OF late, the trend of horror films had totally disappeared in Tamil films, with the few that made it, being dubbed ones. But now, a horror film is being readied with a baby girl in the lead, playing a possessed child. "The child is about to receive supernatural powers from the devil, after which the whole world would be under her control, when a team of scientists and religious leaders abort the take-over. The team sets out on a pilgrimage to Kanyakumari on being told that some strange events are about to happen in the district. When the news of the team's plans reaches the child, she tries every trick in the book to prevent the team from coming. How the team foils and outwits the child and her supernatural aides form the crux of the story," explains director Akhilan.

The film has Ashok Kumar and Rajesh Kumar in the lead as the men who save the world from disaster. Baby Rajnishi plays the possessed child. Produced by Vasanthmani for Blue Mountain Productions, the film has cinematography by Abdul Rahman and music by Thina.

Kalazhukar
Religion, at what price?

PANKAJ Productions' next, readied for a Pongal release in mid January, Kalazhukar, stars Vijaykant and Laila. Director Bharathi of Pudumaipithan fame, has come up with a controversial storyline, even fuelling reports in the press that some scenes were shot during the temple festival in Madurai. Vijaykant, the Kalazhukar (protector) of the temple, and mahout are shown coming to the rescue of the devotees, when muslim terrorists attempt to disrupt proceedings. Bharathi, however, refrains from commenting on the reports. All he will say is this: "The film has a strong message — that religion is meaningless if it can survive only if humanbeings are sacrificed for propitiation.

The film was shot in Goa and Rajasthan, and at many temples like Mathura, Haridwar. The film also has a ballet featuring Laila and fifty Russian dancers flown in specially to Chennai. "When I realised that Laila herself was a real life ballet dancer, I wished to utilise her talent on screen, which is why I incorporated the ballet dance," says producer Henry. The film has music by Deva and cinematography by Thankar Pachan, who is already creating ripples, shooting Vijaykant sans makeup.

Ninaivu Irikum Vare
Subhash denies rumours

K Subhash, Mani Ratnam's erstwhile associate who directed several hits in Tamil, and the Hindi film, Brahma, makes a comeback with Ninaivu Irikum Vare, starring Prabhu Deva and Keerthi Reddy in the lead.

Speaking about the film, Subhash said it was a romance, of a poor slum boy and a rich girl. "It isn't the usual poor boy meets rich girl romance, though, for the difference in social status is hardly a barrier in this case. The boy is accepted as a friend by the family, which has no objections to the romance. The probelem is, while the boy is in love, he's frightened to tell the girl that, for he fears it would be the end of their friendship. How love triumphs in the end comprises the rest of the storyline," says Subhash.

Subash, son of the late Krishnan (of the Krishnan-Panchu duo) denied rumours that Keerthi had tried to create problems for him during the shoot. "My behaviour with the artistes and technicians has always been cordial. I've never given anyone room for misunderstandings. Keerthi has been extremely cooperative with me, and I don't know what's given rise to the rumours," said Subhash.

Produced under the banner of Tara Creations by Dharamchand Lungat, the film has Sujatha, Fatima Babu, Rathan, Dhamu, Vivek, Mohan Ram and Anand in the cast. Music by Deva, cinematogrpahy by MV Paneerselvam and choreography by Prabhu Deva are the other credits.

Periya Anna
Eyebrows raised over
casting

SA Chandrasekar, well-known director of several Vijaykant blockbusters, teams up again with his lucky mascot, in Periya Anna, also roping in teenage hero, Surya. The combination of Vijaykant and Surya has aroused the curiosity of filmfolk — Chandrasekhar is the father of teen sensation, Vijay, while upcoming hero Surya spells competition for the former, and people wonder if Vijay's father would do justice to a Surya-starrer.

Chandrashekhar, however, pooh-poohs all suggestions of petty-mindedness. "Periya Anna was initially planned as a film for Vijaykant and Vijay, but the project failed to take off. Later, Vijaykant agreed to work in the film if I would direct it myself. To oblige him, I said yes. But then Vijay's dates were all full. It was Vijay who suggested I sign Surya instead, and Shivakumar (Surya's actor-father) said yes without even listening to the subject. The responsibility is actually greater for me than if my son were acting in it. The film's real hero is Surya, not Vijaykant. All I can say about the story is, it's the tale of two friends, one a youth facing a life sentence and the other a do-gooder," explains Chandrashekhar.

Meena pairs opposite Vijaykant while newfind Tanuja from Mumbai is cast opposite Surya. Manivannan, SS Chandran, Devan, Anandraj, R Sundarajan, Manorama, Vinu Chakravarthi, Ajay Ratnam and Sachu play important roles. Produced under the banner of Jaysubhashri Productions, the film has cinematography by R Selva and music is by Murali.

TELUGU:
Adavi Puli
Dubbed Vijaykant starrer

VIJAYKANT plays a double role in Sri Venkata Sai Durga Arts Adavi Puli, with Roja and Khushboo paired with him in the action drama. "After Captain Prabhakar, Vijaykant has become a household name in Andhra Pradesh. We found Veeram Velanja Mann, his latest Tamil release very interesting and dubbed it in Telugu. Vijaykant plays the role of a tribal who revolts against the system. There is action, entertainment, and good music. Kasthuriraja is an able hand at handling such themes which revolve around folk heroes," said the producers at a press meet at Roman Theatre, Chennai on January 1.

Sai Ramesh writes the dialogue while Deva scores the music. The Telugu version is edited by Trinath and Sreenu. The film is produced by M Siva Prasad, P Sai Jitesh and G Radha Rani.

Sahasa Kanyalu
Three women of action

INDO Overseas Films are coming up with the dubbed version of a Hollywood hit. The Telugu version is titled Sahasa Kanyalu. Says producer RK Bhagwan, "The film stars three women in super action roles. They perform all kinds of thrills and fights, offering edge of the seat entertainment. There is a liberal dose of sentiment too which will appeal to the female audience. The film is for all ages and classes."

Vasanth Kumar writes the dialogue and E Nageswara Rao edits the Telugu version. The movie is directed by Johnny Toe.

KANNADA:
Tuvvi Tuvvi Tuvvi
Final schedule begins

A Dr Rajkumar banner production, the much-awaited Raghavendra Rajkumar starrer, Tuvvi Tuvvi Tuvvi, has entered the final schedule of shooting. Only two songs are left to be completed for the film directed by Singeetham Srinivas Rao. The film is slated for release this month.

The credits are also shared by Richard Louis for the story, screenplay and dialogues, Hamsalekha for the lyrics and music, BC Gowrishanker for cinematography, and `Thriller' Manju for the stunts. The hilarious comedy also stars Charulata, Mandya Ramesh, Vinaya Prasad, CR Simha, Ashok Rao, Jayanti and Doddanna.

Aryabhatta
Debutant directs Ramesh

AMBALA Arts' maiden venture produced by Sri Raman of Pittsburg, has entered the re-recording stage at Prasad Recording Theatre. This film starring Ramesh and Soundarya is directed by debutant Ramnath. Sujatha Ranganath has provided the story and dialogues and Kitt Rangamancha is the associate director.

Also in the cast are Devraj, Ramya, Avinash, Sudhakar Patil, Bank Janardha, Girish Shetty, Raghunath, Bhagirithi and Master Vinayak Joshi.

Mahaedab Idangi
Swami directs SPB

KNOWN for his deft direction, KSL Swami returns to filmmaking after a long gap with Mahaedab Idangi, which is now in the re-recording stage. The film has already attracted a great deal of curiosity value for various reasons.

It marks the re-entry of swara samrat Vijayabhasker, with the songs sung by Dr Rajkumar, SP Balasubramaniam, Jesudas and Manjula Gururaj. Some portions of the film were shot in the Himalayas. HMV has bagged the audio rights for the film, a full-length comedy starring SP Balasubramaniam in the lead with senior Kannada artistes in guest roles. Khushboo plays the female lead and SPB's son, Sharan, makes his debut as an actor — what else required to generate the attention of the industry?

The novel-based film — written by Su Rudramurthy Sastry is definitely the greatest attraction of 1999, and also stars Jayanthi, Vinayaprasad, Ashalata, Vadiraj, Shivaram, Umesh, Dattatreya, MN Lakshmidevi and BV Radha. The film is produced by Sudha Srinivas of S&S Combines.

Rambhe Nee Vayyaradha Gombe
Censor hurdle cleared

REDDY Creations maiden production Rambhe Nee Vayyaradha Gombe has obtained the censor certificate. A joint production of S Raja Reddy and MD Kaushik, the film has Sethu's special effects and Kaurava Venkatesh's stunts.

Rambhe... starring Kaushik with his own direction, slated for release in January. Akhila plays the female lead. CR Simha, Shivaram, Indhudhar, Sampangi, Sriram and KV Manjayya are also in the cast.

Preethiyalli Iro Sukha
Comedian turns director

POPULAR comedian, television serial actor Sihi Kahi Chandru makes his debut as director with Preethiyalli Iro Sukha starring Ramesh and Ruchita Prasad in lead roles.

The venue of the muhurat was MN Krishnarao Park in Basavanagudi. The film is based on a novel by PG Wodehouse. The Karnataka state horticulture minister DT Jayakumar sounded the clap for the maiden shot picturised on Ramesh and Ruchita.

N Narsimha Murthy, a former stuntman, is the producer. Launched under the banner of Sri Gururaya Cinevision, the film has music by Hamsalekha. MM Chandru, Tara and Sunder Raj are also in the cast.

Habba
Ready to roll

A multistar cast film by Jayasri Devi, the producer of Chinni Chitra, is ready to be launched. The film's eight songs have already been recorded, with Hamsalekha scoring the music.

The interesting starcast includes Vishnuvardhan, Ambarish, Devraj and Sashikumar. Radhika, Urvashi and Vijayalakshmi, all of whom have confirmed their dates. A search is on for the fifth pair.

It marks the comeback of actor-turned MP, Ambarish, who is still recovering from an ailment. Ambarish attended the song recording muhurat. D Rajendra Babu is the director of the film which has cinematography by PKH Das and editing by Sashikumar.