Abbai out, Babai on course

In what was billed as the clash of two Nandumuri heroes over fame and following, NTR has decided to defer the release of his anticipated film ‘Nannaku Prematho’ to February, thereby bowing out of the big fight with ‘Dictator’, which stars his superstar uncle Balakrishna in the lead. Sources close to his film have confirmed to us that the shoot will go on till January fourth week, so the question of arriving days before Sankranti doesn’t arise.

This would be the second time that NTR would be missing the much sought after Sankranti slot straight. He wanted to schedule his last release ‘Temper’ for Sankranti earlier this year but following his brother Janaki Ram’s death last December, the shooting schedules had gone haywire.

A source said, “NTR was keen on making it to Sankranti this time around and he worked towards it hard, pressing the unit to meet the time limits. His film went on to floors way before ‘Dictator’ but after coming to know that (his) Babai wanted to release his actioner for Sankranti, he, in the largest interest of Nandamuri fans, took it slow.

However, as the Spain schedule was delayed– following the late issue of visas to the principal cast and crew– he asked director Sukumar to take his own time to wrap up the film. He along with Rakul Preet Singh will be shooting for the film till January 18.”

Nag to take on Balayya;

Sharwaa for company

While Balayya might not have his nephew in the fray any longer, he sure has some competition to tackle with. Apparently, Nagarjuna, who is not on talking terms with his peer for the past four years, has thrown his hat in the ring and has decided to pit his long-delayed romantic entertainer ‘Soggade Chinni Nayana’ for Sankranti.

Source close to him have informed us that he asked his Annapurna think tank to reserve screens for the film’s wide release on Sankranti. “The film will hit the screens on January 15- a day after ‘Dictator’ unspools. The audio launch will take place in the last week of December,” said a source close to Annapurna Studios.

Also joining the battle in which the sweepstakes are eminently of a high order would be Sharwanand with his comic caper ‘Express Raja’. While the active publicity for the film hasn’t kicked off yet, producer Vamsi, when contacted, confirmed to us that the film is due for January 14. “Yes, I know there are a couple of other releases but we will be arriving on January 14.” Well, lots to choose for Telugu movie buffs this Sankranti.

By Nagaraj Goud