Latest news with #PelliChoopulu
The Hindu
07-06-2025
- Entertainment
- The Hindu
‘Devika & Danny' review: Ritu Varma impresses in her debut web series
In the first few minutes of the Telugu web series Devika & Danny, streaming on Jio Hotstar, Devika Nandan (Ritu Varma) discloses that she has lived her life within a 25-kilometre radius. She teaches music at a nearby village and is the sort of young woman who, despite her reservations about a groom being picked for her, thinks she can walk the line chosen by her father in the hope that a few 'adjustments' would make things work. Written by Deepak Raj and directed by B Kishore, this is a coming-of-age story of a woman who breaks boundaries and in the process, finds her voice. It is easy to gauge the path that Devika is likely to take; she cannot be restrained. The makers gradually reveal the different cards of the story, relying on uncomplicated storytelling. Romance and horror cross paths but unlike long-form stories on digital platforms that milk the genres for shock value with jumpscares and foul language, Devika & Danny caters to family viewing. Devika & Danny (Telugu) Director: B Kishore Cast: Ritu Varma, Surya Vashistta, Shiva Kandukuri, Subbaraju Streaming on: Jio Hotstar Ritu Varma's web series debut comes nearly nine years after her breakthrough Telugu film, Pelli Choopulu, and there are a few uncanny similarities. Like in that romance comedy drama, here too, she plays a woman who tries, without rebelling too much, to make her father understand her point of view. Unlike the urban-bred character of Pelli Choopulu, here she is limited by her conditioning and lack of exposure. However, the narrative is peppered with a few supporting characters who act as a catalyst, helping Devika take that leap of faith. Ritu plays Devika with restraint and conviction; the part is a cakewalk for her and she brings in both the required innocence and strength. Surya Vashistta steps in to play the other titular character, Danny, initially coming off as a free-spirited, breezy personality. That this character sweeps Devika off her feet is not a surprise. In the meantime, we get glimpses of several other characters, ranging from a gangster, his wife and brother-in-law to an elderly man who is weighed down by his ability to see and listen to spirits, and a self-centred groom (Subbaraju). The prospect of a triangular post-engagement romance drama unfolds in an endearing manner. What makes this less predictable is a crucial reveal and the need for a character to seek redemption. It also sets Devika's character on a new trajectory. Danger lurks as she takes on forces that may be too huge for her to handle. However, the makers opt for a few convenient writing choices that almost dilute the intrigue in the later episodes. The over-reliance on voiceovers that explain a character's point of view could have also been toned down, letting the audience connect the dots. Harsha Chemudu appears in a brief part that doesn't add value to the series, but Goparaju Ramana, in his brief appearance, enacts a character that establishes how generational patriarchy works. The underlying aspect of patriarchy and how Devika rises above it is dealt with sensitivity and the right amount of assertiveness. Shiva Kandukuri gets a pivotal character that may have further scope in the coming season. While Devika & Danny makes for an easy watch, the intrigue wears off once the key plot points are revealed. For the next season, the story will require more heft.
Time of India
04-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Time of India
‘Filmmaking is my first love, acting happened by accident'
Tharun Bhascker burst onto the scene with Pelli Choopulu, a film that not only revitalised Telugu rom-coms but also cemented his reputation as a bold new voice in indie storytelling. What truly sets him apart, however, is the seamless transition he's made from director to actor — an evolution few filmmakers attempt, and even fewer pull off. What began as blink-and-miss cameos in his own films gradually evolved into complex, meatier roles that showcased his versatility. Today, he stands as a rare talent who wears multiple hats — director, actor, voice actor and writer. In a candid chat with Hyderabad Times, Tharun reflects on this shift from calling the shots to taking direction, his upcoming projects, and why the director in him will always have the final word. 'Adapting to a Godavari accent changed a lot for me' Currently shooting for the Telugu remake of the Malayalam blockbuster Jaya Jaya Jaya Hey, Tharun steps into a role that's a stark departure from his real-life persona. 'He's a deeply insecure man who asserts dominance in disturbing ways — that felt completely alien to me,' he shares. The challenge, however, was part of the appeal. 'It pushed me to tap into emotions I didn't even know I had. I had to unlearn my Telangana accent and adopt a Godavari dialect. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Giao dịch CFD với công nghệ và tốc độ tốt hơn IC Markets Đăng ký Undo That lived-in experience changed me as a performer. I feel more prepared now to write characters from that region with authenticity,' he says. 'I don't mind being the antagonist or even just a side character' Though he's received acclaim for his on-screen performances in films like Sita Ramam and Mahanati, the National Award-winning director is clear about priorities: 'I treat acting as a secondary profession. Directing is my core.' That clarity gives him space to explore unusual or offbeat roles. 'I'm not chasing the lead role. I don't mind playing the antagonist or a quirky side character — even if it doesn't always work in my favour. ' His approach has become more fluid over time. 'Initially, acting felt lonely and mentally draining. Your success depends on so many external things — dialogues, styling, promotions. And when it fails, it feels personal, even if it's not.' 'We seek therapy in cinema — it becomes a shared emotion' Cinema, for Tharun, is more than a profession, it's a social and emotional ritual. 'We're just cinema lovers,' he says. 'I see a lot of people crying after watching movies who usually don't cry. I think it evokes some sense of emotion inside them… it's like therapy for us. Movies have a similar effect, if not more. That's why we have a religious attachment towards films, its makers and the heroes we worship.' 'I still see myself as a timid, introverted person' Acting may seem like a natural progression for many filmmakers, but for Tharun, it came more by accident than design. 'I've always been timid and introverted — I still am. Entering the industry pushed me far out of my comfort zone,' he says. However, support from some of his close friends played a pivotal role in marking the shift. 'People like Vishwak Sen, Vijay Deverakonda and Nag Ashwin really encouraged me. But a rude awakening came during Pelli Choopulu promotions when I was trolled for something I said on a TV promo. That's when I realised how brutal public life can be. People will judge everything except your actual talent.' Quote: Comedy has always been my comfort zone, but I'm a huge fan of the Russo Brothers and their exploration of darker themes like death and grief. My goal has always been to dive into different genres and discover new layers I can bring to them - Divya Shree Check out our list of the latest Hindi , English , Tamil , Telugu , Malayalam , and Kannada movies . Don't miss our picks for the best Hindi movies , best Tamil movies, and best Telugu films .
News18
31-05-2025
- Entertainment
- News18
Vijay Deverakonda Reacts After Receiving Kantha Rao Memorial Award: 'Truly Honoured'
Last Updated: Vijay Deverakonda expressed gratitude for receiving the Kantha Rao Memorial Award at the Gaddar Telangana Film Awards 2024. Popular South star Vijay Deverakonda has shared his thanks after receiving the Kantha Rao Memorial Award at the Gaddar Telangana Film Awards 2024. He said he feels very honoured to get this special award named after the legendary Kantha Rao. On Friday, Vijay posted on X (formerly Twitter), 'Truly honoured to receive the Kantha Rao Memorial Award at the Gaddar Telangana Film Awards 2025. This award, named after the great 'Nata Prapoorna Kantha Rao' garu, means a lot to me. Big thanks to the Government of Telangana, the jury, and everyone who believed in me." He also talked about his film Pelli Choopulu, which was chosen as the second-best film of 2016. Vijay said, 'I'm also thankful that 'Pelli Choopulu' was picked as the second Best Film in 2016. This movie will always be very special to me. To my fans, this award is for you. Your support keeps me going. Thanks to my family, directors, and team for being with me on this journey. I'm very grateful." The Telangana state government established the Gaddar Telangana Film Awards in honour of the late revolutionary poet and balladeer Gaddar, who passed away in 2023. Last year, Chief Minister A Revanth Reddy announced that the prestigious Nandi Awards for Telugu cinema would be revived after a 14-year break and renamed to pay tribute to Gaddar. Alongside the news of Vijay Deverakonda receiving the Kantha Rao Memorial Award, several other key winners were announced. The film Kalki 2898 AD took home the Best Feature Film award, while Allu Arjun was named Best Actor for his role in Pushpa-2. Nivetha Thomas won Best Actress for 35-Chinna Katha Kadu. The Best Supporting Actor award went to S J Surya for Saripoda Sanivaram, and Saranya Pradeep received Best Supporting Actress for Ambajipeta Marrige Band. Nag Ashwin Singi Reddy earned the Best Director award for Kalki 2898 AD, and Bheems Ceciroleo was recognised as Best Music Director for his work in Razakar. First Published:
Hans India
30-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Hans India
Vijay Deverakonda Reacts to Gaddar Film Awards Honor
The Telangana state government has announced the 2024 Gaddar Film Awards. Films like Kalki, Lucky Bhaskar, and Razakar have won big. Actor Allu Arjun received the Best Actor award for Pushpa 2. After a gap of 14 years, the state government is presenting film awards once again. The award ceremony will be held on June 14 at HITEX, Hyderabad. Since the awards had been pending for years, even before the state was divided, the Telangana government formed a committee a few months ago to review and finalize the awards. Jury Chairperson Jayasudha and TFDC Chairman and jury member Dil Raju said that the selection process was done with complete transparency. Jayasudha congratulated all the award winners. Vijay Deverakonda Reacts to Gaddar Film Awards Tollywood actor Vijay Deverakonda also responded to the Gaddar Film Awards. He said it was a great honor to announce the Kantha Rao Memorial Award, and that receiving an award in the name of legendary actor Kantha Rao made him truly happy. He thanked the Telangana government and the jury members for the honor. He also expressed gratitude for selecting his 2016 film Pelli Choopulu as the second-best film that year. Vijay said that Pelli Choopulu will always have a special place in my heart. He dedicated this honor to his fans, saying their love keeps him going. He also thanked his family, directors, and film team for being a constant support in his journey.
Time of India
13-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Time of India
Mothers, the Silent Pillars: ‘We are who we are today because of our mothers' love & sacrifices'
Their mothers never sought the spotlight, but their influence runs deep. This Mother's Day, Tollywood celebs reflect on how their mothers' everyday acts of care, sacrifice, and quiet encouragement have profoundly shaped their lives and careers. 'My mother's struggles inspired the character of Chitra in Pelli Choopulu ' 'As a kid, I remember my mom choosing to walk miles just to save money. My mom, who was initially a homemaker, began working as a teacher with my dad's encouragement. She played a dual role — both a housewife and a teacher. She always supported my artistic side and gave me whatever I needed to express myself. She never said it out loud, but I soon realised that things were financially tough at home during my childhood. Watching all of that deeply impacted me — it inspired me to write the character of Chitra in Pelli Choopulu.' — Tharun Bhascker , actor-director-writer Dhaassyam Sangeeth Shobhan with his mother Soujanya Shoban 'Everything I know about life and the industry, I learned from my mom' by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Invest $200 in Amazon without buying stocks to earn a second salary Marketsall Sign Up Undo 'I lost my father at a very young age, so I didn't have enough time with him to understand how he could have shaped me. It was my mother who guided me. She taught me about life — that when you're successful, you have value, and when you're not, nobody cares, especially in the film industry. Everything I've learned about life and the industry, I owe to my mom. When I think of family, it's always her and my brother.' — Sangeeth Shobhan , actor Neerraja Kona's with her mother Rama Kona 'Her constant belief in me gave me the confidence to follow my dreams' 'I think I began to truly understand the meaning of motherhood as I grew older. She and my dad had their share of struggles to keep things going at home, even when it wasn't easy. But she always put me and my brother first. Her constant belief in me gave me the confidence to follow my dreams — whether as a stylist, director, or writer. I just want to say thank you, and I love you.' — Neerraja Kona, celebrity stylist and director. Nabha Natesh with her mother Bhagyalakshmi Natesh 'My mother has always my biggest cheerleader' 'Even as a homemaker, my mom always had a strong voice and stood by her beliefs. Growing up in Sringeri, Karnataka, where there were no theaters, I'd look forward to visiting my grandmother in Bhadravati, where mom would take me to the movies — those are some of my favourite childhood memories. She's always been my biggest cheerleader, encouraging me to pursue art even though I studied engineering. Today, we're more like friends — we do yoga, watch films together, and her perspective always helps me see things more clearly.' — Nabha Natesh, actress – Divya Shree Check out our list of the latest Hindi , English , Tamil , Telugu , Malayalam , and Kannada movies . And don't miss our picks for the best Hindi movies , best Tamil movies, and best Telugu films .
