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
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