|
In the good old days, it was producers who dominated the film world. Now it is the stars and directors who are virtually ruling the film industry.
Katragadda Murari has brought out a book on Telugu film producers, 'Telugu Chalana Chitra Nirmatala Charithra' (The History of Telugu Film
Producers). As a producer, Murari made successful films like 'Sitarama Kalyanam', 'Nari Nari Naduma Murari' and 'Janaki Ramudu'. Murari expressed
concern that the earlier producers used to rely only on their story and then try to locate the director and the cast. Now it is completely different
which is one of the strong reasons for the failures being witnessed in the film industry. The book was released during the platinum jubilee
celebrations of Telugu cinema. Dasari Narayana Rao, who occasionally asks producers not to run after big heroes for dates but instead make films
economically at low cost with talented actors, appreciated the producer's effort.
Jeevitha to direct hubby again
It was earlier announced that Samudra would be the director for Rajasekhar's upcoming film, 'Evadaithe Nakenti'. But now another one has joined him to take credit for direction. It is Jeevitha Rajasekhar who will share the director’ tag along with Samudra. Jeevitha, actress-turned-director, earlier directed Rajasekhar in 'Seshu', a Tamil remake. And another interesting feature is after a long time Sai Kumar has dubbed for Rajasekhar. The film is going to be released on February 9. It was announced recently, on the occasion of Rajasekhar's birthday. Rajasekhar will be doing a film in the direction of debutant Prasad (Sukumar’s associate), which will be launched once this flick gets released. Jeevitha Rajasekhar will direct the Telugu version of Hindi flick 'Khakhi' later.
Nagarjuna dons many get-ups
Nagarjuna's latest film, 'Don', was launched recently amidst much fanfare. The hero, sporting a new moustache attended the function along with his wife Amala. The actor was all praise for director Lawrence. Nag says that he appears in several such get-ups in the film. If Nag says that there are no similarities between the Hindi version of 'Don' and Telugu version of 'Don', director and music director for the film, Lawrence, went a little ahead and said once the film gets released, Bollywood will certainly attempt to remake it. For the second time, Nagarjuna is acting in Lawrence direction after 'Mass'. Says Nag, "Just like how the film 'Mass' gave new definition to the word 'mass', in the same way, the film 'Don' will give new definition to the word 'don'. Director Raghavendra Rao, ANR, Jayasudha, S Gopal Reddy and writer Abburi Ravi (the writer of 'Bommarillu') attended the movie launch. The film will be released this summer. M L Kumar Chowdary, who also produced 'Vikramarkudu', is the producer for this film. The heroine is yet to be chosen.
Mohan Babu-Chiranjeevi spat
Actor Mohan Babu, who vent his anger on the organisers during the platinum jubilee celebrations of Telugu cinema, later clarified that Chiranjeevi was a good friend and he didn’t utter those words keeping him in mind. His anger was directed at the organisers and Chiranjeevi didn’t hold any official position during the celebrations. "When I mentioned about the injustice done to a few veteran actors at the venue, Chiranjeevi cited the Goa Film Festival, saying he couldn’t find Telugu greats NTR and ANR in the legends category of Indian cinema at the venue, which has no relation at all." Mohan Babu addressed producer K S Rama Rao, the convener of the platinum jubilee celebrations, as "silly fellow" with contempt as Rama Rao had on an occasion said he would give `NTR award'. "Who is he to give award in the name of 'Maa Annayya' (My Brother)," the actor questioned the producer at a press meet. The state government's NTR award has not been presented for the past few years. Mohan Babu said he was not informed of the felicitation during the celebrations. So he rejected the honour. "I don't want any honours or rewards but I would serve Telugu Kalamatalli (Mother Telugu film industry) till my last breath," said the actor. Meanwhile, the fans of Chiranjeevi burnt Mohan Babu in effigy and the fans of Mohan Babu burnt Chiranjeevi in effigy.
A costly affair
The 75th year of Telugu cinema was celebrated on a grand scale. And about Rs 8 crore is said to have been collected for the celebrations. During the celebrations, to the surprise of many, the organisers set up stalls of real estate firms. At this juncture, a group of producers asked the ogranisers to make the accounts of the expenditure public. Money was collected by selling tickets too. Natti Kumar, a producer, said they (small producers) were virtually ignored during the mega event. The function, according to some seniors in the film circuit, should have been a platform to review the past and move head without repeating the mistakes, with retrospection. But nothing of that sort seems to have occurred during the celebrations.
Jagadam shaping up
Ram (of 'Devadasu' fame) and Isha-starrer 'Jagadam' is now getting a few chasing sequences shot at Ramoji Film City. According to the director Sukumar, the film is a mass flick. "It is a fight unleashed by a youth against injustice," says the director. The music, scored by Devi Sri Prasad, has hit the market recently. Pradeep Rawat, Prakash Raj and A S Ravi Kumar Chowdary will appear in various roles in the film. Ratnavelu is the cinematographer. As the director's very first film 'Arya' was a blockbuster, there has been curiosity over the movie in film circles.
P Haribabu
|
A book on Tollywood producers
