‘Gangubai Kathiawadi’ trailer: Alia, Vijay Raaz steal the show

The trailer of Alia Bhatt’s upcoming biographical crime drama ‘Gangubai Kathiawadi’ was released on Friday. A Sanjay Leela Bhansali directorial, ‘Gangubai Kathiawadi’ has been adapted from a chapter of Hussain Zaidi’s book ‘Mafia Queens of Mumbai’.

The film’s trailer boasts of Bhansali’s signature production design and his eye for aesthetics, and it features a prominent blue and grey tone that binds the narrative flow.

In addition, the film also makes use of vintage cars, era-specific costumes, impactful and punchy dialogues, and an engaging background score laced with the trombone and other wind instruments.

The film stars Alia in the titular role along with a talented cast that includes Vijay Raaz, Shantanu Maheshwari, Seema Bhargava Pahwa, Indira Tiwari and Varun Kapoor in supporting roles.

Ajay Devgn, Huma Qureshi, and Emraan Hashmi will have cameos. Vijay Raaz, who is known for his impactful performances, looks all set to blow away the audience once again with his perfectly crafted performance as the keeper of the brothel.

The film narrates the story of Ganga Harjivandas, a simple girl from Kathiawad who gets sold into prostitution by her suitor. Overcoming a life of adversity, Ganga marks her own territory and becomes Gangubai, a madam in the red light area of Kamathipura.

Produced by Sanjay Leela Bhansali and Jayantilal Gada, ‘Gangubai Kathiawadi’ was selected for screening at the 72nd Berlin International Film Festival and is set to arrive in cinemas on February 25.

Tight security for PM’s visit to Hyderabad in view of Punjab incident

Massive security arrangements will be in place for Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s visit to Hyderabad on Saturday in view of the recent security breach in Punjab.

At least 7,000 police personnel, including Central teams, will be deployed as part of the security for the Prime Minister’s half-day visit to attend two programs, both on the outskirts of the city.

Director-General of Police M. Mahender Reddy along with other top officials was busily ensuring fool-proof arrangements at the Rajiv Gandhi International Airport (RGAI) and at both the venues.

Unlike in Punjab where the protest by farmers had left the Prime Minister’s convoy stranded on a flyover last month, there are no protests planned by any group during his visit to Hyderabad but the authorities are not taking any chances.

As a matter of abundant precaution, police personnel is being deployed along the road routes to both the venues although Modi is scheduled to fly in a chopper.

After landing at RGAI at Shamshabad on the city outskirts, the Prime Minister will be flying to Patancheru in neighboring Sangareddy district to visit the International Crops Research Institute for the Semi-Arid Tropics (ICRISAT) campus at Patancheru near Hyderabad.

After inaugurating the 50th-anniversary celebrations of ICRISAT, Modi will fly back to the airport and then leave by road for Muchintal in Rangareddy district near the airport to unveil the ‘Statue of Equality at Ramanujacharya Asharam. He will then fly back to RGIA to return to Delhi.

Both the venues have already been taken over by Modi’s security personnel. The officials from the Prime Minister Office (PMO) have worked out route maps and other security details in coordination with the state police.

The security officials conducted a trial run of choppers and vehicle convoys from the airport to both the venues.

Telangana Chief Secretary Somesh Kumar and DGP on Friday reviewed the arrangements for the visit. For the second day in a row, the top officials held a meeting with officials of various departments to take stock of the arrangements made.

The Chief Secretary directed the officials of concerned departments to work in coordination to make the arrangements in the most perfect way.

He asked the police department to make adequate security arrangements, law, and order, traffic as per Blue Book.

The Medical and Health Department has also been asked to position specialist medical teams along with equipment at the venues.

Somesh Kumar directed the Medical and Health Department Secretary to ensure Covid-19 protocols during the visit. Pass holders will undergo RT-PCR tests before the scheduled programs.

Officials of the Roads and Buildings Department were asked to undertake road repair works and provide sufficient lighting arrangements on the used by Modi’s convoy. He directed Energy Department officials to ensure uninterrupted power supply at all the places of VIP visit.

He directed Collectors of Rangareddy and Sangareddy districts to coordinate the arrangements at Shamshabad Airport and other venues with the organizers of the events.

Post-‘RRR’, is Alia Bhatt eyeing another film with Jr NTR?

A hint dropped by Alia Bhatt at the trailer screening of ‘Gangubai Kathiawadi’ in Mumbai on Thursday evening has intensified speculation that she will join hands with her ‘RRR’ lead star Jr NTR for an upcoming Telugu movie.

Tentatively titled ‘NTR30’, Jr NTR’s upcoming movie is reported to be helmed by Koratala Siva of ‘Mirchi’ fame. The yet-to-be-launched movie is rumored to have Alia Bhatt as the female lead opposite Jr NTR.

In the interesting turn of events at the trailer launch of the Alia Bhatt-starrer ‘Gangubai Kathiawadi’, the actress was quizzed about her upcoming movies.

In her reply, she said: “There is ‘RRR’ obviously. Then there is another project, which I shouldn’t be commenting about just yet.” Tollywood insiders said it was a confirmation of the news doing the rounds that Alia and Jr NTR will collaborate for the second time after S.S. Rajamouli’s magnum opus.

Jr NTR, meanwhile, is all set for the launch of two of his big-ticket movies, one of which is to be directed by Koratala Siva and the other by ‘Julayi’ director Trivikram Srinivas.

NTR is also in talks for another interesting script, which is to be directed by Buchi Babu Sana of ‘Uppena’ fame.

Karni Sena seeks ban on Akshay’s ‘Prithviraj’

The Lucknow bench of the Allahabad High Court has asked the Central government, whether the Censor Board has granted a certificate for the release of the movie ‘Prithviraj’.

The court order came on Thursday on public interest litigation (PIL) seeking a ban on the release of the film.

The court has fixed the case for hearing in the week commencing February 21.

A bench comprising Justice A.R. Masoodi and Justice N.K. Jauhri passed the order on the PIL moved by Karni Sena’s vice president Sangeeta Singh.

The petition sought a ban on the release of the movie, alleging it was presenting a ‘wrong and vulgar’ picture of Prithviraj, a Hindu emperor, and hence it hurt sentiments.

The petitioner said the preview of the movie itself shows that it is controversial.

‘Prithviraj’ is an Akshay Kumar starrer Hindi film.

This is the second time that Karni Sena is opposing the release of a film.

In 2017, the Karni Sena had mounted a strong protest against ‘Padmavati, directed by Sanjay Leela Bhansali and starring Deepika Padukone.

The nationwide protests forced a delay in the film’s release and also made the makers change the title to ‘Padmavat’ from ‘Padmavati’.

Udhayanidhi Stalin’s production house to present ‘Radhe Shyam’ in TN

Actor and politician Udhayanidhi Stalin’s Red Giant Movies will present director Radha Krishna Kumar’s ‘Radhe Shyam’, featuring Prabhas and Pooja Hegde in the lead, in theatres across Tamil Nadu on March 11.

Produced by Vamsi and Pramod for the UV Creations banner, the big-budget movie is all about the war between love and destiny.

The story revolves around Vikramaditya (Prabhas), the celebrated palmist with some unique abilities, and the love of his life, Dr. Prerna (Pooja Hegde).

The chemistry and emotions between the lead characters are among the highlights of ‘Radhe Shyam’, with the others being the making, narration, visuals, and music. Already, the film’s trailer and songs have become a huge sensation.

The film has a musical score by Justin Prabhakar, while S S Thaman has composed the background music.

The cinematography of the film is helmed by Manoj Paramahamsa and lyrics and dialogues are penned by Madhan Karky.

‘Radhe Shyam’ will be released in Tamil, Telugu, Hindi, Malayalam, and Kannada.

Harish Shankar-Allu Arjun’s meetup creates industry buzz

Allu Arjun and Harish Shankar, the director of their hit movie, ‘DJ’, were spotted hanging out together. In a recent social media post, the director shared a picture of him having a good time with the ‘Pushpa’ and ‘Ala Vaikuntapuramloo’ star.

The duo strikes a pose for a selfie and they seem to be enjoying each other’s company. The picture has led to a speculative buzz in the industry about them coming together for a movie.

“It’s always a laugh riot whenever we meet. Had a great time with you @alluarju. Until next time, love you #thaggedhele Endhuku Thaggali? Lol,” Harish Shankar’s tweet, which he posted with his selfie with the actor, reads. (‘Endhuku Thaggali’ refers to the popular ‘Pushpa’ dialogue in Telugu, which means ‘Why should we even step back?’)

This meeting is adding more weight to reports that Allu Arjun might be collaborating with Harish Shankar soon. Sources say that Harish Shankar is busy prepping for a “mass, commercial movie” for Allu Arjun.

Industry reports indicate that the movie will be the second collaboration between Allu Arjun and Harish Shankar after ‘Duvvada Jagannadham’ a.k.a. ‘DJ’.

Allu Arjun is basking in the nationwide success of ‘Pushpa: The Rise’, even as he prepares to start shooting for ‘Pushpa: The Rule’ under Sukumar’s directorial guidance.

Rumours abound about Jr NTR’s collab with ‘Uppena’ director

Jr NTR, who will soon be seen in S.S. Rajamouli’s ‘RRR’, is rumored to have signed a movie to be helmed by ‘Uppena’ director Buchi Babu Sana.

Despite the fact that NTR has not confirmed any of his upcoming projects yet, these rumors on his probable collaboration with Buchi Babu Sana are making the rounds on the internet.

It is reported that the title ‘Peddhi’ is fixed for this yet-to-be-confirmed movie.

Having said that, sources also suggest that the makers of this movie are keen on bringing Bollywood actress Janhvi Kapoor on board.

“Tarak will be seen as a kabaddi player in this movie and the film will also feature Janhvi Kapoor playing a glamorous role,” said an online source.

“As it marks ‘Uppena’-fame director Buchi Babu Sana’s second movie, he has readied a mind-blowing script with a sports-drama as the crux.”

Jr NTR is also in talks with ‘Acharya’ director Koratala Siva for their next commercial drama. He is also scheduled to act in another movie under the direction of Trivikram Srinivas.

As of now, it is family time for Jr NTR, as he awaits the release of ‘RRR’, in which he is to appear as Komaram Bheem. None of his upcoming movies are officially launched, as the fans eagerly wait for the same to happen.

First single from ‘F3’, starring Venkatesh and Varun Tej, to be out on Feb 7

The makers of Anil Ravipudi’s ‘F3’ on Thursday made an announcement regarding the release of the first single from the movie.

The first single from the comedy movie, with the lyrics ‘Lab Dab Lab Dab Dabboo’, will be out on February 7. It is reported to be a peppy song with catchy lyrics. Devi Sri Prasad, who composed the hit music of ‘Pushpa’, has scored for ‘F3’.

With Venkatesh Daggubati and Varun Tej in the lead roles, the summer-release movie has got the hype going for it. Tamannaah Bhatia and Mehreen Pirzada are the heroines opposite Venkatesh and Varun Tej, respectively.

Rajendra Prasad will be seen in a comic role. Sonal Chauhan has also been roped in for a glamourous role, apart from the leading ladies, in ‘F3’.

The talkie part of the shooting has been wrapped up by the makers. Only the picturization of a song is left pending. With post-production work on top gear, ‘F3’ is all set to hit the theaters on April 28.

Sunny Leone shoots for wedding sangeet number in Mumbai

Actress Sunny Leone is shooting for a wedding song titled ‘Sharam Lihaaz’, choreographed by Vishnu Deva, at a studio in Mumbai.

Sunny, who has been busy with the action sequences of her upcoming projects, found the opportunity of working on the song as something that takes off the stress of heavy-duty action.

Talking about her work schedule, the actress said: “The last few months have been hectic in terms of work. And a lot of what I was doing involved kicking and punching because two of my next projects are actioners.

“It was thus so enjoyable to indulge in a bit of dance and fun on the sets of this song. We rehearsed for a day and then got straight into the groove. It’s shaping up pretty well. I believe if you have fun at work, it shows.”

Sunny has starred in four chartbuster numbers in a matter of a month. These tracks include ‘Auntiyaan Dance Karengi’, ‘Machli’, ‘Dushtu Polapain’ and ‘Panghat’.

Mahesh Babu-Trivikram collab film launched with pooja ceremony

Mahesh Babu’s 28th film tentatively called ‘SSMB 28’ was formally launched with a ‘muhurat’ (customary) pooja in Hyderabad on Thursday.

Mahesh Babu and Trivikram Srinivas have teamed up for the new venture that is touted to be a commercial action drama. It will also mark the duo’s second-time collaboration.

Launched amidst a huge hype, a few pictures and videos from the launch ceremony have surfaced on Twitter. Mahesh Babu, skipped the event, while his wife Namrata Shirodhkar attended the pooja on his behalf.

Actress Pooja Hegde, who will also be seen in Prabhas’ upcoming pan-India movie ‘Radhe Shyam’ is playing the female lead in the movie.

Trivikram Srinivas has reportedly prepared a story, keeping Mahesh Babu’s craze in consideration.

SS Thaman will compose the music for the movie, while it is bankrolled under the Haarika Hassine Creations banner. Other technical details of the crew will be out soon.

‘SSMB28’ will hit the floors this March.