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.

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

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.

AMRITA RAO BOWLS OVER RENOWNED ARTIST M F HUSSAIN WITH HER SMALL TOWN LOOKS

Ram Charan Teja is not the only one raring to act with Mahesh Babu's dream girl in Athidi Amrita Rao. M F Hussain has been raving about the girl, so much so, that today she is his muse. He has seen Vivah, God knows how many times, and totally smitten by her simple looks, he has started a series of paintings on her.

Here is what Hussain has to say about Amrita Rao:

"I’ve already started my series on Amrita Rao and I just can’t seem to stop. For me she represents the small town girl of India, an aspect of womanhood no one seems to remember in any form of artistic expression today -– in art, cinema, drama or literature.

"I’m trying to paint a woman who is not aggressive.. but is still very strong in her values and attitudes. I’ve been seeing Vivah over and over again..don’t ask me how many times though…I’ll tell you that next year.

"She was very shy and courteous. When I saw her before me, I was taken back to the days when I was a boy in Indore. I would see such lovely girls in the gullies and bylanes. They would walk with a faint smile but their faces would look away.”

And what does Amrita feel?

“My friends told me that being an artist’s muse; one has sit in front of him for hours together. But Husainsaab just needs to say ‘statue’ and I’d freeze forever!”

IS LINGUSAMY INTRODUCING RAM CHARAN TEJA IN TAMIL? THAT IS WHAT WE HEAR

Rumours are rife in the Telugu film industry that Chiranjeevi's son Ram Charan Teja is making forays into Kollywood, that is, the Tamil film industry. Even before his first film is released, Teja has been in the spotlight for breaking many an established record. And the rumours over his new films too have been galore.

According to the grapevine, Chiranjeevi has initiated talks with the director of Bheema, Lingusamy, to direct his son's debut film in Tamil. Of course, it wouldn't be a Tamil film per se but a bilingual.

Ram Charan Teja is currently shooting for Chirutha, his debut film in Telugu, in Bangkok.

TWO AND TWO NEED NOT NECESSARILY BE FOUR FOR CHIRUTHA, IT COULD BE MUCH MORE THAN THAT

Everything about Chirutha has been making news of late. First, being the megastar Chiranjeevi's son, he has garnered attention that was due to him. Next we hear that the audio rights have been sold for an unheard of price of Rs 1 crore. And then came the news that the film has done amazing business, even pipping Chiranjeevi's Shankardada Zindabad to the posts. And now, there is a jugglery of numbers going on for the release of the audio. It is expected to be released on August 22, which is Chiranjeevi's birthday. Also, we hear that the film may be released on September 22. Is there any magic in the number 4 (2+2=4). We have to wait and see.

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?

IS CHIRUTHA AUDIO UP FOR GRABS FOR A COOL RS 1 CRORE? YOU BET IT IS!!

Now that the engagement of Balakrishna's daughter Brahmani to Nara Chandrababu Naidu's son Lokesh has been solemnised, all eyes are back on the film industry. And with every passing day, Chiranjeevi and his son Ram Charan Teja seem to become jittery. Will it? Won't it? That is will his first film Chirutha create a storm in the industry? Not just Chiranjeevi and his son, all and everyone is closely waiting with bated breath for the completion of the film. The film is currently underway in Bangkok, if I am not mistaken, and has raked in quite an expectation. If I may say so, the expectation for Chirutha in Andhra Pradesh can be comparable to Sivaji: The Boss in Tamil Nadu. It is just the degree of difference. Even Shankardada Zindabad hasn't generated so much hype. Meanwhile, we hear the audio is up for grabs for a cool Rs 1 crore. Might be true. Because the kind of attention it has been receiving is not only unique but also mindboggling. Must say that the celebrity culture has taken India by storm after the liberalisation of the Indian economy. What say you?

AMRITA RAO GOES APPEASING THE GODS ON HER BIRTHDAY, AND SHE CLAIMS IT WAS A THANKSGIVING FOR WHAT GOD HAS GIVEN HER!!

It was time to appease the gods for Amrita Rao, the heroine of Athidi, opposite Mahesh Babu, who turned 26 recently. The gal, who loves to party and is getting into the groove of late, went visiting visiting Shirdi with her uncle and his family, instead of grooving her way to glory. The bubbly gal, who was also said to be acting in Ram Charan Teja's second film to be directed by S S Rajamouli, however, tells us, that it was more important to be with the family and pray for what God has given her than go partying. And, mind you, it was the same gal, who has been complaining that she didn't have time to go partying in New York. What a contradiction, Amritaji? When you are abroad, you put on your wildest best, but when you are in India, with your parents, you give all those conservative talk. But, it has been one helluva birthday party for her. The actress says that she has been inundated with SMSes, phone calls and greetings from fans, who just wouldn't stop wishing her. But she is one actress, we must admit, who gives credit wherever it is due. And she has rightfully been saying that all the credit for her popularity goes to Vivah, which has paved her career with gold.

RAM CHARAN TEJA'S NEW GIRL IS MAHESH BABU'S CURRENT FAVOURITE

Amrita Rao is the current hot favourite in Tollywood. She is not only bagged a film with Mahesh Babu, the reigning superstar of the Telugu film industry after the mindblowing success of Pokiri, but also has been cast opposite Ram Charan Teja, who is expected to sweep away all the honours with the release of his currently underway film Chirutha. But, before he could do that, his dad, Chiranjeevi, has decided that it is time to have a second film as a standby and a cute heroine too as a dependable prop. So, they've signed up Amrita Rao, the bubbly princess of Bollywood.
Now, talking about Amrita Rao, she has been so busy shooting in New York, that she has been complaining that she didn't have enough time to party. The lass has already had a blast in Goa recently, and she doesn't seem to be content with soaking all the sun on the beaches of Goa. So, she decided to make up for it in New York. But, unfortunately, it has been shooting and shooting and there was no let-up to shooting to enable the gal to let her hair down. And adding to her woes, she has lost her cellphone in New York. Poor Amrita, she has been left high and dry with all the agony, when she wanted to have a blast. Don't worry Amrita, you can have a blast when you come to Hyderabad. And it will all be hunky dory.

WATCH THE GIRL AT HER BUBBLY BEST IN ISHQ VISHQ WITH SHAHID KAPOOR

RAM CHARAN TEJA'S PLANNING COMMISSION GETS UNDERWAY: S S RAJAMOULI ROPED IN TO DO TEJA'S SECOND FILM JUST IN CASE...

The spotlight is on him. His every move has been making news. And he hasn't uttered a word ever since he announced his desire to put on the grease paint. He is the heir of a great tradition set by his father Chiranjeevi. Following the footsteps of the megastar, Pavan Kalyan and Allu Arjun have created a niche for themselves in the Telugu film industry. But it is just the tip of the iceberg. The real mantle falls on him now -- Ram Charan Teja. All eyes are on him. Will he blaze a trail like his father? That only time will tell which is not far away.

In the meanwhile, all the top directors are vying with one another to work with him. Or conversely, Chiranjeevi is making the right moves to ensure that his son's future is paved with gold. And he has rightly put Teja's future in Puri Jagannath's hands with Chirutha as the launch vehicle. And this is both a blessing and a curse. A blessing because Puri is presently riding the crest of success unknown in the history of Telugu cinema with the stupenduous success of Pokiri, followed by Desamuduru. And all he has to do is ensure that it is a decent film and the market will take care of the rest. On the other hand, since Puri's popularity is hovering in the stratosphere, and the expectations from Teja, too, hovering at the same place, even a minor hiccup in the film is going to bring their soaring popularities crashing down like a house of cards. And it will prove to be a disaster for the careers of both Teja and Puri.

Chiranjeevi seems to have correctly read the situation. And so he has okayed Teja's second film with the currently-in-demand director S S Rajamouli. Now, Rajamouli is known for giving his heroes a larger-than-life image, especially NTR and Prabhas, who have become the current favourites of Telugu cinema partly because of him.

Therefore, realising that Rajamouli can feel the pulse of the masses, Chiranjeevi has decided to make Teja's second film under the Geeta Arts baner with hium. And, what more, the cutie pie of Bollywood, who has become the darling of Bollywood after the stupendous success of Vivah, and who is currently doing Adithi with Mahesh Babu, Amrita Rao, has been selected as the heroine.

Amrita Rao too seems to have been taken given the craze she has already achieved thanks to her casting in Atidhi.

Ram Charan Teja currently is in Bangkok busy with the shooting of Chirutha. But going by the way his every move is being meticulously planned by his father, it looks another super director may be roped in to make it a complete threesome of films, before his first film is released. Will it be a perfect 3, Mr Chiranjeevi?