Allu Arjun, Sukumar set record straight on ‘shelved’ nude scene in ‘Pushpa’

In what could be termed as an anti-climax, Allu Arjun, star of ‘Pushpa: The Rise’ made it amply clear that the supposed nude confrontation scene between the protagonist and antagonist in the movie’s climax was never there in the first place.

“It was never on the cards,” Allu Arjun told in interview in very unambiguous terms.

The issue has its roots in a media interaction where the movie’s director Sukumar had been quoted as stating that the climax scene of ‘Pushpa’ was originally envisaged as a face-off between actors Allu Arjun and Fahad Faasil, in the nude.

But wary of the Telugu audience’s sensitivities, the makers had apparently backed off. Speaking to IANS, Sukumar acknowledged that he had indeed made a statement on those lines. But in hindsight, it appears to have been a classic case of ‘lost in translation’.

Speaking to IANS, Sukumar said he had actually meant to explain the creative origins of the scene in which emotions are supposed to be strung high and nerves on edge.

“It was something that dropped out in a moment of enthusiasm as a first thought. When giving so many interviews, sometimes something like this rolls out unintentionally. What I wanted to say about the naked emotions at play was about the creative origins behind the scene. I tried to explain that but it came out differently,” he told IANS.

“Everyone is trolling me.” he ended with a rueful smile on his face.

Meanwhile, Allu Arjun made it amply clear about his stance on acting out such a scene if the director is okay canning it.

“No, no. We’re all commercial films actors. We want people to come and enjoy the film. I do mass films. I’m a mass hero,” he laughed and said in response to the question.

‘Pushpa: The Rise’ released on December 17, to Telugu, Kannada, Tamil, Malayalam, and Hindi audiences. The film stars Allu Arjun, with Rashmika Mandanna, Fahadh Faasil, and Dhananjay essaying important roles.

The film directed by Sukumar revolves around red sandalwood smuggling activities in the Rayalaseema region of Andhra Pradesh. The movie has successfully garnered audiences in most of the markets it was screened in.

Anasuya Bharadwaj impresses in first look from Malayalam debut ‘Bheeshma Parvam’

Telugu actress Anasuya Bharadwaj, who is known for her TV anchoring as well as movies, is all set to make her Malayalam debut alongside superstar Mammotty.

A poster showing the ‘Rangasthalam’ actress has been unveiled by the makers of the Malayalam movie ‘Bheeshma Parvam’.

The first look poster features Anasuya in the role of Alice, a middle-aged woman. The deglam look of the ‘Kshanam’ actress has impressed all, creating much anticipation around the role she plays in ‘Bheeshma Parvam’.

The excited actress took to her Twitter to express her joy over her maiden Malayalam project. “Meet Alice. Thank you @neerad_amal Sir @mammukka Sir for allowing me to be your Alice.. Couldn’t dream of a better debut in Malayalam Cinema #BheeshmaParvam”, Anasuya’s tweet reads.

Anasuya is to carry much significance to the story in the movie ‘Bheeshma Parvam’, which stars Mammootty in the lead.

‘Bheeshma Parvam’ is directed by Amal Neerad, and the shooting of the movie is currently underway. It is slated for release in theatres on February 24, 2022.

Actress Nadia, Veena Nandakumar, Dileesh Pothan, and others are to appear in crucial roles in ‘Bheeshma Parvam’.

Puneett Chouksey is open to dating someone from the entertainment industry

Actor Puneett Chouksey, who essays the role of Ansh Oberoi in ‘Sirf Tum’, has revealed that in real life he is open to dating someone.

He says: “I had my breakup before the lockdown. And I was single all this while but now I’m open for a relationship or to date someone. I’m looking for someone special and compatible. I’m always taken away by a girl who is genuine, generous, beautiful inside out and a good human being.”

Puneett who earlier has featured in shows like ‘Sadda Haq’, ‘Laal Ishq’, ‘Shakti’ and ‘Naagin 3’ says he won’t mind dating someone from the entertainment industry.

“I’m not making any limitations on myself but want to move on with the flow. I’m open to getting into a relationship with someone who is part of my profession or is from the entertainment industry as she will understand my work and routine more properly.”

Allu Arjun’s emotional speech at ‘Pushpa’ event: ‘I would be nothing without Sukumar’

Telugu star Allu Arjun, who is buoyed by the success of ‘Pushpa: The Rise’, broke down in tears at a post-release event as he expressed gratitude to the film’s director Sukumar.

As the ‘Ala Vaikuntapuramlo’ actor described his early career, he said that Sukumar’s directorial ‘Arya’ marked a turning point in his filmography.

“I am nothing without ‘Arya’. I am no one without Sukumar,” Allu Arjun said repeatedly, as he turned emotional during his speech at the event.

As he discussed how his career as a movie actor began, Allu Arjun recalled buying his first car.

“After ‘Arya’, I had purchased my first car, which cost me close to Rs 85 lakh. I sat in the driver’s seat and started thinking about those who supported me in achieving my dream,” he said.

Allu Arjun broke down into tears, as he continued, “The first person who came into my mind is Sukumar. Sukku!! I am nothing without you. I am no one without ‘Arya’. I did not want to become emotional. But, cannot help.”

In the course of Allu Arjun’s speech, director Sukumar was also seen getting emotional. Sukumar also broke down as his Devi Sri Prasad tried to comfort him.

Allu Arjun and Sukumar have collaborated for three hit movies – ‘Arya’, ‘Arya 2’, and ‘Pushpa’.

‘Pushpa: The Rise’ was released a few ago, performing well at the box-office.

Andhra forms committee to review cinema ticket prices

Amid the ongoing row in Andhra Pradesh over ticket prices in cinema theatres, the state government on Tuesday formed a committee to look into the issue.

After a meeting with film distributors, Cinematography Minister Perni Nani announced that the committee will take a decision on categorisation of theatres and suggest the ticket prices to the government.

The minister said the panel was formed to resolve the issue and assured that the government will carefully consider its recommendations.

He said distributors and their associations brought their problems to the government’s notice and have demanded a hike in ticket prices. The government has also received similar requests from other sections of the film industry. “All these requests are under our consideration. We will take appropriate decision after receiving the report of the committee,” he said.

Stating that the committee has been formed on the advice of the High Court, he clarified that the government is not adopting any delaying tactics by constituting the committee. He claimed the government’s intention was to ensure that the entertainment is accessible to common man at an affordable rate.

The minister denied that the government is targeting theatre managements and said the action was being taken only against those who are running theatres without permissions or in violation of rules. He said action was taken against 130 theatres. He denied that this has anything to do with the Government Order (GO) 35.

Under this GO the government had slashed the ticket prices. The High Court on December 14 suspended the GO but the government went for an appeal against the order. The court subsequently ruled that theater owners can apply to the government for revising the ticket prices.

The minister took exception to actor Nani comparing cinema ticket prices in the state with prices in kirana shops. He hoped that the next time the actor will make a statement with some responsibility.

He also questioned the right of actor Siddharth to comment on ticket prices in Andhra Pradesh. “He may have made some comment about Tamil Nadu Chief Minister Stalin. He lives in Chennai, pays taxes there so how is he concerned with the ticket prices in Andhra Pradesh,” he asked.

Actress Amala Paul receives UAE’s Golden Visa

Actress Amala Paul, who is well known in both the Tamil and the Malayalam film industries, has received the prestigious Golden Visa offered by the UAE.

The actress took to social media on Tuesday to make the announcement.

She said, “They say go for Gold, and for gold I went! Received UAE’s Golden Visa today. Feeling absolutely fantastic. Thank you to everyone that made this happen.”

Amala Paul is the latest in a long list of film celebrities who have been granted the Golden Visa. Prior to Amala Paul, several actors including Mammootty, Mohanlal, Tovino Thomas, Parthiepan and Shah Rukh Khan have received it.

The UAE Golden Visa is a long-term residence visa system, extending from five to 10 years, and is automatically renewed. It is granted to achievers from various fields, professionals, investors and those with promising abilities.

’83’ gets thumbs up from Rajinikanth, calls it ‘magnificent’

Megastar Rajinikanth is the latest to join the list of people who have lavished praise on the recently released cricket epic ’83’, which showcases the journey of India’s triumph at the 1983 World Cup.

Rajinikanth, who took to Twitter to share his opinion about the film, said, “#83TheMovie wow what a movie… magnificent!!! Many congratulations to the producers.”

The actor also tagged director Kabir Khan, cricket icon Kapil Dev, actor Ranveer Singh and Tamil actor Jiiva, who plays cricketer Srikkanth in the film.

This apart, Rajinikanth also congratulated the entire cast and crew of the film. The movie is receiving positive feedback from both fans and critics.

Kamal Haasan’s Raajkamal Films International and Akkineni Nagarjuna’s Annapurna Studios have joined hands with Reliance Entertainment to present the film’s Tamil and Telugu versions, respectively.

Prithviraj’s production firm and Kichcha Sudeepa’s Shalini Arts have presented the film’s Malayalam and Kannada versions.

Jr NTR has the mentality of a child and the personality of a lion: Ram Charan

Stating that what he loved the most about his film ‘RRR’ was the fact that he had found a brother in his co-star Jr NTR, actor Ram Charan said ‘Tarak’ had the mentality of a child and the personality of a lion.

Participating in the special pre-release event of ‘RRR’ in Chennai on Monday, Ram Charan started his speech by thanking everybody associated with the film.

He said, “I don’t know if I should call him my guru or headmaster or prinicipal or guide or my director who gave me my first hit in the industry. I thank Rajamouli sir for having made a film with the two of us together. Thank you for giving us an opportunity and for giving me a brother like Jr NTR.”

Stating that there was just a year’s difference between him and Jr NTR, Ramcharan then said that in real life though, Tarak has the mentality of a child and the personality of a lion.

“You have to be a little careful with him,” the young actor said with a laugh and admitted that he thoroughly enjoyed working with Jr NTR, also known as Tarak.

“I am thanking everyone else but I will not thank Tarak because I want to thank God for giving me a brother, a relationship. So, thank you God. If I thank him, I feel this relationship will end here. I want to keep this relationship, this movie. What I really love about this movie is my brotherhood with Tarak, which I am going to take to my grave,” the star said to the tumultous applause of fans who had gathered in large numbers at the auditorium.

Legal notice issued to Sai Dharam Tej in bike accident case

Telugu actor Sai Dharam Tej received a legal notice regarding his bike accident that took place on Durgam Cheruvu in Hyderabad earlier in September.

A case under section 912 of CrPC was registered, as per Cyberabad Commissioner of Police Stephen Ravindra, while disclosing the crime report of Cyberabad on Monday.

The Commissioner of Police said that the actor was asked to submit his documents – driving licence, RC, insurance, and pollution papers. The actor failed to submit his documents, which has landed him in trouble.

“So far, we haven’t received any response from the actor and a charge sheet will be filed if there is no reaction from the actor,” Ravindra said.

Sai Dharam Tej, who has acted in movies like ‘Supreme’, ‘Subramanyam For Sale’, ‘Winner’, and others, had met with an accident in September. The actor managed to survive the near-fatal accident.

The actor landed in a private hospital, and it took him more than a month to recover from the injuries caused by the accident.

The commissioner also conveyed that around 759 people lost their lives in road accidents in 2021.

“However, the number of deaths decreased compared to last year. There were 212 accidents caused by drunk driving, and fines of Rs 4.5 crore were collected during the drunk driving inspection,” Stephen said.

“Moreover, 9,981 licences were suspended for driving under the influence of alcohol,” the Commissioner informed.

‘RRR’ team marks New Year with Bollywood biggies at grand event

The team of S.S. Rajamouli’s highly anticipated magnum opus ‘RRR’ is engrossed in promoting the movie. Juggling between back-to-back events and interviews, the team held a celebration to mark the New Year on a grand note.

The celebration brought together the biggest stars across India under one roof. Termed as the ‘Glorious Chapter of Indian Cinema’, the commemoration was laced with a star-studded stage. Rajamouli, and ‘RRR’ stars Ram Charan, Jr NTR, Alia Bhatt, Shriya Saran, and others indulged themselves in the jamboree.

The grand gala night, with the presence of Salman Khan as chief guest and hosted by Karan Johar, was attended by a huge crowd with the happy camaraderie on the stage.

“It only feels like yesterday when I met Rajamouli sir at the Hyderabad airport when I expressed my dream of working with him, only to be more than delighted when he told me that he has something that I can work on,” Alia Bhatt said.

The excited actress said, “It calls for a celebration, as that project turned to be one of the biggest movies of India. There couldn’t have been a better way to end the year than this, on such a monumental note.”

Jr NTR and Ram Charan also expressed their happiness and shared their experiences working for the most awaited movie. The duo also conveyed that they feel lucky to have got an opportunity to celebrate the New Year at the gala.

Topped with high-octane performances and a resplendent set-up, the New Year celebration event of ‘RRR’ will be simulcast on Zee Cinema, Zee TV, &TV, Zing and Zee Cinemalu at 11 p.m. on December 31.