Latest news with #Vaali
The Hindu
4 hours ago
- Entertainment
- The Hindu
A bridge with no destination, until cinema stepped in
Say 'A bridge to nowhere', every old-timer in Chennai knows exactly what you mean. Overseeing the Adyar estuary, this wasn't a half bridge when it was built in 1967, initially helped fisherfolk travel from Adyar to Srinivasapuram. It was meant to be their shortcut. However, nature had the final word in 1977. A part of it collapsed into the estuary due to a strong current, never to be repaired again. It is no riddle, of course, the Broken Bridge. Since then, the structure has lived more in stories than in function. Many chilling stories surround the bridge because of its abandoned appearance and the crime rates ran high; it is often feared by the public and unwelcome too. Yet, its very emptiness and past familiarity turned it into a sought-after shooting spot for many filmmakers. Notably, the 1971 film Rickshawkaran featured a song Kadaloram Vaangiya Kaatru where MGR and Manjula dance on the standing full bridge. For a whole generation of millennials, this bridge is etched as the stage of the iconic showdown in Aayutha Ezhuthu(2004), where Michael(Suriya) and Inba ( Madhavan) square off against each other, a confrontation that escalates into a brawl, all on that narrow strip of a bridge. The bridge is a metaphor and has lent itself to every narrative in movies from newfound relationships to bitter clashes. For Uma Vangal, a filmmaker, film professor and Associate Dean, School of Media at Sai University, the broken bridge is more like a symbol of broken ties, a bridge between the present and the past. 'In terms of visual appeal, this is well constructed for confrontation, beginnings and endings. There are so many narrative purposes for this bridge, it can either be a rupture or meeting point for three different stories,' she says. In many films, the broken bridge often makes a fleeting yet memorable appearance. Song sequences like 'Oh Sona' in Vaali (1999), Aaru (2005), Yaya (2013) and others, the bridge appears for its aesthetic appeal and its image now laced in a sense of nostalgia. The bridge becomes more symbolic in Chennai 600028 (2007), where the age-old trope follows: enemies to friends. In one of its scenes, Raghu (Jai ) approaches Karthik (Shiva) and tells he needs to speak privately and they find themselves at the broken bridge. In the background, in the far distance, fisherfolk carry on with their work. Here, there is a sense of tension because the characters have always been hostile to each other, what could have escalated into a tussle ends in a hug, all at the bridge, when a secret shatters the hostility. However, to reduce traffic congestion, GCC has initiated steps to construct a cable-stayed bridge across Adyar, connecting Srinivasapuram and Urur Kuppam to replace the broken bridge. A private consultant was roped in for designing the concept. And yet, broken bridge has become immortal in a way, through cinema.
India Today
11-08-2025
- Entertainment
- India Today
Lord Ram lost his mind after losing Sita: Tamil poet's comments spark row
Tamil lyricist and poet Vairamuthu has sparked a row with his comments about Lord Ram while receiving an award named after ancient Tamil poet Kambar, author of the Kamba Ramayanam, the tamil version of to a dialogue spoken by the character Vaali in Kambar's version of the epic, Vairamuthu said Vaali questions Ram's actions, pointing out differences between his conduct as a ruler and during his in the text, remarks that Ram had given up his kingdom for his brother but, in the forest, handed Vaali's rule to Vaali's own brother. Vaali then suggests Ram's actions could be excused because he had 'lost his mind' after losing Sita. Vairamuthu, interpreting the verse, said: 'Losing Sita, Raman has lost his mind. Someone who has lost his mind committing a crime is not considered a crime as per Indian Penal Code (IPC). Section 84 of the IPC states that an offence committed by a person who is insane cannot be considered a crime. I don't know if Kambar knew the IPC but he knew the society.'He added that in this sense, Ram was 'an accused who was acquitted,' forgiven, and became a human, while Kamban 'became God.'- Ends
NDTV
04-08-2025
- Entertainment
- NDTV
Ajith Kumar Marks 33 Years in Cinema, Racing With Heartfelt Tribute And Big Motorsport Feat
Chennai: Tamil cinema icon and motorsport enthusiast S Ajith Kumar has penned an emotional letter marking 33 years of his extraordinary journey in films and racing, describing it as a story of perseverance, gratitude, and purpose. Ajith, who debuted in 1990 with En Veedu En Kanavar, shot to fame with Aasai (1995) and became a household name with the romantic blockbuster Kadhal Kottai (1996). His portrayal of twin brothers, including one hearing and speech impaired, in Vaali won him his first Filmfare Award for Best Actor. His 50th film, Mankatha, directed by Venkat Prabhu, was also a box-office success. After a break to focus on motorsport, Ajith returned to films with Thunivu in 2023 and Good Bad Ugly this year. But 2025 also saw Ajith making global headlines for his racing achievements. On January 7, Ajith showcased remarkable grit by finishing third in the 991 category at the prestigious Dubai 24H Race, despite a major crash during practice earlier in the week that had almost forced him to withdraw. His performance under pressure has been widely praised by fans and racing professionals alike. Reflecting on his journey, Ajith wrote, "I did not come from legacy or influence. I started from the outside, with nothing more than a will to try. Life tested me over and over, but I never stopped. I endured, got back up, and kept moving forward." Ajith described his return to motorsport in 2025 under Ajith Kumar Racing as "a statement to myself and anyone who ever doubted that age, fear, and obstacles are real, but so is willpower." The actor also expressed deep appreciation for his fans, saying, "I am not what I am without you. I will never take your love for granted, and never will I trade your love for my benefit." He thanked filmmakers, technicians, political leaders, and the media for their support, and acknowledged critics for sharpening him. Ajith paid tribute to his wife Shalini - "the pillar of my life" - and their children Anoushka and Advik for providing balance and purpose. Ajith signed off with his characteristic humility: "I may not always be visible. I may not always speak. But I am always grateful. And I will always give everything I have-on screen, on the track, and in life."
New Indian Express
29-06-2025
- Entertainment
- New Indian Express
SJ Suryah all set to return to direction with ‘Killer'
Actor-filmmaker SJ Suryah is making a directorial comeback after a long time. The actor is set to return to direction with 'Killer'. Suryah, known for his directorials such as Vaali, Kushi, and New, will also play the lead in the movie. The movie will be produced by the well-known Kerala-based production house Sree Gokulam Movies along with Suryah's Angel Studios. 'Hello folks, your director SJ Suryah is back with his dream project, titled 'Killer',' Suryah posted on Instagram. 'I am feeling blessed to collaborate with the prestigious Sree Gokulam Movies for the project,' he wrote.
The Hindu
28-06-2025
- Entertainment
- The Hindu
S J Suryah set to don the director's hat with ‘Killer'
Actor-filmmaker SJ Suryah is making a comeback behind the camera after a long back. The actor is set to return to direction with Killer. Suryah, known for his directorials such as Vaali, Kushi, and New, will also play the lead in the movie. The movie will be produced by the well-known Kerala-based production house Sree Gokulam Movies along with Suryah's Angel Studios. 'Hello folks, your director SJ Suryah is back with his dream project, titled 'Killer',' Suryah posted on Instagram. 'I am feeling blessed to collaborate with the prestigious Sree Gokulam Movies for the project,' he wrote. Sree Gokulam Movies recently co-produced the political actioner Empuraan, starring Mohanlal and directed by Prithviraj Sukumaran. The production house also distributed the much-talked about Thug Life, starring Kamal Haasan and directed by Mani Ratnam. The cast and crew of the film are yet to announced. Meanwhile, Suryah recently starred in big releases such as Ram Charan's Game Changer and Vikram's Veera Dheera Sooran.
