31st December 2004

Smita donates 1 lakh
'My heart goes to the victims of Tsunami. Lets all do our part in helping them in this time of need. I am starting my new year by contributing Rs. One lakh to the CM relief fund', said Smita at her performance in Pragati Resorts on the eve of New Year. Idlebrain.com commends Smita on her noble deed.

Mahesh + Puri film details
Prince Mahesh Babu signed a film in the direction of Puri Jagan today morning. This film would be produced jointly by Puri Jagan and Manjula (sister of Mahesh Babu). Indira (mother of Mahesh Babu) would present this film. This film would be made in Puri Jagan's home banner 'Vaishno Academy'. Incidentally, this is the film that is accepted by Mahesh Babu after Athadu film.

Dhana 51 postponed to 14th Jan
Release of Sumanth's latest offing Dhana 51 is postponed from 6th January to 14 January 2005. Here is the list of release dates of big films in January 2005

Kamalinee gets selective
Kamalinee Mukherjee is not willing to lose the edge Telugu film industry has given her with the film 'Anand'. She has decided to be extremely selective with the Telugu films she is signing and only preferring the roles that have good amount weight in the script. She has turned down a couple of roles, which did not qualify this criterion.

30th December 2004

Sankranthi producers unite
Producers of Sankranthi and December films had a meeting recently to do a joint effort to curb piracy of their films. Konda Krishnam Raju (Vijayendra Varma), Nagarjuna (Mass), C Aswini Dutt (Balu), ML Kumar Chowdary (Dhana 51) and MS Raju (Nuvvostanante Nenoddantana) would be fighting the Telugu film video piracy jointly.

Evadi Gola Vaadidi in Jan end
EVV Satyanaranarayana's Evadi Gola Vaadidi would be releasing in the last week of January 2005. This film has Aryan Rajesh and Deepika in the main leads. Audio of this film is expected on 8th of January 2005. Kamalakar (of Praanam fame) scored music. Larsco Entertainments is producing this film. This film sports almost all comedy artists of Telugu cinema.

Cheating case on Veeru K
A cheating case was filed on director Veeru K (2 much & Xtra fame) by Sanjeev Reddy Nagar police with regard to a complaint filed by a person to whom Veeru K owed some money.

29th December 2004

Huge budget for Nagarjuna's new film
Nagarjuna's film in the direction of Puri Jagan is going to be the film with highest budget for Annapurna Studios banner and in the career of Nagarjuna. There is a tremendous response for Nagarjuna's hairdo in this film. Sonu Sood and Ayesha Takia play other important roles in this film of friendship backdrop. Sandeep Chowta scores music.

Mass creates tremors in USA as well
Nagarjuna's MASS has got great openings in USA as well in the first weekend of film's release. As per the exhibitor of San Jose, 739 tickets were sold for Nagarjuna's Nenunnanu at IMC6 in the 1st week. But for MASS, the number tickets sold was more than double that number in just four days. The situation is similar in other centers as well. After seeing this response, extra shows were added for MASS film in San Jose this week.

Film chamber donates 5 lakhs
AP Film Chamber of Commerce has decided to donate Rs. 5 lakhs towards CM Donation Fund today as the help for the victims of Tsunami. Film Nagar Cultural Club donated Rs. 2 lakhs towards the same cause. G Adiseshagiri Rao - Chairman of AP Film Chamber of Commerce - requested the members of Telugu film industry to donate money for this cause. It is also learnt that film star Bala Krishna would be meeting Governor of AP on 30th December to donate money towards the same cause.

Paruchuri brothers Savera senti
Paruchuri brothers recently told in a press meet that all the films they worked for while writing in Room number 401 of Savera Hotel in Chennai turned out to be silver jubilee blockbusters. These blockbusters include Khaidi, Agni Parvatham, Gharana Mogudu, Samarasimha Reddy, Narasimha Naidu etc. Following the sentiment, Paruchuri brothers penned dialogues of NTR - B Gopal film in the same room. This film is being produced by Chengala Venkat Rao.

26th December 2004

Nagarjuna changes hairdo
Nagarjuna changed his hair style for his forthcoming film in the direction of Puri Jagan. This hair style has some resemblance to that of Nagarjuna's character in Aavida Maa Aavide. Regular shooting of this film would start from 3rd January onwards. Sonu Sood and Ayesha Takia are playing other important roles. Sandeep Chowta provides music. This film would be produced by Nagarjuna on Annapurna studios banner.

Anil to produce KRR's film
K Raghavendra Rao is going to direct a film soon with Nitin and Trisha in main leads. This film would be produced by Anil on Sri Creations banner. Anil is currently producing a film titled Radha Gopalam in the direction of Bapu. He produced films like 'O Chinnadana' and 'Ottesi Chebutunna' in the past.

SV Krishna Reddy's 'Orey Pandu'
SV Krishna Reddy is currently directing a film with Sachin and Sandali Sinha in the main leads. This film is titled as 'Orey Pandu'. Girish Sanghi - CMD of Vaartha newspaper - is producing this film on 'Gireesh Pictures' banner. Raj Anand Raj provides music. Satyanand gave story.

24th December 2004

MASS's superb openings
MASS generated tremendous openings by releasing with around 200 prints and stood as the number one grosser among Nagarjuna's films so far. The first week's share of MASS is going to be highest ever collected by any of Nagarjuna's films so far. In Guntur territory Mass collected a share of more than 10 lakhs on day one.

Vishnu in Teja's film
Vishnu would be starring in Teja's next venture. This film would be produced on Lakshi Narasimha Productions banner by Nallamalupu Srinivas (Bujji). Muhurat of this film would be held in January and regular shooting starts in February 2005. Sameer Reddy handles camera. Kulasekhar pens lyrics.

Raja to create cancer awareness
Actor Raja (Anand fame) would be helping Indo American Cancer Institute and Research Center in creating awareness about cancer disease. Raja has an emotional feeling attached to this social work as Raja's mother expired due to cancer when Raja was 7 year old. Ex minister Kodela Siva Prasad also attended this press meet organized by Indo-American Cancer Institute.

Prasads passes off as foreign locale
Prasads multiplex passes off as a foreign location for Telugu film producers. When our producers find something amiss after they return from foreign shooting schedule, they would do that remaining patch work on the plush floors in Prasads Multiplex. The recent examples are few scenes from Satruvu film (Prasads shown as Dubai shopping mall) and for a couple of scenes in 'Maisamma' song of Vijayendra Varma.

19th December 2004

'Jai Chiranjeeva' details
The title of 'Jai Chiranjeeva' is confirmed for Chiranjeevi's film in the direction of K Vijaya Bhaskar on Vyjayanthi banner. Trivikram Srinivas is providing story and dialogues. It may be known to the film lovers to there was a song called 'Jai Chiranjeeva' in Chiranjeevi - Aswini Dutt combination film 'Jagadeka Veerudu - Atiloka Sundari'. Second half of 'Jai Chiranjeeva' would be having the backdrop of USA. Shooting of this film is scheduled for 30 days in USA. Muhurat of this film would be held in January 2005 and regular shooting would start from February 2005 onwards. There would be 2 heroines in this film. Mani Sharma would provide music for this film.

Sonu Sood in Nag's film
Bollywood actor Sonu Sood would be playing the role of second hero in Nagarjuna's film in the direction of Puri Jagan. This film would have the backdrop of friendship. Nagarjuna and Sonu Sood would enact the roles of friends. Sandeep Chowta - who gave music to Nagarjuna's Nella Pelladatha - would be scoring music for this film. Regular shooting of this film would start from 5th January 2005 onwards. Ayesha Takia is playing one of the heroines in this film. This film would be made on prestigious Annapurna Studios banner.

New titles by famous banners
Here is the list of titles registered at Film Chamber recently by famous banners.

18th December 2004

MASS with 200+ prints
Nagarjuna's MASS is releasing with more than 200 prints worldwide on 23rd December 2004. This is the biggest print release in Nagarjuna's career. The earlier highest was 175 prints for Nenunnanu film. This film introduces the popular choreographer Raghava Lawrence as film director. The extravagant and stylish outdoor publicity has already become talk of the town.

20 minutes trimmed for VV film
Konda Krishnam Raju, the producer of Vijayendra Varma, sent editors to cinema halls in major centers to trim Vijayendra Varma film by 20 minutes. These 20 minutes trimmed shots include graphic scenes towards climax. The patriotic song is also deleted. The distributors were also given the list of scenes to be trimmed. Ditributor would take care of trimming in B and C centers.

Guntur record by Vijayendra Varma
Bala Krishna's Vijayendra Varma collected a share of 21.89 lakhs in Guntur territory on day 1. This is highest share collected by any of Bala Krishna's film so far on day one. It also created an all time town record in Vinukonda and Addanki for day 1.

16th December 2004

MASS massive rally on 23rd
A huge 2-wheeler rally is going to be conducted to commemorate the film release of Nagarjuna's MASS on 23rd December. A rally consisting of 100 2-wheelers would be organized in 10 centers (Vizag, Rajahmundry, Eluru, Vijayawada, Nellore, Tirupati, Kurnool, Nizamabad, Hyderabad & Warangal). 100 Nagarjuna's fans wearing specially designed t-shirts of Mass would participate in this 2-wheeler rally in each of the district's head quarters. After reaching the theater, these 100 fans would be the lucky ones to watch the very first show of the Mass film free of cost.

Nagarjuna to launch Smita's Club Mix
Smita's trendy remix album is being launched at a grand function of 17th December by film star Nagarjuna Akkineni. Many famous personalities from Tollywood are likely to attend the launch. Choreographer Bosco Ceaser is flying down Mumbai. Smita Clux Mix would be available on shelves from 18th December onwards.

Alludu audio in market on 21st Dec
Audio of NTR's Alludu would be released on 17th December in Araku valley by NTR. Supreme music has bought the rights of this audio. Devi Sri Prasad scored music. Audio of Alludu would be available in stores by Tuesday (21st December 2004). This film would be releasing on 14th January 2005 on the eve of Sankranthi.

14th December 2004

Devadas shooting begins
Shooting of YVS Chowdary's latest film 'Devadas' began today at a youth canteen set erected by Anand Sai at the entrance of Rama Naidu Studios today. Ram and Ileana are making their debut as hero and heroine through this film. Chakri provides music. YVS Chowdary is producing this film on 'Bommarillu Vaari' banner.

Teja's new film in January
Teja is going to direct a film with fresh actors from January 2005 onwards. The selections for this film would be conducted very soon. Nallamalupu Srinivas who was the executive producer for Aadi and Chennakesava Reddy would be producing this film on Lakshmi Narasimha Productions banner. The regular crewmembers of Teja would work for this film.

Arre audio released
Audio of Arre was released today at a function arranged in Greenpark hotel. IPS officer Gopinath Reddy released the audio of this film. Keshav - who made his debut with a film titled 'Bezawada Police Station' - is acting as hero of this film. This film would be hitting marquee during the end of this month.

13th December 2004

Jassie Gift sings for Alludu
Jassie Gift - who created a style of himself with his music for recently released Yuvasena - has sung a funky song for NTR's Alludu album. Devi Sri Prasad composed music. Audio of this film would be released on 17th of december 2004. This film is releasing worldwide on 14th January 2005.

Vijayendra Varma in 525 theaters
Bala Krishna's Vijayendra Varma is all set for worldwide release on 15th December in 525 selected theaters. The producer is very happy with the craze it generated. For example, in a territory like West Godari, the exhibitors paid approximately Rs. 1 crore as advances. Bala Krishna is acting as RAW officer in this film.

MBBS's updated audio released
Devi Sri Prasad has released the audiocassettes and audio CDs of Shankardada MBBS today. This album would consists of 2 more songs compared to the audio released before the release of the film. These songs are Sandepoddula song, which was added in theaters recently and Tellarindo Maava Maava (the background rap song by Devi Sri Prasad). The addition of new song in theaters made sure that most of the theaters playing Shankardada MBBS go housefuls in the weekend.

13th December 2004

Jassie Gift sings for Alludu
Jassie Gift - who created a style of himself with his music for recently released Yuvasena - has sung a funky song for NTR's Alludu album. Devi Sri Prasad composed music. Audio of this film would be released on 17th of december 2004. This film is releasing worldwide on 14th January 2005.

Vijayendra Varma in 525 theaters
Bala Krishna's Vijayendra Varma is all set for worldwide release on 15th December in 525 selected theaters. The producer is very happy with the craze it generated. For example, in a territory like West Godari, the exhibitors paid approximately Rs. 1 crore as advances. Bala Krishna is acting as RAW officer in this film.

MBBS's updated audio released
Devi Sri Prasad has released the audiocassettes and audio CDs of Shankardada MBBS today. This album would consists of 2 more songs compared to the audio released before the release of the film. These songs are Sandepoddula song, which was added in theaters recently and Tellarindo Maava Maava (the background rap song by Devi Sri Prasad). The addition of new song in theaters made sure that most of the theaters playing Shankardada MBBS go housefuls in the weekend.

12th December 2004

Geeta Arts film shoot in IMAX
A few scenes involving Chiranjeevi (younger version) and Rimmi Sen were shot in the IMAX screen in Prasads last week. Allu Arvind is producing this film on Geeta Arts banner in the direction of Seenu Vytla. Devi Sri Prasad is scoring music. Kabeer Lal is handling camera. Chiranjeevi is doing dual roles in this film as irresponsible father and dutiful son. This film is getting ready for Summer 2005 release.

Alludu audio in Araku
The audio of NTR's Sankranthi release Alludu would be released in a simple way at Araku on 17th December 2004. NTR is currently shooting in Araku for his film in the direction of B Gopal. Unlike grand Andhrawala audio release for the NTR-Giri earlier film, this audio function would be a low key affair. Devi Sri Prasad scored music. Vara Mullapudi directed this film. Genelia, Ramya Krishna & Shriya are playing female leads in 'Alludu'.

Chengala Venkat Rao to open Vizag distribution outlet
Vizag seems to be the most profitable territory for Telugu film industry these days. The producers are planning for their own offices for Vizag release. Konda Krishnam Raju opened a distribution office in Vizag for 15th December release Vijayendra Varma. Nagarjuna would also be releasing his film Mass in Vizag on his own on 23rd December. Chengala Venkat Rao is also opening a distribution office in this month. It would be inaugurated by NTR and Amisha Patel.

Tarun and Raja in Oka Oorilo
Tarun and Raja (of Anand fame) would be acting as male leads in poster designer Ramesh Varma's debut film as director Oka Voorilo (modalaina prema katha). Devi Sri Prasad would be scoring music. Addala Chanti is producing this film on 'Friendly Movies' banner. Regular shooting of this film would start on 2nd January 2005.

9th December 2004

Mani Ratnam hospitalized
Popular director Mani Ratnam suffered with chest pain today while participating in International Film Festival of India (IFFI) at Panaji, Goa. He was immediately rushed to the Apollo Victor Hospital at Margoa. He is safe now. We wish him speedy recovery.

Aditya music into VCD making
Aditya music, which is one of the leading players in Telugu audio market is entering the video segment now. Aditya released the VCD of Nagarjuna’s classic Manmadhudu as their first VCD. They would also be releasing the VCD of Arya very soon.

NTR song in Congress short-film
Congress Government has prepared a few animated short films on promoting irrigation projects in AP. They have used the golden oldie song of ‘Vundile Manchikalam Mundumunduna’ from NTR’s Ramudu-Bheemudu film. This animation film depicts how Chandrababu Naidu is apposing the ‘jalayagnam’ program initiated by the present congress Government.

8th December 2004

MBBS bonus song from 9th Dec
A brand new bonus song is going to be added in all theaters playing Shankardada MBBS on 9th December. This song comes in the second half of the film and it starts with the lyric ‘Sandhyapoddula’. Chinni Prakash choreographed this song and Chota K Naidu canned it. This song was picturized on 4 sets erected by art director Ashok Kumar.

4 films release on 9th Dec
This week is witnessing releases of four films – Aa Nalugu (Rajendra Prasad, Raja, Amani – Chandra Siddardha), Vidyardhi (Ramesh, Aditi Agarwak), Gangamma Jatara (R Narayana Murthy) and Anjali I Love You (Vikram P, Meera Vasudevan). Last week witnessed 5 releases. Bala Krishna’s Vijayendra Varma is all set for the release on 15th of December 2005.

CS Rao is no more
CS Rao (Chittajallu Srinivasa Rao, 81) - Telugu film director of yesteryears – expired today in Chennai. He directed films like Kanchukota, Keelu Bommalu, Desoddarakudu, Santhinivasam etc. He is the son of famous director C Pullaiah. Movie Artists Association and Directors Association expressed condolences. May his soul rest in peace.

3 big audios in 3 days
Audios of 3 films would be releasing in 3 consecutive days in this month. Audio of Alludu would be releasing on 18th of this month. Audio of Dhana 51 would be releasing on 19th of this month. Audio of MS Raju’s Nuvvostanante Ne Vaddantana would be releasing on 20th of this month. Smita’s Club Mix is expected to be released on 17th of this month.

7th December 2004

Sri Raghava to direct Venkatesh
Sree Raghava (Selva Raghavan in Tamil) - who shot to fame in Telugu film industry with his latest blockbuster 7/G Brindavan Colony - would be directing a film with Venkatesh very soon. This film would be produced by NV Prasad and Sanam Naga Ashok Kumar on Sri Saideva Productions banner. They made 'Vasantham' in Venky's combination in the past. Venky seems to have got inspired by the script of this film it seems.

Pawan's Bangaram from 6th January
Regular shooting of Pawan Kalyan's Bangaram would start on 6th January and complete shooting it single schedule by April 2005. This film would be releasing for Summer 2005 in the month of April. A new girl would be paired up with Pawan Kalyan in this film. Vidya Sagar provides music. Dharani directs this film. AM Ratnam produces this film on Surya Movies banner.

Nuvvostanante audio on 20th December
The climax of MS Raju's latest film 'Nuvvostanante Ne Vaddantana' is going on at Ramappagudi (70 kilometers away from Warangal). This film has Siddardh and Trisha in main leads. Srihari and Prakash Raj are playing important characters in this film. Poplar choreographer Prabhu Deva is making his debut as director through this film. Devi Sri Prasad is providing music. Audio of this film would be releasing on 20th of December. This movie would be releasing on 14th January 2004.

5th December 2004

Namitha goes Bollywood
Besides doing Tamil films, actress Namitha has recently entered Bollywood. Her Hindi debut film is going to be 'Love Ke Chakkar Mein'. She is also signed in a couple of other Bollywood films.

Sankranthi to be postponed?
Venkatesh's Sankranthi is likely to get postponed from 14th January to February 2005, as per idlebrain.com's unconfirmed sources. This film is a remake of Tamil blockbuster 'Anandam' by Supergood films. Since the title Sankranthi would appear inappropriate in the month of February, the makers are contemplating on changing the title of the film as well.

Krishna to promote Govt projects
Superstar Krishna would be promoting a few irrigation projects committed by the current Congress Government. He would be acting in TV promotions that explain the specialty of these projects and how useful they would be for the peasant's of AP. Krishna would be appearing in farmer get-up in these video promos.

3rd December 2004

Oka Voorilo announced
Premier poster designer Ramesh Varma is wielding the megaphone now. He is directing a film tilted Oka Voorilo (medalaina premakatha). This film had pooja ceremony on 2nd December. Chanti Addala - producer of this film - arranged a press meet today to make an official announcement. This film would have two leading men and one heroine. Regular shooting of this film would start on 2nd January. And end by the middle of March. This film is aiming for Summer 2005 release.

Trisha with Bala Krishna
As per the unofficial sources, Trisha is signed as heroine for Bala Krishna's film in the direction of Jayant C Paranji. This film would be launched on 21st of December. Hero Bala Krishna is said to have given the storyline for this film. The other heroines under consideration for this 3-heroines film are Sadaf and Charmy. MRV Prasad is going to produce this film on PB Arts banner.

Ayesha Takia in Nag's film
Ayesha Takil is tipped to play the leading lady role in Nagarjuna's film in the direction of Puri Jagan. Ayesha Takia is the heroine of Hindi film 'Tarzan - the wonder car'. This film would be launched in this month. Bollywood hero Sunil Shetty is playing a vital role in this film. Annapurna studios would be producing this flick.

Alludu audio on 17th December
Audio of NTR's latest film Alludu would be launched on 17th of December, as per the sources at Supreme Music Company. Devi Sri Prasad scored music. Genelia and Shriya are playing female leads as Ramya Krishna is doing the aunty role. The popular song of Atha Madugu Vaagu from 'Kondaveeti Simham' is remixed and reused in this film. This film is slated for 14th January 2005 release.

Bellamkonda Suresh jailed
Bellamkonda Suresh, the man who is in news for the wrong reasons for the entire year, surrendered at local magistrate court on the charges of forgery and cheating for selling the video rights of his film 'Lakshmi Narasimha' for three companies at the same time. He was remanded till 16th of December and sent to Chanchalguda Jail.

2nd December 2004

Lip surgery to Sadaf
Sadaf who met with an accident while shooting for Aparichitudu had a lip surgery recently. She is acting in Jeans Shankar's bilingual film Aparichitudu with Vikram as hero. This film deals with the burning issue of corruption and bribery. Harris Jayaraj is providing music.

Two hot combinations
The efforts are on to bring the combination of Mahesh Babu and Shyam Prasad Reddy together for one film and NTR and Guna Sekhar for another film. These films are expected to go to floors in one to one and half years, if everything goes according to the plan.

Sumath's Sabhash from the past
Sumanth acted in a film titled 'Sabhash' much before the release of the film 'Satyam'. Sumanth established as hero in Telugu film industry with Satyam and the next film Gowri also proved that Sumanth is here to stay. On this eve, producer Jaya Krishna is planning to release Shabhash after the release of Dhana 51. Hanumantha Reddy - a debutant - directed this film.

1st December 2004

Mohan Babu as Political Rowdy
Mohan Babu is going to act in a film titled 'Political Rowdy', which would be directed by EVV Satyanarayana. This film is a Telugu remake Tamil blockbuster Adi Thadi. Jagapati Babu plays another important role in this film. Mohan Babu delivered a blockbuster 'Assembly Rowdy' in the past and the title sentiment is expected to work for 'Political Rowdy' as well.

Arti's Lux Orchid tour
Arti Agarwal is into promotion of Lux Orchid soap. She would be visiting the homes of Lux Orchid users in various cities and spend sometime with those family members. She would be visiting Lux customers' houses in Guntur, Vijayawada, Chittoor and Tirupati cities on 2nd, 3rd, 4th and 5th December respectively. Arti Agarwal said that she is been a regular user of Lux soap since she entered Telugu tinsel town 5 years back. Her sister Aditi Agarwal would also accompany Arti in this tour.

Two films with Arti-Venky combo
Speaking to press at Lux Orchid promotional press meet, Arti Agarwal said that she is currently acting in Supergood film's Sankranthi with Venkatesh as hero and Suresh Productions film with Tarun as hero (tentatively titled as Soggadu). She also said that she signed another film up with Venkatesh which would be produced by Suresh Productions banner. She is also doing an item number in B Gopal's film with NTR as hero.

1 lakh pirated VCDs unearthed
Around 1 lakh of pirated VCDs are unearthed today at Bangalore city by Bangalore city police. 60 thousand of these 1 lakh pirated VCDs are Telugu VCDs. Manohar - MD of Lahari Music - acted as catalyst in these raids.