Tollywood Stars Misconception over Smoking. Smoking has long been synonymous with machoism in the male-dominated cinema industry. Whether it\'s Balakrishna in Veera Simha Reddy or Chiranjeevi in Waltair Veerayya, the cigarette has been wielded as a symbol of confidence and strength. Film posters often portray stars like Mahesh Babu, Prabhas, and Ravi Teja with cigarettes to enhance their suave image. However, the on-screen glamorization of smoking juxtaposed with the mandatory statutory warning &mdash; \"Smoking and drinking are injurious to health\" &mdash; raises questions about the efficacy and purpose of such cautions.\r\nMutyala Ramadasu, Vice-President of the Film Chamber, expresses concern that the statutory warning has become a mere formality, and he places the onus on heroes and filmmakers to exercise more responsibility. \"Just like a cigarette packet is sold with a warning, stars and filmmakers include a caution and then feel free to portray smoking on screen. This begs the question of the purpose of such warnings,\" remarks Ramadasu.\r\nThe influence of stars on society is undeniable, with fans often emulating their on-screen actions. Whether it\'s Mahesh Babu\'s portrayal in Guntur Kaaram or Prabhas and Ravi Teja\'s charismatic cigarette flicks in Salaar and Tiger Nageswara Rao, respectively, these mannerisms are an extension of their macho personas, reinforcing male dominance. Director Gopichand Malieni, who directed Balakrishna in Veera Simha Reddy, defends such scenes, attributing them to the character\'s fearless attitude.\r\nWhile some directors argue that smoking scenes are contextually linked to the character\'s design and backdrop, Director Vamsee emphasizes his commitment to social responsibility and denies the glorification of smoking as a symbol of masculinity in his films.\r\nAn additional challenge is the perceived loophole on the internet, where creative freedom is allowed without the constraints of censorship. Although smoking posters must be cleared by the Film Chamber\'s Publicity Cell, there is no censorship on the internet, allowing filmmakers to release content without approval.\r\nFilmmaker Trinadha Rao Nakkina contends that fans and audiences are sensible enough not to be unduly influenced by on-screen actions. However, research suggests that fans and teenagers may indeed be influenced by their idols who portray smoking as part of their film roles.\r\nIn conclusion, the debate surrounding smoking in cinema highlights the delicate balance between creative freedom, societal influence, and the responsibility of filmmakers and stars to consider the potential impact of their on-screen choices.\r\n<div style=\"text-align: justify;\"></div>

Gossips

Smoking: Tollywood Stars Mass Style

Tollywood Stars Misconception over Smoking

Prabhas-Anil Ravipudi project on cards. Prabhas, riding high on the success of \'Salaar,\' is reportedly gearing up for a grand project with the accomplished young director Anil Ravipudi, fresh off the success of \'Bhagavanth Kesari.\' According to sources, Anil Ravipudi is diligently crafting a script for Prabhas, envisioning a megabucks movie that aligns seamlessly with the actor\'s larger-than-life image.\r\nConducting story sittings with his team in Hyderabad, Anil Ravipudi is determined to deliver an exciting storyline befitting Prabhas\'s stature. The prospect of working with Prabhas has left the director elated, and he is putting in considerable effort to create a script that aligns with the actor\'s image.\r\nBacked by a leading production house, this magnum opus is set to be presented to Prabhas for consideration in the near future. The source emphasizes Anil Ravipudi\'s ability to blend action and emotion, as demonstrated in \'Bhagavanth Kesari,\' making him an ideal choice for a project of this magnitude.\r\nPrabhas, known for exploring diverse genres, is already set to collaborate with director Maruthi for a horror comedy, showcasing his versatility. The upcoming project with Anil Ravipudi is expected to delve into the realm of action-adventure, complementing Prabhas\'s growing popularity.\r\nBy teaming up with Prabhas, Anil Ravipudi is poised to elevate his directorial career to new heights, having previously worked with stars like Balakrishna and Venkatesh. The collaboration has the potential to propel Anil Ravipudi into the big league of directors, marking a significant milestone in his career trajectory.\r\n&nbsp;\r\n&nbsp;

Prabhas teaming with Anil Ravipudi

Prabhas-Anil Ravipudi project on cards

Kriti Shetty to expand her base. Contrary to circulating rumors suggesting that acclaimed actress Krithi Shetty is leaning towards projects in other languages, a reliable source close to the actress vehemently denies this, asserting her strong presence in Tollywood. The source affirms, \"Krithi Shetty is currently in the midst of discussions for various Telugu movie offers, and she is very much active in the industry.\"\r\nShedding light on her involvement in films in other languages, the source explains, \"Given the time-consuming nature of new Telugu movie launches, Krithi is seizing opportunities to work in films from different linguistic domains.\"\r\nSpecifically addressing her roles in the Tamil film \'Genie\' opposite Jayam Ravi and the Malayalam film \'Ajayante Randam Moshanam,\' the source underscores her commendable performances in these ventures, positioning her as a versatile talent. \"Krithi is delivering noteworthy performances in both these movies, showcasing her versatility and gradually expanding her fan base in the southern film industry. Despite her ventures in other languages, she remains closely connected with Telugu filmmakers, and it\'s only a matter of time before she officially announces her next project in 2024.\"\r\nAddressing concerns about her standing post the less successful outings like \'Warrior\' and \'Custody,\' the source dismisses the impact of hits and flops on an actor\'s journey, emphasizing Krithi\'s proven acting prowess. Drawing attention to her impactful performance in \'Uppena,\' the source points out, \"Krithi garnered immense respect for her acting skills, coupled with her proficiency in dance and stunning looks. She is meticulously waiting for the right script to make a powerful comeback, and it\'s only a matter of time before she returns to the screen with a stellar project.\"\r\n<div style=\"text-align: justify;\"></div>

Kriti Shetty to expand her base

Kriti Shetty coming up with exciting plans

Noted Bollywood actor Vicky Kaushal isn\'t just ringing in the new year, he\'s roaring into it! His final day on set in 2023 wasn\'t spent sipping champagne or reminiscing &ndash; it was all about adrenaline and pushing his limits in the biggest action sequence of his career so far.&nbsp;\r\nKaushal shared this thrilling news on social media, captioning a two-photo post amidst the shooting of his next film, Chaava. He wrote, \"Last day on set for this year. Ending the year by completing the biggest action sequence of my career so far. 2023, you have been truly gratifying&hellip; Walking into 2024 hungrier than ever before!\" The photos also featured the director of the film, Laxman Utekar.&nbsp;\r\nReacting to the post, the 35-year-old actor&rsquo;s fans flooded the comments section with red heart and fire emoticons. &ldquo;Can\'t wait to see you as Chhatrapati Sambhaji Maharaj,&rdquo; wrote an Instagram user while another commented, &ldquo;Looking large and in charge.&rdquo; Meanwhile, a few of them lauded his performances in Sam Bahadur and Dunki.&nbsp;&nbsp;\r\nReportedly, Sam Bahadur and Dunki were both released this month. Vicky headlined the Meghna Gulzar directorial. Meanwhile, he played a cameo in Shah Rukh Khan&rsquo;s film Dunki. The actor bagged praise for his performance in both projects.&nbsp;\r\nComing back to Chaava, he will be reuniting with his Zara Hatke Zara Bachke director Laxman Utekar. The period drama will also star Rashmika Mandanna as Yesubai Bhonsale. Produced by Sunny Rajani and Vaibhav Bhor, it is based on the Marathi book about Chhatrapati Sambhaji Maharaj written by Dr. Jaysingrao Pawar.&nbsp;\r\nApart from Chaava, Vicky has one more movie in his pipeline titled, Mere Mehboob Mere Sanam alongside Animal fame Triptii Dimri.&nbsp;\r\n&nbsp;\r\n&nbsp;\r\n&nbsp;

Vicky wraps up an action sequence 

Vicky Kaushal shoots for a biggest action sequence for his next

Is this why Vyooham got HC shock? Following the Telangana High Court\'s injunction on the release of the political drama \'Vyooham\' on December 29, a prominent Telugu director has offered insights into the challenges faced by filmmaker Ram Gopal Varma in navigating legal and censor hurdles. The director emphasizes the importance of adhering to certain guidelines, suggesting that films, being fictional creations, should utilize fictitious names to avoid controversies.\r\nHighlighting the stringent rules imposed by the Censor Board regarding the use of original names of real-life individuals and authentic party flags in films, the director points out the need for caution in such portrayals. Notably, \'Vyooham\' has prominently featured names like former Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu, Lokesh, star-politician Pawan Kalyan, and Sonia Gandhi, contributing to the legal complications surrounding the film.\r\nIn an effort to overcome these obstacles, the director reveals that the producers had prepared an alternate version, substituting the original names. However, due to the bustling schedule of Sankranthi movie releases, they were unable to secure a certification slot. As a result, the production team must patiently wait for the Censor Board members to allocate time for reviewing the modified version.\r\nDespite the legal challenges, Ram Gopal Varma has effectively sustained interest and generated significant hype around \'Vyooham.\' The director acknowledges that the audience\'s reaction to this intense political drama, centered around the life of Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister Y S Jagan Mohan Reddy and depicting his trials and tribulations, will be eagerly awaited once the film clears the certification process.\r\n<div style=\"text-align: justify;\"></div>

Is this why Vyooham got HC shock

Decoded: Why Vyooham got HC shock

Kollywood Star Hero, Ajith Kumar enjoys massive fan following and stardom. His films fetch openings and collections irrespective of previous films results. Though, Ajith\'s last two films \'Valimai\' and \'Thunivu\' manages to earn decent collections at the boxoffice, he is awaiting for a blockbuster for sometime. Currently he is doing his 62nd film, tentative titled as AK62 in Lyca Production directed by Magizh Thirumeni. The film is progressing at Azerbaijan. Anirudh is composing the music.\r\nAjith has been lining his future projects. After the current film he will be doing a film, AK 63 with director Adhik Ravichandran and then he has okayed a film AK 64 with Tollywood popular production house Mythri Movie Makers who is trying to enter other language industries with big films. Director for this project is yet to be finalised.&nbsp;\r\nAnother interesting update is that Ajith has gave green signal to Directed Prasanth Neel who is currently riding high with KGF 1 &amp; 2, and Salaar. Ajith to work with Prasanth Neel for his 65th film. As per the grapevine, Mythri wants to bankroll this project too. Given, Ajith\'s history of working with same production house continuously, there are high chances that he will do more films with Mythri if everything goes well.\r\nOn the other hand, Prasanth Neel needs to finish KGF 3, Salaar 2 and NTR\'s projects before he moves on to Ajith film. Meanwhile, Ajith also has to complete a couple of projects. Ajith\'s current project \'Vidaamuyarchi\' has Trisha as the female lead and is progressing at a brisk pace.&nbsp;

Prasanth Neel To Direct AK65 ?

Prasanth Neel Tamil Debut With Ajith Kumar

Eagle Makers finding no Takers. According to reliable sources, the latest offering from seasoned star Ravi Teja, titled 'Eagle,' is reportedly facing challenges in securing buyers, largely due to the perceived high pricing quoted by the producers. A source reveals, "Negotiations are still ongoing in some areas, and discussions are yet to be finalized. The caution among distributors stems from Ravi Teja's recent films like 'Ravanasura' and 'Tiger Nageshwara Rao,' which failed to resonate with Telugu viewers."
The much-anticipated movie, produced by People Media Factory, is also grappling with the closure of its Hindi dubbing rights. Producers are currently engaged in negotiations with Bollywood distributors, attempting to strike a favorable deal. The source notes, "While Hindi dubbing rights can be a significant revenue stream for star-studded movies, 'Eagle's rates are on the higher side, causing delays in finalizing the deal."
With just two weeks remaining until the film's release, concerns are mounting among the producers. The source underscores the distributors' reluctance to take significant risks, especially in light of the industry's tendency to base deals on past hits and flops.
As 'Eagle' is slated to clash with other major releases like 'Guntur Kaaram' and 'Saindhav' during the Pongal holidays, there is a suggestion that the producers might consider a more opportune release date. The source explains, "Ravi Teja requires a substantial number of theaters for a strong opening and sustained collections. If things don't fall into place, they might contemplate rescheduling."
Undoubtedly, Ravi Teja finds himself at a crucial juncture, given his recent lackluster performances. The success of the action-adventure film 'Eagle' is seen as imperative for him to make a resounding comeback and silence his critics.

Testing times for Eagle Makers

Eagle Makers finding no Takers ??

Kotabommali PS gets OTT date. In the vibrant landscape of Telugu cinema, \"Kota Bommali PS\" has emerged as a standout film, captivating audiences since its theatrical debut on November 24, 2023. Directed by the talented Teja Marni, this gripping survival thriller has earned accolades for the stellar performances delivered by Srikanth, Shivani Rajashekar, and Rahul Vijay.\r\nAmid the escalating buzz surrounding \"Kota Bommali PS,\" online discussions are rife with speculation about the film\'s digital premiere on Aha. The popular streaming platform has successfully secured the digital streaming rights for the movie, and speculation hints at an online debut on January 5, 2024. However, ardent fans await an official confirmation from Aha and the film\'s producers, heightening the sense of anticipation.\r\nThe ensemble cast of \"Kota Bommali PS\" contributes depth and richness to the film\'s narrative, featuring names like Varalaxmi Sarathkumar, Murali Sharma, Vishnu Oi, and others in pivotal roles. The collaboration of seasoned actors and emerging talents promises a cinematic experience that transcends conventional storytelling boundaries.\r\nThis cinematic venture is shepherded by the dynamic duo of Bunny Vas and Vidya Koppineedi under the banner of GA2 Pictures, renowned for their dedication to delivering high-quality entertainment. Complementing the visuals is the musical genius Ranjin Raj, whose contribution to the film\'s soundtrack adds an additional layer of emotion and depth.\r\n\"Kota Bommali PS\" is more than just a film; it stands as a testament to the creativity and storytelling prowess of the Telugu film industry. The survival thriller genre, coupled with stellar performances and an engaging narrative, positions the movie as a must-watch for cinephiles and enthusiasts of compelling storytelling.\r\nWhile fans eagerly await official confirmation of the film\'s digital premiere on Aha, the anticipation continues to build. The speculation surrounding the release date contributes to the excitement, fostering a sense of curiosity and enthusiasm among viewers.\r\nFor aficionados of quality cinema eager to witness the enthralling tale of \"Kota Bommali PS,\" the potential digital premiere on Aha offers a unique opportunity to experience the film from the comfort of their homes. In the ever-evolving landscape of the industry and streaming platforms, \"Kota Bommali PS\" stands ready to make its mark on the digital canvas, promising audiences a captivating and immersive cinematic journey.\r\n&nbsp;\r\n&nbsp;

Kotabommali PS streaming finalised?

Kotabommali PS Gets OTT Date

\"Dhoom\" is one of the most successful money spinning franchises in Indian Cinema. Yash Raj Films has started \'Dhoom\' as a standalone film with John Abraham as thief while Abhishek Bachchan as police officer and Uday Chopra as his side kick tries to nab him. But, the first installment brought more fame to John\'s thief role and became a sleeper Hit.&nbsp;\r\nKnowing the potential of \'Dhoom\' and it\'s antagonist role, YRF started churning out more and more films. Dhoom 2 has Hrithik and Aishwarya while Dhoom 3 has Aamir and Katrina in lead roles. Abhishek and Uday remains constant in their roles in all films. After Dhoom 3, there were many speculations regarding Dhoom 4\'s lead (antagonist) role. Back then there were reports that Salman or Shahrukh will step into the shoes of India\'s biggest on-screen thief but nothing materialised.\r\nNow, after Shahrukh Khan regains his glory with back-to-back hits Pathaan, Jawan, and successful Dunki in 2023, once again \'Dhoom 4\' came into the picture. YRF after successfully executed SPY Verse bringing Salman, Shahrukh and Hrithik under one roof, now they want to expand Dhoom Verse bringing all those iconic thieves together.\r\nWell, there is no official confirmation regarding this news but reports are rife that an official announcement will be made in 2024 about Dhoom 4 which marks collaboration between Shahrukh Khan and Yash Raj Films once again after recent Pathaan.&nbsp;

Shah Rukh Khan in D4 ?

Shah Rukh Khan Next Is Dhoom 4 As Per Reports

Chiranjeevi to comeback in Sandalwood. Chiranjeevi is currently facing a slump in his career. The once-revered Megastar, hailed as \'Bigger Than Bachchan\' in the 90s by Filmfare and India Today, is grappling with a string of unsuccessful releases, failing to replicate the success of his heyday. His latest venture, Bhola Shankar, proved to be a box office disaster, criticized by both audiences and critics for being outdated. In an attempt at redemption, Chiranjeevi is now venturing into the fantasy genre with the tentatively titled Mega 156.\r\nAdding to the intrigue is speculation about Chiranjeevi\'s potential return to Kannada cinema after a hiatus of 22 years. Reports suggest that he might make an extended cameo appearance in an untitled film starring Kannada actor Darshan and directed by Prem, slated to commence production in June next year. According to sources, Prem pitched the script to Chiranjeevi during their meeting in Hyderabad on December 22, and the Megastar has expressed interest, possibly giving his approval soon. However, an official confirmation from Chiranjeevi is still pending.\r\nChiranjeevi\'s last foray into Kannada cinema was in the late 90s with Sipayi (1996), where he shared the screen with Ravichandran. The collaboration with Darshan might face a delay as director Prem is currently occupied with the filming of the pan-India project KD alongside Dhruva Sarja, a two-part epic.\r\nReturning to Mega 156, the film not only signifies Chiranjeevi\'s comeback to the fantasy genre but also reunites him with director Vassishta, known for helming Bimbisara. Notably, Chiranjeevi\'s daughter, Sushmita Konidela, is bankrolling the project and serving as the costume designer. The film is being produced under the banner of UV Creations by V Vamsi Krishna Reddy, Pramod Uppalapati, and Vikram Reddy.\r\nWhile Chiranjeevi awaits a career revival, Mega 156 and the potential Kannada cameo could be crucial steps in reshaping his cinematic trajectory.

Mega Star to enthral in Sandalwood

Chiranjeevi To Comeback In Sandalwood

Dhanush,Sekhar Kammula project gets a start date.Dhanush, the acclaimed Tamil superstar, is set to collaborate with the highly regarded Telugu director Sekhar Kammula for an eagerly anticipated, high-profile entertainer. The project, backed by the experienced exhibitor-turned-producer Sunil Narang, has cast the charming actress Rashmika Mandanna as the female lead in what promises to be a wholesome cinematic experience. According to an insider, the principal photography for this much-anticipated film is scheduled to kick off on January 17, 2024.\r\nSekhar Kammula, known for his exceptional storytelling prowess, has crafted a unique script designed to showcase Dhanush in an unprecedented role, adding an extra layer of excitement to the project. The source reveals, \"Sekhar Kammula is known for his exceptional films and has again penned a unique script to showcase Dhanush in a never-before-seen role.\"\r\nSunil Narang, the producer, has expressed his confidence in Dhanush\'s versatile acting abilities, stating, \"Tamil superstar Dhanush is an actor-par-excellence and could pull off any kind of role with consummate ease. His popularity has spread all over the world.\" Narang goes on to explain that Kammula has tailored an exciting script not only to complement Dhanush\'s rising popularity but also to appeal to a pan-Indian audience. The film is expected to feature a star-studded cast, including actors from various industries, including Bollywood, and will be produced with a substantial budget, making it one of the most significant productions in Telugu cinema.\r\nIt\'s worth noting that Dhanush has been actively collaborating with Telugu directors of late. Following his successful venture with young director Venky Atluri in \'Sir,\' Dhanush continues this trend by teaming up with Sekhar Kammula, known for his youthful and impactful entertainers such as \'Happy Days\' and \'Fidaa.\' The source emphasizes Dhanush\'s growing fan base among Telugu viewers, suggesting that such collaborations with Telugu directors might become a recurring theme in the actor\'s future endeavors. As the source concludes, \"Dhanush\'s fan following among Telugu viewers is growing by the day, so he could do more films with Telugu directors.\" This collaboration hints at a promising chapter in Dhanush\'s cinematic journey and is eagerly awaited by fans across the country.\r\n<div style=\"text-align: justify;\"></div>

Dhanush D51 Gets a Start Date

Is This When Dhanush, Sekhar Kammula Project To Start Rolling

Sharwanand in dilemma over title. Sharwanand has deliberately kept a low profile following a series of box office disappointments. Despite the setbacks, the actor is set to make a comeback under the direction of Sriram Aditya.

The film's shooting has already been wrapped up, and although the initial plan was to unveil the first look on Ganesh Chaturthi, Sharwanand, with a keen eye for perfection, decided to prioritize the output before unveiling any promotional material.

Primarily shot in London, UK, and featuring Krithi Shetty as the leading lady, the film was initially titled 'Baby On Board.' However, the makers later opted for a more generic title, 'Maname.' Reports even surfaced that posters were designed with this title, but Sharwanand, being meticulous, instructed the team to put a temporary hold on them. Now, discussions are underway for another title, with a couple of options being considered.

Currently in the USA, Sharwanand is attending to his pregnant wife, Rakshitha Reddy. Upon his return, the actor plans to finalize the film's title and lock in a release date. The anticipation surrounding the film is building, and fans are eagerly awaiting Sharwanand's return to the big screen with this intriguing project.

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