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'Ivan Vera Mathiri' - different tale of a common man

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Film: "Ivan Vera Mathiri"; Cast: Vikram Prabhu, Vamsi Krishna, Surabhi, Ganesh Venkatraman and Hariraj; Director: M. Saravanan; Rating: ***

Usually, the rise of a common man against evil always results in violence and the immediate formation of an overnight leader. But our common man, played by Vikram Prabhu, is well read, comes from a decent middle class family, is currently job hunting and prefers to use brains over brawn when he has to handle a situation.

This common man is aware of the repercussions he might have to face for his actions and therefore always operates alone and in disguise. This is the story of an intelligent common man, someone you seldom see in society but are aware of his existence.

A barbaric act in a law college provoked by a local minister makes headlines which catch the attention of our hero, Guna, who at first hardly pays any attention and instead laughs at the comments posted on the video from the incident on his friend's Facebook wall.

Guna is constantly reminded of the incident over the next few days, forcing him to do the unthinkable, and results in the inevitable. He kidnaps the local minister's brother, Eeswaran, who has come out on parole and instigates the opposition party to accuse the minister of hiding his own brother. Following the disappearance of his brother, the minister is forced to resign and is arrested.

Having succeeded in putting the minister behind bars, Guna lets go of Eeswaran who sets out to seek revenge.

We have seen several stories of the common man turning into a hero and a leader in Tamil cinema, but this film, although confining itself to commercialism, tries something different. "Ivan Vera Mathiri" literally translates into "He is Different", and the film indeed is different. Sadly however, not to a great degree. As initially pointed out, it's intelligent but also has instances that make it look dumb.

The entire episode of Guna taking Eeswaran captive is intelligently executed, is engaging and makes you almost empathise with the latter's predicament. It's another story of good versus evil that's spared the cliched treatment but somewhere towards the end it gets sabotaged by a disturbing climax, especially scenes featuring Surabhi being kicked in the face and gut.

I wish the climax wasn't handled so recklessly.

Director Sarvanan uses some key characters aptly to push our protagonist to rise to the occasion following the incident in the opening scene. But what I fail to understand is how can just another average common man turn out to be a good fighter who could pull off some extremely dangerous stunt sequences with ease.

Here, the film's stunt choreographer Raja Sekhar deserves a special mention. The stunt atop an incomplete building definitely stands out and some road chase sequences also draw equal attention. The fights draw more attention than the music and acting put together while the cinematography at some junctures is good.

I don't know if Vikram Prabhu was forced to use the same expression from start to finish but his acting didn't quite convince. It's alright if it was done deliberately but if not, then I suggest he start working on his expressions because he hardly displays any variations in his performance. Vamsi Krishna as the baddie is aggressive and acts well while debutant Surabhi can be impressive with some guidance.

Ganesh's cameo is powerful but he has more talking than action in the role of a cop. I still don't understand why cops always have to yap about being good citizens? It's so cliched and yet our filmmakers fancy that idea.

"Ivan Vera Mathiri" is a fairly different tale of a common man.

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Forbes India celebrity 100 list an inflated fantasy: Nagarjuna

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Telugu actor Akkineni Nagarjuna, who was ranked 34 on earnings for the year 2013 in the 2nd edition of Forbes India's celebrity 100 list released Friday, said that the survey is an inflated fantasy for inaccurately portraying his income.

"Despite my repeated requests and email, my name appeared with non-validated figures in their latest issue, which I think is an inflated fantasy," Nagarjuna told IANS.

"It is my hope that the respected business editors' estimates are validated by individuals to be more appropriate," he added.

The celebrity 100 list is arrived at by measuring money (earnings estimates) and fame. According to the list, Nagarjuna's yearly earnings are Rs.20.5 crore and has a fame rank of 75.

Other Telugu actors on the list include Ram Charan, Pawan Kalyan and Mahesh Babu.

Overall, it was Bollywood superstar Shah Rukh Khan who topped the list on the back of his earnings. The list also has names of Bollywood biggies like Amitabh Bachchan, Salman Khan, Akshay Kumar, Ranbir Kapoor and Katrina Kaif along with cricket legend Sachin Tendulkar and India cricket captain Mahendra Singh Dhoni.

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Balachander wishes Aamir good luck for 'Dhoom 3'

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Bollywood actor-filmmaker Aamir Khan, who was recently in the Tamil Nadu capital for the opening ceremony of the 11th Chennai Film Festival (CIFF), took out some time to spend with veteran Tamil filmmaker K. Balachander, who wished him luck for his forthcoming release "Dhoom 3".

"It was a courtesy meeting. KB sir and Aamir chatted for about thirty minutes and recalled their last meeting at an awards ceremony in Chennai. He wished Aamir for the release of 'Dhoom 3' and also congratulated his work on the television show 'Satyamev Jayate'," Balachander's agent told IANS.

The duo had last met in 2008 at the Gollapudi Memorial Award ceremony here. That year, Aamir was presented the award for his directorial project "Taare Zameen Par" which dealt with dyslexia in children.

"Aamir kept talking about KB sir's speech at the Gollapudi Award ceremony. He had told him that he had had recorded that video and he keeps showing it to his friends in the industry," he added.

Balachander, 83, is known for memorable Tamil films such as "Ethir Neechal", "Server Sundaram" and "Aval Oru Thodar Kathai".

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'Jai ho'! Bollywood's big names dance in unison

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Picture this - stars like Amitabh Bachchan, Shah Rukh Khan and the evergreen beauty Waheeda Rehman dancing to the tunes of A.R. Rahman's "Jai ho" along with the Oscar composer on stage. This picture perfect moment came alive in the capital Saturday.

The celebrities shared the stage at Solutions Summit, a day-long conclave to mark NDTV's 25th anniversary.

Following a 45-minute discussion on the relevance of Indian cinema in the global arena, King Khan took it upon himself to make everyone jive to the tunes of "Jai ho", which featured in Danny Boyle's "Slumdog Millionaire".

After performing a few contemporary steps on the song himself, he asked 77-year-old Waheeda Rehman, a graceful dancer, for a few moves. The highlight of the impromptu jig was when Shah Rukh and Big B danced to some of the latter's signature steps.

The discussion saw the four panelists discuss the importance of their profession, representing the industry on a global domain and changing formats and music in Hindi films.

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Rs. 100 crore club mere nomenclature: Big B, SRK

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Megastar Amitabh Bachchan and Bollywood's 'badshah' Shah Rukh Khan are united in the thought that the "Rs.100 crore club" is a mere nomenclature.

"This is just a nomenclature, which is media created," Amitabh said at Solutions Summit, a day-long conclave to mark NDTV’s 25th anniversary.

Shah Rukh agreed and said that those who are serious about the business need to think about much more.

"The true people who are really interested in the business of cinema, and talk about Rs.1000 crore. This Rs.100 crore and Rs.200 crore will keep changing. For a regular commercial film with a certain level of stardom, Rs.100 crore is just the base," he said.

In 2013, films like "Yeh Jawaani Hai Deewani", "Chennai Express", "Bhaag Milkh Bhaag", "Krrish 3" and "Goliyon Ki Raasleela Ram-Leela" have managed to surpass the Rs.100 crore mark.

Shah Rukh's "Chennai Express" minted Rs.216 crore.

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Taking Indian cinema global - SRK, Big B, Rahman tell how

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With divides like mainstream and parallel cinema, single screens and multiplexes, Indian cinema lives under a divide which is a deterrent to its own good, superstar Shah Rukh Khan said here Saturday, even as Amitabh Bachchan felt the need of the hour is to "blend in" to go global.

"Until we don't inculcate a habit of collaborations, we won't be able to inch towards global cinema," Shah Rukh said at the Solutions Summit, a conclave organised by NDTV to celebrate 25 years of its existence.

The actor said it is important to be able to give to the world what it understands, in order to be accepted.

"If you want to be a part of global cinema, you have to tell what you want to tell, show the emotions which you want to show, but you have to put it in the way the world wants to see it," he added.

Shah Rukh was joined on the panel with veterans like Amitabh Bachchan, Waheeda Rehman and Oscar-winning composer A.R. Rahman.

Rahman, who has created tunes for international projects like "Slumdog Millionaire" and "127 Hours", says he finds himself in a situation when different things are expected from him in India and in foreign shores.

"I have been a victim of this. What is considered to be good here, is not good there...I have to switch between the two. However, there are some things which are common as well," he said.

Amitabh, 71, who made his Hollywood debut with "The Great Gatsby" earlier this year, agreed with the fact that Indian cinema is unique, but added that we need to try and "blend in".

"It is obvious that our cinema is unique. We need to blend with the west in order to be global," he said.

Amitabh attributes this to the work of the current generation of actors and filmmakers, who are putting in efforts to make Indian cinema visible to the world.

"Shah Rukh Khan and Karan Johar are responsible in bringing commercial cinema to where it is now. The way they have marketed it has helped us a lot. I think that was a point when Indian cinema became global," he added.

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Fans disappointed at Hrithik-Sussanne split

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The news of Hrithik Roshan's split with wife Sussanne after a relationship of 17 years didn't go down well with the actor's fans. To some, the end of their "fairytale romance" was a disappointment, while several hoped that they would reconcile for their children's sake.

Several people took to social networking sites to share their sentiments following Hrithik's announcement that Sussanne had decided to call off their 13-year-old marriage. The two had dated for four years before tying the knot.

"The news is really bad. You guys were the ultimate couple. I am really upset, I really wish that you guys get back together soon," a certain Sanya Grover posted on Hrithik's Facebook page.

Controversial model Poonam Pandey tweeted: "Hrithik Roshan and Sussanne Roshan splitting up. Such a terrible news! Need to reinstate my faith in TRUE love."

“Don't want to know the reason, but I am deeply dishearted. Leave the past and get back with bang,” posted one fan, with a Mauritius-based Sunnee Hauradhur adding: “Absolutely heartbreaking to see Hrithik Roshan separates with his wife. Sad to see them throw away 17 years.”

For many young girls, the news came as a rude shock and a jolt to their teenage memories of the couple's union on Dec 20, 2000.

Back then, Hrithik had emerged fresh from the stardom of his debut film "Kaho Naa...Pyaar Hai", and even before young female fans got a chance to drool over his machismo and dance skills, he had announced his wedding with Sussanne, with whom he had fallen in love at first sight at a traffic signal in 1996.

Together, the couple has two sons - Hrehaan, seven and Hridhaan, five.

Now the star, son of actor-filmmaker Rakesh Roshan, is fresh from the success of his superhero film “Krrish 3”.

A joke doing the rounds following the news of Hrithik-Sussanne’s split is - “Moral: Even a superhero like Krrish cannot handle a wife.”

On a serious note, Hrithik, a day after he officially announced the separation, took to Facebook to share an emotional update.

"Sussanne is and always will be the love of my life for the rest of my life. If her smiles are brighter without me, my love for her must accomplish that. Unconditional," posted the 39-year-old, who believes this news must not "disempower my fans and the people about the institution of marriage in any way".

They have both requested the media for privacy in their "trying times".

Rumours of their split were rife since the past few months, with reports indicating that Sussanne had been living in a separate house.

Confirming her decision of parting ways from the nation's hearthrob, Sussanne, daughter of veteran actor Sanjay Khan, said in a statement Saturday: "We are two individuals who respect and care for each other and have made our own individual choices."

The separation won't change their love for their children, said Sussanne, who is an interior designer by profession.

"We are parents to two wonderful kids and our responsibility remains to protect and take care of them. Nothing can change that," she said.

Hrithik shares a strong bond with Sussanne's sister, jewellery designer Farah Khan Ali, and she believes "some bonds transcend everything".

Family will always stick together through thick and thin and I will always love you both Hrithik and Sussanne," Farah posted on micro-blogging platform Twitter.

Hrithik is currently at an undisclosed location abroad for medical treatment. He has been suffering bouts of headache. In July this year, he had undergone brain surgery for removal of a clot at the Hinduja Hospital in Mumbai.

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Riteish, Genelia ask students to help prepare Congress manifesto

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Actor couple Riteish Deshmukh and Genelia D'Souza Saturday asked youth and students to give suggestions that will be incorporated in the Congress party's manifesto for the 2014 Lok Sabha elections.

Riteish and Genelia unveiled a dedicated web portal for the purpose of preparing a "Student Manifesto", said National Students Union of India (NSUI) president Rohit Chaudhary.

"The NSUI is inviting ideas and suggestions from students, academicians and public to prepare a student manifesto which will be a part of the Congress party manifesto for the ensuing Lok Sabha elections," he said.

NSUI activists shall visit educational institutions across the country to collect suggestions from students.

"Students must decide the fate of this country. Policy makers do not know all the problems faced by students and it is high time they should participate in policy making," Riteish said.

Genelia urged students to come out and take part in preparing the manifesto.

"As students, all of us have had problems", and now there is an opportunity to bring them to the fore for solutions, she said.

Political leaders and analysts have attributed the outcome of the assembly elections to the voting power of the youth, students and first time voters who want a change.

"As (Congress vice president) Rahul Gandhi has promised, policy making won't be limited to 10 people in a room. Every student is invited to give ideas to reform the education system," Chaudhary said.

Suggestions from students will be collected by Dec 22 and presented to the party leadership for its consideration and necessary action, said Maharashtra NSUI chief Suraj Singh Thakur.

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Kapil Sharma to perform for distressed women, children

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Comedian Kapil Sharma will perform at a charity concert in Delhi in aid of distressed women and children.

The concert, to be held Monday, is being organised by a Bharatiya Janata Party worker Anurag Thakur (son of former chief minster of Himachal Pradesh, Prem Kumar Dhumal).

Kapil made it clear he has no political affiliations and is part of the concert because "Anurag is a friend".

"More importantly, it's for a good cause. However, if people choose to see a political relevance in this, what can I do? I can't stop living my life the way I want to because of the criticism," said the producer and host of "Comedy Nights With Kapil".

"I want to bring a smile on everyone's face. But I know everyone doesn't have to feel the same way about me," he added.

What better candidate for CNN-IBN's Indian of the Year (Entertainment)?

"When I saw my name for Indian Of The Year along with Farhan Akhtar, Hrithik Roshan, Deepika Padukone, Shah Rukh Khan and the team of the film 'The Lunchbox', I was clean-bowled. I never expected I'd one day be mentioned in the same breath as these achievers," he said.

"It feels good. But it also puts a big responsibility on my shoulders. I have to keep generating laughter constantly. It isn't easy. We are trying to introduce new means of entertainment on my show," he added.

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Sonu Sood's gym advice

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The six-pack abs actor Sonu Sood says going to the gym should be an impromptu decision.

"People who plan to go to the gym from next week or from Monday or from first (of every month) are the ones who will never go. So, please go now before it's too late," Sonu tweeted Sunday.

His gym habits are very evident from his abs that he made for his latest movie "R...Rajkumar". He is currently busy shooting Farah Khan-directed "Happy New Year", which also features Shah Rukh Khan, Abhishek Bachchan and Deepika Padukone.

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Bipasha emphasises on importance of women for fit society

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Actress Bipasha Basu says healthy women contribute to a fit society.

"A healthy and fit woman, be it a mother, wife, sister or daughter matters for a healthy and fitter home and a fitter home leads to a fitter society," Bipasha tweeted Saturday.

"Hence when women make fitness a part of their daily life, it creates a change for the good," she added.

Bipasha, the face of the Airtel Delhi Half Marathon, participated in the 2013 race held here Sunday morning.

Other Bollywood celebrities who participated were Rahul Bose, Mahima Choudhury and Gulshan Grover.

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Sunday a fun day for Farah Khan

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Choreographer-filmmaker Farah Khan, busy shooting for her upcoming romantic-comedy "Happy New Year", says she loves working on a Sunday.

She took to micro-blogging website Twitter to talk about the Sunday benefits, which also includes "special lunch".

"I love shooting on a Sunday ... no traffic and you get special lunch also, as if the caterer appreciates your sacrifice," Farah tweeted Sunday.

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I've never watched 'Sholay' on big screen: Abhishek Bachchan

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Actor Abhishek Bachchan says he has never seen his father Amitabh Bachchan's 1975 hit film "Sholay" in theatres. He is excited to catch its 3D version on the silver screen next year.

"I am very excited to see it on the big screen. I have seen Sholay 100 times on TV and DVD, but never seen it onscreen. So, I am super excited about it," Abhishek told IANS.

"I had gone for the premiere of 'Sholay' inside my mum's stomach. She was pregnant with me, but it's shocking I have never seen 'Sholay' onscreen," added the son of veteran actress Jaya Bachchan.

He says he had asked filmmaker Rohan Sippy, son of the Hindi classic movie's director Ramesh Sippy, to release it again during its 25th anniversary.

"I asked my friend Rohan when 'Sholay' was about to complete 25 years - 'Why don't you digitally re-master it and re-release it?'. There were few issues with the rights and we couldn't do it," said Abhishek.

"Sholay 3D", presented by Pen India Pvt. Ltd, is slated to be released Jan 3.

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I was confident about Vishal, Abhishek: Madhuri Dixit

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Actress Madhuri Dixit, who will be seen on the big screen after 2007 film "Aaja Nachle", says she chose to be part of "Dedh Ishqiya" because she has faith in the makers of the film - Vishal Bhardwaj and Abhishek Chaubey.

After the success of 2010 movie "Ishqiya", director Chaubey teamed up with filmmaker Vishal Bhardwaj, who has produced "Dedh Ishqiya".

"I didn't wait for seven years for the script. I have my reasons. I was not even living here before. I was staying abroad so to come here and work and go back was getting very tedious," Madhuri told IANS.

"That was one of the reasons I didn't do anything, but when I decided to come to India and settle here, that time I decided to read scripts and 'Dedh Ishqiya' was offered. I was confident that Vishal and Abhishek team makes good films and I would love to be part of it," she added.

It also features Naseeruddin Shah, Huma Qureshi and Arshad Warsi.

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Sunny Leone, Sachiin Joshi walk the ramp for Girotra

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"Jackpot" stars Sunny Leone and Sachiin Joshi sashayed down the ramp for designer Mayyur R. Girotra during Runway Rising's fifth edition here.

Dressed in Jamawar bandgala, Sachiin looked regal in the traditional outfit, designed by Girotra, in black colour with a tint of blue. Sunny raised the temperature when she walked in a deep red lehanga with old Persian knotting style of embroidery, Saturday here.

"This time the fashion show along with the exhibition was cherry on the cake. Audience had a great time watching it. Sunny looked absolutely stunning and gorgeous in the red lehenga. She is indeed a true diva," Girotra said in a statement.

Over 100 designers like Siddharth Tytler and Sulakshana Monga are part of the two-day event that started Saturday.

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'Indian Idol 2' winner Sandeep Acharya dead

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Singer Sandeep Acharya died at an young age of 29 at the Medanta Hospital in Gurgaon Sunday. He was suffering from jaundice.

"Yes, Sandeep passed away at the Medanta Hospital today. He was suffering from jaundice. We brought him here on Dec 10," Akshay Acharya, Sandeep's cousin, told IANS.

"Before that he was admitted to a hospital in Bikaner (Rajasthan). He was there for three days after which we brought him to Delhi," he added.

Soon after winning the second season of singing reality show "Indian Idol" in 2006, Sandeep Acharya released his first album "Mere Saath Saara Jahaan".

"He was supposed to release his new album 'O Sanam Tere Bina' mid-December," said Akshay.

Choreographer-filmmaker Farah Khan, who judged the reality show's second season with music composer Anu Malik and Sonu Nigam, tweeted: "It's too sad to hear of Sandeep Acharya, winner of 'Indian Idol 2' and my favourite, passing away. Such a gentle boy he was. Not his time to go."

Sonu also felt sad after reading about Sandeep's demise. "Jaundice? Gosh...very sad. The boy was just 29...This year, oh god, is only about deaths I feel. God give his parents some strength," read Sonu's tweet.

Anchor-actress Mini Mathur, who hosted "Indian Idol 2", was taken aback with the news. She tweeted: "What a sad, premature goodbye to a talented, ambitious, happy boy. RIP Sandeep Acharya."

Even Sony Entertainment Television expressed their sadness over Sandeep's passing.

"A big loss for all of us with the shocking demise of 'Indian Idol 2' winner Sandeep Acharya. May his soul rest in peace and may God give strength to his family in this extremely difficult time," the channel posted on their Facebook page.

Singer Shreya Ghoshal wished the news about his demise to be untrue.

"Just heard about 'Indian Idol' Sandeep Acharya...Shocked. Too young, and a wonderful guy...I still hope this news is untrue," Shreya tweeted.

His body is now being taken to his hometown Bikaner where the last rites will be performed.

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Alia nervous about 'Highway' theatrical trailer

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Actress Alia Bhatt is nervous about the release of theatrical trailer of her second film "Highway" that releases Dec 16.

She took to Twitter to tell her fans about the release.

"Tomorrow (Dec 16) 8 p.m. launching the theatrical trailer of my second and very special film 'Highway' at PVR! Very nervous to be honest. Please love it," Alia tweeted Sunday.

Directed by Imtiaz Ali, the movie also features Randeep Hooda in the lead role.

"Highway" will hit the theatres Feb 21, 2014.

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Joyous Sunday for Sonakshi

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Actress Sonakshi Sinha has spoken about a Sunday, finally, without doing anything.

"Finally, a sunday all to myself! So many things could have been accomplished but ah, the joys of doing nothing," Sonakshi tweeted Sunday.

The actress was recently seen in "Bullett Raja" and "R...Rajkumar".

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Shruti Haasan promises Tamil film

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Actress Shruti Haasan has said that she will soon be seen in a Tamil film.

She took to micro-blogging website Twitter to tell her fans about it.

"I get so many tweets about Tamil films I promise I'm doing one soon! Right now busy shooting 'Welcome Back' and 'Race Gurram'. Fun times," Shruti tweeted Sunday.

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Bharani floored by response to 'Mithunam' at CIFF

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Actor-filmmaker Tanikella Bharani is overwhelmed with the response his maiden Telugu directorial "Mithunam" has received at the ongoing 11th Chennai International Film Festival (CIFF).

"Mithunam", which deals with the relationship between a septuagenarian couple, is the only Telugu film to be screened at the festival.

"I'm extremely happy that I have received words of appreciation from legendary filmmakers such as K. Balachander and Bapu. I was also happy with the fact that my film played to a full house, which also included several foreigners," Bharani told IANS.

While Tamil filmmaker Balachander called the film "a visual poetry", Bapu lauded Bharani's effort for presenting the film with unparalleled sensitivity.

"I'm glad I got the opportunity to present my film in this festival. I hope more Indian films get the opportunity to be screened in these festivals, which also attracts foreigners. This way our films can cross over and can also attract global acclaim," he said.

The film, which released towards the end of 2012, was not a money spinner at the box-office, yet managed to complete a 50-day run.

It featured only two characters essayed by S.P Balasubrahmanyam and Lakshmi.

The CIFF, which started on Dec 12, is slated to conclude on Dec 19. 163 films from 58 countries are being screened at the fest.

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