When Baahubali released a couple of years ago, everyone went gaga over the film’s monumental scale. However, veteran actress Jamuna ridiculed the movie terming it as a “stupid film”.

The same Jamuna watched a special premiere of Balakrishna’s  Gautamiputra Satakarni along with Balayya and praised it to no limits. Jamuna called the movie a “monumental effort” by Balayya, director Krish and the producers.

Jamuna praised Balayya’s acting and getup Satakarni and appreciated Krish’s detailing and  painstaking efforts to bring in such a spectacular film. Jamuna also heaped praises on the film’s authentic Satavahana period setting and not distorting history.

Jamuna was so impressed with Balayya’s performance that she even landed a kiss on his forehead. Icing on the cake is that Balayya patiently stood next to Jamuna throughout her speech. Balayya’s dad, the legendary NT Ramarao, shared screen space with Jamuna in numerous hit movies in the past.

Ram Charan has undergone for a remarkable makeover not only physically but mentally as well for ‘Dhruva’. It is heard that Charan had to cut loose a bit from the grip of his father and megastar Chiranjeevi to do a gutsy film like ‘Dhruva’.

When Charan was confused over what kind of films to do after the disaster of ‘Orange’, Chiru took the mantle and helped the young mega heir score successive hits with mass entertainers. In this process, Charan scored commercial success, thanks to solid mega fan base but couldn’t earn the love of average movie goer.

When the proposal of ‘Thani Oruvan’ remake (Dhruva) came to Charan, he identified it as a potential film for an image makeover. Although megastar reportedly felt that the film wouldn’t work with mass audiences and that there is villain domination in it, he respected Charan’s decision. Chiru normally takes care of the editing of Charan’s films but he didn’t interfere for Dhruva and watched only the final cut.

As Charan has proved the elder mega folks wrong by scoring success with Dhruva, Chiru has reportedly given complete freedom to him now. He didn’t even listen to the story of Charan’s film with Sukumar and the intelligent filmmaker was given full authority regarding the film. Charan has reportedly asked Sukumar to make the film in his style without bothering about the box office result.

Going by the tastes of new age Telugu movie lovers, Charan looks to be determined to win his due respect.

Kajal Aggarwal has admitted that she has a less important role in Khaidi No.150 and she says she is aware of it even before joining the film.

“Of course, I’m aware of it. I’ve seen the original and I’ve also spoken to Vinay garu about it before shooting. I’m okay with it. My role is limited and I’m fine. That’s the requirement of the role. She’s there for supporting. She is active with NGO and exuberant girl. And she’s there only for limited period of time. I was obviously okay with the role,” explained Kajal.

“Since it’s double role of Chiranjeevi sir, I knew the prime focus is going to be him. I’m totally okay with it. Some associations, you don’t need to see the character for. Some people you want to work with, not stories,” said Kajal.

Kajal quickly added that she was on the cloud nine when she got the chance to pair up with Chiranjeevi in his landmark film.

Meanwhile, Kajal Aggarwal has gained weight for Khaidi No.150. Apparently, director Vinayak has asked Kajal to put on weight and she readily accepted as it’s Chiru’s 150th film.

Obliging the same, Kajal gained extra 3 Kilos for the film. Confirming the same, “Yes, I’ve put on weight. I gained 3 kilos. If I gain even 1 kilo weight, it actually shows on me.”

Hot actress Raai Laxmi has been in the film industry for a long time and her glamor show was seen in a handful of Telugu films too. However, her craze among Telugu youth has reached to new heights after she shook her booty in back to back special songs in Pawan’s ‘Sardaar’ and megastar’s ‘Khaidi No.150’.

The bombshell possesses an enviable figure and she proudly showcases it to camera. In this thigh-high slit lehenga and teasing bralet, she looks no less than an ‘Apsarasa’.

Laxmi’s seductive pictures have started storming the internet especially after ‘Ratthalu’ song became a chartbuster.

Although both megastar’s Khaidi No.150 and Balayya’s Gautamiputra Satakarni have performed well at box office and hogged almost all the limelight of Sankranthi festival season, the underdog ‘Shatamaanam Bhavati’ has found its niche audiences and fared extremely well in the first 3 days.

The Sharwanand and Anupama starrer family entertainer has amassed a distributor share of Rs 8.23 Cr in the Telugu states in first 3 days.

Below is the area wise break-up of SHARE:             

Nizam – 280 lacs
Ceded – 99 lacs
Nellore – 20.6 lacs
Guntur – 63 lacs
Krishna – 49.4 lacs
West – 73.1 lacs
East – 104 lacs
UA – 134 lacs

Total 3 Days AP & TG Share – Rs 8.23 Cr

In overseas, the Dil Raju production venture continues to draw crowds. The film has already raked in USD 400K+ and is rock steady at box office. The worldwide 3 Days Share is around Rs 11 Cr. This is truly a remarkable feat given the competition and the film’s budget.

Balakrishna’s monumental film Gautamiputra Satakarni is being considered as Sankranti winner by US trade as it is having high ROI (Return of Investment).

It’s learnt that the film’s landing cost in US is at 1.2 Million USD for US distributor including the rights, Publicity & Advertising and other expenses. As the film touched the mark (1,258,691 USD) on Sunday, Monday it entered into profits.

Although Khaidi grossed 2,099,110 USD USD (till Jan 15), i,e Rs 14.29 Crore, the film’s overseas rights alone were sold for whopping Rs 13.5 Crore. Including P&A, it said to have costed nearly Rs 14 Crore. Even  this film entered into profits zone.

But it’s GPSK which is having an edge. Even on Sunday, Satakarni has earned over 44,000 USD than Khaidi.

GautamiPutraSatakarni on Sunday – 190K USD
KhaidiNo150 on Sunday – 146K USD

As Khaidi has reached saturating point and Satakarni is still rock steady, the more returns are expected for Satakarni buyers. With Balakrishna all set for his US tour to promote the film, the returns are expected to increase.

On the whole, both the biggies have done exceptionally well at the US Box Office showing the Tollywood dominance once again in the US.

Actor Chiranjeevi has made shocking comments on Ram Charan in a recent video interview. While explaining the effort he has put on his body, look, Chiru gave credit to wife Surekha, son Ram Charan for care, support. Saying family has been great support, Chiru said Surekha has taken care of his food, while Charan appointed a personal trainer for fitness besides regularly providing protein shakes.

However, there’s a major twist in the tale as Chiru attributed this caring of Charan as producer’s care towards hero and nothing else.

Brushing off it’s ‘not love’, Chiru said that it was ‘all for money’ as he (Charan) is the producer. Although Ram Charan refused by shaking his head, Chiru didn’t pay heed and continued.

Even when director Vinayak intervened and tried to clarify, how Charan used to call to him (Vinayak) while shooting and used to inquire about his dad’s (Chiru’s) mood, Chiru didn’t agree.

And pat came reply from Chiru. He shot back, “That he had worried about my expressions which would affect film. Why didn’t he ever do it before or after?”

Although Chiru jocularly made these comments, these slightly seem to have irked Charan.

But Chiru also quickly added that when he had sprained his ankle while dancing for a song with Kajal, Charan had shown his love for father and asked him to take complete rest.

Chiru didn’t listen to Charan this time as he is back to the shoot in less than 18 hours even the doctor advised more than 2 days rest.

The story behind Khaidi No.150 has once again proved Chiru’s dedication even at this age and of course, Charan’s successful start as producer.

Kajal Agarwal slimmed down even more for her recent release Khaidi No 150, but she started looking more sexy each day. The actress has been posting few pictures of her in sensuous poses and here is one of them.

Kajal in her thigh slit dress posed cross legged under the star light in a dark night and what can be sexier than this?

We are talking Millions here. Chiranjeevi’s comeback film Khaidi no 150 is showing its stamina with its thumping collections overseas, which crossed 2 Million by the end of Sunday. While Balakrishna’s historic film Gautamiputra Satakarni made it to 1 Million and still going aggresive, Sharwanand’s family entertainer is not any less, reaching near half Million already. It is good to watch these Telugu films released in one season going great and collecting a Rs 25.66 Crore altogether in USA alone!

Young Tiger NTR, who’s on a roll with three back to back blockbuster hits is now looking forward to continue his imperious form with his upcoming film under the direction of Bobby.

To be rolled out by Kalyan Ram under NTR Arts, the yet-to-be titled film has got some news to fans. With a view to make the film look completely offbeat, the makers have roped in Bollywood’s ace cinematographer C.K Muraleedharan, who’d the experience of working with Aamir Khan for ‘Theee Idiots’, PK and Hrithik Roshan for ‘Mohenjo Daro’.

‘We are happy and proud to announce that award winning cinematographer, C.K. Muraleedharan, is going to handle the camera for NTR 27. Welcome aboard sir,’ said an official statement by NTR Arts banner.

After listening to numerous scripts and sidelining a few, Tarak finally gave a nod to Bobby’s script and making it a memorable one is what the filmmaker is aiming at. As both Nandamuri brothers are said to be highly convinced with the story and screenplay of the film, which would hit the floors later this month, they are keen to bring out a quality product with experienced technicians.

Jagapathi Babu has unleashed as a stylish villain in his second innings. Thanks to Boyapati Sreenu for roping in him as villain opposite Balakrishna’s Legend. The film has given new life to Babu as baddie.

Now joining the bandwagon is none other than Arjun who is close friend of Jagapathi. Arjun is going to test his luck as villain in Nithiin and Hanu Raghavapudi’s film.

In what can be a casting coup, makers have zeroed in on Arjun for a stylish role and his role is going to be there throughout the film.

Initially, Hanu and producers Ram Achanta, Gopi Achanta and Anil Sunkara were apprehensive whether Arjun would take up the role or not, but Arjun’s acceptance for the role said to have given new energy to them.

“Arjun garu is perfect for the role. I couldn’t have imagine anyone else for the role and I don’t know what I’d do if he hasn’t accepted the role. I’d like to thank him for taking up this role. Probably, this is one of the best written roles in my journey so far,” said director Hanu Raghavapudi.

The yet-to-be-titled film has been tentatively called as ‘Lie’. However, makers have second thoughts on the film’s title.

The film’s regular shoot has begun from Jan 6th in Hyd. And it will have a regular shooting. Arjun is going to join the shoot. After this, the unit will head to the US where an extensive 3-month-long shoot is planned from March to May.

After KVPG, Hanu Raghavapudi teamed up with 14 Reels Entertainment once again. It’s their Production No. 9.

It’s to needless to tell about the immense hype that’s carried by Sankranthi biggies Khaidi No: 150 and Gautami Putra Satakarni and also, Sharwanand’s Shatmanam Bhavati drew many eyeballs with its trailer and family -oriented content. Amidst these three movies, the makers of R Narayana Murthy’s ‘Head Constable Venkatramaiah’ planned to release their film despite knowing the fact that it’d no big attention from Telugu audience.

Also, Murthy expressed his grief over failing to gain at least a single theatre in both Telugu states. R Narayana Murthy was a people’s star sometime back and he’d a section of people who used to display interest in watching his films. Of late, the quality of his films apparently took a beating and he has got no big hits in the recent past.

Also, he hardly pitched his films alongside big-budget flicks and as a result, Head Constable Venkatramaiah eventually failed to create some pre-release buzz. While the three major films taking box-office by a rage, the low-budget Venkatramaiah was totally ignored by Telugu audience and its fault of makers to plan a release amidst Khaidi No 150, GauthamiPutra Satakarni and Satamanam Bhavati.

Adding to this, the film also failed to gain good reviews and positive mouth talk which ultimately trumped it further. Few experts opine, ‘had the makers opted another date for release, the film would have made some difference.’

Nandamuri Balakrishna took his 100th movie as a matter of pride. After brainstorming impatiently for several months to find the right story, Balayya immensely loved Krish’s narration of the greatest Telugu emperor Gautamiputra Satakarni.

Gautamiputra Satakarni released for Sankranthi and is recreating Balayya’s box-office history. But  critics pointed out the lack of story in it. In a shocking revelation, even Balayya has agreed that there’s no story in GPSK.

“There was not much of story in Gautamiputra Satakarni and we managed to do it somehow. Now people are asking us to plan a sequel on Vasishtiputra Pulamavi. Where do we get the story for that now,” Balayya said.

Needless to say that Balayya’s statement is quite a revelation especially when Krish said in many interviews that he did extensive research to gather information on Gautamiputra Satakarni and ancient Telugu culture.

Very few people get the honour of speaking at the international forums, more so, at the prestigious forums like Harward University, one of the top most universities in the world.

One can count on the fingertips the number of Indians who got the opportunity to address the fellows at Harward at Boston in the USA.

Surprising as it might sound, power star and Jana Sena Party president Pawan Kalyan has got such rarest of rare opportunity.

He got the invitation from the Harward University authorities to address the students as part of India Conference-2017 to be held for two days on February 11 and 12.

According to sources close to him, Pawan would be going to Boston soon after the completion of his ongoing film Kataramayudu, which is in the final stages.

Interestingly, even popular writer and director Trivikram Srinivas also got the invitation from Harward University to address the students.

It is not exactly known on what criterion Pawan and Trivikram got the invites. Irrespective of the reason, it is really an honour for both of them to get the opportunity to speak at the conference.

What they would speak there would be interesting to watch.

Actor-politician Sarath Kumar says his recent comments about his friend and superstar Rajinikanth have been “misinterpreted”.

While speaking at the anniversary celebrations of his late friend, actor and political analyst Cho Ramaswamy’s Thuglak magazine on Sunday, Rajinikanth said: “Unusual political situation prevails in the country now and I wish Cho was with us.”

Rajinikanth’s statement has already created an uproar in the political circuit.

When Sarath Kumar was asked by reporters to comment on Rajinikanth’s statement, he said: “Even though Rajinikanth is a dear friend, a superstar and a very good human being, we can’t take his opinion seriously. He will comment whenever he feels convenient. One who works for the state and understands Tamil culture is eligible to comment on the political situation.”

He also said if Rajinikanth starts a political party, he will be the first to oppose him.

Even though Sarath Kumar’s comment irked Rajinikanth’s fans on social media, in his defence, he tweeted: “I think when an interview is given, the facts have to be published, and those who attended, reported facts and those who did not, misinterpreted.”

Post-release promotions are as important as pre-release promotions of a film. Directors Ram Gopal Varma and Rajamouli have certainly mastered the art of marketing their films.

Now, taking a leaf out of them, director Krish is planning good post-release promotion of his latest offing Satakarni. As part of it, Baahubali team is going to promote Satakarni.

Bhallaladeva Rana Daggubati is going to interview Balakrishna about the movie and after that SS Rajamouli is going to interview Krish about the film. These two are expected to go viral.

It’s certainly a healthy trend for actors, directors to promote other films. This is usually followed in Bollywood very well. Now Rajamouli, Krish are bringing this to Tollywood.