Lekha Rathnakumar’s music library
Low-budget film producers and those music directors who are hard pressed for time can heave a sigh of relief as well known ad filmmaker and music composer Lekha Rathnakumar has come up with an international standard music library that caters to all sections of filmmakers. “The concept is not new to the West. Only now we are ready for such innovative ideas,” opined Lekha Rathnakumar sitting in his office that accommodates the state-of-the-art music system.
A multi-talented personality, Rathnakumar is a scriptwriter, photographer, cinematographer, art director, visualiser, actor, director, music director and producer. His story is that of a man from rags to riches. He came to Chennai from his native place in interior Tamil Nadu way back in 1978 with only Rs.50 in his pocket. And today he is a well-known name in advertisements circles making ad films with popular actors like Jyothika and Richa Pallod, to name a few. Besides he had made several television serials too. “In one of my visits to Germany, I chanced upon listening to Indian music at the famous Sonoton Music Company. Made in Singapore it was passed on as snake-charmer’s music. Being a good mimic, I showed them how the nadaswaram instrument is used to charm the snakes. They wanted genuine Indian classical music to be made for their company. I returned, engaged musicians and recorded the instrumental music at AVM Studios and sent it to them. Since then I formed a bonding with that world No.1 company that holds record music collection in its library catering to producers in as many as 22 countries. The library has music from different countries the world over and recorded in the best of studios with world-renowned musicians. One can get different types of music for background score depending upon different emotions from the music library, I used it with success for my ad films and one top Tamil film director used the music for the background of one of his films. It works out cheaper for films and mega serials besides commercials,” says Lekha Rathnakumar.

Alibaba for release
Producer ‘Pattiyal’ Sekhar and his Talking Times Movies (P) Ltd. held a media get-together at their office on April 30 to brief the progress of Alibaba directed by Neelan Sekhar. The film stars Krishna and Janani in the lead supported by veterans Prakash Raj, Tilakan, Radha Ravi, Azhagar Perumal and Biju Menon in key roles.
“It is a perfect launch pad for any debut director. You name it and you got it from the producer,” said director Sekhar. “We spared no efforts and the entire unit worked even late nights to meet the deadlines without compromising on quality. It is amazing the way veteran actor Tilakan worked even at late hours giving a boost to the energy levels of the entire unit. Though he is making his debut as a hero, Krishna emoted like a seasoned actor and did the risky action scenes without a duplicate.” The cinematographer Dinesh agreed with him. “He is so fast-paced in stunt scenes that in a scene he had to break through the glass door, fall and rise and get into a vehicle. The camera was rolling and before anyone could see what was happening, he did the scene in a jiffy that was caught brilliantly by the camera.” That speaks volumes for the perfect timing Krishna has. The director had heaped accolades on heroine Janani too. “Initially I was worried about the language problem she may encounter. But she picked up so fast and did a great job.”
Krishna is the son of the producer and younger brother of ace director Vishnuvardhan. He was a child actor in Manirathnam’s Anjali.
“The talkie portions are complete. The shoot for the songs commences soon. We plan to release the music in mid-May on a grand scale,” said Sekhar. On a lighter note he added that they are not inviting any foreign celebrity. The movie is slated for release in June.

Rowther back with the sequel
The Vijayakanth-Sarath Kumar starrer, Pulanvisaranai directed by R.K. Selavamani created box office records way back in 1990. The film is still remembered for its grandeur and slickness. Producer Ibrahim Rowther is back with its sequel, Pulanvisaranai-2 again directed by Selvamani but this time with Prashanth in the lead. The audio release function was held at Film Chamber preview theatre on May 1. K. Balachander released the cassette that was received by Bharathiraja and Sarath Kumar released the CDs received by his actress wife Radhika. Bharathiraja lauded Rowther for giving opportunities to new talents among actors and technicians. He said that Rowther’s office is like a free mess where anybody can walk in and have lunch. “That speaks volumes for his good heartedness.” K. Balachander, Vikraman, Bhagyaraj, Parthiban, Anada Suresh, Lingusamy, Ramanarayanan, K.R.G. Sarath Kumar and Radhika Sarathkumar spoke. The film expected to be a comeback vehicle for both its hero Prashanth and the director Selvamani is slated for release in June.