Showing posts with label Nagarjuna. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Nagarjuna. Show all posts
Dhanush hit with Rs. 20 crore notice
3:47 PM
HINDUSTAN TIMES (February 15, 2026)
Actor Dhanush has landed in legal trouble after production house Thenandal Films reportedly served him a notice over a long-delayed project, seeking Rs. 20 crore in compensation.
According to a OneIndia Tamil report, the banner claims Dhanush had signed Naan Rudran in 2016 but never moved forward with the shoot. The actor had allegedly committed to both star in and direct the film. While the makers agreed to later changes, they claim he failed to provide the complete screenplay, leaving the project stalled for years. The complaint further states the company spent nearly Rs. 20 crore in advance and also incurred costs involving actors Nagarjuna Akkineni and S J Suryah, who were expected to feature in the film.
Through the notice, the makers have alleged major financial losses due to the delay and have demanded compensation, warning of further legal action if their demands are not met within the stipulated timeframe.
In the notice, advocate A Chidambaram claimed the film stalled because “Dhanush gave call sheets to other films without completing work on this pending project”.
Dhanush has not issued an official statement so far.
If I was old school, I would have been irrelevant-Nagarjuna
8:33 AM
Onkar Kulkarni (BOMBAY TIMES; September 26, 2025)
It’s a milestone-packed season for Akkineni Nagarjuna as he is on the verge of clocking in 40 illustrious years in the film industry, and his family’s cherished legacy, Annapurna Studios, has touched the 50-year landmark. Widely admired for his suave screen presence and range as an actor, Nagarjuna caught the attention of the Hindi speaking audience with films like Shiva (1990) and Criminal (1995). In Telugu cinema he made a mark with hits such as Manam, Santosham, Ninne Pelladata, Annamayya and Soggade Chinni Nayana.
‘The number game has become a mess today’
Looking back at the arc of his career, the actor says, “Today, I am just enjoying whatever is coming my way. But back in the day, of course, you were at a certain age, you had to be on the top and get the numbers... all that pressure was there, but then it slowly vanished. I see numbers changing every other month. The number game has become a mess today. So, I’m just living in the moment. I’m happy when I’m doing exactly what I want to do. If I can’t do that at this point, even after 40 years, then what’s the point?”
‘I am not old school’
The actor’s journey has not only mirrored the growth of the Telugu film industry but also the massive evolution in how cinema is consumed and created. Nagarjuna has adapted with ease.
“From cassettes to DVDs, to pen drives and today, watching movies on your phones... I am enjoying this. I am not old school. If I was old school, I would have been irrelevant. I like to move along with technology. I think that’s the way the world moves. If you don’t move with it, you become irrelevant,” he says.
‘The first 30 years of the studio were a big struggle’
This progressive mindset extends to Annapurna Studios as well — a space once envisioned by his legendary father, actor and producer Akkineni Nageswara Rao, now steered alongside Nagarjuna by his sons Naga Chaitanya and Akhil Akkineni.
“The first 30 years of the studio were a big struggle. It’s nice to say we own a studio, but it’s very difficult to keep it going. My father was very passionate about it. He always said that films have given him everything in life, so he wanted to give back to the world of cinema. He then put the responsibility on me and my brother,” Nagarjuna shares.
He adds, “I am happy that the third generation has stepped in and they are looking at newer technologies and I hope they are having fun. If they are not, then it’s going to be a real struggle.”
‘I work out with my sons, but don’t compete with them’
Ask him what’s his dynamic with his son, especially with Naga Chaitanya, who enjoys a strong fanbase down South, and he says, “My father and I became very good friends, but there was that line of respect. And it’s the same when it comes to my equation with my sons. We are friends, but there’s also that respect where, for example, if I come into the room, they will stand up and greet me. We also work out together, but I don’t compete with them (laughs).”
Despite his decades-long career, Nagarjuna remains super fit, and is admired for his discipline and physique. So, does he get fitness tips from his sons? “I give them tips instead (laughs). On a serious note, I work out to feel energised. I try to keep myself healthy and fit. I dedicate one hour daily for my fitness routine and I follow a balanced diet.”
‘Sobhita and I talk about music, books and gardening’
The actor’s family continues to grow — not just professionally, but personally too. His son Naga Chaitanya tied the knot last year with actress Sobhita Dhulipala. Nagarjuna shares a warm bond with his daughter-in-law.
He says, “She’s just fantastic. We talk about books and music. Right now, she wants to grow a garden in Naga’s house. I have a keen interest in gardening too, so we talk a lot about it. It’s a very nice relationship and it’s like having a daughter at home. We have two daughters now — Zainab (Akhil’s wife) and Sobhita.”
You’ll see a new Aamir Khan in Coolie and be shocked-Nagarjuna
8:55 AM
As Aamir Khan’s first look from Coolie drops online, co-actor Nagarjuna on how the audience will be ‘shocked’ by the superstar’s performance
Priyanka Sharma (MID-DAY; July 7, 2025)
What does it take to bring Rajinikanth, Nagarjuna, and Aamir Khan together on screen? A powerful script, and Lokesh Kanagaraj at the helm. Ahead of the August 14 release of Coolie, the makers dropped Khan’s first look from the actioner last week. The image of a bulked up Khan blowing a cigar has left fans intrigued. Nagarjuna, who plays the antagonist in the film, says that the actor’s performance in his cameo will shock the audience.
“Aamir and I don’t have scenes together. We have two different chapters in the film. But I saw his work afterwards; his performance is brilliant. You’ll see a new Aamir and be shocked,” says the South superstar.
Coolie is among the most anticipated Indian films of 2025, courtesy not only the cast, but also Kanagaraj who is known for his gritty storytelling. Nagarjuna is thrilled about his maiden collaboration with the director.
“This was a fun experience because of how different it is from what I’ve done so far. Being the main antagonist, I had many scenes with Rajini sir. It’s him against me!”
Lately, the actor has been busy with post-release promotions for Kuberaa, which released alongside Sitaare Zameen Par. Asked whether he has watched the acclaimed film, he says, “It’s not coming on OTT, so I have to take the effort to go and see it! I have known Aamir personally for years. I like his work. In fact, I loved Taare Zameen Par [2007], and I hope I will enjoy Sitaare as much.”
A lot of people are failing because they are putting five titles underneath each film-Nagarjuna
10:54 AM
Even as his pan-India movie Kuberaa tastes success, Nagarjuna says makers must be judicious as each story doesn’t have the power to appeal across cultures
Priyanka Sharma (MID-DAY; July 1, 2025)
For Nagarjuna, there was more than just money riding on Kuberaa. Its success would determine the path ahead for the superstar. With the crime drama having reportedly earned about Rs. 81 crore in the domestic market, we can hear the smile in Nagarjuna’s voice as he gets on the call for his first interview post the release. “Kuberaa is different from what I or director Sekhar Kammula was doing before. It was important for the movie to succeed so that we get the courage and strength to do more films with different subjects,” says the actor of the June 20 release that also stars Dhanush and Rashmika Mandanna.
Courage isn’t the only outcome of a successful film. As Nagarjuna puts it, “Success makes you love your job.” This is especially true when one has been working for 36 years. “Longevity is quite difficult to achieve, especially in our field. Success and love for the job go hand-in-hand. I was fortunate that success was always around the corner.”
After almost four decades in the industry, the actor, 65, craves to experiment more. He wants to keep things stimulating for the artiste in him, even though experiments can be risky for the superstar in him. He reflects, “We get caught in the loop that we have to do something exactly like this [to ensure success]. I noticed that in my career, whenever I [repeated myself], I had failures. Trying different things and new characters will always be loved by the audience.”
Nagarjuna has been ahead of the curve in another aspect — he did pan-India films way before they became a phenomenon. “When Shiva came in [1990], I tasted success in Mumbai, Delhi, and across the Hindi-speaking belt. It was fantastic. After COVID, everybody started watching movies in every other language.” The change is welcome, but the senior actor notes that it demands a discerning attitude from filmmakers.
“Every film cannot be a pan-India offering. It’s very difficult to be familiar with a different culture altogether. These days, a lot of people are failing because they are putting five titles underneath each film. [A pan-India film] requires a lot of planning and a [powerful] screenplay. Why did only Shiva work for me? I could have done a lot of other films. We didn’t make them because only a few films deserve to be pan-India.”
Aamir Khan to star with Rajinikanth, Nagarjuna in Coolie
8:16 AM
HINDUSTAN TIMES (April 17, 2025)
Actor Rajinikanth’s next, action thriller Coolie, is already creating buzz, as it will bring together some of the biggest names in Indian cinema. Apart from Rajinikanth, the film also features Tamil superstar Nagarjuna Akkineni and Kannada star Upendra Rao. And now, it has been revealed that Aamir Khan too will have a cameo in the Lokesh Kanagaraj film.
Upendra confirmed the news during an event. In a video circulating on X, he said, “I did not ask Lokesh (Kanagaraj) garu anything, but when he told me the story, I said it was enough even if I it means just standing next to him (Rajinikanth) for a few minutes. If I’m Ekalavya, he’s my Dronacharya. If he gave everyone entertainment, he gave me enlightenment.”
When asked if he shot with Nagarjuna and Aamir also, he said, “Yeah yeah, we have combination scenes together. (sic)”
Dia Mirza on Nadaaniyan backlash: "I feel there’s a culture of ‘eat the privilege’, which is harsh"
8:21 AM
Roopa Radhakrishnan (BOMBAY TIMES; April 3, 2025)
While she started her film journey as a background dancer in the Tamil film En Swasa Kaatre (1999), Dia Mirza hasn’t acted in any Tamil film so far. “I have no idea why I haven’t done a Tamil film yet; I would love to work here,” states the Bollywood actress, who was recently in Chennai. She speaks to us about her wish to be part of Tamil films, making her debut in Rehnaa Hai Terre Dil Mein (RHTDM) alongside Madhavan, the backlash against her recent film, Nadaaniyan, and more…
‘OPINIONS SHOULDN’T BE EXPRESSED AT THE COST OF SOMEBODY’S MENTAL HEALTH’
Addressing the backlash directed at Ibrahim Ali Khan and Khushi Kapoor for Nadaaniyan, Dia, who was also a part of the film, states, “I have never been in favour of personal attacks and find them extremely disrespectful. Everyone is free to have an opinion, but it shouldn’t be expressed at the cost of somebody’s mental health. I’ve been concerned, especially for the younger actors, about the harshness of what’s being said. I feel there’s a culture of ‘eat the privilege’, which is harsh, because people have their own stuff to deal with.”
‘MANI RATNAM SIR CHANGED MY PERCEPTION OF STORYTELLING’
Sharing about her recent interaction with director Mani Ratnam, Dia says, “Mani Ratnam sir is one of my all-time favourite directors. We were recently on a flight together, and I was awestruck by him. I went up to him and said, ‘I don’t want to lose this opportunity to tell you how much I admire you.’ It was interesting to see how awkward he is with praise. His cinema impacted my childhood and influenced my perception of storytelling.”
‘I HAVE A DEEP REGARD AND RESPECT FOR ARVIND SWAMI SIR; SIDDHARTH IS PHENOMENAL’
The actress was part of IC 814: The Kandahar Hijack that featured actor Arvind Swami. Speaking about him, she says, “I didn’t get to share a scene with Arvind (Swami) sir, but I have a deep regard and respect for him. He is a phenomenal artiste. Another artiste I admire from here is Siddharth, who is phenomenal. I watched Chithha, a film he produced and acted in, and what a powerful film it was! The entire cast was so compelling.”
‘NAGARJUNA SIR WAS WARM, KIND AND ACCESSIBLE’
Dia is also all praise for actor Nagarjuna, who acted opposite her in her Telugu debut, Wild Dog. “COVID-19 had just started when we did the film, and we were all terrified. But Nag sir made the experience very easy, which says a lot about him. It can be extremely intimidating when you are working with a superstar, but he was the most accessible co-actor. He was so warm and kind. I also spent a lot of time with Amala ma’am. I’ve always admired her and love the work that she’s done for animal care,” she shares.
‘MY IDEA OF SUCCESS WAS CONNECTED MORE TO BOX OFFICE’
Speaking about how her idea of success has changed over the years, Dia says, “When I started out, my idea of success was connected more to box office and material gains. Over the years, I’ve realized that success is about showing up every moment with preparedness and an understanding of the medium that you are a part of. It’s about being able to offer your best self to the opportunity.”
‘As a teenager, I had the biggest crush on Maddy’
Talking to us about her first film, a remake of the Tamil film Minnale, which starred Madhavan and was directed by Gautham Vasudev Menon, Dia shares, “Working with them was wonderful. I would attribute a big part of the love the film continues to receive to Harris Jayaraj’s music. Zara Zara (Vaseegara in Tamil) evokes an indescribable feeling. I’m still in touch with Maddy, but not with Gautham sir. As a teenager, I used to watch Maddy’s TV shows and had the biggest crush on him.”
Seeing Naga Chaitanya, Sobhita Dhulipala together makes me truly happy-Nagarjuna
8:08 AM
Karthik Pasupulate (BOMBAY TIMES; November 20, 2024)
The wedding bells are ringing for Naga Chaitanya and Sobhita Dhulipala, with the couple set to tie the knot on December 4 at Hyderabad’s iconic Annapurna Studios. Speaking exclusively to Hyderabad Times, Nagarjuna shared why the venue, established by his legendary father late Akkineni Nageswara Rao (ANR), holds special significance for the family.
“With this being my father’s centenary year, I felt it would be fitting to seek his blessings by having the wedding here. Annapurna Studios is not just a film hub but also a part of our family’s legacy, built by my father’s vision. It’s a beautiful place, and December is such a lovely season. Chaitanya didn’t want a big wedding; he and Sobhita both preferred a gathering of close family and friends. The studio gardens provide the perfect setting for a warm, intimate celebration,” he shared.
Admittedly, the couple has taken charge of the planning of their big day. “Sobhita and Chaitanya told me to leave the arrangements to them. They wanted to do it their way, and honestly, it was a huge relief! I said please do. (laughs) The infrastructure is already here — lights, sets, everything. We host at least ten mock weddings here every year. So, it’s the easiest choice for all of us,” he explains.
The wedding will be a close-knit affair, with around 300–400 guests comprising family, close friends, and a handful of Nagarjuna’s industry colleagues. It’s going to be an authentic Telugu wedding.
“Sobhita’s parents were clear about wanting to include all the rituals, and I was completely on board. I find the chants and ceremonies so soothing — they bring a sense of peace. It’s going to be a lovely wedding, simple and heartfelt, just like the couple.”
While the focus is on the wedding for now, Nagarjuna mentioned the possibility of a reception later. “Right now, it’s all about the wedding. We’ll see about the reception later.”
‘Sobhita is a brilliant actress with a very warm & grounded nature’
Reflecting on his bond with Sobhita, Nagarjuna shared fond memories of their first meeting. “I first met Sobhita after watching Goodachari. I loved her work in the film and immediately called her to say how impressed I was. I invited her to meet me the next time she was in Hyderabad. She later came home to meet me, and we had some wonderful conversations — not just about films but life in general. Chaitanya happened to walk in during one of her visits, and that’s when they met for the first time, if I remember correctly,” recalled Nag.
Talking about what he admires about his soon-to-be daughter-in-law, Nag added, “I always admired Sobhita’s journey. She’s worked incredibly hard to achieve her dreams, starting from Vizag and carving out a niche for herself in the industry. She’s a brilliant actress who has stayed true to her values and craft. More than that, she’s very warm and grounded. When I see her and Chay together, the bond they share is unmistakable. It makes me very happy.”
Paparazzi, bodyguards speak up on Dhanush and Nagarjuna's fan incidents
8:52 AM
Celeb security teams are under fire again for misbehaving with fans. We hear it straight from the horse’s mouth — paps and bodyguards — on what goes on behind such unsavoury incidents
Navya Kharbanda (HINDUSTAN TIMES; July 9, 2024)
Recent viral videos of bodyguards of actors Dhanush and Akkineni Nagarjuna pushing fans sparked widespread criticism online. In a clip from Juhu Beach in Mumbai, the former’s security team was seen clearing a path as fans tried to capture glimpses of the actor. Nagarjuna faced scrutiny after an incident at Mumbai Airport where his bodyguard pushed a specially abled fan who had approached the actor for a selfie. Later, the actor took to social media to apologize.
Earlier, in similar incidents involving Malaika Arora and Shilpa Shetty Kundra, the actors’ security personnel came under fire for mistreating fans. Yusuf Ibrahim (actor Alia Bhatt’s security), says, “Fans ko celebs ko touch karna ya bahut paas aana avoid karna chahiye. Jab aisa hota hai, we’re forced to act.”
Jishan Qureshi, who handles actor-couple Sidharth Malhotra and Kiara Advani’s security, concurs: “When fans slip in from the side, celeb chaunk jaata hai aur issi dauran haath idhar udhar ho jaata hai. Request yahi hai ki pyaar se aaiye [to meet actors]!”
Often, in the 10-second clips that do rounds of social media, only the negative parts of celeb-fan interactions are included, points out paparazzo Manav Manglani. “Most actors are happy to pose for selfies and often instruct bodyguards to be sweet to fans. Many pap pages make it clickbait-y to sell it online,” he says.
Sameer Khan, Delhi POC for A-listers such as Hrithik Roshan and Salman Khan, says it is a complicated debate. “Artistes never tell us in advance that they don’t want to get clicked and we would never want to push fans away. Agar koi fan zid par aa jaye ki hum photo click karwa ke hi jayenge, tab dikkat wali baat ho jaati hai. But humein artiste ko bhi save karna hota hai,” he explains.
PAPARAZZI SPEAK
Main 75% cases mein bodyguards ko hi galat maanunga. Not just fans, even paps get pushed by them in many situations. They lose their temper very easily.
- YOGEN SHAH
Nagarjuna waale scene mein woh fan achaanak se aaya tha, and bodyguards have to be very reactive in such situations. Can’t say the bodyguard was at fault.
MANAV MANGLANI
A quick guide to celeb-spotting: WHAT NOT TO DO
- Don’t be very touchy unless the star initiates
- Try not to get overwhelmed or nervous since security is reactive to that the most
- Be quick with getting clicked as the celeb is often running late
FRIENDLIEST CELEB BODYGUARDS
Jalal (Deepika Padukone)
Yusuf Ibrahim (Alia Bhatt)
Yuvraj Ghorpade (Aamir Khan)
Sandeep (Ranbir Kapoor)
Janhvi Kapoor and Sara Ali Khan’s bodyguards
My story would’ve been different if I’d started today as an actress-Shriya Saran
10:39 AM
Onkar Kulkarni (BOMBAY TIMES; December 30, 2023)
In Hindi cinema, Shriya Saran doesn’t have as many films to boast of in her filmography, but in the South film industry, the actress made a mark long before we started cheering for pan-India films. When it comes to Bollywood, it is the Drishyam franchise that the audience identifies her with. In a chat with us, Shriya talks about how she wished she had got similar recognition in Hindi cinema, the opportunities the OTT medium offers and more.
‘B-Town thought I had South Indian features’
Talking about starting her career down South, Shriya, who hails from Haridwar, says, “I wanted to do South films because I felt the industry was very welcoming. They thought my features were a mix of South and North, whereas the industry folks in Mumbai thought I looked very South Indian.” Even though she has worked with top stars from the South, Shriya points out that she didn’t get the much-needed recognition as an actor in Bollywood.”
‘My work in the South industry never reached the Hindi audience’
Explaining why her work didn’t reach a wider audience, she says, “Today we are living in the times of OTT, which wasn’t the case back then. Jo main kaam South mein kar rahi thi, woh kaam Bollywood audience tak pahuchta nahi tha. Back then, we didn’t have access to movies across languages, the way we have today, thanks to OTT platforms. And South films did not release pan-India at that time. This is why people in Mumbai didn’t know much about my work. My professors from my college in Delhi refused to accept that I was an actor down South. My father had to convince them and tell them that I was working with stars like Chiranjeevi and Nagarjuna, so that they could consider my low attendance in college and allow me to sit for my exams.”
‘Earlier, there was a lot that was lost in translation’
Shriya, who was seen in S S Rajamouli’s Oscar Award-winning pan-Indian film RRR (2022), is glad that the audience is receptive towards different kinds of cinema in various languages now. “Earlier, there was a lot that was lost in translation, which doesn’t happen today. Thanks to people like Mani Ratnam sir, who I guess was one of the first filmmakers to have released a film in multiple languages. Even Shankar sir (maker of films like Sivaji: The Boss, Enthiran and 2.0) did that. All cinema is under one umbrella today,” says Shriya, who hoped her films like Sivaji: The Boss (2007), Manam (2014), Chatrapathi (2005) and Tagore (2003) had a pan-India release.
She adds, “These films were pan-Indian films as they were not limited to one kind of audience. The subjects they revolved around were pan-India. Drishyam, too, was a pan-India story, where the idea was about protecting your family.”
‘OTT has certainly shown us a shift in storytelling’
Talking about the changes digital platforms have brought about and what she misses about the earlier times, she says, “I wish OTT platforms were there when I started off because the actors working today have such amazing opportunities. The audience base is massive, and even with one show, you can go places. OTT has certainly shown us a shift in storytelling. I feel that if I had started out in today’s times, in the presence of OTT, social media and pan-Indian films, my career would have been a different story. Having said that, those days were also magical, beautiful and raw in their own way.”
‘It’s been a major shift for my husband Andrei’
Shriya married her Russian boyfriend, Andrei Koscheev, in 2018. She shares, “It’s been a major shift for him. He’s a sales head with a corporate firm and travels from Andheri to Thane to his office every day. It’s a very different life for him. He had a countryside house overlooking a lake and mountains, drove a convertible car and even went sailing. However, he loves his time in India. He only eats Indian food now, like roti-sabzi and also loves golgappas.”
(After Sridevi's death), I went through all the tests, including lie detector test-Boney Kapoor
8:39 AM
HINDUSTAN TIMES (October 4, 2023)
Filmmaker Boney Kapoor has opened up about his wife, actor Sridevi’s death for the first time since 2018. In an interview, he said her death wasn’t natural, but accidental.
“I had decided not to speak about it because I spoke about it for 24 or 48 hours when I was being interrogated. That is how I got a clean chit from the Dubai police. The officers said we had to go through this because there was a lot of pressure from the Indian media. I went through all the tests, including lie detector test. And then, the report came, clearly stating that it was an accidental death by drowning,” Kapoor told The New Indian.
He went on to reveal that Sridevi would often take up extreme diets, despite her physician advising against it. “She often used to starve; she wanted to look good,” he continued, “She would make sure she is chiselled and in good shape, so that on-screen, she looks good.”
Kapoor also revealed that Sridevi had “blackouts on a couple of occasions” and avoided salt. “When she passed away, Nagarjuna (actor) had come home to offer condolences and told me that during one of their movies, she was on a crash diet and that’s how she fell in the bathroom and broke her teeth,” he said.
2022: A record-breaking year for south cinema on all counts
8:22 AM
From the highest revenue earned at the box office to global glory – it was a record-breaking year for south cinema on all counts
Sridevi S and Neeshita Nyayapati (BOMBAY TIMES; December 29, 2022)
The year 2022 truly belongs to the south Indian film industry, with two films raking in over Rs. 1,000 crores, and quite a few inching towards the Rs. 500 crores mark. It was undoubtedly a landmark year, with the south industry even overshadowing its Bollywood counterparts. Add to this the fact that these south films have and still are continuing to break records, and garnering accolades not just pan-India but globally.
The latest being RRR that has earned itself two nominations at the Golden Globes and made it to the Oscar nominations shortlist. KGF - Chapter 2, RRR, Vikram and Ponniyin Selvan - Part 1 (PS-I) were also the most watched movies at cinemas this year, with the highest number of tickets sold, according to an entertainment ticketing company’s report, with KGF - Chapter 2 selling most tickets on the weekend as compared to any other film.
This is a trend that’s been a long time coming. In 2021, south Indian cinema generated three times the box office revenues of Hindi films, with a total of Rs. 2,400 crores, according to the March
2022 EY-FICCI report. Many trace the origins to the post-Baahubali phenomena, when Prabhas became a nationwide sensation following the release of the film in 2017. This was followed by the post-OTT boom in consumption of content across the nation.
While it’s natural to pit south cinema’s success against Bollywood’s many dismal outings at the box office in 2022, KGF star Yash feels otherwise. “Don’t disrespect Bollywood for this one year where south films have performed better,” the superstar said recently, adding, “This is just a phase. Bollywood has taught us so much. It is time to forget the north-south divide and respect all film industries. Instead of fighting about which industry is great, one should make good films, have good infrastructure, build good theatres. That is when the world will truly appreciate and say, ‘India has arrived’.”
Several trade experts have labelled the rise of south cinema as ‘the post-Baahubali phenomenon’. S S Rajamouli – who directed the two Baahubali installments, that released in 2015 and 2017 – said in an interview that Hindi films had stopped catering to the mass audience, who started watching dubbed south films online. “Unknowingly, we were building a big fan base for action films for a long time. And when Baahubali landed, everything exploded.”
2022: NO MORE WOODS?
The rising popularity of south cinema has made Bollywood move beyond its comfort zone and blend in with regional languages. The biggest examples being Salman Khan’s Telugu debut with Chiranjeevi’s GodFather, and Sanjay Dutt and Raveena Tandon’s Kannada debut with KGF - Chapter 2 in 2022. Will this be the end of the ‘woods’ and the beginning of the Indian film industry?
IF ALL OF US GET TOGETHER, WE CAN CROSS 3,000 – 4,000 CR TOO: SALMAN KHAN
Both Bollywood and southern film industries can benefit from the cross-pollination of talents. People want to go to Hollywood, I want to go south. The thing is once you start working together, just imagine the numbers we will all have… If all of us get together, we can cross 3,000-4,000 crore.
GLAD TO SEE OUR CINEMA IS NOW GLOBAL, NOT JUST PAN-INDIAN: NAGARJUNA
There have been no language barriers for me since 1990 and I’ve always wanted to work in good films irrespective of language. It also used to be the norm for actors to settle across various film industries, even if they weren’t born there. I’m glad to see that cinema has now gone back to not just become pan-India but also global. There’s no need for there to be a divide.
NOT A FAN OF WOODS, CALL IT INDIAN CINEMA: ALLU ARJUN
I am personally not a big fan of words like Tollywood or Kollywood or Jollywood or Bollywood. This wood...that wood...no. I would love to call it all Indian cinema.
When I saw Junaid act, I thought mera chance gaya-Aamir Khan
8:31 AM
Ready with 'Laal Singh Chaddha' after four years, Aamir reveals that son Junaid was initially considered to lead the film until the writer suggested otherwise
Uma Ramasubramanian (MID-DAY; August 2, 2022)
It’s difficult to imagine any other actor in a role essayed by Aamir Khan. Such is his ability to make every character his own. But things are different with 'Laal Singh Chaddha'. With director Advait Chandan’s adaptation of 'Forrest Gump' (1994), Khan steps into a role immortalised by Tom Hanks. The scrutiny, then, will be more intense — a fact that the superstar was aware of as he dedicated the last four years giving shape to his passion project. Today, he sits content with his creation, as the film is barely 10 days away from release.
The past few years were admittedly not easy on Khan. “To play this character, I had to get into his mind. I am 57, and had to play a 22-year-old. I had [to depict] the different stages of his life. To get that innocence [of youth] was tough,” he begins.
His obvious point of reference to play the endearing protagonist was Hanks in the original film. But the superstar surprises us when he says that he found another source of inspiration — son Junaid Khan. “Since it was a tricky film, I told Advait that I wanted to see a test shoot. I suggested that he shoot seven to eight scenes with Junaid. When Kiran [Rao, producer] and I saw the test shoot, we were blown away by Junaid’s performance. He had become Laal. I thought mera toh chance gaya,” he laughs.
The actor then showed the 20-minute test shoot to his friends in the industry, trying to gauge whether Junaid would be a better fit than him. “Almost 98 per cent of them said, ‘You should take Junaid for the role.’ So, I shaved my beard that I had grown for six months. We decided to make the film with him. But Atul [Kulkarni, writer] and Adi [Chopra] said no to the idea. [They reasoned] that it’s not a plot-heavy film; since it’s an episodic film, a newcomer won’t be able to carry it. Junaid too said, ‘Your budget is high. You can’t cast a newcomer like me.’ So, I was back on the project. But in those eight scenes, Junaid had picked the sur. I got the film’s sur from him.”
The drama, also starring Kareena Kapoor Khan, will be released in Hindi, Tamil, and Telugu. Recently, the actor-producer held a special screening for S S Rajamouli, Chiranjeevi, Nagarjuna and Sukumar in Hyderabad. Khan says their feedback was enlightening. “They liked it. In fact, all of them had a common [input]. We made the change, and realised that the change was very important.”
I had confidence because Aamir Khan was mentoring me-Naga Chaitanya
8:29 AM
Foraying into Hindi movies with Laal Singh Chaddha, Telugu star Naga Chaitanya on his initial fear about Forrest Gump being adapted and Bollywood plans
Uma Ramasubramanian (MID-DAY; August 1, 2022)
Most actors would think twice before making their Bollywood debut with an extended cameo. But Naga Chaitanya, who plays a key role in Laal Singh Chaddha, had no apprehension about his screen time. His fear had its roots elsewhere. With the film, Aamir Khan was adapting Forrest Gump (1994), a movie that has achieved an iconic status over the years. The stakes, hence, were higher.
“I was apprehensive. If it was any actor other than Aamir, I am not sure if I would have done the role. [Forrest Gump] is a classic, and a reference point for so many filmmakers and viewers. But I had confidence because Aamir was mentoring me. I knew that I would be in the right hands,” says Chaitanya, who plays an army officer in the movie.
Advait Chandan’s directorial venture is only the stepping stone to Bollywood for Chaitanya, who has established himself in Telugu cinema. “I’m aware that each market has its own set of stars that the audience [loves]. This [admiration] comes from years of watching them. I am curious to see whether the audience will accept me after Laal Singh Chaddha. I want to explore Bollywood, but first, I need to pass the test.”
While the actor has a wide fan following, thanks to his movies like Ye Maaya Chesave (2010) and Premam (2016), he is often compared to his superstar father Nagarjuna. He views this as a compliment, and a reminder that he has a long way to go.
“I look up to him. Here too, they will compare me to him, but it’s healthy. Whenever we go for interviews and see a woman walking up to us, we keep guessing whether she wants a picture with my dad or me,” he laughs, before adding, “It’s almost always with dad.”
The past year has been difficult for Chaitanya. The actor, who was married to Samantha Ruth Prabhu, parted ways in late 2021. Since then, he has been in the news for his personal life more than his movies. “It disturbs me when my personal life is the headline rather than my professional life, because we work so hard to showcase our talent. Unfortunately, some sections of the media are only interested in your personal space. I have always been the first to tell the media or [fans] about my personal life, if it’s crucial enough to be informed. Whatever they write [after that] is speculation. I don’t feel the need to respond to that.”
There might be rivalry between actors, but it’s good, healthy rivalry-Raveena Tandon
8:36 AM
Raveena Tandon says there’s no harm in healthy rivalry between female actors
Rishabh Suri (HINDUSTAN TIMES; July 20, 2022)
Actor Raveena Tandon is not one to believe that two women in showbiz can’t be friends. In fact, she has more than two, and is therefore quick to dispel this infamous misconception. Sharing her own experience, she tells us that when her film, KGF - Chapter 2, released, many of her contemporaries called her up. “It was so sweet. My colleagues Shilpa (Shetty Kundra, actor) and Badshah (rapper) called me. Nagarjuna (actor) called me after so many years. I spoke to him after 22 years,” Tandon says, adding, that actor Madhuri Dixit Nene praised her, too.
Veteran actor Sharmila Tagore also messaged her when Aranyak released. “When people make the effort to call and compliment you, it’s a different high,” she shares.
Tandon also recalls the past decades when female rivalries in the film industry were said to be even fiercer. While she states that she used to get along with everyone in those days, she adds that it’s not necessary to be friends with everyone. “Actors I have worked with have been friends for so long. [But] it’s not necessary to get along with everyone. You come to know who is happy for you and who is not. Those who are (happy for you) remain with you,” she elaborates.
She further says, “There might be rivalry (between actors), but it’s good, healthy rivalry. There’s no harm in it. It has always brought out the best in each one of us. Madhuri, Neelam (Kothari), I love them so much. God forbid, if anything happens to them, I know I am going to be there for them.”
I don’t feel I replaced anyone in The Ghost; Jacqueline Fernandez is an achiever and I respect her-Sonal Chauhan
8:20 AM
Tanvi Trivedi (BOMBAY TIMES; March 11, 2022)
Over a month ago, there was news that Jacqueline Fernandez, who was earlier cast in Akkineni Nagarjuna’s The Ghost, was not doing the film anymore. Some time later, it was confirmed that Sonal Chauhan was being cast opposite Nagarjuna in the film.
When BT reached out to Sonal, she confirmed the news. The Jannat actress said, “I don’t know if I replaced anyone. It does not work like that in films. People explore various options and cast an actor, who suits the script. Jacqueline is an achiever, and I have great respect for her as an actress. I am just glad that I am doing the film.”
Sonal added, “Getting a good film is like hitting a jackpot. Every actor gives her best, but you don’t really know the result till the film hits the screens. When a film is made, it does not depend on just one thing. Many factors come together to make it a hit. So, I am glad that I have landed a role, which will be instrumental in taking the story forward.”
Sharing her views on a good script, Sonal said, “I have done a few good films and always felt that a script has to mentally and emotionally connect with audiences. I am happy to be doing this film where I am paired opposite a big star like Nagarjuna.”
I don’t know what role Bollywood played in my career-Nagarjuna
8:05 AM
Nagarjuna has had several Bollywood hits over the years, but is mostly content with being in the Telugu film industry
Sugandha Rawal (HINDUSTAN TIMES; April 22, 2021)
It took 17 years for South superstar Nagarjuna Akkineni to pick a Bollywood project after his last outing, LOC Kargil (2003). And that’s because he wasn’t “chasing a dream” of a career in the Hindi film industry, and nothing has changed today.
“Well, I don’t know what role Bollywood played in my career. I’ve never looked at it that way,” says Nagarjuna, set to return to Bollywood with Brahmastra .
However, he adds that working in Hindi films did help him as well as his producers, in some way. “Now, people like me in Bollywood, and anywhere, in Tamil Nadu, Kerala, Karnataka, or Mumbai. My films are watched, and that means my producer gets a little more money to play with. So, it helps an actor’s career,” says the 61-year-old, adding, “But I’ve never craved acceptance in Bollywood.”
After establishing himself in the Telugu film industry, Nagarjuna made his Bollywood debut in 1990 with Shiva, and went on to do films such as Khuda Gawah (1992), Drohi (1992), Criminal (1995) and Zakhm (1998).
Reflecting on his career so far, he says, “I’ve done some good films with good directors, and have a fantastic experience with all the Bollywood films since the beginning”.
In fact, he’s glad he was able to leave a lasting impression, which is remembered even today. “People have shown me so much warmth and grace. Even now, I get phone calls after people see the trailer of my films, asking, ‘Why don’t you release this film in Hindi also’,” he shares, recalling an incident related to his recent release, Wild Dog, where he plays a ruthless NIA officer. “They told me the film deals with a universal subject, why are we making it in Telugu only. I understand, and like all my films, the Hindi-dubbed Wild Dog will also release, but a little later, on a digital platform,” Nagarjuna assures.
While the actor is looking forward to Brahmastra coming out soon, it is on hold as the country reels under the second wave of Coronavirus. Nagarjuna confesses he was touched when, after so many years, producer Karan Johar and director Ayan Mukerji reached out to him for the film, with Mukerji telling him, ‘We thought of you only when the subject was written’. He gushes, “I was happy and was very interested when I saw what they were offering me.”
Without revealing anything about his role, he goes on to shower praise on his co-actors. “Though Amit ji (Amitabh Bachchan) is in the film, my main work was with Ranbir (Kapoor) and Alia (Bhatt), who’re very intense actors. Ayan is very passionate about his craft,” he says.
Does that mean audiences would get to see more of him in Bollywood after Brahmastra? “Well, if something nice comes up and if I fit the bill, I’d love to do the film. But at this point, I’m very comfortable with where I am,” declares the actor, who completes 35 years in showbiz in May.
After Mirzya flopped, the filmmakers who had signed me decided to go ahead with more successful actors-Saiyami Kher
8:13 AM
Actor Saiyami Kher says it was only after long and tedious three years of giving auditions that she bagged her first film; adds the release of the film was followed by a low phase
Rishabh Suri (HINDUSTAN TIMES; January 15, 2021)
Saiyami Kher doesn’t believe in rushing into things and that’s evident from how she takes her own time in taking up work. She started off in Bollywood with Mirzya (2016), and since then, has starred in five projects — three films, two web shows.
Not sticking to Hindi films was a decision that happened organically. “When I started off, I didn’t know anything. The first step was to learn the basics of being in front of the camera. After long, tedious three years of giving auditions, Mirzya happened. Unfortunately, it didn’t do well at the box office,” she shares. And that led to a not-so-great ripple effect. She confesses, “I had signed a few films with big filmmakers, but after Mirzya, they decided to go ahead with someone else, who was commercially more successful.”
But, Kher didn’t let anything deter her. She starred opposite Riteish Deshmukh in the Marathi hit Mauli, and then web shows Special OPS and Breathe - Into The Shadows. Her web film, Choked, also got good reviews. In fact, the actor reveals that Choked’s director Anurag Kashyap was going to collaborate with her earlier as well, on a different project. “After Mirzya, Anurag wanted to do a film with me, and sent a script. I was very excited, but it never took off. I was also doing a Tamil film and had done workshops, that also never took off. It was a low phase, my film hadn’t worked, and the few things I signed, went away. Mauli was exciting... a hardcore commercial film, and at the same time, the girl had a lot to do. Things started moving a bit after that,” she says.
Unpaused, an anthology of five short films with pandemic as the theme, featured Kher as the protagonist in one of the stories. “I’ve just returned from Manali after shooting with Nagarjuna sir for an action-packed film; I play a RAW agent,” gushes Kher about being busy with work now.
Artistes should be open to working in any language as long as they connect with the story-Dia Mirza
8:05 AM
Dia, who hails from Hyderabad, is all set to make her debut in Telugu films after 20 years in the profession
Harshada Rege (BOMBAY TIMES; December 10, 2020)
Knowing the language made the job easier. Dia shares, “I had learnt Telugu in school, so I can read, write and speak the language. It all came back when I started shooting for this film.” In recent times, the lines between regional cinema and Hindi films seem to be blurring with many collaborations between filmmakers and actors in both the industries on the anvil. “I think that as artistes, we should be open to working in any language as long as we connect with the story. I hope I can do a lot more regional cinema, because I think there’s a lot of interesting work happening there,” she says.
Though in her Telugu debut we will see her opposite Nagarjuna for the first time, she had interacted with the South superstar many years ago. Dia says, “When I was a little girl, I had met him a few times as his sister was a family friend. The last time that I had met him before we started shooting was when I had visited their home 18 years ago. He remembered that interaction, and Amala, his wife, had updated him about all that I had been up to. So, when we met this time around, he asked me a lot of questions about the environment, climate action, and all the stuff that I have been doing.”
Impressed with his massive fan-following and down-to-earth attitude, she says, “I have to say that Nag sir is a true star. I haven’t met a more grounded and earnest human being. He has such a huge fan following, but he is such a simple human being. It’s so wonderful to interact and work with him. It’s nice to see that he doesn’t allow this level of fandom to get to him.”
Ranbir Kapoor, Alia Bhatt, Nagarjuna, Mouni Roy come together for 10-day shoot of Brahmastra in Mumbai
7:56 AM
Two songs will be shot in January
Himesh Mankad (MUMBAI MIRROR; November 4, 2020)
“It’s a conscious decision to reserve the songs for next year because Ayan wants to shoot them on a grand scale with lots of background dancers. The team is optimistic that the on-ground scenario will improve by then. At the same time, they are exploring other mediums without compromising on the visuals,” revealed a source.They have already shot for 173 days and this 10-day stint will take the tally to 183 days. By the time the film wraps up, it will be 200 days. The release date will be locked once cinemas all across the country and the globe reopen and start recording good footfalls.
While Ranbir plays Shiva, who has power to emit fire from his hand, Alia is his love interest Isha. Nagarjuna slips into the role of an archaeologist with Bachchan as RK’s guru and Mouni as the antagonist. Shah Rukh Khan, in a cameo, plays a scientist.
Tollywood resumes post production from today
7:50 AM
P Pavan (MUMBAI MIRROR; May 22, 2020)
A week ago, reports claimed that two British shows, Top Gear and Eastenders, are to resume shooting by June-end, while in the US, California Governor Gavin Newsom said on Wednesday that the state is mulling reopening production. Closer home, the FWICE (Federation of Western India Cine Employees) is seeking Maharashtra Chief Minister Uddhav Thackeray’s permission to resume work (Mirror, May 20). Before that, Telangana government has given the go-ahead to the Telugu film industry to resume post-production work from today.
On Thursday, some of Tollywood’s bigwigs, including Nagarjuna, S S Rajamouli, Allu Aravind, Suresh Babu, and Dil Raju, assembled at actor-politician Chiranjeevi’s residence in Hyderabad for a meeting with Minister T Srinivas Yadav, who assured the group that an order to resume production would be issued. Work in film and TV industries across the country came to an abrupt halt on March 23 in the wake of the Coronavirus outbreak.
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