Rajini's Kuselan may not release in Karnataka

Superstar Rajinikant is caught in the crossfire between Tamil Nadu and Karnataka. Activists have vowed to block the release of the actor’s forthcoming film Kuselan in Karnataka, saying the Tamil superstar should apologise for his ‘anti-Kannadiga’ statements.

The threat comes days after the Karnataka Film Chamber of Commerce (KFCC) had given its nod for the film’s release in the state. Kuselan will be released on Friday.

Kannada organisations led by Karnataka Rakshana Vedike have demanded a public apology from Rajinikant for making strong remarks against them and the state during the Hogenakal agitation.

Protestors from the Karnataka Rakshana Vedike shouted slogans against Rajinikant at Bangalore theatres. Three prominent theaters in the state have already declared that they would not screen the film.

Rajinikant has already sent a regret letter in Kannada, but the activists want a public apology from him. However, any such apology may create problems for him in Tamil Nadu.

Meanwhile, tickets for Kuselan's screening on Friday are already sold out. The Karnataka Film Chambers is also holding a meeting on Thursday to sort the issue.


Past tense


On Monday, Rajinikant had written a letter to KFCC president and actress Jayamala to ensure that his film got a release in Karnataka on August 1, along with its launch in Tamil Nadu. He had clarified that he had never intended to hurt the sentiments of Kannadigas.


Terming the superstar’s letter just a publicity stunt, former legislators Vatal Nagaraj and Prabhakara Reddy at a press conference asked Rajinikant to come out with a public apology.


Some Kannada organisations had been demanding that Kuselan be released in the state only after a seven-week moratorium as Rajinikant had allegedly hurt the sentiments of Kannadigas by supporting Tamil Nadu on a row over a drinking water project in Hogenekkal, on the border between the two states.


The superstar had joined the Tamil film fraternity in a daylong protest fast in April against Karnataka’s objections to the Rs13.3-billion Hogenekkal project that is expected to benefit about three million people in two Tamil Nadu districts.


Karnataka is opposed to the project, saying its share of the Cauvery river waters will be affected.


The actor, in his letter to Jayamala, had stressed that he had never intended to hurt the feelings of Kannadigas by speaking at the rally. He also added that he did not want his fans in Krantaka to miss out on his film.


However, a KFCC official told IANS, “The threat of protests was there even during the release of Rajinikant’s previous film Sivaji and even Kamal Haasan’s Dasavathaaram. But both films were released without any problems. We are sure that Kuselan would also be released on August 1.”

Kuselan Movie Photo Gallery

The world over, everyone is eagerly awaiting the release of the much-awaited Rajinikanth-starrer Kuselan. This is indeed a cause of great celebration for all Rajinikanth fans across the world. 24 years ago, Meena played a child star alongside Rajinikanth. A decade later, she co-starred with Rajini in some movies! Today, Meena is back in a role with the superstar in the soon to be released movie Kuselan. Rajinikanth is undoubtedly the star attraction in Kuselan. Despite his extended cameo role, he eclipses the hero Pasupathi. Kuselan brings Rajini and P. Vasu together once again after Chandramukhi.

The Superstar effect never seems to stop dazzling us. Kuselan was to be a remake of a Malayalam super hit movie revolving around a very ordinary man, and Rajinikanth was supposed to be making a special appearance in a key, but small role. The movie was a Pasupathy starrer, a simple story of a poor man who idolized a screen star. At first, it looked like a small project with a good story that Rajini would enliven for a short time with his presence. But can anything associated with this charismatic star remain small for a long time? Rajinikanth represents what is ‘larger than life’ on screen. As the days passed, Kuselan made its journey from just another movie to an eagerly awaited movie.

However, there are many children across the country who cannot afford to catch the Superstar in all his glory on the day that the movie is released. In an effort to reach out to some of these children, Pyramid Saimira Group is organizing a special screening of the movie ‘Kuselan’ on Friday.

Kuselan is all set for a worldwide release on tomorrow.

தலைவா, மாற்று உன் ரூட்டை; காத்திருக்குது சென்னை கோட்டை

சென்னை கோட்டை

Check the wordings at banner found in Albert theatre.

More such fan banners at Chennai theatres are likely to come in our blog. An exclusive coverage for our fans and blog readers.

Media updates on Advance bookings & Superstar's reign in US

தலைவரை பார்த்து ஹாலிவுட்டே சும்மா அதிருதில்ல....

Kuselan tickets today opened at Woodlands theatre and guess what within half-an-hour tickets for first three days completely sold-out.

And in Mayajaal too they reported that all the tickets for the for the 40 shows sold out completely except a few seats for midnight 12.00 am shows.are available (as per last evening.)

Check today Maalai Malar news scanning attached for exclusive news on advance booking and below Maalai Sudar's pics describing how Superstar rocks United states....

Rajnikant gets ready to shoot 'Robot'

Tamil superstar Rajnikant is likely to leave for the US shortly to join the US-based production team of his Rs.1.5 billion (approximately $35.5 million) venture 'Robot', said publicists.
'Robot' will be a sci-fi movie and stars Bollywood actress Aishwarya Rai in the female lead. She has already reported for the photo-shoot schedule. It is being directed by Shankar whose last offering with Rajnikant 'Sivaji - The Boss' broke all box-office records, publicists added.

The movie will be simultaneously produced in Tamil, Telugu, Hindi and two other Indian languages besides being later dubbed into English, Japanese and Malay. After Rajnikant agrees to the final script, shooting will commence from August 15.

The extravaganza is being jointly produced by London-based Ayngaran International and Eros Entertainment, said a statement.

While Rajnikant's 'Kuselan' is schedule for July 31 release, he has almost completed his daughter Saundarya's Ocher Studios' Rs.2 billion (approximately $50 million) animated production which has live shots of the superstar.

Kuselan gets “Green” signal from Karnataka!!

Finally Rajinikanth fans in Karnataka have a reason to rejoice. They will not have a long wait before they watch superstar’s latest in a theatre near their home.

Superstar starrer Kuselan has got a go ahead from the Karnataka Film Chamber of Commerce(KFCC) for the release with 10 prints in 13 theatres in Bangalore, the capital city of Karnataka. Actress Jayamala, who is also the KFCC chief has said that the Kannada film industry respects K. Balachander a lot and hence they would not like to link what happened during the Cauvery issue to the release of Kuselan in Karnataka.

Also veteran actor late Rajkumar will feature as many as three times in the song Cinema, Cinema in Kuselan.

In continuation to the ongoing “BIG Kuselan Kondattam” celebration, BIG 92.7 FM in association with BIG Music launched the Mobile photo exhibition of Superstar Rajinikanth. The photo exhibition was flagged off by famous Kollywood actress Nayantara.

குசேலன்: ரஜினியைக் கொண்டாடும் அமெரிக்கர்கள்!!

சிவாஜியை விட பல மடங்கு அதிக எதிர்பார்ப்பு கிளம்பியுள்ளது சூப்பர்ஸ்டார் ரஜினியின் குசேலன் திரைப்படத்துக்கு, இங்கு மட்டுமல்ல... அமெரிக்கா, கனடா மற்றும் ஜப்பான் போன்ற வெளிநாடுகளிலும். தமிழகத்தில் கூட இந்த அளவு குசேலனுக்குக் கொண்டாட்டங்கள் நடக்கிறதா என்ற சந்தேகத்தை எழுப்பும் வகையில் அமெரிக்காவின் பல நகரங்களில் ரஜினிக்கு கட் அவுட், அன்னதானம், சிறப்பு நிகழ்ச்சிகள் என குசேலன் திருவிழா களைகட்டி வருகிறது. அமெரிக்காவின் வர்த்தகத் தலைநகர் எனப்படும் நியூயார்க்கின் நியூ ஜெர்ஸி பகுதியில் குசேலன் வெளியாகும் திரையரங்கின் முன் ரஜினியின் மிகப் பெரிய வினைல் கட் அவுட் வைக்கப்பட்டுள்ளது. இதை ஒரு அதிசயம் போல் பார்த்துச் செல்லும் அமெரிக்கர்கள், ஆர்வம் மிகுதியில் இந்த கட் அவுட்டுகளுக்கு முன் நின்று புகைப்படம் எடுத்துக் கொள்வதும் நடக்கிறது.
சிகாகோவில் நண்பர்களுக்கு விருந்து!!
குசேலன் திரைப்படம் இரு நண்பர்களுக்கிடையிலான நெகிழ்ச்சியான நட்பைச் சொல்லும் கதை என்பதால், சிகாகோவில் ரஜினி ரசிகர்கள் இணைந்து தங்கள் நெருங்கிய நண்பர்களையெல்லாம் வரவழைத்து விருந்தளித்த சுவாரஸ்யமான நிகழ்ச்சி நேற்று பிற்பகல் நடந்தது. சிகாகோவின் முக்கிய வீதியான நேபர்வில்லேயில் ரஜினியின் 25 அடி நீள வினைல் பேனர் தொங்க விடப்பட்டுள்ளது. சிகாகோவில் குசேலனுக்கு டிக்கெட் முன்பதிவு ஆரம்பிக்கப்பட்ட சில மணிநேரங்களில் முழுவதுமாக விற்றுத் தீர்ந்து போயுள்ளது. இந்த டிக்கெட்டுகளுடன் குசேலன் ஆடியோ சிடிக்களை இலவசமாக விநியோகித்துள்ளர். இதில் அதிசயம் என்னவென்றால், முதல் நாள் ஷோவுக்கு டிக்கெட் வாங்கியவர்களில் கணிசமான அமெரிக்கர்களும் உண்டு என்பதுதான். ஒரு காலத்தில் நாம் அவர்களுடைய சூப்பர் ஸ்டார்கள் அர்னால்ட் ஷ்வார்ஸ்நெக்கரையும், ஸ்டெல்லோனையும் கொண்டாடினோம். இப்போது அவர்கள் முறை... நம்ம சூப்பர் ஸ்டார் ரஜினியைக் கொண்டாடுகிறார்கள். ரசித்து மகிழ்வோமே!

'Kuselan' gets a clean 'U'

Only five days are left for d-day. Come 1st August,

Rajinikanth's 'Kuselan' will storm theatres across the globe.

The good news for Rajini fans is that officials of the

Regional Censor Board in Chennai who viewed 'Kuselan' on Saturday gave a clean

'U' certificate to the film sans any cuts.

With just three days left for the release, those who had a

chance to see the film praised it as a decent family entertainer with a

magnificent message.

Set for a worldwide release by Pyramid Saimira, 'Kuselan' is

opening in a record number of theatres all over the world. The film is

simultaneously being released in the neighbouring Andhra Pradesh as 'Kathanayakudu'.

With Pasupathy and Jagapathi Babu acting in the role of

Rajini's friend in Tamil and Telugu respectively, 'Kuselan' is based on

Malayalam cult hit 'Kadha Parayumbol'.

Directed by P Vasu, the Tamil version has Nayantara, Meena,

Prabhu, Vadivelu and Vijayakumar in pivotal characters.

Check out the official website

Kuselan Movie Photo Gallery - New Stills

Rajinikanth must be feeling the pinch of superstardom.
Last year, his film Sivaji raised the bar at the box-office. Post the Shankar extravaganza, like the Bollywood Khan’s — Aamir and SRK — Rajini too has become internationally a saleable brand. An Asian hero who features in UK top 10 and the US top 20, he is probably the only Indian actor whose films have a market in Japan.
Two days ago, his latest film Kuselan — in which he does an extended cameo — has been censored with a clean U certificate and is all set for release on July 31worldwide.The Kollywood grapevine is abuzz that the superstar is tensed about the film, where he plays only a guest role but Pushpa Kandasamy and GP Vijayakumar, the producers of the film, and its director P.Vasu have marketed it like a “full-fledged Rajinikanth mass entertainer.” The film is a remake of the Malayalam super hit comedy Katha Parayumbol, a story of friendship and bonding between two childhood buddies (one a poor village barber and the other a superstar). The story is inspired by the mythological story of friendship between Kuselan and Lord Krishna. In the original version, the writer and actor Sreenivasan played the role of the barber and Meena donned the role of his wife while Mammootty played the superstar.When it became Kuselan in Tamil and Kathanayakudu in Telugu, the director expanded upon the superstar character and also introduced a glamour heroine Nayanthara in the script who was not there in the original version.
Vasu is at ease reworking Malayalam classics into mass commercial Tamil movies, which was evident in the 2005 blockbuster Chandramukhi. The barber character, played by Pasupathy, was conspicuously played down and the entire focus was on Rajinikanth and Nayanthara. In the original version, Mammootty appeared only for 18 minutes towards the climax of the film. Vasu says Rajinikanth is there for roughly 60 minutes of the 155 minutes running time of the film, and appears from the third reel!
It is an open secret that Rajinikanth wanted Vasu to stick to the original, so that his role would remain a cameo. He was very particular that the film should not be marketed as another Chandramukhi or Sivaji. At the puja of the film, Rajini told reporters that his role was only 25 percent of the film and played down his importance. But, the makers of the film marketed it like a full length superstar extravaganza and were able to sell it to Pyramid Saimira reportedly for a whopping Rs 60 crore!
The question that is being raised is - Will Kuselan, a film where Rajinikanth does only a special appearance (like Anbulla Rajinikanth, his last cameo of the 80’s and a flop) live up to his fans expectations? Says PS Saminathan, Chairman and Managing Director, Pyramid Saimira, “All Rajini films naturally have a big release and this film will be no exception. After all, you don’t require a marketing strategy for Rajini films as he is the only Superstar in the country who has a child following, mass following and a high class following.”
For any superstar, his calling card is his last release, so Kuselan’s box-office success is very crucial for Kollywood’s hit machine. Source: timesofindia.indiatimes.com

Kathanayakudu (Telugu) banner at Ega Theatre - Images

Friends, after two decades our Boss is gracing Ega theatre in Chennai. The Telugu version of Kuselan - Kathanayakudu is all set to release in Ega theatre in Chennai on Aug 1.The last film of Superstar that released in Ega is Velaikaaran (1987).Staff at Ega theatre are at very euphoric mood. Seems that tickets are of high demand for Telugu version too as that of Tamil version. Am planning to watch Telugu version too on the first week itself.

Superstar in M&M candies across USA

For the first time ever in the history of Indian cinema and in the USA, Rajini fans have come up with unique way of celebrating the arrival of Kuselan, using a American mainstream household popular candy company -M&M - to customize superstar Rajinikanth's image in the candies.

10 kgs of candies have been ordered


by the fans for all major cities where Kuselen is being screened in America, and will be distributed on the premier show. M&M candies are similar to Cadbury Gems in India. Rajinikanth's popularity being what it is, M&M agreed to take the special order and deliver it on time for the release of the movie. This will become a collectible item among Rajini fans indeed. Kids may go crazy when they see 'Sivaji' uncle on their favourite candy. Soon, Rajinikanth will be known as Kuselan uncle!

M&M candies and huge vinyl cutouts will light up Kuselan's launch in metros cities across USA. Pyramid Saimira will distribute this movie in the USA, and Jayavel Murugan is extremely happy about the unbelievable response it has generated in America. This eagerly awaited movie will release with 50 prints in the USA alone, and it will leave no city without a launch on the release weekend.

Advance bookings are strong and already a few shows in major cities are nearing sold out status! The excitement simply grows and grows for the arrival of Kuselan.

Rajini bails out Sharukh Khan! - Is it true?

Friends,. the following news may not be true. Since it sounds interesting, am posting here.

Why it is false?
Kuselan team knew that from beginnning itself that the film being remade in Hindi with SRK in the lead by ace director Priyadarshan. So, they never thought of Hindi version of release in dubbing. So, this news is not true. But the news today came in Deccan Chronicle also. Our blog reader Mr.Pradeep too called me and informed me the same.

150 screens in North
But Kuselan will get released in 150 North Indian screens including Mumbai as straight Tamil version without dubbing.
Rajinikanth doles Shah Rukh out of trouble
Spicezee Bureau, Zee News

Mumbai, July 26: Rajinikanth, the superstar that he is, recently showed all his generosity for none other than the King Khan, who has been obliged by Rajini.

Rajnikant, who’s latest flick ‘Kuselan’ is all set to release worldwide on August 15, was reportedly being dubbed in Hindi, alongside Telugu. SRK got set a setback on learning this, as both ‘Kuselan’ and ‘Billoo Barber’ (an SRK production) are remakes of the Malayalam hit ‘Katha Parayumbol’. Since, the story lines of both the flicks are identical, SRK feared that if ‘Kuselan’ releases in Hindi first, then his home production will be left in lurch, as there won’t be any novelty left for ‘Billoo Barber’, which might affect its fate of the BO.

In an effort to save his home production, SRK called Rajini and requested him to postpone the release of his Hindi version. Rajni obliged and now the film shall only release in Tamil and Telugu all over the world. The Hindi dubbed version of ‘Kuselan’ will, perhaps, release but post Diwali, giving SRK a sigh of relief.

It seems that SRK has found a new friend in Rajini, as they say- A friend in need is a friend indeed, what say SRK?

http://www.zeenews.com/articles.asp?aid=458060&sid=ENT&ssid=1

A B C மூன்று சென்டர்களிலும் அடி தூள் பண்ணும் எங்கள் ஒரே அவதாரம்...

Fans have started erecting vinyl banners in the theatres all over the state where Kuselan releases. As usual punch dialogues all set to rock the banners.

The following is a banner of Chennai fans, which is likely to placed in Shanthi theatre. The punch dialogue is wonderful and meaningful.

"Ellam therinja edharkkum thuninja akila ulaga Rajini rasigargal thirupthi adaiyumpadi
ABC moondru centregalilum, adi thool pannum
Ore AVATARAM
Engal Superstarai azhagaaga kaatiya iyakunar P Vasuvirkkum Kuselan pada kuzhivinarukkum
Engal Nandr!!" - D.Noble Alex LIC P Sridhar

Rajini suggests Billa-II

Looks like Soundarya Rajinikanth's Ocher Studios is on a roll for producing movies. In less than a week of announcing plans to produce a Tamil movie in collaboration with Warner Bros India, Soundarya is on the verge of announcing her plans for Billa-II, if sources are to be believed.

And the superstar himself seems

to have suggested the plans after evidently being impressed with the outcome of the Vishnuvardhan-directed Billa. Soundarya was quoted as saying to a tabloid that the project would commence in mid-2009. No other details in this regard are available at the moment.

Meanwhile, the Venkat Prabhu project, produced by Ochar Studios, has been named as Goa.

Rajini’s new heroine!

The uncertainty over the female lead in Soundarya Rajinikanth’s animation flick Sultan – The Warrior has ended. Ileana, for reasons best known to her, is out of the film and Vijayalakshmi bagged the role in the end. The shooting started recently in Hyderabad and Vijayalakshmi was on the sets. The actress was busy shooting for Adhe Idam Adhe Neram

when she received the coveted call from Ocher Studios. Vijayalakshmi said that she was very nervous at Rajini’s presence but the superstar made her comfortable by his kind words. She said that Rajini applauded her for selecting good films such as Chennai 28 and Anjathe and advised her to choose such films in future too. Scenes involving Rajini and Vijayalakshmi were shot yesterday by Soundarya Rajinikanth in Hyderabad.

Half of 'Kuselan' tickets exclusive to Rajini Fans

Superstar Rajinikanth's 'Kuselan' will grace theaters on the 1st of August and tremendous fanfare is expected from diehard Rajini fans and the general public.

The latest news however is that fifty percent of tickets would be made exclusive only to Rajini fans. The president of the Rajinikanth Fans' Association, Sathyanarayana made it very clear that only fifty percent of tickets would be sold at the theaters that screen 'Kuselan' in the initial weeks.. The rest would be distributed to members of the Rajinikanth Fans' Association.

When 'Kuselan' was announced, Rajinikanth had reportedly said he will just appear in as many sequences as Mammootty had featured in the original Malayalam film 'Katha Parayumbol'. That is somewhere around 18 minutes in a film whose total duration is144 minutes. That's about fifteen percent of screen time.

But then, when 'Kuselan' entered its production stage, the entire plans have changed and the screenplay was altered in such a way that the superstar's screen time would be much higher. This is what probably happens when a big star fits into a small story.

As per latest reports, Rajinikanth is appearing in three out of the five songs in the film and will take equal share on screen with Pasupathy who plays the role of the poor barber, played in the original by Sreenivasan.

P Vasu, the director of 'Kuselan', has taken special care to present the superstar as being young and vibrant. The director had no inhibitions when he announced that the film would be an out and out Rajinikanth film.

The movie is distributed by Pyramid Saimira. In Kerala , the movie is released by Seven Arts International, who incidentally is also a co producer of the film.

Restriction only on tickets; not on celebrations - Sathy clarifies

First day shows are generally taken by fan clubs and public people don't get opportunity to watch the first days shows. Theatres too expressed their concern over this. So, to make public too watch first day shows, it has been decided to restrict tickets to fan clubs. And also rumours spread that Sathy banned any form of celebrations for Kuselan. This created confusion among fans as they were planning on different ways of celebrations.

To give correct picture on above issues, Thalapathy Sathy issued a press release yesterday and clarified everything.

‘Kuchelan’ tickets to fan club restricted
Staff Reporter

CHENNAI: Looks like more people will have a chance to watch the first day, first show of actor Rajinikanth-starrer ‘Kuchelan,’ which is slated for release later this month.

A press release issued by K. Sathyanarayanan, manager, Rajinikanth Fans’ Association, said that only 50 per cent of the tickets that usually went to members of fan clubs would be given away for ‘Kuchelan’.

Theatre owners’ plea

The decision was taken after owners of theatres requested them to make tickets available to all film buffs, and not just members of Mr. Rajinikanth’s fan clubs, the release said.

Queried on how this would help, Abirami Ramanthan, president of the Film Theatre Owners’ Association, Chennai, told The Hindu: “We wanted more people from the general public to be able to see the film within first three days of the film’s release.”

“Earlier, almost all the tickets were purchased by fan clubs. So we requested them to consider this arrangement. Now the average film buff has a fair chance of catching the film on the day of its release,” he added.

Kuselan-preview

 

Starring: Rajini, Pasupathy, Nayanthara, Meena, Sona, Vadivelu, Vijayakumar

Direction: P Vasu

Music: G V Prakash

Production: K Balachander

The Superstar effect never seems to stop dazzling us. Kuselan was to be a remake of a Malayalam super hit movie revolving around a very ordinary man, and Rajinikanth was supposed to be making a special appearance in a key, but small role. The movie was a Pasupathy starrer, a simple story of a poor man who idolized a screen star.

At first, it looked like a small project with a good story that Rajini would enliven for a short time with his presence. But can anything associated with this charismatic star remain small for a long time? Rajinikanth represents what is ‘larger than life’ on screen. As the days passed, Kuselan made its journey from just another movie to an eagerly awaited movie.

Kuselan brings Rajini and P. Vasu together once again after Chandramukhi. P. Vasu seems to have an uncanny knack for directing the Superstar, having him in front of the camera seems to inspire the director to get the best out of himself. In return, the actor seems to have complete faith in Vasu’s ability to present him well. Each time they have got together, they have bettered their previous efforts, and it is not hard to expect that Kuselan will do better than Chandramukhi.

But, let’s not get carried away by the Superstar effect (which is very easy to do). Let’s look into other aspects. Based on the original story written by Sreenivasan in Malayalam, one that

captivated film makers throughout India, Kuselan is about how a man’s stardom should not change him, told though the eyes of a common man. Of course, the script has been altered suitably so that we get all one expects from a Rajini movie. The same story is also being made into a Hindi movie, Billoo Barber, which will have Shahrukh Khan donning the Superstar role.

Rajinikanth playing himself is something special, something that we have not seen for a long time. Yes, Rajinikanth plays a superstar in the movie, but not himself but a star with another name. But going by the look of things, the character will not be too different from Rajinikanth. But you never know. Then we have Nayanthara, now doing her third Superstar film in a row. But importantly, let’s not forget the central characters played by Pasupathy and Meena who take the story forward.

We don’t know much more about Kuselan in terms of content but we have heard its music. If that isn’t cause for excitement, then what is? G.V.Prakash is good, but we never knew that he had matured so fast, turning out an age-belying performance and when Rajini turns up on the screen, these tunes will look even better - especially the song that has him in 20 get-ups.


The Superstar effect has taken over and it is coming to hit you. Be prepared.

Kuselan Movie Photo Gallery - New Stills

Rajinikanth returns to theaters with Kuselan in which he actually plays himself a popular actor. The film will hit theatres by the end of July.

The film which began filming last year is a remake of the Malayalam film Katha Parayumbol. In fact the story is that Rajinikanth was so moved by the original film that he just couldn’t refuse to play a role in the Tamil remake.

“This film has his original life story, that is how he came to Chennai and became an actor. And after he became an artist how re respects his real friends,” says director P Vasu.

Made at a modest budget compared to the actor’s last venture Sivaji - The Boss, Rajinikanth’s Kuselan was penned by Malayalam writer and actor Srinivasan, who also happens to be an old batch mate of the actor at the film school in Chennai.

“When we started our class, all the scenes shot for screen test was filmed and shown at the theatre. And after seeing my screen test he congratulated me and that is how our relationship started,” says writer-director Sreenivasan.

In the original Malayalam film Rajinikanth’s character has approximately 15 minutes of screen time. However, in the Tamil version the role was rewritten and extended keeping the superstar’s image and fan following in mind.

Kuselan Movie Photo Gallery - New Stils

Rajnikanth’s forthcoming film ‘Kuselan’, scheduled for release by August 1, is likely to run into rough weather in Karnataka.
Karnataka Rakshana Vedike (KRV), the outfit which had taken cudgels against the superstar several times in the past, is determined to block the film’s release, demanding a public apology from him for his comments on the Hogenekkal water issue in April.
KRV has raised the issue all over again and has submitted a memo to the Karnataka film chamber.
“Rajnikanth’s films attract huge crowds, and are a big box office draw, however, we are confident of sorting out the issue in the next couple of days,” ‘Rockline’ Venkatesh, vice president of Karnataka Film Chamber told The Times Of India.
In April, the Tamil film industry staged a day-long fast, protesting Karnataka’s opposition to the Hogenekkal drinking water project and the attack on theatres screening Tamil films in the state. Speaking at the function, Rajnikanth had come down heavily on Karnataka. Warning Karnataka not to politicise the issue, Rajnikanth had said Karnataka should not test “our patience” by not letting us draw water from our own land.” KRV demanded an apology from Rajnikanth, failing which it threatened to bar his films. At that time, the actor clarified that what he said was applicable to anyone obstructing sharing of waters, regardless of their statehood. Although he expressed regret if he hurt the sentiments of anyone, Rajnikanth also reportedly added, “If my films do not release there, it is not a problem for me.” According to Venkatesh, the chamber is in touch with Rajnikanth to settle the issue amicably. ‘Kuselan’, being produced in Tamil and Telugu, is a remake of Malayalam film ‘Katha Parayumbol.’
Filmdom in both the states have been in the forefront of struggles whenever there has been a riparian dispute. During the Cauvery dispute as also the Hogenakkal tussle, Rajnikanth’s stance was keenly followed by people on either side of the divide. Born in Maharashtra, Rajnikanth had worked as a bus conductor in Karnataka before coming to Chennai to pursue a career in acting. Whenever protests spill over to the streets, cinema halls screening Tamil movies in Karnataka have been regularly targeted. Source: khaleejtimes.com

Rajini’s Japan trip

Rajini's fans all over the world, especially those in Japan, have been eagerly awaiting the release of Kuselan. Ever since Muthu was released in Japan, Rajinikanth became a household name in that country. In fact, Muthu remained on the silver screens in Japan for about 23 weeks, which not a mean feat. His fans from Japan, time and again,
have come down to India to meet their favorite star. All his films have been screened in Japan including the latest Sivaji. With Kuselan due to hit the screens shortly, the Japanese fans are gearing up for its release. And to reciprocate the love showered upon him by his Japanese fans, Rajini plans to fly down to Japan to taste the success of Kuselan along with them.

Exclusive 'Kuselan' Trailer

One look at the full length trailer of 'Kuselan' and your jaw would drop in awe and admiration at the style and magnificence of Rajinikanth's personality in 'Kuselan'. The superstar looks decades younger and his body language is just about perfect with stunning precision

As actor Sathyaraj famously said once, 'Rajini's body language is great even when he sleeps', the man of the moment Rajinikanth has done justice to his part as a star on screen. The trailer also reveals many things. An insight into the story of how a world which was common for two boys had drifted apart creating two different worlds as time the weary traveler moves on stealthily.
Vadivelu looks comical and vibrant. One look at him and you are sure to have a good laugh. Wonder what the twin mustache does for him. The mustache grows bigger and smaller at will. Wonder what controls that?
The music and the general appeal of the trailer sure carries the soul of the film at its flamboyant best.
P. Vasu, the master at amalgamating good stories and the commercial element seems to have gotten out of the correct side of his bed when he started off with 'Kuselan'. Everything seems to have fallen in place. Rajinikanth of course is the star….be it the trailer or the full length film.
The superstar rocks in this trailer.

Rajini’s third attempt for Robot

Rajinikanth is gearing up for his next venture Robot, which happens to be director Shankar’s brainchild. The film is slated to go on the floors in a short time. Recently, Rajinikanth was spotted donning the greasepaint and costumes to participate in Robot’s photo shoot held in Mumbai. The second and third photo shoot
schedules were held a few days ago at the AVM Studios and a theatre in Nungambakkam. According to our sources, Rajini was seen trying out various costumes and wigs during the photo shoot and the one that suits him well will be used in the film. It seems that Shankar is bent on showing a much younger-looking Rajini to the audience this time. He has roped in costume designer Manish Malhotra and make-up artist Bhanu for Robot. Incidentally, they were also associated with Sivaji that got rave reviews for Rajini’s costumes and make-up.

Kuselan Movie Photo Gallery - New

Actress Nayanthara in Kuselan Movie Photo Gallery

Rajnikanth is going to Japan! In, and probably with, his new film Kuselan that was completed in a record five months, and in which the ageing actor has a rocking new image. Rushes from the film that has Japanese subtitles show that the flamboyant star looks younger and more dynamic than what he did in Sivaji — The Boss a year ago.
Rajnikanth has never been to Japan but the South superstar is already quite an iconic figure there. The Japanese believe he’s India’s answer to Jackie Chan. An actor who delights the audience with his exciting fighting skills, energetic dancing, and abundant talent for comedy, drama and emotion. No wonder they call him the Dancing Maharaja!
Japan has a sizeable South Indian population that, naturally, worships Rajnikanth; but surprisingly, the Southie legend’s following is also huge among the Japanese. Local stores have DVDs of all his movies. And the release of a new Rajnikanth film, is cause for celebration. Ten year ago his film Muthu ran for 23 weeks at a Tokyo theatre and was seen by over 1,27,000 Japanese.
Now Rajnikanth, at the invitation of the Tokyo International Film Festival, is preparing to take Kuselan to Japan. In it, he changes 20 costumes in two songs, which should amuse the Japanese considerably. But better still, Rajnikanth romances nine Japanese models in one song, and that should make him a household name.
Modestly, the actor told BT from his home in Chennai, “I don’t know whether I can make it to Tokyo. It’ll be great if I can. Otherwise, I’m excited that the Japanese are waiting for Kuselan with as much passion as they had for my films a decade ago. They are high on emotional content and comic action, it’s a treat to be watched by them.”
Kuselan, incidentally, is also being made in Hindi as Billoo Barber with Shah Rukh Khan playing Rajnikanth’s role. Both films are based on friendship and are slated for release internationally in the first week of August to coincide with World Friendship Day. Source: timesofindia

Kuselan Movie Photo Gallery - More

Actress Nayanthara in Kuselan Movie Photo Gallery
The shoot for Rajinikanth’s ‘Kuselan’ completed. The year 2008 saw remakes such as Yaaradi Nee Mohini and Santosh Subramanium making it big at the box office. Malayalam movie Katha Parayumbol is now being remade as Kuselan,starring Rajnikant.
According to the latest buzz in the industry, the next movie in the remake line is Malayalam superhit Meesa Madhavan, directed by Lal Jose. To be directed by Prabhakaran, the movie will feature Paruthiveeran-fame Karthi and Nayantara in the lead. It is said to hit the floors after Nayantara finishes her current movies Sathyam and Aegan, and Karthi his Ayirathil Oruvan.
Director K. Balachander’s Kavithalaya, along with Seven Arts, is producing the film, the Tamil remake of Malayalam hit ‘Katha Parayumpol.’
Rajinikanth plays the role of the superstar, while Pasupathy acts as a barber.
Meena plays the wife of the barber, while Nayanthara pairs with Rajinikanth. Actor Prabhu, too, plays an important role. According to Mr. Vasu, shooting for both Tamil and Telugu versions of the film is over. “We have shot for nearly 81 days, and I must give credit to my cameraman Aravind Krishna for his speedy work.