UATelugu
A man, severely injured at the border, is saved by a mother and son. While in a coma, he's taken to their village for treatment. At the same time, the village is attacked by armed assailants. Emerging from the coma, the man fights them off, leading the villagers to worship him as a deity. He then asks about his identity and his connection to the boy. The boy promises to find out as he grows older. Who is this man? The rest of the story explores his identity and connection.
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Jawan Movie Review: Shahrukh Khan Delivers One More Hit?
Director Atlee from Tamil cinema is known for his audacious approach to action-packed films. He has a knack for capturing the essence of mainstream au...read more
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Cast
Shah Rukh Khan
as in a dual roleNayanthara
Vijay Sethupathi
Sanchita Padukone
as in a special appearancePriyamani
Sanya Malhotra
Sunil Grover
Yogi Babu
Riddhi Dogra
Astha Agarwal
Sanjeeta Bhattacharya
Amritha Aiyer
Kenny Basumatary
Girija Oak
Lehar Khan
Benedict Garrett
Vijay as in a cameo appearance
Sanjay Dutt
as in a cameo appearanceCrew
AtleeDirector
Gauri KhanProducer
Anirudh Ravichander
MusicianAtleeScreenplay
G. K. VishnuCinematographer
Ruben
EditorArticles
Did Bunny Deliberately Skip Balakrishna's Event?
Following the success of "Pushpa: The Rise," Allu Arjun's stature has grown immensely. As Pushparaj, he mesmerized fans and garnered a pan-India following. Now, he's gearing up to entertain not just Telugu audiences but also cinema lovers across India with "Pushpa 2: The Rule." As the shooting for "Pushpa 2" nears completion, there's growing curiosity about Bunny’s next project. Currently, everyone is speculating that his next movie could be with Tamil star director Atlee.
Bunny Sidelines the Atlee Project!
There has been ongoing buzz that Allu Arjun was set to make a film with Kollywood star director Atlee, produced by Sun Pictures and aimed at a pan-India audience. Reports had suggested that the Bunny-Atlee project would commence immediately after the completion of "Pushpa 2." Atlee, having directed a blockbuster like "Jawan" with Bollywood's Shah Rukh Khan, raised expectations for his collaboration with Bunny. However, the latest buzz suggests that this project has been postponed. Rumors are circulating that Allu Arjun changed his mind, leading to the stalling of this film. The true details are expected to be clarified soon.
Atlee’s Film with Salman!
With the Bunny project becoming uncertain, director Atlee seems to have turned his sights towards Bollywood, where he has reportedly secured another movie. There's strong buzz in B-town that Atlee has fixed a film with Bollywood star hero Salman Khan. Sources say that Salman was extremely impressed with Atlee's story and quickly gave the green light. Atlee, with his experience working with Shah Rukh Khan, didn't take long to finalize this project. Strong buzz also suggests that Universal Star Kamal Haasan will act in this project, which is expected to begin pre-production work within the next four months.
https://twitter.com/MovieTamil4/status/1830519679502459146
Bunny Under Trivikram’s Direction!
With the Atlee project sidelined, it appears Bunny's next film will be with the wizard of words, Trivikram. The film is expected to be a major pan-India release. Producer Bunny Vasu recently commented that Bunny and Trivikram have spent about a year and a half finalizing the concept for this movie. He hinted that this film would venture into a new genre that Trivikram has not explored before. Information suggests that for the first time, Trivikram will delve into a mythological genre for Bunny. Currently, Trivikram and his team are busy finalizing the script.
Bunny Misses Balayya's Function!
It’s well known about the ongoing social media war between Mega-Pawan fans and Allu Arjun's fans. Everyone expected that Chiranjeevi and Allu Arjun would appear together on stage during the celebration of Balakrishna’s 50-year cinema career. If both had appeared on the same stage, it might have even cooled down the fan wars. Surprisingly, Bunny did not attend the event held on Sunday (September 1). Despite being very close to Allu Aravind and Balakrishna, and even being seen together during the 'Unstoppable' show on Aha, Bunny’s absence became a topic of discussion. Netizens are speculating whether Bunny intentionally missed the event knowing that the Megastar would be attending.
September 03 , 2024
Nayanthara's Bold Stand: Praises Mega Stars, Slams Dhanush in Netflix Documentary Buzz!
Tamil actress Nayanthara has established herself as the Lady Superstar. She has gained recognition not just in Tamil cinema but across languages like Telugu and Hindi, achieving a pan-India presence. Recently, a documentary on her life, Nayanthara: Beyond the Fairy Tale, premiered on Netflix. In connection with this documentary, Nayanthara recently criticized Tamil star Dhanush, making it a nationwide topic of discussion. Meanwhile, she also showered praise on Tollywood stars, father-son duo Megastar Chiranjeevi and Mega Power Star Ram Charan, which has garnered attention in the film industry.
"I Deeply Respect Them"
Nayanthara: Beyond the Fairy Tale started streaming on Netflix on November 18. Reflecting on the creation of this documentary and her 20-year-long career, Nayanthara expressed gratitude to those who supported her. She specifically thanked Chiranjeevi and Ram Charan, along with Bollywood Badshah Shah Rukh Khan, in a heartfelt Instagram post. Additionally, she mentioned Shah Rukh's wife, Gauri Khan, as well as notable personalities from the Telugu, Malayalam, and Tamil industries. Nayanthara appreciated how they readily contributed to the documentary without hesitation and warmly received the producers when approached. She conveyed her heartfelt thanks to them, acknowledging their valuable contributions. Nayanthara also expressed her profound respect for all of them, and her Instagram post has since gone viral.
View this post on Instagram A post shared by N A Y A N T H A R A (@nayanthara)
What Sparked the Dispute with Dhanush?
In 2015, Nayanthara starred in Naanum Rowdy Dhaan, directed by her now-husband Vignesh Shivan, with Dhanush as the producer. The movie brought many fond memories to Nayanthara, including significant acclaim as an actress and the love of her life. She wanted to highlight this film in her documentary Nayanthara: Beyond the Fairy Tale. For this, she sought Dhanush’s permission to use content related to the film. However, after two years of no response, Dhanush sent legal notices over the use of three seconds of footage from Naanum Rowdy Dhaan in the documentary’s promo. This enraged Nayanthara, prompting her to write an open letter criticizing Dhanush. She expressed heartbreak over his actions, urging him to show kindness not just in words but through actions.
https://twitter.com/NayantharaU/status/1857680582773551362
Mahesh Supports Nayanthara!
Amid the controversy between Dhanush and Nayanthara, superstar Mahesh Babu recently expressed his thoughts on the documentary. Reports suggest Mahesh was impressed by the love story between Nayanthara and Vignesh featured in Nayanthara: Beyond the Fairy Tale. He shared the documentary’s poster, featuring Nayanthara, Vignesh, and their twin boys, on his Instagram story, adding three heart emojis. This post quickly went viral, surprising many given the ongoing dispute between Dhanush and Nayanthara. Fans were also intrigued, as Mahesh and Nayanthara have never worked together in a film. Whether they will pair up on-screen in the future remains to be seen.
https://twitter.com/GulteOfficial/status/1858556384079761643
The Lady Superstar on a Roll!
Nayanthara is soaring high in her film career. Last year, she joined the ₹1000 crore club with Shah Rukh Khan’s Jawan. She also impressed audiences as Annapoorani in a lady-oriented film. Currently, she is busy with five exciting projects, including Test, Mannanngatti Since 1960, Thani Oruvan 2, and Mookuthi Amman 2 in Tamil. In Malayalam, she is working on Dear Students. All these films are in various stages of production and are expected to release by the end of this year or early next year. On the personal front, Nayanthara tied the knot with director Vignesh Shivan in 2022, in the presence of their families. The couple has twin boys born through surrogacy.
November 22 , 2024
Inside Nayanthara's Journey: Netflix's 'Beyond the Fairy Tale' Unveils the Life of India's Lady Superstar
Tamil cinema's prominent actress Nayanthara has earned her place as the "Lady Superstar." Known across Tamil, Telugu, and Hindi cinema, she has garnered a Pan-India fan base. Recently, news emerged that a documentary based on her life, titled Nayanthara: Beyond the Fairy Tale, is in the works. Netflix recently released the trailer, where Nayanthara shared several interesting insights about her life and career.
Praise from Nagarjuna and Rana
Netflix’s documentary, Nayanthara: Beyond the Fairy Tale, offers a glimpse into Nayanthara's personal and professional journey. Directed by acclaimed filmmaker Gautham Menon, it’s set to start streaming on November 18. The trailer released by Netflix features various actors sharing their admiration for Nayanthara. Nagarjuna mentioned the challenges she has faced in her life, while Rana acknowledged her title as "Lady Superstar." Kannada actor Upendra, Tamil actress Radhika, and director Atlee shared their memories and relationship with Nayanthara, adding warmth to the trailer.
https://twitter.com/NetflixIndia/status/1855121339474120928
An Emotional Lady Superstar
Nayanthara’s husband, director Vignesh, shared how their love story began. Nayanthara, too, spoke about critical phases of her life, saying she has often trusted people too quickly. She addressed past rumors, like the one claiming her last film would be Sri Rama Rajyam, and others that unfairly commented on her appearance. Recalling how these stories frightened her mother, Nayanthara was moved to tears. Nayanthara's mother also expressed her unwavering faith in her daughter.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=w6Bub3nu0vo
Veiled Digs at Simbu and Prabhu Deva?
Before her marriage to Vignesh, Nayanthara was in relationships with Simbu and Prabhu Deva. Her romance with Simbu blossomed during Vallabha, as widely reported at the time. Later, she was romantically linked with the award-winning choreographer Prabhu Deva, and they were often seen together, sparking rumors about marriage. However, both relationships ended. During the shooting of Nenu Rowdy Ne, she met Vignesh, which led to love and, eventually, marriage. In the latest documentary trailer, Nayanthara’s comment about "trusting people too quickly" is widely believed by fans to hint at Simbu and Prabhu Deva. It remains to be seen if the full documentary will delve into these past relationships.
Nayanthara in Full Swing
Nayanthara’s film career is currently thriving. Last year, she entered the ₹1000 crore club with Jawan, starring alongside Shah Rukh Khan. The same year, she captivated audiences in the female-oriented film Annapoorani. Currently, she’s busy with five major projects, including Test, Mannangatti Since 1960, Thani Oruvan 2, and Mookuthi Amman 2 in Tamil, and Dear Students in Malayalam. All these projects are in production and are expected to release later this year and next. In 2022, she married director Vignesh in a family ceremony, and the couple now has two sons through surrogacy.
November 11 , 2024
Anirudh's Tollywood Takeover: A New Challenge for Thaman and Devi Sri?
Anirudh Ravichander is currently creating waves in the South Indian music scene. Originating from Kollywood, this music sensation has gained immense popularity through movies like 'Raghuvaram B.Tech', 'Vikram', 'Jailer', and 'Beast'. His presence guarantees significant hype for the movies. Particularly among the youth, Anirudh's songs and background scores resonate well. Recently, he also delivered a stunning soundtrack for the film 'Devara' starring Tarak, reinforcing the trust placed in him. Although Anirudh has primarily focused on Kollywood until now, it seems he is shifting his focus to Tollywood, sparking discussions about the challenges this poses to local music directors.
A Craze in Telugu Cinema!
The young music sensation Anirudh has a strong following in Telugu cinema as well. He has directly worked on Telugu films like 'Agnyaathavaasi', 'Jersey', 'Gang Leader', and 'UTurn'. While his music in these films was a hit, there wasn't much discussion about Anirudh in Tollywood. However, with recent films like 'Vikram', 'Jailer', and 'Jawan', his reputation has soared to a Pan-India level. The youth are particularly enamored with his background music. These films being dubbed in Telugu also meant that Anirudh’s music was thoroughly enjoyed by the Telugu audience, who listened to his songs on repeat. Due to the demand from NTR's fans, Anirudh was also brought into the 'Devara' project, as recently disclosed by the makers.
A Series of Offers in Tollywood!
Following the success of 'Devara', Anirudh's name is being increasingly heard in Tollywood. Telugu audiences are eager to experience his music in theaters once again. Noticing this interest, Telugu filmmakers are showing a keen desire to work with Anirudh. Observing the reception in Telugu cinema, Anirudh has decided to amp up his involvement in Tollywood projects. Reportedly, he has given the green light to 'VD12', a project in collaboration with Vijay Deverakonda and Gowtam Tinnanuri, and has also agreed to score music for an upcoming film by Nani and Srikanth Odela. Other directors are also reaching out to Anirudh for their movies, with talks suggesting he might take on up to half a dozen Telugu projects in the coming days.
A Challenge for Thaman and Devi Sri?
Music directors Thaman and Devi Sri Prasad have been the top choices in Tollywood for the past few years, typically scoring music for five to eight out of every ten releases. They have been the first two preferences for Telugu directors. However, analysts believe that with Anirudh’s entry, both face stiff competition. Until recently, Anirudh had not prioritized Tollywood, but now that he is focusing on Telugu films, it poses a significant challenge to them. It remains to be seen how Thaman and Devi Sri will fare against the wave of Anirudh's mania.
If These Click, Stopping Them is Tough!
Thaman is currently composing for a film Game Changer directed by Shankar starring Ram Charan. The songs 'Jaragandi Jaragandi' and 'Ra Macha Macha' have already been released to a positive response. Similarly, Thaman is also scoring for Pawan Kalyan's 'OG', and the song 'Hungry Cheetah' has thrilled Pawan's fans. Meanwhile, Thaman has been chosen as the music director for 'Akhanda 2', a sequel directed by Boyapati featuring Balakrishna. On the other hand, Devi Sri Prasad is handling the music for 'Pushpa 2'. The title song and 'Suseki Aggiravva Madiri' from 'Pushpa' have already amassed millions of views on YouTube. If these projects succeed, it could be tough for anyone to challenge Thaman and Devi Sri’s dominance in the industry.
October 22 , 2024
The Rise of Pan India Cinema: Stars Breaking 100 Crore Opening Records on Day One
The wave of Pan India films is currently ongoing in the country. Once confined to their own industries, star heroes are now proving their mettle in other industries as well. They are releasing their films at a national level and collecting large sums of money, with some of them amassing over Rs. 100 crores in their accounts on the first day itself. A recent highlight is the film 'Devara' starring Tarak, which raked in Rs. 172 crores on its first day. Let's now review who these star heroes are, who have managed to place their films in the Rs. 100 crore club on day one.
Prabhas
Currently, Prabhas enjoys an unmatched craze in the country. Whenever his film is released, records are expected to break. Prabhas tops as the hero who most frequently earned over Rs. 100 crores on the first day. Prabhas achieved this feat five times with 'Baahubali 2' (Rs. 214.5 crores), 'Saaho' (Rs. 130 crores), 'Adipurush' (Rs. 140 crores), 'Salaar' (Rs. 178.7 crores), and 'Kalki 2898 AD' (Rs. 191.5 crores).
Vijay
Following Prabhas, Vijay has also often surpassed Rs. 100 crores in collections on the first day. His films 'Leo', and 'The G.O.A.T' managed to achieve this feat. Directed by Lokesh Kanagaraj, 'Leo' earned Rs. 145 crores on its first day. The recently released 'The Greatest Of All Time' collected Rs. 126.3 crores on its first day.
Jr NTR
With the success of the movie 'Devara', Tarak has positioned himself in the top 3 of this list. Two of his films managed to surpass the Rs. 100 crore mark on their first day. Directed by the legendary Rajamouli, the film 'RRR', starring Tarak and Ram Charan, secured Rs. 223 crores on its first day. Tarak’s recent film 'Devara' also collected Rs. 172 crores on its first day, solidifying his status as a Pan India star.
Shah Rukh Khan
Bollywood's king Shah Rukh Khan has achieved this milestone twice. His films 'Pathaan', and 'Jawan' exceeded Rs. 100 crores on the first day. Directed by Siddharth Anand and co-starring Deepika Padukone, 'Pathaan' amassed Rs. 106 crores on its first day. Following that, 'Jawan', directed by Tamil director Atlee, collected Rs. 129 crores worldwide on its debut day.
Yash
Kannada actor Yash entered the Rs. 100 crore club on the first day with the film 'KGF 2'. Before 'KGF', Yash was limited to the Kannada industry, but the success of this film brought him Pan India fame. 'KGF 2' attracted nationwide attention by earning Rs. 164 crores on its first day.
Ranbir Kapoor
Bollywood star Ranbir Kapoor shook the box office with 'Animal', directed by the daring and dashing director Sandeep Reddy Vanga. This film marked the first time Ranbir entered the Rs. 100 crore club on the first day, collecting Rs. 116 crores upon its release on December 1 last year.
Ram Charan
Alongside Tarak in 'RRR', directed by Rajamouli, mega superstar Ram Charan also starred as a hero. This film made an impact by earning Rs. 223 crores on its first day. Directed by Shankar, his upcoming film 'Game Changer' is also expected to surpass Rs. 100 crores on its first day, as per the confidence expressed by Charan's fans. This film is set to be a Christmas gift for the audience.
October 02 , 2024
From Screen to Stream: 'Kalki 2898 AD' Sets Sights on OTT Debut
The film 'Kalki 2898 AD', featuring Rebel Star Prabhas and director Nag Ashwin, has shaken the box office, garnering over ₹1100 crores globally. Since its release on June 27, this mythological science fiction movie has been breaking numerous records at the box office and continues to dominate theaters even after 50 days. Many are eagerly anticipating when 'Kalki' will be available on OTT. A recent update related to its streaming has come out, exciting the fans of Prabhas immensely.
Is the OTT Date for Kalki Locked?
It appears that Amazon Prime has secured the digital streaming rights for 'Kalki 2898 AD'. There is strong buzz that the film will be brought to streaming on August 23. However, it is rumored that the film will be slightly trimmed compared to the theatrical version, with about 6 minutes of footage potentially being cut. Official announcements regarding the OTT release and the runtime are expected soon. However, Prabhas' fans are expressing dissatisfaction with the decision to trim the runtime, questioning why scenes that were not in the theatrical version aren't being added instead.
Prabhas Pushes Shah Rukh Back
In 2024, 'Kalki 2898 AD' stood out as the biggest hit among all the releases so far, continuously setting new records and garnering immense popularity. It has reportedly collected over ₹760 crores across all languages nationwide, surpassing the all-time Indian collection record of Shah Rukh Khan's movie 'Jawan', which had collections amounting to ₹760 crores. Prior to 'Kalki', 'Jawan' held the fourth position in the list of highest-grossing Indian films. As per the latest collections, 'Kalki 2898 AD' now ranks as the fourth highest-grossing Indian film, following 'Baahubali 2', 'KGF 2', and 'RRR' in the top three spots.
Looks Like No Kalki 2 Anytime Soon!
With the blockbuster success of 'Kalki 2898 AD', anticipation is high for a sequel. Producer Ashwani Dutt previously hinted that 'Kalki 2' could be released around June or July next year, with 60% of the shooting already completed. However, recent buzz suggests that the remaining shooting might face delays due to Deepika Padukone, who is currently pregnant and due in September. Post-delivery, she plans to take at least a year's break from films, having already stepped back from a much-loved project by Rohit Shetty and a major Bollywood show. This indicates that Deepika might also be unavailable for 'Kalki 2's' shooting, potentially pushing its release to 2026 if this scenario unfolds.
Prabhas in Full Swing!
Currently, Prabhas has more pan-India films in his pipeline than any other star in the country. Any project with Prabhas isn't expected to start before 2026. Currently, he is working on 'Raja Saab' under the direction of Maruthi, which is progressing rapidly. He is also set to collaborate with Sandeep Reddy Vanga for a movie titled 'Spirit', and a sequel to 'Salaar' directed by Prashanth Neel is in the works post 'NTR 31'. Prabhas is also set to portray Lord Shiva in 'Kannappa' starring Manchu Vishnu, and has another project lined up with Hanu Raghavapudi. All these projects are likely to take at least two years to complete.
August 13 , 2024
As Predicted by YouSay, Prabhas's 'Kalki 2898 AD' Breaks ₹1000 Crore Barrier in Just 15 Days
Rebel star Prabhas, directed by Nag Ashwin, has unleashed a box office storm with 'Kalki 2898 AD'. Although it was released just 15 days ago, the film's earnings continue to soar, breaking new global records. The excitement around Prabhas's latest film is palpable. Recently, Vyjayanthi Movies, the production company, officially announced that 'Kalki' has surpassed the ₹1000 crore mark. This raises questions about which other films have achieved this milestone and how 'Kalki' compares to them. We will explore these aspects in this special report.
How much did the collections amount to in 15 days?
The film 'Kalki 2898 AD' has been successfully running in theaters for 15 days. The production company Vyjayanthi Movies has officially announced the collections so far. The Kalki movie has grossed over ₹1000 crores in these 15 days. A special poster was released on this occasion, showcasing Prabhas in a Karna avatar targeting the ₹1000 crore mark. This poster is currently captivating netizens. Fans are reiterating Prabhas's prowess once again.
https://twitter.com/Kalki2898AD/status/1812023448681750927
Prabhas, the Unique South Hero
Through 'Kalki 2898 AD', hero Prabhas has set a record. He is the only South Indian hero to have joined the ₹1000 crore club twice. Prabhas first joined this club with 'Baahubali 2'. Although it was anticipated that he would touch ₹1000 crores again with 'Salaar', it stalled around ₹705–715 crores. However, with Kalki, he has achieved this feat for the second time. With collections exceeding ₹1000 crores, he has proven himself unstoppable at the box office, thereby equalling Bollywood's Shahrukh Khan's record. Currently, these two stars are the only ones to have placed their films in the ₹1000 crore club twice, with Shahrukh doing so with 'Jawan' and 'Pathaan'.
Soon Into the Top-3
With the latest collections, Kalki has placed seventh in the list of films with the highest gross in Indian cinema history. 'Dangal', starring Aamir Khan, continues to lead with ₹2,023 crores. Prabhas's own 'Baahubali 2' holds second place with ₹1,810 crores. 'RRR' with ₹1,387 crores, 'KGF 2' with ₹1,200–1,250 crores, 'Jawan' with ₹1,148 crores, and 'Pathaan' with ₹1,050 crores follow in subsequent positions. However, with Kalki joining the ₹1000 crore club within just two weeks, it is poised to break more records in the coming days and easily move into the third position, giving a tough time to the films currently in third, fourth, and fifth places.
How Much Did Day 1 Collections Bring In?
All eyes are currently on the Day 1 collections of the 'Kalki 2898 AD' movie. Vyjayanthi Movies, the production company, has officially announced the first day's earnings. 'Kalki' grossed ₹191.5 crores worldwide on its first day. A special poster was also released with the caption 'Let's Celebrate Cinema'. Initially, trade circles predicted that Kalki would gross over ₹200 crores on its first day. However, the film narrowly missed the ₹200 crore mark.
How Much Did the First Weekend Yield?
Directed by Nag Ashwin and starring Prabhas, the movie 'Kalki 2898 AD' grossed ₹555 crores worldwide in its first weekend. A special poster featuring major stars such as Amitabh Bachchan and Deepika Padukone, along with the lead, was posted last week by the production company. The caption read, 'Dominating the global box office with no signs of slowing down'.
https://twitter.com/VyjayanthiFilms/status/1807678411529506945
July 13 , 2024
Kalki 2898 AD Day 1 Collections Target: If this happens, Prabhas is certain to make history!
With just one day remaining until its release, anticipation is high for a blockbuster performance at the box office for the film 'Kalki 2898 AD.' Directed by Nag Ashwin and featuring pan-India star Prabhas, the movie is set to launch globally on Thursday. The film industry is keenly waiting to see if it will break any records with its first-day collections. Pre-bookings for 'Kalki' have been brisk, with tickets in cities like Mumbai selling for Rs. 3000 each. Even the state governments in the Telugu-speaking regions have approved an increase in ticket prices. This indicates that 'Kalki' could potentially set new benchmarks for opening day collections, with expectations of earning over Rs. 230 crores and possibly rewriting the history of the Indian box office. Let's now take a look at the top 10 films with the highest opening day collections in India.
Record Collections in the US
The film 'Kalki 2898 AD' is creating a sensation in the US. It has already broken several records even before its release. Advance bookings in the US have crossed 3 million dollars. If 'Kalki' receives positive reviews, it is expected to easily surpass the records of 'RRR' and 'Baahubali 2', according to local sources. In some areas of the US, ticket prices for 'Kalki' have even reached up to Rs.1.5 lakh. Given this momentum, even a bit of positive buzz is likely to smash overseas records.
Top 10 Highest Opening Day Collections in India
1. RRR (2022)
Directed by S.S. Rajamouli and starring Jr. NTR and Ram Charan, RRR set the record for the highest grossing film on its opening day, collecting Rs. 223.5 crores and sweeping all previous records.
2. Baahubali 2 (2017)
Also directed by Rajamouli, 'Baahubali 2' is second on this list, with an opening day worldwide gross of Rs. 214.5 crores, holding the record for the highest Indian opening grosser for five years until RRR.
3. Salaar (2023)
Featuring Prabhas under the direction of Prashant Neel, 'Salaar' collected Rs. 178.7 crores on its opening day, making it the highest-grossing film of 2023. Prabhas’s formidable presence was well received in action sequences, making 'Salaar' a fan favorite.
4. KGF 2 (2022)
Directed by Prashant Neel and starring Yash, 'KGF 2' broke several box office records, becoming the third highest grossing film on its opening day with collections of Rs. 164.5 crores.
5. Adipurush (2023)
Despite being a dud, 'Adipurush', directed by Om Raut and starring Prabhas as Ram and Kriti Sanon as Sita, managed good gross collections on its first day of Rs. 136.8 crores.
6. Jawan (2023)
Starring Bollywood's Shah Rukh Khan and directed by prominent South Indian director Atlee, 'Jawan' collected Rs. 129.6 crores on its opening day, setting a record for the highest opening day collection in Hindi cinema history.
7. Saaho (2019)
This action-packed film starring Prabhas and directed by Sujeeth, collected over Rs. 125.6 crores on its first day, confirming its blockbuster status.
8. Robo 2.0 (2018)
Starring Rajinikanth and directed by Shankar, with Akshay Kumar as the villain, 'Robo 2.0' collected Rs. 105.6 crores on its opening day but couldn’t maintain its momentum later.
9. Pathaan (2023)
Featuring Shah Rukh Khan, 'Pathaan' began the year with an opening day collection of Rs. 104.8 crores, giving Shah Rukh Khan a much-needed hit.
10. Jailer (2023)
The latest movie starring Rajinikanth, 'Jailer' also set a record by collecting Rs. 91.2 crores on its first day, becoming the first Tamil film to achieve such high collections and overall grossing over Rs. 650 crores. The film is also performing well on OTT platforms.
June 26 , 2024
#BoycottSaiPallavi Trends Over Army Comments as Her War Film 'Amaran' Releases; Bollywood PR Drama Exposed?
Sai Pallavi's latest film 'Amaran' is set to release this Diwali as a festive treat for the audience. The film, set against an army backdrop, has kept Sai Pallavi very busy with promotions. During this period, some netizens have targeted her, calling for a boycott of Sai Pallavi's films on social media. The hashtag #BoycottSaiPallavi is trending nationwide. A video of her past comments, perceived as insulting to the Indian army, has been going viral on social media for the last three days.
What Actually Happened?
As known, the film 'Amaran' is set against an army backdrop. This has brought Sai Pallavi's controversial past comments about the Indian army back into the spotlight, causing the related video to go viral. During the promotions of the movie 'Virata Parvam,' Sai Pallavi gave an interview to a YouTube channel, discussing terrorism and violence. She remarked, "We view Pakistani soldiers as terrorists, and similarly, Pakistanis see our Indian soldiers as terrorists. They think we are harming them. Violence is no solution to any problem. Wars were fought in the past when there was no law. Now, there is no need for that." These comments have ignited fury among netizens.
https://twitter.com/ViralVidox/status/1850064411202932830
Demand for Boycott
In the same interview where Sai Pallavi allegedly disrespected the Indian army, she also made remarks that have been construed as offensive to Sanatana Dharma. This video too has gone viral, with netizens campaigning on social media for everyone to boycott Sai Pallavi's films. Nationalist and traditionalist groups are demanding a 100% boycott of Sai Pallavi's films, suggesting that since she favors Pakistan, she might as well make films there. They are criticizing her harshly, saying she is not really the national crush but a different kind of crush. A netizen has also demanded a boycott of her latest film 'Amaran' and even called for her removal from the upcoming Hindi film 'Ramayanam,' in which she is supposed to play Sita. There are demands for stringent action against those who speak ill of Sanatana Dharma. On the other hand, Sai Pallavi's fans are defending her, claiming her words are being twisted and unnecessary controversy is being stirred up.
https://twitter.com/Bhav1212B/status/1850791387672801479
https://twitter.com/cinematicfreak0/status/1850791153928745098
https://twitter.com/devx_18k/status/1850791086458831193
https://twitter.com/Chhuparustam91/status/1850790246012653618
https://twitter.com/itz_meprabhat/status/1850787660815855924
https://twitter.com/itz_meprabhat/status/1850787660815855924
https://twitter.com/MissDD114/status/1850829733895737441
Sai Pallavi's Emotional Post
Amidst these promotions for 'Amaran,' Sai Pallavi recently visited the National War Memorial. She paid tribute to soldiers who died for the country, posting photos of the visit on her Instagram. She added emotional words to these images, stating, "Before starting the promotions for Amaran, I wanted to visit the National War Memorial. I went there a few days ago. It is a sacred temple that holds details about soldiers who sacrificed their lives for us. I felt very emotional while paying tribute to Major Mukund Varadarajan and Soldier Vikram Singh."
https://twitter.com/Sai_Pallavi92/status/1850571262755582363
Are They Deliberately Targeting Her?
Recently, during the promotions for 'Amaran,' Sai Pallavi made interesting comments. She mentioned that someone from Bollywood, representing a PR agency, approached her promising to enhance her image. However, she rejected this offer, stating she had no need for such services. Now, accusations are surfacing that this is a targeted campaign to tarnish her image as she is about to make her Bollywood debut with 'Ramayanam.' There are significant comments urging her removal from the role of Sita. Discussions in film circles suggest that the Bollywood PR teams are deliberately targeting Sai Pallavi.
https://twitter.com/bollywooddadi/status/1849561000456179910
Amar Jawan Biography
The film 'Amaran', directed by Rajkumar Periasamy and starring Sivakarthikeyan with Sai Pallavi (Sai Pallavi) as the heroine, is set to release this month on the 31st, coinciding with Diwali. The movie is based on the life of the martyred soldier Major Mukund Varadarajan who fought against Pakistani terrorists. Sivakarthikeyan portrays the role of Mukund, while Sai Pallavi plays his wife Indu Rebecca Varghese. This emotionally charged film will be released across India in Telugu and Tamil. The trailer, filled with emotions, has captured the audience's attention.
https://twitter.com/Siva_Kartikeyan/status/1839559422332346584
October 29 , 2024
This Week’s OTT & Telugu Movie Releases (10th, 11th & 12th Oct)
The festive spirit of Dussehra has taken over the Telugu states. Several films are set to greet Telugu audiences in celebration of the festival, promising to dazzle at the box office this week. In addition, various intriguing films and web series are slated for release on OTT platforms. Let's find out more in this special feature.
Theatrical Releases
Vettaiyan
Tamil superstar Rajinikanth stars in the latest film 'Vettaiyan'. Directed by T.J. Gnanavel, who captivated audiences with the social message movie 'Jai Bhim', this film is produced by Lyca Productions. Amitabh Bachchan, Fahadh Faasil, Rana, Manju Warrier, Ritika Singh, and Dushara Vijayan play key roles. The music is provided by Anirudh. Following the blockbuster 'Jailer', this film starring Rajinikanth has generated high expectations among audiences. 'Vettaiyan' is set to release as a Dussehra gift on October 10.
Viswam
Starring popular actor Gopichand and directed by Srinu Vaitla, 'Viswam' is jointly produced by TG Vishwaprasad and Venu Donepudi, with Kavya Thapar as the heroine. Set to release on October 11th, the film hopes to secure a hit for Gopichand, who has been seeking a successful comeback for some time. The trailer and teaser of 'Viswam' have already garnered significant attention.
Maa Nanna Super Hero
Starring Sudheer Babu as the lead actor, directed by Abhilash Reddy Kankara, 'Maa Nanna Super Hero' features Arna as the heroine and Shayaji Shinde in a crucial role. Scheduled to release on October 11th as a Dussehra gift, promotional materials have already heightened audience expectations.
Janaka Aithe Ganaka
Young hero Suhas is releasing his latest film 'Janaka Aithe Ganaka' this week, continuing his streak of success with diverse stories. Directed by Sandeep Bandla and produced by Dil Raju Productions, the film stars Sankeerthana as the heroine and is set to hit theaters on October 12th.
Jigra
Starring Alia Bhatt and Vedang Raina, 'Jigra' is a Bollywood film directed by Vasan Bala, releasing on October 11th. Under the banner of Asian Suresh Entertainment, Rana Daggubati is bringing this action-packed family drama to Telugu audiences. The trailer has already set high expectations for this film.
Martin
Kannada actor Dhruva Sarja is set to appear before the audience this week with the film 'Martin', directed by A.P. Arjun with Vaibhavi Shandilya as the heroine. This Pan-India film is releasing on October 11th. Makers are confident that 'Martin' will impress action movie enthusiasts.
OTT Releases
Level Cross
The Malayalam movie 'Level Cross', starring Amala Paul, is coming to OTT two months after its theatrical release. Directed by Arfaz Ayub, with Asif Ali in the lead role, this psychological thriller will start streaming on Aha from October 11th. The plot revolves around Chaitali (Amala Paul), who gets injured in a train accident and is saved by railway gatekeeper Raghu (Asif Ali). Following her encounter with Raghu, unexpected events unfold in Chaitali's life, leading her to believe she is married. The story explores their relationship and the ensuing mysteries.
TitleCategoryLanguagePlatformRelease DateYoung SheldonMovieEnglishNetflixOct 08Monster High 2MovieEnglishNetflixOct 10Khel Khel MeinMovieHindiNetflixOct 09Starting 5SeriesEnglishNetflixOct 10Tomb Raider: Lara CroftAnimationEnglishNetflixOct 10Lonely PlanetMovieEnglishNetflixOct 10Outer Banks 4SeriesEnglishNetflixOct 10Up RisingSeriesEnglish/KoreanNetflixOct 11ChuckyMovieEnglishNetflixOct 15SurfiraMovieHindiHotstarOct 11WarieMovieTamilHotstarOct 11Pailan PillagaMovieTeluguETV WinOct 10Thatva MovieTeluguETV WinOct 10Guter GuMovieHindiJio CinemaOct 11Tea cupMovieEnglishJio CinemaOct 11Jai MahendranMovieMalayalamSonyLIVOct 11Raat Jawan HieMovieHindiSonyLIVOct 11
October 07 , 2024
Box Office Titans: Devara's Meteoric Rise and the South's Rs. 500 Crore Champions!
The film 'Devara', directed by Koratala Siva and starring Jr NTR, is shaking the Indian box office. It has garnered more than Rs. 325 crores in just the first four days. It is now rapidly marching towards the Rs. 500 crore club. However, several films from the South have already surpassed the Rs. 500 crore mark. What are these films? How many days did it take to reach Rs. 500 crores? What are the overall collections? Who are the directors of these films? Which star heroes acted in them? Let’s find out about this special feature.
Kalki 2898 AD
Directed by Nag Ashwin and starring Prabhas, the film 'Kalki 2898 AD' has shaken the box office. The film managed to collect Rs. 555 crores within just four days of its release and has made an overall collection of Rs. 1200 crores, standing as the highest-grossing film of the year.
Animal
The film 'Animal', directed by Telugu director Sandeep Reddy Vanga and starring Bollywood star Ranbir Kapoor, performed well at the box office. It garnered over Rs. 500 crores in just six days and reached an overall collection of Rs. 917.82 crores. A sequel to this movie is also planned.
Salaar
'Salaar', directed by Prashanth Neel and starring Prabhas, created a cash rain at the box office. It joined the Rs. 500 crore club in just seven days and collected a total of Rs. 700 crores. Malayalam star hero Prithviraj played a friend to Prabhas in this film. A sequel to this movie is also on the cards.
RRR
Directed by SS Rajamouli, 'RRR' with Ram Charan and Jr NTR as heroes, broke several records. It earned Rs. 570 crores in just the first three days and eventually collected Rs. 1810 crores overall.
KGF 2
Directed by Prashanth Neel and starring Kannada actor Yash, 'KGF 2' collected Rs. 560 crores within the first four days of its release. Globally, the film grossed around Rs. 1200-1250 crores. The success of 'KGF' and 'KGF 2' has brought director Prashanth Neel and hero Yash into the pan-India spotlight.
Baahubali
Directed by SS Rajamouli and starring Prabhas, 'Baahubali' transformed the fate of Tollywood. This film showed the strength of Tollywood to the country for the first time. It entered the Rs. 500 crore club three weeks after release and collected a total of Rs. 600-650 crores.
Baahubali 2
The sequel to 'Baahubali', 'Baahubali 2', set global records by collecting Rs. 508 crores in just the first three days. Overall, this film garnered Rs. 1810 crores, making it the second highest-grossing film in India.
Robo 2.0
Despite receiving mixed reviews, 'Robo 2.0' directed by Shankar and starring Rajinikanth, managed to perform well at the box office. It entered the Rs. 500 crore club in the first seven days and eventually amassed between Rs. 700 - 800 crores. Akshay Kumar played the antagonist in this film and received notable acclaim.
Jawan
Directed by Tamil director Atlee and starring Bollywood’s Shah Rukh Khan, 'Jawan' was released in September last year and became a blockbuster. It achieved Rs. 500 crores in just four days and made a total of Rs. 1148.32 crores at the box office.
October 02 , 2024
Kalki 2898 AD Day 1 Collections: Increased Ticket Prices still missed to beat RRR.
The film 'Kalki 2898 AD,' directed by Nag Ashwin and starring pan-India star Prabhas, was released worldwide on Thursday, June 27th, and is receiving rave reviews everywhere. With the positive talk coming from all sides, audiences are showing great enthusiasm for this movie. As 'Kalki' becomes a super hit, everyone's attention is now focused on its first-day collections. The film, a visual wonder in the mythology-futuristic genre, was estimated by trade circles to collect over ₹200 crores on its first day. Did 'Kalki' reach that mark? How did Prabhas' mania impact the box office? What all-time record did 'Kalki' create in the US? Let's find out in this review.
Day 1 Collections
All eyes are currently on the Day 1 collections of 'Kalki 2898 AD.' The production house, Vyjayanthi Movies, has officially announced the first day's earnings. The makers declared that 'Kalki' amassed ₹191.5 crores (GROSS) worldwide on its first day. They also released a special poster with the caption "Let's Celebrate Cinema." Initially, trade circles had predicted that 'Kalki' would collect over ₹200 crores on its first day, with analyses suggesting that all previous Day 1 records would be broken. However, 'Kalki' narrowly missed the ₹200 crore mark. Despite this, industry experts predict that 'Kalki' will surely join the ₹500 crore club by the end of this weekend.
All-Time Record
Prabhas' 'Kalki' is creating a sensation in North America. The local audience is impressed by the performances of Prabhas and other top stars. Consequently, 'Kalki' set an all-time record in North America. It garnered a whopping $3.8 million from North American premieres, the highest collection for an Indian film in that region. 'Kalki' has thus achieved the distinction of being the first Indian film to earn this much. Following 'Kalki' are 'RRR' ($3.46 million), 'Salaar' ($2.6 million), and 'Baahubali 2' ($2.45 million).
Overseas Collections
Combining premieres and first-day collections, trade circles report that 'Kalki' collected $5 million on its first day in America. Among Telugu films, 'Kalki' secured the 5th position for the highest collections in just one day. It also set a record as the fastest film to collect $5 million. If these collections continue, 'Kalki' is expected to set a benchmark overseas. Experts predict that the collections will increase further over the weekend.
'RRR' Record Safe!
According to trade figures, 'Kalki 2898 AD' could not surpass the 'RRR' record. 'RRR' collected ₹223 crores (GROSS) on its first day, making it the top Indian film in terms of Day 1 collections. As per trade estimates, 'Kalki 2898 AD' halted at ₹180 crores, leaving the 'RRR' record intact. 'Baahubali 2' stands in second place with ₹217 crores. While 'Kalki' couldn't break these records, it surpassed the records of 'KGF 2' (₹164.5 crores), 'Salaar' (₹158 crores), 'Adipurush' (₹136.8 crores), and 'Saaho' (₹125.6 crores) to secure a place in the top three.
Match Effect on Collections
The 'Kalki 2898 AD' team lagged in promoting the film on a grand scale like 'Baahubali 2' and 'RRR.' If they had done extensive promotions, the movie might have created new records. The T20 World Cup also affected the film's collections. The audience's interest in watching the India-England semi-final match on Thursday evening turned into a slight disadvantage. Additionally, Thursday being a working day impacted 'Kalki's' collections. However, with positive talk everywhere, the collections of 'Kalki' are expected to increase significantly over the weekend.
Top 10 Highest Opening Day Collections in India
1. RRR (2022)
Directed by S.S. Rajamouli and starring Jr. NTR and Ram Charan, RRR set the record for the highest grossing film on its opening day, collecting Rs. 223.5 crores and sweeping all previous records.
2. Baahubali 2 (2017)
Also directed by Rajamouli, 'Baahubali 2' is second on this list, with an opening day worldwide gross of Rs. 214.5 crores, holding the record for the highest Indian opening grosser for five years until RRR.
3. Salaar (2023)
Featuring Prabhas under the direction of Prashant Neel, 'Salaar' collected Rs. 178.7 crores on its opening day, making it the highest-grossing film of 2023. Prabhas’s formidable presence was well received in action sequences, making 'Salaar' a fan favorite.
4. KGF 2 (2022)
Directed by Prashant Neel and starring Yash, 'KGF 2' broke several box office records, becoming the third highest grossing film on its opening day with collections of Rs. 164.5 crores.
5. Adipurush (2023)
Despite being a dud, 'Adipurush', directed by Om Raut and starring Prabhas as Ram and Kriti Sanon as Sita, managed good gross collections on its first day of Rs. 136.8 crores.
6. Jawan (2023)
Starring Bollywood's Shah Rukh Khan and directed by prominent South Indian director Atlee, 'Jawan' collected Rs. 129.6 crores on its opening day, setting a record for the highest opening day collection in Hindi cinema history.
7. Saaho (2019)
This action-packed film starring Prabhas and directed by Sujeeth, collected over Rs. 125.6 crores on its first day, confirming its blockbuster status.
8. Robo 2.0 (2018)
Starring Rajinikanth and directed by Shankar, with Akshay Kumar as the villain, 'Robo 2.0' collected Rs. 105.6 crores on its opening day but couldn’t maintain its momentum later.
9. Pathaan (2023)
Featuring Shah Rukh Khan, 'Pathaan' began the year with an opening day collection of Rs. 104.8 crores, giving Shah Rukh Khan a much-needed hit.
10. Jailer (2023)
The latest movie starring Rajinikanth, 'Jailer' also set a record by collecting Rs. 91.2 crores on its first day, becoming the first Tamil film to achieve such high collections and overall grossing over Rs. 650 crores. The film is also performing well on OTT platforms.
June 28 , 2024
HBD Priyanka Jawalkar: Turns 31, Glimpse into the Life of Tollywood's Rising Star and Social Media Sensation!
Priyanka Jawalkar, one of Tollywood's young heroines, caught everyone's attention with her beauty in her second film, 'Taxiwaala,' which was a solid hit. She has worked with stars like Satyadev and Kiran Abbavaram, though not all projects turned out successful. Recently, she made a special appearance in the film 'Tillu Square' that drew considerable attention. Today (November 12) marks Priyanka Jawalkar's birthday as she steps into her 31st year. On this occasion, let's delve into some interesting aspects of her life.
Contrary to what some might think looking at her, Priyanka is a pure Telugu girl.
She was born in Anantapur, Andhra Pradesh, on November 12, 1992, and studied fashion technology in Hyderabad.
Afterward, she went to America to pursue an 8-month course in Statistics and then worked for six months in a multinational company.
During this period, she started uploading her photos on social media, which caught the attention of the team from 'Kala Varam Aaye,' offering her a role as a heroine.
Though that movie did not succeed, her beauty and acting skills won over the Telugu audience.
This led to her opportunity in 'Taxiwaala' alongside Vijay Deverakonda, which became a solid hit and made her a well-known figure.
After the success of 'Taxiwaala,' it seemed she had a bright future, but surprisingly, it took three years for her next film to be released.
In an interview, Priyanka Jawalkar revealed she waited for the right stories, rejecting 25 stories in the process.
She then acted in 'Thimmarusu' with Satyadev and 'S.R. Kalyanamandapam' with Kiran Abbavaram, both of which also received positive responses.
Her performance was particularly appreciated in 'Thimmarusu,' where her appearance led to some harsh trolling regarding her body shape.
However, Priyanka clarified in an interview that she doesn't pay attention to trolls or gossips but shares them with her friends and enjoys the humor in them.
She also starred in the anthology film 'Gamanam,' where she played a captivating role as a Muslim girl named Zara.
This year, she made a special cameo appearance in 'Tillu Square' starring Siddhu Jonnalagadda, making a striking impression in a pub scene.
Priyanka mentioned in an interview that she has a crush on iconic star Allu Arjun and was particularly drawn to his film 'Pushpa.'
Aishwarya Rai is her favorite actress, and Priyanka is fluent in Telugu, Hindi, and English.
Her favorite colors are red and black, and she particularly enjoys New Year celebrations.
Regarding movies, Priyanka watches films in any language and mentioned her fondness for the Malayalam film 'The Great Indian Kitchen.'
Currently, with no projects in hand, Priyanka is focusing on social media, sharing hot photos to attract the attention of directors and producers.
Currently, Priyanka's Instagram account is followed by 2.1 million people, and any photo she shares quickly trends.
November 13 , 2024
When Titans Talk: Vijayendra Prasad’s Candid Call to Puri Jagannadh
Puri Jagannadh is one of the star directors in Tollywood. There was a time when a movie from Puri meant theaters were bustling with mass audiences and his signature dialogues would electrify the youth. However, the frenzy for Puri's films has waned recently. Blockbusters like 'Pokiri', 'Businessman', and 'Temper' have not been forthcoming. His latest film 'Liger' was a significant failure, drawing widespread criticism. Fans are longing for the return of the old Puri. In this context, it's reported that Vijayendra Prasad, a prominent writer and father of Rajamouli, has scolded Puri. Director Puri himself shared this incident.
"Tell me before you make a movie"
In the upcoming movie directed by Puri Jagannadh, starring Ram Pothineni, titled 'Double iSmart', an exciting event occurred during the pre-release event held in Hanamkonda on Sunday, August 11. The film is set to meet audiences on August 15. At the event, Puri shared an intriguing detail, "When a movie is a hit, many call to congratulate. I also received a call for a flop movie. It wasn’t just anybody; it was Vijayendra Prasad. He asked if he could help me. His son Rajamouli is a top director, so I wondered how I could possibly help. He then asked, 'When is your next film? Will you tell me the story whenever you make it?' I understood why he was saying this. He couldn’t bear to see directors like me fail. You all make small mistakes. So, tell me before you make a film," he said. Puri was moved by his words and said he could never forget that call made out of affection for him. However, he did not share the story with him. "I wanted to be cautious and only show him the movie," Puri said.
https://twitter.com/i/status/1822878179679203353
The story must be told!
Director Vijayendra Prasad, father of S.S. Rajamouli, has a profound admiration for director Puri Jagannadh. He has expressed his preference for Puri among directors in a past interview and even showcased using Puri’s photo as his mobile wallpaper. Despite this esteem, Puri recently revealed that he declined to narrate a story to Vijayendra Prasad, which has sparked intense reactions online. Netizens are questioning why Puri would not engage with the writer who provided stories for blockbuster films like 'Baahubali' and 'RRR'. They argue that Vijayendra Prasad could have identified errors in the 'Double iSmart' script, suggesting it would have been prudent for Puri to have shared the story with him to avoid risk.
We need some clarity!
During the 'Double iSmart' pre-release event, hero Ram Pothineni made some compelling remarks for those who stop going to theaters after seeing negative reviews. "Many of us don't respect our own opinions. If we like the biryani at a restaurant, we shouldn't doubt our taste just because others didn't like it. I enjoyed it, so I think it's good. The same goes for movies and your career. Don’t change your opinion because of others. If we always compare ourselves to others' opinions, we can’t accomplish anything. I'm telling all this because you are my people," Ram said. These energetic star's comments have been widely endorsed by the majority of netizens.
https://twitter.com/i/status/1822887370594877712
August 13 , 2024
SS Rajamouli: Shocking Truths in Rajamouli Documentary Trailer—Did Jakanna Really Cause Such Trouble?
Among directors who have elevated Indian cinema to an international level, SS Rajamouli stands out prominently. With films such as 'Baahubali', 'Baahubali 2', and 'RRR', he has captured the attention of global cinema and brought numerous international awards to India. Currently, a documentary titled 'Modern Masters' focusing on Rajamouli is in production. The trailer for this documentary, which recently debuted, has captivated the nation. It features viral comments from celebrities across Tollywood, Bollywood, and Hollywood, all praising Rajamouli’s contributions.
Praise for Rajamouli
A prominent OTT platform, Netflix, has produced a documentary on director SS Rajamouli titled 'Modern Masters'. This documentary, which showcases his cinematic journey, will start streaming on Netflix from August 2. The trailer released recently features high praise from celebrities like NTR, Prabhas, Ram Charan, Rama Rajamouli, Karan Johar, and James Cameron. They have expressed their admiration for Rajamouli's unique contributions to cinema.
"No one else can present stories to the world like Rajamouli does," said NTR.
"I have never seen a director with such a deep love for cinema," said Prabhas.
"There is nothing Rajamouli can't achieve. He can work with anyone and earns my utmost respect," said James Cameron.
"I am always amazed to see myself in his films," said Ram Charan.
"This director is a legend," said Karan Johar.
https://twitter.com/NetflixIndia/status/1815243072801763362
'No Mercy, No Compassion'
The documentary trailer posed a compelling question to celebrities about the challenges of working with Rajamouli. They shared their experiences, highlighting the difficulties they encountered. Ram Charan recalled incidents of broken microphones on set, emphasizing the need to be careful with personal belongings. NTR commented, "There's no mercy or compassion; he just takes what he needs and moves on. He's a mad person." Rama Rajamouli also made intriguing remarks, noting that everyone who works with Rajamouli refers to him as a 'work demon.'
Rajamouli to the Oscars Committee!
Director SS Rajamouli recently received an invitation from the Oscars Academy, a rare honor. He was listed in the directors' category, and Rama Rajamouli in the costume designers' list. This year, the Academy invited 487 new members from 57 countries, including several other Indian cinema figures such as Shabana Azmi, Ritesh Sidhwani, and Ravi Varman.
Busy with 'SSMB29'!
Following 'RRR', Rajamouli is set to direct his next movie with Mahesh Babu, rumored to be the highest budget film in Indian movie history. Pre-production work is currently underway. The story, set against an African backdrop as an adventure thriller, has recently been finalized. It's said that Rajamouli will present Mahesh Babu in a never-before-seen avatar, working with world-class technicians to create a truly global film.
July 23 , 2024
From Bike Thief to Baba: The Unforgettable Characters of Ali in Puri’s Films
In Puri Jagannadh's films, alongside powerful dialogues and heroism, comedian Ali's characters are also memorable. Puri has created some special roles for Ali in his films, and the comedy tracks associated with these characters have worked well for the films. In this sequence, in 'Double iSmart', Puri has given Ali a special role as 'Boka', a quirky character. The dialogues related to Ali's character in the trailer have captured the audience's attention. Now, let's look at some of the unique roles Ali has played in Puri's past films.
Bike Thief (Idiot)
In the film 'Idiot', a collaboration between Ravi Teja and Puri Jagannadh, which was a sensation at its time, Ali appears as a character who steals bikes. He confuses the police officer Jeeva while transporting a sack of sand from Hyderabad to Bidar on a bike. He repeatedly tells the police that he is taking the sand to spread in Bidar, leaving them puzzled about why he is taking it so far. The audience and the police remain confused until it is finally revealed that Ali himself is committing the bike thefts.
Sketch Artist (Super)
In 'Super', directed by Puri Jagannadh starring Nagarjuna, Ali plays the role of John Abraham, a skilled artist who can quickly sketch anyone he sees. On one occasion, he sees the hero whom the police are searching for, leading the police to follow him. The lie detector scene involving Brahmanandam and Ali in this context is unforgettable.
Beggar (Pokiri)
In 'Pokiri', another successful collaboration between Mahesh Babu and Puri, Ali plays a beggar. His interactions with Brahmanandam, who hurts his ego, lead to hilarious scenes involving a group of beggars following him. The comedy scenes between Ali and Brahmanandam played a significant role in the film's success.
Himalaya Baba (Desamuduru)
In 'Desamuduru', starring Allu Arjun, Ali appears as a Baba performing penance in the Himalayas. He gradually reveals why he became a Baba, creating excitement among the audience. Every scene feels like a climax, eliciting laughter. The scenes related to this character still have a following among the audience.
Goli (Devudu Chesina Manushulu)
In this film, also a collaboration between Ravi Teja and Puri, Ali plays an unusual character named Goli, who excessively worships as the son of the goddess Lakshmi. Although Lakshmi Devi (Kovai Sarala) tries to help him by giving him opportunities, his foolishness turns them into comedic situations. Despite the film being a disaster at the box office, Ali's performance as Goli was highly entertaining.
Nachimi (Chirutha)
In 'Chirutha', the debut film of Mega Power Star Ram Charan, Ali plays a peculiar role as Nachimi. His character and attire brought copious laughter to the audience. This role stood out distinctly from his previous characters. Even today, if Ali appears on television as Nachimi, it guarantees laughter.
Boka (Double iSmart)
In the upcoming 'Double iSmart', featuring Ram Pothineni and directed by Puri, Ali will appear as Boka, a character resembling a forest man. His performance in the trailer has already won over the audience, and posts suggest that this role will definitely be a highlight. Ali recently revealed in an interview how this character came about: during the shooting of 'Billa' in Malaysia, he demonstrated to Prabhas what it would be like if a chimpanzee were their manager, which entertained everyone for about an hour and a half. After sharing this idea over the phone with Puri, it was decided to incorporate this track into one of the films. Thus, the character of Boka from the Amazon forest was developed, and Ali completed shooting for this role in just three days.
August 13 , 2024
Double Ismart: Cold War with Ram? Is that why Puri didn't attend the trailer launch?
Starring Ram Pothineni and directed by Puri Jagannadh, the upcoming film 'Double Ismart' is scheduled for a grand release on August 15. However, since the release date was announced, the movie team has encountered several issues. The entry of Ravi Teja’s 'Mr. Bachchan' into the August lineup and demands from 'Liger' distributors to settle their losses have posed significant challenges for the team. Additionally, recent rumors suggest there is discord between the hero, Ram, and director Puri. Let's delve into the reasons behind this alleged cold war.
Ram's Dissatisfaction!
After the success of 'Ismart Shankar' at the box office, a sequel titled 'Double Ismart' was developed by the Ram-Puri combo. Although the movie is set to release on August 15, recent developments have reportedly left hero Ram dissatisfied. The 'Liger' controversy and distribution issues in Nizam, along with producer Charmee not starting promotions, have frustrated Ram. It’s speculated that these conflicts led to Puri's absence from the trailer launch event on Sunday. The event, where Ram had to promote the movie solo, has become a hot topic in Tollywood.
Puri's Explanation!
Director Puri released a video statement regarding his absence at the 'Double Ismart' trailer release event. He explained that he was in Mumbai for the final mixing required for the censor board and couldn’t attend the event. He expressed his regret about missing the event, but netizens are skeptical about these claims. The absence of a director at such a crucial trailer launch, supposedly due to a rift with Ram, is being questioned by many. If 'Double Ismart' turns out to be a super hit, it might automatically bridge the gap between them, suggest some netizens. Despite widespread speculation on social media about their disagreements, the film unit has not clarified the situation.
https://twitter.com/i/status/1820365775439552575
How was the trailer?
The trailer of 'Double Ismart', released on Sunday, was exactly as expected, filled with mass action and raw dialogues. Ram dazzled with his trademark energetic action, mass dialogues, and dance moves. Bollywood star Sanjay Dutt plays the villain 'Big Bull', whose brain memory is transferred into Shankar's (Ram Pothineni) brain, a key element highlighted in the trailer. Director Puri Jagannadh has taken the chip concept from Ismart Shankar to a new level with a brain memory transfer in Double Ismart, raising expectations for the film.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ym0upoayqJg
Mr. Bachchan's Aggressive Promotions!
Compared to the 'Double Ismart' team, the 'Mr. Bachchan' team is actively engaging in promotions, conducting consecutive press meets to reach the audience. Promotions generally impact a movie’s opening, and analysts are surprised at the lack of initiative from 'Double Ismart' given the importance of such promotions. With 'Mr. Bachchan' entering the race on August 15, is Puri feeling the pressure? This is under speculation. There are doubts about whether Puri is anxious about the movie's outcome.
Backing Down Not an Option?
It seems the 'Double Ismart' team tried everything to avoid a clash with 'Mr. Bachchan' on August 15. They reportedly requested the Bachchan team to delay their release, but were turned down. In this context, producer Charmee recently blocked Ravi Teja and director Harish Shankar on social media, according to reports.
August 06 , 2024
Double Ismart: Trouble Brewing for 'Double Ismart' Amid 'Liger' flop?
Energetic star Ram Pothineni and dashing director Puri Jagannadh are collaborating once again on their second film, 'Double Ismart,' which is a sequel to the blockbuster 'Ismart Shankar.' The global release is scheduled for August 15, as announced by the filmmakers. This film has become especially crucial for both Puri and Ram, given their recent difficulties in achieving a hit. Recently released promotional materials have significantly raised expectations. However, 'Double Ismart' is now encountering unexpected challenges due to the financial difficulties stemming from Puri's previous film, 'Liger,' which are now affecting Ram's project.
What Happened?
Losses from 'Liger' have become a significant headache for 'Double Ismart.' The film 'Liger,' a high-budget venture by Vijay Deverakonda and Puri Jagannadh, ended up a disaster, incurring substantial losses for producers, exhibitors, and distributors. There's rising discontent among distributors about Puri moving on to release another film without settling 'Liger's' debts. It's rumored that until 'Liger’s' losses are settled, distributors have decided not to screen 'Double Ismart.' A significant meeting among distributors was held at a major distributor's office to discuss compensation for 'Liger’s' losses, fueling concerns about potential delays for 'Double Ismart.'
Controversy Over a Song!
Recently, the film team released the second lyrical song from 'Double Ismart' titled 'Maar Muntha Chod Chintha' on YouTube. However, the inclusion of a voice clip of KCR, the former Chief Minister of Telangana, in the song has sparked controversy. The use of his voice, especially the viral phrase "Em Jeddamantav Mari," directly in the song has angered KCR's supporters and Telangana activists. They criticized the song for portraying Telangana culture negatively and warned that they would block the film's release if the dialogue was not removed. The film team needs to respond to these allegations.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-Kba0qmTtZE
Three Films Competing
In addition to 'Double Ismart,' set for release on August 15, the makers had initially chosen this date anticipating no major competition due to a delay in 'Pushpa 2,' which was moved to December 6. However, this satisfaction was short-lived as Ravi Teja's 'Mr. Bachchan' and Kollywood star Vikram's 'Thangalaan' are also scheduled for release on the same day. Along with these, another movie 'Ai' is also entering the fray, setting up a box office clash for 'Double Ismart.'
August 02 , 2024
Jigra Movie Review: Alia Bhatt’s Action-Packed Fight to Save Her Brother
Cast: Alia Bhatt, Rahul Ravindran, Vedang Raina, Akanksha Ranjan Kapoor, Manoj Pahwa, Yuvraj Vijayan, Jasan Shah, Dheer Hira, Aditya Nanda, among others.
Director: Vasan Bala
Music: Achint Thakkar
Cinematography: Swapnil S. Sonawane
Editing: Prerna Saigal
Producers: Karan Johar, Alia Bhatt, Shaheen Bhatt, Apoorva Mehta
Release Date: October 11, 2024
Bollywood beauty Alia Bhatt, after gaining recognition in Telugu cinema with 'RRR' and participating in Hindi 'Devara' promotions, has captured the hearts of Telugu audiences. Now, she takes the lead in the latest action thriller 'Jigra', directed by Vasan Bala. Telugu actor Rahul Ravindran plays a significant role. Released on October 11, this film has made its way to theaters nationwide under the banner of Asian Suresh Entertainment, released by hero Rana Daggubati. Let’s find out how the film fares and if it has won over the Telugu audience.
Plot:
Satyabhama (Alia Bhatt) works as hotel management staff in a wealthy household. Having lost her parents at a young age, she raises her younger brother Ankur Anand (Vedang Raina) herself. Ankur, who has a solid business idea, travels to Hanshi Dao near Malaysia to meet with investors. At a party, he gets caught by the police for using drugs and, under the local laws, is sentenced to death. This pushes Satyabhama to exhaust all possible means to save her brother, but to no avail. Ultimately, she decides that breaking him out of jail is the only option left. Does Satyabhama succeed in her efforts? What roles do Muthu (Rahul Ravindran) and Bhatia (Manoj Pahwa) play in helping her? You'll have to watch the movie to find out.
Performances:
Alia Bhatt delivers a stunning performance as Satyabhama. Her acting in emotional scenes is captivating, and she is incredibly convincing as the sister fighting to save her brother, excelling even in action sequences. Vedang Raina, as her brother, also puts forth a commendable performance. Telugu actor Rahul Ravindran, as Muthu, has landed a pivotal role that significantly impacts the story. Other actors too have justified their roles within the scope of their characters.
Direction:
Director Vasan Bala has crafted this film in the jailbreak genre. Right from the beginning, he successfully establishes the strong bond between the siblings. The audience can truly feel the strong relationship between them. However, the plot tends to drag until Ankur's arrest, after which the pace of the story picks up. The struggles Ankur faces in jail and Satyabhama's efforts to free him are engaging. With her decisive action to break him out, the story takes a thrilling turn, which the director has skillfully depicted. The climax action episode stands out as a highlight of the film. However, the predictable storyline and lack of innovative twists can be seen as drawbacks.
Technically:
Technically, the cinematography is impressive, effectively presenting the prison environment, especially in the climax, which offers some visually stunning shots. The music is satisfactory, with the background score fitting well with the film's tone. Tighter editing could have benefitted the movie. The production values are high.
Plus Points:
- Alia Bhatt’s performance
- Sibling sentiment
- Action sequences
- Cinematography
Minus Points:
- Prolonged scenes
- Predictable narrative
Telugu.yousay.tv Rating: 2.5/5
October 11 , 2024
Tollywood New Directors: Wave of New Directors-Blockbuster Success with Debut Films!
A new era has begun in Tollywood. Innovative directors with fresh ideas are making their mark with blockbuster hits. While established directors like Puri Jagannadh, Harish Shankar, Srinu Vaitla, Ram Gopal Varma, V.V. Vinayak, Teja, and Gunasekar are struggling without hits, the new directors are capturing audiences and box office success with their debut films. They are attracting the Telugu audience with fresh stories and unique filmmaking styles, competing strongly at the box office even against big-budget films. Who are these young directors? What films have they made? Let's take a look.
Anji K. Maniputhra
The latest film 'Aay' featuring N.T. Rama Rao's brother-in-law, Nithiin, as the hero, marks the directorial debut of Anji K. Manikumar. Made on a modest budget, this film stood strong against big hero films like 'Double iSmart', 'Mr. Bachchan', and 'Thangalan' at the box office, securing good collections. The director has received praise for his distinctive style set against a Godavari backdrop, blending childhood friendships, innocence, and the local humor beautifully.
Yadu Vamsi
'Committee Kurrollu', produced by Mega daughter Niharika Konidela, created a sensation at the box office. This low-budget film directed by Yadu Vamsi garnered ₹17.76 crores (GROSS). It was his directorial debut, beautifully capturing a village setting with young characters. The narrative, infused with comedy and reminiscences of the 1990s, highlighted the bond among friends and the charm of rural Godavari settings, bringing acclaim to the director.
Mukesh Prajapati
The latest web series Bahishkarana, starring Anjali as a prostitute, marked the directorial debut of Mukesh Prajapati. Released on OTT platforms, the series was a hit, drawing significant viewership. The director vividly portrayed caste discrimination and the oppression of women and marginalized communities by village elders through this revenge drama.
Shouryuv
With the recent film 'Hi Nanna', Shouryuv made his directorial debut, captivating audiences with his approach to a typical subject. He skillfully depicted the relationship between a father and daughter, evoking deep emotions. His impact was evident as the film not only received positive reviews but also performed well at the box office, indicating his promising future as a director.
Kalyan Shankar
The recent hit youth entertainer 'MAD' was the debut venture of director Kalyan Shankar, which became a solid success. His first attempt proved his potential future in directing, captivating the college-going crowd with fun-filled scenes and witty dialogues that resonated well with the youth.
Karthik Dandu
With the film 'Virupaksha', Karthik Dandu stepped into the industry as a director, choosing a unique horror thriller concept that received acclaim. Featuring mega hero Sai Dharam Tej in the lead role, the film not only drew praises for Dandu's direction but also raked in up to ₹100 crores at the box office, establishing him as a promising new director in the industry.
Srikanth Odela
Nani's 'Dasara' film, grossing over ₹100 crores, was directed by debutant Srikanth Odela. Achieving a massive success with his first film, he attracted the attention of producers. Currently, he has not announced his next film, but Nani has praised his ability to produce outstanding cinema.
Venu Yeldandi
Initially entering the industry as a comedian, Venu transitioned to directing with the film 'Balagam', securing a blockbuster hit. His success filled producer Dil Raju's coffers, leading to readiness among producers to back his scripts. It is rumored that Venu will direct another film under Dil Raju's banner, possibly with hero Nani.
Prasanth Varma
Director Prasanth Varma entertained the audience with unique narrative films like 'Awe!', 'Kalki', and 'Zombie Reddy'. With 'Hanu Man', he became a Pan-India director, delivering a blockbuster that overshadowed films by stars like Mahesh, Venkatesh, and Nagarjuna during the 2024 Sankranthi season.
Gowtam Tinnanuri
Gowtam Tinnanuri introduced himself as a director with the film 'Jersey' starring Nani, which was a blockbuster hit and brought a shower of praises for Nani's performance. Gowtam's direction was highly recognized, and his debut film ensured that heroes and producers noticed him. He is currently directing 'VD12' with Vijay Deverakonda, featuring Bhagyashri Borse as the heroine.
Buchi Babu Sana
With his debut film 'Uppena', director Buchi Babu Sana caught everyone's attention. His next film announcement with Ram Charan surprised everyone, and it will feature Janhvi Kapoor as the heroine in a sports drama backdrop.
Tharun Bhascker
Known for 'Pelli Choopulu' and entertaining everyone with 'Ee Nagaraniki Emaindi', director Tharun Bhascker has excelled not only as a director but also as a dialogue writer. With 'Meeku Maathrame Cheptha', he also stepped into acting. His recent film, a youthful comedy entertainer 'Keedaa Cola', continues to secure his future in the industry.
August 27 , 2024