Rajnikant: Reigning boss of Indian celluloid

The hype and hysteria surrounding the release of 'Sivaji: the Boss' in India and overseas needs to be seen to be believed but there is no doubt about who is the country's biggest superstar.

Shivaji Rao Gaekwad, or Rajnikant to the most people, who was never seen as a hero by the Mumbai based Hindi filmdom or Bollywood, is today the undisputed king of Indian cinema.

He took home a wad of Rs.160 million for 'Sivaji' which is the most expensive Indian film ever. Even A-list Bollywood stars like Amitabh Bachchan, Shah Rukh Khan, Aamir Khan and Salman Khan charge about Rs.90 million each per film.

Before 57-year-old Rajnikant's latest venture 'Sivaji' hit the marquees this week, it was a common sight to see fans performing ablution by milk on his cut-outs, breaking coconuts in front of the film's posters to ward off evil forces, offering prayers and standing in never-ending serpentine queues to get a ticket.

Fans could be seen gathered outside single-screen theatres as well as multiplex theatres prior to the film's screening and chanted slogans. In Mumbai, fans were seen with hair dyed blond (like Rajni in the film), bursting crackers, distributing sweets and flowers.

In cinema halls in Chennai, Hyderabad and Mumbai, frontbenchers and the so-called suave balcony crowd alike were seen hooting, whistling, clapping, slogan chanting, dancing and throwing confetti every time their hero made an appearance, broke into a dance, delivered a punch line or hit the villain on the silver screen.

Rajni's histrionics in 'Sivaji' with the coin, sunglasses and even his bald pate, have been hailed like there was no tomorrow. And the Rajni mania is not just griping India but according to reports desi fans wrecked at least 10 cinemas across Malaysia after a nationwide premiere of 'Sivaji: The Boss' was either delayed or cancelled due to technical glitches.

The Rajni mania is at its zenith in the US and Japan as well. Reports from the US said there is unprecedented rush for tickets of 'Sivaji' being screened in major cities.

No other Tamil film - be it 'Chandramukhi', 'Anniyan', 'Ghajini', 'Vettayadu Vilayadu' - has attracted the kind of craze that has preceded the 'Sivaji' release in the US. A similar story is taking place in Japan where Rajnikant is immensely popular, according to reports.

Supernova, superstar, 'Style Mannan'...the Periya Thaliavar of Tamil filmdom has many adjectives attached to his name. Now that his latest movie is said to have grossed nearly Rs.20 million in advance bookings from 17 theatres in Chennai itself, it wouldn't be wrong to anoint him as the biggest star of India.

The only time Bollywood cast Rajnikant in an important role was in Anil Sharma's 'Farishtey', J. Om Prakash's 'Bhagwan Dada' and 'Wafadar', which were forgotten soon after. But except for his crisp Tamil accent, a Romeo-style red scarf, a cowboyish swagger, there was little to write home about his Bollywood career.

Rajnikant has come up the hard way. He used to work as a bus conductor before he discovered his talent for acting and enrolled in an 'action school'. And since then, there has been no looking back.

His first notable performance was in 'Moondru Mudichu' wherein he played a character with negative shades and charmed one and all with his famous cigarette flip. String of blockbusters likes 'Pokkiri Raja', 'Thanikkattu Raja', 'Naan Mahaan Alla', 'Moondru Mugham' and 'Nettrikkam' followed, making him a phenomenon.

Rajnikant has portrayed people from various walks of life and his films always carry a social message. But he has not gone the MGR way and stayed away from politics so far.

'Sivaji' is the superstar's 100th Tamil film. It is his ninth movie under the banner of AVM Productions. The film is directed by Shankar and produced by M. Saravanan and M.S. Guhan of AVM Productions. It also stars Shriya Saran, Suman, Prakash Raj, Vivek, Raghuvaran, Manivannan and Nayantara. The music has been composed by the maestro A.R. Rahman.

With every movie he does, he just seems to get bigger and better. Clearly, for him the world is not enough.

Bollywood's internationally best known star Bachchan's latest film 'Jhoom Barabar Jhoom', which released the same day as 'Sivaji', could not even generate houseful collections on the opening day.

The film features Bachchan's son and Bollywood's most hot-n-happening star Abhishek, Bobby Deol, Preity Zinta and Lara Dutta. The film did not garner rave reviews but its music by composer trio Shankar-Ehsaan-Loy is a rage.

The film by Bollywood's most successful banner, Yash Raj Films, even had the benefit of a well-oiled publicity machine propping it up. A highly hyped film, 'Jhoom Barabar Jhoom' was released with a record number of 265 prints with 86 UFOs, 18 E-City digital and one Real Image format in the Mumbai circuit alone.

Amitabh's ostentatious number in the Shaad Ali film screams for attention. White shirt and faded blue jeans topped by a multi-hued patchwork jacket complete with long black boots, black hat with ruffled feathers, rings, bangles, beads, stones, chains, earrings, kohl, long hair et all.

But his song and dance could not take a flying start like 'Dhoom 2'. Though the film did take a decent opening and is expected to cover its investments from metros and multiplexes, it pales in comparison with the response to 'Sivaji'.

Rajnikanth's record remuneration for 'Sivaji' may soon be bettered by Bollywood. The new studios on the block are willing to cough out unheard of figures for snapping up actors and filmmakers for multiple movie contracts.

The wheeling-dealing has started with Hrithik Roshan finally agreeing to sign a contract with Adlabs for a three-film deal worth Rs.350 million. Now Adlabs has also struck a 10-film deal worth a whopping Rs.2 billion with director Vipul Shah.

The other big banner, UTV, has signed up three Bollywood actors. Actress Priyanka Chopra said in a TV interview, 'It's great to be associated with a producer who is willing to give you that much of a say and saying that I don't want to do this or may be we can work something else out. It's great to do that.'

With many new entrants in Bollywood like Studio18, Mosaer Baer and Frankfinn, money is flowing in the industry. One-film-old director Sagar Bellary has already signed a three-film deal with Sahara Motion Pictures after successful debut 'Bheja Fry'. Yashraj Films already has directors like Kabir Khan, Shaad Ali, Shimit Amin, Siddharth Raj Anand and Arjun Sablok working for them on three-film contracts.

It remains to be seen if Hrithik can equal Rajnikant in terms of histrionics and popularity.

Telugu Film News 18-06-2007

Impression: Meera Shows Her Extreme Ends

Meera Jasmine is showing her extreme ends. She is acting with swim suit breaking her traditional image on one hand and on the other hand getting ready to play in a conservative sister's role. It is really rare to see the heroines who are in limelight playing sister roles. But Meera is breaking that taboo by playing sister to Rajasekhar in the Kannada remake of the film 'Anna Tangi' in Telugu.

Meera says that she is ready for any role, any costume with anyone once she feels role is good.

Well, what can she do in 'Anna Tangi' other than weeping till the end? That's a sentimental flick with high dose of emotion. We can see Meera in swimsuit in one film and with tears in the other a few months later.

Little Abhishek Jumped On Amjad Khan and Injured

Abhishek Bachchan said that once he had jumped on Amjad Khan and bitten his ear. Abhishek said this saying about his love on his father.

He said, "I always used to await my dad since evening. I always used to look at the road. As soon as dad comes I used to go and hug him. Dad hardly spent time at home. But he used to write letters for me and hence I never felt like missing him. Once in the film 'Barsat Ki Ek Raat' I watched Amjad Khan hitting my dad. From then I developed hatred on him. Once in some other set when he was talking to my father I ran towards him and jumped on his shoulder to bite his ear. I pierced my nails on his neck. Poor Amjadji was bewildered and perplexed. I was reprimanded later by my dad. I laugh at myself whenever that incident flashes on my mind".

Is that not interesting!

Side Talk: Secret behind Rajni’s colour

Everyone thought it was make-up that made Superstar Rajnikanth look like a European in the song Oru Koodai Sunlight in Sivaji, but the secret is about a year of computer graphics. “We used cutting edge grafting technology and it was Shankar’s brain child,” revealed the film’s cinematographer KV.Anand. “For the first time grafting technology has been used for an Indian film which was made possible by a Chennai based company Indian Arts who had worked in Shankar’s earlier films,” he said. One of the dancers, Jacky, was chosen by Shankar and Rajni’s skin tone was matched with her’s. The six and a half minute song was shot in Spain.

“Each shot of Rajni’s in the song was once again shot with Jacky and was sent to Indian Arts. Since the lighting varies in indoor and outdoor, to match the skin tone, expressions, lip and body movements of the two was a challenging task,” explained Anand. A total of 6700 frames were been for post production. Rajnikanth himself was amazed after watching the song.

Buzz : Mobile trouble from ministers

The recent expansion of the Y S Rajasekhar Reddy Cabinet after a gap of two years might have come a great relief for the Chief Minister as well as those who were inducted, but it has become a nuisance for the officials of the Finance department.

Soon after assuming charge, the ministers placed orders for new mobile phones and as per the provisions, the finance department released money to purchase the same. But, some of the minsiters were not happy with the handsets they got. So, they placed orders again for the latest models of handsets. The finance department officials, after a brief resistence, were forced to oblige the same. Knowing this, all the other ministers, including those in the old batch, placed indent for the latest mobile phones, each costing not less than Rs 20,000 each.

A couple of ministers, who are known for their greediness, presented their newly-obtained handsets to their wives and children and placed orders for a second handset. The officials had to oblige their request. Realising that this is a good opportunity, the personal secretaries and personal assistants of the ministers, too, have ordered for new mobile handsets with advanced connections. Now, the finance deparment is worried as to how to fulfil the growing desires of these ministers.

Sivaji a new political weapon for Babu

Former chief minister and Telugu Desam president N Chandrababu Naidu has got a new political weapon in the Telugu film Sivaji, starred by Rajanikant. Wherever he goes, Chandrababu Naidu is promoting the Rajanikant's film, though in a different way. He wants people to watch Sivaji and emulate the character in real life. Chandrababu Naidu has been asking people to unearth the black money from the "treasure troves" of Congress leaders. He even went to the extent of saying that Chief Minister YS Rajasekhar Reddy had earned so much black money that he should wear a talisman to ward off evil eye from falling on his wealth.

However, Chandrababu Naidu is silent when it comes to the black money hidden in the houses and Swiss Bank accounts of Telugu Desam and other political parties.

Sivaji has now emerged as a political weapon for the Telugu Desam leader to criticise the ruling party leaders. And this explains why Rajanikant has not invited Rajasekhar Reddy to watch his film along with Chandrababu Naidu.

Sridevi, Meenaand, Shriya and Trisha at Sivaji Premiere Gallery

Excessive Mobile Phone Use Makes You Mad

Now the scientists have discovered that cell phone damages the cells in brain and makes the person suffer from the brain related ailments ranging from small time memory loss to fatal Alzheimer's. To prove this they have shown the result practically.

Two cell phones are placed in opposite direction. They were connected to different tape recorders and left for sometime. The sounds recorded on tape are now emitting out from the cell phones. An egg was placed between the two. After 65 minutes to the surprise of all the egg was fried and started emitting little smoke. This is an illustration for Radio Activity and Radio emitted by cell phones. Scientists say that brain cells damage easily with cell phone usage. They say, "First it affects on emotional channels of brain. Person becomes blunt to emotions slowly and he or she will not find any sexual arousal eventually by speaking for longer hours on cell phone. Slowly the damage increases and it may even lead to madness".

Here are a few remedies to overcome this:

"Never put the cell phone near your ears if you are going to speak for more than 2 minutes. Use ear phones. Even then restrict your talk to 6-7 minutes", says a scientist.

Srikanth wedding: ‘She concealed the truth’

Actor Srikanth along with his advocate Pandian met the media in a hurriedly organised press conference on Friday, where he revealed that he is going to file a case to get a legal separation from his wife Vandana. He said that he wanted to clarify his version of the series of shocking revelations and admitted that he should have spoken out much earlier. “Soon after I announced my intention to get married to Vandana last month, I was told about her family’s criminal activities, including her involvement in the matter through certain journalist friends of mine. When I started investigating the matter, all the truth started coming out about how she has been implicated in the CBI case,” he said.

The official ‘wedding’ was to take place on June 18, but now the actor says he is seeking legal help to come out of the entire episode. He also gave this newspaper copies of documents which he claims are proof of Vandana’s family’s criminal activities (However, Vandana’s name does not figure in any of the documents given as proof).

Then why the secret wedding and subsequent denials? The actor claimed that Vandana’s parents were in a hurry to get her married and rushed him into it saying that a lot of proposals were coming for her and as a sign of his commitment to her, they wanted them to have a registered wedding. “Even though I was hesitant, as I was supposed to start shooting for my next film, I gave in to them,” explained Srikanth. However he accepted that he had made a mistake by hiding his marriage. But he vehemently denied the claims made by Vandana’s mother Shalini, that he and Vandana lived together as husband and wife after their registered wedding. “I did whatever they wanted, but in the end, she hid so many things from me.”

Talking about what led him to become suspicious, the actor says, “When we wanted to print the names of her parents in the invitation card, her father said not to include use their names, but to use their grandparents names instead. But when my parents insisted that it’s only proper that their names be printed, they told us to print S.Pani and Lakshmi instead of Sarangapani and Shalini. That was when my father became upset and confused.”

The whole of Friday, Vandana gave media interviews sitting alone in Srikanth’s house. Where was he the whole time? “On Wednesday night, there were goondas outside my house who pelted stones at the house. Her parents came and left her at my place and went despite my requests to take her back. That’s why we all left the house after giving a complaint at the Vadapalani police station. The next thing I see is that she is giving interviews claiming dowry harassment and other allegations.”

So what does he think is Vandana’s motive? “It is very clear that she wants to spoil my reputation as an artiste, harass and humiliate me and tarnish my image. They are trying to fool people and frame me. No marriage works on force. It should be mutual. I do not think I will come to terms with her background. I am filing a case on Monday asking for a legal separation from her. My parents and I have received death threats from her family and I have already met the commissioner of police and asked for police protection.”

Telugu Film News 17-06-2007

Snippet: Anushka's Interesting Hobby

Anushka has an interesting hobby of keeping the cuttings of various news items relating to natural calamities.

She also collects the sayings of great people, poems and lyrics written by scholars. She carries the files of those items wherever she goes. That's really a good hobby of her. Some collect stamps, some collect coins but Anushka collects these exclusive things.

So, it's not just yoga Anushka has interests something beyond.

Allu Arjun and Prabhas Are Opposite Poles

Allu Arjun is the most wanted guy for party girls now. Amongst the Tollywood guys both young and old, he's the only star who hardly throws any starry airs. He spends time with party ladies posing for their cameras and shaking keg with them. But Prabhas is other way round. He never likes to get over focused by cameras when he is spending private time. There were a few instances when Prabhas had gone wild on a guy who carried camera before him.

Cold War Between Hero-Heroine-And Other Lady!

It’s a cold war between Karena Kapoor, her lover Shahid and Ayesha Takia. Simply to say the Mumbai news sources confirm that Shahid is being sandwiched between Kareena and Ayesha.

Ayesha developed crush on Shahid these days. Freshly they acted together in Fool N Final. It is said that Kareena is holding a doubt that Shahid had physical relation with Ayesha. At the same time Shahid is also afraid that Kareena is having doubt on him and hence he is trying to keep away from Ayesha. The body language of Kareena, Ayesha and Shahid clearly supported this when all three appeared in the success meet of ‘Fool N Final’,say Mumbai sources.

Some birdies are sending some information regarding Shahid-Ayesha to Kareena and disturbing her. Kareena is highly possessive of Shahid. Now she is going uneasy due to Ayesha. We have to see what happens further.

Super Heroine Craves For Hot Lip Kisses

Ayesha Takia says that she wants to act in the film in which there are more hot lip kisses. Well, many heroines are thinking twice to act in lip kiss scenes.

But Ayesha is desirous of acting in those. Is she taking inspiration from Emran Hashmi who is also called 'kissing king' of Bollywood?

She is acting in the film 'Mein Aur Mrs Khanna' with Salman Khan. She is happily saying that she is elated for ating in lip kiss scene with Salman. Well, what Katrina thinks now? Is she insecure now for finding a competition?!

Abhishek: ‘I give dad 100 out of 100!’

“I believe that my daddy is perfect,” said Abhishek Bachchan of father Amitabh, in a special message for Father’s Day today.

Amitabh is in London, being honoured by BAFTA, and Abhishek in Mumbai, working on his next film. Yet, they will find time to bond. Like millions of fans across the world, Abhishek is swept up by the Big B mania as well. He believes that the phenomenon is only growing with time. He worships the Big B - as an actor, a co-star , a human being, a style icon, a show stealer, and most importantly as a father.

“I give him 100 out of 100. His grace, dignity, humility are exemplary . I believe he is perfect. He is not just my idol, but my ideal as well. I wish I grow up like him. Even at this age, he exudes an enthusiasm, an energy and willingness to learn. And it’s great to see him not just passionately working at this age, but having fun too.”

Sivaji Mania: Big boss of entertainment

His slipper flips through the air, hits the villain and miraculously returns to his feet, he lights his cigarettes from a pistol high up in the air.

Meet Rajnikant whose filmy gimmicks are back in vogue thanks to his latest film hitting the screens. SMS and emails about Rajni’s filmi style and goggle tricks are doing the rounds on the Net.

The best and most popular one is how Rajnis antics which defy all laws of nature and science, forces Newton (yes, the one who discovered the laws of gravity) to commit suicide. Apparently, after watching a series of our Rajni’s movies, Newton is shocked to see how the hero who suffers from brain tumour, is cured after a bullet that passes through the ear removes it. Or again how the hero succeeds in killing three people with just one bullet and a knife—he aims a knife at a villain, and then as it twirls in the air, shoots.

The knife cuts the bullet into two which go in two different directions to kill two goons, while the goon in the centre is killed by the knife. While fans in the city are going gaga over the movie, detractors are guffawing at Rajni jokes. This is one star who manages to entertain everyone!

Snippet: Sexy Star Reveals Her Mania

Tanusree Dutta, the embodiment of sexy beauty says that she is maniac of watching films. She says that she spends whole day by watching Hindi, English or any international films of any languages. He says that watching films is a great mental relief for her. She also says that she prefers body massages as frequently as possible to make her body fit and stress free. She says that she works 18 hours a day many times and in such times she would prefer going for gym and yoga to recharge the battery.

Tanusree says, "I want to give a tip to live happily in life without depression. Just enjoy with pet dogs. You will lose all stress and feel you are part of nature".

Fine, Tanusree's statements may be appealing for Blue Cross.

Coming to professional front she says that she is inclined to do negative roles. She already did that in Raqueeb.

Round Up : Chiru, Nag, Bala, Venky and Others...

Chiranjeevi:

The film Shankaradada Zindabad is completing its shooting at swift pace. Plans are being made to release the film by 7 th July. Right now the song sequences are being canned.

Balakrishna:

Balakrishna's part in 'Okkamagadu' has almost came to an end and he is now sitting in the discussions of 'Ranga Panduranga' that is about to be made in the direction of K Raghavendra Rao. The shooting is going to commence in August.

Akkineni Nagarjuna:

The film 'Don' on Keerti Creations banner in the direction of Lawrence is undergoing shooting in Bangalore. Plans are being made to release this film by Dasara.

Pawan Kalyan:

The shooting of the film in the combination of Pawan Kalyan and Trivikram Sreenivas is going in Hyderabad. It is being said that the film is going o be a wholesome entertainer like Khushi.

NTR:

The shooting of the film 'Yamadonga' is going on in Annapurna Studios in the direction of SS Rajamouli. The audio of this film is set to release on 25 th of this month.

Prabhas:

The shooting of the film with Prabhas and Puri Jagannath on Creative Commercials will be starting in the month of August.

Allu Arjun:

The film in the combination of Allu Arjun, Bommarillu Bhaskar and Dil Raju is set to start on 18 th of this month.

Ram Charan:

The shooting of 'Chirutha' is going on in Bangkok now. The film is set to release on September, the day Chirajeevi's first film 'Pranam Khareedu' was released.

Jagapathi Babu:

Jagapathi Babu and Dasarath combination film is performing shooting in Hyderabad. Right now action episodes are being canned. JD Chakravarthy is playing a key role in it.

Mahesh Babu:

The shooting of Athidhi in the direction of Surender Reddy is going on in swift pace and RR is also going on parallel track.

Spotlight: Is Sivaji A Hit Or Flop?

Now this is the most inquisitive one that many are willing to know. The much hyped film in recent days, 'Sivaji' released yesterday and the result is with mixed opinions. Some say it's down and some say it's good. The other segment says that it runs with the Rajni factor. On a whole we can term it as the film that hasn't reached the expectations of majority people. It is a known factor that big budget films aim at quick recovery but not wait for 100 days celebration.

The interesting part of Sivaji business is that the film made profits much before the release of the film in the form of Satellite rights, distribution rights etc. "It is both distributors and exhibitors who suffer losses if a movie does not run well at the box office," Bellamkonda Suresh who bought the Andhra Pradesh rights of Sivaji. It is sure but in the matter of Sivai many theatre have sold out the tickets 1 week in advance making housefuls with all shows. That way the film proved to be a safe one for many exhibitors as well. It is the arrangement between the exhibitor and distributor that decides the fate of each other. Many times distributor compensates the loss incurred by exhibitors when there is lack of audiences. In that case distributors will be at loss. There were instances in the past that loss incurred by distributors with 'Baba' was compensated by producers who bought AP rights. Similar way when Johnny was flopped Pawan Kalyan filled the loss. But those things happen very rare.

Now coming to the point, the ones who were worried in big way are fans those watched the film with high expectations. It is also true that although expectations are not reached the film is not something to be shunned as entertaining factors are grooved in appropriately.

A segment of audiences say that the film will be like AR Rehman's music and it will enter into the heads of people like slow poison. They also recall the plight of Chandramukhi in initial days that was low. The film picked up only slowly. Similar way they say that Sivaji will also pick up.

Wait and see what happens.

Telugu Film News 16-06-2007 Latest

Shriya: "I Like Those Hot Trendy Things"

"Although we possess many things we still want to have some more things. And when the beloved ones gift them, they really touch hearts", says Shriya.

She listed out her hot favorite things this way:

DVDs of varied films
Clothes and Belts
Ear Rings
Books relating to fiction, autobiography and Indian writers
Ethnic Jewelry
Silver items
Make Up Kit
Pens
Diaries

Well, these are the sweet little things that Shriya likes as gifts. If you want to impress her just get these.

Nostalgia: Mallika Opens Her Heart For Us

Sex bomb Mallika Sherawat shared her past and childhood in a trivial talk on TV.

"My original name is Reema Lamba. Ours is a Zamindari family. I enjoyed my childhood in Haryana at Rohtak. I studied in Delhi public school. Since my childhood I was against male domination. I wanted to prove I too can do something of my own and get recognition. I developed the desire to become an actress. When I was imitating a heroine in my childhood my mother slapped me. But I developed interest further and ignored my mom's slaps. I became heroine now and enjoying individuality", said Mallika Sherawat digging her past.

Mallika says that the film 'The Myth' with Jackie Chan is the most memorable one in her life and she cannot forget that forever.

Gossip: Srinu Vaitla Is Worried Now!

Srinu Vaitla bagged two hits 'Dhee' and 'Dubai Seenu' successfully. But why he is worried now. Just looking at recent past we have the information that Srinu Vaitla invested his own money in the film 'Dhee' to complete it as the producer skipped out amidst making of it.

The producer skipped as he felt that the venture wouldn't be profitable and also assumed that he made overdrafts at financiers. But now as the film brought success, the producer ended up with profits and the financiers are making merry with him.

Srinu Vaitla is worried that no financier is giving credit to him but only enjoying with the producer. He is also eagerly waiting that the producer would pay back the money invested by him in the film. Grapevine says that he didn't pay that till now.

Wallpaper Of The Day 16-06-2007 ( Namitha )

Namitha Wallpaper

Okka Magadu Nandamuri Bala Krishna Album

Nandamuri Bala Krishna