SS Rajamouli, who made his debut as director through 'Student No. 1' proved himself a successful director with 'Simhadri, Sye, Chatrapati and Vikramarkudu'.
Now after continuous successes as director, he turned a producer and launched his own banner 'Viswamitra Creations' and is making a film 'Yamadonga' in his own direction with Young Tiger NT Rama Rao as hero, who shooting is in brisk progress.
Now, Rajamouli is planning to produce another film with 'Allari' Naresh as hero. However, the film would be directed by Mullapudi Vara, who had earlier directed 'Naa Alludu', and Rajiv Kanakala is playing another hero in the film.
The speciality of the film is that another popular director Chandrasekhar Yeleti, who gave films like 'Aithe, Anukokunda Oka Roju and Okkadunnadu' is providing screenplay.
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Rajamouli to produce a film with 'Allari' Naresh
Remakes continue to be in big demand!
Tollywood's collective faith in remakes continues to be very strong. The Megastar is starring in the remake of 'Munnabhai' sequel. His "long-time friend" Mohan Babu has bought the remake rights of a hit Tamil film for his son.
Now, Ravitheja has joined the list. He is starring in the Telugu remake of the recent Ajith hit, 'Varalaaru'. Ajith had starred in three roles in the film. Gemini Film Circuit has bought the remake rights. They haven't yet officially confirmed Ravitheja for the role. The actor these days is busy with 'Dubai Seenu'.
'Adavari Mataluku Ardhamu Verule' is the film that Venkatesh was working in before he ended up at home after a bad leg-sprain. The film was supposed to be released in April along with Rajinikanth's 'Shivaji', but it now stands postponed. Soon after its release, the film's director will start to remake it in Tamil with his younger sibling in the lead role.
Meanwhile, January 2007 had come and gone but the film distributors council and producers association haven't taken any stand on their plans to ban dubbed films. that means, you can expect lots of pending releases soon.
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India calling for NRI filmmakers
Once upon a time there was the coming of age movie, as Indian- Americans started exploring their identity in the United States. The trend now is that of Indians in America are returning to India as opportunities in their home country open up.
The first film in that genre was American Desi. Now, an Indian-American filmmaker has come out with a film that takes the question of identity a step further.
The Indian Cowboy, that was released this week in the United States takes a romantic story and gives it a twist. The film bills itself as a "love love story" where one of the courting couples' desire to return to India gets in the way of the relationship.
“The antagonist to our lovers' story nowadays is not so much their parents or society; it's very much our careers and where our careers take us in this world. And the world has become so transient with globalisation and everything and there are opportunities all around the world and we keep chasing them. If two people want to be in different places that can create a lot of conflict. This film sort of goes into that space and explores it a little bit,” says actor and director Indian Cowboy, Nikhil Kamkolkar.
However, there is more trendspotting. This time that of Indian techies in America taking to making films.
Nikhil Kamkolkar is the latest member of this club. One of the pioneers was certainly Nagesh Kukunoor, who actually left his career and returned to India for a successful foray into filmmaking.
“I know Nagesh. I'm from Hyderabad as well. Interestingly or coincidentally enough, we both went to Monterrey, California to get our H1 visas stamped in our passports. We shared our thoughts on filmmaking on the bus ride back from Monterrey in Mexico. Now, of course, he's gone and got much success, much well deserved success. We've always been an audience member and, I think, coming to the US exposes us to the opportunities where you believe that you can make a film, it's not just about the star sons who get to do this,” says Kamkolkar.
Indian Cowboy has opened in nine centres in the US and Kamkolkar, who has already started work on his next film – a thriller, is looking forward to a distribution deal in India.
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Kamal & Mani Ratnam to teach cinema
Noted Director Balumahendra is to start a college for cinema in Saligramam in Chennai. It is learnt that the college would commence from September this year.
Balumahendra the man with over 40 years of cinema experience said "I am very passionate about cinema and have decided to start the school of acting not to make any financial gains".
The college would offer three courses that include direction, acting and camera for a period of 12 months. The stalwarts of Tamil cinema K.Balachander, Barathiraja, Manirathnam, Mahendran and Kamal Haasan would be the special teaching staff (the so called visiting professors).
"I myself will get down teaching the art of direction" added Balumahendra. Wouldn't we love to learn the art from the best? Who better than the above mentioned people?
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Krishnavamsi revives Mallepuvvu!?
Director Krishnavamsi has long been planning to make a love story (titled Mallepuvvu) with two heroes but it was delayed for other projects. Now it seems it is being revived.
Buzz is that he is planning to make a small budget film with two young heroes for producer C Kalyan. The project is now being finalized.
With this it is almost confirm that Krishnavamsi will put off his film (Nuvvu Chala Hot Guru) with hero Ravi Teja for sometime.
Young hero Navadeep is considered for one of the lead roles for this new film. Another hero has not yet been decided. But it remains to be seen whether he would keep the title Mallepuvvu or not.
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Meera Jasmine losing Tollywood hold
Rumors are now afloat that Meera Jasmine these days is more than willing to concentrate on Malayalam simply because her career has taken a bad beating in Telugu. Her career is on an upswing in Malayalam right now with her new Sathyan Andhikaat film.
Ever since all the other Malayalam heroines began to migrate to Kollywood, Meera Jasmine realized that it wouldn't be easy to hold on to the Tamil film industry. She shifted her attention to Telugu.
Problem is- Meera Jasmine never was that keen on doing glamorous roles and Telugu films loves stunningly good looking actresses. So, she had to deal with lots of limitations.
Tollywood is fortunate enough to have actresses who look gorgeous and are good at acting too. If that was not bad enough, Meera Jasmine began to gain lot of weight. Nayantara went on a drastic weight-loss regime. The slimmer version of her has now made her one of the leading heroines in Telugu in spite of heavy competition from other actresses from Bollywood.
For some reason, Meera Jasmine just wouldn't want to lose weight. That's the reason why her career hasn't registered any noticeable change even after the recent spectacular hit in Telugu.
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Malavika to tie the knot on March 7th
Malavika was introduced to the Telugu film industry through Chaala Baagundi. Later, she played heroine in several Telugu as well as Tamil films. She is getting married to Sumesh of Mumbai on March 7th. Both of them have been in love for some time.
Disclosing this to journalists, Malavika says, 'I will continue to play glamorous roles even after marriage. There is no objection from Sumesh. However, I will keep off from kissing scenes.
Our marriage has the blessings of elders. After our marriage, I am planning to settle in Hyderabad.
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New villain in Tollywood
The film Lakshmi Kalyanam has done wonders for both Kalyanram and Ajay. While Kalyanram’s has matured as a performer, Ajay seems to have made a mark as a villain with this film. People who have watched him in Lakshmi Kalyanam swear that the industry has finally found a homegrown villain.
It has become a trend in Tollywood for quite sometime to import villains either from Kollywood or Bollywood. All this is likely to change to an extent. Ajay, who has shown a lot of promise as a villain in Rajamouli’s film, has now firmly established himself as a villain of good standing. All credit must go to director Teja for bringing out the best in Ajay.
Tabu is USA's hottest centrespread!
Such is the buzz that's building up around her performance in Mira Nair's The Namesake that Hollywood's prestigious Premiere magazine has devoted a two-page spread to Tabu, declaring her a talent to look out for.
"The star of The Namesake is one of Bollywood's biggest celebrities. Don't recognise her? You will soon", the magazine says in its March issue that features a full-page portrait of the actress alongside a profile.
"She's thought of as a mix between Meryl Streep and Cate Blanchett," says Mira Nair about her leading lady, for whom The Namesake is her first brush with international attention.
“I am curious, not excited, tensed or worried because I had nothing to lose. It could go anywhere. And the fact that I was not expecting anything from it puts me in a more comfortable space and view the result from an objective viewpoint,” says Tabu of The Namesake.
The movie which premiered at the Toronto International Film Festival in September last year, will be released in the US on March 9 by Fox Searchlight Pictures.
Adapted from Jhumpa Lahiri's novel by the same name, about an immigrant Bengali family that moves to New York from Kolkata, the film also features Irrfan Khan and American-Indian actor Kal Penn.
Thanks to Mira Nair's high profile in the West, The Namesake is expected to generate much excitement when it opens shortly.
In India, the film is slated for release on March 23, and local distributors are hoping that strong international buzz will keep the film in the news when it arrives on local shores.
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Teja : 'My next venture is in Hollywood '
Teja said that his next venture would be on a Hollywood banner. When a journalist asked him about his next venture, he said that he has a subject which cannot be dealt on Telugu or Indian screen as a whole. He said that it will be on Hollywood banner.
Besides he said that 'Lakshmi Kalyanam' is really doing well but the people who don't like to appreciate it are saying that the second half in the film is nagging and lengthy. The audiences who are watching the film are happy but a few groups are unnecessarily spreading that talk.
It is observed that the collections in Ceded area are really good for the film while in other centers it is struggling to survive.
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Sada replaces Nandana!
Sada has replaced Nandana Sen in Kona Venkat's debut bilingual with Madhavan in the lead. It seems that Nandana a fine actress who has proved herself in films like Black had language and nativity problems. So in a sudden turn of events, Sada is now Maddy’s heroine.
In fact Maddy-Sada pair has proved lucky in two Tamil films- Ethiree and Priyasakhi which were hits.
The film titled Adi Oka Idhile a romantic thriller in Telugu is produced by Gaurav Kumar, leading distributor of Hindi films in Chennai. Shamita Shetty is another heroine in the film.
Ram Gopal Varma's ‘Factory’ is co-producing it. The film is a remake of Ramu’s Bollywood film Darling which is under production.
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SV Krishna Reddy's film to be titled 'Bahumati'
'Bahumati' is the title under consideration for a film being directed by SV Krishna Reddy, presented by K Achireddy and produced by Venkat on the banner of RR Movie Makers with Venu, Sangeetha and Shabnakhan in the lead.
The film had completed its talkie part recently. It is the story of a youth, who gives a word and stands by it despite several obstacles.
Director Krishna Reddy says, the characterization of the heroine Sangeetha, would be on the lines of the heroines of his earlier films 'Shubha Lagnam and Aahwanam'. The producer is making efforts to release the film as a summer special.
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Tarun bonds with Super Good Films again
It was in ‘Nuvve Kaavali’ that Tarun turned hero after acting as a child artiste. His films like ‘Nuvvu Leka Nenu Lenu’ and ‘Priyamaina Neeku’ did well at the theatres. He is in trouble of late with no big hits coming his way.
However, he is set to start afresh by signing a film for RB Choudary’s Super Good Films banner. The producer had earlier worked with Tarun in ‘Priyamaina Neeku’.
This untitled film will have many actors in the lead. Santosh Pawan will play another hero and lookout for yet one more hero is on. The producer is planning to start its shooting very soon.
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Time is not good for Miss Andhra-2005
Poonam Kour is the girl who won the crown of Miss Andhra 2005. She lives in Ameerpet, Hyderabad. Till now she acted in 3 Telugu films, but none of them turned well at box-office. One is SV Krsihna Reddy's 'Mayajalam', the other is Teja's 'Oka Vichitram' and another one is 'Nikki and Neeraj'.
Nikki and Neeraj is the fresh film in which she paired up with Shivaji. The film was miserably failed due to lack of publicity.
This girl hails from Punjab and settled in AP from quite long time. She also changed her name to Deepa to check her luck on screen. But things didn't work well. She is again getting back to her original name that brought her fame.
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Jagadam Vs Okkadunnadu at the box-office
Two of the brightest young directors of Tollywood are going to compete with each other in March. Sukumar and Chandrashekar Yeleti will fight their respective films – Jagadam Vs Okkadunnadu, both in final stages of postproduction and slated for release by first week of March. And both the films carry good pre-release reports.
Two years ago Sukumar delivered the blockbuster with his debut film Arya a romantic drama. Now his new film Jagadam starring Ram and newcomer Isha is a gangster movie.
Okkadunnadu is the latest action drama from one of the best directors of our generation Chandrashekar Yeleti. He has already proved his mettle with his two films – Aitehy and Anukokunda Oka Roju.
What is the striking feature of these two films is that both the directors were inspired by real life incidents and deal with science undercurrent.
Jagadam is based on Sigmund Freud's psychology theory that every human being possesses intrinsically animal instincts. "My film opens with this Freud's statement before the title cards roll on," director Sukumar told the media.
On the other hand, Okkadunnadu deals with Bombay Blood Group (one of the rare groups of human beings) and heart transplantation. Agrees Chandrasekhar: "I don't want to put it as secret. Yes, our film deals with these elements. But it is not a Sci-Fi and Okkadunnadu is pure action drama that is sensitively handled."
If these two films succeed, it augurs well for the Telugu films. It may usher in a new way of change in Telugu Cinema.
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Kamal Hassan takes to Gandhigiri
Gandhigiri caught the attention of the nation in the year 2006. And now, thanks to actor Kamal Hassan who is taking the craze down south. "The life I'm trying to live to the best of my knowledge is inspired by Gandhiji. He's over the years again and again proved that he's a worthy hero,” says Kamal Hassan.
So while books and films on the Mahatma has caught the imagination of many people, Kamal Hassan is not too behind either. At the launch of Tushar Gandhi's book Let's Kill Gandhi, the actor shared his long-cherished dream of making a short film on Gandhi.
"It's something that I wanted to do-it's called Lead on Gandhi. I wanted to talk about a bullet that went into him and I wanted to trace the whole trajectory of the bullet,” says Kamal Hassan.
As for the critics of his movie Hey Ram, who said that the film glorified Godse, Hassan feels that they are wrong. "That's a very pedestrian and stupid assessment of the film,” he says.
So is the actor game for a remake of Lage Raho Munnabhai?
"I'd like to make more originals. Probably a movie on new Gandhi. I'm not comfortable with remakes,” Hassan says. However, anything about the upcoming film Dasavatharam is a closely guarded.
"The movie is coming out well, and the reason why I cannot come for many functions is that I keep changing my get-ups and sometimes I'm not presentable,” Kamal Hassan says.
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Venu's next film to be titled 'Cell Phone'
According to reliable sources 'Cell Phone' is the title under consideration for a film to be directed by K Prabhakar and produced by Midde Rama Rao on the banner of Sri Padmavati Art Pictures, with Venu, Sridevi and Arthi Agarwal in the lead.
The regular shooting of the film was launched at Ramanaidu studios recently. As the entire film and its story revolves around a cell phone, the director and producer are considering the title as 'Cell Phone'.
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Rajni Kanth T-Shirt feeds old people
Fans are doing many things those are inspiring. Apart from the stereotype exhibition of hero worship, Rajni Kanth fans have come forward for a noble cause. Rajni fans based in Malaysia have designed a T-Shirt by embossing Rajni Kanth's picture on the back of it.
The color of T-Shirt is black and every penny earned by the sales of those shirts will be donated to Sree Shenbagavalli home for old and orphans in Malaysia.
This sounded inspiring and fans in Chennai are also planning to do similar activities to raise funds for feeding the weak. Good going indeed.
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Abbas, Tanu Roy in 'Rudramani'
Abbas, Tanu Roy are in the lead for a film titled Rudramani that started today. Abbas is getting fairly busy these days in Tollywood. This is his third film in production. The other two being Bank and Chandrahaas.
Saigokul Films banner is producing Rudramani in the direction of Khaleel. Roop Kaur and Rajeev Kanakala are also playing lead roles in this film. Samudra gave first clap for this film.
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Gossip: Mohan Babu suppressing Kaajal's career!
Film Nagar sources say that Mohan Babu is obstructing the offers coming for the new heroine Kaajal. The only reason is that she negated to act with his son Manoj Kumar in the film 'Raju Bhai'.
Truth is not known but the gossip is going wild in the industry. Kaajal acted in the film 'Lakshmi Kalyanam' in the combination of Kalyan Ram and Teja and bagged good response from audiences. Although she is getting many offers, all are getting cancelled very soon.
She got the chance to act in MS Raju's 'Aata' along with Siddarth little while ago. But some untold reasons canceled that proposal and Ileana was grooved in.
Kaajal was initially considered for the role in 'Yamadonga' and that was also cancelled later. Freshly, she got an offer to act with RB Choudary's son and again that was cancelled.
Grapevine says that the man behind these cancellations is none other than Mohan Babu.
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Rare image of YSR, Dasari Narayana Rao inaugurating twin theatres
Multiplexes are the latest fad these days. In these multiplexes, there will be more than two screens (aka theatres) besides shopping malls for families and games centres for children and restaurants/pubs for the youth.
A few years ago, construction of twin theatres side by side in itself was said to be a rare achievement and some of them have come up in cities like Vijayawada and Visakhapatnam. There are two theatres in Vijayawada built right next to each other - named Raj & Yuvraj Theatres.
Construction of twin theatres in itself is a big thing and at the same time getting popular people to inaugurate the theatres is also a great achievement. Here is one such rare collection where Y.S. Rajasekhar Reddy and Dasari Narayana Rao attended the inauguration of the twin theatres posed for a photograph.
Though it is co-incidental, both of them still remained not only as friends but prominent persons in Congress party. While Dr Y.S. Rajasekhar Reddy became the Chief Minister of the State, Dasari Narayana Rao is presently the Union Minister.
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1 crore 'yama lokam' set for Yamadonga
NTR and S.S Rajamouli's movie – Yamadonga has generated much curiosity right from the beginning. The movie is a socio-fantasy and a storyline that's not seen in telugu cinema in the recent times.
The late NTR and Soundarya would be recreated in the movie through graphics. Also, the movie's screenplay has episodes resembling present day politics in the state and taking pot-shots at them.
A mega set worth over a crore, that of the 'yama lokam' was erected at Ramoji Film City. The shooting of the movie is going on there, presently. Mamta Mohandas plays the female lead in the movie, Rajeev Kanakala plays Lord Indra and Bramhanandam plays Chitragupta.
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Ash, Sanju bag top Stardust awards
Actor Sanjay Dutt was declared Star of the Year for his performance in Lage Raho Munna Bhai while Aishwarya has bagged the honour for Dhoom 2 at the MAX Stardust Awards in Mumbai.
The glittering award function on February 18 was overshadowed by news of Saif Ali Khan's illness - he was rehearsing for his performance at the awards when he complained of chest pain and was rushed to hospital.
Saif won the Best Actor in a Negative Role award for his performance in Omkara.
Director Rajkumar Hirani was honoured with the Dream Director trophy for Lage Raho Munna Bhai.
Omkara was declared the Hottest Film and Sanjay Gadhvi Hottest Director for making Dhoom 2.
While Abhishek Bachchan got the Best Actor in a Supporting Role Male award for Kabhi Alvida Naa Kehna, Ayesha Takia won the Supporting Role Female award for Dor.
The Editor's Choice for the Best Performance of the Year went to Kareena Kapoor for Omkara and for Best Director to Vishal Bharadwaj for the same film.
In the special awards section, Mithun Charaborty was declared Role Model of the Year and Rakeysh Omprakash Mehra's Rang De Basanti, Pride of the Industry.
Shiney Ahuja and Kangana Ranaut were awarded in the Superstar of Tomorrow category for their impressive work in Gangster - A Love Story.
Shaad Randhawa, who played Kangana's possessive boyfriend in Woh Lamhe, got the New Menace award.
Kunal Kapoor and Gul Panag received Breakthrough Performance awards for Rang De Basanti and Dor.
In the music category, composer Mithoon bagged the Standout Performance by a Music Director award for Ek Pal and Virag Mishra won Standout Performance by a Lyricist award for his song Zinda hoon main from Zinda.
Performances by Kareena, Lara Dutta, Imran Hashmi and Kangana Ranaut kept the audience entertained at the event attended by amongst others Amitabh Bachchan, Aishwarya Rai, Preity Zinta, Sanjay Dutt and John Abraham.
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Bomb blast-narrow escape for Mammootty
Malayalam super star Mammootty escaped by a hair's breadth yesterday. He's currently acting in 'Big B.' Mamta is the heroine and the film is produced by Anto Joseph.
The climax scene of 'Big B' was shot in Ernakulam. In his jeep, Mammootty is supposed to chase the jeep full of villains, bump into their jeep and hurl a bomb on it. The bombs used in filming are dummies but they could cause a big noise, some fire and lot of smoke. They explode but don't scatter. On rare occasions they explode badly.
In yesterday's shooting of 'Big B' Mammootty successfully rammed the villain's jeep. He hurled the bomb. Unexpectedly, the bomb explored and scattered. The rear of the jeep got totally destroyed. A burning iron part of the jeep hurled in the air towards Mammootty. As the entire unit watched in horror, Mammootty bent his head and escaped literally by a hair's breadth.
Shooting was stopped immediately. Anton Joseph could not get over the shock. "If Mammootty had not ducked at the right moment, I shudder to think what would have happened," he said.
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Dr. Rajasekhar is on Cloud-9
Rajasekhar's hunger was quenched with the film 'Yevadaithey Naakenti'. He has been facing severe flops from many years and this gave big oxygen for him. This is the film that is making good collections after 'Desa Muduru'.
Rajasekhar is overwhelmed with this success and saying that he cannot forget the people who made this film a hit.
He also said that he would work for free education, free clothing and free medical services for poor. He also expressed that his aim is to set up hospitals to do free service for poor. It is known that Rajasekhar himself is a doctor by education.
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Son is healthy and safe : Sharmila
Actor Saif Ali Khan, who was hospitalised on Sunday evening just before he was to perform at the Stardust awards, is better and recovering, hospital authorities said.
The 36-year-old actor had complained of chest pain and had been immediately rushed to Leelavati hospital in Mumbai where he was diagnosed with blockage in his heart.
However, doctors have now confirmed that he is out of danger but is still under supervision.
Saif’s mother Sharmila Tagore accompanied by sister Soha Ali Khan also visited the actor at the hospital and confirmed that Saif is now completely out of danger.
“He is out of danger. There are no blood clots and doctors have said that there is nothing to worry about,” Sharmila said.
Soon after news spread that Saif had been hospitalised, many stars and eminent film personalities reached Leelavati to meet the actor.
Among those who visited the actor at the hospital included actors, Preity Zinta, Fardeen Khan with his wife Natasha, director and producer Vidhu Vinod Chopra and filmmaker Bunty Walia.
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Priyamani's advice to the media…
Priyamani is fast becoming a popular actress in both Tamil and Telugu. Needless to say, popularity directly implies more gossips and scandals.Unlike other actresses, Priyamani doesn't believe in alienating herself from the media.
She has a word of advice to reporters and media-persons- "If you're going to write something about me, even gossips, please call me up and confirm if it is true. I don't want to be dragged into unnecessary troubles due to false rumors. It is going to be bad for me and the newspaper if all false stories start to circulate about me."
For the time being however, the actress has nothing to worry about because nobody is saying anything bad about her.
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Ram Charan Teja's debut film 'Modalu'?
According to reliable sources Ramcharan Teja's debut film title is likely to be 'Modalu'. While a lot of other names have been thrown up, this title seems to have emerged as the unanimous choice.
At the same time, they a tagline 'Ika Aapadam Undadu' is also being considered. The title everyone agrees would be the most appropriate for launching the film career of the megastars son. The beginning of the career of Ramcharan Teja and the title gels very aptly.
The fans would also be delighted with the tagline (Ika Apadam Undadu)as it conveys the continuance of Chiranjeevi's legacy time, his entry would continue the legacy of Chiranjeevi.
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Mahesh not caught in the image trap
Mahesh Babu is a very intense performer. He is certainly the star to watch out for in the industry for a long long time to come. Though he has won his spurs as a commercial actor with mass hero image, frankly the young man is not worried about his iamge.
If anything, Mahesh is a strong believer in doing intense characters without having any bias towards image. Mahesh wants to experiments with both the form and content.
Recently, Prakash Raj, who is one of India’s top performers now, gushed forth about Mahesh’s commitment and his passion to do varied characters.
In an interview, Prakash Raj singled out Mahesh among the young stars, who is not bothered about the image trap. ‘He has the zeal and heart for diverse roles,’ Prakash Raj, who has acted with Mahesh in many movies, said.
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Rambha stars in Kotha Katha
Rambha is starring in Madhumati Movie Makers bilingual film Kotha Katha in Telugu and Tamil. Viram Prodduturi is the hero and Rambha and Sameeksha are in the lead roles opposite him. Noted Malayalam actor Nazar will be seen in an important role.
The film is now in post-production and re-recording work. The director says that the film will have many novel elements in tune with the title. Each and every scene in the movie will have a novel element with a lot of thrills and excitement.
The audio would be released by the end of February and the movie would be released in March. Mithra, Vijayasai, M.S. Narayana, Tanikella Bharani and others are in the cast.
Music is by Ghantadi Krishna, lyrics by Varikuppala Yadagiri, camera by Amar and V. Janaki is the producer.
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Simran as comedian's heroine!!!
Simran seems to be very, very keen (or desperate, depending on how much you like her) to get back in the film industry. 'Okka Magudu' is her comeback film.
In the film, she plays the role of one of NBK's heroines and returns in the second half of the film as his 80-year-old grandma! The actress had gained some weight after the child-birth. She has now got rid of the weight and looks almost as gorgeous as before.
While Tollywood had readily accepted her when she returned, Simran is finding things difficult in Tamil.
Well-known Kollywood comedian Vadivelu recently made a fabulous debut as a hero in film that was produced by director Shankar. For a while, the actor announced that he was not interested in acting in lead roles anymore. But, a very big pay package seems to have changed his mind.
For his new film, the producer had initially approached Shilpa Shetty. She would have considered the role had 'Big Brother' not happened.
She now has become the symbol of racial equality. So, there is no way that she'd ever act in this film. The producer decided to give Simran a try. To their surprise, she accepted the offer!
An official confirmation from her and the producer is awaited.
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Sneha smiles her way to the top in Tollywood!
The Trishas and Asin had better watch out! Because Sneha is literally snapping at their heels. With her two recent Telugu films becoming big hits, the 'sultana of smiles' has made her way into the top bracket in Tollywood.
The movies that have won Sneha acclaim are ‘Maharadhi’ and ‘Madhumasam’.
The latter flick, which has become more popular of the two, has been directed by Chandra Siddhardha.
Understandably, Sneha is getting more offers from Telugu cinema. The grapevine has it that the smiling siren will soon take up a few more assignments in Tollywood.
The Sneha saga started with the mythological movie Sri Ramadasu. The immense popularity of the film which had Nagarjuna in the lead role, catapulted Sneha into the very top.
Subsequent events show that the heroine with the 1000-watt smile has not looked back since!
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'Aadavari Maatalaku Ardhale Verule' in DTS mixing
At least 85 per cent of the shooting was complete and DTS mixing work is in progress for 'Aadavari Maatalaku Ardhale Verule' directed by Sri Raghava and jointly produced by Shanam Naga Ashok Kumar and N.V. Prasad on the banner of Sri Saideva Productions with Venkatesh and Trisha in the lead.
Trisha would be looking in a different character and attire in this film as a traditional Brahmin girl. Another popular hero Sriram is portraying a special character in this movie. The producers are making efforts to release the film during summer this year.
Chiranjeevi’s Khaidi again?
Khaidi which was the turning point in Megastar Chiranjeev’s career still now remains not only as the pioneer to mass entertainers but also as one of the best screenplays in telugu film history.
The movie is also a milestone in Parchuri Brothers’ careers, who have originally written the story of Khaidi.
The movie which was one of its kind with a radically different theme, is all set to make a comeback as a sequel. Sources say, Parachuri brothers have been working on the story for Khaidi-2. However none of the news has been made public yet.We have to wait and see if Khaidi-2 repeats the magic of the original!
Chiru's wife shows the way
In these days when even small time celebrities throw their weigh around and show nakhras this one comes as a refreshing change. Surekha, the wife of Megastar visited SriRamaligswara Swamy temple at Keesarigutta along with some family members.
She joined the queue for darshan and it was then that some temple officials recognized her. They immediately approached her and asked her to leave the queue and have darshan through the VIP entrance. But Surekha declined the offer politely and waited for her turn before she had darshan. Now if only people would take a leaf out of her book.
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Ramcharan is realistic
Chiranjeevi is the Amitabh Bachchan of Telugu filmdom. His appeal is, in fact, even bigger and emotional.
So when his son Ramcharan Teja was recently formally inducted into films, the talk has inevitably centered around to the Bachchan Junior.
So the big question is whether Ramcharan can become what Abhishek has become in Telugu?
Tough question really and a bit premature too. But the young and handsome Ramcharan is aware of the responsibility that come with the territory.
He understands that he will obviously be compared to Chiru. Chiru is of course a tough act to emulate. Then there will the drawing parallels with Abhi.
Abhi has become a star in his own right after much struggle.
So Ramcharan’s camp suggests that people should wait and watch and not jump to any hasty conclusions. The good thing about it all is that Ramcharan himself well aware of what is expected of him.
But Ramcharan is also equally realistic about what can be done. ‘Patience and perseverance is the key,’ he says very realistically.
With such qualities, he can sure go places.
Source: Indiaglitz
I'm not worthy of becoming the President - Amitabh
Kalam however wants to go back to teaching. Then who is to become the next President? 
Abdul Kalam's tenure as President comes to an end this July. Parties on national and state level, are all for his continuing as President.
Amar Singh, the leader of Samajvadi party and a family friend of the Bachchans, has recommended Amitabh's name for the post. This has been seconded by Chandrababu's Telugu Desam party.
But Amitabh has not clung on to the suggestion. "I am touched by my friends' gesture. But I'm not worthy of becoming the President, not do I have any such wish to," he said.
Being a top personality, Amitabh earns through advts and films and has made crores. If he becomes President, he will get paid only a few thousands. He will get no Rolls Royce car worth 3 crores as gift. Amitabh does not want to incur all these losses for the post of President. That's why he's not keen, say some critics.
However his supporters say that by saying he's not worthy of the post, Amitabh has made himself worthy of it.
What do you think?
Source: Y! Movies
Shivaji DVD leaked
Superstar Rajnikanth and rumors go hand in hand. Here is the latest one...the latest news concerning the film is that the pirated DVD of the film has aleady been released in the market.
Just a few days back, a pirated DVD of Paruthiveeran was found by the police. The shooting of the film got over only a few days back. It has been reported that when Rajnikanth saw the first copy of the film, he was overcome by emotion and hugged the director Shankar. He was very impressed with the quality and the richness in the film.
He was very happy with how it was made. To celebrate, he visited the Lord Venkateshwara and paid his respects there. He asked Lord Venkateshwara for the success of the film. The film has a huge budget of Rs. 50 crore rupees!!!
Last night, we got a call from a Rajnikanth fan by which we were informed that the caller had a pirated DVD of the film and was offering to sell it for 1000 rupees. To confirm whether the or not the DVD has its pirated copy out in the black market, the films PRO was contacted.
He said that this is the third such caseof a pirated DVD of the film being reported. If the culprits are found, he said that they will be severely punished. The makers of Shivaji have been very hush-hush about the movie.
On an earlier occasion, a junior artiste on the set - exited about working Rajnikanth - took a small recording of the films shooting on her video phone. The phone was confixcated and returned only after the recording was deleted.
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Jr NTR sold out his house for luck
Jr NTR sold out his house in Jubilee Hills for Rs. 4 Crores as someone said that it's not at all good for him in the perspective of Vaastu. He had been facing many flops from the past few years and hence the suggestion went into his head and sold out a few months ago. Rakhi was released only after selling that house. As Rakhi bagged something good, NTR's belief on Vaastu boosted up.
Observers say that the lights in that NTR's old house used to glow for 24 hours and he used to stay with a gang of friends around him who dance and shout all the time.
Well, coming back to the point, it's gossiped that NTR is now staying in Mehdipatnam along with his mother. The house is located just beside Paruchuri Venkateswara Rao's house.
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Tripple whammy from Ravi Teja
Ravi Teja has kept himself in circulation through a canny mix of movies, which themselves are a smart mix of action and comedy. He maybe now called to do the same mix triple times over.
Yes, the news is that Ravi Teja is said to do the remake of the Tamil hit Varalalru under K S Ravikumar.
Chiranjeevi was originally talked for the role. But now Ravi Teja is almost certain to play the three roles. The three roles are interesting with a father and two sons in clash. The father’s role is the most difficult of all.
In Tamil, Ajith did the role with aplomb. The father, with an effeminate streak, was indeed outstanding.
Ravi Teja is all brawn and heroism. So it will be a challenge for him to look the part as slightly feminie charm-filled character.
The film will begin to roll only after Ravi Teja finishes Srinu Vytla’s Dubai Seenu. The movie stars Nayantara opposite Ravi Teja.
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Wedding bells in Sivaji family
Prabhu's son Vikram - who graduated from one of the Film Institutes in the US - is walking down the aisle with Lakshmi Ujjaini on February 26 in Rani Meyyammai Hall, Egmore, Chennai followed by a reception the same day.
The bride Lakshmi Ujjaini hails from a business tycoon family in Kumarapalayam. This will be the first wedding in the family ever since the thespian Sivaji Ganesan's demise.
Prabhu has started distributing invitation to the high profile guests in the political and cinema turf. The invitee list includes President Abdul Kalam, Congress Supremo Sonia Gandhi, Chief Minister Karunanidhi, and former CM Jayalalitha. The President and Congress Supremo have already sent greetings to the bridegroom on the occasion.
Talking to newspersons, Prabhu stated, "This is an inter-caste marriage and the first wedding in our family after my father's demise. We are printing Shivaji's portrait on the Invitation card. Behind this portrait, there is an interesting story. Usha Mangeshkar, a very close friend of my family and sister of the legend Latha Mangeshkar has painted this portrait. Lathaji framed this portrait in a bigger size and hung it in her drawing hall. We requested her to give that particular painting for this invitation. I have invited all the leaders and friends who were associated with Shivaji to this marriage."
Prabhu also hinted that there is a possibility of the presence of the Chief Minister M.Karunanidhi at this Marriage. Former Chief Minister Jayalalitha will attend the reception.
The wedding reception will also have Saxaphone Kadari Gopalnath in concert.
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'Toss' shooting at Padmalaya
The shooting of Toss (Bomma? Borusa?) directed by Priyadarshini Ram and produced by D. Amarnath with Upendra, Raja, Priyamani and Kamna Jethmalani is progressing at Padmalaya Studios.
Director Priyadarshini Ram says, 'Every man will have two different mentalities. Once the two mentalities are in tandem, we can call him a complete man. It is like a head and tail of a coin. It is not known how the mentality of the man works at a given moment.'
He further adds, ' It is like tossing a coin and we don't know whether it will fall on head or tail side. Keeping all these elements in view, we are making the film with good commercial values. While Upendra and Raja are playing action heroes in the film, Priyamani and Kamna performed excellently as heroines.'
Music is by Manisharma, dialogues are by Sampath Nandi, while cinematography is by T. Surender Reddy.
Neelakanta's new flick to begin soon
National award winner Neelakanta gave excellent films like 'Show, Missamma, Sadaa Mee Sevalo and Nandanavanam 120 km' with different screenplay. On the other hand, senior Congress leader, industrialist, CC Reddy, turned a producer and made a film 'Goutham SSC' on the banner of Visu Entertanments as his debut venture.
The film was proved a hit. His next film 'Roommates' under the direction of AVS failed to click well and did not go well commercially.
Now CC Reddy is planning to do a film under the direction of Neelakantha. The selection of artistes and technicians is yet to begin. The film would go to sets very soon.
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Rajni’s advice to students
Rajnikanth is a man of youth. His core constituency is the younger generation. His movies carry a special appeal and allure to them. His Sivaji too is going to be no different.
The film which has almost finished shooting takes up, apparently, the issue of education and the rising costs thereof.
Perhaps keeping that in mind he is also planning to build a school near Chennai as we had reported in these columns a few days back. Now another facet of Rajni and his concern for the youth and this country has come to the fore.
Recently when Rajni was shooting for Sivaji in New Jersey in America many Indian students who are pursuing higher education there met him.
Apart from posing with them and satisfying their enthusiasm, Rajni had just one line of wisdom for them.
‘After you finish your studies don’t forget your homeland. Do something for it’.
Coming as it did from Rajni, the message went down well with them.
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A strong makeover for Asin
Asin is doing a dual role in Dasavatharam in addition to Kamal's ten roles. The latest from the Dasavatharam camp is that Asin is playing a really distinct character in one of her dual roles.
According to sources Asin is having a total make over like Sukanya in Indian. Already we could not identify Kamal in the latest Dasavatharam stills. "You will not be able to identify most of the Kamals in the movie. We would have to tell you that these characters are Kamal" said the director K.S.Ravikumar.
There are also talks that there would be a competition open to viewers to identify the ten Kamals after the movie releases. The director feels that would be a very challenging competition indeed.
It is learnt that Asin would not take up any project unless she completes Dasavatharam. Meanwhile we have reports that Asin would take up Prakash Raj's next venture "Kallapat" after Dasavatharam. The role in "Kallapat" was first offered to Trisha who could not give bulk dates.
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Dilip Prabhawalkar as Gandhi in SDZ?
Dilip Prabhawalkar, who played Gandhi in Lage Raho Munnabhai, might play Gandhi in Shankardada Zindabad that has Chiru playing the lead and Srikanth playing his friend.
Heroine is not yet finalized. Prabhudeva is directing this film that started recently. At present, the production is going on in City Central Library and Afzalgunj.
From tomorrow on, the unit will move to State Art Gallery. Sources say that Dilip might take part in the shooting from tomorrow. Official confirmation is awaited.
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Madhavan in Kona Venkat’s 'Adi Oka Idhile'
Source : RagalahariMadhavan is portraying the main lead role in writer Kona Venkat’s maiden directorial venture Adi Oka Idhile. Ram Gopal Verma, whose films like Satya and Puri's Idiot was penned by Kona Venkat, is co producing this romantic cum thriller flick.
This film is based on one of Ram Gopal Verma’s own Hindi production, Darling. The film is shot both in Telugu and Tamil. The film’s shooting is presently taking place in Hyderabad.
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Manoj's film titled Raju Bhai
Manoj latest film has been titled as Raju Bhai. He will now entertain us as a gangster. The film is remake of a Tamil hit, Chitthiram Pesuthadi, which is based on gangster world. The film's title has officially been announced.
Raju Bhai is produced by Mohan Babu under Sri Lakshmi Prasanna banner and directed by Surya Kiran(Satyam fame).
At presently the shooting is progressing at Vizag. Sheela of Seetakoka Chiluka fame is playing the heroine role. Yuan Shankar Raja composes music.
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Raghupati award to MS Reddy
The Government of Andhra Pradesh announced the prestigious Raghupati Venkayya award for the year 2005 to the veteran producer and poet MS Reddy. He will be honored with a medal, a gold Nandi and a cash prize of 50,000 rupees.
MS Reddy was born on 15 August, 1924 in Alimili near Nellore. He started his career as a producer in 1966 with a dubbing film titled Kannepilla. His portrayal of chief minister character is Ankusam brought him lot of appreciation. His son Shyam Prasad Reddy produced many memorable films like Ankusam, Ahuti, Ammoru etc.
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