Ileana says Bollywood is her priority

September 7, 2012

One year and half ago. Illeana had no hits in hand. Tollywood had almost written her off. She had a string of flops to her name. Rechchipo, Saleem, Nenu Naa Rakshasi, Snehitudu, Shakti all are films that sank without trace.

Then she signed Julayi and DCM. A lease of life shall we say. She did not attend any promotional event related to the film. Illeana even absconded from the audio function of Julayi.But when she needed to work hard on her diminishing career, Illeana was least bothered.

Howeve, the actress, who is all set to debut in Bollywood with Shahid Kapoor’s Barfi, says that Hindi films will be her priority for now. “Like any debutante trying to make a mark in a new industry, I have to give it the importance it needs,” she says.

Shubha Phutela walks out of Ram’s movie

September 7, 2012

Shubha Phutela , the Punjabi lass who is a model primarily is based out of Bangalore. She made her debut with Tamil movie, Maalai Pozhudin Mayakathilaey (MPM) signed the dotted line for Ram’s movie earlier this year. However, she had certain health issues because of the pungent chillies she encountered while shooting for some chase scenes in the Guntur Mirchi yard and was advised rest for two months to recover.

As a result of all this, she has now been replaced with Nikitha, a new comer. The movie is being directed by ‘Bommarillu’ fame Bhaskar and is produced by BVSN Prasad and Ram is playing an action packed role in the movie. Music is being scored by G.V. Prakash.

Siddharth and Samantha to romance in Dubai

September 7, 2012

Siddarth and Samantha’s upcoming movie is all set to travel to Dubai from the 19th of this month for a new schedule. The movie unit will shoot one song and some talkie there. This is the second movie of Nandini Reddy who delivered a hit last year in the form of Ala Modhalaindhi.

As per the strategy of Nandini Reddy much details about the movie are not revealing out. The movie shooting is going on silently in Hyderabad with out any publicity. Sources say that Nitya Menon, who shot to fame with Ala Modalaindi is doing a cameo role in this film. This movie is said to be a hilarious romantic comedy.

Bellamkonda Suresh is producing the movie on his Sai Ganesh productions banner.Thaman is composing the music.

ETV Suman is no more

September 7, 2012

Eenadu group Chairman Ramoji Rao’s second son Suman who is suffering from a life threatening cancer from the last 6 years had breathed his last in the wee hours of Friday. He is undergoing treatment in Yashoda hospital in Hyderabad. He is 45, and is survived by two daughters and a son. Suman would be cremated today in the premises of Ramoji Film City.

Apart from being Managing Director of Ushodaya Entertainments Private Limited which holds Eenadu group, Suman is also a director, actor, and a producer.

KCR not for Telangana

September 7, 2012

When ever telangana is referred to they invariably remember TRS and its chief KCR. Many might have fought for telangana but everyone will agree in unison that KCR is the main person to get national recognition for Telangana. However recent developments lead to suspicion that KCR himself is not for telangana. Many of his rivals on innumerous occasions alleged that KCR is not interested in the formation of Telananga but is interested in minting money by turning on and off the T-moment. Some others allege that KCR will turn Telananga into family fiefdom and will give the people of the region family rule which they detest.

During one week or so focus of National media is once again turned to Telagana and many political parties , T-MPs from Cong gave representation to PM Manmohan Singh. While meeting CPI, PM said there was no consensus on political parties regarding Telangana and the same was reiterated to T-MPs. Even TDP chief Chandra Babu is presently in Delhi, trying to gauge the mood of political parties on Telangana formation. When so much is happening one would expect KCR to be in thick of action. However he is seen no where, with even his predictions of T-Signals from Center turning false.

When media asked whether any developments can be expected on Telangana during his visit to Delhi, he calmly said that he is out to attend Parliament Session and not to discuss on Telangana. This shows that KCR is not for telangana.

‘Goan Queen’ turning ‘Flop Queen’

September 7, 2012

The moment one hears about Goa they will be invariably reminded of gogreous beauty Ileana. She was once hailed as the Greek Goddess of Tollywood. Many men lost their sleep over her slim waist beauty while women and even her beautiful co stars started envying her. Whether her envies worked against her or not no one can find out but this gorgeous ‘Goan Queen’ is fast turning out to be a ‘Flop Queen’.

Eversince she made her debut with ‘Devdasu’ she made men cutting across all age groups as her devdas’ and the moment ‘Pokiri’ came many became mad of her. Her magic reached unproportional heights with Jalsa and Kick. Men used to feel that they need not look for other means to get ‘Kick’ but one glance at Ileana would be sufficient.

Now it seems all those beautiful days are bygones and will be only sweet memories as after ‘Kick’ she scored a flop ‘Sixer’. Her films ‘Rechipo’, ‘Saleem’, ‘Shakti’, ‘Nenu Na Rakshasi’, ‘Snehitudu’. ‘Devudu Chesina Manushulu’ and ‘Julaayi’ disappointed all movie lovers and virtually broke the hearts of her die hard fans. Her films in other regions are also not performing well with sandalwood flick ‘Huduga Hudigi’ disappearing from the radar. She is banking on ‘Barfee’ in Bollywood. Apart from her flop films Tollywood film makers complain that she turned extremely arrogant not participating in the promos of the films.

YSR Book to ‘Book’ Cong

September 7, 2012

YSR soul KVP.Ramachandra Rao who is having immense clout at Cong High Command is launching a book on YSR which includes a collection of YSR’s experiences during his landmark ‘Padayatra’ which bought back Cong to power bringing back lost glory to the party. Ever Since his sad demise, there were lot of political developments with Sonia forced to send YSR son Jagan packing to jail. However Jagan gained such immense popularity that he will win hands down even if he is in jail.

Congress dual policy of claiming YSR as their leader and his son as a corrupt traitor did not find any takers. It is still in dilemma as it paid heavy price by making its leader Shankar Rao file case against Jagan. Now even when some leaders like V.Hanumantha Rao and Dharmana Prasadarao advocated to erase the memories of YSR, its high command and most of the leaders including ministers are all set to attend the launch of YSR book which will surely ‘Book’ Cong.

Buzz is PM Manmohan read the invitation with keen interest and ministers Raghuveera Reddy, Anam Ramnarayana Reddy, Vatti Vasantha Kumar, Geetha Reddy, Sabita Indira Reddy, Viswaroop, Ponnala, Danam, Ahmadulla, Manikya Varaprasad who turned YSR baiters after his death will also be present at the launch. Sunitha LakshmaReddy, DK,Aruna will also make it to the function.

VH waging a lone battle

September 7, 2012

Congress’ old war horse V.Hanumantha Rao more popularly known as VH or Hanmanna seems to be waging a lone battle against YSR. This self proclaimed Sonia and Rahul loyalist is not bothered even if he is insulted by them. Many of his juniors were made CM while his BC candidature was thrown in dust bin by Sonia. However he is not unduly petrubed and says strengthening of the party in state is his top priority.

He says currently the party is in dire straits in AP and one should find out YSR and Jagan’s coverts in the party who are working against it. He is calling for brainstorming session but his desperate cries is falling in deaf ears of High Command. He is making all arrangements for the meet at Hyderabad even though his repeated requests and representations with CM Kiran and APCC chief Botsa for a time bound action against Jagan’s supporters is cold shouldered.

He is advocating for removal of YSR name from the party and stoppage of chanting of his name. He says any reference to YSR will ultimately help YSRCP getting free publicity. But many feel he is waging a losing battle as even high command and many of the leaders claiming YSR and his schemes as Cong Party leader and its brainchild. It has to be seen how successful VH will be in his attempts.

Babu to become Cong CM?

September 7, 2012

Everyone knows TDP supremo Chandrababu Naidu is a keen strategist. Had it not been Telangana, he would have made optimum use of Cong weakness and by this time would have become CM of Andhra Pradesh. In the runup for 2014 assembly and Loksabha elections Babu struck chord by promising 100 party tickets to BCs thus igniting a discussion among various political parties. More recently he even went to Delhi to get the approval from various national parties on the issue. He is keen on reviving the dead Third Front to boost up his sagging political parties.

Babu’s maneuvors also found chord with state Cong leaders who feel that Babu would make better CM for AP as Cong has no chance of coming back to power. They in their private discussions feel that Babu won the hearts of BCs and even SC/STs in backward classes. They feel that Babu is a dynamic leader and AP will prosper under his leadership. Not only that Cong MPs Gutta Sukhender Reddy, Balaram Nayak, Komati Reddy Rajagopal Reddy met Babu in TDP office shocking all parties and political analysts.

Babu is making waves even though poll surveys predicted blank for him. Some Cong MPs feel that if TDP and Cong fight elections together, they will wipe out YSRCP of Jagan. However some say that in that case both will draw blank. However MPs are of the opinion that Babu is a fighter and even after so many set backs is fighting like a soldier with strong determination. They hail his moves of stemming the flow of BCs, SCs and STs towards YSR party.

Srikanth loved by all film biggies !

September 7, 2012

Family hero Srikanth is loved by all top stars in Tollywood industry. This can be gauged by the fact that when ever any multistarrer or mythological films are planned he will be offered important roles by the heroes and film makers. Recently Srikanth starred as Lakshmana in Natasimha Balakrishna’s mythological starrer ‘Sri Rama Rajyam’. Now he even starred in King Nagarjuna’s devotional wonder ‘Shirdi Sai’. He played the role of Dasaganu to perfection.

From the starting of his career Srikanth featured in many films of top heroes sharing good rapport with them. He featured in Nagarjuna’s ‘Varasudu’, Vekatesh’s ‘Kondapalli Raja’ before starring in Srikanth’s ‘One By Two’, ‘Egire Pavurama’ and more recently in ‘All The Best’. He even shared screen presence with ANR in ‘Pandaga’, ‘Sakutuma Saparivara Sametamga’ and Jagapathy Babu in ‘Chusoddam Randi’. Even with Raviteja he starred in ‘Tirumala Tirupati Venkatesa’.Even Mohanmbabu and Megastar Chiranjeevi loved Srikanth by offering roles in ‘Appuchesi Tappukudu’ and ‘Shankaradada Zindabad’. Jagapathi Babu and Raviteja showered their love on Srikanth in ‘Nagaram’ and ‘Khadgam’.He is once again teaming with Venkatesh in ‘Shadow’.

All this shows Srikanth is star of all stars and is one actor who can be banked upon by all stars in need of reliable actor.

Kareena and Saif to live together?

September 6, 2012

Saif Ali Khan had bought house in Mumbai where Kareena Kapoor and he would move into after marriage. They bought the top two floors of Satguru Sharan Apts, a 12-storeyed building on 29th Road, Khar (W). The couple performed the puja under the guidance of a pandit on September 1.

The two tie the knot this October and are expected to move into this house soon after. Reportedly, Saif is also planning to set up a mini-gym and a swimming pool on the top floor. There were also rumours that the couple is contemplating to live together in this house even before their marriage.

Stylish Star and director teams up!

September 6, 2012

Post the success of Julayi, Stylish Star Allu Arjun seems to be on a signing spree. His next movie Iddarammayilatho is going to be on sets very soon and now he had signed one more movie under the direction of Surender Reddy direction. Official sources say that the Allu Arjun-Surender Reddy’s film would commence from November 2012.

Producers Nallamalapu Srinivas (Bujji) and & Dr K Venkateswara Rao will be producing this crazy combo together and Vakkantham Vamsi is penning the story. SS Thaman would compose the music for the first time for an Allu Arjun’s film.

Kangana is Single again!

September 6, 2012

After a year of dating with a UK based doctor Nicholas Lafferty, Kangna Ranaut had decided to call it quits.She was spotted with him at several public places in Mumbai. At that time, friends of the actress told that the duo are in a “committed space” and that’s why they’ve become comfortable being spotted in the open together.

However, it is now learnt that earlier this week, the couple decided to part ways. The reason of conflict — their expectations from the future. Nick wanted to take the relationship to the next level and Kangna wasn’t ready, professionally and personally, to take that step.

Suriya following brother Karthi

September 6, 2012

Karthi who had became an household name in Telugu had dubbed for his last movie, Sakuniand his brother Suriya is now doing exactly the same for his upcoming movie, Maattrraan. The movie was tentatively titled ‘Duplicate’ in Telugu but now the producer Bellamkonda Suresh had decided to name it ‘Brothers’. The title is really apt for the film since Surya will be seen as conjoined twins.

Kajal Agarwal is playing the female lead in the movie. Harris Jayaraj has composed the music. The film is expected to hit the screens on October 12 which is just a day after Pawan Kalyan’s Cameraman Ganga Tho Rambabu’s release

Kareena is the World’s Sexiest Lady

September 6, 2012

In a recent survey conducted by the Popular fashion magazine, Maxim, Kareena Kapoor was voted as the sexiest lady in the world as she has graced the cover page of Maxim.

The actress is overwhelmed and about the same, she said, “It is always wonderful to feel sexy and hot. And when it comes from Maxim, which truly recognises hotness in a woman, then it is even better.”

“Hotness is about how a woman carries herself. It is not just about a thin waist and long legs. It is about the entire package. I am glad that you guys find me hot and I definitely take it as a big compliment,” concluded the actress.

Simha’s specials soon

September 6, 2012

Stars always look for new things to increase their span of acting as and when age catches up. Tollywood has four stalwarts who ruled the industry for quite some time. They are Megastar Chiranjeevi, King Nagarjuna, Victory Venkatesh and Natasimha Balakrishna. While Megastar handed over his mantle to his son Ram Charan Teja, brother Power Star Pawan Kalyan and nephew Stylish Star Allu Arjun. Even King Nagarjuna apart from doing different kinds of roles already groomed his son Naga Chaitanya and is even preparing ground for the launch of his another son Akhil. Victory Venkatesh is also trying different roles. Now comes Natasimha Balakrishna who with his spectacular stunts, daring dances and powerful dialogues shakes the silver screen and makes box offices mint money.

However with age fast catching up it seems he is looking for a changeover as he already announced his entry to politics where he is all set to continue his bitter battle with Megastar Chiranjeevi. He is also grooming his son Mokshagna for a magnificient entry on tollywood silver screen. Apart from that he is now setting a trend by starring in special roles in upcoming films. He recently starred in a sensational special role in Manchu Manoj’s ‘Ukodatara Ulikipadatara’ and is getting ready for a grand role in Nara Rohit’s upcoming venture. So one can expect many more specials from Simha.

Secret of ‘Annamayya’ success

September 6, 2012

Tollywood has seen many devotional flicks in recent times. Many film makers tried their best to give genex movie lovers a grandiose treat of yesteryear devotional flicks but met with little success. Film makers even stopped making mythological and devotional films for the fear of getting compared with the earlier superhits. It is a known fact that none of the genex stars can enact even one percent of yesteryear stalwarts performances. When Nandamuri Balakrishna starred in ‘Sri Ramarajyam’ many movie lovers compared it with Tollywood’s greatest hit ‘Lava Kusa’ and gave it thumbs down. Though the film bagged awards at international film fests movie lovers after watching both ‘Lavakusa’ and ‘Sriramarajyam’ felt that ‘Lavakusa’ is incomparable.

Balakrishna earlier starred in ‘Pandurangadu’ and ‘Srikrishnarjuna Vijayam’. However both failed to attract the attention of movie lovers. Even when Nagarjuna starred in ‘Ramadasu’ it did not get the attention as much as ‘Annamayya’ which got stupendous response. This made many wonder what was wrong with all these flicks. There is nothing wrong in the flicks but all the flicks are remakes of earlier hits and invariable movie lovers were forced to analyse the stars performances with yesteryear greats thus affecting the end results of the films which was not the case with ‘Annamayya’.

Till Nag and Raghavendra Rao teamed together to come with ‘Annamayya’ none of the film makers thought of making a film on Annamayya and Nag in that way saved of getting compared with earlier stalwarts. So annmayya went on to become a sensational hit. Now even Nag’s Shirdi Sai is getting compared with Vijayachander’s Sai Baba Mahatyam and is effecting the end result.

Will Taman turn the tide?

September 6, 2012

Since last year and the start of 2012 Taman has been creating a sensation with his musical tornadoes. However it seems he is now facing rough tides with other music directors stepping up the heat. It all started with Melody Brahma Manishama shocking all turning Mass Brahma in Mega Power Star Ram Charan Teja’s ‘Racha’. Then Devi Sri Prasad who was shockingly silent the entire previous year suddenly decided to create a tsunami and with ‘Gabbar Singh’ he showed all other music directors their place and made all his critics who started writing him off aware of his stature.He did not stop there and already scored stylish music for Stylish Star Allu Arjun’s ‘Julaayi’. Even Keeravani is not lagging behind as he struck back with ‘eega’ and is spellbounding all with his devotional tracks in ‘Shirdi Sai’.

Now focus is shifted to Taman and many are left to wonder how he will sail through his music in these rough tides. It is not that he is talented but will he be able to tackle the enormous pressure. He started off well with ‘Dookudu’ and then was on song with ‘Business Man’ and ‘Dookudu’. Thaman is all set to strike back once again with big ventures like Nayak, Balupu, Gauravam, Badshah.

Nagarjuna’s Shiridi Sai Movie Review – 3.5/5

September 6, 2012

Rating: 3.5/5
Banner: Sri Sai Krupa Entertainments Pvt. Ltd.
Cast: Nagarjuna, Srikanth, Sneha, Kamalini Mukherjee and others
Cinematography: S. Gopal Reddy
Art: Sri.Bhaskar Raju, Srikanth
Editing: Shravan
Music: Keeravani
Producer: A.Mahesh Reddy
Screenplay- Direction: Raghavender Rao
Dialogues: Parchuri Brothers
CBFC rating: U
Release date: 06-09-2012

Synopsis –

There have been several prior depictions on the life and times of SADGURU SAI BABA on celluloid in quite a few languages. But why this version stands out is, for its unique approach, presentation, uses of technology, and of course portrayal of Baba by one of the greatest actors of our times – Shri NAGARJUNA. The film has been directed by one of India’s most successful directors – Shri K.RAGHAVENDRA RAO. Producers of the movie Shri Mahesh Reddy and Shri Girish Reddy have set up rich production standards.

Nagarjuna as Shiridi SaiShirdi Sai Baba is widely accepted as the 6th incarnation of Lord Dattatreya. At a tender age of 16yrs Baba arrived at the village of Shirdi. He was found wandering about outskirts of the village, and was often seen sitting under a neem tree eating leaves. After a brief stay there, he disappeared for a long period, only to suddenly reappear to a muslim- Chand Patil. Patil was searching for his lost horse, and Baba leads him to his horse. Thrilled, Patil asks him to travel with his entourage for a marriage in his family.

The moment he sets foot in Shirdi, miracles begin to happen. Baba decides to stay in Shirdi. Baba makes a dilapidated mosque his home. More and more people became his devotees and started tidying up the place. The mosque soon became a holy place and Baba named it DWARAKAMAI, where everyone irrespective of their caste or creed was welcome.

Devotees used to bring him food every day. But he preferred to go around the village begging for alms. When asked why Baba begs for food, when he could create anything with his powers, he says by doing this he was taking away all the sins committed by people. Through this he also made people realize the importance of “anna daanam”.

Baba believed in celebrating URUS and SHRI RAMA NAVAMI together with muslims and hindus thereby teaching everyone communal harmony.As the story unfolds, many more significant and interesting aspects of Baba’s life are narrated in a captivating manner.Right from the British officer- Wales- clicking Baba’s only existing photo- to Baba’s soul travelling the three worlds in 72 hours- to the Nagpur multi-millionaire Booti proposing to build a Krishna Mandiram in Shirdi- right down to Baba’s Mahaasamaadhi.

All devotees of Shirdi Sai Baba would be overwhelmed with happiness and be blessed by watching this masterpiece.

Performances:
Nagarjuna proved the actor in him portraying the role to perfection. His radiant eyes, subtle expressions, the pain and joy in his actions prove that Nagarjuna lives the role and has poured oodles of devotion into the whole act.
Srikanth as Dasaganu, Sri Hari as Wales, Brahmanandham as Sandeham, Kamalini as Radha Krishna Mai, Shiyaji Shinde as Bhatia, Sharath Babu as Mahalsapathi, Tanikella Bharani as Bhooti, Vinaya Prasad as Bayijya Bai are good in their roles.

Positives
Nagarjuna’s action
Climax sequence
Keeravani’s Music and BGM
Situational Songs
Screenplay, Direction and Cinematography
Technical aspects

Negatives
Over make up in some situations
Slow paced story
unnecessary Comedy track

Analysis
Shirdi Sai takes into a different mood and world right after the beginning. Director tried to give some clues about the origin of Shirdi Sai, which is still a mystery. Story moves along at a quick pace with nice usage of songs at the right places.Sai Baba’s teachings about life are uplifting. His confrontation with Nanavali (played by Sai kumar) is one of the best scenes in the film. There are some good dialogues in this scene. Despite the weak comedy track, first half impresses with neat orientation.

Second half is even better. Director makes sure that this half is wrapped up within an hour and hence the audiences don’t get bored at all. There are some touching scenes in this hour. Climax sequence is the best of the lot.Shirdi Sai will appeal to the target audience and has good chances to make good money at the box office. Watch it if you are devotee of Shirdi Sai

Verdict:
Given the budget and huge popularity of Sai Baba in AP, ‘Shirdi Sai’ can be a commercially viable venture. On the other side, audiences will easily flow down to theatres with bliss-ful expectations to watch the miracles and life of Sai Baba.

Congress MPs surprise unity

September 6, 2012

Congress MPs many times faced flak for not working for the cause of the state of Andhra Pradesh and people many times at many forums blasted them for selling the interest of the state for their vested interests. They felt that though Congress was presented with 33 loksabha seats, all those MPs are spineless and will not even open their mouth in front of their High Command as shivers ran down their spines. They ask these incompetent MPs to learn from their counterparts in TN and UP who forget their differences when it comes to state interests.

Seems the negative poll predictions are scaring these MPs as all of them who are divided across various regions in a rare show of unity tried to fight for the state on farmers issue. Agricultre Minister Kanna Lakshminaraana drove home the dire state farmers are and now Seemandhra MP Kavuri Samba Siva Rao spoke to T forum convener Ponnam Prabhakar and both along with all the MPs flew to Delhi and met Union Agriculture minsiter who cleared 6 lakshs tonnes of fertilsers for the state. Kanna Lakshminarayana recently wrote letter to all MPs about the fertilisers issue and even gave representation to all union ministers.

However when nothing happened Ponnam Prabhakar realised that a officer at Union Agriculre Ministry is working against AP and if not taken to task stae will be at loss, immediately called Kavuri Sambasiva Rao. The two MPs along with G.Vivek, Rajayya, Ananta Venkatrami Reddy, Botsa Jhansi met Union Minister Bansal and explained facts. The minister took the official to task and solved the matter.

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