Trisha - Prakash Raj‘s Akasamanta for Ugadi

Producer Dil Raju informed that his new film Aakasamantha starring Prakash Raj and Trisha as father and daughter ould be released on Ugadi (Telugu New years Day). "We are re-shooting and changing most scenes from the Tamil version. It is a straight Telugu film and we are happy that the movie is shaping up well," he said.

He also spoke about his other productions. "In 2009, three movies would come from our stable. Currently Naga Chaitanya‘s debut movie is under progress. Then there is a film with director Dasarath and his script has been
finalized. I’m also planning two more films with directors Sree Vasu (of Lakshyam fame) and Paidipalli Vamsi (of Munna). The cast and other crew details will be finalised later," he added.

Pawan Kalyan vows to take on Congress

In a sharp response to Congressmen burning his effigy and their ‘Gandhigiri’ at the Praja Rajyam Party office here on Wednesday, president of its youth wing Pawan Kalyan said he was ready to take on any Congressman.

At a press conference here on Thursday, the ‘Yuva Rajyam’ president referred to Congress leaders across the State reacting to his comments against them, made on Tuesday by saying he would pay the price.

In a rhetoric, Mr. Pawan Kalyan said he had told his family members that in assisting his brother and Praja Rajyam president K. Chiranjeevi in his endeavour, he was even ready for the ‘supreme sacrifice’.

“When Chief Minister Y.S. Rajasekhara Reddy heaped criticism on the Praja Rajyam calling it a party that operated more like a movie production house, we did not attack Gandhi Bhavan or go to Dr. Reddy’s house in protest,” he said.

He said it was not as if either himself or the Praja Rajyam cadres were incapable of physically re-buffing criticism against them or even using harsh language while doing so.

“We are only abiding by our president Mr. Chiranjeevi’s principle that we shall be respectful even while criticising others in a democracy and refrain from personalised attacks,” he said.--T

Tollywood Worst Movies of Year 2008

2008 has started on dull note but is finally ending with good results. Small films like Nachchavule brought cheers to the industry and there is hope that Tollywood still can provide us some gems occasionally. Yet, this year has been a very disappointing one. Except a few movies like Gamyam, Kotta Bangaru Lokam, Vinaykudu, Ashta Chemma and Nachchavule, none of the movies (including the blockbusters) are good content wise. Not a single trend-setting movie released this year. More than the blockbusters, Telugu audiences this year suffered with pain-in-the neck movies. Here is the list of movies that gave us headaches.

Note: List is in the chronological order of release.

1. Aapada Mokkula Vaadu
(One wonders Posani really does know what direction is. There is a scene in the movie where hero Naga Babu cuts off genital of a villain and puts it in a freezer. That is the height of perversion. Such absurd scenes are aplenty in the movie).

2. Okka Magadu
(This much-hyped film not only brought bad name to director YVS but also the film’s hero Balakrishna. After the release, NBK confessed that he started the movie without hearing the script, as he blindly believed the director. Not that there are no other disasters in NBK’s career but this one takes the cake.)

3. Krishnarjuna
(On any day, we can watch Bruce Almighty any number of times than this big bore.)

4. Kathanayakudu
(This is biggest flop in Rajni’s career after disaster Baba. This film showed that P.Vasu urgently needs to bid adieu to direction!).

5. Baladoor
(Why did producer Suresh Babu make us to go through this torture? What was the director thinking when he made this film that no Telugu channel is airing ‘70s movies, so he wanted to offer such movie?)

6. Salute
(New director Rajashekar must have not known that a film has only one climax, not several ones. Like Buy One Get free, the movie offers two movies on one ticket.)

7. Mallepuvvu
(Perhaps this is only film that takes the credit for running only two days in the theatres. Joke is that when Bhumika went to a theatre with her gang of friends to watch the movie, audiences started shouting at Bhumika for selecting such insipid flick.)

8. Three
(This is most eccentric, absurd movie that released in 2008. Verdict: Don’t dig your own graveyard.)

9. Keka
(2008 showed that the so-called magic of Teja is finally and completely ended.)


10. Neninthe
(After Bachi and Andhrawala, Neninthe is biggest dud in Puri’s career.)

Following are also deserve to be in the list..

1) Andamaina Manasulo (It proved that music director R.P.Patnaik should stay away from acting and direction too.) 2) Nee Sukhame Ne Korutunna (TV soap operas look better than this) 3) Adi Vishnu 4) Sangamam 5) Ankith Pallavi Friends 6) Kousalya Supraja Rama 7) Deepavali 8) Dongala Bandi 9) Ek Police 10) Chedugudu.

Rajinikanth Cuts Aishwarya Rai‘s Pocket

The economic recession has become one huge octopus that has been spreading its tentacles throughout the world and it has not been sparing a single stream or industry that is coming its way. Now, the effect has reached even the film industry and even the biggest of stars are lifting their hands in front of it.

The latest we hear is from the Chennai coast from the camp of the film ‘Enthiram‘ starring superstar Rajinikanth and the gorgeous green eyed beauty Aishwarya Rai. Apparently, the budget for the film has been astronomical under
the direction of showman Shankar but then Rajini is said to be taking an initiative to bring down the costs.

Sources say that Rajini had a word with Aish on the budget and recommended that they must cut down on their remuneration to make things better. When Rajini says, everyone listens and something like that happened with the pretty lady also. Ultimately, it is being said that both have cut down their fee by 30% and decided that this shall be compensated through the profits once the movie releases. Hats off Rajini.

Priya Mani suggested some changes..!

Actress Priya Mani is a more confident actress after winning National Award. The actress has been very confident about the films she is signing. It is believed that she insists on reading the script of every film she wants to do, and says ‘Ok‘ only when she is satisfied with her role.

There was a film script that was doing the rounds recently, which every heroine worth her salt was rejecting. The film was a Tamil one with Vijay as the hero. The director was frustrated with the rejections from heroines to do the film. The producers were aghast at the fact that, heroines were rejecting this film despite having a big star like Vijay as the hero.

When the script reached Priya Mani, she immediately realized the fault in the script. She suggested some changes which the director willingly took up. With those changes made, Priya Mani signed on the dotted line. The actress says she is confident that she can do justice to a difficult role, and only by taking calculated risks she can grow as an actress. Priya Mani is reportedly being paid Rs 60 lakhs for doing this film as per Kollywood sources.