Telugu Students Come Back to india from US
Obama to meet Attorney General to curb U.S. gun violence
President Barack Obama said on Friday he would meet with U.S. Attorney General Loretta Lynch on Monday to discuss ways of reducing gun violence in the United States amid reports he intends to take executive action on the issue. Mr. Obama, in his weekly recorded address, said he has received “too many letters from parents, and teachers, and kids, to sit around and do nothing.” He has repeatedly urged Congress to tighten gun laws, with his calls growing louder following the 2012 massacre at an elementary school in Newtown, Connecticut, and again this fall after mass shootings in Colorado Springs, Colorado, and San Bernardino, California.
“A few months ago, I directed my team at the White House to look into any new actions I can take to help reduce gun violence,” Mr. Obama said in the address. “And on Monday, I’ll meet with our attorney general, Loretta Lynch, to discuss our options.” The Washington Post, citing several individuals briefed on the matter, said Mr. Obama and Ms. Lynch would “finalize a set of executive actions on guns that he will unveil next week.” Frustrated with little action from Congress, Mr. Obama has vowed to use “whatever power this office holds” to put in place gun control measures through executive action, which does not require congressional approval.
“We know that we can’t stop every act of violence,” Mr. Obama said. “But what if we tried to stop even one? What if Congress did something – anything – to protect our kids from gun violence?” The Post said Mr. Obama would use his executive authority in several areas, including expanding new background-check requirements for buyers who purchase weapons from high-volume dealers. “Change, as always, is going to take all of us,” said Obama, who is on vacation with his family in Hawaii. “The gun lobby is loud and well organized in its defense of effortlessly available guns for anyone. The rest of us are going to have to be just as passionate and well organized in our defense of our kids.”
On Thursday, White House spokesman Eric Schultz said Mr. Obama was aware Congress was unlikely to act on gun reform. “That is why he has asked his team to scrub existing legal authorities to see if there’s any additional action we can take administratively,” Mr. Schultz said. “The President has made clear he’s not satisfied with where we are and expects that work to be completed soon.”
Can Chiru Attract Settlers?
Greater Hyderabad Municipal Corporation (GHMC) elections are not far away. The polls are to fall in third week of January. Each party is coming up with new strategies and readying their weapons for the polls. Ruling party TRS has conducted a survey in which they got majority seats to grab mayor post for their candidate. They predicted BJP and TDP are their tough contenders, wherein Congress may win only one seat and is not at all the challenger for them.
Latest we heard is, Congress is bringing film actor and Rajya Sabha member Chiranjeevi to campaign for the party in GHMC elections, taking the elections prestigiously. Chiranjeevi is a big star and has huge following in Telangana region. Due to Chiru’s anti comments over state bifurcation, he was restricted for Andhra Pradesh region in the 2014 elections. Unfortunately, Congress lost in the elections for dividing the state.
After a long time, Chiranjeevi is expected to campaign in capital city of Telangana for GHMC polls. Major reason for Congress bringing Chiru is to attract Seemandhra people in the region. We all know that, strength of Andhra and Rayala Seema people is high in Kukatpally, Jubilee Hills, Khairatabad and few other regions in Hyderabad.
Congress opines, if familiar personality like Chiru campaign, it will be helpful for the party. But, equations may not change since Congress conditions are not encouraging in the state and more importantly Chiru lost his glory after merging PRP into Congress, affirms political analysts.
Japan emperor wishes for peace in New Year’s appearance
Japan’s Emperor Akihito has expressed his hopes for world peace as he appeared with his wife, Empress Michiko, two sons and grandchildren behind bullet-proof glass before thousands of well-wishers waving flags.
Emperor Akihito, scheduled to make five such appearances at Tokyo’s Imperial Palace on Saturday, read a New Year’s statement in which he expressed his sympathy for people displaced from their homes and still living in temporary housing after the March 2011 tsunami and nuclear disaster in north-eastern Japan.
Emperor Michiko, wearing a pinkish beige dress, waved to the crowd, estimated by public broadcaster NHK at 44,000.
Masako, wife of the crown prince who has made rare public appearances because of a stress—related illness, also joined this year’s New Year’s greeting, smiling in a deep blue dress.
Most Anticipated Telugu Films of 2016
In the year 2016 we will witness some of the most exciting and star studded films. Tollywood has a stock load of films in store for you. Here is the list of most anticipated Telugu movies of 2016.
Nannaku Prematho, NTR, Sukumar’s combination itself is interesting as the hero is known for mass masala movies and the director is acclaimed for out of the box ideas. Nannaku Prematho is undoubtedly one of the most awaited movies of the season. The trailers have shown promise; the curiosity on this film has doubled after the launch of theatrical trailer. All eyes are on Nannaku Prematho at the moment and it is surely going to take the box office by storm for this Pongal.
Brahmotsavam, Every film that stars Mahesh Babu is bound to be the most awaited movie. Therefore no surprises over Brahmotsavam being up there among the most anticipated movies of the year. This family entertainer has already caught the attention of filmgoers with a wonderful title and ensemble star cast. Director Srikanth Addala’s previous movie with Mahesh was regarded as a classic. Can this duo pull off another SVSC kind of magic with Brahmotsavam? This film is slated for 29th April release.
Sardar Gabbar Singh, Pawan Kalyan doesn’t need a star director at the helm to raise expectations over his films. Director Bobby only has an average grossing Power to his credit. So what? Bobby is now directing Pawan Kalyan’s most anticipated sequel of Gabbar Singh. Power star fans are expecting their idol to set the cash registers ringing as Sardaar Gabbar Singh. As of now Sardaar is eyeing April 8th and is on schedule to be there on time. Sarainodu, Allu Arjun’s stardom is on an all time high as his movies are able to do good business even with an average talk. His upcoming Sarainodu is one of the most anticipated by the trade as it is directed by Boyapati Srinu who has proved that he has a great grip over the pulse of mass audience. Sarainodu is an interesting film like Nannaku Prematho as this film has the hero who has good following among the family audience and youth, but the director is known for heavy duty mass movies.
Thani Oruvan remake, Ram Charan’s last two films may not have lived up to expectations but that will not bring down the expectations on his next movie. He is one of the superstars of Telugu cinema and his movies will always make a huge buzz. Charan chose to do the remake of Tamil hit Thani Oruvan as his next. This film is yet to start rolling but it will be ready for release by July/August. Surender Reddy who has some solid blockbusters to his credit is going to direct this action thriller. NTR – Koratala Movie, NTR’s next is going to be directed by the latest superstar director Koratala Siva who has made back to back blockbusters in Mirchi and Srimanthudu. Tentatively titled Janata Garage, this film features Malayalam superstar Mohan Lal in a key role. The filming will start in February and the movie is aiming for August 15th release.
Soggade Chinni Nayana, Premam Remake Nagarjuna’s Soggade Chinni Nayana is grabbing eyeballs with colorful teasers. This film is expected to cater to the festive audience for this Pongal. Naga Chaitanya’s Premam remake is one of the most talked about movies. Premam has set all time records in Malayalam cinema and it is expected to hit bull’s eye in Tollywood too. Chaitu has Sahasam Swasaga Sagipo directed by Gautham Menon that is slated for February release. So this is going to be a very interesting year for the young Akkineni. Dictator, Venkatesh-Maruthi Film Balakrishna and Venkatesh may not be as hot as the young superstars but they can spring in surprises now and then. Balayya’s Dictator is coming for Pongal and Venkatesh’s next is being directed by in-form Maruthi whose last film was a Bhale Bhale Blockbuster.
Trivikram’s A Aa Trivikram chose to do a medium budget film with young Nithin when many superstars are waiting for a chance to work under him. A Aa is certainly one of the most anticipated movies just because of Trivikram’s splendid track record. Rajinikanth’s Mahadeva (Kabali), There will be a lot of dubbed movies to compete with straight movies in this year. But any movie pales in comparison to Rajinikanth’s Kabali that is being dubbed in Telugu as Kabali. This movie has the potential to do over 40 crore business prior to release and could be the first dubbed film to do 50 crore business if Rajinikanth does what he is expected to do.
These are only a few to name but there are so many other movies that are either on sets or in the pre production stage at the moment. 2016 is going to be a very interesting year for Telugu cinema as the audiences are in mood for encouraging different ideas. Let’s hope this turns out to be a blockbuster year for Telugu cinema at the box office.
Chiranjeevi To Quit Films?
Mega Star Chiranjeevi has apparently dropped a bombshell on the New Year day. In what is seen as a disappointing statement which may not go well with many of his fans, Chiru reportedly made it clear that he’d not do films after his 150th film. Interacting with his fans at his residence on New Year day, Chiru made aforementioned comments.
Chiru was quoted as saying to fans that he’d stop doing films after his landmark 150th film and his 150th film would be his last film as lead hero. “150th film will be my last film. I don’t want to do films afterwards. 150th film too am doing it for my fans, well-wishers who keep on asking me for it,” Chiru apparently shared with his fans.
Talking about his much-awaited 150th film, he stated that it will be directed by VV Vinayak and it will go onto floors in February. “Yes, it’s remake of a Tamil film (Kaththi) and it will have Vinayak’s direction. Movie will start next month,” Chiru confirmed officially to his dearest fans.
When unhappy fans put pressure on Chiru to continue after 150th flm, Chiru didn’t budge. He gently replied, “Charan, Arjun, Varun, Sai are all there for you” Chiru added to fans to support them. However, Chiru hasn’t told about his future plans that whether he’d get back to politics and stay active in it.
Looks like, Chiru doesn’t want to continue as a lead hero after 150th film and it needs to be seen whether it’s a permanent break or temporary break from films. But, as of now, this decision comes as a big shocker to all his fans.
Trivikram’s Surprise gift to Jani Master
One of the popular choreographers in Tollywood, Jani Master, shares close relationship with several industry people. Recently, he was in news when he revealed how Ram Charan helped him with financial and medical assistance when his wife was delivering their child.
And now, Jani Master has yet another revelation which shows director Trivikram Srinivas’ generosity. The choreographer took to his Twitter profile yesterday and tweeted, “on this new year I just wanted to share one thing.. During #SonfSatyamurthy shoot Trivikram Sir gifted me Hyundai Verna car.”
Jani Master went on to state that Trivikram is “very close to my heart and the unconditional love he always shows on me is simply superrrrr..” Yesterday, the choreographer met Trivikram to greet him on the new year and even tweeted a photograph with his favorite person.
I am not looking at full-time acting : Amala Akkineni
Actress Amala Akkineni, who has played a few cameo roles in the last few years, says she’s only open to do such roles but has no plans of getting into full-fledged acting as she already has too much on her plate. The 47-year old currently heads Annapurna International School of Film & Media (AISFM), and is also an animal activist and a co-founder of Blue Cross of Hyderabad. “I am not looking at full-time acting. I wear many hats and I am extremely satisfied with what I am doing right now. I am in leadership position in all the organizations I’m associated with so it is not that I’m looking for more,” Amala told IANS.
Explaining why she prefers doing cameo roles, she said: “I would definitely consider doing cameos because it is important for me as being in education for cinema, film and media I must be in touch with the industry I am educating for”. “It is a crucial part of my understanding and being relevant in education.” “Every year I get two calls from reputed directors’ camps who ask me, ‘Amala will you come? I have absolutely lovely cameo for you’. I show up and I make that connect and understand more of what I have to prepare the younger generation for,” she added.
Last seen on the big screen in Mohit Suri’s “Hamari Adhuri Kahani”, Amala will next star with Kamal Haasan. “It was a pleasant surprise. Kamal sir asked me ‘Are you still acting, Amala?’ I said ‘yes sir but only cameos’. Meaning I can’t up-and-out my family and commitments and relocate to another city, but I can do it for 10 days,” she said.
“He sent Malayalam director (T.K. Rajeev Kumar) to narrate me the script. And it was very touching and a relevant film. They will be filming it in US in February. I’m excited to be a part of it,” she revealed.
Nannaku Prematho Puts Ram Charan In A Fix
Buzz around Nannaku Prematho has been increasing by the day. It is arguably the favorite movie of the business circles among the Sankranthi releases. Expectations soared as high as the balloons after the audio launch. Songs are already topping the charts and the promos are trending on YouTube. NTR fans are kicked about Nannaku Prematho but this film has put someone in a fix.
We are talking about Ram Charan who is in plans to launch the remake of Thani Oruvan soon. Thani Oruvan is about the mind games between a clever businessman and an intelligent cop. The interesting play between the villain and the hero made Thani Oruvan a huge success. Ram Charan is hoping that it would impress our audiences too as the premise is fresh from the usual films. Nannaku Prematho trailer gave enough hints about the ‘mind games’ between NTR and Jagapathi Babu, the villain.
Jagapathi’s attire and persona is similar to that of Aravind Swamy’s in Thani Oruvan. Also the ‘game’ between hero and villain has been highlighted in the theatrical trailer of Nannaku Prematho. If the film is focused mainly upon this mind game then the idea of remaking Thani Oruvan would not be exciting anymore. Luckily Thani Oruvan remake hasn’t hit the floors yet and they could take a call after Nannaku Prematho strikes the screens.
So Ram Charan, Surender Reddy and his team will be as eager as NTR fans to watch Nannaku Prematho for Pongal.
A Simple Solution To Their Problems
The festival of Sankranthi is a time of great merriment for the people in Andhra Pradesh. The season heralds the highly famous cockfights in the Godavari districts and it is not an exaggeration to say that betting runs into the tune of thousands of crores. Putting paid to the hopes of all gamblers; the High Court has issued strict instructions to the government to take steps to ensure that no cockfights take place during the festival days.
Now the stakeholders involved in the cock-fights are in a real dilemma. If they go ahead with the cock-fights, then the authorities will crack down on them. But how can they desist from the activity? Here is a simple solution to their problem. They should all take membership in the TDP! That way, they are certain to be protected from the law irrespective of their crimes. Don’t believe our word for it? Has anyone been prosecuted in the Agrigold scam? Has any action been taken against Chintamaneni Prabhakar, the TDP MLA?
Has any serious charge been slapped against the perpetrators of the call money scam? No! But if you speak out in ager against this administration, you stand in danger of being suspended for a year if you are an opposition MLA or you might be intimidated like the farmers of the new capital region and Bhogapuram. So, cock-fight lovers, here’s the answer to your worries. Take membership in the TDP and watch all your sins washed away in this very life.
Here and There Sailaja Rules
Young hero Ram’s latest entertainer Nenu Sailaja opened to good collections everywhere. Indeed, it’s a good start for the New Year. The film is said to have collected around 3.5 Cr share (Here) in Andhra Pradesh and Telangana on day one. This is career best opening for Ram who is very much relieved with the success talk.
Nenu Sailaja is doing well even in mass centers like Ceded where it raked Rs 65 lakhs share on first day. In Krishna district, the romantic entertainer collected a share of Rs 1.21 crores, while Vizag share is 29 lakhs on day one.
Including Thursday premiers, Nenu Sailaja minted $123K in overseas (Rs 81.5 lakhs), which is in fact biggest opener (There) for Ram in the region. After, Bhale Bhale Magadivoy, Nenu Sailaja is going to be another overseas winner. Until Sankranthi, no big films are arriving to cinema halls.
So, Nenu Sailaja will unanimously rule the box office until the biggies outing for the festival. Since the film directed by Kishore Tirumala is targeted at youth and families, it is expected to perform decently during the Sankranthi holidays too.
But, only problem is Nenu Sailaja may sacrifice many theaters to biggies like Nannaku Prematho, Dictator and Soggade Chinni Nayana. Nonetheless, two weeks time is more than enough for a medium range film to recover budget from theaters.
First Look: Sizzling Chemistry between Kapoors
Bollywood’s new on-screen couple Arjun Kapoor and Kareena Kapoor turned the heat on with their first look poster of upcoming flick ‘Ki and Ka.’ The poster, which was a treat to the fans for the New Year, displayed the sizzling chemistry of the duo.
Directed by R Balki ‘Ki and Ka’ also stars legendary actor Amitabh Bachchan and actress Jaya Bachchan in cameo roles. The film is scheduled to hit the screens on April 1, 2016.
Renu’s New Year Lunch With Pawan’s Director
Former actress turned filmmaker Renu Desai often thrills fans of Powerstar Pawan Kalyan by posting photographs of her’s and both her children, Akira and Aadya. Yesterday, Renu celebrated the New Year along with her good friend and the director of Pawan’s blockbuster Kushi, SJ Surya and her kids.
Renu and Surya met for lunch and Renu tweeted a photograph of them clicked by Akira at a restaurant saying, “New year lunch with Surya sir…:) pic clicked by Akira &Aadya hiding behind me :D” Renu and Surya have been good friends since Kushi days and her addressing Surya as ‘sir’ was indeed surprising.
This special luncheon also raised several discussions about whether the good friends are collaborating for a film in the near future. Until a few days ago, there were reports that Pawan and Surya may team up once again for a high budget film. Will it materialize soon? Will Renu be part of the project? We will have to wait until an official confirmation.
It’s Official: Deepika In XXX Franchise
Bollywood actress Deepika Padukone had first fuelled speculation about her possible Hollywood debut by sharing a picture with Vin Diesel where she was seen hugging the Hollywood hunk while looking at the camera mysteriously. As per reports, Deepika is finalized to play one of the lead roles in XXX: The Return Of Xander Cage that will also have Asian action stars Tony Jaa and Jet Li starring in other important roles.
There were reports that Deepika had turned down Diesel’s “Fast and Furious 7” to accommodate dates for her 2014 release “Happy New Year”. Now, the actress could allot call sheets as the news of Deepika being part of the upcoming sequel of XXX franchise is official.
Off late, Hollywood filmmakers are keen on casting Bollywood and other Indian star actors in their films. In fact, they have a reason for this. Presence of an Indian actor will automatically provide good trade in the country. Likewise, Bollywood’s current top actress Deepika Padukone is big add-on for XXX: The Return Of Xander Cage.
Deepika Padukone achieved hat-trick hits in 2015 with Piku, Tamasha and Bajirao Mastani. Fortunately, all these films showed the slender babe in influential roles. One thing for sure is Deepika will rock Hollywood too with her maiden venture!
‘Sardaar Gabbar Singh’ to release on April 8
Actor Pawan Kalyan’s much delayed Telugu actioner “Sardaar Gabbar Singh”, which is nearing completion, will hit the screens on April 8.
“The final month-long schedule kicks off in Hyderabad next week. As soon as it’s done, the project will get into post-production. The makers are planning to release the film on April 8th,” a source from the film’s unit told IANS.
A sequel to 2012 blockbuster “Gabbar Singh”, the film is being directed by K.S. Ravindra and features Kajal Aggarwal in the lead role.
The film, which has music by Devi Sri Prasad, is jointly produced by Kalyan and Sharrath Marar.
‘The most inappropriate selfie ever’
A couple faced ire of Twitteratis after posting a selfie with burning hotel in Dubai.The micro-blogging site users slammed the couple for posing before the Address Downtown when it caught fire. The couple posted the selfie three hours before the clock struck 12 for the New Years Eve.
While the fire incident before the celebrations of NYE jolted many, the picture of the couple sparked storm on social media.
Reactions like “the most inappropriate selfie ever” and “people are stupid” popped up after the picture was uploaded.Eyewitnesses claim that the fire began at lower floor of the Address Downtown hotel and continued to spread on the upper storeys. Around 16 people were injured in the rush to evacuate the hotel during the fire incident.
Burj Khalifa, tallest building in the world, went ahead with the pompus show of fireworks even when the hotel nearby, the Downtown, witnessed smoky billow.
