Small Films Raking In Big Moolah In Tollywood
Suddenly small films are having dream run in Telugu film industry. Every movie that is different from regular is hitting the gold at box-office. The latest film that has joined the club is Sukumar produced Kumari 21F which is set to cross Rs 10 Crs share shortly. Post Baahubali’s grand success, many movies big and small including Srimanthudu had brought smiles to the producers and distributors but what is heartwarming to see is that the trend of small and experimental movies having dream run at box-office.
Post Baahubali, small and medium budget movies like Cinema Choopista Maava, Bhale Bhale Magadivoy, Subramanyam For Sale, Kanche and, Rajugari Gadhi have made money. Some of these movies made huge money, brought profits to the buyers almost double the investment. Now Kumari 21F is doing the same. Telugu audiences seem to have developed big heart to encourage small movies that made with quality or better content. All in all, Tollywood is shining at box-office.
Intolerance debate getting chaotic: A.R. Rahman
Panaji: Oscar-winning composer A.R. Rahman on Tuesday said the intolerance debate in India is becoming “chaotic”, adding “we should set an example by resorting to non-violent ways to protest”. “Any type of revolt should be classical. It is becoming very chaotic. People are hitting each other. We should set an example because we come from the land of Mahatma Gandhi. We have shown the world how all revolution can be done without violence,” Rahman said on the sidelines of Film Bazaar here. Bollywood superstar Aamir Khan’s intolerance comments created a stir in the society with sections of political parties criticising him, and some supporting him.
Aamir had shared that his wife Kiran Rao suggested leaving India in the face of intolerance. The comments came after Shah Rukh Khan also faced public wrath over his “extreme intolerance” comment. He was termed a “Pakistani agent”. Rahman, known as the ‘Mozart of Madras’, had also faced religious resistance over his “decision” to compose the music of “Muhammad: The Messenger of God”. The artist with international recognition said: “I have gone through something similar sometime ago. And I then also mentioned that nothing should be violent.” “We all are ultra civilised people. It is a chaotic protest . We should show to the world that we are one of the most civilised culture,” he said while addressing a session at the annual film market.
Will Invite Naidu For Chandi Yagam: KCR
Telangana Chief Minister K Chandrasekhar Rao on Monday made an official announcement for the first time that he would invite Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu for “Aayutha Chandi Maha Yaagam”, being performed by him from December 23 to 27 at his farm house on Hyderabad city outskirts in Erravelli in Medak district. “I will invite Chandrababu for yagam. I have already invited President Pranab Mukherjee and Prime Minister Narendra Modi,” KCR said while addressing a press conference in Telangana Bhavan to celebrate the victory of TRS in Warangal bypoll.
KCR’s announcement is being viewed as a ‘thanks giving gesture’ in return for Naidu inviting him for Amaravati foundation stone programme on Dasara in October. Dismissing criticism of spending hundreds of crores of rupees of public money on yaagam, KCR said, “Every paise being spent on this yagam belongs to me and some donors who came forward to fund it out of devotion for God. It’s not easy to do a Chandi Yagam alone. It requires great organisational skills. Some 4,500 purohits and 1,500 rishis are required to perform this yagam.” KCR reiterated that the yagam was meant for the well-being of entire universe, humanity and for the people of Telangana. “Performing yagams is not new for me. Even during Telangana statehood agitation, I performed some yagams. I believe in God. It’s my belief. Where the need for anyone to question this and make it an issue out of it?” KCR asked.
Now No One Can Stop Me: KCR
Enthused with the super victory of TRS in Warangal bypoll on Tuesday, Telangana Chief Minister K Chandrasekahar Rao said the thumping majority given by Warangal voters has given him such an amount of energy that no one in Telangana could stop him from achieving all-round development of the state before 2019 general elections. “This victory is special for me as it came because of a positive vote for the TRS government. The mandate is for Telangana government, TRS and myself. Opppositon parties and Andhra medial talked about anti incumbency and negative vote for TRS government, which was completely wrong. The vote share of TRS increased sharply while that of Opposition came down drastically,” KCR remarked at a press conference in Telangana Bhavan after the party’s victory in Warangal bypoll.
Stating that his silence and slow pace of works during the last 17 months were misinterpretated as ‘inefficiency’ and ‘incapability’ of TRS government and himself, KCR said, “I spent last 17 months planning the things and schemes for the development of Telangana. Now I have completed planning phase. It’s time for implementation now. No one can stop me from now on. You will see the speed of KCR. I will not stay in Hyderabad for more days like now. I will camp in districts weeks and months implementing and supervising development programmes.”
Muslims Will Not Leave India, Come What May: Owaisi
Hyderabad: All India Majlis-e-Ittehadul Muslimeen (AIMIM) chief Asaduddin Owaisi on Tuesday said that the Muslims would not leave the country, come what may, and that they would continue to live here as “proud Indians”. “Muslims will not succumb to dog whistle politics of the Sangh Parivar and other fascist forces but continue their democratic struggle for justice, due share and the rights guaranteed by the Constitution of the country,” the Lok Sabha member from Hyderabad told reporters here. When asked for reaction on Bollywood actor Aamir Khan’s revelation on Monday that his wife asked if they should move out of the country due to security situation prevailing in the country, the AIMIM leader said, “I can’t speak for a film star. I can only speak as a proud Indian Muslim that I will never succumb to all these dog whistle politics of the Sangh Parivar and other fascist organisations.”
“They can’t create fear in our hearts and minds because this is our county. So long as life on earth survives, Muslims will live in India as proud Indians,” he added. Owaisi said Indian Muslims would definitely struggle for their due share and rightful position, which no one could deny them since it was what the constitution guarantees. “We are Indians not only by birth but by choice. We have seen many adversities, many riots; thousands of lives were lost. We have also seen destruction of Babri Masjid,” he said. Owaisi said grievances of Indian Muslims had always been with parties in power as they did not give them the rights the Constitution guaranteed. “Still this is our country. We will continue to fight. We will continue to struggle and definitely get our due share and our position,” he added. The AIMIM leader said Muslims would not disappoint great freedom fighters who dreamt of Muslims living in the country as proud Indians.
Ravi Teja Wants Aggressive Promotion
Under pressure to prove his stamina again, Ravi Teja reportedly told his producer to promote Bengal Tiger aggressively so that it would bring in maximum collections in the opening weekend. Although Kick 2 failed miserably, the movie had seen better openings but Ravi Teja wants record openings in his career with Bengal Tiger to regain the confidence of producers and buyers. One of the reasons Kick 2 failed was that the movie got postponed several times that made people lose the interest on it.
Bengal Tiger has also been postponed twice and he doesn’t want audiences get the same feeling towards this movie. If it happens his career would be in jeopardy. Since he is reaching to the age of 50, Ravi Teja is worried that he may not have a very long career. Hence he wants to make hay while sun shines. He is so particular about aggressive promotion for Bengal Tiger to put all doubts at rest and prove that he is still the Mass Maharaja. Bengal Tiger is directed by Sampath Nandi and has Tamannah and Rashi Khanna as leading ladies. Producer of the movie is K Radhamohan who made movies like Emaindi Ee Vela.
DSP’s Bold Statement On Copying Tunes
There is lots of criticism against Devi Sri Prasad saying that he copies a lot of tunes from other genres. Well, many music directors of present generation copy tunes from pop, Latin American tunes and it is quite common these days. And so is the case with DSP say some critics, especially those from Tamil industry. However, Devi Sri maintains that he never lifts tunes and adds that if a producer or director suggests that he has to copy tunes, he simply turns down their films.
Well, while DSP does not copy tunes, he surely copies his own tunes. In fact, the BGM of his earlier films is often used as music for songs in his later films. For example, BGM for Nuvvostanante Nenoddantana has been used for Pournami. There are several other such examples and it is pretty obvious to all those who had watched his films in the past.
Important To Love, Respect Your Body: Anushka
Actress Anushka Shetty, who plays an obese character in her forthcoming Tamil-Telugu bilingual “Size Zero”, believes that when you love and respect your body, you will be able to crack the secret to staying fit. “Fitness, in my opinion, is a mental exercise more than just physical,” Anushka told IANS, adding that a lot of people don’t appreciate how they look and hate themselves. “This kind of mentality pushes them to go on a crash diet or extreme workout, which is not advisable. It’s important that you love and respect your body, understand what it needs and accordingly give everything in appropriate proportion,” she said. The film, which releases worldwide in cinemas on Friday, is directed by Prakash Kovelamudi and also features Arya, Sonal Chauhan and Adivi Sesh in important roles.Emphasizing on the subtle, but important message the film delivers, Anushka said: “It’s a story that will instantly connect with a majority of Indian women who are always insecure about how they look. It will guide them in the right direction”.
Anushka also reiterates that the film is not just for women and has nothing against men. “This story, the way it’s written and presented, has something for everybody. Arya’s interesting role will make men understand how important their contribution is in the lives of their partners. Men also deal with weight issues and this film can equally inspire them,” she said. For her role, Anushka gained nearly 20 kg, and she’s still in the process of shedding it. She also clarified that she’s not undergoing medical surgery to lose weight. “I’m still required to lose about seven to eight kg before I join the sets of ‘Baahubali 2’. We could’ve prosthetically added all the required weight, but since we wanted it look very natural, I decided to gain weight without the aid of technology and make-up,” she said, adding the process was really tough and had its set of challenges. “At one point, my legs hurt a lot as they couldn’t bear the extra weight. But as actors we can’t complain and take everything in our stride,” said the 34-year old, who has had a great run at the box office this year.
Her two releases “Baahubali” and “Rudhramadevi” – in 2015 have turned out to be hits. “I just hope the success continues with ‘Size Zero’ as well. It’s a wonderful film and for all the hard work we’ve put in, we really want it to do well. Most importantly, we hope it changes the lives of people with weight issues,” she said. “I hope it becomes three hits in a row,” she added. Anushka is gung-ho about S.S.Rajamouli’s “Baahubali 2”, which is expected to hit the screens next year. “People kept asking why I ended up doing such a small and insignificant role in the first part. Well, I have got to tell them wait till you watch the second part. Rajamouli sir has reserved the best part for me and I’m honoured to be part of this franchise,” she signed off.
