Film Rumors: Is Sumanth Misfit For 'Pourudu'?

People in the industry have their own doubts about Sumanth playing the lead role in 'Pourudu'. The story line is on par with Mahesh Babu's 'Pokiri', in which the hero is invincible and can make half a dozen people fall with one punch. If Sumanth plays such a role, viewers cannot digest. Sumanth doesn't make conviction with that robust man's image. Most of the times he plays those roles which do sacrifices and slip into melancholy. He draws sympathy with noble deeds. He seldom gets applause for his bravery. The makers of 'Pourudu' too have their apprehensions for Sumanth's image.

Snippet: Jayasudha In 'Mallee Eppudosthaaru'

Government has been giving Nandi Awards for best dramas from the past few years. That recognition is giving life for many dramas to transform into feature films for better reach to audiences.

Freshly the drama 'Mallee Eppudosthaaru' written by veteran writer CS Rao, which won Golden Nandi award, is going to be made as feature film. B Rama Rao, the producer of Neelakanta's Mister Medhavi has registered the title 'Malle Eppodostharu' and also roped in Jayasudha and Suman to play key roles in it.

Many of CS Rao's dramas were made as feature films and few of them are 'Pranam Khareedu', 'Kukka Katuku Cheppu Debba', 'Oorummadi Bathukulu', 'Taram Marindi', 'Malle Moggalu' and 'Kamalamma Kamatham'.

Ayngaran to produce Shankar's 'Robot' with Rajnikanth

Tamil media and entertainment company Ayngaran International, which is an Eros International company, has announced the production of Shankar‘s ROBOT, starring superstar Rajnikanth.

After the grand success of SIVAJI, Rajnikanth, director Shankar and music maestro A.R. Rahman are coming together once again in the much anticipated film. Expected to be the grandest film ever to be made in Indian cinema, ROBOT will be produced in Tamil, Hindi, Telugu and other languages.

Box-Office: Same Old Story Continues

The same old story of thrillers topping the list continues even this week. Let us see the order of films those are making better collections at box office.

1. Mantra:
The film stands on the top with better collections. Although the theaters are not turning housefuls in week days, it is collecting almost 85% with all 4 shows. Charmy's charm pulled the crowds and the quality in the movie did spread positive talk all over. The film sits in position-1 of the toppers list of the week.

2. Anasuya:
The horrified appeal in the movie and Bhoomika's presence turned the vital elements for the success of the movie. It is making better collections and stands as a hit in the career of director-actor Ravi Babu. This crime thriller scores well and stands in position-2 of the toppers list of the week.

3. Don:
The movie is lost but still holding breathe only because of the presence of Nagarjuna. Although the film is made in style it lacked in spirit on a whole. Lawrence's over-action and lack of grip in story line are being discussed as negative aspects of this film. It stands in position-3 of the toppers list of the week.

4. Mee Sreyobhilashi:
The film is pulling class audience to theaters and they are coming up with the expectations by keeping 'Aa Naluguru' as bench mark. But the film is not meeting the expected standards. It sits in position-4 of the toppers list of the week by making just satisfactory collections for the budget it incurred.

5. Happy Days:
The film is still warm despite making 100 days in India shortly. The trendy flick with college background is well-treated in the hands of Sekhar Kammula and the film stood as a success on a whole. The film stands in position-5 of the toppers list of the week and still going ahead with average collections.

Confusion At Hyderabad International Film Festival

Film festivals are going on in Prasad's Multiplex in grand manner accompanied with many blunders. A daily bulletin is being released in which a brief note about the films those are going to be screened on that day will be printed. S Rama Krishna, Anil Ebkote are the editors of the daily bulletin. The bulletin comprised big blunders and creating confusion for delegates.

The names of directors, language and origin of the film were printed in jumbled manner in the bulletin on 7th of January. Instead of publishing the name of director of the film 'Infinite Justice' as Jamil Dehlavi it was shown Bozidor Nikolic. Instead of conveying a film's origin as Pakistan, it was written 'Serbia'. Such utter confusions in the bulletin are troubling the international delegates.

There is no connection between the column 'Today's Screening Schedule' and the films mentioned with details under the heading 'Today's Highlights'.

No proper check is kept on this and Hyderabad Film Festivals are going on amidst confusion.

Is Item Dancer Going For Breast Reduction?

This is the gossip that is making rounds in a few segments of Film Nagar. It is known that women in glamour world tend to improve the glory of their feminine assets by artificial means. Rakhi Sawanth and Sushmitha Sen have gone for silicon breast implants and some other heroines have chosen the steroids method to increase the size of their assets.

But here is an item dancer who is planning to reduce the present size of her assets. It is needless to give the clue and the hot top item dancer keeps on revealing the same in every number she acts.

But why is she going for that surgery is not known. Concrete reason is not known so far. But inside sources say that she is undergoing pain due to heaviness!

Bucknor sacked, Harbhajan can play in Perth Test

Melbourne(IANS) Team India heaved a sigh of relief as controversial West Indies umpire Steve Bucknor will not be officiating while Harbhajan Singh can play in the third Test against Australia in Perth starting Jan 16, the top International Cricket Council (ICC) official announced here Tuesday.

In a hurriedly convened press conference at the Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG), ICC chief executive Malcolm Speed said that Billy Bowden of New Zealand would replace West Indies' Bucknor, an Elite Panel umpire. Pakistan's Asad Rauf will join Bowden in Perth.

Speed said that some people would be unhappy with ICC's decision at India's insistence to remove Bucknor.

"I can understand that people will take that view," he said. "It is an extraordinary set of circumstances and we want to take some of the tension out of the situation."

The move comes a day after the Indian cricket board drew the ICC's attention to the horrendous umpiring mistakes that cost India the Sydney Test Sunday.

Umpiring was one of the two issues India were unhappy with following that match, along with the three-Test suspension imposed on off-spinner Harbhajan.

The off-spinner was Sunday suspended for three Tests after he was found guilty of racially abusing Australia's Andrew Symonds in Sydney by allegedly calling him a "monkey".

India have appealed against the ban, and a fresh hearing is to be held.

But Speed could not say when that hearing would be held. He was hopeful it would occur before the next Test, starting Jan 16.

If the hearing on Harbhajan's ban was not held before the start of the third Test, the Indian off-spinner would be eligible for the match in Perth, Speed said. The ICC chief executive was hopeful India's tour would continue, but could not guarantee that.

Speed said the ICC needed to take a "pragmatic view" towards the issue, and needed to be "flexible" to resolve the crisis.

He was confident Bucknor, 61, would umpire again at Test level. Speed said match referee Ranjan Madugalle, the former Sri Lankan captain, would be appointed as a mediator between the Australian and Indian sides.

Meanwhile, a racism hearing against Australian spinner Brad Hogg will also go ahead, after the Indians alleged he called captain Anil Kumble a "bastard" in Sydney. Hogg's hearing will be held some time before the third Test by match referee Mike Procter.

Speed said Procter and an ICC-appointed code of conduct commissioner would re-hear the Harbhajan case, with the witnesses to be called again.

Cinema Stills 8th Jan 2008

Nayanatara's Bikini Rs 1,00,000 In Auction

The hot wave in Tamilnadu is about the auctioin of Nayantara's bikini. The demand for Nayantara is known for all and her latest hot-portrayal in the movie 'Billa' added glory to her sexy-image. Now the producers of that movie are trying cash up to the maximum with that craze.

They have called for auctioning the bikini used by her in the movie 'Billa'. This proves to be the first of its sort in South India to see a heroine's bikini kept for auctioning.

Sources say that that the bikini would bag up to Rs 1 lakh as per expectations. That proves to be really whopping and many other producers also would follow the manner to cash the craze.

Fabulous Book on the Making of 'Sivaji'

This is good news for all movie buffs. A book on the making of the blockbuster movie 'Sivaji' is just out. The book has been released by superstar Rajnikanth himself. Rajnikanth released the book at a simple function at the Raghavendra Kalyana mandapam, Chennai recently. Journalist Ranimainthan is the author of the book. The book is titled - 'Sivaji- Chinthanai Muthal Celluloid Varai' (Sivaji from thoughts to celluloid).

The author wrote the book after extensive research. He met director Shankar, superstar Rajnikanth and AVM Saravanan as part of his research.

Rajnikanth complimented the author for his painstaking research and hoped that many more books on other films would also come up. The book is also about to get translated into English, Hindi, Telugu and other 12 languages. So, it's again an international market now.

Snippet: Ram Gopal Varma's Debut As Actor

Ram Gopal Varma is different in acts, thoughts and speech. He has set his own brand in entire India. He is the star film maker with variety in his style. Varma has been on the top even though he makes duds like 'Aag'. His 'Shiva' and 'Rangeela' cannot be forgotten by public. If he can't deliver a hit, he might get to fall back on acting.

Ram Gopal Verma has been approached by Adeep Singh, who once assisted Vidhu Vinod Chopra, to act in a movie about struggling actors. Ramu will play himself in the film titled Mujhe Ramuji Se Milna hain. It would be interesting indeed to see Ramu on screen as an actor.

While the title suggests that Ramu might play very much himself on screen it will be interesting to see the master's expressions and emotions first hand. Good luck for your new debut Ramu !!!

Will Real 'Vaana' Brings Real Cash-Fall

The big budget movie maker M S Raju who is now making his debut as a director is all set to release his venture 'Vaana' on January 15 th. The film has newcomer Vinay making his debut as the hero flanked by Meera Chopra as the heroine and it is a remake of the Kannada hit 'Mungaru Mali'.

Speaking at a recent press meeting, Paruchuri Venkateswar Rao the script writer mentioned that the movie has come out really well and the highlight would be the rain sequences which have been shot in actual rain at Sakhileshpoor, the highest rainfall recorded region in Karnataka. Let us hope that the rainfall brings in some freshness to this early summer release.

Let that real rainfall in the film bring real cash-fall in producer!

ATA cricket tournament 2008 in Los Angeles

American Telugu Association (ATA) a non-profit organisation in USA assists and promotes literary, cultural, educational, religious, social, economic, health and community activities of the people of Telugu origin between the United States of America, Canada and India and other countries.

ATA West coast wing, currently being headed by Mr.Natraj Madireddy (local coordinator for California, Arizona & Hawaii region) planned to conduct ATA Roju (ATA Day) on Saturday 23rd February 2008 in Los Angeles CA, as an announcement for the upcoming 10th ATA Conference & Youth Convention that is being held on July 3rd, 4rd & 5th 2008 at Prudential Center, Newark, New Jersey. As part of this ATA roju, various cultural & sports activities are being held to create awareness of ATA's objectives among the Telugu community. The event also puts an overall effort to create awareness of the membership privileges and benefits.

As part of the sports activity, ATA is conducting 'ATA cricket tournament 2008' in Los Angeles on January 2008. All participating teams are requested to contact the following contacts listed below. The tournament registration will be officially closed on January 20th 2008. More details on the tournament format and tournament scheduled DATE will be updated after the registration deadline. The winners will be awarded certificates & trophies on 'ATA roju' by prominent members of ATA and celebrities from USA & INDIA. Entry fee for this tournament is FREE, So please join us for a fun-filled and exciting event.

Contact Info:
Suneel Ralangi - 626 215 2127;sralangi@yahoo.com
Ravikumar Boddu - 818 207 4340;ravikumarqat@gmail.com
Venkant eeramalla - 714 785 5330;eeramalla2000@yahoo.com
YSR - 925 360 1442
Nandu - 377 292 3404
Sujit - 949 874 1001; sujitvadi@gmail.com
Vijaypal Reddy - 973 930 1089;vkesireddy@yahoo.com
Murali Reddy - 616 510 8997 mvramana999@yahoo.com
Goutham Reddy - 818 645 3044;vishalmmx@yahoo.com
Shashidhar Reddy - 818 264 6550
Pradeep V - 949 350 0324

A youth wing for Chiru even before the party!

"Aloo ledu, choolu ledu, koduku peru Somalingam," goes a Telugu saying. Even before Chiranjeevi formally announced the launch of his political party, some enthusiastic political activists representing various parties have formed into Rashtra Chiranjeevi Yuvata.

The organization got itself registered and the leaders have started bombarding the media offices with statements, criticizing the critics of Chiranjeevi. For instance, the Chiranjeevi Yuvata leaders took strong objection to the comments of Roads and Buildings Minister T Jeevan Reddy against Chiranjeevi's plans to enter politics. In a statement, the organization vice president Sreeramula Suresh, state executive member M Navin Kumar, town unit president G Hari Prasad alleged that the ministers were showing the signs of frustration on the very indications of the proposed entry of Chiranjeevi. They are worried over their fate once Chiranjeevi enters into politics, they alleged. "Politics is not the domain of a few. A will to serve the people is the basic prerequisite in politics", they remarked.

Meanwhile, several leaders are already in the race to join hands with him, with a hope that they would get the party tickets in the next elections.

Several discontented leaders of the main political parties, NRIs and even some officials are making desperate attempts to develop rapport with the actor to test their political fortunes. A few Karimnagar based NRIs who are living in the US also called on the actor recently with an offer to muster support for him overseas.

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.