Chiyaan Vikram's Latest Photoshoot

Chiyaan Vikram & AL Vijay Project in September

After the roaring success of Madrasapattinam, director Vijay has become the most populare man in Kollywood today. Actors like Vikram and Ajith have gone out of their way to allot him priority dates. Meanwhile, Vijay is all set to team up with Vikram for an upcoming flick and it is said this project may take off in September.

"It is something different, as the whole film hinges on Vikram's performance in a very difficult role. There will be two heroines who have to match up to the hero to make it convincing. It will be laced with emotions and at the same time, it will be also be a feel-good family entertainer that will leave a lump in your throat. My regular team of Nirav, GV, Selva and Anthony will be backing me up. I can't reveal anything more about the film at this stage," director Vijay said to a leading daily.

Chiyaan Vikram: Sitting pretty !

Chiyaan Vikram: Sitting pretty ! 

[ The Hindu - Cinema Article ]

August 28th

In a freewheeling interview with k. jeshi, Vikram says he is energised by the idea of trying out unusual roles

Chiyaan Vikram hits the gym twice a day now. He wants to sport a scrawny look for his new film. “My diet and fitness are driven by my characters,” the actor says. “If I want to play Uncle Ben or Hardy, I will happily pile on the kilos,” he laughs. 

Fresh after the success of Raavanan at the national and international level, the actor revels in an exciting phase of his career. “I want to be a ‘human chameleon' that changes according to every character. It is tiring and challenging. But the expectations keep me going,” he adds. Vikram teams up with director Vijay for his yet-to-be-titled film. Director Vijay tasted success with Kireedom and won accolades for the poignant Madarasapattinam too.

“It is an exciting film, the subject is relevant and it is the best character I have ever done,” says an elated Vikram of his new venture. The performance-oriented film also packs a beautiful message.

In director Vijay's words, the USP of the film is Vikram's character. “Vijay is fantastic. He is so passionate that he can never make a bad or a wrong film. As I slog it out in the gym to look the character, he puts in an equal effort to flesh out my character. He lists ‘utilise Vikram' on the top of his ‘to do' things for the film.”

When directors like Vijay, Shankar, Mani Ratnam or Bala pin their hope on Vikram, it gives him a high, he says. “Cinema is magic, and these people create masterpieces. It is a wonderful feeling being part of their make-believe world.”

Vikram says re-inventing oneself is part and parcel of an actor's journey. “Dramatic acting in the times of veterans such as Sivaji Ganesan was followed by unique styles of acting with the entry of Rajinikanth and Kamal Hassan. Films such as Mudhal Mariyaadhai and Thevar Magan were close to life. Sethu brought in a wave of ‘realism'. Now, it is ‘rawness' that works and maybe two or three years down the line, it is going to be something different. For an actor, it is a constant metamorphosis. With every film, you grow and it is very difficult to become a comprehensive actor.”

Ask him if Bollywood beckons post-Raavanan, and he says language is not a barrier. “It can be Hindi, Bhojpuri, Bengali, Oriya or Marathi, but what I look forward to is portraying characters that are challenging and not run-of-the-mill. I don't want to do another Aaruchami (Samy) Bheera (Raavanan) or Arumugam (Dhool). If they want me to do a cop, offer me something that's different from Samy.”

On striking a balance between being a star and a dependable actor, Vikram says he has been plainly lucky. “In most films, I blend easily into my director's vision. And, I try to offer fresh inputs to ensure every new role is better than my previous best,” he says confidently.

Has success made him responsible? “Yes, and it has gone to my head,” he jokes. “I just want to act. It is one demanding profession. Give me work and you can't find a happier person. I am in love with all my characters and always put in that extra, so when people watch a Raavanan, it is Bheera who shines through and not Vikram.”

Vikram had earlier mentioned that he would retire once he works with Shankar and Mani Ratnam. So, what next? “I want to do more and more films with them. It is intoxicating.”

On his mind...

A die-hard romantic, Vikram loves to unwind with romcoms and thrillers

Loves experimental cinema. Recently watched Stanley Kubrick's A Clockwork Orange

Favourite Hindi films: Rang De Basanti, Chak De, Black, Dil Chahta Hai, Rock On

Favourite Hindi directors: Rakeysh Omprakash Mehra, Farhan Akthar, Sanjay Leela Bhansali and Aamir Khan

Chiyaan Vikram leaves Sasikumar film?

After the stupendous success of 'Subramaniapuran', Cheeyan Vikram who was very impressed with the work of Sasikumar signed him first to direct a film for his newly launched production company.

Sasikumar soon started a film for producer Vikram and the shooting was seamlessly progressing. The film which is titled 'Nagaram' has Samuthirakani and AL Azhagappan in main roles.

 Now that after the film is 90 per cent complete there is a bombshell of news saying Producer Vikram has walked out of the project and left every thing to Sasikumar. No reasons were available for Chiyaan's sudden exit sources say.

However they continued saying the unperturbed Sasikumar is continuing the film under his banner Company Productions which produced 'Subramaniapuram'.

Chiyaan Vikram And AL Vijay's Project Script!

When it comes to choosing scripts, versatility is the keyword for Chiyaan Vikram. The actor's enthusiasm and patience when it comes to hunting for the perfect script is quite well known by now. That's why it didn't come as a surprise when the actor gave his nod to director Vijay's script, the story of which is loosely based on Sean Penn's Hollywood movie I Am Sam. 
                     
                  This film which is written and directed by Jessie Nelson featured Sean Penn in the role of a father with a six-year-old kid who has development disabilities. The movie, an emotional drama, was all about a developmentally challenged man Sam, whose normal daughter, is taken away by the court. With the help of a lady lawyer, Sam fights to get his daughter back. Insiders reveal that Vijay would adapt the film to suit the local flavour and make necessary changes wherever needed. Needless to say, Vikram who believes in preparing thoroughly for any role that he plans to portray has already begun doing his homework for this role.

Chiyaan Vikram to launch Hindu Cinema Plus

Chiyaan Vikram will launch the Hindu Cinema Plus, a special feature published by the national daily – The Hindu. The actor will launch Cinemas Plus on August 27th 2010 in Coimbatore. The magazine will be dedicated completely to movies and will feature latest films reviews, previews and film news.

Bharathiraja waiting for Vikram

Iyakunar Imayam Bharathiraja was last seen in directorial action for 'Bommalattam'. It was a multi starrer with Arjun and Nana Patekar in lead roles. ‘Bommalattam’ got a lot of critical acclaim. Later Bharathiraja was seen as a big time actor in 'Rettaichuzzi' this year. Now the legend is back at what he does best.

Bharathiraja is all ready to wield the megaphone for a heartfelt rural epic. The film is tentatively titled 'Appan Aatha'. It is a story of three brothers and a leading wise man. Cheran, Ameer and Seeman have been finalised to play the brothers and for the other lead role Bharathiraja has spoken to Cheeyan Vikram.

Bharathiraja is hopeful that Vikram will accept the offer. But just in case if Vikram doesn’t show serious interest Bharathiraja has decided to play the role himself.

Another new thing in the film is that Harris Jayaraj has been signed to score the music for this hard core village subject. This will be the first time Harris Jayaraj is working on a rural film. Interestingly Bharathiraja had made even AR Rahman to score for his village film 'Kizhakku Cheemaiyile' years ago.

Chiyaan Vikram to do a cameo in 'Casanova'?

Cochin, Aug.24 (NR): Roshan Andrews' Mohanlal starrer 'Casanova' that has remained in the news for long on account of its exorbitant budget and repeatedly postponed shoot plans, is grabbing the news headlines again.

This time, its being rumoured that none other than Tamil superstar Vikram would make a guest appearance in the film.

Earlier it was reported that Vikram has agreed to do the lead role in the film to be directed by Roshan after 'Casanova'.

The reports are as yet unconfirmed. But if Vikram does agree to do the cameo in 'Casanova' it would indeed be a treat for the viewers.

When Will Chiyaan Vikram and AL Vijay Project Commence?

Director AL Vijay will team up with Vikram for his next film. The director is riding high on the success of Madarasapattinam and had a script ready for Vikram. The actor was also keen on working with Vijay after being satisfied with the script.

 Vijay has retained the entire crew he had worked with in Madarasapattinam, Kalpathi S Agoram of AGS Entertainment, who had produced Madarasapattinam, will produce this venture too (Not Confirmed May be Mohan Natarajan will be the Producer). Title and the leading lady are yet to be decided. This untitled venture will go on the floors during the first week of September.

Chiyaan Vikram flagged off the second edition of Terry Fox Run

Chiyaan Vikram flagged off the second edition of Terry Fox Chennai Narathon organised at the IIT Madras Campus on Sunday, Sunday, August 22 morning.

When the organisers of Terry Fox Foundation contacted the actor, to boost the morale of the participants he readily agreed.

More than 3,000 persons participated in the run organised with the objective of raising funds for cancer research. Letika Saran, Director-General of Police and Andrew T. Simkin U.S. Consul General flagged off the event along with Vikram.

The Terrry Fox Marathon run is conducted all over the world in memory of the Canadian athlete and cancer activist Terry Fox. The inspiration behind the run is Akash Dube, a 17-year-old student diagnosed with Leukaemia last year.

Akash, who is doing an internship at IIT Madras on the growth of cancer cells, said that that the programme is an attempt to create public awareness of the need for investing in basic research on finding cure for the disease.

Chiyaan Vikram : “I am so pleased that I was a part of this noble cause”.

  

Chiyaan Vikram perplexed over picking the best projects?

It looks like Vikram is completely perplexed over picking the best projects. Three of his projects were dropped within three months time. He snubbed Selvaraghavan, Vikram Kumar and recently Boopathy Pandian.

Buzz up!

Much before the release of Mani Ratnam’s Raavanan, the actor started filming his untitled film with Selvaraghavan. Produced by Ramesh of Kanagarathna Movies, the film was reported to be a psycho-thriller. The first schedule was completely shot at exotic locales of Ladakh and suddenly got shelved due to unknown reasons.

Later, Vikram signed Yaavarum Nalam fame Vikram Kumar for a sci-fi thriller 24, which was also dropped at the last moment. Moreover, his other project Vedi with director Boopathy Pandian was supposed to take off in Salem this week and has been cancelled.

Finally, the actor has now signed director al Vijay of Madrasapattinam for his next movie. It seems that the duo wanted Bollywood actress Vidya Balan to perform the female lead role. However, the actress has refused the offer saying that she is busy with Hindi films.

Chiyaan Vikram blasts into his past

Now, don’t get us wrong. The actor is not taking any lessons.

We are referring to the alumni meet of 1983 plus-two batch of Vikram’s alma mater (in Yercaud), for which the actor recently headed to Kumarakom in Kerala.

Needless to say, it was a trip down memory lane for Chiyaan last week, as he went back to his school days of the early 1980s when he was known as Victor Kennedy, aka Kenny.

Usually, the meetings are held in Yercaud, but this year, former Kerala minister K M Mani’s son, Jose K Mani, a Kottayam MP, chose to host it in his constituency.

Jose, who was Vikram’s classmate at school and college, organised the meeting in a resort in Kumarakam.

Says Jose, “Kenny, whose Raavanan is a superhit in Kerala, was the cynosure of all eyes. All of us wore the traditional Kerala mundu (dhoti) and white shirt. We had a blast as we recollected old incidents in school, the best time in one’s life.”

Chiyaan Vikram's Vedi shelved

Chiyaan Vikram's forthcoming project Vedi has been shelved due to differences of opinion between him and director Boopathy Pandiyan. They have agreed to drop the project. Producer Mohan Natarajan has also agreed to drop the project and has now approached Madrasapattinam Vijay for the new project.Few days ago,

 Vikram saw Vijay’s period film Madrasapattinam and was very much impressed by the film. The actor met Vijay and appreciated his film.

However, sources say that Vijay has narrated a script to Vikram and he has given his consent to act in the film. Vikram has reportedly suggested Vijay to give final touches to the script. The untitled project will start rolling by this month end.

Meanwhile, Boopathy Pandian has started his scripting work for his next project Pattathu Yanai. Actor Vishal will don the lead role in GK productions film.

Chiyaan Vikram confirms to act in Vijay’s direction!

The well known director Vijay who has come up with an amazing periodic film ‘Madarasapattinam’ in recent times, is going to join hands hands with actor Vikram for his next which was already reported some time back.

Director Vijay who was very much thrilled said, “Things just happened all of a sudden. I’m extremely happy that Vikram has agreed to play the lead in my next film. He will sign the papers soon and will make an official announcement by the end of this month. I don’t believe in repeating a genre. So, the audience can expect a film in a completely new style. Vikram is such an enthusiastic actor and this film will definitely be a family entertainer.”

On saying that the other cast and crew of the film is yet to be finalized, Vijay adds, “I’m giving the script a finishing touch and after finalizing the details, the film will go on floor next month. I want to start this film as soon as possible.”

However, Vikram is supposed to start Boopathy Pandian’s ‘Vedi’ and also a Malayalam film with Roshan Andrews. But there is strong buzz among the movie buffs that Vikram will start Vijay’s project first. On this buzz, Vijay said “I’m not an authority to comment on what Vikram’s priorities are. But I’m glad he’s agreed to do my film.”

A lot happening with Chiyaan Vikram

There is a lot happening on the side of Cheeyan Vikram. Really a lot so to say. Vikram was expected to do director Boopathy Pandian film after ‘Kanthaswamy’. But Chiyaan opted to do Mani Ratnam's trilingual ‘Raavanan’ and worked hard for almost 2 years. But when the film got released it did not live up to the hype and expectations. But the performance of Vikram in Hindi and Tamil were much appreciated and Vikram added more celebrities to his fan base.

One of them was the Bollywood director Neeraj Pandey who did the classy film 'A Wednesday' which was later remade in Tamil as ‘Unnaipol Oruvan’ with Kamal Haasan and Mohanlal. Recently Neeraj was in Chennai and had met Vikram. After a small talk the Bollywood director expressed his interest in Vikram and told the star that soon they will be doing a Hindi film together.

After ‘Raavanan’, Vikram got involved in a Selvaraghavan film and even completed a schedule of shooting for seven days. But production hitch ups like the complete script wasn’t ready and the new heroine wasn’t up to the mark etc. shelved the project. He then started a film called '24' to be directed by Vikram Kumar of ‘Yavarum Nalam’ fame. Even this film got into trouble and Vikram walked out of the project after shooting for four days.

If all that weren’t enough now we hear that Vikaram has deferred the Boopathy Pandian film 'Vedi' for which he was to start shooting in Salem on August 17. Sources close to Vikram say ‘Vedi’ is a comedy and Vikram feels that this may not be the right time to do a comedy. The Veera of ‘Raavanan’ has gone down well with the masses and so he wants to do another serious character before taking up a comedy.

In the process Vikram has heard and liked a story narrated by ‘Madrasapattinam’ Vijay and it is all likely Vikram will start this film soon as his next. After completing Vijay's film Vikram will bag the comedy bus to be driven by Boopathy Pandian.

Vikram hasn't done a full fledged comedy yet. So we expect his film with Boopathy Pandian to be a great entertainer.

Chiyaan Vikram and Director Vijay sign together

Madrasapattinam has been his dream project and it has done an incredible business at box office and in fact won appreciations from audiences. Now, the filmmaker has joined hands with actor Vikram for his next movie.

According to the sources, Vikram will not take off with Boopathy Pandian’s ‘Vedi’ and will immediately start working with Vijay.

Nothing has been unveiled about the producers’ detail and films’ crew. Keep logging to www.chiyaanvikramfans.co.tv for more updates.

Chiyaan Vikram’s all set to take Mollywood by storm

After much speculations about being in a Mollywood movie, Tamil superstar Vikram has decided to do his first Malayalam film for director Roshan Andrews. Roshan Andrews is the one who directed super hit movies like ‘Notebook’ and ‘Evidam Swargamanu’. He is also the director of ‘Udayanu Tharam’, which was later remade ‘Vellithirai’ in Tamil.

‘Cheeyan’ Vikram who never concealed his love for doing Malayalam films has finally decided on one. Roshan who had been an admirer of Vikram had met him last year in a function organised by a private channel. A few weeks back, they met again at a private function, where Vikram asked Roshan to suggest a good story in Malayalam so that he can take the plunge.

Few days later Roshan had sent a synopsis of a plot written by his writers Bobby-Sanjai. Vikram was immediately floored by the wonderful plot lines and immediately agreed to do it.

When Roshan discussed the remuneration part, Vikram is said to have told Roshan, “I will not take a single pie for the project. Let the film be my contribution to Malayalam cinema.” The project will off by the early 2011. Vikram has to complete his current projects and Roshan will also be ready by then finishing his much delayed film ‘Casanova’ with Mohanlal which is said to the costliest Malayalam film ever.

Chiyaan Vikram doing a Film for free to Malayalam Director

The Raavanan star is in the news again. And this time around for his latest Malayalam flick, which he’s agreed to do for free.

Yes, I’ll be doing the film,” says the excited actor, when BT spoke to him, “I’ll be doing it for free as I want to give something back to the Kerala audiences who are waiting to see me in Malayalam.”

The film will be directed by ace film-maker Roshan Andrews, who directed superhit movies like Notebook and Evidam Swargamanu. He has also done Udayanu Tharam, which was later remade into Tamil as Vellithirai and in Hindi as Shortkut — The Con is On. Roshan is considered one of the most promising film-makers in Malayalam cinema and is known for his realistic portrayals of characters.

If reports are to be believed, the Malayalam director met Chiyaan Vikram in Chennai recently and had narrated the script to the star. According to reports, Vikram was bowled over by the script and story narration, and instantly agreed to do the film sometime next year after he completed his current projects in Tamil.

Meanwhile, Roshan is also busy completing Casanova, a big-budget, romantic action thriller starring Malayalam superstar Mohanlal, and another project that might have Prithviraj in the lead. It looks like after testing waters in Bollywood, Chiyaan Vikram is all set to explore the waters in God’s Own Country, too.