Ragini Dwivedi enters Mollywood

Kannada film industry is probably going to lose one of its most talented actresses to Malayalam films. Ragini Dwivedi, the model turned actress is turning a big name in the Kannada Industry. Ragini debuted in Kannada with Sudeep's hit film Veera Madakari last year.
After the success of Veera Madakari, the actress became one of the most desired leading ladies. But, these successes have not been able to keep her loyal to the Kannada fraternity. Now, she is stepping out to do Malayalam films with Major Ravi's trilingual project Kandahar.

The actress cannot be blamed as any actress could get lured by such tempting offers of acting with great stars like Mohanlal and Amitabh Bachchan. The shooting of Kandahar is set to start from June 15. Ragini will play the role of Ganesh Venkatraman's love interest in the film.

However, she wishes to fly high in the Mollywood, as it is believed that the industry offers more flexibility to the actresses as far as acting skills are concerned.

Ragini has not yet started shooting for Kandahar, but she is very excited about the film as it has Amitabh Bachchan working beside her. An elated Ragini said, “I feel myself to be very lucky to get a chance to work in a Malayalam film. I can show my talent here and can surely take my career to a different level after working here.”

Earlier, the actress was offered many other Malayalam films but she was not fully satisfied with those projects then. Ragini had a plan to debut in Malayalam films only with a superstar and a Mohanlal project was exactly that.

We hope that Ragini makes it big in Malayalam films also!

Tamanna joins super star Mohanlal

In spite of receiving a lot of offers from neighbouring Malayalam film industry, Tamannah Bhatia didn’t have space in her diary to allot dates for any of the movies. But now she’s got one irresistible offer of working with super star Mohanlal.

Tamannah will work with Mohanlal for a movie with director Anil and produced by Thomas Sebastian. Though other members of the crew haven’t been decided yet, Jayanan Vincent is said to be the cinematographer.

Tamannah has her share of blockbusters in Telugu and Tamil. Her ‘Happy Days’ is a blockbuster in Telugu and now her ‘Paiyaa’ in Tamil is a blockbuster with the cash registers simply counting in. With the entry in to Mollywood, Sandalwood is one venue that is left in the south and soon it will be conquered by Tamannah.

Ravichandran's Hoo release delay

Crazy Star Ravichandran's dream project Hoo is not likely to be released soon due to non-availability of theatres in Bengalooru. The actor who wanted to release the movie on his birthday next week, is not finding any empty screen.

In Sandalwood, film-makers follow a tradition, that is, release the film in a main theatre in Gandhinagar, Bengalooru, the hub of Kannada films. It seems Ravichandran is keen on Santosh theatre as he considers it lucky. However, Duniya, Vijay's Shankar IPS is releasing in Santosh theatre this week. It is highly unlikely that the movie will be withdrawn within a week from Santosh theatre to make way for Ravichandran's Hoo.

An upset Ravichandran has therefore delayed the release of Hoo. The actor had remained dormant for several months before coming up with Hoo, which features Meera Jasmine and Namitha. Hoo is expected to revive Ravichandran's career, which had taken a hit following several flops and the entry of young stars.

Hoo was launched in October last year amidst fanfare. Ravichandran took up this project before completing Manjina Hani, which is under production for the last 2 years. Ravichandran has written the story and screenplay for Hoo. His long time assistant Harikrishna has composed the music for this film. GSV Seetharam is the cinematographer.

Known for his lavish sets and mindless spending on film-making, Hoo is another big-budget film from Ravichandran. The star actor has roped in most of the current comedians -- Sadhu Kokila, Rangayana Raghu, Bullet Prakash and Sharan for Hoo.

Parvathy is crazy about films

After a sabbatical, tall and beautiful Parvathy Omanakuttan (Femina Miss India World in 2008 and the first runner-up at the Miss World 2008 competition) is back in the news!
After making her filmi debut with United Six and Madan Kolli, the beauty queen is all set to step into Kollywood with Malayalam director Nithin Ramakrishnan's debut Tamil venture Uma Maheswaram, starring newcomer Mani and Prakashraj in important roles.
Talking about her move into Tamil films, Parvathy said: "There was a misconception that I'm not keen on a career as an actress. But I’m crazy about films!" She said this Tamil film is a dance-based subject of two cultures and how a dancer from Hampi falls in love with a Bharatanatyam dancer from Chidambaram.
"My character (Uma) is deaf and dumb, but she has a mission in life. The story is beautifully structured and my character is the pivot around which the film revolves. There is some sensuality in the film which I’m sure Nithin will handle aesthetically. The film has the A-team of Kollywood including noted cinematographer Madhu Ambat and editor V.T. Vijayan," she added.

Shankar IPS audio launch

Audio release of Vijay's latest film Shankar IPS was held amidst fanfare in the heritage city of Mysore.

Model Catherine Tresa is making her debut in Sandalwood through this movie. The other female lead of this film is Ragini Dwivedi.

This is for the first time that Vijay will be seen in the role of a police officer. The film producers have promised a high profile action film through Shankar IPS. Gurukiran has scored a few catchy numbers for the film. It is produced by big budget film producer Gandugali K Manju.

The who's who of the Kannada film industry were present at the launch, directed by M S Ramesh, known for action films. Avinash and Rangayana Raghu are seen in prominent roles. Dasari Seenu has handled the camera. The movie was shot extensively in Mysore and surroundings.

Nannavanu nears you in theatres

Nannavanu, a romantic film, featuring Aindritha Ray and Prajwal Devaraj in the lead will hit the screens this week. The highlight of the film is music by maestro Illaiyaraja.

The movie is directed by Srinivasaraju, who had earlier directed Sangaathi. The director has also written the story and screenplay for Nannavanu. It is produced by Tulasi Gopal under the banner Markwell Productions.

The star cast includes veteran actor Jayanthi, Avinash, Kishori Ballal, Sathyaprakash and Kashi. There is plenty of comedy in the film with leading comedians Doddanna, Komal, Mandeep Rai and Bank Janardhana being part of the film.

The are a few exciting stunts directed by Thriller Manju. M S Ramesh has written the dialogue and K Dattu is the cinematographer.