
Entering the industry as the heir of the legendary actor Akkineni Nageswara Rao, Nagarjuna has undertaken experiments that no other hero would dare to attempt. He fearlessly moved forward in his career with a variety of unique films, earning a distinct recognition in genres ranging from mass and class to spiritual and romantic. He successfully introduced his sons, Naga Chaitanya and Akhil, as the third generation from the Akkineni family into the industry. Behind Nagarjuna's success in the industry are some daring steps. Let's learn about them on the occasion of his birthday today (August 29).



'Siva' Sensation



Typically, early in their careers, most heroes opt for safe stories. However, Nagarjuna made a big impact with the experimental film 'Siva'. He took a significant risk by giving Ram Gopal Varma, who had never even been an assistant director, a chance to direct. This daring step turned his career around, creating a sensation with 'Siva' in a way no one anticipated. This film not only changed the trajectory of Nag's career but also altered the course of Tollywood, challenging the traditional perceptions of a hero's role with 'Siva'.







Diversity a Priority



With 'Siva', Nagarjuna became a top hero in the industry. While typically a single hit film would set a repetitive pattern in stories, Nagarjuna planned his career to ensure diversity in every film. This strategy led him to star in a supernatural heist film 'Govinda Govinda', a family drama 'Ninne Pelladatha', and an action entertainer 'Hello Brother', continually delighting his fans and establishing a dedicated fan base, thereby solidifying his status as a star hero.







'Annamayya'



At a time when peers like Chiranjeevi, Balakrishna, and Venkatesh were dominating with commercial films, Nagarjuna shocked everyone by signing on to the devotional project 'Annamayya'. Already popular for his mass image, his decision to do a devotional film raised eyebrows within the industry. Committed to portraying diverse roles, Nagarjuna embraced the challenge without hesitation, delivering a performance in 'Annamayya' that became a landmark in his career. Directed by K. Raghavendra Rao, the film was a sensational success, capturing the true essence of Annamayya and earning two National Awards, nine Nandi Awards, and three Filmfare Awards.







More Spiritual Films



Following the success of 'Annamayya', Nagarjuna didn't stop there. While continuing to act in commercial films, he also starred in more devotional films. Films like 'Sri Ramadasu', 'Shirdi Sai', 'Om Namo Venkatesaya', and 'Jagadguru Adi Shankar' under the combination of Raghavendra Rao and Nagarjuna also achieved great success at the box office.







Opportunities for Newcomers



Nagarjuna has proven time and again that not only is giving chances to newcomers not a risk, but it can also lead to success. Throughout his extensive acting career, he has introduced around 40 directors to Tollywood. Directors like Ram Gopal Varma ('Siva'), YVS Chowdary (Sri Sita Ramula Kalyanam Chootamu Raarandi), Lawrence ('Mass'), and Vijay Binni ('Naa Saami Ranga') are included in this list. Nagarjuna often credits these new directors for playing a pivotal role in his stardom.







The First Pan-India Star from Telugu Cinema



Director Krishna Vamsi, in an interview, made interesting remarks about Nagarjuna, describing him as the hero who took Telugu cinema global. Nagarjuna brought directors from various industries and produced diverse films with his own money, significantly altering the audience's perspective. He worked with directors like Mani Ratnam, Priyadarshan, Ravichandran, and Mahesh Bhatt from Malayalam, Kannada, Hindi, and Tamil industries, becoming a true Pan-India foundation.




https://twitter.com/thokkaloteja/status/1828863171152757038




As the Host of Bigg Boss...



Unlike most stars who shy away from television, Nagarjuna embraced it. He has been hosting the Telugu Bigg Boss show for several years, entertaining the television audience with his charm. While younger heroes like NTR and Tarak hosted for only a season, Nagarjuna has been continuously hosting, completing five seasons (Bigg Boss 3, 4, 5, 6, 7) and is set to host the upcoming eighth season. He has also been notable as the host of the 'Meelo Evaru Koteeswarudu' game show.




https://twitter.com/i/status/1829013612117230039




The Fitness Mantra



Even at the age of sixty, Nagarjuna's fitness level amazes the younger generation of heroes. Maintaining his physique from his 'Siva' days, he continues to give tough competition to younger heroes. Nagarjuna often shares that his secret to looking great is his calm demeanor and regular workouts. Having debuted as a hero in 1986 with 'Vikram', Nagarjuna has now acted in over a hundred films. Currently, he is working under the direction of Shekhar Kammula in 'Kubera'.






HBD Nagarjuna: Nagarjuna's Birthday Special- Daring Hero!


Cast: Manchu Lakshmi, Aditya Om, Esther Norhana, Suhasini, Srijita Ghosh, Shiva Kanthamneni, Venkat Kiran, Satya Prakash, Sammeta Gandhi, Gemini Suresh, Delhi Rajeshwari, Harry Josh, Jabardasth Gaddam Naveen, and others.



Written and Directed by: Sanjeev Megoti&nbsp;&nbsp;



Music: Madhavi Saib&nbsp;&nbsp;



Cinematography: S.N. Harish&nbsp;&nbsp;



Editing: Pavan Shekhar Pasupuleti&nbsp;&nbsp;



Production Companies: Anvika Arts, AI (America India) Entertainment&nbsp;&nbsp;



Movies like ‘Ammoru’ and ‘Arundhati’ set a high bar in the Telugu fantasy genre. Since Arundhati, there hasn’t been a fantasy drama with a similar impact in Tollywood. Now, 'Adiparvam,' starring Manchu Lakshmi and directed by Sanjeev Megoti, steps into that genre. With Aditya Om, Ester, and Suhasini in key roles, the film has just been released. Let’s see if ‘Adiparvam’ meets the expectations and if Manchu Lakshmi has delivered a memorable performance.







Plot



Locals near the Erragudi temple in Kadapa believe hidden treasures lie within it. They think that whoever claims these treasures will become the wealthiest person in Rayalaseema. Nagamma (Manchu Lakshmi), an MLA, is determined to acquire it by any means, even turning to dark powers. Meanwhile, Rayappa, a village elder, also wants the treasure. How far will Rayappa and Nagamma go to obtain this wealth? Why does Rayappa want to sacrifice his own daughter Bujamma (Srijita)? Why does Nagamma want her dead too? How does the village deity Maremma (Suhasini) intervene to stop their wicked ways? Does Nagamma ultimately fulfill her desire for the treasure? And what happens to the love story of Bujamma and Srinu (Venkat Kiran)? This is the crux of the story.







Performance 







Direction



Sanjeev Megoti based this movie on real events that occurred between 1974 and 1990. The story highlights the extremes people go to for personal gain, even contemplating the sacrifice of their own children. The sequences showing the consequences faced by the selfish characters pursuing the treasure are captivating. The portrayal of Maremma’s protection of the sacred treasure and her support for the faithful are well-executed. The conflict between divine and dark powers is engaging, and the director also depicts the love story of Bujamma and Srinu well. However, the predictable storyline, exaggerated drama, and lack of quality in the graphics weaken the movie. 







Technical Aspects



On the technical side (Adiparvam Movie Review), the cinematography by Harish is commendable, with well-captured visuals. The music adds depth, with the background score enhancing scenes significantly. The editing could have been tighter, especially in the first half, and the graphics quality could have been better. The production values are strong.







Positives



- Manchu Lakshmi’s performance&nbsp;&nbsp;



- Battle between divine and evil powers&nbsp;&nbsp;



- Cinematography&nbsp;&nbsp;



Negatives



- Predictable storyline&nbsp;&nbsp;



- Low-quality graphics&nbsp;&nbsp;



- Slow-paced scenes&nbsp;&nbsp;



Telugu.yousay.tv Rating: 2.5/5&nbsp;&nbsp;


‘Adiparvam’ Movie Review: Manchu Lakshmi Shines in a Gritty Fantasy Drama—But Does It Live Up to Expectations?


Cast: Dhanush, Sundeep Kishan, S.J. Surya, Jayaram, Selvaraghavan, Prakash Raj, Dushara Vijayan, Aparna Balamurali, Varalaxmi Sarathkumar, among others



Story &amp; Direction: Dhanush



Cinematography: Om Prakash



Music: A.R. Rahman



Editing: Prasanna G.K



Production Company: Sun Pictures



Release Date: July 26, 2024



The latest film starring Tamil cinema's leading actor Dhanush, 'Raayan', which he also directed, features Tollywood star Sundeep Kishan in a significant role. Other prominent actors such as Prakash Raj, S.J. Surya, Jayaram, and Varalaxmi have also played key roles. The film's trailers, teasers, and promotional posters, already released, have generated high expectations. Produced by Asian Suresh Entertainment, the film was released to audiences on July 26. Did 'Raayan' meet these expectations? Did it secure another hit for Dhanush?



The latest film starring Tamil







What’s the Story?



Raayan (Dhanush) lives with his two brothers Muthuvel (Sundeep Kishan) and Manickam (Kalidas Jayaram), and sister Durga (Dushara Vijayan). While the younger brother goes to college and studies, Muthuvel often finds himself involved in troubles, drifting without purpose. In the same town, Dorai (Sharvanan) and Seetaram (S.J. Surya) are rowdies heading different gangs. A police officer (Prakash Raj) arrives in town with a vendetta to eliminate the local rowdies. In an unexpected turn of events, Dorai dies, making Raayan a target for Seetaram. Who killed Dorai? Why did Seetaram target Raayan? What did the police officer do? What happened to Raayan’s brothers? That’s the story.







Performance



Global star Dhanush, as always, delivered an outstanding performance in the movie. He completely immersed himself in the character of Raayan, shining especially in action sequences and emotional scenes. Sundeep Kishan received a noteworthy role in this film, making a memorable impact. S.J. Surya and Prakash Raj fully justified their characters with their exceptional acting skills. Selvaraghavan, Dushara Vijayan, Aparna Balamurali, and Varalaxmi Sarathkumar also captivated with their performances. Other actors too played their parts well within their limits.







Direction



This film marks Dhanush’s 50th as a director. While the story might seem like a typical revenge drama, Dhanush’s unique direction and screenplay were captivating. He effectively managed the story across three dimensions, impressing with the fight scenes and emotional moments, thereby engaging the audience thoroughly. The spectacular interval bang heightened interest for the second half, where action sequences, emotions, and the climax significantly added to the film’s appeal. However, the routine story, predictable plot elements, and some boring scenes occasionally detracted from the overall experience.







Technically



On the technical front, the music provided by A.R. Rahman was a major asset to the film, elevating the action sequences brilliantly. However, the songs were not particularly memorable. The cinematography was good, and the editing was adequate. Trimming some boring scenes could have added more weight to the film. The production values were very high, with no compromise on spending.







Plus Points



- Dhanush and Sundeep Kishan’s acting



- Action sequences



- Background music



Minus Points



- Routine story



- Some boring scenes



Telugu.yousay.tv Rating: 3/5



Public Talk on 'Raayan'



Some netizens have expressed their opinions on the 'Raayan' movie through platform X. The majority of the feedback has been positive, highlighting Dhanush's acting and the background music. Let's see some posts related to this.



Raayan's first half, second half, Dhanush's entry, the interval, and the climax bang were fantastic, according to one netizen who gave the movie a rating of 4.6/5.




https://twitter.com/review0813/status/1816622242421522704




Another netizen posted that the movie was raw and rustic, praising Dhanush's makeover and screen presence. He lauded Dhanush for reminding him of National Award-winning director Vetrimaaran with his style of work. S.J. Surya’s acting and A.R. Rahman’s background music was the backbone of the film, he noted.




https://twitter.com/LetsXOtt/status/1816651224956981478




Yet another netizen mentioned that although 'Raayan' is a typical revenge drama, Dhanush’s direction brought freshness to the film, calling A.R. Rahman is the second hero of the movie due to his musical contribution.




https://twitter.com/CinemaWithAB/status/1816657822026764609




A person commented that the film was fantastic, referring to Dhanush as the 'All-Rounder of Indian Cinema'. He noted that Sundeep Kishan played a major role, and the movie had no lags or boring scenes.




https://twitter.com/PikuOffl/status/1816649186571698503




TFIDB Plot



Raayan (Dhanush) lives with his two brothers and a sister. While the elder brother Muthuvel (Sundeep Kishan) often brings trouble, the town harbors two rowdies, Dorai (Sharvanan) and Seetaram (S.J. Surya). One day, Dorai dies unexpectedly, making Raayan a target for Seetaram. Who killed Dorai? What happened to Raayan’s brothers? That’s the story.


Raayan' Movie Review : Dhanush's Riveting Tale of Brotherhood and Betrayal

Good Telugu Movies on OTT: Here are the top Telugu family entertainers from the last decade!


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)&nbsp;



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)&nbsp;



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)&nbsp;



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)&nbsp;



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)&nbsp;



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)&nbsp;



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)&nbsp;



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)&nbsp;



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)&nbsp;



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)&nbsp;



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.






Kalki 2898 AD Day 1 Collections Target: If this happens, Prabhas is certain to make history!

Top Telugu Romantic Songs with Iconic Lyrics Like 'Samajavaragamana' and 'Inkem Inkem Kaavaale'


After making his directorial debut with "Pelli Choopulu," Tharun Bhascker quickly became popular due to the film’s success. He went on to deliver the cult favorite "Ee Nagaraniki Emaindi" to the audience, further endearing himself to the youth and becoming known for youth comedy films. He has also impressed as an actor in recent films, including making audiences laugh with "Keedaa Cola." Today, November 5, Tharun Bhascker celebrates his birthday, stepping into his 36th year. Let’s take a look at some interesting aspects of his life.



Early Life and Background



Tharun Bhascker was born on November 5, 1988, in Chennai to Uday Bhaskar and Geetha, with his father hailing from Warangal and his mother from Tirupati. He got his roots from both states.







Inspiration from His Father



From a young age, Tharun’s father dreamt of his son succeeding in the creative field. Fittingly, when Tharun was just two years old, his father bought him a camera for Rs. 300, a camera that Tharun still possesses.







His Mother, Geetha: Actress and Poetess



Tharun Bhascker’s mother, Geetha, is a well-known Telugu actress who has appeared in films like "Fidaa," where she played Sai Pallavi’s aunt, as well as in "Sriranga Neethulu," "Sarkaru Vaari Paata," "118," and "Anukokunda." She is also a celebrated poetess, whose poem inspired Tharun to make his first short film, which was highly praised.







Ventures into Short Films



Fuelled by this passion, Tharun went on to create several short films including "Journey," "Minutes to Midnight," "Anukokunda," "Junoon," and "Cinema." Some of these films were selected for prestigious festivals like Cannes and Imphal Film Festival, earning Tharun further acclaim.







Awards and Recognition



The short film "Junoon" won the People’s Choice Award, and "Anukokunda" garnered a high number of views on YouTube, with "Pelli Choopulu" fame Ritu Varma acting in it, adding to its special features.







'Cinema' Short Film: A Hit



The short film "Cinema," appreciated by Manchu Lakshmi, featured comedian Rahul Ramakrishna in a leading role and was notable for its content.







Collaboration with Manchu Lakshmi



Impressed by "Cinema," Manchu Lakshmi proposed a collaboration with Tharun. However, the project was halted due to the untimely death of Tharun’s father during the script development phase.







Professional Success with 'Pelli Choopulu'



Later, producer Raj Kandukuri appreciated the script for "Pelli Choopulu," which quickly went into production. Well-acquainted with Vijay Deverakonda and Ritu Varma, Tharun cast them as leads, contributing significantly to the film’s success.







Awards for 'Pelli Choopulu'



Released in 2016, "Pelli Choopulu" won National Awards for Best Telugu Film, Best Screenplay, and Best Dialogues.







Acting Recognition in 'Mahanati'



In "Mahanati," Tharun played the role of director Singeetam Srinivasa Rao, earning recognition for his acting skills.







Personal Life



On a personal note, Tharun Bhascker married Lata Nayar on November 20, 2013. Interestingly, both his birthday and wedding anniversary occur in November.







Lata: The Costume Designer



His wife Lata is a costume designer and has worked on his projects "Pelli Choopulu" and "Ee Nagaraniki Emaindi," as well as on Samantha’s "U Turn."







Versatility as a TV Host



Tharun also showcased his versatility by hosting the show "Meeku Maathrame Cheptha" on ETV, proving his capability in various creative fields.







Birthday Release



On the occasion of Tharun Bhascker’s birthday (HBD Tharun Bhascker), a new movie poster was released, where he will appear as "Ambati Omkar Naidu" in an upcoming film directed by A.R. Sajeev.







Upcoming Project: A Remake



The film is a remake of the Malayalam hit "Jaya Jaya Jaya Jaya Hai," with Eesha Rebba cast as the heroine. The film has been titled "Om Shanti Shanti Shanti," promising another exciting venture for Tharun Bhascker.






#HBD Tharun Bhascker Turns 36: The Story of a Creative Force in Tollywood


Tattooing has turned into a fashion trend for everyone today. Both fans and the media take a keen interest in the tattoos that celebrities sport. With evolving technology, there have been significant advancements in tattooing. Specially trained artists skillfully ink desired shapes and vibrant colors onto the skin. These tattoos not only accentuate their beauty but also serve as reflections of their personalities. Let’s explore the types of tattoos our heroines have and on which body parts they are inked.



[toc]



Eesha Rebba



Eesha Rebba, the beauty from Telugu cinema, is always active on social media. Starting her career as a model, she made her Tollywood debut in 2013 with "Anthaku Mundu Aa Tarvatha." She later acted in films like "Bandipotu," "Ami Tumi," "Savyasachi," "Aravinda Sametha Veera Raghava," "Pitta Kathalu," and "Most Eligible Bachelor." Currently, she is busy acting in both Telugu and Tamil films. From this charming lady, you can learn some fashion tips. She has a peacock feather tattoo on her right wrist, which undoubtedly enhances her charm.

















Yukti Thareja



Yukti Thareja, the heroine from "Rangabali," has a lotus flower tattoo at the upper part of her waist. This tattoo makes the already sexy diva look even hotter.







Niharika Konidela



Niharika Konidela, the mega daughter, is crazy about tattoos. She keeps making news with her trendy tattoos. Recently, she got a tattoo of a raining cloud on the back of her right leg, which looks very trendy. It's a great idea for those looking to get new tattoos.




https://youtu.be/FQVYHolKhR0?si=0WfytTlwJwEcd9Lh




She also has a bird tattoo on the back of her shoulder, which also gives a good look.







Samyuktha Menon



From Malayalam cinema, the adorable Samyuktha Menon also follows trendy tattoo ideas. She has a tattoo on her back that reads "Sanchari" in Malayalam letters, with a symbol of a flying bird above it.







She also has a tattoo of a great yantra symbol on her left wrist, which also adds to her beauty.








https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=f-3OJFK1IZs




Tripti Dimri Tattoos



The new national crush, Tripti Dimri, has a tattoo on the upper part of her right shoulder featuring symbols of the sun and moon. This is also a great idea for tattoo lovers.







Samantha&nbsp;



Samantha has three tattoos on her body. The first one is on the back of her back with the initials YMC, representing her first film "Ye Maaya Chesave."







Another tattoo is of her ex-husband Naga Chaitanya's name, 'Chay,' located above her waist. The third tattoo is on her wrist, in the form of Roman symbols (double arrows) meaning "create your own reality."







        View this post on Instagram            A post shared by Samantha (@samantharuthprabhuoffl)



Shruti Haasan&nbsp;



The beautiful star Shruti Haasan has stylishly tattooed her name in Tamil on the back of her torso. She also has a rose flower tattooed on her right wrist. Shruti Haasan herself shared details about these tattoos in a video.




https://youtu.be/p9n950dfSyU?si=3YYtZPTgh4ICnxrh




Raashii Khanna&nbsp;



Glamour doll Raashii Khanna has a tiny cat picture tattooed on the upper part of her right leg. These types of tattoos also look simply superb.



Anasuya Bharadwaj&nbsp;



Anasuya has two tattoos on her body. The first is her husband's nickname 'Nick' tattooed in English across her chest. She also has 'Keelan' tattooed on her left wrist, which means 'beautiful character' in Greek.













Faria Abdullah&nbsp;



Faria Abdullah, known for her beauty and trendiness, has red roots and a blue circle tattooed on her left leg. This symbolizes that a strong foundation is essential for growth in life, as roots show how strongly we can rise.







        View this post on Instagram            A post shared by Faria Abdullah (@fariaabdullah)



Ananya Nagalla&nbsp;



Glamorous doll Ananya Nagalla has a 'crazy line' tattooed on her left wrist, which includes the words 'Believe', 'Smiley', and two flying birds.







        View this post on Instagram            A post shared by Ananya nagalla (@ananya.nagalla)







Mamta Mohandas&nbsp;



Once known as Tollywood's glamour doll, Mamta Mohandas has a tattoo of Lord Ganesh's idol on her left shoulder, with 'Sri Om Ganesh' written below it.











Neha Sharma&nbsp;



The beautiful Neha Sharma has tattooed the word 'Excelsior' on her wrist. This term signifies something marvelous or "higher."







Sobhita Dhulipala



Sobhita Dhulipala has a heartbeat symbol tattooed on her left hand. This type of tattoo is a favorite for many.



Shirley Setia



The gorgeous Shirley Setia has double arrows tattooed on her right wrist. This tattoo symbolizes the inspiring message that you can achieve anything.







        View this post on Instagram            A post shared by Vaidehi [ I Am Hip Hop Kid ] (@vaidehi_theperformer)







Ruhani Sharma



Ruhani Sharma has a crescent moon tattooed on her left hand. Additionally, she has tiny birds tattooed on the nape of her neck.






Stunning Telugu Heroines Tattoos: A Look at the Inked Beauties of Tollywood and Beyond


Megastar Chiranjeevi has acted in nearly 50 remake films throughout his career, delivering numerous super hits and blockbusters in Telugu cinema. These remakes have been a significant factor in his rise to megastar status. Looking at the importance of remakes in his career, some were disasters, while others became industry hits.



[toc]



Bhola Shankar



This movie is a remake of the Tamil super hit film "Vedalam." It turned out to be a disaster at the box office. Bhola Shankar was directed by Meher Ramesh.







GodFather



Chiranjeevi acted in the remake of the Malayalam super hit "Lucifer." Released in 2022 during the Dasara festival under the title "GodFather," this film, directed by Prithviraj Sukumaran and starring Mohanlal in Malayalam, achieved moderate success in Telugu.







Khaidi No. 150



Chiranjeevi's comeback film "Khaidi No. 150" was a remake of the Tamil super hit "Kaththi." The movie achieved massive success at the box office.







Anji



The movie "Anji," starring Chiranjeevi, was directed by Kodi Ramakrishna. Inspired by the Hollywood film "Indiana Jones," the movie turned out to be a disaster. Despite high expectations, it didn't perform well at the box office.







Shankar Dada Zindabad



Directed by Prabhudeva, "Shankar Dada Zindabad" is a remake of the Hindi super hit "Lage Raho Munna Bhai." Unfortunately, this film turned out to be a disaster.







Shankar Dada M.B.B.S



A remake of the Hindi film "Munna Bhai M.B.B.S," "Shankar Dada M.B.B.S" was a huge success in Telugu, thanks to Chiranjeevi's performance.







Tagore



A remake of the Tamil film "Ramana," "Tagore" was a blockbuster in Chiranjeevi's career. The film was directed by V. V. Vinayak.







Mrugaraju



Inspired by the Hollywood movie "The Ghost and the Darkness," "Mrugaraju" directed by Gunasekar turned out to be a disaster at the box office.







Sneham Kosam



"Sneham Kosam," directed by K. S. Ravikumar, was a remake of the Tamil movie "Natpukkaga." It didn’t achieve much commercial success.







Hitler



A remake of the Malayalam film "Hitler" starring Mammootty, this movie was another blockbuster success for Chiranjeevi, pleasing his fans with his performance.







Mugguru Monagallu



Directed by K. Raghavendra Rao, "Mugguru Monagallu" is a remake of the Hindi film "Yaadon Ki Baaraat." Despite Chiranjeevi playing three roles, the movie was not a big commercial success.







Mechanic Alludu



Inspired by the movie "Sriranganithulu," "Mechanic Alludu" failed to make a significant impact at the box office, although Chiranjeevi's performance was praised.







Aaj Ka Goonda Raaj



"Aaj Ka Goonda Raaj" is a Hindi remake of the Telugu super hit "Gang Leader." It was a major success in Hindi.



Gharana Mogudu



A remake of the Kannada film "Anuraga Aralithu," "Gharana Mogudu" brought another blockbuster success for Chiranjeevi.







Pasivadi Pranam



Directed by A. Kodandarami Reddy, the movie "Pasivadi Pranam," starring Megastar Chiranjeevi, was a remake of the Malayalam film "Poovinu Puthiya Poonthennal," originally starring Mammootty. "Pasivadi Pranam" was an industry hit at the box office, establishing Chiranjeevi as the number one hero in Tollywood.







Chakravarthy



Directed by Raviraja Pinishetty, the movie "Chakravarthy" was a remake of the Tamil film "Gnana Oli," starring Sivaji Ganesan. Unfortunately, the film turned out to be a disaster at the box office.







Aradhana



Directed by Bharathiraja, the movie "Aradhana" was a remake of the Tamil film "Kavithai Neram," directed by Bharathiraja and starring Sathyaraj. This film was a disaster at the box office.







Donga Mogudu



Directed by A. Kodandarami Reddy, the movie "Donga Mogudu" was a remake of the Hollywood film "Trading Places." It turned out to be a blockbuster at the box office. A few years later, the same concept was reworked as "Rowdy Alludu," which was also a super hit.







Veta



Directed by A. Kodandarami Reddy, the movie "Veta" was a remake of the Hollywood super hit "The Count of Monte Cristo." The film ended up as a disaster at the box office.







Stuartpuram Police Station



Directed by Yandamoori Veerendranath, "Stuartpuram Police Station" starring Chiranjeevi was inspired by the Hindi film "Ardh Satya" starring Om Puri. The film was a disaster at the box office.







Raja Vikramarka



Directed by Raviraja Pinishetty, "Raja Vikramarka" starring Chiranjeevi was a remake of the Tamil film "My Dear Marthandan," starring Prabhu. The film turned out to be a flop at the box office.







Pratibandh



"Pratibandh," directed by Raviraja Pinishetty, was Chiranjeevi's first Bollywood film. It was a remake of the Telugu movie "Ankusham," directed by Kodi Ramakrishna and starring Rajasekhar. The film was a blockbuster success in Hindi as well.







Trinetrudu



Directed by A. Kodandarami Reddy, "Trinetrudu" was a remake of the Hindi film "Jalwa," starring Naseeruddin Shah. The film turned out to be a flop at the box office.







Khaidi No. 786



Directed by Vijaya Bapineedu, "Khaidi No. 786" starring Chiranjeevi was a remake of the Tamil film "Amman Kovil Kizhakale," starring Vijayakanth. The film was a blockbuster at the box office.







Adavi Donga



Directed by K. Raghavendra Rao, "Adavi Donga" starring Chiranjeevi was inspired by the Hollywood and Hindi film "Tarzan." The movie was a blockbuster at the box office.







Chiranjeevi



The film "Chiranjeevi," starring Megastar Chiranjeevi and titled after his screen name, was a remake of the Kannada film "Nane Raja," starring Ravichandran. The movie was a disaster at the box office.



Naagu



Directed by Tatineni Prasad, the movie "Naagu" was a remake of the Hindi film "Teesri Manzil" starring Shammi Kapoor.







Inti Guttu



The movie "Inti Guttu," starring Chiranjeevi, was a remake of the MGR starrer "Panakkara Kudumbam." The film was a hit at the box office.







Devanthakudu



"Devanthakudu" was a remake of the Kannada film "Gelupu Nannade," starring Ambarish. This film recorded good success.







Hero



Directed by Vijaya Bapineedu, "Hero" starring Chiranjeevi was inspired by the Hollywood movie "Raiders of the Lost Ark."



Khaidi



Directed by A. Kodandarami Reddy, the movie "Khaidi" starring Chiranjeevi was inspired by the Hollywood film "First Blood" starring Sylvester Stallone, with several modifications. This movie catapulted Chiranjeevi into the league of star heroes.







Abhilasha



Directed by A. Kodandarami Reddy, the movie "Abhilasha" was a remake of the Hollywood movies "The Man Who Dared" and "Beyond a Reasonable Doubt." The film was a blockbuster at the box office.







Prema Pichollu



Directed by A. Kodandarami Reddy, the movie "Prema Pichollu" was a remake of the Hindi film "Shaukeen," starring Mithun Chakraborty. The film turned out to be a flop at the box office.



Bandhalu Anubandhalu



The movie "Bandhalu Anubandhalu" was a remake of the Kannada film "Aval Hejje," starring Vishnuvardhan. It was an average performer at the box office.







Manchu Pallaki



Directed by Vamsy, the movie "Manchu Pallaki" was a remake of the Tamil film "Palaivana Solai," starring Suhasini in the lead role. The film was a super hit at the box office.







Yamudiki Mogudu



The movie "Yamudiki Mogudu" was inspired by the Hollywood films "Dirty Harry" and "Mad Max." It achieved good results at the box office.



Patnam Vachina Pativrathalu



"Patnam Vachina Pativrathalu" was a remake of the Kannada hit "Pattanakke Banda Patniyaru." The film was a success at the box office.







Chattamtho Poratam



The movie "Chattamtho Poratam,"&nbsp; starring Chiranjeevi and directed by S. A. Chandrasekhar, was a remake of the Tamil film "Sattam Oru Iruttarai," starring Vijayakanth. It was a commercial success in Telugu.







47 Rojulu



Directed by K. Balachander, the movie "47 Rojulu" was simultaneously made in Tamil as "47 Naatkal." This film marked Chiranjeevi's debut in the Tamil industry and was a commercial success.







Mogudu Kaavali



"Mogudu Kaavali," starring Chiranjeevi and directed by Katta Subbarao, was a remake of the Hindi film "Manchali," starring Sanjeev Kumar. The film performed well at the box office. The concept inspired the movie "Subramanyam for Sale" starring Sai Dharam Tej.







Mosagadu



Directed by K. Raghavendra Rao, "Mosagadu" featured Shobhan Babu, Chiranjeevi, and Sridevi in the lead roles. It was a remake of the Hindi film "Khaan Dost" starring Raj Kapoor and Shatrughan Sinha. The film was a super hit at the box office.







Prema Tarangalu



"Prema Tarangalu" was a remake of the Hindi film "Muqaddar Ka Sikandar," starring Amitabh Bachchan and Vinod Khanna. In the Telugu version, Krishnam Raju played Amitabh’s role, while Chiranjeevi played Vinod Khanna's role. The film was successful at the box office.







Punnami Naagu



"Punnami Naagu" was a remake of the Kannada hit "Hunnimeya Rathriyalli." The movie was a hit at the box office.







Idi Katha Kaadu



Directed by K. Balachander, "Idi Katha Kaadu" featured Kamal Haasan, Chiranjeevi, Sarath Babu, and Jayasudha in lead roles. It was a remake of the Tamil film "Avargal," starring Kamal Haasan, Rajinikanth, and Ravi Kumar. The film was a success at the box office, and Chiranjeevi impressed with his negative role.







Manavoori Pandavulu



Directed by Bapu, the movie "Manavoori Pandavulu," starring Krishnam Raju, Murali Mohan, and Chiranjeevi, was a remake of the Kannada film "Paduvarahalli Pandavaru." The film was a success at the box office.






Chiranjeevi's Remake Telugu movies: A Journey Through Hits and Misses in Telugu Cinema


There's just a week left until the release of Tarak's latest film 'Devara', and it’s the talk of the town. Matching the buzz, the movie team is also intensively promoting it, creating substantial hype. Reports suggest that 'Devara' has achieved record-breaking pre-release business, marking unprecedented theatrical business in NTR's career. How much is 'Devara's pre-release business? What is the break-even target? What are the top-10 Telugu films that have done the highest pre-release business so far? Let’s find out about this special feature.



[toc]



How much is Devara's pre-release business?



Directed by Koratala Siva and starring NTR, 'Devara' reportedly saw massive pre-release business. The theatrical rights alone are said to have been sold for Rs. 185 crores. In the two Telugu states, the rights went for Rs. 115 crores. It's reported that 'Devara' fetched Rs. 45 crores in the Nizam area alone. In Ceded, the business is said to be around Rs. 22 crores. Karnataka witnessed a business of Rs. 15 crores, Tamil Nadu Rs. 6 crores, and Kerala Rs. 50 lakhs. In the US, it’s Rs. 26 crores and in the Hindi belt, Rs. 15 crores, totaling Rs. 185 crores in all areas combined. To break even, 'Devara' needs to recover Rs. 200 crores.







Star Directors as Chief Guests!



Grand arrangements are being made for the pre-release event of 'Devara', scheduled for the 22nd of this month in Hyderabad. According to the latest buzz, three star directors are expected to attend the event. Directors Rajamouli, Prashanth Neel, and Trivikram are said to be participating. There’s also a chance that superstar Mahesh Babu will attend. However, clarity on this is awaited. Amidst criticisms that the team focused more on promotions in the north, inviting these star directors and Mahesh as a guest seems to be a strategy to counteract these criticisms.







Top Movies in Pre-release Business



Previously, only Bollywood and Hollywood films were thought capable of huge pre-release business, but director Rajamouli changed that perception entirely for Tollywood. Telugu films have now demonstrated their capability by conducting pre-release business north of Rs. 350 crores. Let’s look at the top-10 Telugu films with the highest pre-release business:







RRR 



Directed by SS Rajamouli and starring NTR and Ram Charan, this movie topped the charts with the highest pre-release business among Telugu films. Including digital, satellite, and theatrical rights, RRR conducted business worth approximately Rs. 480 crores, with Rs. 191 crores coming from just the two Telugu states.







Kalki 2898 AD



Directed by Nag Ashwin and featuring Prabhas, Amitabh, and Kamal Haasan, 'Kalki 2898 AD' set new records, garnering a pre-release business of Rs. 385 crores. It did business of Rs. 180 crores in the Telugu states, Rs. 70 crores overseas, and Rs. 85 crores in the Hindi market. It grossed over Rs. 1200 crores worldwide.







Baahubali 2



Another Rajamouli direction, starring Prabhas, Anushka, and Rana, this sequel to Baahubali raked in massive collections. Its pre-release business was reported at Rs. 350 crores, with over Rs. 190 crores from the Telugu states alone.







Salaar&nbsp;



Following the success of KGF, director Prashanth Neel and star Prabhas brought 'Salaar' to the screen. This film achieved global pre-release business of Rs. 345 crores, with Rs. 120 crores from the Telugu states.







Saaho&nbsp;



Post-Baahubali, Prabhas starred in 'Saaho', directed by Sujeeth, which made waves with its pre-release business of Rs. 280 crores. It notably made Rs. 120 crores in North India alone.







Adipurush&nbsp;



Directed by Om Raut and featuring Prabhas, this mythological film based on the Ramayana, with Kriti Sanon as Sita, drew significant expectations and did pre-release business over Rs. 240 crores.







Radhe Shyam



Directed by Radha Krishna Kumar and starring Prabhas and Pooja Hegde, 'Radhe Shyam' showcased Prabhas in a completely different look and managed a worldwide pre-release business of Rs. 202.80 crores, with Rs. 107 crores from the Telugu states alone.







Sye Raa Narasimha Reddy&nbsp;



Starring Chiranjeevi, this film achieved pre-release business of Rs. 187.25 crores, marking it as the highest in Chiranjeevi’s career. Notably, it broke even just in the Telugu states.







Devara



This Koratala Siva and Junior NTR collaboration did pre-release business of Rs. 185 crores, securing its place in the top-9. This is noted as the highest in NTR's solo career.







Pushpa



Directed by creative director Sukumar and starring Allu Arjun and Rashmika Mandanna, 'Pushpa: The Rise' impressed with its collection storm. It did business of Rs. 160 crores, combining theatrical rights in five languages, satellite, dubbing, and digital rights, demonstrating Allu Arjun's box office stamina.






Tollywood Top 10 Telugu Pre-release Business Movies: 'Sye Raa Narasimha Reddy' Unbeaten by 'Devara'


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)&nbsp;



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)&nbsp;



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)&nbsp;



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)&nbsp;



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)&nbsp;



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)&nbsp;



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)&nbsp;



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)&nbsp;



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)&nbsp;



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)&nbsp;



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.






How was the movie?