha Mohandas are appearing in prominent roles.

G.V.Prakashkumar (nephew of A.R.Rahman) has composed the music.

Soundarya Rajinikanth in 'Kuselan'

The name Rajinikanth spells magic even if there is another name before it. The superstar's younger daughter Soundarya who runs a Computer generated Imagery studio 'Ocher' will be part of the famous 'Cinema Cinema' song in 'Kuselan'.

As already reported, the song is a tribute to 75 years of South Indian Cinema and superstar Rajinikanth himself. The song will also delve into the working atmosphere of all the technicians who have come together in making the film 'Kuselan'. Since Soundarya is in charge of the 'graphics' part, she has been shot in a 'working mode' in her office.

Similarly, G. V. Prakash has also been shot in a 'working mode'. Chandramukhi also had its director P. Vasu, producer Ramkumar and music director Vidyasagar egging on the audience by shouting 'Repeat' in the song 'Devuda….Devuda'.

Every single news about 'Kuselan' is exciting and more such info is expected to be pouring in till the movie's release.

Ileana in Rajini's Sultan

Tollywood glam doll Ileana has been roped in to act with 'Superstar' Rajinikanth in ‘Sultan The Warrior’, an animated film being directed by the top actor's daughter Soundarya.

Ileana, who entered Kollywood with ‘Kedi’ opposite Ravi Krishna, would begin her second innings in Tamil filmdom with Sultan.

Besides, she has also been asked to share the screen with Vikram in a movie to be directed by K S Ravikumar. Vikram would act in two different roles in this project.

The movie is produced by Soundarya Rajinikanth's Ocher Studios. A R Rahman is scoring the music.

“It is privilege to do a movie on my father, who is a mass hero and man admired by the masses”, says Soundarya.

‘Sultan The Warrior’ would hit the screens in April 2008.

'Kuselan' in Hindi, Kannada now

Noted Malayalam actor Srinivasan's 'Katha Parayumbol' is going places rather quickly. The acclaimed Malayalam hit is now ready for release in Tamil and Telugu starring Rajinikanth.

Titled 'Kuselan' and 'Kathanayukudu' in Tamil and Telugu respectively, the movie is directed by P Vasu.

Buzz is that director Priyadarshan has already starting work on the project and plans are on to remake it in Hindi with Shah Rukh Khan in the lead role.

Rumors are doing the rounds that efforts are being taken to remake the movie in Kannada now. In all probability, Ramesh Aravind and Golden Star Ganesh might be part of the project.

The film is all about two childhood friends among whom one becomes a superstar in the movies and the other becomes a rustic barber.

The sensitive theme of the movie has already created waves and it looks like the story would be very valid across cultures.

Kuselan Songs

Rajinikanth's 'Sultan - The Warrior' to release in April 2009

The much-awaited Rajinikanth starring animated movie 'Sultan -The Warrior' featuring Rajinikanth will hit movie screens in April 2009. April is considered to be an auspicious month for Rajinikanth for all his films released in April have gone on to become big hits.

After scouting in Vietnam for selecting the backdrops to shoot the movie, the film crew was back in Chennai recently. Rajinikanth is now expected to join the crew to commence work in a Motion Capture Animation Studio in Hyderabad to shoot for the movie. It would be later animated.

Motion Capture technology entails the artist to be fitted with infra red lights that can be tracked on the computer. All the actions performed by the actor would then be applied to the 3D model. Incredibly, the 3D model (designed just like Rajinikanth) would do exactly the same actions that the star performs in the studio. Movies like 'Titanic' used this technology with stuntmen in studios and later adapted on live action sequences (people washed away by water) to get the stunning scenes as real as possible.

'Sultan – The Warrior' has five songs set to tunes by A R Rahman and it would be released next february. The movie is being produced and directed by Soundarya Rajinikanth for her home production house Ocher Studios.

'Kuselan' in Hindi, Kannada now

Noted Malayalam actor Srinivasan's 'Katha Parayumbol' is going places rather quickly. The acclaimed Malayalam hit is now ready for release in Tamil and Telugu starring Rajinikanth.

Titled 'Kuselan' and 'Kathanayukudu' in Tamil and Telugu respectively, the movie is directed by P Vasu.

Buzz is that director Priyadarshan has already starting work on the project and plans are on to remake it in Hindi with Shah Rukh Khan in the lead role.

Rumors are doing the rounds that efforts are being taken to remake the movie in Kannada now. In all probability, Ramesh Aravind and Golden Star Ganesh might be part of the project.

The film is all about two childhood friends among whom one becomes a superstar in the movies and the other becomes a rustic barber.

The sensitive theme of the movie has already created waves and it looks like the story would be very valid across cultures.

'Robot' goes 'crystal ball' gazing

Though predictions come true or not, Tamil Cinema is well known for going by what astrologers predict. An interesting tidbit about the much hyped and highly anticipated film 'Robot' starring superstar Rajinikanth and Aishwarya Rai seems to be in consultation with a famous astrologer.

Sources have indicated that a top personality involved with the project had taken director Shankar's horoscope to the astrologer in a bid to find out about the film's prospects. The astrologer in turn had wanted to meet Shankar in person before going ahead with the predictions. Shankar had an audience with the astrologer and certain 'revelations' were made.

According to the astrologer, Shankar's 'time' is good at the moment and will continue to be so for a few years. However, with regards to 'Robot', the movie must be made immediately in order to have a dream run worldwide. A delay in its release might even doom the movie to failure.

This information has reportedly rattled the director. One will have to wait and see if the director takes the astrologer's prediction seriously and start filming at once.

It is not know if the astrologer is a fan of the Rajini – Shankar combination and is in haste to see the movie released quickly.

Rajinikanth unplugged in 'Kuselan' audio launch

Super Star Rajinikanth revealed the secret of his young looks on screen at the audio launch of 'Kuselan' in Chennai on Monday.
Rajinikanth said that after 40 years, one must try to avoid all the 'white' things in food such as sugar, salt, rice, milk and curd. 'With these, one must always have positive thinking and good words. "If everything is positive, one would not look old at all', he remarked.

Rajinikanth announced on the occasion that he would donate Rs15 lakh to the workers of his movies whenever his films are released.

Apparently referring to big films that he is working in, Rajinikanth said," When I was supposed to lift mountains, I feared to lift even a crowbar. But KB guided me and advised me well'.

'Kuselan' is produced by Pushpa Kandasamy for Kavithalaya and Vijayakumar for Seven Arts and directed by P Vasu. A remake of the Malayalam hit 'Katha Parayumbol', the movie features Rajinikanth, Pasupathy, Nayantara, Meena among others. G V Prakash has scored the music.

Thanking his mentor K Balachander for shaping up his career, Rajinikanth credited director P Vasu, who took care of different departments in a meticulous way in the film.

The audio was released by K Balachander and the first CD was received by A R Rahman.

An innovative approach was meted out during the audio launch. Since the movie dwells on friendship, top personalities appropriately handed over the film's CD to their respective best friends giving an insight to who their respective best friends were. Rajinikanth gave the CD to his best friend Murali, Balachander to Bharathiraja, P. Vasu to Leo Christopher, Prakash Kumar to P Vijay (director of Krieedam) and Jagapathi Babu, who is doing the Telugu version 'Kathanayakudu', to his friend and actor Arjun.

G V Prakash Kumar said that he admired Rajinikanth since his childhood and composed songs as a Rajini fan.

Balachander, thanking Rajinikanth for doing the film, said, "He is not just my protégé but also a man with noble principles. I will not claim that I discovered Rajinikanth. I just polished the diamond, which is shinning brighter today".

The audio of the Telugu version was also launched on the occasion. Actors Jagapathi Babu, Sunil, Ali, Vadivelu, Manobala were present on the dais.

The event witnessed the presence of Latha Rajinikanth, Aishwarya Dhanush, Dhanush, Soundarya Rajinikanth among others on the occasion.