Rajini discovers new formula for Endhiran

With the Sun TV group taking over the production of the Rajnikanth starrer mega movie Endhiran, shoots are resumed after a brief halt. Shankar is calling the shots with the lead stars Rajini and Aishwarya Rai in and around Chennai. The crew is currently stationed at Vellore and shoots are progressing at the VIT college premises.

Rajini plays a scientist in the movie with Aishwarya playing his associate. Scenes of the Boss discovering a new formula were shot recently. Rajini and Aishwarya rejoicing over the discovery - by shouting the words ‘success, success’ were filmed in the location according to reliable onlookers. It has also been reported that Rajini is likely to visit the famous Golden temple there and the authorities are expecting the super star.

'Endhiran' goes to Vellore

After shooting a song sequence in the parts of North Chennai, the cast and crew of Rajinikanth starrer 'Endhiran' including Aishwarya Rai Bachchan and director Shankar is now in Vellore to shoot some important sequences for the movie. Rajinikanth, Aishwarya Rai and Shankar reached Vellore by road and they were taken to Vellore Institute of Technology where shooting was done amidst tight security. The details about Rajinikanth's visit to Vellore had been kept secret and security was tight in the vicinity. A few scenes involving Rajinikanth and Aishwarya were canned by Rathanvelu with Shankar giving instructions to his crew. Produced by Sun Pictures, 'Endhiran' has musical score by A R Rahman.

Rajinikanth hitchhikes for 'Endhiran'

Rajinikanth, who was struck in a traffic-jam near Ennore, where the shooting of 'Endhiran' was on, was given assistance by a group of stunt men to reach the shooting spot without getting delayed on Monday. They managed to cover Rajinikanth with a huge coat and a helmet and took him on a motorcycle to the shooting spot. Rajinikanth was shooting for the movie at Ennore along with Aishwarya Rai Bachchan. Director Shankar was canning a song sequence. Rajinikanth who left his residence in a car got struck up in a traffic jam near Ennore. He called up Shankar and said that it would be too difficult for him to reach the place. A busy industrial area, the road was blocked by several rows of Lorries. Shankar came up with an idea and sent a couple of stunt men with motorcycles. They helped Rajinikanth cover his face with a helmet and gave him a long coat. Then they took him in the two-wheeler to the shooting spot. All the crew members including Aishwarya were surprised to know that Rajnikanth had reached the place in a two-wheeler.

Endhiran will change my image' - Rathnavelu

Sun Pictures is now the production in charge for 'Endhiran' starring Rajinikanth and Aishwarya Rai. The director of mega ventures, Shankar is making this movie for which Rathnavelu has been roped in for cinematography. 'Endhiran' is being touted as the most extravagant, high budget movie in Indian cinema which is based on a sci-fi baseline. The challenging task of framing the scenes for this CGI based movie has been trusted to talented cameraman Rathnavelu, who recently portrayed a brilliant cinematography in Surya's 'Varanam Ayiram'. Rathnavelu speaking to the media said, "Shankar is a director who plans every nuance of the movie beforehand and executes them succinctly. We had every aspect of the movie along with the scenes well planned. Songs were canned in Peru, Brazil, Goa and Chennai. When the snap shots of these songs came out, reviews started pouring in, congratulating me for portraying superstar in a youthful and vibrant look. I had an iconic image that I will sign up only for script oriented flicks like 'Sethu' and 'Pithamagan'. 'Endhiran' that is being made on par with Hollywood movies will change this perception." "As Sun Pictures has stepped in, the promo for this movie will extravagantly reach the masses.

Aishwarya Rai lands in Chennai tomorrow

Ash Gallery Aishwarya Rai will be in Chennai from 19th December in connection with 'Endhiran'. After completing a major portion of shooting for Mani Ratnam's movie tentatively titled 'Ashokavanam' in forests of Kerala, she would be reaching Chennai tomorrow. It may be recalled that Sun Pictures, the movie division of Sun TV Network Limited has announced handling the production for 'Endhiran'. The project promises to be the first of its kind in terms of CG (Computer Graphics), special effects and stunt sequences. Top Notch technicians from Hollywood are being roped in for this movie making this project truly global. Starring Rajinikanth in the lead role and directed by Shankar, promises a mega movie, literally in all terms. Sun Pictures has made a remarkable feat by holding the rights for Rajinikanth's entire collection of movies with the latest being 'Endhiran'.

Sun TV Network Limited Press Release

Sun Pictures to Produce Superstar’s “ENDHIRAN” SUN TV Network Ltd One of India’s largest entertainment conglomerate today announced that it would be producing the movie titled “ENDHIRAN (The ROBOT)”. “ENDHIRAN” is India’s biggest project in terms of grandeur, splendor and Star Cast. It is Superstar Rajinikanth’s next live action movie. This Multi crore project is to be directed by Shankar, Music is by AR Rahman and Aishwarya Rai stars along with Rajinikanth. The film will be released simultaneously in Tamil, Telugu, Hindi and other languages by the end of next year. Left to Right: W. Hansraj Saxena , Shankar , Kalanidhi Maran, Rajinikanth, Rathnavelu, Naga Raja Sun Pictures, the movie division of Sun TV Network Limited will be handling the production. This project promises to be the first of its kind in terms of CG (Computer Graphics), Special effects and Stunt Sequences. Top Notch technicians from Hollywood are being roped in for this movie making this project truly global. Sun Pictures today officially announced the project with Superstar Rajinikanth, Mr. Shankar and Sun TV Network Limited’s Chairman and Managing Director Mr. Kalanithi Maran. Sun Pictures Chief Operating Officer Mr. W Hansraj Saxena and the cinematographer of the film Mr. Rathnavel were also present. Mr. Kalanithi Maran said “This is a big moment for Sun Pictures as we feel this is going to be India’s biggest movie. We are very happy and proud to be associated with Superstar Rajinikanth, Shankar and A R Rahman. With this Sun Pictures shall scale greater heights internationally”. Mr. Shankar said: “I am proud to be associated with Sun Pictures and join hands with Mr. Kalanithi Maran, working with super star Rajinikanth is a pleasure. Already there are high expectations for this project and by joining hands with Sun TV the hugeness of the movie will be further highlighted” Mr. Rajinikanth said: “This is India’s biggest movie and I am very happy and honored to work with Sun Pictures and Mr Kalanithi Maran”.

Sun TV bails out Endhiran

Eros International and Ayngaran International have finally washed their hands off their prestigious mega budget project - Endhiran. Putting all speculations to rest, Sun Pictures, an unit of Sun TV, has brought this multilingual film for a whopping Rs. 165 crores. The production house – Eros International had produced two Bollywood flicks Drona and Yuvvraj recently. But these films did not do well at the box office and the production house was reeling under severe financial pressure ever since these releases. It is said that the producers were looking for a suitable "buyer" to sell Endhiran, as they could not continue with the project. The major factor that was taken into consideration during the discussion with Sun Pictures was Rajinikanth's call sheet. It is said that Rajini was due to take part in the shooting from December 19th, 2008 to January 30th 2009. The next schedule was due to commence from February 4th onwards. The producers probably did not want to waste this all-important call sheet and therefore settled for a quick solution. With director Shankar in no mood to compromise on the production cost of the movie, the extremely high advance amount that Eros International had paid to some of the top actors and actresses from Bollywood for future projects and the overall global economic meltdown, are the other factors attributed to their inability to support Endhiran any further. An official announcement is expected from Sun Pictures.

Endhiran': Sun Pictures steps in

Sun Pictures reportedly has acquired the production rights of Rajnikanth starrer 'Endhiran'. The movie which brings together Rajnikanth, Aishwarya Rai and director Shankar, is touted to be the big budget movie ever to be made in India. According to reports Marans-owned Sun Pictures has bought out the production rights for the sci -fi movie, which was initially supposed to have been produced by London based Ayngaran International, in which Kishore Lulla-owned Eros International had a controlling stake. Ayngaran is supposedly transferring all the production costs of the movie to Sun Pictures. Officials at Ayngaran and Sun Pictures could not be reached for comment or further details. Sun Pictures had recently acquired distribution rights for its films including 'Kadhalil Vizhunden', 'Thee', 'Dindigul Sarathy' among others. Shahrukh Khan was initially supposed to star and co-produce the movie through his company, Red Chillies Entertainment. However, it was dropped owing to creative differences between director Shankar and Shahrukh. The film will be made in Tamil, but will be released in five languages, including Hindi and Telugu, besides a couple of other regional languages. The movie will also rope in a few Bollywood stars, to add to the glam factor.

Endhiran Top Slip top secret

The crew of Shankar’s Endhiran was stationed at Chennai recently and they had canned a reasonable portion of the film with super star. Shankar had shot a few comedy scenes in and around Chennai and the unit was expected to go to Kulu Manali for their next schedule. However, the plans are changed and they have decided to go to Top Slip in the Pollachi region

where the ambience is said to be similar to that in Kulu and Manali. Shooting at top slip and the details regarding the dates of shooting has been kept under wraps.

Nisha threatens Endhiran!

The Rajinikanth starrer Endhiran, which was being filmed in Chennai over the past few days, has been stalled due to heavy rains. Several parts of Tamil Nadu have been severely affected due to unrelenting rains. Owing to this, the shooting of all the films that has been progressing in Tamil Nadu had to be stopped.

Ash– busy with Raavan, Endiran in dismay

The third leg of shooting of Endhiran, which was scheduled to be held in Kulu Manali was cancelled as Aishwarya Rai Bachchan is busy with Mani Rathnam’s Ravan. The Endhiran team, sans Aishwarya, left for Kulu a few days ago but were not able to film the song sequence as planned because the actress was

caught up in Mani’s shooting in Kochi. The disappointed crew returned back to Chennai to can those scenes that does not require her. It is now believed that Shankar-Rajini and team will leave for Kulu when Ash completes her commitments with Mani Rathnam’s Ravan.

Rajini shoots in Prashanth's place

The shooting for the Rajinikanth starrer 'Endhiran' which is directed by Shankar is progressing in and around Chennai. In spite of heavy rains, director Shankar has opted to go ahead with the shooting on Wednesday. Amidst tight security, the crew is reportedly shooting at a jewelery house owned by actor Prashanth which is located in T. Nagar, Chennai. Since Aishwarya Rai is busy shooting for the Mani Ratnam movie, scenes involving Rajinikanth are being shot. Shooting for the movie is on at a rapid pace. The movie stars Aishwarya Rai opposite Rajinikanth and is produced by Ayngaran International. The film has musical score by A R Rahman. Interestingly, some important sequences were shot in Europe followed by one schedule in Goa.

Rain stops Rajini from work

Director Shankar and Rajinikanth have been busy shooting some important sequences for 'Eindhiran' in Chennai. The shooting is reportedly going on at a brisk pace. After completing a schedule in Peru followed by one at Goa, the crew settled down to do some scenes in Chennai. They even shot in a few locations in North Chennai where Kamal Haasan's 'Dasavatharam' was filmed. Buzz is that Shankar had planned to film a few important sequences at a magnificent set erected by art director Sabu Cyril in the premises of a city school. The shoot that was to have taken place yesterday and the day before had to be cancelled due to rain. With the rain playing spoilsport, the set was damaged and work is on to refurbish it. The shooting will continue for the next few days in South Chennai, it is learnt. 'Eindhiran', the magnum opus, produced by Ayngaran International, features Aishwarya Rai opposite Rajini. Rahman is scoring the music.

Rajini: From Ambassador to Toyota for Endhiran

Endhiran’s shooting is currently taking place in Chennai, confirms our sources. It is said that Shankar is filming a few important scenes in the northern parts of Chennai and the locations are kept so secret that the crew are not aware of the shooting spot even a day prior. Interestingly, Rajini is also trying

to mask himself in anonymity and is adopting various new techniques to get away from the fans and bystanders. It is well known in film circles that the Superstar prefers and uses either an Ambassador or Fiat car. In an attempt to conceal his identity, Rajini is off late spotted seen using a Toyota Qualis.

Vishnu and Rajini comestogether

Popular Kannada actor Vishnuvardhan is a name to reckon with in the Kannada film industry. He is a sought-after hero in the neighboring State.
Vishnuvardhan, who played a prominent role alongside Rajinikanth in Viduthalai, will back to do a similar role now. Rumours are abuzz that Vishnuvardhan has been urged to do a cameo in 'Endhiran', starring Rajinikanth and directed by Shankar.
A magnum opus by Ayngaran Internationals, the movie is expected to be released in several languages. Wonder if it would be dubbed and released in Kannada for Vishnuvardhan has agreed to act in the movie.

Endhiran' shoots at 'Dasavatharam' locations

The Rajinikanth starrer 'Eindhiran' is being shot in certain locations where K. S. Ravikumar canned his 'Dasavatharam'. At a grand set erected at Tandiarpet, director Shankar and Rajinikanth were spotted on Wednesday shooting some important sequences. However Aishwarya Rai was not present. It was at the same venue that the tsunami scenes of 'Dasavatharam' were shot by by K S Ravikumar and Kamal Haasan, a few months ago. The place has been guarded by security personnel. The details however have been kept under wraps. Shankar had earlier filmed a song sequence in Peru followed by some European countries. The second schedule took place in Goa. Produced by Ayngaran International, the movie would have musical score by A R Rahman

Endhiran' in Chennai

The buzz is that director Shankar is 'silently' shooting 'Endhiran' at the Chennai Film City and other locations in the city. Shooting is going on in a popular gymnasium in Adyar. A few scenes involving Rajinikanth was shot amidst tight security. Since Aishwarya Rai is camping in Kerala for Mani Ratnam's 'Ravana', the crew is shooting scenes that don't need her. A huge set has reportedly been erected at the Film City, where the film is to be shot. Shankar had earlier filmed a song sequence in Peru followed by some European countries. The second schedule took place in Goa. Produced by Ayngaran International, the movie would have musical score by A R Rahman

Endhiran - light at the end of the tunnel!

There had been a few jitters in the Endhiran camp following the global economic meltdown and its concomitant effect on Ayngaran. There had been doubts as to when the third schedule, slated to begin on the 16th of the month would actually take off. Now, new developments suggest that damage control has effectively set in and there might not be much to fear.

The management of Ayngaran has reportedly asked Shankar about the exact requirements of the schedule. This is being done as a measure to tighten purse strings to ensure that no problems are encountered during later stages of shooting. So, the third schedule, set in the pristine snow clad valleys of Kulu Manali is expected to take off on the 20th of this month, after a four day delay. Looking at how big the problems being faced by the industry in general are (Marmayogi being all but shelved being an indicator of the magnitude) this four day delay is not much. Shankar plans to shoot a duet featuring Superstar and Aishwarya Rai in some never before tried locations in Kulu Manali, trust Shankar to surprise us. The visuals will definitely have the rich and grand stamp of the master director.

Endhiran's third schedule

The Endhiran crew is expected to commence the third schedule of shooting in Kulu and Manali. The team will fly over to Kulu and the shooting will begin from November 14th onwards. Sources close to the Endhiran team say that the third schedule could go on for 10 days. Endhiran was already shot in some exotic locations at Peru and Goa.

Aishwarya Rai Bachchan currently busy in Kochi shooting for Mani Rathnam's Raavan and working on his daughter Soundarya Rajnikanth's animation film Sultan – The Warrior, is expected to join director Shankar right on time for the shooting

Rajini Speaks about Endhiran telling this flim going to be proud to Indian Cinema

Shankar's new strategy for Endhiran

Shankar seems to be always brimming with ideas when it comes to promoting his ventures. While he swathed the Metropolitan double-decker buses in Chennai with vinyl posters for the blockbuster Sivaji, he seems to have a different plan altogether for Endhiran. If sources are to be believed, for

Endhiran, Shankar is planning to order life size Robot toys – inflated and other types. Though the plan is only in its initial stages, if it materializes Chennai will be lucky enough to witness weird and quirky looking Robots floating around in the skyline or inviting the guests who walk down the red carpet on Endhiran's premiere.

Rajini to shoot in Kulu Manali

Actor Rajnikanth, who reiterated to his fans on Monday that cinema is his priority and not politics, will be busy shooting for 'Endhira from 14 November.

Says Rajinikanth, ' I would be off to shoot for the animation movie 'Sultan - The Warrior' from Wednesday onwards in Hyderabad. After completing a considerable portion, I would be off to Kulu Manali to shoot for 'Endhiran'.

Speaking about 'Endhiran', Rajinikanth said, 'it would be a movie to reckon with in Indian Cinema. It would bring Tamil filmdom greater laurels. A big-budget movie involving versatile technicians from abroad, 'Endhiran' is expected to be technically brilliant. Hopefully we can turn the attention of everyone towards us. I am sure the whole team needs to come out with great dedication and commitment'.

Shankar has been giving his heart out and the movie is being made with an enormous budget' he adds.

The actor said that he would be doing one more film besides 'Sultan - The Warrior' and 'Endhiran'. When queried, he said, ' I am ready to accept acting in films as long as I have the scope to perform challenging roles with substance'.

Rajini's robot avatar

Rajinikanth's 'Endhiran' was shot recently in Goa. The cast and crew shot some important sequences in Goa featuring Rajinikanth, Cochin Haneefa and others. Buzz is that important sequences featuring Rajinikanth as robot were shot at Goa. Shankar, in order to maintain secrecy, shot the movie amidst tight security. Shankar was keen to prevent photographs of the shooting getting leaked to the media. Sources say Rajinikanth appeared for the shoot as robot, a look-alike of Rajinikanth. Seemingly inspired by Arnold Schwazeneger in 'Terminator', Shankar has reportedly created the role. Plans are on to commence the next schedule of the 'Endhiran' in abroad after Deepavali.

Another Endhiran Stills Leaked From Goa

Rajini back home… Shankar dismisses assistants

After the hectic shooting schedule, the Endhiran team is returning to India. In fact the superstar Rajinikanth had already reached Chennai on 27th September while Aishwarya Rai Bachchan is expected to join her hubby Abhishek Bachchan right on time for Drona's premiere. Industry sources have it that director Shankar completed the first leg of

shooting to accommodate Ash's request to be with Abhi to attend Drona's premiere. Meanwhile, Shankar has dismissed three of his assistants for leaking the well-guarded Endhiran stills to the media. He has also appointed a nine-member crew to ensure that such incidents do not happen again

Endhiran' goes to Goa

Close on the heels of completing a song sequence in Peru and USA, the 'Endhiran' crew including Rajinikanth, Aishwarya Rai and director Shankar would go to Goa in the first week of October to shoot for a song and some important stunt sequences. 'Endhiran', a sci-fi film, produced by Ayngaran Internationals and directed by Shankar, started filming last month abroad. The crew returned back last week. Meanwhile, the latest buzz doing rounds is that they would start shooting scenes in Goa. It may be recalled that Rajinikanth was supposed to meet the office-bearers of his welfare association on 3 October to chalk out his future strategy following a dip in his popularity as predicted by a survey report. It is now being reported that this meet has been postponed to the second week of October once the crew returns from Goa.

Endhiran Returns

Shankar’s Endhiran was primarily set in motion at Brazil from first week of September. After three weeks of flamboyant songs schedule that took place in Machu Pikchu (Old Mountain) in Peru the crew is returning back on the 28th of September. Machu Pikchu is a pre-Columbian Inca site and the New Seven wonders of the world. Aishwarya was once described as the eight wonder. Guess that the two wonders with our Superstar must have been a sizzling hot shot. Next schedule of filming is to begin at the outset of October.

Rajini to return from Endhiran – The Robot shoot

Superstar Rajinikanth and Aishwarya Rai Bachchan, along with Shankar and the rest of the Endhiran team, have been busy nearly a month shooting for the film. Endhiran, incidentally, is produced by Ayngaran Films on a mega budget crossing over Rs. 100 crores. The buzz is that about two songs have been filmed so far in the United States and Peru,

which has been choreographed by Raju Sundaram.

Sources close of the team report that the first schedule shooting will be wrapped up this week and Rajini and the crew will fly back to India on September 27th.

Endhiran shooting stills

Endhiran shooting stills from Peru got leaked in the internet yesterday. These stills look like taken by someone working with the crew using a mobile phone. Shooting of a duet song featuring Rajinikanth and Aishwarya Rai was going on

Endhiran

Endhiran

Endhiran

Endhiran

Man vs Machine – The 'Endhiran' saga

'Sujatha' Rangarajan, a magnificent writer in the Tamil language showed his fascination for modernity with many of his works. The element of human life that is changing ever so rapidly thanks to technological advancements has been a subject of intense fascination for him. The late writer had written a script with the core of having an antagonist in the form of a Robot. He had even thought of having Kamal Haasan play the role. But then the script has been lying around for a long time with no takers as the film would involve a whopping amount if it has to see the light of day with the right effect. Along came a film director Shankar who had always made it a point to insist on Sujatha's talent in his films. After the huge success of 'Sivaji', Shankar was looked upon as a man who could churn out lavish films nationally. Sujatha Rangarajan's 'Robot' became a viable option when Sharukh Khan made public his desire to work with Shankar. The name 'Robot' was copyrighted by Shahrukh's production house Red Chilles. But then things fell apart as Shahrukh was not convinced totally with the project. Rajinikanth- Shankar combo had worded wonders at the box office and people were thirsting to see the two come together for another project and so the superstar was roped in for 'Robot'. Then came Aishwarya Rai into the picture. Shooting has begun for this film that went through a name change to 'Endhiran'. The 'supposed' story of 'Endhiran' has already surfaced and the following is probably what the film is all about. The film is about a scientist, played by Rajini who lives about 200 years in the future. He is passionate about making robots that have the ability to rationalize things. Designed to help humanity the robots are themselves like humans with many emotions. One such robot (played by Rajini again) is tampered upon by people of evil intent. And so this robot lives a life of its own putting humanity at risk. To boot to the mayhem this robot even falls in love with the scientist's girlfriend (played by Aishwarya Rai). The film is expected to be released in the summer of 2010. The story does sound interesting, but then we'll have to wait and see if the balance between modernity and traditional human emotions exists. Technical details are being worked out right now. Since the story was written by Sujatha a long time ago, the filmmakers have decided to add in the necessary updates. A team of about 250 people have been assigned the responsibility of researching these updates. 'We just would have needed one person in Sujatha to work on these updates. Since he is no more, we need 250 people to fill in for him', rues director Shankar.