'We need more universal films like Dangal, Sultan or Padmavat that work across single screens and multiplexes.'
Kaththi attempts to highlight the pathetic condition of farmers, whose lives are being destroyed by callous multinational corporations.
In Tamil Nadu, the alternative to one Dravidian party has been another, and for one actor-politician CM, there is another. Their initial popularity may owe to their filmi charisma, but their continued acceptance owed to their government's policies and programmes targeting the poor and the needy in the state, says N Sathiya Moorthy.
She faced intense and protracted struggle to eventually head the AIADMK.
'If you can tell the quality of a movie-watching experience, only and only by referring to set standards, you *aren't really* going to the movies,' argues Sreehari Nair.
National award-winning director S P Jananathan talks about his new film Purampokku Engira Podhuvudamai.
There is more to this inventive Pizza than meets the eye, says Nishi Tiwari
Sreehari Nair presents his Top 20 movies of the decade.
Choose from the eight releases this week.
The film tires to present a socially relevant issue in a humorous manner, but sadly, the film fails to make any kind of impression.
Three interesting films gear up to release on this festive occasion.
There are many dramatic twists in the film, yet itlacks the depth, intensity and sentiment that we have come to expect from Sasikumar.
Hailed as one of the finest filmmakers of his time, K Balachander, who passed into the ages on December 23, has left behind a rich legacy of hard-hitting films, some of which have been routinely credited with redefining Tamil cinema.
The BJP may have to wait a little longer in Tamil Nadu to tie up with the superstar because, despite early and intermittent signals to the contrary, Rajinikanth has been going slow on his political project. Instead, he has been busy with two films on hand. One is acclaimed film-maker Shankar's 2.0. He has also quickly signed up for another movie produced by Sun Pictures of Kaalanidhi Maran, says N Sathiya Moorthy.
As the legendary actor turns 60 today, we look at his finest performances in the last six decades.
In Muthuvel Karunanidhi's passing, Tamil Nadu has lost the last of its Titans.
Vaayai Moodi Pesavum is a thought-provoking and thoroughly enjoyable film
Noted lyricist Na Muthukuma talks about winning his second consecutive National Award win.
A look at the top tweets from your favourite Bollywood celebrities.
A look at the top tweets from your favourite Bollywood celebrities.
This Dhanush starrer is a must-watch!
Suriya's charisma and director Hari Gopalakrishnan's brilliant screenplay make Tamil film Singam 2 a joyful experience.
For Rajnikanth, who the BJP is wooing, politics looks more likely to happen in 2019, although his friend Kamalahaasan could afford to wait a little longer, says N Sathiya Moorthy.
If the people of Tamil Nadu stop deifying their leaders and start evaluating them more objectively, the political masters too may change their wayward behaviour, argues Sudhir Bisht.
'After watching Elvis Presley, Shammi Kapoor decided to pick the rock and roll star's style itself.' 'Dada was the kind of producer who took a leap of faith and gave Shammi Kapoor the freedom to display himself as crazy, mad, rough -- all the charms of Elvis Presley -- in his films.'
Today, when one Kamalahaasan launches a new political outfit, vowing to cleanse Tamil Nadu polity and political administration of corruption, mal-governance and non-governance, he is pitted not only against Rajini with his commitment to 'spiritual politics', he is also pitted against the real 'Lotus' in Tamil Nadu politics, representing the ruling BJP at the Centre, says N Sathiya Moorthy.
'I watch other movies, other stars, but no one evokes the same passion.'
The BJP calculates that simultaneous polls to Parliament and TN assembly could help it, intent as it is on making the state break from its Dravidian past, says N Sathiya Moorthy.
'Top actors came to me while Kabali was being shot, to ask me to cast them in at least one scene with Thalaivar -- even if it required them to clean a table on the side while Thalaivar is in the shot.' Kabali producer Kalaipuli S Thanu tries to explain the Rajinikanth phenomenon.
25 years on, we see how these actors have fared.
'Having learnt her lesson in popular democracy, Jaya would become more populist than the DMK and more so than the imagery that mentor MGR had created in the Tamil voter's mind, both as an individual and as an elected ruler.'
'The best way to carry on that good man's legacy is to make films like he did, love cinema like he did, and unearth talent like he did. K Balachanderis frozen forever in Uttama Villain on celluloid,' Uttama Villain director Ramesh Arvind tells Rediff.com contributor Praveen Sundaram.
Now that Tamil Nadu's tallest politician is no more, it remains to be seen how new political re-alignments could shape up, says N Sathiya Moorthy.
Arjun Sarja talks about his Kannada directorial debut that hit the marquee last week.
Singham director Hari Gopalakrishnan's latest film Poojai is all set to hit the screens on Diwali.
'Before we started shooting 36 Vayadhinile, I watched Jyothika's previous films. I told her that I did not want the old Jyothika. I wanted to present a completely new Jyothika.' Director Rosshan Andrrews discusses his well-reviewed film.
'A good entertaining story is the key to any successful film.' Director Vignesh Shivan reveals the secret of his Naanum Rowdy Dhaan success.
Not having launched a political party, Rajni now has his fans spread across various political parties in the state. They vote for different political parties and candidates, depending on issues and factors such as ideology, caste and community, says N Sathiya Moorthy.
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