ravana

The rich Indian mythological tradition has inspired many writers and filmmakers, and the epics, the Ramayana [ Images ] and the Mahabharata [ Images ], have been adapted on the small screen and big, several times.

K Raghavendra Rao, one of the top directors in south, is planning a multi-lingual, multi-star mythological project on the Ramayana.

The budget of the film is Rs 75 core. The role of Ravana will be played by Mohan Babu, a senior and respected actor and a multi-faceted personality (educationist, parliamentarian).

Mohan Babu's son, Vishnu [ Images ] Manchu, says the film will be in three languages, Hindi, Tamil, Telugu, and it will be "one of the never before seen kind of project." It is expected to take off in the second half of 2012.

"The actors for this film will be from all over -- the Hindi belt, Karnataka [ Images ], Tamil Nadu, Andhra Pradesh. Actors who one never thought would come together will be seen in this film. The characters and the names of the cast will be announced on March 19 (the birthday of Mohan Babu). We are in talks with Weta of New Zealand [ Images ] (a visual effects company) as well as others to collaborate with my Special Effects Studio Think Smart. It's a dream project of mine. We are in talks with various production houses and corporates and have not tied up with any so far," Vishnu Manchu said.

K Raghavendra Rao, one of the most successful directors of the Telugu industry, has directed commercial, devotional and period films such as Annammayya, Bhakta Ramadasu, Pandurangadu and Sri Manjunatha. He has also directed Hindi films like Tohfa and Himmatwala.

Mohan Babu is known for his versatile acting, histrionics and dialogue delivery. He has acted in about 520 films (146 as hero).

The South Indian film industry, particularly Tamil and Telugu, is known for its rich mythological and period films, particularly the portrayals of Krishna/Vishnu by the late N T Rama Rao and devotional ones by Akkineni Nageswara Rao.

So, how will the new Ramayana live up to earlier versions? "At that time, Indians hadn't seen Ben Hur, so they didn't have to live up to it. Today, we have to live up to expectations raised by films like 300 and The Lord of the Rings, as Indians have seen these films," Vishnu Manchu replied. Radhika Rajamani in Hyderabad

ntr and maheshbabu

Sometime ago, Young Tiger NT Rama Rao�s film 'Bridavanam' turned out to be a big hit and 'Mahesh Khaleja' which had hit the screens during those days was bumped off at the Box Office.

Now, 'Oosaravelli' of NTR is getting ready for release during the Dasara season and it is learnt that Maheshbabu is pushing his producers to release 'Dookudu' somewhere during that period and thereby wreaking a vengeance on NTR's film.

Not only against NTR, Maheshbabu also wants put a break to another Nandamuri hero, Balakrishna, whose film 'Srirama Rajyam' is going to hit the screens during Dasara vacations.

Let us wait and watch who would emerge a winner at Box Office during this Dasara season.

dammu

After getting married, Young Tiger NT Rama Rao had accepted two films and is working for both of them simultaneously. While Surender Reddy is directing a film with a working title of 'Oosaravelli', another film 'Dammu' is being directed by Boyapati Sreenu. However, 'Dammu' shooting is getting delayed because NTR is presently concentrating on 'Oosaravelli' and is shooting in an abroad schedule.

As the hero is otherwise busy, 'Dammu' unit is planning to resume the shooting in September, Earlier, a 10-day schedule was planned for 'Dammu' but it was cancelled as NTR is still in Bangkok. The producers of 'Oosaravelli' are planning to release the film in September, 'Dammu' is most likely to wrap up shooting in December and is likely to be released as a Sankranti gift in January next year.

'Dammu' is presented by KS Rama Rao and is being produced by Alexander Vallabha on the banner of Creative Commercial Media and Entertainment Ltd. Keeeravani is scoring music for the flick.

shirdi sai

Senior heroes are trying to invent new characters and roles for their forthcoming films. Instead of playing heroes in routine commercial films they are trying to experiment with new characters and roles to show some novelty to the audiences.

Balakrishna, who enthralled the audiences with heavy violent films and gory blood baths on the screen with Rayalaseema-backdrop subjects had kept his image aside and did 'Sri Rama Rajyam'.

Likewise, Nagarjuna is trying to showcase his acting talents in 'Shirdi Sai'. Noticing these artistes, Venkatesh had also given a green signal to a film which is based on the life and history of 'Vivekananda' after sporting a differvent get up as Raja in 'Nagavalli'.

Already Rajendra Prasad had started playing different characters as an elderly man in 'Aa Naluguru' and now coming up as 'Satyam Master'.

Let us wait and watch how far audiences accept their favourite heroes in their new looks.