Singam
File:Singam Suriya.jpg
Directed by	Hari
Produced by	K. E. Gnanavel Raja Reliance Big Pictures
Written by	Hari
Starring	Suriya Anushka Shetty Prakash Raj Nassar
Music by	Devi Sri Prasad
Cinematography	Priyan
Editing by	V. T. Vijayan
Studio	BIG Pictures Studio Green
Distributed by	Sun Pictures Reliance Pictures
Release date(s)	28 May 2010 (2010-05-28)
Country	‹See Tfd› India
Language	Tamil
Budget	15 crore (US$2.99 million)[1]
Box office	85 crore (US$16.96 million)[2]

Singam (English: Lion) is a 2010 Tamil action-masala film directed by Hari, starring Suriya and Anushka Shetty in the lead.^[3] The film, produced by K. E. Gnanavel Raja in association with Reliance Big Pictures, and distributed by Sun Pictures, was released on 28 May 2010. Upon release, the film was dubbed into Telugu and released as Yamudu.^[4][5] The film's commercial success led to remakes in Kannada as Kempe Gowda,^[6] in Hindi as Singham,^[7] and in Bengali as Shatru.^[8]

Plot[link]

The story, set in the backdrop of Nallore, a small town in Thoothukudi District, revolves around Sub-Inspector Durai Singam (Suriya), a brave and just policeman who serves in his hometown primarily to fulfill his father’s (Radha Ravi) wish. Durai Singam settles every dispute in his town patiently with his words of wisdom and resorts to force only when the situation demands it. Kavya (Anushka_Shetty), a city girl who comes on vacation to Nallore, falls in love with Durai Singam. Erimalai (Vivek), Durai Singam's bumbling colleague and friend, often accompanies him.

Everything seems to be smooth-running until Chennai-based Mayil Vaaganam (Prakash Raj), a big-time extortionist with shady mafia dealings, is required to travel to Nallore to sign a conditional bail. Mayil sends one of his henchmen to sign in his place. An angry Durai Singam demands that Mayil come in person for the signature and this starts tensions between them. Mayil, unable to do anything because the town is under the control of Durai Singam and his supporters, leaves humiliated. When Singam gets promoted to an Inspector. Mayil uses his political clout to get him transferred to Tiruvanmaiyur police station in Chennai in order to extract revenge.

In Chennai, kavya's sister Divya is kidnapped by Vaaganam, and in the process Singam uncovers a scam run by Vaaganam in which he kidnaps children for ransom from commercial real estate developers. Durai Singam, with unexpected help from the Home Minister (Vijayakumar), gets promoted to Assistant Commissioner of the specially-formed Anti-kidnapping Task Force. Also, Kavya's father (Nassar) who was hostile to Singam following an altercation with Singam's father, softens up and agrees to give him Kavya's hand in marriage.

In a protracted cat-and-mouse chase with liberal display of muscle power, Vaaganam targets people dearest to Singam, including Kavya (who gets shot but is saved by Singam) and manages to kill Durai Singam's loyal deputy and close friend, Inspecter Ravi. Finally, in a bid to escape gathering momentum of hostility and the arrest warrant against him, Vaaganam kidnaps the Karnataka Home Minister's daughter and escapes by train to Nellore. Following a fierce chase and fight, mobilizing a huge army of policemen to help him, Singam kills Vaaganam in a final one-to-one fight. The final scene shows Singam and Kavya heading back to Nallore, when Singam is stopped briefly by the Home Minister and assigned an undercover mission, to which he gladly agrees.

Cast[link]

• Suriya as Durai Singam
• Anushka Shetty as Kavya Mahalingam
• Prakash Raj as Mayil Vaaganam
• Nassar as Mahalingam
• Vivek as Yettu Erimalai
• Manorama as Kavya's grandmother
• Radha Ravi as Durai Singam's father
• Vijayakumar as The Home Minister
• Krishna Priya as Divya Mahalingam
• Bose Venkat as Sub Inspector Ravi
• Nizhalgal Ravi as The Asst. Commissioner
• Yuvarani as Durai Singam's sister
• Janaki Sabesh as Kavya's mother

Production[link]

Development[link]

After Suriya had finished K. S. Ravikumar's Aadhavan, discussions regarding his subsequent project, notably his 25th film, were held. Initially, reports emerged that it was going to be directed by Prabhu Deva.^[9] At the launch of his film Seval in May 2009, however, director Hari announced officially that he would direct Suriya's 25th film titled Singam and that he had finished penning the script.^[9] Becoming Suriya's third film with Hari following the successful films Aaru and Vel, it was announced that the project would release in July 2010.^[5] Suriya's cousin, K. E. Gnanavel Raja was announced as the producer.^[10]

Casting[link]

Though initial reports suggested that Yuvan Shankar Raja would score the music,^{[citation needed]} Devi Sri Prasad was chosen as the music director, thus becoming his third venture with Suriya. Suriya was revealed to play a police officer in the film, the second time in his career after Kaakha Kaakha in 2003.^[11] Anushka was chosen to play the female lead, after several actresses were considered and approached.^[5] Priyan was chosen as the lead camera man and V. T. Vijayan as the editor.^[12]

Filming[link]

After completingSeval, Hari joined the cast and crew to start the filming in 2009. The shooting began in Thirunelveli district and was carried on in southern parts of Tamil Nadu. A scene from the song "Stole my Heart" was shot in Muscat Park that was choreographed by Brindha.^[13] Afterwards, some scenes where shot in Andhra Pradesh as well as Karnataka. The main scenes were shot in Thiruvanmiyur, Chennai. During December, Hari announced that the film wouldn't have a formal audio launch as per his previous films and that the shooting would get over quickly.^[14] The trailers were released on 24 February. Sun Pictures acquired the distribution rights,^[15] and Sony Music bought the music for a hefty price.^[16]

Release[link]

Box office[link]

The film collected 1.5 crore from Chennai in the first weekend. The total box office collection from Chennai alone was 5.38 crores. The film completed a 100-days-run at theatres and was reported as a block buster.^[17] In Malaysia, the movie grossed $1,471,508 and in the UK around $12,956.^[18] At the end of its box office run, the movie is reported to have grossed around 85 crores from all its versions.^[19]

Critical response[link]

This film garnered mixed reviews. Behindwoods.com gave 2.5 out of 5 and stated that Hari has "concocted and packaged his masala contents in the right proportion and has served a tasty dish", while praising Suriya for having "diligently worked towards balancing the niche and the mass" and proving "once again that he can deliver a commercial masala flick with as finesse as he can deliver a performance-oriented film".^[20] Sify described the film as a "predictable entertainer that follows the age old formula", citing that it was Suriya who "carries the film to the winning post. His passion and the way he brings an ordinary regular larger-than-life hero character alive on screen is lesson for other commercial heroes".^[21] Rediff also gave 2.5 out of 5 stating that the film was an "unapologetic, entertainer and has Suriya in every frame. Lovers of commercial potpourri will definitely get their money's worth."^[22] Indiaglitz wrote that Singam was the "king of the masses, who love action and commercial films".^[23] A Times of India critic gave 3.5 out of 5, claiming that "even with a sleepy narration in the first 30 minutes or so, Singam is worth a watch."^[24]

Soundtrack[link]

Professional ratings
Review scores
Source	Rating
Behindwoods	*[25]

The soundtrack, released on 11 May 2010, was scored by Devi Sri Prasad, marking his third collaboration with Suriya after Maayavi and Aaru.

Awards[link]

Singam also received several nominations and awards from the Filmfare and Vijay Awards.

References[link]

External links[link]

• Singam at the Internet Movie Database

Uday Kiran Vajpeyajula (Telugu: ఉదయ కిరణ్ వజ్పెయజుల) is an Indian film actor in Tollywood and Kollywood. His first three consecutive blockbuster films earned him the title "Hatrick Hero".^[1]

Personal life[link]

Uday Kiran was born on 26 June 1980 to Hyderabad-based VVK Murthy and Nirmala. He has an elder sister named Sridevi, who stays in the Gulf with husband Prasanna and children Teja & Mahati. He finished his schooling at K.V.Picket, Intermediate at Triveni Jr. College and Graduation (B.Com) at Wesley College.^[2] He started off with modeling and was Mr. Aptech in the year 2006.^[3]

Career[link]

He made his Tollywood debut under his mentor, cinematographer turned film director Teja in the year 2000 with the block buster film Chitram, in which he played the lead character of a 17 year old.^[4] The film went on to become a trend setter.^[5]

This film, followed by two other block busters, Nuvvu Nenu and Manasantha Nuvve, made him listed among the very few actors in Telugu cinema to deliver three consecutive successful fims. His performance as a hot-blooded youngster in Nuvvu Nenu won him the Filmfare Best Actor Award (Telugu) in the year 2001. He then did many films, each showcasing the various capabilities of his acting.

In his fourth film, Kalusukovalani, he displayed good dancing skills in the songs, "Udayinchina" and "Cheliya Cheliya". While in his fifth film, 'Sreeram' he ventured into an action oriented story of a youngster aspiring to become a top cop and garnered critical acclaim for exhibiting all-round acting.

In the year 2005, he ventured into Tamil Film Industry with the film Poi directed by veteran K.Balachander. The film earned Uday Kiran the landmark of being associated with K.Balachander and Kollywood. He then did two more films, Vambu Sandai and Pen Singam in Tamil, the latter being the story penned by M. Karunanidhi, which did moderately well at the box office.

His other noteworthy performances have been in films like Nee Sneham, Avunanna Kaadanna, and Nuvvekaddunte Nenakkadunta.^[6]

Filmography[link]

Awards[link]

• Filmfare South Best Actor Award (Telugu) - Nuvvu Nenu (2001)

References[link]

External links[link]

• http://jaganmohanreddy.com/2011/04/29/balayyas-blessings-for-uday-kiran/
• http://www.hindu.com/cp/2010/06/11/stories/2010061150321600.htm
• http://www.hindu.com/fr/2003/11/07/stories/2003110701080800.htm
• http://www.hinduonnet.com/thehindu/fr/2006/02/24/stories/2006022401910100.htm
• http://www.hindu.com/mp/2007/09/15/stories/2007091550670100.htm
• http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Filmfare_Best_Actor_Award_(Telugu)
• http://www.webindia123.com/personality/men/uday_kiran/uday.htm
• http://www.thaindian.com/newsportal/entertainment/pen-singam-to-release-on-cms-birthday_100363909.html
• Uday Kiran at the Internet Movie Database
• http://idlebrain.com/news/2000march20/chitchat-udaykiran1.html
• http://www.chitramala.com/interviews/uday-kiran-6168.html
• http://www.totaltollywood.com/interviews/I-want-to-reach-nook-and-cornor-as-an-actor-Udaykiran_2270.html

This biographical article needs additional citations for verification. Please help by adding reliable sources. Contentious material about living persons that is unsourced or poorly sourced must be removed immediately, especially if potentially libelous or harmful. (November 2011)

Meera Jasmine
Meera Jasmine in MA, USA during a stage show 2011 May
Born	Jasmine Mary Joseph Thiruvalla, Kerala, India
Occupation	Actress
Years active	2001–present

Meera Jasmine (Malayalam: മീര ജാസ്മിന്‍) is an Indian actress, who appears in regional Indian films that includes Malayalam, Tamil, Telugu and Kannada films. She won the National Film Award for Best Actress in 2004 and is a two time recipient of the Kerala State Film Award, the Tamil Nadu State Film Awards,^[1] as well as the Kalaimamani Award from the government of Tamil Nadu.^[2]

Early life[link]

Meera Jasmine was born in Thiruvalla, Pathanamthitta district, Kerala, India, to Joseph and Aleyamma. She completed her schooling in Bala Vihar, Thiruvalla and Marthoma Residential School, Thiruvalla. She appeared for her Higher Secondary Exams in March 2000. She had enrolled for a BSc degree in Zoology at Assumption College, Changanassery and completed nearly three months when she was spotted by director Blessy (who was then an assistant director to director Lohithadas) and offered a role in Soothradharan.

Career[link]

Malayalam[link]

Meera Jasmine made her debut in the Malayalam film Soothradharan.^[3] Her second film was Gramaphone, directed by Kamal, in which she appeared alongside Navya Nair and Dileep.^[3] Her role as a Jewish girl was appreciated by Malayalam critics. Her third film was Swapnakkoodu, a romantic comedy alongside Prithviraj, Kunchako Boban, Jayasurya, and Bhavana under director Kamal. Her performance was appreciated and the film was a high commercial success. Among the five main characters, the one who scored the most was again Meera.^[4] She rose to fame in Malayalam cinema with the film Kasthooriman directed by her mentor Lohithadas, in which she enacted comedy and sentimental scenes. She received her first Filmfare award for her performance in Kasthooriman. The film was also a success at the box office, running for 100 days. The same year, she acted in T. V. Chandran's acclaimed Padam Onnu Oru Vilapam. She played a 15-year-old Muslim girl who was forced to marry an older man, for which she was awarded a State Award and the National Award in addition with several other awards.^[5] It was followed by her performance as Raziya in Perumazhakkalam alongside Kavya Madhavan.

In the film Achuvinte Amma (2005), she enacted the young, adorable character Achu. She then paired with Mohanlal in Rasathanthram (2006). She played as a girl pretending to be a boy in the first half of the film. The film went on to became a commercial success. Her next film with Dileep - Vinodayathra, which again was directed by Sathyan Anthikkad. She was next featured opposite Mammootty in the critically acclaimed film Ore Kadal. The film was showcased in film festivals and won awards. Her performance as an innocent middle class woman won praise from audiences. Media quoted her as, "Matching step with the megastar in this histrionic race is Meera Jasmine, who amazes you with a stunning delineation of her difficult role"^{[citation needed]}. Her next film was Calcutta News with Dileep. Blessy, who introduced her to film field, was the director of Calcutta News. In Innathe Chintha Vishayam (2008), she collaborated with Sathyan Anthikkad for his fourth consecutive film, again opposite Mohanlal, but failed to succeed. Her next films Minnaminnikoottam with Kamal and Rathri Mazha with Lenin Rajendran, which released after a long post-production delay, were box office failures. More than a year later, she played the role of a music lover and singer in Rajeev Anchal's Paattinte Palazhy. Though the film was commercially not successful, her character was noted and her performance gave her a comeback. Her next film, Four Friends, was a multi-starrer directed by Saji Surendran. She played the role of a cancer patient in this film. In the 2011 film Mohabbat, in she played the lead role opposite Anand Michael and Munna.

Tamil[link]

Jasmine's Tamil film entry made her a well-known star in the South. The successes of the Tamil film Run and Bala (2002) gave her the chance to work with the established actors of the Tamil film industry. She won the Filmfare Best Female Debut Actress award for Run. The success of the films led her to work with directors such as Mani Ratnam in Aayutha Ezhuthu and SS Stanley in Mercury Pookkal. Her latest Tamil film, Mambattiyan got released in Dec' 2011. Meera has acted in 15 Tamil films.

Telugu and Kannada[link]

Jasmine became noted in the Telugu film industry with Run, the dubbed version of the same-titled Tamil film. She was in the Telugu films in 2004 with Ammayi Bagundi and Gudumba Shankar but also entered Kannada cinema by co-starring with Puneet Rajkumar in Maurya. Her Kannada film Arrasu again with Puneet Rajkumar and Ramya is a hit. Her other Kannada films include Devaru Kotta Thangi and Ijjodu.

Jasmine's biggest commercial suceess in Telugu remains Bhadra with Ravi Teja in the male lead. Her other Telugu films are Raraju, Maharadhi, Yamagola Malli Modalayindi, Gorintaku and Maa Ayana Chanti Pilladu, in which she is paired for a second time with Sivaji.

Controversy[link]

She offered prayers at Raja Rajeshwara temple at Taliparamba in Kerala where the entry of non-Hindus is prohibited. This led to a controversy and sparked off a protest by Hindu devotees. Later, she paid 10,000 (US$199.5) as penalty to the temple authorities to conduct the purification rituals.^[6][7]

Awards[link]

National Film Awards

• 2004 - Best Actress, Paadam Onnu: Oru Vilapam

Kerala State Film Awards

• 2003 - Best Actress, Paadam Onnu: Oru Vilapam, Kasthuri Maan
• 2007 - Best Actress, Ore Kadal.

Tamil Nadu State Film Awards

• 2005 - Tamil Nadu State Film Award (Special Prizes), Kasthuri Maan

Tamil Nadu Government

• 2008 - Kalaimamani Award

Filmfare Awards South

• 2003 - Filmfare Award for Best Actress (Malayalam), Kasthoorimann^[8]
• 2006 - Filmfare Award for Best Actress (Malayalam), Achuvinte Amma
• 2007 - Filmfare Award for Best Actress (Malayalam), Ore Kadal^[9]

Asianet Film Awards

• 2003 - Best Actress Award, Paadam Onnu: Oru Vilapam^[10]
• 2004 - Best Actress Award, Perumazhakkalam^[11]
• 2005 - Best Actress Award, Achuvinte Amma
• 2007 - Best Actress Award, Ore Kadal

V. Shantaram Awards

• 2003 - V Shantaram Award for Best Actress, Paadam Onnu: Oru Vilapam.
• 2007 - V Shantaram Award for Best Actress, Ore Kadal

Vanitha Film Awards

• 2004 - Vanitha-Chandrika Film Award For Best Actress, Perumazhakkalam
• 2007 - Vanitha-Nipon Paint Film Award for Best Actress, Ore Kadal

Mathrubhumi Film Awards

• 2003 - Mathrubhumi - Medimix Award for Best Actress, Paadam Onnu: Oru Vilapam^[12]
• 2004 - Mathrubhumi - Medimix Award for Best Actress, Perumazhakkalam^[13]

Other Awards

• 2001 - Bharathan Award For Best Female Debut Actress, Soothradharan^[14]
• 2002 - Dinakaran Award For Best Female Debut Actress, Run^[15]
• 2003 - National Film Academy Award for Best Actress, Paadam Onnu: Oru Vilapam.
• 2003 - Kaveri-Film Critics Award, Paadam Onnu: Oru Vilapam^[16]
• 2003 - Kerala Film Audience Council Award, Paadam Onnu: Oru Vilapam
• 2003 - Kerala Film Critics Association Award, Paadam Onnu: Oru Vilapam^[17]
• 2004 - Tikkurishi Award for Best Actress, Perumazhakkalam.^[18]
• 2005 - Amrita Film Fraternity Award for Best Actress, Achuvinte Amma
• 2006 - Jeevan TV-Mastro Mania award for Best Actress, Rasathanthram
• 2007 - Dubai AMMA award for Best Actress, Ore Kadal
• 2007 - FOKANA Award for Best Actress, Ore Kadal^[19]
• 2007 - Amrita Film Award for Best Actress, Ore Kadal^[20]
• 2007 - Sreevidya Puraskaaram (Best Actress), Ore Kadal^[21]
• 2007 - Tharangini Film Award for Best Actress, Ore Kadal
• 2008 - Best Actress at 8th Annual Imagine Indian Film Festival, Spain, "Ore Kadal"
• 2008 - Dubai AMMA award for Best Actress, Calcutta News
• 2009 - Veera Pazhassi Awards -Swarna Mayoogam

Filmography[link]

References[link]

External links[link]

• Meera Jasmine at the Internet Movie Database