Allu Arjun savours the views of Dubai’s skyline

Buoyed by the pan-India success of ‘Pushpa’, superstar Allu Arjun is happily holidaying in Dubai.

Allu Arjun has taken to Instagram to share a shot of himself standing next to the AURA pool in the city of Dubai, a world-renowned tourist destination. The location offers a spectacular view of the city’s skyline, where the ‘Ala Vaikunthapurramuloo’ actor is seen enjoying the picturesque.

It seems like Allu Arjun has planned the vacation to cool his heels before he begins the script reading sessions for ‘Pushpa: The Rule’, which is the sequel to the blockbuster pan-India movie ‘Pushpa: The Rise’.

Allu Arjun will soon join Sukumar and his team to discuss the upcoming schedules to start shooting for the next part of ‘Pushpa’.

Meanwhile, Sukumar has been busy working on the pre-production works related to the movie. It is reported that ‘Pushpa: The Rule’ will go on the floors in March.

As for ‘Pushpa: The Rise’, it has netted nearly Rs 100 crore in Hindi. Even after its Hindi version started streaming on Amazon Prime, the Sukumar directorial has collected good figures at the theaters, thereby proving that the film is a real success.

Rashmika Mandanna, Rao Ramesh, Ajay Gosh, Sunil, and Anasuya Bharadwaj were seen in significant roles in the smuggling-related story.

Taapsee reveals how she was looped in for ‘Looop Lapeta’ on ‘The Kapil Sharma Show’

Bollywood actors Taapsee Pannu and Tahir Raj Bhasin are gearing up for the upcoming film ‘Looop Lapeta’. The actress on ‘The Kapil Sharma Show’ revealed how she was roped in for the movie.

She shared: “I went to say no to the film, thinking that “I’ve done a similar film in the South, so I’ll maybe not do a film which has a similar concept in Hindi. Then he (Director Aakash Bhatia) narrated the film to me so well that he literally looped me in, and I said “yes” right there and then!”

In the movie, Tapsee plays the role of Savi and Tahir Raj Bhasin plays a character called Satya.

‘Looop Lapeta’ is the directorial debut of ad filmmaker Aakash Bhatia and is an adaptation of the German experimental thriller ‘Run Lola Run’, which has gained a cult status over the years.

The movie is set to stream on Netflix from February 4.

Nani unveils teaser from Sree Vishnu-starrer ‘Bhala Thandanana’

Actor Nani took to his social media handles to release the teaser of Sree Vishnu’s upcoming political thriller titled ‘Bhala Thandanana’.

“Happy to launch the teaser of #BhalaThandhanana A very talented team 🙂 Wish you guys a huge success,” the ‘Shyam Singha Roy’ actor wrote, as he shared the ‘Bhala Thandanana’ teaser.

The ‘Bhala Thandanana’ teaser features Sree Vishnu in a boy-next-door avatar, while he showcases his other side of a revolutionary young man who goes against a corrupt political leader.

Directed by Chaitanya Dantuluri, the teaser gives a glimpse into the interesting political thriller that is up for release in the coming days.

As it seems to be a story that revolves around hawala scams, it is expected to be a good thriller. The BGM by Maestro Manisharma is so much in sync with the teaser’s narrative, while Sree Vishnu’s role as a crime reporter creates much anticipation.

Actress Catherine Tressa is also seen as a reporter, as she is introduced in the teaser of ‘Bhala Thandanana’. While ‘KGF’ fame Ramachandra Raju has played the villain in this movie, actors Srinivas Reddy, Adarsh Balakrishna, Satya, Posani Krishna Murali, and others have played key roles.

‘Bhala Thandanana’ is produced by Rajani Korrapati under Vaaraahi Chala Chitram. The movie is slated for a February 2022 release.

Shruti Haasan to play female lead in Prashant Neel’s action flick ‘Salaar’

The makers of Prabhas-starrer ‘Salaar’ released a special birthday poster to wish the movie’s heroine Shruti Haasan, on the occasion of her birthday.

As the ‘Gabbar Singh’ actress celebrates her birthday on Friday, her upcoming movie- ‘Salaar’ hero Prabhas took to his social media platforms, to release a picture. “Wishing my entertaining heroine, the energy ball on set @shrutzhaasan, a very Happy Birthday! #Salaar,” wrote Prabhas, as he shares the poster.

Shruti Haasan plays a role named Aadya in Prashanth Neel’s upcoming directorial ‘Salaar’. Though the makers didn’t reveal much in the poster, Shruti Haasan is seen in a simple long-sleeved dress, as she gazes at the sky.

It is rumored that Shruti will play a political journalist’s role, while it is yet to be confirmed by the makers of ‘Salaar’.

Billed to be a high octane action entertainer, ‘Salaar’ is one of the high-budget upcoming movies to feature Prabhas.

Like the movie ‘KGF’ bagged him so much fame, Prashanth Neel is pinning hopes on ‘Salaar’ so as to keep up his good work.

While it is reported that a few schedules of the shooting have been wrapped up, the upcoming schedules will be crucial for the makers. Sandalwood’s production banner Hombale Films of ‘KGF’ fame is bankrolling ‘Salaar.’

‘Death on the Nile’ to release in Indian cinemas on February 11

Gal Gadot and Kenneth Branagh-starrer ‘Death on the Nile’ is all set to release in India on February 11.

The cast includes names such as five-time Academy Award nominee Kenneth Branagh, Armie Hammer, Gal Gadot, Margot Robbi, Tom Bateman, Ali Fazal, Letitia Wright, Annette Bening, Russell Brand, Rosie Leslie, among a host of other eminent actors.

The plot tells the tale of a perfect couple’s honeymoon on a cruise, however, things take an awry turn after a murder takes place on the ship. The movie is set in the picturesque locales of the Giza pyramid and sandy desert vistas.

It revolves around Poirot’s search for the deadly murderer as Gadot’s character shares with him that she’s not safe and “doesn’t trust” anyone who’s aboard the cruise.

Based on the 1937 novel by Agatha Christie, ‘Death on the Nile’ is a daring mystery-thriller about the emotional chaos and deadly consequences triggered by obsessive love.

The film which reunites the filmmaking team behind 2017’s global hit ‘Murder on the Orient Express, is written by Michael Green, adapted from Christie’s novel, and is produced by Ridley Scott, Kenneth Branagh, Judy Hofflund, and Kevin J. Walsh, with Mark Gordon, Simon Kinberg, Matthew Jenkins, James Prichard and Mathew Prichard serving as executive producers.

From flaunting muscles to showcasing his acting skills, Arjun Kapoor has a busy 2022

Bollywood actor Arjun Kapoor’s lineup for 2022 looks quite diverse and interesting. He will not only be seen showcasing his muscles in the entertainer ‘Ek Villain 2’ but will also flaunt his acting mettle in ‘Kuttey’ and ‘The Ladykiller’.

The 36-year-old actor is happy that he is in a position to explore both spectrums of Hindi films.

He said: “The fact that I can now, on one hand, have hardcore films like ‘Ek Villain 2’ and, on the other, also have projected like ‘The Ladykiller’ and ‘Kuttey’ means that filmmakers and producers believe that I can straddle both spectrums of films today.

“This is what I’m cherishing the most because, for the longest time, I wanted to explore the diverse spectrum of genres and finally I’m getting the opportunity to do so.”

Arjun reveals that he wanted to prove to filmmakers that he can deliver a solid performance if given an opportunity and it came in the form of ‘Sandeep Aur Pinky Farrar.

He said: “I think what has bolstered the confidence of master storytellers is my performance in ‘Sandeep Aur Pinky Faraar’ because I went out of my comfort zone and delivered. I wanted to prove to everyone that people can punt on me to do off-center entertainers.

Arjun added: “I will forever be indebted to this project for opening new doors for me and helping me find projects in which I can try and showcase my journey and progress as an actor.

Naga Chaitanyain talks to make OTT debut

Akkineni Naga Chaitanya, who is high on success after ‘Lovestory’ and ‘Bangarraju’, is likely to begin shooting for a web series, produced by Amazon Prime Video.

Touted to be a thriller, the web series will have ’24’ fame Vikram Kumar as the director. It is being reported that Naga Chaitanya is prepping to play a never-before-role, as he is also working on his physical appearance for the much-hyped web series.

Inside talks suggest that Chaitanya will be seen in a role with multi-layered idiosyncrasy, while he plays a journalist. Now, in the talks is Chaitanya’s makeover, which he has been prepping to bring in, for the role in the web series.

Chaitanya will be seen romancing Priya Bhavani Shankar, while the web series will have three seasons. Other sources also report that the story of this much-hyped series revolves around time travel and each season will have around 8-10 episodes.

While the team is yet to make an official announcement, there is so much anticipation around this venture. Chaitanya and Vikram Kumar, who are currently busy shooting for their upcoming movie ‘Thank You’, will soon start working on the other pre-production works so as to kick-start the series.

Lyrical video of ‘Thozhi’ from Dulquer-starrer ‘Hey Sinamika’ released

A number of celebrities from the Tamil, Telugu, and Malayalam film industries on Thursday released the much-awaited lyrical video of ‘Thozhi’, a romantic melodious number from choreographer-turned-director Brinda Master’s upcoming debut film, ‘Hey Sinamika’. Its star cast features Dulquer Salmaan, Kajal Aggarwal, and Aditi Rao Haidari.

The song, which has lyrics by Madan Karky, has been sung by Pradeep Kumar. Music for the mellifluous number has been scored by Govind Vasantha.

Actor Vijay Sethupathi and actress Rashmika Mandanna released the song on Twitter, Malayalam actor Kunchacko Boban flagged off the single on Instagram.

Boban wrote: “So happy and excited to launch the musical single by Govind Vasantha from ‘Hey Sinamika’. With our cool dude Dq boy on board along with Kajal Agarwal and Aditi Rao. And eagerly waiting for the directorial venture of my very dearest BRINDA Master!”

He added: “Fascinating melody ‘Thozhi’ is out! Magical work from the enthralling combo of Govind Vasantha and Madhan Karky.”

Interestingly, the song was the first number that Vasantha composed for the film on Valentine’s Day last year, almost six months before the principal shoot of the film began. A special song indeed, it is about the joy of having discovered your soulmate, yet experiencing the agony of being unable to define the exact nature of this unique relationship.

Talking about the song, Brinda Master said: “While ‘Achamillai’ was an upbeat dance number, ‘Thozhi’ will take you into an emotional and reflective mood. This song is a beautiful rendition which will surely make listeners reminisce about their own relationships.”

He added: Dulquer and Kajal have done a fantastic job. I am sure audiences will connect with this heartfelt tribute to love and friendship.”

Govind Vasantha, the music composer, said: “‘Thozhi’ is one of my most favorite compositions of not only this film but of my career. When I met Brinda Master, about six months before the shoot, she casually said she wanted a melodious song.

“When I started composing the song, I added a rain effect element at the beginning of it just to give it a romantic feel. I was so happy that Brinda Master retained the rain effect in the song and created the scene according to it.”

Commenting on the singer, Pradeep Kumar, Vasantha said: “He has sung this song beautifully. There is a natural flow to his voice in this song, almost like water flowing smoothly.”

Delving deeper into the song, Vasantha noted that ‘Thozhi’, a lyrical romantic number, was recorded on Valentine’s Day, but the choice of the recording day was not planned.

“We recorded on February 14 only because Pradeep was available on that day,” Vasantha clarified. “It was only after recording the song that we realized it was Valentine’s Day.”

He added: “The musicians who had recorded the string sessions for this song were so impressed with the tune they had recorded that they kept on listening to the song in the studio.”

Kichcha Sudeepa’s ‘Vikrant Rona’ release postponed

The release date of Kannada superstar Kichcha Sudeepa’s 3D fantasy action-adventure ‘Vikrant Rona’ has been pushed back.

Earlier, the film was scheduled to hit the theatres on February 24, but taking into account the public health situation, the makers have decided to wait and monitor the situation till it shows signs of improvement.

On Thursday, the makers released an official statement, which read: “Despite our willingness to meet you all at the cinemas on February 24, the present Covid scenario and the prevailing restrictions are not favorable for a grand release across the globe.”

The makers are still mulling over the new release date. As the statement put it: “We understand the wait can be excruciating, but we promise that the cinematic experience will be worthy of your patience. We will soon announce the new date when the world will meet its new hero.”

Presented by Zee Studios, and directed by Anup Bhandari, the film’s star cast features Kichcha Sudeepa along with Jacqueline Fernandez, Nirup Bhandari, and Neetha Ashok. ‘Vikrant Rona’ will be released across five languages, including Kannada, Tamil, Telugu, Malayalam, and Hindi.

‘Loop Lapeta’ title track laced with thrills and quirks

The title track of the upcoming comedy thriller ‘Looop Lapeta’ was released on Thursday.

The electronically programmed song features dubstep and percussion spectrum exuding a sense of thrill. The song, crooned by Jay Anand and Sidhant Mago, is composed by Sidhant and Mayank Mehra (Mikell). Sidhant has also penned the lyrics of the song.

The visuals of the song boast innovative camerawork and its progressive and new-age edit. The visuals have intercut of Taapsee and Tahir’s characters dancing to the tune of the song in B – roll.

Starring Taapsee Pannu and Tahir Raj Bhasin in lead roles, ‘Looop Lapeta’ is the Hindi adaptation of Tom Tykwer’s German experimental thriller ‘Run Lola Run’.

Produced by Sony Pictures Films India, Ellipsis Entertainment & Aayush Maheshwari, ‘Looop Lapeta’ is the feature film debut of the renowned ad filmmaker Aakash Bhatia.

The film is all set to premiere on February 4 on Netflix.