Happenings in the Tamil Cineworld!

 
Aalavandaan Function:

When we reached Nehru Indoor Stadium to attend the Puja for 'Aalavandhan', the stadium was overflowing with the fans of Kamalhasan. The function was scheduled to begin at 6.30 pm. We were there at the venue by 6.15 pm. The pulpit was being given the finishing touches by some workmen.

The fans were rather restless. The function did not start as per the schedule. Suddenly we heard a Rajini Song. Everyone was startled! There was some commotion from the fans.

No stars were to be seen on the pulpit. But film personalities started making a beeline one by one into the stadium. The fans got some solace on seeing bigwigs like Manirathnam, Vijaya Kanth, Bharathiraja, Crazy Mohan, Raghuvaran, Vignesh, Delhi Ganesh, Swathi, Cartoonist Madan etc., and all less than one roof at a particular point.

7.15 pm Abdul Hamid of 'Pattukku Pattu' fame, politely expressed his concern for the delay caused. He further informed that all the concerned including Raveena Tandon would arrive by 7.30 pm.

Raveena Tandon made her appearance on the scene in a glittering, mind-boggling red dress. Ramesh Sippy, the director of 'Sholay', Sanjay Bansal, K.Viswanath, Priyadarshan of Mumbai came along with her.

Manisha Koirala, the other leading lady of the film was conspicuously absent. Almost all the technicians associated with the movie had come. Still Kamal was not there.

The function started by 7.45 pm.

First, a dance for western music. Abdul Hameed and Megha Rajan started compeering the programmes in Tamil and Hindi-English respectively. Abdul Hameed gave a brief about the picture and Kamal's feats in it to the vociferous elation of Kamal fans.

Next, some scenes connected with the artists of this movies from their past films were displayed on three screens. This was a new feature.

A special mention must be made to the Australian stunt director Grant page who is associated with some Jackie Chan films. Some scenes from certain Jackie Chan movies directed by him were shown. Everyone's imagination was fired as to how that director is going to make his mark in this film and how far he would be successful in drawing the best out of Kamal. Some graphics done by the Australian Graphics firm, 'Cutting Edge' were also displayed. Great! All of us can take pride that these foreign people are entering into the Tamil film industry with their participation in 'Aalavandhan'.

When certain scenes from 'Aalavandhan' and 'Badshah' directed by Suresh Krishna were displayed, naturally, there was ovation from the audience.

The V.I.Ps who have graced the function gave bouquets to the artists who are going to take part in this film. Vijayakanth was well received by the audience as he had come in spite of having his own shootings. Kamal gave him special thanks in appreciation of his gesture.

At the outset of the main programme of the agenda, Abdul Hameed thanked Magha Rajan in Hindi and Magha Rajan returned the compliments in Tamil.

The final video clippings, some scenes from the previous films of Kamal were screened. As every one's eyes were glued on the screen suddenly the darkness vanished. With the flashing of light from many colourful lamps, the pulpit glittered. And we could now see Kamal standing there in the middle, with a broad smile.

The joy of his fans knew no bounds. They cheered him wholeheartedly and vociferously. The whole complex reverberated with a big noise.

Kamal thanked his fans with open arms and a low of his head.

The following are the salient features from his harangue:

"I am prepared to believe that this big crowd has come over here for my sake. It indicates the future success of this film. I don't know what penance I have done to deserve the presence of so many people from Mumbai on this occasion. He expressed his gratitude to his Mumbai friends in English too." I delight very much in seeing such a large family of mine "He means the conglomeration of his fans". I am glad to see many great cine artists of India under this single roof at this moment. I invite you all to come to this stage, one by one, to pose with me. Taking photos with you would make me proud. I thank Vijayakanth, Abdul Hameed and Magha Rajan from my heart."

Next followed the photography session. The artists from the South and North were standing around him. It was a nice, historical event. A fine moment, by all means, all of a sudden, Kamal announced, "Now, National Anthem!" He started singing, "Jana Gana Mana". The whole stadium followed suit. Then the speaker blared: "Jana Gana Mana." The function came to an end.