Latest news with #PelliChoopulu
New Indian Express
5 days ago
- Entertainment
- New Indian Express
Vishnu: I'm still half-baked at work
How did your journey in films begin? Honestly, I was never really into films. Even now, I feel like I'm still half-baked at work! I began as a photographer right after college. Some of my college friends from Hyderabad Public School were connected to Tharun Bhascker. One of his friends, who was also a photographer, needed an assistant and I jumped at the opportunity. Through Kishore, I met Tharun and started shooting with him. Pelli Choopulu came later, but before that, one of Tharun's friends made a short film Four Is A Mob, and Tharun saw me in it. He pitched me in Sainma, and that opened doors. But I knew I wasn't ready. I lacked confidence in acting and tried everything to avoid film sets. Funny thing, Tharun offered me a role in Pelli Choopulu as a photographer named Vishnu. It was practically written for me, but due to some delays, I couldn't do it. I was present throughout the film's making, though, and watching everyone else act, I felt a strange jealousy. Vijay Deverakonda, who I knew from college, told me I should've done it and pitched me Taxiwaala. I auditioned, got selected, and received some good feedback. But that set was nothing like Tharun's, it felt too mechanical. The project dragged for over a year, and I lost interest again. Then, a friend from Ee Nagaraniki Emaindi offered me Skylab with Nithya Menen. I shot one day, and COVID hit. Eventually, we resumed, and I was stuck at a director friend's place. We'd exchange ideas daily. Skylab didn't do well commercially, but working with Nithya ma'am taught me so much, her eye for detail, her professionalism. Then came MAD. Director Kalyan Shankar was excited and told me, 'We start shooting in three days.' I needed the work, so I said yes. They liked what I did on day 1. Around the same time, Tharun asked me to read a script. I suggested I do the role of Sikandar instead, he liked the idea, gave me audition material, and I worked hard. He approved it, and that's how Keedaa Cola happened. It all felt like Sainma again. MAD and Keedaa broke the shackles for me. They gave me the confidence I never had. Then MAD 2 came along, and we just wanted to make something funny. Looking back, I realise what Tharun sowed in me and during Sainma it really took root. That's a life lesson, I owe him a lot.
Time of India
5 days ago
- Entertainment
- Time of India
Vijay Deverakonda speaks about challenges of being an outsider in comparison to starkids and their privileges: 'I didn't have the luxury to say no...'
Vijay Deverakonda, in a candid interview, discussed the challenges he faced as an outsider in Bollywood and Tollywood. He highlighted the advantages star kids possess, like the ability to reject scripts, a luxury he initially lacked. Despite early success with films like 'Pelli Choopulu' and 'Arjun Reddy,' he navigated the industry cautiously, accepting roles to stay visible. Vijay Deverakonda has never shied away from speaking his mind—and his latest revelations are no exception. In a candid conversation with The Hollywood Reporter, the self-made star opened up about the silent struggles of being an outsider in an industry often dominated by privilege and legacy. Drawing a clear line between his journey and that of star kids, Vijay offered rare insight into the unspoken rules that govern Bollywood and Tollywood, where access and influence can often outweigh talent. Unlike actors with influential family backgrounds, Vijay reflected on the limitations he faced as an outsider in the industry. Citing the example of a fellow actor who could easily reject weak scripts and request rewrites thanks to his father's clout, Vijay contrasted it with his own early career, where turning down a project or even asking for time to consider a script wasn't a luxury he could afford. The pressure to stay visible and relevant meant accepting roles without negotiation, underscoring the stark difference in opportunities between insiders and outsiders. The actor's rise began with breakthrough films like Pelli Choopulu and Arjun Reddy , which quickly earned him a devoted fan following. Yet, despite his early success, his outsider status meant he had to navigate the industry with caution. Without the cushion of backing or powerful connections, he often felt compelled to accept whatever roles came his way, uncertain of when the next opportunity might knock. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like One of the Most Successful Investors of All Time, Warren Buffett, Recommends: 5 Books for Turning... Blinkist: Warren Buffett's Reading List Click Here Undo This sense of urgency shaped his initial career path, where staying visible took precedence over being choosy with scripts. Over the years, Deverakonda has grown more confident in asserting himself creatively. He now feels comfortable giving honest feedback to filmmakers, even if it means pointing out what doesn't work for him. However, he's still aware of the gap that exists between him and those with industry lineage. While star kids can request changes and set terms with ease, Vijay had to earn that space by gradually proving himself—step by step, project by project. His reflections offer a candid look at the power dynamics within the film industry, where nepotism continues to tilt the scales in favor of a privileged few. His journey—from a rank outsider to a bankable star—stands as a powerful example for aspiring actors without industry ties. With Kingdom slated for release on 31st July and a few major untitled projects in the pipeline, Vijay shows no signs of slowing down.
Pink Villa
6 days ago
- Entertainment
- Pink Villa
Vijay Deverakonda compares himself to starkids and their privileges: 'I know another actor whose father is influential...'
Vijay Deverakonda, one of the most talented new-age Tollywood actors, recently opened up about the challenges he faces as an outsider in the film industry. In a candid interview, he explained why he often feels unable to express displeasure over flawed scripts, citing his lack of industry connections. 'I don't have the privilege to tell a director that I'm not impressed with a flawed script, since I don't have any backing or industry support,' the Arjun Reddy actor said, highlighting the realities of navigating a competitive industry without influential support. Vijay References A Starkid Who Has The Luxury To Point Out Flaws To A Script, And Demand Changes Unlike actors from powerful family, Vijay Deverakonda noted the limitations he faces. He referenced another actor who benefits from having an influential father, saying, 'There's an actor who, because of his dad, can say, 'This is not good,' and even get writers to fix the script.' For Vijay, such freedom was not an option early in his career. 'I didn't have the luxury to say no or take a day or two to think about a script,' he added, reflecting on the pressure to accept roles to stay relevant. Vijay Shares How It Is To Be An Outsider In The Movie Business Vijay's journey began with breakout films like Pelli Choopulu and Arjun Reddy, which earned him a loyal fan base. However, his outsider status meant he had to tread carefully. 'When you don't have backing, you're cautious. You take what comes your way because you don't know when the next opportunity will arrive,' he explained. This mindset shaped his early career choices, as he prioritized staying active in the industry over being selective with scripts. Now, Vijay Has Gained The Confidence To Voice His Concerns Over time, Vijay has gained confidence to voice his opinions. 'Now, I've learned to be honest with filmmakers. If something doesn't work for me, I say it respectfully,' he shared. Yet, he acknowledges the gap between himself and those with inherited industry clout. 'It's a different game for them. They can demand changes, while I had to build my way up,' he said. Vijay Deverakonda's Upcoming Movies Vijay's remarks shed light on the power dynamics in the film industry, where nepotism often grants advantages to a select few. Vijay's rags to riches story serves as an inspiration for outsiders striving to make their mark. The actor is all set for the release of Kingdom on 31st July, followed by a couple of other untitled biggies. Stay tuned to Pinkvilla for more updates.
Time of India
01-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Time of India
Tharun Bhascker confirms ‘Ee Nagaraniki Emaindi' sequel with original cast returning
The awaited follow-up to the beloved buddy comedy "Ee Nagaraniki Emaindi," directed by Tharun Bhascker Dhaassyam, has finally been revealed. The project, called "ENE Repeat," was revealed on June 29 in an unexpected announcement video. The promo video for "Ee Nagaraniki Emaindi," which marks the film's seventh anniversary, opens with the tagline, "Elinaati Shani Ayyipoyindi, Kanyaraasi Time Ochindi," which translates to "the bad phase is over, Team Kanyaraasi has arrived," indicating more trouble and comedic confusion in the follow-up. This is the post: The humorous image of a half-open suitcase with strewn-about items like sunglasses, headphones, and a beer bottle in the video reflects the humor and nostalgic charm of the film. Based on the initial impression, it seems that the focus will now be on the United States. This is the promotional video: The movie gained a cult following after its initial release in 2018, particularly among younger viewers. A trend of successful theatrical re-releases was sparked by the tremendous reaction to its recent re-release. The original core cast, which included Venkatesh Kakumanu, Sai Sushanth Reddy, Abhinav Gomatam, and Vishwak Sen, will return for the sequel. Filming is planned to start shortly after pre-production is complete. Tharun Bhascker, whose first film, Pelli Choopulu, and sequel, Ee Nagaraniki Emaindi, established his unique voice in Telugu cinema, will once again direct "ENE Repeat." In his most recent project, "Keedaa Cola," he served as both the director and the actor. In order to preserve the film's unique tone and texture in the follow-up, cinematographer AJ Aaron and music director Vivek Sagar are also returning. D Suresh Babu, Srujan Yarabolu, and Sandeep Nagireddy are funding the sequel.
India Today
01-07-2025
- Entertainment
- India Today
Director Tharun Bhascker announces Ee Nagaraniki Emaindi sequel with original cast
The long-speculated sequel to director Tharun Bhascker Dhaassyam's cult buddy comedy, 'Ee Nagaraniki Emaindi', has now been officially announced. Titled 'ENE Repeat', the project was revealed on June 29 through a quirky announcement the seventh anniversary of 'Ee Nagaraniki Emaindi', the makers released the promo video that begins with the tagline: 'Elinaati Shani Ayyipoyindi, Kanyaraasi Time Ochindi,' which translates to 'the bad phase is over, Team Kanyaraasi has arrived', teasing more chaos and comic confusion in the the post: The video features a humour-laced visual of a half-open suitcase with scattered items like headphones, sunglasses, a beer bottle, reflecting the film's signature irreverence and nostalgic charm. From the early glimpse, it appears the narrative will now shift to the the Promo Video: From:Bro this is our vibeTo:Bro it's happening againThe Most iconic Kanya Raasi gang is BACK #ENERepeat #ENE ENE Repeat (@ENERepeat) June 29, 2025Originally released in 2018, the film developed a cult following, especially among younger audiences. Its recent re-release witnessed an overwhelming response, sparking a trend of successful theatrical sequel will see the return of the original core cast including Vishwak Sen, Sai Sushanth Reddy, Abhinav Gomatam, and Venkatesh Kakumanu. Pre-production is underway, with filming expected to begin soon.'ENE Repeat' will once again be directed by Tharun Bhascker, whose debut film 'Pelli Choopulu' and follow-up 'Ee Nagaraniki Emaindi' established his distinctive voice in Telugu cinema. His most recent outing was 'Keedaa Cola', where he took on both acting and directing director Vivek Sagar and cinematographer AJ Aaron are also returning to retain the film's signature tone and texture in the sequel. The sequel is being bankrolled by D Suresh Babu, Srujan Yarabolu, and Sandeep Nagireddy under the banners of Suresh Productions and S Originals.- Ends
