Latest news with #Pokiri
Hindustan Times
18-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Hindustan Times
Vijay Deverakonda opens up on Liger's failure, says he was ‘extremely sad' for this reason
Vijay Deverakonda is gearing up for the release of his upcoming film Kingdom. The actor's Hindi-language debut with Liger failed to impress the audience when it released in theatres in 2022. In an interview with Filmfare, the actor opened up about how he felt after the film did not turn out to be as expected. Vijay said that he always wanted to make a film with director Puri Jagannadh and 'enjoyed' the process very much. (Also read: Ananya Panday was 'uncomfortable' doing Vijay Deverakonda's Liger, reveals dad Chunky: 'She said I'm too young for this') During the interaction, when Vijay was asked whether he anticipated that the film would not work after release, the actor said, 'No, I was obsessed with my character, learning martial arts, building my physique to look like a fighter, figuring out the stammer. Everything about the role was so challenging that I completely enjoyed the process of making it. Growing up, I was a huge fan and admirer of director Puri Jagannadh, his film Pokiri with Mahesh Babu sir is one of my favourites and it was a dream of mine to make a film with him.' He went on to add, 'I was extremely sad that we didn't make a better film, it was a great idea on paper that we fudged…but I have zero regret about the film. It taught me so much and changed me so much. And a lot of what I do now and in the future has some learnings from the experience of making Liger and the aftermath of its release. I consider it a net win in life.' Meanwhile, Vijay's next Kingdom was set to hit the screens on May 30, but will now release on July 4. The release was rescheduled due to tensions between India and Pakistan. Directed by Gowtam, it is touted as an action thriller. The music of the film, produced by Naga Vamsi under Sithara Entertainments, has been composed by Anirudh Ravichander.
Pink Villa
17-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Pink Villa
Vijay Deverakonda REFLECTS on Liger's failure and if he regrets it now: ‘It was a great idea on paper'
Vijay Deverakonda is eagerly awaiting the release of his movie Kingdom, slated to release on July 4, 2025. Ahead of the film hitting the big screens, the actor was seen interacting with Filmfare, where he reflected upon the failure of Liger. Talking about the same and whether the actor had regret being part of the project, Vijay replied he doesn't feel anything of sort and admitted to being obsessed with the character. In his words, 'I was obsessed with my character, learning martial arts, building my physique to look like a fighter, figuring out the stammer. Everything about the role was so challenging that I completely enjoyed the process of making it.' Highlighting how he had always been a fan of director Puri Jagannadh, the actor continued, 'Growing up, I was a huge fan and admirer of director Puri Jagannadh, his film Pokiri with Mahesh Babu sir is one of my favourites, and it was a dream of mine to make a film with him. I was extremely sad that we didn't make a better film, it was a great idea on paper that we fudged…but I have zero regret about the film.' Moreover, the actor added how he has learned a great deal from the experience of Liger. Vijay underlines that the lessons he got have changed him, and that will be visible from now on and in his future ventures. For those unaware, Liger is a 2022 sports action drama, written and directed by Puri Jagannadh. The film featured the tale of a young MMA fighter called Liger who aspires to become a great boxer, upholding his father's legacy, determined by his mother's ambition. The film, which was shot simultaneously in Hindi and Telugu, featured Vijay in dual roles as father and son with an ensemble cast of actors like Ananya Panday, Ramya Krishna, Ronit Roy, and many more, with American boxing legend Mike Tyson in a cameo appearance. Liger was massively panned by critics and ultimately failed at the box office. Moving ahead, Vijay Deverakonda is next set to appear in Kingdom, a spy thriller film which is said to be part of a planned duology. Furthermore, he also has ventures like VD14 and SVC59 in the lineup.
The Hindu
07-05-2025
- Entertainment
- The Hindu
‘Jagadeka Veerudu Athiloka Sundari' gears up for theatres, in 3D, joining the trend of Telugu film re-releases
On May 9, 2025, production house Vyjayanthi Movies is re-releasing the Chiranjeevi-Sridevi Telugu socio-fantasy drama Jagadeka Veerudu Athiloka Sundari in 2D and 3D formats in more than 150 screens, to mark its 35th anniversary. 'We have been working on restoring the film for the last few years. My father (producer C Ashwini Dutt) thought it would be apt to re-release it on the anniversary,' says Swapna Dutt, co-producer of Kalki 2898 AD and several noteworthy contemporary Telugu films. When the film was released on May 9, 1990, a severe cyclone battered undivided Andhra Pradesh. The film drew the audiences gradually and became a blockbuster. It was a game changer for Ashwini Dutt and the production house. The fantasy drama directed by K Raghavendra Rao, with its story by Yandamoori Veerandranath and screenplay by Jandhyala, featured Chiranjeevi as a guardian of four children and Sridevi as the daughter of Lord Indra; she is in quest of her lost ring, without which she cannot return to Indralok. Jagadeka Veerudu Athiloka Sundari is the latest film to join the re-release bandwagon. The trend of re-releasing older hits gathered momentum post pandemic, hoping to woo back the audiences to the idea of collective theatrical viewing with a dash of nostalgia. Once more, on the large screen Mahesh Babu's Pokiri directed by Puri Jagannadh, SS Rajamouli's Simhadri featuring NTR Jr, Pawan Kalyan's Kushi, the Ravi Teja starrer Venky are a few examples. Several films followed, including director Sukumar and Allu Arjun's Arya 2, Gowtam Tinnanuri's sports drama Jersey led by Nani, Nag Ashwin's Yevade Subramanyam starring Nani and Vijay Deverakonda, Tharun Bhascker's Ee Nagaraniki Emaindi and Sekhar Kammula's Happy Days. For the film teams, it was a chance to regroup and relive memories of making these hits. For the audiences, it was an opportunity to revisit old favourites and even introduce these films to the next generation on a large screen. When Nagarjuna and Sonali Bendre's 2002 hit Manmadhudu re-released, the cheer in the halls was palpable as Brahmanandam's famous line 'they paid no?' was said in unison. Making these re-releases possible are technical teams that diligently restore and digitise old films. More often than not, old negatives are lost or damaged. Cases in point being Jagadeka Veerudu Athiloka Sundari and Singeetam Srinivasa Rao's Aditya 369, the time travel film led by Balakrishna. Since 2018, Swapna and her sister Priyanka Dutt were on the hunt to find a good print of Jagadeka Veerudu Athiloka Sundari. Priyanka's husband, director Nag Ashwin, set a daily reminder on her phone, so that she would relentlessly pursue the search. The production house contacted several theatres in Telangana and Andhra Pradesh to see if anyone had an old print of reasonable quality. Some theatres stored prints of old blockbusters as keepsakes. In 2021, a print was sourced from Appa Rao of Vijayawada. Film restoration Prasad Laboratories began to work on restoring the film. The reels that had been run on projectors for prolonged periods were weathered with the use of grease and oil. The cleaning process involved removing dust and grease from each frame, followed by scanning for digitisation. The restored film was first digitised in 8K and the images were then converted to 4K format for theatrical projection. Prime Focus oversaw the 3D conversion. 'This was challenging since the film was not shot for 3D,' says Swapna. Ticket bookings for the re-release have been enthusiastic. Those who grew up in the '80s and '90s are likely to turn up in theatres for a slice of nostalgia. Swapna hopes the younger generation will also warm up to the film. 'I am looking forward to introducing the film to my five-year-old daughter. Old films may be available on television or digital platforms for home viewing, but the collective viewing experience is unmatchable.' Vyjayanthi Movies earlier re-released the Chiranjeevi and Sonali Bendre starrer Indra to much fan appeal. Director Singeetam Srinivasa Rao's 1991 film Aditya 369 featured Balakrishna in dual roles, including Vijayanagara emperor Sri Krishnadevaraya. Producer Sivalenka Krishna Prasad says about its restoration, 'It was an iconic film for our production house, Sridevi Movies, and for Telugu cinema. All the effort that went into digitising the film in 4K with 5.1 sound mix was worth it when we saw the enthusiasm in theatres. We sourced a print (positive) from Vijayawada and worked on the restoration.' The restored version of Aditya 369 was screened in Telangana, Andhra Pradesh, USA, Australia and UK. Krishna Prasad saw it as an opportunity to showcase the film, presented by SP Balasubrahmanyam with dialogues by Jandhyala, to a newer generation. 'I doubt if young people will watch these older films at home,' he says, adding, 'When I lived in Chennai for a few years, I noticed how there was a culture of older films being screened in a few theatres. That helped people rediscover iconic films. Since we do not have that in the Telugu States, this trend of re-releases can serve to plug the gap.' Next up is Rajamouli and NTR Jr's Yama Donga, expected to arrive on May 18. And, the trend is unlikely to fade any time soon. On X, producer Shobu Yarlagadda hinted at the possibility of re-releasing the Baahubali films to mark a decade of Baahubali - The Beginning!
New Indian Express
01-05-2025
- Entertainment
- New Indian Express
Mani Sharma: Music is all about experimentation
For many who grew up in the 1990s and early 2000s, Tollywood music is more than just music — it is an indispensable part of their cherished childhoods, evoking deep emotions. Songs featuring stars like Pawan Kalyan, Prabhas, and Mahesh Babu became the anthems of a generation. Tracks from Pokiri (2006) and Ek Niranjan (2009), and songs like Ye Mera Jahan, Aaduvari Matalaku, and Vaana Vaana Velluvaye ruled the charts. Behind these timeless hits was composer Mani Sharma, affectionately known as Melody Brahma. His work continues to evoke deep nostalgia, even as newer composers make their mark. At the opening of HK Hospitals in Gachibowli, CE spoke with the music legend about his journey and the inspirations behind his iconic compositions. Regarding the new hospital, Mani said with a smile, 'It's a lovely thing. Life is beautiful, and people should feel beautiful too. I think they're doing their best to help people feel good. I wish them all the success. I'd love to come for a session here some day.' Despite decades of musical brilliance, when asked about his greatest success, he humbly replied, 'That moment is yet to come.' For him, the journey never ends — there's always more to explore. When it comes to his creative process, Mani keeps it simple. 'There's nothing fixed,' he says, adding, 'The film, the story, the scene — these guide the music. The situation inspires us.' If he had to create a score that describes a typical day in his life? 'It depends on the scene,' he chuckles, noting, 'Whatever emotion the moment demands, we incorporate it. Music is all about experimentation.' He does have a few personal favourites and reveals, 'Yes, like many, I love Teen Maar . That one is very close to my heart.' Reflecting on his early days, a cherished memory comes to mind: 'I used to stand near the gates of my guru , Ilaiyaraaja garu's house, just to see his car. I'd dream that one day, I'd be in a car like that — as a composer.' For Melody Brahma, it has never been about the money. He expresses, 'Making one or 10 crore rupees doesn't matter. But making even one true fan — that's special. My fans mean everything to me…they always have.'
Time of India
29-04-2025
- Entertainment
- Time of India
Namrata Shirodkar celebrates Mahesh Babu's iconic role as 'Pokiri' turns 19
Superstar Mahesh Babu 's blockbuster film 'Pokiri' recently celebrated 19 years since its release on April 28, 2006. Marking this special date, Mahesh's wife, Namrata Shirodkar , shared a special message on her Instagram stories. Namrata Shirodkar posted a rare behind-the-scenes picture of Mahesh from the film's sets. She fondly referred to Mahesh's iconic character as "Pandugadu," saying that the film and his persona never grow old, as it has a huge impact on fans and Telugu cinema . Sharing the Instagram story she wrote, "Pandugadu never gets old @urstrulymahesh." by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Google Brain Co-Founder Andrew Ng, Recommends: Read These 5 Books And Turn Your Life Around Blinkist: Andrew Ng's Reading List Undo When the film was 14 year old Earlier, when the film completed 14 years Namrata shared memories of 'Pokiri' during her pregnancy with their first child, Gautam. She wrote, "Pokiri completes 14 years ... so many memories attached to this phenomena .. our second release after marriage .. carrying baby weight of little gautam .. and then pokiri happened .. this film was a rage .. & changed our lives forever !! This movie got etched in Telugu cinema as a pathbreaking classic of all times !! The combination of Mb as Pandu and director puri jagan was magical .. It's a memory that will always stay with me" Directed by Puri Jagannadh , Pokiri became a defining film in Mahesh Babu's career being one of the biggest hits of the 2000s. The film's success was so immense that it inspired remakes in other languages, including a Tamil version of the same name starring Thalapathy Vijay, and a Hindi remake titled 'Wanted', featuring Salman Khan in the lead role. Upcoming work Currently, Mahesh Babu is busy with his upcoming magnum opus, tentatively titled ' SSMB29 ', directed by ace filmmaker SS Rajamouli. The project has already begun shooting, with significant portions completed in Odisha. Mahesh has adopted a rugged look for the film, featuring a heavy beard and a bulked-up physique. The film also stars Priyanka Chopra Jonas and Prithviraj Sukumaran in important roles.
