Rana (film)
Encyclopedia
Rana is an upcoming historical action film
co-written and directed by K. S. Ravikumar
starring Rajinikanth, whose story the film will be based upon. Deepika Padukone
has been signed on as the female lead. The film will be jointly produced by Ocher Picture Productions
and Eros International
. The film will feature cinematography by R. Rathnavelu
and music composed by A. R. Rahman
. The film is expected to be made simultaneously in Hindi and Telugu
, all three of which are slated for release in 2012.
Despite the occurrence of principal photography
, which took place on 29 April 2011, casting is still incomplete. During the first schedule of filming, Rajinikanth fell ill on sets and was admitted to hospital for over a month, resulting in an indefinite postponement of filming. Further attempts for the film to continue production through out the year failed. Following the announcement of Kochadaiyan in November 2011, a separate film to be directed by Soundarya and written by Ravikumar also starring Rajinikanth, Rana was shelved until the completion of the latter.
was signed up as co-director to direct "non-animated" scenes of the film, in which Rajinikanth would pair up with Trisha Krishnan
. The reports were later falsified as several websites on January 28, 2011 claimed that Rana was a separate project, jointly produced by Eros International
and Soundarya's Ocher Picture Productions. Confusions of Rana being the "revival" of Hara were cleared as both Ocher and Eros denied the claims, stating that Rana was "a fresh script" and will be shot as live action while Hara was still under production, likely to be released after the former.
After several dates for principal photography
to begin, ranging between March and April 2011, were reported, it finally began on 29 April 2011 at AVM Studios
in Chennai
. In a turn of events, Rajinikanth fell ill on set and was treated for dehydration and exhaustion at a hospital, after being diagnosed with a mild foodborne illness
, resulting in postponment of filming. Nonetheless, Deepika Padukone
has already shot for some scenes in the film, including one in muddy water.
was reported to be signed up for a lead role, but this was eventually learnt to be false. Later reports stated that Anushka Shetty
, Deepika Padukone
, Asin
, and Sneha were approached for lead roles. The role eventually went to Padukone who signed up in February 2011. Sonu Sood
was signed to play the film's antagonist. Later that month, Madhuri Dixit
was linked to the project, whom media reports claimed was offered a supporting role, which she later refused citing personal commitments and differences with the role she was offered. Several media reports subsequently emerged, stating that Bollywood
actresses Rekha and Vidya Balan
were slated to be part of the leading cast. The following month, however, it was reported that Rekha walked out of the project during its pre-production stage after a dispute with the producers about her salary. Balan was also reported to have dropped out of the film after an untimely request to fully view the film's script was turned down. In the meantime, Amitabh Bachchan
and Hema Malini
were reported to have been signed up for important roles, marking the former's Tamil cinema debut. All reports, however, were finally downplayed by K. S. Ravikumar
, stating that no other actor had been signed up, other than Rajinikanth and Padukone, as of March 2011. Ganja Karuppu
was signed up the following month as the film's comedian, after the possibility of Vadivelu
was turned down due to his controversial motifs during the 2011 legislative assembly elections in Tamil Nadu
.
R. Rathnavelu
was specially chosen by Rajinikanth as the film's cinematographer, after the two worked together in their prior successful venture Enthiran (2010). Rajeevan was signed up as art director. Anthony
and A. R. Rahman
, who were also part of the Enthiran team, were signed up as the film's editor and composer, respectively. S. Ramakrishnan
was signed up as the film's dialogue writer.
Action film
Action film is a film genre where one or more heroes is thrust into a series of challenges that require physical feats, extended fights and frenetic chases...
co-written and directed by K. S. Ravikumar
K. S. Ravikumar
K. S. Ravikumar is an Indian film director and actor, primarily working in Tamil cinema. He has directed numerous films ranging from comedy and drama to action thrillers. His film Dasavathaaram went on to gross $16 million worldwide in the first four weeks and eventually became one of the...
starring Rajinikanth, whose story the film will be based upon. Deepika Padukone
Deepika Padukone
Deepika Padukone is an Indian actress and a former model. She appears mostly in Hindi as well as Tamil and Kannada language films. Born to Badminton player Prakash Padukone, she chose to become an actress and not pursue a career in sports.Padukone made her acting debut in the 2006 Kannada film...
has been signed on as the female lead. The film will be jointly produced by Ocher Picture Productions
Soundarya Rajinikanth
Soundarya Rajinikanth Ashwin is a film graphic designer, producer and director in Chennai, Tamil Nadu, India who has contributed in several Tamil films. Soundarya Rajinikanth is most popularly known for her work in Anbe Aaruyire...
and Eros International
Eros Labs
Eros International Media Ltd., also known as Eros Entertainment, is an Indian media and entertainment giant, involved in the production, acquisition and distribution of filmed entertainment across in movie theaters, on video and television, and in new media.Established in 1977, the company operates...
. The film will feature cinematography by R. Rathnavelu
R. Rathnavelu
Randy Rathnavelu is an Indian cinematographer who has worked in Tamil, Telugu, and Kannada films including Thirumalai , Vaaranam Aayiram, and Enthiran....
and music composed by A. R. Rahman
A. R. Rahman
Allah Rakha Rahman is an Indian composer, singer-songwriter, record producer, musician, and philanthropist. Described as the world's most prominent and prolific film composer by Time, his works are notable for integrating eastern classical music with electronic music sounds, world music genres and...
. The film is expected to be made simultaneously in Hindi and Telugu
Telugu language
Telugu is a Central Dravidian language primarily spoken in the state of Andhra Pradesh, India, where it is an official language. It is also spoken in the neighbouring states of Chattisgarh, Karnataka, Maharashtra, Orissa and Tamil Nadu...
, all three of which are slated for release in 2012.
Despite the occurrence of principal photography
Principal photography
thumb|300px|Film production on location in [[Newark, New Jersey]].Principal photography is the phase of film production in which the movie is filmed, with actors on set and cameras rolling, as distinct from pre-production and post-production....
, which took place on 29 April 2011, casting is still incomplete. During the first schedule of filming, Rajinikanth fell ill on sets and was admitted to hospital for over a month, resulting in an indefinite postponement of filming. Further attempts for the film to continue production through out the year failed. Following the announcement of Kochadaiyan in November 2011, a separate film to be directed by Soundarya and written by Ravikumar also starring Rajinikanth, Rana was shelved until the completion of the latter.
Development
During late-2010, reports suggested that Rana would be the new title of Soundarya Rajnikanth's self-produced, directed, and designed film Dheera, an animation film that began production in 2007, featuring her father Rajnikanth in the title role. It was also reported that K. S. RavikumarK. S. Ravikumar
K. S. Ravikumar is an Indian film director and actor, primarily working in Tamil cinema. He has directed numerous films ranging from comedy and drama to action thrillers. His film Dasavathaaram went on to gross $16 million worldwide in the first four weeks and eventually became one of the...
was signed up as co-director to direct "non-animated" scenes of the film, in which Rajinikanth would pair up with Trisha Krishnan
Trisha Krishnan
Trisha Krishnan is an Indian film actress and model, who primarily appears in Tamil and Telugu language films, but has also appeared in Hindi language films. She was noticed after winning several beauty pageants like the Miss Madras contest , which marked her entry into filmdom...
. The reports were later falsified as several websites on January 28, 2011 claimed that Rana was a separate project, jointly produced by Eros International
Eros Labs
Eros International Media Ltd., also known as Eros Entertainment, is an Indian media and entertainment giant, involved in the production, acquisition and distribution of filmed entertainment across in movie theaters, on video and television, and in new media.Established in 1977, the company operates...
and Soundarya's Ocher Picture Productions. Confusions of Rana being the "revival" of Hara were cleared as both Ocher and Eros denied the claims, stating that Rana was "a fresh script" and will be shot as live action while Hara was still under production, likely to be released after the former.
After several dates for principal photography
Principal photography
thumb|300px|Film production on location in [[Newark, New Jersey]].Principal photography is the phase of film production in which the movie is filmed, with actors on set and cameras rolling, as distinct from pre-production and post-production....
to begin, ranging between March and April 2011, were reported, it finally began on 29 April 2011 at AVM Studios
AVM Productions
AVM is the oldest and largest film production studio in India. It is currently owned by M. Saravanan and his son, M. S. Guhan. The most recent film they have produced since their opening with Nam Iruvar in 1947, is Vettaikkaaran and Leader. The filming studios are located in Vadapalani, Chennai....
in Chennai
Chennai
Chennai , formerly known as Madras or Madarasapatinam , is the capital city of the Indian state of Tamil Nadu, located on the Coromandel Coast off the Bay of Bengal. Chennai is the fourth most populous metropolitan area and the sixth most populous city in India...
. In a turn of events, Rajinikanth fell ill on set and was treated for dehydration and exhaustion at a hospital, after being diagnosed with a mild foodborne illness
Foodborne illness
Foodborne illness is any illness resulting from the consumption of contaminated food, pathogenic bacteria, viruses, or parasites that contaminate food, as well as chemical or natural toxins such as poisonous mushrooms.-Causes:Foodborne illness usually arises from improper handling, preparation, or...
, resulting in postponment of filming. Nonetheless, Deepika Padukone
Deepika Padukone
Deepika Padukone is an Indian actress and a former model. She appears mostly in Hindi as well as Tamil and Kannada language films. Born to Badminton player Prakash Padukone, she chose to become an actress and not pursue a career in sports.Padukone made her acting debut in the 2006 Kannada film...
has already shot for some scenes in the film, including one in muddy water.
Casting
The film was dubbed as a "Rajinikanth-starrer" when it was first announced, adding that Rajinikanth would feature in three different roles in the film. Before the film's official announcement, Trisha KrishnanTrisha Krishnan
Trisha Krishnan is an Indian film actress and model, who primarily appears in Tamil and Telugu language films, but has also appeared in Hindi language films. She was noticed after winning several beauty pageants like the Miss Madras contest , which marked her entry into filmdom...
was reported to be signed up for a lead role, but this was eventually learnt to be false. Later reports stated that Anushka Shetty
Anushka Shetty
Anushka Shetty is an Indian film actress who works mainly in the Telugu and Tamil film industries. She debuted in the 2005 Telugu film Super and rose to fame following her performance in Vikramarkudu...
, Deepika Padukone
Deepika Padukone
Deepika Padukone is an Indian actress and a former model. She appears mostly in Hindi as well as Tamil and Kannada language films. Born to Badminton player Prakash Padukone, she chose to become an actress and not pursue a career in sports.Padukone made her acting debut in the 2006 Kannada film...
, Asin
Asin Thottumkal
Asin Thottumkal , known mononymously as Asin, is an Indian film actress, model and stage performer who acts primarily in Bollywood and Kollywood....
, and Sneha were approached for lead roles. The role eventually went to Padukone who signed up in February 2011. Sonu Sood
Sonu Sood
Sonu Sood is a former model and Indian actor who has acted in Hindi,, Telugu and Tamil films. A participant in the Mr. India contest, he has appeared in commercials for Apollo Tyres, Airtel etc. In Tollywood he is best known for his role as the antagonist, Pasupathi, in the film...
was signed to play the film's antagonist. Later that month, Madhuri Dixit
Madhuri Dixit
Madhuri Dixit is an Indian film actress who has appeared in Hindi films. Throughout the late 1980s and 1990s, she established herself as one of Hindi cinema's leading actresses and most accomplished dancers. She appeared in numerous commercially successful films and was recognised for several of...
was linked to the project, whom media reports claimed was offered a supporting role, which she later refused citing personal commitments and differences with the role she was offered. Several media reports subsequently emerged, stating that Bollywood
Bollywood
Bollywood is the informal term popularly used for the Hindi-language film industry based in Mumbai , Maharashtra, India. The term is often incorrectly used to refer to the whole of Indian cinema; it is only a part of the total Indian film industry, which includes other production centers producing...
actresses Rekha and Vidya Balan
Vidya Balan
Vidya Balan is an Indian actress, who appears in Hindi films. After graduating with a degree in sociology, she started her career starring in music videos, television shows and commercials, before appearing in feature films....
were slated to be part of the leading cast. The following month, however, it was reported that Rekha walked out of the project during its pre-production stage after a dispute with the producers about her salary. Balan was also reported to have dropped out of the film after an untimely request to fully view the film's script was turned down. In the meantime, Amitabh Bachchan
Amitabh Bachchan
Amitabh Bachchan is an Indian film actor. He first gained popularity in the early 1970s as the "angry young man" of Hindi cinema, and has since appeared in over 180 Indian films in a career spanning more than four decades...
and Hema Malini
Hema Malini
Hema Malini is an Indian actress, director and producer, as well as a Bharatanatyam dancer-choreographer. Making her acting debut in Sapno Ka Saudagar , she went on to appear in numerous Bollywood films, most notably those with actor and future-husband Dharmendra. She was initially promoted as...
were reported to have been signed up for important roles, marking the former's Tamil cinema debut. All reports, however, were finally downplayed by K. S. Ravikumar
K. S. Ravikumar
K. S. Ravikumar is an Indian film director and actor, primarily working in Tamil cinema. He has directed numerous films ranging from comedy and drama to action thrillers. His film Dasavathaaram went on to gross $16 million worldwide in the first four weeks and eventually became one of the...
, stating that no other actor had been signed up, other than Rajinikanth and Padukone, as of March 2011. Ganja Karuppu
Ganja Karuppu
Ganja Karuppu, born Karuppu Raja, is an Indian film actor who plays comedy roles in Tamil cinema. He has appeared in many well-known Tamil films like Raam , Paruthiveeran , Subramaniyapuram , and Naadodigal...
was signed up the following month as the film's comedian, after the possibility of Vadivelu
Vadivelu
Vadivelu , often referred to as Vadivel, is a Tamil film actor,comedian and playback singer. Since 2000, he has acted as a comedian in various Tamil films. During his career, Vadivelu has won several Filmfare Awards and Tamil Nadu State Film Awards...
was turned down due to his controversial motifs during the 2011 legislative assembly elections in Tamil Nadu
Tamil Nadu legislative assembly election, 2011
The fourteenth legislative assembly election was held on 13 April 2011 to elect members from 234 constituencies in the Indian state of Tamil Nadu. Results were released on 13 May 2011...
.
R. Rathnavelu
R. Rathnavelu
Randy Rathnavelu is an Indian cinematographer who has worked in Tamil, Telugu, and Kannada films including Thirumalai , Vaaranam Aayiram, and Enthiran....
was specially chosen by Rajinikanth as the film's cinematographer, after the two worked together in their prior successful venture Enthiran (2010). Rajeevan was signed up as art director. Anthony
Anthony (film editor)
Anthony is a Tamil film editor. He has worked in over twenty Tamil, Malayalam, and Telugu language films. This makes him one of the few editors to have worked for all the 3 biggest film industries in India.-Personal life:Anthony studied BA Lit in Madras Christian College, Tambaram, Chennai...
and A. R. Rahman
A. R. Rahman
Allah Rakha Rahman is an Indian composer, singer-songwriter, record producer, musician, and philanthropist. Described as the world's most prominent and prolific film composer by Time, his works are notable for integrating eastern classical music with electronic music sounds, world music genres and...
, who were also part of the Enthiran team, were signed up as the film's editor and composer, respectively. S. Ramakrishnan
S. Ramakrishnan
S. Ramakrishnan is a noted Tamil author and Tamil film dialogue writer. He was born in Mallankinaru, Virudhunagar district, Tamil Nadu. Ramakrishnan is noted for his column Thunai Ezhuthu in the magazine Ananda Vikatan. His short stories have been translated in German, French, Kannada, Hindi and...
was signed up as the film's dialogue writer.