Showing posts with label Venkatesh. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Venkatesh. Show all posts
The second coming: From Sunny Deol to Akshaye Khanna, mature actors score big at the box office
10:14 AM
Actors aged 50-70 are delivering the goods across Hindi, southern cinema as acting skills trump media gimmicks
Rajesh N Naidu (THE ECONOMIC TIMES; February 5, 2026)
Mumbai: Men with dad bodies, crow feet and grey hair around balding pates are barrelling the cinema box office with gravitas, character and depth. They are also charging hefty premiums while crashing the youngsters' rave in cinema halls and OTT platforms. Films starring mature actors aged 50-70 have recorded impressive box-office collections across Hindi and southern cinema reflecting audiences' growing preference for acting skills and character depth over stardom hype and social media gimmicks, leading producers and distributors told ET. The "second innings" of these actors have turned the match.
In recent years, mature actors such as Sunny Deol (68), Chiranjeevi (70), Nandamuri Balakrishna (65), Venkatesh (65) and Akshaye Khanna (50) have either delivered solo hits or contribute meaningfully to noteworthy hits, giving a run for the money to younger peers.
Notably, these mature actors today are charging fees in the Rs. 15-50 crore range, considerably higher than Rs. 2-10 crore they charged at the prime of their careers, trade analysts said.
Films such as Border 2 (India collection: Rs. 335.7 crore), Dhurandhar (India collection: Rs. 1,004 crore), Mana Shankara Vara Prasad Garu (India collection: Rs. 245 crore), Daaku Maharaaj (India collection: Rs. 108 crore) and Sankranthiki Vasthunam (India collection: Rs. 225 crore) are prominent successes of these mature actors.
"It is impressive that films of mature actors are recording above Rs. 100 crore at the box office almost consistently. After Gadar 2 and Jaat, Sunny Deol delivered another winner in Border 2 at the age of 68 in today's highly unpredictable times," explained Shaaminder Malik, film distributor and trade analyst.
Producers attribute the captivating charisma of these long-established stars as a fundamental reason for their success.
"Across languages, actors in their 50s and above are delivering extraordinary performances. Films today demand larger-than-life, deeply rooted Indian characters. These mature actors who have distinct personalities are showcasing these elements with conviction and gravitas. Audiences are returning to theatres because these actors bring in certain authenticity," said Sunil Bohra, co-founder, Bohra Bros.
These actors have long-established connections with multiple generations of audiences, which works for them.
"These stars attract a wide and multi-generational audience. In a time when younger actors are over-exposed across platforms, the familiarity, trust and legacy of these mature stars work in their favour," shared Suniel Wadhwa, co-founder and director, Karmic Films.
He said that today's audiences are less focused on actors' age. They value depth of talent, presence, nuances, and suitability for roles.
Producers said that the emergence of credible larger-than-life stories such as Dhurandhar have worked in favour of these stars.
"The wave seems to have shifted from south to Hindi film industry. Directors in Hindi film industry are making credible larger-than-life films. These films are working as audiences are responding to them. These mature actors are talented. Today, the difference is they are getting the right roles which exploit their talent," explained producer Rajesh R Nair.
These stars' flexibility in accepting roles which are beyond their 'set image', opportunities from streaming platforms, and almost constant social media buzz around them have worked for these stars, producers said.
Salman Khan conceptualizes 2 grand entry scenes for Venkatesh and Jagapathi Babu in Kisi Ka Bhai Kisi Ki Jaan
8:24 AM
Sources say Khan, with stunt choreographers, conceptualized two elaborate introductory action scenes for Telugu stars Venkatesh and Jagapathi Babu in Kisi Ka Bhai Kisi Ki Jaan
Upala KBR (MID-DAY; April 3, 2023)
It’s easy to tell from the Kisi Ka Bhai Kisi Ki Jaan (KKBKKJ) teaser that Salman Khan’s offering will be an action extravaganza. However, it’s not only the superstar who will flex his muscles and take on the baddies. We hear Khan, who is producing Farhad Samji’s directorial venture, has conceptualized two heavy-duty action sequences that will mark Venkatesh and Jagapathi Babu’s entry in the movie. The actor sat down with stunt directors Anbumani-Arivumani (Anbariv), and Anal Arasu to design scenes that would do justice to the senior Telugu actors.
The actor-producer has been deeply involved in every aspect of the film, from the music to choreography. A source tells us, “Salman wants Venkatesh and Jagapathi’s entry sequences to elicit claps and whistles from the audience. For Venkatesh’s introduction scene, an elaborate set of a hilltop was built at the Golden Tobacco factory in Mumbai. Production designer Rajat Poddarr created a set-up of a south Indian village, with a rocky hill overlooking it. A separate set was built for Jagapathi’s fight sequence, with each set taking more than two months to be constructed.”
The Eid release — that also stars Pooja Hegde, Bhumika Chawla, Jassie Gill and Raghav Juyal — revolves around four brothers, with Khan playing the eldest. While Babu portrays a don, Venkatesh essays the role of Hegde’s father, a respected man in a village who is compelled to resort to violence. The source adds that Khan has mounted Venkatesh’s introduction scene on a grand scale.
“Salman sat for hours with Anbariv, cracking the set-piece. He wanted Venkatesh’s opening scene to be perfect, as the film sees him returning to Hindi cinema after 28 years.”
It is heard that Khan, in his pursuit to give his fans a complete entertainer, is overseeing every aspect of the film, down to the last detail. “Salman was involved in the recently released song, Bathukamma, which is choreographed by Jani Master and composed by Ravi Basrur. He was a part of the music sittings. It was the superstar who told costume designer Ashley Rebello to dress him in a white-and-gold lungi and kurta.”
Jagapathi Babu and Venkatesh play key roles in the movie
First look: Salman Khan brings Bathukamma, Telangana’s flower festival, to screen in Kisi Ka Bhai Kisi Ki Jaan's song
8:01 AM
Khan brings Bathukamma, Telangana’s flower festival, to screen in Kisi Ka Bhai Kisi Ki Jaan song
Hiren Kotwani (MID-DAY; March 31, 2023)
Salman Khan, who is readying his production Kisi Ka Bhai Kisi Ki Jaan for an Eid release, is set to unveil the film’s fourth song, Bathukamma, today. The peppy number celebrates the annual flower festival that is held across Telangana and some parts of Andhra Pradesh for nine days in the months of September-October. Interestingly, the idea to include a song marking Bathukamma came from south superstar Venkatesh, who returns to Hindi films after 28 years with Farhad Samji’s directorial venture.
A source reveals, “When Venkatesh mentioned the festival that is celebrated with pomp in the south, Salman loved the idea. He asked music director Ravi Basrur to compose a song dedicated to it, which would be picturized on the entire cast of the action drama.”
The foot-tapping number sees Khan and Venkatesh shake a leg with co-actors Pooja Hegde, Raghav Juyal, Jassie Gill and others, all dressed in traditional attire. The source adds, “The team shot the number, with 200 background dancers, during the Bathukamma festival last year, in real locations across Hyderabad. It is Salman’s tribute to the rich Telugu culture.”
Kisi Ka Bhai Kisi Ki Jaan is said to be an adaptation of the Tamil film, Veeram (2014), which revolves around a man whose four younger brothers want him to get married so that they can settle down too.
I had multiple conversations on how to play a father as I didn’t know the tone that was required-Rana Daggubati
8:44 AM
Rana shares the challenges and joy of headlining his maiden OTT series Rana Naidu, which pits him against Telugu star-uncle Venkatesh
Priyanka Sharma (MID-DAY; March 3, 2023)
Barring the name, Rana Daggubati has nothing in common with his character in Rana Naidu. The actor makes his digital debut with the Netflix series, which sees him as the fixer of celebrities’ problems. “His job is secretive. He [seems to] be detached, but deep down, he is a family guy,” he begins.
The Indian adaptation of American series Ray Donovan, Rana Naidu revolves around the protagonist’s complex relationship with his father, who also doubles up as his nemesis. Daggubati says two aspects drew him to the project — the dark side of the parent-child dynamics depicted in the show, and the opportunity to share screen space with actor-uncle Venkatesh, who plays his on-screen father.
“Shooting with him and learning how he does what he does was a wonderful experience. We have always been close, but on a set, you have a completely different equation. Our characters were so nuanced, and we had directors who would answer as many questions as we asked them, making sure that we were being true to our parts. Except the fact that I was called Rana [which blurred the lines between my on-screen and off-screen persona], I didn’t have any other problem,” he laughs.
The actor, who enjoys pan-India popularity since the release of the Baahubali franchise, was waiting for something tempting to make his foray into the digital medium. When creator Karan Anshuman of The Inside Edge and Mirzapur fame, and The Family Man 2 director Suparn Varma united to make an action drama, it was an easy yes for Daggubati. In them, he found reliable guides as he navigated the complex titular character.
“I had multiple conversations with Karan on how to play a father because I didn’t know the tone that was required. This was the first time I was playing a father on screen, that too to grown-up kids. But Rana Naidu is a dark guy; it was hard to let go of the character. There was a certain gloom [it brought] into my life, and I only realized it when I went back to dub for it.”
Da-Bangg The Tour deferred; Salman Khan lines up a non-stop schedule of Kabhi Eid Kabhi Diwali
8:30 AM
With the Da-Bangg The Tour deferred, Salman Khan lines up a non-stop schedule of Kabhi Eid Kabhi Diwali in Mumbai and the southern state
Upala KBR (MID-DAY; May 28, 2022)
From mid-May, Salman Khan has been giving his undivided attention to Kabhi Eid Kabhi Diwali. The superstar was to take three days’ break from the shoot to front Da-Bangg The Tour Reloaded in Nepal. However, with the show getting postponed due to the local elections and poor weather, he will devote the time to Farhad Samji’s directorial venture. It is heard that Khan has lined up a non-stop month-long schedule in Mumbai and Telangana.
A source from the creative team says, “Salman was to fly to Kathmandu yesterday to perform at Da-Bangg The Tour. But, after the show got postponed, Salman sat down with Farhad and reworked the dates. He will film his portions over the week at Mehboob Studios in Bandra, before leaving for an awards gala in Abu Dhabi on June 3. While he does his hosting duties in the UAE, Farhad will continue filming with the rest of the cast in Mumbai, only to be joined by Salman by June 5. After a week-long stint in the city, the team will go south in mid-June. A massive set of a village has been built in Kokapet, where the director will can two crucial tracks — one focusing on Salman’s character and his on-screen brothers, and the other dedicated to leading lady Pooja Hegde. The entire cast, including south star Venkatesh, will be present during the month-long spell.”
Khan is supervising every aspect of the film that is slated to hit the marquee on December 30. “The action sequences have been designed by Anbu-Arivu, while Prabhudheva is handling the choreography,” adds the source.
Now, more than the language, the audience connects with the emotions of the characters-Rana Daggubati
8:09 AM
Suhas Yellapantula (BOMBAY TIMES; January 5, 2022)
Rana Daggubati enters the new year brimming with positivity and exudes confidence about the way film content is going to be consumed in 2022. While there is uncertainty around upcoming theatrical releases due to a spike in Coronavirus cases across the country, Rana, who has featured in films such as The Ghazi Attack, Housefull 4, Haathi Mere Saathi and Baby, believes OTT has bridged the gap between regional cinema and Bollywood, and has opened up new avenues for artistes.
He says, “The whole process of OTT and video-on-demand has broken all barriers. Now, more than the language, as an audience, you connect with the emotions of the core characters. That’s what’s bridged the gap between regional cinema and Hindi cinema a lot more. Having said that, as much as you’d love to see an adaptation, you would also love to see content in the comfort of your own language. Now, this opens a lot more doors. ”
It’s going to be a big year for the pan India actor, who will be seen in big ticket films like Bheemla Nayak (Telugu) with Pawan Kalyan and Virata Parvam (Telugu) with Sai Pallavi. However, Rana is most excited about teaming up with his uncle, Tollywood star Venkatesh, for the first time ever. The duo will feature in an upcoming web series, which is the adaptation of the popular American Crime Drama, Ray Donovan.
“Right from the time that I became an actor, I knew that at some point Venky and I would work together. I always knew that when we act together, it will not be in a conventional film — I wanted it to be different and cool. When I got the opportunity to do this web show, I knew this was it. It’s going to be special,” he says, excitedly
The Baahubali actor feels that the Indian audience has gotten used to long form of storytelling thanks to OTT platforms. “Commercial cinema is made for the box-office, because it costs a lot of money to release the film in theatres, to market that to audiences. Unless it’s extremely engaging, with so much content available, it’s very hard to bring people to the cinema hall. But when it’s genre-specific, niche content, people don’t mind watching it from the comfort of their homes. This definitely leads to more localised and much deeper storytelling. It won’t be wrong to say that OTT has gotten us hooked to long form storytelling where you’re not just connected with a character for three hours, but you’re with them for seasons after seasons,” he adds.
Now, a Hindi remake for Venkatesh and Tamannaah's Telugu comedy F2 - Fun And Frustration
8:39 AM
Anees Bazmee will direct the Boney Kapoor production, which will have three leading men and two heroines
Natasha Coutinho (MUMBAI MIRROR; March 29, 2019)
The Telugu comedy, F2 - Fun And Frustration, featuring Venkatesh, Varun Tej, Tamannaah Bhatia and Mehreen Pirzada in the lead roles opened in January to raves. Now, the film is gearing up for a Hindi remake. Mirror has learnt that Anees Bazmee, who is currently shooting his John Abraham, Ileana D’cruz, Anil Kapoor, Arshad Warsi, Kriti Kharbanda, Pulkit Samrat and Urvashi Rautela-starrer Pagalpanti in the UK, will direct the film. The project is jointly produced by Dil Raju who had backed the original and Boney Kapoor.
Boney confirmed the news, saying, “It’s a fun film and a family entertainer. I thoroughly enjoyed watching it and I believe it’s a subject that will resonate with the Hindi audience as well. Dil Raju suggested that we make the Hindi version together. He is one of the most established producers down South and also a distributor and exhibitor. It’s the coming together of two passionate filmmakers.”
Boney added that the film will have three leading men and two heroines for which casting will begin soon. On his choice of director, he said, “Anees has always excelled at such fun subjects as a writer and director and we have a good rapport, so he was the obvious choice. From No Entry, to Ready, Welcome and Mubarakaan, all his films have been entertainers.”
F2-Fun and Frustration was the story of Venky (played by Venkatesh) and Varun (Varun Tej) getting caught by police and their subsequent interrogation.
Natasha Coutinho (MUMBAI MIRROR; March 29, 2019)
The Telugu comedy, F2 - Fun And Frustration, featuring Venkatesh, Varun Tej, Tamannaah Bhatia and Mehreen Pirzada in the lead roles opened in January to raves. Now, the film is gearing up for a Hindi remake. Mirror has learnt that Anees Bazmee, who is currently shooting his John Abraham, Ileana D’cruz, Anil Kapoor, Arshad Warsi, Kriti Kharbanda, Pulkit Samrat and Urvashi Rautela-starrer Pagalpanti in the UK, will direct the film. The project is jointly produced by Dil Raju who had backed the original and Boney Kapoor.Boney confirmed the news, saying, “It’s a fun film and a family entertainer. I thoroughly enjoyed watching it and I believe it’s a subject that will resonate with the Hindi audience as well. Dil Raju suggested that we make the Hindi version together. He is one of the most established producers down South and also a distributor and exhibitor. It’s the coming together of two passionate filmmakers.”
Boney added that the film will have three leading men and two heroines for which casting will begin soon. On his choice of director, he said, “Anees has always excelled at such fun subjects as a writer and director and we have a good rapport, so he was the obvious choice. From No Entry, to Ready, Welcome and Mubarakaan, all his films have been entertainers.”
F2-Fun and Frustration was the story of Venky (played by Venkatesh) and Varun (Varun Tej) getting caught by police and their subsequent interrogation.
No other producer in the world made as many films as Rama Naidu did-Venkaiah Naidu
7:37 AM
From
top: Karisma Kapoor in her debut Prem Qaidi, produced by Naidu; Kajol
and Anil in the Naidu production Hum Aapke Dil Mein Rehte Hain; The
producer with grandsons Rana Daggubati and Naga Chaitanya
Daggubati Rama Naidu
June 3, 1936-18 February, 2015
Daggubati Rama Naidu, the Dada Saheb Phalke awardee who produced more than 135 films in 15 languages, passed away in Hyderabad on February 18, at the age of 78. The end came after a long battle with prostate cancer. Over the last year, he had retreated from the public eye as his condition worsened.
The doyen of Telugu film industry, who received the Padma Bhushan in 2013, was also the patriarch of a large filmy family, which includes sons, actor Venkatesh, producer Suresh Babu and grandsons, actors Rana Daggubati and Naga Chaitanya.
"Dad breathed his last at 2.30pm on Wednesday. His body will be kept at the studio for his fans to pay their last respects till Thursday noon. The funeral will be in the evening," Venkatesh announced.
The actor, who debuted with Kaliyug Pandavulu, in 1986 was among the many artistes introduced by Naidu. Karisma Kapoor is among the 12 actresses Naidu launched and he worked with three generations of Tollywood's leading men, including Akkineni Nageswara Rao, NT Rama Rao, Sobhan Babu, Chiranjeevi and Krishnam Raju.
Chiranjeevi, a frequent collaborator and family friend, recalled how the veteran continued working through his illness, wanting to be a part of cinema till the end. "He used to affectionately call me Raja. His son, Suresh, requested me to intervene when he refused to stop working despite his illness. When I spoke to him on the subject, his reply was, 'Raja, to stop making films is equal to death for me.' Movies were his world," the superstar recalled.
Manchu Manoj, the Tollywood star who like his father actor Mohan Babu, worked with Naidu, added that Naidu was like his grandfather. "Thatha Garu created magic in Indian cinema," he asserted.
The magician was born in Karamchedu in the Prakasam district of Andhra Pradesh on June 6, 1936. He started his life as an agriculturist. But the desire to act took him to Chennai where he met and befriended legendary actor Akkineni Nageswara Rao who advised him to try his hand at production. His first film under the banner of Suresh Productions was Raamudu Bheemudu. The hit kicked off a career which continued to flourish over the next five decades. Naidu flagged off many trends including the practice of multi-starrers. A disciplinarian, he never over-shot a schedule and was a trusted name in a volatile market, famously setting the precedent of issuing cheques before the film released.
Explaining his famous work ethic, he had once said in an interview: "The producer should know each and everything about the film. He should involve himself in all departments and must have full control over the film. The actors and technicians must have a good understanding of each other's needs. As producer, I know the shooting schedules of all my films... When a trolley boy didn't come on time, I did his work. I never waited. That's how I reached this position."
He forayed into politics in 1999. He was elected and joined the Lok Sabha as a member of the Telugu Desam Party.
As news of his demise spread, condolences poured in. Union Minister of Parliamentary Affairs Venkaiah Naidu said, "No other producer in the world made as many films as Rama Naidu did. His work is eternal." His opinion was echoed by political bigwigs like Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu, Telangana CM K Chandrasekhar Rao, YSR Congress Party president YS Jaganmohan Reddy.
The Telugu film industry will observe a day of condolence on Thursday. According to reports, Salman Khan, a family friend of the Naidus, will attend the funeral in Hyderabad.
June 3, 1936-18 February, 2015
Daggubati Rama Naidu, the Dada Saheb Phalke awardee who produced more than 135 films in 15 languages, passed away in Hyderabad on February 18, at the age of 78. The end came after a long battle with prostate cancer. Over the last year, he had retreated from the public eye as his condition worsened.
The doyen of Telugu film industry, who received the Padma Bhushan in 2013, was also the patriarch of a large filmy family, which includes sons, actor Venkatesh, producer Suresh Babu and grandsons, actors Rana Daggubati and Naga Chaitanya.
"Dad breathed his last at 2.30pm on Wednesday. His body will be kept at the studio for his fans to pay their last respects till Thursday noon. The funeral will be in the evening," Venkatesh announced.
The actor, who debuted with Kaliyug Pandavulu, in 1986 was among the many artistes introduced by Naidu. Karisma Kapoor is among the 12 actresses Naidu launched and he worked with three generations of Tollywood's leading men, including Akkineni Nageswara Rao, NT Rama Rao, Sobhan Babu, Chiranjeevi and Krishnam Raju.
Chiranjeevi, a frequent collaborator and family friend, recalled how the veteran continued working through his illness, wanting to be a part of cinema till the end. "He used to affectionately call me Raja. His son, Suresh, requested me to intervene when he refused to stop working despite his illness. When I spoke to him on the subject, his reply was, 'Raja, to stop making films is equal to death for me.' Movies were his world," the superstar recalled.
Manchu Manoj, the Tollywood star who like his father actor Mohan Babu, worked with Naidu, added that Naidu was like his grandfather. "Thatha Garu created magic in Indian cinema," he asserted.
The magician was born in Karamchedu in the Prakasam district of Andhra Pradesh on June 6, 1936. He started his life as an agriculturist. But the desire to act took him to Chennai where he met and befriended legendary actor Akkineni Nageswara Rao who advised him to try his hand at production. His first film under the banner of Suresh Productions was Raamudu Bheemudu. The hit kicked off a career which continued to flourish over the next five decades. Naidu flagged off many trends including the practice of multi-starrers. A disciplinarian, he never over-shot a schedule and was a trusted name in a volatile market, famously setting the precedent of issuing cheques before the film released.
Explaining his famous work ethic, he had once said in an interview: "The producer should know each and everything about the film. He should involve himself in all departments and must have full control over the film. The actors and technicians must have a good understanding of each other's needs. As producer, I know the shooting schedules of all my films... When a trolley boy didn't come on time, I did his work. I never waited. That's how I reached this position."
He forayed into politics in 1999. He was elected and joined the Lok Sabha as a member of the Telugu Desam Party.
As news of his demise spread, condolences poured in. Union Minister of Parliamentary Affairs Venkaiah Naidu said, "No other producer in the world made as many films as Rama Naidu did. His work is eternal." His opinion was echoed by political bigwigs like Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu, Telangana CM K Chandrasekhar Rao, YSR Congress Party president YS Jaganmohan Reddy.
The Telugu film industry will observe a day of condolence on Thursday. According to reports, Salman Khan, a family friend of the Naidus, will attend the funeral in Hyderabad.
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