Three National Awards for Tollywood

Prestigious National Awards for year 2006 were announced this morning (June 10, 2008) in New Delhi. Three Telugu films bagged the awards.

Nandita Das starrer Telugu film – Kamli, directed by KNT Shasthry, won the Best Regional Film (in Telugu) award. D Ramanaidu starrer, Hope, was selected for the Best Film for National Integrity. Best Animated film went to Telugu movie – Kittu.

On other hand, heroine Priyamani won the coveted Best Actress Award for her portrayal of victim of rape in a Tamil movie - Parudhi Veerani.Best Film – Puzhi Rajyam (Malyalam).Best Actor – Soumitra Chatarjee.Best Actress – Priyamani.

Mumaith is Ram Charan's 'Bangaru Kodi Petta'

Banagaru Kodi Peatta Vachenandi is the hit song from megastar's film ‘Gharana Mogadu’ which was released in 1992. The number became a super hit song for its peppy music and trendy dance steps by Chiranjeevi. The song choreographed in a ship yard set with disco Shanthi. MM Keeravaani was the music director. The film was big hit and song is even bigger.

Now SS Rajamouli is experimenting the same song with Ramcharan Teja and Mumaith Kahan for his forth coming movie ‘Dheerudu’. MM Keeravani is again composing the music for this film too. The song will be picturised soon and is going to be in the ship yard.

We have to see whether this new Kodi Petta lays golden eggs or not!

Bujjigaadu private party pics...

Tollywood ban on Prakash Raj

Hyderabad, May 30: - Noted character artist and villain of the Telugu cinema industry, Mr. Prakash Raj seems to have turned up as real 'bad boy' for the film producers. The Federation of Telugu Cinema Producers have decided to impose a ban on the actor and ordered all the producers affiliated to the federation not to sign up any assignments with the actor.

The reason for the federations' decision was the actor's alleged indiscipline. It was stated that the actor has been attending the shootings beyond schedule and thus has been causing headache. After carrying out a thorough enquiry into the complaints against the actor, the federation on Friday issued orders against the actor.

The federation has constituted a committee to resolve the row amicably but the efforts have failed and that has forced the federation of film producers to act tough. It is learnt that there many complaints lodged against the actor's conduct on the sets. Raj is a popular actor among Telugu audience and has played a variety of roles on the silver screen.

'Indiana Jones…' is fun movie with enough charm

Film: "Indiana Jones and the Kingdom of the Crystal Skull"; Cast: Harrison Ford, Ray Winstone, Cate Blanchett, Shia Lebouff, Karen Allen; Director: Steven Spielberg; Ratings: ***

"Indiana Jones and the Kingdom of the Crystal Skull" could be the surprise Hollywood hit of the year. When news first leaked that the triumvirate of Harrison Ford, Steven Spielberg and George Lucas were planning another Indiana Jones movies, lot of people just didn't think there was any need to.

The production from the beginning was plagued, especially with the script. The filmmakers had to wait a long time for the right script, and though not as quite as good, the script, actors, action and direction come together just enough to make this a satisfactory movie. More than anything else, it is a pleasant surprise.

Spielberg smartly preserves the essence of the first three “Indiana Jones” movies and repackages them with enough freshness for today's world. The formula, which made the Indiana Jones movies popular, is tried and tested and this movie could have crushed by its own weight.

Spielberg also avoids the trap of loading the movies with computer-generated effects. Some of the most thrilling moments in the film are pared down action sequences filmed employing traditional film making methods.

The 65-five-year-old Ford doing all his stunts here puts in a credible performance. His aged face is not made to look any younger than he is. Ford still manages to pull off that arrogant scowl with just enough sprinkling of charm. The action sequences will seem even more impressive when considered that Ford did his own stunts.

The weakest part of the movie is the script and its almost comical story line. It's best not to make too much sense of such things as the crystal skull in question and what it means and why it is such a big deal. This is an action adventure movie and it strives to deliver along that line.

The movie is set in 1957 and the Soviets want to find the crystal skull, which supposedly holds the secrets of the universe. They are led by Irina Spalko (Blanchett). Jones (Ford) is taken captive by Spalko but he escapes. He returns to his teaching job but has to leave since the Federal Bureau of Investigation is on his trail.

Just before he leaves, he is stopped by Mutt (Shia Lebouf) who insists Jones has to help him find a man he thinks of as a father figure. This takes them to Peru and eventually they have to ward off the Soviets as they all seek the realm of the crystal skull.

The movie is well-paced and Spielberg at those places where he could have splurged on the computer generated effects takes a more bare bones approach. One of the more thrilling action sequences involves a chase through the Amazon forest as they fight for possession of the crystal skull. When it does slow down, the movie feels flat.

The humour isn't spiky enough and the reunion between Jones and Mary, who we meet in "Indiana Jones and the Raiders of the Lost Ark" fails to enthral. It seems thrown in at the last minute to add some sense of nostalgia.

The actors all give credible performances. Blanchette is proving to be one of the most reliable actresses and she shines here as usual. Ray Winstone's part of Mac is woefully underdeveloped and a fine actor is clearly wasted here.

Spielberg is already an institution and after having made some heavy serious films he feels no pressure to prove himself a genuine filmmaker. With this movie he seems to have fun and that clearly shows. It is a fun movie with just enough charm, action and adventure to satisfy.

'NBK's Pandurangadu Review'

Story: Pundareeka Ranganathudu aka Rangadu (Balakrishna) is born in a family of Lord Krishna's Devotees.But he is a womenizer who never cares about his Parents(
K.Viswanath & Sivaparvati)or their wishes.He was lured by a dancer Amrutha(Tabu ) and soon he was in a thick relationship with that woman.Lakshmi(Sneha) is an ardent
devotee of Lord Krishna and one day Lord Krishna( Balakrishna)appear in her dreams and tell her to marry Rangadu.Parents forcibly convince Rangadu to marry
Lakshmi.Even after marriage Rangadu is the same old guy with the same old affair with Amruta.How Lord Krishna changes his attitude towards family & life forms rest of the
story.

Highlights:

Apart from his Massive star image Balakrishna has his unique record of enacting in variety of roles in various genres.Films like Aditya 369,Bhairava Dweepam and now
Pandurangadu showcases his versatility and proves that in his generation of actors he is the true successor of Legend NTR not because of blood but because of his
talent,screen presence and dare to attempt such films&charecters.Balakrishna's performance in dual role of Lord Krishna & Rangadu standsout.He looks awesome as Lord
Krishna.His acting in this film can be said as one of his finest performances in his career.

K.Raghavendrarao spelled the magic again.He delivers another touching devotional drama,a tough remake of a timeless classic,successfully.His narrative style ,a
combination of emotion,entertainment&romance ,worked well with this film.The movie has Navarasalu and there is an overdose of Srungara rasam in the first half( as
demanded by the script !? ;-) )

MM Keeravani's music is the backbone of the movie.The songs,bit songs and the background score are very good.

Sneha is apt &performed well.Tabu looks sexy.

When Sudhala Ashok teja got national award for Nenu Saitham song,there were many comments heard within the industry as the song isn't his original.But those voices
cannot comment on his ability if they listen to Amma ninnu okka Sari chusi from Pandurangadu.A truely magnificient work by Sudhala Ashok teja.Greatest lyric written in
recent times.

Last 40 minutes of the movie is the biggest asset for the film with magnanimous acting of Balakrishna and arresting songs Matrudevobhava,Hey Krishna Mukunda
Murari,Neelamegha, Emani Adaganu.

Songs picturisation is good just like any other KRR's film.

Unlike many other devotional dramas the film was wrapped in 2hour 30mins.

Sidelights:

JK Bharavi's script is good but it could be better in some of the key scenes.

Casting isn't that good.A better cast(for the roles of 8wives of Lord Krishna,Rangadu's mother )could bring much quality for the film.

Balakrishna looks aged for the charecter of a flirt.So is the case of Tabu,even though she looks hot.

Public Talk : Good Movie.Worth watching.

pics of shruthi hassan d/o kamal hassan

Meet Shruti Hassan on the covers of ‘Verve’

Well, we have the child of two yesteryear superstars gearing up to step into the glamour world. Talking about Shruti Hassan, daughter of Kamal Hassan and Sarika, she rocks the covers of the latest issue of ‘Verve’. The issue talks about Shruti, what it is to be a child of two superstars and about her fancy for black nail polish and army jackets.

Shruti does not have just looks, she also writes her own songs, croons, jams with the tabla and piano, and has performed at bigger venues than your mind can ever think, venues as big as Whiskey A Go Go, Hard Rock Café etc… to say the least. Though Shruti does not have any Bollywood project in her hands at present, she is waiting for the right moment to knock at her doors. Well, Shruti, we are more than convinced that the right moment is not far behind!

Sultan The Warrior with 3500 prints

Sultan The Warrior, a full-length animated movie of Rajnikanh, is all set for a hysterical world release with about 3500 prints, early 2009. It is directed by Aishwarya, the superstar's daughter. Adlabs produces the flick. Most of the animation work is under progress at Brazil. One Min 45 Sec official trailer of the film was released on January 14th, this year.

Simran‘s debut in Telugu Television Industry

Maa TV is a Telugu entertainment channel, carved a niche for itself in the present competitive television market. It is swiftly proceeding in an effort to keep up its promise of giving quality programs to all its viewers. The channel has been consistently doing very good with lots of new programmes adding to its kitty.

MAA TV which had a consistent growth in its market channel share for past few weeks is due to its thoughtful programming and scheduling. The way it has divided the slots of programmes according to its target audience itself has majorly helped the channel to give the right kind of programme to right people at the right time.

The channel attempted to redefine the fiction by giving short stories to the audience as an alternative to long drawn serials.

With this interesting packaging the most significant aspect is the popular actress ‘Simran’, who is for the very first time entering into the Telugu television industry.

‘Simran Marapurani kathalu’ a daily serial is the most interesting scoop of treat happening to the Telugu family audience. Unlike daily soaps this chronicles various small stories filled with humor, emotional, drama and lots of Variety.

Every story is in 20 episodes each directed by a prominent director. The delight of these stories is the lead role being played by the very popular actress ‘Simran’ in all the episodes.

This is going to be on air from 26th May 2008 daily from Monday to Thursday 8:30 pm to 9:00 pm. The production house of this series is Pyramid Saimira Production International Services Ltd.

Speaking on the occasion Mr. Thammareddi Bharadwaj, Head Content (AP), Pyramid Saimira Production International Limited (PSPIL), the Producer of the Teleseries stated: “Simran Marapu Rani Kathalu is going to add in lots of freshness to the television topography due to these interesting stories. We are extremely happy to be associated with Maa TV for telecasting this series”.

Expressing his happiness Mr. Sharrath Marar, Chief Executive Officer, Maa Television Network Ltd. said, “We are very delighted with the fact that Simran is making her debut in television and it is happening on Maa TV. ‘Simran Marapurani Kathalu’ on MAA TV will be telecasted at our prime slot daily, as it will definitely get us lot of appreciation from our audience.”

Parugu collects 21 crores

In a press meet held today producer Dil Raju said that his latest film Parugu has collected a gross of 21 crores in just three. He also said that Parugu is going to collect more than what Bommarillu and Desamuduru collected in the past. This film is made with family crowds in mind, and Dil Raju says that 60% of the crowds are family audiences in Parugu theaters.

Anushka loosing....

Anushka loosing her place in tollywood? Its almost true. According to sources, Anushka wants to focus only on Charecter roles than glam roles as a result she is denying all the offers which are coming to her in Telugu and Tamil.

Sexy and hot babes like Anushka must just know how to dance and show skin than being conscious about roles in the films.

Its better you sign the films which are offered to you as “Make hay when the sun shines”. Because if you loose your charm and age now, after two years no one will be interested in you, even if you are willing to go semi nude on screen.

Think about it Anushka!

'Prabhas,Trisha Bujjigadu Review'

Story:

Circa 1996 , Vizag

Young Bujji & Little Chitti are neighbours &best friends.One day Chitti was deeply hurt 'coz BujjI spoiled her sand temple.She asks him not to talk to her for 12 years & also
says she will marry him if he can live up to her challenge.Bujji runs away from home.

Circa 2008 , Chennai

Bujjigadu (Prabhas) is a mass fella who fights for fun and also a huge fan of Thalaiva Rajinikanth.Bujjigadu leaves to Vizag to meet his Chitti.Chitti(Trisha)is studying in
London and her family is living in Hyderabad.She sends her sister(Sanjana) to contact Bujji.Bujjigadu also lands in a tempting deal, with Machireddy&sons(Kota Srinivasarao
gang)for Rs.1Crore to kill Sivanna (Mohan babu),as he needs money to live happily after marrying Chitti.He comes to Hyderabad to find Chitti & to kill Sivanna.There he
comes to know Chitti is the only sister of Sivanna.What he will do next forms rest of the story.

Highlights :

Prabhas looks macho.Prabhas performed very well as a Puri mark funny,arrogant& tough guy.it's a different charecter for him.
Nothing special to say about Trisha.Her makeup is awkward.
Music by Sandeep Chowta is ok.There isn't much variation or much variety.
There are some enjoyable witty one liners and overall comedy isn't upto the mark compared to Puri's earlier films.Sunil did well,Ali appears in 3 different roles (including a
gay).

Sidelights:
It's a Lazy screenplay by Puri Jagannadh.Though no one expect a novel storyline for a mass film atleast people expects an entertaining film with a fluid screenplay from
him.he failed to deliver so.it's a routine mass flick.
Mohan babu is casted in a pretty routine don cum brother character.His terrific acting abilities were absolutely wasted.
amma-abba,munda-randa kind of telugu thitlu are used very casually for comedy( often uttered by heroines )

Public Talk : Below Average .
Industry Talk : Cinema lo Vishayam thakkuva.manchi combination unna mass cinema kabatti openings vasthayi,Safe avvochu kani...cinema nilabadadhu.

Ileana with Mahesh

lleana is said to have signed on the dotted line for Mahesh Babu’s next film in the direction of Trivikram. Incidentally this couple of being repeated after the industry hit Pokiri. Varudu is title under consideration for this film. This film is the second one in the combination of Mahesh Babu and Trivikram. And it also the second one in the combination of Trivikram and Ileana