I am making a film with Telugu star Ravi Teja at Zero cost
Immediately after Appalraju’s release on February 4th, I am starting a Telugu film with Ravi Teja from February 11th.It is going to be a highly entertaining Action Thriller.Charmi, Ajay and Subba Raju will be playing certain key roles and the rest of the cast is being finalized.Everyone knows that normally a film takes between 100 to 150 days to shoot and more than 150 to 200 people will be working on it.The unique thing about the film I am doing with Ravi Teja is that this two hour long feature film will be completed in just 5 days start to finish, with a unit of just 8 people and at a zero cost.No one in this film including the actors, technicians and equipments suppliers are going to be paid any remuneration. It will be made only with those actors and technicians who are excited to be a part of this project. All the people who work for this project will only be paid after the release of the film that is if and only the film makes profits and those payments will be in accordance with their individual value additions. My primary intention of doing this film is to establish a fact of how it is possible to use a certain aspects of present day technology to make a 2 hour theatrical film in just 5 days and with zero cost.The technology I am adapting for this film is going to once for all prove that it’s not Crores of rupees that we need but it’s just a story which excites all concerned and a desire in all of them to see the film happen.The film will be released on March 11th that is exactly one month from the start date of the shooting which is February 11th.- Ram Gopal VarmaP.S: Puri Jagan will be co-director and Harish Shanker (Mirapakaya) will be my associate director for this project.
Rishi (Raviteja) is a ‘pelli kaani’ police officer, who is dying to find someone to marry and settle down in life. He joins a college as Hindi lecturer on a mission. His target is to find the whereabouts of Kittu Bhai (Prakash Raj). Meanwhile he fall in love with student Vinamra (Richa) and when their love is growing leaps and bounds in comes Vaishali (Deeksha Seth), the daughter of Kittu Bhai. Now, Rishi’s mission is to make her fall for him and get the details about Kittu. What happens next can be easily guessed by anyone.
Artists Performance:
Raviteja is in his usual self. His energy levels are superb and he simply excels in this role without a hint of tiredness.
Richa Gangopadhyayashould work on her expressions if she is planning to have a long lasting career. She doesn’t possess great looks it is mandatory for her to concentrate upon her acting skills.
Deeksha Sethis cute. She suits the role of a multi millionaire. She too needs to learn a bit or two about acting.
Kota Srinivasa Rao is good. Supreeth and Ajay are standard. Sunil comedy hardly works. Brahmaji is fine. Nagababu is apt. Ali is OK. Rao Ramesh is wasted. Prakash Raj has a very little role to play in this film. His wardrobe is weird. Rest of the cast did as per the requirements. Colors Swathi did a cameo.
C. Ram Prasad’s cinematography is good without any unnecessary gimmicks. Gowtam Raju editing is fine. Thaman music is high on energy. Vaishali and Silaka songs are nice. Background score is not bad. Production values are an asset.
Harish Shankar didn’t try to showcase his skills as a director. He has sincerely worked for a commercial success. His desperation is understandable but saying so he should have done something ‘special’ to grab the attention.
Plus Points:
- Raviteja’s energy
- Entertaining first half
- Few songs
- Cinematography is Average.
- Music and Background
Minus points:
- Routine story
- Weak screenplay
- Very weak climax
Final Analysis:
Mirapakaya is like any other Raviteja movie. Director Harish Shankar, who portrayed Raviteja as a serious action hero in Shock movie didn’t try to go against the tide this time. He only tried to entertain audiences right from the word go. Despite giving heavy buildup to this film, director slipped into jolly mode right after the first reel.
Police officer going to college as student… err lecturer is in the lines of Main Hoon Na. Of course Raviteja too did a film Khatarnak with similar theme. However, Hairsh Shankar gives this a new flavor to keep the audience glued to the screen. But the lack of proper content has repeatedly disturbed the proceedings. If one scene clicks and entertains you it is followed by a couple of boring sequences.
The major story of the movie is revealed in the first 15 minutes and the culmination takes place in the last 15 minutes. The rest of two hours is dedicated to the love angle and entertainment. The screenplay that takes place during this 2-hour period is not properly done. It is a proven fact that Ravi Teja’s movies have scant respect for story and screenplay and majorly depend on the entertainment aspect. The entertainment is interesting in parts. We have to wait and see how Mirapakai is lapped up by the crowds.
Movie:Anaganaga Oka Dheerudu My Rating:3/5 Banner:A Bellyful Of Dreams Entertainment & Walt-Disney Music:MM Keeravani, Koti, Salim-Suleiman Merchant, Mickey J Meyer Cinematography:Soundarrajan Editing:Shravan Katikaneni Producer:Devineni Prasad, K Raghavendra Rao Story, Screenplay, Dialogues & Direction:K.Prakash Cast:Siddarth, Shruti Haasan, Manchu Lakshmi Prasanna, Vallabhaneni Ram, Baby Harshitha, Ravi Babu, Tanikella, Ali, Brahmi, Subbaraya Sharma etc Release Date:14th Jan 2011 Review Story Irendri(Manchu Lakshmi Prasanna) is a serpent queen who rules the kingdom of Angadesam. She hails from the family of magical witches and seeks immortality. Her mentor reveals about a girl Moksha (Baby Harshitha) who has a divine power in her and drinking her blood would be the solution. Irendri sends her troops to get Moksha but her bodyguard Yodha (Siddarth) the blind warrior stands as protection. On the other hand, Yodha has got his love tale with Priya (Shruti Haasan) and assumes she is dead. However, there is a connect between Irendri and Priya. And Yodha’s mission is to take Moksha, the divine girl, to a place to save the lives of many children who get into coma with the poison showered by Irendri’s fiendish troops. Will Moksha go and save children with her power or she falls in the trap of Irendri? What happens from there forms the rest of the story.Telugu Movie Reviews Artists Performance: Siddarth is a mismatch to the role. He can be good for the role of a prince but he doesn’t have the ruggedness or the masculinity to be a warrior. However, he tried to do his best so efforts were good though result was bad. Shruti Haasan looks fresh, beautiful, seductive and sensuous. However, she must remember that if she continues picking up roles like this, her career will not last for long. Performance wise, she didn’t have anything to offer except show some oomph in the songs. Lakshmi Manchu is the saving grace for the film. Her grandeur and decoration in appearance makes up for any drawbacks and she has given a decent performance given her debut in Tollywood. Well, there is huge acceptance for her as Mohan Babu’s daughter. She emulated him in a few scenes with her walk and dialogue. Baby Harshitha is okay but given her character, it would have made sense if she maintained some serenity instead of prancing around like a kid who just comes after the school is over. Ram Vallabhaneni seems to have come through recommendation. Ravi Babu looked silly, Ali brought few smiles, Brahmi looks dumb, Subbaraya Sharma has a guest role, Tanikella was brief, the others did their bit as required. OTHERS: Baby Harshitha who played the role of Moksha is fine; Ravi Babu is apt as Sudigundam. Ali, Tanikella, Brahmanandam doesn’t have much footage. Plus Points: * Historical grandeur of graphics unimaginable on Tollywood screen * Make up and back ground score given for Lakshmi Manchu Minus points: * Blind hero with no macho look * Dialogue * Screenplay Visual Effects Visual effects worth a special mention for this film, Visual effects are extraordinary, spectacular & ideal. We find visual effects through out Irendri’s character in the movie. Final Analysis: First things first, if Prakash is looking to make a career as a director, he must go back to school and learn the fundamentals. For starters, the story must be strong, if it is not then the narrative must be strong, if that is not then atleast the etching of the characters must be convincing. He has failed in all skills department. It looks as if he was focusing on the surroundings and the colorful settings rather than the main plot and the depth it must have. A few observations regarding attention to detail that he must ponder: * Siddharth’s appearance lacks macho look that is required for this role. * Moreover his blind portrayal adds no value to the drama but dropped the graph down. * The scene shows the villain piercing the eyes of Siddarth, where are the scars? * If it’s a fantasy then the script and dialogues must suit that genre, phrases like ‘Naayala’ ‘Jaffa’ …sounds strange. There is a fluctuation in the grammar, sometimes it is authentic, sometimes it becomes colloquial. ‘nadumu chooste mara phirangulu..’ is term used in a song. Where did this ‘phirangi’ come in such a folklore backdrop? * The movie runs beyond time and space (!) It is hard to find out the backdrop- Caribbean or Arabian or Siberian or Indian? Well, it’s understood as Fairy Tale and hence backdrop shouldn’t be questioned. * Good narration is accompanied with gripping screenplay and enticing dialogues. Nothing worked in this movie from start till end. * The divine girl Moksha is shown just like a normal school girl and hence her characterization lacked value. The decorum given for Lakshmi Manchu was good but given that packing, any person would fit the bill easily. The fact that she is Mohan Babu’s daughter, her style of walking brought the connection to the audience but then it will be interesting to see how she would perform in a mainstream cinema. Overall, the film has got some breathing moments only due to the presence of the visual effects and graphics. This is one of its kind and the first time in Tollywood. Cinematography was just average, dialogues, screenplay were amateur. While the first half is mild, things show improvement in the second half but that is purely because of the visual appeal and since there are not many words spoken. The box office performance is a question mark. If this film is intended for kids and banking on their patronage, the result of content-weak films like ‘Clash of Titans’ should be remembered here.
Crazy StarRavi Teja’slatest mass masala entertainer ‘Mirapakai’ has completed its censor formalities today. Censor Board has given U/A certificate to the film. Release is scheduled on 13th January. Film’s audio, which was released recently, has been getting good response and declared a huge hit. Filmmakers have organized for audio triple platinum disc function on Jan 7 at Hotel Taj Deccan, Hyderabad. Directed byHarish Shankar, the film is produced by Ramesh Puppala on Yellow Flower Banner. It starsRicha GangopadhyayandDeeksha Sethin the female lead. Members of other cast include Sunil, Chandra Mohan, Kota Srinivas Rao, Dharmavarapu Subramanyam, Ali, Raja Ravindra, Brahmaji and Rao Ramesh. ‘Mirapakai' features music composed by S Thaman, cinematography by C Ram Prasad, screenplay by Ramesh Reddy, Vikram Siri and Deepak Raj, and editing by Gautham Raju. Lyrics are penned by Sirivennela Seetarama Sastry, Chandra Bose, Bhaskara Bhatla, Anantha Sreeram and Sahiti, choreography is by Brindha, Raju Sundaram, Ganesh Swamy and Raghu, art is by Brahma Kadali and fights are choreographed by Ram Laxman.
Siddhartha,Shruthi Haasanstarrer socio-fantasy film'Anaganaga Oka Dheerudu'directed byK Prakash Rao(son of veteran director K Raghavendra Rao) is slated for Sankranthi release on 14th January. Siddharth will be seen as a lover boy and warrior in the film.Shruthi Hassanis making her debut in Telugu. Mohan Babu’s daughterManchu Lakshmi Prasannais playing a key role (negative role) in the film. Brahmanandam, Ali, Allari Ravi and Harshita include among other cast. The film is produced byK Raghavendra Raounder ABODE (A Bellyful of Dreams Entertainment) banner in association with Walt Disney Company. It features music composed by Salim Sulaiman, cinematography by Soundar Rajan and editing by Marthand K. Venkatesh.
It has been reported earlier that Young TigerJunior NTRand‘Simha’directorBoyapati Srinuare going to team up for a big flick. It will be produced by K.S.Ramarao under his new Production House. The latest buzz is that the title ‘Gharjana’ is being considered for the film. Also, it is learnt that petite beautyTrisha Krishnan is likely to pair withJunior NTRfor the lead female role. The film is expected to go on to floors shortly. More details about the film are awaited.
These daysVictory Venkatesh is focusing on unique characters which he has never done before. Recently, he has done in three different roles like King, Aghora and Psychiatrist in‘Nagavalli’and now he is following the footsteps of Hrithik Roshan. If sources are to be believed, Venkatesh is playing the character of a paralyzed person in his next film titled ‘Savitri’ similar to that of Hrithik Roshan’s character in ‘Guzaarish’. According to the script of the film,Venkatesh’sboth legs would be paralyzed when he runs into accident. ‘Savitri’ is expected to go on to floors by the end of this month. Teja will direct the film and D Suresh Babu will produce the film under the banner of Suresh Productions. Beautiful ActressTrisha Krishnanis the love interest forVenkateshin the film. In the past, the duo have worked in succesful films like‘Aaduvari Matalaku Ardhale Verule’and‘Namo Venkatesa’.
Gopichand, Deeksha Seth starrer ‘Wanted’ is likely to release on 21st January. The film is being directed by writer-turned-director B V S Ravi and produced by V Anand Prasad under Bhavya Creations. Recently, filmmakers has completed its shooting and busy in completing the post-production works. The audio of the film is going to launch on 9th January in Hyderabad. It is learnt that in this film, Director B V S Ravi is trying to show Gopichand in a new stylish look as contrary to his mass image. Actress-turned-Politician Jayasudha and Chandra Mohan are playing Gopichand’s Parents in the film. Other Star cast of the film includes Prakash Raj, Nassar, Banerjee, Brahmanandam, Ali, Raghu Babu, Ahuthi Prasad, Shafi, Subba Raju, Anjad Khan, Ravi Kondala Rao, Radha Kumari and Pruthvi . Chakri has composed the music for the flick. Cinematography is done by Rasool Ellore, Editing is done by Shakar and Lyrics penned by Bhaskar Bhatla.
Sensational Director Ram Gopal Varma’s forthcoming film titled ‘Katha Screenplay Darsakatvam Applaraju’ is expected to release in early February. Currently, shooting of the film has completed and post-production works are in progress. Though the film is expected to release for Pongal, it has been delayed due to the ongoing strike in Tollywood. It is learnt that RGV has completed the film shooting in less than 75 days. Comedian Sunil is playing the lead role in the film while Sakshi Gulathi and Swathi are the leading ladies. Hero Sunil is playing the role of an aspiring filmmaker. The latest buzz is that Ravi Teja is playing a guest role in the film. The film has already created a much hype among the audiences as recently released film brochure shows satire on few characters associted with Telugu Film Industry. For the first time, Comedian Brahmanandam sang a song (Naa Pere Srisailam) in the film and Ram Gopal Varma has turned lyricist. He has written a song ‘Evetti penchare amma nanna ninnu, nannitta champutunnav day and nightu jaanu’in the film.
Sensational Tollywood Director Puri Jagannath is all set to direct his first Bollywood film titled ‘Buddha’. The movie stars living legend Amitabh Bachchan in lead role along with Tabu, Taapsee Pannu and Neha Sharma (Chirutha Fame) in an important roles. It is learnt that it is likely to go onto floors on 23rd February. This project was suppose to start in 2010, but it has been delayed due to the illness of Amitabh Bachchan. Now, Amitabh is completely fine and it seems that he has okayed to start the project. Puri Jagannath is planning to complete it by summer. It is said that Amitabh Bachchan is playing the violent role filled with anger. Taapsee Pannu who made her debut with ‘Jhummandi Naadam’ is making her entry into Bollywood with the film. Meanwhile, Puri Jagannath is busy in completing the shooting of ‘Nenu Naa Rakshashi’ featuring Rana Daggubati and Ileana D’ Cruz.
Character artist Rao Ramesh, son of Rao Gopala Rao had a miraculous escape from death recently @ the shooting of Allu Arjun Starrer “Badrinath” while he was shooting for a crucial action sequence on a massive set of Takshasila. It’s heard that he fell at a distance when Kelly Dorjee hit him. Also a huge torch fell just a few inches away from Rao Ramesh’s head. However, he survived with minor injuries but the entire unit was worried about the accident which later proved to be a rebirth for Rao Ramesh.
‘Badrinath’ starring Allu Arjun and Tamanna as lead pair is being directed by VV Vinayak and produced by Allu Aravind under Geeta Arts banner. The film is said to be releasing some time in February.
Story Set on the backdrop of Australia, Ram (Ramcharan) is an youngster who loves graffiti but he doesn’t believe in love for lifetime. He wants to say truth all the while with respect to love life and live with open mind, open thought and open action with his partner. This leads to a clash of ideology with Jaanu (Genelia) who studies in the same college and what starts out as a romantic tale between them both turns out to be a relationship of confusion and complications.Telugu Movie Reviews Ram explains this entire story as his flash back while a police cop (Prakash Raj) asks him as a part of informal interrogation (!) Jaanu believes in everlasting love but given the thought process of Ram, will they be together? Can they really love each other? All this forms the rest of the story. Artists Performance: Ramcharan did his best to fit the lover boy tag and he was neat in his dance and dialogue delivery. Two things he must avoid- a clean shave and full body shots while in a group. There was no emotional depth in his character so his body language was average. Genelia was depressing and disappointing. Her costumes were bizarre, the make up was patchy and her face looked blotted. She has lost the innocence and charm. Perhaps it is age but the blame also goes to the styling and her image etching. Performance wise, she was regular and didn’t have any special acts. Shahzahn comes like a breath of fresh air and though she was brief, she looks cute and attractive. She has the potential to take lead roles. Prakashraj was regular, Brahmi’s comedy was not upto the mark, Prabhu and Pavitra Lokesh were alright, Vennela Kishore was wasted, Madhurima was quick but sweet, Naga Babu made his presence felt. The others didn’t have much to offer except filling the screens and rolling out few lines. Highlights: Songs (although no much variety among each other) Dances by Ram Charan Production Values Disappointments: Theme Dialogue Lack of comedy Lack of emotion quotient Characterizations Final Analysis: The fundamental blunder in the film is that when speaking about love it should be run on emotions and feeling but not on calculation. To make things worse, Baskar tries to explain the calculation with his own narrative style which was rather confusing. He had something noble and different in mind but he could not conceive it in the right manner on the screen. There is no emotion, no romance, no chemistry between the lead pair, no sentiment and above all, no comedy. At one stage, it becomes like a boring mathematics class where the audience have become students and are trying to understand what Professor Bhaskar is trying to explain on the love algorithm. The other disappointment is the philosophy on love. While it is nice to have an ocean full of love, it is common sense that love alone is not life. They are two different entities and the essence of life is in striking a balance between both. Fortunately, what Baskar was trying to say ended up confusing many in the theatre but to those who may have understood a fraction of it, this is truly dangerous. On the other hand, there are quite a number of instances where Bhaskar tried to take the route of Gautam Menon but the difference is chalk and cheese. The good side of the film is the songs and their picturization which was really impressive and visually appealing. Charan’s efforts in songs were commendable. The fight sequence which involves the spray cans was also creative and colorful. As for his much hyped sky diving stunt, that is not so appealing as expected. Overall, the film is good on presentation but very poor in content and completely blotched on narration and concept. While the masses have nothing in it, the class audience will feel like they are in a classroom. And regarding the mega fans…well, it looks like 2010 is just not their year as their favorite heroes seem to be dealing with unconventional characters.
