Telugu Film News 8th Jan 2008

Director Shoban died of heart attack

Director Shoban is no more. He passed away today due to acute cardiac arrest. While he was narrating a story for his forthcoming film at his residence in Madhapur in Hyderabad, he fell with heart attack. Bhumika and her husband immediately rushed him to the Image hospital but he was dead by then. Shoban directed Mahesh Babu's "Bobby", "Varsham" and "Chanti – The Hero". He also worked with Ram Gopal Varma and Krishnavamsi. He penned dialogues for "Sindhuram" and "Murari". He was survived by wife and two children.

Sankranthi releases spaced out

This Sankranthi is witnessing the release of four Telugu films. However, these four films are spaced out in such a way that there is no clash of release dates. Okka Magaadu, Krishna, Pourudu and Vaana are going to release on 11, 12, 13 and 15 respectively. The first three films are mass films where are Vaana is a young love story. The first three films are straight films where as Vaana is a remake.

Brahmanandam sanmanam spree

It has become a mandatory and an unwritten guideline for all filmmaker to the felicitate Brahmanandam whenever they are going to face to the media. All the Telugu film production companies in which Brahmanandam is currently acting are going to felicitate Brahmanandam whenever they hold a press meet. The unit of Premabhishekam and Nee Sukhame Ne Koruthunna have already felicitated Brahmanandam. MAA team felicitated Brahmanandam when they met to release MAA diary recently. The AP Film Critics Association is also planning to felicitate Brahmanandam tomorrow.

Pawan Kalyan to leave for Bangkok

Pawan Kalyan's "Jalsa" is in the last leg of production with its balance part of the shooting is being done in Shankarapalli village in Hyderabad. Director Trivikram Srinivas is planning to picturise one song in Bangkok. So the unit might leave for the city this month end.

Ravi Teja is ready to shoot for next film

Ravi Teja's "Krishna" is hitting the marquee on January 12th on the occasion of Sankranthi. Director Vinayak who burnt hands last Sankranthi said he made this film in his style. After this release, Ravi Teja will begin for his next film that is to be produced by D Suresh Babu on Suresh Productions banner. The film begins its regular shooting on January 16. Uday Shankar who gave blockbuster "Kalisundam Raa.." is the creator behind this new film.

Anasuya sets new record in satellite rights

Thrillers are setting new records in Tollywood. Charmee's "Mantra" is a big blockbuster. Bhumika's "Anasuya" too is not lagging far behind. "Anasuya" created sensation in the sales of satellite rights. Buzz is that the film was sold for Rs 1.25 Crores which is an unheard figure for a low-budgeted movie that has no salable male star.

Srikanth's Nagaram to release in February

Manisha Koirala is joining the shoot of Srikanth starrer "Nagaram". She is turning as item bomb with this movie although she did special songs in Bollywood earlier. Manisha was paid a bomb for this film by the producers. The shooting begins next week. Director Srinivas informed the media that "Nagaram" gives unique experience to the viewers as Srikanth and Jagapathi Babu are coming together in different roles in the movie. Srikanth does an out and out mass character. Newcomer Kaveri Jha provides enough glamour. Producer told that they are planning to release it in February. Only few songs are in balance and the rest of the picturisation has been completed, he said.

Rajnikanth sings two films at a time

Tamil superstar Rajnikanth officially announced that he would be doing another film for director Shivaji. Rajnikanth signed on Shankar's dream project "Robot" and an official statement was released on Monday in this regard by the producers in Chennai. Shankar plans to make the film simultaneously in Tamil, Hindi, Telugu and possibly English. AR Rahman will be providing the music and it is reported that the budget is about Rs 120 Crores. Shankar plans to start its shooting in August 2008. So before that Rajnikanth wants to do another small film which is to be produced by "Chandramukhi" fame Vasu.