| |
| |
| |
| |
| |
|
|
|
|
|
|
| DOWN UNDER AND DOWNRIGHT FUNNY |
 Madhavan remains one of Kollywood's golden boys, that ultra cool movie star who exudes boyish enthusiasm on and off the screen. Funny and hip, Madhavan's own funny side is being displayed on screen, these days, first in Dum Dum Dum, as now as a hapless cook in Nala Damayanti, in which he teams up with the freshes import from Kerala, Geetu Mohandas. Madhavan seemed in an awfully good mood on this sweaty Wednesday evening. Casually attired in a dark blue t-shirt over a pair of faded jeans, Maddy is an affable guy, full of boundless energy, some of which he gets to let loose on screen, often playing exciting, energetic characters like in 'Minnale' and 'Run'. Downtown, THE HINDU, Saturday, June 7, 2003. |
| |
| |
|
|
|
|
|
|
| MADHAVAN PLAYS THE PIPER |
 For once Madhavan and Pepsi weren't part of the same team. Nor did Madhavan have any fans left at the end of it all. Let's redraft that line again for the sake of clarity. When he went on a picnic with 25 winners of the 'Picnic with Madhavan' Pepsi contest, the star who had a lot of fans at the beginning of the picnic, had none by the end of it. Reason: By the end of the daylong picnic, he converted all of them.. Each one of them, from fan to friend. The organisers, right at the beginning of the day, split the winners into two teams - the 'Maddy' team and the 'Pepsi' team. And the stage was set for the lucky few to get 'Up Close and Personal' with the star when Madhavan boarded the air-conditioned bus to Fisherman's Core - the designated picnic spot for the day, just like you saw him....
For those interested, his favourite movies include 'A Beautiful Mind', 'Alai Payuthey', favourite comic: Asterix, favourite car: Toyoto, since that was the first car he bought... The HINDU, Chennai life, 28th May 2003. |
| |
| |
|
|
|
|
|
|
| Article from The HinduArticle from The Hindu Article from KumudhamArticle from Kumudham |
 After last year's biggest hit 'Gemini', Saran is back - this time with a light love story with Madhavan in the lead. The project titled 'Jai Jai' will be Madhavan's last release this year after Raaj Kamal's 'Nala Damayanti' directed by Mouli and AVM's 'Priyamana Thozhi' directed by Vikraman. "No, it has nothing to do with politics. It's a cool clean love story. No rowdies in this one, " says Madhavan adding that he is putting on a little weight for plazying a toughie for another project. That's not all, Madhavan is also started to shoot for K.S. Ravikumar's and Mani Ratnam's films in the course of the year, apart from a film for GJ combines, directed by new comer Santhosh. "All these would probably release only by beginning of next year," he adds. THE HINDU , Friday, May 23, 2003, CHENNAI / LIFE |
| |
| |
|
|
|
|
|
|
| MADDY'S RUN |
 One step at a time. Even if you are in the 'Run' for the super hit that the industry is waiting for. Consolidating the promising 'Run' at the theatres on the first two days, R. Madhavan a.k.a. Maddy, is all set for his second innings in Bollywood - 'Dil Vil Pyar Vyar' (DVPV) plays in the city next month.
Maddy is relaxed, happy about the opening 'Run' after a quite few months. "I have decided to do just one film at a time. Now that 'Run' is done, I will start on 'Anbe Sivam'," says a visibly thrilled Madhavan. "Run will be my biggest hit," he declares.
"Usually only guys get up and dance. Yesterday I saw even girls get on to the front and dance. "Finding good scripts these days itself is a miracle," he says. "There are offers that keep coming, but I insist on a script first." Maddy is on guard. No script? No playing. He knows - that's the only way to get a good run in this game. Excerpts from THE HINDU , CHENNAI - Sep 7 2002. |
|
| |
|
|
|
|
| THE HINDU REVIEW - MOVIE 'RUN' |
 THE PACE sets in straightway in this fast, fun-filled, action-packed, romantic flick from Sri Surya Movies.
Madhavan does a turnabout after a sloppy sojourn with "Parthalae Paravasam'' and a commendable attempt at histrionics in "Kannathil Muththamittal.'' If you think that the young man could only look vulnerable with his anything but robust physique, he manages to portray action with élan in "Run" and actually looks fit and comfortable in the role. If even with the very first fight sequence the film makes you sit up it is both Madhavan and the stunts choreographer Peter Hayn who deserve appreciation. And again as the cheerful, pining and ardent lover Madhavan makes a mark.
The track Lingusamy has chosen could be an age-old one, but the agility and youthfulness make the run interesting. Excerpts from the
THE HINDU - Friday, Sep 13, 2002 |
|
| |
|
|
|
|
|
|
| FACING THE CAMERA WITH THE LEGEND |
 Says Madhavan, "I can't believe this is finally happening. I have waited so long to shoot with Kamal Sir. When I signed Anbesivam, I thought of nothing except the fact that I would get to face the camera with The Legend. Then for some reason or the other the shooting kept getting postponed. The director was changed. For a while I was apprehensive about my dates. Now it has all been worked out. It is such an enlightening experience to work with Kamal Sir. We spent all of yesterday (Monday) chatting and bonding. The more I get to know him the more I bond with him."
Laughs Kamal Haasan, "You know, after Madhavan and I shot together for the first time, we both viewed the results on the video monitor. And I told him I have found the perfect costar. There is a certain chemistry between us which I think is unparalleled. I also find Madhavan to be one of the most receptive actors I have worked with. I am not surprised he has reached so far in his career." - WWW.REDIFF.COM |
|
| |
|
|
|
|
|
|
| SWITCHING OVER TO ACTION : Excerpts from the interview with THE HINDU, Metro Plus Chennai Wednesday, 04.09.02 |
 Will "Run" run at the box-office and bring back Madhavan's `lost' legion of fans? A tete-a-tete with the teen idol.
MADHAVAN WAS the golden boy who could do no wrong, after his dream debut in Mani Ratnam's "Alaipayuthe". And after Gautham Menon's minty cool "Minnale" he became hot among the teen brigade. They called him Maddy and were mad about him. The college-going audience liked his first four films - "Alaipayuthe", "Ennavale", "Minnale" and "Dumm Dumm Dumm", as they were all fun movies - pleasant, cute and on occasion fairly wacky. The writing on the wall was clear that he had to woo back his college crowd audience in Tamil Nadu. And this Friday, Madhavan's all new musical, action-packed love story "Run" will hit the screens. Will "Run" run at the box-office and bring back his lost `legion' of fans? A tete-a-tete with the teen idol at his swanky apartment in Kilpauk...
Q: What are your forthcoming Tamil projects?
A: I have signed AVM's new film with director Vikraman. It will be a big break for me, as Vikraman is one of the hottest directors in the circuit who has a fantastic reach among the A, B and C audience.
Q: Is the `Maddy Mania' over, as the trade feels that you are no longer hot?
A: Can you please tell me the yardstick for measuring the popularity of an artiste or his standing in the industry? Is it an off-handed comment at a party or is there any rating done by the industry? Does it have anything to do with the price that distributors pay for a star's film and his remuneration? So judging from my remuneration and the willingness of the producers to sign me, I don't subscribe to the trade's view.
Q: But your last two films were flops?
A: I do agree that my last two films did not do too well at the box-office. But give me a chance; I have been around for a little more than two years. You take my report card; three out of the six films have been super hits. "Alaipayuthe", "Minnale", and "Dumm Dumm Dumm" have done extremely well all over Tamil Nadu. "Kannathil Muthamittal" created an overseas market for me.
Q: So you reply to all these e-mails?
A: Yes. I am a net-freak as I browse the net and in fact, the suggestion that I do an action film came from my fans over the net. There are about 2,800 strong Madhavan Yahoo fan clubs from Tiruchi to Texas! Q : Have you pumped iron to look like a macho hero?
A: (Laughs) I want to look good on screen and in fact, I have lost about eight kilos. I have a physical instructor and a yoga master who have helped me to stay fit. Being a vegetarian has also helped me a great deal.
Q: You are doing "Anbe Sivam" with Kamalhassan. Don't you feel that it is suicidal to play second fiddle to him?
A: I know the pitfalls of doing a film with Kamal, but he was always my idol. I am doing the film as it gives me an opportunity to work with a star that I have grown upon. It is part of my education and I don't think one upmanship is his priority, as all of us need a big hit.
Q: Will you fit into the action hero mould, as you have the boy-next-door image?
A: It was Mani Ratnam, my mentor, who suggested that I do an action film after "Kannathil Muthamittal". He knows what is good for me and I have immense trust in him. And after the story session with director Lingusamy, I was hooked and the way "Run" has shaped out is terrific. |
|
| |
|
|
|
|
|
|
| KUNGUMAM INTERVIEW'MIND-STORMING' SESSION THE HINDU, METRO PLUS, Chennai August 28, 2002 |
Q: Favorite hangouts inside and outside our country:
A: Jamshedpur in India, Canada and some places in New Zealand.
Q: About your die hard fans?
A: Young girl fans write to me often. I have a fan club in Yahoo through which they are able to interact with me and I also share my opinions and views.
Q: Greatest moment in your life?
A: My first experience in Mani sir movie to star as an hero.
Q: One habit which you want to avoid?
A: Actually I eat a lot. That's the habit which I want to avoid. But now I am practicing that and I am bringing it down.
Q: Your dream role:
A: The role of Kamal Hassan in the movie "Nayagan" and the role of Russell Crowe in the movie "A Beautiful Mind" .
'Mind Storm', the psychic mind show, was one of the interesting events organized by the National Association for the Blind as part of its fund raising programme at the Park Sheraton.
However, it was film actor Madhavan who stole the show with his candid confession about an encounter he had with a hypnotist. Describing the incident as one of the most embarrasing moments in his life, Madhavan went on to narrate how as an over enthusiastic teenager, he volunteered to participate in a hypnotism show.
"The hypnotic put me to sleep for a cool 15 minutes. Awake, I was amused to find the audience looking rather slyly at me. Only later did I come to know that during my nap I had divulged all my pre-adolescent fantasies, including that of a teacher who taught me maths in the fourth standard. Ever since I have been wary of hypnotists and illusionists," he said. May be that explains the reason why he arrived late for the show.
Madhavan also lauded the activities carried out by the association. "The NAB is one of the few organisations which practises what it preaches," he said.
|
|
| |
|
|
|
|
|
|
| IT'S A MAD, MAD, MAD WORLD- MADHAVAN UNINTERRUPTED Excerpts from the interview of Film Fare, July 2002 |
 He's steaming it up in Chennai's Film City. Swish, bang, bang, R Madhavan is shooting for A M Ratnam's Run, a routine Tamil action-packed pot-boiler. "I'm melting in the heat," he pants when I catch his eye. Ahem... his career has been blowing more cold than hot in recent months, I remark. His debut in Hindi, Rehna Hai Terre Dil Mein, came unstuck at the box office. Sez who, asks Maddy angrily. "It wasn't as big a flop as the critics made it seem. It ran for 112 days in Mumbai and Patna, which is a better average than for flicks like Aap Mujhe Aache Lagne Lage and Asoka." Taking a deep breath he adds, "You know, even the music sold like hot cakes for 200 days. You can check with HMV, the music company." Boy o boy. Isn't he getting tetchy? "No," he says, throwing up his hands in exasperation. "I'm just trying to rectify facts. I've had the Mumbai press taking potshots at everything from my clothes, to my weight, to my acting. It's unfair."
 Especially since Maddy says that he's still getting decent offers here in Chennai and back in Mumbai." Like? "Oh," he enthuses, "There's Anbhe Shivam (Tamil) directed by Priyadarshan with Kamal Haasan and another flick with the hotshot director Faazil. I've just completed Anant Mahadevan's Dil Vil Pyaar Vyaar (Hindi) and negotiations are also on, for a couple of big films. If you call me in a month, I'll give you the details." Maddy gets talking about his mentor Mani Ratnam's Kannathil Mutthamittal, a film obviously close to his heart. "It is a path-breaker, what you call new wave cinema," he says. "If Mani Sir had wanted to, he could've compromised and shot a romantic song between Simran and me. And added other masala. But he's a visionary. He tried something novel. Though Kannathil... was a hit overseas and in Chennai city, it's a pity that it failed in B and C centres in Tamil Nadu. Of course Maddy also adds that Kannathil...is a hit overseas and in Chennai city itself.
 "After Mani Ratnam's Alaipayuthe, a love story, I was only being offered the young, yuppie roles. Now I'm getting a wider range of characters to choose from." He recounts, "Mani sir wanted to know whether my career would be finished, if I played a father at such a young age. I reminded that Kamal Haasan played a father in Nayakan when he was 29. It didn't affect him, so why should I be affected?". Besides, he says, that the media has stopped referring to him as `Chennai's Hrithik Roshan.' "Mercifully the comparisons to Hrithik Roshan have died down," he smiles. But, winking at me, he points out, "My record in Chennai is better than Hrithik's record in Mumbai. At least, they're not calling me a one-film wonder." When I point out to him, that after watching Rehna Hai..., the Mumbai press remarked that he had a Shah Rukh Khan hangup, Maddy jumps up animatedly and yells, "They're wrong. I certainly don't have a Shah Rukh hang-up. If you must know, I have a Kamal Haasan hang-up. He's brilliant." Maddy invites me to join for a soup- and-salad affair. "This is what Sarita, my wife sends me," he says.
|
|
| |
|
|
|
|
|
|
| HE HAS AN `ATTITUDE'- EXCERPTS FROM THE INTERVIEW WITH T HE HINDU Dated Friday April 26, 2002 |
THOSE dimples are quite something. They appear like flashes charming all those who meet him - and there is always a gaggle of people wanting to talk to him or shake his hands. Some say that he has an `attitude', ` he can be troublesome' or `he is on the wane' and that the Hindi world has not really accepted him with open arms! None of that matters because he continues to have a hysterical fan following, especially in the South, as after "Alaipayuthe" and he remains busy - "comfortably for a while," as he puts it. Amidst the din, Madhavan or Maddy, the heartthrob of many, talks. He is clear, lucid and very sure about what he wants out of life, his present and hopefully for the future.
Q: What would you say constitutes good cinema?
A: I think good cinema has to entertain. I think we assume that it is going to be a vehicle of social change or trying to put one's point of view and in that attempt ignore the very basic intent of cinema which is to entertain. Also you can entertain while you educate.
Q: What's your Zodiac?
A: Gemini. Born on June 1.
 Q: What is your dream role?
A: Something like Russell's role in ``A Beautiful Mind" or what Kamal Sir did in ``Nayakan" or what Tom Hanks did in ``Forrest Gump." Challenging, multi-dimensional, real characters.
Q: What does life mean to you?
A: I cherish life. Every minute of it. That's the way I live. If I am sitting here giving an interview with you or I am going for a shot the intensity with which I am involved in both these moments, are the same.
Q: Can you mention someone who has touched you deeply?
A: My Dad. And several others. Not as successful publicly as Mr Mani Ratnam but lots of them. The ability to come to terms with themselves, to cherish life and everything it offers and take it as it comes and live the life of a king, has always impressed me. My Dad is one of them. My wife Saritha has touched me deeply with her simplicity, her ability to deal with every second as it comes and not carry forward any emotion from the last, be it positive or negative.
 Q: Some principles that you live by?
A: Only two. I should not hurt anybody even inadvertently and I shouldn't cheat anyone. I am very upfront. I take what I deserve and I give without delay. Things my parents inculcated in me.
Q: Do you believe in God?
A: Very strongly! I am not ritualistic but I do my prayers everyday. It helps me keep my feet on the ground. That there is somebody above me to whom I can attribute my success. For me to sit in front of God is a very humbling and at the same time a very elevating experience.
Q: Since you are in such an influential position, do you think you can do anything about it?
A: In the smallest way I can at least teach my children not to be like that and on a larger scale I hope I can convey something like that in my films, and also tell anyone who cares to listen that it is good to dream, good to have constructive suggestions!
Q: Your motto?
A: Live life to the fullest. Absolutely.
|
|
| |
|
|
|
|
|
|
HE IS MANI RATNAM'S FAVOURITE ACTOR EXCERPTS FROM THE INTERVIEW WITH SRIREKHA PILLAI -
WWW.MSN.CO.IN - ONE TO ONE |
He is Mani Ratnam's favourite actor. As his Kannathil Mutthamittal releases, R Madhavan talks about Hrithik's poster in his cupboard, his ability to think up lies fast and his disastrous date.
Q: It's been mentioned that your wife has stuck a poster of Hrithik Roshan in your cupboard to inspire you to work out. Is it true? A: It is.
Q: Does it serve the purpose? Does it inspire you?
A: It irritates me. (Laughs) But it still serves the purpose because I end up working out any way.
Q: How do you manage to take time out for workouts?
A: It's not so easy, but I try to sneak in workouts between my works. Basically, I don't like to work out too much. I just like to stay fit. I am a games freak. I like to play squash, tennis, golf and basketball. I am not too keen on building big muscles. I don't have the temperament or the inclination to do that
Q: You are known to be self-indulgent when it comes to food. What is your food habit like?
A: I am on a 'see-food' diet. I eat food whenever I see it. (Bursts out laughing) Jokes apart, I'm a vegetarian, actually. I try and control my appetite.
Q: You were teaching public speaking for a long time. When did you discover your talent for it?
A: When I started lying to my friends' parents about who had broken the window pane and wondered as to how many lies I could possibly come up with that too, really fast. That convinced me to try my hand at public speaking. (Says it with a straight face!)
Q: If you were asked to disclose one embarrassing incident in your life, what would it be?
A: When I was dating Sarita (my wife) I took her out to dinner on a bicycle. Both of us were dressed formally. I was wearing a suit and she was also in formals. Everybody was gaping at us.
Q: Is there any particular incident that has left a lasting impression on your life?
A: I think the communal violence in Bihar when I was there ('78-'79), it kind of affected me. Lot of innocent people were killed and I just thought it was so useless. It was so unfair. Apart from that, the goodness I have seen around -- the kind of efforts that the Greenpeace and the World Health Organisation and the Red Cross have put in. People worked so selflessly without money in mind. Those things make me wonder why I am so different from them. I'm quite ashamed of that. - Srirekha Pillai - www.msn.co.in.
Working round the clock like a dervish can make you lose a your edge a bit. You need a relaxed mind to be creative, imaginative and witty. Madhavan, however is an exception to this. His mind seems to work better under pressure as was evident from the sharp-as-knives definitions he gave to commonplace words we shot at him.
Love: when silences can be shared comfortably.
Hate: When the smallest word has the biggest effect.
Hunger: A wrinkle in your stomach ("I read this poem the other day which goes, "Strange that the laundryman who irons your clothes often has a wrinkle in his stomach").
Fear: The lack of belief.
Pain: Having to smile when you hurt the most.
Temptation: Wanting to indulge when you can least afford it.
by Suchitra Ramadurai, THE HINDU - Downtown on April 04 2002 |
|
| |
|
|
|
|
| |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
| |
|
|
|
|
