28th April 2004

Kamal in Tamil MBBS
Kamal Hassan is going to play the lead role in Tamil version of Hindi blockbuster 'Munnabhai MBBS'. Jyothika is going to do the female lead in this film. Cheran (of Autograph fame) would be directing this venture. Kamal Hassan would also act as producer for this film. Here is one Kamal Hassan's Tamil film that would not be dubbed in Telugu as Chiranjeevi is doing the same film in the form of 'Shankar Dada MBBS'.

Nani, Yuva & Adavi Ramudu on 14th May
The battle is on. Three major films - Mahesh Babu's Nani, Mani Rathnam's Yuva and Prabhas's Adavi Ramudu - are going be releasing on the same day. Mahesh Babu's Nani got postponed due to delay in the work of AR Rehman - world-renown music director. Mani Rathnam's tri-lingual venture Yuva is releasing on the same day. It is rumored that this film is a remake of Mexican film. Addala Chanti wanted to release Adavi Ramudu on 6th of May. But he does not want to compromise on re-recording of the film. Hence, he postponed it to 14th May. As of today, this is the position. It is likely to change in the future.

Arya on 7th May
Allu Arjun is going have solo release on the 1st weekend of May. With a class title like 'Arya', the producer Raju is aiming at youth crowd with love theme and the caption of 'feel my love'. Anuradha Mehta is making her debut as heroine in this film. Sukumar is making directorial debut through this film. Devi Sri Prasad - the happening music director on the block - provided music.

27th April 2004

JV Somayajulu expired
Veteran Telugu film actor JV Somayajulu (75) expired today at CARE hospital. He has been suffering with lungs problems for a few years. He worked as Deputy District Collector for Visakhapatnam before entering into films. He is survived by a wife and two sons. His body would be cremated tomorrow in Hyderabad. Click here to know more about JV Somayajulu

Neelakanta to direct Venu
Neelakanta - the national best screenplay award winner - is going to direct Venu's next project. This film would be produced by SP Entertainments (makers of Swayamvaram and Chirunavvutho). This film would start once Venu completes his work for 'Cheppave Chirugali'. Neelakanta proved himself as commercial director with Bhumika's 'Missamma' recently.

Samba audio on 27th May
Audio of NTR's latest flick Samba would be released on 27th May in a grand style. Shooting of Samba is nearing completion. Kodali Nani produces this film on Kodali Movies banner. Bhumika Chawla and Genelia are doing female leads. Kona Venkat pens dialogues. Mani Sharma provides music. This film is all set for a summer release in the month of June 2004.

26th April 2004

Shankar mania grips Tollywood
Shankar seems to have become very dear to Tollywood now. Five top Telugu film heroes in film industry are playing Shankars in the films under production. Incidentally, three Shankars are remakes of other languages. Here are the details

S. No.	Hero Name	Character Name	Film details
1	Chiranjeevi	Shankar Dada	Title: Shankar Dada MBBS (remake of Munnabhai) Directed by Jayant C Paranji
2	Mohan Babu	Shiva Shankar	Title: Shiva Shankar Directed by Rajendra Produced by Mohan Babu
3	Venkatesh	Bhavani Shankar	Title: yet to be announced (remake of Kakha Kakha) Directed by Gowtam Produced by Siva Raju & Venkatraju
4	Pawan Kalyan	Gudumba Shankar	Title: Gudumba Shankar Directed by Veera Shankar Produced by Naga Babu
5	Sumanth	Gowry Shankar	Title: yet to be announced (remake of Tirumali) Directed by Ramana BV Produced by Sravanthi Ravi Kishore

Sunil turns spiritual
The miraculous escape from an accident seems to have left a deep impact on the personality of comedy star Sunil. His attitude/treatment towards lesser mortals has taken a sea change. He has developed lot of positive thinking. When you meet Sunil these days, you would find more of spiritual matters to discuss with him in stead of usual gossip.

Deepti Naval as Meera (45)
After seeing the success of 'Sorry Naaku Pellaindi', the makers of Hinglish film 'freaky chakra' have decided to dub the film in Telugu as 'Meera - age 45'. This film is about a 45 year old divorcee falling in love and having relationship with her 18 year old paying guest in Bangalore. Sunil plays the youngster. V Prakash directed this film, which became a blooper when released in India a couple of years back.

25th April 2004

Venkatesh unhurt
Telugu film hero Venkatesh and the entire unit of his latest remake of Tamil hit 'Kakha Kakha' were escaped unhurt when the boat they were shooting for tumbled today in Sri Lanka. We are trying to contact the right guys to get the exact details. More news later!

1.3 crore set for Alludu
A huge set worth 1.3 crores is being constructed in Ramoji Film City for Giri's next film with NTR as hero (probable title is Alludu). This set is being erected in 25,000 square feet. A sixty days worth of shooting would be done in this set. Shriya and Genelia are playing mainleads. Ramya Krishna is playing the role of mother-in-law to NTR. Mullapudi Vara - son of Mullapudi Venkata Ramana and nephew of Bapu - is going to direct this flick.

Varam audio released
Audio of Jagadamba moviemakers Varam is released in Fortune Katriya hotel in Hyderabad on 24th April 2004. MM Keeravani scored music for this album. Satya is making debut as hero. Nandu produced this film. Tammareddy Bharadwaja, A Kodandarami Reddy, VN Aditya and Manya were invited as guests. Leo Music is entering the film industry after a gap of many years.

23rd April 2004

Anjala Zhaveri's item song in Shankardada MBBS
Anjala Zhaveri confirmed to idlebrain.com that she would be doing an item song in Chiranjeevi's film Shankardada MBBS in the direction of Jayant C Paranji. This song is going to be a special song which is not there in the original film 'Munnabhai MBBS'. It may be learnt that the director Jayant C Paranji introduced Anjala Zhaveri to Telugu films with his directorial debut 'Preminchukundam Raa'. She also acted as heroine in another Jayant's film 'Ravoyi Chandamama'. She also acted in Chiranjeevi's blockbuster 'Choodalani Vundi' in the past.

Anajala Zhaveri in Raja Sekhar's Aptudu
Heroine Anjala Zhaveri who made her debut with Jayant's Preminchukundam Raa is making a come back with Raja Sekhar's Aptudu. She has recently done an item song for Mahesh Babu in Nani. Muthyala Subbaiah directs 'Aptudu'. The shooting of this film is currently going on in Nanakram guda. Raja Sekhar produces this film on his home banner Andal Creations.

Shriya Reddy in Puri Jagan's film
Popular anchor (of SS music) Shriya Reddy was in town last week for the premiere of her Hinglish crossover film '19 Revelutions' at Prasad labs. She said that she was signed for a film to be directed by Puri Jagan. Puri Jagan's future projects are an English film with Nagarjuna as hero and a multistarrer with Nagarjuna and Ravi Teja. Shriya's '19 Revolutions' is hitting the marquee in the month of May.

Varsham sentiment for Prabhas
After the audio release of Adavi Ramudu on 22nd April, it rained heavily in Hyderabad. Incidentally it was also 100th day for Prabhas's Varsham. This film Varsham is having rain sentiment. It rained on the day of Muhurat. It also rained on the day of starting of the shoot. Now it rained again on 100th day. Speaking to the press, Prabhas said that Varsham is the most satisfying film for him.

20th April 2004

Yuva in May 2nd week
Mani Rathnam's latest tri-lingual film 'Yuva' is releasing in the 2nd week of May with great fanfare. This film stars Madhavan, Surya, Siddardha, Trisha, Isha Deol and Meera Jasmine. The music scored by AR Rehman for Yuva is making waves in market. Sunkara Madhu Murali is producing the Telugu version of this film. Veturi pens lyrics. Mani Rathnam provides story, screenplay and direction.

Adavi Ramudu audio on 22nd April
Audio of Prabhas's Adavi Ramudu is going to be released on 22nd of April. The producer Chanti Addala is coming up with a crazy idea of unveiling the audio while hero Prabhas riding an elephant. This movie is slated for the release on 6th May. Mani Sharma scores music. Paruchuri pens dialogues. B Gopal directs this film. Arti Agarwal is doing female lead. Ramya Krishna does an item song.

Nutan Prasad's son as villain
We have seen each and every artist and technician trying to make his/her son a place in Telugu film industry as hero. But Nutan Prasad - the veteran comedian, villain and character artist - has decided to introduce his son Nutan Kumar as villain. Nutan Kumar is currently acting in 4 films in negative roles.

15th April 2004

NTR as 'Alludu'
NTR is all set to play the role of 'Alludu' (nephew) in his forth coming film in the direction of Vara Mullapudi. Giri would be producing this film. Ramya Krishna is playing the role of arrogant 'atha' (aunt). Shriya and Genelia are paired up with NTR. Ravindra Babu provides photography. Vijayendra Prasad prepared the story. M Ratnam pens dialogues. MM Keeravani scores music. This film would be released on 27th of September 2004.

Nani re-recording in London
Re-recording of Mahesh Babu's 'Naani' is currently going on in AR Rehman's studio at London. 60% of the re-recording in over by now. Shooting part of this film is completed on 15th of this month. The last song picturised was 'Kumbhakonam' on Mahesh Babu and Ramya Krishna in the dance direction of Farah Khan. SJ Surya directs this film. Manjula produces Nani on Indira creations banner. Nani is all set to release very soon.

They come in pairs
Charmy - Jyothika and Shriya - Genelia seems to be coming in pairs. The pair of Jyothika - Charmy is said to have been signed up for Nagarjuna's 'Mass Dammunte Kasko'. The same pair is going to act with Ravi Teja in a film to be directed by Mehar Ramesh. The pair Shriya - Genelia is signed up for Venkatesh - K Raghavendra Rao film and NTR's film in the direction of Vara Mullapudi.

13th April 2004

Sravanthi Ravi Kishore buys '4 The People'
Sravanti Ravi Kishore has bought the Telugu remake rights of Malayalam blockbuster '4 The People'. Jayaraj who directed Malayalam version would also be directing Telugu version. This film would be having 4 new faces in the main leads. This film was made in Malayam with a budget of 50 lakhs and is poised to earn profits in crores. Sravanthi Ravi Kishore would be producing this film on a low budget (below one crore) as well. This film would start once the shooting of SRK's film with Sumanth as hero completed.

Sri Anjaneyam completed
The shooting part of Krishna Vamsi's mega budget extravaganza 'Sri Anjaneyam' is completed. Krishna Vamsi is busy doing the editing work. Nitin and Charmi played the role of 'Anji' and 'Paddu' in this film. Arjun is playing Lord Anjaneya. This film would be launching a new dialogue writer Radha. Anand Sai provides set work. Thriller Manju coordinated stunts. Mani Sharma provides music. This film is being produced on Karthikeya banner with Krishna Vamsi as producer. This film would be releasing in the month of May.

3 remake films in 3 days
Three films would be releasing the coming 3 days. Arjun's 'Puttintiki Raa Chelli' is releasing on 14th April. Allari Naresh's Nenu is releasing on 15th of April. Jagapati Babu's 'Kushi Kushigaa' is releasing on 16th of April. Incidentally all these 3 films are remakes. Puttintikiraa Chelli is a Kannada remake where as Nenu is a Tamil remake. Kushi Kushigaa is a Malayalam remake. Out producers has so much of fond of other languages when it comes to films.

12th April 2004

Charmi in Allu Arjun's Badrinath
Charmi - who is currently acting along with Nitin in Krishna Vamsi's Sri Anjaneyam - is expected to be paired up with Allu Arjun in a film titled 'Badrinadh', as per the unconfirmed sources of idlebrain.com. This film would be directed by Chinni Krishna. This film is expected to be jointly produced by Allu Arvind (Geeta Arts) and Madhu (producer of Tagore). More details later.

Song less Telugu film - Madhyahnam Hatya
Ram Gopal Varma wrapped up the shooting of 'Madhyahnam Hatya' in 20 days. This film would be a songless fare with 90-minute duration. JD Chakravarthy, Amani, Bhanuchandar, Venkat and Bhramaji are playing main roles in this film. Post production work is currently going on. This is going to be 2nd song less film in this year after '6 Pativratalu'. 'Madhyahnam Hatya' is all set for summer release.

Chalam's story as a film
Chalam is regarded as one of the best abhyudaya writers in Telugu. None of his stories were made as films in the past. For the first time, Kanakadhara banner is attempting to give celluloid shape to a story of Chalam. The story 'Doshagunam' is being made as 'Grahanam' now. Indraganti Mohana Krishna (son of noted writer Indraganti Srikanth Sharma) is directing this film. Tanikella Bharani, Surya and Jayalalitha are doing main leads. This film is meant for film festivals and the producer is contemplating on sending this film to 'Toronto film festival'.

10th April 2004

KRR - Jaya combo film
Jaya is going to direct a film to be supervised by veteran director K Raghavendra Rao. This film would be produced by Anil on Sri Creations banner. Srikanth is acting as hero. It may be learnt that the combination of K Raghavendra Rao and Srikanth delivered a blockbuster Pelli Sandadi almost a decade ago. K Raghavendra Rao also provides screenplay for this film. Jaya - fresh from the success of 'Chantigadu' which completed 100 days in 25 centers - is taking up this film as her second project. Shooting of this film would start in the month of June 2004. Story and dialogues are provided by Abburi Ravi. MM Keeravani scores music. Jayaram handles camera. Srikar Prasad would edit the film.

Yana Gupta in Shankar Dada
We reported in the past that Yana Gupta has done an item song in Venky's film, which is a remake of Tamil 'Kaakha Kaakha'. The same item song was performed in Tamil version by Ramya Krishna. Now Yana Gupta is all set to sizzle in a Chiranjeevi's 'Shankardada MBBS' which is a remake of Hindi hit 'Munnabhai MBBS'. She is expected to the Telugu version of 'Dekh Le'. This song is expected to be shot in Mumbai. Ahmed Khan would choreograph this song. Popular Bollywood comedian Johnny Lever is also expected to play a short role in 'Shankardada MBBS'.

Hero Venu injured
Hero Venu injured in a road accident near Khammam. His color bone was slightly fractured. It's a minor injury. He is expected to get back to work in a week. He is currently shooting for Cheppave Chirugali under the direction of Vikraman. We wish hero Venu a fast recovery.

9th April 2004

Samba talkie completed
The talkie part of NTR's Samba is completed. Canning of 4 songs and climax is left. A song each was shot on NTR-Genelia and NTR-Bhoomika in sets erected at Annapurna studios. NTR has completed giving dubbing to his character. This film has 'Kanchi' holy place as backdrop. GSR provides story. Mani Sharma provides music. Kona Venkat pens dialogues. VV Vinayak is directing this film. Kodali Nani produces this film on Kodali Movies banner. This film would be released either in the last week of May or 1st week of June 2004.

NTR's remix album
Sohan Music is unleashing remix songs of legend NTR's popular mass tunes like 'Nee prema bangaram kaanu'. This remix album would be released at a star-studded event organized in Lalithakala Toranam on the night of 20th April 2004. Gemini TV is sponsoring this event. When remix album concept is catching up for Telugu music industry, releasing NTR songs remix seem to be a nice idea.

Kalyan Ram as Nanda
Nandamuri Kalyan Ram is acting in a film, which is a remake of Tamil hit 'Nanda'. Tamil film Nanda was directed by Bala who also directed blockbusters like Sethu and Pithamagan. RV Uday Kumar would be directing this film. In-form heroine Genelia is paired up with Kalyan Ram in this film. VSR Swamy handles cinematography. Puja of this film was held on 7th of this month. M Sudhakar is producing this film on Maha Ganapathy Films banner. Regular shooting of this film would start in the month of May.

5th April 2004

3 heroines with Mahesh in Nani title song
Kiran Rathod, Anjala Zhaveri and Mehak are making guest appearances in the title song of Mahesh Babu's latest film 'Nani'. Kiran Rathod and Anjala Zhaveri are known faces for Telugu film lovers. Heroine Mehak made her debut in Telugu with the film 'Neetho'. With this Naani heroines count reached seven (Amisha Patel, Aishwarya, Devyani, Ramya Krishna, Kiran Rathod, Anjala Zhaveri & Mehak). Shooting of this song is currently going on in Hyderabad in the dance direction Raju Sundaram. Manjula is producing this film on Indira Creations banner. SJ Suryah is directing this flick. Mahesh Babu's Naani is all set to hit marquee on 29th of May 2004.

Raasi's colors - parlor
After Smita starting a beauty salon in the name of Bubbles, it is Raasi turn to come up with a beauty parlor named "Raasi's Colors". She has recently launched this beauty parlor and it is situated near Rama Naidu studios in Jubilee Hills. Vijay - brother of Raasi - is managing it's day-to-day activities. 'Raasi Colors' also offers home delivery.

Vasu's private album released
Veteran singer Rama Krishna released the debut private album - Errabuggalameda Manasaithe… - of new music director Vasu (click here for open letter). This album contains remix of 5 popular songs from golden oldies. This album also has 5 original songs scored by Vasu. Instead of opting for known voices, Vasu experimented in this album by making track singers sing these songs. Sahiti wrote lyrics. They are shooting a video song to promote this album and the video song is expected to be aired on Television by 15th June. SG Naidu produced this album.

Arti Agarwal to tour USA
Telugu film Heroine Arti Agarwal would be touring USA to promote Nagarjuna's latest film 'Nenunnanu'. She would be visiting theaters, talking to people and signing autographs. Here is the schedule of her visit

Center	Theater	Date
Dallas	Funasia Theatres	all shows on Saturday April 10 2004
New Jersey	Cineplaza	2-7 PM Sunday April 11 th
Chicago	Golf Glen Theatres	for all shows on Sunday April 18 2004

3rd April 2004

Mohan Babu as Shiva Shankar
Mohan Babu's film in production is titled as Shiva Shankar (meeranukuntunna vyakti kaadu). Mohan Babu is playing the role of Sivaji. This film deals with the story of transformation from Sivaji to Shiva Shankar. Mohan Babu is also donning to role of Boudha Bhikshuvu. He is tonsuring his head for this purpose. 60% of the talkie is over. One song is already picturised. Maestro Ilayaraja is giving melodious music for this film. Mohan Babu is acting in a film after a gap of 2 years. Rajendra is directing this film. 'Shiva Shankar' would be released either in the last week of June or 1st week of July.

Chance to act with Chiranjeevi
ThumpsUp is offering unique chance to the crowds of AP. The lucky winner would be getting a chance to act with Chiranjeevi in one of his future films. The cola lovers in AP can preserve the crowns of ThumpsUp bottles and whoever tops the score would get a chance to act with Chiru. There would be many more freebies for the drinkers of ThumpsUp cola. Chiranjeevi announced the same in a pressmeet arranged yesterday.

Jaya Prada celebrates her birthday
Jaya Prada celebrated her birthday in Hyderabad amidst press today. This is her first visit to city after joining Samajwadi Party. When asked by press why she left TDP for SP, she clarified that her self-respect was hurt by the TDP management. When asked why she chose SP instead of any other party, she said that the manifesto of Samajwadi Party comes close to Jaya Prada's ideology.

1st April 2004

Yana Gupta with Venky
Yana Gupa missed her chance to don the role of Malliswari in the past. But this time, she is in for a film with Venky. She has recently finished shooting for an item number with Venky in a Telugu remake of Tamil hit Kakha Kakha. Yana Gupta is a Czech citizen by birth and her real name is Syncova. This Victoria's Secret girl met Pune based artist Sanjay Gupta and married him and rechristened her name as Yana Gupta. She became familiar with Indian crowds with her item number 'Babuji Jara Dheere Chalo' in a Bollywood flick.

Usha's Tooneega
Usha has got lots of fame with in just 3 years of entering into Telugu playback singing. She sang lots of chartbusters in the music direction RP Patnaik. Aditya music has recently released an album titled 'Tooneega Tooneega' with 12 beautiful songs sung by Usha from various Telugu feature films. And the album is selling like a hot cake. Usha is credited as the only youth Telugu singer who has the privilege to have an exclusive album of her songs collection.

Ramana Gogula scores for Raja Sekhar
Ramana Gogula would be scoring music for Raja Sekhar starrer 'Aptudu'. Muhurat of this film was held at Nanakramaguda Studios today morning. Mohan Babu and Pullela Gopichand did the honors. Jeevita Raja Sekhar produces this film on Andal Arts banner. Hero Suman is playing a vital role in this film. Mukesh Rushi is doing the villain character. Heroines are yet to be selected. Posani Krishna Murali provides dialogues. Muthyala Subbaiah directs 'Aptudu'.

K Viswanath's musical started
K Viswanath'd musical 'Swarabhishekam' was started yesterday at Ramoji Film City. This film stars Srikanth, Sivaji, Laya and Amukta Malyada. This musical has the backdrop of a joint family. This film would have seven songs scored by Vidya Sagar. Urvasi is playing a vital role. Viswanath is doing the role of joint family's head. Ramesh - Gopi provide dialogues. C Kousalyendra Rao produces this film on Raja Rajeswari combines banner.

Click for the Archive