Wednesday, May 14, 2008

Ajith Kumar heads for Cannes

Tamil actor Ajith Kumar is headed for Cannes where his movie Billa will be screened.

"Kumar is sure of a grand reception for the movie when it will be screened May 18 in Grey Three screen. Probably, this is the only movie in the world re-made thrice," the actor's publicist said.

Made in Hindi starring Amitabh Bachchan in 1978 as Don - it has had three remakes. The first in Tamil as Billa starring Rajnikanth, later in original title in Hindi starring Shah Rukh Khan and finally in Tamil again featuring Ajith Kumar.

Film personalities familiar with Cannes pointed out that a multiple remake will have more than a curiosity value there.

Since the movie resuscitated his career, Kumar is bearing the costs of an all-expenses-paid holiday in the French Riviera for the Billa team, which is set to fly to Paris Saturday, his publicist added.

Movie distribution major Moser Baer will have a stall at Cannes following the interest generated for its products last year.

Another Cannes' hopeful is PL Thenappan, another remake specialist.

This producer, whose Tamil success Priyasakhi remade in Hindi with Salman Khan as Shaadi Karke Phans Gaye Yaar was noticed, expects a good international market for his future projects following the critically acclaimed Kerala state award winner Punarjani starring Mohan Lal's son Pranav.

Billa at Habitat and Cannes Film Festivals

Billa was screened in the Habitat Film Festival in Delhi. It is a film festival held annually where the best of the best Indian regional movies are selected and screened.

Speaking to Galatta, L. Suresh of Ananda Pictures said he was elated at his film being selected for Habitat Film Festival. He said that he rushed to the Delhi on May 8, 2008 to participate in the screening. Billa was screened on May 9, 2008 at 6.00 p.m. to a packed audience, which also consisted of many famous film personalities from all over India. Suresh said that the film was very well-received by the audience.

His happiness does not end there. Billa is also selected to be screened in Cannes Film Festival, where the best of the best films from all over the world are screened and honoured. He said that it is a great honour for him and was very thankful for Vishnu Vardhan, who directed this movie and Ajith, the man who carried the movie on his shoulders. He said that he will leave for Cannes in a day along with Ajith and Vishnu Vardhan to attend this screening.

The 61st Cannes Film Festival will run from May 14th to May 25th.