Endhiran

Infobox Film
name = Endhiran

---

image_size =
caption = An early publicity poster for the film
director = S. Shankar
producer = Karunamoorthy
Kishore Lulla
writer = Balakumaran
Sujatha
S. Shankar
starring = Rajnikanth
Aishwarya Rai
music = A. R. Rahman
cinematography = Rathnavel
editing = Anthony
distributor = Ayngaran International
Eros Labs
released = flagicon|India April 14, 2010
runtime =
country = India
awards =
language = Tamil
budget = 120 crores
gross =
preceded_by =
followed_by =
website =
amg_id =
imdb_id =

"Endhiran" ( _ta. எந்திரன்) is a forthcoming science-fiction film being directed by S. Shankar, who with "Endhiran", directs his tenth feature film. Despite several rumours regarding the lead actors, Rajnikanth and Aishwarya Rai have been formally announced to portray the title role. The film is expected to cost 120 crores and is set to contest with Kamal Haasan's film, "Marmayogi", in a race to become India's most expensive film to date.

Production

Development

After completing "" in 2001, Shankar announced a project with Kamal Haasan and Preity Zinta titled "Robo",cite web|author=N. K. Doshi|year=2001|title=Preity Zinta in Kamal Hassan’s Robot|publisher=ApunkaChoice|accessdate=2001-06-30|url=http://www.apunkachoice.com/scoop/bollywood/20010630-0.html] to be produced by the now-defunct production company Media Dreams.cite web|author=|year=2001|title=Shankar's prime weapon is his script writing |publisher=India4u|accessdate=2001-12-23|url=http://www.india4u.com/kollywood/sankar.asp] cite web|author=D. Govardan|year=2008|title=Rajinikanth replaces Shah Rukh Khan in India's costliest movie |publisher=India Times|accessdate=2008-01-05|url=http://economictimes.indiatimes.com/ET_Cetera/Rajnikanth_unseats_SRK_to_swing_Robot/articleshow/2676145.cms] cite web|author=Kamath, Sudhish|year=2001|title=Talk of the town|publisher=The Hindu|accessdate=2001-03-28|url=http://www.hinduonnet.com/2001/03/28/stories/0428401c.htm] Despite, announcing the project, due to a lack of backing the project was cancelled and Shankar began work on "Boys". In 2005, Shankar made another project, "Anniyan", this was mistaken to be the renamed title for "Robot".cite web|author=S. Srinivasan|year=2005|title=Anniyan (2005) |publisher=Nowrunning|accessdate=2005-06-12|url=http://nowrunning.com/film/review.asp?movieNo=2060&mv=Anniyan]

After a stupendous response from his previous project, "", there were speculations regarding Shankar's next film. However Shankar stated that he was going to be involved with his production house, S Pictures for 3 months.cite web|author=Moviebuzz|year=2007|title=`Robo`- Shankar’s next film |publisher=Naachgaana|accessdate=2007-07-02|url=http://www.naachgaana.com/2007/07/02/robo-shankars-next-film/] Several websites claimed that he was set to take his maiden Telugu language film with Chiranjeevi,cite web|author=|year=2007|title=Shankar's next project with Chiranjeevi |publisher=Filmfunda|accessdate=2007-07-20|url=http://www.filmfunda.com/latestnews.asp?newsid=2211] while others claimed that it was set to be with Mahesh Babu.cite web|author=|year=2007|title=Prince Mahesh Babu|publisher=Tollywoodpoint|accessdate=2007-06-11|url=http://www.tollywoodpoint.com/category/mahesh-babu] Ajith Kumar was also considered for the film and several sources reported this news as confirmed but Kumar claimed that he wasn't yet approached.cite web|author=|year=2007|title=Prince Mahesh Babu|publisher=Tollywoodpoint|accessdate=2007-06-11|url=http://www.tollywoodpoint.com/category/mahesh-babu] In July 2007, Shahrukh Khan was signed on to be the male lead of "Robot" and also the producer of the film.cite web|author=|year=2007|title='Robot' prepares while 'Sivaji' makes waves
publisher=The Hindu|accessdate=2007-07-28|url=http://www.hinduonnet.com/thehindu/holnus/009200707271630.htm] However, in October 2007, Shah Rukh Khan and Shankar officially called off the project. Khan commented that the script was "half-baked" and "dull" in comparison to his other films at the time. Shankar commented that Rajnikanth had commented on Shankar being a "trusted" and "excellent" script writer. Thus the two weren't able to compromise on one another opinions.cite web|author=|year=2007|title=Robot shelved!
publisher=Sify|accessdate=2007-08-20|url=http://sify.com/movies/tamil/fullstory.php?id=14550687]

After further indications that either Ajith Kumar and Aamir Khan were set to sign up for the film, reports surfaced in early January 2008, that Rajnikanth has been roped in for the project.cite web|author=Vilakudy, Rajaneesh|year=2008|title=Shankar signs on Rajnikanth for Robot
publisher=Rediff|accessdate=2008-01-02|url=http://www.rediff.com/movies/2008/jan/02robot.htm] The movie will be made at a cost of Rs. 120 Crores.cite web|author=|year=2008|title=Rajni, Robo, Rumours…
publisher=Sify|accessdate=2008-01-05|url=http://sify.com/movies/tamil/fullstory.php?id=14584920] Later in January 2008, Ayngaran International and Eros Multimedia agreed to become the producers of "Robot" with Karunamoorthy, the Chairman of Ayngaran International saying that:

“ We are very happy to announce that superstar Rajnikanth, Shankar along with A. R. Rahman are coming together again to make "Robot", which is going to be made in Tamil and would be dubbed into Hindi, Telugu and English.”

The film was unable to keep its name, "Robot", due to the English title in Tamil Nadu, whose government present tax exemption to films with Tamil titles. Likely titles suggested to proceed "Robot" as the title, included "Iyandiran" or "Iyandira", both literal translations of "Robot".cite web|author=|year=2008|title=Title of ‘Robot’ in Tamil
publisher=Indiaglitz|accessdate=2008-02-04|url=http://www.indiaglitz.com/channels/tamil/article/36314.html] However it was confimed in September 2008 that the film has been renamed to "Endhiran"cite web|author=|year=2008|title=Title change for Robo to Yenthiram|publisher=Behindwoods|accessdate=2008-04-09|url=http://www.behindwoods.com/tamil-movie-news-1/sep-08-01/robot-04-09-08.html] The film's scripting is going on as told by Shankar in two interviews. It was subsequently announced that all those who have been committed for "Robot" should sign an agreement accepting that they will not commit themselves to any other project for the next two years of its production, with an exemption to the female lead, Aishwarya Rai.cite web|author=|year=2008|title=Superstar goes by the rules!
publisher=Indiaglitz|accessdate=2008-02-09|url=http://www.indiaglitz.com/channels/tamil/article/36438.html] .

Casting

Apart from the original decided casting of Rajnikanth in the lead role, Shankar as director and A. R. Rahman,cite web|author=|year=2008|title=A.R. Rahman sets new record
publisher=Cinestar|accessdate=2008-07-14|url=http://cinestar.co.nr/2008/07/ar-rahman-sets-new-record.html] , who sets a new record for the most expensive Musician of India, the rest of the cast is expected to be named within the next six months. Several heroines were approached to essay the lead female role with Aishwarya Rai,cite web|author=|year=2008|title=Who should Rajni romance in Robot: Deepika or Ash?
publisher=Rediff|accessdate=2008-01-11|url=http://www.rediff.com/movies/2008/jan/10robot.htm] Priyanka Chopra,cite web|author=|year=2008|title=Rajni, Shankar and Rehman team up for a Rs 100-cr film
publisher=Times of India|accessdate=2008-01-08|url=http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/Rajni_A_R_Rehman_in_Rs_100-cr_film/articleshow/2681823.cms] Deepika Padukone,cite web|author=|year=2008|title=Deepika opposite Rajinikanth!
publisher=Tamilomovie|accessdate=2008-01-04|url=http://tamilomovie.com/content/view/227/41/] Asin Thottumkal,cite web|author= Shankar, Settu|year=2008|title=Who will be Rajini's heroine in Robot?|publisher= OneIndia|accessdate=2008-01-10|url=http://entertainment.oneindia.in/tamil/exclusive/2008/rajinikanth-heroine-robot-100108.html] Trisha Krishnan,cite web|author=|year=2008|title=Heroines in the race for ‘Robot’
publisher=Indiaglitz|accessdate=2008-01-08|url=http://www.indiaglitz.com/channels/tamil/article/35806.html] Shriya Sarancite web|author=|year=2008|title=Heroines in the race for ‘Robot’
publisher=Indiaglitz|accessdate=2008-01-08|url=http://www.indiaglitz.com/channels/tamil/article/35806.html] , Priyamani and Nayantharacite web|author=|year=2008|title=Two heroines for ‘Robot’?
publisher=Indiaglitz|accessdate=2008-01-08|url=http://www.indiaglitz.com/channels/tamil/article/35775.html] being linked with the role and furthermore, Amitabh Bachchancite web|author=|year=2008|title=Deepika opposite Rajinikanth!
publisher=Tamilomovie|accessdate=2008-01-04|url=http://tamilomovie.com/content/view/227/41/] , J. D. Chakravarthy, [cite web| title=Chakravarthy with Rajini for ‘Robot’
publisher=Indiaglitz.com|accessdate=2008-05-07|url=http://www.indiaglitz.com/channels/tamil/article/38391.html] Naraincite web|author=|year=2008|title=Narain: From cop to villain?|publisher=Indiaglitz|accessdate=2008-02-22|url=http://www.indiaglitz.com/channels/tamil/article/36770.html] and Arjun are being considered for further lead roles.cite web|author=|year=2008|title=Arjun confirms his role in Robot
publisher=OneIndia|accessdate=2008-02-22|url=http://www.kollywoodtoday.com/news/arjun-confirms-his-role-in-robot/] In late January 2008, Aishwarya Rai was announced as the heroine of the project, and she later confirmed her appearance in the film to the news channel, Aaj Tak for a fee of 6 crores, becoming the highest paid actress in India with her salary for "Endhiran". "Endhiran" is touted to become the most expensive film ever made in India.cite web|author=|year=2008|title=Robot confirmed!
publisher=Sify|accessdate=2008-01-05|url=http://sify.com/movies/tamil/fullstory.php?id=14585005] In a subsequent interview Aishwarya Rai expressed how much she always wanted work with Shankar and Rajnikanth, and is eager to work on the project. [cite web| title=I want to work with Rajni sir says Aishwarya Rai
publisher=FilmSutra.com|accessdate=2008-04-16|url=http://www.filmsutra.com/telugu-film-news/i-want-to-work-with-rajni-sir-says-aishwarya-rai.html] Sujatha originally announced as the dialogue writer of the film, died during the production stages, with Balakumaran being named as his successor.

Along with Shankar's usual directorial assistants, Manoj Bharathiraja, son of noted fimmaker Bharathiraja, was signed on to be an assistant director.cite web|author=|year=2008|title=Manoj in Shankar's 'Robot'
publisher=Cinesouth|accessdate=2008-03-29|url=http://www.cinesouth.com/masala/hotnews/new/29032008-2.shtml] Sabu Cyril was signed up as the art director while Rathnavel has taken up the post of the cinematographer, after K. V. Anand, Manikandan, Nirav Shah, Thiru and Ravi K. Chandran all had opted out.cite web|author=|year=2008|title=Heroines in the race for ‘Robot’
publisher=Indiaglitz|accessdate=2008-01-10|url=http://www.indiaglitz.com/channels/tamil/article/35806.html] cite web|author=|year=2008|title=Amitabh, Nirav Shah in 'Robot'!
publisher=Cinesouth|accessdate=2008-01-10|url=http://www.cinesouth.com/masala/hotnews/new/10012008-2.shtml] cite web|author=|year=2008|title=Robot shoot starts!
publisher=Sify|accessdate=2008-02-15|url=http://sify.com/movies/tamil/fullstory.php?id=14605537] The music composed from A. R. Rahman would feature lyrics from Vairamuthu and Pa. Vijay, while Raju Sundaram will act as a choreographer to the songs. The film will be edited by Anthony, with Manish Malhotra and Mary E. Vogt dually in charge of costume designs. Yuen Woo Ping will be the stunt co-ordinator for "Endhiran", making his foray into Indian films, whilst Stan Winston Studios will take care of the animatronics in the film.cite web|author= |year=2008|title=Know who is involved in Endhiran (Robot)! - Press release|publisher= Behindwoods|accessdate=2008-09-05|url=http://www.behindwoods.com/tamil-movie-news-1/sep-08-01/endhiran-1-05-09-08.html]

Filming

The film began on February 15, 2008 in Chennai when portfolio photographer G. Venket Ram did a photo shoot with Rajnikanth.cite web|author=|year=2008|title=Robot shoot starts!
publisher=Sify|accessdate=2008-02-15|url=http://sify.com/movies/tamil/fullstory.php?id=14605537] Following this initial shoot, Shankar and the cinematographer Rathnavelu went on a world tour to location-hunt. The team visited Vienna in Austria, Rio de Janeiro in Brazil and Hanoi in Vietnam to pick suitable locations.cite web|author=|year=2008|title=Shankar goes on a global location hunt!
publisher=Sify|accessdate=2008-06-14|url=http://sify.com/movies/tamil/fullstory.php?id=14694570] The first three photo sessions were held with Rajnikanth in Mumbai and Chennai with Aishwarya Rai featuring in the fourth session.cite web|author=|year=2008|title=Aishwarya Rai participates in the fourth photo session.The first film schedule will start in the first week of September in Brazil
publisher=Behindwoods|accessdate=2008-07-22|url=http://www.behindwoods.com/tamil-movie-news-1/july-08-04/aishwarya-22-07-08.html] .

The first schedule of the film was started on September 8, 2008 at Peru, where a song picturization featuring Rajnikanth and Aishwarya Rai was shot under the choreography of Raju Sundaram, at the historic site of the Machu Picchu. Other scenes for the song were finished off in the United States and then Brazil.cite web|author=|year=2008|title=Rajini's Yantram to start in Peru!|publisher=Sify|accessdate=2008-09-05|url=http://sify.com/movies/fullstory.php?id=14752525] cite web|author=|year=2008|title=Enthiran first song completed|publisher=Sify|accessdate=2008-09-15|url=http://sify.com/movies/tamil/fullstory.php?id=14758177] The shooting for the second schedule, continued in Goa, India where the initial talkie portions were filmed for ten days.cite web|author=|year=2008|title=Shankar to start talkie in Goa!|publisher=Sify|accessdate=2008-10-01|url=http://sify.com/movies/tamil/fullstory.php?id=14769468] cite web|author=|year=2008|title=Varnnakkam Sir!|publisher=Times of India|accessdate=2008-10-07|url=http://www.onlyrajini.com/wp-content/uploads/2008/10/times-of-indiapj.jpg]

References