Cinema Stills Dec 11, 2007

---

---

---

---

---

---

---

---

---

---

---

---

---

Hero Balakrishna For Rajahmundry MP Seat

Hero Balakrishna For Rajahmundry MP Seat

This is not a gossip but the hot confirmed news from reliable sources. Hero Balakrishna is being pulled in by Chandrababu Naidu to make him contest from Rajahmundry for MP seat in coming Parliament Elections. Sources say that Balakrishna also expressed his consent for the same. The idea is to wash out Congress MP Undavalli Arun Kumar, who bagged big fame for the first time with his fight against Margadarsi and Eenadu Chairman Ramoji Rao. The idea of placing Balakrishna in Rajahmundry is to create a wave in East and West Godavari districts.

A few days back there was a discussion in Balayya's family that he would be the president of TDP and takes the mantle of campaigning. Although Balakrishna maintained poise at that time, he got convinced with Babu's call to contest for MP seat. The other hidden benefits offered for Balayya by Babu are not known. There was a two hour discussion between Babu and Balayya couple of days ago with this regard.

There seems to be a very interesting phenomenon in coming Assembly as well as Parliament elections.

Chiranjeevi's 'Sample Test' Revealed Off Late

This is the inside talk that is spreading in political circles. Chiranjeevi, in his statement to media, mentioned that he didn't ask anyone to talk on his behalf or do show on his name. At the same time he did not condemn the news in News Papers and media immediately. He observed for a few days before responding to media (only in written form).

Sources say that it is like 'gummadikaya donga antey bhujalu thadumukunnadu' .

"No one asked Chiranjeevi if he encouraged his men to do show on his behalf. But Chiranjeevi himself said that he is not responsible for anything. But inside sources say that a close ally of Chiranjeevi ignited a spark and kept silent stating that Chiru is announcing party for Sankranthi. It's only Chiranjeevi's wish to know the public pulse, media reciprocation and the response of political circles regarding his political entry. It's only a 'test fire'. He understood various aspects in these days. He understood that there is thumping support from public, no media support from Eenadu and balanced approach by political circles. He also understood how many are willing to leave TDP and Congress to join his party if he announces.

After understanding all this, Chiranjeevi released his statement to media stating that the uproar about his political entry got ignited without his involvement. It is a very intelligent move, indeed.

Chiranjeevi keeps political parties guessing

Hyderabad (IANS) Telugu superstar Chiranjeevi continues to keep political parties in Andhra Pradesh and his fans guessing about his plans of entering the political arena.

Even as pressure is mounting from fans to take a plunge into politics, Chiranjeevi is keeping his cards close to his chest. Informed sources said he was in two minds and wants to test the waters first.

Chiru, as his fans popularly call the film star, has asked his supporters to be patient till he makes an announcement on the issue.

"I am deeply touched by the warmth displayed by countless people across the state in response to a news event. I appeal to all my supporters to be patient till I make an announcement. I have not authorised any individual or organisation to act on my behalf," he had said in a statement issued Friday.

He was referring to reports in a section of the media that quoted sources close to him as saying that he would launch a political party in January.

While the ruling Congress and the main opposition Telugu Desam Party (TDP) are wary of the impact his entry would have on their prospects in the 2009 elections, smaller parties and caste-based outfits trying to forge a third front are eager to accept him as their leader.

Leaders of Kapu, the caste to which Chiranjeevi belongs, want him to enter politics without delay. Other backward classes are also looking towards him to take on the Kammas and Reddys, the powerful castes dominating the TDP and Congress respectively.

Speakers from Kapu, Mala and Madiga castes, at a meeting of weaker sections organised by former advocate general S. Ramchandra Rao here Sunday, also exhorted Chiranjeevi to lead them.

"We expect Chiranjeevi will lead us in our efforts to form a third alternative," said Mala Mahanadu leader K. Shivaji.

Over the last few days, enthusiastic fans and supporters of the actor held meetings in his support across the state, especially in the politically significant coastal Andhra, the region to which the actor belongs.

They are confident that the actor would recreate the magic of thespian N.T. Rama Rao, who had taken politics by storm by coming to power within nine months of launching the TDP in 1982.

Chiranjeevi, one of the highest paid actors in the country who has acted in 148 films in a three-decade long career, is said to be consulting his family members and close friends about the timing of the launch of a new party and its policies and programmes. It is still not clear if his party will represent the interests of a particular caste or a group of castes.

Like other popular actors in the south, he also enjoys a demigod status. With 3,000 Chiranjeevi fan clubs across the state, his popularity can be compared to that of NTR.

The actor's entry could realign political forces in the state. The Left parties, who are keen on building a Third Front as an alternative to the Congress and TDP, said they would not mind joining hands with Chiranjeevi if he came up with specific policies and programmes.

"Let us wait for him to announce the launch of his party and its policies and programmes," said Communist Party of India-Marxist (CPI-M) MP Suravaram Sudhakar Reddy.

Meanwhile, sources close to the 52-year-old actor said he was also planning a movie with a political message to mobilize public opinion in his favour.

The major political parties are wary of the impact of Chiranjeevi's entry in politics. Chief Minister Y.S. Rajasekhar Reddy said he would welcome the actor's foray into politics and would even ask him to join the Congress.

"He may leave an impact in the coastal belt and Rayalaseema regions but not in Telangana," said Telangana Rashtra Samithi president K. Chandrasekhar Rao, whose party is fighting for separate statehood for the Telangana region.

Telugu Film News Dec 09, 2007

Kanna is the title for Ravi Teja's current film?

First it was reported that Ravi Teja is going to be called "Bejawada Bujji" and then came the news that his film is titled "Krishna." None of them proved right. Reports indicate that director V V Vinayak is finally zeroed in on the title "Kanna" which well suits for the film. Will he announce this is yet to be known? Talk in the film industry is that he might be finalizing it this week and announce it to the media. Trisha has paired opposite Ravi Teja and presently a song is being shot on them at Annapoorna Studios, where a special set has been erected on this purpose. Dinesh, a choreographer, from Tamil film industry is composing steps for this song.

It is based on the true incidents that happened in Vijayawada city and major portion of shooting was shot in city too. Ravi Teja plays a youth coming from Vijayawada and taking revenge for her lover who is trapped in a piquant situation.

Music is by Chakri and the audio is likely to be released by this month end. B Kashivishanatham is producing under "Sree Lakshmi Narasinha Visuals" banner and D Danaiah is presenting the movie.

Nagarjuna's Don in songs shooting

Nagarjuna comes as a stylish mafia don in Lawrence directed "Don". Songs have became big hits that were recently hit the market. Although its release date has already been announced, the shooting part is still going on. Presently, "Su su Surya" is being picturised on Nagarjuna, Anushka and number of dancers at Annapoorna Seven Acres. Director cum choreographer Lawrence is shooting it.

Sangamam to release in Jan 1st week

Miss World India Gadde Sindhura is entering into Tollywood with "Sangamam". This is director Rasool's movie which is presented by Gavara Parthasarathy and produced by Ramana Pemmaraju and Kripakar P Tadikonda on the banner of Manoranjan Entertainment. The shooting has been completed and audio is also released. Producers are planning to release it in the first week of January 2008. An NRI Rohit Khurana is making his debut.

Analysis: Chiru prefers to play the waiting game

HYDERABAD: Through his succinct statement on Friday, Telugu film star K. Chiranjeevi has sent across a loud and clear message that he will not be hustled into announcing a decision on entering politics. As he is entitled to, the decision on the timing and venue of his political ‘arangetram’ will be solely his.

Chiranjeevi’s caveat should cool off a bit the enthusiasm displayed by his fans, caste organisations nursing political ambitions and, not the least, the media, all of whom were eagerly anticipating the political atmosphere in the State to turn electric if he took the plunge.

His statement has not, however, totally disappointed his admirers as he has not foreclosed his options - evident from his appeal to supporters to remain patient “till I make an announcement on the issue”. Nevertheless, he avoided taking the bait unlike Mr N. Chandrababu Naidu who virtually allowed him to be pushed by the media into advancing the Assembly elections in 2004.

The assumption was that he could encash on the sympathy generated by Maoists’ abortive assassination attempt on him at Alipiri. But, the rest is history.

Each section egging him to enter politics had either an interest or a presumption for seeing him in the seat of power.

Piggy-ride

Like elsewhere in the South, film fans in the State hold their superstars in exalted status and yearn to see them as larger-than-life leaders in real life as well. After all, MGR, NTR and Jayalalithaa went on to become powerful Chief Ministers after holding sway over the tinsel world. Several caste organisations, seeking to seize their due share of political power were keen on piggy-riding on Chiranjeevi hoping that as a member of the Kapu community he would lead them against Kammas and Reddys. The film star never responded to their overtures, at least publicly, as it would be naïve to champion the cause of particular castes and yet gain a pan-Andhra Pradesh image. NTR never did so and his trump card when he launched his party in 1982 was protection of ‘atma gouravam’ (self-respect) of the Telugus.

Also, the assumption that BCs are a monolithic group who will vote one way or the other at Chiranjeevi’s call has no basis. Kapus of coastal Andhra, Munnurkapus, Setti Balijas, Yadavs and Gouds differ in their political preferences between and among themselves.

A deeper study of their political inclinations and socio-economic needs would be needed before a ‘a Mayawati type’ alignment with the ‘politically deprived’ sections of upper castes can be knitted together in AP.

A section of the media perceives there is a political vacuum in the State which Chiranjeevi is eminently suited to fill.

Strong contenders

The indisputable fact, borne out by poll statistics, is that Congress and Telugu Desam enjoy a vote base of at least thirty per cent in the worst of times and remain strong contenders for power - quite unlike the situation in 1982 when the only opposition to the Congress came from within.

During the past week, Chiranjeevi has basked in the adulation of supporters who have created a jumping board for him to take a leap into politics.

But, before he does so, he has hard home work to do – balancing the caste equations and learning from history before he can get his electoral arithmetic right.

Spicy Stills 12-10-2007 Album

Telugu Film News 09-12-07

V.V.Vinayak’s Ravi Teja flick in January

The shooting of director V.V.Vinayak’s latest film starring Ravi Teja and Trisha in the lead roles, is progressing at a brisk pace, what with producer Kashi Vishwanadham planning to release the film in the coming festive season. The film’s unit is presently busy shooting at specially erected sets at Annapoorna studios were a duet is being canned on the lead pair.

Mano’s music for Ali’s film

From singing to tuning. Singer Mano is turning music director with comedian Ali’s next film as the leading man titled Sombheri. The film was formally launched recently with actor Ravi Teja clapping for the muhurat shot, which was directed by Rajamouli. The film will see an early summer release on April 7th, the makers of the film announced.

M.S.Raju’s Vaana audio on 14th December

Maverick producer M.S.Raju is planning to release the audio of his latest film Vaana, starring Vijay (of Nee Valle ..Nee Valle fame) and Meera Chopra in the lead, on 14th December. The film’s unit is presently shooting in the beautiful locales of Araku and efforts are being made to complete the shoot by the 20th of this month. Vaana, a remake of the block buster Kannada flick Mungaru Malai, is being directed M.S.Raju himself and has music by Kamalakar. The film will see a festive release on January 14th.

Nitin’s next titled as Aatadistha

Word has it that actor Nitin’s latest film, being directed by A.S.Ravi Kumar Choudary and jointly produced by C.Kalyan and S.Vijayanand, will be titled as Aatadistha. The film, currently under production, has Kajal Agarwal as Nitin’s lady love and actors Nagababu and Sivaprasad in supporting roles. Chakri is providing the tunes for the film.

Vaaradhi is Allu Arjun’s bridge to love

Vaaradhi is the title being considered for stylish actor Allu Arjun’s latest film. The film, a romantic escapade about a couple on the run, co starring Sheela in the lead role, is being directed by Bhaskar and produced by Dil Raju. With a tag line as “Bridge between Love to Love” the other title that was being considered for the film was Romeo. But seems like Vaaradhi has won the toss.

Anushka is on the roll

One lady who has all the reasons to smile is yoga teacher –turned- actress Anushka. With her major films like Nagarjuna’s Don and Balakrishna’s Okka Magadu lined up for release, this beautiful dame with a traffic stopping smile, has signed up for films with Jagapathi Babu and Balakrishna. She is also set to do a heroine oriented film, to be directed by Kodi Ramakrishna. Looks like somebody is on for a roller coaster ride.

Jalsa to see a cocktail of languages

Actor Pawan Kalyan’s latest film is creating waves of sorts even before its completion. Word has it that music companies are vying to get the rights for the exciting tunes by Devi Sri Prasad. The music director has apparently churned out foot tapping tunes to an assortment of lyrics of different languages. Previous films of Pawan Kalyan also had hit songs that featured lyrics of other languages. And that trend is being carried ahead with Jalsa. Pawan Kalyan along with leading lady Parvathi Melton is presently shooting for a song at Annapoorna Studios.

Sekhar Kammula on Venky’s wish list

With the success of his latest film ‘Happy days’, new age director Sekhar Kammula has become the most sought after director on every actor’s wish list. After Mahesh Babu and Nagarjuna, the latest elite actor expressing a desire to work with Sekhar is our very own style icon Venkatesh. In a recent interview Venkatesh spoke of ‘Happy days’ and said that he was so impressed by the cast and crew of the film that he sent them congratulatory flowers. He also said that he would like to work with Sekhar Kammula. One sure would like to see two such talented people work together.

Tabu back with Pandurangadu

Award winning actress Tabu is back in home town Hyderabad and busy shooting for her Telugu films. After signing director Chandra Siddardha’s Idhee Sangati, Tabu has given the nod to her mentor K.Raghavendra Rao’s devotional tale Pandurangadu. The movie, a period drama, has Nandamuri Balakrishna portraying the dual role of lord Krishna as well as a devotee. Actress Sneha plays the role of the later’s wife and Tabu will essay the role of the Kalavathi, the prostitute, with whom Balakrishna falls in love.

With music director Keervani providing the tunes, the film is slated to start rolling by next week as Balakrishna has completed shooting for his Sankranthi release, Okka Magadu.

Chiranjeevi ‘s letter to his fans

The recent media reports about mega star Chiranjeevi finally taking a political plunge has created a lot of excitement both with in the industry and among his fan base. But the actor himself refuted any such up comings. In a personalized note to his fans, Chiranjeevi thanked one and all for the admiration and support that is being extended towards him on his purported entry into politics. But he stated that his fans were not to take any such reports seriously. His letter to the media quoted him as “I am humbled with the kind of support that my fans are extending towards me. The day that I decide to enter politics I will personally make an announcement to that extent. I have not asked any persons or organizations to speak or organize rallies on my behalf. I kindly request my fans and well wishers to be patient” .

Reliance launches Godava ringtones

Director Kodandarami Reddy, along with son Vaibhav, launched the ring tones of the latter’s film Godava, at the Reliance web world in Film Nagar. Speaking at the event a beaming Kodandarami Reddy thanked one and all for encouraging his son “I thank Reliance for launching the ring tones of the film. The audiences have the appreciated the film al lot and it is nice to know that a debut film has received such an amazing opening”. The film’s leading lady Sraddha Arya was also present on the occasion.

Chiranjeevi fans take out rally in Vizag

Vizag: Fans of actor Chiranjeevi took out a rally from Poorna Market to Dabagardens via Jagadamba on Tuesday urging him to plunge into active politics.

M. Raghava Rao, president of Mega Star Fans’ Sangham and its general secretary P. Sarath Kumar and treasurer T.S. Dorabbai led the procession.

“We sincerely appeal to him to join politics as he is a man of commitment and has lot of love and affection for the oppressed and neglected sections. He has been doing good work through blood bank and other charitable projects founded by him,” V. Satish Kumar, a Chiranjeevi fan, said.

Former DGP to support ChiranjeeviFormer DGP to support Chiranjeevi

HYDERABAD: Tollywood superstar Chiranjeevi would get a strong supporter in M V Bhaskar Rao, former director general of police, when he launches his proposed political party next month.

"I will join hands with him. I have briefed him on the situation of backward classes in the state in the past. What he is planning to do is the need of the hour," said Rao, who flirted briefly with politics 10 years ago. "The two castes —Reddys and Kammas— that together constitute only 10 per cent of the state population, have been cornering over 50 per cent of the political power and behaving like maharajas. The political monopoly of these castes should end and make way for political and social equality," he said.

Rao, angry over the insulting treatment of the then government, resigned from his job as Director General Civil Defence in 1997 to start a political outfit, Andhra Nadu. He was then left with three years of service. Andhra Nadu fought the Lok Sabha elections in 1998 and Assembly polls the following year and lost steam. It subsequently merged with the Congress.

A strong votary of power sharing by all sections of the society, Rao does not cherish the idea of reservation and preferential treatment given to under-privileged groups. He describes sops such as Rs 2-a-kg rice as dole that is given to the African Americans in the U.S. It is this behaviour that smacks of feudal mindset which should not be accepted in a democracy like ours. "Why should you give them dole? Why shouldn’t you increase their abilities to earn decent living? It is so because the ruling classes would want to continue their political monopoly," he said.

Chiranjeevi fan is Guntur district YC chief

A day after the ransacking of district Congress office by angry Youth Congress (YC) workers over appointment of some realtors to key posts in the party, state YC president TJR Sudhakara Babu has confirmed the appointment of Dasari Kiran Kumar as Guntur district YC chief, saying that all-India YC president Ashok Tanvar has cleared the name of Kiran for the post.

Sources said though the district party leadership wanted to take action against those who led the attack, it backtracked following the intervention of Tenali MP Balasoury, who has been instrumental in installing Kiran, the Chiranjeevi Yuvatha president, as district YC chief. Party district president Muppalaneni Seshagiri Rao too provided the respite to the disgruntled youth leaders by saying that there was no need to lodge a police complaint against the party workers.

Chitchat with Prabhas

Prabhas, the young rebel star, celebrates his birthday today (October 23). For the first time he is celebrating with fans coming from all over the state. On this occasion, he met the media and shared his feelings. Excerpts from the interview with him.

Q: What are the new decisions or resolutions you have taken for this birthday?

A: No specific resolutions but I want to do more entertaining movies from now on. Personally, I have always been very silent person and not meddling in anyone’s business.

Q: You are continuously doing action-oriented movies. What is the reason?

A: I did experiment with some films. And you know the results (laughs). People like to see me in them and at the same time, I like to do such films too. When people like it, we have to cater to them. I did Chakram and Porunami for variations but they are miserably failed.

Q: Most of yours film has mother sentiment. Any special reason?

A: It is happening without design. From “Eeshwar, Chatrapathi to Yogi”, it happened accidentally but it’s not a deliberate attempt. To be frank, I don’t like sentimental movies.

Q: You have acted in 9 films so far. What is your analysis of them?

A: Chatrapati is my best film. It won me good name as artiste and as well as brought big commercial break. I genuinely believe it is the only film that I gave maximum.

Q: What are the criteria for selecting a movie?

A: I look at director and producer. It is important to have a good director and a reliable producer too. I had some bad experiences in couple of films from production side. Script is also important.

Q: Do you involve in other aspects of film?

A: I don’t involve in story discussions or anything. Once I like the story, I work according to the director. Heroine selection is also not my choice.

Q: Will you be doing a mythological role?

A: I love to do them. But it should happen. May be Rajamouli might plan this.

Q: What about acting with your pedananna?

A: My Pedananna (Krishnamraju) is planning a film with me next year. Script work is going on.

Q: Tell us about Bujjigaadu?

A: It is a complete family entertainer. It is Puri Jagannadh kind of movie. Both of us have become good friends already. I can’t say more than that. Shooting will commence from November.

Q: When are you going to get married?

A: My brother should get married first. My marriage can wait.

Q: Your favourite co-star

A: Shriya.

Q: But you did work with Trisha in three films?

A: She is the choice of my director. Not mine.

Akshaya Movies Album

Indian American student sues New York police

New York(IANS) A civil liberties group has sued the New York Police Department (NYPD) on behalf of an Indian student who was detained in July while photographing a subway station here.

The New York Civil Liberties Union (NYCLU) filed the suit Thursday in the district court of Manhattan, alleging that police officers unlawfully handcuffed Arun Wiita, 26, a Columbia University graduate student.

Wiita was spotted using a digital camera near 207th Street and Tenth Avenue in Manhattan.

A resident of New Jersey, Wiita is seeking compensatory damages and reimbursement of legal fees.

"I was surprised and upset that I could be handcuffed on the street for taking a photograph," Wiita said. "What was really disheartening was that I knew this has probably happened before and that it could happen again to anyone."

"Wiita's arrest came within hours of his having embarked on a carefully planned 10-day project to photograph all 468 subway stations in New York," the lawsuit read.

"Though he was subsequently released without formal charges, Wiita was humiliated and confused by the arrest, and he believes that he was targeted in part because of his South Asian or Middle Eastern appearance," the lawsuit added. Wiita's mother is from India. He was born in the US.

Earlier this year, the police settled a suit brought by NYCLU on behalf of an award-winning documentary maker Rakesh Sharma, who was detained for filming with a handheld camera on a Manhattan street.

As a result, the mayor's office of Film, Theatre and Broadcasting twice revamped its rules regarding the use of cameras on streets, parks or public property, tailoring them to apply only to potentially disruptive movie and television productions.

Police sources said officers question people photographing the city's rail infrastructure on "rare occasions", citing instances in which law enforcement officials have identified Iranian intelligence agents and suspected Pakistani terrorists taking photographs of the Brooklyn and Williamsburg bridges.

Aishwarya at Longiness Event Album

Chitchat with Venkatesh

Venkatesh’s birthday is coming up on 13th of December. His latest film Tulasi created a record by running for 50 days in 225 centers. Here are the excerpts -

What is going to be your next film?
I always plan something whenever I want to take up a project. But ultimately I end choosing one from the ones I get in my way. I never believe in desperately chasing any project or proposition. Lots of guys are coming to me with a heavy action subject. But I want to do a simple story with breezy romance and lots of comedy.

When will your next project start?
I am listening to various scripts. I will be able to take a decision by this month end. And after that it would typically take a couple of months to launch the project.

What kind of films you want to do?
Audience always expect sincere projects from me. I can’t get away with average films like other heroes. Audience outrightly reject me whenever I did a bad film. Hence it is my responsibility to make at least a minimum guarantee project.

There had been comments that Tulasi had lots of violence?
People saw me in action-less films like Raja, Vasantham, Malliswari, Nuvvu Naaku Nachav, Sankranthi, AMAV etc. When you look from a comparative angle, there is more violence in Tulasi. But if you look it as a normal action film, the violence in Tulasi is completely justified from the character point of view.

What is your response on Chiranjeevi entering politics?
He has not made it public officially yet. I am well wisher of the entire film industry and whenever somebody is venturing into politics from films, I always felt happy. I am going to talk about it when he announces it openly.

Why are you not making any multistarrers?
Show me a bound script and I will start my work in a multistarrer from tomorrow. No director is coming with a good subject.

Are you open for sequels of your own films?
Yes

Which films do you prefer?
I love to do sequels of Bobbili Raja and Gharshana. Bobbili Raja has lots of action/thrill/adventure in it. Gharshana is a slick cop flick with thrilling episodes.

Who is the best among the heroines you worked with?
We cannot compare on one scale as each heroine worked for some limited characters in my films. Hence I am going to talk about the character based roles. I loved the way Revathy played the intense Maggie character in Prema film. I also liked the roles of Soundarya and Sridevi in Pavitra Bandham and Kshanakshanam respectively.

Lots of production houses are entering into TV media. Do you have any plans?
I may not produce TV serials. But I will definitely act in TV serials once I retire. I am sure that I am going to enjoy acting in TV. When I was in USA I used to watch lots of TV compared to films.

Did you watch Happy Days?
It is a fantastic film. I sent flowers to the entire team of Happy Days after watching it. I always wanted to work with the directors of Sekhar Kammula’s sensibilities. I will do a film with Sekhar Kammula soon. The success of Happy Days sends right signals to the young directors.

You are a cricket fan. What’s your opinion on present Indian cricket?
I am happy that Kumble is made as captain of Test cricket. He is the right guy to lead us. He is more mature and a well balanced cricketer. I will be traveling to Australia to watch Indian cricket tour in March 2008.

When are you going to direct films?
I am still not cutout for direction. I can help and give some ideas in scripting stage. I am capable of judging the scripts and I can do 60% right.