Ramdoss demands referendum on Tamil Eelam Thursday, November 30, 2006 | Nayan
Pattali Makkal Katchi (PMK), a constituent of the UPA at the Centre, today demanded that India should press for a referendum in Tamil inhabiting areas of Sri Lanka to know whether they were for a separate nation of Tamil Eelam.Talking to reporters here, party founder S Ramadoss called for a complete shift in the foreign policy of India towards Sri Lanka. India should try to understand Sri Lankan Tamils' viewpoint and change its policy.
Top actress nude scenes in Kadhal Arangam ?? Thursday, November 30, 2006 | Nayan
Kadhal Arangam was regarded as the most obscene film by censor board recently. Yet the film maker Velu Prabhakaran is claiming that as masterpiece. Shirley, a debutant actress showed her nude in the film and also participated in an intercourse scene. Velu Prabhakaran is no way agreeing to cut those scenes and hence Censor did not give green signal to release it. The film cannot be released even with an A certificate as per censor. It is not meant for public viewing, said censor members. According to souces Velu Prabhakaran sought the help of Super Star Rajni Kant to rescue him. The budget incurred on the film was big and even Velu Prabhakarans financial problems are linked up with this film.
Reema Sen in controversy Thursday, November 30, 2006 | Nayan
Reema Sen the headlines for her verbal attack on Silambarasan after her scenes in Vallavan were chopped, has softened her stance. She is also worried that Simbu did this to elevate the role of Nayantara. But now, the split between Nayan Tara and Simbu has also seen light. That is differnet issue indeed. In a recent interview to a vernacular daily, the actor said, I have no right to shout at a director. Though I was disappointed at my scenes being removed, I realize that a director has all rights to include or remove a scene from a movie. Even now, my role in Vallabha is winning me accolades. People appreciate my performance.
Sun TV will be pay channel from December 2nd Monday, November 27, 2006 | Nayan
South India-based television broadcaster Sun TV Ltd has announced that its flagship channel, Sun TV, will be a pay channel with effect from December 2, 2006. The rate for the cable operators for Sun TV will be Rs 12 per month, per subscriber. Sun TV has declared that it would be available as a pay channel for Rs 5 in CAS areas of Delhi, Mumbai and Kolkata, but would be free-to-air in Chennai. It is not known whether it is going to be a pay channel in Chennai as well.
Madhavan and Reema Sen in Rendu Monday, November 27, 2006 | Nayan
After their successful pairing in Minnale, Madhavan and Reema Sen come together yet again in Rendu, directed by Sunder C., who pens the story and scripts the screenplay jointly with Subha. The film is produced by Khushboo for her banner Avni Cinemax and presented by Oscar Ravichandran. The story is about a youth who comes to Chennai to meet his friends, and his various experiences.
Karuna inaugurated one of the largest prison in Asia at Puzhal Monday, November 27, 2006 | Nayan
Tamil Nadu Chief Minister M Karunanidhi inaugurated the 212-acre new prison complex, stated to be one of the largest in Asia, at Puzhal, around 25 km from Chennai.The state-of-the-art complex, constructed at Rs 77 crore can house 3,000 prisoners - nearly twice the capacity of the present one situated near the Central railway station.The Puzhal central prison complex was under construction for the past 20 years and consists of separate blocks for convicts, undertrials and women.The hygienic and properly ventilated campus was expected to reduce congestion in prisons - an oft-repeated complaint in the current central prison, and wipe out lack of space.
Sri Lankan President visit: Various organisations staged protests Sunday, November 26, 2006 | Nayan
Cutting across party lines, various political parties and organisations staged protests across Tamil Nadu against Sri Lanka President Mahinda Rajapakses five-day visit to India.Supporters of Pattali Makkal Katchi, Dalit Panthers of India, Tamil Nationalist Movement, Tamil Nadu Nationalist Congress Party and a few other organisations and Dalit groups held protests in all district headquarters condemning Rajapakse's arrival in India, reports said.
Nayanatara and Simbu lip locking scene on posters making profits Sunday, November 26, 2006 | Nayan
The movie that was released recently amidst lots of controversies is Vallavan. At last the distributors are very happy as the movie has not made any loss because of the lip lock scene on posters. The smooching scene between Nayantara and Simbu is highlighted and much hyped before the release of the film. That could pull lots of crowds to theaters. However the posters were censored later but the word of mouth campaign brought the youth audience to theatres. Despite a big turmoil in her love life with Simbu, Nayantara could make the distributors happy with thumping collections all the while.
India should reject Sri Lankan President proposal: Vaiko Sunday, November 26, 2006 | Nayan
Opposing Sri Lankan President Mahinda Rajapakse's visit to India, the MDMK today said New Delhi should not have any defence pact with the island nation or agree to joint patrolling of the maritime boundary of the two countries.MDMK leader Vaiko made this clear to External Affairs Minister Pranab Mukherjee when he met him here this morning.The Sri Lankan President is cunningly trying to lay a trap to get Indias naval assistance for their military offensive (against the LTTE). India should totally reject such a proposal if it is placed by Sri Lanka, Vaiko told a press conference at New Delhi.
Miss Andhra in Nenjilirukkum Varai Sunday, November 26, 2006 | Nayan
Miss Andhra 2005 Poonam Kaur aka Deepa debuted on Telugu screen with the films Mayajaalam and Oka V Chitram. The latest information is that she is going to debut on Tamil screen with the film Nenjilirukkum Varai, which means until you stay in heart.Interesting aspect is that the director of the film is SA Chandrasekaran who introduced Simran to screen with the film Once More. Another small coincidence is that both Simran and Poonam Kaur hail from Punjab. With this, the impressions are making rounds that like Simran who shook the industry with her films; even Poonam would do the same after falling in the hands of SA Chandrasekaran.
Singapore Airlines coming with more destinations Thursday, November 23, 2006 | Nayan
In a bid to strengthen its presence in India, Singapore Airlines is on the lookout for new destinations in the country for operation of its services.The airlines, which was now operating from ten destinations in the country, would explore the possibilities of operating from more centres, Foo Chai Woo, General Manager, Singapore Airlines (India), told reporters at Chennai. The airlines would soon be introducing more spacious first class seats in its aircraft.
Karuna threatens to boycott Mullaperiyam dam issue talks Thursday, November 23, 2006 | Nayan
Tamil Nadu Chief Minister M Karunanidhi today threatened to boycott the talks with his Kerala counterpart V S Achuthanandan on the Mullaperiyar dam issue in New Delhi on November 29 if the Centre did not step in and stop the neighbouring states unlawful acts. Karunanidhi, who has written a letter to Prime Minister Manmohan Singh seeking his intervention on the issue, took exception to the visit by 17 naval officers to the dam site today to check its safety following a request from the Kerala government.
Prabhu Deva to perform in Goan film festival Thursday, November 23, 2006 | Nayan
Goan film festivals are the talks of tinsel town now. Actor Cum Choreographer-turned director Prabhu Deva will perform at the inaugural function of the International Film Festival to be held at Goa from November 24.The much-awaited film festival will showcase films from various countries, and panel discussions have also been organized. As part of the inauguration, a mega cultural event is organized in which Prabhu Deva will perform followed by Bollywood heart-throb Hrithik Roshan.
Telugu actress Anushka stepped into Tamil film industry with A certificate Thursday, November 23, 2006 | Nayan
Hot Yoga Teacher turned Telugu actress Anushka has now stepped into Tamil film industry with the film Rendu. Sundar C is the director of the film and it is being produced by Khushboo.Madhavan is playing male lead in the film while Anushka is sharing the screen along with Reema Sen.For the degree of violence and skin show, the film is tagged with A certificate as per the fresh sources. Censor board suggested a few cuts in the film to get U certificate but Sundar C denied the suggestion. Hence, the board members signed off by tagging A certificate to the film.
Trustees appointed for TM temples Wednesday, November 22, 2006 | Nayan
Tamil Nadu Chief Minister M Karunanidhi has appointed trustees for 20 temples in the state, each of which has an annual income of above Rs 10 lakh.An official press release said here yesterday that five trustees, including a woman representative and one belonging to the Adi Dravidar community, had been appointed.
Jaya criticised on Mullaperiyar dam Wednesday, November 22, 2006 | Nayan
Joining issue with AIADMK supremo Jayalalithaa over her criticism of governments handling of the Mullaperiyar dam issue, Tamil Nadu Chief Minister M Karunanidhi has sought to know why she had kept quiet over the issue when the apex court had given a verdict that the dams storage level could be raised from 136 feet to 142 feet.Why was Jayalalithaa keeping quiet when the Kerala government passed a resolution in its state Assembly against the apex court order? Was not the interest of the farmers important then? Keeping quiet then and criticising now is only a futile argument,he said in a statement here last night.
TN Dalit bought for two lakh rupees Monday, November 20, 2006 | Nayan
The brouhaha over the celebrations held recently by the DMK government to pat itself for getting the upper castes to accept Dalit presidents in four caste-ridden panchayats has hardly died down. Now, it is emerging from a village nearby that a Dalit woman president had been enslaved to do the bidding of an upper caste Thevar.
E.. Attracting mass Sunday, November 19, 2006 | Nayan
Director - S P Jananathan Cast - Jeeva, Nayanthara, Pasupathi, Ashish Vidyarthi, Karunas, Arya Genre - Action He is a youth of the slums, earning his living conning and thieving. And naturally he is the first suspect when things go wrong in the area. E... short for Eashwaran, is shabby and dirty, his teeth stained, indulging in drunken bouts and rowdysim. Which, however, doesnot stop Jyoti, a bar dancer, from falling in love with him and pursuing him. But then comes the turning point when E finds his purpose in life.
Vallavan Sunday, November 19, 2006 | Nayan
Cast: Simbu, Nayanatara, Reema Sen Age is no barrier to true love, goes the theme of actor Silambarasans debut directorial venture Vallavan. Scripted by him, the film is clearly targetted at the younger generation. Simbu depicts the three women in the protagonist's life, each personifying friendship, obsession and love. And for a debutant, it is a commendable effort, making the situations interesting and different, balancing the female leads, putting his point through, and getting the best out of his cast.
Carved blocks found under Mahabalipuram Sunday, November 19, 2006 | Nayan
Rocks with step-like cuttings, a wall and carved blocks found under the sea in the southern coast near the heritage site of Mahabalipuram are believed to be evidence of an early settlement or a port.The Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) came across the remains while recently conducting excavations underwater at the site in Tamil Nadu.Mahabalipuram is a historical place. We started detailed excavation 500 metres from the shore in the sea and recently came across different types of rocks which indicate human activity. We have also found a wall running from the shore into the sea, Alok Tripathy, Superintending Archaeologist of ASIs underwater archaeology wing, told media.
Anandan head the TNPW Board Saturday, November 18, 2006 | Nayan
Former TNCC president Kumari Anandan will head the Tamil Nadu Palm Workers Welfare Board, Chief Minister M Karunanidhi announced today. An official press release here said the other members of the board would be announced soon.The government had already issued an order for constituting 13 welfare boards for unorganised workers in the state. This is one of the promises made by the DMK during the Assembly elections.
Thalaimagan Saturday, November 18, 2006 | MP
Thalaimagan directed by Sarat Kumar is a produced by his wife under the banner of Radhan Pictures. Sarath himself plays the lead role and the film also marks his 100th film. Cheran pens the script for the film and that gives a racy side to the political entertainer. Heroine Nayantara has nothing much to offer. So is Sarath who dons the role of an investigative journalist. Seema Biswas excels in her role as the corrupt police officer. Vadivelu's humour brings in some relief. Srikanth Deva's music is a let down.
TANUVAS signs MoU with US varsity Saturday, November 18, 2006 | MP
Tamil Nadu Veterinary and Animal Sciences University (TANUVAS) has entered into an agreement with a US varsity, Virginia Tech University in Maryland. The MoU signed between the two institutions is to facilitate research studies and exchanging of administration and management techniques. The reserch programmes would focus on studies on animal diseases and animal biotechnology. The University VC also informed that the varsity was also to begin certificate courses on `Artificial Insemination' and `Laboratory Technician'.
TN to enforce VAT from Jan 1st Thursday, November 16, 2006 | MP
After its nearby States like Kerala, Andhra Pradesh, Karnataka going the VAT way, Tamil Nadu is all set to implement the Value Added Tax(VAT) system from January 1, 2007. Minister of Commercial Taxes has maintained that he State would enforce the VAT system as scheduled and had asked all traders to obtain Tax Payers Identification Number. Traders need to apply and get registered under VAT and this could be done even online with the facility now being made available in the internet.
Special trains to Tiruchi, Nagercoil Wednesday, November 15, 2006 | MP
Southern Railways has announced the operation of special trains to Tiruchi and Nagercoil to meet with the extra rush during the winter season. This includes weekly special trains Chennai Egmore-Nagercoil Special that leaves Egmore at 7 p.m. on Mondays(Nov 20, 2006-Jan 22, 2007) reaching Nagercoil at 8.15 a.m. the next day. Return from Nagercoil on Tuesdays at 1:30pm and will arrive Egmore at 4:30am next day. The other one, Tiruchi-Chennai Egmore Special will leave Tiruchi at 9 p.m. on Sundays (from Nov 19 -Jan 21, 2007). It will arrive at Egmore at 4 a.m. the next day. Chennai Egmore-Tiruchi Special will leave Egmore at 11.15 p.m. on Wednesdays(from Nov 22, 2006 - Jan 24, 2007) reaching Tiruchi at 6.15 a.m. the next day.
BJP against genetically engineered crops Tuesday, November 14, 2006 | MP
BJP party state Presdient has said that his party would oppose against the cultivation of genetically modified crops in the State. "Our party will protest against cultivation of genetically-engineered paddy and we are prepared to court arrest too in this regard.' he said indicating that going for genetic engineeering crops would hinder with the agriculture production in the State. He also questioned on the government's stance on converting wastelands to set up SEZs.
TN to woo tourists with helipad tourism Monday, November 13, 2006 | MP
After Kerala, Tamilnadu too is going for Helipad tourism aimed at attracting more foreign tourists to the state. The helicopter services from Madurai to Kanyakumari, Kodaikanal and Udhagamandalam are being proposed by the tourism department, said Tourism Minister. Besides a special ferry service to the Tiruvalluvar statue in the sea off Kanyakumari and a tourism exhibition in Chennai in December are also under consideration, he added.
Vidyasagar to compose music for Periyar Sunday, November 12, 2006 | MP
The latest buzz is that Vidyasagar will compose music for the film on Periyar. It was Illayaraja who was offered with the music direction in the first place. But lately the music maestro has refused the offer saying that he was not comfortable to work on the movie as his ideas were quiet different from that of Periyar's. 'I have a great respect for Periyar. But my life is total contrast to the ideas and thoughts of Periyar. Hence I thought it would not be appropriate for me to work in the movie and more over I though I cannot do justice to my job', admits Illayaraja.
Isai Perarignar award for Bombay Sisters Saturday, November 11, 2006 | MP
Noted Carnatic singers C. Saroja and C. Lalitha, populary known as the Bombay Sisters are to be honoured with this year's Isai Perarignar award instituted by the Tamil Isai Sangam. The award comprising of a gold medal, a silver citation and a cash prize will be given away by the Governor of Uttar Pradesh at a function to be held in Chennai on Dec 21 coinciding with the Tamil Isai Sangam music festival. The sisters had undergone training under music masters Musiri Subramanya Iyer and T K Govinda Rao had recieved many awards from India and abroad.
Chennai Central to be modernised Friday, November 10, 2006 | MP
The Chennai Central railway station will undergo a make over as a part of the Indian railways modernisation programme. Atround 485 staions across the country are being targetted under the model station programme, said Minister of State for Railways, R. Velu. Chennai will be one among the 16 major stations to be converted into a station of world class standards. "The idea is to bring all facilities, including shopping malls, under one roof. The budget requirement for this project is being worked out," he said.
Manisha Koirala opposite Kamal Hassan Thursday, November 9, 2006 | MP
Bollywood actress Manisha Koirala is finallly being chosen for the female lead role opposite Kamal Hassan in the film, Mumbai Express. Many other Bollywood actress were being approached for the role including Kajol,Tabu etc. but its Manisha who has finally got the slot. The duo had earlier paired together for films like Indian, Alavandan etc. Manisha who has been away from films for a while will now be facing the camera again for the Kamal movie in which he himself plays a police officer.
Bharathiraja's son, actor Manoj to wed Nandana Wednesday, November 8, 2006 | MP
Filmmaker Bharatiraja's son and actor Manoj Bharatiraja is getting married to his girlfriend and actress Nandana on November 19th. Manoj who made his debut with the film, Tajmahal had acted in films like Kadal Pookal,Samudram, Alli Arjuna etc. He also plans to venture into direction. Nanadana has acted in films in Malayalam, tamil etc. The star wedding will take place at Kozhikode in Kerala, at the hometown of Nandhana.
Vangi Tuesday, November 7, 2006 | MP
Vangi is a multilingual film which will be made in Tamil as well as Hindi. The film is directed by Ramaseshu and has Bollywood actor Jackie Sheroff playing the lead role. Also casts Rahul Dev, Manisha Koirala, Raghuvaran, Abbas etc. The film is said to be an action thriller with investigations following a bank robbery. The film will be shot in Indian cities like Chennai, Ooty, Hyderabad, Mumbai etc.
State gets Rs 68cr for AIDS control Monday, November 6, 2006 | MP
As a part of the Center government's agressive campaign against the spread of HIV/ AIDS disease, Tamil nadu has been provided with Rs 68 crore fund to keep a check on the widespread disease in the State. This includes free treatment of AIDS patients and opening up new Centers. The govt is also launching special programmes aimed at increasing awareness among the public and improving the primary health care and the health of the poor, especially women and children, said Minister of State for Health and Family Welfare.
