Making of 'Endhiran'

'Endhiran': The Big Daddy of Entertainers!

'Endhiran', directed by Shankar, is a Rajnikanth Express that transports you to a world you can't envision.



Review

Rajnikanth's feats are legendary by now. In 'Endhiran', he goes a step further. The Robot in 'Endhiran' not only follows orders of his creator, but also cooks, fights, romances and wonder of wonders, has a lengthy conversation with a mosquito and scan loads of books/magazines and an entire telephone directory in a second. Yes, you read it right!

That's not all, this Robot is Superman + Spiderman + Terminator + Godzilla, all rolled into one. There's more to this Robot. It can replicate itself, wage a vicious battle, turn into an Anaconda or a monster ball and wipe off an entire army. Whew! Known for larger than life canvas, 'Endhiran' is Shankar's most expensive and if we may say so, his most imaginative film thus far. And who better than Rajnikanth for the pivotal role!

Final word? A Rajnikanth film is an event and this combo's [Shankar - Rajnikanth] new outing 'Endhiran' is sure to strike like Tsunami. Let us make it short-n-sweet. If you miss 'Endhiran', it's YOUR loss!



Location: Chennai 2010. Mission: Creating a robot Chitti. Purpose: To help the society. Development time: 10 years. Special Features: A human who is not born, but is created. He can dance, sing, fight, is water and fire resistant. He can do all that a human can and more. He feeds on electricity. He takes instructions literally. Where a human can lie to save himself, this robot cannot lie.

Where he has a razor sharp memory and can memorize an entire telephone directory by just running through the pages, he cannot understand human emotions. Dr. Vasi upgrades Chitti's processor and simulates human emotions without realizing the repercussions. Chitti gets transformed. He can now feel and the first feeling that he discovers is Love. Will this love come in the way of Dr. Vasi's purpose of creating Chitti? Will Dr. Vasi's own creation destroy him?

A title like 'Endhiran' automatically puts tremendous responsibility and pressure on the director's shoulders. And 'Endhiran' is not merely a display of VFX, but it also has soul, a story to tell. At first, 'Endhiran' comes across as a clash between the virtuous [Rajnikanth] and wicked [Danny Denzongpa]. But 'Endhiran' changes gears in its post-interval portions as the focus shifts to the creator [Rajnikanth] and his creation [Rajnikanth].



It's a Rajnikanth film and it would be incomplete if his loyal fans don't get to watch his stylish actions and feats. Thankfully, 'Endhiran' showcases it all. He can glide on the railway tracks, run horizontally on a moving train, transform into an Anaconda, can swallow helicopters and even fire at people with his fingers, without using a pistol. These are truly clap-trap moments!

Even otherwise, the screenplay is really well penned and absorbing. While the film is a super ride from start to end, it's the penultimate 25 minutes that leaves you awe-struck and speechless. You can't imagine a Hindi film having such an out of the world climax.

Only thing, Shankar could've controlled the length of the film. It could've been shorter by at least 10 to 15 minutes, which includes doing away with a song or two. Of course, like all Shankar movies, the songs are filmed most imaginatively on exotic locales, but what's the point of having songs if they act as speed breakers?



That Shankar ranks amongst India's best directors is well known by now and 'Endhiran' only cements the fact. His vision and execution of the difficult subject deserves the highest praise, in fact distinction marks. He not only dreams big, but the outcome is incredible too. A.R. Rahman's music doesn't compliment the content of the film, but like we pointed out earlier, every song has been filmed exquisitely. The action and chase sequences are outstanding [Yuen Woo Ping, action choreographer in the 'Matrix' and 'Kill Bill' sequels, was the stunt coordinator]. Visual effects are spectacular [Stan Winston Studio, the studio behind JURASSIC PARK, PREDATOR, TERMINATOR, IRON MAN, AVATAR, provided the animatronics technology]. Cinematography captures the grand production values with precision. The locations of Austria, Machu Picchu in Peru, U.S.A. and Brazil only enhance the visual appeal of the film. The sets are mind-blowing. Dubbing is near-perfect.

'Endhiran' is a Rajnikanth show from start to end. And no other actor, not from Bollywood at least, would be able to do what he does with such amazing ease. Aishwarya Rai Bachchan looks stunning and acts most convincingly. Danny Denzongpa is efficient, as always. The remaining actors enact their parts well.

On the whole, 'Endhiran' is a crowd-pleasing and hugely mass appealing tale of android revolution with a thrilling plot, rich and imaginative screenplay, super action, astounding effects and most importantly, Rajnikanth, who is the soul of the film.

Source: Bollywood Hungama

White hot

Marilyn Monroe



The most famous white dress in Hollywood worn by Marilyn Monroe in the film The Seven Year Itch was voted as the most iconic by British website missbutterfly. The classic shot capturing the halterneck dress flying as the actress stands atop a subway vent ranks among one of Hollywood's finest.



Aishwarya Rai



Aishwarya Rai oozes angel-like charm in a white saree and sleeveless blouse.



Cheryl Cole



Cheryl Cole makes a style statement in a lashed-to-the-hip white Versace dress at the Cannes Film Festival.


Angelina Jolie



Angelina Jolie looks chic as ever in a strapless Versace creation.



On the Ramp



A model walks the ramp in a frilly white creation.


Divya Dutta





Actress Divya Dutta looks radiant in a brilliant white party dress.


Dia Mirza




The body-hugging little white dress accentuates Dia Mirza'a delicate figure.



Katrina Kaif






Katrina Kaif looks gorgeous as ever in a chiffon saree and a halterneck blouse.

Paris Hilton



Paris Hilton sports a lacy white dress from the Triton collection at the Brazil Fashion Week.

Kirsten Stewart



Kirsten Stewart dazzled in a snowy white body hugging Elie Saab dress at the premiere of Twililght Saga: The Eclipse at Los Angeles. The ripped right shoulder looks astounding.



Masaba Gupta and Nishka Lulla




Masaba Gupta and Nishka Lulla look pretty in summery white creations.


Michelle Williams




Actress Michelle Williams in an off-white one-shouldered outfit at the New York premiere of Shutter Island.



Queen Elizabeth II



Queen Elizabeth II looks resplendent in a white gown embellished with Swarovski crystals by her designer Angela Kelly. The dress is one of the Queen's favourites and this is the second time she has been seen wearing it.



Penelope Cruz



Penelope Cruz poses for the cameras at the Goya Awards do in a lovely Gianni Versace ivory column gown.

Nicole Kidman



Actress Nicole Kidman walks the red carpet in a boat-necked white beaded dress at the premiere of the film Australia.



Meryl Streep



Meryl Streep in a spotless white Chris March creation at this year's Oscar bash.


Ann Hathaway




Ann Hathaway looks stunning in a buddy-hugging knee-length one-shouldered outfit.

Ivanka Trump



Ivanka Trump looks fairy-like in an out-of-the-world flowing white outfit.

Source: India Syndicate

Salman-Katrina: Found and Lost?

"Salman Khan is a senior actor and I have learnt a lot from him during the making of the films. He is very focused and dedicated," says Katrina about Salman.



Given the string of women he's dated in the past, his seven-year affair with Katrina had actually come as a surprise for those close to Salman.



Rumour mills had always run double-time when it came to Salman and Katrina's relationship, be it marriage plans, break-ups, or other controversies.



Salman picked a fight with Shahrukh Khan during Katrina Kaif's birthday bash, creating a humongous tiff between both the stars, leaving Katrina visibly upset.



Gossip hawks have also reported that Katrina is enjoying the company of Ranbir Kapoor "immensely".



Salman too seems to have moved on and has found new love in his 'Veer' co-star, Zarine Khan.




But have they really broken up? Or is it another stray rumour? Only time will tell... Till then, it is "Maine Pyaar Kiya" and not "Maine Pyaar Kyun Kiya?"

'Robot' soundtrack lacks Rahman's punch

There are many factors that compel you to have high expectations from the soundtrack of director Shankar's forthcoming film 'Robot' - it is one of the most expensive films of the year, it stars Rajnikanth and Aishwarya Rai and, most importantly, the music has been composed by Oscar-winning music director A.R. Rahman.

Music Review

In spite of all these factors, the music of 'Robot' doesn't impress that much. It lacks the punch and the wow factor that Rahman's songs are known for.

The album has seven tracks.

The soundtrack of 'Robot' begins with "O naye insaan", sung by Rahman's daughter Khatija Rahman and Srinivas D. The slow-paced track is a gloomy one and is sung in a way that it seems a robot is singing it. It's a situational track. Even though it is not such a treat to hear, the song might look good on screen.

Next is a romantic song "Pyaara tera gussa hai", which has something like a scientific language. With Mohit Chauhan and Shreya Ghoshal behind the mike, it has some weird lyrics, maybe because the film features a robot.

Then comes "Naina mile". The fast-paced number is sung by Rahman along with Suzzane and Kash 'N' Krissy. It fails to make a mark.

Strong orchestration marks the arrival of "Arima arima". Sung by Hariharan and Sadhana Sargam, the song describes the protagonist of the film. This is also a situational number and not hummable.

Up next is the song called "Kilimanjaro", a very strange title for a song. Javed Ali and Chinmayi have crooned this peppy track that talks about a girl from the hills. It is better than others but doesn't exude the charm of Rahman's compositions.

Then comes the title track of the film in two versions. One titled "Chitti dance showcase" and the other "Boom boom robo da".

"Chitti..." sung by Pradeep Vijay, Pravin Mani, Rags and Yogi B fluctuates between slow and fast beats, while "Boom Boom..." voiced by Madhushree, Keerthi Sagathia and Tanvi Shah along with Rags and Yogi B is a fast number with a hip hop flavour.

Unfortunately, none of the versions really appeal to the listeners.

On the whole, the music of 'Robot' does not appeal. They may suit the script of the sci-film, but the audio is not impressive.

Source: IANS

Action Replayy Directed by Vipul Shah, the movie stars Akshay Kumar, Aishwarya Rai Bachchan, Randhir Kapoor and Neha Dhupia

Directed by Vipul Shah, the movie stars Akshay Kumar, Aishwarya Rai Bachchan, Randhir Kapoor and Neha Dhupia.

'Action Replayy' is a time-travel caper weaved around a story that progresses backwards in time. Akshay and Aishwarya will be seen together after five years on the big screen. They were last paired opposite each other in Raj Kumar Santoshi's 'Khakee'.

The movie will be released on November 5, 2010.

Source: Bollywood Hungama