Shriya wishes to be back

Svelte actress Shriya Saran started off her career in Bollywood but came to limelight in the Telugu film industry. Ramoji Rao’s production ‘Ishtam’ on Usha Kiran Movies was Shriya’s maiden venture in Tollywood and she became one of the popular heroines sharing screen space with megastars of the industry.
Her career graph sore to unimaginable heights, thanks to Rajinikanth’s ‘Shivaji’, she became a well known actress all over the country. As good luck would have it, she re-entered Bollywood and also did roles in Hollywood movies. In 2008, Shriya didn’t had a release in the South and this year ‘Mallanna’ starring Vikram will be her comeback wagon into Telugu and Tamil, the same time.
Shriya’s attention is now back to where she started (Telugu cinema) and wishes to get character roles in good scripts so that she could regain her fame. Let’s hope the damsel’s wish come true.

Six pack fever grips SaiRam Shanker

Sai Ram Shankar is a budding hero in tinsel town who debuted with the film ‘143’. He is still awaiting his first super hit film and so far he is not able to make it big in the industry.
With his upcoming film ready to hit the screens, he has been committed for a new film to be directed by Tulsi Ram, the filmmaker who shot to fame with ‘Manthra’. Director Puri Jagannath will produce the flick on his production house Vaishnav Academy.
With every other actor keen to flaunt their six pack abs, no wonder Sai Ram is getting ready to hit the gyms and create a six pack abs to look dashing on screen. Once the heroine for the film gets finalized, the film will go to the floors.

‘Kalavaramaye Madilo’ set for release on 15th May

The shooting schedules of ‘Kalavaramaye Madilo’ starring Kamal Kamaraju of ‘Avakai Biryani’ fame and Swathi of ‘Ashta Chamma’ fame in the lead cast is nearing completion. Director of ‘Hope’, Satish has made the film produced by Mohan Vadlapatla on Mohan Media Creations banner.
For now, the crew is busy filming the last thirty percent of the schedules which will end on 2nd of April. The makers are planning to release the film on May 15th once the post production work gets over.
Notable artist of Marathi theatre association and Hindi films, Vikram Gokhale plays a prominent role in this film. With a famed lead cast, the story is a youthful subject with music as a major attraction.

‘Varudu’ confirmed for March 10

Mahesh Babu’s next might be the most number of times postponed project in Tollywood but reliable sources now say that the film will surely go to the floors this time on March 10th.
Director Trivikram Srinivas will be making this tentatively titled film ‘Varudu’ produced by Singanamala Ramesh Babu on Kanakaratna Movies banner. Media repeatedly reported the start dates but so far it didn’t commence for a number of reaons.
The date is now out and the filming will begin in the locales of Rajasthan. The crew of ‘Varudu’ will start off from Hyderabad on March 1st to make necessary arrangements in Rajasthan for the shooting.
The female lead will be played by Anushka which was a earlier reserved for Parvathi Melton.

Prestigious ‘Kalaima Mani’ awarded to Meera Jasmine

It is gala time for Kerala Kutty Meera Jasmine. She has received the National award quite a number of times, for the Best Actress in the past and is one of the talented heroines in the South Indian film industry.
The Mollywood beauty is a favorite among Tollywood and Kollywood. She debuted to Telugu cinema with ‘Ammayi Bagundhi’ and followed with many hits like AM Ratnam’s ‘Run’, ‘Maharathi’ (Balakrishna), ‘Gudumba Shankar’ (Pawan Kalyan) and ‘Bhadra’ (Ravi Teja). She has shared screen space with the tops stars of Tollywood and her latest includes Jagapathy Babu’s ‘Bangaru Babu’, Sreekanth’s ‘A,Aa, E, Ea’ and Allari Naresh’s ‘Aakasa Ramanna’.
She has won the prestigious ‘Kalaima Mani’ award presented every year by the state government of Tamilnadu similar to the Nandi Award.
India Glitz congratulates Meera Jasmin during this joyous occasion and wishes that she will get more accolades in future.

Shekhar Kammula’s crew at FilmNagar

Popular hit films like ‘Dollar Dreams’, ‘Anand’, ‘Godavari’ and ‘Happy Days’ reminds of filmmaker Shekhar Kammula famous for his feel good entertainers.
Prestigious production house AVM Productions is making Shekhar Kammula’s next that debuts Rana, grandson of notable producer D. Rama Naidu in the male lead.
Touted to be made on an offbeat subject, the film shooting is under progress since sometime now but ‘Ssshh’ as it’s not been publicized so far. Scenes featuring the lead cast Rana and Rukmini in being canned in this schedule which is being done at Film Nagar.

Zee Telugu's 24 blockbuster hits for 2009

Zee Networks ventured into South Indian Television with innovative approach to programs, talent competitions and providing quality entertainment to the viewers. After two years since its inception, Zee Telugu is now one of the prioritized channel in TRB charts and they are constantly upgrading themselves with the latest offerings to movie goers in Andhra Pradesh.

The latest arrival in the list is the new concept 'TV is no longer a small screen'. Movies reserved for the big screens in cinema halls is now coming to the drawing rooms of partons to watch them with the comfort of their home. Zee Telugu have acquired screening rights for a huge list of blockbuster hits of 2008 which will be telecasted throughout 2009.

The film list includes Kotha Bangaru Lokam, Paandurangadu, Vinayakudu, Krishna, Ashta Chamma, Gorintaku, Bhadradri, Ready, Krishnarjuna, Nenu meeku thelusa, Okka Magadu, Bujji gadu, Ontari, Navavasantham, Sasirekha Parinayam, Swagatham, Bhale Dongalu, Victory, Kantri, Surya S/o Krishnan, Sidhu from Sikakulam, Tulasi, Avakai Biryani, Maisamma IPS and so on.

Movie lovers is in for a treat this year as the super duper hits will be relayed to them at literally no cost.

Grab your popcorn, get a drink and don't go anywhere but stay at your home for the best movies.

Tamanna attends Telugu classes

People know that heroines are roped in from different languages and most of them don't speak for themselves for their films. And, most of them don't worry about not dubbing either. But, a different Tamanna is mighty keen to dub her films to bring in a natural feel.

The debutant actress of 'Sri' soared to heights after the blockbuster hit 'Happy Days' made by Shekhar Kammula. She got recognized in the industry and offers are aplenty for the actress in both Telugu and Tamil industry.

She has signed up for selective films and her next in Telugu will be 'Ananda Thandavam', a bilingual film made in Telugu and Tamil which is produced by Ravi Chandran on Aaskar Films banner. The film will get released in the month of March.

Tamanna has hired a Telugu teacher and ardently learning the language so that she could dub her own voice in the upcoming films.

Bindhu Madhavi’s meaty role

Avakai Biryani’s pretty damsel Bindhu Madhavi was found by director Anish Kuruvilla, an associate of Shekhar Kammula. The film had an average run but Bindhu shot to fame for her neat and realistic portrayal of the character.

She will next be seen in a film to be directed by Puri Jagannath. Sai Ram Shankar will play the male lead in the film.

One more project has come her way which is a heroine oriented subject with lot of scope for the star to perform. Director of ‘Konchem Kothaga’ starring Venkat, Rao Rajendra Prasad will make this film which is to be commenced on 8th March.

Nagarjuna goes SRK way

Nagarjuna’s last ‘King’ directed by Sreenu Vaitla had a grand opening and fans loved to see Nag once again in the mass hero role. He did with ease and élan in the three roles which wooed everyone in the film which was produced on Sri Kamakshi Kalaa Movies banner. Nag has planned for a new film which is already in the news.

Latest update is the subject for this new film is being derived from Sharukh Khan's Bollywood hit 'Chak De India'. Nagarjuna will don the role of a coach/trainer.

Gunnam Gangaraju is going to produce the film on Just Yellow banner. It is already acquainted news that Nag and Gangaraju are teaming of for a big-budget movie and we can now say for sure that this will be the flick.

Sneha Ullal's Animal Hospital

Sneha Ullal debuted to Tollywood with 'Ullasamga Uthsahamga' made by Karunakaran. She got a good recognition with Manoj’s ‘Neenu Meeku Telusa’ and is now acting in 'Current' opposite Sushanth. The movie is getting ready for release soon.

She has turned a vegetarian long time ago and stopped eating non-vegetarian dishes.

Want to know why? Because, Sneha says she adores animals very much and hence the change. She has also planned to construct a special hospital for animals to take care of them and their health.

Such a compassionate beauty, Sneha Ullal is. Isn’t she?

'Dil' Raju bags 'Boni' distribution rights

Green Mangoes production ‘Boni’ stars Sumanth and Kruthi in the lead cast. Debutant Raj Puppati directs the movie produced by composer-turned-producer Ramana Gogula. The movie is planned for release on 27th March for Ugadi (Telugu New Year).

Latest buzz says 'Dil' Raju, head of Sri Venkateswara Creations has acquired the rights for distribution of ‘Boni’.

It is very well known that many movies like 'Happy Days', 'Yuvatha', 'Ullasamga Uthsahamga' distributed by Dil Raju are all successful and made a big collection at the box office. We can bet high on this movie to turn out to be a big time grosser too.

Mahesh Babu's Family Problems?

It is known news that 'Prince' Mahesh Babu has been off the hook from the past one and a half year when it comes to his screen presence and while many have been thinking that he was waiting for the right kind of script and movie to come about, there seems to be another buzz about it.

Sources say that things have been a bit bumpy between Mahesh and his wife Namratha since the time of 'Athidhi' and due to this, he was shuttling between Hyderabad and Mumbai quite often. There are those who say that the issue of Amrita Rao also was said to be a cause for that.

Tiffs between husbands and wives are quite normal but since Mahesh is a celebrity, everyone wants to relate to it. We hope that all this is just a hoax and there is no element of truth in it, for now all eyes are on the new venture that Mahesh is going to start along with Trivikram Srinivas.

Trisha Appearing Different Look

Trisha ultimately seems to have decided to give up the race to the number one slot in the glamour world of commercial mainstream cinema, she is already announcing this by taking up performance oriented roles in Tamil films, one such movie that she is doing now is a film called Vannaithaandi Varuvaayaa where she is appearing without make-up clad in cotton sarees.

Trisha no doubt is looking hot in this new avatar also and going by what people have seen of the initial rushes she has done an excellent job in this Gautam Menon film.Many insist that Trisha’s move to deglamorize herself without make-up in the film is a move that may hit her commercial prospects as a heroine, but will help her as an actress and be recognized as a performer, Trisha seems to be on a crossroad where she seems to have laid more emphasis on the later than the former.

UTV and RGV join hands for AGYAAT-THE UNKNOWN

UTV after the stupendous success of its slate of films in 2008, today announced joining hands with Dreamforce Enterprise a division of Ram Gopal Varma film factory ltd. Jointly UTV and Dreamforce Enterprise will co produce the film titled as AGYAAT-THE UNKNOWN. The movie’s plot revolves around a film unit on a shoot in a remote jungle in Sri Lanka. The film will be shot in Ramu’s characteristic style on frightening locations complete with spine chilling sound effects and stylish yet eerie imagery.

Says RGV, ’'There has never been a film of this kind made in India. I have always believed in pushing the envelope and together with UTV, which has been equally dynamic in its choice of movies, we look forward to making the very first of this kind of film in India.’’

’'UTV has always been experimental about the projects it ventures into and has been a trend setter in the Indian Film Industry. AGYAAT with RGV is another step in this direction. Such films are a popular genre abroad including blockbusters like BLAIRWITCH PROJECT, PREDATOR etc. However no Indian producer has ever risked a film in this genre with Indian actors and a story designed to cater the Indian audiences. We are happy to partner with RGV on this film and given his expertise in film making we are sure to deliver a fantastic product.’’ adds Ram of UTV Motion pictures.

Sekhar Kammula weaves a political thriller?

Current hotshot director Sekhar Kammula is directing a film for prestigious production house – AVM. RaNa, grandson of veteran producer D.Ramanaidu is making debut in this flick, which is currently being shot at various locations in Hyderabad. Buzz is that the movie is set in the current political system. The film’s theme conveys that youngsters can change the politics. Sounds like Manirathnam’s Yuva? The film has new heroine opposite RaNa and the movie is likely to hit the screens this summer.

Siddardh okays another newcomer movie

Hero Siddardh has not lost hopes on new directors despite his recent film - Konchem Ishtam Konchem Kastam (KIKK), directed by debutant Kishore, not faring well at Andhra Box-office. Siddardh has signed another film to be directed by another debutant Rambabu. Bellamkonda Suresh will produce the film. The movie will begin its shooting shortly. Rambabu is co-directed many films in the past including KIKK.

Siddardh is currently working for Oyee, which again is being directed by newcomer Anand.

Siddardh has fondness towards debutant directors as some of super hits are directed by first time directors like Prabhudeva (Nuvvostanante Nenoddantana) and Bhaskar (Bommarillu).

Mestri Audio released in Dallas too..

Dallas, TX: Maverick Director Dr. Dasari Narayana Rao's latest movie “Mestry” Audio was launched in USA on Feb 23rd to coincide with the same audio release date in India. Mestry will go in the history as the first ever Telugu movie to launch its Audio in USA.

The Audio function took place on Feb 23rd night at Our Place Indian Restaurant in Dallas, Texas. Several enthusiastic Telugu people have participated in the function. Prasad Thotakura, Secretary of the Telugu Association of North America (TANA) released the Audio CD and gave the fist copy to Sridhar Korsapati, President of the Telugu Association of North Texas (TANTEX). Jaipal Reddy, Chairman of the Everest Heights Group released the Audio Cassette and gave the first copy to Satish Reddy, Dallas Regional Coordinator of the American Telugu Association (ATA).

Prasad Thotakura, Secretary, TANA, spoke about Dr. Dasari Narayana Rao's achievements in Telugu Cinema and the relevance of Mestry movie in the current upcoming election scenario. National award winning lyric writer Suddala Ashok Teja addressed the gathering remotely by phone from India and explained the content and message of each song. Suddala wrote 6 out of 7 songs in this movie.

C.R. Rao, local Telugu community member, explained the theme and political message of yester year’s successful movie of Dr. Dasari 'MLA Edukondalu'. He hoped that another movie of Dr. Dasari Mestry with the same political background would also be a great hit. He further stated that only legendary Director like Dasari could dare to make films like “Devadasu Malli Puttadu".

Sridhar Korsapati, President, TANTEX narrated Mohan Babu’s role in Mestry film and wished Dasari and his team a grand success with this movie. Manohar Reddy and Mahipal Reddy of Touring Talkies organized the program.

Mestry movie will be released all over the world in theaters on March 6th by Siri Media Private Ltd.,.

Mitrudu: Audio launch in March

The audio launch of debutant Mahadev's Balakrishna-Priyamani starrer Mitrudu, presented by Dasari Padma and produced by K. Ramakrishna Prasad under the banner of Sowbhagya Media Pvt. Ltd., has been scheduled for the second week of March. The music has been composed by Manisharma. The film is now in its last stage of production and is slated for a release in April.

Priyamani, who went in for an image overhaul with latest Nitin starrer Drona, continues the same glam doll avtar in this film, which will have Balakrishna in a novel character. Producer K. Ramakrishna Prasad informed that the shooting, except for a song sequence, will be over by March 5. The shooting is currently being held in Hyderabad and another schedule will soon start in Kumbakonam, Tamil Nadu where key scenes are to be shot.

Meanwhile, Balakrishna's other upcoming film Bangaru Babu (also referred as Bengaru Babu), a dramatic entertainer by director Jonnalagadda Srinivasa Rao, is now readying for release in March. Earlier, this film was planned for release on February 20. It is said that the film was postponed because several other major films, including Drona, Venkatadri and 16 Days, are competing for release on the same day (February 20).

Anushka in Varudu

It is now confirmed that voluptuous beauty Anushka, who is currently riding high with the success of her latest Telugu release Arundhati, has replaced Parvathi Melton in Mahesh Babu's much-anticipated action entertainer Varudu directed by Trivikram Srinivas. Varudu will be Anushka's fourth film in 2009 after Siruthai, Vettaikaran and Billa

(Telugu)

After the tremendous success of Athadu (2005), Mahesh Babu once again teams up with director Trivikram Srinivas in Varudu, produced by Singanamala Ramesh under the banner of Kanakarathna Movies. The film will be extensively shot in the picturesque locations of Rajasthan, Nashik and South Africa. The first schedule will be shot in Hyderabad and its (longer) second schedule will be in Rajasthan.

Varudu will be an action-based romantic entertainer featuring Mahesh in the role of a taxi driver. Notably, Mahesh Babu’s wife and former Miss India Namrata Shirodkar will design the costumes for the heroine and supervise the make up for the artists. Comedian Sunil and Prakashraj have important roles in this film, which is to be cinematographed by ace Bollywood cameraman Sunil Patel of Hum Tum and Bachna Ae Haseeno fame. Mani Sharma scores the music. Varudu is slated for a July 2009 release.

Meanwhile, Anushka’s Tollywood blockbuster Arundhati, directed by Kodi Ramakrishna, is now being dubbed in Tamil with the same name. Arundhati is about the struggle of the protagonist (Anushka) to free her family from a curse. Film critics view the box office records set by this heroine-centric film as a phenomenal achievement, as seldom do such movies create box office records.

Gopichand: Changing colours

Many actors who have made their entry into films by donning the roles of villains have later became successful as heroes. Every actor in films, be it comedian or character artist, his ambition is appear as lead actor, as sole hero. But we also have exceptions like Gopichand, who is happy to be villain or hero.

Gopichand found success portraying villainous roles. When he came as hero in Tholi Valapu, nothing great happened. So, Gopichand again donned the role of a villain in Jayam, which was as huge hit and Gopichand instantly became famous for his realistic portrayal. Encouraged by these accolades, Gopichand played the negative roles in Nijam and Varsham. Yagnam gave him another opportunity to play the lead and became one of the biggest blockbusters.

Now, it is heard that Gopichand is again readying for a negative role in his next movie directed by Sreenu Vaitla and with Vankatesh as hero.

Anushka confirmed for Mahesh

Anushka who made it really big with the blockbuster of heroine oriented Arundhati will be pairing with Mahesh Babu in Varudu film to be directed by Trivikram. This film will go to floors in the month of March. Mani Sharma composes music. Vijayan choreographs fights. This film will be extensively shot in Rajasthan, South Africa and Hyderabad. Singanamala Ramesh produces it.

Ram in Rama Rama Krishna Krishna

Rama Rama Krishna Krishna is the title under consideration for Ram’s next venture in the direction of Srivas (Lakshyam fame). Dil Raju will produce it on Sri Venkateswara Creations banner. This film is going to be a mass film. This film will follow the current film of Ram that is being produced by Sravanthi Ravi Kishore.

Sivaji in Taj Mahal remake

Actor Sivaji will be acting in Telugu remake of Kannada blockbuster Taj Mahal. Taj Mahal is a big blockbuster in Kannada and it ran for 200 days. Sivaji is on diet these days and he reduced six kgs for this character as it’s a love story and it requires Sivaji to be slim and fit.

'18, 20 Love Story' slated for March release

18, 20 Love Story' starring Shivaji and Shraddha Das in the lead cast, is directed by Radhakrishna. The film produced by T. Nageswara Rao and Koppala Ramesh Babu on Shilpa Creations banner has completed the shooting schedules and is now in post production work.

The story of ’18 20 love story’ is about a good guy who indulges in bad deeds and later changes into a new leaf for his love. The audio launch will be carried out soon and the film is slated for a March release. The makers arranged a press meet and shared the news.

AB Murali has composed the musical score and G Sivakumar has done the cinematography Story, screenplay, dialogues and direction is by Radhakrishna.

Other important cast in the film includes Manoj, Rinil, MS Narayana, Vinod Kumar, Chinna, Pragathi, Jhansi among others.

Vishal’s ‘Pista’ to release on 12th April

The dark hunk of tinsel town, Vishal shot to fame with ‘Pandem Kodi, ‘Pogaru’, ‘Bharani’ and ‘Salute’ which were all made simultaneously in Telugu and Tamil.

After a forgettable flick like ‘Salute’, he’s now determined to rework with vigor and give a hit this time. ‘Pista’ will be the upcoming big budget film starring Vishal and Shriya Saran. Vikram Krishna produces the film on Vishal’s home production GK Films Corporation. Debutant director Ayyapan is making the film as an action packed entertainer for Vishal fans.

A sincere blogger Vishal has also started a blog of his own and has been ardently keeping in touch with his fans. He got committed for a project with director Selvaraghavan of ‘7G Brindhavan Colony’ but later dropped out of it. Now, a new film has been announced in Tamil titled ‘Theeratha Vilayatu Pillai’ (Casanova) which might be made into Telugu simultaneously but is yet to be confirmed.

‘Pista’ (‘Thoranai’ in Tamil) is fast shaping up with the regular shooting schedules and is planned for a release on April 12th in both Telugu and Tamil.

Venkatesh – Sreenu Vaitla’s flick starts 12th March

Victory Venkatesh is keen to bring out a hit this time after the lukewarm response of ‘Chintakayala Ravi’. With an adage to versatile all the way, Venky had portrayed myriad varities of roles in his career path and still on the run.

Earlier news said that he has associated himself with the director of ‘Gamyam’, Krish and will start a new project with him soon. But, for some unsaid reasons the proposed project was shelved and even the script was not readied.

Latest update is, Venkatesh will act in a new film to be directed by Sreenu Vaitla. The script for this movie is ready and it will go to the floors on 12th March. Producers ‘Sye’ Giri and Suresh Babu will together be making this film on their production banner.

A whole new group of youngsters is now in the industry with Nag Chainthanya being the latest. Yet, a massive family crowd is in favor of Venky and his family entertainers. He is famed for giving opportunity to young directors and experiment with innovative subjects. After ‘King’, Sreenu Vaitla is charged up and let’s hope the duo brings out a super hit movie for us.

Is Gopichand out to threaten again?

The concept of stepping into film industry as a villain and later getting promoted to being a hero has worked wonders for many stars in South Indian Cinema.

Even though, Gopichand made his debut as a hero with ‘Tholi Valapu’, it was ‘Jayam’ which bought him to limelight. He turned a villain with ‘Jayam’ which reaped wide accolades from the audience leading him to play the antagonist in ‘Nijam’ and ‘Varsham’.

He made his second stint in the lead with ‘Yagnam’ directed by AS Ravi and produced by Pokuri Babu Rao on Etharam Films banner. The movie became a blockbuster hit smashing box office records and a new image for Gopichand arrived. From then on, there was no looking back and he is now one of the hit action hero in tinsel town.

Film Nagar sources have arrived upon a new piece of info which sounds surprising. Gopichand will be seen again in the anti-hero role! Venkatesh will be playing the male lead in this upcoming movie which will be directed by Sreenu Vaitla.

Gopichand pitted against Venkatesh, sounds very interesting and will sure be a new experience for us.

And the Oscar goes to…… A.R. Rahman

Not one but two Oscars to the legend of Indian music. A.R. Rahman has created history winning two Oscars for the Danny Boyle film the 'Slumdog Millionaire'. Rahman won the awards for the Best Original Song for 'Jai Ho..' and the Best Original Score. The film that was nominated in ten categories has swept the Academy Awards night winning eight Oscars. Rahman said he was blessed that his mother was with him. He said he always had a choice in life between love and hate and he chose love.

This is the first time that an Indian is walking away with two Oscars and also this is the first time that two Indians are receiving Oscars in the same year. Resul Pookutty has received an award for the best sound mixing. All the channels are abuzz with tele-cons with the child artists, the actors and all associated with the film that has created history. Veteran singers including Lata Mangeshkar and K.J. Yesudas have congratulated Rahman for creating history.

'Slumdog' has emerged as the personal favorite for many

Politicians including Sonia Gandhi and P. Chidambaram have congratulated both the Indians for making the country proud. It was just great to see the entire 'Slumdog' team come to the dais when Slumdog won the best picture award.

Well congrats to the entire 'Slumdog Millionaire' team and specially to ARR and Resul Pookutty for creating history and bring honour to India, Jai Hind!!!

And the Oscar goes to…… A.R. Rahman

Not one but two Oscars to the legend of Indian music. A.R. Rahman has created history winning two Oscars for the Danny Boyle film the 'Slumdog Millionaire'. Rahman won the awards for the Best Original Song for 'Jai Ho..' and the Best Original Score. The film that was nominated in ten categories has swept the Academy Awards night winning eight Oscars. Rahman said he was blessed that his mother was with him. He said he always had a choice in life between love and hate and he chose love.

This is the first time that an Indian is walking away with two Oscars and also this is the first time that two Indians are receiving Oscars in the same year. Resul Pookutty has received an award for the best sound mixing. All the channels are abuzz with tele-cons with the child artists, the actors and all associated with the film that has created history. Veteran singers including Lata Mangeshkar and K.J. Yesudas have congratulated Rahman for creating history.

'Slumdog' has emerged as the personal favorite for many!

Politicians including Sonia Gandhi and P. Chidambaram have congratulated both the Indians for making the country proud. It was just great to see the entire 'Slumdog' team come to the dais when Slumdog won the best picture award.

Well congrats to the entire 'Slumdog Millionaire' team and specially to ARR and Resul Pookutty for creating history and bring honour to India, Jai Hind!!!

Ramoji Film City hosts Kalyan Ram’s film shoot

NTR Arts banner was established recently by Kalyan Ram and the production house made their maiden venture with ‘Athanokkade’ which had a good opening. Production No. 2 was ‘Hare Ram’, a high budget film that had a lukewarm response at the box office.
In the line of big budget films, a new movie was launched without publicizing it much to the media. At present, the shooting of the film is on going at Ramoji Film City. Sathi Babu directs this film as a commercial cocktail. Some of the important sequences are being filmed during this schedule and later the crew will move on to a different location.

Nag Chainthanya’s next stop is Vizag

True to the adage, like father like son, the stars Nagarjuna and Nag Chainthanya are both busy with their shooting schedules and when Junior Nag is working hard for his first venture, Nag is busy planning his upcoming ventures with young directors.
By now, the well acquainted news is ‘Dil’ Raju is making a huge budget film starring Nag Chainthanya and debutant Karthika, daughter of yesteryear heroine Radha. The movie has not been titled so far. Vasu Varma debuts as a director with this film.
The crew was working in the sets constructed at Hyderabad for awhile and also had some shooting schedules in Visakhapatnam. Now, they are moving to Vizag for a lengthy second schedule which will be followed by some more patch work in Hyderabad.

B-day special: Vijaya Nirmala

Vijaya Nirmala debuted to cinema with a Malayalam film ‘Bhargavi Nilayam’ starring Prem Nazeer. She shared screen space with prominent stars in South Indian cinema with ‘Panduranga Mahatyam’ starring NTR, ‘Budhimanthudu’ with ANR and also enacted with MGR and Sivaji Ganesan in Tamil.
After acting in super hit films, her aspiration to become a director got the better out of her job. She ventured into direction with ‘Kavita’ (Malayalam) made on a big budget of 3 Lakhs. Energized with the success talks, she stepped into Telugu making ‘Meena’, a celluloid version of a novel which became a super hit of the times. Then, she remade ‘Kavita’ in Telugu rendering a hat-trick hit.
She was an able director and churned out many 100 day hits like ‘Amayakudu Kadu Asadhyudu’, ‘Hema Hemilu’, ‘Mudu Puvvulu Aru Kayalu’, ‘Ram Robert Raheem’ (remake of ‘Amar Akbar Anthony’), ‘Doctor Cine Actor’, ‘Antham Kadidi Arambam’, ‘Bejawada Bebbuli’, ‘Sahasame Na Upiri’, ‘Devadasu’. Till now she has made about 46 films with 20 of them being made on her home production. ‘Neramu Siksha’, the upcoming film is her 46th directorial venture and her 50th film in combination with Krishna (as hero and heroine). The movie is slated for a release on 31st May which is the birth date of actor Krishna.
Albeit she was an actress during the beginning of her career, Vijaya Nirmala was allured towards direction and is one satisfied woman nearing her half century mark. The filmmaker’s dream is to make 100 films in her career and leave her trail in cinema.
Vijaya Nirmala is exalted with happiness this birthday as her husband superstar Krishna has been awarded with Padma Bhushan, NTR National Award and a doctorate recently.
We wish the best of success for the filmmaker’s future endeavors and wish a very happy birthday.

Oye: Siddharth's next

Siddharth, chocolate hero of Telugu movies, disappeared for quite a while from Tollywood to try his luck in Bollywood. But unlike our heroines Asin and Sada from the South, he didn't find recent success in Bollywood. Though there was a minor rumour of Siddharth being 'friendly' with Soha Ali Khan, it turned out to be false. And now, Siddharth is back with Konchem Ishtamga Konchem Kashtamga (KIKK) that was released on February 5 and is running to full houses.

Meantime, Siddharth has started his next film, Oye which is set for a summer release. Directed by debutante Anand, who worked as assistant director for Bommarillu and Bollywood films, Oye will be produced by D.V.V. Danayya under Universal Media banner.

The heroine is Shamili, the cute child star of many Tamil and Malayalam films. Her most popular role was that of Anjali in the Mani Ratnam starrer of the same name. Now, after a 10 year hiatus, the chubby-cheeked girl is back as a ravishing and sexy young teenager to recapture the hearts of South India film audiences, especially young men.

Over 40% of the shooting is over and the producer is aiming for a mid-summer release.

Kondam Krishna Raju returns

Kondam Krishna Raju, who produced Sri Ramadasu and Vijayendra Varma, is ready for a comeback with two big budget films announced. His first film will begin shooting from this May. Trichoor in Kerala has been selected as the location and according to Raju, a new Telugu girl and a young hero will play the lead roles.

The shooting of the second film will begin only by the end of this year. The script work is progressing and Raju plans to take a big hero for this film. Raju�s two prominent films Sri Ramadasu and Vijayendra Verma had Nagarjuna and Balakrishna in the lead roles.

Magadheera in Tamil and Malayalam

Allu Arvind of Geetha Arts, noted Tollywood producer-distributer and maker of recent Bollywood blockbuster Ghajini, is planning to dub and release Ram Charan Teja's ongoing Telugu film Magadheera in Tamil and Malayalam. Being directed by S.S. Rajamouli, one the most successful film directors in Tollywood, Magadheera is slated for an April release.

The audio of the film is planned to be released in the first week of March. Supreme Music holds the audio distribution rights. According to reports, Blue Sky Cinema Inc. will release the film in the US with 21 prints in all the major cities, including Toronto.

Set in the backdrop of divine mysteries of death and rebirth, Magadheera is planned as an action-based romantic thriller to suit audiences of all classes. Kajal Agarwal is the heroine. Srihari will appear in a special role. Shooting of a major part of the film has been already completed at the locations of Gujarat and Rajasthan.

The film is now in the last leg of its production being held in a gigantic set at Ramoji Film City, which is said to be one of the costliest sets ever made for a Telugu film. Story is by Vijayendra Prasad, dialogues are by Ratnam, styling is by Rama Rajamouli, while music is by M.M. Keeravani.

Magadheera is the second film by actor Ram Charan Teja, son of Telugu megastar Chiranjeevi and the nephew of Nagendra Babu and Pawan Kalyan. He made his film debut with blockbuster Chirutha (2007), produced by Ashwini Dutt and directed by Puri Jagannadh. For his performance in this film, he won three prestigious awards: Special Jury award in Nandi Awards, Cine MAA Award for best male bebut and Filmfare Award for best male bebut. Chiruta collected a first day distributors' share of nearly Rs. 40 million.

'Sontha Vuru' releasing at the end of Feb

‘Sontha Vuru’ starring Raja of ‘Anand’ and Theertha in the main cast is directed by P. Sunil Kumar Reddy. The film is produced by Kishori Basireddy and Ravindra Babu on Shravya Films banner. A press meet was organized at the company’s office to relate the news about the movie’s release date on February end.

Actor Raja said, “I am very happy and excited to be a part of this project because this will be my first release in 2009. For the first time, sans any hero image I have underplayed the character in a fresh script and I am eager to know what audiences feel about it. By seeing the characters and plot, people can relate themselves to the feel on screen associated with their nativity. Even though the film is based on a native village, the director has made it to suit global standards. Theertha is an alumnus of Film Institue, Pune and a talented actress. Comprising of many senior artists, I hope audiences will like the film based on a good script.”

Director Sunil Kumar speaking about the movie said that it’s an emotional drama which has a storyline depicting that albeit us being urban residents our root cause goes to the native rurality.

Producer Ravindra Babu announced that efforts are on to release the film by the end of this month. Heroine Theertha expressed her gratitude to the makers for offering her the role, and said that this will be her first film after passing out of the film institute.

Nandi Awards 2007 to be presented on 14th Feb

Along with the guild of members, C. Parthasarathi, Special Commissioner, Information and Public Relations, and Managing Director, AP State Film, Television and Theatre Development Corporation, announced the award winners and related the news that it will be presented during the Nandi Awards function to be held on 14th Feb, at Lalithakala Thoranam.

By now, it’s acquainted news that Dasari Narayana Rao will receive the NTR National Film Award for 2007 and prominent film producer Tammareddy Krishnamurthy will receive the prestigious Raghupathi Venkaiah Award.

The list goes as Nandi Award for Best Actor 2007 for Venkatesh (Adavari Matalaku Ardhale Verule), Best Actress 2007 for Charmme Kaur for Manthra, and Best Director 2007 to Krishna Vamsi (Chandamama).

Just two more days to go for the famous Nandi Awards. Watch this space for more updates.

Happy Birthday Jagapathi Babu

True to the name of his first title ‘Simha Swapnam’, Jagapathi Babu carved a niche for himself among the family crowd and youngsters with his versatile roles that offered variety every time on screen. Even though being the son of veteran producer-director VB Rajendra Prasad, he didn’t have the urge to be in films until offers came his way. Slowly, he started cruising studios, associating with artists to learn the art of acting.

Jagapati Arts banner paved way for him to be recognized in the industry and he debuted with ‘Simha Swapnam’ as a star. From then on, it was a path of success all along for the tall and handsome hero for audience accepted him in different demeanors without pre-conceptions.

'Peddarikam' (1992) in which he shared screen space with senior artists like Bhanumathi Ramakrishna, Allu Ramalingaiah, NN Pilla gave a good start followed by the blockbuster hit ‘Gaayam’, an action drama under the direction of Ram Gopal Varma. The prestigious Nandi Award for Best Actor was awarded for his able performance in the film.

SV Krishna Reddy’s ‘Shubhalagnam' took him straight to the heart of the family crowd who identified himself as contemporary Shobhan Babu, the image which he celebrates even today. The role which he feels as one of the best is in ‘Anthapuram’ (1998) directed by Krishna Vamsi that flipped over his earlier image and attained him a Nandi for Best Supporting Actor.

Bollywood star Sharukh Khan complimenting his performance said, “Even though I reiterated the character, I was not able to outsmart what he did in the Telugu version.”

With myriad roles to his credit, he has enacted in almost every genre like romance, action, comedy and family drama working with popular filmmakers. Some of his best work includes 'Ayanaku Iddaru', ‘Pelli Kanuka’, ‘Subhakankshalu’, ‘Anukokunda Oka Roju’, ‘Pellaina Kothalo’, ‘Raksha’ and ‘Katha Nayakudu’.

Jagapathi Babu is at present working for the films ‘Siddham’ by JD, in the role of a taskforce police, ‘Bangaru Babu’ directed by Jonnalagadda Srinivas, ‘Adhinetha’ by V. Samudra in the role of a politician and a sequel for his blockbuster ‘Gaayam’ to be directed by Madhan. ‘Akashamantha’ in which he plays a prominent cameo is getting released for Ugadi on 27th March.