The National Film Awards 2017 are being announced in New Delhi. Oscar-nominated Indian filmmaker Shekar Kapur is heading the jury this year. As many as 321 films are in competition to win the biggest movie awards of the country.

In a fitting tribute, legendary yesteryear heroine Sridevi had been chosen for the Best Actress award for her emotional and gritty performance in her last movie ‘Mom’.

As expected, Baahubali The Conclusion has begun its count on a grand note. The film has bagged the Best Film Providing Wholesome Entertainment, Best Action Choreography (Peter Heins) and Best Visual Effects (RC Kamal Kannan) awards.

Debutant Sankalp Reddy’s Ghazi has been adjudged the Best Telugu Film. AR Rahman has won Best Music Direction (for songs and background score) for Mani Ratnam’s Kaatru Veliyidai. Malayalam filmmaker Jayaraj has been given the Best Director honour.

Controversial TV presenter turned actress Sri Reddy is in no mood to put an end to her series of leaks in the wake of casting couch and sexual exploitation in Tollywood.Though many predicted Sri Redy would calm down as she proclaimed not to attend TV debates, she has come up with another sensation.

Sri Reddy has now claimed that, executive producer Vakada Appa Rao who is a close aide of megastar Chiranjeevi has sexually abused and exploited hundreds of female artists including many teenage girls.

“#srireddyleaks This Executive producer Vakada Appa Rao, He sexually abused and exploited hundreds of female artists including 16 yrs girls also.Megastar Chiranjeevi gaaru he spoiled lives of many girls using your name. I request you sir, please don’t at all encourage such people,” stated Sri Reddy.

Since many other big names were surfaced in the casting couch row, Sri Reddy’s revelation of senior executive producer Vakada Appa Rao’s involvement in sexual exploitation is not a big shock actually. But, Sri Reddy requesting Chiranjeevi not to encourage such people is obviously a stunner. She indicated that, Appa Rao is mistreating many girls using megastar’s name.

It is an open secret that, managers and executive producers lure models and upcoming female artists into their trap only to dump them one day. They with a promise of film offers use them and later throw them to prostitution mire. The dream of becoming a film heroine or artist one day, many aspiring artists are sacrificing their lives.

Actually, it’s duty of managers and executive producers to finalize cast of a film. While stars and filmmakers ‘take the responsibility’ to conclude on lead heroines, managers will take care of other prominent cast in the film. Thus, these people are utilizing the opportunity to fulfill their sexual desires and also to ‘earn money’.

Will Chiranjeevi respond to Sri Reddy’s request?

Very few people knew who Sri Reddy was, until the television presenter-turned-actress who was seen hardly in 2 to 3 films.

Last month, she announced to leak Tollywood dark secrets of casting couch like how singer Suchitra leaked Kollywood illicit affairs in the name of Suchi Leaks.

Media’s Focus:
Soon after Sri Reddy announced her plans of leaking Tollywood casting couch affairs, media shifted its focus completely, though there were many serious issues in the state such as protests to get SCS for Andhra Pradesh.

Most of the TV channels invited Sri Reddy to debates and they behaved as if they would resolve all her problems.

Especially one particular channel showed special interest on Sri Reddy and they regularly invited her for their ‘special chat shows’.

Sri Reddy’s Next Step:
As announced, Sri Reddy started leaking pics, snap shots of her WhatsApp chats with few Telugu celebrities.

She initially alleged singer Sri Ram Chandra, a YouTube popular comedian, a successful hero and director Sekhar Kammula of using her with a promise of giving her film offers.

Except for Sekhar Kammula, none dared to condemn or speak their version about the issue. Sekhar Kammula even warned to file legal action against her.

When the actress said she didn’t mean to target that particular director and she narrates fantasy stories to her followers in social media, many thought that will be the end for Sri Leaks.

Warning To MAA And Telangana Government:
Sri Reddy then requested Telangana CM KCR to resolve her issues or else she would stage a fast to death, which will be followed by a nude protest in public.

Apparently, she would have expected government or MAA (Movie Artists Association) will consider her warning seriously. But, even normal public took her lightly.

Nude Protests At MAA:
Sri Reddy had stripped in front of the MAA building to protest women from other parts of the country being given prime priority.

She had later alleged that outsiders were more willing to trade sex for movie roles.

Sri claimed that MAA was not giving her membership despite the fact that she acted in several movies and also produced three films. Sri Reddy was then arrested and released on the same day.

MAA Announced Ban:
MAA President Sivaji Raja in a meeting conducted on the very next day after Sri Reddy’s nude protest before the chamber said it was nothing but a publicity stunt.

He denied to give MAA membership to her and also announced that the 900 members of the Association will never act with her. Actually, MAA or any other association will not have rights to ban an artist.

Sri Reddy’s Biggest Leak:
Sri Reddy took brave decision after MAA association made serious allegations against her. To everyone’s shock, the actress leaked her intimate pics with popular producer Suresh Babu’s younger son Abhiram.

She accused Abhiram of exploiting her sexually with a false promise of marrying her and also giving her movie offers.

Why Suresh Babu And Abhiram Were Mum:
Neither Suresh Babu nor Abhiram came before media either to condemn Sri Reddy’s allegations or to express their views regarding the matter.

Sri Reddy’s Other Leaks:
In the meantime, when everyone was shocked and enthused to know whether Sri Reddy’s allegations were true or not, Kona Venkat and director Koratala Siva’s names were surfaced online. While Kona Venkat condemned the reports, Koratala Siva maintained mum.

Cut To Friday:
MAA in its meeting on Friday announced to have lifted ban against Sri Reddy, besides vowing to set up a committee against sexual harassment.

MAA president Shivaji Raja affirmed that the association took the decision after the members asked him to rethink about ban.

MAA delegates have, however, not assured any action or investigation against Suresh Babu’s son or others.

Sri Reddy Changed Voice In TV Interview:
Sri Reddy in a TV program said that she will never again attend debates as she is willing to take legal action against ‘Kona Venkat’ in the matter, rather filing case against Abhiram who actually alleged to have cheated her in the name of film offers.

She in the debate also clarified that, director Teja mediated to resolve the matter, adding things didn’t settle between them.

What Happened In 24 Hours?
The biggest question is what happened in 24 hours from Thursday to Friday that MAA exhibited its sudden love towards Sri Reddy by lifting ban against her and on the other hand the actress too announced not to come out for TV debates which hinted ‘the end’ to Sri Reddy leaks controversy.

Why Media Zero Focus On Suresh Babu Family?
Interestingly, no media channel tried to contact Suresh Babu in these 24 hours time period, though they always have access to approach him or his son Abhiram.

Further, they didn’t even show visuals of Suresh Babu’s house or studio as to prove their sincerity in the matter, while telecasting debates with Sri Reddy. Apparently, electronic media for unknown reasons tried to save Suresh Babu from the matter.

Teja’s Mediation:
Teja has been maintaining healthy relationship with Suresh Babu ever since he was offered to direct Rana in Nene Raju Nene Mantri under Suresh Productions.

The director is supposed to make another film for the production that will have Venkatesh in lead role.

Maybe to showcase his gratitude, Teja besides offering roles to Sri Reddy in his two upcoming films, he is said to have intervened to settle the matter between the actress and the ace producer.

After Teja’s negotiations with Sri Reddy failed, she immediately leaked her romantic pictures with Abhiram and also WhatsApp chat snapshots with a writer and director.

What Might Have Happened?
Seems like, Suresh Babu used his full powers to put an end to the matter, without even moving his foot from his house.

It appears as if MAA acted as per the instructions from Suresh Babu in its fresh meeting where they announced to lift ban against Sri Reddy.

The actress too changed her voice all of the sudden during her last chat session with a TV channel. Apparently, MAA lifting ban on Sri Reddy was just to show this as reason for Sri Reddy’s next move of proclaiming to stop approaching media again in the matter.

All in all, Sri Reddy won in the matter, wherein ‘MAA’ lost its dignity with two different announcements in two different dates. Suresh Babu and his son are too lucky to escape, opine many!

In what could be seen as a major dent in his planning, hero Nani has completely failed to cash on the summer buzz we have to say. If the First Day collection of his latest movie Krishnarjuna Yuddham is anything to go by, it could be noted that there is almost 40% loss in the market he has from the Telugu states.

With the low hype surrounding it, KAY got an average start at the box office though Summer holidays could actually come to the advantage. Across Telugu states, the film collected a share of  Rs 4.57 crores, amounting to Rs 7.25 crores gross. While fans may rejoice that this is the second biggest opener for Nani after MCA but fact is that MCA collected 7.6+ crores share on First Day and KAY lost 40% of it by collecting 4.5+ crores.

While MCA recorded a worldwide ‘share’ of close to 10 crores on First Day, now Krishnarjuna Yuddham is likely to collect around Rs 5.8 Cr on the opening day with gross touching 10 crores.

Nizam – 1,90,00,000
Ceded – 50,00,000
Nellore – 20,00,000
Guntur – 53,00,000
Krishna – 28,58,240
West – 29,00,000
East – 34,00,000
Uttharandhra – 52,00,000

Total 1st day AP & TS share 4.57Cr

Seems like the casting couch allegations raked up by actress Sri Reddy are now taking a new turn with many other part-time and small actresses voicing out their experiences. Other day few unknown actresses have blasted one popular executive producer who is known for his proximity with Megastar Chiranjeevi.

In a live TV debate, few actresses who are of 40 years old accused that Vaakada Appa Rao, who works with ‘Super Good Films’, has used them badly. Women on phone stated that 10 years ago Appa Rao exploited her sexually to give her an opportunity to star in a film. Another actress accused that Appa Rao used both mother and daughter in order to hike the payment by a thousand.

And then, Vaakada Apparao was contacted on phone by the TV channel and he feigned ignorance about all of these allegations. And one woman asked him, “Why is your voice trembling? Are you fearing that your cover will be exposed to Megastar Chiranjeevi and his family with whom you are working closely? Also, Megastar Chiranjeevi sir should respond about this. When such bad things are going on in industry, why are you silent andi?? Come and show your heroism please” she said.

She also asked the likes of Charan, Bunny, Jr NTR and others to respond to the casting couch disease that has spread like wildfire in the film industry.

Varun Tej’s new film is the talk of the town as it carries the elite tag of Tollywood’s first and India’s only Second ‘Space film’. There is huge curiosity and high expectations on the project among audience, and hence the makers are carefully choosing the actors for pivotal roles in the film.

Talented actor Avasarala Srinivas has been roped in to play the character of a Scientist in the film. His role is very crucial in orchestrating the Space Mission that is eventually carried out by two astronauts, played by Varun Tej and Aditi Rao Hydari.

Incidentally, this is Avasarala’s second time to play a scientist. He had earlier played an aspiring scientist in “Awe!”.

For further analogy, when Varun played hero (a soldier) in tollywood’s first film centered around World War II, Avasarala also played a ‘soldier’ in the film. And, now, as Varun plays lead in the first Space film, Avasarala essays a key role, of a scientist, in this film too.

The untitled film will be directed by ‘Ghazi’ fame Sankalp Reddy.

It is known that senior hero Venkatesh and Mega hero Varun Tej will work together for a multistarrer, F2 (Fun & Frustration). Hat-trick director Anil Ravipudi will helm this project and successful producer Dil Raju will bankroll it. Milky beauties Tamannah and Mehreen are tentatively attached to the project. Despite such promising team, what’s worrying film buffs is the speculation that the film is a ‘freemake’.

It is speculated that “F2” is a freemake of cult Bollywood comedy film, “Hera Pheri”. Directed by Priyadarshan and starring Akshay Kumar and Sunil Shetty, “Hera Pheri” has been ranked by Indian movie lovers as the best Indian comedy film ever made. In fact, the film has already been remade in Telugu as ‘Dhana Laxmi I Love You’, which bombed at box office.

Buzz is that Anil Ravipudi didn’t lift the plot of ‘Hera Pheri’ as it is but took the core plot, made some modifications, added Telugu nativity and his trademark humor, and prepared the script of “F2”. Venky and Varun are likely to reprise the roles of Sunil Shetty and Akshay Kumar.

We have witnessed what a huge fiasco ‘Agnyaathavaasi’ freemake issue became. Fans wish the team of ‘F2’ doesn’t face such consequences and the ‘Hera Pheri’ freemake reports are just speculations.

Movie Artists Association has today announced that they are coming up with an anti-harassment committee where actresses who faced casting couch issues could come up and complain. The committee will have both insiders of the industry and outsiders as well, forming a team in real-time and addressing the issues for a solution. But what is the main thing they are expected to talk about?

Sri Reddy openly shared some pictures with Suresh Babu’s son Abhiram and alleged that he used her badly for sex on the pretext of getting her some offers. Later he went on saying that Kona Venkat forced him on her at a guest house in Hyderabad. Definitely people are expecting answers from MAA regarding this and finally, they made one interesting comment.

“Kona Venkat is a writer and producer and his issue should be sorted with their association. Similarly, Suresh Babu’s son Abhiram is neither actor nor producer or anything. So, who are we (MAA) to speak about those who are not actors?” said Sivaji Raja quite hastily, well senior actor Naresh seen taking to his ear in front of the press and saying ‘don’t talk about them’.

Looks like MAA simply washed the dirt off its hand by offering a membership to Sri Reddy but we have to see if the issue will get stopped here.

Here is the picture of Allu Arjun and Ram Charan coming together for a party. Contrary to rumours that all is not well between Allu Arjun and Ram Charan, the twain has come together and partied at a family get-together. Both Charan, Allu Arjun are seen very happy in the pic. Also seen in the pic are Upasana Konidela, Sneha Reddy, Sai Dharam Tej, Sreeja, Sushmita Konidela, Niharika Konidela and other family members. It is learnt that both Allu Arjun, Ram Charan have exchanged good wishes, words with each other. Buzz has it that Allu Arjun personally congratulated Charan for the huge success of Rangasthalam. Thus, the picture puts an end to all the speculations that there is a rift between Charan, Allu Arjun.

While Ram Charan has scored an industry hit with Rangasthalam and is riding high in his career, Allu Arjun recently celebrated his birthday and is gearing up for the release of his film Naa Peru Surya Naa Illu India. So, it is double celebration time in mega family.

Although a few had earlier pointed out at Bunny’s “silence” over Rangasthalam on his twitter account, Allu Arjun has proved all of them wrong by heaping praises on Rangasthalam in his birthday interview to a leading vernacular newspaper. In fact, Allu Arjun had even asked the producers of NPS to “avoid” the film’s promotion during the release time of Rangasthalam. All these indirectly indicate the friendly equation shared between Allu Arjun and Ram Charan.