Suriya to reprise Mammootty’s role in ‘Mrigaya’

Suriya has agreed to do the remake of Mammotty starrer ‘Mrigaya’, an IV Sasi film written by late Lohithadas. The remake will be directed by Amal Neerad, a talented cameraman who made two stylish flicks in Malayalam–’Big B’ with Mammootty and ‘Sagar Alias Jacky’ with Mohanlal.

‘Mrigaya’, released in the ’90s, had Mammootty playing a brute of a man, Varunni. A hillside village, terrorised by the frequent attacks by a tiger, hires him to kill the wild animal. But, the villagers soon find out that they have brought in greater danger for themselves than the carnivore.

The film was a superhit and Mamootty won a State award for his efforts in the film. Suriya, known for his love of experimentation in his roles and get ups, is sure to enjoy the challenge of doing this role, say sources close to Amal. The director is currently working on ‘Anwar’, starring Prithviraj in the lead.

Nayantara not in ‘Mappilai’

Last week, there were reports that Nayantara would be doing an item song in Dhanush starrer ‘Mappilai’. But, now it transpires that neither Nayantara nor the makers of the film have any such plans or inclination to do so.

Dhanush said: “I don’t know from where these rumours started. We had no idea to do the item number with Nayanthara, it’s a lot of hot air”.

Sources close to Nayanthara also denied the news, saying that the actress is very busy shooting for Arya starrer ‘Boss Engira Bhaskaran’ at Kumbakonam. Following this, she will start a Telugu film with superstar Balakrishna.

Nayantara’s item dance in ‘Mappilai’

Though a superstar in her own right, Nayantara is flexible when it comes to her friends and commitments. The actress, who did an item number for Rajnikanth’s ‘Sivaji’ when she was at her peak in Kollywood and later followed it up with ‘Kuselan’, is all set to repeat the act for Dhanush starrer ‘Mappilai’.

Recently, she has done another titillating number for Venkat Prabhu’s ‘Goa’. ‘Mappilai’, directed by Suraaj, is a remake of the Rajnikanth blockbuster with the same name. Hansika Motwani plays the female lead in this.

Nayantara, after the super success of Suriya starrer ‘Aaadhavan’, has many big offers coming her way. She is currently shooting for Arya starrer ‘Boss Engira Baskaran’. Her upcoming releases are Dileep’s ‘Bodyguard’ in Malayalam and ‘Adurs’, starring Jr NTR in the lead.

Rajni congratulates Big B for ‘Paa’

It is well known that Rajnikanth likes to acknowledge the good work done by his colleagues. The way he praised Kamal Haasan for his work in ‘Dasavatharam’ and director Bala for ‘Naan Kadavul’ were examples.

Last day, he called up Amitabh Bachchan in the middle of night to congratulate him on his stupendous work in ‘Paa’. In the film, Big B plays a progeria-afflicted young boy, which required the actor to undergo strenuous preparation and hours of make up.

It is worthwhile to remember that Amitabh Bachchan starred in ‘Andhaa Kaanoon’, Rajni’s debut film in Hindi.

Amitabh was there in Chennai on December 9 to attend the ‘Paa’ premiere. Rajnikanth and his family were among those who watched the film at Satyam theatres.