In the last week of October, Tamil superstar Kamalhasan released a compilation of two screenplays that he had written for 'Hey Ram' and 'Mahanadhi'. The entire screenplay was translated in Malayalam and published.
'Kamalhaasanudey Rendu Thirakathaakal' is the name of the book. It is ironic that an actor in Tamil films chose Malayalam language to release his screenplays. Kamalhasan used to always say that he loves Kerala more due to its high literacy level. There also is a personal reason- when he made his debut, Tamil film industry only treated him as a young man who was good enough to play the role of villains or a glorified junior artiste. But it was the Malayalam film industry that recognized the performer in him and gave him the kind of roles that brought out his potentials.
For his very first film in Malayalam, he ended up winning an award.
This is one of the reasons why he chose Malayalam to release his book in.
At the book release ceremony, Kamalhasan got very emotional and said, "It was the Malayalam film industry that made me an excellent actor. When I quit films, I intend to settle down on the coasts of Kerala."
We'd love to have you in the state anytime, Kamal!
Hema Malini, the Chennai born Tamil Brahmin, known as “Dream Girl” and the ‘numero uno’ Bollywood heroine of the 70’s is going to debut in Kollywood with Kamal Hassan’s magnum opus Marmayogi! Hemaji is going to play a very important character (not the heroine) in the film!
Ironically, her career had almost ended before it could even begin as she was thrown out of a Tamil film, for the reason that she had no “star appeal”! Hema then resolved to make it big in the place where it mattered more – Bollywood and took a decision not to do any “Madrasi” film!
Hema Malini was a craze in Bollywood after she made her debut with Raj Kapoor in Sapnon Ka Saudagar and introduced as the “Dream Girl”. Later she did a film titled Dream Girl opposite Dharmendra, the then hunk of Hindi cinema. Both of them clicked as the most romantic team and later fell in love and married him.
And what a performance it has been in Mumbai! She has acted in a variety of roles and made quite an impact in the industry. Hema Malini has made her mark not only in her acting career but also as a proficient and profile classical dancer. Her beauty and grace has charmed the hearts of many a men and continue to do so even today! She has been paired opposite the then top heroes of the industry, Dev Anand, Rajesh Khanna, Jeetender, Dharmendra, Raaj Kumar, Sanjeev Kumar, Amitabh Bachchan and others.
A source close to Hemaji says that she took the decision to do a Tamil film only after reading the complete script of Marmayogi. According to a source: “It is a mind-blowing role, which will prove that she is an actress of substance, and it is also a great opportunity to debut in Tamil pitted against a fine actor like Kamal Hassan.”
It is another feather on Kamal’s cap as Marmayogi is shaping out to be one of the biggest ever movies in Indian cinema.
The many avatars of a star Kamal Haasan is the personification of versatility. In a freewheeling interview, he talks about his latest films, his tryst with Malayalam cinema and film festivals. http://www.hindu.com/fr/2007/12/14/s...1450230100.htm
Cineastes familiar with the many avatars of Kamal Haasan, on screen and off screen, may not be surprised by his latest venture, ‘Dashavataram,’ where he dons 10 roles. His multiple avatars as versatile actor, filmmaker, director, producer and scenarist are not new to viewers either. In fact, the multifaceted actor’s adventures in the world of cinema have always been well received by his fans in Kerala and it is an affection that is reciprocated by the man whom thespian Naseeruddin Shah counts as one of the best actors in India.
“Malayalam cinema gave me recognition and made me a star when I was nobody,” says the actor in that familiar gravely voice of his. But he makes it clear that he is not a superstar who rests on his laurels.
Biggest film in Tamil
“As far, I am concerned, ‘Dashavataaram,’ which will be released next year, is history. I am immersed in my next film, ‘Marmayogi,’ a bi-lingual period film in Hindi and Tamil, set in the seventh century. It will be the biggest film made in Tamil and it is being scripted and directed by me,” says Kamal who was in Thiruvananthapuram for the inauguration of the 12th International Film Festival of Kerala (IFFK).
Dismissing comparisons between the IFFK and the International Film Festival of India with a ‘why compare karimeen (Pearspot) and tandoori chicken?’ he went on explain in detail his idea of a film festival.
“Films are made by a team and the festival must cater to each segment in that team and give them the opportunity to learn and evolve in their areas of interest.
“Now, filmmaking is controlled by business interests who may know nothing about cinema or its aesthetics. It is imperative for such business men to be exposed to the finer nuances of the art of film-making. It must whet their appetite to make better films” says Kamal whose films have always tried to explore new territory, be it a ‘Hey Ram’ or a ‘Virumandi’ in recent times.
“I would also like to do a bi-lingual in Tamil and Malayalam with Mohanlal. One has to think big and ensure that production does not suffer for want of funds. Malayalam cinema has to rediscover and find the kind of strength it had in the Seventies and Eighties. There is no reason to mimic. The grass is always greener over the septic tank,” he says laughing loudly, playing on the name of Erma Bombeck’s famous book.
The numero uno star of the late Seventies and Eighties becomes nostalgic when he recalls his association with what is now considered as the golden era of Malayalam cinema. However, he confesses that though most of his films in Malayalam were hits, he is disappointed that he did not work with many of the directors whom he greatly admire such as John Abraham, Adoor Gopalakrishnan, Aravindan, K.G. George…
“I feel I should have made the time to work in their films. I would have loved to work in a film like ‘Nirmalyan,’ ‘Chemeen’…. John was a good friend of mine and he and I did have plans to work together. Similarly, playwright Surasu and I used to have long discussions to do a play. Those years in Malayalam cinema taught me about life and cinema,” recounts Kamal. But he adds that some of the Malayalam films made in recent years make him sad.
Need for good scripts
“I used to tell many of my friends to see Malayalam films for the variety in thematic content, treatment, acting and so on. Not any more. We need good scripts. The written word has to be respected. It is true that some of my hits in Malayalam did not have a screenplay.
“‘Madanolsavam,’ for instance, had me going to the sets and saying my lines impromptu. It was crazy but it worked only because there was a master like Shankaran Nair as director. Incidentally, Sankaran Nair was the one who directed my first script, ‘Rasaleela.’ He told me my script was morbid and tweaked it a bit to come up with a winner. Bharathiraja could get away without bound screenplay or scripts it because of his long association with masters such as Babu Nanthencode and Krishnan Nair. But those are exceptions.”
And who would he cast if he were to make a film of his choice.
“Not a star. But only actors. That is what directors like Bharathan, Bharatiraja and Balachander did. And that is why their films became a success,” says Kamal.
But the one-man industry Kamal Haasan is reluctant to call himself a success or a super star.
“Success is difficult to quantify. Once, it meant the amount of money I earned. Then I found that I yearned for creative heights as an actor. So the idea of success keeps evolving. Finally, I decided that I would do only one film at a time and give it my best. That is what I have done with ‘Dashavataaram. That is what intend to do with ‘Marmayogi,’” he avers.
A galaxy of stars will descend on the city this week and is all set to dazzle at the launch function of a film that has been the talk of the town for quite some time now.
The audio launch of Kamal Haasan’s magnum opus Dasavatharam to be held on April 25 — organised by Oscar Ravichandran — is touted to be the biggest ever event in South Indian cinema. The invitation for the audio launch, designed like a vinyl, states that it is the ‘meeting of the legends.’ Chief Minister Kalaignar Karunanidhi, Hollywood action hero Jackie Chan, Bollywood superstar Amitabh Bachchan, Malayalam megastar Mammootty, Ilayathalapathy Vijay, Hema Malini, Asin, Mallika Sherawat and other Tamil industry stalwarts will be sharing the dais at the Nehru Indoor Stadium in Chennai. Two songs from the film and the trailer will be screened on that day.
When the producer visited Hong Kong to invite Jackie Chan, he was said to be more than eager to attend the event. Almost a crore is likely to be spent on Chan and his five-member entourage during their 24-hour visit to the city.
Jackie Chan is scheduled to fly in by a special chartered flight on Thursday evening and stay at the Taj Coromandel. Security arrangements have been beefed up. He will not be staying long enough to give taekwondo lessons. We hear he will be leaving soon after the launch.
The buzz is that biggies like Bachchan Senior have already blocked their dates to be in the city for the mother of all dos. Big B, who has been a regular at Taj, is known to have polished off some authentic South Indian khana the last time he was here. The items that found favour with him were kaikari kozhambu and Malabar parathas.
Jackie Chan’s diet is no more a Myth. No, it is not babelicious Mallika that he digs. He is reportedly on a fitness obsession and prefers health drinks at regular intervals. Didn’t we say he is the West’s version of an Energizer bunny? Soups and vegetables, we’re told, are his favourites and the city is prepared to pull out all stops when it comes to pampering his tastebuds.
Savour this. Producer, Ravichandran says: “Though I’m now known for only producing Tamil cinema, Jackie Chan’s contribution to popularising action films in India is undeniable.”
One still remembers how a 100-feet cutout of the star was installed in front of the then Alankar theatre on Mount Road, when his Armour of God-2 released in the early 90s. Dasavatharam is pegged at hold-your-breath a whopping Rs 60 crore and took about 18 months to complete.
Haasan has penned the script and appears in 10 roles in the film, which starts with a prelude in the 12th century and ends in the modern times. When the film releases, there will be strong debate at the hustings as to which role pulled the punters.Get ready for some big-time star-gazing!
Asin the heroine of Dasavatharam in a telephonic interview to sify.com spoke about the film and the audio launch.
Hi, how are you?
I'm doing well. I'm completing the last schedule of Ghajani in Hyderabad and is thoroughly enjoying my work.
You are looking good in the trailer of Dasavatharam?
Oh.. I'm yet to watch it. In fact, I'm just dying to see the trailer and songs in the film. I heard that they may also screen the first song of the film sung by Hariharan Kallai mattum paarthal kadavul theriyada… at the audio launch. It is an awesome song with fantastic picturisation and graphics.
Are you coming for the audio launch of the film at Nehru Indoor stadium?
Of course, I will be in Chennai on Friday morning, as I will be taking off for a day from the shoot of Ghajani in Hyderabad to attend the function.
Is Dasavatharam the most important film you have done so far in Tamil?
Yes, it's a role close to my heart. I'm there throughout the film; it was a great learning experience to work with a master performer like Kamal sir. I have worked very hard for the film.
What's your wardrobe for Friday evening?
(Laughs)Well….That’s a big surprise..
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