Merupu Movie Launch

Ram Charan Tej’s latest movie Merupu in the direction of Dharani was launched at Rama Naidu studios on the morning of 30 April. NV Prasad and Paras Jain are jointly producing this movie. Kajal Agarwal plays female lead. Paruchuri brothers pens dialogues. Devi Sri Prasad scores music. PC Sreeram handles cinematography. Thota Tharani is the art director. VT Vijayan is the editor.

Gracing the launch event were Movie Moghul Rama Naidu, Megastar Chiranjeevi, D.Suresh Babu, D.Rana, along with the movie’s heroine Kajal Agarwal. Members of cast and crew were also present

New Rating System for Indian Films

There will be no more mere A or U or U/A certificate for Indian films. India's film rating system is set for a revamp, with the draft Cinematograph Bill, 2010 adding more age-specific categories of certification, in line with international norms.

Under the draft Bill, which could see the light in the next session of Parliament, the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting is proposing five categories of ratings.

The Central Board for Film Certification (CBFC), better known as the Censor Board, will now be asked to certify films under the U, 12+, 15+, A and S categories. This translates to films meant for unrestricted viewing (U), those unsuitable for children below 12 years (12+), those unsuitable for children below 15 years (15+), and those meant only for adults, or people above 18 years (A). The S rating is for films restricted to certain professions or classes.

Liberal stance towards sex scenes would be practiced. 

Under the current Cinematograph Act, 1952, there are three categories - U, A and U/A, the last of which calls for parental discretion and guidance on whether the film is suitable for children under 12 years. The new draft Bill also acknowledges the importance of women's perspectives on the films to be released and mandates that one-third of the members of the CBFC, as well as the regional advisory boards, must be women.

If the applicant for certification is the producer of the film, the certificate will be deemed to be evidence that he owns the copyright of the film, according to the draft Bill. It also stipulates that the Board must disclose the reasons for its decisions either to refuse certification or to restrict the film under any of the categories except the U rating.

The draft Bill also aims at dealing with the issue of piracy by introducing penalties for those who make duplicate prints or issue unauthorised copies or negatives. The punishment ranges from a fine between Rs.5 lakh and Rs.25 lakh and imprisonment from one to three years.

6 biggies stopped & reported againt Brami

In an attempt to cut down the production costs, Andhra Pradesh Producer’s Council has taken bold step. In an urgent meeting convened today (Apr 22, 2010), the council put break to six big films that are about to begin the shoot from May. Films that are stopped are: Venkatesh’s Nagamalli (remake of Apta Rakshaka), Ram Charan – Dharani’s film, Ram – Surender Reddy’s flick, Sumanth – Colors Swathi movie, Dil Raju – Prabhas and Suresh Babu’s another film.

All these producers have taken the decision collectively. Only after coming conclusion to what steps should be taken to cut down the production costs, these films would begin its shoot.

Brahmanandam reprimanded

Top comedian Brahmandam’s unprofessional attitude is also seriously discussed during the meeting. His cheap and greedy behaviour like ordering ‘parcels of food’ to his entire family from ‘Ohri’s Restaurant’ and handing over the bill to the producers in whichever shoot participates is reprimanded by the producers. They have decided to put an end to his cheap demands. His use of ‘company vehicle’ liberally and putting vehicle conveyance bill to the producers has been the main concern for producers.

Producers have now decided to curtail some of the big pay cheques to other stars too.

Varun Tej debut in filims

A hero of the family would turn Megastar hero. Varun Tej, son of Nagababu is ready to make its debut on the big screen soon.

He trained in drama and dance and is ready to call it “go.” Varun is tall and handsome man seeking knowledgeable and say that he has in him to make it big in tinsel town.

Varun entry is confirmed, but the script and the director’s first film has not yet been completed. Thus, with Cherry and Bunny balance of the screen and Pawan are still active, Varun has found its own place in Tollywood.

Vedam to Hit Screens on May 20th

There was always a question raised as there can be any multi-starrer movies in Tollywood. Yes. VEDAM is the latest flick of Allu Arjun, Manchu Manoj Kumar and Anushka together started the trend of Multi-starrer movies in Telugu Film Industry. The movie is being directed by Radha Krishna Jaagarlamudi who has got appreciations for his big hit 'Gamyam'. And the movie is being produced by Prasad Devineni and shobu Yarlagadda. Director Speaking "The movie is a constant thriller and you will enjoy the characterizations which are very different and unique in its class. Keeravani sir has given seven tremendous songs" he said. The audio will be out soon and the movie is going to hit the screens on 20th of May. Manoj Bajpai, Brahmanandam, Posani Krishna Murali, Sharanya, Lekha Wahington etc are other cast. 

Darling Releasing with 335 Prints

Karunakaran directorial project with Prabhas and Kaajal as leads titled 'Darling' has set to release tomorrow. AlsoShraddha Das and Tamil actor Prabhu are playing the crucial roles. The movie recently received a clean 'U' certificate by impressing the censor board members. Now the latest news to share is that the movie of thistollywood hunk prabhas is going to release with a whopping number of 335 prints. This is the biggest release in Prabhas's career it seems. There are 100 digital prints and 235 celluloid prints for the movie to hit the screens tomorrow. Lets hope best for the Prabhas and Kaajal to bring them all the success. 

Nagarjuna Guest Role in Thakita Thakita

Down Town Films banner is producing a movie titled 'Thakita Thakita'. Sri Hari Nanu is directing the movie. Bharath Thakur is the producer. The film has Nagarjuna, Anushka and Bhumika Chawla playing guest roles. Rest of the main casting is all new faces we introducing to the industry. And the movie is presented by Bhumika Chawla. Director speaking "We are going to do a 10 days shooting schedule in Himalayas. We are shooting a song and some important scenes of the movie. We are making the into a whole some entertainer. Cinematography: K.K.Senthil, Music: BoBo Shashi. 

Sunil Met with an Accident

Ace comedian Sunil was minor injured while acting in a fighting scene for his upcoming film Maryada Ramanna, being directed by SS. Raja Mouli. The shooting was taking place at Ramadugu near Jagitya on Friday. Telangana supporters who got a tip off about their shooting arrived in large numbers and disrupted the shooting. They have forced Sunil and the director Raja Mouli to shout pro Telangana slogans.

Sunil, who feel very much disturbed with their unpredicted entry, couldn’t concentrate on his portion. During a bike a chasing scene, Sunil fell down from his vehicle resulting minor injuries. However, he did not agree to discontinue the shooting. He left the sets only after completing his portion. Later, the unit packed up from the location.

Prabhas’s coming with his 'Darling' on Apr 23

Prabhas’s Darling is all set to hit the screens on these holidays season. The film comes in the hit combination of Prabhas and producer BVSN Prasad of ‘Chatrapathi’, which is biggest hit in Prabhas’s career so far. Known for making classy romantic entertainers, director Karunakaran is presenting Prabhas in a lovable character. Kajal is the heroine. The film has wrapped up its shooting part. “It is a feel good entertainer. I am glad that I worked with Karunkaran as he is one of my favorite directors and liked his Toliprema and Ullasnga Utsahnga immensely. Audiences would also feel fresh with this film,” Prabhas said.

Producer informed the media that he is planning to release it on April 23 on grand manner. Music is provided by G V Prakash and Tamil actor Prabhu plays another important role. 

Gautham’s 'Varevva' launched

Top comedian Brahmanandam’s son Gautham is acting in his second film, Varevva.This new film was launched at a low key pooja ceremony held at Temple Complex in Film Nagar in Hyderabad. Veteran director Dasari Narayana Rao was the chief guest. New heroine Sambhavi is cast opposite Gautham. Produced by Maheshwara Rao, it introduces Kalyan Mantena as director.
“We are commencing regular shoot from May 3rd and planning to wrap it by September. Plans are on to release it on October 8th,” producer said.

Jr NTR Engagement

NTR is engaged to Praneeta, daughter of Narne Estates proprietor Srinivasa Rao, today (April 1, 2010) in traditional ceremony held at Praneeta’s house in Hyderabad. The betrothal ceremony took place early in the morning. Only Nandamuri family members were invited for the ceremony while from Tollywood, directors Rajamouli’s family, V V Vinayak family, Meher Ramesh, music director Keeravani’s family, and produce Ashwini Dutt’s family attended.

Nara Chandrababu Naidu, Balakrishna and other cine and political celebrities also attended and blessed the would-be-couple. Wedding takes place on Nov 18th in Hyderabad.