Young Rebel Star Prabhas is back with Mirchi after his Rebel bombed at the box office. This time Prabhas opted for a commercial venture and let's see how the result is..
What is it about?
Jai (Prabhas) is the son of Deva (Sathya Raj), who wants his village to live in peace. However, Jai is a hot blooded youth who can't take anything lightly. Due to Jai his father's twenty years of hard work goes waste and results in severe bloodshed. In this process Jai also loses his mother and gets abandoned by his father. Now Jai is on a mission to correct his mistakes. What he does for bringing back peace in his village is the crux of this story.
Performances:
Prabhas is as charming as ever. He portrayed a role which has two dimensions and Prabhas just sleep walked through the role. It is tailor made character for him. His performance in emotional scenes is the highlight of this movie. His fans would fall head over heels for his handsome looks as Jai. Anushka is limited to second half of the film. She is cute. Richa is fine. Satya Raj gave a decent performance as Prabhas's father. Brahmanandam's comedy works at times. Tamil actor Sampath Raj got a pivotal role as the main villain and he is competent. Hamsa Nandini sizzled in the item number. All others did well in their respective roles.
On the Technical Front:
Devi Sri Prasad steals the show with foot tapping numbers as well as wonderful melodies. Songs are one of the major highlights of this movie. Background score is decent too. Cinematography is excellent. Editing could have been finer in the first hour.
Writer turned director Koratala Shiva proved that he is a very good dialogue writer yet again. He has done a very fine job as director. This is commendable work for a first timer. Especially with the routine script he chose to make his debut, Shiva did well in holding it. A little bit of fine tuning can make him into a bankable director.
Analysis:
Mirchi doesn't have anything new in terms of content. It is like every other commercial movie which follows the same formula. What works here is the dynamic presentation of the lead actor. With one of the hottest hunks at offer, director made maximum use of his image and heroic abilities. Second hour is racy with thumping action episodes. Climax is a dampener.
First half is slightly sluggish in pace and lacks the energy that is necessary for a commercial film. Director made sure to get it right and tight in the second hour. All the action scenes in the second half have come out well. Prabhas is rocking in these scenes. His chemistry with Anushka is awesome. That magic is missing in his scenes with Richa.
Mirchi is a predictable, routine commercial film that strikes right chords with the target audience. This film has necessary ingredients to stay afloat at the box office. With no big films to compete with it for few weeks, it should be cake walk for Mirchi at the ticket windows.
Verdict: This Mirchi is Spicy!
Alexander pleaded guilty Thursday on the single count under a plea deal by which prosecutors dropped 48 other charges of sexually assaulting nine young models for a sentence of five years time served and five years of probation, according to New York Daily News.
Currently serving 59 years to life in California, the plea deal to Anand Jon, who has appeared on "America's Next Top Model," would spare victims the pain of testifying, prosecutors said.
Anand Jon will return to Manhattan Criminal Court in New York for sentencing April 2. He also faces sexual assault charges in Texas.
Daily News quoted Assistant District Attorney Maxine Rosenthal as saying they agreed to the deal "to spare the victims from having to testify at multiple proceedings."
He added Alexander is "already serving a lengthy sentence."
Daily News cited Alexander's attorney, Angelyn Gates, as saying the District Attorney's office informed him when they offered the plea deal that they would only proceed to trial with three of the 12 original alleged victims.
"Considering the initial 49 charges included allegations of rape, drugging and mafia death threats, the settlement of one conviction involving Alexander's giving oral sex to an adult female was acceptable," Gates was quoted as saying.
Judge Cassandra Mullen asked Anand Jon, "Is it true that in the county of New York during the period of June 1, 2005 to July 4, 2005 you engaged in oral sex ... by forcible compulsion?"
"Yes," he replied, according to the New York daily. Then he was hauled away in handcuffs looking bewildered
Producer: CV Reddy
Director: Srinivas Raga
Music: Karthik
Casting: Nara Rohit, Sai Kumar, Nithya Menon, Naga Babu, Kota Srinivas Rao, Brahmanandam and Others
Rating: 2.0/5.0
Story
NRI returned Sailaja (Nitya Menon), happens to meet Surya (Rohit) when she comes to Vizag with her friend. Sailaja happens to be daughter of Sivaji Rao (Sai Kumar) who is a social worker with good reputation in the society and venturing dreams of entering politics. However when love blossoms between Sailaja and Surya, they are surrounded by mysterious murders. Who is behind the murders and how they are related to Sailaja and Surya should be found on silver screen.
Performances
Nara Rohit came with good performance. However there is a feeling that he is not getting roles that prove his potential. Nitya Menon looked beautiful and attracted all with her performance. Sai Kumar came with powerful performance but his character could have been moulded in a better manner. Naga Babu played his role to perfection and others played their part accordingly.
Analysis
Director Srinivas Raga came with a good script but failed in perfect execution. He failed to utilise Brahmanandam, Ali, M.S. Narayana and the listless screenplay spoiled the film. Weak climax and music undid the film. Only saving grace is Nara Rohit and Nitya Menon's acting.
Plus Points
Nara Rohit's spirited performance
Nitya Menon's electrifying presence
Strong story
Minus Points
Slow narration
Amateur direction and screen play
Weak climax
Unappealing songs and music
Editing
Final
Okkadine left alone by lady luck with success miles away.
Mollywood beauty Amala Paul is the most sought after star in South. Her 'Naayak' with 'Mega Power Star' Ram Charan, is a super hit film. Immediately after the blockbuster as usual the actress has jacked up her remuneration, but yet the most sought.According to sources, the gorgeous Paul always looks fresh on screen which garners more applause from audience. On a little probing it was revealed that in addition to regular work-outs and strict diet, she uses a special technique to look differently glamorous in each of her endeavor.The success formula is, her make up assistants are changed from project to project. And the sensuous bong shells out nearly 8 lakhs per film on such changes. Great secret...hope the young entrants are listening.Amala Paul is also choosy about the roles, she portrays. With a no-barrier skin show the starlet is zooming ahead in the south Woods. At this pace, she would not be far behind in joining the 1 crore club, claim trade sources. (
All of a sudden, this hot Bangalore model opened new doors in terms of glamour and that is now keeping many interesting demands before her. Check this story. 'Ongole Gitta' is a dud film at Box Office but the wild glamour show of Kriti Kharbanda made many hearts melt. Say it in songs or in scenes, this hot siren has oozed loads of sex-appeal which she has never done in the past. This spicy treat is making many producers run for her. It is heard that the makers of 3D movie 'OM' are now asking Kriti to showcase her ravishing side in 3D. Though the shoot of many songs was already completed, after watching Kriti's glamour show they are said to be re-shooting a few of them. Well, youths can expect a maximum teasing treat of Kriti in 3 Dimension then. But the big thing is how our darling heroine will project herself into big league with all these efforts.
The buzz is that noted producer has lashed out at the prevailing conditions in the Telugu Film Industry. He in fact made some shocking comments where he boldly said that according to present situation, producers are treated as slaves! The comments were made by Producer DS Rao, who has produced films like Nani-starrer 'Pilla Zamindar' and Manchu Manoj's 'Mr Nookayya'. According to industry sources, his last venture 'Mr Nookayya' incurred steep losses to him. DS Rao had lost his cool and turned emotional on Monday morning at the platinum disc-function of his upcoming film 'Chammak Challo' which is awaiting the release. He also said he would quit films if 'Chammak Challo' fails at the box-office. The movie directed by acclaimed director Neelakanta is likely to hit the screens on Feb 15. Speaking at the event, DS Rao said, "It's highly tough time for a producer to survive these days. The production costs have increased drastically. Even though producer is the fund providers for a film, he turned into a slave. A product worth Rs 10 is being sold for Rs 100 and we're bound to buy it. We (Producers) are being robbed. We can't spoke out on such things as by then we already would have invested in it. We’ve no option left but to shut our mouth."
Mega Power Star Ram Charan's heroine Neha Sharma in her bid to bag crazy offers is indulging in hot beauty treat. Apart from starring in a film opposite Dharmendra, this Bihari bomb is sexploding in 'Jayanta Bhaiki Love Story' opposite Vivek Oberoi.Sources say she is looking red hot and erotic and those who watched the topless photos doing rounds on internet, feel that Neha is at her seductive best in this film though she sizzled in many Bollywood films. One should wait and see where her bold explosions will land her in.
Hot and sensuous beauty Sanchita Padukone presented hot fivers to young hero Varun Sandesh in Chammak Challo. Sources say in a hot scene, Sanchita had to kiss Varun but Varun feels guilty as he already has Katherine in heart.As Varun couldn't get his feelings right and it required Sanchita to smooch him five times for perfect timing. Already Katherine bagged golden opportunity opposite Nani in Paisa and Iddarammayilato opposite Allu Arjun. Buzz is Sanchita will also surely get many offers once film makers see her smooches. Sources say the film is titled after her.
Nellore, Feb 12: In a spine-chilling incident, some youngsters entered a house and murdered a mother and a daughter in this town in broad day light on Tuesday. While they both died on the spot, the condition of the father is serious.There are two versions to the tragedy. While some say that five youngsters entered the house to avenge the rejection of love by Bhargavi, the daughter, who is a student of medicine, police are also probing the angle of robbery.Locals caught and thrashed the attackers and handed them over to the police. Eyewitnesses said there were five assailants and two had escaped. The three caught were identified as Intiaz, Vamsi Krishna and Murali Manoj Kumar. Initial reports said while Vamsi Krishna and Murali Manoj Kumar are students, Intiaz is a carpenter. The three accused are now being questioned by the police. Dinakara Reddy is principal of a pharmacy college in Prakasham district. His wife Sakuntala and daughter Bhargavi, an MBBS student were alone in the house when they were attacked. Reports said the assailants tried to drug the mother and daughter and when they resisted, they stabbed them indiscriminately. When Dinakar Reddy came back at the time of attack, he was also stabbed by the maniacs. Locals came rushing in the mean time and caught them. After thrashing the three, they handed them over to the police. It is learnt that Intiaz was working as a carpenter in the house of Dinakar Reddy. Police said they suspect that this could be an attempt to rob the family. There is also another version that there could be a rejected love angle to the ghastly incident.Locals obstructed the police when they were taking the accused in their jeep. They demanded that the three accused be shot dead on the spot. They shouted “hand them over to us. We will kill them”.
Hyderabad, Feb 12: Bandla Ganesh, producer of Pawan kalyan-starrer ‘Gabbar Singh’ and other movies paid an advance tax of Rs. 1 crore after sleuths of the Income Tax department raided his house and office and scrutinized his accounts for two days. After two days of intense searches, Ganesh was taken to ‘Ayakar Bhavan’ head quarters of the Income Tax department and questioned. It is learnt that he was let off after paying an advance tax of Rs. 1 crore and directed to be prepared to pay more, depending upon their computations of his income. It is learnt that Ganesh was unable to answer the questions about the source of his investments and income. It is learnt that Ganesh himself then volunteered to pay the advance tax. It is learnt that the IT sleuths had questioned him about the presentation he made to director Puri Jagannath of a diamond-studded ashtray costing Rs. 43 lakhs. They also reportedly questioned him if there was any big leader behind him in putting up the finances. The IT authorities checking the accounts of Ganesh, are likely to levy more tax later. There are roumers in the film industry that a minister from the north coastal districts has been financing Ganesh. Some reports said the IT raids were because the minister developed differences with top leaders of the government. Meanwhile, TDP senior leader Dadi Veerabhadra Rao expressed doubts that union minister Chiranjeevi and PCC chief Botsa Satyanarayana were behind Bandla Ganesh. Talking to the media on Tuesday, he said Ganesh himself had admitted earlier that Chiranjeevi and Botsa were behind him. Demanding that a thorough investigation be made about the persons behind Ganesh, Dadi said how Ganesh earned crores of rupees in a short time should be revealed.Reports say that 12 IT officials during their searches for two days seized several key documents.Ganesh’s first film was with Ravi Teja, for which the entire budget was Rs. 15 crore. He once said in a film function that Botsa would stand by him even if he committed a murder. These remarks are now being discussed in the film industry. Bandla shot into fame after his ‘Gabbar Singh’ with Pawan Kalyan broke all records and earned loads of currency notes. Now he is producing ‘Baadshah’ with NTR, ‘Iddarammayilato’ with Allu Arjun and Puri Jagannath. He is also said to be planning another film with Ram Charan. Industry sources say that his producing big budget films with big heroes has pushed him into trouble. Bandla Ganesh was also in the real-estate business. Reports also said that he was running a poultry business with TDP leader Errabelli Dayakar Rao’s brother.
Social networking has been a predominant action across the nation irrespective of ages. While the professionals use it to get linked with others on the global platform, the youth get associated with their celebrities or with friends.On the whole the networking has solved many a crisis globally. But as the rule suggests that with every good some bad also walks in as a bundled in offer. And now the latest that is going unhindered on the networking is pimping for beautiful girls.There are many Facebook groups that post hot images of aspiring skin trade workers to attract rich and young clientele, who are vulnerable. Not only is the business thriving on this massive networks, but also is going unhindered by the cyber crime authorities.Apart from the business prospects, even innocent women are being pulled into the controversy by smitten strangers. Suppose a girl despises her friend's advances, then he immediately posts the photos of the girl with her mobile number in one such groups. And the disturbances that embarrass are unlimited for the innocent girls. However due to fear from elders and the society, most of them desist from launching a formal complaint and bear the brunt silently. This seems to be on an uneven rise, claim reports
The two films released last week received mixed responses from the audiences. While 'Ongole Gitta (OG)' failed to appease fans, Mirchi lived up to expectations and fared well at the box office. OG had energetic actor Ram paired with B Wood import Kirti Kharbanda (Teen Maar fame). On the other hand, 'Mirchi' had Prabhas paired up with two heroines Richa Gangopadhyay and Anushka Shetty.OG was made by filmmaker 'Bommarillu' Bhaskar. Film goers expected a wholesome family entertainer from Bhaskar, who resorted to a masala piece to establish his commercial image and failed to make an impact. Kirti, as usual was just a glamor doll restricted for the songs. However Prakash Raj made the difference with his signature style acting.However 'Mirchi' exceeded expectations. It had all elements of a potboiler well etched by writer turned filmmaker Koratla Siva. In spite of it being a debut venture of the director, he outclassed in portraying the hero in a different angle. Richa was exuberant in her skin shows while Anushka relied on her versatility. On the whole, 'Mirchi' was a sensation among youth.
Asheville, N.C., Feb. 8: GoTopless (Go Topless.org) an organization fighting for the right of women to move about topless decided to oppose North Carolina State Rep. Tim Moffitt’s proposed a bill that would make it illegal for women to go topless in public.The organization vowed to oppose such legislation every step of the way."Though we've explained our viewpoint many timesg during GoTopless rallies over the last two years, politicians are still missing the entire point," said GoTopless President Nadine Gary in a statement. "Our rallies are aimed at bringing attention to a serious matter of unconstitutional, unequal treatment: In much of the United States, women are still persecuted or arrested for going topless, while men aren't”.She said if Moffitt's bill becomes law, that law will clearly be unconstitutional, since men will enjoy a privilege denied to women.Gary added that although the U.S. Constitution and many state constitutions emphasize equality under the law, the issue of equal topless rights has been unjustly ignored.This is what the GoTopless organization says about itself…..We are a U.S.-based organization founded in 2007 by spiritual leader Rael and we claim that women have the same constitutional right that men have to go bare-chested in public."As long as men are allowed to be topless in public, women should have the same constitutional right. Or else, men should have to wear something to hide their chests" Rael, founder of GoTopless.org and spiritual leader of the Raelian Movement (rael.org)FREE YOUR BREASTS! FREE YOUR MIND!
Hyderabad, Feb 9: Task Force police raided a message centre in the Sri Nagar colony of the Punjagutta area on information that anti-social activities were taking place in the name of body massage.Police arrested two girls and handed them over to the Punjagutta police. There are several massage centres in the city which are luring youth in the name of massages and making them indulge in pleasure hunt.
Feb 06 ,2013 09:12 It's been a season full of controversies especially precisely on the factor related to religious sentiments as a matter of fact several Muslim groups in Tamil Nadu raised objections over Kamal Haasan’s Vishwaroopam and now that a Christian organisation has demanded a ban on Mani Ratnam’s latest film, Kadali.Christhuva Jananayaga Katchi (CJK), which is a Christian group headed by a local priest in Chennai, approached the police commissioner to lodge a complaint against Kadali stressing on the factor that it seems the film is anti-Christian which shows the Christian community in poor light.Arjun, Arvind Swamy, Gautham and Thulasi had played the lead roles in Kadali while A R Rahman had scored the music and Rajeev Menon is the cinematographer.As of now, the fact remains that some viewers didn’t find anything objectionable in the film rather for them it's a surprise package but still this one must await to see the conclusion of the issue whether rises up or diminishes! No comment but wait and see!
Gone are the days when Southern film Industry is looked down by Northern beauties. Over the past few years or so Southern industry and especially Tollywood is viewed by all as short cut and stepping stone to B-Town debut. Everyone knows that film making in Bollywood takes lot of time and many aspiring heroines are planning to impress South and catch the attention of Bollywood. Those who emerged successful include Genelia, Asin, Tamannah, Ileana, Kajal. Tamannah who debuted in Tollywood with Sri went to feature in many films and her blockbusters like Racha and Cameraman Ganga Tho Rambabu made her romance Ajay Devgn in Himmatwala in Bollywood. Similar is Charmi who debuted with Nee Todu Kavali and later went on to star in Bollywood films Budda Hoga Tera Baap opposite Amitabh and then Zilla Ghaziabad. Barfi babe Ileana's success story is no different as she featured in super hit south films like Pokiri, Jalsa, Kick and Julayi before impressing all in Barfi. Now she is romancing Shahid Kapoor in Phata Poster Nikla Hero. Even lesser known Nidhi Subbiah went on to star in Ajab Gajab Love with Jackky Bhagnani after making her Tollywood debut with Sweet Heart. Kajal and Tapsee's stories are similar as after debuting in films like Lakshmi Kalyanam and Jhummandi Naadam are eying Bollywood with films like Special 26, Singam and Chashme Baddoor respectively. Beautiful model Kriti Sanon got golden opportunity to romance Prince Mahesh Babu and even before she shot few scenes she got Bollywood chance opposite debutant Tiger Shroff in Heropanti.
New Delhi, Feb 5: It is learnt that the Congress high command has come to a clear idea about what to do with regard to the Telangana tangle, which has been rocking all the three regions of the state. Though the ruling party leadership had decided to concede Telangana state at one time, the decision was shaken by the lobbying of the powerful Seemandhra leaders. The high command was caught between the proverbial ‘devil and the deep sea’ situation. This is what is said to be the reason for the center not announcing its decision on January 28 as the union home minister Sushil Kumar Shinde announced. After postponing the decision and starting fresh consultations beginning with the Chief Minister Kiran Kumar Reddy, the high command appears to have come to a conclusion on the issue.Shinde has recently given a report to the high command, suggesting a ‘Bodo Land’ type solution to the Telangana problems. The Bodo movement was much more aggressive than the Telangana movement. Bodos launched an armed struggle against the government, through Bodo Liberation Tigers Force. After Bodo Territorial Area districts were created under the Bodoland Territorial Council, the armed Bodos surrendered before the government. Eight districts of Assam namely Kokrajhar, Dhubri, Bongaigaon, Barpeta, Nalbari, Kamrup, Darang and Sonitpur within the state of Assam were brought under the council. It is an autonomous Administrative unit constituted under the Sixth Schedule of the Constitution of India covering an area of 8795 Sq. Km. The administrative unit has been created with a mission to accomplish development in the areas of economic, education, preservation of land right, linguistic aspiration, socio-culture and ethnic identity of Bodos and above all to speed up the infrastructure development of communities in the BTC area. The actual functioning of council was started on 7th December 2003 by constituting the 12 members of the Council provisionally. After the Council Election on 13th May 2005 and subsequent by-election in November, 2005, all the 40 Members of Legislative Council have been formed to look after the development works in the Bodoland Territorial Area Districts. The remaining 6 Members are nominated by the Governor of Assam from the un-represented Communities. Thus altogether 46 M.C.L members run the administration. There is representation for all communities of BTC Area for area development. As per Memorandum of Settlement in the tripartite talks in the year 2003, 40 subjects have been entrusted to the BTC Authority for all round development of the people in this area. Subjects include, Tribal Research Institute, Lotteries and Theatres etc., Intoxicating liquors etc., Registration of Birth and Death etc. The entire area covered under the BTC has been recognized with Kokrjhar as original district and forming other new districts, thus totaling 4 districts in BTC Area. After Kiran Kumar Reddy’s meeting with Shinde, the national media carried a report that the center had finalized the Bodo type administrative set up for Telangana. It is being said that after talks with the state governor ESL Narasimhan and the PCC chief Botsa Satyanarayana, the center is likely to put across this proposal to the leaders of all the three regions, said these reports.
The prequel of the movie had few intimate scenes between Emraan Hashmi and Prachi Desai. "The makers of the sequel thought it was important to include such a scene, to match up to the steamy scenes of the prequel. So, the original script of the sequel had a sensuous scene between Imran and Sonakshi," a source said.
"Milan had few rounds of discussions with the actors. Although, Imran was game, Sonakshi needed some convincing," the source added. Since the scene was an integral part of the script, the Dabbang girl finally agreed that.
Well, it seems Sonakshi feling heat from other heroines is ready to cross the line that she drew for herself at the start of her career. Great going Sonakshi finally you are in the race.
Jubilee Hills legislator Vishnuvardhan Reddy also faulted the Cyberabad police for manhandling the Dalit former minister. The entire Youth Congress workers are behind Dr Shankar Rao, he added.
Lamenting that Dr Shankar Rao was ill-treated by the police as he was a Dalit, TDP leader Mothkupalli Narsimhulu said Shankar Rao was ill-treated by the police because he was a Dalit.
Health bulletin
Shankar Rao, who was first admitted to Gandhi Hospital after he complained of chest pain made breathlessness in the wake of police dragging him to the Neredmet Police Station for questioning, is now in the ICC unit of Care Hospital. In a health bulletin released by the hospital said that Shankar Rao has been suffering from mental trauma. Since he had already had a by-pass surgery, all needed Medi care was being provided and constantly monitoring his condition. His BP and sugar levels are not normal.
Has the plan misfired?
The over-zealousness of police in dealing with Shankar Rao in connection with the Greenfields land issue seemed to have misfired with overwhelming protests and condemnation pouring out from all sections of the society. Shankar Rao is the main architect in making the High Court order a CBI inquiry in the disproportionate assets of Kadapa MP Y S Jaganmohan Reddy. The maverick minister rubbed many persons on the wrong side by criticizing them on various issues. He did not spare the Chief Miniser, Home Minister and others in his daily tirade which led to his being sacked from the cabinet.
Producer: BVSN Prasad
Director: Bommarillu Bhaskar
Music: GV Prakash and Mani Sharma
Casting: Ram, Kriti Karbanda, Prakash Raj, Prabhu, Raghu Babu, Rama Prabha, Abhimanyu Singh, Ajay, Kishore Das and others.
Rating: 2.0/5.0
Bhaskar who got good recognition as a director with 'Bommarillu' and 'Parugu' faced a serious setback with 'Orange' he made with Mega family hero Ram Charan. He went into hibernation for almost two years before directing ‘Ongole Gitta' with Ram. As Ram's earlier film 'Endukante Premanta' was a flop, he also pinned all his hopes on this film. Bhaskar who had the reputation of class director is trying a mass flick ‘Ongole Gitta’ . Obviously, this film is a big test for him too.
Story
White (Ram), enters Ongole Market Yard at the age of 12 as an orphan. On the first day itself, White shows his caliber as street smart kid. Sends a strong statement that this Kid is here to stay permanently. Growing up, White becomes a close confident of market yard chairman Adi Keshavulu Naidu (Prakash Raj), a Satan disguised himself as God. While all the while White pretends to be a close confident of Adi Keshavulu Naidu, tries to snatch the market yard Chairman post from him to take revenge.
Who is White? What is the rivalry between him and Adi Keshavulu Naidu is the crux of the story.
Performance
Ram has once again given an energetic performance. He excelled in action scenes, but disappointed in dances (Music director should be faulted). Unfortunately, there are not many scenes to showcase his acting talent.
Kriti Kharbhanda has nothing much to do in the film except showing her mid-riff. She showed her Navel more than her face.
Prakash Raj is the real stealer of the show. Though he acted in many films as antagonist, this role is different as he has to show good side and bad side of the role in a single scene. He did commendable job.
Kishore Das acted well as Pavuralu and appeared in a lengthy role. Prabhu is under utilized as father of Ram. Abhimanyu Singh, Ajay appear in less prominent roles. Ahuti Prasad is routine as local MLA.
Ali tried to bring laughs towards the climax. Raghu Babu is entertaining. Rest of the cast is OK.
Technical
Director Bhasakr who prefixed ‘Bommarillu’ to his name after his super hit directional debut is known for his brilliance in handling family drama and emotional scenes tried to be different with this movie. He chose a simple story and tried his best to give it a mass treatment. Unfortunately, he utterly failed in treatment and direction. The screenplay is haywire and outdated. Marthand Venkatesh should have done better on editing.
Music is big drawback to the movie. Director Bhaskar who is known for good music sense faltered in judging mass oriented songs. They are neither melodious nor had mass beat to showcase energetic Ram's dancing skills. Background score too is ordinary. Choreography also took a beat because of the music. Cinematography is good. Action scenes are well composed.
Analysis
‘Ongole Gitta’ takes of well with opening scenes and looks promising till 30 minutes. Then the movie slowly loses its grip and feels like a 80s movie with shoddy screenplay. First half of the film boasts nothing special while the second half runs into flashback before curtaining to a predictable climax.
There is nothing wrong in tested and tried subject as story line, but the treatment is all that matters nowadays. In this remakes period, directors are remaking the old films with new treatment. Unfortunately, Bhaskar stepped out of his comfort zone and tried to show the world he can direct mass films too and failed miserably. There is no drama or emotional scenes in the film. The director should have added few emotional scenes on father - son relationship which are his strong forte. It would have facilitated hero Ram also prove his acting talent. The comedy is forced and is not effective except the ‘Tikkavari Palle’ episode. The romantic track between the hero and the heroine is not written well.
Now talk of the point is Prakash Raj's nudity. Why the director chose to show him nude is shocking. What he had achieved with it, other than getting ‘A’ certificate, is debatable. Nude scenes are not only unconvincing but are at the same time disgraceful. Except Ram, Prakash Raj's performance and Abhimanu Singh's encounter with ‘Tikkavari Palle’ people, the movie is forgettable.
Finally, ‘Ongole Gitta’ is a lame attempt by a talented director in search of a hit formula. The movie will add one more flop in the list of Ram and Bhaskar. After this movie, both Ram and Bhaskar have to reassess their positions before signing new ones.
Last word
‘Ongole Gitta’ lacks power and is passable
DMDK leader Vijaya Kant came here along with his family members and participated in the Tomala Seva of Lord Venkateswara in the early hours of Thursday.
Speaking to the media on the occasion, Vijaya Kant said Viswaroopam release was stopped in Tamilnadu though it was released all over the world, just because Kamal Haasan recently spoke in favour of the union finance minister Chidambaram. He said it was a conspiracy of the Chief Minister Jayalalitha. He said he just came straight from Malaysia and had no knowledge of what was happening in Tamiln
The moment these photographs were out on a fan website, the representative of Justin Bieber right away said denied the allegations and said that Mr Bieber didn't grope. All that was seen in the picture was taken when Bieber was trying to move away from her and it was all accidental, claimed the representative.
If Justin was really trying to get away from her, why would his lips get struck to her right cheek? It looked like Justin purportedly groped his fan. The poor teenager gave a weird and uncomfortable smile as Bieber placed his hand on her breast. Having girl fans doesn't mean one can behave whatever the way he wants to. Hysteric fans too should give no scope to their role models to play with their bodies!
Talking to the media after the ban imposed by the Jayalalitha government of Tamilnadu was lifted by the high court, he said he became a victim of a political game. Reports earlier suggested that Chief Minister Jayalalita had an axe to grind against Kamal Haasan and stage-managed Muslim opposition for the film and slapped the ban. Several people who saw the other versions of the film in other areas said that there were no objectionable scenes in the film. The ban slapped on a film screened by the censor board was unconstitutional, argued Kamal's lawyers in the high court. Even super star Rajinikant appealed to his Muslim fans and Muslim groups to talk to Kamal and resolve the issue. He said he has been a friend of Kamal for the past 40 years and vouched that he would never do any thing to hurt the sentiments of Muslims or any other community.
Kamal said he had great faith in secularism and would do nothing to hurt the sentiments of Muslims or any other sections. Stating that he had sold all his properties to produce the film, Kamal said he was still ready to withdraw the film if it was proved that it would harm the integrity of the country.
Stating that he became a victim of a political game, he said he did not understand why there were so many hurdles for the release of his film.
Kamal initially faced problems with the exhibitors. He wanted to release the film on DTH platform a day before its release. After exhibitors threatened to stop release of the film, Kamal dropped the idea and paved the way for the film's release. Meanwhile some Muslim organizations objected to the film and Jayalalitha quickly slapped a ban on it. The film is being successfully screened in Andhra Pradesh and overseas. But ban in Tamilnadu would mean that Kamal would lose Rs. 30 crore, said trade sources.
Though the high court of Madras lifted the ban, the TN government is keen on fighting against the court's judgment. The government challenged the high court's order on Wednesday before a division bench.
Kamal Haasan said if the ban on "Vishwaroopam" is not lifted, he might have to look out for a "secular state" and that can be out of the country.
"I have lost all my property for the film, so I have nothing to lose, but choose now. If the judgment is not favourable for me, I have to look out for a secular state abroad. We will get away from this place but will have lot of good memories," the 58-year-old told reporters at a press conference here.
"If there is no secular state in India, I would go overseas. I think Tamil Nadu wants me out. What would change is my passport; I would still be an Indian. I have pledged all my property for the film. I have lost my house because of delay in release," he added.
The Madras High Court Tuesday ruled in favour of "Vishwaroopam" and lifted the ban by the state government. It, however, said the administrative step was to be taken by the government. The actor says he still has to see the effect in theatres - the film has to run.
"The fact is that I have yet to get interim relief as some of my friends have reported in press. The film shows are stopped again and the police have sent away fans, asking for court order copy. I have been thrashed in a political game, monetary loss is not important," Haasan added.
The mega-budget film was due to release Jan 25, but the Tamil Nadu government banned the film following fears of law and order situation. The ban was further extended to Kerala and Andhra Pradesh.
"I m yet to get interim relief. I have great faith in the secularism. I sold all my property for the film. I am ready for stop if it is proved that I damaged the integrity of the country. I don’t know why in Hyderabad also I faced so many troubles . I will bear any loss if it is proved that my film would cause damage to the country's integrity I will wage a legal war" he said
After her exploits on badminton court, ace Indian shuttler Jwala Gutta is now making her foray into the tinsel town and she will be seen shaking a leg in a dance number for a Telugu film titled 'Gunde Jaari Gallanthayyinde (GJG)'.Known for her spirited performance on court, Jwala, who is the reigning Commonwealth Games gold medallist, is now shooting for a dance number in a film, which stars her good friend and actor Nithin."Nithin Anderson the producer are my good friends and they told me about this song. I thought they were kidding but after I heard the song, I thought why not give it a shot after all life is one and I like trying out new things," Jwala told PTI."The song is peppy and casual. I was nervous on first day of my shoot yesterday as there were lots of people at the set and it is a different experience. I had to do rehearsals for the steps for a week and it was fun," she added.Asked if she wants to switch career to films, Jwala, who won the National Championships 13 times until 2010, said, "Badminton remains my first love. It is my life and even if I retire I will work for badminton. But at same time, if there is something new and if I am comfortable with the director and if he has the confidence on me, then I will give it a shot."Jwala will be shaking a leg opposite Nithin in the film 'Gunde jaari.. Gallantayyinde..!', which is the directorialdebut of Vijay Kumar Konda.The 2011 world champion bronze medallist, Jwala had taken a six-month break after London Olympics but she has already started her training and will make her return to international badminton at the German Open which starts on February 26."I have already stared training on January 10. Initially it was difficult to get up at 5:30 in the morning but now it has again fallen into place. I am focusing on my strength and fitness," she said.Jwala will be partnering Prajakta Sawant, who had filed a case against national chief coach Pullela Gopichand at Bombay High Court accusing him of mental harassment. (PTI)
Small films are getting step motherly treatment from theaters, forget unknown filmmakers, even renowned veterans are facing similar fate. Versatile actor Mohan Babu seems to be listening to the music of the theaters in the state with his film 'Gundello Godavari' ready in the cans.Mohan Babu is feared and revered by the film medium for his open talk. This habit of his has attracted more wrath than warmth. Anyways, it is hotly speculated that his daughter Lakshmi Manchu's film is cooling in the cans for want of theaters,According to sources, the film scheduled for the festival release failed to secure theaters owing to fierce competitions from Venkatesh-MaheshBabu multistarer Seethamma Vakitlo Sirimalli Chettu and Ram Charan's Naayak. With both films turning out to be a blockbusters, there seems to be no room for the smaller films.However the Manchu clan seem to be in no hurry as the film got certified only on Monday. Trade analysts feel that the Manchu clan must learn the art from the Akkineni, Daggupati, Allu and Nandamuri families as to how to maintain theater relations.
This romantic hero and lady director are sculpting a film from a long time and many youths are eagerly waiting for their film. Their next outing is 'Jabardasth' and the film is going to hit theatres this month.Romantic hero Siddharth and one-flick wonder Nandini Reddy are the two celebrities we are talking about. However, both of them are now playing with fire, not once but twice. The first look of much awaited 'Jabardasth' is out and the theme of two songs is really shocking. If one song revolves around the culture of Telangana, with a voice saying that 'only Telangana on the floor', another song starts with 'Allah' and Samantha is sizzling hot with all waist show in that video. Who knows, these days every small point is turning into a big issue and these two 'subjects' are the best provocative ones in town at the moment.If anyone gets hurt with these two, then Siddharth should be ready to face stones and satires, shared a media person. However, critics are saying that both these songs are looking like works made purely for entertainment but not for targeting any particular group.
Speaking to mediapersons here, Byreddy said that Telangana State would be a distant dream even after hundred years if the Telangana Rashtra Samithi and Bharatiya Janata Party fought only for Telangana State. He called upon the leaders of both TRS and BJP to join the struggle for separate Rayalaseema State too. He said the Centre would come down on bended knees and concede separate States if the leaders of both Telangana and Rayalaseema regions fight for division of the State, he added.
Stating that Rajahmundry Congress MP Undavalli Arun Kumar’s argument for united State does not work, he ridiculed the Rayalaseema leaders with singing different songs in different regions for their narrow political ends and survival.
There were also protests in the other two regions -Rayalseema and Andhra - demanding that Andhra Pradesh be kept united.
Scores of pro-Telangana protestors were arrested by police in Hyderabad, Warangal and other parts of the region. Rallies were taken out and meetings were held to condemn the statement of union Home Minister Sushilkumar Shinde and Congress leader Ghulam Nabi Azad, who is in charge of the state.
In an innovative protest, Telangana activists staged a demonstration with dogs, seeking to compare the central government's attitude towards Telangana with the dog's barking.
In Hyderabad, police arrested revolutionary balladeer Gadar, who was leading a rally to Telangana Martyrs' Memorial at Gun Park near the state assembly. Dozens of students marching towards Gun Park were also detained.
Telangana Rashtriya Lok Dal activists were taken into custody when they tried to lay siege to the state assembly. Protestors trying to march towards Raj Bhavan and also those attempting to lay siege to MLA Quarters were also arrested.
For the second consecutive day, the Osmania University here remained tense with police not allowing students to take out a rally. Raising slogans of "Jai Telangana", the students tried to march towards Gun Park near the state assembly but were pushed back by police, who closed the university gates.
Police arrested over 30 students at the Nizam College in the heart of the city when they tried to take out a rally to Telangana Martyrs' Memorial at Gun Park.
Tension also prevailed at Indira Park, where Telangana Joint Action Committee (JAC) members continued their protest for the second day.
Students trying to take out a rally from Indira Park clashed with police when they were stopped. Some protestors removed barricades but were stopped by police officials, who did not allow them to proceed on the ground that no prior permission was taken for the rally.
Students were also stopped from joining the protest at Indira Park as police had Sunday granted permission for demonstrations there on the condition that no more than 2,000 people would participate in it.
Communist Party of India (CPI) state secretary K. Narayana and other party leaders and activists reached Indira Park in a rally.
The numbers at Indira Park swelled since morning as students and leaders of various parties also joined the protest.
There were also protests at the Kakatiya University in Warangal town.
Some pro-Telangana students with petrol bottles in their hands climbed on a building, threatening to commit suicide if other students arrested by the police were not released. The arrests were made when students were trying to take out a rally. The protestors relented after university authorities gave them an assurance.
Students of Telangana University in Nizamabad district blockaded the highway, condemning the central government's attitude towards Telangana.
Meanwhile, protests continued in Seemandhra (Rayalaseema and Andhra regions) opposing possible division of Andhra Pradesh. Hundreds of people participated in a massive rally in Tirupati. Journalists also joined the protest demanding that the central government keep the state united.
Lawyers took out a bike rally in Kurnool, demanding that any plans to bifurcate the state be dropped.
Speaking to the media after a prolonged meeting at Peddapally MP G Vivek’s residence here on Monday, Bhongir MP Komatireddy Rajagopal Reddy and Vivek said they would tender resignations to the Lok Sabha and party on Tuesday at CWC former member Dr K Keshava Rao’s residence. They exuded confidence that the ministers from Telangana region too would follow suit.
Rajagopal Reddy said they were making tireless efforts for the last three years protecting the interests of the party in the region. But the adamant Seemandhra Congress leaders were systematically sabotaging formation of separate Telangana State by intense lobbying and resorting to blackmailing tactics at New Delhi resulting in Ghulam Nabi’s statement.
Faulting Ghulam’s statement ridiculing the people of the Telangana region, Rajagopal Reddy said even God ‘Brahma’ would not save the interests of the Congress in the region if the high command delayed the decision on Telangana further.
CWC former member Dr K Keshav Rao said they were being deceived by the party high command. He said the high command’s statements were creating doubts among the people of Telangana. He said the Congress MPs of the region would not believe the party high command further unless it announced separate Telangana State immediately. He also said achievement of Telangana State was possible within a week only if all the Congress leaders, including ministers, legislators and DCC presidents worked together. "I'm disappointed with the delay, it is hard to swallow this. People have lost faith. I feel the party is trying to buy time," Keshav Rao added.
Nizamabad MP Madhu Yashki Goud has made it clear that they would use their position as a weapon to achieve separate Telangana State. Creation of separate Telangana State was getting delayed only because of lack of cooperation between the ministers and MLAs. He asked the Telangana protagonists to identify the Telangana betrayers and not to doubt about sincerity of the Telangana Congress MPs. He also called upon the T protagonists to obstruct the efforts of anti-Telangana forces and the Seemandhra leaders.
Alleging that the Samaikyandhra movement was being run by the YSRCP coverts, Yashki said Seemandhra Congress leaders joined the movement only to help strengthen the YSRCP and their sons’ future in that party. Yashki warned the Seemandhra leaders not to make provocative statements lest the security of the Seemandhra people settled in Telangana region would be harmed. He also advised the Seemandhra Congress leaders to banish Rajya Sabha member KVP Ramachandra Rao, who engineered the Samaikyandhra movement for his own interests. He also alleged that Dr KVP was organizing “wine and dinner” politics in Delhi to obstruct creation of Telangana State.
Stating that AICC Chief Sonia Gandhi and AICC vice-president Rahul Gandhi were not against creation of separate Telangana State, Yashki said the Seemandhra leaders were stalling Telangana State with the help of Governor and Intelligence Bureau. He asked Union Minister S Jaipal Reddy to speak on Telangana as Seemandhra’s Pallam Raju was speaking boldly in favor of united Andhra Pradesh.
The censor board gave six cuts to the movie before giving it U/A. Otherwise, it would have presumably got A certificate. The sources said that Gundello Godari revolves around a few people in the back dtop of massive floods in Godavari district three decades ago. Manchu Lakshmi, who produced this movie, is also playing one of the lead roles in Gundello Godari. The movie is scheduled for a grand release in the last week of February. Lets see whether Gundello Godari can evoke good response as it looks like an off beat movie.
The sources said that Sonia Gandhi apparently questioned as to how many seats Congress leaders would win in Telangana region if a state is carved out and a similar question was reportedly put forth before leaders of Seemandhra region. The sources even said that both the leaders from Telangana said Congress would get maximum seats if state is bifurcated whereas leaders from Seemandhra apparently said Congress would not get any seats if state is bifurcated. This answer reportedly confused Congress and therefore was unable to come to decision, which reportedly affected the consensus policy of the centre. Congress should keep aside votes' policy and look at the welfare of the people and life of the party in the long run, said observers. Anyway, fingers crossed to see what Congress would finally spell out.
Vohra allegedly threw her “face-down on the bed . . . placed his hand on the [woman’s] back” and raped her, according to a criminal complaint.
The alleged victim was treated at Roosevelt Hospital, where a rape kit was taken. The woman told police on the scene that Vohra was her attacker. The 47-year-old suspect was also at the hospital at the time, and he was taken into custody.
Vohra works at real estate firm Nest Seekers, runs the social site PartyDigest.com, and founded the SikhCommunityCenter.org Web site. Vohra is a divorced father of one.
According to a source, the realtor has been seen coming to his apartment with more than 100 women, who would often haggle with him over money. A neighbor described the amorous mogul as ‘icky and slimy,’ and ‘full of himself.’
Vohra has also been named on "Bad Boy Report" as a "bad escort:"
Please watch out for LAK VOHRA OR LAKHINDER VOHRA. Very abusive and grabby. I attended an event with him and he was the rudest man i have ever met. Encouraged me to drink heavily(whenever my glass was 3/4 empty he would hand me another glass of wine.) Flirted with cocktail waitress entire time i was there and generally made me feel uncomfortable. Was just rude and a jerk the entire night. Finally snuck out of the bar after several tries (he would grab me forcibly if he saw me heading for the door) I later did a google search on his name and found i am not the first victim, he sees escorts and scams them out of money and he is BROKE! This man is abusive and a danger. Stay away!
Another anonymous person commented:
I too have been a victim to this evil sinister man. Went to new years last year with him. And he tried to drug me. Also web I told him I wasn’t going to sleep with him on the first date. He actually left me there all alone. He stole my bag money clothes that I left on his couch. Truly a bad man. One thing to say. Karma will get him back one of these days.
He pleaded not guilty to rape in Manhattan Criminal Court yesterday and was held on $10,000 bail.
The low bail “shows you there may be a weakness in the case,” said defense lawyer Mike Saint-Pre.
Vohra graduated in 1990 and was awarded a fellowship from the India Abroad Newspaper Foundation. Vohra also has a Master’s degree in history from the University of Delhi, India.
Vohra, who has a son, comes from an Indian military family. His bio page states that he launched his entrepreneurial career back in high school by offering complimentary lunch coupon incentives to livery cab drivers bringing tourists to the Taj Mahal.
Vohra and his family own real estate in the U.S., the Caribbean, India and in Duba
On one such visit in the late midnight, yesterday, the police found more that fifteen pairs of youth indulging in compromising activities. All of them were taken into control. The fifteen men arrested were locals while the fifteen women were from Odisha, Rajasthan and Maharashtra.
Flesh trades were going at a rapid pace in many resorts across the city, but this one was a major haul by the security personnel in the recent times. On Friday the raids were conducted on the Chaitanya Resorts in the Earlapally village of Chevella mandal in Ranga Reddy District.
Just as the convoy was midway, a sudden brake in the acceleration of a car in the front led to a minor accident of six cars behind that rammed into one another. The actor was unhurt and emerged outside waving to the crowds. To have closer look of the star crowds surged forward when the security personnel resorted to a mild lathi-charge. The actor pleadingly asked the fans to maintain calm and requested the police to refrain from the action.
Later he moved on to the venue and garlanded a larger than life statue of the late Chief Minister N T Ramarao. He said it was a honor for him to be a part of this event on such an auspicious day. The whole place was initially tense for sometime but later become electrifying as the star made an emotional speech.
Jr NTR is one of the most sought after star in the Nandamuri family. He commanded a massive fan following among youth which the TDP would utilize in the coming 2014 general elections. Incidentally he took an active part in the 2009 elections also.
With mounting parleys of many leaders from the other side demanding a unified Andhra Pradesh, the centre is in a fix on the issue.
The TRS leader on Friday (January 25) lashed out at the union minister Ghulam Nabi Azad. He said that the minister was lured by the gifts showered by the leaders from the other side.
The TRS leader also said that Congress MPs Lagadapati Rajagopal and Kavuri Sambasiva Rao were today squandering money to influence the decision against Telangana from where they earned it.
With tensions mounting on both the sides of the state over the issue, Congress is at cross roads on the impending problem. In fact earlier Congress that was to announce its decision on the January 28 on the issue was to give a green signal to the state formation.
However protests from both the sides makes the situation more delirious and keeps the party undecided. With doubts of the decision on the raise many Congress leaders hailing from the T region met today at the residence of Manda Jaganatham to discuss their future plans post the decision.
Congress MPs, post the meet also said that the leaders of the region might take the ultimate step of mass resignations if the high command refuses T formation.
Kamal Haasan's magnum opus Viswaroopam is finally out in theaters after going through various troubles to see light. Although the Telugu version of the movie released, the original version has been banned for fifteen days in Tamilnadu. So we get to see his film earlier than the Tamils.
What is it about?
This film is about terrorism based in Afghanisthan. Protagonist Vishwanadh aka Taufique aka Kashmiri (Kamal) is a jeehadi trainer and he is on a mission. Jihadi leader Omar (Rahul Bose) has scores to settle with Vishwanadh, who is leading his life as a normal dance school teacher. There is other side to Vishwanadh and that is the main base for this story.
Performances:
Kamal Haasan is as effective as ever. He has done a fabulous job as dance teacher and Jihadi trainer. The variations he shows for various shades of his character and the changes he brings about in his body language are impeccable. Not many actors could pull of this role at ease. Rahul Bose is fine as the baddie. He made his character believable with natural performance. Pooja Kumar is okay as Kamal's loud mouthed wife. Andrea did a tom boyish role and she is okay too. Nasser and others supported the main cast very well.
On the Technical Front:
There is no scope for songs in this action drama with some good thrills. However Kamal sneaked in few songs which were out of place. First song featuring Kamal as dance teacher should be chopped off immediately. It is painful on eyes and ears as well. Background score is good. Cinematography is the major asset to this film. Sanu Verghese captured the locations of the Afghanistan wonderfully well. Editing could have been way better. The film is sloppy at times.
Technically the movie is brilliant and the producers should be commended for spending so many crores of rupees on the movie without any compromise. Kamal Haasan wielded mega phone after a long time. He has been writing stories in the recent past but they were directed by others. Difference is clearly visible as he had immense command over every detail in this film. Any other director may not have done justice to this subject as Kamal did. Despite few shortcomings, Viswaroopam is easily the best among recent Kamal Haasan's movies.
Analysis:
This film is an action drama based on terrorism. Kamal Haasan didn't take sides in this film and hence there is so much reality in the portrayal of the story. Most of the times directors take either the army or terrorists side and you can see one side approach in those films.
Kamal Haasan made sure to stick with the reality and that turns out to be a boon for Viswaroopam. It is very different to what we see in the films linked with terrorism. World directors often make films with this concept and there were many great films in this genre. Viswaroopam's story might be weak but it is on par with those international films in the making standards.
We are not exaggerating about the making standards of the movie. Viswaroopam will rank among the top Indian films in terms of production values and technical wizardry. Sometimes you get a feeling like you are watching the dubbed version of a Hollywood film. Kudos to the director and producers and also the cinematographer.
Viswaroopam doesn't have any commercial elements and lacks mass entertainment. However, it has its own merits and has to be watched for its technical brilliance.
Verdict: Viswaroopam - Indian movie with international making standards
The Andhra Pradesh government Friday stopped the release of Kamal Haasan's film "Viswaroopam" in Hyderabad after some Muslims organisations complained that the movie had hurt religious sentiments of the community.Home Minister Sabita Indra Reddy directed police to stop the screening till Jan 28 after some Muslim leaders called on her and demanded a ban on it. Following this, Hyderabad police commissioner asked cinema distributors not to screen the movie at theatres in the city.Cyberabad police commissioner, covering areas around Hyderabad, also directed theatres not to show the movie.Officials said the orders were issued in view of the demands by Muslim organisations. Also, there were fears of law and order problems on the occasion of Milad-un-Nabi being celebrated Friday.It was not immediately clear if the movie would be released in the rest of the state.A day earlier, the Madras High Court declined to stay Tamil Nadu government's order suspending the release of the film. The court asked the filmmaker to postpone the release till Jan 28 so that it could view the same Jan 26.The movie in Tamil and Telugu was scheduled for release Friday; the Hindi version, titled "Vishwaroop", is set to hit the screens Feb 1."Vishwaroopam" is produced and directed by Kamal Haasan, who has also acted in it.
Karimnagar, Jan 25: Muslims raided a theatre here which was exhibiting ‘Viswaroopam.The agitators hurled stones and broke window panes.It may be mentioned that the film which was banned in Chennai for 15 days was also banned in the twin cities after Muslim groups protested against its release. Meanwhile, Kamal Haasan said there was nothing in the film that hurt the sentiments of Muslims.
Educational institutions in the districts were closed on a call given by Osmania University students' Joint Action Committee.
Activists of various groups demanding statehood to Telangana took to the streets, demanding that the central government stand by its word and announce a decision by Jan 28.
Azad had said Wednesday evening that a decision was not likely by Jan 28, though Home Minister Sushilkumar Shinde had said after the Dec 27 all-party meeting that a decision would be made within a month.
Protestors attacked the office of the Congress party in Warangal town. They set afire an effigy of Azad and also demanded resignation of all the ministers from the region.
Pro-Telangana protestors laid siege to the residence of state minister Sudershan Reddy in Nizamabad, demanding his resignation. Police arrested the protestors.
Police also arrested pro-Telangana lawyers who tried to lay siege to the ministers' quarters in Hyderabad, while raising slogans "finish off Congress, achieve Telangana".
The protestors alleged that the pressure by leaders from Seemandhra (Rayalaseema and Andhra regions) forced the central government to defer the announcement.
Students of Osmania University in Hyderabad staged protests to condemn Azad's statement. They alleged that the Congress government had once again betrayed the people. The protestors set afire the Congress party flag and Azad's effigy at Arts College on the campus.
PoliticalNews
The students also tried to lay siege to the house of Rajya Sabha member and Congress leader K.V.P. Ramachandra Rao.
Rallies were also taken out in Seemandhra by students and activists of various parties, opposing the proposed bifurcation of Andhra Pradesh. A huge rally was organized in Vijayawada to demand that the state be kept united.
However now they are not stopping nor satisfied with just being branded as foreign items. They are getting ready to show their firangi power in Tollywood. Already Gabriela Bertante after sizzling in item number in Puri's Devudu Chesina Manushulu, spellbound him so much so that in the next film itself bagged second heroine role opposite Power Star Pawan Kalyan in Cameraman Ganga Tho Rambabu. Now Director Chandra Siddharth who is directing Sumanth in his next project is all set to rope in Thailand model and actress Sawika Chaiyadech aka Pinky Savika. Explaining how he zeroed in on the actress, S i d d h a r t h says, “I was in Thailand for the post p ro d u c t i o n work of Eega when I happened to spot her on the posters. At that time, I was looking for an actress to play the female lead opposite Sumanth for my next film. Phoren babes in demand I managed to contact her and when I offered the film, she immediately said ‘yes’.”
Even director Teja known for his inclination for local talent is smitten by foreign beauties. For his upcoming film 1000 Abaddalu that stars Sairam Shankar, he wanted to rope in a Brazilian actress, but finally zeroed in on Bahrainian Novanto. Teja says, “Most of the local girls have an attitude problem and they have a lot of inhibitions. So, this time, I consciously made the decision to go for a Brazilian or an Asian girl because they can be passed off as Indians. Moreover, these girls work hard and are interested in doing films.” On a concluding note, Teja says, “Many Brazilian models and actresses are tapping the Indian market. In fact, many of them make frequent trips to the city to model for local apparel brands and make big money quickly. And with their visits to the city growing by the day, it is not surprising that they are looking at Tollywood too, where they get paid extremely well and at the same time can launch a career in acting.”
Political analysts are stating that it was the Jagan factor that made Congress think seriously about Telangana at this juncture. The Congress high command has apparently come to the conclusion that it would be a sweep by Jagan’s party in the Seemandhra region in the next elections. Observers say that Congress was trying to salvage itself at least in the Telangana region by conceding statehood to the region and projecting itself as the savior of the people here. Political analysts say that Chandrababu walked into the trap of Congress by demanding the all-party meeting and taking a pro-'T' stand in it. Sources in the TDP said Babu never expected the Congress to hold the all-party meeting and was thrown off balance when the meeting was immediately called. Having said several times in the past that he was not against Telangana, Babu left himself no option other than supporting state bifurcation.
Having not taken a definite stand on the 'T' issue, Jagan has also pushed Babu into trouble, say observers. Now while Naidu is facing stiff resistance in the Seemandhra region, Jagan strengthened his position there. Now TDP’s Seemandhra leaders are stating that Chandrababu also should have maintained his uncertain stand like Jagan.
The resignation of Anantapur YSRCP MLA Gurunatha Reddy in favour of Samaikya Andhra is also seen as strategic move of Jagan. It is a known fact that Gurunatha Reddy’s elder brother Narayana Reddy was a very close associate of late Dr. Y S Rajasekhara Reddy. Some say that YSR had partnership in the contracts of Narayana Reddy who represented Anantapur twice earlier. As his health did not permit, with the permission of YSR, Narayana Reddy fielded his brother Gurunatha Reddy in 2009. No one believed that Gurunatha Reddy had taken a decision to quit his Assembly seat, without Jagan’s nod. They state that by making Gurunatha Reddy resign, Jagan has given a clear signal to the Seemandhra people that he was for retaining the unity of the state.
Looking at the way Gurunatha Reddy submitted his resignation to a small group of Samaikya Andhra agitators one would be bent doubt if it was a stage-managed show. When the SA activists shouted slogans demanding his resignation, Gurunatha Reddy whipped out his letterhead, scribbled his resignation and handed it over to the agitators. The agitators immediately started shouting “Gurunatha Reddy Zindabad”. This looked too unnatural to be true.
By maintaining uncertainty in the all-party meeting, Jagan faced the ire of Telangana protagonists initially. But Chandra Babu had not won the kudos of the Telangana people either. Now Chandrababu is facing more serious anger from the people of Seemandhra and his party leaders as well, for supporting the 'T' cause. His party leaders are stating that while the TRS would alone benefit if the Telangana state was created, the TDP would lose heavily in the Seemandhra region because of his hasty stand. Chandrababu is going to face the anger of people from the Seema Andhra people when he starts his ‘Vastunna Meekosam pada yatra in the Krishna district on Monday. TDP leaders themselves are privately admitting that Naidu who was out of power for two terms has spoiled the chances of the party coming back to power the third time also by taking the pro-'T' stand. “How many seats would we get in the Telangana region? Not many even after this pro-'T' decision” TDP leaders are privately admitting.
Reports suggest that as the elections near, many of the Congress and TDP MLAs and top leaders would slide into the YSR Congress, making its possibilities of sweeping the polls in the Seemandhra region brighter by the day.
Hyderabad: Former minister Gade Venkat Reddy reiterated that any move to divide Andhra Pradesh would be opposed tooth and nail.Talking to reporters, Venkat Reddy said that the aim of Seemandhra leaders was to keep the state united and all efforts would be made to ensure the same. He ridiculed the claims being made by some leaders that Telangana would be a reality by January 28. The formation of Telangana was still a distant dream and very far from reality, he said.
Venkat Reddy accused the Telangana leaders of misleading the people of the region by making them chase the mirage of Telangana. He said that the Congress High Command did not take any decision on the statehood issue as being claimed by some leaders.
Vijayawada (AP): Congress MP Lagadapati Rajagopal expressed his confidence that there would not be any decision on the bifurcation of Andhra Pradesh by the Union Government.
He told reporters here today that vested interests have been spreading rumours that the union government has decided to announce its decision on bifurcation on January 28 or a little later.
He asked the people of coastal and Rayalaseema districts not to be afraid of it and quoted the statement of Prime Minister statement that any decision on bifurcation would be taken only with the consent of all parties.
He said that supporters of united Andhra Pradesh would release CDs of movie actor-turned-former chief N T Rama Rao’s (NTR) songs in which he sang songs supporting united Andhra Pradesh.
He also said that if K Chandrasekhara Rao (KCR) of the Telengana Rashtra Samiti (TRS) contest elections either from Secunderabad or Hyderabad parliament constituencies in the coming elections, he would lose his deposit.
