cinema

Movie Of The Day : Enemy At The Gates

2010-09-05T14:49:00.003+05:30

Enemy at the Gates
Directed by Jean-Jacques Annaud, 2001
Staring Jude Law, Ed Harris, Joseph Fiennes

I have seen many war films like saving private ryan,Apocalypse Now ,All Quiet on the Western Front,Schindler's List,Platoon,The Bridge on the River Kwai,and there are 100 more but the movie i am about to discuss is not one of top films in war genre but a good war film Enemy at the gates.The movie is partially based on Enemy at the Gates: The Battle for Stalingrad, which describes the events surrounding the Battle of Stalingrad from 1942–1943. It is based on a duel mentioned in the book that developed between the legendary Soviet sniper Vasily Grigoryevich Zaitsev and his German counterpart, Major Erwin König, as they stalk each other during the battle. The movie is also partially based on the book War of the Rats

The main plot of this story is

The movie opens with Vassily stalking and shooting a wolf in the frozen Russian countryside and then quickly moves to his being drafted and put on a troop train to Stalingrad. The scene is bleak as the raw recruits leave the train and get into boats to cross the river to Stalingrad. In the water they immediately come under fire from the German artillery but face certain death from the guns of the Soviet Army if they turn back. Once inside the demoralized and besieged city, Vassily puts his shooting skills to good use. Danilov quickly sees Vassily's potential as a morale builder and convinces his superiors to utilize Vassily as a sniper and the rest of the story is A Russian sniper befriends an Army writer and the writer writes about the sniper's accomplishments in WWII. They run into problems when they both fall for the same girl. As they continue to fight and write a German sniper hunts down the Russian.then Vassili Zaitsev,takes down German officers one by one, thus, destroying German morale and boosting Russian morale. The Germans send in a Major sniperer, hoping to take care of Vassili who hides dangerously behind enemy lines. There is a small romance between Vassili and a local woman in the town they're in. As the Germans close in on Stalingrad, the last hope for the world, the Russians must use everything they have to survive.

The main thing that is considered is technical values of this film cinematography and settings are used very effectively to convey the harsh and brutal conditions that residents and members of both armies had to endure as they coped with the brutal Russian winter and the all out devastation of modern urban warfare.

This a very good war film and a watchable film inspired by real events

82nd OSCAR AWARDS

2010-03-09T09:04:00.012+05:30

Best Picture : The Hurt Locker

Best Director : Kathryn Bigelow – The Hurt Locker

Best Actor : Jeff Bridges – Crazy Heart

Best Actress : Sandra Bullock – The Blind Side

Best Supporting Actor : Christoph Waltz – Inglourious Basterds

Best Supporting Actress : Mo'Nique – Precious

Best Original Screenplay : The Hurt Locker – Mark Boal

Best Adapted Screenplay : Precious - Geoffrey Fletcher from Push by Sapphire

Best Animated Feature : Up – Pete Docter

Best Foreign Language Film : El Secreto de Sus Ojos (Argentina) in Spanish – Juan José Campanella

Best Documentary Feature : The Cove – Louie Psihoyos and Fisher Stevens

Best Documentary Short : Music by Prudence – Roger Ross Williams and Elinor Burkett

Best Live Action Short : The New Tenants – Joachim Back and Tivi Magnusson

Best Animated Short : Logorama – Nicolas Schmerkin

Best Original Score : Up – Michael Giacchino

Best Original Song : "The Weary Kind (Theme from Crazy Heart)" from Crazy Heart – Ryan Bingham and T-Bone Burnett

Best Sound Editing : The Hurt Locker – Paul N.J. Ottosson

Best Sound Mixing : The Hurt Locker – Paul N.J. Ottosson and Ray Beckett

Best Art Direction : Avatar – Art Direction: Rick Carter and Robert Stromberg; Set Decoration: Kim Sinclair

Best Cinematography : Avatar – Mauro Fiore

Best Makeup : Star Trek – Barney Burman, Mindy Hall and Joel Harlow

Best Costume Design : The Young Victoria – Sandy Powell

Best Film Editing : The Hurt Locker – Chris Innis and Bob Murawski

Best Visual Effects : Avatar – Joe Letteri, Stephen Rosenbaum, Richard Baneham and Andrew R. Jones

Honorary Academy Awards

Lauren Bacall

Roger Corman

Gordon Willis

Irving G. Thalberg Memorial Award

John Calley

Shutter Island Review

2010-03-08T20:09:00.004+05:30

Starring : Leonardo DiCaprio,Ben Kingsley,Mark Ruffalo,Michelle Williams

Produced : Martin Scorsese,Bradley J. Fischer,Mike Medavoy,Arnold W. Messer

Cinematography: Robert Richardson

Editing by :Thelma Schoonmaker

Directed : Martin Scorsese

Another film from my favorate director and one of my favorate actor.There are already three films from this duo, Academy Award nomination The Aviator ,Gangs of New York, The Departed.All those movies are biggest hits for this duo so everybody expect another good film from Martin Scorsese.This not as good as his previous films but it is watchable

STORY:

Shutter Island should benefit from strong reviews and a demographic that will respond to positive word-of-mouth to give it a much longer theatrical life than its opening weekend.

In 1954, Teddy Daniels (DiCaprio), a US Marshal haunted by the death of his wife (Michelle Williams), heads to Shutter Island with his new partner Chuck Aule (Mark Ruffalo) to determine the whereabouts of a missing psychopath (Emily Mortimer) from the island’s renowned mental hospital. But hints soon arise that the hospital may be hiding dark secrets about its deranged patients.

As with The Departed, Scorsese focuses his energies on creating a pulpy, highly entertaining genre film. Considering Shutter Island’s period trappings and creepy locales, the director is clearly harking back to the horror films of yesteryear, most notably The Cabinet Of Dr. Caligari, in which psychological scares and foreboding atmosphere are more important than any rampant gore. Done poorly, such cinematic referencing could potentially lead to an artificial
tone, but Scorsese absorbs his influences so completely that Shutter Island never feels arid or self-conscious.

With the help of cinematographer Robert Richardson and production designer Dante Ferretti, Scorsese turns the film’s principal setting, Ashecliffe Hospital,into a dank, claustrophobic lair that’s perfect for the elegant mind games which will soon be visited upon Teddy as he tries to uncover the truth about the institution.

While it’s little surprise that the Marshal’s investigation will not go smoothly, Laeta Kalogridis’s screenplay deepens the drama by digging into the characters’ back-stories and teasing out possible answers for what’s really going on at the hospital. Scorsese takes sizable risks with elaborate,wilfully melodramatic dream sequences and flashbacks that add to the film’s temporal disorientation, but on the whole they’re very successfully rendered,giving the audience the same sense of looming unease that plagues Teddy and Chuck.

In keeping with the film’s increasingly surreal tone, music supervisor (and long-time Scorsese collaborator) Robbie Robertson draws from a diverse range of instrumental and pop music which is sometimes representative of the era (such as Johnny Ray’s crooning ‘50s ballad Cry) but occasionally more contemporary (such as minimalist composer John Adams’ gorgeous ‘70s orchestral piece Christian Zeal And Activity), which furthers Shutter Island’s strategy of
faithfully adhering to its time period while simultaneously evoking a mind-state that seems to transcend chronological boundaries.

Unfortunately, at well past two hours in length, Shutter Island can’t maintain its feverish grip on the audience, as certain thematic points and narrative tricks are repeated until they lose their potency. In addition, the mystery’s outcome, though masterfully delivered, isn’t entirely a surprise, which makes its slow reveal somewhat anticlimactic.

Still, the performances are largely first-rate. DiCaprio can sometimes still seem too baby-faced to fully embody the role of the emotionally tortured Teddy,but he remains an extremely empathetic actor. Ruffalo perhaps leans too heavily on noir clichés for his role as Teddy’s loyal partner,but Ben Kingsley perfectly embodies his part as the institution’s brilliant (and potentially diabolical) head doctor.

Ratings:3/5

MY NAME IS KHAN

2010-03-03T20:50:00.002+05:30

Cast:Shahruk khan,Kajol,Arjun Mathur,Jimmy Shergill,Zarina Wahab

Director: Karan Johar
Producer: Karan Johar

My Name Is Khan makes two strong statements The first: B.C. (before Christ) and A.D. (after death) are milestones used to label years in the Julian and Gregorian calendars. There's now a third designation - 9/11. Post September 11, the world stands divided.
Terrorist outfits continue to strike in the name of religion, but the common man, not even remotely associated with these groups, is bearing the brunt.
The world is not a safe place anymore. This movie has the shades of ForestGump.

‘My Name Is Khan’ is the story of Rizwan (Shah Rukh) and his sincere effort to uphold the dignity of Muslims. Growing with the mental challenge of Asperger’s syndrome, Rizwan learns the lessons of humanity from his mom as he spends his childhood amid 1983 Bombay riots. He is taken up by his brother (Jimmy Shergill) and sister-in-law (Sonya Jehan) to US after the death of his mother. It is here that he meets his love, Mandira (Kajol) who happens to be a Hindu widow with a child. Despite having some problems in dealing in crowded places, intimate hugs and expressing and reacting as per the outside environment, Rizwan secures a place in the heart of Mandira and they live together as a happy couple until that tragic day of 9/11 dawns.

Rizwan’s peaceful life is shattered as Mandira alleges him to be the worst mistake in her life. This makes the innocent Rizwan to undertake a journey to meet US President and to say that “My name is Khan and I am not a terrorist”. The depiction of each scene is so subtle and touchy that you cannot afford to miss even a single one. Innocence and honesty form the core of the story. The story is a hard-core revelation that no matter how educated and cultured one is, there is always a general misconception regarding Muslims. Rizwan in his simple and innocent manner tries to uphold humanity and teach people lessons of unity.

The movie abounds in powerful one liners. One such one liner which deserves mentioning is when Rizwan is refused entry at the presidential fundraiser that is aimed to help the Christian poor in Africa. He leaves behind $500 and says, “This is for those who are not Christians in Africa”. Shibani Bhatija deserves applauds for the splendid screenplay. Ravi K Chandran’s cinematography is excellent and Shankar Ehsaan Loy’s music is very pleasing to the ears and in no ways seems extra in the movie.

Coming to the actors, Shah Rukh needs no words officially. Though at times the personality of Shah Rukh peeps from Rizwan, he still proves himself capable in accepting challenges. Though initially you may feel as if he is rehearsing, but soon you get into the role. After ‘Swades’ and ‘Chak De’ this movie is indeed a remarkable stone in his career. Kajol, as always, shows herself the queen of Bollywood with her incomparable charm and non-challengeable act. Love sequences between the evergreen pair Shah Rukh and Kajol is simply superb though it does not get much time to be shown fully. Other actors Jimmy Shergill, Sonya Jehan, Zarina Wahav and others have very well justified their roles no matter how small space they shared on the screen. The captain of the ship, Karan Johar surely deserves all praises for taking up such a theme and handling it in such a deft manner.

So, the verdict is: ‘My Name is Khan’ is definitely a movie of substance and is a must watch for both Shah Rukh’s fans and the ones wanting to see a logical nice movie!

Ratings:4/5

YE MAAYA CHESAAVE

2010-03-03T20:37:00.006+05:30

Cast: Naga Chaitanya, Samantha, Krishnudu, Devan, Surekha Vani, Lakshmi, Sanjay Swaroop, Sudheer, Trisha Alex

Producer: Sanjay Swaroop

Director: Goutam Vasudeva Menon

Music Director: A.R.Rahman

At the time this movie was officialy launched i saw his first movie JOSH.I was very disapponted with the movie,it did not live up to its expectations.
But luckly he got a chance to do a movie with Goutham Mennon this time he utilized the opportunity and gave his best.I was very much satisfied with his performance.

This movie is made parallel to vinnai thandi varuvaya

The film has a simple romantic story of two youngsters that has been narrated realistically.
Menon has selected a perfect star cast and an experienced technical team. The director has also
been able to get the best out of both Nag Chaithanya and newcomer Samantha.

As in any of his previous films, the camera work stands out. Menon has used very good locations to present his story.

And coming to A.R. Rahman’s music, it would be difficult not to get carried away by his superb compositions and background music.
His soulful and melodious compositions add lot of weight to the film. Rahman once again proves that he is the unbeatable master of music.

Menon’s penchant for reality has seen the inclusion of many Malayalam dialogues in the film, which may be a little irritating for the Telugu audiences.
But Menon’s script is so well written that these mminor things will be forgotten. The love sequences are presented very aesthetically.

In the film, the protagonist Karthik has just passed his engineering course but wants to become a film director. He meets a young christian girl Jesse,his landlord’s daughter, and falls for her immediately. But Jesse hails from a traditional christian family and she keeps away from Karthik’s overtures in the beginning.

But Karthik follows her and even pleads with her to marry him. Later, they meet again in Kerala and Jesse falls for him. But then the complications begin.

Nag Chaithanya has scored well in his second film. He is certainly good star material. But Samantha is the real pick among artists. She is sensuous and extremely talented. Her expressive eyes are her strong point.

Both Nag and Samantha share a good on-screen chemistry. Devan, Sanjay Swaroop have effectively portrayed their roles. Well-known director Puri Jagannadh also makes an appearance as filmmaker in the movie.

Rating:3.5/5

Karthik Calling Karthik Review

2010-03-02T23:15:00.002+05:30

Star cast: Farhan Akhtar, Deepika Padukone, Ram Kapoor and Vivan Bathena.
Director: Vijay Lalwani;

In Karthik Calling Karthik (KCK), Farhan Akhtar plays the title role. Karthik is basically a loser, a simple, middle class guy who lacks confidence
and is forever bullied in life. He does not like to use mobilephones - for the same reason that Rizwan Khan (Shah Rukh Khan) in My Name is Khan doesn't
use them.

Karthik is gullible, naïve, and cannot strike deals at work. He likes a girl in office, the hot architect Shonali Mukherjee (Deepika Padukone), but is never able to tell her. He's working there for the last four years, but she never notices him. Karthik is always under-confident, as a childhood incident has affected him.

So, what brings about a sudden change in Karthik's life, and for the better? You guessed it right, a phone call from a man who is his namesake and knows everything about him. Karthik calls Karthik everyday, and guides him through the day to get whatever he wants – that hot position, that hot chick, whatever. Now, if only everyone had a mentor like that!

Until this point, KCK seems like a lesson in self-confidence. But the twist comes when this caller Karthik becomes our loser Karthik's enemy and begins destroying the same life he helped build. That's when the film takes a dramatic turn. From then on, poor loser Karthik builds his life back bit by bit. How he does it, is what touches your heart.

Writer-director Vijay Lalwani has made KCK with a lot of love. Its Hollywood style treatment is good and so is the editing. It's an old story in a new format, but the humour in the dialogues makes it watchable. The cinematography also does the trick.

The film makes you sympathise with Karthik. And yes, you get the jitters every time the phone rings. Even the shrink (played by Shefali Shah) runs away from it!

The director has effectively been able to make a thriller out of a story about the games our mind plays. The treatment is edge of the seat and smooth.

Even though it's pretty clear by the interval what the film is about, the suspense remains till the end. You don't know till the end if it's about something supernatural or not. Watch the film to know the truth.

Farhan Akhtar excels in his third outing as an actor. He has good screen presence, and truly possesses the ability to get into the skin of any character.
Here we have a great actor in the making, if he keeps going the way he is right now.

Deepika Padukone is as fresh as she was in Love Aaj Kal, and plays her bindaas girl part well. There's not much scope for her in this film to show her acting, but she makes a hot pair with Farhan Akhtar. We wish there was a li'l more screen time for them in terms of songs and stuff.

Ram Kapoor, Vivan Bhatena, Tarana, Shefali Chhaya and Vipin Sharma fit into their parts well.

The chartbusting songs provide a li'l bit of relief from the slow pace, but the undercurrent of the tension onscreen remains – which is both good and bad.

But Karthik Calling Karthik never gives you that high you expect from a thriller. It will also remind you of some Hindi or English films on the same subject
, which I'm not revealing on purpose. Nevertheless, it's a touching tale.

Verdict: Vijay Lalwani shows that Taare Zameen Par and My Name is Khan are not the only two ways to treat sensitive subjects on celluloid.
But the film does not have repeat value once you know the suspense.

Ratings : 3/5

Valentine's Day (2010) Review

2010-02-25T21:45:00.002+05:30

Starring : Julia Roberts, Anne Hathaway, Jessica Biel, Jessica Alba, Jennifer Garner, Shirley MacLaine, Bradley Cooper, Ashton Kutcher,
Topher Grace, Emma Roberts, Hector Elizondo, Eric Dane, Patrick Dempsey, Jamie Foxx, Queen Latifah and Carter Jenkins.

Studio: New Line Cinema

Release Date: Feb 12, 2010

Director: Garry Marshall

There is really nothing positive to say about Valentine's Day, a rom-com featuring a cast of recognizable TV stars with Julia Roberts

(she was paid $500,000 a minute), Kathy Bates and Anne Hathaway slumming it to be amongst "stars" from "Alias," "That '70s Show" (x2), "Dark Angel,"
"7th Heaven" and "Grey's Anatomy" (x2). On top of that we have Twilight star of the moment Taylor Lautner, his headline-making girlfriend Taylor Swift
and other names such as Jamie Foxx, Bradley Cooper and Queen Latifah not so much adding any kind of overwhelming talent, but certainly adding to the pool
of names New Line can use in the film's marketing in an attempt to make it look like they have an actual product, but it's surface level at best.

Directing this mess of "OK! Magazine" cover models is Garry Marshall whose career has been declining at a rapid pace since Pretty Woman

in 1990 and it has now hit rock bottom with a film Cupid's arrow couldn't even make attractive. In what is really nothing more than a
fifth-rate Love Actually knock-off — all the way down to the cute little kid looking for love — Valentine's Day can't even hold a conversation
with the far more entertaining predecessor of which I am embarrassed to even mention in the same sentence.

Set in the overused city of Los Angeles, Valentine's Day introduces us to a myriad of relationships, some doomed from the outset, others set on a
destructive path all while the story heads toward its redemptive conclusion with four times the endings Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King offered.
You don't know sorrow until you've suffered through what is essentially twelve endings to a movie I was ready to walk out of after losing all hope midway
through.

We have denied love, looking for love, tired love, new love, young love, can't find love, cheating love, forever in love, motherly love and even virgins
looking to make love. Oh, and Valentine's Day just wouldn't be complete if screenwriter Katherine Fugate didn't still believe that gay love was a source
of surprise. Guess what Katherine, it's no surprise people are gay in this world, although I'm not sure I believe anything coming out of the actor's mouth
when he claimed to be just that. To that complaint, this film reeks with some of the worst acting I have seen in a very long time.

The worst of the bunch is easily Taylor Swift whom I thought may have just been nervous in her "Saturday Night Live" appearance, but no, she's really that
bad. Eric Dane breaks into some kind of macho teleprompter speak that's as stunted as his character arc and if movies are going to rely on Ashton Kutcher
and George Lopez to reveal the moral of the story you may as well just give up.

Poorly edited sequences had me guess whether Jennifer Garner was in Los Angeles or San Francisco and if Topher Grace and Anne Hathaway are
on the verge of a relationship ever-lasting I certainly wasn't convinced. Finally, a scene with George Lopez swinging on a swing set with his wife is
almost as laugh out loud hilarious as the Bella and Edward dream sequence in New Moon. Get a padded room you two!

I felt no emotion other than boredom and hatred while watching this film. The only laugh comes in the final moments courtesy of Jamie Foxx, which is just
sad considering Marshall had two hours before that to deliver some humor. And I wouldn't be surprised if Foxx's line was improvised.

If you're dating one of those people that already hates Valentine's Day certainly stay clear of this one as it won't brighten their mood. All Valentine's
Day does is give the naysayers more to complain about while such obviously female-driven fare once again proves to dupe unsuspecting ladies into a film

even they will have a hard time enjoying. As one woman sitting next to me whispered with about an hour left in the film, "This movie is awful."
If you can't take it from me, take it from her, what she says is true.

Ratings :2/5

Leader Review

2010-02-19T23:38:00.002+05:30

Cast: Rana Daggubati, Richa Gangopadhyay, Priya Anand, Kota Sreenivasa Rao, Suman, Suhasini, Subbaraju, Harsha Vardhan, Tanikella Bharani, Rao Ramesh, Ahuti Prasad.

Music : Mikey J Meyer
Story - screenplay - dialogues - director: Sekhar Kammula
Banner: AVM Production
Release date: 19 February 2010

Story : Arjun Prasad from a political family who does his PhD in the US but has to return to India after his father,
played by Suman (the chief minister of Andhra Pradesh), is injured in a bomb blast.

When Arjun's father dies, the patriarch of the family, Peddayana (Kota Srinivasa Rao) wants someone to take
over his nephew's place so that the 'dynasty' can continue.

A struggle for power then ensues. Peddayana nominates Dhananjay (Subbaraju) as the successor though Subbaraju doesn't have a good track record.
On the insistence of his mother (Suhasini Mani Rathnam) and to keep his father's last wish, Arjun enters the race for CM.

But he soon realises that corruption is everywhere. To his horror he finds out that even is father was guilty of corruption.
He begins to understand the machinations and manipulations in the race for money and power, and tries to clean the system of all this.

But in order to do so he uses the very system he's trying to change to win over the people. He carries on the task of 'reform' despite the
precarious nature of his position where MLAs try to pull the rug from under his feet at every opportunity.

All this is nothing new. We all know about wily politicians, nepotism, corruption, bomb blasts etc. And while Sekhar has stressed on the corruption
bit a little too much, he fails to attack the root of the problem. Plus, he offers no 'solution' per se.

Change is good but one has to be a catalyst to bring about that. One needs an extraordinary person (like Gandhi in the past) to rise to the occasion
with a powerful ideology or tool to take on corruption.

Agreed that Arjun has the inclination to reform the system but the way it is depicted in the film is rather simplistic. A leader is far above politics,power and 'position' if analogies are drawn with Gandhi.

If anything, the film is a wish-list of what one would like to see in the arena of politics, which Sekhar should be lauded for even trying, though the
message that he sends out makes the film rather preachy in parts and somewhat idealistic.

There are certain elements like the love story and the item song which seem to be pander to the masses, and at odds with the serious nature of the film. It looks rather odd for the CM to be waiting for his 'girlfriend' Archana (Richa Gangopadhyay) in a restaurant with the black cats behind him! Agreed the CM is young but it didn't have to be so blatant (even though the wooing started off as a scheme as she was another politician's daughter).

There is a quite a bit of Gandhi in the film too. The modelling of the protagonist itself to some extent seems to be on Gandhi's ideals -- honesty, integrity and a state free of casteism.

A scene from LeaderIn fact one scene in the film resembles a scene from Richard Attenborough's
Gandhi. In the scene Arjun (before he becomes a CM) sees a woman in tattered clothes crossing the stream and throws his towel to her. As we recall, Gandhi (Ben Kingsley) threw his clothes to a woman in a river.

Performance:His choice Suhasini as Arjun's mother is good. She is the inspiration and motivation for Arjun to become CM and leader. Suhasini is a brilliant actress. She brings grace and dignity to her role.

Rana Daggubati suits the character of Arjun Prasad. He looks fresh and exudes confidence and seriousness. His body language too is right for the part.
An impressive debut, indeed.

Richa looks pretty and charming. Harshavardhan (who plays Ali) and Priya Anand (Ratna Prabha) are competent in their roles.
Kota, Subbaraju, Ahuti Prasad and Rao Ramesh are good as the other politicians.

Mickey J Meyer's music is good too. The background score is quite haunting in parts. AVM, the production house, ensures that the movie is technically good. Thota Tharani's sets are good while Vijay Kumar and Marthand Venkatesh take care of the camera and editing, respectively.

All in all, Leader may be a little far-fetched and utopian but it has been released in the state at a time of political uncertainty. When one is certainly bemoaning the lack of leaders it may perhaps prove to be a catalyst for change. Again a brillaint job from Sekhar.

Ratings:3.5/5

Sherlock Holmes Review

2010-01-10T14:30:00.004+05:30

Starring: Robert Downey, Jude Law, Rachel McAdams, Eddie Marsan, Mark Strong, Kelly Reilly, James Fox

Director: Guy Ritchie

Ratings: 3/5

What a magnificent return to form for director Guy Ritchie. His rendition of Arthur Conan Doyle's character is pumped with heavy duty steroids to take 'radical' to the very next level. What makes 'Sherlock Holmes' infectiously entertaining is that it never takes itself too seriously, which makes it easier for Robert Downey Jr to set the screen alight with his deliciously wry humour.

You don't have to be a big fan of Ritchie's movies to enjoy this flick, 'Sherlock' succeeds on so many levels you won't believe it until you see it. This is not just a one note action comedy, this is a certified franchise starter, complete with huge explosions, breakneck pacing, outrageously funny dialogues and an eerie mystery at its core. Think of this as a 19th century buddy cop movie, and its not too different from a sharper, witter version of Lethal Weapon. Robert Downey Jr is quite like the eccentric Mel Gibson who gets things done after piling on a huge mess, and Jude Law is Danny Glover contemplating retirement. But heck, there is so much fun to be had here you'd wish to return for a second viewing.

'Sherlock Holmes' does very well in borrowing a few choice titbits from the books, sample these lines - "The game is afoot", "You have a grand gift for silence, Watson. It makes you quite invaluable as a companion.", "Crime is common, logic is rare", "My mind rebels at stagnation" and "Data, data, data—I can't make bricks without clay". And Downey's dialogue delivery shockingly gives a humorous twang to all of them. Holmes affectionados will also be pleased to know there's the classic shot of the 221B Baker street appartment. And Irene Adler is one of the main characters in the film. With her Crown Diamond. Sheer genius.

Coming to the story, Holmes finds himself embroiled in an extraordinary case dealing with the villainous Lord Blackwood (played with startlingly affective menace by Mark Strong) dealing with Black Magic. Blackwood is arrested in the beginning of the film after Holmes crashes in on his Voodoo murder party. The court pronounces a death sentence and Blackwood is hung by his neck till death. Doc Watson checks the body's pulse. The corpse is cremated. Lo and behold, three days later an eyewitness sees Blackwood's body rise from the grave. And all hell breaks loose. Meanwhile there is a surreptitious, faceless second antagonist with ulterior motives lurking about in a wagon. The mystery is intense, the adventure is swashbuckling, the action scenes and editing are very Ritchie-esque with slow-mo and fast cuts nicely jelled together.

The cinematography and art direction deserve special mentions as Ritchie convincingly fleshes out the 19th century England of Doyle's books. The soundtrack is killer as it never derives from the cliched, blaring orchestra seen in most Hollywood films. The highlight of 'Sherlock Holmes', is of course the duo of Downey and Law who are completely committed to their characters. There's no way you won't be entertained with this product. Do give it a watch. But make sure you watch it in a theater which provides subtitles, for you're bound to miss a dry British wisecrack or two.

3 idiots review

2010-01-10T14:15:00.002+05:30

Director : Rajkumar

Cast : Aamir Khan, Sharman Joshi, R Madhavan, Kareena Kapoor

Rating :4/5

Based on Chetan Bhagat's novel, Five Point Someone (though only a miniscule part has been adapted from the book;
the rest is all original), here's a story of three friends studying in an engineering college Rancho (Aamir Khan),
Farhan (R Madhavan) and Raju (Sharman Joshi).
Rancho is the rebel among them always questioning things and believing that learning is more than just the usual mode of
education.

He encourages his friends to look beyond the ordinary and soon earns the wrath of the college director Viru Sahasrabuddhe
(Boman Irani).

Despite his fun and frolic, Rancho always surprises everyone by topping the class.
He even manages to win the affections of the director's daughter Pia (Kareena Kapoor).
But Rancho's greatest contribution lies is making his friends realise their true calling.

The twist comes when on Graduation Day. After being awarded the Student Of The Year title,
Rancho mysteriously disappears into oblivion.

Years later, Farhan and Raju, finding a common thread, embark on a journey to find their friend.
3 Idiots is a story of friendship, hope, aspirations and most importantly, the goodness of life.

With 3 Idiots, Rajkumar Hirani proves beyond doubt that there's no better storyteller than him in the present generation.

This isn't an easy film to make the interplay between characters and the narrative is interestingly woven.

The film switches from present to flashback mode often but not once does Hirani lose the momentum. The medley of emotions that he brings forth as he establishes the film's structure is indeed commendable.

Like the peppy Aal Izz Well song drawing towards a tragic climax it's so cleverly done that it has the desired effect. There are scenes that'll make you laugh, they'll make you cry and they'll make you think.

Hirani does it all so beautifully that you want to go back to college and relive all those moments.

The falling in love, the harassment by professors, the secret drinking sessions, the ragging of fellow students it's all there.

Hirani also sends across a message on student pressures but there's no preaching here it's all done in his inimitable style.

Most films have their own set of 'highlight' scenes.

3 Idiots is different because every scene is special and brings with it something that's out of the ordinary.

But there are a few that have a far lasting impact the entire ragging sequence; the camaraderie between Rancho and Pia; Chatur's (the 'brainy' student) hilarious speech; the entire black-and-white depiction of Raju's family; most of the scenes between Rancho and Viru; the sequences that lead to Raju's recovery in the hospital and many more. After a point, you just stop counting.

Dialogues are snappy and totally effective ("In India, you get a pizza in 30 minutes guaranteed but not an ambulance"). The soundtrack, background score and cinematography is top class.

Among the performances, Madhavan delivers his most retrained act ever. He takes the film back and forth with his narrative and is splendid even with comedy.

Sharman Joshi is brilliant, especially in his breakdown scenes. Boman Irani is sincere as expected, with his lisp act getting all the right nuances.

Kareena Kapoor gives her finest portrayal in recent times as Pia. Her "dhokla, fafda, thepla, khandwa, khakra" scene is simply too delicious. Here's a performance that proves why she's indeed the best we have.

The life and soul of 3 Idiots is of course Aamir Khan. His perfection lies in the fact that he makes everything look so easy and spontaneous.

And at all the right moments, he brings the film alive with his sheer brilliance. From his look to his walk to his manner of speech, Aamir breathes life into Rancho and that's what stays with us.

If you thought Aamir Khan couldn't get any better than he is, think again. Aamir is the heart and soul of 3 Idiots and he proves why he's simply a class apart.

Mahesh Babu movies are in flow

2009-11-30T23:33:00.003+05:30

Mahesh Babu is making the films without a break,this sounds good for the mahesh babu fans.The Prince is already busy with an untitled film with trivikram is going to make a movie with surendar reddy tittled as Mr.Perfect produced by R.R.Movie makers.According to the sources this movie is going to be biggest budjet film in telugu industary.He accepted another movie in the direction of Srinu Vitla and there are some of awaiting projects to be done with goutham minon and to act in Pokari sequal

Arya2 Movie Review

2009-11-30T23:18:00.003+05:30

Cast: Allu Arjun, Navdeep, Kajal Aggarwal, Shradda Das
Music: Devi Sri Prasad
Producer: Aditya Babu
Director: Sukumar
Release Date: November 27th, 2009
Rating:3/5

AARYA 2 is a much hyped movie and is said to be a preceded by 2004 movie ‘AARYA’.
The movie is said to be a musical hit and especially the song ‘Ringa Ringa…’ is a highlight to the movie. The movies moves on an average pace and the screenplay and the brief storyline are excellently carved.

Story
Allu Arjun and Navadeep are thick friends and from their childhood they compete in everything they face in life together. Navadeep always wants to be a step forward than Bunny (Allu Arjun) and is always competes with him in activities like studies, games, music, dance, and so on. But as expected Allu arjun wins finally and stays always a step forward than Navadeep.
Both the childhood friends get into a corporate company and the happening life is well displayed on screen. Incidentally, Kajal Agarwal enters the life of both the friends and the two falls in love with her in the first sight. Shraddha Arya also shares the screen space along with the heroine of course. There is a surprise character in a cameo role in this film
Navadeep expresses his love to his friend Bunny and asks him to help him out in the love matter. Allu Arjun sacrifices his love and with his funny and intellectual tricks helps Navadeep impress Kajal Agarwal.
Finally the big day arrives, and Allu Arjun finds that Kajal Agarwal is in love with him and not his friend Navadeep. Then the suspense element strikes the spine of the audiences. But in order to know that who will marry whom, please visit the theatres as soon as possible.

Actors Performance

The main plus point of this movie is definetly Allu Arjun his acting and dancing are amazing,Navadeep character remained dull through out Kajal looked innocent, beautiful and charming while Shraddha Das glued some oozing glamour to screen.while every department worked with all dedication it’s the flaw of director that marred the film.
Cinematography, Choreography and Music stood high but the director made a confused concoction and ruined entire show. He got confused with screenplay part in second half.

It’s the movie released with many expectations but finally ended up as a disappointment.

Fresh Talent Nedded for ATU-ITU

2009-11-30T22:45:00.002+05:30

Well known Telugu film Director Teja is on the lookout for a fresh 18 year old boy with innocent looks and height between 5.7” and 5.9’ to be cast in a powerful lead role in “ATU ITU”.
Around 40 new talented artists will be introduced through this film.ATU ITU produced by Jayam movies is an unusual Love Story. It is a story of a teenaged girl who falls in love with a boy who leads a luckless life. What follows in the movie thereafter is a gripping tale of surprising trials and inexplicable emotions.
Aspirants for the role can send their resume along with 2 Medium sized stills (one full figure and another close up photograph) by email to jayammovies@gmail.com. Or send 2 post card size pictures to the office at Jayam Movies, 224A Road No 17, Jubilee Hills Hyderabad. Lane next to Andhra Bank.
The film shoot is slated to begin in the 1st week of December and it will be
completed within two months. ‘Atu Itu’ will be shot around the picturesque locales of Pondicherry.

Children Film Festival 2009

2009-11-21T19:25:00.002+05:30

16th international children film week-long festival jointly organised by the Andhra Pradesh Government and Children’s Film Society of India (CSFI) came to an end here in hyderabad.
The festival screena nearly 70 films from various countries. As part of the film festival,
the school education department has already selected five children from each district in the State and nominated them as delegates. The organisers have also urged the Tourism Department to provide tourism information kits and also organise local site seeing tours for the delegates. Union Minister for Information & Broadcasting Ambika Soni was the chief guest and noted filmmaker, writer, poet, lyricist Gulzar was present on the occasion among other prominent personalities. The movies was be screened at eight venues including Imax theatre in the twin cities of Hyderabad and Secunderabad`Lalitkala thoranam’ was the main venue where the inaugural and concluding ceremonies was held. CFSI CEO Sushovan Banerjee and I&PR & Managing Director C Partha Sarathi were also present on the occasion among others.
For the information about international film entries vist www.cfsindia.org

Rana as Leader

2009-11-21T19:14:00.002+05:30

Sekhar Kammula next movie is Leader in which he introduces Rana(grandson of veteran producer D Rama Naidu, son of D Suresh Babu and nephew of superstar Venkatesh).
Leader is the 174th feature film of AVM Productions (M Saravanan, M S Guhan, Aparna Guhan, Aruna Guhan), the well-known production house.
Post-production work is going on and the audio release is slated to be held later this month.
Richa Gangopadhayaya and Priya Anand are the two heroines in the film's cast which also includes Suhasini Mani Ratnam, Suman, Tanikella Bharani, Kota Srinivasa Rao and Subbaraju.
Sekhar has a good technical team comprising of Thota Tharani (art), Vijay C Kumar (photography), Marthand K Venkatesh (editing), Veturi Sundararamoorthi (lyrics) and Mickey J Meyer (music).
The film revolves around the emergence of a young leader who fulfils his promise towards the people.
Sekhar Kammula scripts and directs this film, and given his penchant to make clean, entertaining and meaningful movies, Leader is being keenly awaited. This movie is expected to release on mid january

Arya 2 on 27 November

2009-11-21T12:04:00.002+05:30

We know that how Arya has become superhit in telugu industary with different story and it has became one the biggest musical hits.Now as sequal the arya 2 dircted by sukamar in lead roles as allu arjun,kajal,navadeep is going to release on november 27 the music was already in the stores
scored by davi sri prasad was creating much hype.

Ajab Prem Ki Ghazab Kahani Review

2009-11-16T11:57:00.002+05:30

Star Cast : Ranbir Kapoor, Katrina Kaif, Upen Patel;
Director :Rajkumar Santoshi;
Rating: 2/5.

The story begins with the showcase of ‘innocence tipping balance to foolishness’ of Prem (Ranbir Kapoor). That’s just the start of many Charlie Chaplinesque comical moments. Prem and his gang of good-for-nothing friends open up the Happy Club; read their hangout place where they try to solve their love problems or simply pass time. It’s when one of Prem’s friend needs to rescue his damsel in distress that his chance meeting of Jenny(Katrina Kaif) happens.

What till now was expected to be a romantic comedy turns into a slightly emotional film. However, there are some splendid moments when literally your human brain doesn’t know how to react. That’s where we bow to director Rajkumar Santoshi. For one, there’s a scene where Jenny stammers because she is upset. When Ranbir tries to console her he stammers too because he suffers from the same problem. Oh but Katrina doesn’t know this. So what does she do? One tight slap! ‘For making a mockery of my sad situation’- as she puts it. You simply don’t know how to react. You feel sorry for Ranbir, sorry for the hurt Katrina…but then why does the snigger sneak up on you then? Because the situation IS funny. You’ll know it when you go watch it. Oh yes, you can empty your wallet for this one!

However, don’t forget the mindless adjective used to describe this movie. Because simply it beats everyone whatever happened between Jenny and Prem on the bridge. It so obviously gives the impression that Jenny accepts Prem’s proposal?! Even so, when Prem goes to Goa to rescue Jenny from her forced marriage to Tony, Jenny spring out ‘Rahul’s name out of the blue. Err…excuse me? Who’s this new fella? Yes…so while we’re thinking that Prem’s world comes crashing down because Jenny apparently is in love with Rahul(Upen Patel), her school friend who’s returned from Canada.

But Prem had promised himself that he’d love Jenny with ‘no complaint, no demand.’ So the boy sticks with her and helps her get married to Rahul. However, the interaction between Prem and Rahul gets a bit drab.

This part of the film has been beautifully used for the subtle sarcasm of our country’s failings. Right from Rahul’s politician father Pitamber (Govind Namdeo) who doesn’t want his son to marry a Christian girls ’cause he’ll lose out on all the Hindu votes, to the part where a mail train can easily be stopped over a bridge for the convenience of lover-girl, and yes, the slice of media which behaves like ‘hungry wolves’ for juicy stories!

Jenny eventually realizes that she can never be happy with Rahul and that her true love is Prem. And at the end Prem’s grammatically incorrect English prayer to Jesus God is answered and his photo gets permanently stuck on Jenny’s heart!

Advertisements have been strategically hidden in the screenplay with even Ranbir mouthing his youngistaan dialougue- ‘Chaaho Toh Kuch Bhi Hai Asaan’.

Salman Khan easily proves why he is the sweetheart of so many. His cameo is mind blowing and even his dialogues are painfully witty!

Pritam’s scores are good. Tu jaane na takes you into a trance, Aatif Aslam’s another gift to India. Prem ki naiyya would simply refuse to stop ringing in your heads. None of the songs seem out of place and they’ve been shot in some of the best places!

Action sequences are good with smart special effects. But they are neither gritty nor gory. Infact, the combination of Prem n Jen doing action makes you feel like you’re watching a fusion of Superman and Power Puff Girls! Kids are sure to have a blast!!

Ranbir’s many avatar’s are awe-inspiring. He perfectly brings out the rawness of an uneducated person as well as the sophistication of a gentleman. Katrina is an eye-candy in every shot and a goddess in Tu jaane na. The movie has been superbly peppered with antics from the supporting cast too. Thanks to them the faked quirky horniness of Prem’s mother Shalini(Smita Jaykar), Shankar’s (Darshan Jariwala) efforts to straighten out his son, and the laughter infusing frustration of the broke Don Sajin (Zakir Hussain)have been nicely brought out.

Ajab Prem… will make you laugh if you stop questioning it. Your lover may have many shortcomings but you will still love him because that’s love. That’s what makes it strange. That’s what makes it amazing! Ajab Prem Ki Ghazab Kahani is a movie with many shortcomings but once you see it you can’t help loving it. That’s what makes it Ajab. That’s what makes it Ghazab!!

2012 Movie Review

2009-11-16T11:30:00.002+05:30

I have been waiting for this movie from the date this movie was officially launched. Atlast the movie was released and i am proud that this movie was first released in Andhra Pradesh.

Directed by Roland Emmerich
Starring John Cusack, Danny Glover, Thandie Newton, Oliver Platt, Amanda Peet, Chiwetel Ejiofor

The 2012 movie is brought to us by master of disaster Roland Emmerich, director of ID4, Godzilla, The Day After Tomorrow and 10,000 B.C. The preview is trying to sell us on effects awesomeness. Let’s strip away the bulls**t and see it for what it is - a likely sign of the moviepocalypse.
With 2012, as you probably could have guessed from the poster art of tidal waves crashing over the Himalayas, Emmerich is letting go of whatever restraint he might have had before. Clocking in at nearly three hours, boasting about a dozen major characters and at least half a dozen emotional death scenes, 2012 operates on the assumption that, if we liked seeing New York destroyed in The Day After Tomorrow and Washington D.C. zapped in Independence Day, we'll really love witnessing the wholesale destruction of the globe.

I hate to say it, but Emmerich is pretty much right. Far from conveying the horrors that might befall us should anything remotely so destructive happen, 2012 feels more like a soothing bath of Hollywood tropes and cliches, allowing us to witness Los Angeles slide into the ocean like Atlantis, but then warming us with a Woody Harrelson wisecrack and a rousing speech from Chiwetel Ejiofor. It's numbing, sure, especially when the first half is nothing but CGI explosion after another, but on some level it's exactly what we expect out of Hollywood-- shallow spectacle and a bevy of stars, an adventure and a few moral lessons, a giant budget spent guaranteeing we won't feel a bit different than we did when walking into the theater.

If there's any surprise at all in 2012, it's that Chiwetel Ejiofor, not John Cusack, is in fact the star of the film. We meet him in what amount to the film's prologue, a White House-employed geologist trying to prove to a cynical chief of staff (Oliver Platt, wonderfully hammy and villainous) that, in fact, the end is nigh. The cause is less important than the results-- giant fissures open up in the earth's surface, mountains turns to volcanos and skyscrapers turn to ash, and eventually tidal waves cover the entire earth's surface.

Billions of people die in the ensuing melee, but there are only a few we're instructed to care about. Chief among them is Cusack and his family, who start driving out of Los Angeles seconds before the destruction begins thanks to a tip from Woody Harrelson, who plays a Yellowstone-residing conspiracy theorist who saw the whole thing coming and made a YouTube video about it (Emmerich's nods toward modern concerns, like casting Danny Glover as the President and having characters constantly complain about cell service, head toward parody when Harrelson demands that Cusack "download my blog.") Plot mechanics too silly to describe require Cusack, his ex-wife (Amanda Peet), her new boyfriend (Tom McCarthy) and their cutesy kids (Liam James and Morgan Lily) to fly a series of planes on their way to China, where they intend to save their own skins in a manner that's best left discovered in the theater.

Somewhere along the way George Segal perishes on a cruise ship, Danny Glover does the heroic Presidential thing, a Russian oligarch and his bratty kids team up with Cusack and company, and the main players in Washington-- plus the President's comely daughter (Thandie Newton)-- all make their way to a souped-up version of Dick Cheney's undisclosed location. The final quarter of the film, while utterly unnecessary to the disaster elements, is also the best section, finally abandoning generic and plasticine CGI for situations that feel real and dangerous. There's no villain here, unless you count the merely loathsome Platt character, so it takes a lot of effort to keep putting the characters in danger, and by the end of the movie, Emmerich has most certainly run out ideas. But there's something about the scale of it all, or maybe the way seemingly random characters tie into the main plot, that keeps the train chugging along. When Ejiofor gets to make his hero speech, and certain bad characters make good at the eleventh hour, it's not quite a "This is our Independence Day!" moment, but it does come closer than any of Emmerich's films since then. Somehow he's got a real heart beating inside his movie, and no amount of groaner one-liners or thunderous explosions can take that away.

Emmerich claims that 2012 is his final disaster movie, unless Independence Day 2 ever gets off the ground, and the movie is nothing if not an indulgent curtain call for the man who figured out how much we like watching cinematic portrayals of our own demise. It's all the reasons we've ever loved or hated his movies, but also a reminder of why it's high time to move on. When he ends the movie, no lie, on a bathroom, joke, it's not exactly going out on top, but those of us who love Emmerich despite him wouldn't have wanted it any other way.

Ek Niranjan Review

2009-11-01T08:57:00.005+05:30

Cast: Prabhas, Kangana Ranaut, Sonu Sood, Tanikella, Makrand Deshpande, Mukul Dev, Posani, Ali,
Brahmanandam, Brahmaji, Abhinayasri, Sunil, Venu Madhav etc
Music: Mani Sharma
Story, dialogues, screenplay, director: Puri Jagannadh
Producer: Adithya Ram
Release date: 29/10/2009

When i saw the wallpapers and listen to the audio of the movie i thought this movie is going to be the blockbuster.
With this expectations i went to watch the movie but the same old story of puri movie was repeated Unfortunately,
the film does not live up to the expectations. This movie has created a much hype in the industry.

STORY:
As a child, Chotu (Prabhas) is separated from his family and picked up by Chidambaram (Makarand Deshpande).
Chidambaram makes him beg. But one day, Chotu helps the police catch Chidambaram, and is given a rupee for the act.
This makes Chotu realise that he can earn money by catching criminals for the police. And that's what he does.
He runs into Sameera (Kangna Ranaut), who is a guitar teacher but hardly plays the guitar.
She just has a bunch of kids vouching for her. Her brother -- whom Chotu is after -- works with Johnnybhai (Sonu Sood ).
Chotu and Sameera fall in love. But there is Johnnybhai to contend with, as well as an aspiring minister (Posani).

Puri tries to earnestly build up a deft screenplay with a wafer-thin story (which is increasingly becoming his trademark).
But the clichéd plot falls flat despite all the technical gimmicks (fights and all) and attempts to prop it up.
The less said of the comedy, the better. It's so inane and makes one wonder if it was necessary to insert the mindless scenes at all.
Even Johnnybhai's character was rather queer in depiction.

PERFORMANCE:

Prabhas is effortless as Chotu -- beating up people and romancing Sameera in Switzerland .
He acts well and the movie is watchable for him although he has developed a similar style in all his films.
An image change may do him good.Kangna's Telugu debut can't be really raved about.
She looks pretty but as far as performance goes, there's nothing much to write about as the script doesn't
have anything for her to showcase her acting skills.Sonu Sood, a constant in Puri's films, plays the villain with panache.
Makarand Deshpande can perhaps be asked why he did the role as it didn't demand someone of his calibre to play it.
One feels sorry for the comedians Brahmanandam, Venu Madhav, Ali and Sunil who are good actors but given some absurd parts to play.
Technically, Puri ensures that the film is in place. Shyam K Naidu's camerawork was in sync.
Mani Sharma's music can be heard and 'seen' on screen. Stun Siva's orchestration of fights in some parts is stylish.
Making a slick film is easy but filling it with content is important; the latter is where Puri seems to have lost out.
It is high time he takes stock of the situation and comes out of the Pokiri mould.

Rating:2.5/5

Top 10 Directors of Tollywood

2009-10-30T09:08:00.003+05:30

The listed 10 Directors in this article have made great contribution to Telugu Cinema.

10. K.Raghavendra Rao
K.Raghavendra Rao is best commercial director of Telugu Cinema.He is the second director who made more than 100 films.K.Raghavendra Rao was pioneer in elevating the standards of Tollywood.He was instrumental in boosting the careers of actresses such as Sridevi,Jayaprada,Vijayashanti, Radha, Ramya Krishna and Radhika.
Though he is known for making commercial films,he made many films which are feminine orientedlike Jyoti,Aame Katha and Kalpana and devotional films like Annamayya,Manjunatha,Sri Ramdasuand Pandurangadu.He directed 2 Hindi films Himmatwala and Tofah.
K.Raghavendra Rao has left his trademarks in Telugu Industry like making the heroine dance in the rain(Sridevi,Jayaprada etc.),dropping of water,flowers,fruits,ice cubes etc..on Navel and cleavage,the songs in his film are decorated with flowers,fruits,pots,etc..,.
Total Filmography: http://www.imdb.com/name/nm0706484/

9. Dasari Narayana Rao
Dasari Narayana Rao who is now a politician is one of the most influential director of Tollywood.
He is the first director who has directed more than 100 films,he is the best screenwriter telugucinema.
Dasari Narayana Rao directed films realted to human emotions,dowry,feminine,social films.
He is one of the important man who made N.T.Rama Rao as the Chief Minister of Andhra Pradesh as his films Bobbili Puli and Sardar Paparayudu marked his
entry into politics.
Filmography: http://www.imdb.com/name/nm0201927/

8. V.Madhusudhan Rao
V.Madhusudhan Rao is one of the important and prominent people of Telugu Cinema as he introduced different genre’s to Telugu Cinema.
Nagarjuna made his debut with the film ‘Vikram’ directed by V.Madhusudhan Rao.Antasthulu, Aradhana and krishnaveni are his notable works.
Filmography: http://www.imdb.com/name/nm0710615/

7. Bomireddi Narasimha Reddy
Bomireddi Narasimha Reddy is one of the directors who made successful films before and after India’s Independence.
He made classic films like Vande Mataram (1939),Swargaseema (1945) and Malliswari (1951).
He was the first person to receive the prestigious 'Dada Saheb Phalke Award' from South India. Earlier He was honored with Padmabhushan by government of
India.
Fimography: http://www.imdb.com/name/nm0714690/

6.Bapu
Bapu is one of the best directors of Tollywood who made films in the most peculiar way.
He infused the nativity of our country in his films.The memorable films which he made are Saakshi,Muthyala Muggu,Seetha Kalyanam,Manavoori Pandavulu,
Manthri gari Viyyankudu,Pelli Pustakam and Mr. Pellam.Bapu made many films like Hum Paanch (1980),Bezubaan (1981),Woh Saat Din (1983),Mohabbat (1985),
Pyari Behna (1985) Mera Dharam (1986),Pyaar Ka Sindoor (1986),Diljalaa (1987),Prem Pratigyaa (1989) and Pramaatma (1994).
Bapu is also known as a painter,cartoonist and designer.He has also introduced a new style of cursive writing in Telugu.
The font is his own handwriting and reflects the same simplicity as his art.
Fimography: http://www.imdb.com/name/nm0052677/

5.Hanumappa Muniappa Reddy
H.M.Reddy is known for making the first telugu talkie film Bhakta Prahlada (1931).
he worked as assistant to Ardeshir Irani, creator of the first Indian talkie Alam Ara(1931).
He is the director of the classic films Tenali Ramakrishna, Kalidas and Gruha Lakshmi.
He introduced Nagaiah and other artists to the film industry
Fimography: http://www.imdb.com/name/nm0714760/

4.Kadri Venkata Reddy
Kadri Venkata Reddy is one of the greatest filmmaker of Andhra Pradesh. Famously known as K.V.Reddy
Every film directed and written by him is a classic.He made memorable films like Bhakta Potana (1942),Patala Bhairavi (1951),Donga Ramudu (1955),
and Maya Bazaar (1957).K.V. Reddy's Donga Ramudu (1955) starring ANR and Savitri is included in FTII Poona's Curriculum for the craft of movie making at its best.
Filmography: http://www.imdb.com/name/nm0714762/

3.Jandhyala
Jandhyala will be remembered forever for his comedy films.Apart from being a good Director he is a writer who has shown a different way of Screenwriting.
He was given the National Award for his film Ananda Bhairavi.He introduced comedy actors like Naresh, Brahmanandam, Suthivelu and Suthi Veerabhadra Rao to
Telugu film Industry.Most of the films of N.T.Rama Rao were written by Jandhyala.

His famous quote (Telugu) “Navvadam oka bhogam, Navvinchadam oka yogam, Navvalekapovadam oka rogam”.
(English) “Laugh is a gift,making others laugh is a great ability,Unable to laugh is a big disease”
Filmography: http://www.imdb.com/name/nm0417386/

2. L.V.Prasad
L.V.Prasad started his carerre by working for a monthly salary of 30 rupees in the Imperial Light Company.
Ardeshir Irani was the owner of the company and was trying to make the first talkie in India. Irani made Alam Ara, the first talkie in India and
the first Hindi talkie in which Prasad played the role of an extra. Prasad also made an acquaintance with H. M. Reddy, who was assisting Irani.
Reddy was from Yelahanka, Karnataka and had left the job of a Police Constable to pursue his dreams in films.
Reddy was given the opportunity to direct the first Telugu talkie by Irani and he promptly cast Prasad in a bit role in the first Telugu talkie,
Bhakta Prahalada. Prasad also acted in Kalidasa, the first Tamil film, around the same time. Thus, he had the unique distinction of acting in
the first talkies in Hindi, Telugu and Tamil.

The classics directed by L.V.Prasad are Griha Pravesham,Palanati yuddham,Mana Desam,Missamma,Appu Chesi Pappu Koodu
and Pelli chesi choodu.He made memorable hindi films like Sasural, Jeene Ki Raah, Khilona,Bidaai and Ek Duuje Ke Liye.
Filmography: http://www.imdb.com/name/nm0695264/

1. Kasinadhuni Viswanath
K.Viswanath is the best director Telugu Film Industry has ever seen.Every film made by him is a gem.
His films have won many National and State Awards.The films which received National Awards are Sankarabharanam,Saptapadi,Sagara Sangamam,Swathi Muthyam,
Sruthi Layalu and Swarabhishekam.He has also been given the Padmashri Award.Swathi Muthyam was India’s official entry to the Oscars in 1986.
I feel that no one can surpass the greatness of K.Viswanath when it comes to direct a film on Indian music,culture and art in the modern era.

Rakesh Roshan asked K.Viswanath to direct a film with Hrithik Roshan,he could not do it as he did not find a good script for Hrithik Roshan.
The greatness of Chiranjeevi and Kamal Hassan can be seen when you watch the films of them which have been directed by K.Viswanath.Chiranjeevi acted in
Subhalekha (1982),Swayamkrushi (1987) and Aapathbandhavudu (1992).Kamal Hassan acted in Saagara Sangamam (1983),Swathi Muthyam (1985) and
Subha Sankalpam (1995).K.Vishwanath also directed Hindi films Aurat Aurat Aurat (1996),Dhanwaan (1993),Sangeet (1992),Eeshwar (1989),Sanjog (1985),
Sur Sangam (1985),Jaag Utha Insan (1984),Shubh Kaamna (1983),Kaamchor (1982) and Sargam (1979).
Filmography: http://www.imdb.com/name/nm0899649/

There are still some directors who made Telugu stand at some heights

Nandi Awards For 2008

2009-10-25T23:35:00.003+05:30

Hearty congratulations to the Nandi Award Winners

Nandi Awards for the year 2008 was declared by the 14-member AP State Nandi Film Awards Committee headed by Thammareddy Bharadwaja on Saturday.Arundhati bagged 10 awards gamyam which makes to learn about life bagged 4 awards includung best film.
Neninthe,Nachavule,Ready,1940 lo oka gramam each got 3 awards respectively.
There were no eligible entries for the first best film award under the children’s,documentary and education film categories. Mr. Bharadwaja said that the quality of the film entries they received was much better this year.The jury also sent a message,by not giving first best award when there were no deserving entries in some categories,that only quality work would be considered for Nandi awards.

Best Film : Gamyam

Second best feature film : Vinayakudu

Third best feature film : Parugu

The best home-viewing feature film : Ashta Chamma

The best popular feature film award : Ready

Best Children film : No Entry

Second Best Children film : Durgi

Best documentary film : No Entry

Second best documentary film : Memu Manushulame

First best educational film : No Entry

Second best educational film : Adavi Naa Thalliro

Best Director : Jagarlamudi Radha Krishna (Gamyam)

Best Actor : Ravi Teja (Neninthe)

Best Actress : Swathi (Ashta Chamma)

Best Supporting Actor : E.Naresh (Gamyam)

Best supporting Actress : Raksha (Nacchavule)

Best Lyric Writer : Ch. Seetharama Sastry (Gamyam)

Best Song : Enthavaraku and Endukoraku (Gamyam)

Best feature film on national integration : 1940 Lo Oka Gramam

Best character actor : Mukku Raju(1940 lo oka gramam)

Best comedian : Brahmanandam (Ready)

Best comedian actress : No Entry

Best Villain : Sonu Sood (Arundhati)

Best child actor : Master Bharath (Ready)

Best child actress : Baby Divya Nagesh (Arundhati)

Best first film of a director : Sai Kiran Adavi (Vinayakudu)

Best screenplay writer : A. Karunakaran (Ullasanga Uthsahanga)

Best story writer : R.P. Patnaik (Andamaina Manasulo)

Best dialogue writer : Puri Jagannadh (Neninthe)

Best cinematographer : Chotak K. Naidu (Kotha Bangaru Lokam)

Best Music Director :Mickey J. Mayer (Kotha Bangaru Lokam)

Best male playback singer : Shankar Mahadevan (Venkatadri)

Best female playback singer : Geetha Madhuri Ninne Ninne (Nachavule) .

Best director of Children film : No Entry

Best editor : Marthand K Venkatesh(Arundhati)

Best art director : Ashok (Arundhati)

Best Choreographer : Prem Rakshit (Kantri)

Best audiographer : Radhakrishna & Madhusudhan Reddy (Arundhati)

Best costume designer : Deepa Chandar (Arundhati)

Best makeup artiste : Ramesh Mahanti (Arundhati)

Best fight master : Ram - Lakshman (Neninthe)

Best male dubbing artiste : P Ravi Shankar (Arundhati)

Best female dubbing artiste : R Haritha (Nachavule)

Best special effects : Rahul Nambiar (Arundhati)

Special jury award(male) : Allu Arjun (Parugu)

special jury awards(Female) : Anushka (Arundhati)

Special jury award(Film) : Bathukamma

Special Jury Award : Suseela (1940 lo oka gramam)

Best book on Telugu cinema : Arudra Cine Mini kaburlu

Best film critic on Telugu Cinema : Parcha Sarath Kumar

JayeeBhava Review

2009-10-24T20:25:00.002+05:30

Cast: Kalyan Ram Nandamuri,Hansika Motwani,Mukesh Rushi,Asish Vidyardhi,Jaya Prakash Reddy,Chalapati Rao,Ali,Brahmanandam.
Music: SS Thaman
Written and directed by: Naren Kondepati
Producer: Kalyan Ram Nandamuri
I think Kalyan Ram takes good care of the movie under his production.Undoubtedly this movie watchable.
Plot:
Bhavani (Mukesh Rishi) and Narasimha (Jayaprakash) are best friends turned foes due to misunderstandings caused by Yadu (Ashish). This is told to Ram (Kalyan), son of Bhavani and he decides to play game with Yadu. He is successful in that but in due course falls in love with Anjali (Hansika). However, a sequence of events takes place and Ram realizes that Anjali is the daughter of Narasimha. Now, he has to ensure that both sworn enemies come together to accept for his marriage with Anjali. Whether he is successful or not forms the rest of the story.
Analysis:
The film relies mostly on the technical aspects and the focus has been on the style and presentation than the content and punch in the story. While the first half is just okay, the real story picks up in second half and there are traces of movies like ‘Dhee’ ‘Ready’ etc and protagonist using brain than brawn has become the in thing now. The mass audience would relish the presence of Hansika, songs and the comedy part but overall, there is no rhythm and there are fluctuations in the depiction of emotions. The film is good in parts but on a whole there should be something more. The movie is on the lines of ‘Ready’ but could have handled with more power in dialogues and screenplay.
Performances:
Kalyan Ram has given a standard performance and there is nothing new or variety that he offered.
Hansika motwani has turned out to be a real gorgeous doll after her last movie ‘Kantri’. She looks sexy and wears some really attractive outfits and this would provide a visual delight. Performance is as usual but her beauty overshadows most of her drawbacks.
Mukesh Rishi,Jayaprakash Reddy- both senior actors came up with a standard performance but the makers could have looked at extracting more from Mukesh. Jayaprakash Reddy gives the required dose of humor, performance and the bad looks. Both of them are versatile.
Brahmanandam, Ali, Raghu Babu- the trio has come up with decent performances but the energy could have been better in the line. Raghu Babu in particular is good and he does these roles very well.
Ratings:2.5/5

Top 10 film institutes in USA

2009-10-23T21:34:00.001+05:30

New York University
University of Southern California
University of California - L.A.
American Film Institute
California Institute of the Arts
Columbia University (N.Y.C.)
School of the Arts Institute of Chicago
University of Texas - Austin
Florida State University
Northwestern University (IL)

National Institute of Dramatic Art

2009-10-23T18:53:00.001+05:30

The National Institute of Dramatic Art (NIDA) is an Australian national training institute for students of theatre, film, and television, based in the Sydney suburb of Kensington. It is supported by the federal Department of the Environment, Water, Heritage and the Arts. NIDA is located adjacent to, and has a strong relationship with, the University of New South Wales. It is a member of the "Australian Roundtable for Arts Training ExcellenceHistory

Established in 1958, the National Institute of Dramatic Art was opened in 1959 with only 23 students and two staff members. The only course offered was in acting. Over the years, courses in areas such as film production, design, theatre director, and theatre crafts were added.
[edit] Admission

Admission to NIDA is extremely selective, and its auditions highly competitive; on average, only one out of every one hundred applicants is accepted. Each year, approximately 24 actors, 13 production students, eight designers, four properties students and four costume students are admitted. Every two years, up to three people are usually admitted to the scenic construction diploma course.

Graduates from the institution's three-year tertiary education program have gone on to national and international success.
[edit] Campus
The National Institute of Dramatic Art complex

In April 2002 the new NIDA complex was opened. NIDA's facilities include:

* A 725-seat proscenium arch style theatre with stalls, two galleries, a large stage, fly tower and orchestra pit (Parade Theatre)
* A self-contained flexible studio theatre, seating 155, with a wrap-around mezzanine and steeply raked seating (Parade Playhouse, formally the NIDA Theatre)
* Two intimate 80-120 seat spaces with flexible seating arrangement (Parade Studio and Space)
* Reg Grundy Studio for film and television training and production
* A new library to accommodate NIDA's theatre and media collection of books, videos, CDs, audio-visuals and multi-media
* New rehearsal rooms for training, outside hire, and NIDA's Corporate Performance and Open Program courses.
* A foyer space for formal occasions such as product launches, conferences, and sit-down dinners for 300 people.
* Scenery, Properties and Costume workshops for manufacturing and maintaining production elements of NIDA productions
* Lighting and Sound studios for the training of students

[edit] Courses

The National Institute of Dramatic Art provides excellence in training for entertainment professionals including; full-time courses, short courses and corporate training. The award winning theatre complex hosts in-house and commercial productions. NIDA houses Australia's largest performing arts library and a broad range of theatre resources and archives.
[edit] Full-time

Full-time courses at the National Institute of Dramatic Art include:

* Acting
* Directing
* Design
* Voice Studies
* Production
* Movement Studies
* Production Crafts – Costumes
* Scenery Construction
* Production Crafts – Properties

[edit] Short courses

The National Institute of Dramatic Art also offers a range of short courses, each relating to the dramatic arts. Such subject areas include acting, design, Production, directing and voice, all of which are offered to members of the general public.

The Corporate Performance department provides executives and business professionals with access to some of the most outstanding acting, voice and movement practitioners in Australia for training in improving business presentations and communications.
[edit] Staff
Entrance to the National Institute of Dramatic Art complex

The National Institute of Dramatic Art has many prominent industry professionals visit the institute throughout the teaching year to assist in the training of students in their selected fields.

* CEO & Director: Lynne Williams
* Operations Director: Russell Mitchell
* Student&Staff Services Director: Julia Selby

* Head of Acting: Tony Knight
* Head of Movement: Julia Cotton
* Head of Design: Michael Scott Mitchell
* Head of Directing: Egil Kipste
* Head of Production: Mikkel Mynster
* Head of Production Crafts: Nick Day
* Head of Costumes: Fiona Reilly
* Head of Scenery: Tony Pierce
* Head of Open Program: Mark Gaal
* Head of Corporate Performance: Barbara Warren

* Technical Manager: Robert Kelly
* Facilities Manager: Peter Fisher
* Venue Manager: Les Currie
* Manager, IT: Uday Krishna Puttagunta

[edit] Program

Each course at NIDA is dependent on all the others. Actors, stage managers, designers, costume makers, craftspeople and people who look after the audience are all part of an interdependent team. The creative and professional dynamics of that team is the core of good theatre. Play productions are NIDA's most important teaching activity, with around 25 plays being produced at NIDA each year.

Each course is centred on training practitioners for work in a demanding and unpredictable industry. Each day provides students with a structured series of activities, which balance the acquisition of vocational skills with artistic excellence.

All the full-time courses are conducted in two modes. The first, the Teaching Program, consists of formal class work, practical instruction, seminars and research, often supplemented by periods of secondment in the industry. As part of the teaching program, students attend formal classes, seminars and/or discussion groups each morning.

The second mode, the Production Program, provides practical learning experiences. Each student is given the opportunity to practise the intellectual, imaginative and technical skills acquired in the Teaching Program, working in the performance, design, manufacture or management of productions for presentation to the general public. Production work involves afternoon, night and weekend rehearsals or performances.

The NIDA School Year consists of three terms of 11 to 16 weeks. Courses usually commence in early February and end in mid-November.
[edit] Productions

Play productions are the National Institute of Dramatic Art's most important teaching activity. Actors in particular learn by repetition, by performing a role many times in the theatre before different audiences. Once they have acquired the basic skills, students in the other courses learn by taking on the kinds of responsibilities they will be faced with in the industry.

All NIDA plays are a microcosm of the industry, with every element of the production from lighting and set construction to costumes and properties being produced by the students.
[edit] Graduate careers

Graduates of the National Institute of Dramatic Art's full-time courses go on to work in a range of careers, in industries including film, theatre, television, opera, dance, animation, puppetry and events.

Career options for the NIDA graduate include:

* Actor
* Movement Coach
* Voice-over artist
* Voice Coach
* Performance Artist
* Choreographer
* Stage Manager
* Director
* Production Designer
* Scenery Maker
* Set Designer
* Special Effects Technician
* Costume Designer
* Properties Maker
* Lighting Designer
* Scenic Artist
* Sound Designer
* Costume Maker

NIDA courses are professionally effective and there is a high rate of employment of graduates in the expanding Australian and international arts entertainment industry.
for further assistance go to http://www.nida.edu.au

Aadhavan review

2009-10-23T17:03:00.003+05:30

Starring :Suriya, Nayantara, Saroja Devi, Murali, Sayaji Shinde, Vadivelu,Rahul Dev.
Direction :K.S.Ravikumar
Music :Harris Jayaraj
Producer :Udhayanidhi Stalin
Release Date : 17.10.09
Ratings : 2.5/5
The main drawback of this movie is there is no logic.
Aadhavan (Surya),a sharp shooter has never missed his target until now. But when he is assigned by Dr.Reddy (Rahul Dev) to bump off a magistrate Subramaniam (Late Actor Murali), ready to unveil the list of culprits involved in organ-racketeering of poor children. Unfortunately, Aadhavan misses his target on magistrate and now hatches plans to get into his house to accomplish this task. But every time, he concocts a fantastic plan to kill the magistrate, he’s fails terribly with it.
Does Aadhavan succeed with this mission or not forms crux of the story with a sudden twist in climax.
Surya plays his part well as directed by Ravikumar.But his dancing style remains the same in all the songs. As well the stunt sequences in assassination drama remind us of “Ayan’.In some comedy sequences,it’s more evident that Surya imitates Vijay. But it’s Vadivelu stealing the show with his fabulous comedy tracks. Indeed, he offers more substantiality to the film with best humour quotients. Nayanthara has nothing to perform and looks aged.Saroja Devi does justice to the role.Rahul Dev sleepwalks through his role and so does Shayaji Shinde.Late actor Murali excels with his usually seen overpowering performance.
Musical score by Harris Jayaraj fails to live up to expectations. Barring the title song and the final one “Hasiliye’, none of the songs seems to be enjoyable. The backgrounds score could’ve been yet better.Cinematography is exquisitely done while Don Max’s editing is sleek and stylish.The first hour moves around with action, fun while the latter part keeps dragging. Ramesh Khanna could’ve penned a yet more powerful story and the screenplay stumbles down halfway post-intermission.
Aadhavan is disappointing for those audiences who expected a lot from Surya.

Blue review

2009-10-23T16:33:00.002+05:30

Starring: Akshay Kumar, Sanjay Dutt, Lara Dutt, Zayed Khan, Katrina Kaif
Director : Anthony D’Souza
Musician : A R Rahman

For me it is the awaited movie of the year,atlast i made it but i felt dissopented for watching this movie.Story is very poor one and there is no doubt in this fact that they have includes some special effects and visuals in this film that has not seen previously. It is an action movie which contains brilliant actions and stunts of Akshay Kumar who is famous for his stints in Indian movies. But where is the script of the film? Has it written by some professional script writer or it is just a mixture of weird thinking.The story of the movie revolves around a treasure that is under deep blue water of ocean. The treasure is of those Britain rich persons who were came in India before 1947. On there way back to Britain in 1949, the ship wrecks in Bahamas and treasure lost into water for more than a half century.The movie opens with two friends fishing in Bahamas Aarav (Akshay Kumar) and Sagar (Sunjay Dutt). They use to call themselves as “Sarkar” and “Sethji”. Sarkar is a rich dude while Sethji is a romantic person and is in love of a stunning, gorgeous beauty (Lara Dutta) who is half of his age.Sagar’s brother Sam (Zayad Khan) is on bad terms with his brother without any reason. He is a weird person with weird habits. He is flirt and loves racing with bikes.As there is no screenplay in this movie so, viewers will be bound to see only bike racings. Despite the movie is made underwater but there is no use of aquatic life in movie. But you will see Akshay Kumar having stunts with Sharks. The background is fail to create drama, dialogues have no proper sense. But there are also some things which are good in this film. For example: A.R Rehman’s music, fascinating cinematography, art design, the suspense, and dress designing.

Ratings:1.5/5

Happy Diwali

2009-10-14T20:31:00.002+05:30

I wish all the readers advance happy diwali

Mahatma movie review

2009-10-10T13:43:00.002+05:30

Cast: Srikanth, Bhavana, Jayaprakash Reddy, Uttej, Ram Jagan, Ahuti Prasad, Brahmanandam and others
Dialogues: Parachuri Brothers
Music: Vijay Anthony
Produced by: C R Manohar
Story, screenplay and directed by: Krishnavamsi
Release date: October 9, 2009
Ratings:3.5/5
Mahatma is positive from the first day first show watchers. Telugu Movie Mahatma is released on 9th oct 2009 and is 100th film of actor Srikanth which is based on the present day social and political scenario.
In Mahatma film Srikanth plays a charectar of a rowdy by name Das who gets attracted to film industry . Das then he gets influenced by the ideologies of Mahatma Gandhi
The take-off of the movie is pretty hysterical with the title song ‘Talayetti jeevinchu Tammudaa..’ But the actual story wouldn’t start till the interval bang. The beginning of second half promises bigger things but that goes with various ups and downs. First 45 minutes of the movie goes in run of the mill style and that could have been confined to 20 minutes jumped into actual story.
The song ‘Indiramma inti peru kaadura Gandhi’ that raised controversy was changed to ‘Konthamandi inti peru kaadura Gandhi’. But Censor didn’t bother to cut down the word ‘f...k off’ used by artiste Jyothy for Kalarani character in first half.
Director seems to have ignored masses and that is evident through his selection of heroine and the get up given to her. Any other heroine would have aptly fitted in the requirement.
On a whole, the spirit of non violence, truth, accepting the mistake and perseverance are conveyed in this attempt through some scenes. But more homework should have done to make it a better product since the title is ‘Mahatma’!!!
Watch it at least to know the value of Gandhiji once again.

Ninnu Kalisaka review

2009-10-07T12:53:00.003+05:30

Rating: 2/5
Cast: Santosh Samrat, Chaitanya Krishna, Dipa Shah, Piaa Bajpai, Jagapati Babu, Krishnudu, Sivanageswara Rao
Music: Sunil Kashyap
Producer: Ramoji Rao.
Screenplay, Dialogues & Director: Siva Nageswara Rao.
Story:
Abhiram (Santosh Samrat) and Deepti (Deepa Shah) are in love. Bindu (Pia Bajpai) and Chandu (Chaitanya Krishna) are another pair in love. Ambiram and Bindu are sent to USA for an on-site project. They meet for the first time in the flight. Being the colleagues in USA project, they become friends. And their intimacy leads to the feelings of love, but they don't express to each other. Meanwhile, Deepti and Chandu become good friends and they enjoy each other's company. The rest of the story is all about if Abhiram and Bindu express their love to each other or not.

Performance:
This film sports four new actors in the lead roles. All of them are decent. Abhiram suited the role. Deepa Shah is adequate. Chaitanya Krishna is energetic and expressive. Pia Bajpai's character has depth and she justified the role and she is glamorous too. Jagapati Babu has done a guest role as himself and he is very good. Krishnudu is wasted in this movie and he didn't suit that characterization at all. Siva Nageswara Rao did a cameo as Prem Baba. Though his dialogue delivery is good, he looked little camera conscious. MS Narayana and Master Bharath did a comedy track and both of them are unappealing. Most of the other characters are done by new artists. Music by Sunil Kashyap is an asset.
The background music is also interesting. If he gets a right project, Sunil will shine well commercially. Cinematography by BL Sanjay is neat. Art direction is nice. Editing is slack. This movie is an example of the excellent production and post-production facilities Ramoji Film City possess.
The story idea is nice. But the screenplay is uninteresting. The director could able to handle the climax adequately well, but didn't do justice to the rest of the movie.

The basic story idea is good and execution of the movie is bad. The plus points are music, cinematography and reasonable climax.

Top Directors in Hollywood

2009-10-04T22:27:00.016+05:30

I asked some of my friends to tell me the top directors of hollywood every body mentioned just Steven Spielberg and and some mentioned Peter Jackson(lord of the rings) but this shows our knowledge about hollywood movies .According to the Guardian the top 10 directors of Hollywood are
1. David Lynch
2. Martin Scorsese 3. Joel and Ethan Coen

4. Steven Soderbergh

5. Terrence Malick

6. Abbas Kiarostami

7. Errol Morris

8. Hayao Miyazaki

9. David Cronenberg

10. Terence Davies

Making of Movies

2009-10-04T21:36:00.003+05:30

So many people are interested in making movies ,but they dont no basics of making the movie actually me to interested in making movies.I know some basics in making movies so i am interested to share my views.
Movie Making occurs in five stages:[1]

* Development—The script is written and drafted into a workable blueprint for a film.
* Pre-production—Preparations are made for the shoot, in which cast and crew are hired, locations are selected, and sets are built.
* Production—The raw elements for the finished film are recorded.
* Post-Production—The film is edited; production sound (dialogue) is concurrently (but separately) edited, music tracks (and songs) are composed, performed and recorded; sound effects are designed and recorded; and any other computer-graphic 'visual' effects are digitally added, all sound elements are mixed into "stems" then the stems are mixed then married to picture and the film is fully completed ("locked").
* Sales and distribution—The film is screened for potential buyers (distributors), is picked up by a distributor and reaches its cinema and/or home media audience.

Development

In this stage, the project's producer finds a story, which may come from a book, play, another film, a true story, original idea, etc. After identifying a theme or underlying message, the producer works with writers to prepare a synopsis. Next they produce a step outline, which breaks the story down into one-paragraph scenes that concentrate on dramatic structure. Next, they prepare a treatment, a 25 to 30 page description of the story, its mood, and characters. This usually has little dialog and stage direction, but often contains drawings that help visualize key points.

Next, a screenwriter writes a screenplay over a period of several months. The screenwriter may rewrite it several times to improve dramatization, clarity, structure, characters, dialogue, and overall style. However, producers often skip the previous steps and develop submitted screenplays which investors, studios, and other interested parties assess through a process called script coverage. A film distributor may be contacted at an early stage to assess the likely market and potential financial success of the film. Hollywood distributors adopt a hard-headed business approach and consider factors such as the film genre, the target audience, the historical success of similar films, the actors who might appear in the film, and potential directors. All these factors imply a certain appeal of the film to a possible audience and hence the number of "bums on seats" during the theatrical release. Not all films make a profit from the theatrical release alone, so film companies take DVD sales and worldwide distribution rights into account.

The producer and screenwriter prepare a film pitch, or treatment, and present it to potential financiers. If the pitch is successful, the film receives a "green light", meaning someone offers financial backing: typically a major film studio, film council, or independent investor. The parties involved negotiate a deal and sign contracts.
[edit] Pre-production
Main article: Pre-production

In pre-production, the film is designed and planned. The production company is created and a production office established. The production is storyboarded and visualized with the help of illustrators and concept artists. A production budget is drawn up to plan expenditures for the film.

The producer hires a crew. The nature of the film, and the budget, determine the size and type of crew used during film making. Many Hollywood blockbusters employ a cast and crew of hundreds, while a low-budget, independent film may be made by a skeleton crew of eight or nine (or fewer). These are typical crew positions:

* The director is primarily responsible for the acting in the film and managing creative functions.
* The assistant director (AD) manages the shooting schedule and logistics of the production, among other tasks. First AD and second AD are different jobs with different responsibilities.
* The casting director finds actors to fill the parts in the script. This normally requires that actors audition. Lead actors are carefully chosen, often based on the actor's reputation or "star power."
* The location manager finds and manages film locations. Most pictures are shot in the controllable environment of a studio sound stage but occasionally, outdoor sequences call for filming on location.
* The production manager manages the production budget and production schedule. They also report, on behalf of the production office, to the studio executives or financiers of the film.
* The director of photography (DP or DoP) or cinematographer creates and supervises the photography of the entire film
* The director of audiography (DOA) or audiographer creates and supervises the audiography of the entire film. In Western productions, this role is usually performed by the supervising sound editor.
* The production sound mixer is the head of the sound department during the production stage of filmmaking. They record and mix the audio (dialogue in mono, room tone in mono, ambience in stereo and sound effects in mono) on the set. They work with the director, DOA, DOP, and 1st AD.
* The sound designer creates the aural conception of the film[2], working with the DOA, supervising sound editor and composer.
* The composer creates new music for the film.
* The production designer creates the visual conception of the film, working with the art director[3].
* The art director manages the art department, which makes production sets
* The costume designer creates the clothing for the characters in the film working closely with the actors, as well as other departments.
* The make up and hair designer works closely with the costume designer in addition to create a certain look for a character.
* The storyboard artist creates visual images to help the director and production designer communicate their ideas to the production team.
* The choreographer creates and coordinates the movement and dance - typically for musicals. Some films also credit a fight choreographer.

Production

See also: Cinematography and Audiography
Sesame Workshop crews film an improvised segment of Sesame Street, a children's series, on location in Washington Square Park in New York City.

In production the film is created and shot. More crew will be recruited at this stage, such as the property master, script supervisor, assistant directors, stills photographer, picture editor, and sound editors. These are just the most common roles in filmmaking; the production office will be free to create any unique blend of roles to suit a particular film.

A typical day's shooting begins with the crew arriving on the set/location by their call time. Actors usually have their own separate call times. Since set construction, dressing and lighting can take many hours or even days, they are often set up in advance.
The grip, electric and production design crews are typically a step ahead of the camera and sound departments: for efficiency's sake, while a scene is being filmed, they are already preparing the next one.

While the crew prepare their equipment, the actors are wardrobed in their costumes and attend the hair and make-up departments. The actors rehearse the script and blocking with the director, and the camera and sound crews rehearse with them and make final tweaks. Finally, the action is shot in as many takes as the director wishes. Most American productions follow a specific procedure:

The assistant director calls "picture is up!" to inform everyone that a take is about to be recorded, and then "quiet, everyone!" Once everyone is ready to shoot, he calls "roll sound" (if the take involves sound), and the production sound mixer will start their equipment, record a verbal slate of the take's information, and announce "sound speed" when they are ready. The AD follows with "roll camera", answered by "speed!" by the camera operator once the camera is recording. The clapper, who is already in front of the camera with the clapperboard, calls "marker!" and slaps it shut. If the take involves extras or background action, the AD will cue them ("action background!"), and last is the director, telling the actors "action!".

A take is over when the director calls "cut!", and camera and sound stop recording. The script supervisor will note any continuity issues and the sound and camera teams log technical notes for the take on their respective report sheets. If the director decides additional takes are required, the whole process repeats. Once satisfied, the crew moves on to the next camera angle or "setup," until the whole scene is "covered." When shooting is finished for the scene, the assistant director declares a "wrap" or "moving on," and the crew will "strike," or dismantle, the set for that scene.

At the end of the day, the director approves the next day's shooting schedule and a daily progress report is sent to the production office. This includes the report sheets from continuity, sound, and camera teams. Call sheets are distributed to the cast and crew to tell them when and where to turn up the next shooting day. Later on, the director, producer, other department heads, and, sometimes, the cast, may gather to watch that day or yesterday's footage, called dailies, and review their work.

With workdays often lasting 14 or 18 hours in remote locations, film production tends to create a team spirit. When the entire film is in the can, or in the completion of the production phase, it is customary for the production office to arrange a wrap party, to thank all the cast and crew for their efforts.
Post-production
Main article: Post-production

Here the film is assembled by the film editor. The modern use of video in the filmmaking process has resulted in two workflow variants: one using entirely film, and the other using a mixture of film and video.

In the film workflow, the original camera film (negative) is developed and copied to a one-light workprint (positive) for editing with a mechanical editing machine. An edge code is recorded onto film to locate the position of picture frames. Since the development of non-linear editing systems such as Avid, Quantel or Final Cut Pro, the film workflow is used by very few productions.

In the video workflow, the original camera negative is developed and telecined to video for editing with computer editing software. A timecode is recorded onto video tape to locate the position of picture frames. Production sound is also synced up to the video picture frames during this process.

The first job of the film editor is to build a rough cut taken from sequences (or scenes) based on individual "takes" (shots). The purpose of the rough cut is to select and order the best shots. The director usually works with the editor to ensure the envisioned shots are selected. The next step is to create a fine cut by getting all the shots to flow smoothly in a seamless story. Trimming, the process of shortening scenes by a few minutes, seconds, or even frames, is done during this phase. After the fine cut has been screened and approved by the director and producer, the picture is "locked," meaning no further changes are made. Next, the editor creates a negative cut list (using edge code) or an edit decision list (using timecode) either manually or automatically. These edit lists identify the source and the picture frame of each shot in the fine cut.

Once the picture is locked, the film is passed into the hands of the postproduction supervising sound editor of the sound department to build up the sound track. The voice recordings are synchronised and the final sound mix is created by the rerecording mixer. The sound mix combines dialogue, sound effects, background sounds, ADR, walla, foleys and music.

The sound track and picture are combined together, resulting in a low quality answer print of the film. There are now two possible workflows to create the high quality release print depending on the recording medium:

1. In the film workflow, the cut list that describes the film-based answer print is used to cut the original color negative (OCN) and create a color timed copy called the color master positive or interpositive print. For all subsequent steps this effectively becomes the master copy. The next step is to create a one-light copy called the color duplicate negative or internegative. It is from this that many copies of the final theatrical release print are made. Copying from the internegative is much simpler than copying from the interpositive directly because it is a one-light process; it also reduces wear-and-tear on the interpositive print.
2. In the video workflow, the edit decision list that describes the video-based answer print is used to edit the original color tape (OCT) and create a high quality color master tape. For all subsequent steps this effectively becomes the master copy. The next step uses a film recorder to read the color master tape and copy each video frame directly to film to create the final theatrical release print.

Finally the film is previewed, normally by the target audience, and any feedback may result in further shooting or edits to the film.
Distribution and exhibition

This is the final stage, where the film is released to cinemas or, occasionally, to DVD, VCD, VHS (though VHS tapes are less common now that more people own DVD players), Blu-Ray, or direct download from a provider. The film is duplicated as required for distribution to cinemas. Press kits, posters, and other advertising materials are published and the film is advertised.

Film companies usually release a film with a launch party, press releases, interviews with the press, press preview screenings, and film festival screenings. Most films have a website. The film plays at selected cinemas and the DVD typically is released a few months later. The distribution rights for the film and DVD are also usually sold for worldwide distribution. The distributor and the production company share profits.
[edit] Independent filmmaking
Main article: Independent film

Filmmaking also takes place outside of the mainstream and is commonly called independent filmmaking. Since the introduction of DV technology, the means of production have become more democratized. Filmmakers can conceivably shoot and edit a film, create and edit the sound and music, and mix the final cut on a home computer. However, while the means of production may be democratized, financing, distribution, and marketing remain difficult to accomplish outside the traditional system. Most independent filmmakers rely on film festivals to get their films noticed and sold for distribution. However, the Internet has allowed for relatively inexpensive distribution of independent films; many filmmakers post their films online for critique and recognition. Although there is little profitability in this, a filmmaker can still gain exposure via the web.

Teja to start 'Atu Itu' in Jayam Movies

2009-10-02T22:28:00.001+05:30

Director-producer Teja has recently floated a separate production house Jayam Movies and decided to flag off several projects. One of the projects is titled Atu Itu, which would be produced by Teja’s wife Srivalli Teja and presented by top producer D Suresh Babu.
Tamil actor Shyam (of Kick fame) and an established actress will be playing key roles in Atu Itu.Except the lead pair, we have completed the rest of the cast. Looking for newcomers in the age group of 16 – 19 years for the lead pair. Wannabes can send their portfolio to jayammovies@gmail.com,producer Srivalli Teja informed the media.We haven’t decided on the director’s name but we asked Teja to take up the project,she added.
Music is by Kalyani Malik while Rasool handles the camera.

Villages 'wiped out' by Tsunami after Samoa quake

2009-10-01T23:45:00.002+05:30

A powerful earthquake with a magnitude of 8.0 struck off the South Pacific island nation of Samoa on Tuesday, wiping out villages and killing 19 people in the region, reports said.
At least 14 people were reported to have died in American Samoa, and five in Samoa as enormous waves battered the island states, with one witness saying the wall of water had been up to 30 feet (nine metres) high.
One local journalist told AFP entire villages had been wiped out in Samoa on the worst-hit south and southwest coasts in an area where thousands of people live.
The Samoan capital of Apia was evacuated as authorities scrambled to get thousands of people to higher ground.
Witnesses said cars were swept out to sea in American Samoa where buildings were destroyed in what the US congressman for the territory said was a scene of "devastation."
The US Geological Survey said an 8.0-magnitude quake struck at 6:48 am (1748 GMT) at a depth of 18 kilometres (11 miles), 195 kilometres south of the Samoan capital Apia.
The Pacific Tsunami Warning Centre initially issued a tsunami alert over a vast swathe of the Pacific, as far as Hawaii, but later withdrew the warning.
The centre said waves of up to 1.57 metres (over five feet) above the average sea level had smashed into American Samoa.
Eyewitnesses said the waves were much larger.
Mike Reynolds, superintendent of the National Park of American Samoa, which has its headquarters in the territory's capital Pago Pago told colleagues in California there had been widescale destruction.
National Park Service spokeswoman Holly Bundock said she had spoken to Reynolds, who was sheltering under a coconut tree.
Park staff when they are able to make cell phone calls are calling in to our offices, she said.
They said five tsunami waves have hit the park visitor centre in Pago Pago. It would appear park offices and the visitor centre there have been destroyed. One of the waves was about 30 feet high.
Samoan journalist Jona Tuiletufuga told AFP there was widespread destruction with possibly thousands of people left homeless on the island.
We are getting reports of missing people in areas were damage is extensive on the south and southeast coasts,he told AFP.Entire villages have been wiped out.
Tuiletufuga said there were up to 70 villages in the worst-hit area and each housed from 300-800 people.
A New Zealand tourist who called Radio New Zealand to appeal for help said he was looking over an area of destruction from high ground near Apia.
We clambered up a hill and one of the party has a broken leg. We just need help. There will be people in a great lot of need around here, it's flattened.
Information from both islands was patchy.
American Samoan radio station KSBS-FM said at least 14 people had been killed by the quake and resulting tsunami.
New Zealand deputy high commissioner to Apia, David Dolphin, said five people were reported to have died on the island.
Most of the damage appeared to be centred on southern coast where waves of six to eight metres were recorded, he said.
There are reports of some quite serious damage, at least five fatalities and quite a few reports of people missing,said Dolphin, who was on the north coast at the time.
It was pretty scary but the house didn't appear to be falling apart so we just took what precautions we could and hunkered down, Dolphin said.
There were windows rattling, light fittings swaying, a number of light things fell off tables and shelves, he told AFP.
A series of powerful aftershocks rattled the South Pacific in the hours after the initial quake.
The Pacific Tsunami Warning Centre initially issued a tsunami warning for a large area of the South Pacific including Fiji, New Zealand and Tonga.
The USGS said the 8.0-magnitude quake struck at a depth of 18 kilometres.
Several of the Earth's tectonic plates meet in South Pacific and violent geological activity is common.
Large quakes with an under-ocean epicentre can trigger tsunamis that can have devastating effects.
In December 2004 an undersea earthquake off Indonesia's Sumatra set off a tsunami that killed more than 220,000 people around the Indian Ocean and laid waste to huge areas of coastline.

Earthquake in Indonesia and Tsunami in Samoa

2009-10-01T23:21:00.003+05:30

An Indonesia tsunami is something to fear, since the last major Indonesia tsunami killed over 200,000 people. Today, a small Indonesia Tsunami Small After Latest Major Earthquake
Indonesia tsunami broke out after a major earthquake, though the tsunami warnings quickly died down. For the second time in two days, a powerful earthquake struck in the other side of the world, followed by a tsunami. But the Indonesia tsunami today was very small, compared to the powerful killer earthquake and tsunami that struck yesterday in Samoa.
The last major Indonesia tsunami made massive headlines at the end of 2004, when a 9.15 earthquake started the Asian tsunami that killed over 200,000 across the Indian Ocean. Fears of another major Indonesia tsunami were in the air today, after a 7.6 earthquake hit the country today, 33 miles from Padang.
According to CNN, the original fear was that the earthquake was a 7.9, but its power got decreased afterwards. A tsunami warning was soon declared, although after the subsequent tsunami measured at just under a foot high, the warning was called off.
With no major Indonesia tsunami after this earthquake, the country avoided being the second one this week alone to be struck by a devastating earthquake and tsunami. The Samoan islands weren't so lucky yesterday, as they were struck by an 8.0 earthquake, followed by a tsunami that has already killed 84 people, with the numbers likely to rise in the days ahead.
The Samoan tragedy likely won't reach the heights of the Indonesia tsunami in 2004, though few tragedies ever could. But the new wave of major earthquakes and tsunamis, within these last two days, is quite unique and unsettling.
Just several days ago, the biggest story in Indonesia was of a 19-pound baby being born. Now, the news becomes deadly serious again, as the latest earthquake damaged a lot of buildings, although no casualties are reported yet. As such, Indonesia's difficulties in the days ahead will likely take a back seat to Samoa, as the death toll and damage from their tsunami rises.
No official cause has been found yet for both the recent earthquakes, although since they took place in the vulnerable South Pacific, that might be cause enough.

Mahathma postponed to October 9th

2009-10-01T01:49:00.002+05:30

Mahathma, the movie starring Srikanth, directed by Krishna Vamshi has stalled its release on October 2nd. The reasons are unknown at this instance but it’s hitting screens only on 9th of October.
So it’s week day hibernation for this film that claims to be Srikanth’s 100th film. Initially it is intended to release on 2nd October on the occasion of Gandhi Jayanthi.
Now only Ninnu Kalisaka, the youth oriented film made on Ramoji Rao’s banner is going to release on that day.

Mohan Babu in Rakta Charitra

2009-10-01T01:36:00.002+05:30

Mohan Babu who is a big fan of ntr is getting into the shoes of NTR.According to the sources Senior actor Mohan Babu is going to act in Romgopal Varma next film Rakta Charitra which was going to shot in both hindi and telugu simultaneously and Mohan Babu is roped in for the Telugu version, while veteran Bollywood actor Shatrughan Sinha is going to enact the same role in Hindi version.

Murugadoss - Suriya to team up again

2009-09-30T00:51:00.000+05:30

The trilingual project, in which A R Murugadoss - Suriya joins together once more, is in its pre-production stage. In the mean time, the director is discussing with Hollywood technicians about making the film in English also, as the script is in Hollywood style.
Sources close to the director also say that Murugadoss had talked about the same with Suriya as well. It’s heard that if they take the film in English, a situation will come-up where Suriya can’t get committed with any other project for a year.
Meanwhile, Ravi K Chardran who was busy cinematographing for Bollywood films has been roped in for this one after a long gap.
Efforts and hard work can’t go waste. A year’s time is worth spending. Will wait and to see how this one works for the Superhit combo.

Aamir and Hrithik in remake of Magadheera?

2009-09-30T00:29:00.000+05:30

Aamir Khan and Hurithik Roshan are being considered as for the Hindi remake of the Telugu super-blockbuster Magadheera directed by S.S Rajamouli.
Ghajini producers Allu Arvind and Madhu Mantena are going to make a Hindi remake of Telugu blockbuster “Magadheera” and they are reportedly considering Aamir Khan and Hrithik Roshan to play the main leads.
“Yes Allu Arvind and I are remaking ‘Magadheera’ in Hindi. As for the cast, it’s too early to talk about it. But ‘Magadheera’ is definitely being planned to be bigger than ‘Ghajini’,” Mantena told IANS.
Released in July this year, “Magadheera” has already grossed over Rs.65 crore in India alone and is said to be the second-biggest Telugu hit after “Ghajini”.
With this Telugu remake into Hindi that is expected to take off early next year, Arvind and Mantena hope to raise the bar for action-drama cinema in Hindi once again
The remake, to be budgeted at Rs.70 crore, is highly ambitious. While in the original, which is set in 17th century and present, the hero Ram Charan Teja plays a double role, the remake will split the hero’s personality into two parts. Apparently Hrithik will play the samurai from the Middle Ages while Aamir will play his present day avatar

Saif Ali Khan And Kareena Kapoor Starring in Kurbaan

2009-09-29T23:36:00.000+05:30

Kurbaan is a forthcoming Indian Bollywood film directed by Rensil D'Silva and produced by Karan Johar. The film, will feature Saif Ali Khan and Kareena Kapoor in pivotal roles along with actor Vivek Oberoi and Dia mirza is scheduled for release November 27,2009.The poster of the movie Kurbaan show Saif bleeding from the chest while Kareena is showing her bare back.The poster with topless Kareena has caught the eye of the people and the film also contains some steamy scenes.

Sharukh Khan is the best : Salman Khan

2009-09-29T22:29:00.000+05:30

Friends turning foes and vice versa is not uncommon in Bollywood. The relationship between Shahrukh Khan and Salman Khan turned sour after the clash at Katrina Kaif's birthday last year. However, they would become friends again, as Salman's comment that Shahrukh is the best, would pave the way for a patch up.
Salman surprised everyone on his television show 10 Ka Dum by heaping praises on his arch rival Shahrukh. He said that Shahrukh is the best when it comes to romantic scenes. He added that the intensity in his eyes is really romantic and could make anybody go crazy . As if that is not enough, he went on to say that Shahrukh is great professionally.
Well, Salman seems to have buried the dirty past and wants to start life a new. Now, it's up to Shahrukh to set up patch up process or leave it.

Russell Crowe’s Robin Hood

2009-09-29T13:24:00.000+05:30

Russell Crow upcoming film based on the Robin Hood legend, directed by Ridley Scott.

The first picture of Russell Crowe as Robin Hood has finally been released and it looks great!

The movie is currently shooting and in recent weeks we’ve been seeing an onslaught of casting updates. Joining Crowe in this adventure are Cate blanchett(Maid Marian), Mark Strong (Sir Godfrey), Kevin Durand (Little John), William Hurt (William Marshall), Scott Grimes (Will Scarlet), Vanessa Redgrave (Queen Eleanor) and Alan Doyle (Alan-a-Dale).

In the film, Robin (Russell Crowe) is an archer in Richard the Lionheart's army, battling against the French. This version of the character was abandoned as a child and has problems trusting people. After Richard's death, Robin returns to Nottingham, becoming an outlaw and trying to win the heart of the widowed Lady Marion (Cate Blanchett). Producer Marc Schmuger said "This is [about] how Robin Hood became an outlaw and this is how those guys became the Merry Men of Sherwood Forest.

UK Environment Film Fellowhips

2009-09-28T21:39:00.000+05:30

The UK Environment Film Fellowships have been awarded every year since 2005 to Indian environmental filmmakers, for creating 12 minute impactful documentaries.

Climate change and Cities

Climate change and water

Four fellowships will be awarded, through a countrywide bidding process, to a team of environmental filmmakers and climate change professionals or institutions; to make 12 minute documentaries on this year’s theme. Application deadline is 2 November 2009. You may get further details here.

I AM SAM (2001)

2009-09-27T18:19:00.000+05:30

I felt sorry for not watching this movie for this many years,but at last i have seen this movie it movied me a lot.Sean Penn a two academy award winner has done an wonderful acting in this movie. Actually the story goes like this Sam Dawson (Sean Penn), a mentally retarded man with the mental equivalency of a 7-year-old, is living in Los Angeles and is single-handedly raising his daughter Lucy (Dakota Fanning), whom he fathered from his homeless ex-wife who wanted nothing to do with Lucy and left him the day of her birth.Although Sam provides a loving and caring environment for the 7-year-old Lucy, she soon surpasses her father's mental capacity. Questions arise about Sam’s ability to care for Lucy and a custody case is brought to court.Faced with a seemingly unwinnable case, Sam vows to fight the legal system and forms an unlikely alliance with Rita Harrison (Michelle Pfeiffer), a high- powered, self-absorbed attorney who initially takes his case pro bona as a challenge from her colleagues. On the surface the two couldn't be further apart, but in reality they are subtly similar. Sam's compulsive nature mirrors Rita's more socially acceptable obsessive-compulsive nature. Her manic need for perfection and success alienates her from her own son and has been slowly destroying her self-worth.

Together they struggle to convince the system that Sam deserves to get his daughter back and, in the process, fuse a bond that results in a unique testament to the power of unconditional love.

Pandorum review

2009-09-27T09:10:00.000+05:30

Cast and Credits
Cast : Dennis Quaid, Ben Foster, Antje Traue, Cung Le, Norman Reedus, CamGigandet
Producer : Jeremy Bolt, Paul W.S. Anderson, Robert Kulzer
Director : Christian Alvart
Writer : Travis Milloy
Release Date: 25-Sep-2009
Genre : Science-Fiction/Fantasy
Plot:

Two astronauts awaken in a hyper-sleep chamber aboard a seemingly abandoned spacecraft. It’s pitch black, they are disoriented, and the only sound is a low rumble and creak from the belly of the ship. They can’t remember anything: Who are they? What is their mission?

With Lt. Payton (Quaid) staying behind to guide him via radio transmitter, Cpl. Bower (Foster) ventures deep into the ship and begins to uncover a terrifying reality. Slowly the spacecraft’s shocking, deadly secrets are revealed…and the astronauts find their own survival is more important than they could ever have imagined.

Ultimately, Pandorum offers some perfectly good, mind-numbing sci-fi if you need an excuse to escape life for a few hours.

Nagurjana in & as Rammi?

2009-09-27T08:58:00.000+05:30

Nagurajan next venture with a debutant director Kiran Kumar is likely to be titled as Rammi.Bollywood actress Chitrangada Singh and Mamtha Mohandas as the heroines, the film is progressing at a brisk pace in a specially-erected set at Nanakramguda Studios.D.Siva Prasad Reddy is producing the film under the banner of Kamakshi Movies. It is learnt that this film, based on gambling, is being planned for a December release.

Mahatma-Telegu Movie audio launch

2009-09-25T21:24:00.000+05:30

We are well aware that Srikanth’s prestigious 100th film ‘Mahatma’ is getting ready under the direction of Krishnavamsi and produced by CR Manohar. Bhavana is playing the heroine in this film.

Speaking on the occasion, director says, “Our country achieved independence some six decades ago. Every corner in the country, we can find the statues of the Father of the Nation. However, there is no answer to the question as to how far we are practicing the principles preached by Gandhiji. The hero of our film first believes that anything could be achieved with violence. Such a hero, suddenly turns to non-violence and what made him to take a U-turn in his life is the subject of my film.

” Producer says, “Srikanth’s performance, Krishnavamsi’s directorial ability and style would be liked by one and all. We are planning to launch the audio of the film on September 19.”

The specialty of the film is the special song on Charmme. Dialogues are by Paruchuri brothers, music is by Vijay Antony, lyrics are by Sitaramasastry, Suddala Ashok Teja and Lakshmi Bhupal, and camera is by Sarat, while editing is by Shankar.

Rechipo movie review

2009-09-25T21:12:00.000+05:30

Film: Rechipo
Cast: Nitin, Ileana, Bhanuchander, Ahuti Prasad, Venumadhav, Sunil, Rama Prabha, M S Narayana and others
Dialogues: Ramesh, Gopi
Music: Manisharma
Cinematography: Surender Reddy
Editing: Kotagiri Venkateshwara Rao
Producer: G V Ramana
Story, screenplay and directed by: Parachuri Murali
Release date: September 25, 2009

What’s it about!

Shiva (Nitin) is good-hearted thief - sort of robin wood. He robs the black money from the rich and donates to the charity organizations. Police seize Rs 500 Crore belongs to a Dubai based Mafia leader which incidentally lands into home-minister (Ahuti Prasad). Shiva robs the money from home minister’s house and runs away from the place. He accidentally meets a naughty girl Krishna Veni and follows her to a marriage. At the wedding place, they tease each other and soon romance blossoms between them. Krishnaveni incidentally happens to be daughter of the home minister. When it is revealed that Shiva is a thief, Krishnaveni hates him but the mafia leader in Dubai soon kidnaps her. Now Shiva takes the job of bringing her back from Dubai.

Analysis

Painfully long and unbearably tedious, Rechchipo is a predictable fare with absolutely nothing new to speak. One of the badly made movies in the recent times! Except the fact that Tollywood number one heroine Ileana looks gorgeous, the film has not a single positive point to talk about. Silly comedy, even clichéd scenes, unrelated action drama and poor technical values, the film is wasted effort. Looks like director Parachuri Murali has taken the producers for a ride. The money spent on Dubai episode – which itself looks like made in some desert in India, is complete waste. Director Parachuri Murali who has given watchable action drama like Andhrudu and sentiment drama Pedababu has lost complete grip on the script (in fact there is no proper story).

It is high time that hero Nitin either take a break or think well before signing a film. He is doing inane movies one after the other. When was the last time he delivered a hit or for that matter a decent flick? One wonders how could he pick such bad scripts in a row? Doesn’t he learn from failures?

Performances

One really cannot fault Nitin’s efforts as actor. He does his best and as usually focused on dances. But he is letdown by his director. From Jalsa onwards, Ileana has been looking fantastic and gorgeous. She is the only saving grace with her great looks and sex appeal. Her costumes (designed by her mother) are also perfect. The guy who played the villain role is good. Rest of the cast - Bhanu Chander, Rama Prabha, Venumadhav, M S Narayana and others - are okay. Sunil’s comedy doesn’t evoke laughter.

Technically too the film is a letdown. Surender Reddy’s cinematography is substandard. Manisharma’s music is passé. Producers seem to have given complete freedom to the director to spend lavishly but the director has selected a mediocre storyline and his narration is also big letdown. Ramesh – Gopi’s dialogues are also pretty ordinary.

Bottom-line!

Rechchipo tests the patience of the audiences. It is unbearably tedious and a complete predictable film.

Rating: 2/5

ganesh movie review

2009-09-25T11:42:00.000+05:30

Rating: - 2.5/5
Cast: Ram, Kajal, Ashish Vidyarthi, Brahmanandam,
Music: Mickey J. Meyer.
Producer: Sravanthi Ravikishore.
Story, Screenplay & Director: M. Saravanan.

Ganesh is a love story film. Ram is playing the role of Ganesh and Kajal is in the role of Divia. A close friend of Ganesh gets in the problem. His father wants him to get married to his niece. Ganesh wants to help his friend, who love another girl and could not tell his father. He plans to make Divya fall in love with him, so his friend would be happily marrying his love. He comes up with series of dramas to please numerous kids living in the Divya’s apartment. He lives in the flat adjacent to Divya’s and work hard to get her attention. Divya fall in love with Ganyesh. Immediately Divya distant herself from Ganyesh, when she realizes that Ganesh has been fooling her. The rest of the story is how Divya reacts on Ganesh tries, to convince her that he really love her.

Director Sarvanan uses the children as a comic touch. He desires for new comic invention through children. Two kids fall at Lord Ganesh’s idols and seeking helps, when Ashish Vidyarthi and his men, manhandles old, young and kids. Before the kids get up from the prayers Ganesh lands there and gets into action. He makes all things right.

You will experience silly, senseless and insufferable romance in the film but Kajal make it look real when she expresses to Ganesh, how she would like to give him her first kiss.

The film does not have any great songs. Technical aspect of the film is just okay. First half of the film is decent and entertaining but second half is not so good. This is a family film.

eenadu review

2009-09-25T11:03:00.000+05:30

Eenadu Movie Review
Movie Rating: 3.5 / 5
Director : Chakri Toleti
Music Director : Shruti Haasan
Producer : Kumar Babu G
Starring : Kamal Hassan, Venkatesh, Poonam Kaur, Lakshmi

What is it about: The film stars Venkatesh as Hyderabad’s Police Commissioner, Eshwar Prasad who receives a phone call from an anonymous person (played by Kamal Hassan) demanding the release of four dreaded terrorists. The caller threatens Eshwar Prasad that if he doesn’t comply with the demands, a series of bomb blasts will rock the city. Further he guides a police team to a nearby police station, where he has already planted a bomb to make his intentions clear. The Commissioner, in this hapless condition, relents to all the demands of the anonymous caller. The series of negotiations seem to be going fine, but then a choice changes the whole equation.

What is Good: Written by Neeraj Pandey, “Eenadu” has breathtaking pace throughout its narration. A sense of urgency is ubiquitous in everything that occurs on screen. The film also owes its impact to a sensible and sensational portrayal of both Venkatesh and Kamal Hassan. While Venkatesh is at his usual best in the role of a cop; Kamal Hassan’s portrayal of a common man is the focal point of the entire story. The whole drama follows the Heisenberg’s uncertainty principle, with every phone call from Kamal changing the whole equation which hits a crescendo towards the end. Both these actors are wonderfully supported by Dr.Bharat Reddy and Ganesh Venkataraman, both enacting as cops in Commissioner’s office.

What is bad: The film is the remake of “A Wednesday” and comparison with the original film is inevitable. “Eenadu”, although for most part, retains the essence of the original flick but doesn’t quite create that same dramatic impact. Too many scenes have a problem with the lip synchronization. Lakshmi role as the Chief Secretary is a little half baked. Poonam Kaur’s role is completely forgotten after a point of time.