"Heroines are just glam dolls" says Top Director

If anyone has doubts on the statement that, Tollywood actresses are just glam dolls, then they should have a look at this. Top director VV Vinayak has reacted to the criticism on using Tamanna, just to fill the glamour portion in the recently released magnum opus 'Badrinath'. The directed was not apprehensive is saying that they are hiring lead actresses just for songs, dance around the trees and play the hero’s love interest. "We have been hiring lead actresses only for the songs and to fill the glamour portion. It's a fact that no one can rule out," says VV Vinayak. It's very rare that an actress could get a performance oriented role in the Industry. Though Tollywood is a male-dominated industry, people expect few women centric films here and there. But, that's not happening. There was a time when actresses used to be pivotal part of the script and were even paid more than the male actors. Sridevi is the best example for this, who went on to do powerful roles in commercial films. Let's hope that every actress would do atleast one performance oriented role in a year and atleast one women centric film in their career span.

'Twitter Agency' fights with Fight-Masters

You might have heard about 'twitter', a popular social networking site and wondered what this 'twitter agency' is all about. Check out this interesting tidbit now! Most of the big and happening celebrities will not have sufficient time to concentrate and operate their social networking accounts on internet. For this, they appoint few people called 'social media marketing' companies. One such group that helps you out in writing tweets on twitter.com is this 'twitter agency'. Off late, the agency guys are finding it tough to get their remuneration properly from famous fight masters of the south. Most happening combo Ram and Laxman are the guys we are talking about. Those who know Ram-Laxman knows the fact that the brothers are very poor in English other than managing hi-hello-bye kinds of stuff. However, their posts on their twitter account shocks you a lot for the depth of language and fabrication of English sentences. Yes, you guessed it right. There is an agency behind their write ups and they are not getting bills for their job. Looks like, it is a tough job to deal with fight-masters to get 'coins' instead of 'blows'.

Tollywood Mantra: 'Buried' Trick Or 'Avatar' Magic

There are no two words in admitting that the Tollywood box office has been running dry from nearly a decade. Barring a fingerful of blockbuster hits and small time films landing into profit zones, the graph has been very inconsistent and down-sliding in terms of collections. So now, there is a need for the Tollywood folks to come up with something out of the box or enlarge their creativity. The analysts are suggesting it can be done in two possible ways.

One theory is if Tollywood can come up with some Hollywood flicks like ‘Buried’ ‘Paranormal Activity’ ‘The Blair Witch Project’ wherein the focus was more on content and concept than production values, the then some guaranteed returns are assured. With new wave film makers hitting the foray, the prospects of fresh ideas remain strong so achieving this may not be so difficult after all. With audience seeking variety, there is a market for experimental and alternative films. The sutra is low investment and high returns which is possible through a good concept and economic style of making.

The second option is to come up with a big budget treat offering grand visual appeal with 3D effect. However, there is a high risk of getting crowds to theatres. On the other hand, there is also the looming piracy problem which is yet to be curbed properly. For a film like ‘Buried’ it is okay given the budget involved. But if it happens for big movies then it is trouble. The plus point is, films offering visual spectacles automatically draw crowds to the theatres. All come for experiencing the visual appeal. Though the efforts for such flicks are time taking, if done rightly the results will be fruitful.

So, the best way to counter the depreciation in the Tollywood box office is to come up with either of the above theories and stop repeating the outdated big hero flicks with commercial formula. With the current speed of market and audience approach, the margins will not work out. Let us hope the Tollywood folks reflect a little on this and do the needful.

"Meeru Moosukondi Please" tells SPR to his father!

Veteran producer MS Reddy's 'Idhi Naa Katha' has done serious damage to the goodwill of many actors and few technicians of Tollywood. Now his son Shyam Prasad Reddy is taking all the necessary measures to control the damage. Shyam Prasad Reddy has already stalled the circulation of the book. He is also taking back all the complementary copies that were distributed among the film circles. SPR also asked his father to shut his mouth and don't speak about the contents in the book. He told his father to stay back at house until the controversy settles down. There are rumors that he installed CCTV cameras in his house to keep a check on daily activities of his father. Shyam Prasad Reddy is also avoiding from talking to the media as it would keep the controversy alive. When the media contact him, he is telling that he is busy with story sittings and asking them to contact him after few weeks. It is clear that Shyam is trying to extinguish the fire by keeping the topic away from being discussed among the media circles.

Tollywood loss with Piracy - Rs.250 Cr

Slowly and steadily Tollywood seems to be analyzing the facts behind losses bared by industry with web piracy. Especially producers started to worry after losing more than Rs.250 Crores in last five months on pirated CDs, cable and web piracy. With raising production costs and low success rate, we find that piracy menace is still eating away the revenues.

Now, a group of leading producers are holding discussions with team of top police officials on suggesting the measures to save the industry from piracy. ‘We met police officials and urged them to stem the piracy menace. They assured us that they would initiate some drastic measures,’ said C. Kalyan, producer and president of the South Indian Film Chamber of Commerce.

Recent discovery is that more money is lost through ‘web piracy’ rather than pirated CDs and illegal screenings on cable. Apparently, 11 member filmmakers delegation urged the cops to swoop down hundreds of websites and video shops. Then punish the offenders with imprisonment for 1-5 years under Goondas Act.

Tollywood Afraid of Duping Managers

Did Mohan Babu elder son Manchu Vishnuvardhan lost Rs 2 crores? Rumor-mongers has it saying that Manchu Vishnuvardhan lost Rs 2 crores and his own manager betrayed him. His childhood friend and production designer Ashok Kumar Raju mismanaged few financial transactions and escalated the bills of the movie 'Vasthadu Naa Raju'. He even charged commission from the vendors so that he could augment the project cost by 2 crores. The moment Manchu Vishnu came to know about this he fired Ashok Kumar Raju who is now with Dil Raju's team.

Even Puri Jagannath's manager Krishna duped the star director and eventually left Puri Jagannath in neck deep crises. Puri Jagannath trusted Krishna a lot since he was right hand and was involved in all decision making processes. Kirshna duped Puri Jagannath and cheated him for some crores of rupees and Puri eventually necked out Krishna, who joined as Jr NTR manager.

Actor Raja Ravindra is no different. He was considered as right hand to Ravi Teja but was not seen in his camp since quite some time. Such was the impact Raja Ravindra had that any director who wants to make a movie with Ravi Teja has to go through him. Finally, Raja Ravindra betrayed Ravi Teja who could not believe it. Ravi Teja replaced Raja Raveendra with Brahmaji and now Raja Ravindra reportedly became Manchu Manoj's manager and looking after his dates.

Hero Krishnudu's position was more or less the same. His former manager Hari could not fairly deal things with Krishnudu and this has prompted him to change the manager. Richa Gangopadhyay also underwent similar experience since her former manager mislead her with annoying decisions.

This is the state of affairs of our great Telugu film industry and the people in it! How sad!

Telugu Review Writer's '100% Love'

He is one of the celebrating Telugu movie review writers on the web platform. His reviews have won him fame and accolades unlike his other things. Now, have a look at his '100% Love'. No, this man has nothing to do with Naga Chaitanya's '100%  Love' other than writing a review of it, which is already done. We are talking about his 100% Love for pirated CDs of currently showing flicks. Being a prominent person in Telugu Film Industry, this movie-bluff wants to watch flicks only on his personal home theatre setup. All the new pictures that are releasing are finding a place in this guy's TV Table Desk. For God's sake, this guy is currently depending on 'piracy' only for English and Korea flicks. However, he is publicly mentioning about his acts like he has done something brave. Some noted critics stated that it is really shame on him to watch such 'pirated' CDs and mentioning it in public is an act of 'balupu'. Only, he can answer this!

Courtesy:Gulte

IT Raids On Forgotten Heroes

From the last few months, the Income Tax Department has cast its eye over the film industry celebrities and stars. While the Bollywood top shots had their share of raids, even our very own Nagarjuna, Anushka etc were no exceptions. However, here is an interesting update which is received from the IT department.

It is heard that they are now keeping an eye over heroes like Tarun, Uday Kiran, Rohit, Varun Sandesh and few other forgotten heroes. Apparently, the source reveals that these stars are spending wonderful time in private parties and late night events.

They are coming in rich cars with drivers so the IT folks are wondering how come this richness and luxury. As a result, sources reveal that the IT people are coming up with a strategy to do a joint raid on all these forgotten heroes and dig out the truth. Let us see what happens….

Can Tollywood Producers get Maturity???

These are the days where no Telugu film is in the race to bag a National Award or making a place to any international film festivals. Even during this crisis, some of our producers have not stopped being false to the audience. Just for the sake of minting money, our guys acts are spoiling the overall impression on TFI at rocket speed. Best example for this is recently released Ravi Teja's flick 'Veera'. Just after the first show, the film was rated poor and almost all the media started the post-mortem of it. As negative talks spreads faster, the fate of the film is sealed on the day of release itself as the movie lacks punch and content values. However, an advertisement in today's newspaper states that 'Veera' has collected around 3 crores, 75 lakhs and 63 thousand Rupees share on day-one to create record and declared a hit. Forget the record it has created, can this film be declared a hit really. This is how Tollywood is working to make money without even thinking how outsiders think about our films. No doubt, Tollywood is a 'Mercedes Benz car', but on a jockey. Can we really move forward without our producers getting any maturity? Think a second guys!

Outdated Hero at 'Dummy' Producer's house

Most regarded in the present day situation of Film Industry as a 'dummy' producer, this guy seems to be the ray of hope for outdated artists. With only movies that can be counted on finger tips, this dummy man is famous for his big budgeted flop flicks. With some hardcore romantic and action mixed boring flicks, this hero is quite outdated now. Once regarded as best of family heroes, this guy lost control on his track and is doing dud flicks that bore the audience to a max. According to grapevine, the hero is caught wandering at the house of that dummy producer. The reason behind this is said to be a role in that producer's flick. Our sources stated the family hero is trying for a second hero role, as he wants to settle down in the industry as a character artist. You might have understood who is that 'dummy producer' and 'outdated hero' by now!

Drugs @Tollywood Superstar's Home

Lately, the Tollywood circuit has been getting plagued with instances of drug using and drug peddling. While the industry has responded strongly to it, such things still continue. This has given rise to a common question among many as to why only few small timers are caught.

One can recall how Bharath and Raghu, brothers of hero Ravi Teja were arrested few months ago on charges of drug possession. On the other hand, few were also questioning why the cop target small timers like Jeevitha’s family members. They have now come up with an interesting update.

It is heard that a top league Tollywood star is known for his grand parties and usually, they take place at his residence. The thing to note is, the parties are filled with freely available cocaine to the invitees and despite many instances, the cops don’t take any action against the star. Why is this happening? any thoughts on this folks…

Telugu Heroines Hiring 'Brokers'

With each passing day, the competition is getting stiffer in Tollywood, especially in the heroine circuit. As such, there is a huge influx of north girls who are usually known for their bold nature and willingness to go glamorous. Now, it is heard that they have taken a new path to stardom and of course, a fat bank balance.

Apparently, heroines are reportedly hiring ‘brokers’ and the role of these brokers is to ‘arrange’ for the payments from the producers for any glamour act of the heroine such as lip kiss scenes, bikini scene or any other spicy stuff.

Usually, these are the jobs of the PROs but after hearing the new format of charging from the heroines, it is noticed that the starlets are hiring professional ‘brokers’ to set the deal. For instance, a bikini scene would cost anywhere between Rs 20 – 25 lakhs for a top league heroine and this is apart from the regular remuneration.

Few cine folks are getting smart and talking to the brokers on a package deal for onscreen and offscreen contribution from the heroines.

Kamma- Kapu Cold War In Tollywood!!

Currently, a cold war is happening between Kamma-Kapu in Tollywood. In this, a powerful unit of Kapus joining hands with Kammas has become a topic of discussion. The Kamma group is busy trying to flush out the Kapu man Dasari who was in the position of a union minister and ruled Tollywood without any opposition. But things have got interesting with the support the Kammas are receiving from Chiranjeevi and Allu Aravind.

Strong buzz making rounds in industry is that the unknown producer Yalamanchi Ravichand’s continuous attacks on Dasari and his statements such as ‘Dasari is Tollywood’s Daridram’ ‘The root cause for all disasters in Tollywood is Dasari’ has got the hand of producer Suresh Babu and the blessings of Chiru and Allu in it.

Ravichand produced two films titled ‘Siva’ ‘Seetaramudu’ and latest he came up with ‘Mayagadu’ with Venu and Charmi. The film completed two years back but it is still rotting in the lab due to lack of buyers. Though none of his movies have the chance of getting pirated, Ravichand ended up with a fast six months back opposing piracy. Now, he is attacking Dasari with the encouragement of his Caste heads. Let us see where this caste war will lead…

Tollywood heroines raise remuneration package :TV9

Tollywood Says 'No' To Vizag

With increasing growth in the Tollywood cine circuit, a new talk has risen and this is about the possible alternative location if the industry needs to shift. The general understanding is that the cine folks would prefer Vizag given the development in the city and also the set up of studios and other infrastructure advantages.

However, an informal survey of sorts was taken and it is heard that in case of not Hyderabad many industry folks prefer Chennai as the best option. Apparently, there are still many who have properties in Chennai and they say that starting new in another city is not easy.

On the other hand, travelling is becoming inevitable to Chennai for sound and songs and mixing and audiography for big banner and average movies. This is not possible in Vizag and even the traveling aspect is not that encouraging. So, the chances are that in case due to any reason such as the Telangana chaos or anything, the cine folks reiterate that Chennai is better than Vizag.

Who is No-1 Heroine in Tollywood ? :NTV

Dasari acting in Balayya's Direction!

The heading might put you in confusion as to why a director acts in the direction of an actor. No, Dasari is not going to play any character artist role in Balakrishna's directorial venture. Check out the interesting thing now! Universal secret is that, hardcore fans of a big hero are targeting Balayya and his fans with their silly messages on this Nandamuri Hero. This went to a peak point, before a blast by Balayya on such websites writing indecent and unethical about him. After Balayya, some groups seem to target veteran director Dasari Narayana Rao. When we inquired, an insider shared that Dasari too wants to take an action on such websites and news papers writing against him. However, film experts quipped that satires on Balayya were posted due to grudge, while on Dasari, it is due to his 'absurd' stuff and 'sarcastic' statements that were not useful to anyone. Stay glued to his space, to find out more interesting updates.

Can Telugu Film Industry recover???

With strikes and hartals, both from the workers inside and the forces outside, Telugu Film Industry is halting its work very often these days. Apart from this, somersaulting of Big-budgeted and big heroes movies at the Box Office is also on a rise. Can Telugu Film Industry recover from all these blows, is the question now! All this work halting from insiders is directly related to increasing daily wages and remunerations of the 24 crafts people involved in movie making. However, with no good profits in producers pockets, their expectations are watered always. For this, a decent hit is needed at the Box Office. High profile flicks like 'Parama Veera Chakra' and 'Shakti' tumbled in their initial weeks to create deficit at the starting of 2011. To worsen this bad situation, Pawan Kalyan's 'Teen Maar' is losing collections at B&C centres despite of positive talk. Prabhas' 'Mr.Perfect' also looks dull at some parts and all those ingredients in it are not able to predict a steady performance of it. With no money minting flicks in the scenario, the exhibitors and distributors are getting pushed into worst situations. Looks like Telugu Industry is placing itself into a no-recovery situation with no good flicks. It's time for Telugu directors and writers, to tighten their shoe strings for giving a ray of hope in this dampening situation. Hope at least anyone among '100% Love', 'Nenu Naa Rakhsasi' or 'Badrinath' bails TFI out of the crisis.

Sexy Tollywood Exports For Kollywood

Films and storylines keep shuttling between Tollywood and Kollywood, that is common. Eventually, it developed to the shuttling of heroines. But these days, it is more of an export as most of the heroines who go to one cine circuit stay there for a long time. Two of such exports from Tollywood are currently creating chaos in Tamil Nadu.

They are the duo of Tamannah, Hansika. Apparently, both have been creating quite a mania and our sources from Tamil Nadu reveal how the hot hoardings of Tammu and Hansi are giving sleepless nights to the Tamil Thambis. On the other hand, their movies are also scoring big success with the mass audience.

While they are in the top league, it is noticed that even Taapsee has begun to create waves. After Tamannah and Hansika left Tollywood, it is long since they have returned. While the Kollywood folks are enjoying the sexy exports from Tollywood, the Telugu folks are hoping for some hot Sambar beauties to burn the Telugu screens, let us see when that will happen.

Tollywood In Biggest Losses Ever

This might be a hard fact to digest but then it is the truth. The situation of the Tollywood circuit is going from bad to worse. Well, the industry is facing the biggest losses ever with almost every cinema going to the docks. The impact is high when big budget flicks with big stars tend to flunk at the hands of the audience.

One of the promising movies ‘Teen Maar’ also got good take off and a response from A centers but it is heard that the collections are affected at B, C centers. Usually, it is only the masses who form the repeat audience. In the bargain, it is the distributors, exhibitors etc who are the worst affected.

They can’t pay theatre rents when they don’t get their money and they end up investing in films. Inside talk is that usually it is the canteen owners, cycle stand owners who decide the fate of a film in the theatre. If crowds are not in, they reportedly pressurize the theatre owners to remove the film since their collections are down.

Perhaps it is time for the Tollywood folks to do some revamping of their fundamentals and concepts.