TOLLYWOOD- NEWS & GOSSIPS

Is a Tollywood producer involved in betting?

HYDERABAD: There has been speculation in the Telugu film industry over alleged links of a producer with disgraced cricketer Sreesanth, who was arrested for spot-fixing in IPL matches recently.

Being a vibrant film industry, there are more than 1,000 producers registered with the Telugu Film Producers Council (TFPC). While some of them produce films, quite a lot of them are producers for namesake as they would have produced a film and discontinued later. However, they still happen to be members of the council.

As soon as it came to be known that a Telugu film producer was associated as a partner with S36, a firm belonging to Sreesanth, the guessing game began on who it could be. The Mumbai Crime Branch has reportedly summoned the producer to appear before it for further investigation.

"It is not fair to drag the name of the Telugu film industry into the affair. If a producer, who is associated in another business activity, got involved in betting or any other wrong-doing, it is not right to view the entire film industry with suspicion," said TPFC president B Sivaramakrishna.

Tollywood and cricket have developed strong links over the last few years. In fact, what began as a cricket tourney for Telugu film stars developed into a full-fledged IPL-style T20 cricket tournament for film industry teams from various parts of the country.

According to industry sources, betting is common among fun-loving producers and actors. However, it is not professional betting. Mostly, this type of betting remains restricted to the producers and actors. Some big producers particularly take the initiative to organise betting, it is learnt.

In recent times, Tollywood stars have made it a habit to be seen at IPL matches in Hyderabad. A producer, who made films with big stars, and another producer, whose banner is very well-known for making big budget movies are said to be avid cricket buffs who could be engaged in betting, sources said. " Yes, there is a lot of speculation in the film industry on who could be involved with Sreesanth but no one seems to know as of now," Natti Kumar, producers' sector chairman in the AP Film Chamber of Commerce, said.

Anjali most wanted in Tollywood

Reportedly she was being paid 20 Lakhs for her role in Settai, however she has been paid 50 Lakhs for an upcoming flick with Venkatesh . Her turning point in Telugu industry was with the multi starrer Seethamma Vakitlo Sirimalle Chettu with Mahesh babu and Venkatesh. As of now she is acting in Balupu and Garam Masala in Tollywood, In Tamil she is starring in "MGR" alongside Vishal and will be making a cameo appearance for "Singam 2" .

Varun Tej following Mahesh Babu, Jr NTR, Allu Arjun, Ram Charan's footsteps

With almost all his family members successful in the Telugu Film Industry, it is not a surprise that Naga Babu's son, and Megastar Chiranjeevi's nephew, Varun Tej has decided to enter the family occupation. He will soon be seen acting in his debut movie.

When Chiranjeevi's son Ram Charan decided to enter films, there were huge discussions regarding who is capable of launching this prince. The responsibility was given to Puri Jagannath, who in-spite of tremendous pressure was able to come up with a successful movie Chirutha. Now the talk is that he is again given the responsibility of Varun Tej.

This movie is said to be produced by Ashwini Dutt under the banner Vaijayanthi Movies. Ashwini Dutt, who is considered auspicious for launching Mahesh Babu, Jr NTR, Allu Arjun and Ram Charan Tej, is again considered to launch Varun Tej. It does not come as a surprise that Naga Babu has decided to launch his son in the same way most of the superstars of Tollywood were launched.

Here are the debut movies of the star-kids who have become the superstars of Tollywood today.

Kamal Haasan's daughter reveals why she was hesitant to be an actress

She is at the top of her game in Tollywood at the moment but Shruti Haasan, daughter of legendary actor Kamal Haasan and actress Sarika, was always skeptical about her options in the industry. The reason: she thought she was "too ugly" to be an actress. 

The 'Luck' beauty says she never found herself attractive enough to be a heroine. "I always wanted to be an actress, but I thought I was too ugly to be in front of the camera. I was more into sports, outdoor activities and running around. But I always wanted to be in the entertainment business," said Shruti who is also an accomplished singer. 

The 27-year-old, who has had a string of hits down south, will now have two releases on June 19, 'D-Day' and 'Ramaiya Vasta Vaiya'. "It is a good coincidence," she said about the simultaneous release of her two films and added: "I am happy that both are polar opposite films. For me, both the characters are very different from each other. In a weird way, it is nice that both the films are coming out on the same day. It just shows the range," she said. 

The actress, who has featured in more than half-a-dozen films so far, including Telugu movie 'Anaganaga O Dheerudu', finds her journey unconventional. "It's been a kind of different, unconventional journey so far. My journey has taught me a lot. There have been successes and failures and I have learnt from both of them."

Sahasam postpones release date

Chandrasekhar Yeleti’s forth coming directorial Sahasam has entered the final leg of production works and is gearing up for June 3rd week release. Initially the makers have planned for June 1st week release, but now it is postponed to 3rd week of June and an official announcement has to be made.

The film’s teaser is released recently and received good response in audience. The film is crucial for Gopichand’s career as he had not scored a hit recently. BVSN Prasad is producing the film under Sri Venkateswara Cine Chitra banner in association with Reliance Entertainment.

The film casts Taapsee will be seen as female lead opposite Gopichand and Sri is composing the tunes. The flick is touted to be an action adventure film set in the era of 1947 based on the treasure hunt.

Viswaroopam 2 to kick start this week

As we all know that Kamal Haasan is going to shoot the sequel of his action thriller film Viswaroopam. Here is the buzz that the principal shooting of Vishwaroopam 2 is going to begin from this week onwards in Thailand.

The prequel was released earlier this year and received good response from audience. The film is based on international terrorism. Kamal Haasan has written the script and apart from that the flick is being produced and Directed by him only.

The film casts Kamal Haasan, Andrea Jeremiah, Pooja Kumar, Rahul Bose and Sekhar Kapur had played the lead roles in the first part and they are likely to reprise their roles in the sequel as well. Shankar Ehsaan Loy are scoring the music. More details about the film are awaited.

Mahesh Babu in ever seen different look for sukumar’s film

Superstar Mahesh Babu, the most stylish icon for youngsters and he is widely accepted as one of the most handsome actors in India. Here is the news that this handsome hero will be seen in ever seen and even better look in Sukumar’s film. Sukumar is taking special care over Mahesh’s look.

The film will be shot in London this June.Kriti Sanon, who is making her Telugu debut with this project, will be seen as female lead opposite Mahesh Babu in this movie. Devi Sri Prasad is composing the tunes for this film and he is experimenting with new sounds for this soundtrack.

This thriller entertainer, which is yet-to-be titled, is being produced by Anil Sunkara, Ram Achanta and Gopi Achanta on 14 Reels Entertainment banner on a lavish scale. The film is expected to hit the screens in the second half of 2013.