Release of "Endhiran" delayed? Posted by Raj , Sunday, August 29, 2010 at 5:43 AM, in

It was earlier reported in these columns that Sun Pictures, the producers of Rajni-starrer ‘Endhiran’, was facing problems aplenty with the distributors in releasing the film.  It appears that Sun Pictures is likely to have more tough time coming in the form of the film’s director Shankar.  Want to know why?

Shankar is said to have not forgotten the ‘limited liberty’ he was allowed as a filmmaker during the making of the film, which took him almost two years.  He is said to be taking out his anger and desperation now, reports point out.  Even as Sun Pictures are leaving no stone unturned in their effort to release the film as soon as possible, Shankar is said to be taking his own time and doing things at a leisurely pace.

The computer-generated graphics work, entrusted to a firm based in Hong Kong, have not yet arrived.  A.R. Rahman, the music director, has only completed half of the re-recording work, an essential element of the post-production work of a film.  Shankar, who should take the initiative in urging everyone to work at a fast pace, is said to be functioning very patiently, much to the surprise of Sun Pictures.

Even as Sun Pictures are wondering what to do to release the film by September or early October, many small and medium budget films are thinking about making use of the gap and earning some money!

The story of Ajith's "Mangatha" Posted by Raj , Thursday, August 26, 2010 at 3:35 AM, in Labels: The story of Ajith's "Mangatha"

Along with the screening of Karthi’s latest film ‘Naan Mahaan Alla’, the trailer of Ajit-starrer ‘Mangkatha’ is also being shown in theatres. The trailer, measuring a length of one reel, shows Ajit in the same costume in which he was spotted at the film’s muhurat shot last month.

This could only mean one thing: the director of the film, Venkatprabhu, must have shot the trailer without straining himself or Ajit and had made the same in a hurry. The haste with which the trailer has been made conveys many messages, observers point out.

One of the reasons is to meet the unlimited eager of Ajit’s fans to watch him on big screen in a new movie. Though the film is likely to take at least a couple of months from now to hit the screen, the trailer has reportedly been shot to keep Ajit’s fan base intact and to keep them under some expectations of the upcoming movie of their idol.

The reaction of Shalini Ajit, who was at the Sathyam Cinemas recently to watch the film ‘Naan Mahaan Alla’, to the trailer was a sight to behold. Apparently to please Shalini, the theatre management screened the trailer not just once but three times, making her blush and erupt in joy and surprise!

Pubs in Chennai – A round up Posted by Raj , Friday, August 20, 2010 at 7:43 AM, in Labels: Pubs in Chennai – A round up

 Pubs in Chennai – A round up

The city of Chennai has a happening nightlife scene and pubs and clubs in Chennai are favourite hangout spots with the young people there. The historic city of Chennai wears a glamourous look at dusk, and pubs and clubs get ready to welcome party animals for a night packed with music, dance and excitement. Pub-hopping is a preferred activity amongst most Chennaites.
Bunker is one of the favourite pubs in the city. The ambience of the pub is spunky and youthful with laser lights and transparent dance floor. The DJs set the floor on fire with their wide range of music. The pub offers an interesting menu which comprises a long list of food, beverages and herbal drinks.

Bike and Barrel is the perfect destination for lovers of rock music of the '60s and '70s. The old world charm of beer and music still prevails in Bike and Barrel, the restobar located at The Residency Towers in Chennai. The restobar is set up like a typical English pub, complete with a suspended Norton Classic bike and barrel shaped drink stands. There are legendary wall hangings displaying ancient signboards adding to the warmth of the place. Bike and Barrel is split across two levels, the lower one for couples and the upper one for stags.

If you are looking for an English pub in Chennai, 10 Downing Street is the right place. The interiors will transport you to Britain as it has the trademark tiled and wooden combination flooring with soft lighting. The 40 foot bar has four bartenders who are dedicated to promoting their in-house cocktails and mocktails. Unlike other pubs in the city, 10 Downing Street is open during the day. Gorge on some delicious eats as you sip your cocktail at 10 Downing Street.

Rhapsody , the high end bar and pub is located in Courtyard Marriott casts a magic spell on visitors. This place doesn't only have stunning interiors but also good variety of alcoholic beverages. The ambience is very relaxing and is the perfect place to unwind after a stressful day at work. So let your hair down and enjoy your drink and delicious Italian eats at Rhapsody.

Star Rock Pub is an absolute treat for music lovers who enjoy everything from rock to pop, retro to jazz and RnB to country. Star Rock Pub has an interesting bar which houses an eclectic mix of all kinds of liquor. The food is delicious and easy on the wallet. The pub has plasma screens so, if there is any sporting action you can catch it live at Star Rock.

H2O Pub is a cool place to hangout over a couple of pints or probably some enthralling music. H2O is a preferred pubbing joint among college-goers and professionals. If you are planning to meet old pals or unwind after a hectic day then H2O Pub is the place to visit.

If you want to shake a leg or two with Tollywood cinestars, then Geoffrey’s is a must visit pub in town. Sip on beer and exotic cocktails or nibble on some tasty eats at Geoffery's. The ambience is chilled out and the interiors soothing. Geoffery's plays host to several live band performances apart from the regular DJ Nights.

Happy birthday Chennai !!!!! Posted by Raj , at 4:59 AM, in Labels: Happy birthday Chennai

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From a tiny village to a high-tech metropolis with major automobile units, a IT industry and pride of place as the cultural capital of South, its been a long and eventful for Chennai, the Madras, which turns 371 on Sunday.

As befits the occasion, a week-long birthday has been drawn up by various bodies, including Archeological in Survey of India, University of Madras, the Chennai Museum and Anna University to mark the great 'Madras day' celebrations -- a wide canvas of cultural and literary activities.

"As part of the celebrations, we have organised the photo exhibition titled 'Chennaiyil Paadal Pettra Thiruthalangal' at Clive's building in Fort St. George, ASI superintending Archaeologist Sathyabama Badrinath told PTI.

She said even before the British came to Madras (now Chennai), the place was 'sanctified' and temples were built, which even today are acclaimed and respected.

Heritage walks, school exchange programmes,poetry sessions, Carnatic music and quiz contests, food festivals and rallies, photo exhibitions and bike tours will give Chennaites glimpses of a city they never knew.

"Madras Day focuses on the city, its history, its past and present. The core team motivates communities, groups, companies and campuses in the city to host events that celebrate the city", city's famous historian S Muthiah said.

It was on this day in 1639 that British Administrator Francis Day got permission from the wards of Chennapa Naicker, a chieftain ruling the fishing hamlet near Madras Harbour to construct Madraspatam as it was referred then by the British.

The deal was struck by Francis Day,his 'dubash' Beri Thimmappa and their superior Andrew Cogan, with local Nayak rulers.

The original document relating to building of Fort St.

George, a historic fort which was for a while the seat of power of East India Company, is said to have been signed at Chandragiri fort in neighbouring Andhra Pradesh.

Robert Clive, founder of the British empire in India, got married in a church inside the fort. His marriage certificate is still the prized possession of the museum in the fort.

Unknown to many is that villages around temples like Parthasarathy in Triplicane and Kapaleeswarer temple in Mylapore near the Southern coast and Marudheeswarer temple in Thiruvanmiyur existed for several centuries, long before the Europeans arrived here.