Murali is now Srimurali

Murali is Shivamani. No, this is not an impersonation or name change but the title of the new film in which Murali is the hero. And yes, he won’t be Murali anymore but will be known as Srimurali. One hopes that the actor and the composer who share the same name now do not add to the confusion. Sparkling Sharmila Mandre, the actress last seen in Ee Bandhana and Krishna is paired opposite Srimurali. Amarnath who was associated with films like Deadly Soma turns director with this film, whose title is based on the pendant worn by the hero! The industry gets another composer in Veer Samarth of Bidar,  who is set to compose tune with contemporary feel. While the hero seemed impressed with the story, Sharmila apparently took three sittings to be convinced of her role, which has actually made her happy! The producers this time around are from the hotel industry. Venkat who had earlier handled the camera for My Autograph, No 73 Shantinivasa is the cameraman here too.

Story by music director

Priya, My Darling is also perhaps the first film to have a story by its music director. Directed by Venkatesh Prasad, the film has newcomer Surya as hero and Vidya from Kerala as heroine.

Vidya has already acted in Malayalam, Telugu and Tamil films. Director Venkatesh Prasad who had earlier made the award-winning Karmugilu wanted to direct an original story.

However, none of his stories pleased the producer so he suggested composer Gandharva’s story which, incidentally spelt out the duration of the film - from 9 pm to 6 am! The film will be shot in Shimoga, Maddur and the Bangalore University campus for 30 days. Meanwhile, there are six songs of which two will be sung by Kunal Ganjawala, one each by Shankar Mahadevan, Chitra, Chaitra and Sonu Nigam.

Masala movie

A modern-day Robin Hood who loves his mother dearly while he is loved by two girls. After Aa Dinagalu, Chethan plays this role in choreographer-director Harsha’s Birugaali. Sitara Vaidya, who was seen mooning over Prajwal in Geleya, and newcomer Akanksha are the heroines. There’s an element of underworld as well.

Harsha says that the movie has all the essential ingredients - sentiments, relationship and action. The movie will be shot in the 55-day schedule without any breaks. Harsha is also handling the story and screenplay along with direction. Different Danny, who had provided stunts in the movie Geleya, will also lend his skills in this movie. Patil Shahapoor is the producer of the movie.

Lean Shivanna

The year 2008 sure seems to have done wonders for Shivanna. For with each successive film, Shivanna has lost weight and trimmed his physique. The result is a lean-mean hero who sports a healthy look as well! With interesting films including just released Satya In Love, Madesha, Bandhu Balaga, Devaru Kotta Thangi, Shivanna is providing wholesome entertainment to all the sections of society. The latest is Paramesha Panwala, which is directed by Mahesh Babu who has tasted success with younger brother Appu’s Akash and Arrasu. Shivanna dons the garb of a tapori again but in a slimmer avatar. If one is reminded of Shahrrukh Khan and a certain Don.Wait till April 21 when the film is launched.

Sonu’s exorbitant fees

Inflation seems to have hit hard everything, including playback singers. That was the impression one got after learning that the producers of Priya, My Darling have shelled out around Rs 35 lakh - half the film’s budget on its music.

And a sum of Rs 2 lakh is Sonu’s fee for singing ONE song sometime in May!!! He is booked till then, say the producers. Colleague Kunal Ganjawala is much more affordable going at a rate of Rs 40,000 per song.

But with the producers keen on giving good music, they sure seem to be immune of the market forces.