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

NEHA SHARMA THROWS ATTITUDE WITH THE FINESSE OF A PRO AND SHE COMES UP TRUMPS IN CHIRUTHA

It is easy to go bonkers over the hero's larger-than-life image, but you don't need to play down the heroine. Especially when she has done a marvellous job. Have you seen a heroine in recent times who has thrown attitude with the flair of a pro? Even big time heroines find it difficult to throw attitude with felicity. But not Neha Sharma. She has done it with such style and conviction that she steals the show from right under the feet of Ram Charan. And when Ram Charan's turn comes to put her in her place, he is absolutely no match for her.

All the journos have written her off as if Puri Jagannadh has committed hara-kiri by signing her for the leading lady's role. But let me tell you very frankly that if at all there's anyone who has done justice to the role in the film it is Neha. She was fantastic and, as the object of her father's affecton, and the only glamour prop in the film, she is really adorable.

So, don't believe what all the reviewers have said about her. See the film for yourself and you will understand what I am telling you. Neha is real wow, and she would definitely go places.

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.

CHECK OUT SOME AMAZING WALLPAPERS OF CHIRUTHA

HANSIKA MOTWANI DOES A BRAVE ACT, SAVES A SLUM FROM GETTING BURNT DOWN

Hansika Motwani, who wowed Telugu audiences with her debut opposite Allu Arjun in the Puri Jagannadh film, Desamuduru, has a social conscience. And she is proud of it. Recently, while she was at home saying her prayers on the terrace, she noticed flames coming from hut nearby. Immediately, the actor started screaming on the top of her voice to alert the hutdwellers. Although initially they started wondering what was wrong with the lady, they soon realised the gravity of the situation and sprung into action to put off the flames. Not content with just alerting the poor, she even took up the phone and dialled the fire brigade, who rushed to the spot and brought the situation under control.

Incidentally, Hansika made her debut in Hindi too with the Himesh Reshammiya starrer Aap Ka Surroor and even got more mileage than the sex kitten Mallika Sherawat. We hear that people are raving about her performance in the film, and the girl too is quite happy for having chosen Aap Ka surroor as her launch vehicle. Let's hope more Bollywood offers come her way.

Meanwhile, in Tollywood, she is chosen as the leading lady opposite junior NTR in a film to be produced by the Student No 1 producer Ashwini Dutt, and directed by a novice.

IS CHIRUTHA BREAKING ALL RECORDS IN THE TELUGU FILM INDUSTRY? IT'S DOING BUSINESS OF RS 30 CRORE AND ABOVE

There is no denying the fact that Ram Charan Teja's debut is the most awaited debut of the decade. For two reasons. One, it is for the first time that a son of the '80s actor, who went on to become a legend, Chiranjeevi, is becoming a hero. And two, it has the best director of the day, Puri Jagannadh, direting it. And this has naturally hpyed the craze for the film. And now, with the frenzy over Sivaji: The Boss settling down, all eyes are on this Chirutha. Everyday there are rumours floating around how the film is breaking every possible record established by the superstars in the industry. First it was the audio rights, which it was claimed went for a cool Rs 1 crore. While it was the hot topic under circulation, comes the news that the film has been doing business to the tune of Rs 30 crore and above. Wow, even Chiranjeevi's films weren't discussed so much. The last time we heard was Pawan Kalyan's startling rise to fame with Badri and the films that followed and next it was Mahesh Babu's turn to hit such a high. But this young cub, Ram Charan Teja, seems to have gone ahead and beaten them hollow in the race. Will he be able to repeat the magic on screen?

HAVE YOU WATCHED RAM CHARAN TEJA'S CHIRUTHA TRAILER? IT'S ROCKING, CHECK IT OUT

The first trailer of the much-awaited Chirutha is out. And it has none of the animation moves of the mega star's son. Only photographs of Ram Charan Teja are inserted in moving mode. As the titles roll down, we hear the African beats of the jungle and the mesmerising music with the hoos and haas and the rattling sounds of the tribals. Also, can be heard om, the shouts of children and the like. The verdict: The trailer and the sounds have got a quaint way of drawing you in.

Puri Jagannadh apologises for quip on Raghavendra Rao

All of us make mistakes. Especially when we are on an upward curve in our careers. It's not that we intend to harm anyone with our words. But, generally, we'd like to show that we too are smart. And filmmakers are no exception. During the shooting of Super in 2005, director K Raghavendra Rao dropped in on the sets to narrate the story of Sri Ramadasu to Nagarjuna. Puri Jagannadh, who was also present there, jokingly said to Raghavendra Rao, "Who will see such kind of films anymore, sir? I think you should retire now." Although the observation was made in lighthearted spirit, Raghavendra Rao just smiled and left it at that. But Puri realised the blunder he had committed sooner than latter. And had been cursing himself for having spoken like that to a director like Raghavendra Rao. Recently, during a function, where Raghavendra Rao was also present along with him, he narrated the incident and went on to say, "I realise now what a blunder I committed that day. My film Super did not fare so well, but Raghavendra Rao's Sri Ramadasu went on to become a super duper hit. Such people should keep on making films," he said. And he took the opportunity to seek forgiveness for his tasteless comments. "Sorry, sir, please forgive me," he said turning to Raghavendra Rao. Ok Jagannadh, you are forgiven. But this should serve as an eyeopener to all the guys who think they are larger than life once they have a hit under their belt.