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