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KollywoodFeaturing an ensemble cast, the nine-part anthology marks the coming together of nine filmmakers and will stream on Netflix from August 6.Tnm StaffNetflixOver-the-top (Ott) platform Netflix recently unveiled new images featuring the lead female characters from its upcoming nine-part anthology Navarasa. Produced and presented by Mani Ratnam and Jayendra Panchapakesan, the anthology features nine stories. Each story focuses on one emotion from the Navarasas or nine emotions, namely-- anger, compassion, courage, disgust, fear, laughter, love, peace and wonder. Featuring an ensemble cast, Navarasa marks the coming together of nine directors. In a press statement on Wednesday, Netflix released images and details about the characterisation and storylines of female characters in the anthology. Veteran actor Revathy will play the role of Savithri, a pious woman torn between her grief and mortality, and who is forced to make a difficult choice over the course of the film. She stars in director Bejoy Nambiar’s short Ethiri,...

KollywoodThe anthology film has nine directors coming together, including Priyadarshan, Gautham Menon and others.Tnm StaffNetflixUpcoming Tamil anthology Navarasa is all set for its Over-the-Top (Ott) release on Netflix. Navarasa will feature nine shorts, helmed by nine directors. The shorts will each focus on a specific emotion based on the Indian concept of the nine human emotions – love, courage, compassion, wonder, laughter, fear, disgust, anger and tranquility. The list of nine directors includes actor Arvind Swami (in his directorial debut), Gautam Vasudev Menon, Priyadarshan, Bejoy Nambiar, Karthik Subbaraj, Sarjun, Vasanth, Karthick Naren and Rathindran Prasad. Navarasa is created by Mani Ratnam, while it is presented by Mani Ratnam under his home banner Madras Talkies and Jayendra Panchapakesan of Qube Cinemas. Ahead of its release, several images from the movie have gone viral after they were shared by Tamil magazine Ananda Vikatan in a Twitter thread. The anthology stars an ensemble cast that includes actors Suriya,...

KollywoodMani Ratnam and Jayendra Panchapakesan had announced that the entire income from ‘Navarasa’ will be given to Tamil film industry workers who lost their jobs due to the pandemic.Saradha UFilmmakers Mani Ratnam and Jayendra Panchapakesan of Qube Cinemas, who have teamed up to present Navarasa, a nine-part anthology, had announced earlier that the entire income generated from the venture will be given to Tamil film industry workers who lost their jobs due to the coronavirus pandemic. Recently, the makers revealed that the team has started distributing prepaid cards to the workers. Each beneficiary will receive Rs 1,500 per month on the prepaid card for a period of five months, which can be utilised at grocery outlets. The cards will be distributed by Bhoomika Trust and the Film Employees Federation of South India (Fefsi). Fefsi has been working along with Bhoomika Trust for six months to identify the beneficiaries of the initiative.

Kollywood‘Navarasa’, a nine-part anthology series set to premier on Netflix, brings together the finest talent in the Tamil film industry.Digital NativeDigital NativeFilmmakers Mani Ratnam and Jayendra Panchapakesan of Qube Cinema are joining hands to present the Tamil film anthology Navarasa, a nine-part series that is all set to premier on the Ott platform Netflix. The filmmakers have revealed that the entire income from the series will be given to workers in the Tamil film industry, who have been jobless over the last few months due to the coronavirus pandemic. The directors associated with the project will not be taking any remuneration. “The relief and support from the film will reach over 10,000 deserving beneficiaries across the industry, starting from February 2021 for up to six months. To effectively identify and reach the beneficiaries and their families, we turned to director Rk Selvamani, president of the Film Employees Federation of South...

Kollywood 'Navarasa' bankrolled by Mani Ratnam consists of nine short episodes based on the Indian concept of nine human emotions. Digital NativeDirector Mani Ratnam is bankrolling an anthology titled Navarasa. The anthology consists of nine short episodes based on the Indian concept of expressing nine human emotions like anger, courage, laughter, love and more. This project brings together the finest talent of the Tamil film industry. In this anthology, nine filmmakers Arvind Swami (in his directorial debut), Bejoy Nambiar, Gautham Vasudev Menon, Karthik Subbaraj, Karthick Naren, Kv Anand, Ponram, Rathindran Prasad and Halitha Shameem lend their incredible talent to bring their distinctive perspective on each rasa. It's an interesting mix of genres and filmmakers with great ideas. For one of the episodes, Suriya and director Gautham Menon are teaming up and have begun shooting. The duo is working together once again after more than a decade and the...

KollywoodThis is 12 years since their last film together released, 'Vaaranam Aayiram' (2008), released.Tnm StaffWhen it was reported around the year 2009 that actor Suriya and filmmaker Gautham Menon have split following differences, many of their fans were majorly disappointed. Now, 12 years since their last film together released, Vaaranam Aayiram (2008), the two are set to reunite in an upcoming anthology film called Navarasa. Suriya and Gautham Menon have collaborated together in two successful films so far - Khakha Khakha (2003) and Vaaranam Aayiram. Work for this has begun, as informed by cinematographer PC Sreeram on his Twitter handle. “Shooting for @menongautham - it's a web film starring Suriya. @Suriya_offl. Great energy on sets today!” he tweeted. Shooting for @menongautham - it's a web film starring Suriya. @Suriya_offl . Great energy on sets today! — pcsreeramISC (@pcsreeram) November 17, 2020 Navarasa, the upcoming Tamil anthology slated for release on Netflix is being produced by...

KollywoodThis project comes with a special intent of helping those in the industry.Tnm StaffNavarasa, the upcoming Tamil anthology slated for release on Netflix, produced by filmmaker Mani Ratnam and Jayendra Panchapakesan of Qube Cinema, is a nine-film anthology that will narrate stories across nine ‘rasas’. While the release date has not yet been announced, the line-up of cast and crew of the film has now been put out. The anthology will be helmed by nine different directors and the films will be based on anger, compassion, courage, disgust, fear, laughter, love, peace and wonder. This line-up, however, has only one woman director on board. Actors Revathy, Nithya Menen, Parvathy Thiruvothu, Aishwarya Rajesh, Arvind Swami, Suriya, Siddharth, Vijay Senthupathi, Prakash Raj, Prasanna, Gautham Karthik, Ashok Selvan, Poorna, Riythvika, Robo Shankar, Ramesh Thilak and Sananth among others are the names associated with this project. Kv Anand, Gautham Vasudev Menon, Bejoy Nambiar,...

Kollywood 'Kabadadaari' is the Tamil remake of Kannada film 'Kavaludaari'.Digital NativeAfter Sathya, Sibiraj and Pradeep Krishnamoorthy are coming together once again for a thriller titled Kabadadaari - the Tamil remake of Kannada film Kavaludaari. Nandita Swetha will be playing the lead opposite to Sibiraj. Sibiraj essays the role of a police officer in the film. The first look of the film was launched by actor Suriya and the even co-incided with Sibiraj's birthday. Releasing the first look Suriya tweeted saying, "Glad to release the First Look of #Kabadadaari Happy birthday @Sibi_Sathyaraj & best wishes @Directorpradeep @Nanditasweta @JSKfilmcorp @adityamusic @CreativeEnt4 @dhananjayang Glad to release the First Look of #Kabadadaari Happy birthday @Sibi_Sathyaraj & best wishes @Directorpradeep @Nanditasweta @JSKfilmcorp @adityamusic @CreativeEnt4 @dhananjayang pic.twitter.com/WTbr3dkl8i — Suriya Sivakumar (@Suriya_offl) October 6, 2020 This film is also being remade in Telugu under the title Kapatadhaari with Suman Ranganath playing the lead...

KollywoodThe Tamil film is a remake of the hit Kannada thriller ‘Kavaludaari’.Digital NativeThe Tamil Nadu government recently announced some relaxations on the Covid-19 lockdown, and shooting of several films have re-commenced. Shootings are taking place with the film units following strict safety measures and ensuring minimal crowding. While film buffs and people from the film industry are relieved with this decision, producer G Dhananjayan has come forward with a statement on the losses he had to incur in the making of his ongoing project, Kabadadaari. The producer took toTwitter to write: “After almost 200 days of waiting due to various reasons, happy & relieved shoot of #Kabadadaari got wrapped up yesterday. Been thro' challenging times. The delay escalated cost by over Rs.10 million only in this project. Just imagine how much cost escalation for whole industry.” After almost 200 days of waiting due to various reasons, happy & relieved shoot of #Kabadadaari got wrapped up yesterday.

EntertainmentThe list of contestants for the upcoming fourth season of the reality show is still being finalised.Digital NativeDigital NativeLakshmi Menon was in Class 8 when she made her acting debut in a supporting role in the 2011 Malayalam film Raghuvinte Swantham Raziya. A year later, she made her debut as a leading lady in the critically acclaimed Tamil drama Sundarapandian. After that, she went on to work in films such as Kumki, Pandiya Nadu and Jigarthanda, and made rapid strides in Kollywood with several hits. Last seen in the 2016 Vijay Sethupathi starrer Rekka, while simultaneously pursuing BA English Literature in Sacred Heart, Kochi, Lakshmi took a break from the film industry and has not signed any new projects. She was also filming a movie with Prabhu Deva titled Yung Mung Chung, but there hasn’t been any news about its release so far. Recently, reports surfaced that the actor has been...

KollywoodA cop thriller, the film is written and directed by U Anbarasan.Digital NativeOn ‘Walter’ sets | Digital NativeActor Sibi Sathyaraj who was last seen in Sathya, the Tamil remake of Kshanam, awaits the release of Walter, a cop thriller written and directed by U Anbarasan. The film was originally scheduled to hit theatres on January 24 for the Republic Day weekend and the date was later pushed to 6 March but now it is finally set for release on 13 March. The film also stars Natty, Samuthirakani, Shirin Kanchawala, Sanam Shetty, Riythvika and Charle in crucial roles. Bankrolled by Shruthi Thilak under the banner 11:11 Productions, the film will have music by Dharma Prakash, while Rasamathi is handling the cinematography. Elayaraja S (editor), Arivumathi-Arun Bharathi-Uma Devi (lyrics), Ar Mohan (art), Dastha (choreography) and Vicky (stunts) are also part of the team. Initially, filmmaker Gautham Vasudev Menon was roped in to...

KollywoodA cop thriller, the film is written and directed by U Anbarasan.Digital NativeOn ‘Walter’ sets | Digital NativeActor Sibi Sathyaraj who was last seen in Sathya, the Tamil remake of Kshanam, awaits the release of Walter, a cop thriller written and directed by U Anbarasan. The film was originally scheduled to hit theatres on January 24 for the Republic Day weekend and the date was later pushed to 6 March but now it is finally set for release on 13 March. The film also stars Natty, Samuthirakani, Shirin Kanchawala, Sanam Shetty, Riythvika and Charle in crucial roles. Bankrolled by Shruthi Thilak under the banner 11:11 Productions, the film will have music by Dharma Prakash, while Rasamathi is handling the cinematography. Elayaraja S (editor), Arivumathi-Arun Bharathi-Uma Devi (lyrics), Ar Mohan (art), Dastha (choreography) and Vicky (stunts) are also part of the team. Initially, filmmaker Gautham Vasudev Menon was roped in to...

KollywoodVijay Varatharaj, popular on Youtube for his fun videos on his own channel Temple Monkeys, is making his debut as a director with this film.Digital NativeAttakathi Dinesh’s next outing at the theatres will be Pallu Padama Paathuka. Incidentally, it will be a zombie comedy, a genre that has not been touched by many in the Tamil film industry. Vijay Varatharaj, popular on Youtube for his fun videos on his own channel Temple Monkeys, is making his debut as a director with Pallu Padama Paathuka. With Dinesh in the lead role, the film will have Sanchita Shetty playing the female lead. The others in the star cast include Shah Ra, Rishikanth, Linga, Rajendran, Jagan, Dheena and others in supporting roles. Music for this venture has been scored by Balamurali Balu. The shooting of this film has been wrapped up and is currently into the post-production mode. According to an announcement from its filmmakers,...

KollywoodVijay Varatharaj, popular on Youtube for his fun videos on his own channel Temple Monkeys, is making his debut as a director with this film.Digital NativeAttakathi Dinesh’s next outing at the theatres will be Pallu Padama Paathuka. Incidentally, it will be a zombie comedy, a genre that has not been touched by many in the Tamil film industry. Vijay Varatharaj, popular on Youtube for his fun videos on his own channel Temple Monkeys, is making his debut as a director with Pallu Padama Paathuka. With Dinesh in the lead role, the film will have Sanchita Shetty playing the female lead. The others in the star cast include Shah Ra, Rishikanth, Linga, Rajendran, Jagan, Dheena and others in supporting roles. Music for this venture has been scored by Balamurali Balu. The shooting of this film has been wrapped up and is currently into the post-production mode. According to an announcement from its filmmakers,...

ReviewThere are two storylines in the plot – one about the bomb that can explode any minute, and the other a love story.Sowmya RajendranIrandam Ulagaporin Kadaisi Gundu begins by telling us that there are several bombs dumped in the sea that may reach our shores anytime. Yet, the title of Athiyan Athirai’s film (produced by Pa Ranjith’s Neelam) translates to ‘The last bomb of the Second World War’ – as if there’s only that one unexploded bomb left for us to find. It appears to be a contradiction but if you think about it, the title makes complete sense. The remnants of war are still within us, all around us, and any of these could be the last bomb that you witness, before it shatters your world. Attakathi Dinesh plays Selvam, a lorry driver who works for a scrapyard owned by an abusive boss (Marimuthu). It’s normal...

EntertainmentWith Tharshan gone, Sandy, Losliya, Sherin and Mugen will be the finalists, with the grand finale scheduled to happen on October 6.Digital NativeTharshan | Digital NativeThe third season of Bigg Boss Tamil throws more surprises at the audiences as the weeks pass by. In what can be considered one of the most surprising evictions of Bigg Boss Tamil 3, Tharshan Thiyagarajah was eliminated from the Kamal Haasan-hosted show. Tharshan was considered one of the strongest contestants this season. Kamal himself was surprised by the result but said that it was the verdict of the people. This week’s elimination was the final one this season. With Tharshan gone, Sandy, Losliya, Sherin and Mugen will be the finalists, with the grand finale scheduled to happen on October 6. Cheran, who was evicted from the house last week, took to Twitter to say, “It is sad that Tharshan who played putting in great efforts has got evicted.

KollywoodStarring Dinesh and Anandhi in lead roles, the film has been directed by Athiyan Athirai.Tnm StaffThe trailer of Irandam Ulagaporin Kadaisi Gundu, directed by Athiyan Athirai and produced by Pa Ranjith’s Neelam Productions, was released on Wednesday. Starring Dinesh, Anandhi, Riythvika, Muneeskanth, Lijeesh and John Vijay, the film’s release date is yet to be announced. The trailer begins with a montage of intriguing shots - bloody footprints, a towering fire that seems to be burning an effigy, the sound of something heavy falling from the sky, people looking up, a loud explosion and screams. Moving to a scrapyard, the rest of the trailer is told in a villupaatu folk style narration. Dinesh’s character rolls a huge lorry tyre and wipes the windshield of the vehicle clean even while the narrative speaks of bonded labour and the struggles of the workers' union. Anandhi, Riythvika and Muneeskanth make...

Bigg BossFrom news anchor Fathima Babu to 'Nerkonda Paarvai' actor Abhirami, the house has an interesting mix this time.Digital NativeTwitter: @vijaytelevisionBigg Boss Tamil, the popular reality TV show that has been all the rage for the last two years, is back again with its most awaited third season. The first season premiered on Vijay TV in June 2017 and the second season premiered last year. The third season's premiere happened on Sunday evening and the contestants were revealed one after the other. While Bigg Boss Season 1 had 19 participants and the second had around 16, this time around, Bigg Boss Season 2 has 15 participants and 2 special entries who will come in later. Here’s the complete list of participants this year: Fathima Babu - Veteran news anchor Madhumitha - Actress - Ok Ok fame Saravanan - Actor Paruthiveeran fame Mohan Vaidya - Musician and actor Sandy - Choreographer Sakshi Agarwal -...

EntertainmentAdvocate Sudhan, in his petition to Madras Hc, had asked for the TV show to be certified by the Ibf before being telecast.Tnm StaffThe Madras High Court on Wednesday has ordered the Indian Broadcasting Foundation (Ibf) to respond to a petition asking for a ban on the reality TV show Bigg Boss Tamil. The petition filed by advocate Sudhan has asked for the TV show to be certified by the Ibf before being telecast. He has claimed in the petition that the contestants on the show “dressed up glamorously and spoke double meaning dialogues, affecting youngsters and audiences". Justice Manikumar and Subramaniam Prasad who heard the petition observed that it was not right to claim that the show had obscene content even before it aired. Posting the next hearing in two weeks, they ordered the Ibf to file their response to the petition in the meantime. The respondents listed...

EntertainmentSeason 3 of the show is likely to be telecast from the first or second week of June.Digital NativeKamal Haasan had hosted the first two seasons of the Tamil television reality show Bigg Boss, which aired on Vijay TV and went on to become a big hit. With the successful completion of season 1 and 2, there were huge expectations for the third season. Also, there were speculations that Kamal may not do the show again as he is busy with his political assignments. Earlier, there were reports that Nayanthara, Suriya or Simbu might host the show, but it has been revealed now that Kamal is getting back on the show. The makers of Bigg Boss season 3 have begun promo shooting with Kamal at a location in Chennai. Like the first two seasons, the third season too will have 16 contestants, including one commoner, like in the previous seasons. The show is likely...

KollywoodThe film will be directed by Suresh Mari, who has been Ranjith’s assistant, and will star Kalaiarasan and Arvind Akash.Digital NativeTamil film maker Pa Ranjith’s third production venture under his banner Neelam Productions was announced recently which will feature both Kalaiarasan and Arvind Akash. To be directed by Suresh Mari, who has been Ranjith’s assistant for quite some time, the project will go on floors soon and will hit the screens during the first half of 2020. Pa Ranjith's second production venture called Irandam Ulagaporin Kadaisi Gundu is being directed by his long term assistant, debutant Athiyan Athirai, who has worked with Pa Ranjith on films like Kaala, Kabali, and Madras. Starring Attakathi Dinesh, Riythvika, Anekha, Munishkanth, and Ramesh Thilak, among others the film has music by newcomer Tenma, who was the music producer of The Casteless Collective band. Pa Ranjith’s Neelam Productions made its debut...

EntertainmentIn an interview with Tnm, Riythvika talks about her experiences in the Bigg Boss house, her upcoming films and the kind of roles she wants to play.S SubhakeerthanaRiythvika, who won the second season of Bigg Boss Tamil, says she had no hopes of winning the title whatsoever in the beginning. “I never knew I had the support of so many. I was just being myself on the show until the last day. Most importantly, I never took sides or lost my cool,” she adds. After three months of struggle, fights, drama and emotions, finally she’s spending time with her family and friends. “Though I’m home, I get reminded of the Bigg Boss’ wakeup voice every morning,” she smiles. Now that she’s the title winner, how will she handle the undivided attention that is sure to come her way? “I didn’t go in expecting to win.

EntertainmentActor Aishwarya Dutta, known for her temper tantrums, emerged the runner-up. Tnm StaffTwitterActor Riythvika, who was thus far considered an underdog at Bigg Boss Tamil Season 2, emerged the winner on Sunday, winning Rs 50 lakh. Riythvika said that her win belongs to everyone and that she intends to be an inspiration to all women. Actor Aishwarya Dutta, known for her temper tantrums, won the runner-up title. The show, hosted by actor-turned-politician Kamal Haasan, started airing on June 17. Incidentally, Riythvika was up for elimination on the reality TV show on the first week of the season. She had then said that she needed time to warm up to people and that she deserved another chance. According to Bigg Boss rules, week one had no eliminations and so Riythvika, along with three other contestants, were spared that week. Wishes came pouring in for Riythvika on Twitter. வெற்றி பெற்ற #Rithu...

Bigg Boss TamilDaniel posted pictures from the simple, private ceremony on his Instagram page.Tnm StaffWhat goes on inside the Bigg Boss house is not always the only thing that grabs people’s attention. What happens to contestants who are no longer part of it, is also followed upon with interest by Bigg Boss fans. Therefore, the news of contestant Daniel marrying his long-time girlfriend just a few days after being evicted has grabbed the attention of Bigg Boss viewers. The actor, who appeared in films like Polladhavan and Oru Nalla Naal Paathu Solren gained recognition with his performance in the film Idharkuthane Aasaipattai Balakumara, starring alongside Vijay Sethupathi. Daniel, popularly known as Danny, had shared the news of his wedding on his Instagram page on Monday. “I am extremely happy to introduce to all of you my beautiful kuttu as my wife Mrs. Denisha Daniel,” he wrote. A post...

EntertainmentTNM brings you the low-down on all that’s been happening in the house over the past 12 days.Tnm StaffNearly two weeks after the much awaited second season of Bigg Boss Tamil, the popular reality TV show that was all the rage last year, premiered, what does the house look like? This year’s contestants are relatively less famous and the drama too has been less intense. As the housemates quickly worked to make themselves known with their individual quirks, some awkward, hilarious and downright cringe moments have marked the endeavour to revive the public lives of these has-been and never-was celebrities. While Ananth, Mumtaz, Riythvika and Nithya were nominated for elimination in the first week, the contestants were unaware that they wouldn't actually be eliminated. In the second week, Mumtaz, Ponnambalam, Mamathi and Ananth have been nominated. Balaji - Nithya Well let’s get right to it, then. Actor Balaji and his wife have a rocky marriage and it is playing out awkwardly on screen. While they both make it clear that they are here are as individuals and not as partners, their fights and the abuses Balaji hurls at Nithya have not been fun to watch. While the other contestants try to patch up things between the estranged couple, things get awkward really fast. With the two refusing to explain their problems in detail, the housemates come to their own conclusions based on the generic rants by either party. Nithya alleges Balaji went public with accusations of her having an affair while Balaji orders her around to make food. Famously, the duo fought over adding onions to carrot curry. Nithya refused to add it since Balaji had suggested it. At the end of the week, Kamal asked them why they had made a mountain out of a molehill. When a role reversal takes place and the women become masters and the men slaves, Balaji continued to use expletives against Nithya who was left to fend for herself. Ananth Vaidyanathan The vocal trainer, whom audiences have seen on Vijay TV’s Super Singer, is as clueless as to why he is on the show as we are. He makes faces at the other contestants when they are having fun, laughing loudly or dancing. He also lectures others on their limits. Called Isai by the housemates, he takes issue with them when they crack the famous Vadivelu joke on where music comes from. Ramya Nsk Singer Ramya adds a dose of humour to the show with her witty comebacks but is viewed with suspicion by some housemates because of… her hair. One of the contestants even nominated her for elimination because of this. Yashika and Aishwarya The two small-time actors have been brought together by their combined lack of knowledge in Tamil. As one hails from Punjab and the other from West Bengal, they find that the other contestants are discriminating against them for not being fluent in the language even as one of the main rules of the house is that everyone speaks in Tamil. In one particularly hilarious exchange between Aishwarya and Balaji, the former said she has antioxidant medicines to offer. To this, Balaji replied, “Ennadhu, aunty accident la poiducha?” However, when Aishwarya narrated a time in her life when her father couldn't afford the money to celebrate a puja, the other contestants poked fun at the way in which she explained it in Tamil. Yashika, on the other hand, has plans of striking when the time is right and letting the other contestants believe that she is a goody two shoes. Not missing the opportunity to objectify the two, the cameras too pan from top to bottom when the duo does their 'slave' dance. Ponnambalam Ponnambalam, the stunt master who ruled the roost in action films from the '90s, remains mostly in the background, offering all the men his brand new briefs since some of them still haven't got their suitcases. He partakes in the fun and makes a quiet escape when things heat up. He also gives advice to the young men on how to do stunt sequences in films. Ponnambalam's true colours came out when he mouthed an expletive at Yashika and Aishwarya. Mumtaz confronted him about it and he agreed to apologise to all. Mahat Mahat, who struts about as the Casanova of the house, has frequent run-ins with Ananth Vaidyanathan. Mahat secretly ate Mamathi’s sandwich and asked everyone to forget the issue only to later confess that he had eaten it. The young man also straightens his hair from time to time. Mahat who enjoys the attention from Yashika and Aishwarya was confronted by the other men on his 'play' when Balaji found him in bed with two ladies. Janani Iyer Janani was voted captain in the first week and wielded the power cautiously, not wanting to annoy anyone. She was also on the secret task of getting everyone to abide by the house rules so as to be immune from nomination in Week 2 as well. She is called poison bottle by everyone else who say that while she looks innocent, she is full of toxicity. She dared Sendrayan to dance in front of Mumtaz to irritate her. Daniel Annie Pope Danny appears to be the most helpful among the men on the show. The budding actor tries to diffuse tension among the participants and does his part towards cleaning the house. Daniel, who was happy to try and coax Mumtaz into doing her job as ‘slave’ when he was a master, has problems with authority when he is made the slave. Vaishnavi Vaishnavi is another key member of the house who foments trouble. Inserting herself into every conflict and gossip fest, the radio jockey waits for an opportunity to stir up controversy. When Mahat and Yashika ate Mamathi and Mumtaz’s sandwich, she went overboard getting riled up on their behalf even though they said they were okay with it. She also came to blows with Daniel when she raised the issue of Shariq making his 'slave' Aishwarya feed him. Sendrayan The comedian who seems to play the same role that Ganja Karuppu did last season, is ‘humble’ and ‘down to earth.’ He is also constantly butting his head into the marital conflict of Balaji and Nithya. Sendrayan, who provided the majority of the entertainment in the house was upset with Mahat for not taking him seriously. Explaining his 'insecurity' he said that the women will respect him only if the men do. Riythvika The Kabali actor is observant and takes on the tasks sportingly. However, she largely remains in the background. When she was up for ‘elimination’ she said that she needed another week’s time since she takes a while to bond with others. She also promised to get to know others and make her presence felt. Mumtaz Mumtaz, who is often very ill on the show, is perhaps the most sorted contestant of the lot. Not giving into the baits thrown about by other housemates, she generally holds her own. Mumtaz made it clear from day one that she has numbness in the mornings and cannot cook, despite being captain of the cooking team. While her team members were understanding at first, Nithya took issue with it subsequently. Mumtaz also got homesick on seeing Shariq, who apparently looks like her nephew. When Bigg Boss gave them the plainly sexist task of women being men's slaves, Mumtaz stood up for herself and said there are limits to what she can be expected to do. The actor is generous when it comes to sharing food. The ‘slaves’ have to refer to their ‘masters’ as 'aiya' and fold their hands. She found it difficult to cope with the slave task, especially when the women didn't have a secluded space to change. Shariq Hasan Budding actor Shariq is the son of comedienne Uma Riaz Khan and actor Riaz Khan. While he is mostly quiet, his heart has been after Aishwarya. He confessed during one of the tasks that he would like to date her. Oddly, the young man seems to be everywhere, in every frame, constantly lurking in the background even as drama unfolds. Mamathi Chari Mamathi who makes it clear at the outset that she does not wish to speak about people behind their back, is mostly quiet and partakes in discussions when needed. Even when someone ended up eating her share of breakfast, the calm Mamathi didn't make an issue of it. However, the other contestants gradually feel that Mamathi is whispering in Mumtaz’s ears and playing the role of a manipulator. Perhaps the most awkward moment came for her when she performed a super off key medley of songs 'dedicated' to Ananth whose expression betrayed how bad the singing was. Kamal Haasan Managing politics, films and the show, the actor/politician plays the perfect host, entertaining and flaying the contestants all at once. With statements like “Corruption in governance begins when people act like they have sacrificed when they have just done their duty”, the Makkal Needhi Maiam chief also gets his political punches. He also berated the housemates for letting things get out of hand with the carrot-onion controversy. Also read: ‘Bigg Boss’ Tamil: Experience the house through virtual reality...

EntertainmentThis time around, Bigg Boss season two has 16 participants with one surprise addition. Tnm StaffYoutube screengrabBigg Boss Tamil, the popular reality TV show that was all the rage last year, is back again with its most-awaited second season. The show first premiered on Vijay TV in June last year. The contestants in Season 2 were revealed one after the other on Sunday evening. While the show’s tagline last season was ‘Odavum mudiyadhu, oliyavum mudiythu’ (you can’t run, you can’t hide), this time it is ‘Nallavar yaar? Kettavar yaar?’ (who’s bad? who’s good?). The season is once again hosted by Kamal Haasan who recently made his foray into politics. While Bigg Boss Season One had 15 participants initially, the show took in four others mid-season. This time around, Bigg Boss season two has 16 participants with one surprise addition. Here’s the complete list of participants this year: 1.Actor Yashika Aanand of Iruttu Arayil Muruttu Kuthu fame 2.Stunt master/actor Ponambalam 3.Actor Mahath Raghavendra of Mangatha fame 4.Daniel Annie Pope of Idharkuthane Aasaipattai Balakumara fame 5.Rj Vaishnavi (granddaughter of prominent Tamil writer Saavi) 6.Actor Janani Iyer 7.Voice trainer Ananth Vaidyanathan 8.Singer Ramya Nsk 9.Actor-comedian Sendrayan 10.Actor Riythvika of Kabali fame 11.Actor Mumtaz 12.Rj-vj Bhalajie 13.Actor Mamathi Chari 14.Bhalajie’s wife Nithya 15.Shariq Hassan - son of actors Riyaz Khan and Uma Riyaz 16.Actor Aishwarya Dutta The rules of the reality show, that follows Big Brother format originally developed and aired in the Netherlands in 1999, is very simple. A small group of people are confined inside a house with no access to the outside world for 100 days. The housemates take turns to cook, do chores etc. while their interactions are closely monitored by surveillance cameras. The contestants are then eliminated from the house in stages based on their popularity rating. They are given tasks to gain access to certain privileges inside the house. Bigg Boss Tamil Season One gained a lot of attention when it aired last year with people taking sides, and forming campaigns for their favourites. Some of the popular contestants from last time include Julie, dance master/actor Gayathri, lyricist Snegan, actor Namitha, actor/model Harish, actor/model Raiza, etc. Actor Oviya is one notable example for having gained huge fandom after appearing on the show. She will be appearing as a guest this time around, for a few days. Raiza and Harish have gone to sign films deals post-show. Actor Aarav emerged victorious at the end of the first season, winning Rs 50 lakhs cash prize. Read: Tamil film industry boycotts Filmfare Awards as organisers refuse to pay ‘donation’...

Film CommentaryWhether it's Zarina, Selvi or Puyal, Pa Ranjith's women characters are refreshingly different from the usual ones we see in Tamil cinema.Sowmya RajendranNote: This is not a review. Spoilers ahead. Pa Ranjith's Kaala will undoubtedly draw comparisons to Kabali, his first collaboration with Rajinikanth. Kaala, which released on Thursday, sees a more confident and assertive director, someone who appears to have figured out how to use Rajinikanth's larger-than-life image to make films that challenge the mainstream. Social thinkers and anti-caste revolutionaries like Br Ambedkar and Periyar have spoken extensively about the intersection of caste with other identities, especially that of gender. Ranjith, who has been vocal about caste oppression, in his art and real life actions, also recognises this. His women characters in Kabali came as a pleasant surprise, given the levels of misogyny usually present in a Rajinikanth film. Kumudhavalli (Radhika Apte) and Yogi (Sai Dhansika) defied several stereotypes of women characters in Tamil cinema. They were not merely decorative; they talked back to Kabali (Rajinikanth), and Yogi even protected him from the villains. Ranjith also did away with ideas of purity and honour that are considered vital for women characters in Tamil films - Kabali goes in search of Kumudhavalli despite knowing he might find her in a brothel; he adopts Meena (Riythvika) who allows men to molest her for money so she can buy drugs; he does not lecture Yogi on her appearance or behaviour, as far from the norm in Rajinikanth films as they are. In Kaala, too, Ranjith's women characters rise above the roles usually relegated to them. It starts right from the animation strip we're shown at the beginning of the film, explaining how war began with the origin of private property. It's common for popular art to depict the evolution of 'mankind' only through male representations. However, the animation strip in Kaala shows women hunters and gatherers along with the men. Interestingly, the women disappear as the wars for land become an established practice. Patriarchy is intertwined with the origin of private property; and though poets have waxed eloquent about a beautiful woman 'triggering' war between nations, the actual reason has simply been a desire for land and power. Kaala, which revisits the Ramayana and sets it in the hotbed of contemporary politics, sets the tone with its little hark back to history. Zarina Interestingly, though the film makes overt comparisons to the Ramayana, it is difficult to say who Sita is in it. The only character who comes closest to the Sita of the epic is Huma Qureshi's Zarina - she is someone Kaala (Rajinikanth, who plays Ravana) desires but cannot have. They were meant to be together but they are separated by flames twice in the film (like Lanka going up in flames during Rama's righteous war in the epic). Kaala is married to Selvi (Easwari Rao), who is kind towards Zarina though she has her insecurities about her - much like Ravana's wife Mandodari. Zarina is also a single mother, like Sita was, after she was abandoned in the epic. The Rama in Kaala, represented by Hari dada ('Hari' is another name for Vishnu), is not romantically interested in Zarina. The first time he hears her Muslim-sounding name, he asks her to repeat it, with a slight distaste on his face. He displays his abject disrespect for women with that casual line on a 'pombala' (woman) not being able to survive on her own. Then, he humiliates her by expecting her to touch his feet. Zarina's version of a trial by fire she must endure for the greater good? Was Zarina merely added to the script to give Rajinikanth another heroine to boost his ego? I don't think so. Zarina is a fair-skinned, assertive woman who was educated abroad. She is also romantically interested in Kaala, despite knowing he is married. In a Rajini film, this would automatically make her the villain - remember Nilambari of Padayappa? Instead, we have a Zarina who calls Kaala by his name, has agitated political disagreements with him (this is important, too - women rarely have such discussions with men in Tamil cinema), but is still his friend who understands her boundaries. And surprise, surprise, it is Kaala who jokingly compliments her on how young she looks - a certificate that's reserved for the Thalaivar in his films. There's a scene when she speaks in English to Selvi, Kaala's wife, and translates it to Tamil - a perfect opportunity to showcase her condescension or arrogance. But Pa Ranjith changes it to an endearing moment of bonding between these two women. Zarina also reminds Kaala that just as he has changed, she too isn't the Zarina of the past. When Kaala recounts their first meeting as young people, he tells Zarina that he noticed how she draped her shawl over her shoulders when he set his eyes on her. In the shot after Hari dada humiliates her by expecting her to fall at his feet, an angry Zarina drapes her dupatta over her shoulder as she walks out of the house - but the expression on her face is sheer rage and defiance. Not shame, not modesty. Selvi Selvi has shades of Kumudhavalli to her, but she doesn't have the latter's sophistication. She is the only one Kaala is afraid of, the only one who can shout him down. The casting of Easwari Rao in this role in itself surprised several people. Though she is at least two decades younger than Rajinikanth in real life, she is much older than the women who've usually played his heroine. She is also much darker than the average Kollywood heroine, a factor which held her back in her career. Selvi may not advise Kaala on his political moves; she may even strike us as naive. But it is Selvi who points out to her daughters-in-law that though Hari dada looks like a nice man, he is a casteist person who won't even drink water at their home. It's also Selvi who orders everyone to leave the room so Kaala and Zarina can have a private moment together when they meet after years. This is in sharp contrast to how the women in Hari dada's home behave - they are kept to the background, confined to their quarters when the patriarch of the family is having his discussions in the drawing room. When Kaala comes back after a dinner with Zarina, an annoyed Selvi tells him to book her tickets to Thirunelveli. Why? So that she may see her past lover, too! The scene is tender, comic and surprising all at once. It's not what one would expect Rajinikanth's heroine to say at all. She is also not the overly sentimental mom you find in Tamil cinema, even slightly mocking her sons when they are being dramatic. Puyal Kaala's to be daughter-in-law, the fiery Puyal (Anjali Patil) stands up to goons and politicians without fear. She's also a delightful subversion of the 'marumagal' role, calling Kaala by name and openly pooh-poohing her to-be-mother-in-law. And nobody reprimands her for the sass. Because Puyal isn't just Kaala's son's girlfriend. She's an activist who has a mind of her own. She is in the front line of every protest in her area, speaking out boldly even as her boyfriend tries to rein her in. The defining scene in Kaala's gender politics is when Puyal is stripped by policemen trying to quell a protest. They remove her salwar bottom and throw it. The senior cop watches in sadistic pleasure as she crawls towards the piece of cloth. But Puyal does not pick up the cloth, she picks up the stick next to it. She rises, partially undressed, and rushes towards the police to beat them black and blue once again. Contrast this to Rajinikanth's Endhiran, in which a woman commits suicide because the robot carried her naked to the road (the robot was saving her from a fire, by the way). With this one scene, Pa Ranjith succeeds in demolishing years of morality lessons on 'chastity' and 'honour' that Tamil cinema has delivered. Kaala's minor women characters, too, are palpably different. Beemji's mother remains defiant even after her son is murdered; women speak vocally about their sexual needs in a discussion on housing facilities; women dare policemen to shoot them dead when they are protesting; even the child who throws the first fistful of black powder on Hari dada in the end (which reminded me of the last scene in Fandry), is a girl. When the people of Dharavi strike, it is the men who cook meals for everyone.  Like Kabali, Ranjith's second film will lead to many discussions in the coming days. Not everyone will embrace Kaala. But at least, Ranjith cannot be accused of not walking the talk. Kaala's women will stay with us longer than box-office numbers and ticket sales. That is the victory of art over time, epic over mere story. Also read: If it's a war, enemy must be fought: Pa Ranjith on politics, films, caste and Rajini...

The winners of Filmfare Awards 2015 (South) has been announced. Check out the full list of winners.

Filmfare Awards 2015 Tamil Winners

Best Film – Kaththi Best Director – Ar Murugadoss – Kaththi Best Actor (Male) – Dhanush – Velaiyilla Pattathari Best Actor (Female) – Malavika Nair – Cuckcoo Best Actor in a Supporting Role (Male) – Bobby Simha – Jigarthanda Best Actor in a Supporting Role (Female) – Ritwika – Madras Best Music – Anirudh Ravichander – Velaiyilla Pattathari Best Lyricist – Na Muthukumar – Azhagu (Saivam) Best Playback Singer (Male) – Pradeep Kumar – Aagayam Theepidicha (Madras) Best Playback Singer (Female) – Uthara Unnikrishnan – Azhagu (Saivam) Best Actor Critics Award:Nivin Pauly (1983), Karthi (Madras) Best Choreographer – Shobi – Pakkam vanthu (Kaththi) Cinematographer – Ps Vinod (Manam) Debut Awards Male – Dulquer Salman (Vaayai Moodi Pesavum), Bellamkonda Sreenivas (Alludu Seenu) Debut Awards Female – Catherine Tresa (Madras), Nikki Galrani (1983) Lifetime Achievement Awards – IV Sasi and Radhika

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Film: "Paradesi"; Actor: Atharva Murali, Vedhika C. Kumar, Dhansika, Udhay Karthik and Ritwika; Director: Bala; Rating: **** - a slice of reality.

Bala's "Paradesi" may not be as entertaining as any recent Tamil flick, but it is riveting, brutal and realistic as any film in a long time. For those seeking a realistic alternate from commercial Tamil cinema, this creation is a blessing.

In a small hamlet in Salur, reside hundreds of happy families in harmony, hope and optimism of a better future. One among them is Rasa (Atharva), who lives with his grandmother. He is the most obedient and hardworking male in the locality and earns.