Mahesh’s 3 Idiots Called Off?

Much anticipated Telugu remake of Bollywood blockbuster 3 Idiots is called off, says unofficial reports. Director Shankar wants bulk dates of Mahesh for this film and that will be almost impossible for Mahesh as he has given his dates to ‘Dookudu’ film.

Citing dates problems Mahesh moved out of this project, says grapevine. However, there were speculations about Mahesh’s dislike about starring in 3 Idiots remake as Shankar has roped in many Tamil actors. With the latest developments Mahesh has walked out of this project and so did Vijay, who is supposed to do the same role in Tamil version.

Vijay was reportedly asked to change his looks for this character and the actor didn’t oblige to that condition as he is starring in other films at the moment. Changing his getup will raise continuity problems for those films and he too walked out of 3 Idiots remake it seems.

Therefore, 3 Idiots remake was ‘almost’ called off until or unless they find apt replacements to these superstars.

Ram Charan Exclusive Interview

1.Ram Charan Tej – the world at his feet
Like most interesting people, he holds within himself many different aspects. At once charming, elegant & then exhibiting the confidence of a Mega Power Star, Ram Charan Tej is a package of contradictions. He is at times shy, at other times disarmingly outspoken; his speech is peppered with references to philosophy, his love for cars & horses; he’s the ultimate industry insider’s outsider, an artist who could take full advantage of a high-profile star son’s career, but who has instead blazed his own trail towards his own brand of fulfillment. He’s been patient and methodical and, with the best of acting offers still coming in, he’s just about where he wants to be in life. MAA Stars had the pleasure of speaking with Mega Power Star Ram Charan Tej, where he spoke about life before & after movies, the likely comparisons between him & his dad and lots more… .
2.First up, your comments on this shoot
To be frank, I am more comfortable with film shoots rather than photo shoots. I admit I even get scared at times. But this shoot with maastars has been an amazing experience. I never realized that photos shoots can also be done so easily with such perfection. I felt very comfortable as everything was planned and organized so well. Everybody, right from the cameraman to every individual in the team, was in proper sync with each other. And the photos have come out great. It was a really amazing experience. I’ve had lots of fun.
3.From being the Megastar’s son to being the Mega Power Star in your own right…the journey… what has changed?
Nothing really has changed per se. I still feel the same. But when it comes to the fan support, I personally enjoy all those accolades showered on me. They say that one should grow step by step in his field, but it feels like I am already placed on a pedestal, way above where I deserve to be right now. I love my fans for this though I have a lot more to accomplish.
4. Obviously your dad is a role model. How was life growing up as his son?
Having a person at home who has 30 years experience in his field is definitely advantageous to an actor like me by all means. Keeping his star image aside for a moment, but the obedience he has shown towards his directors, the way he moulded himself to his Director’s needs is just amazing. The knowledge that he gained in all these years fetches me many things. I got to learn a lot from him each and every single day for the past 27 years. The attitude which an actor should carry, his behavior in the industry, I learned every bit of it from my dad. Normally many actors may take time to realize & learn all these things on their own. But luckily, I learnt everything even before I entered the industry itself!
5. How did the fact that you’re from a film family shape your sensibilities? Did it give you some sort of a direction early on in life?

Frankly speaking, I was never pushed by anyone to become an actor. I believe one should take their own path as per his/her wish in life. Otherwise we can never justify one’s purpose in life. Never did my dad try to push me into acting. After I finished college, I just went upto him and put forth my wish to act. Those were the happiest moments for my dad. He told me that he was waiting for the day his son would walk up to him to say those words for a long time. He felt elated over my interest to act. Without doubt, he has given me a very good platform and I strive to make the best use of it.
6. Did you always feel drawn to movies?
Seriously, I never thought of acting until I was 16 years old. I used to enjoy watching dad’s movies but never envisaged myself to become an actor like him on screen. But when the time came for me to think of making a career, the thought of cinema came to me for the first time.
7. What’s the best thing about being in the film world?
To me, it’s about living all those emotions. Usually, people end up frustrated because they are unable to find that outlet to vent their emotions out. An actor’s biggest advantage is that he can take all his frustrations & irritations out naturally onscreen. We get to play the navarasalu (nine emotions) in a single day. It may sound funny but it really works.
8. And the worst?
We lose our sense of comfort. Getting up at odd times, following strict instructions, the rigor & discipline an actor has to put himself through can sometime get to him. But soon, it turns itself on its head & becomes a blessing in disguise. So I am not really complaining.
9. What about fame?

Irrespective of a film’s result, you need to keep a balanced mindset. Never let fame get to you. That’s my dad’s biggest plus point. If his movie’s a flop, he plans his next project carefully. If his movie’s a hit, he still plans his next project carefully. He loves what he does. He doesn’t let fame or success get into his head. Once he finishes a movie, he’ll have a dinner with the unit and move on the next project. I have grown up in the shadow of his qualities, which I always strive to emulate. It makes me happy that my movie does well. But I never let that success get to my head and never let arrogance creep into my attitude. It will demean my success.
10. People are so judgmental about star sons. What goes through your mind when you read stuff? How do you take criticism?
I take it the same way as well. Just like how I take my hits and flops, I take criticism also on the same note. I think this is all part of the game. Along with money & fame, we have got to accept criticism also. There is a famous saying in horse riding which says “Until & unless you fall at least 7 times from your horse, you will never be recognized as a horse rider”. If I don’t possess the capability to take criticism, I can never be called a complete actor. That’s what I believe.

11. Do you find it strange that people have already started trusting you, with so few films to your credit?

I accept it with all humility. The admiration & love showered on me makes me really happy. I will try to take my skills to the next level. And I will definitely not disappoint my admirers!
12. How much of your acting do you put down to genetics and how much to the rest?
Growing up, obviously my dad is an inspiration and I have imbibed some of his traits. Even as an actor, I am inspired by him though I have consciously tried to develop a style of my own. Acting in my dad’s style of body language comes naturally to me. But I blend it with my own style. Maybe an 80% Charan, 20% Chiranjeevi! People keep saying they see a bit of my dad’s style in me, but they also say that they found my style different than that of my father’s! That’s what makes me happy.

13. Interestingly, in an interview with MAASTARS, Chiranjeevi garu has remarked that Charan is not just one or two movies old but in fact he’s 150 movies old, since he considers all his experience passed on to you. Your reaction….
Yes, my dad’s movies always keep playing in my mind. His experience is behind me, driving me, pushing me forward with greater force. Chiruta is my 149^th movie and Magadheera is my father’s 149^th movie.

Narnia 3 Movie Review

Cast : Ben Barnes, Skandar Keynes, Georgie Henley, Will Poulter , Laura Brent , Simon Pegg, Gary Sweet , Arthur Angel , Tony Nixon , Shane Rangi
Director : Michael Apted
Writer : Christopher Markus
Genre : Adventure, Family, Fantasy
Language : English, Hindi , Telugu
Releasing date : Dec 3, 2010
Producer: Mark Johnson, Andrew Adamson, Philip Steuer, Douglas Gresham
Music Director: David Arnold, Harry Gregson-Williams
The Dawn Treader is the first ship Narnia has seen in centuries. King Caspian has built it for his voyage to find the seven lords, good men whom his evil uncle Miraz banished when he usurped the throne many years earlier. His Telmarine ancestors had never built ships as they had always feared the sea.
The journey takes Edmund Pevensie, Lucy Pevensie, their cousin Eustace Scrubb and King Caspian to the Eastern Islands, beyond the Silver Sea. Their mission – on which rests the fate of Narnia itself – takes the courageous voyagers to mysterious islands, a river that turns whatever it touches to gold, confrontations with magical creatures and sinister enemies. They will meet Lilliandil the half-star and reunite with their old friend and protector, the great lion Aslan. They will also have to save Narnia from an "unfathomable fate", including a mysterious green mist.
Among the characters on this film, Eustace played by Will Poulter stole all the spotlight from the Pevensies. Will’s magnificent portrayal of Lucy and Edmund’s cousin really amuses me. He is extremely obnoxious, annoying and arrogant but undeniably one of the well loved character among the lineup because he is funny and spontaneous. Too bad, Ben Barnes once again didn’t impress me. As much as I’m concerned, he is already a King and I really didn’t see that on his character. He still acts like somebody who don’t have the authority and lacks the commanding aura which pushed his role behind others including those supporting ones.
In a nut shell, “The Chronicles of Narnia: The Voyage of the Dawn Treader” could be one of the strongest installment among the franchise (second to the first) which perfectly ends the Pevensie Trilogy that we all loved. And at the same time it is also a good beginning for the new era of adventurers like Eustace and his future comrades.
Directed by Michael Apted, “The Chronicles of Narnia: The Voyage of the Dawn Treader” is a 20th Century Fox film distributed by Warner Bros. and set to premiere today (December 3) on Digital 3D cinemas all over the Metro and December 9 on all 2D conventional cinemas.

When Shah Rukh made Sachin dance

This Saturday, you will be treated to a rare sight on television: Shah Rukh Khan will get Sachin and the Indian cricket team to dance on stage SRK, for those who don't know, hosted the Sahara India Sports Awards 2010 and was quite the entertainer.

Besides the cricket team, he also made Sania Mirza and Shoaib Malik do the disco on stage. Other performers at the event included Kareena Kapoor and Sonakshi Sinha. 

Kamal Hassan on star’s remuneration

Kamal Haasan is not only known for his versatile roles, but also for adroitly slipping into the skin of the characters he plays. Kamal, who has received several awards and appreciation for his contribution to cinema, is concerned about the importance attached to the Oscars. “Indian filmmakers shouldn’t crave for the Oscar. We have to improve the quality of cinema and have to create a higher standard than the Oscar awards. I hope to see a day when Hollywood movie makers take pride in winning an Indian award,” he explains. 

At a time when film pundits are urging filmmakers to reduce filmmaking budgets, big stars like Rajinikanth are part of huge budget films. What does he have to say about that? “Endhiran is successful not because of the content, but due to the marketing strategy and of course, Rajini is a saleable star. High budget films are good as long as they have solid content,” Kamal points out.

While producers and directors have been demanding a cut in remuneration of stars citing it as reason for high movie budgets, will he reduce his remuneration? “I will reduce my remuneration if I am assured that I’ll get pension after retirement. We are paid the fee in tandem with the market. If we don’t earn that kind of revenue, will producers pay us such remuneration?” he asks.

 

Manmadhan Ambu: Kamal Haasan Sets New Record

Kamal Haasan’s upcoming movie Manmadhan Ambu is one of the most expected films in this season. Trisha and Madhavan played key roles in this Kamal Hassan flick that is being directed by KS Ravikumar.

After doing a high budget Dasavataram and Eenadu, a film with social responsibility, Kamal switched genres and did this romantic comedy in the lines of Brahmachari and Panchatantram films. Manmadhan Ambu is also being dubbed into Telugu. It will have a simultaneous release in Telugu along with the Tamil version. Lakshmi Ganapathi films bagged the Telugu dubbing rights for a record price.

On the other hand, Tamil version of Manmadhan Ambu is creating sensations among business circles. Manmadhan Ambu US and Canada rights were sold for Rs. 3 crore. This is exactly double the amount to what Dasavataram is sold for in the same regions! Kamal’s comedies are always bigger hits than his experimental/high budget films and hence, Manmadhan Ambu is breaking all the previous records of the universal star.

Cherry and Bunny on a Deserted Island

Ram Charan, who has been desperately looking for a break from daily routine, went on a holiday couple of days ago. He along with Allu Arjun and few other friends went to a private island near Andaman. It seems there is no one on that island!

“Nenu,bunny and few friends jst landed on a private island near andaman.nobody on this island.hopin to hav a relaxed holiday.wil update u guys,” he posted on his Twitter page.

Actually Charan thought of leaving to Bangkok and pay a surprise visit to his close friend Rana, who is currently shooting there for his upcoming film Nenu Naa Rakshasi. Due to the unavailability of planes he has opted for island visit.

Once Charan returns to Hyderabad he will resume the shooting of his next film ‘Merupu’ under Dharani direction.