What’s interconnection between Visakhapatnam in Andhra Pradesh and Lower Tank Bund in Hyderabad, the Telangana capital?

Writer and director Sankalp Reddy paralleled these two cities with his upcoming war action film Ghazi also releasing in Hindi as The Ghazi Attack on February 17th.

Inspired by the true events from 1971 Indo-Pakistan war and destroying of Pakistan submarine PNS Ghazi near Visakhapatnam, the story of Ghazi is first written as a book and later made into a film by Sankalp.

“I was amazed when one of my friends Rammohan Rao informed about a submarine set erected in Lower Tank Bund. I gathered more information about the setting and surprised to know that it was made for a film called Ghazi.

This made me excited to read about Ghazi story and approach Sankalp expressing my interest to work with him. I visited RK Beach in Vizag numerous times and saw Ghazi submarine there but very few of us know about the great back story. I worked with Sankalp for six to seven months on Ghazi script re-writing it 10 to 15 times,” informs Rana.

The film is produced jointly by PVP cinema and Matinee Entertainments.

Legendary singer S.P Balasubrahmanyam on Wednesday said the entire nation should be proud of the Padma Vibhushan honour to veteran playback singer K.J. Yesudas, whom he considers his “brother”.

“My anna (brother), Shri Yesudas is conferred with Padma Vibhushan. Proud of you my dear brother. The entire country should feel proud of my brother,” Balasubrahmanyam posted on his Facebook page.

Yesudas, 77, is a seven times National Award-winning singer and has thousands of songs to his credit across various languages.

Yesudas’s musical journey began in 1961 with the Malayalam song “Jaathi bhedam matha dwesham”.

His first film song was “Attention penne attention” from the 1962 Malayalam movie “Kaalpadukai”.

In the 1970s, he forayed into Bollywood with 1976 Amol Palekar starrer “Chhoti Si Baat”. Yesudas was introduced to Hindi cinema by late composer Ravindra Jain.

Apart from Malayalam and Hindi, he has also sung in Tamil, Telugu and Kannada among other languages.

He had received the Padma Shri honour in 1975 and the Padma Bhushan in 2002.

New Delhi: As the focus of the Padma Awards, announced on Wednesday, remained on real life heroes and talent from the classical music and dance world, Bollywood celebrities largely remained ignored in the list of 89 awardees for the year.

Hours before the official announcement was made by the government, congratulatory messages for actor Manoj Bajpayee on being named for a Padma Shri honour started doing the rounds on social media. But his name featured nowhere in the final list.

According to a news report by a daily, veteran actors Asha Parekh and Rishi Kapoor, singer-composer Shankar Mahadevan, singers Sonu Nigam and Kailash Kher, apart from Manoj, were a part of a shortlist by the government for the Padma awardees.

However, among these names, only Kailash Kher has been named for a Padma Shri, the country’s fourth highest civilian award.

A Padma Vibhushan has been reserved for celebrated singer KJ Yesudas, who has spent over five decades in the industry, while renowned Grammy winning instrumentalist Vishwa Mohan Bhatt, who grabbed global attention after he modified the Hawaiian guitar into a combination of sitar, sarod and veena, and named it Mohan Veena, has been named for a Padma Bhushan honour.

An exhaustive list of Padma Bhushan awardees does not feature any popular name from the Hindi film industry, except for Kailash — a contrast to last year’s Padma awards list which included names like Anupam Kher, Udit Narayan, Ajay Devgn, Priyanka Chopra, Nila Madhab Panda and Madhur Bhandarkar, apart from popular names like Rajinikanth, Ramoji Rao and S.S. Rajamouli.

Kailash sounded excited like a child when IANS contacted him after the announcement

“By the grace of God, I got this honour. It’s a moment of pride and celebration. It’s because of a lot of prayers and hard work along with blessing from my parents and gurus, and love from fans,” Kailash told IANS.

Singer Anuradha Paudwal, who was once active in the Hindi film industry, is also among the Padma Shri awardees.

Also, veteran film critic Bhawana Somaaya, whose latest book was launched in Mumbai by megastar Amitabh Bachchan, has been named for a Padma Shri for her contribution in the field of Literature and Education – Journalism.

From the regional film industries, National Award winning Odia actor-filmmaker Sadhu Meher and multi-lingual actress Bharathi Vishnuvardhan — who has had an exhaustive filmography in Kannada, Tamil and Telugu languages — have been named for the honour.

Film maker Mani Ratnam got back with Kadali and Ok Bangaram after long gap, and a new one with Karthi and Aditi Rao was announced sometime ago titled Duet. Dil Raju once again joined hands with Mani Ratnam after Ok Bangaram and for the reasons not known, the title has been changed to Cheliyaa.

Karthi lost his rugged look for Mani Ratnam and rumors say that he plays a Jet fighter pilot in Cheliyaa. Aditi Rao Hydari paired him for the first time. So here is the new poster of Cheliyaa and the film is expected to hit screens anytime in February 2017.

Unlike heroes from Mega, Nandamuri and other top influential families in Tollywood, the debut of Prabhas wasn’t a fancy affair. When he had started, he wasn’t as big as his peers were. Yet Prabhas has turned things all around in his favour.

First romantic Varsham brought him closer to youths. With Chatrapathi he penetrated into masses. Later he became ‘Darling’ to women, subsequently he was the ‘Mr Perfect’ for families. Eventually, he cemented his stardom with Mirchi and what followed was Baahubali. The magnum opus has made Prabhas a huge star and in fact, he has become a national icon. He won hearts of Gen X, Gen Y and Gen Z  cutting across regions, communities. Even kids, teenagers are having him as DPs, profile pictures and that shows it all. Baahubali boosted the further rise of Prabhas & his fan base.

Since he is now readying for the release of Baahubali : The Conclusion, it’s right time for Prabhas to plan his future to be the next No.1 hero in Tollywood. As no star in the industry right now is giving hits consistently, it’s perfect phase for him to further strengthen his stardom.
With the last films of the two biggest stars Pawan Kalyan, Mahesh Babu (Sardaar Gabbar Singh, Brahmotsavam), that released amidst huge hype, have tanked at the BO, and as Pawan already announced his exit from films and enter into politics, if Prabhas could maintain the momentum from now onwards, easily he’d be on the top spot.

And what many don’t know is that Prabhas has already chalked out a perfect strategy to be the No.1. But there’s a major challenge lies here for Prabhas.

It can be noted that almost all the stars’ have had delivered flops with their immediate films after working with SS Rajamouli. From Ram Charan (Orange after Magadheera) to Jr NTR (Andhrawala After Simhadri ) to Nani (YVM, Paisa After Eega) have all seen failures post working with Rajamouli. Prabhas is well aware of this as he himself experienced after the success of Chatrapathi – Pournami, Yogi, Munna.

And right now, Prabhas has very good chance. With Mirchi, Baahubali under his belt, this is best chance for him. If he lose it now after Baahubali, it may take many years for him to get such opportunity again to become No.1. So, Prabhas needs to get it very right for this. It may not be possible for him unless he has good guiding and strong backing like how other stars have. What Prabhas requires now is mentoring him in the right path.

Taking this into account, Prabhas has already begun working on a master plan for his up next films. And as part of this he roped in experienced producers who’re best and consistently successful at the same time whom he can trust on. There’s no better choice than UV Creations’ who’s been churning out promising films with good scripts and smart marketing. Since his next films after Baahubali too in association with UV – Bhagmati & Prabhas 19 with Sujeeth (of Run Raja Run fame), it’s evident that Prabhas is targeting No.1 rank in Tollywood.

Mumbai: It has been three years since Hrithik Roshan and Sussanne Khan parted ways, but the actor says his former wife’s opinion still matters a lot to him. He also says while he still believes in love, he won’t give marriage another chance.

In an interview for his latest release “Kaabil”, Hrithik counted his blessings and said he feels “cool, calm and open to all feedback”.

Q. Sussanne saw the film and praised you to the skies. Many who have seen the film say this is your best performance to date?

I am so relieved. I am so glad Sussanne liked the film. Her opinion means the world to me. I am the happiest when people say “Kaabil” truly is a small film with the largest heart in the world. Some were surprised, others seem shocked. It is truly overwhelming for dad, Sanjay Gupta, Yami Gautam and myself.

Q. How do you think its simultaneous release with “Raees” will affect your film?

No idea. All kinds of permutations and combinations are possible. I want the very best for both the films.

Q. The promos and teasers of “Kaabil” are a rage. Did you expect such a response?

To be honest, yes. Because they impacted me too.

Q. 2016 was not such a great year for Hindi cinema. Where do you think our films are going wrong?

I don’t blame the films that are being made. It is better and more constructive to blame the work culture and the overall mental benchmark. Most filmmakers just want to get by, not do something that will stand out over and above the rut.

Q. What according to you is the solution?

Specialisation and division of labour is so important. That is the primary reason Hollywood is where it is. Even if you are the grip or clapper boy on the set, you take pride in your work. You don’t allow it to be seen as small work, and you take full responsibility. That kind of work ethic then seeps into everything you do in filmmaking.

Q. So you feel our films will improve if everyone does his job?

Yes, (exercise) division — specialise in what you do and don’t start doing other people’s work, concentrate on your own job. And allow others the freedom to surprise you with their own style. Stop wanting to control everything. Having said that, our cinema has immense potential. In “Kaabil”, I experienced what I am talking about. So I know it’s happening.

Q. “Kaabil” is a thriller, but it’s also an intense love story?

Yes, correctly said. It’s really a family audience film. My mother’s compliments mean the world to me. She having loved my work and the movie, means it’s a movie for everyone. Especially families. In other cases, she has been completely blunt, I must say. So I know the happiness this time is genuine.

Q. Your character in “Kaabil” goes all out for love. How far would you go for your love?

To the end of the world. And then some more.

Q. Would you give love and marriage another chance in your life?

Not marriage. No marriage for me, at least as far as I can see. Love fulfils me everyday. I am content and extremely enthusiastic about my life.

Mass Maharaja Raviteja who has been out of action for many months is finally getting back to work. His next film’s first look was unveiled on the occasion of Raviteja’s birthday (Jan 26). In typical Raviteja style, the film is titled ‘Touch Chesi Chudu’.

Directed by debutant Vikram Sirikonda this film is bankrolled by Nallamalupu Bujji and Vallabhaneni Vamsi. Sexy actress Rashi Khanna is roped in as the female lead. Raviteja is also launching another film in the direction of Anil Ravipudi.

Dil Raju is the producer for Anil Ravipudi’s film in which Raviteja reportedly plays a blind man. Raviteja was used to do multiple films every year, but he was out of action for more than a year. Now he is getting busy with two films at a time.

After working 11 years with tight schedules and busy life, 36-year-old Anushka has now slowed down. This year, she is not signing many movies and keeping more free time for her personal life.

She has already completed most of her movie assignments like “Baahubali 2”, “Om Namo Venkateshaya” and “Singam 3”.

She also completed 80 percent of her work for big-budgeted heroine-oriented horror thriller “Bhagmati”. So, at present she has no work on hand. Although offers are pouring in, she doesn’t want to take up them.

While her family members are putting pressure on her to get married, she has not made up her mind on that front. Anushka is said to be planning to launch hotel chain and slowly move towards business affairs after two years.

As the youth of Andhra Pradesh are bracing up for special status fight at RK beach, Vishakapatnam on 26th January, all the political parties and leaders are voicing out their support. Apart from Janasena chief Pawan Kalyan, YSRCP Supremo YS Jaganmohan Reddy and AP PCC president Raghuveera Reddy, Telangana Parliament member and TRS leader Kavitha also backed the AP Special status demand.

Amidst growing support from all quarters, a recent teaser of Rana Daggubati’s upcoming film Ghazi is being sensationally used to campaign the silent protest in Vizag.

The teaser, which glorifies the courage of a naval officer in fighting the Pakistani submarine Ghazi, has an inspiring dialogue that was uttered by Rana Daggubati. Here’s that dialogue which perfectly summarizes the atmosphere in state:

‘E Poratam lo medals undavu, Gurthimpu Undadhu…Charitra lo manam unna lekapoyina, Vishakapatnam bhavishathu lo Bharat Desha bhavishathu lo manam nilichipotham. JAI HIND!!‘ (This fight will neither fetch us medals nor recognition. We may or may not get into the history books but we will definitely find place in future of Vishakapatanam and India. JAI HINDH)

Since the above dialogue can rightly help to motivate the youngsters to join the movement and is matching to the current conditions of protest in Vizag, it is apparently going viral on social media platforms like WhatsApp, Facebook and Twitter.

Cometh the Republic Day this year, Telugu box office will see only one notable release, Manchu Vishnu and Hansika starrer ‘Luckunnodu’.

The hit pairing of Vishnu and Hansika is a major attraction of this entertainer. The duo has earlier teamed up twice. While ‘Denikaina Ready (2012)’ became Vishnu’s biggest hit, ‘Pandavulu Pandavulu Thummeda (2014)’ turned out to be a decent grosser. The makers of ‘Luckunnodu’ hope that the hit combo will deliver a hat-trick.

The trailer, song promos and audio have already created decent buzz for this movie. As its two weeks since the release of Sankranthi films, Luckunnodu has the advantage of offering a fresh feel. The Republic Day weekend is another plus for this film directed by Raja Kiran of ‘Geethanjali’ fame. Makers have planned a wide release as no other notable Telugu film is slated for release on 26th January.

Vishnu has scored a sleeper hit last year with ‘Eedorakam Aadorakam’, which was also a comedy entertainer. He hopes to maintain the success streak with Luckunnodu.

Hotshot Tamil music director Anirudh Ravichander has finally responded to the alleged sex scandal that he was assumed to be involved in.

A MMS video featuring a guy who looks like Anirudh has gone viral on social media the other day. The 3-minute video, predictably have been shot in a hotel, shows a couple having sex. It went viral in no time as people believed that the guy in the video was none other than Anirudh.

The talented musician’s fans however came to his rescue and pointed out that the man in the video doesn’t have a tattoo on his left arm which the young music director sports.

A relieved Anirudh then took to social media to thank his fans and taunt his detractors. “Thank you for clarifying. People who are doing this, please get a life and an eye-checkup,” he tweeted.

It may be noted that this is not the first time that Anirudh’s alleged intimate moments leaked on net. Some time ago, a few intimate pics of Anirudh and singer-cum-actress Andrea went viral.

Meanwhile, Anirudh is all set to make his debut in Telugu film industry with Pawan Kalyan andTrivikram’s new project.

Shibani Dandekar is essentially known as the eye-candy of IPL Extra Innings. However, being an uninhibited model and actress, she surely has the ability to woo her fans with her mind blowing figure.

The hot diva has recently shared a pic in which she is seen sporting a ripped t-shirt which gives a pleasing view of the lingerie that she wore and her bosoms. As much as her lust-filled eyes, her thundering thighs are also doing the job of making beauty lovers go crazy.

Actress Parul Yadav, who’s familiar to Tollywood audience through an important role in Killing Veerappan, is a popular face in Kannada film Industry. In what can called as an unexpected incident, the 34-year old actress sustained some serious injures, on Monday, when she was attacked by a group of dogs near her apartment in Mumbai.

The incident happened when Parul, who was on evening walk with her little puppy, tried to rescue her dog from stray dogs where were trying to snatch it.

The horrific incident left the actress with multiple bites on her face, legs, neck and head-scalp. Alerted with this, Parul’s sister Sheetal Yadav took help of localities to save Parul from dogs and got admitted her to Kokilaben Hospital. As per the doctors, the Sandalwood actress had a 3-inch deep cut on her head and it was operated on Wednesday.

The model-turned-actress Parul Yadav joined films in 2004, and went on to feature in Malayalam, Kannada and Tamil movies over the following years. She also won ‘Filmfare award’ in best actress category for Aatagara (Kannada) in 2015.

There used to be those good old days when theatres witnessed repeat audiences but this trend has changed slowly with changing times. Megastar Chiranjeevi’s Khaidi No.150 however looks to have brought back not just Boss but also his potential of commanding repeat audiences.

When Chiru was at his prime, people used to watch his movies repeatedly thanks to those chartbuster songs and the legend’s graceful dances. Even his flop movies used to attract audiences just because of the songs. People used to leave theatres once all songs were over.

Now, a similar trend is being witnessed in the case of his comeback movie Khaidi No.150. Exhibitors from several areas have reported that repeat audiences are not waiting until the climax and are leaving once the last song, ‘Ammadu lets do Kummudu’ song that comes right before the pre-climax gets over. Interestingly, makers strategically placed the best song, Ammadu, which also has Charan rocking dance floor along with Chiru, at the far end of the film.

It may be noted here that Konidela Productions Company has systematically infused the album into audiences by releasing the lyrical songs one by one. They however have not yet released the visual songs even two weeks after the film’s release. They know very well that songs are the main attraction in megastar’s movies so they made it sure that people come to cinemas if they have to watch Chiru’s impeccable dances.

The same old formula of ‘Songs’ is said to be helping Chiru’s comeback film rake in steady collections despite average talk.

As Pawan Kalyan tweets and tweets in the capacity of Janasena boss, many are wondering where is he doing all these things from. From giving counters to political opponents to launching Desh Bachao like DJ Remix songs, Powerstar is busy from last couple days, virtually eating-sleeping-repeating on twitter. Increasing his voice in supporting the planned protests of students at RK Beach on Jan 26th, Pawan is seen firing salvo.

Big truth however is that Pawan Kalyan is busy tweeting from Sangareddy town in Telangana but not from his office where he reads every single news and observes all the media houses carefully to read what’s coming next. Apparently at a historic temple in this Telangana town, he’s shooting for his upcoming film Katamarayudu under the direction of Kishore Pardasany. From last two days they are shooting some fight scenes, sentimental and romantic track between Pawan and Shruti Haasan at this place. One wonders how come Pawan is tweeting so aggressively when he’s actually shooting there, busy with makeup, lights, camera and action.

Some say that a strategy team working for Janasena Party is actually composing the tweets for Pawan and only he reads them to give nod before tweeting. Otherwise when Pawan has to involve so much in the character he’s shooting for, how could he have focus on tweet a lot about AP Special Status and following minute-to-minute updates on the social-media sponsored Vizag RK Beach Protests?

Either Pawan has to make sure that the news of Katamarayudu shooting at Sangreddy doesn’t come out or he has to really stop shooting and start tweeting. Otherwise people may think that those tweets are not real voice of Pawan.

Coming Sunday is definitely going to be a special day for Tollywood’s most talked-pair Naga Chaitanya and Samantha – as they’re officially set to engage on 29th January.

After keeping their status under wraps for long time, their adorable off-screen chemistry gave hints about their relationship last year. Now that they’re getting ready to exchange rings, Sam had certainly surprised her would-be with an expensive gift.

Yes, it seems Samantha know that Chay is highly fond of bikes, cars and she ensured her handsome to-be husband add one more best bike to his large collection of automobiles. According to Film Nagar birdies, the T-town’s golden lady called for an Italian-made sports bike MV Agusta (Meccanica Verghera Agusta) which is worth 27 lakhs INR and gifted her love.

Naga Chaitanya, who’s a professional biker, paid a whopping Rs 4.5 lakhs to avail the following registration number – ‘TS07 FM2003’ and the life-time road tax for his super bike, said the Madhapur transport department officials on Wednesday.

The highly-anticipated engagement of Naga Chaitanya and Samantha will happen at N-Convention, Hyderabad on 29th of January and it’s strictly confined to close friends and family.