Filmmaker Biju Vishwanath says his Tamil directorial debut "Orange Mittai" has been made without any creative compromises by keeping aside the star status of actor Vijay Sethupathi, who is also its producer.

"Vijay and I teamed up to make a good film. We've made 'Orange Mittai' on a very creative level without any compromises. He never let his stardom intervene in the filmmaking process," Vishwanath told IANS.

"There are two kinds of actors. Good actors and intelligent actors. I think Vijay belongs to the second type; hence it's very easy and creatively satisfying to work with him. I had a wonderful experience," he added.

The award winning filmmaker has made nine American films, several short films in foreign languages and has also won international awards. His film "Deja Vu" was the only other Indian film, apart from "Lagaan", to make it to the Locarno Film Festival.

He also has one film each in Malayalam and Sinhala to his credit.

Biju and Vijay, who had known each other for quite a while, had planned to work together a few years ago.

"I had known Vijay even before he became an actor. We were to do this project five or six years ago but we couldn't find a producer. It's one of the reasons why Vijay decided to produce this film on his own because we wanted to make a film that'll make us happy," he added.

Biju describes "Orange Mittai" as a "bittersweet" comedy.

"It's not a road film as its being speculated. It's the journey of three characters in an ambulance, but not the entire film. It's basically about the relationship of a father and son," he said.

"It's about these two guys working in an ambulance. They have to take care of an old man, played by Vijay, who is really tough to handle. What happens between these characters forms the crux of the story," he added.

Having predominantly made international films, Biju didn't find working in a regional film challenging.

"I think every film will have a set of challenges, which are internal part of the filmmaking process. It could be the budget or weather and so on. Otherwise, I didn't find anything more challenging. I'm lucky to have found a supporting actor and producer," he said.

Currently in post-production phase, "Orange Mittai", which also features Ramesh, Arumugam, Jayaprakash and Aswitha in important roles, is slated for release next year.

Overwhelmed with the response to Tamil paranormal thriller "Pissasu", which is currently running in cinemas, director Mysskin says he likes to move audiences with his films than merely entertain.

"I've always made films to move audiences. Entertainment means to hold attention but it's not about songs and dance. Audiences have to completely lose themselves in a story and that's the kind of film I like to make. I'm happy 'Pissasu' has achieved that," Mysskin told IANS.

"Pissasu", a compassionate love story with paranormal touch, has turned out to be a successful venture.

The film, which features newcomers Naga and Prayaga Martin, has raked in over Rs. 4 crore, in its first week in Tamil Nadu.

"Pissasu" is going strong at the box-office despite the onslaught of Aamir Khan's "PK" and Rajinikanth's "Lingaa".

About his next project, Mysskin said: "I'm busy finishing the script. I'm also interested in making a sequel to aAnjathe', but not sure when will that happen".

Filmmaker Srikanth Addala, who is happy with the reception to his latest Telugu release "Mukunda", says his next film, tentatively titled "Brahmotsavama", will be a family entertainer.

He will soon start the casting process for the project.

"All that I can say at this moment is that my next project will be a family drama. I'll soon start casting actors," Addala told IANS.

The filmmaker, who is known for churning out successful family dramas such as "Seethamma Vakitlo Sirimalle Chettu" and "Kotha Bangaru Lokam", says his inspiration for stories comes from the society.

"There's so much happening around us that can be made into films. We live in a society where prime importance is given to family and that's why most of my stories revolve around families. Most of my stories are inspired from what I see in the society," he said.

While the filmmaker remains tight-lipped about the cast of his next project, it is said that he will team up with superstar Mahesh Babu again.

In 2013, Addala pulled off an impossible task by teaming up with Mahesh Babu and Venkatesh in "Seethamma Vakitlo Sirimalle Chettu".

Bollywood enjoys wide popularity across the globe be it for movies, action, drama or music and Grammy-nominated British DJ and producer Mark Knight feels that Indian music has become synonymous with Bollywood because of ignorance.

“There is ignorance towards Indian music in general. If you look at Bollywood, which is so huge, everyone in the world knows and understands Bollywood music. But past that I don't think people have a great understanding towards Indian music,” Mark told IANS on the sidelines of Vh1 Supersonic 2014 being held on the shores of Candolim beach here.

“I include myself in the mentioned category. I have a lot to learn about Indian music and I hope to return and understand it better,” he added.

Mark along with his brother Stuart Knight, started a label called Toolroom Records in 2003. Now the label is known for credible house and tech house music.

Mark feels that the only thing that can bridge the gap is more music.

“People have to produce more music and as fast it will spread, I'm sure things would change,” he told IANS.

Mark has performed in India in Sunburn Festival last year too. The artist feels that the understanding towards new music and genres in India has added to the popularity of the music.

“I played here last year at some event (Sunburn Festival) and you could really feel how it has evolved musically in terms of people's understanding towards new music and different genres. It is really gonna explode music with the insane amount of passion in future,” he said.

On collaboration with Indian musician, Mark was open to ideas and said: “Never say never.”

For 2015, the artist is focusing on underground records and also has plans to write an album in 2016.

Actor Jackky Bhagnani along with his family has taken off to Hong Kong to celebrate New Year.

“Landed in Hong Kong . Travelling with family for New Years !!!!!!!,” the actor posted Sunday on social networking site Twitter.

Meanwhile, there are other Bollywood celebrities including superstar Salman Khan, Jacqueline Fernandez, Ranbir Kapoor, Katrina Kaif who have already planned their New Year in different parts of the world.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi and veteran actress Rekha have been named the hottest vegetarian celebrities by People For the Ethical Treatment of Animals (PETA).

Early leaders Kangana Ranaut and Shahid Kapoor as well as Amitabh Bachchan, R. Madhavan, Jacqueline Fernandez and Hema Malini put up a real fight. But after thousands of votes were cast to help PETA India choose the winners, the results indicated Modi and Rekha to be on the top, said a statement.

"I've been a vegetarian for most of my life and can endorse the fact that it affects the way you think and perceive life", Rekha said.

Modi practises yoga to stay fit and dines on animal-friendly vegetarian foods whenever he meets with international delegates.

"Rekha and Prime Minister Modi have inspired caring people everywhere to ditch meat in favour of vegetarian foods. Both of PETA India's winners prove that nothing is hotter than kindness, which they show every time they sit down for a meal," said Poorva Joshipura, chief executive officer, PETA India.

Keen to learn more about Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose, Bollywood filmmaker Dibakar Banerjee Monday batted for declassification of secret files related to the nationalist leader.

The "Khosla Ka Ghosla" maker was keen to know about Netaji's life but the authorities backed out of declassifying the files as promised, said a statement.

"It is a very puzzling issue...Mystery is mystery but history cannot be mystery," the statement said.

"History cannot be hidden and if my information tells me right, between the PMO and the external affairs ministry there are about 60 to 80 files on Netaji which are classified while they have declassified about ten," Banerjee said in a statement.

"Still large measures of these files are not declassified and I think for a legend like Netaji, his life is heritage of India and it should not be a mystery...," said the director, who was in Kolkata recently.

Recently, a section of Bose's family that has been campaigning for declassification of secret files, sought the intervention of the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) on the issue.

A large section of the Netaji family, researchers and historians have been seeking declassification of over 100 secret files said to be with various central government departments including the Prime Minister's Office.

Supernatural erotica "Khamoshiyan" starring Gurmeet Choudhary, Sapna Pabbi and Ali Fazal, will be made into a game soon.

The players can choose either Gurmeet, Sapna or Ali characters and play the game through the eyes of the characters.

Each character will have a different secret and a different story to narrate.

The film is produced by Vishesh Films and presented by Fox Star Studios and the makers are leaving no stone unturned in promoting the film.

"We have a very strategical promotional approach for ‘Khamoshiyan’. We want to make ‘Khamoshiyan’ a franchise and we are devising strategies that will excite and engage audiences more about the film and make them endorsers of the film.

"They have loved the trailer, the songs have been welcomed and we are very excited for the release of the film,” filmmaker Mahesh Bhatt said in a statement.

The game is set to be unveiled closer to the release of the film which will hit the screens Jan 30, 2015.

Southern superstar Vikram, who promoted his film "I" here, said it's a step forward for him as an actor.

The actor who will be seen in different looks in the film said: "Body building took me three years to achieve that body for the film. It took me three to five hours to get the beast's look. My family was worried because for one character I had to gain weight and for different character, I had to lose 20 to 25 kgs."

"My family was really worried and it was tough to convince them. (But) this film is going to be a step forward for me as an actor. I get to play four different characters in this film. I grew up doing stage shows in school and I wanted to do something out of the box. I am blessed to do something like this," he added.

Directed by Shankar "I" also features Amy Jackson. The film is slated for Jan 9 release.

ctress Vedhika, who was last seen in critically acclaimed Tamil period-drama "Kaaviya Thalaivan", has decided to give back something to her fans on the social media.

She has started a new initiative called Vedhika Talent Gallery that will allow people to showcase their hidden artistic talent to wider audience.

"The initiative will be more like a community page on Facebook where artists can interact with one another. Since an artist needs an audience, this will give them an opportunity to reach a wider audience compared to if they just put up their art-work in their own FB page," she said in a statement.

The idea was conceived after lot of her fans used to send her their work on her official page.

"Since I could post all of them exclusively on my page, I thought why not create a dedicated page for them", she added.

"This is just a small gesture to give something back to the people who have unconditionally supported me on social media platforms," she said.

People are allowed to send any of their artistic creations such as songs, poems and even paintings.

Actress Anisha Singh, who was last seen in 2012 Telugu film "Ayyare", has landed an important role in upcoming romantic-comedy "Beeruva". Having almost disappeared for the last two years, she hopes to hog the limelight with the film.

"I started working on a Telugu film with Shivaji after 'Ayyare'. But it got shelved for some reasons. Then I was offered 'Beeruva', and I was told that it was an interesting project. I thought I might as well do something to get recognised as an actress," Anisha told IANS.

In Kanmani-directed "Beeruva", Anisha plays a role with grey shades.

"I wouldn't call it a negative character. It's something that expected me to play dumb, stupid, sexy and slightly grey under some circumstances. It's an exciting role and I really hope it gets me into the limelight," she said.

She shares the screen space with Sundeep Kishan in the film.

"It was amazing working with Sundeep. It's a wonderful learning experience to work with a young team. I finished shooting my portion in July," she added.

Post "Ayyare", Anisha did a lot of rethinking about her career.

"When I did 'Ayyare', I was just a newcomer. I didn't have the right contacts nor knew anything about the industry. But I did that film thinking it was good. Unfortunately, it didn't do well at the box-office. Because of which I wasn't getting any offers," she said.

"I did get a few offers to play the second heroine but I really wasn't interested. We all know what happens to actresses who end up playing the second lead. When 'Beeruva' was finally offered, I told myself let me do this even though it's a brief role," she added.

Director Shakti Soundar Rajan has confirmed that the sequel to his recent Tamil hit "Naaigal Jaakirathai" is on the cards and will go on floors in 2016. Before that, he plans to work on a fresh script which is on the verge of completion.

"The sequel to 'Naaigal Jaakirathai' will happen in 2016. Meanwhile, I'll be doing a fresh film which won't feature a dog. I'm currently busy writing the script and it will not tread any conventional genre just like my last two films," Rajan told IANS.

About "Naaigal Jaakirathai 2", Shakti said: "it might continue with actor Sibiraj and the dog, the lead characters from the first part".

The success of "Naaigal Jaakirathai" has allowed Shakti to look at "filmmaking from a different perspective".

"The success has been overwhelming. It's one of the few Tamil films of this year to have reaped profits for the producer, distributors as well as the theatre owners. None of the investors have lost a single penny," he said.

"I made the film purely for the masses and I'm happy that they've received it quite well. It's still running in a few theatres in Coimbatore. The biggest lesson I took back home from this success is no matter how creatively one makes a film, it shouldn't be boring," he added.

"Naaigal Jaakirathai" was one of the most profitable ventures of 2014.

Music is known as a universal language and this message was reinforced on the third day of the ongoing edition of Vh1 Supersonic 2014. The event saw a heady mix of electronic dance music and melodious tracks by English dance music group Above & Beyond.

The four-day annual musical extravaganza, which started Dec 27 at Candolim Beach here, has witnessed some of the world's most celebrated music artists from various genres like DJ Dillon Francis and DJ Paul van Dyk amongst others setting the right tempo with their gigs.

However, the third day was all about English band Above & Beyond.

A “Music unites us all” message was displayed during the performance of Jono Grant of English dance music group Above & Beyond that tied the audience together sending a wave of frenzy. Electronic dance music (EDM) is synonymous to loud music and fast beats, but this band presented a soothing performance with a blend of electronic beats.

There were waves, birds, blue sky as visuals to back-up band's performance that propelled the crowd to groove together and feel the calmness of music. The performance was certainly the highlight of the day as they orchestrated an emotional ride for the audience.

The band member Tony McGuinness performed at the inaugural edition of the music fest last year and this year Grant treated Indian audience with his music. Grant ended his gig with a visual note that read “Goodbyes are not for forever".

The second edition of the music fest brought music-lovers from India and around the world together presenting a spectacle of dazzling lights and pulsating beats spread over three stages: the Iron Heart stage, Spectrum stage and Laboratoire Supersonique.

Other artists, who got the audience pumping on their energetic music were US-based Roger Sanchez and DJ Alvaro. Indian DJs like Pearl, Nawed Khan and Raghav Holla also enthralled the crowd with their tracks.

The fest has an impressive line up with Infected Mushroom and Dash Berlin in the list for a fitting end to the music festival.

Although big-budget formula films kept hitting the box office on regular intervals, 2014 straddled much more on sleeper hits such as "Queen", "Highway", "Mary Kom" and "Haider". As different as chalk and cheese in terms of genre, storyline and presentation, the success saga of these films established that viewers' taste has changed and they would accept any story - if told well.

IANS lists top 10 Hindi films of 2014:

"Highway": Shot in places like Delhi, Punjab and Himachal Pradesh, the road movie revolves around two people who are brought together by fate. What really clicked were the story line, its execution and performances by the lead actors - Alia Bhatt and Randeep Hooda. While Alia's performance was fresh, Randeep took his acting skills to another level in the film. Directed by Imtiaz Ali, the film not only appealed to the critics but also entertained the viewers. Made on a budget of approximately Rs.25 crore, the movie grossed Rs.30 crore.

"Queen": Kangana Ranaut played an inspirational girl next door in this highly acclaimed film. Directed by Vikas Bahl, the comedy-drama presents the life of bride-to-be Rani who decides to go on her honeymoon alone. Apart from the well-written script and a standout performance by Kangana, the film's other actors like Rajkummar Rao and Lisa Haydon also won many hearts. The Rs.25 crore film collected a whopping Rs.55 crore in India.

"Citylights": Made at a budget of less than Rs.6 crore, it collected Rs.10 crore and was also appreciated for its unique story line and brilliant performance by lead actor Rajkummar Rao. Directed by Hansal Mehta, the film is about a couple with rustic innocence. How they try to survive in a big city forms rest of the story.

"Kick": The action-thriller starring Salman Khan was a big Eid release. Directed by debutant Sajid Nadiadwala, the audience loved the superstar's aggressive and in-your-face character in the film, which also featured Randeep Hooda, Nawazuddin Siddiqui and Jacqueline Fernandez. The over Rs.100 crore movie minted close to Rs.211 crore.

"Mardaani": Set against the backdrop of child trafficking, the Rani Mukerji-starrer raised the issue with great perfection under Pradeep Sarkar's direction. Made on a budget of around Rs. 30 crore, the film was praised for spreading awareness and also entertaining the masses. It minted Rs.40 crore at the box office.

"Mary Kom": Priyanka Chopra's "Mary Kom" was about the heart-touching and motivational past of the Manipuri boxing champion with dignity and passion. The woman-oriented film became a big hit at the box office collecting Rs.54 crore. Directed by debutant Omung Kumar, the film was one of the most inspiring biopics to have ever reached the silver screen and was made at a budget of approximately Rs.50 crore.

"Haider": A modern-day adaptation of "Hamlet", "Haider" was the comeback film of Shahid Kapoor to the A-listers of Bollywood. With Kashmir as its backdrop, the Vishal Bharadwaj directorial is a wondrous work of art. Also, thanks to the brilliant cast, which also included Tabu, Shraddha Kapoor, Kay Kay Menon and Irrfan Khan, the Rs.40-crore film earned Rs.50 crore.

"Bang Bang!": Despite being tagged as "mindless", "loud", "dumb", "pointless" and "exhausting" by the critics, the Hrithik Roshan-Katrina Kaif-starrer was one of the biggest blockbusters of the year, collecting Rs.145 crore. Made at a budget of more than Rs.100 crore, the Siddharth Anand directorial was prepared with ingredients like romance, jaw-dropping action sequences, peppy music and good looking actors.

"Happy New Year": Bollywood's "Badshah" Shah Rukh Khan treated his fans to "Happy New Year" during Diwali. And like his other Diwali releases such as "Dilwale Dulhania Le Jayenge" and "Dil To Pagal Hai", the Farah Khan directorial was a blockbuster. The movie, which also featured Deepika Padukone, Abhishek Bachchan, Boman Irani, Vivaan Shah and Sonu Sood, was made at a big budget of Rs.125 crore and minted Rs.188 crore at the domestic box office.

"PK": Aamir Khan's much anticipated comedy-drama "PK" stirred thought and discussion and struck gold at the box office too. Directed by Rajkumar Hirani, it earned Rs.214.14 crore in its second week and is still counting. The film, which used an alien, played by Aamir, to highlight the ills of society was made at a budget of Rs.110 crore.

Actor-filmmaker Kamal Haasan has revealed that the trailer of his upcoming Tamil film "Uttama Villain" is ready and will be unveiled soon.

In a video released on Youtube channel, Haasan said the sound mixing work of the film is currently underway in Los Angeles.

"The trailer is ready and should be released very soon," he said.

Directed by Ramesh Arvind, the film features Kamal in a dual role. It's also the last film of late legendary filmmaker K. Balachander.

Also starring Andrea Jeremiah and Pooja Kumar, "Uttama Villain" is produced by Thirupathi Brothers.

Megastar Amitabh Bachchan says the editing of a film has changed a lot over the years and back in the old days, entering or getting even close to an editing room involved "a fine" or feeding "the staff" or leaving before getting "beaten up".

"Actually now being in the company of edit is pretty normal. In those days we were never allowed even 100 meters from the edit room. If per chance you were to find yourself in the edit, you either paid a fine, fed the staff, and left in a hurry before you got beaten up," the 72-year-old posted on his blog srbachchan.tumblr.com.

Big B also expressed how "exciting" it would be for him to go back to school and learn new things.

"I do believe that the editor and the background score artist are the happiest on film in making. How exciting it would be for me to get back to school and learn the craft that I never could get occasion to. Or to just enrol myself for a couple of months to study and be judged for work done in the process of educating myself," he added.

The 72-year-old also desires to learn music, instruments and many more things.

"But then there is desire to do so many things - music, instrument, study, writing script, acting and a host of other facilities to be done… Some day I hope to be able to do that...some day yes some day," he said.

Kannada cinematographer-turned-director Krishna S is interested in roping in actor Amitabh Bachchan to play a prominent role in upcoming trilingual "Hebbuli". However, he is yet to approach the Bollywood megastar.

"Hebbulia", which features superstar Sudeep in the lead, will be made in Kannada, Telugu and Tamil.

"I'm definitely interested in casting Bachchan sir but I haven't approach him yet. It will be wonderful to see him and Sudeep share the screen space after 'Rann'. I might meet him in the first week of January provided I get an appointment," Krishna told IANS.

Krishna also has a few Bollywood actors in mind for the role, but his first preference will be Big B.

"We will start shooting soon in Kashmir. I haven't zeroed in on the heroin yet too. I think I'll first cast my heroine and then finalize the rest of my cast," he added.

Meanwhile, Krishna is basking in the success of his Kannada directorial debut "Gajakesari", which turned out to be one of the biggest hits this year.

"The year 2014 was like a workout for me" says Oscar winning composer A.R.Rahman, who has given music for as many as twelve films including some Hollywood projects this year.

He has also composed music for Shankar's forthcoming Tamil film "I".

"I have done almost twelve movies in 2014 and it's like a workout for me and my team. I think it is one of my happiest years," the music maestro said here Monday during the press conference of Tamil film "I".

"Whether it's Hollywood- where I did three movies (including 'Million Dollar Arm' and 'The Hundred-Foot Journey' or Tamil films where I worked with Shankar (in 'I'), Rajinikanth ('Kochadaiiyaan' and 'Lingaa'). it's been a great year," he added.

Meanwhile, Rahman is once again in the race for an Academy Award this year. His work for "Million Dollar Arm", "The Hundred-Foot Journey" and Indian film "Kochadaiiyaan" are part of the long list released by the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences on its website recently.

Further, talking about stuff for next year, Rahman said: "Some movies have shifted to next year, so there is some more stuff next year as well".

Bajrang Dal workers attacked the premises of Z Square Mall here Tuesday where Hindi film "PK" was being screened, seeking a ban on it for allegedly hurting Hindu sentiments.

The activists tried to storm the mall where the film was being exhibited at a multiplex. But when security personnel stopped them, they pulled down canopies and other publicity exhibits at the gate.

They also burnt an effigy of the film's main actor, Aamir Khan, who plays the role of an alien in the movie that is a commentary on godmen.

Police told IANS that three Bajrang Dal workers had been arrested and they were looking for their accomplices.

In a related incident, members of the Hindu Yuva Vahini burnt posters of the film and Aamir Khan's effigy.

They demanded that parts of the movie, which they said showed Hinduism in poor light, be deleted or the film be banned. They threatened to storm theatres screening the film if their demands were not met.

While makers of "PK" are courting controversy for the film being anti-Hinduism, the film industry people like Karan Johar, Ritesh Sidhwani and Uday Chopra have come out in support of the movie.

The Rajkumar Hirani directorial that features actor Aamir Khan as an alien, struck the controversy ever since its release. Although the film is doing well at the box office and has broken collection records, it has been slammed by some people, including few communities and the Vishwa Hindu Parishad, who claim it mocks Hindu traditions.

Here's what Bollywood celebrities had to say:

Karan Johar: Attacking a duly censored film has to stop!!! What kind of a democracy are we living in?? No film should be targeted or be allowed to...,#PK

Uday Chopra: What a wonderful film #PK is...just saw it and I’m bowled over by it. It is the most important film that every Indian should see. Salute!

Ritesh Sidhwani: #PK is a Must Watch. I’m a believer & nowhere does it hurt our sentiments or questions religion. In fact it teaches you to love Cont... And not fear in the name of God. What it rightfully does is questions the So called messengers & their role between us & our belief.

Pooja Bedi: God wants SPIRITUAL FRUIT.. not RELIGIOUS NUTS!! LLet's support #PK

Vivek Agnihotri: All those gundas attacking cinema halls showing #pk must be arrested immediately and locked up with Asaram.