Cartosat-2B sent high quality images of the Indian landmass (Madurai,Allahabad)

Remote-sensing satellite Cartosat-2B has sent high quality images of the Indian landmass, including Allahabad in Uttar Pradesh and Madurai in Tamil Nadu.

The images were taken by the satellite's panchromatic camera, which has a high resolution of 0.8 metre. That is, it can image even small objects such as cycles and mopeds on the road, and sheep and cattle grazing on meadows.

The Polar Satellite Launch Vehicle (PSLV-C15) of the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) put Cartosat-2B and four other satellites in orbit on July 12. It was launched from Sriharikota.

P.S. Veeraraghavan, Director, Vikram Sarabhai Space Centre (VSSC) in Thiruvananthapuram, said Cartosat-2B was in good health and that “it has taken a good number of pictures.”

He said the images of Madurai included the famous Meenakshi temple with its gopurams (towers), the railway junction and a running train, the airport with parked aircraft, and another temple situated in the centre of a tank.

The images of Allahabad showed a fort in the town and the Triveni Sangam.

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Soha Ali Khan, about her design and the film industry

In the city for the launch of a magazine, actress Soha Ali Khan spoke about design and the film industry. Explaining that the aesthetic one in her family is her sister Saba, a jewellery designer, Soha managed to wax eloquent about the role of aesthetics in set making.

Sanjay Leela Bhansali’s work was described as paintings. According to her aesthetics are personal. “Sets of films like 'Khoya Khoya Chaand', 'Antarmahal' and other period films take a lot of work,” she says. Nitin Desai is definitely making the waves in the industry.

A gift for her brother, Saif is on the agenda for her short visit to the city. “I’m not familiar with the city. I don’t visit often as I don’t have any family here,” she confesses. Chennai is synonymous with Kanjeevaram saris and dosas. “Plain dosas and rasam are my favourite as I am not a fan of spicy food,” she says.

She goes on to elaborate that she likes the ingredients used in South Indian food. Curry leaves and coconut being her favourite. Soha mentions a beetroot and coconut preparation that she likes to eat. Idly is great for breakfast, she says.

When it comes to talking about Kollywood, “Boys and Yuva are easy to pronounce 'Kannathil Muthamittal', too was a great watch” she laughs. Saying that she enjoys films by Mani Ratnam and Shankar. “Kamal Haasan is a favourite,” she smiles.

B-school to run Kollywood?

Khushbu, actress, producer and distributor says, “These so called B-school guys have ruined Tamil cinema, by entering the market without doing a proper study. As a result, they have pushed up the cost of production. What do these guys, sitting in the cool comfort of their offices in Mumbai and Chennai, know about collections, audiences profile or the topography of a Theni or a Dindigul film market?”

The B-school boys and their management skills have come in for sharp criticism in the industry after the failure of a superstar film which they bought for a ridiculous amount. The company, which purchased the film, also took over 200 theatres in Tamil Nadu on lease, but is struggling to keep afloat today. Says Balasubramaniam, a theatre owner in Coimbatore who had leased out his twin theatres to the company, “I was running my theatre well before these guys took it on lease. They claimed that they would professionalise the business, but ended up with egg on their face.”

Kandaswamy Bharathan, an MBA from IIM, Ahmedabad and a leading producer says, “The word corporatisation, when it comes to the film industry, should be defined in a broader context. Films have to be considered as products — there is production, pricing, distribution and they satisfy the needs of customers through entertainment.” Kandaswamy also added that today, a lot of young B-school boys are venturing into production, distribution and other sectors of film business, which require a professional approach.
However P L Thenappan, a leading producer begs to differ. Says he, “I’m a school drop out, but I have made more than a dozen hit films with big stars like Kamal Haasan. I know how the trade functions better than any B-school graduate. These guys have created chaos in the industry by making films without any budget constraints, paid salaries to stars which were not viable and most importantly, they do not understand the pulls and pressures of filmmaking.”

The argument is never ending as financial analysts and entertainment industry trackers who have graduated out of B-schools feel that there is gold in Tamil film production and trade if the “best minds in the business run Kollywood.” Recently, a leading corporate completed their new film Kandein Kadhalai in a record five months. This is quite a feat considering veteran producers are still struggling to finish their big budget films two years after the film was launched!

Says producer G Dhananjayan, who has made quality films like Poo, Raman Thediya Seethai and now Kandein Kadhalai, “We have brought in a professional approach to filmmaking by completing our films on time. We are currently testing waters and if we are confident, then we will definitely invest more.” Concludes Swaroop Reddy, owner of a leading multiplex in the city, and one of the key players to bring about a change in the Tamil film business, “Much can be said by both sides. At the end of the day, it does not matter if you are a traditionalist or a modernist. It is the passion for cinema that is the driving force in show business.”

Trisha and Dhanush - A new combination! - "Aadu Kalam"

After her successful stint in Abhiyum Naanum, Trisha is all set to play Dhanush’s heroine in Vetrimaran’s (of Polladhavan fame) new film tentatively titled Aadu Kalam.

The shoot of the film will start on February 16 in Madurai and surrounding areas.

In this film, Trisha will play an Anglo- Indian, who takes all measures to reform the rowdy hero. To get into the skin of her character, Trisha will throughout be wearing a skirt and blouse, designed by Nalini Sriram.

The film is said to be totally different from the usual run-of-the-mill commercials and Dhanush has an author-backed role. The music
is scored by GV Prakash and the film will start rolling in Madurai by February second week.

Meanwhile, the actress who came back from her vacation in Gold Coast in Brisbane, Australia, left for New Zeland to shoot a song with Arya for Vishnuvardhan’s Sarvam. She will also re-shoot for five days for the Telugu version of Abhiyum Naanum next week. Towards the end of the month, she will start work on her Telugu film with Gopichand. Looks like Trish has no time to breathe!

Aishwarya Rai and Rajnikanth at world heritage site in Peru for Enthiran Shooting

What happens when super-duper star Rajinikanth and world’s most beautiful woman, Aishwarya Rai dance arm-in-arm? Obviously, an unprecedented visual treat! Yes, recently the awesome-twosome shot an amazing dance sequence for their forthcoming film ‘Robot’. The lady was seen wearing ostrich feathers and her Rajini sir was at his stylish best. The spicy song sequence was shot at the UNESCO declared world famous heritage site - Machu Pichhu in Peru and the film went on to become the first ever shot there. Wow!

‘Robot’, one of the most promising movies of 2008, has been in news for more than one reason. Earlier, Shah Rukh had to star in the film but due to 'creative differences' with dirtector Shankar, he opted out. In walked the ‘baap’ of all superstars – the one and only Rajinikanth. After some hussle and tussle between SRK and director Shankar, the film was renamed as Enthiram. Grapevine also has it that Shankar will be shooting for his film in other exotic locales like South America, too.

The film is to be produced by Ayngaran and Eros International. AR Rahman has been roped in for music. This will be the second film for Ash under Shankar's direction after 'Jeans'.

Earlier, in an interview to a news daily, Aishwarya talked in glowing details about the Tamil superstar, “Rajini Sir is such a wonderful human being. He has been so close to the family, too. I am glad and honoured to be working with him."

When asked about heroines getting sidelined in a Rajini film, Aishwarya refuted the claim, "I don't think it's a fair statement. You can't but be fascinated by this phenomenon called Rajini sir. He is so super-fascinating and intriguing to his audience. I don't think it's a deliberate attempt by any director to sideline any actor/character working along with him."

Hubby Abhishek, do we smell something burning? As for us, we can’t help but wait eagerly to see the fascinating pair onscreen!

Earlier, in an interview to a news daily, Aishwarya Rai talked in glowing details about the Tamil superstar, “Rajini Sir is such a wonderful human being. He has been so close to the family, too. I am glad and honoured to be working with him.”

When asked about heroines getting sidelined in a Rajini film, Aishwarya refuted the claim, “I don’t think it’s a fair statement. You can’t but be fascinated by this phenomenon called Rajini sir. He is so super-fascinating and intriguing to his audience. I don’t think it’s a deliberate attempt by any director to sideline any actor/character working along with him.”

It will be interesting to watch the good vibes between this fascinating pair on screen when Enthiram hits the theatres.

Ajith will be paired with Sameera Reddy - FOR Gautam Vasudev Menon Direction

With Aegan set for a Diwali release, Ajith will begin his next project on November 2. The yet-to-titled movie will be directed by Gautam Vasudev Menon and Ajith will be paired with Sameera Reddy.Shooting for this movie, which will be produced by Sivaji Films, is set to begin in Chennai and is expected to continue in Rameshwaram. Despite being an action movie, Ajith will not be a cop in this movie, which will be the first time Gautam teams up with Ajith. The movie will also bring together Gautam and Harris Jayaraj, whose streak of five movies with Gautam, was broken by Chennaiyil Oru Mazhaikalam, in which AR Rahman scores the music. The new project will have Nirav Shah as the cinematographer.Meanwhile, Gautam’s Vaaranam Aayiram is finally heading for an audio launch on September 24 at Sathyam Cinemas.

Priya Mani previews in Chennai

On Wednesday night (September 17), Priya Mani held a special show of her controversial Malayalam film Thirakkatha at the Four Frames for her close friends and family members.

In the film based on the life and romantic journey of the late yesteryear actress Srividya, Priyamani is brilliant. The film's writer and director Ranjit too was present for the show.

Kamal - Srividya romance is now a film!

Those who attended the show included Dhanush, Revathy, Seven Arts Vijayakumar and personalities from Malayalam film world. After the show, all the women were seen trying to hold back their tears as the film leaves a lump in your throat.

Revathy in her trade mark off-white salwar-kameez went and hugged Priyamani. Said Priya after the show: “I am extremely fortunate to have bagged this wonderful role at a time when heroines have nothing much to do in mainstream cinema. I am happy to balance my roles in commercial and off-beat films as I enjoy doing both”.

Priya Mani in an all-new gallery

Priyamani who has just completed a song shoot of her Bharath starrer Aarumugham in Hyderabad, flew down to attend the preview show.

Priya Mani pictures:

Kamal Haasan's do's but Kamal Fans(Kamalians) don't

WITH two days left for the release of Kamal Haasan’s Dasavathaaram, a sense of restrained elation grips the 18 lakh registered fans of the Tamizhaga Kamal Haasan Narpani Mandram.

Yet, it seems like the recent spurt of multiplexes, their regulations and strict orders from Haasan, who is president of this association, will keep the celebration of fans a low key affair. Fans will definitely put up over 300 banners of the actor in every theatre in the city. But these will last only a week. “Regulations state that we can put up banners only three days before the release and they can stay only for three days after release,” says R Gunaseelan, administrator of the TKHNM.

“Add to these the regulations governing the recent multiplexes. Abirami used to be one of the hotspots for celebrations on the D-Day. But we’re not allowed to do that anymore because it has become a multiplex,” he adds.

And even in theatres where the movie will be screened, celebrations will be relatively subdued. “No paal abhishekams, arathys and crackers as the actor is against that,” says Gunaseelan.

Hassan fans across the country still have their ways to beat the plethora of curbs. During the release of Mumbai Express, fans in Madurai distributed blouse pieces to all women in the theatre. In Dindigul, fans gave out kumkuma chimizhs to all fans. And in Theni, free crackers were given to all those visiting the theatre.

Guneseelan says complying with the actor’s wish to keep it a narpani mandram, plans are on to take senior citizens for the movie in every district.

Apart from the TKHNM, other Haasan fans are also gearing up for the D-Day. In fact, an Orkut Kamal Haasan group has distributed T-Shirts and held a meeting of Kamalians, as these fans call themselves, in Puducherry. A new thread started there states that a member joins and makes plans for the D-Day every two minutes.

Funny Bunny Jokes - Non Veg Jokes - Comedy Videos

Feeling' Good

(Read this at your own risk)

When asked by their host if she would like another drink, the
attractive blond e bowed her head slightly and said,
"No thank you. My husband limits me to one drink."
"Why is that," the host asked?
Her reply... "Because after one drink I can feel it; after two drinks
...anyone can!"

BAD NEWS

(Read this at your own risk)

A doctor goes to his office one Monday and is shocked to find that it has been ransacked and the files have all been mixed up. He sees the file for Mrs. Smith, but her chart is mixed up with some of the others and he can't tell which is which.

He finally narrows it down to two charts and he decides to call her house. Mr.Smith answers the phone."Mr. Smith, this is Dr. Jenkins. I have bad news. Your wife either has AIDS or Alzheimer's disease, I don't know which.

"Well, what should I do?" asks a distraught Mr. Smith.

"Drop her off at the edge of town," says the doctor, "and if she finds her way back,
DON'T F*** HER!"

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One Early morning a mother went to her sleeping son and woke him up.

MOM: "Wake up, son. It's time to go to school."

SON: "But why, Mama? I don't want to go to school."

MOM: "Give me two reasons why you don't want to go to school."

SON: "One, all the children hate me. Two, all the teachers hate me."

MOM: "Oh! that's not a reason. Come on, you have to go to school."

SON: "Give me two good reasons WHY I *should* go to school?"

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MOM: "One, you are FIFTY-TWO years old. Two, you are the PRINCIPAL of
the school

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The Great Stunt show - A Comedy video

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Some funny pictures

Bollywood to Kollywood - Another remake film

Yet another remake film in Kollywood! Bollywood blockbuster Taxi Number 9211 in which Nana Patekar, John Abraham, Sameera Reddy, Sonali Kulkarni played the lead roles will soon be remade in Tamil. Pasupathy has bagged Nana Patekar's role and Simran will play his wife in the film. May Madham-fame Sonali Kulkarni has also been signed up, while the team is still scouting for another male lead. Sources say that film is for the present is called Taxi, but the title will be changed to benefit from the tax sops. Pasupathy, presently associated with Kuselan and Vedigundu Murugesan, will work on this project once his commitment with Kuselan is over, says sources.
Taxi Number 9211 - Cast

• Nana Patekar
  
• John Abraham
  
• Sonali Kulkarni
  
• Sameera Reddy
  
• Kurush Deboo
  
• Shivaji Satham
  
• Priyanka Chopra
  
• Sanjay Dutt
  

Mercedes Benz demand from cities like Madurai, Thiruvananthapuram, Kochi

Buoyed by the rising demand for luxury cars in the Indian market, Mercedes-Benzautomobile maker Mercedes Benz India announced that it aims to sell 3,000 cars across the country within the existing year.

The luxury car maker sold 2,491 units in India during the last year

Wilfred Aulbur, company's Managing Director and CEO, stated, “Across India there is a significant demand for luxury cars and luxury products. For us this is very encouraging as it indicates that the economic development in the last few years is paying off.”

The company today kicked off its Kerala dealer Rajasree Motors’ new showroom at nearby Maradu.

The company was able to sell 1,300 Mercedes-Benz cars in Kerala during the first four months of this year.

“While Delhi and Mumbai are the two big important markets, down south there is a close race between Hyderabad, Chennai and Bangalore. There is a growing demand from cities like Kochi, Thiruvananthapuram and Madurai,” Mr. Aulbur added.

The company has also expressed its interest in the luxury bus segment, and had signed up a deal with Jalandhar-based Sutlej Motors for the creation of the bus body. The launch of the luxury bus is scheduled in the second half of the existing year.

In order to meet up future requirements, Mercedes Benz is also establishing a Rs 350 crore manufacturing plant at Chakan in Pune on a 100 acre area. The plant would have an annual capacity to make 5,000 passenger cars and 1,200 commercial vehicles.

The Mercedes Benz locally makes S Class, E class and C class cars in India, and imports Mercedes Benz S class, M class, CL class and popular SLK class and CLS class as completely built units.

Info about Mercedes-Benz:

• Mercedes-Benz is a German manufacturer of luxury and high-performance automobiles, buses, coaches, and trucks owned by Daimler AG. Mercedes-Benz has, over the years, introduced many technological and safety features that have become common in modern vehicles.
• Mercedes-Benz automobiles are available at dealerships in over 130 countries and their work fleet (trucks and commercial vehicles) are available from a group of dealers worldwide as well as the factory-direct. As with several European brand automobiles, Mercedes has offered a European delivery option for purchasing of a Mercedes-Benz automobile for American customers.
• Today Mercedes-Benz has a full range of passenger, light commercial and heavy commercial vehicles. Production is on a Global basis. The Smart brand of city cars has also been part of the Mercedes-Benz Group since 1994.
• Since its inception, Mercedes-Benz had a reputation for quality and durability. Objective measures looking at Passenger vehicles such as J.D. Power surveys demonstrated a downturn in reputation in this area in the late 1990s and early 2000s. By 2005, Mercedes temporarily returned to the industry average for initial quality, according to J.D. Power.[1] In J.D. Power's Initial Quality Study for the first quarter of 2007, Mercedes showed dramatic improvement by climbing to 4th place, surpassing quality leader Toyota and earning several awards for its models

The great Khali coming to Madurai for a Bollywood film

World Wrestling Entertainment (WWE) star 'The great Khali' is all set to star in a Bollywood film being shot extensively in Madurai. Khali who is in India for a month-long vacation made himself available for the shooting of a Bollywood film 'Khushti' at Aathamkudi in Sivagangai District in Tamil Nadu. At a press conference in Mumbai, Khali expressed his happiness at getting the opportunity to work in a Bollywood film. Khali is playing a character role in 'Khushti'. "The director is very good. He taught me everything very well. I am thankful to the entire crew. I am fortunate to have such a good crew," said Khali. The film made under Venus Films will also star Rajpal Yadav, Asrani, Nargis and Manoj Joshi. "I feel that people like Khali are an inspiration for our country. In spite of reaching tremendous heights, he is extremely humble. I don't think any other superstar is like him," said Rajpal Yadav, Bollywood Actor. Nargis, who is the lead female protagonist and Khali's costar in the movie being directed by director TK Rajeev Kumar is very excited about working with Khali. "I was awestruck and speechless. I had no words. Khali is like a giant with a very gentle heart. He is a very nice person, very grounded, very humble," said Nargis. Nargis had earlier appeared in a Bollywood flick named 'Garam Masala'. The WWE star has already worked in a Hollywood movie 'The longest yard' and now he will act in a Bollywood children's adventure film 'Ramma-The Saviour'. Khali, 35, the tallest WWE wrestler, is 7 feet 3 inches and weighs 190 kilograms. He took to bodybuilding and won the Mr. India title in 1995 and 1996. He worked as a porter before joining the state police in Punjab. He is now a sub-inspector in the police force and is on long leave to continue the fight in WWE.

source: indiatimes.com


The Great Khali Profile

Real Name: Dalip Singh Rana
Best Known As: " The Great Khali " for his professional wrestling career in World Wrestling Entertainment. WWE Management gave him the name after the great GODDESS of Power "KALI", her trait of destroying evil.
Born On: August 27, 1972

Hometown: Dhirana in Himachal Pradesh.
Height: 7'3"
Weight: 420lbs
Hair Color: Black

Eye Color: Black
Dominant Hand: Right
Citizen: Indian
Martial Status: Married
Spouse: Harminder Kaur. On 27 February 2002


Signed with WWE: January 2, 2006.
WWE Debut: April 7, 2006 Friday Night SmackDown Episode.
Trained By: APW Boot Camp. All Pro Wrestling is an independent professional wrestling promotion based in Hayward, California.
Moveset: Khali Vice Grip (Two-handed clawhold), Khali Bomb (Chokebomb), Brain chop
Big boot, Headbutt, Clothesline, Short-arm clothesline, Spin kick, usually to a charging opponent, Delayed scoop slam, Leg drop.
Notable Feuds : The Undertaker, Kane, Batista, John Cena
Career Highlights: World Heavyweight Championship (1 time). by winning a Battle Royal (July 20, 2007).

News and Story of Subramaniapuram

Sasi Kumar, a former associate of directors Bala and Ameer, is producing and directing ‘Subramaniapuram’, besides playing a prominent role in the movie.

The highlight of the movie is that it is a retro classic with a major portion of the events that occurs in early 1980s.

According to Sasi Kumar, ‘‘Subramaniapuram’ is a locality in Madurai. The entire movie revolves around a group of friends from there. 'What love can do to a group of happy-go-lucky friends is the crux of the story. The highlight is that the entire movie unfolds in early 1980s’.

‘The sets have been carefully erected to suit the period. Intense research has been done and the costumes famous during those days have been recreated', he adds.

‘We underwent a lot of pains to choose the costume and sets. We even traveled to the interior village to get the act right’, he added.

Jay, who shot to fame with ‘Chennai 600028’ plays the lead role, while Ganja Karuppu and directors Sasi Kumar and Samuthirakani play pivotal roles. Tollywood actress Swathi is the heroine. Musician-turned-television anchor James Vasanthan has scored the music.

'I was keen on casting newcomers for my movie. I came across Jay in ‘Chennai 600028 ‘and I was immediately impressed'.

On producing his maiden directorial venture, Sasi Kumar says, 'I watched director Ameer at close quarters when he produced and directed movies such as ‘Ram’ and ‘Paruthi Veeran’. I learnt a lot from him and that gave me the courage to follow his style'.

Thevar statue desecrated - Madurai is in Tension

Tension mounted in the city as the bronze statue of freedom fighter, Muthuramalinga Thevar at Goripalayam junction, was desecrated by some miscreants by smearing cow dung. The stains were noticed by two women, Perumayi and Santhanammal of Sellur around 8.30 am on Monday. On information, the community leaders and representatives of All India Forward Block, Moovendar Munnetra Munnani, Dravida Vizhipunarchi Kazhagam and AIADMK, gathered at the junction and demanded immediate action against the culprits. The crowd damaged bicycles parked nearby and threatened shop owners to down shutters. Police resorted to lathicharge as some of them pelted stones at them. Later speaking to mediapersons, the state organising secretary of AIFB, P V Kathiravan, said this was the sixth such incident in the southern districts after the centenary celebration of Thevar Jeyanthi in October last. He demanded stringent action against the culprits and dismissal of police personnel in-charge of safety of the statue. In view of the incident, buses through Goripalayam junction were diverted and the place wore a deserted look for about an hour. Later fire personnel cleaned the statue. Leaders performed a palabishegam and garlanded the statue. Many arrested, buses damaged Around 62 men, including the founder leader of the MMK, Sethuraman, were arrested in Madurai, when they tried to create a road blockade condemning the desecration of the statue. As many as 52 buses were damaged during agitations held in various parts of the district condemning the desecration. About 205 persons were arrested. According to Boopathy, general manager of TNSTC, Madurai, the windshields of 52 buses have been damaged in the agitations across the district. However, except minor injury to two drivers, no one was injured in the stone pelting incidents. The damage caused so far to the TNSTC buses has been estimated to be Rs 1 lakh.

Karunanidhi says Madurai IT Part inauguration soon

Tamil Nadu Chief Minister M Karunanidhi today told the State Assembly that the foundation stone for a new IT Park in Madurai would be laid in the next few weeks. Replying to supplementaries raised by Mr Nanmaran (CPI-M) during question hour, he said efforts were being taken through the ELCOT to set up IT parks in Coimbatore, Tiruchirapalli, Madurai, Salem and Tirunelveli. The foundation stone had been laid for IT parks in Coimbatore, Salem and Tirunelveli and expeditious steps were being taken in this regard in Tiruchirapalli and Madurai. ''As far as Madurai is concerned, the foundation stone for the IT park will be laid in the next few weeks,'' he added. Responding to Mr V Sivapunniyam (CPI), who wanted the Government to set up an IT park in Thanjavur, the Chief Minister said Thanjavur would be the next in the list. Mr Karunanidhi announced that about 172.19 acres of land had been transferred to ELCOT for setting up a SEZ at Hosur in Krishnagiri district, for which the Centre had given its nod. To another question, he said the software exports from the State had risen from Rs 14,400 crore in 2005-06 to Rs 21,700 crore in 2006-07. It was expected to touch Rs 26,000 crore in 2007-08

Shivaji will surely hit the screens in May- AVM Saravanan

Shivaji will surely hit the screens in May- AVM Saravanan

Here is the first official news about the release of Shivaji, the magnum opus of the industry. Director Shankar has completed the graphics and other minor correction work for the film and is preparing himself to unleash the biggest extravaganza of the year.

The AVM campus has announced that the film will be released most probably on 26th of May. When the correspondent contacted A.V.M. Saravanan, the producer of the film, 'We have planned to release the film Shivaji around the last week of this month. Shankar and his team have been working on it and it is nearing completion...' he told.




Shivaji is not only special for the viewers but it is very special for the super star Rajinikanth too. This is his 100th straight film in his career spanning most of the Indian languages. He has so far acted in a total of 173 films including the remakes and dubbings. In Tamil only he has completed 99 films and Shivaji will be the 100 th in the row.

AVM has erected its first vinyl hoarding for the film at Gemini fly over junction at Anna Salai, Chennai from yesterday. The superstar looks stunning in blue jeans and brown blazer with stylish black glasses. It is needless to talk about the excitement and joy of the fans of the actor. Even passer-byes who have a look at this hoarding for few minutes are surprised by the looks of the 'Basha of Kollywood'. Similar hoardings are expected all over Chennai shortly.

Vijay's new film bombs at BO

A youth icon of sorts, he is a contender for the superstar title in Tamil cinema. The shy and reserved actor Vijay was his usual self at the launch of the Tamil edition of Filmfare magazine in Chennai on Wednesday evening.

"We talk a lot during the interviews and when we read the same stuff on the magazine, it's all the more interesting and thrilling,” says Vijay.

As of now Vijay has more reasons to smile than one. His latest film Pokkiri has completed 100 days and was declared a super-hit, and with Prabhu Deva on the director's seat, no doubt the dance sequences were the toughest part.

"I had no clue how Prabhu Deva was going to dance till the last moment. We didn't even have a rehearsal. It was a straight take so I was a bit nervous but it came out well,” says Vijay.

At a time when his rival Ajith is busy with Billa 2007, a remake of Rajnikanth's Billa, so what would be Vijay's choice for a remake?

"Well, there are many films I would like to remake like Nallavanukku Nallavan and Murattukaalai.

But for now, Vijay is waiting to see the superstar sizzle on screen in Sivaji.

“I am waiting for the release too- 1st day 1st show. I am going to be there with the crowd to watch the movie,” says Vijay.

Villagers enjoy bullfight near Madurai in Spanish style

The sport of bullfighting is popularly associated with Spain, but a non-descript village in Tamil Nadu also enjoys this dangerous sport known as "Jallikattu".

Unarmed males of Keelapati Village near Madurai battle it out in the fields with enraged bulls, and in the process some of the participants suffer serious injuries and even die.

"They announce a prize of 'Kuttuvilakku' (a lamp) or a television set, to whoever succeeds in taming the bull. I won it this year. The bulls are fed very well throughout the year and they are given proper care," said Sunderpandi, the winner of the competition.

Bullfighting in Tamil Nadu is said to be a centuries-old sport. Young winners were richly rewarded and even marriages were fixed during the event.

Drunken bulls, with horns sharpened to make them more dangerous, are let loose from an enclosure into the crowd where thousands stand to participate or view the craving to showcase one's machismo motivates the young and not so young participate.

"I've been injured many times during the bullfight in the past few years. But I've always had great fun. I have been participating since the age of seventeen," said Mayandi, a participant.

A public interest petition was filed in the Madras High Court to ban the game, but the sport continues albeit with a few medical professionals present to attend to injuries.