Jackie Chan,KCR and Chiranjeevi for "I" Telugu Audio Launch | DC

Jackie Chan, KCR and Chiru for I

Audio Launch for the Telegu version of the Vikram starrer I is likely to take place in the second week of October.

According to a close source, International Jackie Chan may attend the audio function of the Telugu Version of I which will be held in Hyderabad.Along with the actor, the Telangana Chief Minister K.Chandrasekhar Rao and actor Chiranjeevei may also attend the event.

The Producer wanted to have a big event, thus all the special invitees.Directed by Shankar, the film has Vikram and Amy Jackson as the lead pair. For the Tamil Version, the audio function was held recently and Hollywood actor Arnold Schwarzenegger attended it along with Tamil Superstar Rajinikanth. Now, the focus has shifted to Telugu.

N.V Prasad, who bought the Telugu rights for the film says, "Jackie Chan will confirm his participation in a day or two and there are plans to host the event in a grand manner." The event will be held during the second weel of October at a private film studio on the outskirts of the city or at a stadium in Gachibowli. "Due to security reasons all details are being kept under wraps," he says.

N.V.Prasad added that the producer Aascar Ravichandran is planning to invite Sylvester Stallone for the Hindi Audio Funtion that will be held in Mumbai in October First week.

Source : Deccan Chronicle

A convo with 'I' producer - An IG exclusive

Indiaglitz caught up with the ace producer, Aascar Ravichanran for an interview, and discussed a few things in detail. Here we go!

Brief about ‘I’ in few words..

To put in simple terms, I can vouch that Tamil cinema will be split into before ‘I’ and after ‘I’.

What is the reason behind bringing Hollywood stars for the audio launch ceremonies?

It is nothing but to get a global appeal to our movies. If a small budget horror movie ‘Conjuring’ can hit the screen in 169 countries; what’s stopping us from giving an international light to our quality product? By getting international celebrities like Jackie Chan, Arnold Schwarzenegger, the entire media will follow our product, and it will be easy to break through the untouched markets. Moreover, Arnold is a great inspiration for all the youngsters, and I thought his visit could boost the morale of millions of people.

Why did Arnold leave the event in the half way stage?

We have planned to start the event by 6 P.M and he already his return was already scheduled for 10.30. There is something called air traffic, like we have on our roads, and it will be difficult to reschedule the air routes. That’s the only reason for his departure.

We heard that Jackie Chan is making his presence for Telugu audio release, is that true?

All I can say is; we are planning a big event for the Hindi version, and I can assure that the event will be three times bigger than Tamil. Please wait and watch, there will be an official update in a few days time.

Are you sure about releasing the movie for Diwali? ‘Kaththi’ is also making its way..

(Started answering before completing the question) There’s a huge expectation for ‘I’ and Shankar commands a tremendous fan following which is equal to any mass heroes in our neighboring states (Kerala & Andhra). The movie will release in close to 15000 screens across the world, and Shankar has lead the crew like a military captain who is all set to kick start the war with a big arsenal. Now, it is up to me to blow the whistle and kick start the proceedings. There are enough screens for all the movies, and I’m sure of ‘I’s success.

Is it not a big risk to produce the biggest movie of Indian Cinema? Have you not calculated the negative side before venturing into this?
No, not at all. Shankar is the only person in Indian cinema to hold a 100 % track record, and he could have easily directed more movies in his 25 year long career. But he ensures each and every product of his are unique, and keeps raising his bar. On the other hand, Vikram could have easily acted in 7-8 movies in the last 2.5 years, however, they all remained dedicated to this dream project, and if at all any delay has occurred on this journey; it is absolutely because of me.

Why the release of ‘Viswaroopam 2’ & ‘Boologam’ are getting delayed? Is it because of ‘I’?

Once again, I have to say no to your question. Kamalhassan commands a tremendous opening of his movies so does Shankar. So, I can push the release of their movies, and reschedule whenever I want. But movies like ‘Boologam’ must get a proper release to perform better. In another ten days or so, I will be announcing the release dates of ‘Boologam’ & ‘Viswaroopam 2’. There is about a week’s work is pending for Kamal’s movie regards to CG work, and it will release before the end of this year. It is not easy to juggle with multiple movies at a time, and I blame myself for the delay of some projects. Till date, I have not visited any shooting spot, and I do not know how a movie is getting made. All I know is; movie making is as equal to staging a wedding every day, and that is definitely not easy!

How do you plan your movies?
Honestly, I have not sketched my journey so far. This could be a surprise to all, but the fact is; I do not even listen to stories. I blindly go with my instincts, and will get ready to face whatever happens thereafter. One fine morning, I went to Shankar’s place and asked him to make a film for me. He said already 18 people are waiting for him, and I simply requested him to put me at the top of the list, and that is how ‘I’ shaped up.

Is there any particular reason behind for not making public appearances?

I do not gain anything by attending a meet, and I have nothing to be feel proud of what I achieved. I’m a person who accepts everything. I say yes, even to a gossip and I know things will fade away soon. For example, the entire credit for ‘I’ must go to people like Shankar, P.C. Sreeram, Vikram, and Rahman. I got no taste in picking the script or finalizing a tune; then for what reason I should come out and brand myself? I’m here all because of god’s grace, and I’m just a speck of dust in front of him.

What would you like to convey to our readers?

Believe in GOD! Only he can protect us from all the difficulties in our life.

Credits : Indiaglitz.com

Arnold Speaks up on his stage act in "I" audio launch

The Hollywood star explains the impromptu stage act in a letter

The rumour mills have been rife with speculation on what exactly transpired with Arnold Schwarzenegger at the recently concluded audio launch of Shankar's I that saw the former Hollywood ascend the stage in a hurry and take off-much to the surprise of the adoring audience.

Several versions of the tale - from the Terminator man not happy with the organisation of the event to being late for a flight have been thrown around - but good ol' Arnie has now decided to clear the air himself !

In a personally signed letter addressed to Aascar Ravichandran, the actor-turned politician profusely thanks the producer for the invitation, and confesses that he was bowled over by the hospitality he received during his time in chennai.

Arnold goes on to add that the reason he took the stage abruptly was because it was just after the bodybuilder had been showcased and he felt it was the perfect moment to address the audience. In his letter, he wrote, "The bodybuilders were a fantastic touch and made everything organic. I couldn't help but take the stage after that performance,because I knew it was the perfect time. I look forward to working with you again in future."

Arnold went on to pay an even more flattering tribute comparing the launch to the Oscars, saying that Hollywood could learn from the launch Of "I".

Credits : Deccan Chronicle/Chennai Times

Director Shankar's Exclusive Interview about 'i' on CNN IBN

EXCERPTS FROM SHANKAR'S INTERVIEW ON CNN - IBN

Last night, Rajeev Masand caught up with director Shankar on CNN-IBN, for a tete-a-tete on the excitement surrounding the magnum opus - I. Shankar opened up about Vikram, the VFX in his films, big budgets, the teaser leak and much more. Below are excerpts from the interview, read on.

On Vikram

Vikram’s commitment amazed me. I’m doubtful if any other actor would have agreed for the script. Interesting though, he was the only actor I approached for I. We are like family today.There are so many actors who think a lot before tonsuring their head, but Vikram said that he will do anything for I. He is really great.

Heavy VFX work in his films

VFX work in a film succeeds when the audience do not realize it is VFX. Except for a few shots such as the bike transforming into Amy Jackson, you cannot realize that it is special effects. We worked with Rising Sun Pictures who have worked in Harry Potter. The audience are watching a lot of films on television, so their intelligence levels are developing day by day. We have to satisfy the audience who come to the film looking for bigger things every time.

Even today, I am fighting for the higher end by retaining the maximum budget for the most important shots in the film. Srinivas Mohan is a wonderful VFX artist, it feels great to work with him.

Shankar and big budgets

Whatever we spend, it should be seen on the screen. I’m a producer too, I have produced many movies and budget should be treated very efficiently. My script demands a bigger budget, and that is why I opt for one. The audience have now started coming to my films expecting to see grandeur.
I don’t simply pitch in unnecessarily. In Mudhalvan, there was a song where the hero goes to meet his girl. The whole song was shot with a dhoti, a yellow shirt and simple costumes for the heroine.

Portions in China

I will be dubbed in the Chinese language. It is actually the producer’s idea to release it in China. The people of China also wanted to see the film, they requested us while we were shooting.

It’s like a mission to shoot in China. Very unpredicatable weather with rain and mud. We shot in these tough conditions for 45 days. Permission is locked, so we have to stick to the schedule. I was really keen to shoot in never seen before locations, because every movie has five songs these days and you don’t want to feed the audience with the same thing over and over again.

Will Shankar ever make a small film?

I’m ready to make a small film if the audience are ready to see a small film from me. But, they expect grandeur from Shankar. “We want stuff what you give” is what they say.

If I get bored of making big films, I can go out and make a small one. But I am enjoying this.

On the teaser leak

I didn’t go for a teaser change. The teaser which leaked was not in a good quality. You couldn’t make out much from it.

However, it’s a good work, what we did. We took one month to lock onto that 50 second teaser. I take it this way - If it is leaked, its publicity. If it is not leaked, its secrecy. It is good for me in both ways.

On I being different from his other films

We can call this a romantic thriller, a genre I haven’t done before. The beast song is an emotional track, it will connect big. AR Rahman has come up with a fabulous song. Things I haven’t done before, have been done in I.

Where do the ideas come from?

Ideas are in the air for me. All my imaginations demand big cost and big budget. Still, I’m pushing hard to get what I want. I can say I’ve got at least 50% of what I want, in terms of budget.

We have wonderful technicians in our country. We are no less. Budget is the only problem.

On the Tamil – Hindi crossover

The right people should be on board and have confidence on the movie. The person who is in charge of the Hindi version should spend 10-15 crores to publicize and then ponder about the returns too. It depends on the people who are getting involved. If it is in the right hands, it will reach another level.

I’m waiting for a good day, a day where I can make pan-Indian films.

Aascar to rope in 'Rocky' now?

After Arnold Schwarzenegger, producer Aascar Ravichandran plan to get Sylvester Stallone for the launch of Hindi Version of his film, "I".

The I fever is well and truly on! Barely days after witnessing former California Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger at the Tamil Audio Launch, producer Aascar Ravichandran may have pulled off another coup of sorts - this time up north.

It's widely understood that Sylvester Stallone will grace the launch of Hindi Version in Mumbai, whicj is scheduled to happen in October, according to sources. with the much-hyped film already managing to garner global appeal (as was evident with the massive success of the teaser), I could get one more Hollywood ambassador backing it firmly.

However, when DC contacted producer Ravichandran, he was hesitant to reveal much and put forth, "The process is going on; it's too early to disclose any details about it now. I want to give authenticated information,when everything is finalised."

If 'Sly' does indeed turn up in Mumbai, this could well become one of the most publicised film affairs in Indian history, with the Expendables star enjoying immense fandom in the country.

Namma Chiyaan Vikram's got his workout routine cut out alright!

Credits : Deccan Chronicle / Chennai Times

Vikram teams up with Arima Nambi Director?

Actor Vikram is now busy shooting for a song in his upcoming "i", after which he will continue his shoot for Vijay Milton's next film that has Samantha in the female lead. Now, the latest buzz is that the actor will be teaming up with Anand Shankar for his next project as he has been impressed with the director's script. 

Anand's debut film Arima Nambi was an action thriller, and sources say that his next will be of a similar genri. The film is likely to be produced by Kalaipuli S Thanu; however nothing has been finalised as of now.

Credits : Deccan Chronicle / Chennai Times

Sylvester Stallone to launch Hindi '#i' audio??

Shankar’s Magnum opus I, starring Vikram and Amy Jackson had a grand audio and teaser launch in Chennai recently. I teaser was an instant hit and it crossed 5 million hits on You Tube, highest for a south Indian film.

Due to the trailer making and reach I became hot in the Hindi remake circuit. Two Mumbai based corporates are after producer Aascar Ravichandran for the dubbing rights.

In the past, Aascar has dubbed his Shankar directed Vikram’s Anniyan and KS Ravikumar directed Kamal Haasan’s Dasavatharam into Hindi and met with some success. Vikram after Raavan and David is known in Hindi film circuit and Shankar is known as the showman of south.

With known names Shankar, AR Rahman, Vikram, Amy Jackson and cinematographer PC Sreeram, no wonder I has become hot in the Hindi dubbing circuit.

The latest we hear is that producer Aascar Ravichandran is planning for a grand audio launch for Hindi I audio in Mumbai. He is trying to get Hollywood action hero Sylvester Stallone for the event. The audio launch will take place likely in the middle of October.

Source : Sify.com

Vikram's 'i' teaser crosses 5 million Views in Youtube

Shankar's magnum opus with Vikram I, produced by Aascar Ravichandran has created history and new records. The I teaser on You Tube has crossed 5 million hits ( Currently 5,848,660+ Views ), the highest for a south Indian movie. The five million hits was completed in five days, a new record for a south Indian films.

The magic of Shankar-Vikram combination has done it as the teaser was not only well made but became an instant hit with the viewers. Thanks to the teaser, the film became red hot in the trade. And Aascar Ravichandran's idea of bringing Hollywood action hero Arnold for the audio launch paid off handsomely. There was a huge buzz and curiosity around the trailer even in North India.

I is so hot in the market that all areas are getting sold weeks before the films release. No other film in India has created such a huge hype and hoopla. The trust in Shankar-Vikram combo is getting the film huge offers. I is now in post-production and as of now producer Aascar Ravi is trying for a Diwali release.

Credits : Sify.com

"i" Audio Launch Photos

The 'I' audio launch which was held on 15th September, will be an event which will forever stay in the memory of anyone who attended it. This grand event, which was graced by Arnold Schwarzenegger and Superstar Rajini along with Shankar, A.R.Rahman and the film's lead face Vikram, would soon be telecast on TV.

'I'll feel proud if Vikram gets a National Award for 'I' - Shankar

The 'I' audio launch which was held on 15th September, will be an event which will forever stay in the memory of anyone who attended it. This grand event, which was graced by Arnold Schwarzenegger and Superstar Rajini along with Shankar, A.R.Rahman and the film's lead face Vikram, would soon be telecast on TV.

We present to you what director Shankar said at the launch. It was an elaborate thanksgiving speech, as the great man thanked each and every person who worked in his movie and also those who made the launch event a spectacular one.

"I thank Arnold for accepting our invitation and coming for the event. This has been an unforgettable experience. I have not disturbed Rajini too many times. Already he has a lot of problems and commitments with Lingaa. But I really wanted him to come for the event. When I requested him, he said he would surely come as a friend.

Everybody says that they have given their life, acting in a particular movie. But Vikram has given his body for 'I'. All those who have seen 'I' say that he will get a national award. I will feel proud if he gets one but even if he doesn't, he will surely get the biggest applause from fans and the audience.

Producer Aascar Ravichandran told me that he had made many films and did not want to make a usual movie again. He asked me for a script that would take us to the next level. That is how 'I' happened.

This is not a movie based on Olympics or any other game. This is not a movie based on bribery or corruption or the plots that I usually take. This is something that I have not touched till now. This is a romantic thriller."

We are waiting, Shankar sir.

Credits : Behindwoods.com

'i' Official Audio Launch Posters

'Chiyaan' Vikram's 'i' Official Audio launch Posters in leading English and Tamil Newspapers

Arnold inspired Vikram's character in 'I': Shankar

Arnold Schwarzenegger inspired Vikram's character in 'I': Shankar

Actor Vikram's character of a bodybuilder in upcoming film "I", is inspired from how Hollywood star Arnold Schwarzenegger looked in his prime days, says Shankar, the director of the Tamil magnum opus.

"In the film, Vikram plays a bodybuilder vying for the 'Mr.Tamil Nadu'. When we were looking for inspiration for his character, we could only think of Arnold as he's a bodybuilding legend. That's how we designed Vikram's character," Shankar told IANS.

"Vikram worked extremely hard for the role. We even managed to give him the curls Arnold sported as a young bodybuilder," Shankar said.

While Vikram gained weight to play the bodybuilder, he lost considerable amount to play another important character in "I".

Also starring Amy Jackson and Upen Patel in important roles, "I" is slated to release during the Diwali festive season.

Schwarzenegger was recently in the city for the film's grand audio launch.


Credits : Business Standard

Shankar's 'i' popularizes Tamil! - Madhan Karky

The audio of the much expected I was released a couple of days back and the songs scored by A R Rahman for this Shankar directed Vikram starrer have become very popular.

One of the songs Ladio written by the most happening lyricist Madhan Karky has a lot of Tamil words that may be new to some of the listeners.

Madhan Karky explains the meaning of these words in his microblogger which are as follows:

பனிக்கூழ் (Panikoozh) - Ice Cream
குளம்பி (KuLambi) - Coffee
உருளைச் சீவல் (UruLaicheeval) - Potato Chips
காவிக்கண்டு (KaavikaNdu) - Chocolate
மெல்லுக்கோந்து (Mellukondhu) - Chewing Gum
மகிழ்வுந்து (Magizhvundu) - Car
பைஞ்சுதை (Painjudhai) - Cement
வழ‌லை (Vazhalai) - Soap
பூத்தூள் (PoothooL) - Talcum Powder
காற்பதனி (Kaarpathani) - Air Conditioner
நுண்ணலை (NuNNalai) - Microwave


Credits : Behindwoods.com

'I' isn't the first choice - Shankar

The town is abuzz only with 'I', thanks to its spectacular audio launch attended by Arnold Schwarzenegger, Superstar Rajinikanth along with an army of glitterati, that gathered at the Nehru Indoor Stadium, Chennai, a couple of days back. The film’s music scored by A R Rahman is a big hit already and hero Vikram’s hard work for his role is the topic of discussion everywhere.

While talking about the title of the film, director Shankar revealed that he actually had the titles Azhagan and Aanazhagan in mind, but since they had already been used, he had to look for alternatives. He also said that It was his wish to have a single alphabet as his film's title, for a long time. When he came across 'I' which also means beauty, he immediately lapped it up.

In a way, it seems to suggest the beautiful attributes of his hero Vikram who goes to any length for the perfection of his character.


Credits : Behindwoods.com

'I' Official Teaser

Watch the scintillating teaser of Shankar's I starring 'Chiyaan Vikram', With music by A R Rahman, the audio launch saw the “Terminator” Arnold Schwarzenegger gracing the occasion in Chennai, making it the grandest audio launch in Kollywood.