Latest news with #Sye
News18
18-07-2025
- Entertainment
- News18
SS Rajamouli Meets Genelia Deshmukh After 20 Years, Says 'You Look Exactly The Same'
Last Updated: Genelia and Rajamouli's film Sye was a groundbreaking project for its time, introducing the sport of rugby to Telugu cinema. After the success of Sitaare Zameen Par, Genelia Deshmukh is all set to return to the screen with her next movie, Junior. Recently, at the film's pre-release event, the actress met filmmaker SS Rajamouli when the two shared a heartwarming moment. A video of their reunion also went viral on social media, reminding fans of their 2004 collaboration, Sye. 'Genelia, you are frozen in time, man. What… how many years have passed away, yet you look exactly the same. I even asked cinematographer Senthil if we'll see a new Genelia in this, and he assured, we will. I am eagerly waiting for it," Rajamouli told Genelia during the event. Responding to his sentiments, the actress also added, 'You are too too kind, sir. Means so much to me." For the unversed, Genelia and Rajamouli's film Sye was a groundbreaking project for its time, introducing the sport of rugby to Telugu cinema and marking a significant early career milestone for both. Their recent meeting served as a powerful reminder of that formative period in Telugu cinema history. Meanwhile, talking about Junior, the film is slated to release on July 18. Directed by Radhakrishna Reddy, the film, along with Geneli,a stars Kireeti Reddy, Sreeleela and V. Ravichandran in pivotal characters. On the other hand, SS Rajamouli is currently working on his next movie, tentatively titled SSMB29. Recently, a report by The Citizen from Tanzania claimed that SSMB29 revolves around a 'rugged explorer" who is fighting an enemy to protect the world. 'Inspired by Indiana Jones and African adventure classics, the film follows a rugged explorer who sets out on a high-stakes mission through uncharted terrain, battling nature, mystery, and a powerful enemy to uncover a long-lost secret that could change the world. Think ancient legends, wild landscapes, and edge-of-your-seat thrills," the synopsis of the movie, as quoted by the Tanzanian media portal, said. SSMB29 will star Mahesh Babu and Priyanka Chopra in the lead. First Published: July 18, 2025, 10:02 IST Disclaimer: Comments reflect users' views, not News18's. Please keep discussions respectful and constructive. Abusive, defamatory, or illegal comments will be removed. News18 may disable any comment at its discretion. By posting, you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy.
Time of India
17-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Time of India
Genelia Deshmukh returns to Telugu cinema: SS Rajamouli calls Genelia 'Frozen in Time' during reunion
Actress Genelia Deshmukh is making a comeback to Telugu cinema after many years with the film 'Junior.' At the film's pre-release event, director SS Rajamouli praised her. Their sweet reunion reminded everyone of their past film and became a special highlight of the event. Genelia Deshmukh's comeback in Telugu cinema At the pre-release event of the Telugu-Kannada bilingual film 'Junior,' acclaimed director SS Rajamouli made a special appearance as the chief guest. This event gathered attention not just for the film but also for a heartfelt reunion between Rajamouli and actress Genelia Deshmukh. The film 'Junior' is scheduled to release on July 18, 2025. 'Sitaare Zameen Par': Riteish Deshmukh's Emotional Shoutout For Genelia's Big Win Genelia Deshmukh is making her comeback to Telugu cinema with 'Junior' after a long gap of many years. Her last Telugu film with SS Rajamouli was 'Sye' (2004), which was directed by him. At the time, Genelia became a fan favorite for her lively performance and charm. Her return after two decades brought back a wave of nostalgia for both fans and the filmmaker himself. This comeback is being seen as a major highlight of the film and has generated a lot of curiosity among Telugu audiences. SS Rajamouli warmly addressed Genelia During the event, SS Rajamouli warmly addressed Genelia and said, 'Genelia, you're frozen in time, man. What… How many years have passed, yet you look exactly the same. I even asked cinematographer Senthil if we'll see a new Genelia in this, and he assured me we will. I am eagerly waiting for it.' His remark was filled with affection and admiration, and the audience present at the event responded with applause and smiles. A short video clip capturing this moment between Rajamouli and Genelia quickly went viral on social media, and in the clip, viewers could see the genuine happiness and warmth between the two, and fans are now happy to witness the reunion of a director and actress who had created magic on screen. Rajamouli's presence at the event was not for promotion or publicity, but rather it was a sweet gesture, and his comments and their interaction added a personal, emotional layer to the whole event.
Time of India
17-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Time of India
Rajamouli's bold claim on ‘Eega': Filmmaker defends creativity while addressing past doubts; Says, 'Many said I could only do mass films after Simhadri"
At the pre-release event of the upcoming film 'Junior', SS Rajamouli surprised fans by revealing that Eega holds a special place in his heart, calling it his best work to date. The moment came during a casual Q&A session hosted by Suma, where Rajamouli responded with a single but powerful line when a montage of his films was shown: 'Eega, my best film. Tired of too many ads? go ad free now ' About 'Eega' The 2012 fantasy action film, starring Nani, Samantha Ruth Prabhu, and Sudeep, revolved around a man reincarnated as a housefly seeking the Nani starrer was one of the early works of 'RRR' director, it stood out for it's stunning visuals and story telling style. Responding to criticism with 'Sye' During his address, Rajamouli also touched upon a lesser-discussed phase of his career, when he was criticized for focusing solely on mass-action films. Reflecting on the post-Simhadri period, he shared, 'Many said I could only do mass films after Simhadri. I tried to prove otherwise with Sye.' Released in 2004, 'Sye' was a college rugby-based sports drama that broke away from the usual action template. Rajamouli's decision to take up such a different genre was his subtle way of showing that he could stretch beyond expectations — a creative streak that has since become his trademark. Junior - Official Trailer Genelia's comeback gets a warm welcome Apart from the nostalgic moments, the Junior event also became a celebration of Genelia Deshmukh's return to Telugu cinema. Rajamouli couldn't hide his admiration as he said, 'Genelia, you're frozen in time, man. What… how many years have passed, yet you look exactly the same.' He even revealed asking cinematographer Senthil if audiences would see a 'new Genelia' in the film. Visibly touched, Genelia responded with grace: 'You are too too kind, sir. Means so much to me.' 'Junior' is set for a big release on July 18.
Time of India
15-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Time of India
From Pawan Kalyan's 'Thammudu' to Ram Charan's 'Peddi': How Telugu cinema is shaping a gritty and authentic sports drama genre
Tollywood boasts captivating characters and profoundly emotional narratives. While genres such as mythological epics, romantic dramas, and action films have continually flourished in the industry, sports-drama films have also had a fascinating run. Tired of too many ads? go ad free now These films often feature stories about perseverance, success, and the human spirit. While they may not be as profitable as the other genres, Telugu sports dramas have created a distinct genre in their own right. The Emergence of Sports Dramas in Telugu Cinema The trends of sports dramas are relatively new when compared to the historical, mythological, and social themes in Telugu cinema. Sports-drama films started gaining traction in Telugu cinema during the early 2000s, with films like 'Thammudu' and 'Sye' really showcasing the interest in this subgenre across a range of sports. In stark contrast, Bollywood and Hindi cinema, while earlier embracing the trend of sport in film, maintained the discourse more directly to cricket; sporting films are still a relative rarity in Telugu. Despite this, the strong success of films such as 'Jersey' is driving audiences' interest, proving that sports dramas resonate deeply, as long as they are made with authenticity. What makes sports dramas appealing to filmmakers and audiences alike is the commonality of themes, such as underdogs, personal redemption, and striving for a dream against all odds. These films have also been incorporated with the aspects of their culture and, often, social issues, including caste, family relationships, and altruism. Some notable sports-drama films in Telugu cinema 'Thammudu': Directed by P.A. Arun Prasad, 'Thammudu' is a landmark sports drama centered around boxing. Starring as a carefree young man who transforms into a disciplined boxer to avenge his brother's honor, the film blends action, emotion, and family values. Tired of too many ads? go ad free now Its raw energy and Pawan Kalyan's charismatic performance made it a cult classic. Another hit is 'Sye,' which is directed by SS Rajamouli, who brought rugby to Telugu audiences at a time when rugby appeared to be a distant sport relative to India. The film stars Nithiin and Genelia D'Souza and focuses on a group of college rivals and their journey to becoming a rugby team. The sports scenes, shot distinctly by Rajamouli and paired with MM Keeravaani's happy rhythms, put 'Sye' on the map. The 2019 superhit, Gowtam Tinnanuri's 'Jersey,' is arguably the pinnacle of Telugu sports dramas. 'Jersey' features a transformative and courageous performance from industry sweetheart , who plays Arjun, a cricketer who attempts to come out of retirement in his late 30s to fulfill his quest to play for India. It is spirit, sacrifice, and endurance that hopefully almost everyone is connected with. The authenticity of the cricket scenes, primarily due to the 's involvement with shooting the cricket scenes and Nani's subtle transformation that takes place through the film, delighted audiences. As per The News Minute, Nani shared that he didn't know if there was a trend of sports dramas in Telugu cinema: "I didn't know that there was a trend of sports dramas in Telugu in the first place. When Gowtam narrated the story, I felt it was both beautiful and a challenging film for me as an actor. It's only then that it struck me that there are very few Telugu films that focus on sports. It's high time we made sports dramas in Telugu, rather than just enjoy watching them when they are made in other languages. " Nani's training for 'Jersey' was grueling: 70 days at the Daniels Cricket Academy to get the cricketing stance right. But it was worth it to tell a story that's as much about life as it is about cricket. Arjun's story is about second chances, and the makers focused on making every scene authentic, from the cricket to the emotions. Seetimaarr', directed by , is an energetic sports drama about women's kabaddi, featuring Gopichand and Tamannaah. Like most sports dramas, 'Seetimaarr' also has a social commentary about gender and femininity in rural India. Speaking of the upcoming 'Peddi,' the sports drama is directed by Buchi Babu Sana, will feature , and differs from a traditional sports drama that features only one sport. 'Peddi,' while a sports drama, will feature more than one sport. The film will feature cricket, wrestling, and kabaddi as we see a "sports coolie" at the center of it all. Crafting Authenticity Sporting dramas are able to hold the fans or casual audience depending on authenticity or in regard to authenticity in storytelling or performing sports. It is common for directors and actors to train and spend a huge amount of time getting authentically prepared for the sports element. In the case of 'Jersey,' Nani trained for more than two months to learn the cricketing aspects, and BCCI assisted the production team by using authentic logos and specific settings to make the story feel real. South Buzz: Vijay's 'Leo' first look out!; Ram Charan and Upasana blessed with a baby girl; Action flick 'RDX' to release on Onam Similarly, both Tamannaah and the other cast members in 'Seetimaarr' also did kabaddi training to convince the audiences they were true athletes. Authenticity extends to crew members that cover technical aspects. For example, the cinematographers and editors for the rugby portions of 'Sye' planned and choreographed shooting routines to show the raw physicality of the sport and were largely praised for their intensity. Filmmakers also often take inspiration from true stories to add depth and meaning. 'Jersey' was based on the struggles of athletes who return to the sport late in their lives, and 'Seetimaarr' showed the struggles of female athletes in the sporting world. Challenges and Future Prospects Sporting dramas are able to hold the fans or casual audience depending on authenticity or in regard to authenticity in storytelling or performing sports. It is common for directors and actors to train and spend a huge amount of time getting authentically prepared for the sports element. In the case of 'Jersey,' Nani trained for more than two months to learn the cricketing aspects, and the BCCI assisted the production team by using authentic logos and specific settings to make the story feel real. Even with their success, sports dramas also have some hurdles in Telugu cinema. Compared to traditional films, the genre requires an extra investment in training, choreography, and production design to be as authentic as possible and undeniably scary despite smaller budgets. Further, it's hard to outrun the star system in Telugu cinema, with mass entertainers preferred over niche genres. However, on the other hand, the evolution of sport-drama films in Telugu cinema has transformed from once-in-a-while experiments into an emerging genre worthy of discipline and attention.
Indian Express
08-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Indian Express
MM Keeravani's father and lyricist Siva Shakthi Datta passes away; Chiranjeevi and Mahesh Babu pay their respects
Siva Shakthi Datta, legendary Telugu lyricist and father of celebrated composer MM Keeravani, passed away at the age of 92 in Hyderabad on Monday. Datta had been struggling with age-related issues for some time. Chiranjeevi took to X (formerly twitter), and confirmed the news with a heartfelt message. He wrote, 'The news that Sri Siva Shakthi Datta, a painter, scholar of the Sanskrit language, writer, storyteller, and multifaceted genius, has attained divine union has left me deeply shocked. Praying to the Almighty that his soul finds peace. I express my profound condolences to my friend Keeravani garu and his family members.' Director Sampath Nandi took to X and posted, 'Siva Sakthi Dutta garu…A towering legacy etched in every Telugu always cherish each word of Shanti 🙏🏾' Actor Teja Sajja, meanwhile, wrote on social media, 'Deeply saddened by the demise of Siva Shakthi Datta Garu. I feel lucky to have worked with him. A great loss for all of us. Will miss him. May his soul Rest In Peace.' Filmmaker SS Rajamouli and actor Mahesh Babu paid their respects in person. చిత్రకారుడు, సంస్కృత భాషా సంపన్నుడు , రచయిత, కథకుడు,బహుముఖ ప్రజ్ఞాశాలి అయిన శ్రీ శివ శక్తి దత్తా గారు శివైక్యం చెందారన్న వార్త నన్ను దిగ్భ్రాంతికి గురిచేసింది. వారి ఆత్మకు శాంతి కలగాలని ఆ భగవంతుడ్ని ప్రార్ధిస్తూ …. మిత్రుడు కీరవాణి గారికి వారి కుటుంబ సభ్యులకు నా ప్రగాఢ… — Chiranjeevi Konidela (@KChiruTweets) July 8, 2025 ALSO READ: Upasana Kamineni tells fans to wait for their 'Ram' or walk their own path: 'Marriage is no longer an obligation' Born in Kovvu, near Rajahmundry in Andhra Pradesh, Koduri Subbarao adopted the pen name of Kamalesh, and initially worked as a painter. He started exploring his love for music and learned several instruments before changing his name to Siva Shakthi Datta. Starting with the 1988 film Janaki Ramadu, the lyricist wrote for many popular films, including Sye, Chatrapathi, Rajanna, Baahubali: The Beginning , Baahubali 2: The Conclusion, and RRR, Hanu-Man. He also directed the film Chandrahas (2007).
