Sunday, September 23, 2012
Heroine: Kareena Kapoor Average in India, phenomenal business overseas
Kareena Kapoor-starrer 'Heroine' is working wonders in the overseas market. The Madhur Bhandarkar movie, based on the ups and downs in the life of an actress, was reportedly made at a budget of Rs 32 crore.
It released in 42 screens in the Middle East Thursday, and has earned $350,000, with 19 screens still to report the numbers.
In India, Britain and the US, the movie opened Friday.
It registered Rs 7.5 crore earnings in India, in Britain, it made $78,402 from 41 screens, while in the US, 'Heroine' minted $140,000 (it released in 112 screens, and six screens are yet to report the numbers.
"'Heroine' has seen a phenomenal opening in all major international markets. This was a highly anticipated movie and our marketing push has helped pull in massive crowds to theatres. No other female lead has seen such a response in recent years," Amrita Pandey, executive director, Syndication, International Distribution - Studios, Disney UTV, said in a statement.
'Heroine' also features Arjun Rampal and Randeep Hooda in key roles. The movie had a strong buzz around it, and it was heavily promoted across all quarters.
Saturday, September 08, 2012
Shirdi Sai – Movie Review - Nagarjuna
Akkineni Nagarjuna has won the hearts of audience with his brilliant acting as God-man in his previous movies like Annamayya and Srirama Dasu, which were directed by K Raghavendra Rao. After the success of these movies, the King has once again joined hands with the director for his latest outingShirdi Sai. Prior to its release, the film has created quite a buzz and the actor has made sure that his performance meets all those expectations.
Shirdi Sai is a devotional film, which depicts the landmark life episodes of Shirdi Sai Baba. Nagarjuna's excellent performance is the major highlight of the movie. MM Keeravani's music, S Gopal Reddy's beautiful picturisation and Paruchuri Brothers' heart touching dialogues are its other attractions.
A Fakir (Nagarjuna) enters Shirdi and starts rescuing people from evils and troubles by performing miracles. Within no time, the number of his followers increase and he becomes popular as 'Sai Baba'. He stays in a dilapidated masjid. One day, Sai Baba tells that he is leaving his physical body for three days and return after third day. The devotees keep the body safely. An English Officer (Srihari) objects the villagers' act of keeping the corpse and orders to remove it. But they do not allow to remove the body. After the third day, the soul reaches the body and Baba sits to everyone's surprise. His devotees begin to believe him as the incarnation of Lord Dattatreya. What miracles he makes and how he spreads spirituality will form the rest of the story.
Performance: Nagarjuna is a perfect match for the role of Shirdi Sai Baba and he has done a lot of homework to suit the looks and body language of the godman. He has proved that he is the true Shirdi Sai with his radiant eyes, subtle expressions, the pain and joy in his actions. Surprisingly, Sayaji Shinde has done a lighter vein comedy along with Ali and Anant. Srihari, Brahmanandam, Saratbabu, Saikumar, Srikant, Kamalini Mukherjee have given a wonderful performances.
Technical: Cinematographer Gopal Reddy has maintained perfect lighting and joined the VFX techniques at necessary places. Graphic works are also superb. Shravan's editing is very tight. Paruchuri Brothers' dialogues are good at places. Above all, it is Keeravani, who has scored more points in the film with his wonderful music. His background score is good and the DTS mixing is perfect. The choreography of the songs is excellent. The film proves that director K Raghavendra Rao has made a lot of research on Sai's history before penning the script. He never looses grip on the subject. He has proved that his combination with Nag is just memorable forever.
Remarks: You will definitely like the movie. Though you are not a Sai devotee watch the film. It is for sure that you will turn a Sai devotee soon after watching the film. The background score, songs, scenes, dialogues and direction will take to another world of devotion for a period of two hour and twenty minutes. Definitely, Nagarjuna would bag awards and rewards for his performance as Shirdi Sai. Sai Ram.
Cast: Nagarjuna, Saratbabu, Saikumar, Srikant, Srihari, Sayaji Shinde, Kamalini Mukherjee and others
Credits: Dialogues - Paruchuri Brothers; Cinematography - S Gopal Reddy; Music - MM Keeravani; Presents - A Sulochana Reddy; Producer - A Mahesh Reddy; Story, screenplay and direction - K Raghavendra Rao
Banner: Sai Krupa Entertainments Pvt Ltd
Release Date: September 6, 2012
Nagarjuna's Shirdi Sai bags positive reviews from film critics
Director K Raghavendra Rao's latest venture Shirdi Sai is a devotional movie featuring Akkineni Nagarjuna in the role of Fakhir Sai Baba. The movie has received positive reviews from film critics. Nagarjuna's excellent performance, MM Keeravani's music, Raghavendra Rao's screenplay and narration, and Gopal Reddy's picturisation are its highlights. The film has been rated an average of 3.2 out of 5. Continue to read film critics verdicts.
Oneindia - Ramana's Rating: 3.5
You will definitely like the movie. Though you are not a Sai devotee watch the film. It is for sure that you will turn a Sai devotee soon after watching the film. The background score, songs, scenes, dialogues and direction will take to another world of devotion for a period of two hour and twenty minutes. Definitely, Nagarjuna would bag awards and rewards for his performance as Shirdi Sai.
You will definitely like the movie. Though you are not a Sai devotee watch the film. It is for sure that you will turn a Sai devotee soon after watching the film. The background score, songs, scenes, dialogues and direction will take to another world of devotion for a period of two hour and twenty minutes. Definitely, Nagarjuna would bag awards and rewards for his performance as Shirdi Sai.
Super Good Movies' Rating: 3.5
A huge round of applause for Nagarjuna for taking up this role which needs a serene look after having worked on various other aspects, it is good for all those who are completely into spirituality of Sai Baba without any expectations.
A huge round of applause for Nagarjuna for taking up this role which needs a serene look after having worked on various other aspects, it is good for all those who are completely into spirituality of Sai Baba without any expectations.
Times of India - Karthik Pasupulate's Rating: 3
Nagarjuna seems to have made a conscious effort to look the part, work on his voice modulation and underplay the dialogue delivery. It's a performance that's more honest than emphatic. The writing proves to be a stumbling block as the lines just don't have that effect. Forced comedy tracks involving Sayaji Shinde look mediocre at best. It isn't a film that will douse you with that feeling of divinity, but makes for a one time watch. How much you like this film might just be a matter of how staunch a devotee of Sai Baba you are.
Nagarjuna seems to have made a conscious effort to look the part, work on his voice modulation and underplay the dialogue delivery. It's a performance that's more honest than emphatic. The writing proves to be a stumbling block as the lines just don't have that effect. Forced comedy tracks involving Sayaji Shinde look mediocre at best. It isn't a film that will douse you with that feeling of divinity, but makes for a one time watch. How much you like this film might just be a matter of how staunch a devotee of Sai Baba you are.
IANS - Rating: 3
The incarnation of Nagarjuna into Shirdi Sai Baba comes as a breath of fresh air for his fans and Sai devotees alike. Far different from regular cinema with cliched performance, run-of-the-mill storyline, director K Raghavendra Rao's "Shirdi Sai" takes you on a spiritual journey of self-actualization, purity and sanctity.
The incarnation of Nagarjuna into Shirdi Sai Baba comes as a breath of fresh air for his fans and Sai devotees alike. Far different from regular cinema with cliched performance, run-of-the-mill storyline, director K Raghavendra Rao's "Shirdi Sai" takes you on a spiritual journey of self-actualization, purity and sanctity.
India Glitz - Review
K Raghavendra Rao has not achieved anything hail worthy by making a film on the legend of Shirdi Sai. The biggest treat comes, however, in the form of Nag, whose appropriate body language and serene facial expressions, together with his exudation of child-like innocence, all deserve a standing ovation!
K Raghavendra Rao has not achieved anything hail worthy by making a film on the legend of Shirdi Sai. The biggest treat comes, however, in the form of Nag, whose appropriate body language and serene facial expressions, together with his exudation of child-like innocence, all deserve a standing ovation!
Saturday, September 01, 2012
Srimannarayana movie review - BalaKrishna
Story Line:
Kalki Narayana Murthy (Vijay Kumar) is a man of noble intention to serve the poor. He seen as a social activist who fights for the welfare of farmers. He also happens to be Srimannarayana’s father and he forms a Jai Kisan Trust for the welfare of farmers. Public responds in a big way to this initiative and the fund receives donations to the tune of 5000Crores. Bank officer Rajan Mudaliar (Kota Srinivasa Rao) , Corporate Hospital chief Srikar Prasad (Nagineedu) and IG Marthand (Rao Ramesh) also support the initiative.
Kalki Narayana Murthy son Srimannarayana (Balakrishna) is an exact photocopy of his father. He is a journalist by profession. He works for a television channel and unearths a couple of scams. But the goons gang comprising of Minister Bylu Reddy (Jayaprakash Reddy) , Harshad Kotari (Suresh) and Pulikeshava Reddy (Supreeth) loses a lot of money because of Srimannarayana’s activities. The goons illegally transfer the money to themselves and also kills Narayana Murthy mysteriously and even manage to put Srimannarayana in jail by making him an accused in the crime.
Srimannarayana is in jail, but he is itching to expose the real criminals. And he takes the help of Swapnika (Parvathi Melton), a rival from a different channel. Srimannarayana's mission is not only to get the password of the bank account into which the huge amount was siphoned off, but also to eliminate each of the gang members. But how can he do that when he is lodged in a jail in the Cherlapalli jail?
There are interesting twists to the story as Srimannarayana is shown making full use of the latest technology right from the beginning of the movie. Don't complain about his costumes. They are loud. But that comes with being Balakrishna. At least, Isha Chawla who plays Bhanu, his fiancee, could have made more of an effort to look better in the songs. Perhaps, even Parvathi Melton had no choice in her wardrobe.
Positives:
Balakrishna is good in the role of an angry journalist. He has done well in the emotional scenes and his dialogue delivery is impressive as always. His pre-interval costume in white robes is good. Isha Chawla looks good and has sufficient oomph to attract the masses. She has good potential as an actress and will go a long way in the industry if she takes care of her career well.
Comedy scenes between Balakrishna, Parvati Melton, Duvvasi Mohan and Isha Chawla are a major highlight for the film. Dialogues for these episodes have been cleverly written and the hidden double meanings will work with the masses.
Vijaykumar is decent. Kota Srinivasa Rao, Jayaprakash Reddy and Rao Ramesh are good. Nagineedu does not have much to do but he turns in a dignified performance. Krishna Bhagawan and M.S.Narayana have a few good moments between them.
Concept of the film and basic story line has appeal. Balakrishna’s dialogues on scams and the CBI evoked a good response from the public. The last song “Aaru Adugula” is good and has been shot well.
Negatives:
Care should have been taken with respect to Balakrishna’s wigs and costumes in songs. Also, there is no justification in the story for Balakrishna to appear in various costumes except for the Narasimha Swamy look.
Parvati Melton looks uncomfortably thin, almost anorexic. She is a major turn off and her glamour has all but disappeared. She needs to put on some weight immediately.
The second half of the film and the climax are weak points. Climax in particular is highly cliched and does not bring about any interest in the film. Also, the CBI does not seek to investigate the destination account to which the 5000 Crores were transferred. It is a matter of simple logic to checkout the account to which money was transferred illegally.
Some scenes where Balakrishna moves in and out of the jail with ease look silly.
Technology:
There is no novelty in the Story of the movie, director Ravi Chawali follows a time-tested formula but made sure that there are ample commercial elements that satisfy the thrust of masses and fans. He projected Bala Krishna in the right way and extracted powerful mass performance. Screenplay of the movie is predictable which became an hindrance in the flow of the movie. Direction is good in parts.
Surrender Reddy’s cinematography technique is good. The songs composed by Chakri suited Balayya’s image but to normal audience, they might be a bit outdated.
Ravi Chavali does not impress too much with his direction. He has managed to do a good job in a few scenes but overall, better care should have been taken. He has not pulled off the emotional aspects of the story well.
Is your Penny worth for it:
The first half of the movie began on a slower note and picked pace from the pre interval scene and second half is good with ample mass elements required by Balayya fans. A slightly more gripping screenplay would have added weight to the movie. The movie goes well with fans especially Balayya’s looks and energy and it will be okay for normal audience. The concept of farmer welfare will also appeal to some. A better second half and a more interesting climax would have helped.The box office success of the movie depends on how masses receive it.
Banner: Yellow Flowers Banner
Presenter: RR Movie Makers
Cast: Nandamuri Balakrishna, Isha Chawla, Parvati Melton, Vijay Kumar, Suresh, Vinod Kumar Kota Srinivasa Rao, Jaya Prakash Reddy and others
Cinematography: T.Surender Reddy
Art: Nagender
Editing: Goutham Raju
Music: Chakri
Producer: Ramesh Puppala
Story-Screenplay- Dialogues-Direction: Ravi Chavali
CBFC rating: A
Released on: 30-Aug-2012
There is no novelty in the Story of the movie, director Ravi Chawali follows a time-tested formula but made sure that there are ample commercial elements that satisfy the thrust of masses and fans. He projected Bala Krishna in the right way and extracted powerful mass performance. Screenplay of the movie is predictable which became an hindrance in the flow of the movie. Direction is good in parts.
Surrender Reddy’s cinematography technique is good. The songs composed by Chakri suited Balayya’s image but to normal audience, they might be a bit outdated.
Ravi Chavali does not impress too much with his direction. He has managed to do a good job in a few scenes but overall, better care should have been taken. He has not pulled off the emotional aspects of the story well.
Is your Penny worth for it:
The first half of the movie began on a slower note and picked pace from the pre interval scene and second half is good with ample mass elements required by Balayya fans. A slightly more gripping screenplay would have added weight to the movie. The movie goes well with fans especially Balayya’s looks and energy and it will be okay for normal audience. The concept of farmer welfare will also appeal to some. A better second half and a more interesting climax would have helped.The box office success of the movie depends on how masses receive it.
Banner: Yellow Flowers Banner
Presenter: RR Movie Makers
Cast: Nandamuri Balakrishna, Isha Chawla, Parvati Melton, Vijay Kumar, Suresh, Vinod Kumar Kota Srinivasa Rao, Jaya Prakash Reddy and others
Cinematography: T.Surender Reddy
Art: Nagender
Editing: Goutham Raju
Music: Chakri
Producer: Ramesh Puppala
Story-Screenplay- Dialogues-Direction: Ravi Chavali
CBFC rating: A
Released on: 30-Aug-2012
Sunday, August 26, 2012
Sidigadu movie review
Bheemineni Srinivasa Rao has directed the movie on Arundathy Movies banner. Check out Sudigadu Movie Review to see whether it lives up to the expectations or not.
Cast: Allari Naresh, Monal Gajjar, Kovai Sarala, Brahmanandam, others
Director: Bheemineni Srinivasa Rao
Producer: Chadrasekhar D Reddy
Music: Sree Vasanth
Banner: Arundathy Movies
Release Date: August 24, 2012
Sudigadu Review Story:
Shiva (Allari Naresh) is a powerful and dashing young guy who lives with his grandmother in Hyderabad. He falls for Priya (Monal Gajjar), the daughter of a rich businessman (Sayaji Shinde). After few yes-no’s Sayaji Shinde finally agrees for their marriage and during reception Shiva faces a shocking insult from Sayaji’s associate. What insult he faces? To what things that situation leads to and can Shiva overcome all the hurdles he faces during this journey forms the rest of the story.
Sudigadu Review Analysis:
The first half of Sudigadu is laced with nicely etched spoof comedy from several hit movies. Director Bheemineni Srinivas has done a commendable job in dealing with the subject as he didn’t demean any celebrity or movies he has used in this film. He has done enough hard work and has come up with a convincing plot with integrity. The first half is racy and the screenplay is very crisp. The Aata spoof scene on Omkar, Sundaram master is outstanding and has got terrific response from the audience. The entire first half keeps you engaged with the story and the follow up scenes too are shot well.
The second half however cliches and is good in parts. The incorporeal graphics and few illogical scenes in this hour will test your patience. The pre climax episode is a bit lengthy and compared to first half the second hour is below par. The thigh slapping scene has got tremendous applause from the audience especially for the train sequence episode.
Sudigadu Review TeluguOne Perspective:
Sudigadu picks up humor from Tollywood alone and practically, every scene refers to a celebrity or another movie. Director Bheemaneni Srinivas has managed to put up a sincere effort and made it clear that the audience delve into his cinematic liberty and identifies the spoofs he has used in this film. They have attempted every possible scene and most parts were funny for all. Allari Naresh is the show stealer in his dual role. The twist in the second half is not striking and ending is also badly executed. The court scene could have been dealt better. The songs come as mere hurdles and will spoil the essence of the movie.
Sudigadu is no different from Allari Naresh’s earlier outings as the actor has tried spoofs in the past as well. But, the difference between the both is, Sudigadu, from the beginning offers lot of comedy tinge and pulsation. The movie is rather time pass in the first half and the story falls at common place in the second half. Overall, Sudigadu is Allari Naresh mark entertainer where you don’t need any reasoning, logic but only comic magic!
Sudigadu Review Performances:
Allari Naresh has delivered amazing performance and he excelled in dances, comedy timing as usual. He has played dual role in the movie and apparently has done justice to it. By far, this can be rated as one his best performances in the recent times. Monal Gajjar adds the glam quotient to the film and she is just OK. LB Sriram, MS Narayana, Kondavalasa, Jayaprakash Reddy have played their parts well. Brahmanandam’s presence is felt in a limited role. Srinivas Reddy, Sayaji Shinde, Fish Venkat, Kovai Sarala and Raghu Babu are good.
Sudigadu Review Technicalities:
Cinematography is OK. The editing could have been better as the film drags a bit in the second half. The dialogues are witty and catchy. Sree Vasanth’s music and background score are not up to the mark. Production values of Arundathy Movies are grand. Direction by Bheemineni Srinivasa Rao is good in parts and he should have taken special care in dealing with the second half.
Positives:
Allari Naresh
Spoof Comedy
Negatives:
Slow second half
Music
Love thread between the lead pair
Review courtery: Teluguone.com
Tuesday, August 21, 2012
GodFather - Upendra Movie review
A section of audience felt that Upendra's recent superhit movie Katariveera Surasundarangi was weak in the story part and it was also criticised by some critics for the same reason. But his latest movie Godfather is exactly opposite to it, as it has a brilliant story with no room for glamour and other masala elements.
Godfather is a remake of Tamil superhit film Varalaru starring Ajith Kumar in triple roles. The Telugu remake was planned a few years ago and it was offered to Upendra, who turned down the offer assuming that it was difficult to bring back the life to the characters played by Ajith in the Tamil version.
But K Manju, who had acquired the Kannada remake rights, convinced Uppi that he could do the roles. As a result, Godfather is before you and Upendra has
almost succeeded in impressing the audience.
The first half of Godfather is good and fast-paced. Shiv Sagar with his son Vijay (both performed by Upendra) will be leading a happy life. Born with a silver spoon, Vijay loves to party all the time and has less time to take up the responsibility of his father's business. But the wheelchair-bound father makes him to change his mind and sends his son to Bhamapur to look after some project. Here, he meets Divya (Soundarya).
In the blink of an eye, they fall for each other and decide to tie the knot. However, there is a twist in the story and Upendra will be shown in the negative shade. Hence, the marriage breaks up. The follow up scenes remind us of Uppi's recent movie Aarakshaka. Nonetheless, the two stories are entirely different and soon the audience will realise it. The second half is fully engaging and there is a flashback that introduces us to Shiv Sagar's past. The rest of the tale should be seen on-screen.
It has been quite a long time since the Kannada audience witnessed a good story-based movie and Godfather belongs to that category. There is not a single dull moment in the film, though the viewers get clues about the proceedings at parts. The movie has wonderful screenplay by KS Ravikumar, the director and writer of Varalaaru.
Upendra leaves good impressions with his three different characters. Especially, the role of Bharatanatyam dancer with feminine qualities is excellent. The way he walks, talks and reacts are praiseworthy. The other two characters are okay and the negative role reminds us of his psychopath role in Aarakshaka. However, his body language does not compliment his young-man avatar. Soundarya, the daughter of yesteryear actress Jayamala, has done a decent job in her limited role and she looks promising. Catherine is okay and Bhumika Chawla is seen in a special song.
AR Rahman's three songs 'Sarigama Sangama...', 'Nannede shruthiyalli...' and 'Neene ee kanna...' are impressive and PC Sriram's cinematography is good. The drawback of the movie is that the climax seems to be shot in a hurry and it is disappointing to see the blunder in the story after having a good time watching the movie.
Verdict: Godfather is a well-made family entertainer that has a good story, which is rare in recent times. Upendra's character of the Bharatanatyam dancer will remain as the biggest highlight of the movie.
Wednesday, August 15, 2012
Devudu Chesina Manushulu Movie Review
Way2movies brings you Devudu Chesina Manushulu movie review.Puri Jagannadh directed Ravi Teja’s Devudu Chesina Manushulu has hit the big-screens on 15th August on the eve of Independence Day.
Story: Lord Vishnu (Brahmanandam) and Goddess Lakshmi discuss about a story where Vishnu Murthy decides to show a live story of two orphans. Raviteja (Raviteja) is born in Hyderabad who becomes a land settler while Ileana (Ileana) in Bangkok who turns a taxi driver. The screenplay turns a direction with Papayya (M.S.Narayana) throws an arati thokka (Banana peel) on the road which leads Ravi Teja head to Bangkok on a settlement between the between Circle Inspector Subba Raju (Subba Raju) and Bangkok Don Prakash Raj (Prakash Raj). He sees Ileana in Bangkok and falls in love but very soon, they quarrel and get separated due to misunderstanding. Now, Goddess Lakshmi is unhappy with the events and Vishnu murthy wants to complete the story by rewinding it preventing Papayya from throwing the arati thokka on the road. How Ravi Teja and Ileana get united forms the crux.
Performances: Ravi Teja delivered a decent performance and his mannerisms and energy levels are as usual noticeable. But such talented actors need to look up for interesting and varied roles. It is high times he needs to focus on the selection of scripts.
Ileana looked sizzling in the film and provided ample glamour quotient in the songs. Performance wise, she is regular.
Prakash Raj, Subbaraju showed ease in their performance. Ali is hilarious in few scenes, MS Narayana is brief and Fish Venkat is good. Jyothi Rana is hot and Gabriela sizzled in an item song.
Technical Analysis: Shyam K Naidu’s cinematography is decent and standard, editing is crisp and the run length is good. Raghu Kunche’s music was good and a couple of songs were well-shot while the background score is good. Direction is unconvincing while the screenplay goes flipside after the interval. It is inspired from a Tamil film 12 B but this wasn’t entertaining. Dialogues are pretty average. Production values are standard.
Analysis: As Puri Jagannadh informed in the audio, DCM does not have a story or perfect script. The characterizations were cliché, the screenplay isn’t gripping. Logic has gone for a toss big time and the narrative doesn’t have any flow. Songs are misplaced ad effects the flow. Brahmanandam and Kovai Sarala roles are not convincing. Screenplay is bad and and Puri Jagannadh has even disappointed with the dialogue.The climax is poorly made. It is only the first half, you were provided some entertainment while it’s hard to sit in the second half of the film.
Final Verdict: Passable First half & Horrible second half!!!
Film: Devudu Chesina Manushulu
Starring: Ravi teja,Ileana,Brahmanandam,Kovai Sarala
Director: Puri Jagannadh
Producer: B.V.S.N. Prasad
Banner: Sri Venkateswara Cine Creations banner
Music: Ragu Kunche
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