He is our Amitabh

Of late, King Nagarjuna is picking the kind of roles which no other star hero in the south would dare to pick. Stuck in the web of image and fans, many big heroes like Kamal Haasan, Rajnikanth or a Chiranjeevi are hesitating to take up challenging roles, that require an actor to shed his aura, image and range before taking up the character. 

Say it the unseen ghost character in "Soggade Chinni Nayana" or the paraplegic role in "Oopiri", Nagarjuna just risked everything for the sake of film. It's too heavy to compare, but still we have to call him as Amitabh Bachchanof Tollywood. People generally call those actors standing above 6 feet height as Mr Bachchan but in fact those who are able to pick characters he does should be termed as a Bachchan, but not for heights and mannerisms.

After playing many devotional roles, cameos and other appearances, probably Nag is the one who is picking such roles in Tollywood now. In the coming days, it's not a wonder if he dons any simple roles which shower him awards and rewards.

Shah Rukh Khan surprised Brahmotsavam team

In what is considered as a rarity, two superstars of the two big film industries have met each other and exchanged greetings. Bollywood Superstar Shah Rukh Khan visited Telugu Superstar Mahesh Babu on Saturday evening (Sep 19) on the sets of his forthcoming film Brahmotsavam. Apparently, Shah Rukh, who was shooting in Hyderabad's Ramoji Film City for Dilwale, took time off from his shooting schedule and met Mahesh Babu, Ms Namrata Shirodkar Ghattamaneni, and the couple's doting daughter Sitara on the sets of Brahmotsavam.

Bollywood Baadshah SRK was shooting for his film Dilwale in Ramoji Film City along with director Rohit Shetty. Since Mahesh's Brahmotsavam too shooting in Ramoji Film City next to Dilwale, SRK turned up on the sets and surprised one and all. "We're bowled over with SRK's sweet gesture of visiting our film's sets. He is cool and down-to-earth. He is so keen on Mahesh's film and asked him about the details," said a source in the know.

SRK spoke to former Miss India Namrata Shirodkar who hails from Bollywood and settled down after tying the knot with Mahesh Babu. The actor spent quality time with Mahesh Family and greeted Gautam specially. "SRK admires kids a lot. He liked Mahesh-Namrata's cute daughter Sitara," added the source. 

Cherry's Bruce lee audio release again postponed?

For the last one month, there have been numerous discussions on the release date of Megapower Star Ram Charan's upcoming action entertainer in Sreenu Vaitla's direction, Bruce Lee. While makers of the film have been occasionally reiterating that the film will release as planned on 16th October, doubts cropped up with Megastar's sudden entry.

With less than a month for Bruce Lee's release, no official date regarding the film's audio launch has been announced by the team members. Until now, 26th or 27th September were the dates floating on social media. Now, as per reliable sources, Bruce Lee's audio launch has been pushed even further to 2nd October.

While the team has not announced it officially, the delay looks more or less inevitable. With this, dark clouds surrounding the film's release for Dasara season have thickened, and only if the team races against the time that Bruce Lee will make it for a Dasara release. However, as a pleasant breather for all Mega fans, the songs composed by Thaman have come out really well, and the Le Chalo song bit is already a hit. 

It's Mahesh turn to give it back to Akineni

By now, it is loud and clear that Tollywood's most handsome actor, Superstar Mahesh Babu, will be launching the audio album of the Akkineni handsome hero Akhil's debut film Akhil. While it will be a rare and a welcoming union of the two handsome stars of different generations, here's an interesting trivia for fans.

It was Nagarjuna who launched the audio album of Mahesh Babu's debut film as a full fledged hero, Rajakumarudu, as the chief guest in the year 1999. Rajakumarudu went on to become a huge hit and paved a red carpet to Mahesh's career, and it was no looking back for the Prince since then.

Now, it's Mahesh's turn to reciprocate after nearly 16 long years by attending Akhil's audio launch event as a chief guest. In fact, Mahesh was already impressed with Akhil with his short but memorable cameo in Manam's climax. Mahesh openly praised Akhil's screen presence, and it would now be interesting to see what all the Superstar would be saying about Akhil tomorrow. 

Nara Rohit to romance New Zealand girl

Nara Rohit is currently busy shooting for the Telugu official remake of Tamil super hit film Maan Karate. The film was produced and written by star director AR Murugadoss and directed by his assistant. In Telugu, Kumar Nagendra of Manchu Lakshmi's Gundello Godari and Sundeep Kishan's Joru fame is directing the film.

As per the latest buzz in the tinsel town, Nara Rohit is all set to romance the charming Kannada girl based in New Zealand, Latha Hegde, in this remake. The shooting is already underway and Latha Hegde is said to be a perfect pair for the Nara hero. The film is yet to get its title and it is an an out and out action comedy entertainer.

For this film, Nara Rohit is said to have underwent a weight loss regime and he is expected to turn everyone's attention towards his new makeover. Apart from this remake, Rohit also has two films readying to hit the screens towards this year end, Appatlo Okadundevadu and Pandagala Digivachadu.

This leak doing more good rather than any damage !

This morning, a short 30 second leaked video from the shooting sets of young hero Nikhil's latest crime thriller Sankarabharanam caused a huge stir on social media. The video, allegedly shot by one of the unit members who later leaked it online, shows Nikhil's energetic dance moves in a mass number.

From the start to finish, Nikhil danced nonstop without losing his energy levels even for a moment throughout the 30 seconds. While leaking a video is indeed disappointing, this particular leakage seems to be doing more good than any damage to the film and Nikhil himself.

The young hero has been showered with limitless praises by his fans who were stunned to see the him setting the shooting floor on fire. While the film's producer and star writer Kona Venkat is upset that the 'surprise factor' has been lost, Nikhil complained that permitting mobile phones with cameras are causing such leaks.

Can he please Ram Charan?

Mega Power Star Ram Charan is listening to various scripts for his next film after Bruce Lee. After facing few debacles earlier due to wrong selection of scripts, Charan is now so cautious about his future ventures. Latest we heard is Charan is impressed with a plot narrated by Tamil director Gautham Menon and said to come up with a complete narration. Tollywood ace writer Kona Venkat is working on the script along with the director. If things go well, the film marks Ram Charan's entry into Kollywood.

Ram Charan is a well known star to Kollywood spectators since few of his films were dubbed there. His films do decent business in mass centers. Charan's Yevadu and Govindudu Anadari Vadele are being dubbed and will hit the screens in one month gap. But, Charan wants 'Athukkum Mele' (more than that). He is willing to enlarge his trade in Kollywood.

On the other hand, director Gautham Menon is specialist in making class entertainers and cop films. It is yet to be known whether he is preparing a cop subject or touching other interesting genre for Charan. In fact, Gautham is aware of Charan's stardom in Telugu. So, he is mostly to pick a commercial theme. Gautham and Kona duo is presently working together for Naga Chaitanya's Sahasame Swasaga Sagipo.

Apart from directing Gautham Menon will also co-produce Charan's film, if he comes up with an engaging script that will please the actor.

Aravind: He is one of the finest actors in Telugu now

Actor Nani, who is back in form, is on cloud nine with the super success of Bhale Bhale Magadivoi. Much to the surprise and delight of the actor, ace producer Allu Aravind heaped praise on him. Calling him as one of the finest actors in the industry, Aravind is all praise for Nani and his acting prowess. Speaking at the success meet of Bhale Bhale Magadivoi, Aravind said, "He (Nani) is one of the finest actors in Telugu now. Despite coming from a family which produced several actors, I could state that Nani is one of the finest actors in present generation." 

Expounding further, Aravind shared an anecdote. "There was a five-minute-long scene in the film which was carried off by Nani with ease. When Maruthi and I saw rushes, I was totally in love with the scene. I hugged Nani and told him that this was his best scene ever. But while we're editing the film, we had to trim the scene to bring down the film's duration. Maruthi and I were a bit apprehensive to convey the same to Nani as we had already told him that the scene was best. But it was Nani who came and told that movie is bigger than him, anyone and asked us to cut the scene if we think film would be slick. We trimmed it although we didn't want to as the scene came out really well. Had the total scene was there in the film, it would have been better."

Aravind said that he is a great fan of comedy and that's why he became fan of Bhale Bhale Magadivoi. "I came from family of comedy. My dad was a comedian and I personally love comedy. When Maruthi narrated me the film, I was bursting out with laughter. Observing my body language, Maruthi made few changes in the script and when I've seen rushes in edit suit, I realised that Maruthi kept an eye on me." Aravind added that the success of BBM has given him a lot of excitement, kick.

Anushka turns Ex GF?

King Nagarjuna is the senior hero we are talking about. He will be doing a cameo in Anushka's "Size Zero" that is hitting cinemas very soon. And it's payback time for our plump beauty too. 

In the latest of movie of Nagarjuna where Karthi and Tamanna are playing other key roles, French film The Intouchables remake, he will be seen as a millionaire quadriplegic. The film also revolves around the flash back where his Girl Friend dumps him. Also this Ex-GF bumps into him in the present time and those scenes are quite interesting. None other than Anushka is playing this role. Recently she's been to Paris to shoot for 3 days for this role. This news is kept under wraps as the makers want this to be a surprise element. 

Directed by Vamsi Paidipally, this film is an official remake of the French Comedy The Intouchables and is likely to be titled "Oopiri". One wonders what kind of response Nag evokes with his wheel chair ridden look in the film. 

Chiranjeevi's unfulfilled dream and auto Johnny moment !

Megastar Chiranjeevi gave life to many different characters in his long career. However, his unsatisfactory for not portraying a patriotic related role such as Bhagat Singh remained unfulfilled. In one of his birthday interviews when a spectator asked Chiru about what was the role he missed playing so far, Chiru answered this. "I always wanted to portray Bhagat Singh kind of patriotic role, but I couldn't get to do it practically. But, I would definitely essay similar kind of role- as freedom fighter from Telugu land 'Uyyalawada Narasimha Reddy' sometime, may be in my 151st or in the other future ventures."

Megastar also revealed his Auto Johnny moment in the interview. "I was an NCC cadet, during my college days. When we were performing Pothuraju Poleramma play in the presence of the then Prime Minister Indira Gandhi, the girl who was playing Poleramma character fell unconscious. I lifted her on my arms, took her to auto and as there was no driver in the auto, I alone drove her to hospital. Doctors appreciated me for bringing her on time. That was the Auto Johnny moment in my life."

Previously, Chiranjeevi agreed to work for Puri Jagannath's Auto Johnny. However, he rejected the script owing to loopholes in second half. Chiru will next be seen in a crucial role in son Ram Charan's Bruce Lee and his next full length film is likely to hit floors later this year. 

Funny tweets between Jakkanna and RGV !

Magnum opus director SS Rajamouli's full name is Srisaila Sri Rajamouli. With Baahubali roaring big trumpets at box office, everyone do knows this in India at least. But maverick director Ram Gopal Varma, wants to give some extra buttering to Rajamouli and that conversation on social network evoked few laughs.

"I just now came to know that the SS in SS Rajamouli stands for Steven Spielberg (sic)", tweeted Ram Gopal Varma, early in the morning today.

Replying to the same, Rajamouli said, "janam tho nannu thittinchadaniki kaakapothe avasarama sir ippudu idhi" (Other than to make people scold me, is this comparison necessary now?)

Well, Rajamouli gives utmost respect to both Ram Gopal Varma and also Steven Spielberg. And yet he can't take the comparison with Steven Spielberg as a positive praise, because still our Jakkanna feels he has a long way to achieve. 

Abhishek Pictures is Betting as high as on Mahesh for Akhil

Even before his debut movie is yet to be released, Akhil Akkineni, scion of Nagarjuna and Amala Akkineni, said to have matched Superstar Mahesh Babu in terms of trade. According to reliable sources, the Nizam rights of Akhil-VV Vinayak's venture has been sold for a whopping price of Rs 14 Crore which is highest ever for any newcomer in the history of Telugu film industry. The pre-release business of Akhil has raised the bar of the tinsel town and turning several heads.

Abhishek Pictures, which bought Mahesh Babu's Srimanthudu in Nizam, has bought Akhil's movie too at same price raising several eye balls in the film fraternity. This is not all. Even few areas in Ceded and Andhra are being sold for record prices."Akhil might be son of Nagarjuna and Amala. But he is still a newcomer. Betting Rs 14 Crore as high as on Mahesh is certainly a shocker to many," said a film expert and trade pundit. However, he adds that it's early to say whether it's boon or bane. "As long as the film manages to recover the buyers' money, it's a welcome move. Baahubali and Srimanthudu proved that Telugu Cinema has that stamina. Yet betting high is a huge risk"

Producers Nithiin and Sudhakar Reddy are making huge fortunes on the film and laughing all the way to the bank even before the film's release. Given that director VV Vinayak is launching Akhil and the film is a social fantasy on the lines of Jagadeka Veerdudu..Athiloka Sundari, expectations on the film have reached pinnacle. While the film's music is expected to be released on Sep 20, the movie is slated to Oct 21 release.

Nani's magic at U.S box office

How's trade like at box office now? Three films has released last Friday, and one among them is highly successful. It's none other than Bhale Bhale Magadivoyi. Both hero Nani and director Maruthi have scored a stupendous hit with this flick. And guess what.

Nani has emerged as a new star at USA Box office with the figures his Bhale Bhale Magadivoyi registered on First Day. All big stars might collect between 3 crores to 6 crores Gross on Day 1 at USA box office. But small films never get an opening at all. There are many happening films that fetched much below 50 lakh rupees on First Day at American box office. But Nani's film managed to get around 1.56 crores Gross on the opening day, which is way highest for any small film. 

This could be read in two ways. One, Nani has emerged as a new star in Overseas by winning hearts of family audiences. Two, small films with humorous content and positive energy are the new winners.

Will Chaitu continue his lover boy image?

Young hero Naga Chaitanya is presently busy wrapping up Gautham Menon directing Sahasame Swasaga Sagipo. The romantic thriller, co-starring Manjima Mohan in female lead role and Rana Daggubati in an important cameo, will arrive to theaters later this year. Soon after completing shooting for the film, Chaitu will team up with Karthikeya fame director Chandoo Moleti for Telugu remake of Malayalam industry hit Premam.

Sarvanthi Movies that will act as presenter has registered the title Premam for the film. S Radha Krishna of Haarika and Hassine Creations banner is producer. Premam means love and the title sounds different. The makers don't want to change the title as they feel it will please Telugu spectators too. Premam is coming of age tale of the protagonist at different stages in his life. Bollywood actress Parineeti Chopra was approached for the teacher role, with whom the protagonist falls in love with. Nonetheless, the actress hasn't given her nod since she has other commitments in Bollywood. Disha Patani and Anupama Parameshwaran are finalized to play the other two heroines.

Seems like, Naga Chaitanya is willing to settle as class hero like his grandfather ANR and father Nagarjuna. Both of his films- Sahasame Swasaga Sagipo and Premam are class entertainers. 

Why Mahesh is not interested in periodic or past subjects?

Seetharamaraju. No I don't want to finger that classic. Gudachari 117. I won't ask any director to come up with that character, but they have to narrate such stories to me. Any period film, either by Maniratnam or Krish. Somehow the final versions haven't excited me. 

It takes two seconds to understand that all those films that are either made in the past or subjects that are setup with period backdrop are not at all interesting Superstar Mahesh Babu. This discussion has come up in the wake of Krish's Kanche, whose trailer is quite intriguing and which is now believed that the film of Mahesh-Krish that failed to take off is the same one. That brings us to the point, why Mahesh is not feeling excited about films that deal with the past. Probably the failure of Takkari Donga has hit him so hard that he doesn't want to do any period dramas or remakes of films that are set in past, with Gudachari 117 being an exception. 

Upon reaching this Superstar image, many expected Mahesh to come up with interesting roles that deal with past, future and other. Somehow our hero is dealing only with entertainment based roles but not any substantial ones. Hope he does such very soon. 

Chiru to show steal-er in Bruce Lee

It is a known fact that, megastar Chiranjeevi is essaying an extended cameo spans for 20 minutes in his son Ram Charan's next attraction Bruce Lee. Chiru will be seen as himself in the Sreenu Vaitla directorial. As per latest information we received, the megastar will join the film sets from September 12th. He will have one fight, a song and few scenes. Chiranjeevi, Ram Charan and a popular heroine will feature in the special song. Actress Ileana was offered Rs 1.5 crore to perform on the song, however the actress is yet to give her nod.

Ram Charan is working hard to wrap up the shooting in order to meet the release date deadline. The film's audio composed by SS Thaman will be launched by the month end. Theatrical trailer will also be released on the same day. If speculations are to be believed, the trailer will have Chiranjeevi visuals too. It is going to be an eye treat for mega fans to see Chiranjeevi on screen after a long time. 

Bruce Lee is going to be wholesome commercial entertainer with required elements for all the sections. The film will show Ram Charan performing breathtaking stunts. Rakul Preet Singh is expected to woo audience with glamour quotient, while Nadhiya, Rao Ramesh and other artists are to bring family emotions. On top of all these, Chiranjeevi is going to be show stealer with mass appeal. 

What happen to praneetha?

From Bangalore, we've beautiful Kannada girls like Kriti Kharbanda, Hari Priya and Praneetha. Earlier too, there are beauties like Soundarya who just rocked the show. Among the present set of hot girls, Praneetha is getting couple of good opportunities here but she's wasting them a lot. 

Dynamite is the latest movie in which she got paired with Manchu Vishnu. Probably this is an out and out action movie that has given her a complete solo heroine chance. Rather proving her acting abilities, Praneetha looked lame and dull in many scenes. Probably her biggest problem is churning out many expressions with ease. In action, in fights, in romance, in pain and in happiness, she almost looked like the same.

Except the dubbing artist's voice magic, nothing is contributed from Praneetha for the role. With such body language, probably it's tough for this hot lady for a long run. 

Why did ETV rejected Baahubali?

It's always a surprise to find out what's the role of Eenadu group honcho Ramoji Rao in 'Baahubali' movie. As Rajamouli has exclusively credited him in the titles of Baahubali first part, many wondered if he is partner in the movie's production. 

Of late it is rumoured that Ramoji Rao will be retaining the satellite rights of Baahuabali movie's first part which are worth 20 crores. But then, news was broke that ETV offered only 10 crores for the rights not more than that. Finally, it is now heard that MAA TV has jumped to buy Baahubali rights. They have obtained the rights of both first and second parts for 30 crores lump sum. In case if Ramoji is investor in the film, definitely they would have not sold the film to MAA TV. Maybe he gave Ramoji Film City premises for rent, and offered that money to be paid later.

Anyway, all these hypothetical assumptions are one side, and Baahubali movie rights at 15 crores each are on other side. We could say that MAA still stands tall when it comes to picking satellite rights of big films

Nag: Chay is just like his mother

Recently, Nagarjuna's 56th birthday was celebrated grandly by his fans. Nag, along with his family members and close friends, too welcomed the 56th year in a foreign country. The handsome actor is back in town with rejuvenated energies, thanks to the success of the teasers of his and his sons' films.

In a latest interview, Nag revealed several interesting details about his family - wife Amala, sons Chay and Akhil and even his dad, late ANR. Speaking about his wife Amala, Nag said that he must have done something good in his life to get her as his partner and feels blessed to have her in his life.

Nag also credits Amala for bringing up Akhil as a level headed and down to earth youngster. Nag also revealed that Akhil has heart to heart conversations about life with his mother. Talking about Chay, Nag said that he is much more calmer and grounded than Akhil and that he often asks Chay why he never gets angry at all. Nag says that Chay is just like his mother.

Turning emotional, Nag said that Manam is his greatest achievement of his life as he fulfilled his father's wish of acting till his last breath. When asked about his message for his fans, "love my sons as much as you love me and my father," concluded Nag.