Deepika, original choice for 'Rana'?

Right from the time a script is picked upon for Rajini, everything at the pre-production, production, post-production and probably even ages after his movie is out, everything that happens surrounding him is nothing but news.

Now the latest we hear is that, Bollywood damsel Deepika Padukone was not the initial choice for the film by the team. The first choice for the film was Bollywood blockbuster 'Dabangg' girl Sonakshi Sinha, who will now be introduced to Tamil cinema through 'Viswaroopam' where she will be cast opposite Kamal Haasan, the other pillar of Kollywood.

An amusing piece of information, isn't it?

It is said that, KS Ravikumar strongly believed that Sonakshi would be perfect for the role, but then Superstar had something else to say.

Rajinikanth, who has been a good friend of Sonakshi's father, Shatrughan Sinha right from their 'Asli Nakli' days in 1986, didn't feel it was right to share on-screen romance with Shatrughan's daughter.

Deepika Padukone was approached after this and she was only more than happy to don the role of 'Rana's lady love.

While Superstar has proved yet again to be a man of principles, we can also rejoice as both Deepika and Sonakshi are being introduced to us Tamil movie buffs through two biggies!

Source: http://www.indiaglitz.com/channels/tamil/article/67567.html

Rajini to shoot for 'Rana' from Sept.

We have been giving you steady updates on the Superstar right from the day he was admitted at Isabelle hospital, Mylapore. The icon, who is now in Singapore's Mount Elisabeth Center for treatment is progressing well. There were rumours about a renal transplant but they are just rumours as even the dialysis that was so long taking place has been stopped.

Now about 'Rana,' – the filming team had slowed the filming by a few days due to the Superstar’s ill health but now with the Superstar recuperating so well director K.S. Ravikumar is believed to go ahead with the film’s shooting briskly. The portions which do not require the superstar's presence will be shot first. The director is believed to shoot portions with the villain of the film, Sonu Sood, and then with the heroine of the film, Deepika Padukone.

The superstar is touted to join the filming team once he has completely regained his health back and after a restful and rejuvenating break. Some sources suggest that Superstar might join the team sometime during September. Director Ravikumar had planned the film in such a way that there would be extensive stunts to be performed in the film. But now considering the Superstar's health certain scenes have been altered and the team is waiting for the Superstar to give them the green signal for the changes.

Whatever said or done due to prayers of millions of ardent fans across the globe the Superstar is steadily getting well and will some be back in his home town to thank in innumerable fans worldwide!


Source: http://www.indiaglitz.com/channels/tamil/article/67414.html

I will return to Telugu: Bipasha

Talking to the media at the promotional function of her Rohan Sippy-directed Dum Maro Dum(DMD) in Hyderabad, Bollywood sensation Bipasha Basu said that she is looking forward to act in Telugu films once again.

The actress earlier acted with Mahesh Babu in Takkari Donga (2002). "If the story is really interesting and my role is good, I don't mind acting in any language. I would love to do another film in Telugu but before that I have to gain a good command over the language," she said.

"I have earlier acted in a Telugu film called Takkari Donga opposite Mahesh Babu. Now, I have acted with another Telugu man Rana and it is really a thrill. Dum Maro Dum is a romantic movie in the backdrop of Goa, which is shown as India`s drug capital," Bipasha said. She hoped that the presence of Rana in DMD will bring the Telugu crowds to the theatres in Andhra Pradesh.

Source: http://telugu.galatta.com/entertainment/telugu/livewire/id/I_will_return_to_Telugu_Bipasha_48151.html

Genelia opposite Rana?

India's much-sought-after actress Genelia, who was last seen in Tollywood in Ram Charan Teja's romantic comedyOrange (2010), is likely to be the heroine opposite Rana Daggubati in his next film to be directed by newcomer Prakash Toleti, who earlier worked as an associate to Bommarillu Bhaskar and Sukumar.

This untitled film is produced by Paruchuri Kiriti, maker of super hit Simha. More details are awaited.

Meanwhile, Rana is presently busy with the promotional events of his upcoming films Nenu Naa Rakshasi in Telugu and Dum Maro Dum in Hindi. Genelia is gearing up for the release of her debut Malayalam film Urumi, directed by acclaimed cinematographer Santosh Sivan.

Source: http://tamil.galatta.com/entertainment/livewire/id/Genelia_opposite_Rana_48142.html

Abhishek, Bips, Rana cheering India!

Bollywood superstars Abhishek Bachchan, Bipasha Basu and Telugu actor Rana Daggubati, who are working together for debutant Shippy's upcoming Bollywood film Dum Maaro Dum, are currently at Vidarbha Cricket Association Stadium in Nagpur, Maharashtra, cheering up more than 45,000 cricket fans gathered to watch the World Cup cricket match between India and South Africa.

They were seen waving Indian flags and uttering "Come on" and "Chak De!India" from the gallery of the stadium, where the Indian team delivered a magnificent opening by amassing 142 runs in just 17 overs. Tamil-Telugu actor Siddharth was also seen in the crowd.

The Dum Maaro Dum team is promoting an item song during the breaks of the match and this is the first time when a song has been promoted in any World cup cricket match.

Source: http://tamil.galatta.com/entertainment/livewire/id/Abhishek_Bips_Rana_cheering_India_47786.html

Asin approached for Rana?

According to reliable sources, South Indian beauty Asin has been approached by the makers of South Indian superstar Rajinikanth's next film Ranato be directed by K.S. Ravikumar under the banner of Eros International and Chennai based Ocher Studios.

The sources said even a one-line summary of the script has been narrated to the actress and she is keen to team up with the super star, since the script fascinates her and the film has A.R. Rahman composing the tracks. Notably, Asin had worked with Ravikumar earlier in Varalaru.

Meanwhile, Rana is said to be a live action magnum opus with Rajinikanth playing a triple role. Made in Tamil, Hindi and Telugu, the film will go on floors in March and will hit screens in early 2012.

Source: http://tamil.galatta.com/entertainment/livewire/id/Asin_approached_for_Rana_46986.html

Rana to gain mass image as Bejawada Rowdy

We already broke the news that Daggubati Rana had agreed to play hero in Deva Katta’s direction. It may be mentioned here that Deva Katta had already announced that he is going to make a film on the rowdyism and goondaism in Vijayawada and with gang wars in its backdrop.

After getting into the lime light with two hit films in a row like ‘Vennela' and 'Prasthanam’, Deva Katta started giving final touches to his script. He only revealed the concept of the film but not the details of star cast and technicians who would work for the film.

In this backdrop, roping in Rana for his film is nothing but giving him a mass image by making him the protagonist in his film. Moreover, it is learnt that DV Sureshbabu is planning to produce the film on his own as he was impressed with ‘Prasthanam’.

Let us wait and watch for more official details about the film in the near future.

Source: http://www.indiaglitz.com/channels/telugu/article/61373.html

Rana likely to play in Deva Katta’s direction

The NRI director Deva Katta, who had brought out films like ‘Vennela’ and ‘Prasthanam’ is planning a film with Rana Daggubati as hero.

According to sources from Film Nagar, the story discussions are in progress and they are expected to be finalized very soon.

It is worth mentioning here that Rana Daggubati is presently busy with ‘Nenu Naa Raakshasi’ directed by Puri Jagannath.

Source: http://www.indiaglitz.com/channels/telugu/article/61346.html

Richa Gangopadhyay turns a busy bee

Richa Gangopadhyay, who made her debut with ‘Leader’ is choosing her career in a calculated way and is very cautious while accepting films.

After ‘Leader’, she is playing opposite Raviteja in Mirapakaya and also opposite Venkatesh in ‘Nagavalli’, the sequel of Chandramukhi under Vasu direction. She claimed that her roles in both the films are significant and had good scope for performance.

She was so elated to say, ‘In my debut film I paired up with Daggubati Rana and now I am the leading lady opposite his uncle Venkatesh. In Mirapakaya also, I am playing the role of a Brahmin girl and I had an ample scope to show my acting abilities.’

Source: http://www.indiaglitz.com/channels/telugu/article/60658.html

Puri-Rana Movie: Shoot out at Italy

The Puri Jagannadh – Rana movie will have its shooting entirely on foreign soil.

The new movie will be mainly shot in Bangkok and Italy. Shooting for the movie starts on September 13th.

As informed in the web pages of IndiaGlitz before, Ileana will be Rana’s heroine in the movie. A host of other regular actors working for Puri Jagannadh will be acting in this movie as well.

The movie’s costumes were apparently bought exclusively in Dubai. This high budget movie is produced by Bujji. Lets expect another ‘Pokiri’ from Puri Jagannadh!

Source: http://www.indiaglitz.com/channels/telugu/article/60009.html

3 music directors for Puri movie

There will be three music directors working in Puri Jagannadh’s new movie starring Rana and Ileana.

IndiaGlitz already informed its readers about Vishal-Shekhar who composed in ‘Chintakayala Ravi’ being part of it. The two other composers are Vishwa and the famous trio of Shankar-Ehsaan-Loy.

Three music directors and one album, sounds exciting. Puri has always experimented in his films and you can expect a huge one in this, especially with Rana in it!

Source: http://www.indiaglitz.com/channels/telugu/article/60008.html

Ileana pairs with Rana

Sizzling beauty Ileana pairs with ‘Leader’ Rana in Puri Jagannadh’s next venture.

Ileana opted out of Pawan Kalyan’s ‘Khushiga’ and joined Puri’s bandwagon. The new movie starring Rana and Ileana has already started shooting from Saturday 3rd September. As we all know Puri finishes his projects in almost 3-4 months and this movie won’t be any exception. The new movie is produced by Bujji.

Reports from sources add that music duo Vishal-Shekhar, who composed for Venkatesh’s ‘Chintakayala Ravi’, will be handling the music department for this movie. Now that Rana has started acting for this movie, it is officially his Second Telugu movie.

Source: http://www.indiaglitz.com/channels/telugu/article/59880.html