Endhiran’ released- First Look

At last the wait is getting over in most part of the world. The most anticipated Indian film of the decade ‘Endhiran’ has released world wide. (How ever Indian fans of Rajinikanth may have to wait till the early hours of Friday).

In Dubai the first show of ‘Endhiran’ started at 7.30am this morning and the fans who managed to see the world's very first show of ‘Endhiran’ came out ecstatic.

Verdict: ‘Endhiran’ is a super hit first International Indian Film.

After the first show, the unanimous decision of the fans was "there's going to be no another film as spectacular as ‘Endhiran’ in the near future".

One fan from Dubai who had seen the film today said "it may not be possible for anybody from India to make such a brilliantly made hi-tech commercial film ever again".

The graphic sequences have mesmerized the viewers. The special effects in the film are so life like that one fan challenged to run a contest to identify the graphics sequences with a million dollar prize money.

One fan more emphatically said “I will not say that ‘Endhiran is influenced by any Hollywood film. ‘Endhiran’ is an original international Indian film".

The film is running for 165 minutes and the fans felt not a single minute lag. The final 90 minutes are super sonic every one felt.

The songs also have repeat value with breath taking visuals. Particularly 'Kilimanjaro' song is a visual treat most fans said. One said it’s worth seeing the film for the second time for its songs alone.

When coming to the man of the moment, the ultimate Tamil Super star Rajinikanth, the fans loved him on screen performing the dual roles.

They even say Rajini has given an award winning performance In ’Endhiran’. Thalaivar's performance is so natural they felt and he looks more handsome than ever. With no punch dialogues the super star is so natural and in his natural elements. Much like the ever lovable classic Rajini.

As expected fans confirm Aishwarya Rai makes a perfect pair to Rajinikanth and the jodi rocks on screen.

The whole world wearing festive looks for ‘Endhiran’. It just can’t get bigger than this.

The visual effects are the USP of Robot" - Shankar

Shankar the director of such Tamil mega-hits as Kadhalan, Indian, Jeans and Boys is rightfully considered one of the hottest filmmakers in Tamil cinema. He has seldom ventured into Hindi cinema. His first Hindi film Nayak was also his last in Hindi.

Now the sci-fi flick Endhiran, said to be the costliest film ever, is being released in Hindi as Robot. Said to be the most expensive Indian film ever, Robot naturally has Shankar looking forward to another foray into Hindi cinema, albeit in a dubbed avatar.

Says the soft spoken director, "All my earlier Tamil films were dubbed into Hindi without my consent, let alone supervision. Some of them were very badly dubbed. I used to get to know about the release of my dubbed films from other people. In Robot I've sat on the details of the Hindi dubbing myself."

Shankar got writer-lyricist Swanand Kirkire to do the Hindi dialogues.

Says the director, "He selected the voices in Hindi for every character. They were sent to me for approval, only then were they used. I made sure that the nuances from the Tamil were not lost in the Hindi version. I feel the Hindi version of Endhiran is closer in flavour and spirit to the Tamil version than all my Tamil films in Hindi."

Robot was supposed to be made in the year 2000 with Kamal Haasan in the lead.

Says Shankar, "I was going to make it in 2000 with Kamal Haasan and Preity Zinta in the lead. But I got busy with the Hindi film Nayak. I was supposed to get back to Robot with Kamalji. Now it's finally been done with Ranjikanth."

Robot has an unprecedented advance booking at the South Indian box office.

Explains Shankar, "It's the first full-fledged science-fiction film in India. We've tried to make it on a par with science-fiction films from Hollywood because audience here are now familiar with the visual effects in the biggest Hollywood films. Our budget is more than Rs. 100 crore. Just the talent involved in Robot makes it an awesome project. We got technicians from Hollywood and China involved. We made sure whatever resources were not available here was made available to us from the outside. We couldn't afford the Rs.1000 crore budget of Hollywood sci-fi films but we've done our best. And we haven't gone overboard. The visual effects are the USP of Robot."

Rajnikanth is of course the super-USP of Robot.

Says the director, "I don't know if I can be in Mumbai for the release of the Hindi version. I've to be in Chennai for the Tamil premiere. I'm at the moment still in the lab."

'Endhiran' will enthrall: Rahman

A R Rahman is the not a man of many words. But 'Endhiran', the Superstar Rajinikanth starrer directed by Shankar, has made the maestro to open his heart out on how he scored music for the film.

"Everything related to ‘Endhiran’ is big. So we wanted that its music should also be big. We had to record the background score in three places- Chennai, Mumbai and London", he says.

Expressing gratitude to Sun Pictures, the producers, Rahman says: "We told them that it would be very expensive to record in three places. But they readily came forward to spend for the purpose understanding the need".

Rahman, who had used two famous music troupes for the film, says: "Apart from these two groups, a large number of international musicians have worked for ‘Endhiran’. We were able to sleep for only two hours a day at one point of time as the release date was nearing".

The Oscar-Grammy winner is hopeful that audience would thoroughly enjoy 'Endhiran'. "Shankar has taken all possible efforts to make the movie a thorough entertainer"

Endhiran’ will be so simple: Shankar

Allaying fears of a section of Rajini fans as to whether they would be able to understand ‘Endhiran’ as it is a sci-fi film, director of the movie Shankar has said that the movie would be so simple.

“Endhiran is one of the simplest sci-fi movies anyone has made. People with less exposure to technology will also be able to understand it easily. And they can thoroughly enjoy the film”, he said.

“At the same time, even those well versed with science and technology too could relish Endhiran”, Shankar says and adds: “We have made the film in such a way that it would be a perfect treat for everyone”.

With just three days left for the movie’s release, Shankar has thanked everyone involved in the mega project. “My special thanks to Superstar Rajinikanth and producer Kalanithi Maran”, he said.

Kilimanjaro Song Promo

Endhiran’ mania grips. Chennai shows

The advance booking for ‘Endhiran’ opened at 9am this morning. But the fans were ready as early as 3am queuing up in front of the theatres.

The avant-garde obsession of Rajini fans for ‘Endhiran’ was on display today at the Udhayam Theatre in Ashok Nagar, Chennai today. The crowd was swelling right from the wee hours. People from all types and walks stood firm to get their tickets on that first day.

Hot sun did not deter, the sweating crowd did not dissuade. The long wait was seen as a self-test to their resilience power.

When the gates opened at 9am there were celebrations already. Leaving all known inhibitions behind Rajini fans ran, jumped, rolled over and tried all acrobatic acts to reach the box office first. They all had only one thing in mind – to watch ‘Endhiran’ first day first show.

One Rajini fan exclaimed “Diwali is for others, for us only Robowali this year”. One woman who had come with her son after packing her husband to office said she had been at the venue from 8am so that she could watch Rajini on the first day.

When the counter opened whistles and hoots rent the air marking bigger things to come on October 1. It’s time the Guinness Awards must look for a living actor in the world who has more manic fan following than the super star Rajinikanth.

Here is one thing to sum up what Rajini is to his fans. One young fan who got married only this year says for him “thala diwali is not the first diwali after his marriage but it is the first release of a Rajini film after his marriage”. Can anybody beat it?

RAJINI REHEARSED FOR 40 TIMES… ASH DID NOT…

Rajinikanth recalled the first shot for Enhiran, which was filmed in Machu Pichu. The Superstar said that when Raju Sundaram gave him some very difficult dance movements he was skeptical about it and rehearsed until Aishwarya Rai came to the sets the next day. When the actress came in, she just asked to see the dance movements and immediately agreed to go for a take without insisting on a single rehearsal. Finally, director Shankar and Raju Sundaram decided to go for a rehearsal and the shot was completed in a single take. Rajini said that he was surprised that Ash could dance such difficult steps without a rehearsal

ENDHIRAN IS PRICELESS, SAYS SHANKAR

Endhiran is said to be the first movie made on a highest budget ever in Indian cinema history. But the film’s director Shankar says that it is invaluable when it came to the hard work by the entire team.

Though Shankar’s initial pick was Kamal Haasan, the choice moved on to Shah Rukh and finally reached Rajnikanth. The director said that he is happy that he had Rajni to play the role.

On Aishwarya Rai, Shankar said that she is a thorough professional who came well prepared to the sets on each day of the shoot.

Rajinikant, Aishwarya starrer ‘Robot’ model cost 5 crores each

‘Robot’ the promised blockbuster and the most extravagant movie in India till date starring the Asian super star Rajinikant and arguably the most beautiful women in India Aishwarya Rai is the movie everybody wants to see coming October 1.

The makers of ‘Robot’ have left no stone unturned in creating the perfect Robot for the film. The ‘Robot’ team spent a good amount of time in LA, at the Stan Winston studio. A lot of detailing went into creating the special effects of Robot.

And as the title of the film is ‘Robot’, the robot used in the film had to be just perfect. So once again, the producers, without giving budget a thought, were adamant that they get the most advanced model of an android.

So finally the robot used in the film, was a top of the line model, and each robot costed a whopping Rs. 5 crores!

The robot used in the film, has earlier been used in many popular Hollywood film, including Will Smith starrer ‘I, Robot’.

Says a close hand from the sets of ‘Robot’, “Shankar sir was very clear about the sort of Robot he wanted. The Robot that was used in the film was an absolute beauty and Shankar sir was extremely satisfied with it.”

Aurora theatre shuts to revamp for Robot release

As Rajnikanth's 'Robot' nears release, Arora theatre, a Mumbai- based theatre, famous for screening Rajni's films closed for renovation on Sunday 19th September. While it is the first time a theatre has shut its business to prepare for a release, theatre owner, Mr Nambi Rajan believes it's only fair. He said, "I don't want to disappoint the Rajni fans. Rajni's release is like god is coming to cinema. In south India, his releases are like festivals and people paint their homes, so I am painting the theatre and remodeling the seats."

To manage these renovations, Arora theatre will be shut for four days. The revamp was scheduled assuming the initial release date of September 24, but now that it has been postponed to October 1st, the theatre owner is hardly hassled. While the Rajni mania grips one and all, this is the first time when a theatre actually closed doors to renovate when a commercially successful film ('Dabangg') was being screened. Nambi Rajan who is himself a devoted fan of Rajni adds that any expense incurred for Rajni's film is worth it. He says, "My theatre is going to close after this film. There is a proposal to construct a multiplex in its place but I was just waiting for the release of this film."

ENDHIRAN – ALL TICKETS SOLD!

The advance booking for Endhiran began at Jackson Heights, a theatre in New York, US, two weeks prior to the release of the film following huge expectations among the fans. The theatre authorities were reportedly surprised to find that all the tickets for the first week shows were sold within 10 minutes of opening the booking.

Endhiran also gets the distinction of being the first Indian film in the US where the tickets were sold within a few minutes of commencing the advance booking.

The reason for its immense popularity is the star cast, which comprises of Rajinikanth and Aishwarya Rai, producer Sun Pictures, director Shankar and music director AR Rahman.

'Robot' surprises veteran Danny Denzongpa

Sixty-something super star Rajinikanth romancing half his age, hot beauty Aishwarya Rai Bachchan maybe the main reason people want to see Shankar’s forthcoming ‘Enthiran - The Robot’. But more than that, it’s the efforts, technology and most importantly the mega budget which is garnering much attention.

Touted to be the costliest sci-fi flick, 'Robot' is something big which is eagerly waited upon by one and all, world wide.

Not only for the lead couple, Shankar has to be credited for his choice of actors in the film. For instance, after ‘Luck’ one can see veteran Danny Denzongpa back on the screens. He plays Dr. Borah, who's the teacher of Dr. Wasi (played by Rajinikanth).

According to Danny, the role was challenging because his character in the film becomes instrumental in making Chitti, the humanoid robot, into a destructive force because of his greed and jealousy.

Reported to be made on a budget of Rs.175 crore, even Danny acknowledges the magnitude of the project. Remarked the actor, “This could well be my last film because I don't see anybody else making a bigger film than 'Robot' in India.”

Being in the film proved to be a totally new experience for actor, for Danny said, “I've spent close to 40 years in the industry, and I know a little about everything as regards filmmaking. Yet, 'Robot' was learning experience for me.”

He went on to explain his wonder about the working atmosphere which involved a special effects crew from Hollywood, an action crew from Hong Kong and technicians from Chennai. “Shankar, who's technically very sound made a complete animation film. Shooting with the robot was time consuming. There were eight guys working on it and if any one of them made a mistake, we would have to reshoot the entire scene!” added an excited Danny.

Well, mistake is a mistake and guaranteed there is no space for any on Shankar’s stage…. And one would see the perfection speaking for itself when ‘Robot’ makes its appearance on big screens on 1st October.

The waiting game begins…..

‘Endhiran’ on Oct. 1 – It’s official

The wait is over. It is officially announced today that the biggest Indian movie of the year ‘Endhiran’ will hit the theatres world wide on October 1. ‘Endhiran- The Robot’ is releasing in India, USA, UK, Europe, Malaysia, Singapore& Australia on October 1 in Tamil, Telugu and Hindi languages.

The magnum opus has been the talk of the town for many weeks and will remain for many weeks to come. The music of ‘Endhiran’ has already captured the imagination of the film buffs all over and it’s top position on iTunes came as a pinnacle.

The stars of 2010 are going to be Rajinikanth and Aishwarya Rai. The director of the year is going to be Shankar. The banner of the year is going to be Sun Pictures.

With over 2000 prints around the world and over 600 shows per day around Chennai theatres alone things can't get better than this.

Fasten your seat belts and get ready for the experience

'Endhiran' censored. Countdown starts

This year's much awaited film, the Superstar Rajinikanth starrer 'Endhiran', has been cleared with a clean ‘U’ certificate by the Censor Board.

In other words, it means there is no restriction for any age group to watch the mega budget film directed by Shankar and the movie is for complete family viewing.

Sources say the Censor Board officials, who watched the film on Wednesday, were impressed by it very much and appreciated the team for their hardwork to bring out a quality product.

Produced by Sun Pictures in a 'never before budget', 'Endhiran' which has Aishwarya Rai Bachchan opposite Rajini, has two Oscar-winners working in it. One is A R Rahman, who has composed music and the other is Resul Pookutty, who has taken care of sound effects.

On the film and his role, Rajinikanth, the numero uno actor of Tamil cinema says, "It was a very tough character to play and a very challenging role. We have enjoyed the film. I am sure that the audience will also find it interesting. I am guaranteeing it."

After Endhiran's trailer launch last week, it is currently screened at various theatres across Tamil Nadu. Rajini fans are celebrating the trailer with fanfare. They say, "it is the best we have seen in recent times. Quite like Hollywood slick trailer, this one rocks. Shankar has given his best and Thalaivar rocks".

The trailer has aroused our curiosity. We are now keen to see the film, they add. The film is expected to hit the screen on September 24

Endhiran beyond all limits

This one can break all records.

While one agrees that the forthcoming film Endhiran from Shankar's stable starring Rajnikanth and Aishwarya Rai could be one of the biggest blockbusters ever, a certain multiplex in Chennai called City Limits has already set the tone for what can happen. The particular multiplex has 30 cinemas and if it works out well there will be 450 screenings daily of the Rajnikanth starrer in that cinema hall alone. No film ever has had this kind of a planning or response from the theatre owners till date.

When Karan Johar had pumped in his film Kaal into the Fame Adlabs multiplex years ago doing 13 shows daily, one felt that it was a record. And that was also being done becuse Karan knew that the film wasn't looking too good enough to be a winner. But what this Rajnikanth film can do is beyond all limits...

Endhiran Theatrical Trailer

Endhiran New Stills

Why no 3D version for 'Endhiran'?

Asserting that there were plans to go for a 3D version of 'Endhiran' initially, cinematographer of the mega budget film Rathnavel has said the idea had to be dropped due to various reasons. "One of the reasons behind giving up the idea was theatre owners would have to change their screens for the 3D version. Besides the fact that the process could cost them much, it is also a time consuming factor", he said. The cameraman, who is popularly called as Randy, added: "In addition to that, many in Hollywood are not happy about the 2D to 3D conversion process. So we had no other option than dropping the idea". On working with Superstar Rajinikanth, he said, "His hard work and dedication amazed me a lot. He was like a fresher on the sets of ‘Endhiran’, doing whatever the director wanted him to do. In a word, he is the Superstar".

Robot - New Hindi Trailor

‘Endhiran’ in record screens

So finally the names of theaters releasing ‘Endhiran’ have been announced. ‘Endhiran’ will set a new record by releasing in 30 screens only in the city limits of Chennai. So there will be around 120 shows per day for ‘Endhiran’ in the city. All the multiplexes have allotted more than one screen to ‘Endhiran’. PVR Cinemas has given all its five screens and that’s going to be a boon for the most populated part of Chennai, North Chennai.

If you take the suburban theaters around Chennai it would touch dizzy figures. Mayajaal is set to create a festival atmosphere just as it did for ‘Sivaji: The Boss’. It is said that Mayajaal alone will have 60 shows per day using all its 10 screens. So you can coolly expect around 350 - 400 shows per day which is a never heard before phenomenon.

Come September end, the state of Tamil Nadu is going to be painted metallic grey. “Super Staru Yarunnu Kaetta China Kuzhanthaiyum Sollum”. Even after 23 years when it was first asked.

Meanwhile, the theatrical trailers will be officially released on September 11 at a function held in Sathyam Cinemas, Ambattur Raaki and KK Nagar Kasi Theatre.

Acting in ‘Endhiran’ was tough: Rajini

Even as the countdown has started for ‘Endhiran’, Superstar Rajinikanth, the protagonist of the multi-crore project, has said that it was a very tough character to play and a very challenging role.

In an interview, the actor said that he accepted the offer just because of Shankar. “He is one of the best filmmakers in the country. Shankar was the only reason behind me agreeing to play the role. I would have declined the offer otherwise.”

Acknowledging that Kamal Haasan and Shah Rukh Khan were supposed to do the film, the Superstar said: “But there is something called destiny. Daane daane par likha hota hai khane wale ka naam.” (‘On the top of each and every grain, the name of the one who is going to eat it would be written’.)

Thanking Aishwarya Rai Bachchan, A R Rahman, Kalanithi Maran and others who extended cooperation to him while working for the film, Rajini said, “We have enjoyed the film. I am sure that the audience will also find it interesting. I am guaranteeing it.”

It’s official: ‘Endhiran’ in September

This news may be a relief to many producers who are yet undecided whether to release their films in September. While the ‘Endhiran’ mania was holding the breath of many films big and small ever since the audio launch of the film, there was no confirmed date of release from the makers of ‘Endhiran’.

Some at first said ‘Endhiran’ will be released on September 3 and later they themselves postponed the date. Some even had the news saying the post production and re-recording will take more time and so the film will be a grand Diwali release.

Now it has been officially announced that ‘Endhiran’ will release in September. As the first week has already gone and second week is in front it is all likely ‘Endhiran’ will release either on September 17 or September 24 for sure.

As the D-day has been announced officially you can expect a lot of frenzied action and reaction in Kollywood in the coming few days.