Comedy safe genre for debutant directors: Krishnan Jayaraj

Comedy is a safe bet for first time directors as market acceptability for this genre is very high, feels debutant director Krishnan Jayaraj, who is gearing up for the release of his upcoming Tamil romantic comedy "Sonna Puriyadhu".

"Comedy is one genre which is accepted in the market irrespective of the cast. Most recent Tamil hits such as 'Naduvula Konjam Pakkatha Kaanom' and 'Kanna Laddu Thinna Aasaiya' had relatively new cast and they were also made by debutant directors," Jayaraj said.

"To make a film in other genres such as action or thriller one needs a star actor. As debutants it is extremely difficult to even have access to most of these actors, and therefore, most new directors settle with comedy to earn some reputation to graduate to next level," he added.

"Sonna Puriyadhu" features Shiva and Vasundhara Kashyap in the lead. The film revolves around a young man, played by Shiva, who is against marriage, but his friends want him to try it. He keeps avoiding it. Whether he finally succumbs or not, is the story.

It also features Manobala, Gangai Amaran, Blade Shankar, Vathsala Rajagopal, Aarti and Sam Anderson. It will release soon.

Asked what made him cast Shiva in the lead role, Jayaraj said: "Since I've worked with him in 'Tamizh Padam' as assistant director, I always had access to him. I could meet him whenever I wanted and more importantly he has had a series of hits."

Shiva plays a dubbing artist in the film and the spoof posters used for the promotion were actually used in reference with his character.

"There were rumours that this film is more or less based on spoof comedy, but it is not. Those film spoof posters used in promotion were to promote the character Shiva essays in the film of that of a dubbing artist who dubs English films into Tamil," said the director.

Jayaraj wants do another comedy before going ahead with other genres.

"I want to diversify gradually and before that I want to do another comedy. But, for now I want to concentrate on this film as it is going for censor certification tomorrow (Feb 25)", he said.

Samantha to pair up with Arya

Samantha will play the female lead in Arya’s next flick. Another best part of this movie is Arya will be seen as a cop. This untitled flick will be directed by Magizh Thirumeni of Thadaiyara Thaakka fame.

This anticipated project may take some time as Arya is busy with Settai, Valai (tentative) and Raja Rani. Settai is cruising for its release in April and Valai release date will be announced very soon.

More details on Arya-Samantha combo film will be out very soon, so stay tuned…

Special 26 remake in Tamil

A leading production house is making its efforts to remake Special 26 in Tamil. They are also planning to rope a big mass hero into this project. More details of this project will be out after its confirmation.

Remakes are not new to Kollywood industry. In 2013, Santhanam will play the lead role in remake of Maryada Ramanna. Radhika, Prakash Raj will be seen in the remake of Malayalam hit flick traffic and many more.

Special 26 director Neeraj Pandey’s former flick “A Wednesday” was also remade into Tamil as Unnai Pol Oruvan. Kamal Hassan played the lead role in this film and Mohan Lal in a prominent role.

Karthi follows Rajni’s advice

Karthi is busy with his next film Biriyani and All in All Azhagu Raja. Biriyani is moving with great pace and Venkat Prabhu is wielding the megaphone.

As per sources, Super Star Rajnikanth advised Karthi that young actors shouldn't be very choosy with their releases. He added that they should act from time to time in a variety of roles to benefit themselves, their producers and their fans.

Biriyani is making its efforts for its summer release and All in All Azhagu Raja will be released after July. Karthi is also pairing with Hansika in Biriyani and Kajal in All in All Azhagu Raja

Audiences hungry for content-rich films: Rajendra Prasad

Just as the audiences root for commercial cinema, they are equally ready to embrace content-rich films provided they are made, feels veteran Telugu actor Gadde Rajendra Prasad.

"Only if we make quality films will the audiences be ready to watch them. As much as they want to be entertained, they wouldn't mind a good film once in a while as they are mostly hungry for it," Rajendra said.

"If audiences were not eager to watch quality films then films such as 'Aa Naluguru' 'Mithunam' and 'Mee Sreyobhilashi' wouldn't have been successful," he added.

Are quality films financially successful?

"It might be successful if it has a wider release. Most of these films are backed by small producers, who find it difficult to even release in other states besides their own. Only if big production houses support these films can they rake in the moolah," he said.

The 56-year-old is currently busy with upcoming Telugu comedy-drama "Noothi Lo Kappalu".

"This is also one of those films I am proud to be part of. The story is based on the simple premise that human beings are like toads in a well and they will neither go up nor allow others to rise. I am glad to be playing a lead in this project," said Rajendra.

Directed by Chanti Gnanamani, the film also features Manoj Nandam, Bharath, Tagubothu Ramesh, Jayaprakash Reddy, Vijay Sai, Allari Subhashini and Ananth.

The veteran actor, who is known for his impeccable comic timing, feels comedy can be narratively used to make quality films.

"Audiences always like a good mix of comedy in films than melodrama. If used effectively, comedy can become an asset to make quality films that are entertaining as well," he said.

Karthi’s Bad Boy release date out

Karthi starrer Alex Pandian was supposed to hit the screens simultaneously with Tamil version but was later postponed and the Telugu version is now hitting the big-screens on March 1.

The film didn’t fare well at the Tamil Box-Office but let’s wait to see if it can set the cash registers ringing at Tollywood Box-Office. Anushka is playing the leading lady in the film in this Suraj directorial.

Saravanan cranked the camera and Devi Sri Prasad provided tunes for Bad Boy that also casts Sanusha, Nikitha and Santhanam in the key roles. KE Gnanvelraja produced the film under his Studio Green Films banner.

Jabardasth collections worldwide on first day

Siddharth-starrer Telugu romantic-comedy "Jabardasth" collected approximately Rs.5.38 crore worldwide on the day of its release.

The movie released Friday, a day after twin blasts rocked Hyderabad.

"The film collected approximately Rs.5.38 crore on its opening day. It's surprising that the film managed to rake in such good numbers despite the serial blasts in Hyderabad the previous day," trade analyst Trinath said.

The film is directed by Nandini Reddy. It also stars Samantha Ruth Prabhu, Nithya Menen, Sri Hari, Vennela Kishore and Tagubothu Ramesh.

"Here you go. Despite the fact that we lost a chunk of our Nizam opening owing to the blasts, 'Jabardasth' grossed over Rs.5 crore on its first day," tweeted Siddharth.

Loosely based on Bollywood blockbuster "Band Baja Baaraat", the story of the film revolves around the protagonist, who in an effort to overcome a financial crisis joins hands with the heroine in her wedding planning business.

The film is produced by Bellam Konda Suresh. It has music by S.S Thaman.

Vishnu Manchu teams up with Lavanya Tripathi

A yet-untitled Telugu action-comedy, starring Telugu actor Vishnu Manchu, went on floors here Sunday.

The film, being directed by Veeru Potla, features Lavanya Tripathi in the lead. The film will be primarily shot in Tirupati and later in Hyderabad.

Buoyed by the success of last Telugu romantic-comedy "Denikaina Ready" (DKR), Vishnu says expectations have gone up.

"After getting huge support for DKR, the expectations from my fans have gone a notch higher and I am super excited. I am confident this film will not disappoint them and they will love it," Vishnu said in a statement.

"It is an out and out action comedy entertainer, scripted for the entire family. And, I hope this film will keep them enthralled in screens," he added

The title of the film, which is being produced by 24 Frames, will be announced soon

Paisa First Look launched

Actor Nani’s upcoming film Paisa first look has been launched on a grand scale on the actor’s Birthday on Sunday, February 24.

The cast and crew of Paisa unit celebrated the event and Nani’s  wife Anjana made her presence at the event. Creative director Krishna Vamsi who is wielding the megaphone for the film said, he is happy working with Nani, who is a good actor and a star while Nani informed that  it’s  his dream to work with the director and he is glad he have achieved it.

Ramesh Puppala is the producer of the film making it on Yellow Flowers banner while Katherine Tresa is playing the leading lady.

Simbu croons for NTR's Baadshah

Tamil actor-singer Simbu has crooned a Telugu song in upcoming action-drama Baadshah starring Young Tiger Jr.NTR in the lead.

This is Simbu's second Telugu song in two months. He recently recorded a song "Jagada Jagada" from upcoming Telugu romantic-drama "Backbench Student".

"Just completed the song 'Diamond girl' with Simbu in 'Baadshah',” tweeted S.S. Thaman, music director of the film.

"Baadshah" is directed by Srinu Vaitla and features and Kajal Agarwal as the leading lady. Produced by Ganesh Babu under Parameswara Arts production banner, Baadshah also features Kelly Dorjee, Navdeep, Brahmanandam, MS Narayana in prominent roles.

Harish Shankar rubbishes rumors on NTR film

Ever since the NTR, Harish Shankar combo has hit the floors, there have been lots of speculations on the film’s title. Harish Shankar has been clarifying the rumors and recently, there has been buzz that 'Pandaga Chesuko' is the title under consideration.

But the director has rubbished off the rumors informing, “Guys small clarification ... "Pandaga Chesuko" is NOT our film Title ; We will Announce it after Baadshah release.”

The film has Samantha as the leading lady and Shruti Haasan in a special role. Dil Raju  is the producing the youthful entertainer on Sri Venkateswara Creations banner. Thaman is composing the music and Bhaskar Bhatla is penning the lyrics.

Chiranjeevi’s voiceover for Adi Sankaracharya

Mega Star Chiranjeevi, who had been away from films from quite a longtime, will now give his voiceover for a Telugu upcoming film Adi Sankaracharya. The devotional film casts Nagarjuna and Mohan Babu in guest roles while it’s being produced by Global Cine Creations banner.

Chiranjeevi has signed for the voiceover for the movie and with Nagarjuna and Mohan Babu already on the board, Adi Sankaracharya gets additional star status to the movie.

Kaushik is playing the lead role in the film and script writer J.K.Bharavi is wielding the megaphone. Nag Srivathsa the music director and the movie also casts Jayaprada, Naga Babu, Srihari, Prakash Raj, Jayaprakash Reddy in supporting roles.

Rajnikanth, K.V.Anand film budget 100 crs

K.V.Anand might be very delighted as he is going to direct Super star Rajnikanth. As per the reports, Eros International will be producing this flick. The other cast and crew details are to be finalized soon.

The latest news is Rajnikanth has okayed the film and the script work is in progress.  This will turn out to be another 100 crore film by Eros International. Official announcement on this film will be made very soon.

Rajnikanth is now busy with Kochadaiyaan, a high budget movie directed by Soundarya Rajnikanth and music direction is by A.R.Rahman. Deepika Padukone is playing the female and cinematography is by Rajiv Menon

Kushi Inda Ramesh Book Launch

Ramesh Aravind

The first book in the trilogy on actor-director Ramesh Aravind, Kushi Inda Ramesh, will be released this evening at 6 pm. Two other books in this triology Preeti Inda Ramesh and Spoorthi Inda Ramesh, will be released in the next few weeks. The three books are written by three popular Kannada film journalists. Kushi Inda Ramesh is penned by Chetan Nadiger and narrates the experiences of Ramesh Aravind in 35 chapters. Each chapter is about one particular incident or thought of Ramesh. All the stories are in the first person narrative. It is not a biographical book but recounts the incidents Ramesh saw and experienced. It does not follow any chronology either. So a chapter on a tortoise in Dubai follows a chapter on Vishnuvardhan and another on how difficult it is to put an idea from paper to the screen. Ramesh is also incidental to the narrative and not the protagonist in the stories. The book is 110 pages long and priced at Rs 200. The launch is at Sapna Book Store on Residency Road.

Topiwala To Release in March First Week

Upendra, Shivarajkumar

On Saturday night, Windsor Manor hotel witnessed the 'official' launch of Topiwala's audio album. However, the music CDs were available for more than a week in the market as there was another launch on February 13 itself. However, the February 13 event at the Annamma Temple in Majestic is being called a "pooja of the CDs." The albums were made available for sales after this pooja. Thus Topiwala has become one of the few films which had two audio launches. Similarly, there are two dates which are competing for the release of the movie. The film's director RJ Srini aka Srinivas said that Topiwal will be released either on March 7 or March 8. The final decision is yet to be taken by the producers KP Srikanth and Kanakapura Sreenivas. Since its launch, the album has been doing well in the market and especially the song Shangrila has become a super hit. Not surprisingly, music composer Harikrishna was the toast of the evening.

Topiwala Audio Releaesd

Meanwhile Chitraloka has learnt a bit about what the film is about. Till date, the subject of the film has been kept a secret. Sources said that the film's subject matter is politics and tries to educate and create awareness among the masses. This could therefore be the perfect film before the Assembly elections in Karnataka. Topiwala is the name of a character from Kannada's first film against corruption in public life; Antha. Srini says that there are different meanings to the name and no one should think it is only a negative title. He would only say that he film has suspense. On the aspect of dialogues, which is perhaps the most important part of any of Uppi's films, Srini said, "The dialogues were written with three things in mind. First was Upendra's fans, who want a particular type of dialogues from him. Second was what the character needed to say in the film. And finally, the information and message I wanted to say as a director."
All three brothers of the Rajkumar family, Shivanna, Raghavendra and Puneeth attended the audio launch. Raghanna was all praise for Upendra and said he had a special place in their family because he gave them a film like Om. Uppi and Shivanna were inseparable and cracked insider jokes between them. In between all these, politician and former minister DK Shivakumar was asked why he had never acted in a movie so far. He did not have an answer.