Now, Vaiko seeks ban on Madras Cafe

After Naam Tamizhar, Vaiko's MDMK has sought a ban on John Abraham-starrer political-thriller "Madras Cafe", alleging that it portrays LTTE in a bad light.

"I request the centre to ban the film. The film should not be allowed to release and if screened, human rights organisations should protest against it in cities like Mumbai, " Vaiko said in a statement.

"I also urge the Tamil Nadu government to ban the film in the state, " he added.

"Madras Cafe", directed by Shoojit Sircar, is a fictional story based on real events that took place during Sri Lankan civil war.

When the film's trailer was release in July, the Tamil activist group Naam Tamizhar lead by filmmaker Seeman sought a ban on the film on the grounds of portraying LTTE cadres as terrorist.

On Sunday, a special screening of the dubbed version of "Madras Cafe" was organized for the group, but they are sticking to their guns.

Seeman said: "The film tries to portray late LTTE chief Prabhakaran as a terrorist. We don't appreciate it and request the distributors not to screen the film in the state. The sentiment of the film is anti-Tamil and we don't agree with it".

The film also features Nargis Fakhri, Rashi Khanna and Leena Maria is ready for Friday release.

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John's Madras Cafe - Treading On Thin Ice

Looks like Madras Cafe is turning out to be a film which is too bold for its own good. With the film's second trailer release, a fresh bout of controversies is rising. Madras Cafe's second trailer is out and it talks about the assassination of India's ex Prime Minister.

The trailer also shows a Tamil rebel group leader Anna played by Tamil actor Ajay Ratnam. Call it a coincidence but the actor bears a very close resemblance to the LTTE leader Velupillai Prabhakaran. The look and the costume are similar to the rebel leader as well.

The Tamil group Naam Thamizhar have already expressed their objection to the film's release as they are alleging that the film is showcasing the LTTE (Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam) in bad light. The group has also demanded that they should be allowed to preview the film before the release. However, the film's director Shoojit Sircar has denied the allegations.

Any fictional story will take things from real events. And for this film it is the backdrop of Sri Lanka, so, obviously, it refers to all those who were part of that time -- from the rebels, to civilians, to the peace force and the governments of Sri Lanka and India. Please watch the film before arriving at any conclusions.

Earlier Shoojit Sircar had said that There is a fictional rebel group in the film but we don't call them the LTTE and unless you see it you can't pass judgment.

Well! Simply calling the rebel group by a different name may not save the day for Madras Cafe if there is any protest post release. As of now, the makers of the film are very happy that the film has been cleared by the Censor Board and is releasing on the scheduled date of 23rd August.

'Madras Cafe' starring John Abraham and Nargis Fakhri has been directed by Shoojit Sircar and is slated to release nationwide in theatres on 23rd August. It is co-produced by JA Entertainment, Viacom 18 Motion Pictures and Rising Sun Films.

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John Abraham pledges Rs 10 lakh in support of Biennale

Bollywood Actor John Abraham visited a key site of Kochi-Muziris Biennale today and pledged Rs 10 lakh in support of the three-month art extravaganza

The 39-year-old paid a detailed two-hour visit to Aspinwall House in Fort Kochi, the main venue of the event that began on December 12. John, whose father is an architect from Aluva near the city, was taken around various installation art and painting sites at the sea-facing heritage building by fellow Mumbaikar Bose Krishnamachari, Malayali co-curator of India's first Biennale.

The actor said the Biennale had the capability to refine the mind of the viewer. "It is when you get to know deeper about an art that you plumb its amazing depths. I've now got the inspiration to visit more biennales across the world.

I'm extremely happy to visit my native land in this kind of an occasion," he said. John said the country today required artistic endeavours like the Biennale.

"I'm totally convinced that it merits major financial backing. As an artiste myself, I believe it is my responsibility to do my bit for it," he added.

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John, Riteish share birthday

Bollywood stars John Abraham and Riteish Deshmukh shared their birthday on Monday. 

John, who turned 40 this year, wants to keep it low on his birthday and flew down to Kerala to be with his folks, media reports said. 

"I don't really like blowing candles or listening to the birthday song. It embarrasses me! My family too steers clear of big celebrations,` the actor was quoted on the website of Mid Day. 

According to the reports, the actor receives cash in a sealed envelop from his parents, as birthday gift every year. 

The actor is very hopeful for the upcoming year with three back-to-back releases and all being actions films. 

He is also very excited about his role as the dreaded gangster 'Manya Surve' in the much talked about film by Sanjay Gupta. 

The actor is currently shooting in Kerala for his close friend Shoojit Sircar's upcoming film. 

Abraham, who earned the Filmfare Best Debut Award nomination for 'Jism' charmed the audiences with 'Dhoom' , and has received two Filmfare Award nominations, for his negative roles in 'Dhoom', and 'Zinda'. 

Having tasted success with 'Water', John produced his first production Vicky Donor which was a critical and commercial success. 

On the other hand, comedy hero Riteish, who turned 34 this year, not only shares the birth date with John but has recently shared screen space in Sajid Khan's comedy blockbuster 'Housefull 2'. 
The actor has made the audience laugh with films like 'Masti', 'Heyy Babyy', 'Dhamaal', 'Housefull', 'Double Dhamaal', 'Tere Naal Love Ho Gaya', 'Housefull 2' and 'Kyaa Super Kool Hain Hum'. 

Riteish also owns 'Veer Marathi' Celebrity Cricket League and is also the team's captain. 

Presently, Riteish is set to launch his own production house with a Marathi film. 

The actor got married to actress Genelia D'Souza earlier this year and lost his father Vilasrao Deshmukh in August 2012. 

The film fraternity has wished both the actors on their special day through a social networking site 

Director Ken Ghosh has wished Riteish on Twitter : "#HappyBirthdayRiteish have a rocking year (sic)." 

Actor Neil Nitin Mukesh wished: "Here is also wishing my dear friend John Abraham a very happy birthday !!! GOD bless you bro !! (sic)." 

"Here is wishing one of the finest people and a brother to me @Riteishd a very happy birthday ! GOD BLESS YOU (sic)," Mukesh tweeted Riteish.

Actor Rana Daggubati tweeted Riteish,"Happy birthday @Riteishd have a fab year (sic)."

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John Abraham gives Saif Ali Khan some biking tips

John Abraham taught Saif Ali Khan a thing or two about his new motorbike

In an industry where one-upmanship is a common feature, it's heartwarming to hear of instances when actors bonded best with each other. On the sets of their next, John Abraham apparently turned coach for Saif Ali Khan to teach him the finer nuances of biking.

A source from the sets says, Saif would often arrive on the sets of the film on his new bike. And John was often spotted with Saif discussing their love for two-wheelers.
In fact, we hear that John even taught the Nawab how to pull off a few stunts on the bike and a thing or two about its controls. He would even apparently talk to Saif about his recently purchased Mustang.

In fact, Saif was so impressed with John's knowledge about two-wheelers and four-wheelers that he even told the latter to take his car or bike whenever his heart desired.

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