Tamil Galatta

Love Dot Com: Mumaith Khan's next After performing many sizzling numbers in Tamil, Telugu and Hindi films, popular item specialist Mumaith Khan recently graduated to heroine status in the supernatural thriller Pournami Nagam (Tamil), a remake of the Telugu hit Punnami Nagu. Now the lady is all set to play the lead role in Love Dot Com. Mika Singh (brother of Punjabi singer Daler Mehendi) will be the hero fo this trilingual, being made in Hindi, Tamil and Telugu; Mumaith plays a bar dancer while Mika plays a contract killer. Story, screenplay and direction are by Vinod Mukhi.

Charmi's cameo in Nagarjuna film It's a remarkable project for charming beauty Charmi, who has maintained a very low profile for the last couple of years with no big projects in hand! Unlike her usual item numbers, Charmi will make a brief but very important appearance in Telugu superstar Nagarjuna's next film, directed by Veeru Potla of Bindaas fame. The film already has Anushka and Priyamani as heroines and is currently progressing at a brisk pace in Hyderabad. Produced by D. Siva Prasad Reddy under the banner of Kamakshi Movies, the film will grace screens either on December 16 or 17.

Trisha replaces Ileana in Khushiga? Leading Telugu heroine Ileana, who was to play the main heroine in Pawan Kalyan's next project Khushiga (Telugu remake of the Bollywood flick Love Aaj Kal) has been reportedly replaced by leading Tamil heroine Trisha. According to sources, Ileana had earlier given bulk dates to her other project 3 Idiots, directed by Shankar, but the film was delayed for various reasons, causing an unexpected date clash with Khushiga. However, it is said that the final decision on Ileana's replacement has been not taken yet officially by the film's makers. Apparently, hero Pawan Kalyan would take the final call after his return from Jerusalem next week.

Suhasini Mani Ratnam in MAMI jury One of Indian's most versatile actresses, Suhasini Mani Ratnam will be one of the jury members at the 12th MAMI Mumbai film festival this year. The five member jury will be headed by Academy Award winner Jane Champion. Interestingly, Suhasini Mani Ratnam is the only Indian actress who started her career behind the camera. Suhasini, a trained costume designer, hair stylist and cinematographer, is the first female student to graduate from the Madras Film Institute. In 1988, she married Mani Ratnam and the couple have a son, Nandhan. She made her onscreen debut in 1980 with the Tamil film Nenjathai Killathe. Incidentally, Suhasini is Kamal Haasan's niece (she is the daughter of Charu Haasan, Kamal's elder brother).

Muran to go on floors tomorrow Cheran is all set to start their next production venture Muran tomorrow. Cheran and Prasanna will play the lead roles in this big budget film which will also feature two newcomers as heroines and Jayaprakash in a prominent role. Cheran's character in the film is that of a musician for which the actor-director has been attending guitar classes. Rajjan Madhav, son of acclaimed Malayalam music composer Raveendran, will wield the megaphone. Rajjan Madhav has earlier worked as co-director with Mysskin in Anjaathaey, Nandhalala and Yudhan Sei. Rajjan's brother Sajjan Madhav will compose music for the film. Muran is about two contrasting characters and the events in their lives. Prasanna, who played a powerful role in Anjaathaey, will repeat the act in Muran. The film will grace theatres in Jan 2011. Rajjan Madhav has also penned the story, screenplay and dialogues for this film. Cheran Photo Gallery Cheran Wallpapers

Bale Pandiya director speaks Bale Pandiya, directed by Siddharth Chandrashekar of Mitraa Media, has quite a lot of surprises. The film's story is about a young man who discovers his true calling and talents and his struggle to establish them. In short, the film's theme reflects how we lose sighto of our primary goals in our mechanized life and how to get them back. 'Bale Pandiya is a well-packaged film, the first half of which will be in a lighter vein and the second half will be a lot more commercial,' the director said to a leading daily. 'I've worked with a lot of directors and I've learnt from all of them. I keep telling this. I'm like an Ekalavya and I have a lot of Dronas. I know I can deliver,' he added. Check out Bale Pandiya audio launch photos. Check out Bale Pandiya press meet photos. Check out Bale Pandiya songs.

Casanova shelved: Shriya walks out Superstar Mohanlal's big budget Casanova directed by Roshan Andrews has been dropped for the third time. The reason why the makers abandoned the movie after making loud claims over the shooting dates is yet to be known! The director and producers Confident Group earlier announced that the shooting would start in September first week in Bangkok. Meanwhile, irked by the makers' move to shelve the film for the third time, their heroine Shriya Saran informed that she has decided to walk out of the project. 'They kept on postponing the shoot, now I have decided to move on as I'm very busy with other projects in Tamil and Telugu,' she added.

Va Quarter Cutting songs: First on Galatta.com The audio of Va Quarter Cutting is out now and available 100% legally FIRST on Galatta.com! Yes, Galatta.com has the audio of Va Quarter Cutting on our music section: Click here before anyone else does for your listening pleasure. Shiva-Lekha Washington-S.P.B. Charan starrer Va Quarter Cutting has superb music by G.V. Prakash which has been released by Think Music. Listen to and download the songs of Va Quarter Cutting songs here. Galatta.com's music channel is 100% legal. Support legal downloads, help fight music piracy... and have a great time doing all this!

Meghana Raj thrilled by Kadhal Solla Vandhen success Meghana Raj is happy her Tamil film Kadhal Solla Vandhen, which was released three weeks back, had a great opening and there are many positive things about this film directed by Bhoopathy Pandian, who is well known for his commercial Tamil hit films. Kadhal Solla Vandhen did well despite having new artistes in the team. Meghana has worked in all the South Indian language films after making her entry two years back. She says she is capable of playing different types of roles and wants to focus on Kannada films. Meghana's parents Sundar Raj and Pramila Joshi were more active in Kannada films, though they too did act in Tamil and Telugu films also. Meghana's first Kannada film Punda did not do well, but still she is getting many offers. Her first Malayalam film Yakshiyum Naanum, all set to release this September, is directed by Vinayan and promises to be a big film for Meghana. Click here for Kadhal Solla Vanden songs.

Boss Engira Baskaran coming on September 10 Arya-Nayantara starrer Boss Engira Baskaran, directed by Rajesh M. of Siva Manasula Sakthi fame, is all set to grace theatres on September 10, 2010. The movie revolves around Arya, a fun-loving guy, and his relationship with Santhanam and Nayantara. Udhayanidhi Stalin's prominent production and distribution house Red Giant Movies has recently acquired the domestic release rights of Arya's Boss Engira Baskaran. Interestingly, Arya's latest flick Madarasapattinam was also acquired by Red Giant Movies. Listen to and download the songs of Boss Engira Baskaran here. Nayantara Photo Gallery Arya Photo Gallery Boss Engira Baskaran Photo Gallery

Chikku Bukku in October Director Manikandan is very excited about his upcoming film Chikku Bukku, starring Arya and Shriya in the lead. 'The movie, picturised in scenic locations, has come out very well and will definitely be liked by all,' Manigandan said to a leading daily. 'We hope to release the film in October. Dubbing is over and now we're completing the DI (Digital Intermediary) work on the film. Chikku Bukku will hit screens after BEB,' he added. Chikku Bukku, produced by Media One Global Entertainment, is one the latest films with a city-based love story. According to sources, Shriya Saran has been given a complete makeover. The film is expected to grace theatres soon. The film has Arya playing Arjun, a chocolate boy who can make girls' hearts flutter, and Shriya playing Anu, a bubbly girl. Click here for Chikku Bukku songs.

Mittai: A beautiful love story Mittai, starring Santosh (of Kadhal Seyya Virumbhu and Thiru Renga fame), Prabha (of Pirappu fame), and Malayalam heroine Maya Unni in lead roles, has created a lot of buzz in the industry. Recently, a poster showing the heroine getting married to both the heroes was released. But producer-director Anbu, who is making Mittai, promises that the film is nothing short of a tasty sweetmeat as it depicts the sweetest part of a youth's life college life. It is an embodiment of camaraderie, love, infatuation, studies, last-minute cramming, fun and excitement experienced in a college campus. 'Mittai is a beautiful love story, revolving around two guys and a girl. In fact, the lead role was written for Suriya, who initially agreed to work on this project. However, due to unavoidable circumstances, he couldn't play the role,' he said. The support cast comprises Sathyan, Maganathi Sankar, Singamuthu, Charms and Poochi. Check out: Mittai photo gallery Listen to songs and download them

Sethu Samudhiram: Sarathkumar's next Sanjay Ram of Gowravargal fame will produce and direct Sarathkumar's next Tamil film, titled Sethu Samudhiram. The film also stars Radharavi, his son Hari Radharavi, Prakashraj, Ganja Karuppu, Ramesh Kannan and Kuyili in prominent roles. Reportedly the film narrates the friendship between two persons: Sethupahy, a sincere cop (Sarathkumar) and Samuthirakani (Radharavi). Music is composed by Dhina while Leo T. handles the camera. Shooting will begin on September 6 and the hunt for the heroine is on. Sarathkumar photo gallery

Boss Engira Baskaran gets U certificate Boss Engira Baskaran, starring Arya and Nayantara in the lead roles, received a clean U certificate from the Censor Board. Music composed by Yuvanshankar Raja was launched in Chennai recently. The film is directed by Rajesh M. of Siva Manasula Sakthi fame. Boss Engira Baskaran is the story of a middle-class family that faces common issues. Nayantara plays the role of Chandrika, a middle-class sensible girl, who expects everyone to be practical in life. The movie revolves around Arya, a fun-loving guy, and his relationship with Santhanam and Nayantara. Listen to and download the songs of Boss Engira Baskaran here. Nayantara Photo Gallery Arya Photo Gallery Boss Engira Baskaran Photo Gallery

Nithin Sathya's Mayanginen Thayanginen progressing Increasingly busy, Nithin Sathya is becoming one of the most-sought-after heroes in Kollywood these days. There has been no looking back for this handsome and energetic youth after Chennai 600028 happened. The actor is currently busy with his next film Mayanginen Thayanginen opposite Disha Pandey of Thamizh Padam fame. 'I'm really excited about Mayanginen Thayanginen. in which I play a call taxi driver. The character is an extrovert who falls in love with a telephone operator. It's an interesting love story with a twist with ample scope for experimentation with emotions,' the actor said. The film, directed by S.T. Vendham of Inba fame, is shot in Chennai, Hyderabad and Ooty. Composer Kannan of Thamizh Padam fame is the music director; Ganja Karuppu, Tejashri, Ajay Ratnam and Pawan play important roles. The latest we hear is that the shooting of the film is nearing completion.Nitin Sathya photo gallery

Trisha to dub for VTV Hindi remake Reigning South Indian actress Trisha has confirmed her second Hindi film, which will be the remake of her runaway Tamil super hit Vinnaithaandi Varuvaayaa (Yemaya Chesave in Telugu), directed by master of romance Gautham Menon. The Hindi version, to be produced by Bollywood producer Ambika Hinduja of Serendipity Films, will also be directed by Gautham Menon. Prateik Babbar plays the lead role (played by Simbu in the Tamil version). Gautham will use the same tunes of A.R. Rahman for the Hindi version too. The latest buzz is that Trisha will be dubbing her own lines in Hindi! 'I'm doing my own Hindi lines. I'm working very hard on them. We start shooting by the end of September. We'll be shooting in Mumbai and New York. Prateik and I did a test shoot together and we got along just fine. I loved what I saw. Something tells me my pairing with Prateik will click,' Trisha said. Trisha Photo Gallery Vinnaithaandi Varuvaaya Photo Gallery Vinnaithaandi Varuvaaya songs

Pazhassi Raja in Fukuoka Film Festival Malayalam superstar Mammootty's Hariharan-directed magnum opus Pazhassi Raja, which swept eight awards at the Kerala State Film Awards 2009, including best director, will be screened at the competition section of the upcoming Fukuoka International Film Festival starting from September 17. Pazhassi Raja, released in Malayalam, Tamil, Telugu and Hindi, is the only Indian movie to have been selected to this year's Fukuoka Film Festival to be held in Fukuoka, Japan.

VA 1/4 Cutting songs from tomorrow Pushkar and Gayathri, the director couple of Kollywood, is back with their next film VA 1/4 Cutting. Recently Dayanidhi Alagiri's Cloud Nine Movies has acquired the release rights of the film. The music album of VA 1/4 Cutting will be launched in Chennai tomorrow (Sept 1, 2010). The film is produced by Y Not Studios of Thamizh Padam fame. Shiva, Lekha Washington and S.P. Charan are also in this joyride with the couple. Music is composed by G.V. Prakash while Nirav Shah handles the camera. Think Music has acquired the audio rights of the film. The couple's last venture Oram Po with Arya and Pooja was a hilarious comedy on the auto rickshaw drag race culture. Likewise, VA 1/4 Cutting is also expected to be a laughter-inspiring movie based in Chennai. Click here for more updates.

Asin rejects Boney Kapoor's offer Actress Asin has outright turned down an offer from producer Boney Kapoor. Bollywood circles allege the actress is stubborn. Boney Kapoor and Sridevi are Asin's neighbors in Mumbai and it is known that Asin is close to their family. Boney Kapoor offered Asin a role in his next movie but the actress declined the offer. Asin is busy acting in two movies down South and another two movies are in the discussion stage. Asin expressed the wish that she wishes to concentrate on a few movies at a time. The actress added she would meet the Boney Kapoor family and clarify things in person.Click here for exclusive pictures of Asin.

Balachander's letter to Kamal Haasan One of the finest actors of Indian cinema, Kamal Haasan was recently felicitated by the Kerala Tourism department in Trivandrum. Besides the State Government, various associations from the Malayalam film industry took part in the event. The event also featured several cultural programmes, all celebrating Kamal Haasan's multi-lingual cinematic versatility and the characters he played in Tamil, Telugu, Malayalam, Kannada and Hindi films. However, legenday director K.B. Balachander couldn't be a part this mega event, so he has sent his wishes through a letter. 'Mention Kamal's name, somehow my ears pick up, my weariness drops, my back straightens, my knees heal, my heart lightens, my smile widens, my spirits soar - so why only beautiful Trivandrum - I would willingly go to even Timbuctoo - only to sing Kamal's praises,' he began. 'Rajni stands tall for all the world to see. Kamal Haasan however, straddles the whole world. Rajni is a phenomenon! Kamal is an icon, a monarch of all he surveys,' he wrote. 'Although the seeds of Kamal's career were sown in Tamil Nadu, it germinated and took roots only in the fertile literary landscapes of Kerala. Kamal learnt the basics of underplaying and the nuances of melodrama in the formative initial years of his career in a wide variety of roles in over 50 films!' he added. 'I did not discover Kamal. I only gave him the platform and the opportunity to discover himself. In the process, I was blessed enough to discover myself. Yes, I own Kamal yet he does not belong to me, he belongs to the world of Cinema,' he said. He further said, 'Kamal follows no rules. Instead he makes his own, only to break them and begin all over again!' Click here for more updates.