January 18 Is Auspicious Day

Three big-budgeted films - NBK-Gunasekhar combo Sadhu, Venkatesh-Anushka-Priyamani starrer Chintakayala Ravi and Maheshbabu's Mirchi will be launched on January 18, considered an auspicious day. Yogi (of Oka Raju Oka Rani fame) will direct Chintakayala Ravi and Nallamalupu Srinivas will produce it under the banner Lakshmi Narasimha Productions. Sri Durga Arts' Mirchi will be jointly produced by KL Narayana and S. Gopal Reddy, while Jasti Hemambaradara Rao is all set to make his debut as a director with the film. Nayanatara will be paired opposite NBK in Sadhu, which will be produced by Bellamkonda Suresh.

Chitchat with YVS Chowdary

YVS Chowdary is the man of mass audience and when he directs Bala Krishna, the expectations are unlimited. But YVS is cool like a cucumber even though his latest film Okka Magaadu is releasing with high expectations. The film experts say that Okka Magaadu will surely break the records irrespective of the talk.Here are the excerpts -

Tell us about Okka Magaadu?
When we announced the project on 9 August 2006, the expectations were humongous worldwide. And we are releasing the film on 11 January 2008. I stayed away from the hype associated with the project and done with dedication and determination. I came to the industry because of my addiction to legend NTR. I learnt the good qualities like working hard, dedication and fighting spirit from NTR only.

Okka Magadu is my seventh directorial venture. MM Keeravani composed the Okka Magaadu song in Tirumala guest house for Seetayya film. This song created a history with good beat, nice choreography and colorful picturization. Okka Magaadu song encapsulates all the qualities a girl looks out in a man. We had legend NTR in our mind while penning lyrics.

I had been having a potential story meant for any hero of god worship with me for a long time. And when Keeravani composed that song, I realized that Okka Magaadu is the right title for the script I had worked for. I registered the title immediately after coming to Hyderabad. When I started developing the scripts, I realized that Bala Krishna is the only hero who could do justice.

I met Bala Krishna during the postproduction time of Devadasu and narrated the script. And it excited him very much and he accepted the project. If he rejected this script, I would have put this subject away forever and went on making films with other scripts because this script is made for 'one and only' Bala Krishna." I worked with Bala Krishna as an assistant director for Pattabhishekam. I was the co-director for Aswamedham film. He is undoubtedly the most handsome hero. He has gone the royal lineage of Nandamuri. He has terrific god-worship image among the fans. These three qualities are required for Okka Magaadu film. I will give the total credit of success of Okka Magaadu film for Bala Krisna only. I feel that technicians are always technicians. We used the image of stars like Bala Krishna to enhance our work. Star heroes channelize our work and thought process and carry them to the masses and there by increase the span of longevity of the films.

Bala Krishna is looking very handsome in Okka Magaadu. What is the secret?
That is how I want to see Bala Krishna on screen. Each director has his own mental vision about how he is going to project his hero. For me Bala Krishna should be presented the way I had done in Okka Magaadu. It came from my thought process and imagination.

Do you have any message in this film?
I opine that the films are primarily meant for entertainment. All my films cater to the movie lovers and I am not the kind of guy who feel that movies should give messages. Even if there are any message, I make sure that they are sugar-coated.

Do you think that Okka Magaadu is going to act as catalyst to the entry of Bala Krishna in politics?
I am a passionate filmmaker. I prepare scripts and make films as per scripts. I made Okka Magaadu as per the demand of the script. I did not deviate from it to have any political angle. The entire film of Okka Magaadu is going to be non-controversial. When we make a film of Okka Magaadu stature, we make sure that it caters to all sectors of audiences.

Why did you take so many days to shoot this film?
Though we went to floors in December 2006, we could shot only three songs in the next four months. We started the talkie shoot in April and completed the entire film by December. We shot the film in many locations like Australia, Malaysia, Rayala Seema, Rajahmundry and Hyderabad. We went to USA for 20 days to consult make-up technicians.

You bought a theater in Gudiwada and showing Okka Magaadu as the inaugural film in it. How do you feel about it?
It is one of the most memorable moments in my life. I was the town president of Gudiwada for NTR fans. Films like Kodanveeti Simham and Sardar Papa Rayudu created records when I was the president. I moved to Chennai at the age of 19 and Gopala Krishna theater was constructed after that. Many of Chiranjeevi's films ran for 100 days in Gopala Krishna. I bought that theater and renovated it. It is the first DTS A/C theater in Gudiwada. It is a thrilling moment for me to release Okka Magaadu film in my own theater as an inaugural film.

How is the response for the audio?
The audio of Okka Magaadu has been liked immensely by all sectors of music lovers.

How is the response for Okka Magaadu in overseas?
All the NRI's perceive Okka Magaadu as a Bala Krishna film made by a director who adulates NTR like a God. And I had been crafting my career graphs in a very respectable way with decent hits. I am like Dravid for Indian cricket team with consistent track record. Hence the expectations are high when our combination film was announced. I am very confident that Okka Magaadu will satisfy all the overseas crowds who have tremendous expectations on this film.

Tell us about make-up for the unrevealed character of Bala Krishna in Okka Magaadu?
Eeswar prepared sketches for Bala Krishna and Simran. We went to USA and met Academy award nominated make-up technician. He assisted us in getting the right make-up done. Bala Krishna used to get up at 3:30 and come to the location. It takes around 4 hours to put on the make-up and one hour to take the make-up off. It was very tedious process and Bala Krishna enthusiastically participated in the shooting with make-up.

Do you think Okka Magaadu is going to create records?
Records are meant to be broken and records are not permanent. Records of a blockbuster were decided on day one or in the first week. I am a passionate filmmaker and I made a good film. I want everybody to appreciate it. I don't make films for records. But if Okka Magaadu breaks records I will be very happy because I came from the grassroots level of a fan.

Dasari said in the audio function that there is a caste based message in the film that targets some popular personality. Is it true?
All you guys know me in person. I am not the kind of guy who hurts anybody feelings. I am the one who made the film and I know the dialogues in the film. I can assure that not even a single dialogue in this film is of controversial nature.

If you have to describe Okka Magaadu in one sentence?
Okka Magaadu offers 'South Indian Spicy Meals' to all the audiences.

Tell us about your next film 'Rey' with Ram?
Let the Okka Magaadu release first. I will talk about my next film later.

Related Links

Okka Magaadu
http://indfilmnews.blogspot.com/2007/12/okka-magaadu-mp3-songs-for-download.html

http://indfilmnews.blogspot.com/2007/10/about-balakrishnas-okka-magadu.html

http://indfilmnews.blogspot.com/2007/08/nisha-falls-in-drowse-of-bala-krishna.html

http://indfilmnews.blogspot.com/2007/08/okka-magaadu-shoots-in-talakona.html

http://indfilmnews.blogspot.com/2008/01/okka-magaadubalakrishnaanushkanisha.html

Gallery: Spicy Anuskha and Nisha in Okka Maagadu

Telugu Film News 6th Jan 2008

Okka Magaadu to meet censors on 5th Jan

With the post production work being completed, director-producer YVS Choudary will be having his Balakrishna, Anushka and Nisha Kothari starrer ‘Okka Magaadu’ sent for scrutiny to the Censor Board today, 5thJanuary. All set to be released on the 11th of this month, the film promises to show Balakrishna in an all new getup and with an interesting storyline. The film is believed t o begin in the pre independence period and run up to the present generation. The music, by Mani Sharam, was released last week and has received a good response.

NBK cutout found damaged, fans protest

In a repeat of the late December incident, yet another cutout of actor Balakrishna was found damaged, this time in Mamidi Palem village in Prakasam District, on 4th December. The cutout was a part of the advertisings for Balakrishna’s YVS directed Okka Magadu, which is ready for release on the 11th of this month. Angry fans gathered at the site and began protests. Senior members of the Fans Association of Nandamuris announced that a meeting will be held on the 9th of this month to discuss about the happenings and plan future action.

No show for Nagababu’s Aapada Mokkulavaadu

There were was chaos all around when the prints of the actor Nagababu’s much hyped ‘ Apada Mokkulavaadu’ did not reach the theaters and the public was left high and dry. The film that was to be released today, 5th January, was not screened at any of the theaters for the morning show. That was surely not the kind of start that director-producer Posani Krishna Murali wanted for his political drama.

Nithin in Ashok Kumar’s first

Young actor Nithin has apparently given the nod to work in director Ashok Kumar Lalam’s first directorial venture. Ashok Kumar had earlier assissted director Puri Jagannadh in some of the latter’s biggest grossers like Badri, Itlu Sravani Subramanyam, Idiot and Sivamani. The film, touted to be an action packed entertainer, will go on floors from April 2008. Though no name has been announced, it is believed that a leading actress had been approached and the makers are awaiting an answer. Other details of the film will be announced shortly.

Jayaprada is Ramulamma

The very beautiful and versatile Jayaprada, last seen in Balakrishna’s Maharadhi, is making her foray into Bengali films with the remake of actress Vijayshanti’s rustic hit Osey Ramulamma. Jayaprada , apart from starring in the title role, will also be producing this inspiring story of a rural women bravely facing the wrong doings of a village head. The film is currently being shot at Ramoji Film City.

ANR award for Anjali Devi

Veteran actress and producer Anjali Devi will be awarded with the ANR award for 2007.

“It is an honor to felicitate Anjali Devi with the ANR award” Venkat Akkineni said “She is one of the most versatile actress of our industry. She had acted with my father (Akkineni Nageswara Rao) in some of his most memorable films. She will be felicitated with the award on the 13th of January, at Ravindra Bharati”.

“Out of the 254 films that I acted in Anjali Devi was my co star in 50 of them” Actor ANR said “The first two ANR awards were given to national actors like Dev Anand and Shabana Azmi. And this time our Jury members have chosen Anjali Devi”.

Anjali Devi has acted in over 400 films and even produced some of the South Indian Film Industry’s classical films.

Kalyan Ram’s double shades

Actor Nandamuri Kalyan Ram will be a seen portraying a dual role for the first time, in his upcoming home production being directed by Harsha Vardhan. Actress Priyamani will be the leading lady of this Rs 9 crore film that is being produced by Kalyan Ram’s brother Janaki Ram. The shooting of this film, which is said to be named as ‘Okadecchesadu’, is presently taking place at Hyderabad.

Jagapathi Babu’s Swagatham on 24th Jan
Actor Jagapathi Babu will be seen romancing Bhoomika and Anushka in director Dasarath’s upcoming triangular love story Sawgatham. The film is scheduled to be released on the 24th of this month. The film that was shot in a number of varied locales from Rajamundry to New York, is presently in the post production stage and will be wrapped up soon. R.P.Patnaik has scored some very melodious tunes for this family entertainer.

Ajith blessed with a baby girl

Popular Tamil actor Ajith and wife, former child artist Shalini, were blessed with a baby girl on 3rd January. Ajith who had made his debut in films with the hit Telugu movie Prema Pustakam shifted to the Tamil Industry and went on become one of the most popular and successful actors of the Tamil Film industry. Shalini on the other hand, was a very successful child artist and acted with the likes of Chiranjeevi, Shoban Babu and Venkatesh. She later became a leading lady and has hit film including Mani Ratnam’s Sakhi to her credit. Ajit and Shalini met on the sets of their first Tamil movie and the rest as they say is history. Hearty congratulations to the lovely couple.

Pawan caught with BSP leaders

Snap shots of Pawan Kalyan enjoying a good conversation with BSP leaders hit the television screens of TV9 just a couple of days after BSP leader Surya Prakash revealed to the media that the lanky actor had expressed his wish to join the party even if big brother Chiranjeevi did not want to. The photos have apparently been sent by the BSP members them selves after a couple of media reports claimed that the meeting was false news. This latest happening has just added to Pawan’s list of infamous incidents with the media.

Behind The Scene: Pawan case is gone case?

It looks like the bigamy case of Pawan Kalyan is going to fizzle out, if one looks at the way the court is deferring the case unendingly.

According to the family sources, Pawan Kalyan is buying peace with his first wife Nandini, since the image of the family is at stake in the wake of his brother Chiranjeevi entering the politics. On the other hand, the police report, too, was manipulated to suit the interests of Pawan Kalyan.

If everything works out well, both will agree for divorce and Pawan Kalyan would pay the required alimony to her. That is the reason why both of them did no turn up at the court, citing different reasons.

Screen Buzz: Is Trisha's Name Also Nandini?

VV Vinayak names his heroine as Nandini in every film. We already said this long back. The name of Keerthi Chawla in 'Adi' is Nandini. The name Nayantara in Yogi is Nandini. The name of Sjriya in Tagore is Nandini. So will Trisha's name in the film 'Krishna' also stands to be 'Nandini'?

The movie is set to release on 12th of this month and the posters are proving to be very promising. The glamour does of Trisha is felt enough and Vinayak says that it is the movie that goes in the backdrop of Vijayawada and Kanakadurga Temple. It's again and action dose in the school of Vinayak. Ravi Teja's portrayal stands strong it seems.

Keeping that everything aside, will Vinayak continue his sentimental name Nandini again? Or will he bring a change? That has to be seen. If he continues, a focus should be kept on real life Nandini in Vinayak's life.

CC Reddy Loses Money and Troubles Film Magazines

There is a talk about CC Reddy in Film circles. Many say that he is very good at heart and encourages new talent in the industry. He also said that he didn't calculate any figures for 'Mee Sreyobhilashi' but simply made it with an intention to make a good movie.

Once he announced Rs 1 lakh publicly for the film 'Ink' that was made by Tanikella Bharani with an idea to encourage new frame of film making. Everything is fine but a few film magazine people say that CC Reddy delays in paying dues when the film flops.

"He loses money intentionally in film making and delays our payments later. We feel uncomfortable to ask him as he stands in loss. It doesn't mean that he skips payment but delays", says a reporter of magazine.

That's the style of CC Reddy!

Rumors: Nayantara Refused Rs 1.5 Cr Offer!

We heard that Ileana touched Rs 1 Cr mark with remuneration by signing on the film on Bellamkonda's banner. Now Nayantara also joined the line. She too touched that fancy figure.

She joins the select band of Indian actresses like – Kareena, Aishwarya Rai, Rani Mukerjee, Preity Zinta, Deepika Padukone (after OSO) who are paid Rs One crore and above.

After Billa, Nayanthara has become a sort of glamour icon, and is the new pin-up girl for the youth audiences. And at the same time she is kicking back a few offers for not meeting the remuneration to her expectations. A top liquor brand has offered her Rs 1.50 crore to do an ad for them, which she has politely refused. So Nayana's figures have changed now. She is expecting Rs 3 Cr and above for Ad contracts!

Gossip: Heroine Earning Rs 25,000 for A Few Hours

This is the news from reliable sources that a heroine is escorting men at a price of Rs 25,000. She started her career with a comedy remake from Hindi and turned the eyes of many with her attractive features. This Mumbai girl is getting chances to act only in comedy films as heroine although she has the oomph to act on big banners. Allari Naresh is her close friend as per industry gossips.

Hero Rishi is also maintaining close relation with her as of now as per industry grapevine. Whatever she is earning through movies can be saved fully and her running expenditure can be carried by her escorting job. In fact as long as she is in shooting, her entire expenditure will be taken care by the producer only.

Well, she is making hay while sun shines!

Photo Feature: Almost Looking Like His DadPhoto Feature: Almost Looking Like His Dad

You can easily tell who this star-kid is. Just observe his father. Does he not resemble today's most popular Bollywood star? Yes, he is perfect match for Aamir Khan. The tiny boy is Aamir and the one holding him is his dad. So Aamir Khan took the features of his dad perfectly.

Gossip: Dasari's Attempt To Kill 'Apadamokkulavadu'!

The film 'Apadamokkulavadu' was scheduled to release yesterday but the ticket counters weren't opened as the boxes didn't each any theater in time. Initially, the theater sources said that the show of the film would start from matinee. But entire day was silent without the release of the film. But inside sources said that Dasari is behind this incident who stopped its release intentionally by not paying a due of about Rs 50 lakhs.

Dasari bought the film for distribution on his Siri Media but willingly wished to stop its release as it campaigns Chiranjeevi's political entry in big way. Dasari wanted to kill the film by pushing it away from this weekend, so that it loses collections. But the producer A Mallikarjuna managed to make arrangements to release it today, i.e on Sunday.

However, thus artificial hype is boosting the public interest on the film.

Star Talk: Bipasha loves her independence!

Bipasha Basu preaches exactly what she practises. “It’s not about being a feminist, but I like being independent. And that’s what I tell my sister too. I have seen my friends going through bad marriages and it can be really tough if you don’t have anything to fall back on,” she says. And that’s what Bipasha strictly follows. “I don’t ever see myself being dependent on anyone. I never want to be in a position when I have to ask someone for money. But that doesn’t mean gifts aren’t welcome; I love receiving gifts,” she laughs.

Rumors: Siddarth-Soha live together now!

Soha Ali Khan couldn’t have been at a happier place at the moment. Not only is she basking in the glory of rave reviews for her performance in Khoya Khoya Chand but her personal life is going great guns too. For the first time she can come out in the open with boyfriend Siddharth, who’s moved base to Mumbai and has settled straight into Soha’s suburban pad.

The two have thrown caution to the wind after Siddharth decided to stand by his woman and let go of his marriage. He’s often seen in the company of Soha’s friends even when she’s out of town, entertaining them and making up for Soha’s absence.

The two work out together; he’s present during her script narrations and even helps her out with home shopping, as the two were recently spotted at a home décor store, picking up knick-knacks for the house. Shopping done, he lugged all the bags to the car and waited with the door open for his ladylove. Could this Rang De Basanti brood get any sweeter?