Amala Paul gets a kick out of stress VAAKAI.COM

Most people buckle under their job pressure, but southern actress Amala Paul, who admits having a stressful working schedule, says she enjoys the kick she gets out of it.

"Exhausted, fatigued and oozed out but can't wait to be at 'Iddarammayilatho' music launch. This job is crazy but the kick it gives is even crazier," posted Amala on her Twitter page.

The audio launch is Sunday evening.

Amala has teamed up with Allu Arjun and Catherine Tresa in Telugu romantic-drama "Iddarammayilatho".

Directed by Puri Jagannadh, the film also features Kaajal Vashisht, Brahmanadam, Nassar, Subbaraju, Srinivasa Reddy and Devshi Khanduri.

Amala recently returned from Australia after wrapping up the last schedule of upcoming Tamil action-drama "Thalaivaa".

"It feels like yesterday we kick-started 'Thalaivaa' and all of a sudden it's all over. I am going to miss it, and miss it so badly," she added.

She also posted that she misses "Kangaroo and fellow Indians who never made us homesick" in Australia.

Directed by A.L Vijay, she is paired opposite Vijay in "Thalaivaa", which also features Ragini Nandwani among a host of other actors.

A prominent actress in Tamil, Malayalam and Telugu, Amala is known for her work in films such as "Myna", "Love Failure" and "Run Baby Run".

Erica grooved like Michael Jackson VAAKAI.COM

Southern actress Erica Fernandez grooved like late singer-dancer Michael Jackson (MJ) when she performed one of his signature moves in her upcoming Tamil debut "Ainthu Ainthu Ainthu".

"I got to do MJ's signature 'stand on the toes' finisher move. I thoroughly enjoyed doing it and I'm looking forward to feedback from the audience. It may be a small scene, but I'm sure it's something no other heroine has attempted before," Erica said.

"I also got to do some belly moves in the same song. What is more interesting is that I suggested these moves, so it is very special and important to me," she added.

Erica picked up most of these moves from online videos.

"I didn't undergo any special training to perform these moves. I watched a few videos of MJ and some belly moves on YouTube and picked it up from there. I enjoy dancing since childhood, so doing these moves was not so difficult," she said.

"It's one of those songs that blend western and folk steps together. Typically, heroes get to dance to such songs, but I was lucky enough to grab the opportunity to do something different," said Erica, who also knows salsa.

She is paired with Bharath in the film, which is directed by Sasi. Slated to release in the second week of May, it also features Mirthika, Sudesh Berry, Santhanam and John Vijay.

Dhanush croons a peppy song VAAKAI.COM

Arya, Anushka starrer Irandam Ulagam will have a peppy party song crooned by Dhanush. Selvaraghavan is directing this film and Harris Jayraj is composing the tunes. Irandam Ulagam is touted as romantic drama entertainer.

Dhanush has crooned a party song for Irandam Ulagam and Harris Jayraj composed the tunes. A pub set was erected in a set in Chennai and Arya will be dancing for this song. Filmmakers are planning to wrap up the shoot with this song and the audio launch is expected very soon.

Irandam Ulagam team is busy with the post-production works and VFX. The movie has cinematography by Ramji and Kola Bhaskar’s editing. Prasad V.Potluri is producing this film under PVP Cinemas.

Gautham Karthik's 'Sippai' VAAKAI.COM

Tamil actor Madhu, who was lauded for his performance in recently released Tamil film "Sundattam", has joined the cast of Gautham Karthik-starrer Tamil action-drama "Sippai".

"Even though Madhu was flooded with offers post 'Sundattam', he patiently waited for an interesting role. He plays a prominent role in 'Sippai', in which he will share screen space with Gautham Karthik," said a statement.

Directed by S. Saravanan, "Sippai" is Gautham Karthik's second film after his unsuccessful Tamil debut "Kadal".

The film, which goes on floors Friday, features Lakshmi Menon in the lead. The rest of the cast is yet to be finalised.

Telugu producer G.V.G Raju is producing the film, which has music by Yuvan Shankar Raja.

Summer heat hits Aishwarya Arjun VAAKAI.COM

Tamil actress Aishwarya Arjun fainted on the sets of upcoming Tamil romantic-comedy "Pattathu Yaanai" Sunday in Trichy due to extremely hot weather.

"We were shooting outdoors in extremely hot conditions of Trichy for the last few days. Since we were shooting non-stop, she couldn't handle the heat and fainted. We have given her medical attention and have requested her to rest for a while," a source from the film's until said.

Directed by Boopathy Pandian, "Pattathu Yaanai" also features Vishal Krishna, Santhanam, Sita, Jagan, Mano Bala and Karthik in important roles.

The film, which went on the floors a few months back, is being shot in Trichy, Kaaraikudi, Madurai and some other places.

Aishwarya, daughter of Tamil actor Arjun Sarja, is making her debut with the film, being produced by S. Michael Rayappan. S.S. Thaman has composed music for the movie.

Anushka dubs for Irandam Ulagam VAAKAI.COM

Arya, Anushka are playing the main leads in Selvaraghavan’s Irandam Ulagam. Harris Jayraj is composing tunes and a special pub song was crooned by Dhanush. Irandam Ulagam is a romantic drama produced by Prasad V.Potluri under PVP Films.

Lead female actress Anushka Shetty is dubbing with her own voice for Irandam Ulagam. The team has recently shot a party song on Arya which was crooned by Dhanush.

Director Selvaraghavan is busy with the post-production works and VFX. Irandam Ulagam has cinematography by Ramji and Kola Bhaskar’s editing. Irandam Ulagam is Tamil-Telugu bilingual.

Nayanatara as Anamika VAAKAI.COM

Director Sekhar Kammula has been roped in as the director for the Telugu-Tamil remake of Kahaani and actress Nayanatara has stepped into the shoes of Vidya Balan for the lead role.

The shooting schedules of the movie have commenced in Hyderabad from April 28. Nayanatara will be seen in the role of Anamika, who is a pregnant comes to Hyderabad in search of her missing husband. She will be seen in an entire new look quite distinct from her glamorous avatars.

The film is yet-to-be titled and is being jointly produced by Endemol India, Logline Productions and Select Media Holdings. Sekhar Kammula is planning to wrap up the film’s shoot in less than 50 days.

I can play urban character Manochitra VAAKAI.COM

Southern actress Manochitra is making a come-back after two years in a new avatar and says she gave herself a makeover to convince fillmakers that she can play urban characters too.

A Tamilian from Kancheepuram, Manochitra, who rose to fame with her performance in debut Tamil drama "Aval Peyar Thamizharasi", is keen to essay city-based characters.

"Ever since I played a village belle in my debut, I have been only getting such offers and I declined most of them. I even decided to quit movies at one point because I was only looked at as someone capable of playing only rural characters," said the actress, fondly called Mano.

"I have returned to acting after two years' break. I lost 13 kg and look presentable to convince that I can play urban characters as well. Thankfully, I play a city-bred character in my upcoming films, including the film with Ajith Kumar sir," she added.

Impressed with Ajith's humbleness, she says while shooting for yet-to-be-titled Tamil action-drama with him, she felt she was working with a family member.

"I shot for 10 days with Ajith sir and rest of the crew. Since I was cast opposite a star, I was extremely nervous. But, everything changed after he started treating me as a family member. He was polite, humble and very down to earth," Mano said.

"I believe it's very important to feel comfortable around your co-star and comfort comes only when the effort is taken by co-stars. It was just a matter of time before I started feeling extremely comfortable on the sets of the film," she added.

She is not paired opposite Ajith in the film, but shares a few scenes with him.

"I play one of the character roles with good screen space with Ajith sir. I have no issues playing a character role because working in the film will definitely boost my career," added the actress who is awaiting the release of her second Tamil movie "Netru Indru".

She has also forayed into Malayalam movies with "Pianist", a musical love story.

"I play a singer in it and I'm making efforts to get the mannerism of a singer right because it's a very challenging role," she said.

Dhruva Nachatiram logo released VAAKAI.COM

Suriya will join Gautam Menon for his upcoming film Dhruva Nachatiram. A.R.Rahman has been roped as music director and official female lead has to be declared. This movie is produced under Gautam Menon’s home production Photon Kathas.

Official logo of Dhruva Nachatiram was released on April 30. The logo depicts movie as an action thriller in New Delhi. Dhruva Nachatiram shooting starts from May 2nd.

Suriya has also signed a film under Lingusamy’s direction. The shooting of this film will commence from August. The title of this project and cast, crew has to be announced. Suriya will simultaneously play the lead role in Gautam Menon and Lingusamy’s films after completing Singam-2.

Bharathiraja in Vishal’s Pandianadu VAAKAI.COM

Vishal, Lakshmi Menon are playing the main leads in Pandianadu. Rajapattai, Naan Mahaan Alla fame director Suseenthiran is wielding the megaphone and the first look of Pandianadu was released recently.

Pandianadu has got many attractions in it. It is the first movie from Vishal’s production house Vishal Film Factory and Santhanam will be seen in dual roles in Pandianadu. Director Bharathiraja is playing a prominent role as Vishal’s father in this film.

Pandianadu is touted to be a complete action entertainer with Madurai background. D.Imman is composing the tunes and Vikrant, Soori are playing supporting roles. R.Madhi is handling cinematography for Pandianadu.

Suriya’s Singam 2 shooting completed VAAKAI.COM

Suriya, Anushka and Hansika starrer Singam 2 completes its shooting part in Tuticorin on April 30. Singam-2 is the sequel for Singam and director Hari is also wielding the megaphone for Singam 2. Devi Sri Prasad is composing tunes and audio launch is expected very soon.

Singam 2 has completing its shooting part after canning a special song on Suriya and Anjali in Tuticorin. Suriya will join his next film Dhruva Nachatiram under Gautam Menon’s from May 2nd.

Singam 2 team has visited many countries like South Africa, Malaysia and Kenya to shoot the action scenes and few songs. Hollywood actor Danny Sapani has been roped as antagonist. This movie Priyan’s cinematography and V.T.Vijayan’s editing. K.E.Gnanvel Raja is producing Singam 2 under Studio Green productions.

Vijay’s Jilla shoot starts in May VAAKAI.COM

Vijay, Amala Paul starrer Thalaivaa has completed its final schedule in Australia. A.L.Vijay is directing this film and G.V.Prakash Kumar is composing the tunes. Theatrical trailer and first look has raised the expectations on Thalaivaa.

Vijay has returned from Australia schedule and will join his next film Jilla in second week of May. Debutant director R.T.Nesan is directing this film and Malayalam super star Mohan Lal is playing a pivot role.

Jilla first schedule will be canned in Pollachi and Madurai. Kajal Agarwal is pairing with Vijay for the second time after the success of Thuppakki. Jilla will have tunes composed by D.Imman and R.B.Chowdary is producing this film under Super Good Films.

Power Star Srinivasan arrested VAAKAI.COM

Most happening comedian of recent times, Power Star Srinivasan, was arrested today in Chennai. Mr.Ranganathan allegedly filed a complaint against Srinivasan stating that the actor failed to return 50 lakh rupees.

Srinivasan was taken into custody by Central Crime Branch of Chennai police. Mr.PS.Ranghnathan from Andhra Pradesh, lodged a complaint stating that Srinivasan took Rs. 50 lakh as commission from him with a promise to secure a loan of Rs. 20 crore.

Srinivasan was popularly known as Power star by his fans and he got many offers after playing one of the main leads in Kanna Laddoo Thinna Aasaiya. Srinivasan is also playing a prominent role in Shankar’s ‘I’ and Ya Ya.

Thalaivaa all songs are done - G.V.Prakash VAAKAI.COM

Vijay, Amala Paul starrer Thalaivaa is getting ready for a release very soon. G.V.Prakash Kumar composed the tunes and A.L.Vijay is directing this film. Santhanam, Ragini Nandwani are playing the prominent roles.

Music composer G.V.Prakash has finished composing songs for Thalaivaa and the audio launch of Thalaivaa is anticipated in a month. G.V.Prakash shared this news in a social networking site. He tweeted, “#Thalaivaa all songs are done ... Album release in a month ... Time to lead.” Thalaivaa team has recently returned to India after completing their Australia schedule.

Thalaivaa also casts Suresh, Sathya Raj and Rajiv Pillai in supporting roles. Nirav Shah is handling the cinematography and editing is by Anthony. Chandra Prakash Jain, C.P. Sunil and C.P. Dinesh are producing Thalaivaa under Sri Mishri Productions.

Nakul prefers acting to singing VAAKAI.COM

Even though Tamil actor Nakul Jaidev has crooned chartbusters such as "Kaadhal Yaanai", "Karka Karka" and "Naaka Mukka" in his decade-long career, he still prefers acting over singing.

"I always dreamt of becoming an actor and continue to live that dream. Singing happened out of obligations for friends and people whom I consider my well-wishers. Neither am I a trained singer, nor take it as a career interest," Nakul said.

"Director Shankar made me a singer. He found my voice apt for one of the songs in 'Anniyan'. Since then, I have been singing once in a while for most of my composer friends such as A.R. Rahman sir and Harris Jayaraj sir. I'm lucky that most of my songs have been very well received," he added.

Nakul has also crooned "Nakula" for his upcoming Tamil action-drama "Vallinam".

"I don't even consider that I have a voice suitable for singing. I'm more or less a bathroom singer like many others, but I wonder what these composers find in my voice that they make me sing occasionally. I haven't turned down any singing opportunity because it has mostly come from my friends," he said.

He has also sung in Tamil films such as "Ghajini", "Vallavan" and "Kandhakottai".