What's a pan-India Hindi film without some South Indian tadka? The makers of the highly anticipated Shah Rukh Khan-led Jawan have devised a strategic distribution plan that will have something for fans from Kashmir to Kanyakumari. While director Atlee—known for his massy films—will bring his sensibilities to the fore, the inclusion of Nayanthara and Vijay Sethupathi has already sent cinegoers into a tizzy. Add to that Anirudh Ravichander’s musicality, and you have the perfect recipe. But that’s not all; the high-octane actioner will be peppered with cameos from south superstars.

“It is true that Jawan is making one of the biggest openings in the south for any Hindi film till date,” says film distributor-multiplex owner Raj Bansal, adding that the year that started with Pathaan has been strengthened by Sunny Deol’s Gadar. And Jawan will take it a notch higher.

“To win over the south audiences, top stars from the Tamil and Telugu film industries, including Nayanthara, Atlee, and music director Anirudh, have been roped in. I am told there are two cameos—Tamil superstar Thala Vijay and Telugu superstar Allu Arjun—but they haven’t revealed them as yet. In Hindi, Sanjay Dutt will be the surprise element,” he reveals.

The star quotient will increase footfall in theatres. To meet that demand, distributors have increased screens. Going by the advance booking, Telengana and Andhra Pradesh’s distributor, Riaz Hyder, says, “The release of Jawan is like a big, regular Telugu film with 800 plus screens in Telengana and Andhra Pradesh. Every hour, new shows and screens are added. In cities like Tirupati, Nandiyal, Hyderabad, Rajahmundry, and Vizag, theatres are already full, including the 6 am, 8am, and 9 am shows.”

Trade expert Taran Adarsh explains that while Pathaan had the maximum number of screens in the south, soon Jawan will cross that mark. “There are many reasons for this—one of them being the Pathaan effect and Shah Rukh’s growing popularity down south. He has become a much bigger brand today,” he says.

While Jawan is not the first movie to open in regional languages or regions, a targeted distribution plan to “woo southern audiences” is novel. “There’s definitely a strategy in this,” says trade analyst Atul Mohan. He further explains that Khan made his inroads into the south film industry with Chennai Express (2013). “which was his first stepping stone,” followed by Pathaan.

“In Jawan, he has perfectly balanced the north and south. Besides Atlee, Nayanthara, Vijay Sethupathi, and Anirudh, Thala Vijay is a huge crowd-puller. He is close to Atlee. [In addition to that], Shah Rukh and he have a mutual admiration for each other and are good friends, which will translate on screen. I think the first day of opening in Hindi would [approximately] be over Rs. 75 crore, and for the Tamil and Telugu versions, [approximately] over Rs. 20 crore. With Jawan, he isn’t making inroads, but a highway into the south film industry.”

Suresh Babu, Rana Daggubati reveal A-list filmmakers want to rent their studios, which also offer accommodation, equipment, production services
Akash Bhatnagar (MUMBAI MIRROR; June 18, 2020)

Bhushan Kumar confirmed to Mirror (June 11) that next month, the Mumbai Saga team will head to Ramoji Rao Film City in Hyderabad, with actors John Abraham, Emraan Hashmi and Suniel Shetty, among others, to wrap up its shoot. On Tuesday, he announced that another John-starrer, Satyameva Jayate 2, will roll in August, even though they have yet to fix the location.

Meanwhile, veteran producer and studio owner Suresh Babu informs that he’s been approached by several Bollywood filmmakers to rent out their three studios, two in Hyderabad and one in Vishakapatnam, for shoots.

“Producers want their team isolated together during shoots to mitigate risk of infection. When you are filming in your city, you’d want to return home to your family, which is why makers are looking at locations outside the state,” he reasons, pointing out that they wrapped up a small-budget Telugu film at Ramoji a few days ago.

On the makers who have reached out to him, he says, “My son Rana (Daggubati) is close to Sajid (Nadiadwala) and Karan (Johar). If they need anything, as studio owners we will go out of our way for them. This is not the time for balance sheets but to help the fraternity move forward.”

Rana adds that they are ready to welcome filmmakers from across the country. “Shoots for TV and web shows have already begun according to government guidelines and several more will kick off in the next few weeks. Around next month, we should see some Hindi films readying for shoot across Telangana and Andhra Pradesh,” he shares.

The actor points out that between the three studios, they have 50-55 acres of land to erect sets and standing sets, along with a lake and in Vizag, a picturesque ocean nearby. “The studios offer end-to-end solutions, from accommodation to shooting, for which equipment including cameras can be rented, and post-production work. We have fully functional editing and dubbing rooms, recording studios and VFX facilities. Even in-house technicians are available,” Rana informs.

With Bollywood producers moving in, won’t Telugu film shoots get affected? “The big Telugu films are yet to take a call but even if Ramoji fills up, we can quickly set them up at other studios in Hyderabad,” Suresh Babu assures.

One of the most disputed guideline in Maharashtra is that actors over 65 are not allowed to resume work. In Andhra and Telangana, they have left the call to them. “If an actor needs to finish a shoot, they can come quietly and do it quickly. There won’t be officials monitoring every shoot,” Suresh Babu reasons. But with cases going up in Maharashtra, aren’t they worried? “I have a wedding coming up in my family and I am concerned on a personal level. But as a city and state, we are happy to host filmmakers from across the country,” says Suresh Babu.

The groom-to-be points out that it’s mandatory for the whole unit to be tested before shooting starts and PPE kits and sanitisation is compulsory. “We will keep units isolated during schedules, with medical support on the set. We are following a Comprehensive Sanitation Protocol Solution as outlined by the MHA guidelines and using formulations that are more effective than regular disinfectants. We are also adopting smartphone-based technologies to manage meetings, resources and inventory. We are confident of providing a safe environment for work,” Rana adds.

With Thadam remake initially slated to roll in Delhi, makers of Sidharth Malhotra-starrer consider new location as they hope to kick off the film in August
Upala KBR (MID-DAY; June 12, 2020)

Sidharth Malhotra was eagerly waiting to kick off the shoot of the Thadam remake, and with good reason — the remake of the 2019 Tamil hit marks his first attempt at a double role. The schedule of the Vardhan Ketkar-directed venture, originally slated to go on floors in May, was naturally hampered by the lockdown. Now, as producers Murad Khetani and Bhushan Kumar are hoping to begin the project in August, they are in a dilemma over the film's location.

"As per the original plan, the unit was to head to Delhi in May where the film would be shot in a start-to-finish schedule. The director was keen on shooting certain crucial sequences across real locations. Now, even as the state government has allowed the resumption of shoots, there has been no such development in the capital. So, the makers are considering other possible locations where they can set the story," reveals a trade source.

Far from being bogged down by the delay, Khetani says they are charting out a plan to ensure the project kicks off on the right note. "Currently, Karnataka, Tamil Nadu, Telangana and Maharashtra have given permission to shoot. It is too early to decide whether we will film in Delhi or another city; we don't know which state governments will allow shooting by August. We will take a call early next month."

Given the recent turn of events, a November release is off the cards. "We were eyeing a November 23 release, but that is not possible," concedes Khetani, adding that they have the Herculean task of reworking the schedule. "Sidharth was to shoot for Indra Kumar's film before he began our movie, so he will have to work out his dates. Since he has two different looks, he will need to do look tests and a 10-day prep."

Their gangster drama, among first films to emerge from lockdown, gearing up for 12-day schedule in Hyderabad’s Ramoji Film City in July
Himesh Mankad (MUMBAI MIRROR; June 11, 2020)

Following the Coronavirus outbreak, which led to a nationwide lockdown, the shooting schedule and release dates of many films got hit for a six. Sanjay Gupta’s gangster-drama, Mumbai Saga, fronted by John Abraham and Emraan Hashmi, with Suniel Shetty, Jackie Shroff, Gulshan Grover, Rohit Roy and Prateik Babbar, was nearing completion and targeting a June release when work came to a halt. The team was shooting an action-packed confrontation at a real location in Mumbai when they hit the Covid-19 roadblock. Now, Mirror has learnt that the Bhushan Kumar-Anuradha Gupta production is going to be among the first films to get back to action next month. After getting the go-ahead from the Telangana government in-sync with the guidelines laid down by the Producers Guild of India and the state, Gupta will take off to Hyderabad with his actors soon to complete the shoot.

“Yes, we are planning to shoot in Ramoji Rao Film City as they have all the facilities and equipment required, including an in-house crew and technical staff, along with hotels for the team from Mumbai. It’s all contained within the studio premises and that cuts down on the risk,” Gupta confirmed.

Ten-12 days of work on the film remains, for which the entire ensemble cast is required to be present. Gupta informs that all the actors have reacted positively to the development. “They have all worked really hard on the film and are happy to finish it on time so that we can present it to the audience,” said director Gupta, assuring that “the well-being of the team is paramount.”

During the lockdown, the team has been working from home on the visual effects and editing. “Yes, we’ve been working in a limited way, but we still need around four months, from the time we complete the shoot to lock the final print,” admits Gupta, who has previously directed several gangster dramas, including Kaante, Musafir, Shootout At Wadala, and written Shootout At Lokhandwala. His next is based on a real incident, with Emraan playing a cop and John a gangster from the ’80s and ’90s, and narrates the story of how Bombay became Mumbai. “It’s a commercial action entertainer and the audience will get their paisa vasool,” he promises.

Meanwhile, Bhushan is happy that his team is gearing up to take the multi-starrer back on the floors. “It’s a very difficult time for the industry, but with the government’s support and approval, we can look at completing our films. I am grateful to the Telangana government for agreeing to let us fly our cast and crew to Ramoji Rao Film City to shoot,” stated the producer, who is currently working out the safety measures which would be followed during the shoot. “The health of everyone working on the project is our foremost concern. I am happy our supportive cast and crew have agreed to shoot next month,” he concludes.

The actor talks to BT about what motivated him to reach out to the migrant workers who are stuck in Mumbai, and how their plight reminded him of his struggling days
Onkar Kulkarni (BOMBAY TIMES; May 28, 2020)

Over the past few weeks, Sonu Sood has been in the news for being a saviour of migrant workers, who are stuck in Mumbai amidst the Coronavirus lockdown. The actor, with the help of his friends Neeti Goel, Pankaj Jalisatgi and Harsh Sikariya, has been arranging buses to help them return home.

He says, “I went all out to help these migrants because I was a migrant, too, who came to Mumbai with a lot of dreams. When I saw photographs of their sufferings and read heart-wrenching stories of how they are walking thousands of kilometres without food and water, it reminded me of my early days. I first came to Mumbai by train, without a reserved ticket. I stood by the door and slept in the space next to the washroom. I know what struggle is.”

So far, Sonu and his team have managed to send buses to Karnataka, Rajasthan, Jharkhand, Odisha, Uttar Pradesh and Bihar. His wife Sonali and sons Eshaan and Ayaan, too, have joined him in his endeavour. “We recently started a helpline, on which we have been receiving calls from distressed migrants. When I get a call, my wife notes it down and the kids make a list of who will go in which bus,” says the actor, who also looks into the paperwork for the travel, including medical test reports.

His friends from the film industry are also supporting him wholeheartedly. “Rohit Shetty and Tabu are in touch with me. Farah Khan calls me everyday to check if I need any help. She also volunteered to offer drinking water to these migrants,” says Sonu, who often ends up working 22 hours a day, to get everything organised.

“I am also looking at sending migrants home to Telangana, but the state is not accepting people from Maharashtra as of now. So, I will wait. I intend to work till the last migrant reaches his hometown,” he signs off.

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.

Roshna Ali (BOMBAY TIMES; July 3, 2019)

Randeep Hooda is known for not pulling back punches. In the wake of the recent news of a Forest Range Officer being mercilessly beaten up by a group of men in Telangana the Bollywood actor went a step further, tagging PM Narendra Modi in a Twitter post asking him to intervene on the issue.

The incident came to light when a video went viral on social media, in which Forest Range Officer (FRO) C Anitha is seen being beaten up with sticks and rods while she was on duty. She along with other police personnel was there for a tree plantation drive. Hooda shared the viral video, and said, “An attack on uniformed personnel of the state is an attack on the state itself,” appealing for a response from the state’s representatives as well.

Now, news that the main accused, Koneru Krishna Rao, and 15 others with him have been arrested and charged with attempt to murder has come as a relief, says the actor, who has been following the case quite closely.

He finds it strange that he’s being asked why he chose to react, when no celebrity from the Telugu film industry or Telangana raised a voice against this. “What does that even mean? This is my country and I have every right to talk about issues that bother me and do whatever I can to bring the attention of people or authorities to any matter which deserves attention. Ever since a friend shared this video of the lady officer being beaten up and asked if I could do something about it, I’ve been disturbed. I’m glad that action has been taken by the Telangana DGP and the government, who have come down very heavily on the culprits,” says Randeep, adding, “It’s disturbing to see how some local mafia with political power can dare to do something so heinous, that too with a lady officer! It’s absolutely unacceptable. I have immense respect for IAS officers and people who are working for the betterment of our country.”

Hooda has, in the past, been both applauded and criticised for his intervention in social issues. Though most of his opinions don’t pertain to the topics of silver screen, he maintains an active social media presence and has always shared his perspectives and made his voice heard on social media. “I’ve always been interested in environmental issues and have been doing my bit as well. I work at the grassroot level and am in touch with a lot of people. So, I know what issues officers who work in the forest department go through and how they live in hostile conditions. They deserve respect. Local people turning hostile just because they have some political support is simply not done,” he says, emphatically, laying stress on the fact that we should all raise our voices when such issues come to our notice.

— Inputs by Elina Nayak

Avinash Lohana (MUMBAI MIRROR; June 3, 2019)

After making his directorial debut in Telugu films with Arjun Reddy which turned Vijay Deverakonda into an overnight star, Sandeep Vanga is all set to kick off his Bollywood innings with the Hindi remake of the 2017 drama, titled Kabir Singh. The filmmaker admits that since the original was in his mother tongue, it was easier to write and connect with the character as compared to the Hindi version.

“The challenge this time was to create a Punjabi boy born and raised in Mumbai, who goes to Delhi to study medicine. It was important to get the colloquial accent and meter right. I like the way Arjun Reddy has metamorphosed into Kabir Singh,” he smiles.

Pointing to the parallels between the two, he observes that a Reddy from Telangana and a Punjabi Singh are quite similar in their eating and drinking habits. “Also, in South India, those from Telangana are a tad louder in their expression of emotions. Whenever something good happens, it’s time to party. Ditto, the Punjabis,” laughs Sandeep, who was born in Warangal and has invested a lot of himself in the character. “I also named my son Arjun Reddy because he was born while we were shooting the film, backed by my father Prabhakar and brother Pranay.” For the Hindi version, he always saw Shahid Kapoor in the titular role. “I love his work and collaborating with an actor of his calibre who I had only seen on screen before, was exciting. Shahid suits the part to the T,” he exults.

It has been reported that the producers had also approached Arjun Kapoor? “Yeah, but before that Shahid and I were already in talks, so I couldn’t just jump to another actor. It’s not about whose acting calibre is greater but about the commitment,” he points out, all raves for leading lady, Kiara Advani, saying she’s “extremely professional” and “understood the character well”. The response to the trailer has been positive and Sandeep is thrilled. “People are saying that it doesn’t feel like a remake, that’s a huge compliment,” he beams.

Buzz is, he’s partnering with Mahesh Babu in his next. “I’ve briefly narrated a story to him, let’s see,” shrugs the director who is in touch with his first hero Vijay too. “More than my writing ability or his acting prowess, it’s our actor-director sync that comes through on the screen. We haven’t discussed any other project yet as both of us have been busy with our respective commitments,” says Sandeep.

So, what’s next for the Hindi audience? “I’m scripting a crime drama but there’s no distinction between the Hindi and Telugu today. Bahubali, followed by KGF have erased that divide. So, mine will be a pan-India film,” he signs off.

South actress Sri Reddy talks after the Telangana government constituted a high-level committee to look into issues of sexual harassment in the Telugu film & TV industry
Suhas Yellapantula (BOMBAY TIMES; April 25, 2019)

Over a year after actress Sri Reddy stripped down and sat bare-chested on the streets in front of the Movie Artistes Association in Hyderabad, the Telangana government finally woke up to take concrete steps to deal with the menace of casting couch in Tollywood. The government recently set up a first-of-its-kind panel to look into issues of sexual harassment faced by women artistes in the Telugu film and TV industry.

The actress now feels vindicated that her efforts have not gone in vain. “This is a big slap on the face for all those people who mocked me and belittled me and my movement. People said that I was doing all this for publicity. Nobody took me seriously,” she says, returning to her combative self. “And yet, I have been relentlessly fighting to create a safer environment for women in the film industry and the government has finally relented. I hope women coming into the industry will not have to suffer like I have,” she adds.

Elaborating further on the ordeal that she went through over the last 12 months, Sri Reddy says, “Fans of Tollywood biggies called me a b***h and slut-shamed me for speaking out against a big family. I was subjected to the worst kind of abuse online. How can fans speak with such brazenness? It’s only because these ‘big families’ allow them to do so. I hope this committee will look into this too.”

‘CAN ‘BIG NAMES’ IN THE COMMITTEE REALLY STAND BY POOR ARTISTES FROM THE INDUSTRY?’
While Sri Reddy, who first raised the issue of casting couch in Tollywood in March 2018, six months before the #MeToo gained momentum in India, is happy with a government-appointed committee being in place, she hopes that it will actually bring about necessary change.

“My only concern is that certain ‘big names’ are now a part of this panel and I’m not sure if they will address the problems of artistes hailing from poor backgrounds. You see, most perpetrators of sexual harassment are connected or even related to powerful film families, so if their family members are a part of this committee, then how will they help these women?” she asks, adding, “These people are also not easily accessible. People sometimes have to wait for days just to get their appointment. Even then, there’s no guarantee that you will get to meet them. The victims are already traumatised and not many have the energy and will to wait for days for someone to just hear them out.”

‘SURVIVORS, WHO SPEAK UP, MUST ALSO BE ABLE TO WORK AGAIN IN THE INDUSTRY. OTHERWISE, THIS COMMITTEE IS AN EYEWASH’
While reporting an assault or harassment is one thing, surviving in the industry after coming out, is quite another task. Those who dare to speak up against their harassers are shunned by the industry and are left without any work, Sri Reddy points out.

“Today, I’m non-existent in the Telugu film industry. Opportunities stopped coming my way the moment I opened my mouth. The committee must ensure that women, who speak up won’t have to worry about losing opportunities and their livelihood. Only then will they be able to bring about a change. Otherwise, this is nothing but an eyewash,” she says, firmly.

‘T’WOOD STARS’ HEARTS BEATS FOR CHINMAYEE, TANUSHREE BUT NOT FOR PEOPLE LIKE ME. THEIR HYPOCRISY MUST BE CALLED OUT’
Twelve months after her nude protest shook the nation, Sri Reddy is a lot more calm, composed and even polished. For someone who rose to the limelight for using expletives publicly against big stars from the industry, Sri Reddy now chooses her words a lot more carefully. This marked difference is perhaps because she now feels the additional responsibility of taking forward the #MeToo movement and is the voice for women who feel powerless.

“My career is anyway finished and I’ve lost hope for myself. But at least I can speak up for these women and ensure what happened to me, does not happen to anybody else,” she quips, philosophically.

The high-level committee includes prominent faces from the industry, including producer Supriya Yarlagadda, film artistes Preeti Nigam, Sruthi, writer Pauruchuri Gopalakrishna, TV anchor Jhansi and directors N Shankar and Tammareddy Bharadwaja, besides govt officials, activists and SHE Teams members.

While welcoming the initiative, Sri Reddy takes a parting shot at all those who didn’t stand by her when she protested. “Samantha Ruth Prabhu decided to speak up when her friend Chinmayee Sripaada was harassed. Rakul Preet Singh only spoke up after Tanushree Dutta caused a stir in Bollywood. But not one person spoke in support of me. The hypocrisy is damning. The saddest part about the Telugu film industry is the selective outrage of the bigwigs. They must be called out for it,” she says, signing off.

Three movie theatres in Solapur cater primarily to the Telugu migrants who have lived in Maharashtra for generations

Priyanka Kakodkar (THE TIMES OF INDIA; April 14, 2019)

Solapur: Padma Chitra Mandir in the heart of Solapur city has just finished screening NTR’s biopic. More than 70 years old — its stunning art deco facade still intact — the theatre shows mainly Telugu films.

Its among the three theatres that cater to the large population of Telugu migrants in Maharashtra city, which is close to both Telangana and Karnataka. Though fewer in numbers than Kannada speakers, Telugu migrants account for 2-3 lakh people. Nearly 70% belong to the weaving community of Padmashalis.

“When there is a big release of our favourite heroes like Pawan Kalyan, Chiranjeevi or Junior NTR, we garland their posters with marigold flowers and lemons,” says Naresh Konda, who works in a garment factory.

In the past, for big-ticket releases, the police were called in for crowd control and fans would set up large cardboard cutouts of their heroes. Today, a large section watches Telugu films on TV though there is a dedicated theatre audience.

“Telugu speakers form a sizeable voter base. Solapur has had three Telugus peaking MPs,” says Ashok Indapure, former general secretary of the Padmashali jati sanstha.

Earlier, the Padmashalis voted mainly Congress but now they have shifted towards BJP, says Indapure. CPM has a following among the beedi workers, with its leader Narsayya Adam winning assembly polls thrice from here.

The Telangana migrants made their way to the state more than 175 years ago, escaping a fierce drought. They settled mainly in Solapur, Icchalkaranji, Nanded, Jalna, Pune and Bhiwandi.

Since Solapur was historically a textile town, Telugu migrants worked mainly in its mills and handloom enterprises. Later, they moved to powerlooms, ready-made garments and beedi trade.

In the beedi-workers colony in Shastri Nagar, locals retain much of Telangana culture including food and customs. Many even arrange marriages in Telangana or find partners for their children from there. “I got my daughter married in Telangana because of its Re 1 rice scheme,” says Laxmibai Vashi, whose family has been in Solapur for generations.

“We eat traditional Telangana food. The only difference is we started eating chapatis in Solapur. Earlier it was only rice,” says Vithalbai Enganti.

The religious jatras in Telangana draw many from Solapur. “At least 10,000 people from Solapur travel each year for the jatra at the Edupayala Durgamma temple in Telangana,” says Srinivas Dasari, reporter with a local paper.

While the migrants speak Telugu, most cannot read or write it. “Since there were no Telugu schools here, they find it difficult to read and write,” says Dasari.

Now, the community is undergoing reverse migration. The educated younger generations no longer wants to work in beedi or garment trade. “They’re migrating to Mumbai, Pune and Hyderabad,” says Indapure. “The need to work and fill their stomachs brought them to Solapur. Now, it’s taking them away.”

Subhash K Jha (DNA; October 30, 2017)

While it is being speculated that the Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC) has played the villain in the release of the Telugu version of Mersal, it now comes to light that the film’s producers have themselves opted to hold back the release in Andhra Pradesh and Telangana.

According to a source, the producers now plan to release more than 800 prints of the Telugu version. CBFC chairperson Prasoon Joshi clarifies that the Board has nothing to do with the delay of the Telugu version, “Why would we cause any delay? The process of censorship takes time. That process should be respected. Having said that, we must be very clear on this: there are no cuts in the Telugu version. The Tamil and Telugu versions are exactly the same.”

Says former CBFC chairperson, Pahlaj Nihalani, “All the versions of a multilingual film are viewed separately, but certified one after another. So, there is no question of the Telugu version remaining uncertified for weeks after the release of the Tamil version. Someone is trying to gain mileage out of the controversies surrounding this film.”