IS TULASI SLATED FOR DISASTER AT THE BOX OFFICE?

Daggubati Suresh Babu, who is presently busy with the film Tulasi, starring his brother Venkatesh, is not a happy man these days. Not for any reason. He feels that Tulasi is not shaping the way he wanted it to be. And, therefore, he's pretty upset about its future. And, unlike many producers, Ramanaidu and his son, release their own films and therefore, if the film turns turtle at the box-office, it leaves a big hole in their pocket.

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.

SHRIYA IS ON A ROLL AGAIN, IN AN ITEM NUMBER FOR TULASI

Sivaji: the boss may have been a smash hit across the country, but it did little to revive the fortunes of Shriya in Tollywood. Though she managed to bag a couple of roles in Tamil, she couldn't manage even one creditable assignment in the Telugu film industry. And so she is forced to settle down for item numbers hoping that someone would notice her and give her back her due again. So, after swinging with Prabhas in Munna, she is getting ready to do a sizzling number with Venkatesh in Tulasi.

Hope she gets to get a larger-than-expected recognition in the film.

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.

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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THE NEW MEN IN BLACK: IS TOLLYWOOD TAKING A LEAF OUT OF SANJAY LEELA BHANSALI'S FILM?

The audio release function of Shankardada Zindabad which was held recently saw all the big guys of Tollywood -- chief guests Venkatesh and Pawan Kalyan and Chiranjeevi himeself dressed in black. Was it a conscious decision? Or is it just a coincidence?

EVERYTHING YOU WANTED TO KNOW ABOUT SHANKARDADA ZINDABAD: HAVE A BLAST

SHANKARDADA ZINDABAD SONG: GOOD MORNING



ANOTHER SONG: O BAPU NUVVE RAVALI



ON THE SETS



TRAILER



AUDIO RELEASE FUNCTION



ON THE SETS



SHANKARDADA ZINDABAD TRAILER



AUDIO RELEASE OF SHANKARDADA ZINDABAD



AUDIO RELEASE OF SHANKARDADA ZINDABAD



THE GRAND FINALE

THE AUDIO IS OUT AND IS REPORTEDLY QUITE A RAGE WITH THE FANS, WILL THE FILM BE THE SAME TOO?

The audio of Shankardada Zindabad, the sequel to Shankardada MBBS, was launched with great fanfare at a function held at Shilpa Kala Vedika on Wednesday. Fanfare, because some of the prominent actors and directors of the Telugu film industry graced the occasion. They include actors not just from the Chiranjeevi clan like Pawan Kalyan and Allu Arjun, but Venkatesh too made his presence felt.

Of course, the entire cast of the film -- Srikanth, who plays the role of ATM, Karishma Kotak, the heroine, Mamata Mohandas, Devi Sri Prasad, who complosed the music for the film, Prabhu Deva, the director.

Also present were the Tollywood filmmakers K Raghavendra Rao, Trivikram Srinivas, S J Surya, V N Aditya, M L Kumar Chowdary, Aswini Dutt, M S Raju, Paruchuri Venkateswara Rao, Dil Raju, Gemini Kiran, Ravi Shankara Prasad, Manohar Prasad, T Trivikrama Rao, Addala Chanti.

The whole auditorium reverberated with the cries of Shankardada Zindabad when the audio was released.

WHO SAID WHAT:

The most precious thing for me in the world is the affection and enthusiasm showered by my fans. Devi Sri Prasad, who scored amazing music for Shankardada MBBS. did even better for Shankardada Zindabad. All songs in this film are superb. Sometimes, I feel jealous of the manifold talents of Devi Sri Prasad.

-- Chiranjeevi

I always wanted to do at least a small role in Chiranjeevi’s film. I am acting like a representative of all the fans. My dialogue in the film represents the heartbeat of all the fans. It took me 18 years to fulfill my dream of becoming hero.

-- Pawan Kalyan

Shankardada MBBS was a big hit. I hope that Shankardada Zindabad will become a bigger hit.

-- Venkatesh












THERE IS NEVER A DULL MOMENT AT OUR HOME, STEP IN

ASIN TALKS BIG, AND CAN'T STOP TALKING: WILL SOMEONE TELL HER TO SHUT UP AND PUT UP?

Asin, who has wowed the South Indian audiences with her mesmerising beauty and her acting talent, has been consistent in one thing: teaming up with all the top actors. She has acted with almost all of them in Telugu -- Balakrishna, Venkatesh, Nagarjuna, Pawan Kalyan, Ravi Teja -- you name the star and she has done films with them. Without exception. Maybe Mahesh Babu looks a little too young besides her, which is why he hadn't opted her in his films, and it will take some time for Chiranjeevi to realise her potential.

Not just Tollywood, she is even a name to reckon with in Kollywood -- the Tamily film industry. And now she is pairing opposite Aamir Khan and she is on cloud 9. And she can't help boasting. "Everyone has been saying that after Hema Malini and Sri Devi, I will be as popular in the country." It's a little too much Asin, without even finishing your first film in Bollywood. We know you have the talent and the looks, but they make a good combination when it is tempered with modesty.

Why only Bollywood, she throws around names like Hollywood too. "Wherever I go, whether it is Bollywood or Hollywood, I will still remain Asin," says she. But who wanted you change, Asin?

She also claims that she is not apprehensive about anyone stealing her position in the Telugu film industry. What position does she enjoy in the Telugu film industry today? None. Because the likes of Ileana have pushed her out of the scene long time back. And, as far as we know, no Tollywood filmmaker is planning to cast her against the top heroes her.

It is not difficult to fathom her big airs. Right now, she is doing Dasavataram with Kamal Hassan, apart from Aamir Khan, which explains her haughty talk.

THE STARS SHINE DOWN FOR LOKESH-BRAHMANI ENGAGEMENT

WHAT ARE THE TOLLYWOOD STARS DOING TO EMULATE RAJNIKANTH AS THE IRREPLACEABLE ICON?

Rajnikanth has been making waves the world over with his latest film Sivaji: The Boss. What are the Tollywood stars -- Chiranjeevi, Balakrishna, Venkatesh, Nagarjuna, Pavan Kalyan, Prabhas, Allu Arjun, Siddharth, Sivaji, et al -- doing to become icons in the mould of Rajnikanth?

Scroll down to know what they are busy with















TRYING TO WAKE UP TO COMPETITION

DON'T BE FOOLED BY YOUR SUPERSTAR'S HOLIER-THAN-THOU ATTITUDE: IT IS JUST AN OUTWARD APPEARANCE

A Tollywood superstar, testifying in a minor breach of contract case, was asked to identify himself.
"I am the world's greatest actor," he told the court with a simple dignity.
One of his friends chided him the next day. "Don't you think that boost you gave yourself was a little too thick?"
"Usually I avoid any kind of self praise," said the film idol, "but remember, this time they had me under oath."

Sounds like a rib-tickling scene from a latest Telugu film. For, you would ask, which of the present day actors behave that way in real life. The point is: Who doesn't behave that way today? Every hero worth his name, from Chiranjeevi down to Sivaji, have their bloated egos plastered all over their body. It is only when they are in the company of crowds that they appear to be simple and sombre. But, in reality, they are a species the defies definition: they are crass, crude and clumsy to the point of hatred. You just need to spend a couple of days with a hero to know the kind of insecurity he suffers from. To get rid of which, he projects a larger-than-life to his fans, friends and the flunkeys who surround him. And the moral of the story is: like him, love his acting, but don't get fooled by his holier-than-thou attitude. Because he has none.

HEADLINES OF THE DAY

* Here's good news for Chiranjeevi's fans. The megastar's most-awaited film, Shankardada Zindabad, is releasing on June 28

* Similarly, Venkatesh's Tulsi has been scheduled for September release

* Everyone is eagerly awaiting the release of Rajnikant's Sivaji. While movie goers have to wait for another two weeks to see Rajnikant in action, Kalaidar TV has bought the exclusive telecast rights of Sivaji

* The title of D Rama Naidu's film has been announced -- it is called Bhale Jodi

Nagma & Rambha are making waves in the north!!

They made waves when they were acting in Tollywood. And they had a host of films in their kitty with the top heroes of the Telugu film industry -- Nagarjuna, Venkatesh, Balakrishna, Chiranjeevi and even Junior NTR. We are talking about the buxom Nagma and the bubbly Rambha. They faded into oblivion once they played their part. Or, rather after putting on those extra kilos round their weight, they were show the door. Although we see Rambha hanging around the industry, hoping against hope that some filmmaker would give her a chance, she is not putting all her eggs in the Tollywood basket. She has found new pastures in the north. And has been doing extremely well there. Following in the footsteps of Nagma, she has entered the Bhojpuri film industry, and both of them are today the queen bees of Bhojwood. Now, you must be asking me what Bhojwood is. I will offer you a little gyan. Bhojpuri is a dialect of Hindi spoken in the hinterlands of Uttar Pradesh and Bihar. And Bhojpuri films are the major source of entertainment for the locals there. Not wanting to twiddle her thumbs after playing her innings in Tollywood, Nagma headed straight to Bhojwood and did some amazing films there. So much so that she is the most sought after heroine of Bhojpuri film industry. She has acted with almost all the top heroes there and has some stupendous hits to her credit. Especially Panditji Batai, one of her Bhojpuri films, was a runaway success. Later, she acted in another film called Ganga, which is topping the charts. Not just Nagma, even Hema Malini and Amitabh Bachchan too played guest roles in Ganga. Predictably, it is the most talked about film there today. Not to be left behind, her contemporary, Rambha, too who has entered Bhojwood recently, has become the darling of the masses with her debut film Banke Bihari MLA. And she is doing another film with one of the top heroes, Ravi Kissen, which Bhojwood observers say is going to be a smash hit. Given the glamour and oomph they exude on the screen, no wonder filmmakers are lining up to make them lucrative offers. And, for the moment, they are making the most of their glory. Why not?

Mandira Bedi is Krishna Bhagawan's heroine!

It is the biggest coup in the history of Indian cinema. Comedian Krishna Bhagawan, who has been tickling the funny bone of the Telugu audiences with his sly humour, has managed to floor Mandira Bedi! Yes, the same Mandira Bedi who is making cricket fans around the world go bonkers with her noodle strap blouses, her gorgeous sarees and her not-so-impressive innings as a cricket commentator. She has agreed, without any pursuasion, we hear, to act as the heroine opposite Krishna Bhagawan. Obviously, Krishna Bhagawan is the hero of the film, stupid. Mandira Bedi opposite Krishna Bhagawan? Are you kidding? I hear someone saying that. Even we thought it was an All Fools' Day joke till we checked and rechecked our calendar for 10 minutes and found out that we are in the last days of May and racing towards June. But, it is a reality. And we are not trying to fool you. Promise. The film -- John Apparao 40 Plus -- will be directed by Venkat Kuchipudi. Sources say that the moment Mandira Bedi heard the story, she said yahoo! and signed on the contract. But don't ask us how much she is charging for doing the film. It goes without saying that it is going to be a bomb. Forget about that, what is more important is the fact that even the bigger actors like Chiranjeevi, Balakrishna, Venkatesh and Nagarjuna tried their best to rope her in, when she is at the height of popularity, but could not cut any ice. And only Krishna Bhagawan could do it. What a way to go, Bhagawan. Hope you'll make the most use of Mandira's presence in the film. We know you'll give your best anyway. All the best.

Bhukailas give low brow cinema a boost

There is good news for comedians aspiring to become heroes. Bhukailas is a pretty good film made on a not-so-lean budget. And it has all the ingredients that you would look forward into a big heroes films, like Nagarjuna, Junior NTR, Mahesh Babu, Chiranjeevi, Venkatesh, Allu Arjun, Siddharth, Prabhas and the like: sentimental drama, item song, and dollops of laughter. Of course, not all the laughter is aesthetic. But, in the recent past, when was comedy clean anyway? The film is made on the premise that there is an audience which is low brow and for whom no films are being made. In Tollywood parlance, it is called B and C centres' crowd. To put it simply, it is the multiplex culture in the reverse. And with the increasing wealth quotient even among the lower classes, they are looking forward to films they can identify with. And so this spoof on the rise and rise of real estate in the state addresses their concerns. Venu Madhav plays his role to the hilt as the guy who has it all and who loses it all, only to find fulfilment in his roots. Watch it if you don't have anything better to do.

Charmi wilts under the weight of new heroines

How do you know that an actor/actress is out of work? Of course, if you are a regular cinegoer, it would be easy to discern because they fade away from the screen right in front of your eyes or relegate themselves to itsy-bitsy roles. But, even if you are not a cinephile, it is easy to make out from the statements they make to the journalists. Look for example, Charmi. Everyone knows that Charmi has been swept away by the onslaught of the new heroines that have entered Tollywood. But she will make us believe that she is flooded with offers, and that she is taking her time to select 'good' roles. Remember the emphasis here is on 'good' roles and 'quality' work. Recently, when a scribe interviewed her, for no other reason than she was available, she said: "I want to do quality work." But what quality work were you doing all along, Charmi? You mean to say that singing with heroes like Chiranjeevi, Nagarjuna, Venkatesh, Balakrishna, around the trees and bushes in exotic locales quality work? And she also says: "I'll do films at my own pace." We agree to the second part, Ms Charmi. Because the pace at which filmmakers are approaching you can be compared to that of a mule's or a donkey's. The days of producers lining up at your front door are over. And stop conning to people. I know, I know, you are not the only one to say that. I've read about Tabu too. She too made the same statement recently. "I want to do good cinema." The point I want to make here is: How come you talk about 'good' cinema and 'quality' cinema only when you are out of work? What happens to it when you are at the peak of your career? Doesn't good cinema interest you? Are are you only interested in counting the big bucks you get acting opposite big actors? We know your plight and we sympathise with you, but stop from making statements like this. Silence is the best solution. Understand?

Bobbili Raja II, first among sequels?

You have to give it to them. Tollywood heroes, producers and directors have a roving eye. Not for quality. But for stealing ideas. Or rather getting 'inspired' by them. Fed up with his carefully cultivated image for the last God alone knows how many odd years, Venkatesh wants to do something different. Which means doing the same thing in a different mould. Which again means doing the same old thing. One morning, predictably after he heard about the stupendous succes of Dhoom: 2 and Lage Raho Munnabhai, he got a brain wave that he too should go the Bollywood way and do sequels. Not for anything else. Only to rake in the moolah. But instead of calling and telling producers or directors, for some strange reason he has started dropping hints. What more, he has already made up his mind about the films he want to do sequels -- Bobbili Raja (Is he asking B Gopal to approch him with a script for BR II?) and Gharshana. But why only those two Venkibhai? Why not Chanti, which put you in the top league from a little somebody? Sorry, sorry, you have your own reasons. But why Gharshana, which hasn't done too well at the box office? Anyway it's your own business, we can only wish you all the best.

PS: What would they call Bobbili Raja -- II? Bobbili Raja: Return to the Jungle?