18th February 2003

Chiranjeevi's new film started
Shooting of Chiranjeevi's latest film - the remake of successful Tamil film Ramana - was started on 15th of this month in a set erected at Annapurna 7 acres. No press was invited and only the PRO of the film is present from the media. As per the unofficial sources Namitha and Shriya are pairing up with Chiranjeevi in this film. VV Vinayak directs this venture. More details later!

Koti's music for Balayya film
Koti is roped in to provide music for balayya's film to go on floors in March 2003. Debutant Swarna Subba Rao directs this film. Konda Krishnam Raju produces this film on Aditya banner. Music recording of this film would start on 23rd of this month in Hyderabad.

Chiranjeevi to release Nijam audio
Megastar Chiranjeevi has accepted to release the audio of Nijam in Dubai during the second week of March 2003. Speaking on the occasion, Teja informed that there are 90,000 people in Telugu community in Dubai. They need entertainment after a hard day's work. Promoting Telugu films out there would definitely regale their spirits. Teja also mentioned that people in Dubai are of working class, unlike the white-collared software engineers in USA and UK. Being a hard-worker himself, he preferred to do the function in Dubai instead of in west. Audio release of Nizam would also be combined with 175 days function of Jayam.

Ramya Krishna with Mahesh Babu
The forgotten actress Ramya Krishna is going to show her identity by casting herself against Mahesh Babu in a special appearance for the film 'New' - being directed by SJ Suryah and produced by Manjula Swaroop. More details are awaited!!

14th February 2003

Nagarjuna turns agony uncle this Valentine Day
Nagarjuna - who has the killer looks and most romantic image in Telugu film industry - is turning agony uncle this time by helping the lovers in distress to come out of depressions. Gemini TV has identified 5 couples who were on the verge of committing suicide because their parents were not agreeing for their marriage. Nagarjuna took up a counseling session for the parents and convinced them. Nagarjuna - fresh from the success of Manmadhudu - has a special program on Gemini TV on 14th 2003, which telecasts Nagarjuna solving parents' issues.

Uttej penning dialogues for remake of Ramana?
Chiranjeevi is said be impressed with Uttej's work as a dialogue writer for writing sharp dialogues in the recent runaway hit 'Khadgam'. If the grapevine is to be believed, Uttej is roped into translate the powerful dialogues from Tamil Ramana without losing the sharpness. Oscar Ravi Chandran is going produce this film on Oscar banner. This film is likely to go on to the floors on 15th February 2003. Mani Sharma provides music.

Neelakanta's film titled as Missamma
Missamma is the titled confirmed for Neelakantha's film to go on floors soon. This film would have the caption 'She is the boss'. Bhumika and Laya are playing heroines in Missamma. Sivaji is signed as the hero. Satyam Entertainments that produced 'Dhanalakshmi I Love You' recently would be producing this film. Shooting of this film would start sometime this month.

7th February 2003

7 crore budget for Nijam
Talking to idlebrain.com, the hotshot director Teja told that the budget of Nijam would be anywhere between 6 - 7 crores. On the eve of sensational hit of Okkadu, lots of buyers offered Teja much bigger prices in various areas. But Teja did not entertain such requests in areas where Nijam was already sold out. Teja and Mahesh Babu have decided not "to" clash with Balayya film or Johnny in the month of April. The tentative release date for Nijam is 11th April 2003. However, Teja is ready to postpone the date by a week, if any of other big films are releasing on that day. Teja has taken this decision by keeping the safely of buyers of all films in the mind. Rakshita is paired up with Mahesh Babu. Raasi and Mani Chandana are other heroines. Gopichand is playing the role of powerful villain in this film.

Mohan Babu meets the Governor
Mohan Babu has met Mr. Surjit Singh Barnala - the Governor of AP - today and has a closed-door discussion with him for few minutes. His daughter Lakshmi Prasanna also accompanied Mohan Babu. Talking to the press - who were eagerly waiting outside Raj Bhavan - Mohan Babu said that it's a courtesy call and he has taken his daughter to get blessings from Governor as she would be making her debut as film director. There have been lots of speculations about Mohan Babu reentering into politics since a week. And the events of him meeting the Governor and CM gracing to the muhurat of Vishnu are only confirming the speculations.

Why Mahesh did not play star cricket?
Mahesh, who was supposed to play in Chiranjeevi's team, had opted out at the last moment. The anxious fans of Mahesh Babu sent us many mails enquiring about the reason behind Mahesh not playing star cricket. The fact is that Mahesh has suffered minor injuries due to mistimed kicks given by a fighter during the canning of fight sequences for Nijam on 1st February 2003. Mahesh had to opt out due to body pains. In spite of being unwell, Mahesh has taken pains to visit the LB stadium and spend sometime in visitors' gallery by watching his colleagues perform the job.

5th February 2003

Tollywood cricket film in USA (Photo Gallery - 1, Photo Gallery - 2)
Our coverage of Tollywood Cricket is so good that our mailboxes were flooded with requests about the Tollywood match being edited and made in form of DVDs and sold in USA. We conveyed the same to the organizers of the events. They are planning to make it a 2 and half hour film with the latest song snippets of top heroes included between the cricket proceedings and make it a 35 mm film format and release it in USA. RP might also be roped in to do some songs for the same. The DVD version of the same would be released once the 35mm-film's run in completed. Idlebrain would give you the regular updates about the progress of the same in the days to come.

Vishnu debut live on Gemini
Vishnu Vardhan Babu - son of Dr. Mohan Babu - is going to have a grand debut tomorrow (6th February 2003) in a public event to be conducted at Annapurna Studios. CM Chandra Babu Naidu is gracing the occasion as the chief guest. All the big wigs of film industry and political heavy weights are also expected. Fans of Mohan Babu are coming in buses to the Annapurna studio from all over the state. The icing on the cake is that for the first time in the history of Telugu cinema a hero's launch is going to be aired live on TV. Gemini TV has bought the TV rights to cover this spectacular event live.

Nag breaths life into musician's lives
Nagarjuna gave a break to RP and Devi Sri Prasad with Santosham and Manmadhudu respectively. Now he is giving break to Chakri through 'Shivamani 98480 22338'. Though he is getting the credit for giving break for all these new bread of Telugu film music directors, Nagarjuna had a shrewd business strategy behind it. Since, these music directors are getting an opportunity to work with one of the top 4 heroes for the first time, they would deliver their best work. Nagarjuna knows this well and he is utilizing this strategy to an optimal output!

3rd February 2003

Pawan Kalyan as 'Tiger Seetaramudu' (Photo Gallery)
The muhurat of Pawan Kalyan's new film 'Tiger Seetaramudu' was held at Padmalaya studios today (3rd Feb 2003) morning. Chiranjeevi clapped for the first shot and K Raghavendra Rao switched on the camera. Shriya is paired up with Pawan Kalyan. Veera Shankar (of 'Hello I Love You fame') directs this film. Satyanand provides story. Naga Babu produces this film on Anjana Productions banner. Regular shooting starts in April 2003.

The story behind the name of Asin
The heroine of 'Amma Nanna O Telugu Ammai' is little upset about the way her name is spelled. Her name is currently referred Ashin or Asheen. But her real name is Asin. She explained to idlebrain.com that her parents named her Asin. Actually Asin is meant to be opposite of Sin. She belongs to Kochi and she is also a proprietress of ASINS (Artful Savants In National Serviced). She is also acting with Nagarjuna in 'Shiva Mani 98480 22338'.

1st February 2003

Shriya paired up with Pawan Kalyan
For those Pawan Kalyan fans who were disappointed that glamorous heroine is missing in Johnny, here is good news. The cutie pie of Telugu film industry Shriya is signed as heroine for Pawan Kalyan's next venture with Anjana Productions. Muhurat of this film would happen on 3rd February. Veera Shankar (of Hello I Love You fame) would be directing this film. Regular shooting of this film would start in the month of April. Naga Babu, brother of Pawan Kalyan, would produce this film.

Balayya dialogues in the new film
"Guntur Meedottu! Gundekaaya Pindestaa!!"
"Naagayalankalo Kottaanante Nandyalalo Vinipistundi Nee Kaeka"
There two dialogues are the sample dialogues of the aural feast Box office Bonanza Balayya would be providing with his impeccable royal dialogue delivery when his latest film in the direction of B Gopal releases on 11th of April 2003. Paruchuri brothers have penned these dialogues. Posani Krishna Murali has provided this story with Palnadu backdrop that has characterization shades of Brahma Naidu. The current schedule of the film is going on in Ramoji Film City since 27th of this month. The unit would move to Mysore on 5th February and there after would shoot in areas like Vizag, Karampoodu, Macherla etc. Arti Agarwal and Sonali Bendre are paired up with Balayya in this film.

Chiru's film shooting from 15th Feb.
Regular shooting of Chiranjeevi's latest film to be remade from Tamil 'Ramana' would start from 15th of February onwards. VV Vinayak directs this film. The first schedule would take place till 26th of February 2003. 'Ranga' is the title under consideration for this film.

31st January 2003

Chiranjeevi in and as Ranga?
As per the unconfirmed reports, Ranga is tentatively decided as title for the next Chiranjeevi's film to go on floors. VV Vinayak is directing this film. Mani Sharma is providing music. Oscar Ravi Chandran would make his debut in Telugu as producer through this film. Ranga is a remake of Tamil blockbuster Ramana starring Vijaykanth, Simran and Ashima Bhalla. Shriya is one of the heroines under consideration. This film would go on floors before 15th of February and would continue till the completion of the shoot. Chiranjeevi would be acting in his future films to be produced by Vijaya Bapineedu and Nagababu only after he completed the shooting of Ranga. More details are awaited.

30th January 2003

Shriya in Rasool film
Heroine Shriya is pitted against Sreeram (of Roja Poolu fame) in a film that is being directed by Rasool - the cinematographer turned director. He is making his debut as director through a film being produced by Anandi Art Creations banner. As per the inside sources, this film has an interesting plot. The entire first half of the film is shot on a train journey where hero falls in love with heroine. In the interval they get separated and the entire second half revolves around how they find each other.

Star Cricket details
The cricket match that is going to happen on 2nd of February is supposed to be a serious affair unlike earlier star cricket matches that were played just for the heck of it. Most of the artists are seen practicing for the matches. The top heroes (Chiranjeevi, Bala Krishna, Venkatesh and Nagarjuna) are going to head a team each. Chiranjeevi, Venkatesh and Nagarjuna are seen actively practicing for the match as they do not have any films on floors at present. Contrary to other heroes, Bala Krishna is busy in Vijayanagaram shooting for his film in B Gopal's direction. However Bala Krishna would make himself available on 2nd February for the real match. Two semi finals and one final would be played on that day. First semi final would be played between 10 am and 1 pm. Second semi final would be played between 2 pm to 6pm and the grand finale is expected to take place under flood lights between 6 pm to 10 pm. Rhythm events is organizing the cricket match. The tickets are priced at Rs 100/-, Rs 500/- and Rs 1000/-. These tickets are available at all eSeva Kendras. Profits earned through these matches would go to a corpus fund that supports the needy segment of MAA union members.

Pandari Bai is no more
Character actress of yesteryears, Pandari Bai, who has played memorable roles in several films in all the south Indian languages, died in Chennai on 29th of January 2003. She was 73. She made her debut through the film 'Vaani' in 1943 and acted in over 1,500 films in Tamil, Telugu, Kannada, and even Hindi, initially as heroine and later in character roles. She is remembered as Sabari for her portrayal in Bhakta Sabari film.

29th January 2003

Protégés help Dasari to resurrect
It is not an exaggeration that Telugu film industry is filled with people who were either introduced by Dasari or been helped directly or indirectly by him. But we have seen the people forgetting their mentors after they got established in the industry. But in a rare occurrence, three directors with a good experience joined as assistants to Dasari again to help him to make his latest film 'Fools' a hit. The three directors are Relangi Narasimha Rao (directed more than 80 films and majority of them are comedy hits), MS Kota Reddy (directed more than 40 films) and Durga Nageswara Rao (directed around 15 films). Relangi has taken care of comedy scenes in the film. As per the inside sources, the comedy scenes involving Brahmanandam and Kovai Sarala are pretty hilarious. As per the lab report, first half of 'Fools' is weak and the second half is good.

9 teens as a sequel to 6 teens
Jakkula Srinivasa Reddy - the producer of teen film 6 teens - has registered the title 9 teens on 27th of January 2003 in four different languages (Telugu, Tamil, Kannada and Hindi) on Harsha creations banner. As per the inside sources, this film is going to be the adult version of 6 teens. As teenagers fall in love in '6 teens' film, it is going to be elders from 40+ age group that fall in love with teen girl in 9 teens. It is learnt that the producer approached 'Tanikella Bharani' to play the main role in this film. More details later!

Aryan Rajesh changes his name
Aryan Rajesh, who delivered three flops (two in Telugu and one in Hindi) in the beginning of his career has decided to change his name to test his fortune. He renamed himself as 'Aryan' for his next film 'Sambhu', that is going to be produced and directed by Suresh Varma.

Jaya Prada's 2nd innings
Jaya Prada, the yesteryears glam doll and present glamorous TDP leader, is going to test the Telugu film waters with a remake film. She was impressed with Raveena Tandon Hindi flick 'Sattaa' so much that she is going to remake that film in her home banner. She would don the role played by Raveena Tandon in Telugu version.

Lakshmi Parvathy's Mahanadu
Lakshmi Parvathy starrer is titled as 'Mahanadu'. She is going to introduce her son Koteswara Prasad as hero through this film. She is planning to release this film Mahanadu just before TDP's Mahanadu meeting that are going to be celebrated in June of this year.

27th January 2003

CM to grace Vishnu's debut event
CM Chandra Babu Naidu has accepted to be the chief guest of Muhurath function of debut hero Vishnu Vardhan to be held on 6th February 2003. Vishnu Vardhan is the elder son of veteran hero Mohan Babu. Mohan Babu is going to produce a film with Vishnu Vardhan as hero in the direction of famous Malayalam director Shazi Kailas on 'Sri Lakshmi Prasanna Pictures' banner. Mohan Babu has registered two titles - Loyola College Old Student and Rudraksha - recently at AP Film Chamber. One of these two titles might be confirmed for this film.

Okkadu function on May 31st
MS Raju announced long back that he would conduct the 100 days function of Mahesh Babu's Okkadu on 31st of May 2003 on the occasion of Superstar Krishna's birthday. Vizag might be the venue for this celebration. After the sensational success of Okkadu, Mahesh Babu has agreed to act in another film to be produced by MS Raju on Sumanth Arts banner. Muhurat of this film would be held onthe 10th of May 2003. Director of this film is yet to be decided.

Teja's Dubai connection
Dubai has about 90 lakhs of Telugu speaking community. Teja has identified Dubai as the place where Telugu cinema is under exploited. Hence he decided to spruce up the enthusiasm among the Telugu community there by celebrating the 175 days function of 'Jayam' in Dubai. He is also planning to do the audio release of his venture under production 'Nijam' in Dubai during that function. A part of Teja's next film 'Dhairyam' would be shot in Dubai as well.

Gelupu audio released
Audio of Bhaswant Talkies film 'Gelupu' was released in Central Court Hotel on 27th of January 2003. BJP Party leader Bangaru Lakshman handed over the first cassette to another BJP leader Indrasena Reddy. Central Govt. Minister Bandaru Dattatreya also graced the occasion. Central Govt. Minister Bandaru Dattatreya also graced the occasion. The other celebrities who were present were Laya, EVV Satyanarayana, Siva Nageswara Rao, Muppalaneni Siva, Sarat, Murali Mohan, AVS, Paruchuri Venkateswara Rao, Tripuraneni Maharadhi, S Vasu Rao and Gowtam Raju. S Vasu Rao provided the music. This album has seven songs. 5 of these songs were exhibited to the journalists today. Tripuraneni Chitti Babu directs this film. Laya, Suhasini and Soundarya play main leads in this film.

20th January 2003

Lakshmi Parvathy on big screen
Lakshmi Parvathy - wife of late NTR and the president of NTR Telugu Desam Party - is making her full-scale big screen appearance with a film to be directed by KS Venu. This film is based on the visions of late NT Rama Rao. Lakshmi Parvathy is acting as a college principal in this film. There is a political touch in the storyline. The producer is planning to release this film by Mahanadu time to stimulate the political stigma in the common man. Raj Deep provides music. Gangotri banner is producing this film.

Pawan Kalyan's film details
Muhurath of Pawan Kalyan's next venture would be held on 28th of February. Vyjayanthi movies banner is producing this film in the direction of Karunakaran (of Toli Prema fame). The regular shooting of this film would start in the month of April after Pawan Kalyan completes his work for Johnny as the director. A fresh face might act as heroine in this film. Aswini Dutt has formally announced today that the writer Chinni Krishna is going to direct a film for Vyjayanthi Movies banner. The hero of the film is yet to be zeroed upon.

Srikanth's new movie details
Anil - the manager of hero Srikanth - has established the Sri Creations banner on his hero's name (as Srikanth is fondly called Sri by the close friends). He is making a movie with Srikanth, Sravanthi, Anitha Patil, Sivaji and Sunil in the main leads. Climax of this film is being pictured today at a Marriage function hall in Secunderabad today. Talking to the press, Srikanth told that 90% of the talkie of the movie is completed so far. The unit is moving to New Zealand to can 3 songs. Sunil said that his character's name is 'Nela Baaludu'. His got the name Nela Baaludu because a hostel warden adapts him when the he was 1-month old. Srikanth calls Sunil as 'Month' in this film. Sunil said that the music has really come out well. Heroine Sravanthi said that she is currently doing her final semester at BITS Pilani. She is also familiar with Telugu because of her acquaintance with Telugu people in BITS. She said that she is playing a homely heroine character. Director E Sathi Babu said that this is a matured love story. This film is expected to be released in March 2003.

Laya in Donga Ramudu and Party
Laya - Vijayawada Telugu girl and twice Nandi award winner for best acting - is selected as Vamsy's heroine for the film 'Donga Ramudu and Party'. Srikanth plays the title role. This film would go on floors on 29th of this month and the first schedule would take place till 20th of February 2003. A special set is being constructed near Hyderabad at Charlapally Railway station. 4 songs of the film are been recorded so far. The second schedule would start on 1st of March and continued till 27th in Godari districts. Later the unit would visit Paris and Australia to can few songs. ML Kumar Chwodary, the joint producer of Poori Jagannath's Idiot is producing this film on Keerthi Creations banner. Chakri provides music. Jeeva, Mallikharjuna Rao, Tanikella Bharani, MS Narayana, Jaya Prakash Reddy and Jyoti Lakshmi play other important roles.

8th January 2003

NTR rules with Naaga
NTR has surpassed his babai Bala Krishna in terms of craze and expectations with his 200-print release 'Naaga'. The craze for this film is such that in a city like Nellore where 12 theaters are located, 7 theaters would be exhibiting the film Naaga on 10th of January 2003. In Ananthapur, Naaga is releasing in 6 theaters (out of 15 theaters). In USA, where a 2-print release is considered as a major release, Naaga would be released with 5 prints in USA and UK simultaneously on 10th January 2003 itself. The producer is trying to cash in with openings and squeezing money from the crowds in just 4 weeks (before the start of Cricket world cup on 8th February 2003).

Mani Sharma musical program for Indra function
Mani Sharma's musical program would start at 12 noon in Vijayawada on 12th of January 2003 followed by a dance program by Lawrence. The silver jubilee function would be kicked off at 3 pm and is expected to be completed by 6 pm. The producer is making sure that the crowds are not affected by the winter cold by not extending the function beyond 6 pm.

Balayya shies away from Palnadu
The unit of Venkata Ramana productions have taken the sensible decision of shifting the shooting location from sensitive areas like Karampudi, Narsaraopeta, Kotappakonda, Macherla etc to Vijaynagaram. This decision is taken after the aggressive attacks by naxalites in these areas. The unit completed 2nd schedule recently in Chelakudi and moved to 3rd schedule at Vijayanagaram. Sonali Bendre would be entering sets in this schedule. B Gopal directs this yet-to-be-titled film. Medikonda Murali Krishna produces this film. This film is all set for an April 2003 release.

Saptagiri for Johnny
Geeta Arts has leased Saptagiri Theater in RTC Crossroads, Hyderabad. They are renovating theater with latest and the best sound/visual equipment. This theater would be reopened for the release of Pawan Kalyan's Johnny on 28th of March 2003.

Gangotri in Rajahmundry
The last schedule of Allu Arjun's Gangotri started in Rajahmundry on 5th of January 2003. K Raghavendra Rao directs this film. Actress Seeta started her second innings and is acting as mom to Allu Arjun in this film. Aditi Agarwal, sister of Arti Agarwal' is making debut through this film. MM Keeravani provides music. This film completed shooting in locations like Gangotri (Himalayas), Hardwar, Ooty, Araku, Vizag.

MS Narayana's son as hero
Vikram, son of the comedy artist MS Narayana' is going to be launched as hero very soon. MS Narayana is said to have prepared the story. When he narrated this story to the producer C Kalyan, he was so much impressed with MS that he asked MS to direct the film. C Kalyan has roped in three more producers and started a banner called V4 (C Kalyan, Arjuna Raju, KC Sekhara Babu, 'SatyaChitra' Surya Narayana). V4 is going to produce this film. MM Keeravani provides music. Prakash and Rajan P Dev are going to act this film. This film would be going to floors on 1st of February 2003.

4th January 2003

6 lakhs of Okkadu albums sold
Speaking to idlebrain.com, MS Raju is revealed that 'Okkadu' is releasing with 150 prints in 225 theaters on 15th of January 2002. Okkadu album released on 19th of December has got terrific response. According to Raju Harwani, 6 lakhs of Okkadu albums are sold in a span of 2 weeks. Incidentally Okkadu is a lucky film for lots of cast/crew members involved with this project. Okkadu is Mani Sharma's 50th project. Okkadu is Sirivennela's 600th film and Paruchuri brother's 300th film. Okkadu is also Supreme's 300th album. Hexa platinum disc function of Okkadu would be held on 9th of January 2003.

8 films lined up for Suresh productions
Suresh Productions has a series of films lined up for year 2003. It is presently doing a film each with Singeetam Srinivasa Rao (Raja a hero) and B Narasinga Rao (titled as Harivillu). Two debutants Kumar and Prasad are going to be introduced as directors with a film each in the coming months. Rama Naidu would also direct a film very soon for the first time. Suresh Babu is going to produce a film with Uday Kiran as hero in the direction of debutant Rajasekhar. Surensh Babu is also going to produce 2 films with Venky in the direction of Vijaya Bhaskar and Ravi Babu.

3rd January 2003

CM for Indra 175 days function
Ace producer Aswini Dutt has confirmed Vijayawada as the venue and 12th January 2003 as the date for the silver jubilee function of Chiranjeevi's blockbuster Indra. Chandra Babu Naidu, Honerable Chief Minister for AP and Venkaiah Naidu, President of BJP Party are going to attend as the chief guests. The exact venue of the function is going to be an open-air auditorium near Gollapudi. The timings for the function are 2:30 pm to 6 pm. All the bigwigs of industry are going to attend the function along with lakhs of Chiranjeevi fans.

Dasari's Yadardham
Dasari Narayana Rao is going to make a sensational movie titled 'Yadardham' with Vijaya Shanti as heroine. This film would go on floors on 15th of January 2003 and is expected to be released on 4th of May, which happens to be the birthday of Dasari. Other details of the film are awaited.

2nd January 2003

BITS Pilani student as heroine
Divya, who is currently perusing engineering studies at BITS Pilani, is acting as heroine opposite Srikanth in a film being made on 'Sri Creations' banner. She made her debut as 'Kaniha' in Mani Ratnam produced Tamil film '5 star'. This is her second film as heroine. She changed her screen name in Telugu as 'Sravanthi'. This film is being produced by Anil - the friend and manager of Srikanth. Shooting of the film started on 14th December 2002. E Sathi Babu, who directed films like Tirumala Tirupati Venkatesa and O Chinnadana, is directing this film. Vidya Sagar provides music. Chintapalli Ramana pens dialogues. Shooting of 40% of talkie part is completed.

Tamil director for Chiru's Ramana
Tamil director Muruga Das is confirmed as director for Chiranjeevi's film to be remade from Tamil blockbuster 'Ramana'. Muruga Das directed the Tamil version of Ramana as well. Other details are awaited

Singer Rajesh turns hero
Singer Rajesh of 'Eto Vellipoyindi Manasu' fame is turning hero with AVS directed film 'Orinee Prema Bangaram Kaanu'. Rajesh is basically a Kannadiga based in Bangalore. He is been recently screen-tested and selected as hero. Six years back, Rajesh sang for a private album composed by RP Patnaik. RP is planning to release that private album very soon. In the music video of that album Rajesh and Priya (real-life girlfriend of Rejesh) are going act as models as well.

Youth Heroines' night out on 31st
Youth heroines Namitha (accompanied by her boyfriend Steven), Gajala, Anshu (flashback heroine of Manmadhudu) and Tanu Rao are seen setting 31st night on fire at Safari pub. Arti Agarwal proved her 'good girl' status by chilling out with her family (brother and father Sashank Agarwal).

1st January 2003

Raj TV to start Telugu channel
After consolidating its position in Tamil Nadu, Raj TV is all set to enter Telugu TV market in this year. Raj's Telugu channel is titled as 'Vissa' channel. Raj group has taken office space in Kamalapuri Colony in Hyderabad and would be launching 'Vissa TV' on 23rd of May 2003. Currently there are 4 private channels operating in Telugu - E TV (owned by Ramoji Rao), Gemini TV (Sun group), Teja TV (Sun group) and MAA TV. The entry of Vissa TV will make the competition grow and result in better service to the idiot box lovers.

Details of Kalyanram's film
Nandamuri Hari Krishna's son Kalyanram is making his debut as hero in this New Year. Kasi Viswanath, who directed the blockbuster NLNL would be directing this film. Usha Kiran movies that launched crazy youth-hero-trio of Uday Kiran (Chitram), NTR (Ninnu Choodalani) and Tarun (Nuvve Kavali) would be launching Kalyanram on their banner. This film would go to floors on 19th of January 2003. Details of cast and crew are being worked out now.

Director Sobhan turns actor
Sobhan, the director of Bobby film, is acting as Ravi Teja's friend in Usha Kiran movies film 'Oka Raju Oka Rani'. Sobhan worked as dialogue writer and associate director for Krishna Vamsi in the past. Ravi Teja and Namitha are acting as main leads in this film. Chakri provides music. Popular dialogue writer Trivikram pens lyrics for the first time. Yogi directs this film. Shooting of this film is expected to be completed by end of February. This film is planned for summer release.