Magadheera On Five Crore Deficit

The talk in Film Nagar is that Magadheera had been made with a whopping 35 crore, business done the filmmaker is left with a deficit of five crore. On the other hand Mohan Vadlapatla, who produced Mallepuvvu, Mental Krishna is very happy with the report that has generated and has decided to release the film on his own. Kalavaramaye Madilo starring Swati, Kamal Kamaraju is releasing with thirty prints on July 17th.

There is a rumour that Magadheera's release could be postponed but that hasn't been confirmed. Another film that releases on 17th is Ooha Chitram. The films that precede Kalavaramaye Madilo are Adugu, Gopi Gopika Godavari, Samrajyam, Gangleaders, Vyapari and Chinna's Aa Intlo. (more...)

Prime Star working on comedy now

Prime star Jagapathi Babu seems to be one star who would not stop at anything to try out as many variety roles as possible. He was seen as an encounter specialist, then an architect, then a little girl’s father and last but not the least, the Chief Minister as well.

But now, Jaggu is said to be looking at making his mark with comedy and for this, he is said to have teamed up with the noted director Srinivas Reddy.

While more details are yet to be revealed, many say that this will be a challenge for Jagapathi Babu since he has never been seen in a full length comedy role.

Currently, he is busy with his other venture ‘Pravarakhyudu’ where he is seen as a lecturer in a ladies college. (more...)

Who's who at Sania's engagement

All arrangements have been made for the engagement of Sania with Mohd Sohrab Mirza, a prospective owner of Universal Bakers, a popular chain of bakeries in Hyderabad at Hotel Taj Krishna at 8.30 pm on July 10.

The parents of both Sania and Sohrab are making it purely a family ceremony and restricted invitations to just around 300 guests. According to sources, cricket genius Sachin Tendulkar, tennis star Mahesh Bhupathi, cricketer-turned-MP Mohd Azharuddin, badminton star Pullela Gopichand are among the invitees, besides who’s who ofHyderabadi Nawabi families. There is strict “no” to the media, sources say.

Popular florists of Jam Bagh, Karachi Bakeries and Universal Bakeries would provide sweets and dry fruits. The Pista House of Old City of Hyderabad will supply special dishes like patthar -ka-gosht and qubani ka meetha. Two popular cooks of moghalai dishes in Government service have been hired by the Hotel to produce memorable biryani, chicken and dum-mutton dishes.
(more...)

Watch Kotha Bangaru Lokam

Watch Kotha Bangaru Lokam online in our VIP Section by signing up for a VIP FREE Trial.

Also Check out complete list of movies that play in our VIP Section. (more...)

SPB fecilitated at the 17th TANA Conference

The singer who needs no introduction, Sree S.P. Balasubrahmanyam, was felicitated at the 17th TANA Conference at Chicago and was awarded the TANA Lifetime Achievement Award.

Among those present on the dais were Muralimohan, AVS, Uttej, Rajeev Kanakala, Raghubabu, Kamna Jethmalani, Navneet Kaur, Apoorva, Paruchuri Gopalakrishna, Gummadi Gopalakrishna singers Mano, R.P. Patnaik, Suneetha, Srikrishna, Pranavi, Sreenidhi, Sugandhi, Sumasri, Maa TV Super Singers contestants Dheeraj, Prashanth, Krishnakanth, Praveen Kumar and others. Lyricist Sree sirivennela Seetarama Sastry was also present. S.P.B.'s wife too was called on to the dais during the felicitation.

S.P.B.'s emotional speech moved everyone among the audience. He particularly remembered those people who were instrumental in introducing him as a singer in all languages, particularly Sree S.P. Kodandapani (Telugu), M.S. Viswanathan (Tamil), A.R. Rahman's father R.K. Sekhar (Malayalam) and K. Balachander (Hindi). Balu and his wife Savitri gaaru got particularly emotional when he mentioned how he got married to his wife at when she was 15 against the wishes of the family and how she had always taken care of their children when he couldn't spend enough time for his family.

Balu speaks after felicitation
SPB recollected how he sang for several lyricists, adding that he was lucky to have not missed even the senior-most writers like SreeSamudrala Raghavacharya, mentioning that he had the opportunity to sing one of the last lyrics of Sr. Samudrala (in the film Sree Rama Katha) too. He also particularly recollected how he was introduced to Sirivennela Seetarama Sastry by K. Viswanath about 25 years ago.

During his speech, Balu also sang some verses from Viswanatha Satyaranarayana's "aandhra vaibhavam", praising the Telugu language and culture. Upon the request of the audience, he took off `Srutilayale janani janakulu kaagaa...` rather very aptly for the situation and continued to sing more of the song (`raagam taanam pallavi...` from Sankaraabharanam). He also sang a bit from `sirivennela - sarasa swara surajharii gamanamau...` - and enthralled the audience like he has been doing for the last 43 years!

Sirivennela Seetarama Sastry recollected what Dr. Mangalampalli Balamuralikrishna spoke earlier to a public audience in the latter's own words: "Balu can be compared to me if he tries a little more. But, I cannot become Balu in this lifetime!" Earlier in the evening, the Seetarama Sastry couple prostrated to take blessings of the Balasubrahmanyam couple and shared their joy.

On the whole, the TANA conference was a feast for over 12,000 attendees, catering to people of varied interests, including religion, spirituality, politics, literature, music, dance, films and more. (more...)

Sweet and Sexy Swetha Basu

We all remember her as a sweet and cheerful girl. Swetha Basu Prasad had created such an image for herself through her performance in 'Kotha Bangaru Lokam'.

But we can see her other side now. Swetha is onto some image makeover. She has been signed up for a couple of movies. The stills for these movies have revealed her sexy and glamorous side in modern outfits.

The shooting for these movies is progressing rapidly and will soon hit the screens. Swetha’s penchant for glamour has already been seen in the movie ‘Ride’ which has got a decent mark at the box office and it is heard that her next venture has been titled ‘Speed’ wherein she has done a glamorous role. (more...)

Will Magadheera set records?

Director S S Rajamouli has an impeccable record of delivering six hits in a row. He has never failed at Box-office. When this mater of mass movies goes out to make a film on epic proportions with huge budget and extravagant sets, expectations are naturally bound to be high. His magnum opus, Magadheera, is doing exactly the same. Moviegoers and fans of Megastar Chiru are waiting with bated breath. Trade, on the other hand, expects the movie will shatter some of the records. It sure would be taking the box-office by storm, as this is the biggest and most anticipated film in this year.

Special for Rajamouli

Magadheera is special in many ways for Rajamouli. Produced on Geeta Arts banner, the movie was shot on lavishly with humongous sets, and at virgin locales of Kuch in Gujarat and in the deserts of Rajasthan. Also the graphical work is going to be talked about for a long time. Rajamouli shot most of the blue-mat work (that is required for graphics) at the very beginning of the movie shoot a year ago, so that CG work would look most authentic.

Crucial for Ram Charan

He planned everything with precision that is the reason why the film delayed for long time. Apart from Rajamouli, the film is also crucial for Ram Charan as this is his second film as hero. His maiden film ran just because of the curiosity factor by fans and audiences. This is real test to him as actor and star.

Kajal waiting for big ticket

Even heroine Kajal has pinned lots of hopes on this film, as this is her first big-budgeted, big banner, big director’s film. If it clicks, she will join the top league of heroines.

How much will it collect?

It is too early to predict but trade predicts that if everything falls in right place and the movie really works, it might even break the all time records. Will it really do such wonders? It remains to be seen. The film is expected to hit the screens in the last week of July. (more...)

Nayantara's marriage rumours worry parents

She is one of the highest paid actresses in the south Indian film industry, but right now Nayantara is under parental surveillance, thanks to rumours of her marriage with dancing star Prabhu Deva.

The two met on the sets of “Villu”, the film didn’t work but their friendship blossomed. According to sources, Prabhu Deva was at that time mourning the death of his 10-year-old son who was suffering from cancer and Nayantara had just split from actor Silambarrasan. Industry insiders say that fate brought them together.

The actress is said to be so much in love with Prabu Deva that she has tattooed his name on her left hand. Early this month, it was reported that the two have secretly tied the knot in Tirupathi. They were reportedly spotted shopping in Dubai last week.

Nayantara’s parents are now a worried lot and have told their daughter that they would accompany her everywhere. They have even told her that in case she didn’t agree to this, they would stop her from acting.

The actress is, therefore, seen regularly with her parents on movie sets. She may not be enjoying their forced company, but the production executives of her films are surely at the receiving end – they now have to look after the needs of Nayantara’s parents as well, informed sources said. (more...)

Oye on July 3

After the thumping success of Konchem Ishtamga Konchem Kashtamga, young Siddharth is getting ready with this year's second film Oye, directed by debutant Anand Ranga, associate for the blockbuster hit Bommarillu, and produced by D.V.V. Danayya under the banner of Universal Media. Oye will grace screens on July 3. Shamili, who won the hearts of millions in South India with her outstanding performance at age four in Mani Ratnam's Anjali, is the heroine. Producer Danayya said he is confident that her performance, freshness and girl-next-door looks would be the main asset of Oye. Our film is a clean romantic entertainer with youthful energy. Apart from Siddardh's presence, I am sure that Shamili's performance will be talked about after the release, he said. Touted to be a poetic love story with an unusual climax, the film revolves around two youngsters who get together in the climax by overcoming all hurdles. Sunil, Ali, Pradeep Rawat, M.S. Narayana, Tanikella Bharani, Krishnudu, Surekhavani, Master Bharat and others are in the cast. Notably, popular actor Napoleon, who was recently appointed minister in the Manmohan Singh cabinet, is making his re-entry in Telugu as Siddharth's father in Oye. The film's music by Yuvanshankar Raja has already got good response from the market; the lyrics have been penned by Vanamali, Chandrabose, Ananth Sriram, Surendra Krishna and Krishna Chaitanya. (more...)

First Look- Shamili in Oy

Baby Shamili the child wonder in Tamil and Malayalam films is back in a new avataar as Siddharth’s heroine in Oy. The film is directed by debutant Anand Ranga and has music by Yuvan Shankar Raja.

Shamili is the younger sister of Shalini wife of Tamil hero Ajit and she had won the hearts of millions in South India with her outstanding performance at the age of 4 in Manirathnam’s Anjali.

The cute and bubbly girl was being approached by many film makers to make her debut in Tamil and Malayalam but she was waiting for the right opportunity.

Shamili's Oy is ready for release on July 3. In the first look of her debut film, she looks homely and the girl-next-door kind.

Producer Danayya is confident that her performance, freshness and the girl-next-door looks would be the main asset of Oy. “Our film is a clean romantic entertainer with youthful energy. Apart from Siddardh’s presence, I am sure that Shamili’s performance will be talked about after the release,” he said. (more...)

Magadheera in three languages

The stage is now all set for the big budget period film Magadheera to hit the screens. The film will be released in three languages Telugu, Tamil and Malayalam on the same date i.e. July 22.
Producer Allu Aravind has made the film on a lavish scale with a budget of over 35 crores and it is easily the costliest film ever made in Telugu so far. The film will be released with a record number of prints. Ram Charan and Kajal Agarwal are the lead pair and Sri Hari plays the villain. Rajamouli is the director and music is by MM Keeravani. (more...)

Sanjana's next film

Sanjana has just signed up for the thriller Shloka, produced by Sandalwood Brain Productions. Sanjana plays the lead role with four newcomers: Rohith, Sumanth, Nagendra and Raghu. The film's shooting has just started and is proceeding at a brisk pace. Shloka is directed by Mahender and he hopes to complete it by end of this year. Music of Shloka is scored by Ashley Ananth and cinematography is by Ramesh Appi. Sanjana made her successful debut with the Kannada movie Ganda Hendathi. She also has a number of films in Telugu and has been receiving a lot of offers these days. According to sources, Sanjana's call sheets are booked till the end of the year, and the actress has plans to even enter Malayalam films. (more...)

Padmapriya after a long gap

The beautiful Padmapriya was last seen in Seenu, Vasanthi, Lakshmi which was also her debut film in Telugu. The lady was not seen in Tollywood after that. Now she is said to be making a comeback.

This time she will be paired up with Sarwanand of Gamyam fame. The sexy girl from Kerala is a rare combination of beauty and brains. To add to her virtues she now wants to prove that she is a good actress as well. Apparently, Padmapriya has been a known face in the Kollywood and Mollywood circuits but this would be the first time wherein she would be seen in a glamorous role, as per sources.

Way to go Padmapriya!! (more...)

"I Want To Put The Passport Issue Behind" - Mayuri

She is articulate, she is eloquent and is very clear about what she wants in life. Flora who became Asha Saini for the Telugu screen has been rechristened Mayuri. "Yes, I do believe a bit in astrology, some guiding force."

Tell her she has been more infamous than famous, the actress agrees. "I want to put that passport issue behind. All that the newspapers published were baseless and false..that I had taken girls to the US illegally. It's unfair to implicate people in false charges and imprison them. My mistake was to trust that Venkat Reddy who was in-charge of the travelling stuff and worked with one popular actor in the industry. When he asked me if I wanted to go to the US, I said yes, why not and gave him my passport and that's it. The next thing I knew was something baffling. I didn't enquire who he was, all I knew was that he worked for many industry people. There were so many people in the jail for these reasons, and they are not being talked about because they aren't celebs."

Mayuri says, "Everything happens for the good, I know now who my real friends are, lot of industry people gave me moral support and I don't want to take their names."

Mayuri had done one item song in Junction, why did she do that? She says, "When I signed the film I was told I'll be playing a vital role. Then the script changed, the director changed and they just retained the number."

Well, Mayuri plans to put all those things behind and start her career fresh. She is indebted to Chinna for giving such an important role in Aa Intlo. It was supposed to be done by Meena but in the last minute she was replaced by Mayuri. The actress says watch out for the climax it is my favourite. Apparently Chinna has put up a set worth 20 lakhs in Film City for the climax. (more...)

More new comers into Tollywood

Each passing day in Tollywood brings fresh faces into the film industry. Yatiraj and Snehika are the entrants who join the industry with their forthcoming film, ‘ Pandavulu ,’ directed by Y.S.Naidu. The film is a comedy entertainer.

The film co-produced by Thota Satyanarayana and N. Laxmana Rao under the banner Shankari Art Creations. Gorantla Krishna is giving the music for the film. The director of the film Naidu said that the second schedule of the film shooting will be completed by the month and film will be released in August.’ (more...)

Magadheera - A grand audio launch

Director S S Rajamouli’s ‘Magadheera’ starring Ram Charan Teja-Kajal Agarwal had its music launch in a grand manner at Shilpa Kala Vedhika, Hyderabad on Sunday evening.

Megastar Chiranjeevi, Pawan Kalyan, Ravi Teja, Srikanth, Allu Arjun, Ram Charan Teja, Kajal, Raghavendra Rao, Ramanaidu, Ashwini Dutt, Rajamouli, Murugadoss, Sreenu Vytla, V V Vinayak, Allu Aravind, Devi Varaprasad, Dil Raju, Surender Reddy, Bommarillu Bhaskar, Krish, Sunil, Mehar Ramesh, P Venkateswara Rao, Keeravani, writer Chinni Krishna, lyricist Chandra Bose, Srihari, Ali, Venu Madhav, Parachuri Venkateswara Rao, Rama Rajamouli, and others graced the event.

The making the ‘Magadheera’ was shown through clippings. All the guests gave their opinions about the film before the release of audio album. Naga Babu addressing the gathering said, “All the best to the entire team of ‘Magadheera’. My sole wish is that I request everybody to ask my brother Chiranjeevi to act in just one film.”

Chinni Krishna said, “Puri Jagannath kicked off Ram Charan Teja’s film career in a particular angle and Rajamouli fine tuned it in many dimensions giving a feel of Maniratnams and Shankars in Tollywood.” Ravi Teja said, “Rajamouli is going to make yet another hattrick. Charan is superb…I’ve no words for him”.

Srikanth wished, “I wish Magadheera to become mega hit film.” VV Vinayak, Murugadoss, Sreenu Vytla, Bommarillu Bhaskar and Surender Reddy appreciated SS Rajamouli and opined that they are longing to watch ‘Magadheera’ after watching its trailor.

Ali and Venu Madhav entertained the audience with their humourous conversation. Ali started the conversation as, “If my brother Chiranjeevi is ‘Magadheerudu’, his son Ram Charan Teja is ‘Magadheera’. Mehar Ramesh said, “Ram Charan is a mix of Chiranjeevi gaaru and Pawan Kalyan. This film no doubt would stand for its high quality in Tollywood.”

Dil Raju said, “Hatsoff to Rajamouli for such a wonderful film. This is an extra-ordinary and mind blowing film. I will definitely come up with a good story and make a film with Ram Charan Teja soon. After Magadheerudu, Magadheera is definitely at par with it.”

Krish said, “I’ve seen a small episode of horse riding in the desert scene. It really a classic piece of work. No doubt this film is going to break all the box office records”. Chandra Bose expressed his happiness for the opportunity to write lyrics for this film and he sang one of the songs which he wrote.

Sunil opined that Ram Charan Teja has out performed his father in dances. He gave a picture perfect performance in ‘Magadheera’.” MM Keeravani said, “Ram Charan Teja has a great future. I feel very proud to see everyone praising my younger brother Rajamouli. Chiranjeevi gaaru gave life to the song ‘Bangaru Kodi Petta’ and the same is going to be continued through his film”.

Srihari said, “What I’ve been saying all along about this film, it is nice to hear from everyone the praises on the movie which I’ve been voicing for so many days. Infact this film can be considered equal to the 100 films of Allu Aravind. feel proud of every technician and artist who worked for this film.” He further added by comparing the film with Niagara Falls and said that it is a feast to eyes.

Paruchuri Venkateswara Rao requested Chiranjeevi to do one more film and said, “Chiranjeevi broke many records, similarly Charan too will break the box office records and become a top hero.” “I’m extremely proud to be the part of this wonderful film. I think Charan is the most amazing co-star. I thank Rajamouli sir and Rama madam for giving me this opportunity”, said the gorgeous looking Kajal.

The audio cassettes were released by Megastar Chiranjeevi and were presented to Aswini Dutt, Ramanaidu and Raghavendra Rao. The audio CDs were released by Power Star Pawan Kalyan and were presented to Srihari, Ravi Teja, Allu Arjun and Srikanth. The audio albums are marketed by Aditya Music Company. Rajamouli said, “All directors would like to direct a film with Chiranjeevi and I too got the opportunity to do a scene with him. Everyone is aware of Charan’s dances and fights after watching him in Chiruta. But in ‘Magadheera’ I brought out yet another capacity in him, that is perfect horse riding.”

Raghavendra Rao said, “After watching the trailor I felt that Ram Charan Teja will cross the titles Mega Star and Power Star. His performance was so amazing in the film. This movie is sure to become the block buster.”

Ram Charan Teja said, “I thank all the fans who gave their support to our family for so many years. The entire credit goes to Rajamouli who directed one such prestigious film and presented to the Telugu Film Industry. My father is my inspiration and my search light so with that inspiration I did the remix number ‘Bangaru Kodi Petta’. I do not know whether I did to the expectations of the audience. MM Keeravani did an amazing job. All the technicians put in their efforts for the film to make it big. I promise to do two films a year from next year onwards. I will work hard to entertain the audience through good films.”

Power Star Pawan Kalyan said, “I usually get scared to talk in these cinema functions but I would like to say a few words about this film, especially about horse riding. Charan knows the tactics to control horses right from his childhood. I feel proud of him for making his father proud. I wish the entire team to get a big success. Last but not the least, even if my brother is in politics I pray that he acts atleast in one movie to the satisfaction of his fans”.

Chiranjeevi started his speech in a political style and said, “This venue is filled with full of love and affection. You all are my people. I miss these vibrations for quite some time. Real love is in the film industry and not in politics. Politics is filled with full of selfishness whereas for the past 30 years I’ve been seeing the love and affection in the film industry. Everyone wanted me to do the film but can it be possible for me? Because I’ve not thought of the film even a single day after entering into politics because I was so busy in my schedules. Chirutha was titled after my name on sentimental grounds whereas even his second film incidentally happened to be related with my film’s title. Keeravani’s musical support for this film is a great asset. ‘Bangaru Kodi Petta’ song in Gharana Mogudu made me dance instantly. It was Prabhu Deva who choreographed that song in Gharana Mogudu. But Charan’s dance steps are mind blowing in the remix number as Sunil said. I liked the story which is unique with rebirth as a concept. Rajamouli is really a No. 1 director because he never thinks of anything else except cinema. Charan is lucky to get a director like him and a film like ‘Magadheera’. I really felt jealous of Charan when I saw him in horse riding scenes. I thank Srihari for his support to Charan in the movie. Ghajini’s profits helped to finance this film for Allu Aravind. With so many people’s support I left Charan in the film industry and entered into politics. I thank each and everyone who attended this function for coming and giving their support. If the circumstances happen in a positive way I may do a film but nothing is in my hands. I’m very confident that ‘Magadheera’ will be a super duper hit.” Speaking further he appreciated Kajal for her glamourous role and performance in the film.

The programme ended with a huge garland on Chiranjeevi and Ram Charan Teja together. Power Star Pawan Kalyan gave away the mementos to all the blood donors to Chiranjeevi Blood Bank.
(more...)