Least did anyone predict that the ongoing Telangna agitation would become a headache for some of the top ranking actors of Tollywood. Though they have nothing to do with Telangana and Samaikhya Andhra, they are paying the price.
After the official stand taken by Hari Krishna (Late NTR's son and TDP supporter), Chiranjeevi and Mohan Babu, their kin, whose films have crores of rupees worth of stakes on them, are running into unwarranted troubles. If NTR's Adhurs, slated for a December 25 release, is likely to face challenges in Telangana, following his father Hari Krishna's anti-Telangana stand, Allu Arjun's Arya2 has already been boycotted in the region, following a call given by the Joint Action Committee (a body fighting for the cause of Statehood to Telangana).
The films of Manchu brothers have new troubles for them. If Saleem has already been blitzed by film critics, it is now the target of Telangana patriots. The film has been boycotted voluntarily in the region. There is no one who is talking about Bindaas, because it's known what it's fate is going to be if it releases anytime soon.
Loss in crores is guaranteed to other films too, with people liking the Samaikhya Andhra-Telangana drama better (it's telecast 24/7 on all news channels). (more...)
Troubles for NTR, Arjun, Charan and Manchu brothers
'Avatar' releasing with 700 prints
James Cameron’s Avatar is already getting rave reviews in the West. This magnum opus will be the first ever 3D Hollywood film to be released in Telugu. Earlier the 3D Hollywood films ‘Ice Age 3’ was dubbed only in Hindi.
However, after looking at the growing response to dubbed Hollywood films, Fox Star Studios India is releasing the 3D version of ‘Avatar’ in Telugu. Fox Star Studios India is releasing the film in around 700 prints in English, Hindi, Tamil & Telugu, which is by far one of the biggest releases for a Hollywood film in India.
The company will be screening the film with more than 100 prints (English & Telugu together) beating the record of ‘2012’ which was released in less than 100 prints in the same market.
Mr Tagore Madhu, who is distributing ‘Avatar’ in Andhra Pradesh says, “Avatar is undoubtedly the most awaited movie of the decade and we at Sathyam Cinemas are all quite pleased about it; especially since we're releasing it in digital 3D too. The audiences here are eager to watch James Cameron's latest spectacle after 'Titanic' and we're expecting nothing short of a phenomenal response at the cinemas.”
Let’s experience the world of Avatar! (more...)
Adhurs in trouble
The Jr. NTR film Adhurs is now in trouble. The film was supposed to hit the screens on December 18 but is has been put off in light of the agitation going on in Andhra and Telangana regions.
The TRS activists and students are now threatening to stop the film from being screened anywhere in Telangana. The reason is that Nandamuri Harikrishna has come out openly in support of Samaikhya Andhra. Jr. NTR is also said to be favouring Samiakhya Andhra.
(more...)
AR Rahman is Forbes’s Person of the Year
Leading business magazine Forbes India will announce its ‘Person of the Year’ honor for the year 2009 in its upcoming edition. This edition will hit the newsstands on Friday, December 18th. Madras maestro and Oscar winner Rahman is among the frontrunners for the honor and the nominee list includes other heavyweights like Nandan Nilekani, Chetan Bhagat, Facebook, Mahendra Singh Dhoni and Rahul Gandhi.
The award is decided through public voting and readers can vote for their choice by logging on to www.forbesindiamagazine.com/personoftheyear. The voting will be open until 11.00 p.m. on Thursday, December 17th. Twenty five readers, who will be picked by a lucky draw, will be conferred with a special prize by the editorial team at Forbes. (more...)
'Puli' in Mumbai
After completing two major schedules in New York and Dubai, Pawan Kalyan's Puli has moved to the city of Mumbai. As is well-known, the film has been on the floors for a good period of time, and despite its launch more than 18 months ago, there is no news about its release date as yet.
Directed by SJ Suryah, the film marks the second film in the combination of the Kollywood filmmaker and Tollywood superstar. A costly film, it is produced by Singanamala Rameshbabu.
Grapevine suggests that Pawan is playing a cop in the film who works in the specially-floated force Pulice to counter terrorism. The film's association with the cities New York and Mumbai make us believe in it.
Nikisha Patel is a new girl who is debuting with the film. Binod Pradhan, the ace cinematographer, who worked for films like Rang De Basanti, Devdas and Mission Kashmir in recent years, is the director of cinematography for this film. (more...)
Mohanbabu to sit in ‘Deeksha’ tomorrow
While PRP president Chiranjeevi is still hanging in dilemma about his stand on the T issue, dialogue king Mohanbabu surprising one and all today announced that he supports ‘Unified Andhra.’ He also announced that he is going to sit in the Deeksha from tomorrow at Tirupati. His announcement immediately flashed sparks across Telangana region, and ultimately it affected the screening of his son Vishnu’s latest film ‘ Saleem ’ People across Telangana attacked the theatres and stopped the screening of the film.
It becomes inevitable for Tollywood people to clearly spell their stand on this issue. Unfortunately, the same thing is adversely reflecting on their films also. This may be the worst period for the entire state and also for Tollywood. (more...)
Film of Chiranjeevi's son disrupted in Telangana
Angry over actor-turned-politician K. Chiranjeevi's volte-face on the issue of separate statehood to Telangana region, the Telangana Rashtra Samiti (TRS) and other groups Wednesday stopped screening of films featuring his son and other family members.
Protesting the reported decision of Chiranjeevi to oppose the central government's proposed move to form a separate Telangana state, the activists of TRS and other groups forcibly stopped screening of "Magadheera", starring his son Ram Charan Teja, and "Arya 2" starring Allu Arjun.
Allu Arjun is son of Praja Rajyam Party (PRP) general secretary Allu Aravind, a well-known film producer and brother-in-law of Chiranjeevi.
The managements of theatres in districts like Warangal and Nizamabad stopped the screening of their films anticipating protests from pro-Telangana groups.
In Karimnagar, Mahabubnagar and other districts, the TRS workers tore down the posters and damaged the hoardings of the movies. The protestors at Metpally in Karimnagar district set afire the film reels at one theatre and vowed not to allow screening of any film featuring Chiranjeevi and his son.
The protestors have decided not to screen the films of Chiranjeevi and his actor brothers Pavan Kalyan and Naga Babu.
The protests began after Chiranjeevi reversed his stand for a separate Telangana to back the slogan of "united Andhra".
Upset over his reported decision, three PRP district unit presidents in Telangana have resigned from the party while one of the two legislators of the party from the region has threatened to quit. (more...)
I can’t convince present generation: ANR
The 86 year old grand old man of Telugu film industry frankly accepted that, he can’t convince the present generation with his acting. While launching the MAA pocket dairy in a function held at Hyderabad, Akkineni said that MAA has considered his request not to add his number in the list so as he can peacefully sleep.
“I have acted in hundreds of films and have interest to act till my last breathe. But, I very well understand that, I can’t convince the present generation with my acting. What they need is very different to what I can offer. That’s why I avoid acting further. Even, you may not see me in the public functions like this in the future, because I am getting old and my body won’t cooperate like earlier.” (more...)
'Adhurs' confirmed on Dec 25th
NTR’s Adhurs, being directed by V.V.Vinayak, is releasing on the scheduled date – December 25th. With almost all the post-production work is nearing, the producers – Vllabhaneni Vamsi and Kodali Naani – have informed the distributors that they are releasing it on Christmas Day. They are also planning to release it in maximum number of screens that may touch 1000 figure. Currently, the film’s D.I (Digital Intermediative) work is being done in Mumbai to get the top class quality like a Bollywood film.
On the other hand, director V V Vinayak today (Dec 15) offered prayers at the famous Dargah in Kadapa and sought blessings. He prayed for the film’s success at Ameen Peer Dargah, a famous shrine in Kadapa district. Oscar award winning music director Rehman and hero Ram Charan recently also offered their prayers at this Dargah. (more...)
December releases stumped
Tollywood has been going through one of the worst nightmares in its recent memory. If year 2009 has been bad all through, with a handful of hits like 'Arundhati', 'Kick', 'Magadheera' and 'Bumper Offer', it pinned heavy hopes on the December releases, including on Arya2, which released at the end of November.
Least did it imagine that the state would plunge into a political crisis, with bandhs called very frequently. In the Telangana region, the issue came to the fore even in the first few days of December, when 'Arya2' was just having its sway at the Box Office. Thus, after reportedly collecting Rs. 12 crore in its first week from November 27, the film faced many woes.
If the Allu Arjun-starrer was a bit lucky in that it did not have too many disadvantages at least in the first week, the December releases were the unluckiest. 'Amaravathi', 'Pravarakyudu', 'Vaade Kavaali', 'Katha', 'Sarai Veerraju' have released in quick succession and but for the ongoing political storm in AP, they would definitely have opened to better collections.
Bandhs called upon in Telangana prior to December 10, and in the Andhra and Rayalseem regions after the green signal for a Statehood was given, has dented the box office prospects of South India's richest film industry rather badly. Arya2 has not been able to repeat its Week One magic again. The lesser spoken about the other aforementioned films the better.
Had it been only for bandhs, cinebuffs would not have dumped the movies. The main factor is the 24/7 news which dramatically covers the happenings in various parts of the state. Eager to watch latest political developments, the public is least interested in entertainment.
Things have never been so worse for Tollywood. (more...)
2400cr for Avatar
If it was 40cr for the making of Magadheera, we felt proud that it is the costliest Telugu movie. The upcoming Rajnikanth film Endhiran also called Robo is slated to have a budget of 150cr. It is being touted as the costliest Indian movie.
But now when Avatar takes center stage all Magadheeras and Endhirans have to move aside as this movie is coming with a budget of about 2400cr. That is the amount of a big sized company in India.
The James Camroon’s dream would release on December 18th and is being touted as the costliest film in the world which took more than 4 years in the making. The entire world is waiting with high expectations for the film! (more...)
Shriya stays silent!
We hear that Shriya has taken the path of silence now. The girl is practicing Vipassana at a mediation centre in Mumbai.
The technique of Vipassana Meditation is taught through ten-day residential courses during which people learn the basics of the method, and performs adequately to achieve its favourable results. Vipassana is a way of self-transformation through self-observation.
Since the time of Buddha, Vipassana has been handed down, to the present day, by an unbroken chain of teachers. The technique was rediscovered by Gautam Buddha more than 2500 years ago and was taught by him as a universal remedy for universal ills.
Students get methodical meditation instructions a number of times a day, and each day’s progress is explained during a taped evening speech by S.N. Goenka. Complete silence is observed for the first nine days. On the tenth day, students continue speaking, creating the evolution back to a more fulsome way of life. The course is wrapped-up on the morning of the eleventh day.
Shriya who is expecting the release of her ‘Kutty’(Tamil) opposite Dhanush, is now making the best use of her leisure time! (more...)
No, those are rumours only: Trisha
Tollywood glamour doll Trisha recently made her debut into Bollywood. So far, in the South there were gossips about her late night parties, her heavy drinking habit and simultaneously about her nuisance cases only. But, her entry into Bollywood brings her new credits.
Bollywood rumour mills which saw something fishy in the new found friendship between her and hero Akshay Kumar , are labouring hard to spread the news that there is something going on between them. Trisha , who was shocked with this new attachment said to be consoled by her new found friend Akshay Kumar He asked her to take it light as those rumours are also long back becomes an un detachable part of their profession.
Trisha who seems to be understood the reality is saying now that she won’t bother about such rumours as long as she have the support and friendship of Akshay Kumar. She says, “Though, he is very senior actor in Bollywood he moves very friendly with me on the sets. But, we never met again out of the sets till now. Still, people see something fishy between us. I think, whoever is creating such rumours have nothing to do except doing this kind of odd job.” (more...)
Alarming situation for Tollywood?
Ever since KCR started his hunger strike, the situation in Telangana region become tense and all the theatres were forced to close down for days and weeks. On the other hand KCR’s statement against Nagarjuna, producer Ramanaidu and some other film personnel push the panic button on.
Most of the film personnel who made a large investments in the region were alarmed with KCR’s statement are now very much worried about their future. On the other hand, they are worrying about their upcoming films, which my face a ban like situation across the Telangana region for being branded as Andhra film from Andhra actors and producers?
There are several other things like obstructions for their film shootings, non co-operation for their films distribution etc makes them worry. On the whole, the entire Tollywood may have a tough time in releasing its films and to make its films run successfully in Telangana region as the industry is dominated by Andhra producers, directors and actors.
If, Telangana is not formed it will severely affect the Tollywood and its big heads, in terms of protests from the locals. Even, if Telangana formed ‘TELUGU” films made by Andhra and Rayalaseema producers and acted by Andhra and Rayalaseema actors will face a stiff resistance from radical Telangana people like KCR. It’s time for Tollywood to think about its future. (more...)
Jagapathi, Priyamani - Again
After 'Pellaina Kothalo' and 'Pravarakhyudu', the combination of Jagapathi Babu and Priyamani is again ready to entertain the audience. The twosome have come together again, for a movie titled 'Sadhyam'. Looks like three films in a short span of time means that the two are a hit pair in Tollywood. If 'Pellaina Kothalo' did well at the box office, 'Pravarakhyudu' released this month is also a commercial success.
Kumar brothers have roped in the hero and heroine for their forthcoming film, directed by Karthikeya Gopalakrishna. The producers say that the film is coming with a distinct story and narrative. Third film in the combination would mean that the director is going to bank on the chemistry Jagapathi and Priya strike on the screen.
The film has completed nearly half of its shoot and the director says that the scenes involving the twosome will be the film's highlight. Tanikella Bharani and Kota Sreenivasa Rao are the seniors playing two key roles here. Keerthi Chawla is playing an important role in the film.
Also, Chinni Cheran is the music director. Shyam Manohar has written the story and screenplay.
If this one becomes a commercial success too, Jagapathi and Priya will have scored a hat-trick. (more...)
Telugu director Teja in search of a teenage boy
Well-known Telugu director Teja is on the lookout for a 18-year-old boy to play the lead role in his film "Atu Itu".
"?Atu Itu' is an unusual love story. It is about a teenaged girl who falls in love with a boy who leads a luckless life. What follows in the movie thereafter is a gripping tale of trials and inexplicable emotions," said Teja in a press statement.
He says that the boy should look innocent and his height should be between 5.7" and 5.9". "Atu Itu" is being produced by Jayam movies and it will launch 40 new faces.
"The film will provide an opportunity to the aspirant actors to showcase their talent and make a mark as the subject is quite intense. We will be shooting the film around the picturesque locales of Pondicherry and we expect the shooting to be completed within two months," said Teja.
He says in case the main lead is not finalised, he will launch the movie with other cast members.
"We will begin shooting for the film early December. The shooting will start as per schedule with other cast members," said Teja.
The aspirants can send their photographs -- one full figure and another close up photograph -- by email to jayammovies@gmail.com. (more...)
Kajal’s sister makes debut in 'Veelle'
Top actress Kajal Agarwal’s younger sister Nisha Agarwal too is following the steps of Kajal.
She has made her debut as actress in a new film titled Veelle. The film was launched today (Dec 11, 2009) in Hyderabad.
Although Kajal is a big actress now, her sister is not making grand debut. She rather chose this small-budgeted film being produced and directed by Ravi Prakash who also produced Mantra, that hit thriller starred Charmee.
Tamil hero Vinay, who also acted in M.S.Raju’s Vaana, is playing male lead in the movie. (more...)
