Maestro Ilaiyaraaja is one of the most popular and celebrated musicians in the country. He has composed over 7,000 songs and has provided for more than 1,000 films in his career spanning over forty-five years. The national award-winning composer began his career with the 1970 Tamil film Annakili and has never looked back since then.&nbsp;\r\nRecently, the legendary music composer shared an insight about his music during an event. In the interview, he talked about how his music notes were stolen. He further added that there were many music notes that he had made during his 46-year career that have been missing. He also added that, till now, he has not been able to find out who stole them.\r\nThere has been news that a biopic is about to be made on the life of Ilaiyaraaja. Many believe that he is the prominent figure in the entertainment industry whose achievements and work must be celebrated on the bigscreen. Many names popped up in the lead role who will play the part of Legendary Music Director.&nbsp;\r\nRecently, it was reported that Dhanush had been roped in to play the lead role in the film. The film is expected to start production in 2024 and aim for a 2025 release. The project is said to be bankrolled by Connekkt Media. There has been yet no official confirmation from the actor on this.\r\n<div style=\"text-align: justify;\"></div>

Gossips

Maestro Work Gets Stolen

Someone Stole Ilaiyaraaja Music Notes

Chiranjeevi&nbsp; yet to recover from knee surgery. Megastar Chiranjeevi\'s recent battle with knee pain, leading to a surgical intervention, was initially reported a few months back. Despite optimistic expectations of a swift recovery, it appears that the legendary actor is still in the process of recuperation.\r\nChiranjeevi\'s evident discomfort at the #Venky75 event, especially during prolonged periods of sitting, suggests that the journey toward full recovery is ongoing. Reports suggest that his knee is still posing challenges, indicating that a complete recovery has yet to be achieved.\r\nHowever, the actor\'s unyielding commitment to his craft was unmistakable as he stood resolutely for over 40 minutes at the #Venky75 event, displaying no apparent concerns.\r\nEven amid this ongoing recovery phase, Chiranjeevi remains actively engaged in his upcoming projects. His dedication to the cinematic art was recently on display during a week-long shoot for the film \'Viswambara,\' helmed by Vassisht Mallidi, known for his work on the acclaimed film \'Bimbisara.\'\r\nThe movie, featuring Trisha Krishnan as the leading lady, is poised to embark on a fresh shooting schedule soon, heightening the anticipation surrounding this promising project. Despite the challenges posed by his knee ailment, Chiranjeevi\'s unwavering commitment to his work underscores his enduring passion for the cinematic craft.\r\n<div style=\"text-align: justify;\"></div>

Mega Star Knee a Worrying Factor

Chiranjeevi  yet to recover from knee surgery

Amidst Prabhas, Prasanth Neel\'s Salaar Ceasefire\' storm, Challenging Star Darshan&rsquo;s latest Kannada film &lsquo;Kaatera&rsquo; got released on 29th December. Even though Salaar is primarily a Telugu film, except Prabhas, the entire technical team including Director and Production house are from Sandalwood. The narrative style is also familiar Kannada audiences making it a Kannada film too. Due to these reasons Salaar did well in its Kannada version.\r\nDarshan Thogudeepa is a popular Kannada regional star and his film too enjoy frenzy atmosphere with Terrific openings. Many thought his latest film \'Kaatera\' gets bulldozed by \'Salaaar\' but it is going strong at the box office and emerging as box office winner. The film has collected a staggering Rs 77 Crores in its four days as per official announcement from the makers. It is a huge number for a regional film which got released in a single language.\r\nOn the opening day, the movie garnered Rs 19.79 crore. Saturday saw a slight decline with earnings of Rs 17.35 crore, while Sunday surged with the highest figures at Rs 20.94 crore and Monday collected Rs 18 Crores taking its total to Rs 77 Crores. The film is giving a tough competition to Salaar in rural and B,C centers.&nbsp;\r\nDirected by Tharun Sudhir, the film marks the acting debut of Aradhana, daughter of late producer Ramu and actress Malashri. Jagapathi Babu, Shruthi, Kumar Govind, Vaijanath Biradar, among others, form the cast. The film&rsquo;s compelling story has been drawing crowds, especially families, contributing to its success. On the other hand, Salaar Ceasefire is cruising towards Rs 700 Crores GBOC.&nbsp;\r\n&nbsp;\r\n&nbsp;\r\n&nbsp;

Kaatera Challenging Mighty Salaar

Darshan Kaatera Emerging As Box office Winner

Fans trolling Devara's look. NTR's Devara has generated immense anticipation among fans as one of the most eagerly awaited films of 2024. The recent release of a poster announcing a glimpse on January 8, 2024, has sparked a mixed reaction among the audience.

While the anticipation for updates is high, some fans have expressed disappointment with the latest poster, citing concerns about the artificial appearance and less-than-satisfactory graphics. Numerous enthusiasts have called for an immediate release of a new and improved poster to elevate the excitement surrounding the film.

In the midst of these discussions, fans of other heroes have taken to social media to troll the new Devara poster, particularly targeting NTR's look in it. Some have even drawn comparisons to Chiranjeevi's Waltair Veerayya posters, suggesting that the Devara team could enhance their content by avoiding recreations of Chiru's iconic poses.

Acknowledging that the latest poster lacks the intensity and fierceness seen in earlier releases, there is a collective hope among fans that the Devara team will address these concerns and possibly release a new and captivating look or poster in the near future. As the anticipation continues to build, the audience remains eager to witness whether the team will unveil an improved visual representation that lives up to the high expectations set by the earlier promotional material.

Fans trolling Devara look

Devara look trolled for various reasons

Rana readying for Rajinikanth. Renowned young actor Rana Daggubati is set to play a pivotal role in Tamil superstar Rajinikanth\'s 170th film, sharing the screen with the legendary Amitabh Bachchan and Faahad Faasil. According to sources, Rana is scheduled to commence his involvement in the project in March 2024 and is eagerly anticipating the experience. The actor has allocated 25 days for this action-packed adventure, drawn by the allure of a meticulously crafted character. His enthusiasm is evident, especially in collaborating with prominent figures from both Bollywood and the South film industry.\r\nDirected by Gnanavel, acclaimed for \'Jai Bhim,\' the film promises a realistic portrayal of action, contributing to the actor\'s decision to be a part of it. \"Rana is thrilled to collaborate with Gnanavel, and his aspiration to work with Rajnikanth has finally materialized. He aims to wrap up his commitments by November, gearing up for his next venture in Telugu cinema,\" as shared by a source in Chennai.\r\nIn addition to his cinematic endeavors, Rana has ambitious plans, including the creation of a high-profile mythological film titled \"Hiranyakashyap,\" showcasing his ability to attract audiences. Simultaneously, he intends to take on special roles alongside other esteemed actors, showcasing a remarkable balance in his professional choices.\r\nLooking ahead, Rana Daggubati is charting a course with director Teja for the action-adventure film \'Rakshasa Raja,\' set against the backdrop of 1920s Andhra Pradesh and the Madras Presidency border. This diverse lineup underscores Rana\'s versatility and strategic approach to his career, firmly establishing him as a multifaceted force in the film industry.\r\n<div style=\"text-align: justify;\"></div>

 Hot Hunk bracing for Super Star

Rana readying for Rajinikanth

Dulqer Tollywood project Kaantha on hold. According to reliable sources, the highly anticipated Telugu film 'Kaantha,' starring Dulquer Salmaan, has reportedly been temporarily shelved by the producers. "The decision has been made to revisit the script, requiring additional time before production commences," a source revealed. The insider further explained, "Producer Suresh Babu reviewed the final draft, providing valuable insights. The director's team has willingly embraced the suggestions, recognizing Suresh Babu's extensive experience in the Telugu and Hindi film industry. They are confident that these modifications will pave the way for a guaranteed success."

The involvement of producer Suresh Babu is significant, as the film is produced by his son, actor Rana Daggubati. The initial unveiling of the film's first look occurred on Dulquer Salmaan's birthday last year, creating much anticipation for its scheduled shoot this year.

Directed by Selvamani Selvaraj, known for his debut feature 'Nila' (2016) and the Netflix documentary series 'The Hunt for Veerappan,' the film is a joint production of Dulquer Salmaan's Wayfarer Films and Rana Daggubati's Spirit Media. 'Kaantha' is slated for release in Hindi, Telugu, Malayalam, and Tamil languages.

In the meantime, Dulquer Salmaan's recent release, 'King of Kotha,' faced challenges at the box office. The actor also ventured into the digital realm with Raj and DK's 'Guns and Gulaabs.' Notably, he is set to collaborate with Telugu director Venky Atluri for an upcoming film titled 'Lucky Bhaskar.' Despite the temporary setback, Dulquer Salmaan continues to explore diverse projects across various platforms.

Dulquer Twood project Kaantha on hold

Shocking developments over Dulquer Hollywood project

Neha Shetty beauty blast in blue. Neha Shetty, renowned for her enthralling DJ performances under the moniker DJ Tillu, continues to mesmerize us, not just with her musical prowess but also through her dazzling photoshoots. In her latest snapshots, she effortlessly showcases a range of chic and trendy outfits, leaving us spellbound.\r\nIn one set of photos, Neha dons a striking blue thin strap mini dress, complemented by stylish goggles that elevate her ensemble to another level. The combination exudes sophistication, and her poses exquisitely reflect her innate sense of glamour. Moving on, she effortlessly pulls off a white tank top paired with vibrant red denim, exuding confidence and a flair for style that is truly captivating.\r\nTransitioning to another look, Neha shines in a floral pant and shirt combination, showcasing her remarkable versatility in the realm of fashion. Furthermore, she exudes elegance and grace in a variety of swimwear attires, effortlessly transitioning to traditional attire, demonstrating her adaptability to various styles with grace and poise.\r\nAmidst the captivating photoshoots, Neha stuns in a ravishing red mini dress, commanding attention with her charismatic presence. Adding a playful vibe to the mix, she strikes mischievous yet stylish poses while sporting goggles and a cap. Regardless of the attire or style she embraces, Neha consistently excels, captivating hearts with her impeccable fashion sense and unwavering confidence. Each photograph is a testament to her ability to effortlessly blend style, grace, and charm, establishing her as a true icon in the world of fashion and entertainment.\r\n&nbsp;

Neha Shetty beauty blast in blue

Neha Shetty turns naughty in blue dress

Why Stars are not sporting a united front while meeting CM Revanth Reddy.Following Revanth Reddy's assumption of the CM position in Telangana, a gradual shift in Tollywood celebrities' stance towards the new regime became evident. Initially accustomed to the amiable and socially adept former IT Minister KTR and former Cinematography Minister Talasani Srinivas Yadav, the industry figures extended their congratulations to the new government and Revanth Reddy.
However, the scenario took an unexpected turn when the newly appointed Cinematography Minister, Komati Reddy Venkat Reddy, expressed his dissatisfaction, stating that he received congratulations only from Dil Raju. This incident triggered a significant shift in the behavior of Tollywood celebrities.
Recently, Mega Star Chiranjeevi, followed by King Nagarjuna and Natasimha Balakrishna, individually visited CM Revanth Reddy to convey their congratulations. While it is a positive sign that celebrities are engaging with the CM and addressing industry concerns, observers are left pondering why they haven't presented a united front in their interactions.
The absence of joint meetings raises questions about potential ego clashes among Tollywood stars. Many wonder why influential figures like Chiranjeevi, Balakrishna, Nagarjuna, and Venkatesh haven't collectively met CM Revanth Reddy to discuss industry issues. A united front would undoubtedly carry more weight and send a powerful message of solidarity.
The speculation around ego issues within Tollywood circles seems to be gaining traction, given the trend of celebrities meeting CM Revanth Reddy individually rather than presenting a unified front. As the industry navigates this period of change, observers remain intrigued by the dynamics at play behind the scenes.

Politics in Stars meeting CM Revanth 

Why Stars are not sporting a united front while meeting CM Revanth Reddy

Richa angry with Air India and MakeMyTrip. Richa Chadha voiced her criticism against the online travel company MakeMyTrip and airline Air India, expressing her dissatisfaction with their services. Taking to X (formerly known as Twitter) on Saturday, Richa not only shared her grievances but also encouraged her fans and followers to steer clear of what she referred to as \'saste (cheap) cheats\' and \'scamsters.\'\r\nIn her tweet, Richa highlighted the alleged practices of substandard airlines, accusing them of canceling flights without intimation or changing timings to cause inconvenience to passengers. She suggested a collusion with flight booking portals like MakeMyTrip.\r\nRicha tweeted, \"SCAM ALERT! @makemytrip @airindia Perhaps the best way for substandard airlines to make a quick buck is to cancel flights without intimation, or change timings so you miss your connections! With the collusion of so-called convenient flight booking portals like @makemytrip.\"\r\nShe further criticized the customer service of MakeMyTrip, claiming that it hinders customers from claiming refunds. Richa also accused Air India of pocketing business class fares without an apology for last-minute timing changes.\r\nExpressing her dissatisfaction, Richa wrote, \"Do yourself a favour, avoid these 2 SCAMSTERS in 2024! I hope your companies endure more losses than you have in all of your collective histories, saste (cheap) cheats! (Pinched fingers emoji) #BlacklistAirIndia #BanMakemytrip.\"\r\nIn response, MakeMyTrip acknowledged the inconvenience and requested Richa to share her booking ID for a resolution. However, Richa dismissed their regret, stating that she had deleted their app and advised her followers to opt for trustworthy travel agents instead.\r\nWhen a user suggested using another travel company, Richa criticized Air India further, describing them as a \"loss-making mammoth\" with no human team handling their Twitter account.\r\nRicha\'s tweets reflect her frustration with the perceived lack of service quality from both MakeMyTrip and Air India, urging others to reconsider their choices in 2024.\r\n<div style=\"text-align: justify;\"></div>

Richa blasts Air India and MakeMyTrip

Richa angry with Air India and MakeMyTrip

Director Sandeep Reddy Vanga&rsquo;s Animal is primarily a story of Ranbir Kapoor&rsquo;s character and his father, played by Anil Kapoor. But the film also had an important character of Ranbir&rsquo;s mother Jyoti, which was convincingly played by Charu Shankar. Not many would know that she is just a year elder to Ranbir in real life.

This never deterred her from doing the film. In an exclusive video interview with a noted Bollywood web portal, Charu said, &ldquo;Why would I say no? Why would any actor say no to any project? Why would I refuse? And this was a very exciting opportunity. I knew the cast; I knew the film. When Sandeep narrated the story, I thought it was very interesting and very different. And he told me from the word go that I want you to play a very crucial part of my film; I want you to establish very quickly what the central conflict in the film is. And I was sold on that. I said yeah because I understand storytelling and drama. So, when he said this to me, I was like, that&rsquo;s amazing.&rdquo;

But there was some funny conflict when Charu travelled to Mumbai to meet Vanga for the first time. She said, &ldquo;Sandeep walks in, crosses us and goes to his office. He calls in his AD and asks, &lsquo;Who&rsquo;s that?&rsquo;&rdquo; When Vanga was told that she is Charu Shankar and he had asked for a meeting, he was stunned to see how young she looked and said, &ldquo;That&rsquo;s Charu Shankar? Okay!&rdquo; He asked her to come in. She added, &ldquo;As soon as I came in, he said, &lsquo;Nice to meet you, thank you for coming all the way. But I have to tell you you are too young (laughs).&rsquo;&rdquo;

But Charu told him that since she is here, she would like to hear the script. &ldquo;He, very sweetly, narrated the kahaani and said, &lsquo;This is the role and it&rsquo;s very important for me in the story.&rsquo; He said, &lsquo;Within the first five minutes this central conflict should be established and you are perfect for that. But then the little boy grows up and becomes Ranbir, then what do we do?&rsquo;&rdquo;&nbsp;

Charu continued, &ldquo;I told him, &lsquo;Sandeep, I am an actor and I love the craft of acting and I would like to take this up as a challenge and FYI this is what I have done.&rsquo;&rdquo; She had already shot Rocket Boys where she played India&rsquo;s former Prime Minister Indira Gandhi and she had her pictures in the get-up on her phone. After seeing her look as Indira Gandhi, Sandeep was shocked to know that she can look this way too.

Charu added, &ldquo;He said, &lsquo;Maybe this can happen.&rsquo; And he said that initially he thought maybe he will need to use two actresses because the film goes through a journey. He said that maybe we can do this.&rdquo;

Vanga then thanked her for visiting and she left. But for six months, she didn&rsquo;t hear from him. Charu added, &ldquo;And six months later I get a call saying, &lsquo;You have been finalized.&rsquo; Then Sandeep called me that very day and said &lsquo;Thank you for saying yes because I met so many people; hundreds of actors for this role. I never forgot how different you looked sitting across the table and in the phone (as Indira Gandhi).&rsquo;&rdquo;

Charu got on the board and the rest, as they say, is history. Animal is produced by T-Series, Cine1 Studios and Bhadrakali Pictures and minted close to Rs 1000 crore at the box office.&nbsp;

Animal actress opens up on her role 

Animal mother about how she is on board for the role 

Despite facing stiff competition from major releases like Salaar and Dunki, the Malayalam film \"Neru\" took the bold step of hitting theaters on the 21st, exuding confidence that it could hold its own against the cinematic heavyweights. Featuring the versatile actor Mohanlal as the protagonist, this courtroom drama, skillfully directed with a gripping screenplay by Jeethu Joseph, has managed to captivate audiences and boasts impressive box office collections.&nbsp;\r\nWhile the film continues to make big money at the box office, the latest news is that the film\'s digital streaming rights are bagged by noted OTT platform Disney Plus Hotstar. However, the streaming details of the film are not yet disclosed.\r\nJeethu Joseph, renowned for his enchanting work in films like Drushyam 1 and 2, as well as overseeing the direction of the Telugu version of Drushyam 2, has once again worked his magic with \"Neru.\" His knack for storytelling and creating compelling narratives has resonated well with the viewers, establishing the movie as a compelling cinematic experience.\r\nThe director, who shares a commendable rapport with Venkatesh since their collaboration on Drushyam, is currently immersed in the making of Drushyam 3. Recognizing the potential compatibility between Venkatesh and the narrative of \"Neru,\" Jeethu Joseph has personally recommended the film to the seasoned actor, urging him to give it a watch. Will the actor act in the remake of Neru? Remains to be seen.&nbsp;\r\n&nbsp;

Neru gets OTT streaming platform

Neru Digital Streaming Platform Is Locked 

Trisha, one of the top star actress who has a very long career of more than two decades has recently peaked once again by delivering superhit films. She has paired with almost every leading actor in the South, and she has an interesting line-up. She even made her Bollywood debut with 'Khatta Meetha' opposite Akshay Kumar in 2010. But, she didn't continued her career in Hindi land as the film failed to deliver her a proper takeoff.&nbsp;
Now, the latest report suggests that Trisha has signed her second film in Hindi after 13 years. It is opposite none other than Salman Khan. Salman Khan and Karan Johar are coming together again for a high-budget action film directed by Vishnuvardhan. The film is titled as 'The Bull' and it kick-started it's journey with a muhurat held yesterday, December 29 at Mumbai.&nbsp;
Reports suggest that the film is inspired by a true story and will feature Salman Khan in the role of a paramilitary officer. The principal shoot of The Bull begins from February. Salman has allotted bulk dates to Karan and he will be shooting from February to August. The film is centered around Indian Army.
Trisha is currently filming for her films 'Vidaamuyarchi' with Ajith in Tamil and 'Identity' in Malayalam. She has also been signed in to play the main role in Mani Ratnam's directorial 'Thug Life', which features Kamal Haasan in the lead role, and also as one of the heroine for Megastar Chiranjeevi's socio-fantasy, 'Viswambhara'