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Time of India
16-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Time of India
South films are deeply rooted in their culture and traditions: Raveena Tandon
The actress reveals that she has always loved filming in the South and adds, 'I was wondering why I get less work in the South. Whether it's Tamil, Telugu or Kannada cinema, just being down south is an enjoyable treat. I love the kind of work done here, and I want to work here more often." Raveena Tandon is making a return to Tamil cinema after 24 years (her last Kollywood outing was Kamal Haasan's Aalavandhan in 2001) with Lawyer, starring Vijay Antony. In a chat with us, the actress shares that she is excited to work in Tamil again after all these years and delving into how she picks her films, says, 'Obviously, the role should be good. And you have to have faith in your director. So, it's a combination of everything.' Excerpts: 'I was wondering why I get less work in the South' The actress reveals that she has always loved filming in the South and adds, 'I was wondering why I get less work in the South. Whether it's Tamil, Telugu or Kannada cinema, just being down south is an enjoyable treat. I love the kind of work done here, and I want to work here more often. I'm also a fan of South Indian food. Even in the '90s, I used to go back to Mumbai after filming here and tell people that it's so refreshing in the South because everyone's so focused. The films made here are deeply rooted in the culture, traditions, and rituals of the place they are set in. Therefore, people can identify with films on a mass level.' 'I'm refreshing and polishing my Tamil again' Now that she is back on a Tamil film set, Raveena informs us that she is 'refreshing and polishing my Tamil again'. She elaborates, 'Once I go back to Mumbai, I forget the language because no one talks in Tamil there. So now, I'm catching up with Tamil words again. Everyone here gets surprised when I speak the language and ask me, 'Oh, you remember Tamil?' I say, 'Yeah, it's all coming back to me.' Tamil is a beautiful language. The actual ethos of India comes from all our indigenous languages.' 'It's great to work with young blood because they've got innovative ideas' Raveena tells us that she currently doesn't have any aspirations and is rather going with the flow. 'It's great to work with young blood because they've got fresh and innovative ideas. Working with them keeps you updated, and you also get to enjoy different working styles. I keep hearing of such superb new directors, music composers, and talent coming up from the South, and that is always very tempting. I want to work with many directors from the South. I also want to do a film with my Hyderabad gang again,' states the actress. 'It's our perception that makes us think who's a grey character and who's not' Raveena has a rather interesting take on essaying grey characters. 'I enjoy playing grey characters. You might watch a character and think that they are grey, but in their mind, they are only doing what they think is right for them. For example, in KGF: Chapter 2 (2022), my character (Ramika Sen) was not grey. She was doing what was right for her country. It's our perception that makes us think who's a grey character and who's not,' she shares. 'I'm thoroughly enjoying the pace at which our film is being shot' Elaborating on her experience working on Lawyer, Raveena reveals, 'Although I have played a lawyer in Patna Shukla (2024), my character in Lawyer will be completely different. When I heard the film's plot from director Joshua (Sethuraman), I loved it. We are now shooting at such a pace that I feel two films can be made here in the time they shoot one in Mumbai or anywhere else in the world. And I'm thoroughly enjoying it because I hate wasting time. Wastage of time is wastage of the producer's money. I like it when the whole team is out there and working hard with josh.' 'I'm keeping my fingers crossed for KGF 3' Quiz her about KGF: Chapter 3 — the third film in the action franchise,starring Yash — and she says, 'I think the makers wanted to give the franchise a break because they didn't want the third film to come out very soon. They wanted to give it a little time so that people's curiosity would increase. I'm keeping my fingers crossed and hoping that a third film happens.'
The Star
24-06-2025
- Entertainment
- The Star
Indian actor Kamal Haasan, 70, not slowing down especially in honing his craft
Renowned Indian actor Kamal Haasan, who was in Kuala Lumpur to promote his latest flick Thug Life , had just been asked by the Malaysian media if he's discovered anything new while making the film, and whether those discoveries were good or bad. The 70-year-old, who made his acting debut before he even turned six years old, smiled at the question before surmising that no one should strive to learn something bad. 'Only learn good things,' continued Kamal, whose real name is Parthasarathy Srinivasan. 'At a certain age, it is hard to distinguish what is good and what is bad. Thankfully, I've reached an age where I can tell the difference.' For him, every experience is valuable as 'even the bad experiences are a good thing as we learn from them'. 'In anything I do, including filmmaking, I learn from my mistakes. And the most important lesson is: don't repeat the same mistakes.' His words, regarded as gospel by some fans in India, set the tone for the rest of the 30-minute press conference. Kamal, also a politician, remained grounded even as he was showered with praise, graciously sharing nuggets of wisdom while revealing his continued ambition for meaningful work. 'I might seem larger on screen, but when I stand among you, we're all the same height,' he said with a smile. Kamal Haasan meets the Malaysian press. Photo: LOW BOON TAT/The Star. Kamal, who got an honorary doctorate for his contribution to cinema in 2019, has earned a reputation for being a risk-taker and a forward thinker. When it was unheard of for a macho Indian leading man to play a woman onscreen, he embraced the challenge in Avvai Shanmughi (1996), donning a wig and saree to play an elderly lady. In Aalavandhan (2001), he used Japanese manga-style animation to depict violent scenes – an idea that reportedly inspired Hollywood director Quentin Tarantino for his Kill Bill movies. Kamal's 2013 film Vishwaroopam was the first Indian movie to use Auro 3D sound technology. 'New technology is something we all use. That's the reason why people are upgrading their old phones to new ones every year,' explained the three-time recipient of India's National Film Awards' Best Actor trophy for Moondram Pirai , Nayakan and Indian . 'I myself am not a technology creator, I just use new technology so credit should be given to those who come up with the new technology.' In Avvai Shanmughi (1996), the actor wore a wig and saree to play an elderly lady. Photo: Handout The father of two daughters said that he's always looking into new technology for use in films as fans are asking for new innovations and new experiences every time they go to cinema to watch a film. 'Technology keeps evolving. What was once a big deal – like a 150-megapixel camera – is now in your pocket.' To stay updated, Kamal even enrolled in a short artificial intelligence course at an institute in the United States last September. 'Many people use AI without realising it – like when searching on your phone. 'AI is just another step into the future. I believe it can be a powerful tool for the film industry.' Despite his enthusiasm for AI, Kamal dismissed any suggestion of using it to remake his old films. 'What's the point of doing something I've already done?' he said. 'I'd rather work on something new – and as fans, I think you would want that too.' The Hey Ram actor compared choosing new projects to shopping: 'When you shop, you look for a new design or colour to add to your wardrobe. 'It's the same logic I use when making a new film.' Indian music director, singer AR Rahman (left), film director Mani Ratnam (centre) and actor Kamal Haasan (right) pose as they attend a press conference for their upcoming Indian Hindi-Tamil-language gangster action-drama film 'Thug Life' in Mumbai on May 20, 2025. Photo: AFP Perhaps his aversion to revisiting past projects is the reason why it took Kamal 38 years to reunite with his Nayakan (1987) director, Mani Ratnam. Although fans have long clamoured for their reunion since the release of the iconic gangster drama Nayakan, it's only now – decades later – that Kamal and Mani have come together again for Thug Life , which the Indian media has dubbed a 'spiritual sequel' to the classic. In this one, Kamal doesn't only act but is also a co-writer and a producer. Set in the criminal underworld, Thug Life follows Sakthivel (Kamal) a gangster in New Delhi with a group of trusted men. Following an unwanted incident, Sakthivel takes in orphaned Amar and raises him as his own son. After spending two years in prison, Sakthivel returns to find that his trusted men now follow Amar, the man he once named as his successor. Feeling betrayed and driven by the loss of a loved one, Sakthivel embarks on a ruthless path of revenge – determined to destroy anyone who stands in his way. The film also stars Silambarasan, Trisha Krishnan, Ashok Selvan, Abhirami and Joju George. The music is composed by Oscar winner AR Rahman. Reflecting on working with Mani again after three decades, Kamal said: 'Our friendship has only grown stronger. People say friendship fades after you become family – but not for us.' What has changed, Kamal added, is that both he and Mani have evolved. 'Director Mani Ratnam has refined his craft and is delivering quality films, and you'll see that in Thug Life.' He continued: 'I'm just a fan of cinema at heart. I became a producer to back films I believe in. This film is a reflection of that.' On the set of Nayakan with Mani Ratnam (centre). Photo: Handout While the Thevar Magan actor has an affinity for playing men who won't back down, the same can be said of Kamal himself. Just a week before Thug Life 's release in India, he sparked controversy by saying at an event that the Kannada language used by the majority in the Indian state of Karnataka 'was born out of Tamil'. This remark triggered a political storm. Karnataka leaders reportedly reacted by banning the film's release in the state. Kamal refused to apologise. In response, his production company pulled the film from the state entirely – knowingly forfeiting box-office revenue. So when asked by Malaysian media about playing a man pushed to the edge in Thug Life , Kamal responded: 'I don't need to act as a man pushed to the edge – I am that man. 'I've been there many times. I don't need to explain when or how – but if you look closely, you'll see. I've been through it all. 'And when I fight back, I do it with honesty, dedication and truth. That's something no one can touch. No one can punish me for that.' Thug Life is showing at cinemas nationwide.
New Indian Express
23-05-2025
- Entertainment
- New Indian Express
Raveena Tandon returns to Tamil cinema after 24 years with Vijay Antony's courtroom drama 'Lawyer'
Popular Bollywood actress Raveena Tandon is set to make a remarkable comeback to Tamil cinema after a 24-year break with the upcoming courtroom drama Lawyer, starring multi-faceted actor Vijay Antony. Lawyer marks Raveena's third Tamil film, following her roles in Arjun Sarja's Saadhu (1994) and Kamal Haasan's Aalavandhan (2001). The film is directed by Joshua Sethuraman, known for his debut Gentlewoman, and produced by Vijay Antony's home banner, Vijay Antony Film Corporation. It is scheduled to go on floors in June 2025, with further cast and crew announcements expected soon. Speaking to the Times of India, director Joshua Sethuraman shared how the collaboration with Raveena came about. 'After Gentlewoman came on OTT, many from Bollywood called me. Since I studied at FTII, I have friends who are working in Bollywood, and that's how I reached out to her. I told her that she'd get an idea of my work once she sees Gentlewoman, my debut film. After she saw it, I immediately narrated this film's story and she was also interested,' he said.
Time of India
23-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Time of India
Raveena returns to Tamil cinema after two decades with Vijay Antony's film
is all set to make her return to Tamil cinema after 24 years with 's new courtroom drama, Lawyer . This will be the third Tamil film for the actress, who had previously acted in Arjun Sarja's Saadhu (1994) and Kamal Haasan's Aalavandhan (2001). Tired of too many ads? go ad free now The film's director, , tells us, 'I loved Raveena ma'am's performance in Shool (1999), and we needed an actor with her dynamic presence for our film. She and Vijay Anyony sir will have equally important roles in this film.' Elaborating on how he approached the actress for this role, the director says, 'After Gentlewoman came on OTT, many from Bollywood called me. Since I studied at FTII, I have friends who are working in Bollywood, and that's how I reached out to her. I told her that she'd get an idea of my work once she sees Gentlewoman , my debut film. After she saw it, I immediately narrated this film's story and she was also interested' Joshua shares that there won't be any love angle in Lawyer and adds, 'It's a slice-of-life story of a first-generation lawyer. It focuses on the struggles of a law school graduate, played by Vijay Antony, and issues of the working class.' The director claims that his film will show how a real courtroom functions. 'Usually, courtroom dramas deal with criminal cases, but this film deals with a civil case. It discusses a working-class issue taken up in a labour court. The courtrooms showcased in Indian movies are far removed from reality. Films like Visaaranai showcased how the police system functions, but I haven't seen many films showcasing the proper functioning of a court,' he says. Apart from playing the protagonist, Vijay Antony will also be bankrolling and composing music for the film. Tired of too many ads? go ad free now Joshua shares, 'He contacted me after seeing Gentlewoman and said that he liked my perspective and wanted to work together. Reflecting on his experience helming a two-heroine subject as his debut project, he says, 'A lot of trade people asked us, 'Who will come for a two-heroine film when no one even comes for a hero's films.' But the film got 50 per cent profit even though many other films released along with it.'
New Indian Express
19-05-2025
- Entertainment
- New Indian Express
Suriya 46 officially launched; Mamitha Baiju, Raveena Tandon join cast
Suriya's upcoming 46th project with director Venky Atluri has been officially launched with a pooja ceremony in Hyderabad. Director Trivikram Srinivas graced the occasion and gave the first clap for the film which is set to begin shooting by the end of May. The yet-to-be-titled film marks the first collaboration between Suriya and Venky Atluri. The film will have Mamitha Baiju playing the female lead. Senior Bollywood actor Raveena Tandon is also part of the project. The film has her acting in a Tamil film after 24 years, her last project being Kamal Haasan's Aalavandhan (2001). Radikaa Sarathkumar is set to play a prominent role as well. On the technical team, GV Prakash will be scoring the music for Suriya 46. He is reuniting with Venky Atluri for the third time after Vaathi (2023) and Lucky Baskhar (2024). This is also the composer's second film with Suriya after Soorarai Pottru (2020). Interestingly, GV Prakash and Mamitha Baiju also worked together in last year's Rebel, directed by Nikesh RS. The film marked her Tamil debut. Backed by Naga Vamsi's Sithara Entertainments, Suriya 46 is scheduled to be released in theatres during the Summer of 2026. Mamitha Baiju is working on a slew of Tamil Films with leading stars including Vijay's last film Jana Nayagan, Pradeep Ranganathan's Dude and Vishnu Vishal's Irandu Vaanam. Suriya was last seen in Retro, directed by Karthik Subbaraj. Up next, he has the tentatively titled Suriya 45, directed by RJ Balaji. The film stars Trisha as the female lead, along with Yogi Babu, popular Malayalam actor Indrans, Lubber Pandhu star Swasika, Sshivada, Natty, Supreeth Reddy, and Anagha Maya Ravi.
