Expresso Regional Cinema News Update at 3:30 pm on 9 May 2024

In today’s bulletin, we discuss Superstar Rajinikanth’s iconic speeches, Silambarasan’s confirmation in Mani Ratnam-Kamal Haasan’s film “Thug Life,” and Fahadh Faasil addressing speculation about being the highest-paid villain in Indian cinema.

Superstar Rajinikanth is well known for his speeches and anecdotes that enjoy a separate fanbase in Tamil Nadu. Fans look forward to those witty speeches ahead of all his film releases. At a cultural event in Singapore in 1992, the actor shared his dreams and visions with the audience. He added, “In 1978 when I had become a star, I went to Mantralayam. I saw the same river and place that I saw in my dreams. I have never seen that place before. I got goosebumps. So, he and the people of Tamil Nadu had made me a star, and that’s how a conductor is standing before you in a suit.”

It is finally confirmed that Silambarasan is part of Mani Ratnam-Kamal Haasan’s upcoming film Thug Life. After photos of the actor from the shoot of the film in Delhi were leaked, Madras Talkies and Raaj Kamal Films International, which are jointly producing the project, came up with an official poster and a teaser from the film to reveal the look of Simbu. Silambarasan is reportedly playing Kamal Haasan’s son in the movie. He is sporting long hair and his look is reminiscent of his role in the film Kaalai. AR Rahman is composing the music for the film. In a recent interview, Kamal revealed that they have already composed a song for the film in a matter of five hours.

Moving on, the buzz surrounding director Chidambaram’s Manjummel Boys continues drawing in audiences since its debut on Disney+ Hotstar. After 12th Fail actor Vikrant Massey dubbed it as his “favourite film of the year so far”, Made In Heaven actor Sobhita Dhulipala called the film incredible. Taking to her Instagram stories, Sobhita wrote, “Mind blown by ‘Manjummel Boys’! @chidambaram W.O.W.” Actor Raashii Khanna noted on her Instagram stories, “Manjummel Boys is a gem! Kudos to the entire team!” In his review of the film, The Indian Express’ Anandu Suresh wrote, “Chidambaram’s survival thriller, starring Soubin Shahir, can indeed be seen as a powerful tribute to the real Manjummel Boys and their determined efforts to save their dear one.”

Fahadh Faasil addressed the speculation about whether he is the highest-paid villain in the country by charging a fee of Rs 7 crore for the role of a villain in Indian cinema. In a chat with Film Companion South, he said, “Money is of course a factor, but it is not the only factor. Something has to excite me to make me leave my house. And it is not just money. I absolutely love interacting with Sugu Sir.” Fahadh added that he doesn’t have to act in such films to make a lot of money. On the work front, he will be seen in Maareesan and Vettiyan.

Next up, A photo from the 1980s featuring veteran actor Sathyaraj and a young Fahadh Faasil has gone viral on the internet. The picture, shared by MUBI India’s official X page, highlights the link between the two through Fahadh’s father, the renowned filmmaker Fazil. For the uninitiated, who are wondering about the connection between Fahadh and Sathyaraj, the Tamil star has acted in the films of Fazil, a renowned Malayalam director. Fazil, though he started his career in Malayalam, has made blockbusters in both Malayalam and Tamil. Fans were quick to note the eyes of Fahadh Faasil in the old picture, which are regarded as an important attribute of his acting. Fahadh is currently enjoying the success in Aavesham.

In some tragic news, legendary filmmaker Sangeeth Sivan passed away on Wednesday, May 8th. Asianet News reported that he breathed his last while undergoing treatment at a private hospital in Mumbai. The eldest son of the esteemed photographer and cinematographer Sivan, Sangeeth was born in 1959. He completed his studies at MG College and Mar Ivanios College before he started working with his father, initially on documentaries. He entered the mainstream film industry by co-producing Aditya Bhattacharya’s actioner Raakh, starring Aamir Khan, Supriya Pathak and Pankaj Kapur in key roles. He wrote and directed the crime film Vyooham (1990), starring Raghuvaran and Sukumaran. Sangeeth was the elder sibling of the National Award-winning cinematographer-director Santosh Sivan and renowned filmmaker Sanjeev Sivan.

Since the news of filmmaker Sangeeth Sivan’s passing arrived, notable figures from across the country have been taking to social media to express their condolences. Among the first to react were his frequent collaborators. Mohanlal took to Facebook and wrote, “Beloved Sangeeth Sivan, who left an indelible mark in film direction, was more than a friend to me, a loving brother.” Taking to X, Sunny Deol wrote, “Shocked to hear about the passing away of my dear friend Sangeeth Sivan.” Kerala State Minister for Culture and Youth Affairs Saji Cherian honoured Sangeeth’s cinematic contributions, extending his deepest condolences to the grieving family. Former state health minister and chief of the Kerala PCC VM Sudheeran offered his condolences on the occasion.

Lastly, Kamal Haasan‘s Thug Life, directed by Mani Ratnam, went on floors in Delhi in April, and a picture from the sets of the film is making the rounds of social media. The photo has also confirmed speculation that Silamabrasan is part of the movie as it features the Manmadhan actor in a stylish avatar. Other than Kamal and Silamabarasan, the latest leaked photo also features Abhirami, Nassar, and Vaiyapuri in what appears to be a festival scene in the film. The picture confirms that Thug Life will feature frequent collaborators of Kamal. On the other hand, Nasser has been an essential part of many of Kamal’s films like Thevar Magan, Anbe Sivam, and Kurudhi Punal.

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