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His 50th film Mankatha has had an opening like none other this year. Whether it’s the salt-and-pepper look or playing the suited baddie, Ajith has carried it off with élan. Here, he opens up about the film, politics and more…

Did you expect the film to do as well as it has?

When I first heard the synopsis of Mankatha, it was a one liner. Post Vaalee, I hadn’t done a character with negative shade and I asked Venkat if he had any scripts. The moment I mentioned it, there was pin-drop silence at the other end of the line. He told me a line and I said it sounds interesting and I don’t mind doing it. I knew the film would do well but I didn’t expect this kind of a success; not even in my wildest dreams.

Do you think it’s because it’s your 50th film?

It’s got to do with a lot of factors. Venkat Prabhu is in tune with the youngsters of today. For instance, his dialogues are something the youth can relate to. Plus, it’s my 50th film. The star cast of the film — Arjun, Trisha, Lakshmi Rai, Anjali and the boys – was also a factor. The day of release was important – very rarely do you have five days in a row of holidays. Another reason why it worked was it was all about money; people could relate to this as money is so important today.

Casting Arjun…

I personally called him and asked him if he’d like to play this role. He said that he definitely wants to be a part of it, especially because it was my 50th film. When I was watching the film, I wasn’t even worried about what the public would think. I was more worried what Mr Arjun would think! Venkat and I were conscious that we never let him down.

Have you seen the movie with the audience?

No, I haven’t. The last film that I saw in a theatre was Ullasam in 1997. I have never been to a theatre after that. I am scared – scared because if it doesn’t do well, it will be hard to take. I am also scared that if it does really well, it would go to my head. I don’t want either of those reactions. In fact, Mankatha is the first movie that my daughter Anoushka has seen on-screen!

Are you happy with the salt and-pepper look? Women loved it…

Thank you (smiles). May be after Billa 2, I will retain my salt-and-pepper look for all my films. I will start choosing scripts that suit my age post that.

There are rumours of you signing a movie with Vishuvardhan, Vijay and Vikram Kumar…
We have a lot of great directors, but I don’t know who will be available post Billa 2. Vishnu is one director I look forward to working with again. I’d like to work with Venkat Prabhu again, but I don’t want him to feel obligated to cast me. Hopefully, in the next few weeks, there’ll be an announcement.

You recently disbanded your fan clubs. Any regrets?

This has nothing to do with the industry or the culture. This is something that I wanted to do, especially with the nexus between politics and the industry being so strong. I am aware that fans of mine come from different walks of life. And I want my fans to do well, but they need to understand that there is life beyond movies. This is entertainment, don’t take it too seriously. As an individual, you have every right to express your political preference. As fans, be united and come and watch my film. I received a lot of support when I took this decision. I’m very grateful to my fans that they accepted my decision and understood why I did it. With social networking, you are free to express yourself and I will take it as constructive criticism. You don’t need an organization to be a fan. If you love me, say a prayer for me.

Politics and entertainment are intertwined…

I’m not politically ambitious or politically motivated. I believe there are two kinds of people – those who want to get directly involved and those who ask ‘what can I do as an individual?’ I belong to the latter category. I work hard, pay my taxes, do charity within my capabilities and exercise my vote. If every individual fulfills his obligations or commitments, I think the world will be a better place.

Chennai:

A proud fan of the actor from the age of eight, the dubbing artiste-cum-human rights activist believes that no better blessing can be given to her daughter and son-in-law in waiting, than one from her “living god”.

Lavanya was engaged to Rajasekaran early in June and the couple is eagerly awaiting “good news” from the star.

A staunch believer in non-association with fan clubs, she celebrated the return of Rajini at the Vadapalani Murugan Temple on Saturday by shaving her head and offering a special pooja. Along with her, her son Gopi Raj also had his head tonsured.

“My daughter was also itching to have her head tonsured for our Thalaivar’s safe return, but I didn’t want to upset my future in-laws any further and so stopped her,” she reveals.

Gowri’s friend Amudha, and a father-son duo, Sivakumar and eigh-year-old Sasikumar, also had their heads shaven clean.

She also said she fed 500 needy persons and presented saris to 50 women to mark the actor’s return.

When asked if she believed the star who shied away from the public eye would actually be able to make it to her daughter’s wedding, Gowri says unwaveringly, “He will be there. I know. He lives for us just like we live for him.”

Finally

After the superstar’s return to India this week, there was much speculation as to where would he be staying during the period of his recovery. While some said that Rajinikanth would stay at his Poes Garden home, others conjectured he might choose to stay at the Kelambakkam farm house. However, Rajini has surprised everyone by deciding to stay at the Alwarpet House of his elder daughter Aishwarya and son-in-law Dhanush.

Apparently, the reason behind this decision of Rajini sir is his desire to spend some quality time with family and especially his two grandkids Yatra and Linga. We sincerely hope that the superstar regains his health and resumes entertaining us like before. Fans are eagerly awaiting the shooting of ‘Rana’ to restart which has been kept in limbo until Rajinikanth recovers.

Legendary

Lakshmi Menon is playing as Vikram’s lady love in the flick.

Based on the life and struggles of Elephants, the movie will be shot in the dense forests of Tamil Nadu Kerala border. The director also planning to shoot the real elephants living in the jungles.

The launch of the movie was held at Hotel Residency towers, Chennai on Monday in Kollywood style.

Produced by Director Lingusamy’s Thiruppathy Pictures, the film’s distribution rights acquired by UTV motion pictures.

As per media news, Rajinikanth, who is desperate to return to India and start his stalled venture ‘Rana’, rang up the lead actress Deepika Padukone for her dates for rescheduling the film in September.

Sources revealed that Deepika was elated on receiving Rajini’s call and she wished the actor speedy recovery.

The hottie also assured the superstar that she will be adjusting her dates for his ‘Rana’ whenever it would be required.

Has

Her last day in front of the camera was at Ramoji Rao Film city in Hyderabad on June 25.

After the wrap up of the shoot, the actress presented gifts like watches and gold rings to her assistants and say a good bye to all with tears.

When Balakrishna asked her about the post marriage acting plans, the replied that her fiance strictly asked her to quit films after marriage.

Superstar

The most important people Favourite award, publicly voted by the viewers of the channel gone to Supersta Rajinikanth for his splendid performance in Enthiran.

It was an evening to honour icons of Tamil cinema and celebrate their contribution to filmdom. The fifth annual edition of Close Up Vijay Awards presented by Vijay TV turned out to be a memorable event for many, both the recipients and the presenters of the awards.

The star-studded ceremony here on Saturday saw an excited audience giving several rounds of standing ovation to legends of the Tamil film industry. The celebrations kicked off by honouring the nine recipients of the National Film Award from the State. Many among them such as actors Saranya Ponvannan and Thambi Ramaiah, lyricist Vairamuthu and choreographer Dinesh were presented with Vijay awards for best supporting actor (female and male), best lyricist and best choreographer.

It was a moment to be cherished when veteran director K.Balachander was presented with Chevalier Sivaji Ganesan award for his contribution to the film industry. Mr.Balachander said “I am yet to receive the Dadasaheb Phalke award. It has only been announced. I regard this as an honour equal to that.”

Asked about actor Rajinikanth’s health, he said: “He called me when he was discharged from hospital in Singapore. Rajini asked me to convey that he is well.”

The special award to veteran choreographer Sundaram for the category ‘Contribution to Tamil Cinema’ turned out to be picture perfect moments as his three sons who are choreographers and others trained by Mr.Sundaram joined him.

Recalling that he was introduced to the field by Mr.Balachander, Mr.Sundaram said he has worked with many luminaries, including N.T.Rama Rao, M.G.Ramachandran and Jayalalithaa.

Many films bagged more than one award.

The winners for 32 categories were chosen from 149 films released in 2010. The film crew of ‘Angadi Theru’ bagged three awards: Vasantha Balan (best director), Anjali (best actor-female) and best film.

Mr. Rajinikanth was adjudged the best villain (for Enthiran). Actor Dhanush, who received the award, read out a letter from the actor, which said: “When K.Balachander sir introduced me, he saw me best suited for villain character. I would also like to act as Ravanan rather than Raman.”

Actor Vikram was chosen as best actor for his performance in ‘Ravanan.’ A.R.Rahman was adjudged best music director for ‘Vinnai Thandi Varuvaya.’ His mother received the award.

Actor Suriya was presented the best entertainer award for ‘Singam’ and the jury special award was given to director Seenu Ramasamy for ‘Thenmerku Paruvakatru’. ‘Myna’ bagged the best crew of the year award.

Viewers’ awards

Favourite category awards chosen by Vijay TV viewers were presented under four categories. Actors Rajinikanth and Trisha won the favourite hero and heroine awards.

‘Enthiran’ was chosen as favourite film and favourite director award went to Mr.Shankar.

The spectacular ceremony was interspersed with scintillating dance and music performances, including those of actor Amala Paul.

The Vikram

According to the sources, the censor board officials have highly appreciated the film and mentioned that it is one of the finest films and Director Vijay and Chiyaan Vikram are going to go places with this film.

Most of the members felt that it is a fantastic experience and it is a privilege to watch the film. Director Vijay was appreciated for bringing out another sensitive, interesting and emotionally connecting film after ‘Madharaspattinam.’

Superstar Rajnikanth’s block buster Endhiran won a number of trophies at the IIFA awards including Best Make-up (Banu), Best Art Direction (Sabu Cyril) and Best Special Effects (Indian Artists).

The 12th International Indian Film Academy Awards 2011 has started in Toronto on Saturday with a bang. Most of the stars from Bollywood enjoyed the event and mingled with the fans easily.

Rajini’s Endhiran was honoured with three coveted awards, for make-up, art direction and special effects departments. The film which has Aishwarya Rai Bachchan in female lead was directed by Shankar and produced by Sun Pictures.

Best Direction went to director Karan Johar for My Name is Khan, a melodrama starring Shahrukh Khan about Muslims facing backlash after the September 11, 2001 attacks. Shahrukh Khan also won Best Performance in a Leading Role (Male) for playing a man suffering from Asperger’s Syndrome in My Name is Khan.

May be Nayanthara is grabbing the marital rights of Ramlath in real, but in reel, the actress is sincerely doing the role of Seetha.

She is playing this role in Sri Rama Rajyam, a Telugu movie. She is on Vrath during the entire shoot of the movie. The buzz is that she is on a strict vegetarian diet, having only home-made food, and avoiding functions.

And she is not even meeting her ‘sweetheart’ Prabhu Deva during her shoots in Hyderabad!

Meanwhile the shoot of Sri Rama Rajyam will be over by mid July. Sources reveal that the actress is going to announce her retirement after the completion of the film.