I respect an actor because he has the potential to provide employment to 1,000 families, Bro happened to me during lockdown: Pawan Kalyan

People Media Factory, one of the leading production houses in Telugu cinema, is joining hands with ZEE Studios for Pawan Kalyan-Sai Dharam Tej’s Bro, written and directed by Samuthirakani. Trivikram pens the screenplay, dialogues for the film that hits screens on July 28. Ahead of its release this Friday, a grand pre-release event was organised in Hyderabad amidst scores of fans from the Telugu states, cast and crew. With exuberant music and dance performances, the event was a feast for film buffs, hinting at a blockbuster in the making.

Expressing greetings to everyone who attended the pre-release event at Shilpakala Vedika, Powerstar Pawan Kalyan said, "Only cinema has given me so much love and respect from people. Before I even came into the film industry, Brahmanandam garu had been watching since I was a small boy. Seeing this enormous love from audiences, sometimes I feel as if I am dreaming a dream. In fact, it's not the life that I wanted to live. God has given me to make me reach my destiny. I never dreamt of becoming an actor. My words are very few. As Samuthirakani has rightly said, it is not what we take, it is what we give to society. Bro materialised in a special time when lockdown was imposed and I was not able to go into the public because of the situation outside," he added.

The Powerstar further said that he has immense respect for actors because they provide employment to 1,000 families. "Because of one hero, so many technicians are able to get employment. They pay taxes in crores. So I individually have immense respect for them. They work so hard while bringing perfection toward their craft. And at the same time, when I do a cinema, I would like to hit a massive success at the box office. That competitiveness should be there. If films like Baahubali and RRR keep coming, Telugu pride runs into your blood, that's the high you get in the end.”

Sai Dharam Tej said, "When Kalyan babai called me and told me about a story in which I am the main and lead and he has a key character. I could not believe what he was telling me. I didn't agree with what he said. Later, I understood that director Samuthirakani convinced me to do the role because he wanted to make me cry. And he accomplished the task so successfully. This happened long before I met with an accident. Later, Kalyan garu assured me everything about how to go about. And we were successful in wrapping up on time. All fans would feel proud about this fantasy drama Bro."

Director Samuthirakani said, "Taking birth in some nondescript village in Tamil Nadu, I then came to Madras in search of passion for cinema. And then I came here to stand before you all with the movie 'Bro'. How is it possible? That's the time. Nothing is planned, everything has happened magically. After talking to Trivikram garu over the movie, he was really excited to make it happen in Telugu. I told him the story of a businessman from Madurai who came to meet me for the movie I had made in Tamil. Trivikram was surprised about it. When I told that I want to bring this good story to people, he thought about it for a moment and asked me if it is okay for me to cast Pawan Kalyan garu. And that moment, time has smiled at me. And now I am before you because of the time. Everything happened in no time, the script is ready with changes. Cast and crew got ready. Studio and location are ready.”

TG Vishwa Prasad said, "I would like to give a small description of what time is all about. As a fan and as a software engineer, I would think watching Pawan Kalyan's film first day first show is a great moment for me. I came closer to Kalyan garu through Nadendla Manohar. Later, I chanced upon producing the film. Samuthirkani garu has given his best in wrapping up the shoot within the stipulated time. This is what timing is. Every element in the film is so entertaining in Bro. I thank everyone who supported the project."

Actor Varun Tej said, "Me and my brother Vaishnav Tej discussed what to speak on the stage. We forgot everything after our babai (Pawan Kalyan garu) made an entry into the event. I thank fans and supporters who attended the event. Kalyan garu is a man of few words. Since childhood, he never asked us to do this thing or become someone. He always respected our individuality and asked us to grow in life with our own talent. Kalyan babai is more of a people's person than a member of a mega family."

Actor Vaishnav Tej said, "I wish everyone who is part of Bro, all the very best."

S Thaman said," I am the luckiest person in the whole world. Because Vakeel Saab, Bheemla Nayak and now Bro. What else could I ask? I thank every technician and cast who supported the project. A special mention to producers of the film."

Senior comedian Brahmanandam said, "I thank director Samuthirakani and producers TG Vishwa Prasad and Vivek Kuchibhotla. And the most inspiring, acting powerhouse Pawan Kalyan and cute boy Sai Dharam Tej, Varun Tej and Vaishnav Tej. I did a small character alongside the great Pawan Kalyan. I wish TG Vishwa Prasad all the very best."

Priya Prakash Varrier explained that the moments that she spent with the Bro's cast and crew is the best time ever in her career. "It really feels like I am spellbound because I am excited and happy. I am a bit nervous too. First of all, I would like to thank audiences for their constant support and love. I thank our director Samuthirakani sir for the opportunity to cast me in the film. I also thank People Media Factory for their love and support. I thank Sujith. My personal favourite single is 'My dear Markandeya'. I couldn't have asked for more as an upcoming actor working with the Powerstar. He is such a great and humble human being."

Urvashi Rautela said that she was elated to be part of the pre-release function in the city. "Congratulations to the entire team of Bro -- right from Powerstar Pawan Kalyan garu to Sai Dharam Tej. Like I and Dharam Tej were discussing, the film is a kind of his life story. I wish you all the very best."

Ketika Sharma said she is very honoured to witness a powerhouse-like atmosphere. "I feel beyond honoured, Powerstar's aura is something I have never seen before. I thank director Samuthirakani sir who has given me this opportunity. And gratitude to the production house which made everything go smoothly. I thank Sai Dharam Tej."

Elated with the electric atmosphere of pre-release event, senior actress Rohini said, "So much of energy is coming from the crowd. I know how desperately you have all been waiting for Powerstar's energy to witness. Good evening to everyone. Everytime, I see Pawan Kalyan garu gracing our films to promote them. And now I am fortunate to have closely worked with him in 'Bro'. For a very long time I have had the dream of sharing screen space with the Powerstar, and Bro has made my dream a reality.

Yuva Lakshmi expressed happiness over sharing the stage with all glittering stars - Powerstar Pawan Kalyan and thanked Samuthirakani sir.

Popular industrialist and politician TG Venkatesh said, "I would like to first convey my wishes to all Powerstar fans, supporters and the bigwigs of the Telugu film industry. Pawan Kalyan is the only star in the entertainment industry to take the highest remuneration for his work in cinemas and also the only hero in the industry to render service to the people. I also bless my cousin TG Vishwa Prasad for producing the film Bro. I wish the entire team all the very best."

Co-producer Vivek Kuchibhotla said, "Screenwriter and filmmaker Trivikram garu has written the story as simple as writing a Bhagavad Gita to match nursery rhymes. Samuthirakani does a fantastic job in resurrecting the story to the screen."

Oru Adaar Love’s Noorin Shereef ties the knot with actor Fahim Safar

 Actress Noorin Shereef, who is best known for her performance in Oru Adaar Love, has tied the knot with actor Fahim Safar at a star-studded ceremony in Thiruvananthapuram. Several well-known personalities from the Malayalam film industry - including Rajisha Vijayan, Priya Varrier and Ahaana Krishna - came to bless the couple.

Ahaana shared a video of her dancing with the couple on their wedding night. Noorin and Fahim got engaged in December last year. Before the two of them were known to be close friends, which later blossomed into romance.

On the work front, Noorin made her debut with the comedy film Chunkzz, directed by Omar Lulu. She later featured in Oru Adaar Love, a romantic comedy helmed by the same director. The story revolved around a bunch of students - their friendship and love life. The movie featured several newcomers. Along with Noorin, Priya and Roshan Abdul Rahoof also played key roles in the movie.

At first, Noorin and Roshan were said to appear as the main characters. But after the sensational ‘wink scene’, Priya was made the lead. Priya has also done notable roles in Kolla, Live and 4 Years. Her upcoming films are Love Hackers, Sridevi Bungalow and Yaariyan 2. Meanwhile, Noorin’s career is also flourishing through movies like Dhamaka, Santa Cruz, Velleppam and Bermuda.

On the other hand, Fahim is known for his performance in the romantic feel-good entertainer Madhuram, which he co-wrote with the director Ahammed Khabeer. He also essayed roles in Thrishanku, June, Malik and Jackson Bazaar Youth.

Tillu Square’s first single Ticket Eh Konakunda launch date out; Siddu Jonnalagadda is back as the incorrigible flirt

 While Siddu Jonnalagadda made a mark in a wide variety of roles in the previous decade, it took the arrival of DJ Tillu for him to be hailed as a commercially bankable star. He is returning for the film’s sequel Tillu Square that’s hitting screens this year on September 15. Anupama Parameswaran plays the female lead in the film directed by Mallik Ram.

S Naga Vamsi, Sai Soujanya of Sithara Entertainments and Fortune Four Cinemas are bankrolling the film. The makers confirmed the launch date of the first single - Ticket Eh Konakunda - yesterday. The number, with lyrics by Kasarla Shyam, is composed and sung by Ram Miryala and will be out via Aditya Music on July 26. Sri Charan Pakala is another composer for the album.

A promo video of the song, unveiled to announce the launch date, featured a conversation between Siddu and Anupama where the former is hopelessly flirting with her. The promo is already a hit with crowds, garnering nearly 2.5 million real-time views. The title track was one of the key reasons behind DJ Tillu’s success and one can’t wait to see what Tillu Square’s new song has to offer.

In Ticket Eh Konakunda’s promo, Siddu asks Anupama if she is heartbroken, has a boyfriend and confirms his interest to take her out on a date. When the girl resists and asks how can he be sure of loving and flirting with someone within a short span of time, he says it was necessary to express his liking for her. Both of them are seen cleaning a pair of shoes amidst a party in the promo.

Art director AS Prakash, editor Navin Nooli, cinematographer Sai Prakash Ummadisingu are part of the film’s crew. Srikara Studios is presenting the comic caper. Netflix has acquired the post theatrical OTT rights of the film.

Javed Akhtar asked to appear before court on Kangana Ranaut's complaint against him of 'criminal intimidation, insult'

 The legal battle between actor Kangana Ranaut and lyricist Javed Akhtar continues. As per an India Today report, the Magistrate court in Mumbai has summoned Javed Akhtar on Kangana's complaint under Indian Penal Code sections 506 (criminal intimidation) and 509 (insult to the modesty of a woman). He has to appear before the Andheri court on August 5. 

Kangana and Javed's doctor summoned by court

On Monday, Kangana Ranaut and Javed's physician Dr Ramesh Agarwal was one of the witnesses before the 10th Magistrate's court. He talked about the meeting that took place between Javed and Kangana and her sister Rangoli Chandel in 2016. He informed the court that Javed had spoken to him about the issue between Kangana and Hrithik Roshan adding that there should be a settlement between the actors.

Javed asked Kangana to visit his home

In 2016, Javed called Kangana to his home to give her some advice on her public spat with Hrithik Roshan. In 2020, Kangana said in an interview that he had threatened her for speaking on the issue, and later also filed a defamation suit against her. She also filed a complaint against Javed after that.

What the doctor told Javed Akhtar's lawyer

As reported by India Today, when Javed's advocate Jay Bharadwaj asked the doctor about alleged defamatory words being spoken at the meeting, he said he didn't hear it. Dr Agarwal said, "The meeting lasted about 20-30 minutes, and before leaving, Javed told her, 'Aapko maafi mangni padegi (you will have to apologise)." When asked if Javed said "padegi ya mangiye (you will have to apologise or you seek forgiveness), he said it was "aap maafi mangiye (you seek forgiveness)." He also denied that there was 'any exchange of harsh words'.

Here's what Dr Agarwal told Kangana's lawyer

After Kangana's lawyer, Rizwan Siddiquee asked if the actor had asked him or Javed to mediate in the dispute between her and Hrithik, Dr Agarwal denied. He also agreed that he was part of the meeting at the request of Javed Akhtar. When asked about the agenda of the meeting and Hrithik and his family not being part of it, Dr Agarwal said that the agenda was that both would apologise to each other. He added he didn't know that 'Akhtar would not call the Roshans and only ask Kangana to apologise'.

When asked if Kangana had said anything after leaving Javed's home, he replied, "She told me that, ‘Initially both of us (she and Hrithik Roshan) were to apologise, but now only I am being asked to apologise’. She told me this, and that is why she felt uncomfortable."

Dhindhora Baje Re: Twitter can't get over Jaya Bachchan's stern expressions in Rocky Aur Rani Kii Prem Kahaani's song

Jaya Bachchan's character in Karan Johar's upcoming romantic comedy Rocky Aur Rani Kii Prem Kahaani has gotten everyone's attention and curiosity ever since the teaser of the film dropped last month. Her character Dhanlakshmi, a stern matriarch, seems to be an anomaly in the bright, cheerful universe of the Dharma Productions movie.

Jaya's character has come into the spotlight yet again, in the latest song of the film, called Dhindhora Baje Re. The energetic dance number featuring Alia Bhatt and Ranveer Singh comes in the film on the occasion of Durga Puja. In a sea of red dresses and background, Jaya stands as a lone figure in a dark blue sari.

Twitter reacts to Jaya's stern expression

Twitter can't get over Jaya's stern expressions throughout Dhindhora Baje Re. Many of the users took to the microblogging site to share funny reactions and memes on the same.

One user shared a screenshot of Jaya's expression from the song and captioned it, “Jaya Bachchan's reaction after watching Kajra Re,” referring to the popular dance song from Shaad Ali's 2005 romantic comedy Bunty Aur Babli, featuring Jaya's family — husband Amitabh Bachchan, Abhishek Bachchan and daughter-in-law Aishwarya Rai. However, at that point of time, Aishwarya wasn't married to Abhishek.

About Dhindhora Baje Re

The new song shows Alia Bhatt in an over-the-ankle red saree and Ranveer Singh in a red anarkali and churidaar, dancing in front of a Durga Puja idol. The two get strange looks from their respective family members as they dance their hearts out. While Rani's family members finally come around, Jaya Bachchan, who plays Rocky's grandmother, walks out in rage.

The song shows Alia and Ranveer twinning in traditional red attires, dancing with full enthusiasm. The song is set inside a Durga Puja celebration, and has several background dancers, also dressed in red. It has been sung by Darshan Raval and Bhoomi Trivedi and penned by Amitabh Bhattacharya. The music has been composed by Pritam and the song is choreographed by Vaibhavi Merchant.

Alia and Ranveer launched the song in Kolkata.

Rocky Aur Rani Kii Prem Kahaani: Alia Bhatt opens up on wearing chiffon sari in cold

Karan Johar brings back the charm and nostalgia of romancing hero and heroine in snow-capped mountains with his song, Tum Kya Mile, from Rocky Aur Rani Kii Prem Kahaani. Rani, played by Alia Bhatt, is seen singing and dancing with Rocky, aka Ranveer Singh, in the snowy mountains of Kashmir wearing a chiffon sari. While answering OTTplay's questions in Kolkata on Monday, while launching their latest song, Dhindora Baje Re, Alia elaborated on how she managed the extreme weather condition.

Talking about the idea of the song, the actress said, “The song is a tribute to Yash Raj ji. Karan intended to bring back that aura of chiffon sari in the snow when the hero and heroine are singing to each other. That’s where the thought came from. Now based on that thought one has to wear a sari. 

Alia further said that in a difficult situation, she manages to pull off the work despite adversities. “I will be very honest and candid. There are songs that I have done with an injured foot, and there are times when it is boiling and I was wearing many many layers. Similarly, in this situation, it was extremely cold and I had to wear a chiffon sari,” she said and explained that a lot of cautions and assistants are arranged behind the scene that the viewers can’t see. “But there is a lot of care that goes behind the scene for the actors and actresses. So what you all can’t see is there are a lot of heaters around. I was wearing leg warmers. And the same Ranveer, who was wearing many jackets, was taking off those jackets and putting on me in between scenes. If I can praise myself two per cent, I am a trooper that way and I go by the flow. I am like, ‘Karna hai to I’ll have to get the job done. And if I wear jackets then there will be no beauty in that sari. I was very happy doing it because I got to live my dream,” she said 

Meanwhile, Ranveer joked about the song and said, “About Tum Kya Mile, I can’t tell you how warm I was. I was wearing those dumb puffer jackets which Karan Johar bought. Those were so warm that I couldn’t feel a thing.” To this, Alia said that he was being sarcastic.

Ranveer took the opportunity to praise Alia’s gutsy attitude towards the adverse situation. He said, “The point I want to make is about Alia. I have to tell you it was very cold. I was in layers of thermals and puffer jackets. Alia is a leader on the sets. She knows that a lot of work was going to the shot and a lot of work in going in to set her up to deliver. That’s what she does. She is an absolute leader and a trooper. Everybody was concerned about her and she was like, ‘I’m fine. Let’s go. She is that kind of a team player and I deeply appreciate that about her.”

The actor also mentioned how he learnt from his seniors to shoot and work in difficult conditions. “I also learnt from my seniors. We were shooting Dil Dhadakne Do in Spain. Anil Kapoor and I were on a dinghy. It was so hot that we could barely perform. And Anil Kapoor was like, ‘It's all in mind.’ and used to chant ‘Antarctica. Antarctica.’ We were melting like ice creams and he went like, ‘Antarctica. Antarctica. So cold, so cold,’” Ranveer recalled and all burst into laughter. 

Minute Maid Pulpy Orange explores myriad ways to indulge in its pulpy paradise Reveals a new TVC ‘How do you pulp it’ featuring NANI

 Minute Maid Pulpy Orange, the Coca-Cola Company’s fruit juice brand, is excited to announce the launch of its latest television commercial "How do you pulp it?". The brand is an ultimate orange indulgence with its unmatched fusion of real orange juice and zesty orange pulp. The film showcases multiple ways of consuming pulpy orange such as Gulp it, Slurp it and Chew it while savouring the delightful abundance of pulp. The TVC highlights its intrinsic credentials of containing real orange pulp that adds texture and enhances the overall drinking experience. With every sip, consumers can enjoy the delightful sensation of the pulpy goodness, creating a unique and satisfying mouthful experience.

Conceptualised by Ogilvy, the TVC showcases multiple ways in which Minute Maid Pulpy Orange can be enjoyed, emphasizing on the sheer pleasure that comes with every gulp of the refreshingly pulpy orange juice through the catchy ‘Chew it? Gulp it? Slurp it? How do you pulp it?’ For the first time ever, the brand has roped in influencers like NANI and Shraddha Kapoor, to capture the essence of the unique product while portraying the joy and satisfaction experienced by consumers.

Commenting on the campaign, Ajay Konale, Director - Marketing, Nutrition category, Coca-Cola India and Southwest Asia, said, “We are incredibly excited to launch the new campaign to celebrate the abundance of real orange pulp in Minute Maid Pulpy Orange, offering consumers a delightful and immersive way of savouring the refreshing beverage. NANI’s vibrant & dynamic personality and Shraddha Kapoor's energetic presence perfectly complements the brand.”

"Minute Maid Pulpy Orange campaign, 'How do you pulp it?' is an opportunity for us to share the immense joy and delightful taste that accompanies each sip of Minute Maid Pulpy Orange. The addition of the pulp brings a distinct and revitalizing element, creating a truly immersive and satisfying experience. Now it’s time for everyone to revel in its pulpy goodness in their own unique ways,” said NANI.