Noted Malayalam actor passes away

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In what can be said as a biggest shock to the South Indian film fraternity, popular actor Kalabhavan Mani passed away today evening. Aged 45, he started his career in Malayalam films as a mimicry artist and then acted in various Tamil and Telugu films. He is popular to Telugu audience for his roles in Gemini, Arjun, Evadithe Nakenti and Narasimhhudu.
 
He won various film fare awards and National awards for his acting capabilities. It is learnt that he was suffering with some liver related issues and was admitted in a private hospital in Cochin. He is survived by wife Nimmi and daughter Vasantha Lakshmi. 
 
Many noted names from South Indian film industry grieved the sudden demise of Kalabhavan Mani. Teluguboxoffice pays deep condolences to the popular actor.

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Teaser release date confirmed for Baahubali 2

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The second part Baahubali is currently under production and the producers have already chalked out a time line for the film’s release. The movie’s release date has been announced as April 14th 2017.
 
As per the latest reports, the first teaser of the film is being planned for Dussehra. The film is going to have a simultaneous release in Telugu, Tamil and Hindi so the teaser will be out in all three languages on Dussehra.
 
Rajamouli and his team are planning a huge release for the second part of this period epic and because of the massive success of the first part, business is expected to be on unprecedented levels. Prabhas, Rana, Anushka and Tamanna are the lead actors in this Arka Mediaworks production. Keeravani has composed the music.

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Sridevi turns step MOM to Kamala Haasan’s daughter

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Timeless beauty Sridevi made an exceptional comeback into films with English Vinglish. Her stellar performance in the film as a middle aged housewife who isn’t cared in the family was globally appreciated. However her comeback stint in Vijay’s Kollywood flick Puli wasn’t up to the snuff. 
 
But now sources say that she has given her nod for yet another offbeat project named Mom. This film is touted to be a female centric film in which Sridevi will be seen as a step mother. Supremely talented Nawazuddin Siddiqui will be seen in a guest role and interestingly, Kamal Hassan’s darling younger daughter Akshara Haasan is being considered for the role of Sridevi’s daughter in this film. 
 
Akshara has already proved her mettle with her impressive performance opposite stalwarts like Amitabh Bachchan and Dhanush in Balki’s Shamitabh and this would be a great opportunity for the starlet to exhibit her acting prowess once again.
 
Sridevi is the mother of two daughters (Kushi & Jhanvi Kapoor) and is the step mom of young Bollywood star Arjun Kapoor & Anshula Kapoor (kids of Boney Kapoor-Mona Shourie) in real life. So, we need to see what sort of a step mom Sridevi plays in the film and what value she adds with her real life experience!

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Yet another Malayalam actor in Janatha Garrage

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Koratala Siva has pulled a casting coup of sorts for NTR’s forthcoming actioner Janatha Garage. He has already roped in popular actors like Mohan Lal, Sai Kumar and Devayani for crucial roles in the film. Young Malayalam actor Unni Mukunda is playing NTR’s nemesis in the film.
 
According to the fresh update, noted Malayalam actor Rahman, who is popular for his roles in Billa, Simha, Oosaravelli and Govindudu Andarivadele to name a few, has been roped in to play a prominent role in the film. The first schedule has been wrapped up recently and the next schedule will kick start in a few days in Mumbai and NTR will join the unit in this schedule.
 
Samantha and Nitya Menon are playing the female leads in the film. Devi Sri Prasad is scoring the soundtrack and Mythri Movie Makers are producing this high budget film. August 12th has been locked as the film’s release date.

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Interesting update about Robo 2.0

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Yes, it sounds weird when audience get to see only one song in Shankar’s film. The ace filmmaker is well known for spending extravagant budget on songs in all his films till now. But, he is going a different way for the first time in his career. It is well known that Shankar joined forces with Superstar Rajinikanth and some of World’s renowned technicians for the most expensive India film, Robot 2.0, whose shooting is progressing at brisk pace.
 
It is learnt that Shankar has some unique plans for this science fiction thriller. Reports reveal that Shankar is mulling one-song concept for Robot 2.0 so that the momentum doesn’t drop at any point of time. It is believed that he is leaving no stone unturned to make it a perfect action thriller featuring best visuals. So, he is considering to have only a single song in the film. However, an official announcement about this interesting news is yet to be out.
 
Bollywood actor Akshay Kumar is playing the antagonist in the film and Amy Jackson is the female lead. Lyca International is the production unit behind this high budget extravaganza.

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Audio date and venue confirmed for SGS

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Powerstar Pawan Kalyan’s most anticipated flick Sardaar Gabbar Singh is already abuzz all over with its recently released teaser. In spite of few initial hiccups, the film’s shoot is going at a brisk pace and currently the final schedule is taking place at RFC.
 
The makers of SGS have already announced that the film will be releasing on the 8th of April as an Ugadi gift for the Mega fans. Now, the audio release date has been officially locked as March 20, as per latest reports. However, clouds are to be cleared over the audio release venue (Hyderabad/Amaravati) and an official announcement regarding the same will be issued very soon.
 
Energetic powerhouse Devi Sri Prasad who gave us chartbuster albums such as Jalsa, Gabbar Singh and Attarintiki Daaredi is composing music for this flick as well. This latest update should be a great relief for Powerstar fans and the buzz that Chiranjeevi and Nagababu would be attending this event is actually doubling the excitement over the audio release.

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Young Tiger NTR commences shoots for his next

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Fresh from the huge success of Nannaku Prematho, Young Tiger NTR is ready to commence shoot for his next film which is titled Janatha Garage. Riding high with back to back blockbuster hits, writer turned director Koratala Siva is now looking to continue his success streak with this out and out commercial drama.
 
The regular shooting flagged off a couple weeks ago with Mohan Lal’s part. As per the latest update, NTR will join the sets from today. Some crucial scenes and the intro song will be shot in the next couple of weeks. Samantha and Nitya Menon are the female leads. 
 
Sai Kumar is playing NTR’s father in the film which also features Malayalam actors Unni Mukunda and Rahman.Devi Sri Prasad is composing the soundtrack and Mythri Movie Makers are bankrolling this high budget film.

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Review: Kalyana Vaibhogame (Naga Shaurya, Malavika Nair)

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Cast: Naga Shaurya, Malavika Nair
Banner: Sri Ranjith Movies
Music: Kalyani Koduri
Producer: K.L. Damodar Prasad
Director: Nandini Reddy
Story:
 
Shaurya (Naga Shaurya) is a happy go lucky youngster who works as a video game designer in Hyderabad. He has little respect for the institution of marriage and prefers to spend his life without responsibilities. He also plans to get hold of a multi million project in New York so that he can escape the traditional baggage. 
 
As fate could have it, Shaurya’s doting grandmother falls ill and expresses her last wish that Shaurya should get married before she dies. Shaurya meets Divya (Malavika Nair), a medical student in typical marriage looks set up and they soon realize that both share similar views on marriage. In order to escape their respective parents pressure, they decide to get married and then plan for a divorce on mutual consent. How do the equations turn around after they get married?- forms the rest of the plot.
 
Actors Performances:
 
Naga Shaurya shines in the role of a typical urban youngster. His chemistry with Malavika Nair is worth mentioning and the young actor delivers par excellence in emotional scenes. If at all he chooses novel scripts, a bright future awaits this rising star!
The bubbly actress Malavika Nair is fantastic in the role of an independent girl who is controlled by her doting father all the time. Her role has multiple shades and she carries the urban look with amazing ease. However, her histrionics resemble Nitya Menon in many sequences yet she pulls off to be unique.
 
Yesteryear hero Anand turned character actor gets a meaty role as an over controlling father and he does it with great perfection. He has little scope to deliver long dialogues but still makes his presence felt. One can see a different dimension of 90s actress Raashi in this film. She delivers emotions with just her eyes and suited perfectly to the role of a herione’s mother who is reserved. She might become the next Nadhiya for her classy performance!
 
 Aggressive actress Aishwarya tones down to suit the role of hero’s mother. She does a neat job.Mirchi Hemanth has very less scope to perform as the hero’s quirky friend but he does well. Taagubothu Ramesh and Ashish Vidyarthi surprise the audience with their reprise of roles from Alaa Modhalaindhi as software engineer Gautam and serial killer respectively. The rest of the supporting cast is quite good and do their part.
 
Analysis:
 
The lady director Nandini Reddy struck gold with her debut film Alaa Modhalaindhi which thereby increased more expectations when she announced her second project Jabardasth. But the film disappointed many audience for being a straight lift from Bollywood flick Band Baaja Baarat. The director seems to have decided to play on her strengths by delivering a feel good family entertainer with great performances with Kalyana Vaibhogame.
 
 One can say she was successful to certain extent in this regard. The film is based on the point how youngsters consider the institution of marriage to be stress at this era. While the film takes off on a fresh note with satires on arranged marriages and how families pressurize their respective kids for getting married, it transforms to just another predictable love story as it progresses.  Moreover, the basic storyline of the film has irresistible resemblance to Allu Arjun’s Happy sans commercial fights and masala. But some lines regarding the glorification of wedding system and family bonding were greatly executed.Kalyani Koduri delivers another melodious album for this flick and the songs blend with the storyline too well.  The background score fuses well with the scenes and make it a pleasant watch.
 
Plus Points: 
1)Lead actors performances
2)Clean comedy
 
Minus Points:
1)Dragging second half
2)Predictable storyline
 

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Review: Shaurya (Manchu Manoj, Regina Cassandra)

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Cast: Manchu Manoj, Regina Cassandra
Music: Veda K
Producer: Malkapuram Siva Kumar
Director: K Dasaradh
Story: 
 
Shourya (Manoj) is a Harvard graduate with loads of ambitions. In the opening scene, he plays a suave wannabe entrepreneur explaining his business plan. Then he meets his lover Netra (Regina) and they plan to leave India and work in the UK. However, Netra has a wish to visit Kotilingala temple during Sivaratri, and following this Shourya chances upon a series of unforeseen events. The movie rides on a ‘Who done it?’ template with intermittent twists and multiple sub-plots. We can’t reveal more of it here!
 
Actors Performances:
 
Manchu Manoj underplays his usual self and gives a subdued performance in this film. Whatever you expect from Manoj – the uncanny comedy, fights, etc. are not seen here. Good to see him venture out of the massy mold he created for himself over the years. Regina Cassandra plays the regular girl next door. A kind of the same role (with over-makeup) that’s she has been doing since eons. Though there were sparks of brilliance in her role, she couldn’t pull it off with poise. Prakash Raj sleepwalks the typical intelligent cop role and plays the one with Athadu hangover. His introduction is interesting but there should have been more meat on his character than just the one who’s connecting the dots.
Prabhas Sreenu owns the first half with his quirky comedy and makes the bland proceedings interesting Shakalaka Shankar presses the comic button in his introduction scene but his presence is shot-living. Brahmanandam has become boring these days with every director forcefully planting him to buy some run time. His character in this film also falls flat, and there’s just one spooky comic track to count on. Nagineedu plays the routine father with different intentions.Subbaraj is shown with negative shades and carries those traces all through the film. Nandu, Shayaji Shinde and others make blink-and-miss appearances.
Analysis:
 
With Shourya, director Dasarath comes out of his comfort zone of family dramas. He pens a decent story but the problem lies in the way in which it is narrated with many sub-plots. At a point of time the viewer gets confused in piecing them together. Every story has three points of view – audience, narrator, fact. 
 
Shourya is based on this key element. That being said, when the twist pops up out of nowhere, the movie seems to be interesting but we are forced to watch the mundane stuff of boy-meets-girl and the hero wearing a heavy tinge of a Good Samaritan. This drenches out all the intrigue that’s generated from the happenings. The dialogues are good at places and the technical values are apt.
 
Plus Points:
1)Manoj and his nuanced performance and effortlessly handling the drifts in his character. 
2) The climax, though a rip-off from many other flicks, is partly satiating.
 
Minus Points:
1)Routine scenes
2)Baseless comedy tracks and hurdling songs.
3)Music: 
4)Veda K shines with his music in bits and pieces but fails to create an impact for this force-fit thriller.

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Review: Guntur Talkies (Siddhu, Rashmi Gautam)

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Cast: Siddhu, Rashmi Gautham, Shraddha Das
Banner: RK Studios
Music: Sri Charan
Editor: Dharmendra Kakarala
Producer: Raaj Kumar M
Story- Screenplay-Director: Praveen Sattaru
Story:
 
Hari (Siddhu) and Giri (Naresh) who work in a medical shop are petty thieves. In one such trifling robbery one night, Hari and Giri rob about Rs 5 lakhs each and on top of it a Calcium Sandoz box without mutual knowledge. Both Hari and Giri flee off and their shop keeper (Sudarshan), Inspector Venkat (Raja Ravindra) & CI (Raghu Babu) chase these crooks. Besides them, Hari has Revolver Rani (Shraddha Das) and his muse Suvarna’s (Rashmi) parents chasing him and local don Jackie scouting for the Calcium Sandoz box. How did Hari and Giri survive the fatal hunt for them and what happened to their theft forms the rest of the plot.
 
Actors Performances:
Versatile actor  Naresh steals the show with his exceptionally gritty and hilarious act as ‘Giri’. He is one of the key reasons why you might watch the film throughout. Yet another promising young talent Siddhu has arrived. For all those who might conveniently keep aside this fledgling actor, with Guntur Talkies he announced that he is here to stay.
Seductress actres Reshmi Gautam has successfully pulled the crowds to the theatres but has been just used as a tease and nothing more. Better not to expect much. Shraddha Das is hot and her character was hatke too. When she says “Daa” you must go – entertaining! Unfortunately she got nothing to do beyond that. By the way, you’ve a surprising cameo by none other than Lakshmi Manchu in the film. Check it out for yourselves. Raghu Babu, Raja Ravindra, Potti Sudarshan, Jogi Nayudu, Fish Venkat, Pavala Syamala, Karate Kalyani & others give their best to this crime comedy but none of them were used to their fullest potentials.
 
Technical Aspects: 
 
Besides the enticing Nee Kosam song, no conventional song numbers are to be expected in this film. However, Sri Charan does a decent job with the back ground score. Editing is average but certain scenes during the second half could have been chopped off.
​This is pretty much predictable but leaves the audience with brains full of doubts to come back with pocket full popcorn.

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