Business news: Indian Hotels opens Gateway to better branding

Indian Hotels Company Ltd (IHCL), that runs Taj Hotels, Resorts and Palaces, launched its third brand, The Gateway Hotel (upscale brand), on Thursday in addition to the already existing brands including Taj (luxury) and Ginger (economy). The group will be soon launching a fourth brand as well.

“We plan to have specific brand to cater to a different set of travellers. Some of the properties did not match up to the demand of the customers. Taj kept acquiring properties that were not matching what the Taj stands for and there was a need for positioning the brands in such a manner that the customers get maximum satisfaction,” said Ajoy K Misra, senior vice president, sales and marketing, Indian Hotels Company Ltd.

Under the Gateway brand, Taj group is aiming to have 50 hotels in the next three years. “We will be bringing 16 existing hotel properties under this brand, 10 new properties will be added soon, and 15 properties are under negotiation,” said Misra.

“The Gateway Hotel will be a new brand catering to the emerging set of contemporary travellers. Gateway is a part of the Taj Group’s strategy to have a large footprint across India,” said Raymond N Bickson, managing director, Indian Hotels Company Ltd.

Bickson said that the group is looking at scaling up the brand to a large number of hotels across India. The group is open to both owning and management model for the brand. The brand will be present in all business districts and leisure locations across India.

Currently, the group has about 1,300 rooms already under the Gateway brand, which it plans to double in the next three years. The average room rate of Gateway brand hotels will range from Rs 3,000 to Rs 6,000 depending upon the location.

The hotels that will be re-flagged under the Gateway brand are in cities like Agra, Bangalore, Calicut, Chikmagalur, Coonoor, Jaipur, Jaisalmer,Madurai, Mangalore, Nasik, Sasan Gir, Surat, Vadodara, Varanasi, Vijayawada and Vishakhapatnam. While the new locations looked at for the Gateway brand are Mumbai, Bangalore, Chennai, Pune, Jullunder, Mysore, Navi Mumbai, Raipur and Gondia.

On investment, Misra said, “Around Rs 40 lakh per room will be invested in the new Gateway hotel project, while investment in existing projects that are being refurbished is much less. The properties under this brand currently have around 100-200 rooms.

Source:financial express.com

Tamil Cinema: A different route for a Tamil film

I DIDN'T know anything about this movie when I went to see it except that it starred popular actors Prakash Raj and and Jayaram (a Malayalam film comedian).

So, it was a surprise to find 2½ hours passing by quickly. These veteran actors were not the main characters in the movie, however, they were five new youngsters.

Saroja is unlike most Tamil movies in that it's a kind of road movie with lots of action and suspense.

Four friends (Vaibhav, S.P. Charan, Premji and Shiva) decide to go on a long-distance trip — from Chennai to Hyderabad — to see a cricket game.
At some point in the journey, they are forced to take a shortcut that takes them through hell. They become involved in a kidnapping of a girl called Saroja (Vega) and have to use their wits to stay alive and also flee from criminals.

There is plenty of humor throughout the movie and, and the songs are mercifully kept to a minimum.

Director Venkat Prabhu's first directorial venture Pacecode Chennai 600028 (also about cricket) proved to be an unexpected hit.

While most scenes have been handled well, a few show up the director's inexperience. For example, the four face death at every turn, but for some strange reason, they don't arm themselves with the knives and guns they seize from the bad guys.

Some scenes look grainy, probably because many of them were filmed at night.

Running the goof-ups at the end of the film's credits seems out of place in an action movie.

Prakash Raj plays Saroja's father while Jayaram is the police officer assigned to rescue her.

Rather than the actors, it is the story (inspired by Hollywood's Judgement Night) and its treatment that is the winner here.

Saroja will satisfy moviegoers looking for a Tamil film with a difference

Simbu’s new heroine is Sarath Kumar's beautiful daughter Varalaxmi in Poda Podi

At the 55th Tiger Balm Filmfare Awards (South), on Saturday evening at the Nehru stadium, the cynosure of all eyes was Sarath Kumar and his beautiful daughter Varalaxmi looking gorgeous in a blue net sari with intricate zardosi work.

It looked like Sarath was officially launching her at Kollywood’s biggest bash, though they came just to attend the function. They got top billing and were invited on stage to present Priyamani with her award.

The grapevine was abuzz with rumours a few weeks ago that Varalaxmi Sarath Kumar was going to play Simbu’s heroine in his next film Poda Podi, a musical love story, to be shot in Toronto by a US-based NRI. Varalaxmi, Sarath’s daughter from his first marriage to Chaya, a designer and social worker, is beautiful, tall and attractive. She is also articulate, has style and élan to be a movie star, and is said to be a good dancer.

Varalaxmi or Varu as she is called at home has done her PhD in microbiology and has an MSc in management from the Edinburgh University in Scotland.

Speaking exclusively to CT, Varu says, “I always wanted to be an actress. I had done some stage shows and was also very impressed by Cats, the Broadway show. I even staged the show in Chennai for my friends and family. I think that must have impressed my dad, who agreed to launch me in movies.” Varu has done a six-month acting course from the prestigious Anupam Kher’s Actor Prepares academy in Mumbai.

When contacted, Sarath Kumar says, “I believe any talent has to be encouraged. Like any father, I wanted her to complete her basic studies and then branch out into acting, which is her passion. Her stage show impressed me a lot. I know she has it in her to make it big in cinema. I will always be there as her guiding force to make her career a success.”

Tamil Latest Movie Subramanyapuram - a quick Review

Debutant director Sasi Kumar tries to present a different show through his much expected Subramanyapuram with the typical eighties backdrop. A former associate of Bala and Ameer, Sasi has come out with a fine watch worthy movie.

The film is the story of four youths growing up in Madurai locality and turn as killers due to unemployment and circumstances. Azhagar (Jai), Paramar (director Sasi Kumar), Kasi (Kanja Garuppu) and a handicapped young man in Subramanyapuram area. They do the odd jobs and working as sincere cadets of local politicians Somu and his brother (Samudrakani). Azhagar, the hero among the four, latter falls in love with the Somu's daughter Thulasi (Swathy). But his gang opposes the love and warns him many occasions.

Meanwhile the councilor's brother uses them to murder a party rival, promising they will be bailed out. Azhagar and Paramar committing the murder and surrender in the court. But nobody comes to bail them out. Later they realize that all are the planned conspiracy of the local politician. Now the gang turns into a revenge mood, which leads to a bloodshed second half.

The way of presentation beats the story but keep the viewers to stay in their seats. The art director and costume designer has worked hard to give that feel and look of the Madurai of the 80's. The camera work is excellent and it gives the feel of eighties in the first half, particularly in that theater scene.

The director is often using Illayaraja's golden hits and BGM in many scenes that give a different colour to the film. At the same time, we must appreciate music director James Vasant for coming out with some retro music.

The only drawback is that the film is too bloody and gory in the second half, particularly in the murder of Azhagar and Paramar's way of revenge for that (He just cut the throat of the villain in a running auto with a knife).

The actors are newcomers but contribute excellently throughout the film. Jai (Chennai-28 fame) as the romantic killer with the typical eighties costume has done a commendable job. The director comes in the role of Paramar also a welcome new face. The handicapped guy, Ganja Garuppu and Samudrakani are simply excellent. The new heroine Swathy is refreshing and her eyes speak a lot than her lips.

Sasi Kumar should be patted back for his hard work to recreate the magic of eighties on the screen with a sincere screenplay. No doubt, Subramanyapuram is a worthy film to list out top 20 Tamil films released in recent years.

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).

Madurai Flight timings and Air fare details - Updated

Madurai Airport is approximately 13 kilometers from the Madurai Railway station, and currently has connectivity to Bangalore, Chennai and Mumbai. International flights from Madurai to Colombo, Singapore and Gulf countries plan to start their service this year.

Did You Know?

• 3 flights per week fly out of Madurai, INDIA connecting to Mumbai, INDIA


• Jet Airways India has 1 one stop flights between Madurai, INDIA and Mumbai, INDIA.


• The largest aircraft operated by Kingfisher Airlines flying between Madurai, INDIA and Mumbai, INDIA is a ATR with 46 seats.


• 3 airlines operate between Madurai, INDIA and Mumbai, INDIA

Madurai to chennai ticket fare and timings - Updated for May 2008

Air Deccan - Rs. 2675

Fares

Departs

Arrives

Airlines

Rs. 2675

8:15 AM

9:25 AM

Deccan [DN-158]

Rs. 2875

8:40 AM

10:05 AM

Jet Airways [9W 3522]

Rs. 3224

8:30 AM

9:30 AM

Paramount [I7402]

Rs. 4200

8:55 PM

10:10 PM

Jet Airways [9W 3520]

Rs. 5174

2:40 PM

3:35 PM

Paramount [I7404]

Rs. 5174

5:20 PM

6:15 PM

Paramount [I7480]

Rs. 5574

8:25 PM

9:25 PM

Paramount [I7458]

Madurai to Bangalore ticket fares and timings - Updated for May 2008

Fares

Departs

Arrives

Airlines

Rs. 2675

7:55 AM

9:10 AM

Deccan [DN-160]

Rs. 2675

7:55 PM

9:00 PM

Deccan [DN-106]

Rs. 3754

8:30 AM

10:40 AM

Paramount [I7402]

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Madurai - Mumbai Flight timings last updated - May 2008

Departure (Madurai)	Airlines	Days	Arrival (Mumbai)	Flight Num
13:40	Indian	Daily	16:55	IC672

Jet airways details

8:40 am Depart Madurai Arrive Mumbai 1:45 pm

Sat 17-May Duration: 5hr 5mn

Jet Airways (India) 3522 / 335 Connect in Chennai (Madras) (MAA)

8:40 am Depart Madurai Arrive Mumbai 4:05 pm

Sat 17-May Duration: 7hr 25mn

Jet Airways (India) 3522 / 488 Connect in Chennai (Madras) (MAA)

8:55 pm Depart Madurai Arrive Mumbai 8:45 pm +1 day

Sat 17-May Duration: 23hr 50mn

Jet Airways (India) 3520

Inquiry Numbers for Airdeccan, Jetairways and Indian airlines:

Jet airways contact Details:

Dial our multi-purpose call centre number - 3989 3333 - across Mumbai, Delhi, Chennai, Hyderabad, Bangalore & Kolkata, and access all the information under one roof.

For any queries related to international flights, please call 1800 22 55 22. This number can be dialled only within India and can be reachable from BSNL and MTNL lines.

Chennai
Jet Airways 855 5353, 234 6557
Sahara India 826 3661, 233 0056

To receive instant flight information, SMS Jet "FlightNumber" to 56388.

source: jetairways.com

Air Deccan Contact Details

Jammu & Kashmir, Assam, Arunachal Pradesh, Nagaland, Mizoram, Manipur, Meghalaya & Tripura			18004257008
Andhra Pradesh	9849677008	Maharashtra	9890477008
Delhi	9818177008	Mumbai	9892577008
Gujarat	9898377008	Tamil Nadu	9894477008
Karnataka	9845777008	Chennai	9840377008
Kolkata	9831677008

Bangalore

No. 35 / 2, Cunningham Road,
Opposite Canara Bank,
Bangalore -560 052.

Chennai

No. 47, Deshbandhu Plaza,
Whites Road, Royapettah, (Near Satyam Theatre),
Chennai 600 -014.

source: www.airdeccan.net/

Indian airlines contact details

STATION	Main Booking Office
Delhi	Safdarjung Airport, Aurbindo Marg, New Delhi-110 003 (0700-2300)Malhotra Building Connaught Place (Mon-Sat) (1000-1700)
Mumbai	1st floor ,Air India Building.Nairaman Point, 218,Backbay Reclamation,Mumbai-400 021
Kolkata	Airlines House ,39,Chittaranjan Avenue,Kolkata-700 012
Chennai	19,Rukmini Lakshmipathi Salai, Egmore ,Chennai-600 008
Bangalore	Cauvery Bhavan, Kempegowda Road,Bangalore-560 009
Hyderabad	HACA Bhavan,5-10-193,Hill Fort Road,Saifabad,Hyderabad-500 0041

Madurai Indian Airlines:
Reservation:2341234 / 2341236
Flight Info: 2690433

source: www.indianairlines.in

Madurai Airport expansion - Land acquision sanctioned - New terminal at Madurai airport by 2009

The Tamil Nadu government had given administrative sanction to acquire 614.33 acres of land to expand the Madurai airport, Chief Minister M. Karunanidhi said, laying the foundation stone for a terminal building here on Saturday.

The government had requested the Civil Aviation Ministry to share the cost of Rs 110 crore for the acquisition. Cost-sharing was not a pre-condition, but the government expected the Ministry to extend “50 per cent cooperation for the project.”

Stating that the Sethusamudram Ship Channel Project could have become a reality by last year but for hindrance created by certain forces, the Chief Minister said similar obstacles could crop up for the airport also. “People would try to stall this also in the interest of the poor and farmers,” he said with a tinge of sarcasm.

The Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam and the government were ready to go all out, even by laying down lives, to aid farmers. Mr. Karunanidhi said the country required necessary infrastructure to face global competition in future.

On the country’s development under the United Progressive Alliance regime, he said: “The sun [the DMK] is giving light for the world and the ‘hand’ [the Congress] has lit it.” He sought support from the “hammer and sickle” [the Left parties] too.

Praful Patel, Minister of State for Civil Aviation, promised that the Madurai airport would become an international one. “The day the terminal is inaugurated an international flight will land here.” Stating that Tamil Nadu was the only State to get three airports out of 35 non-metro airports that were being upgraded or modernised, he attributed it to the efforts of the Chief Minister.

Airports Authority of India Chairman K. Ramalingam said the groundwork for the expansion of the Chennai airport had begun; work would start soon.

The Chief Minister also laid the foundation stone for two information technology parks that would come up at Ilanthaikulam and Vadapalanji on the city’s outskirts. The Union government has accorded special economic zone status for both.

The park at Ilandaikulam is to be on 28.91 acres and the one at Vadapalanji on 239.58 acres. ELCOT will develop an IT building with an area of one million square feet in 10 acres of land at a cost of Rs. 300 crore on public-private partnership basis. It will develop common infrastructure at a cost of Rs. 30 crore.


Chief minister M Karunanidhi on Saturday laid the foundation stone for a new integrated terminal building at the Madurai airport, a facility that would handle 500 passengers at a time.

Airport officials said the integrated terminal building would be ready by March 2009. Constructed at a cost of Rs 130 crore, it would have state-of-the-art facilities and amenities, including aerobridges, flight information display system and centralised air-conditioning.

The present terminal has the capacity to handle only 200 passengers.

Laying the foundation stone, Karunanidhi said the airport was being modernised, as promised by the DMK in its election manifesto.

Responding to a demand by Dindigul MP N S V Chittan that the state government should provide land required for the airport’s expansion free of cost, the chief minister announced that the government had already accorded administrative sanction for acquisition of 616 acres.

However, he wanted the Union Civil Aviation Ministry to bear half of the land’s cost.

Karunanidhi said all airports in the state would be pieces of architectural excellence and match world class airports.

Union minister of state for civil aviation Praful Patel promised that international flights would be operated once the integrated terminal was ready in 2009. The modernized airport would boost economic activity and growth in the region, he said.

Karunanidhi also laid the foundation stones for IT parks developed by Electronics Corporation of Tamil Nadu at Ilandaikulam and Vadapalanji in Madurai.

Super star's fans condsuct special poojas

In an unique way to bring Tamil film superstar Rajinikanth to politics, some of his fans sacrificed goats to a local deity and offered special poojas, here Sunday.

Members of the Rajinikanth Fans Association took out a procession from Munichalai area to the local temple and sacrificed three goats to the deity and performed special poojas in order to please the almighty to bring Rajinikanth to the politics. Later, they offered anna dhanam (free food) to the poor people in that area.

Talking to mediamen, Elango, a functionary of the association, said after MGR, it is only Rajinikanth who will be the successful person from the tinsel world to enter politics. We want him not only to give hit movies but also to enter politics, he added. It may be recalled that few years ago, Rajinikanth wanted to enter into politics during the AIADMK regime in Tamil Nadu, after his blockbuster movie Badsha. But, later he hesitated to enter into the political world and said that he was concentrating more on movies stating entering into politics is only in the hands of God and it will happen only as God wishes.

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'.

Dasavatharam Audio and Trailer release

Actor Kamal Haasan’s much-awaited ‘Dasavatharam’ was expected to be released on Tamil New Year’s Day. However, the team has been working on the computer graphics, causing a delay in completion. The word is that it would take a couple of months before the film hits the cinemas.

All the same, news about actor Jackie Chan coming for the audio launch scheduled on April 25 has been doing the rounds for a while, causing some excitement. Industry sources say the actor was paid a huge sum (a few crores) to participate in the event.

He will take a special charter flight to reach Chennai and an entire floor in Hotel Park Sheraton has been booked for the actor and his associates.

The launch, to be held at the Nehru Indoor Stadium, will also have leading actors representing other film industries in India, including Bollywood’s Amitabh Bachchan, Mammootty representing the Malayalam industry, Kannada actor Vishnuvardhan and actor Vijay.

The climax song penned by lyricist Vairamuthu, ‘Ulaganayaganae…’, and set to music by music director Himesh Reshammiya will have Kamal in all the 10 avtars. Director K.S. Ravikumar will make an appearance, and shots of the process Kamal went through for the different guises have been included. Sony is said to have received orders for about 50,000 copies of the music CD.

Director P. Vasu, who is busy with ‘Superstar’ Rajinikanth’s film ‘Kuchelan’, is lately amused by rumours about a possible inclusion of several leading stars in a song. “Why would we do that…something on those lines has already been tried in a recent Hindi film. It is absolutely false…,” he told The .

The director said the shoot was on in full swing. Apart from actor Pasupathy, who plays the super hero’s friend, actor Prabu plays an interesting role as Rajinikanth’s security officer, he said.

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.

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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

Newtonin Moondram Vidhi by S.J. Suryah

S.J. Suryah returns after a brief sabbatical with Madras Entertainment (P) Ltd. Newtonin Moondram Vidhi, produced by S. Nandagopal and directed by Thi Muthu Selvan. To announce the launch of the film, a press conference was held at Hotel Aditya, Chennai recently. “My last two films in which I played the lead role didn’t do well at the box-office. So I waited for the right script to come my way to take the actor’s mantle again,” said Suryah who found a perfect script this time from Thai Selvan.

“It is a bold love story where I have to go bald in some scenes,” he laughs. “The heroine is raped by a rich businessman and so the hero takes revenge. At the outset the theme may look familiar. But what makes it different is the way the director dealt with the script,” said Suryah. Thai Selvan said, “I scripted a theme that takes place in two and half hours. The shoot will take place in two schedules.”

Bharathi Raja's on small screen

“It will be like my movies but the only difference is that you will be watching it on the small screen,” stated veteran director Bharathi Raja who is making foray into television serial with Thekkethi Ponnu, set in rural milieu. Talking to media persons at his office, the ace director said, “through serials one can convey without fear what he has to say at length whereas in movies one has to face financial risks and also one is compelled to produce a blockbuster.” His current serial set in his favourite milieu, the village, stars popular film actors; Napolean, Ranjitha, Vaigai Chandrasekhar and Swarnamalya in lead roles. It was shot extensively in Madurai, Kambam, Theni, Andipatti and surrounding areas. The woman-centric mega serial is aired from April 14 on Kalaignar TV.

Pyramid Saimira launch 10 films

P.S. Saminathan, Managing Director, Pyramid Saimira group has created a record of sorts by launching ten Tamil films in a single day at a muhurat held at the Concert Hall in Lady Andal Educational Institutions Complex in Chennai. He said that the company will invest around Rs. 35-40 cr. towards the production of these ten films to be made by yesteryears’ veteran producers Kovai Thambi, Amudha Durairaj, Sangili Murugan, Ramanathan, Karumari Kandasamy, Ramasubbiah, Azhagan Tamilmani, K. Balu, K. Rajan, A.K. Vishnuram and veteran actor Radha Ravi.
“Our group will produce 24 Tamil films under this method of partnership with highly creative and experienced producers, will also seed new talents so that different kinds of films and genre are made available to the discerning film goers from one banner,’ said K.S. Srinivasan, the company’s director. The ten producers received the scripts from film luminaries and Radha Ravi’s speech laced with anecdotes and humour enthralled the audience. Saimira has announced that it will produce 52 films this year. “The company has already completed 6 films in various languages and seven films are in various stages of production. Our aim is to produce 100 films a year in different languages,” said Mr. Saminathan whose company controls over 800 screens in India besides theatres in U.S.A., Malyasia, Singapore, Gulf Countries and Europe.

Following his controversial BF, S J Suryah was tipped to begin A/C starring Silambarasan as Elumalai and actress Asin as Chitra.

This Project was Later Dropepd (thats how the outside sources say), but I still managed to get some pics from the movie (Publicity Stills).

Shivaji Shreya with Vaigai Puyal Vadivelu - Tamil cine

Shriya Saran who became the ‘numer uno’ Tamil actress after the stupendous success of Rajnikanth’s Sivaji, is now doing an item number in Vadivel’s Indiralaokathil Na Azhagappan, for a whopping amount!

For the last three days the shooting of an item number choreographed by Shobhi and a scene featuring Shriya and Vadivel is going on in and around Ambasamudram, near Tenkasi. The producer of the film Seventh Channel Manickam Narayanan has pulled off a coup by managing to get Shriya’s call sheet for the film.

Vadivel plays three different roles in this movie, directed by Thambi Ramaiah- "Indran", "Yaman" and a normal person. Art Director is Thotta Tharani, Gopinath is the cameraman. Sabesh - Murali has composed the songs and Yamini Sharma is the heroine.

At a time when a new breed of item number girls are cropping up in the likes of Mumaith Khan, Nanditha and Rahasiya, the leading ladies are up for it again. Hardly had these girls started seeing the light of day, the heroines have eclipsed them. We are talking about Shriya who has done just that for Indiralogathil Na. Azhagappan, which has Vadivelu playing lead.


She has put all rumors to rest by signing the dotted line and shooting for a song and a couple of scenes in the movie, this came as a surprise to many in the industry as this is something that has never been done by a leading lady, especially someone who is at the peak of their career.

She isn’t doing that without reason, this smart Haryanvi girl who is a graduate from LSR has her priorities in place. She has been paid a whopping sum of 50 Lacs for this movie which involves only a few days of shooting, less than a week to be precise. She demands a sum of 65 lacs for a full movie, which would demand about 100 days of shooting, vis-a –vis 50 lacs for just about a week long shoot, makes perfect business sense doesn’t it? She has decided to overlook the hero of the movie and her star status for probably this reason. This song is being shot in a rainy setting; surely Shriya knows how to make hay even while it rains.


Shreya's New Boy friend