Prabhu Deva’s 58th film, an action entertainer, is titled ‘Rekla’

Director Anbu’s upcoming Tamil action entertainer, featuring actor Prabhu Deva in the lead, has been titled ‘Rekla’.

Actor Arya released the title motion poster of the film on Twitter and wrote: “Here is the exciting title-look motion poster of Prabhu Deva’s 58th film #Rekla Congrats team!”

Directed by Anbu and produced by S Ambeth Kumar of Olympia Movies, the film has music by Ghibran. Sources close to the film unit said that the other members of the cast and crew were being finalized.

“This will be a reasonably big-budget film,” a source said. “The film will be a rural entertainer. The team is being worked out. Expect an official announcement on the same soon.”

On R-Day, Kamal Haasan makes a global pitch for khadi

Megastar and Makkal Needhi Maiam founder Kamal Haasan says khadi, the banner of India’s freedom struggle, not only represents Indianness, but also is a fabric for all seasons. He maintains that it has the potential to re-connect with people and all it would take for it to happen is a good idea to cultivate this affinity.

The actor was speaking on the sidelines of the launch of his clothing line named ‘KH House of Khaddar’, which went live on the occasion of the 73rd Republic Day. Breaking the stereotype around the fabric, he says, “Our first collection is not pompous. It answers questions like ‘What can khadi do for style and fashion?’ It can do all that linen can, and much more.”

Recalling the launch of the label in Chicago in Fall 2021, he said: “It is the Windy City and the temperature there can turn icy, but I could walk down the streets in a three-piece khadi outfit, and its warmth held me up. I do believe khadi is a textile for all seasons.”

Commenting on the launch, Amritha Ram, designer and creative head of KH House of Khaddar, said: “I want to make sure that alongside presenting the designed element that would put KH House of Khaddar on the global map, we as a brand send out the message that we comprehensively take care of the three dimensions of sustainability: Economic Development, Social Development, and Environmental Protection. That is my dream for Khadi.”

Talking about what separates khadi from others, Ram said; “The fluidity of the fabric! One can groom the fabric the way one wants to. It is raw, beautiful, and all-natural.”

The idea behind KH House of Khaddar is both to create a clothing line that flaunts khadi as a textile and to contribute to the uplift of the country’s handloom weavers.

Ravi Teja all set to explore the Hindi market with ‘Khiladi’

Ravi Teja, who was last seen in ‘Krack’, will soon be seen playing a double role in his upcoming film ‘Khiladi’.

With an intent to explore the existing craze for Telugu movies in Hindi, the makers of ‘Khiladi’ are eyeing to release of the movie in Hindi as well.

A report says that the producers of ‘Khiladi’ have sold the Hindi-dubbed version rights to Pen Studios. Since the Allu Arjun starrer ‘Pushpa’ has become a big hit in the Hindi market, ‘Khiladi’ might make a good impression as well.

The movie’s Hindi-dubbed release rights have reportedly been bought by Pen Marudhar. Pen Studios, who has previously been associated with several Bollywood movies, is currently producing the Alia Bhatt starrer ‘Gangubai Kathiawadi’.

As there aren’t any notable Hindi movies releasing in the near future, the Ravi Teja starrer might be received well, the makers believe.

‘Khiladi’ will head to theatres on February 11. Starring Meenakshi Chaudhary and Dimple Hayashi, Ravi Teja will be seen in a dual role in ‘Khiladi. Helmed by Ravi Shankar, the movie is said to be a commercial action drama.

After ‘Khiladi’, Ravi Teja will be seen in ‘Ramarao On Duty’ followed by ‘Dhamaka’, ‘Ravanasura’ and ‘Tiger Nageshwarao’.

Ravi Teja is the only actor with back-to-back movies in his kitty even during the pandemic.

Trivikram suggests crucial changes to make ‘Bheemla Nayak’ crisper

It is being said that director Trivikram Srinivas, who is the screenplay and dialogue writer for the upcoming Pawan Kalyan-starrer ‘Bheemla Nayak’, has suggested minute changes to cut short the run-time of the movie.

This piece of news about Trivikram Srinivas trying to trim the big-ticket actioner has now caught the attention of all.

Being an official remake of the Malayalam movie ‘Ayyappanum Koshiyum’, ‘Bheemla Nayak’ was expected to be a three-hour-long movie as well. But, as per the talks, Trivikram has suggested minute changes so as to chop off the run-time to just two hours and twelve minutes. Director Saagar K Chandra’s vision also aligns with Trivikram’s.

The screenplay was reportedly made crisper in order to appeal to native Telugu audiences. The Pawan Kalyan and Rana Daggubati starrer ‘Bheemla Nayak’ is slated to head to theatres on February 25. Its production house Sithara Entertainments is getting the post-production work completed these days.

The Telugu remake stars N11ithya Menen and Samyuktha Menon as the heroines beside Pawan Kalyan and Rana Daggubati respectively. The film has music by SS Thaman.

Nani-starrer ‘Dasara’ makers readying village set at a whopping Rs 12 cr

Telugu star Nani’s upcoming movie ‘Dasara’ is to go on the floors soon. So, the makers are readying a village set-up which would cost them around a whopping Rs 12 crore.

It is reported that the makers of ‘Dasara’ are prepping up with a grand set to shoot a few crucial scenes, which would account for the major part of the movie.

For the makers to set up this facility on the outskirts of Hyderabad, the budget is expected to reach Rs 12 crore. The set would resemble a village, which will be built over 12 acres.

Avinash Kolla, the art director who worked for ‘Shyam Singha Roy’ will be overseeing the work for the ‘Dasara’ sets as well.

The makers are trying to bring in the village ambience which would resemble the Singareni coal mines in the Godavarikhani area of Telangana. Nani and Keerthy Suresh starrer ‘Dasara’ is directed by debutant Srikanth Odela. The movie’s story is billed to be a rustic one, with a village backdrop.

The makers had earlier released a motion poster from ‘Dasara’ that offers a glimpse into the rustic backdrop of the story, along with look tests of the main leads – Nani and Keerthy Suresh.

Sudhakar Cherukuri is the producer of this film. Malayalam actor Roshan Mathew has been roped in to play a crucial role. Apart from the lead actors, the movie also has Samuthirakhani, Sai Kumar, Zarina Wahab, who would appear in significant roles.

Adivi Sesh-starrer ‘Major’ postponed due to Covid

Makers of ‘Major’ starring Adivi Sesh have announced the postponement of their film, after the new regulations about curfews and restrictions have been announced.

In an official statement, the makers said, “Given the current situation around the pandemic, we have decided to postpone the release of our film ‘Major’ considering the best interests of everyone. Our film is a heartfelt tribute to a man who sacrificed his life for the nation. Honouring the spirit of his life and putting the safety and interest of the nation first, we have decided to release at a safer and more conducive time.”

The makers took to social media to share a post announcing the postponement of the release.

The film offers an insight into Sandeep Unnikrishnan’s dedication, courage, sacrifices, and spirit of life, teamed with stunning visuals and an emotionally gripping story. Having curated an experience for the big screens, the makers have decided to postpone the release of the film until further ease in the pandemic situation.

Recently, the makers released the lyrical version of the first song of the film in Telugu and Malayalam titled ‘Hrudayama’ and ‘Pon Malare’ respectively, presenting the refreshing chemistry between Adivi Sesh and Saiee Manjrekar.

Offering a glimpse into the film, the makers released the teaser touching upon the varied phases of Sandeep Unnikrishnan’s life from early childhood, teenage romance, glorious years in the army, bringing to screen his valour till he laid his life in the tragic 26/11 Mumbai attacks.

Produced by Sony Pictures Films India in association with Mahesh Babu’s GMB Entertainment and A+S Movies, Major is directed by Sashi Kiran Tikka, starring Adivi Sesh, Sobhita Dhulipala Saiee Manjrekar, Prakash Raj, Revathi and Murali Sharma and will be released in Hindi, Telugu and Malayalam.

‘Sarkaru Vaari Paata’ makers to release first single

The first single from Telugu’s Superstar Mahesh Babu-starrer ‘Sarkaru Vaari Paata’ will be out on Valentine’s day.

The makers of the upcoming commercial movie have decided to put an end to the long wait, as they had planned to make an announcement regarding the same, on January 26, on the occasion of Republic Day, along with an exciting poster from the movie.

Popular musician S.S. Thaman, who is in charge of the movie’s music, has tweeted that the fans will not get disappointed, as the first single from ‘Sarkaru Vaari Paata’ will be a sure-shot chartbuster.

Dropping a hint on his Twitter handle, Thaman wrote, “#FEB14th”.AMahesh Babu’s love interest will be acclaimed actress Keerthy Suresh in this upcoming movie. Parasuram Petla, the director of ‘Geetha Govindam’ fame, has helmed the movie, which is billed to be a political drama with commercial overtones.

Earlier, the makers of ‘Sarkaru Vaari Paata’ had promised to give back-to-back updates from the movie, but Mahesh Babu got tested positive for Covid.

Despite being postponed a couple of times now, the movie is still one of the most awaited movies of the season.

‘Sarkaru Vaari Paata’ is jointly produced under the banners GMB Entertainments, Mythri Movie Makers, and 14 Reels Plus.

Keerthy Suresh’s ‘Good Luck Sakhi’ trailer gets 4.9 mn views

The trailer of director Nagesh Kukunoor’s ‘Good luck Sakhi’, featuring National Award-winning actress Keerthy Suresh in the lead, has garnered a whopping 4.9 million views within just a day of being released on YouTube.

Over 66,000 people gave the trailer a thumbs up, giving an indication of the expectations the film has raised.

The woman-centric, sports film is scheduled to hit screens on January 28 and features Aadhi Pinisetty as the male lead.

Jagapathi Babu plays the role of a trainer in the film, which is to simultaneously release in Telugu, Tamil and Malayalam.

The film is about a girl called Sakhi, who everyone in her village believes brings bad luck to them. How she proves them wrong and emerges a champion shooter is what the film is all about.

Popular producer Dil Raju is presenting the film which has been produced by Sudheer Chandra Padiri for Worth A Shot Motion Arts.

Ban film ‘Why I Killed Gandhi’, Maha Congress urges Uddhav Thackeray

The Maharashtra Congress on Monday urged Chief Minister Uddhav Thackeray to ban the film “Why I Killed Gandhi”, set to release on various OTT platforms on January 30, the anniversary of Mahatma Gandhi’s assassination.

Similarly, the All India Cine Workers Association has written to Prime Minister Narendra Modi demanding a total ban on the film, which ‘seeks to glorify Gandhiji’s assassin Nathuram Godse, and its exhibition would shock the people’.

The film features Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) MP Amol Kolhe in the role of Godse, sparking friction among the ruling Maha Vikas Aghadi allies Shiv Sena, NCP and Congress since the past few days.

Shooting off a letter to CM Thackeray, state Congress President Nana Patole said Mahatma Gandhi’s ideology of truth, peace and non-violence is respected all over the world and his death anniversary is observed globally as the day symbolising his teachings.

“If the film ‘Why I Killed Gandhi’ is allowed to be released on the day of Gandhiji’s assassination, it would give strength to the fascist forces. Hence, we request you to kindly order a ban on the movie,” Patole said.

The AICWA sought a complete ban on the film’s release as it seeks to “glorifies Godse, a traitor and killer of the Father of the Nation”.

As the film ignited a massive controversy in state political circles last week, Kolhe said that he had acted in the film way back in 2017, and he had also informed the NCP leadership before leaving the Sena to join it.

Though the Congress has strongly opposed the film, the Shiv Sena has adopted a neutral stance, while the NCP feels it should be viewed creatively as a freedom of expression. The opposition BJP has said that there is nothing wrong if Kolhe plays the role of Godse.

Suriya-starrer ‘Jai Bhim’ wins three awards at Noida International Film Fest

Director Tha Se Gnanavel’s critically acclaimed courtroom drama, ‘Jai Bhim’, featuring actors Suriya, Lijomol Jose and Manikandan in the lead, has won three awards at the Ninth Noida International Film festival, 2022.

The film fetched Suriya the Best Actor award and Lijomol Jose, the award for Best Actress. It also took home the award for Best Film. On Monday, Rajsekar Karpoorasundarapandian, the CEO of 2D Entertainment, the production house that produced the film, announced the news on twitter.

He tweeted that ‘Jai Bhim’ had won the Best Film, Best Actor for Suriya and Best Actress award for Lijomol Jose at the Noida International Film Festival 2022!

The film, which tells the moving story of an upright lawyer coming to the aid of poor, defenseless people from the Irular community who have no means to stand up to the might of an inhuman police force that seeks to exploit their helplessness and commits atrocity after atrocity on them with impunity, has been winning widespread acclaim ever since it released.