Tamil news dec 1

It is Movie Time

Dial these cinema halls to know which film is running or to make your tele-booking now
Sathyam Cinemas
Enquiry: 2851 8444
Tele-booking: 4224 4224 (open 24 hours)
Inox
Enquiry: 2847 8880
Tele-booking: 4265 8888 (10 a.m. to 7 p.m.)
Mayajaal
Enquiry: 2747 2860-65/ 98400 12881
Tele-booking: 4343 6565
Shanti
Enquiry: 2854 9086
Sangam Cinemas
Enquiry and tele-booking: 4208 2233 (10 a.m. to 8 p.m.)
Prathana Drive-In
Enquiry: 2449 1692
Woodlands Theatre
Enquiry and tele-booking: 2848 2150 (7 a.m. to 9.30 p.m.)

The Drummer's First album in tamil

If you are a music lover, this could be something you must have been waiting for. Chennai’s own star percussionist Sivamani, well-known as ‘Drums’ Mani, is out with his maiden music album. Titled Mahaleela, the album is his tribute to the stalwarts of music with whom he had shared the stage and also to mark his 35th year in the music industry.
Mahaleela was launched on Monday afternoon in a brief event in Chennai in the presence of music biggies A. R. Rahman, S. P. Balasubrahmanyam, Mandolin Srinivas, Vikku Vinayakram and Tamil actor-politician Vijay. T. Rajendar.
The new album is a compilation of 12 sound tracks, both vocal and instrumental, featuring artistes like Shankar Mahadevan, Hariharan and Zakir Hussain. International artistes Alma from Bosnia and Lomajin from Mongolia have also contributed to Sivamani’s Mahaleela.
A track titled ‘Abhaji’ is the drummer’s tribute to the late Ustad Allah Rakha Khan, legendary tabla artiste and father of Zakir Hussain. There is also a track named ‘Mothers India’, which is a dedication to our nation.
Mahaleela has been released by Sivamani’s own music label, KKVM, which also witnessed its launch on the occasion.
Sivamani said that his new label will play a pivotal role in identifying and nurturing fresh musical talent. “New and budding artistes will receive all the backing as they seek to launch their music albums,” the percussionist asserts. Mahaleela will be available at all leading music stores in the city with a price tag of Rs. 250 only.


A must read for Rajini Fans

Rajini Pera Kettalae, the title sounds stylish, isn’t it, asks Dr. Gayathri Sreekanth, ophthalmologist and author of ‘The Name is Rajinikanth’. The Tamil translation of the book was launched on Sunday. A die-hard fan of Rajinikanth, the 34-year-old doctor launched the Tamil version in the presence of MP Kanimozhi, film critic Madhan, hotelier Neena Reddy and actor Sivakumar. The book was published in English last March. It took a couple of months to be released in Tamil.
“I had planned to release in English and Tamil together. Though the Tamil version was ready earlier, the release was delayed due to the Kuselan tension,” she revealed in an interview over the phone.
A native of Tirupur, Gayathri is a practising Ophthalmologist in Chennai. “I am a fan of Rajinikanth and have seen all his movies. Inspired by his rag-to-riches story, I felt I should write his biography.
I started compiling the details one-and-a half years back. I basically went to Bangalore to collect materials on Rajinikanth. This book has quotes from Rajinikanth’s school mates as well as friends in film industry. I have also provided a couple of Rajinikanth’s rare photos and posters in the book.”
“The biggest surprise element in the book is about Latha Rajinikanth. Nothing much has been written about her and this book will surely delve in detail about her. In fact, it was Latha Rajinikanth who encouraged me to go ahead with the work,” she added.
Tamil Nadu Chief Minister M. Karunanidhi has written a forward to the book and Kamal Haasan has written a blessing message for the effort in the book.
Gayathri is on top of the world for the compliments given by film critic Madan and M.P. Kanimozhi. “When Madan compared my work with the autobiography of Mahatma Gandhi, I was on cloud nine. And Kanimozhi said it’s wonderful. What more does a writer like me need, than being commended by people like them,” Gayathri said.
And finally what did our Superstar tell after reading the book? “He was very happy with my work.” The book published by Ajay Mago of Om Books International will be available in all leading book stores