From Yakshagana to cyber crime, new Kannada releases go experimental

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From Yakshagana to cyber crime, new Kannada releases go experimental

With the release of three big Kannada movies — ‘Mugilpete’, ‘100’ and ‘Garuda Gamana Vrishabha Vahana’ — on Friday, audiences across Karnataka are savouring their big cinema moment.

All three are experimental movies presented in commercial packages. Raj B. Shetty of ‘Ondu Motteya Kathe’ fame has teamed up with actor Rishab Shetty for ‘Garuda Gamana Vrishabha Vahana’, which uses Yakshagana (the traditional performing art of coastal Karnataka) to narrate the story of an ego clash between the gods Shiva and Hari.

The film’s trailer, released on October 15, garnered 2.5 million views in just four days and created a positive buzz in the industry.

Director Raj B. Shetty, who also plays the lead role in the movie, sounded confident about the film’s box-office appeal. “We got a very good response during the premiere show and are confident the audience will love it,” he said.

The plot of popular actor and TV presenter Ramesh Aravind’s crime thriller ‘100’ revolves around events centered around social networking and mobile technology. The movie also dwells on the disturbing negative side of social media.

“This is a film about cyber crime,” Aravind said. “Audiences will see a different Ramesh Aravind in the movie. It is about how a police officer’s family copes with an act of cyber crime targeted at it,” he added.

Manuranjan Ravichandran, Sandalwood showman Ravichandran’s son. is hoping to make a grand comeback with ‘Mugilpete’. “I am confident about the movie,” Ravichandran said. “My son Manuranjan has shown maturity in his performance in this movie,” he added.

Manuranjan appealed to the audience to watch the movie for its storyline rather than coming to see the son of Ravichandran.

Sreya Muthukumar of ‘Akkad Bakkad’ says Raj Kaushal taught her value of hard work

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Sreya Muthukumar of ‘Akkad Bakkad’ says Raj Kaushal taught her value of hard work

Actress Sreya Muthukumar says her role in the web series �Akkad Bakkad Rafu Chakkar was multi-layered and complex. She also talks about how she learnt the value of hard work from the late director Raj Kaushal

Speaking about her onscreen character, �Khushi’, she says: “My debut role in a web series was so complex, layered and nuanced. Playing �Khushi’ felt challenging initially, but once we were on set, things clicked quite organically.”

Sreya continues: “‘Khushi’ on the surface seems like an innocent and naive young woman who doesn’t have much to contribute. As the show unfolds, however, we start seeing different sides to her as she gains confidence and becomes more forthcoming. By the end of the show, her transformation is quite evident.”

The actress shares on her working experience with the late director Raj Kaushal and says the most important things that she learned while shooting for the series with him is to give prominence to human connection.

“Working with Raj was an amazing experience, and I will always be grateful that he chose to cast me in this show. He was the most supportive, encouraging and warm person – he was the same both on set and off. He wasn’t just a director and we weren’t just the cast and crew on his set, we were all family. This wasn’t just any project, it was his dream.”

Recalling the late director, Sreya said that he never did anything half-heartedly, and welcomed everyone into his life with open arms.

“He was so confident in my abilities that it was impossible for me to ever doubt myself. He even asked me to sing on one of the tracks in the show. He encouraged me to keep singing and acting; he made everyone feel special. From him, I’ve learnt to prioritise kindness and human connection, dream hard and work even harder, and to make sure that I stay true to who I am. I miss him dearly,” shares the actress.

Sreya talked about bagging this opportunity during the pandemic.

“I was in Bangalore during the pandemic, and at that time, auditions were just picking up again. The script and especially the character seemed really interesting, so I sent in a self tape audition and tried not to think too much about it. Most actors will know that you keep on auditioning, and you hardly ever get the part! However, this time, soon after I sent the audition, I got a call from Raj (Kaushal).”

“We spoke on video call and he asked me to be a part of the show. And that was that. I couldn’t believe it. It was a great feeling,” she concludes.

The show features Anuj Rampal, Swati Semwal, Mohan Agashe, Alisha Chopra, Shishir Sharma, Manish Chaudhari, Sudhanshu Pandey and Vicky Arora along with the actress.

�Akkad Bakkad Rafu Chakkar’ streams on Prime Video.

‘Pon Manickavel’: A murder mystery that’s lost its plot

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‘Pon Manickavel’: A murder mystery that’s lost its plot

Film: ‘Pon Manickavel’ (Streaming on Disney+ Hotstar). Duration: 138 minutes.

Director: A.C. Mugil Chellappan. Cast: Prabhu Deva, Nivetha Pethuraj, Mahendran, Suresh Menon, Sudhashu Pandey and ‘Bahubali’ Prabhakar.

Director Mugil Chellappan’s ‘Pon Manickavel’ is a run-of-the-mill entertainer with all those elements that were considered essential for commercial success in Tamil cinema at one point in time.

From songs to dances to fights to a story brimming over with sentimentality, ‘Pon Manickavel’ has got everything that might have worked wonders some years ago. Times have changed and the audiences have moved on, and so the story fails to impress.

The film begins with a brutal murder. The Chief Justice of a High Court is first shot dead and then beheaded. The case baffles cops as there are four bullet marks on the body of the judge, but no bullets. Adding to their problem is the fact that the bullets used to kill the judge haven’t been fired from the same gun. Two are of one kind and the other two, of another.

As pressure mounts on the administration to crack the sensational murder case, the cops have no option but to bring in one of their best, Pon Manickavel (Prabhu Deva). How he gets to the bottom of the case is what the film is all about.

The film starts off on an impressive note, but almost immediately, loses focus. It gets busy showcasing and establishing the altruistic nature of the hero, instead of sticking to the investigation.

If one sequence shows how the hero employs kindness to get the information he requires from a man being interrogated, another shows him coming to the rescue of a disgruntled policeman serving under him, thereby winning his loyalty.

The film doesn’t just stop there. It shows how Pon Manickavel is a dutiful husband to his wife Anbarasi (Nivetha Pethuaraj), waiting outside an examination hall for her to finish her exams when he must be out there investigating a sensational case.

After it is done glorifying the hero’s character, the focus once again returns to the case at hand. Certain portions that are crucial to the case, however, are just narrated in a hurry, making the plot lose its intensity.

The film could have been a lot more engaging, had unnecessary fight-and-song sequences been cut.

On the performance front, Nivetha Pethuraj as Anbarasi does a neat job. She hasn’t got much to do, but she dazzles in those portions in which she appears.

Prabhu Deva, who plays a cop for the first time in his acting career, isn’t entirely convincing as Pon Manickavel. The actor does impress in certain sequences, but he looks too lean in certain other sequences, especially those with fights.

Suresh Menon as Arjun K. Maran comes up with a commendable performance as does late director Mahendran, who plays the character of Nasrathulla.

The film’s biggest asset is its music. D. Imman’s background score is just fantastic. It plays a crucial role in helping the director convey the mood of each sequence to the audience. K.G. Venkatesh’s visuals are clean and clutter-free.

In short, ‘Pon Manickavel’ does have a story, but sadly, it isn’t entertaining or engaging enough.

Decision to repeal farm laws a historic win for farmers, says actor Karthi

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Decision to repeal farm laws a historic win for farmers, says actor Karthi

Welcoming the decision of Prime Minister Narendra Modi to repeal three contentious farm laws wholeheartedly, actor Karthi on Friday said that the announcement to repeal the laws signaled a historic win for the unceasing struggle of simple farmers.

Taking to Twitter, actor Karthi, in Tamil, wrote that the announcement by the honourable Prime Minister that the government would be repealing the three farm laws was a historic win for the year-long relentless struggle of farmers.

The actor went on to thank both the government and the farmers. While he expressed his love to the farmers who staged the protest, he expressed love and gratitude to the government for understanding the issue.

Karthi, who is the younger brother of actor Suriya, has always been a vocal supporter of farmers’ rights.

While Suriya’s Agaram Foundation has helped scores of underprivileged children gain access to education, Karthi’s Uzhavan Foundation has been helping struggling farmers in Tamil Nadu.

In fact, the actor was among the first to express support for farmers in Delhi when they first sat in protest against the three farm laws that had been brought in by the Union government.

Suriya’s ‘Etharkkum Thunindhavan’ to release on Feb 4, 2022

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Suriya’s ‘Etharkkum Thunindhavan’ to release on Feb 4, 2022

Suriya-starrer ‘Etharkkum Thunindhavan’ will be hitting the screens worldwide on February 2, 2022. The producers Sun Pictures announced on Friday.

A tweet put out by the official handle of Sun Pictures read: “#EtharkkumThunindhavan is releasing on Feb 4th, 2022!”

Meanwhile, Pandiraj, the director of the film, tweeted: “The time is immaterial when we come with a bang. Our Pongal and Diwali are all slated for February. Let’s celebrate it together.”

The film, which features Suriya and Priyanka Arul Mohan in the lead, will also feature Sathyaraj, Saranac Ponvannan, M S Baskar and Soori among others.

Music for the film is by D Imman and cinematography is by ace cameraman Rathnavelu.

Sources close to the unit of the film say that like Suriya’s other films in recent times, this film too will espouse a social cause.

Makers of ‘RRR’ look back at memories of the journey

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Makers of ‘RRR’ look back at memories of the journey

With only 50 days ahead of the movie’s release, the makers of ‘RRR’ shared the memories related to the beginning of the magnum opus.

It’s been four years since the ‘Baahubali’ director S.S. Rajamouli posted the picture, leaving room for much speculation. Telugu movie folks went gaga over the hint, as they made multiple assumptions on the venture at that time. The makers soon announced the movie and it has been three years since ‘RRR’ got on the floors.

Being a pan-India movie, it is one of the biggest multi-starrer projects in Telugu. The two biggest stars coming together for a mammoth project like ‘RRR’ is one of the biggest feats by Rajamouli. Ram Charan and NTR, who are to play Alluri Sita Rama Raju and Komaram Bheem, respectively.

“4 years since he posted this pic leaving room for so many speculations… 3 years since we began filming #RRRMovie… 50 Days for you to experience the magic on the big screen. Oohinchani Chitra Vichitram… Snehaaniki Chaachina Hastham…Jan 7th, Let’s blast!!”, the makers tweeted.

While ‘RRR’ is slated for its grand release in theatres worldwide on January 7, 2022, the team seems to have kickstarted the promotions. A couple of songs released by the team has amplified the pre-existing buzz for the movie.

‘The Big Picture’: Ranveer Singh does the ‘Naagin’ dance before Ekta Kapoor, Mouni Roy

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‘The Big Picture’: Ranveer Singh does the ‘Naagin’ dance before Ekta Kapoor, Mouni Roy

Bollywood actor and host Ranveer Singh will be seen having some fun moments with television czarina Ekta Kapoor and ‘Naagin’ star Mouni Roy on ‘The Big Picture’.

Ekta and Mouni are coming as special guests on the visual-based quiz show.

Speaking about Ekta Kapoor’s show ‘Naagin’, Ranveer asks her why she hasn’t made any show focusing on male snakes!

She responds: “I never see any handsome snakes around.” To this Ranveer comes forward for the role of ‘Naagraj’ right there on the stage just to have some fun.

He says jokingly: “I will prove that there is potential inside me to become a snake(naag).” Ranveer then sports a serpent look and even performs the famous ‘Naagin dance’ while everyone cheers for him.

While all were enjoying the fun moments, Mouni Roy admits that despite playing a ‘Naagin’ on screen, she is petrified of snakes in real life.

‘The Big Picture’ airs on Colors.

Priyanka Singh’s viral video shocks ‘Bigg Boss Telugu 5’ viewers

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Priyanka Singh’s viral video shocks ‘Bigg Boss Telugu 5’ viewers

‘Bigg Boss Telugu 5′ contestants are familiar with Priyanka Singh’s game plan. She has survived only with the help of the relationships she built on the show.

Being a transgender, Priyanka wants to prove herself to the world. Well, Priyanka a.k.a Pinky is portraying herself as an innocent, but has a deceptive nature.

Pinky appears to be Manas’ best friend and portrays herself as if she likes him. In reality, she is only following Ravi, who has been making her do things in their favour. A recent video where Ravi makes a signal to Pinky, as she starts diverting Manas, has gone viral.

In one of the unseen videos, Manas and Ravi are in a race to grab the helmet, in order to go further in the captaincy task. While Manas is trying to focus on the game, Ravi is seen signalling Pinky. Pinky, then starts to disturb Manas, so that he loses his concentration and Ravi could grab the helmet.

But, Manas, being a strong player, did not lose focus and won the helmet to proceed on with the captaincy task.

This video makes it clear that Pinky is just helping no one but Ravi, under the mask. ‘Bigg Boss Telugu 5’ viewers are shocked, as they were under the impression that Pinky is a genuine player, though she is not a strong contender.

Earlier, in one of the captaincy tasks, Priyanka had intentionally spoiled Sunny’s brick tower twice and acted innocent when questioned by him. With all these ‘masked’ people around them, Manas, Sunny, and Kajal are targeted every time, as per the opinions of the show’s followers.

Krithi Shetty’s first look unveils her perky role in ‘Bangarraju’

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Krithi Shetty’s first look unveils her perky role in ‘Bangarraju’

With Nagarjuna Akkineni, Naga Chaitanya, Ramya Krishna, and Krithi Shetty in the lead roles, the much-anticipated movie ‘Bangarraju’ is in the news.

With father-son duo of Nagarjuna and Naga Chaitanya on the screen, this movie is expected to entertain the fans during Sankranthi.

Krithi Shetty, who allured the Telugu audience in the recent blockbuster movie ‘Uppena’, is all set to star opposite Naga Chaitanya in ‘Bangarraju’. The makers unveiled the first look poster of the actress earlier on Thursday.

“#Bangarraju is coming soon …ladies first!! Introducing @IamKrithiShetty as our Nagalakshmi .. Here’s the first look”, Naga Chaitanya Akkineni wrote on his Twitter timeline.

Krithi Shetty looks apt in a village belle avatar, wearing a bottle-green outfit. As her role is named ‘Naga Lakshmi’, she is seen wearing a rose garland and seen waving at the people who are assembled in front of her. The poster also suggests that Krithi is being felicitated, as the people around her shower flowers and garland her.

The look on Krithi’s face suggests that she either has achieved something or she is obsessed with the praises. Well, industry folks think this is a huge opportunity for Krithi, as she grabs a chance to work with stars like Nagarjuna, Ramya Krishna, and Chaitanya.

‘Bangarraju’ is directed by Kalyan Krishna Kurasala, who delivered the hit ‘Soggade Chinni Nayana’ with Nagarjuna.

Abhishek Bachchan-starrer ‘Bob Biswas’ to release on December 3

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Abhishek Bachchan-starrer ‘Bob Biswas’ to release on December 3

Actor Abhishek Bachchan’s upcoming film ‘Bob Biswas’ is all set to premiere on December 3.

Produced by Red Chilles Entertainment and Bound script, ‘Bob Biswas’ will premiere on ZEE5. The film is directed by Diya Annapurna Ghosh is produced by Gauri Khan, Sujoy Ghosh and Gaurav Verma.

Debutant Director Diya Annapurna Ghosh said: “I have had the most fantastic experience designing ‘Bob Biswas’, a crime-drama that has a love-story in its essence. This film came to me in 2020 which was one of the most difficult times in all of our lives. I was blessed with a fabulous set of actors like Abhishek and Chitrangda amongst others who have given it their all.”

The crime-drama set against the backdrop of a love story, showcasing the dual life led by contract killer, Bob Biswas. The film which was shot in Kolkata and also stars Chitrangda Singh.

Manish Kalra, Chief Business Officer, ZEE5 India shared: “We are sure that Abhishek’s unique portrayal of the character will capture people’s imagination and will stay with them”.

Filmmaker Sujoy Ghosh from Boundscript added that “this is a new ‘Bob Biswas’, he is like any of us. In life we all have various roles to play, whether as a parent, spouse or a friend and in each role we are equally responsible and accountable. This is the world of Bob, where he is trying to cope with each role as his life unfolds before him.”

He added that creating this world and Bob was super exciting and having Abhishek onboard has made the “film even cooler. I genuinely hope that the audience enjoys what they see”.

Gaurav Verma, Producer & COO Red Chillies Entertainment commented: “It’s a unique film, a character spin-off, something we have never attempted before. It was exciting to work with Diya, who has transformed into a director with a lot of promise in her very first film.”

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