CHIRANJEEVI'S DAUGHTER MARRIES BOYFRIEND, AND ELOPES FILMI STYLE

Telugu superstar Chiranjeevi's younger daughter on Wednesday eloped with her boyfriend after marrying him against her parents' wishes.

Srija married Sirish Bharadwaj, an engineering graduate, at the Arya Samaj ashram in New Bowenpally in Secunderabad and later the couple disappeared. A few friends of the couple attended the simple ceremony, which shocked the family of the Telugu superstar. Chiranjeevi had reportedly opposed Srija's choice prompting her to marry her love without the consent of the family.

The marriage was also telecast live by a Telugu television channel. Srija told reporters that she was in love with Bharadwaj, a resident of Hyderabad, for the last four years.

"Today morning, I escaped from home and we got married. It is a legal marriage as I am 19 and he is 22," she said.

The bride added she also loved her father and hoped he would approve the marriage. The couple said they would meet Chiranjeevi to seek his blessing but did not turn up at his residence in the upscale Jubliee Hills till Wednesday evening.

RAJNIKANTH IS MIGHTY IMPRESSED WITH RAM CHARAN: HE IS NOT A CHIRUTHA, HE IS A BIG TIGER, SAYS THE ACTOR

Getting a certificate from superstar Rajinikanth is usually considered the ultimate compliment and that's what megastar Chiranjeevi's son Ram Charan Teja has managed to do after his very first film.

After watching the special screening of Teja's debut film Chirutha in Chennai, Rajinikanth said the son has proved to be a worthy successor of his father.

"He is not a chirutha, a small tiger. He is a big tiger. After seeing his performance, it doesn't look as though it is his first film, but as if it is his 70th film," said Rajinikanth, actor.

Chirutha is a love story and Ram Charan plays a travel guide. He says he certainly hopes to become competition to dad.

"It will certainly be healthy competition," said Ram Charan Teja.

After one week in theatres, diehard fans of megastar Chiranjeevi, most loved for his dance, more than willingly concede that the junior can follow in his father's footsteps, at least on the dance floor.

NOT JUST IN ANDHRA, OUR FILM CRAZY FANS HAVE TAKEN THEIR STAR MANIA TO CHENNAI THEATRES AS WELL

Theatres in Chennai that screen Telugu films of late are marked by fanfare and huge billboards on the day of film’s release.

Fans of Telugu actors indulge in elaborate celebrations to rejoice the film’s release on the same day as in Andhra Pradesh. Staff of city theatres observed that such enthusiasm by Telugu film fans' associations emerged in the city in the last five years.

The recent festivity in the city was for the much-awaited film, Chirutha, with debutant actor Ram Charan Teja, son of matinee idol Chiranjeevi, in the lead. Several fans who thronged the theatres burst firecrackers and distributed sweets to celebrate the release.

A staff of the Casino theatre said the merriment was almost on par with the celebration for Tamil movies. Huge billboards were also put up by members of Telugu film fans association to cheer the movie. However, most of these fans associations that are formed by a group of youngsters or college students are short-lived.

Earlier, the students used their college names in the billboards. After they faced disciplinary action from their colleges, they had formed associations, he said.

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NEHA SHARMA, THE DARLING OF CHIRUTHA, HAS OODLES OF GLAMOUR AND TALENT

NAGARJUNA DANCES TO CHIRUTHA'S TUNE: A HILARIOUS REMIX

Nagarjuna may not get the right script to act with Chiranjeevi, but he doesn't need to the tunes of the megastar's son -- Ram Charan Teja. And that is precisely what he does in this video. Check it out!



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CHIRUTHA MAKES A MIGHTY ATTEMPT TO MAKE A DEAFENING ROAR, BUT IT IS LOST IN THE CALLOUS NOISES OF THE WILD

One of the biggest challenges in the Telugu film industry today is launching a star son. The money riding on the film is so phenomenal and the expectations are so high that the audience wants nothing but a perfect product. And ironically, filmmakers too give a serious thought to the audience's likes and dislikes, and start pandering to their sentiments. So, what we get in Chirutha is a mish-mash of comedy, drama, sentiment and loads of action. The latter more so since Ram Charan Teja happens to be megastar Chiranjeevi's son.

But the moot point is: How does one launch the hero? With what kind of script? How should the love story be? These were some burning problems before Puri Jagannadh and the star-father Chiranjeevi. And not wanting to beat about the bush, they opted for the straight and simple narrative. The villain (Ashish Vidyarthi) kills the hero's father (Surya), and the hero seeks revenge.

And, of course, there is another stereotype. The heroine. That is Neha, whatever. If she is rich, she has to be arrogant and throw attitude and she does it in plenty being the wealthy businessman Prakash Raj's daughter. So what is a hero for if not to remove the money-clouded dust in her eyes and make her see the world in all its glory? And our Ram Charan does the same thing too and they fall in love and all that rigmarole.

But what is so different about the film you ask. The scale of the film. The action happens not in India but in Thailand, the land of sex, sleaze and sun-kissed beaches. And we have the hero gyrating to all those massy-massy numbers with the sometimes skimpily clad heroine and having a gala time. But, time and again he keeps rememering his mission: to avenge the death of his father lest it would be difficult to drag the film to its logical conclusion.

By now, you must be asking what is new about the film? I want to ask you the same thing what is new about any film where the hero bashes up a hundred guys without as much batting an eyelid. If you had expected an unusual script, that is your problem. Chiranjeevi & Co are more interested in carrying forward the mantle in the parameters laid down centuries ago. You either like it or leave it. But they wouldn't change their way of looking at cinema.

But, some of us are clever at reading the film between the lines. And that is where the comedy scores. Ali, portrays the half-man, half-woman character to perfection. And so do the other comedians, who lift up the spirits of the otherwise run-of-the-mill film.

But, Ram Charan seems to have succeeded in making a statement of style. And in choosing a subject that has some resemblances to Kaho Na... Pyar Hai, he has decided to usurp the title of the Hrithik Roshan of Tollywood.

IT IS NOT EASY TO BE CHIRANJEEVI'S SON, AND RAM CHARAN TEJA IS FEELING JITTERY TOO OVER CHIRUTHA'S RELEASE

It is one of the biggest debuts in the Telugu film industry in recent times. When other star sons like Nagarjuna, Venkatesh, Balakrishna and even Mahesh Babu made their debut, they were greeted with a mix of objective optimism. And the fanfare was definitely muted when compared with the debut of Chiranjeevi's son Ram Charan Teja.

Ram Charan is all set to hit the screen tomorrow. And he has already become something of a legend. For the simple reason that he is the son of Chiranjeevi, the megastar who trailed a blaze for three decades. And still continues to command a huge following.

And it is not an easy task for anyone to make a debut with such huge expectations riding on him. And naturally Ram Charan Teja is feeling jittery too.

Talking to NDTV on the eve of the release of his film, Ram Charan admits he is tense about Friday when his debut film, Chirutha releases in 650 theatres worldwide.

Says the 22-year-old actor, "I would want to see how Chiranjeevi's son is performing. What does he have to give us? Is he going to reach his fans' expectations? Does he have anything in him apart from being Chiranjeevi's son?," says Ram Charan.

Charan is himself a huge fan of Chiranjeevi, the star, and he does not want his father to look for different kind of roles, just because his son is donning the greasepaint as well.

"I want to still see him in the funny massy roles, where he gets to dance with two or more beautiful heroines in one movie, and I want him to stay like that," said Ram Charan.

Chiranjeevi's family is truly the first family of Telugu cinema, as his father-in-law Allu Ramalingaiah was a veteran character actor and both brother Pawan Kalyan and nephew Allu Arjun are established actors.

But this son-rise will be the star's biggest test off-screen.

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NAGARJUNA WANTS A SUPERHERO SUBJECT AHOY!

Nagarjuna is willing to give a chance to anyone who can give him a blockbuster. But, he should be able to deliver a blockbuster. Nothing less. Of late, he has been harping on the "mass entertainment" factor too much in his interviews. "I want to do a film like Shiva, which has a wider appeal," he had gone on to say in a recent interview. And it is not easy to understand why.

The younger actors like Mahesh Babu, Junior NTR, Allu Arjun, and the likes have stolen the thunder from under the feet of the Big Four -- Chiranjeevi, Venkatesh, Balakrishna and Nagarjuna -- leaving them tottering on the brink of extinction. And what they need is a massive hit to stabilise their position. While Balakrishna and Venkatesh are managing to hang on there with their cleverly crafted subjects, Chiranjeevi and Nagarjuna have been struggling to maintain their image.

Especially for Nagarjuna, who is unable to bracket himself in any category unlike the other Three, it has been a Herculean task to withstand the competition. Which is why he is singing the "mass entertainment" mantra. Don't think he has any love lost for you, on the contrary, he wants to count his money. And the bigger the packet, the grander their words. So, don't be surprised if you see Nagarjuna twisting and tearaing the hands and limbs of villians in his next film a la a super hero. Remember, he is only trying to be in the reckoning.

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WHERE IS THE SUPERHEROINE IN TELUGU CINEMA GONE?

What has happened to the superheroine in Telugu cinema? There was a time when the likes of Sri Devi and Vijayashanti strode the silver screen with the dare devilry of any hero. And even actors like Jagapati Babu played second fiddle to them.

They were followed by Soundarya, who excelled in the role of a superheroine in her own way in family subjects. Remember how she stole the limelight even from actors like Venkatesh and Nagarjuna in some of the films like Pavitrabandham and Nuvvostavani?

To some extent, Simran too did shine bright with some good roles on par with the heroes of her time.

But today, it is a different ball game altogether, what with every actor worth his name -- from Gopichand to Chiranjeevi -- has assumed the superhero avatar, reducing the heroine to a prop. We have woman-oriented films like Missamma, but Bhumika is no superheroine in the film, though she gets to essay a wonderful role to perfection.

Is it because the subjects which revolve round real estate wars and faction politics don't have a place for superheroines? It is time to ponder over the death of the superheroine.

ME REFUSING TO DO A FILM WITH CHIRANJEEVI? I SHOULD BE MAD: NAYANATARA SETS THE RECORD STRAIGHT

Nayanatara is one of the prettiest actresses in the South. And she has done some really wow roles both in Tamil and Telugu. The young would die for a body like hers. And anyone who is popular is inevitably dragged into controversies. But, fortunately, her affair with Simbu has faded away from the public memory, though traces of it are still visible in the Tamil gossip magazines.

But one controversy that she has been silent about for some time now is her reported refusal to do a film with Chiranjeevi, which is currently underway. But now, the actress speaks up and explains it was a figment of gossipmongers' fertile imagination. Says she, "My career in Telugu cinema is still in its formative years. I'm aware of my position in the industry and Chiranjeevi's larger-than-life status. How can I refuse an offer to act with him? The fact is that nobody has still approached me with such an offer! If indeed an opportunity comes my way in the future, I will be the happiest girl to act against the megastar."

So, that puts to rest all the nagging voices, I suppose.

IS THERE A DELIBERATE ATTEMPT TO BADMOUTH YAMADONGA?

Yamadonga couldn't have come at a more opportune moment for Junior NTR. And the actor who hasn't given a creditable hit in recent years is basking in the unusual success of Yamadonga. And he deserves every bit of the masses' adoration. For, he has taken his life seriously, meticulously planned his career, shunted out the woman, Sameera Reddy, who has managed to rub her jinx on him for a while, and most importantly, shed those extra kilos to look young and trim. Of course, he has to thank Chiranjeevi for having made a lousy remake of Lage Raho Munnabhai, for his film's resounding success.

As Shankardada Zindabad bites the dust, and Ram Charan Teja's Chirutha gets ready for release, the success of Yamadonga seems to be sending the shivers down the collective spines of the Chiranjeevi camp followers. And, we hear, that some people are already spreading malicious rumours that Yamadonga is an average grosser, and that it wouldn't last for long in the theatres. But the collections have an entirely different story to narrate.

All this badmouthing is done with a purpose: if Yamadonga goes on to become a rip-roaring hit, as it is already showing signs of moving in that direction, there wouldn't be any theatres left for the release of Chirutha. Poor Chiranjeevi though that his Shankardada Zindabad would go on to become another Lage Raho Munnabhai cutting an emotional chord with the masses. And that his son, Ram Charan Teja, could ride on the crest of its success, with the release of his film Chirutha, following soon after.

But Chiranjeevi's calculations have not only gone woefully awry, but now, NTR has become a new thorn in his side, or rather on his son's side. And so begins the exercise to downgrade the film. This is not only meant to scare the distributors but also create a space for his son who, despite all the pomp and show, surrounding the film is spending sleepless nights.

Well, Ram Charan, don't get restless over your lack of sleep, you would have to spend many more sleepless nights in the days to come.

YAMADONGA IS A GOOD ENTERTAINER FOR THE FRONT-BENCHERS, BUT WHAT IS SO NEW ABOUT IT?

It takes guts to make a movie based on Yamalokam, especially when everyone of us is familiar with such themes. First it was the Senior NTR, who essayed a phenomenal performance as the odd man out in Yamalokam, in Yamagola, so much so, that it has gone on to become a milestone in Telugu cinema. Later S V KRishna Reddy managed to recreate the magic with Ali in Yamaleela. Of course, it turned out to be a xeroxed version of the original with the mother sentiment thrown in. In between, Chiranjeevi too did his own version of the theme which became a runaway success. And now director S S Rajamouli treads the beaten track with Junior NTR as the man who has Yama Dharmaraju in a fix. And, we must say, it was a good effort on the part of Rajamouli to dish out an out-and-out entertainer.

Like all themes go, there is not much to talk about the theme. Death plays the villain in the life of Raja, who is unable to cash in on his big theft, as the guy who gets the job done is dead before he can pay NTR his reward. So, he starts cursing Yama Dharmaraja, who decides to right the wrongs.

And so goes the movie. An entertainer, it has some phenomenal dialogues between Mohan Babu and Junior NTR. The film has some wonderful graphic wonders which bring about the two NTRs -- the junior and senior -- in one sequence. It is an amazing effort, and the film will be talked about more for this than for anything else.

Then there are the ladies -- the more the merrier seems to be Rajamouli's policy -- to add that glam quotient to the film.

But we must say that it is a pure entertainer, and Rajamouli doesn't seem to have enough time to devote to the story and the screenplay. He only seems to concentrate on the Yamalokam scenes to the neglect of the theme. Anyway, if you can leave your mind back at home, which you should always do when you go to watch a Telugu film, it will entertain. If not, perish the thought of watching the film.

SHANKARDADA ZINDABAD IS LAGE RAHO MUNNABHAI MINUS THE SOUL: GOOD BUT NOT GREAT ENOUGH

First things first. Shankardada Zindabad was a remake of Lage Raho Munnabhai. And it was just that. A copycat version. No planning seems to have gone into the making of the film, and Prabhu Deva's nervousness of directing a big hero like Chiranjeevi is visible all through the film. The result: the film has everything to go for it, but it lacks the soul. And a movie without a soul is like eating biryani without the masala. It may be nourishing to the body, but not spicy enough to give you the feeling that you have had your fill.

There are three things that have worked for Lage Raho Munnabhai: its novelty, its impeccable screenplay and the heroine. Apart from this, the great bonding between Munnabhai and Circuit was exceptionally portrayed. Of course, there was Dilip Prabhavalkar, who wowed the audiences with his role of Gandhi. But, unfortunately, in Shankardada Zindabad neither of them have spelt any magic.

And it is not without reason. The first mistake the filmmakers made was wanting to make a foolproof film -- without any errors in terms of production or the pace of the film. And towards that end they've recreated the Lage Raho... sequences frame by frame.

Sadly, Prabhu Deva didn't know what to do with Ravi Teja, Allu Arjun and Pawan Kalyan in the film which had no place for them. So, he did the best thing that any filmmaker would do: junk them. What a callous waste of talent!

Come to think of it, the fault doesn't lie with Prabhu Deva. And only Chiranjeevi would have to be blamed for the insipid film. For, he wanted to have his say in the film, as he had great hopes of entrenching his position as the mega star of the industry. And ended up having his finger in every pie of the production. Like it or not, he wanted Shankardada Zindabad to do for him, what Sivaji: the Boss did for Rajnikanth. Let us not forget that Chiranjeevi is no Rajnikanth, and neither is Prabhu Deva a Shankar.

This is not to say the film is an absolute piece of trash. No, not at all. It is done well by any stretch of imagination. But, as we have said, it lacked the soul. It is like a photocopy of Lage Raho Munnabhai and an immature one at that. Everyone contributed their mite to enhance the image of the film, but when there is no soul in the film, their performances end up as mere appendages.

The biggest blunder however, is the casting of Karishma Kotak as the heroine. While Vidya Balan had an amazing grace, Ms Kotak had nothing going for her. Not even looks. She looks plump, and maybe was taken to offset the body weight of Chiranjeevi. But, sadly, it didn't work. In comparison, Sonali Bendre oozed an unmatchable presence in Shankardada MBBS. The only thing that was missing in Shankardada MBBS was the pace. But in the sequel, both the grace and the pace were missing.

Chiranjeevi's fans expected some good choreography to offset the emotional scenes in the film. But they were disappointed with the mediocre dance sequences. And this leaves us with a good film to watch out for but a mediocre execution of the project. Will Tollywood ever realise that it would have to pull up its socks?

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NICOLE RICHIE TO APPEAR IN COURT FOR D.U.I CHARGE

DEVI SRI PRASAD FEELS PROUD TO BE THE MUSIC DIRECTOR OF SHANKARDADA ZINDABAD

I am very proud to be the music director of the sequel (Shankardada Zindabad). It was a challenge doing Shankardada MBBS because the pressure and expectations were very high. People kept asking how I was planning the songs and this only increased the responsibility on me. It is certainly an honour. All the other technicians have changed in the sequel except the music director. I feel proud of it.

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PAWAN KALYAN SEEKS DIVORCE FROM FIRST WIFE NANDINI, FILES PETITION IN FAMILY COURT

PAWAN KALYAN

PAWAN KALYAN, RENU DESAI AND THEIR SON

After lying low for over a month, actor Pawan Kalyan filed for divorce from his first wife Konidala Nandini on the grounds of cruelty and desertion. The divorce petition was filed by him in the family court in Visakhapatnam on Wednesday.

Advocate K Kusumasri, who filed the petition on behalf of the actor, said that her client is seeking divorce under section 13(1)(A)(B) of the Hindu Marriage Act of 1955, citing irreconcilable differences.

The petition registered in the court as OP 590/2007, has been posted for hearing on September 5 when the actor has to present himself before the court.

Pawan, in his petition, also cited Nandini's frequent threats that he should quit the film world for her sake and her 'disrespect' towards members of his 'mega' family.

The actor, in his petition, claimed that Nandini left him in October 1997 and refused to come back. And that he has been living apart from her since then. Pawan and Nandini got married on May 17, 1997, in Shirdi.

Meanwhile, Nandini's family is yet to come to grips with Pawan's 'wild allegations,' as revealed by Nandini's lawyer Devara Satyanarayana. He said that initially, Nandini's stand was to go for rapprochement. But, if there is no course for reunion, the family would fight the case on an equal footing, he said.

It was Nandini who started it all, by filing a bigamy case in the first additional metropolitan magistrate court against Pawan and his family on June 22. Later, she moved the family court, seeking alimony. The family court had asked the actor to depose before it on July 31.

The three town police, who took Nandini's statements and went into the whole gamut of the case, said they will submit a report to the court on Thursday.

Earlier, the metropolitan magistrate court had ordered the police to submit a detailed report on the case by July 26.

(Courtesy: The Times of India)

CHECK OUT THESE VIDEOS AND YOU'LL KNOW WHY YOU SHOULD WATCH SHANKARDADA ZINDABAD

WHO IS THIS SHANKARDADA? CAN YOU TELL ME A LITTLE BIT ABOUT HIM?

Who is this Shankardada?
Shankardada is a small-time goon and gangster who settles property disputes, gets people vacated from their premises using violence, and does everything that involves violence.

Whay are people zindabad-ing him?
That is a long story. To cut it short, he falls in love with a radio jockey and waits for an opportunity to meet her. And it comes in the form of a quiz on Gandhi. Whoever gets all the questions right will get to be interviewed by her on her radio programme. So, our hero kidnaps the professors and gets the all the answers right and predictably, gets a chance to meet the heroine.

What happens after that?
Our hero somehow manages to con his way through in the radio interview, and, of course, impresses his girl. But the problem comes later when she asks him to deliver a lecture on Gandhianism to her gang of 60-year-old friends.

So, how does he overcome the crisis?
He goes to the library and reads as much as possible on Gandhi, everything he can lay his hands on. And on the third day, Gandhi miraculously appears before him and tells Shankardada that he would help him on one condition.

What is that condition?
That Shankardada should give up his violent ways and put to practice Gandhian principles in everything he does.

But that is really tough for a goon. Isn't it?
True. But he finds it easier to make a difference in the lives of many people through Gandhianism than through violence.

And how does that happen?
It is an amazing story. And it is wonderfully told with a gripping narrative interspersed with the comic elements.

One last question: what role does ATM play?
ATM is usual self in Shankardada Zindabad too and is the right hand man of Shankardada. Like what is Lord Lakshman to Lord Rama, ATM is to Shankardada. There are some great comic elements in the movie and the emotions will open your eyes and probably make you cry.

SHANKARDADA GETS READY TO HIT THE SCREENS ON JULY 25: ARE YOU READY FOR HIS GANDHIGIRI?

Shankardada Zindabad is finally ready to hit the screens. And the auspicious date is July 25. Even as Chiranjeevi's fans are eagerly awaiting the release of the film, it would be an acid test for both Chiranjeevi and Prabhudeva. The latter has already proved his mettle with his stupendous successes in Nuvvostanante Nenoddantanu in Telugu and the remake of Pokiri in Tamil. And seeing the spark and the deftness in his direction, he has been personally selected by Chiranjeevi to direct the sequel of Shankardada MBBS. And those who have seen the rushes say that Prabhudeva has indeed done a marvellous job. Predictably, Prabhudeva is jittery as he is directing a megastar in the south for the first time and his future fortunes hinge on the success of this film. If it becomes a hit, which it is likely to become, he will strike gold in Tollywood. But, if it turns out to be otherwise, he will have to pack his bags and head for the Tamil film industry.

As for Chiranjeevi, who is especially at the crossroads of his career, with his son too making a foray into films, he badly needs a superhit in Shankardada Zindabad. And, we hear, that he has taken all efforts to ensure that all the loose ends in the script are tightened and a perfect blow-by-blow account with all the emotions that touched the hearts of the audiences in Lage Raho Munnabhai are felt by the Telugu audiences as well.

Though Karishma Kotak looks like a pale imitation of Vidya Balan, we have to wait and see how this damsel has donned the role of a radio jockey. With hardly more than a week for the release, let's hope that Chiranjeevi will live for long in the hearts of the Telugu audiences.

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WRINKLE, WRINKLE SUPERSTARS: A SPOOF ON THE BIG FOUR OF TOLLYWOOD

Mahesh Babu has been breaking one box-office reord after the other, Junior NTR has been riding the crest of a superstar wave, and even Prabhas and Gopichand are making heads turn with their 'hit'man profile. What are the reigning superstars doing to keep themselves in the race? We take a hilarious ride on what could be on the minds of the superstars. It has been done in jest, so take it in the right spirit and have a rollicking Sunday!!

Chiranjeevi, Balakrishna, Venkatesh and Nagarjuna are sitting together with their backs to each other. There is pindrop silence in the room. The emergency meeting has been called by Balakrishna for reasons better known to him. And him alone. The Big 3 -- Chiranjeevi, Venkatesh and Nagarjuna -- have arrived half-an-hour back, but Balakrishna hasn't opened his mouth yet, and naturally they are restless and waiting for him to speak up. And after an hour, Balakrishna finally speaks up.

BALAKRISHNA: (In a pensive mood, slowly raises his head and gets up to address the others) All of you must be wondering why I've called for the meeting. It is a grave issue that needs to be addressed immediately. If we don't address it now, it is going to take a toll on our careers....

(The moment he says careers, all of three sit straight in attention with apprehension writ large on their faces)

You know that a number of young heroes have burst on the horizon...

(Chiranjeevi is unable to take the the suspense anymore)

CHIRANJEEVI: Balakrishna, cut the crap and come to the point.

BALAKRISHNA (irritated): Coming to the point, a number of young heroes have burst on the horizon...

CHIRANJEEVI: (cuts in again): I told you to cut the crap...

BALAKRISHNA: (trying to calm himself): Don't get angry Chiranjeevi, I'm coming to the point. The point is....the point is... what was I talking about?

(Now Venkatesh and Nagarjuna too are pretty pissed off with Balakrishna's inability to speak out his mind. And they start squirming in their seats. Chiranjeevi gives Balakrishna a glare.)

BALAKRISHNA: (continues) I hate it when someone pops a question in the middle. See, you've cut my train of thought... Okay, okay, now I remember, the point is: the younger heroes are going beyond their brief and straying wildly into our territory. If we don't do something about it, we are going to face serious consequences.

(Venkatesh gets up and tries to say something, but Balakrishna waves his hand asking him to sit down)

BALAKRISHNA: Learn to wait Venkatesh, why are you in a hurry to speak up? Let me complete.

(Venkatesh is miffed at Balakrishna's snub)

BALAKRISHNA: What was I saying? Yeah, the point is: They are imitating our roles, bashing up the same villians we've been grounding to pulp, and they are even flirting with the same heroines?

NAGARJUNA: Yeah, I've tried my best to get a heroine and they say they are busy with this film and that film, and so I had to settle with Anushka for Don.

CHIRANJEEVI: Yeah, they don't even have respect for a megastar like me, who has won a Padma Vibhushan, and spent lakhs of rupees to tom-tom it to the world. Look at Mahesh Babu? He has robbed the only ad I have on television -- the Thumps Up ad. And I had to settle for that greasy Navratan oil ad. (Sighs) And this should happen at a time when I am launching my son.

BALAKRISHNA: That junior NTR, he tags my father's name, he robs my image and now he is trying to usurp my identity as well by making films based on Rayalaseema themes -- my bread and butter.

NAGARJUNA: What is worse Chiranjeevi, they are looking down at me as if I am a old hag. Do I look that old, Chiranjeevi?

CHIRANJEEVI: How can you be old Nagarjuna? I'm told by my chamchas that even now you are fooling around with the young young juicy juicy fruitty tutti heroines. What luck brother, you speak good English and give good good parties and get to flirt with heroines naa? Otherwise why all heroines call you Nag, and come to your house even though you don't have a proper hit like me in the last couple of years?

(At this, Nagarjuna gets put off and looks to Balakrishna for help. But there is a glee in Venkatesh's face that Nag has been snubbed by Chiranjeevi.)

NAGARJUNA: (mustering courage) So what if I don't have hits? I am not becoming old like you know. See the wrinkles on your face?

(At this, an enraged Chiranjeevi picks up his mobile and rings up his All-India Chiranjeevi Fans' Association president and tells him to pull down all Nag's hoardings across the State for having insulted a megastar like him.)

(Nag gets agitated and even fears for his life. He slips out of the room and uses his wife's clout in the English press to plant a story of how Chiranjeevi fans are rowdy elements and how he tried to settle an issue between Balakrishna and Chiranjeevi, despite Venkatesh backing Balakrishna and how the whole thing blew out of proportion culminating in Chiranjeevi ordering his fans to pull his cutouts down.)

PRESS REPORTERS: (on the other side of the phone) When did you have cutouts Nagarjuna? All your films have been either flops or average grossers and you have been keeping up this myth that you are still a loverboy.

NAGARJUNA: Did you forget the party my brother-in-law gave you last week? He will give you an even bigger one at Hotel Taj Krishna next week, where you can have a comfortable stay with your friends and family.
(All of them are happy and think of how to write a mindblowing copy with a mindblowing headline.)

Meanwhile, Venkatesh is fumbling for words and he is talking with all the parts of his body except his mouth. His throat is parched, and he is making wild gestures trying to put across his point. He must have removed and put on his cap some 50 times and scratched it evey time.

BALAKRISHNA: (who has been watching Venkatesh's funny antics) Stop doing that Venkatesh, you are pulling the little hair you have on your head.

(And Balakrishna can't contain his disgust at the pettifoggying between the stars)

What the fuck is this. We are supposed to be fucking superstars and we can't even fucking discuss this, leave alone reach a fucking conclusion.

(When he use foul language, he is very audible. While Chiranjeevi and Nagarjuna are aghast, Venkatesh is virutally shaken. With Balakrishna's shooting episode still fresh in memory, Venkatesh immediately rings up his brother, Suresh, for an idea, lest Balakrishna takes off the heat on him. But Ramanaidu comes on the line and a nervous Venkatesh mumbles on the phone.)

RAMANAIDU: (on the other side of the phone) Stop stammering and tell me what it is.

VENKATESH: N..n..n...n..nothing papa, I...I...I j...j...j....j..ust wanted to know if you had your dinner (and cuts the call)

(Later he realises that in his frenzy, he had rang up Ramanaidu and not Suresh. So he tries for Suresh's number. Now it is the turn of Chiranjeevi to get angry at Venkatesh.)

CHIRANJEEVI: Acting in women's films and degrading the image of superstars like us, you've become like a woman Venkatesh. For every bloody thing, you ring up your father or brother to take permission. Is this the same with your wife, too?

(He comes closer to Venkatesh and puts his hands on his shoulders and shakes him up)

Be a man, Venkatesh

(Now it is the turn of Nagarjuna to giggle).

BALAKRISHNA: Enough of that giggling Nag, you are no different from him. He is doing it in films and you are doing it outside. Both are one and the same, birds of the same feather.

CHIRANJEEVI: What can you expect from them, Balakrishna? You know pretty well that they studied together in the US, and were even roommates there till they became rivals in the industry and fell out.

(Saying this, Chiranjeevi bursts out into howls of laughter. Balakrishna too joins the fun)

BALAKRISHNA: Chiranjeevi, these two guys can't do anything now. Since it affects the two of us more than them, only we should come up with a solution.

(Chiranjeevi clasps his chin in his hands and starts thinking very hard for an idea. Likewise Balakrishna. While both of them are engrossed in their quest for an answer, Venkatesh and Nagarjuna are playing with their mobiles)

CHIRANJEEVI: (after half an hour) I've got it Balakrishna, I've got it. Why not copyright the Rayalaseema narratives and the choreographed fight sequences that have a row of Sumos, Qualis, Scorpios, etc kicking up dust. The brand name of the vehicles is also important.

(Balakrishna nods his head in gleeful agreement.)

BALAKRISHNA: (Visibly happy) How did you get this brilliant idea, Chirnajeevi?

CHIRANJEEVI: (Mighty impressed with himself) What do you think I am? I'm a Gandhian now. No, a street smart Gandhian. I'm no more an ordinary superstar. A Gandhian superstar. Haven't you heard about my new film Shankardada Zindabad?

(But Balakrishna is nor more interested in Chiranjeevi's Gandhian lecture and takes a dig at Chiranjeevi.)

BALAKRISHNA: I should have done this -- opted for the copyright -- after I've made Narasimha Naidu, Chiranjeevi, so that you wouldn't have poached on my theme and made Indra, and stolen some of the thunder from under my feet. What a shame Chiranjeevi that you should stoop so low to copy my themes!

(Chiranjeevi gets mad at Balakrishna, pulls out his mobile and rings up his fans to stop pulling Nagarjuna's banners and posters and instead burn up Balakrishna's cutouts and banners.)

(A fuming Balakrishna too gives the same instructions to his fans. And in an even louder tone. That done, they exchange a war of words.)

CHIRANJEEVI: (gulps down a quick drink he is carrying in his pocket and launches a tirade) You are too caught in your image, Balakrishna. That's why you are scared about the kids and have called for this meeting.

BALAKRISHNA (burning with rage): I walk 5 km around Brahmananda Reddy Park everyday and exercise regularly. Can you beat me in looks or physique? Never. And right from the beginning, I was clear about my image. Not like a you -- doing this theme once and that theme another time.

CHIRANJEEVI: That's because you have no choice, Balaiah. (Chiranjeevi's drink starts acting on him) You are stuck in your image. But I, I'm a universal actor. I even acted in a couple of Hindi films.

BALAKRISHNA: That's because you were unsure about your self and looking for avenues in various places. But what happened? The two or three films you've done were flops. I'm not like you. I'm too sure about my image and don't and won't waver under any circumstances. Narasimha Naidu, he says (slapping his thighs) and lets out a roar.

(Venkatesh and Nagarjuna stop fiddling with their mobiles and try to flee from the place before the two guys get into fisticuffs.)

(Venkatesh gets into the gestures drama and tries to tell them not to get worked up over the issue. But, as usual, he cannot do it..so Nagarjuna takes over)

NAGARJUNA: (in his drunken sounding voice) Look, I'm not into all this on-the-sly stuff, and I'm very jumpy just now. I've to go look for a heroine. (He excuses himself and walks away)

VENKATESH: (Searches for an excuse but can't find one) I too have lots of work in the studio. My brother told me to tally the accounts in the morning, but since we had the meeting, I couldn't do that.

(Saying that he runs from the place without waiting for a reply)

Now only Balakrishna and Chiranjeevi are left and both of them are glaring at each other, waiting for the other to strike first. There is an uneasy calm in the hall for 15 minutes. And both of them speak up at the same time...

BALAKRISHNA: Sorry, Chiranjeevi, I shouldn't have poked fun at you.

CHIRANJEEVI: It was my fault, brother, I should have been a little serious, as you have called for this meet in right earnest.

BALAKRISHNA: The point is not that brother. We have been in the industry for around 25 years, and today these bachcha actors have become thorns in our side. How do we regain our old popularity?

CHIRANJEEVI: I know Balakrishna, I can understand your feelings. That is why I am launching my son to fight the battle on two fronts. While he will cash in on the youth's craze, I will be able to cash in on his popularity by piggybacking on his success. That is called killing two birds with one stone. How does my idea sound?

BALAKRISHNA: But what about me? I don't have a son whom I can launch into films right now. What do I do?

CHIRANJEEVI: Jump into politics, brother. Anyway, there is a huge craze for your father, and people too are expecting someone from the NTR family to take up the reins. And if you are successful, I too will take the plunge.

BALAKRISHNA: That sounds like a good idea, Chiranjeevi. It will reinforce my acting career, and my acting career will reinforce my political career. Both can feed on each other. And I can be a powerful factor in both the fields.

CHIRANJEEVI: But, how will you take the plunge?

BALAKRISHNA: I already have the line ready brother -- "If people want me to enter politics, I will....one day". So, my brother-in-law Chandrababu Naidu has already opened his channels of communication and paving the way to induct me into the Telugu Desam Party.

CHIRANJEEVI: Wish I too had a lineage like you Balakrishna, so that I could take the plunge into politics immediately. Although I've been putting up this front that I am not interested in politics, I can never be sure whether I would be successful in politics or not, especially after Imran Khan and the late Shivaji Ganeshan, who have been demigods in their own right, have been sent packing by the voters... And going by the way they've rejected Chandrababu Naidu in the last election, my fears have only worsened. What do I do Balakrishna? How do I do it?

BALAKRISHNA: You don't need to worry Chiranjeevi, your popularity surpasses theirs by a mile. Where are they, and where are you. But, the point is, after all this, do we need to take the plunge into politics after all the attention we have -- I for my birthday and you for your welfare activities? We are just worrying about something which is not there, brother. It is just a figment of our fearful imagination. What do you say?

CHIRANJEEVI: That gives me the courage, Balakrishna. Look at Rajnikanth, how he has shaped his career? We only need to do a bit of planning and we would be where we are for ages to come -- right on top.

BALAKRISHNA: Yes, Chiranjeevi, kids come and go, but we will rule Tollywood forever.

CHIRANJEEVI: Let us say it together once again, brother, in a sing-song fashion.

(And both of them start singing)

We will, we will rock Tollywood!!
We will, we will rock Tollywood!!
We will, we will rock Tollywood!!
For ages to come!!

(And the last we heard they haven't stopped singing)

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