Thursday Dec 04 2008, Trivandrum

Top 5 stars of the Telugu BO

Krishnudu, who plays the chubby lover in 'Vinayakudu' leads the list of this week's top 5 stars at the Telugu B.O. The actor,who is playing such a key role for the first time, makes a charming presence on the screen and is a pleasant departure from the usual filmi hero.

An obese hero falls in love with a slim beauty. Though his love is not reciprocated in the beginning, he wins her over in the

end and they "live happily ever after".

'Vinayakudu', directed by debutant Sai Kiran Addivi, handles the simple yet difficult theme with remarkable finesse; the film

has become a rage in Andhra Pradesh.

Krishna alias Krishnudu, as the fat, reluctant Romeo, is very impressive in the title role. Krishna had made his debut in

Sekhar Kammula's 'Happy Days'. Sonia, who sizzled in 'Happy Days', has come out with another creditable performance.

Strength: Great performances

Weakness: Slow narrative

B.O. Verdict: Good opening


2. Varun Sandesh: Happy, again!

Hero of the trend-setting 'Happy Days', Varun Sandesh is at it again. 'Kotha Bangaru Lokam', directed by Srikanth Addala, has

already completed (housefull) 50-days.

Varun essays the role of a middle class boy who falls in love with a rich man's daughter, played by Swetha Prasad.
Varun has given a mature performance.

Prakash Raj and Jayasudha, after the blockbuster 'Bommarillu', have once again teamed up to give a splendid performance.

The screenplay is taut. Chota K. Naidu (Cinematography) and Mickey J. Meyer (Music) have done a good job.

Strength: Good screenplay

Weakness: A few overstretched scenes

Verdict: Great entertainer


3. Naresh: LOL!

A gang of four rob a bank and hide the booty at a place, which is later converted into a police station. Heard this before?

Well, 'Blade Babji', obviously, is a rip-off of the Hollywood hit, 'Blue Streak'.

The film, by Devi Prasad, has many-a-hilarious moment. Spoofs on Mahesh Babu's 'Pokiri' and Pawan Kalyan's 'Tammudu' make for

some rib-tickling episodes.

'Allari' Naresh is having a great year. This is his third consecutive hit of 2008.

Strength: Hilarious!

Weakness: Logic c & b Devi Prasad!

B.O. Verdict: Good entertainer


4. Naga Babu: The brother act!

Kodi Ramakrishna's much-hyped 'Ek Police' has turned out to be a routine formula flick.

Nagendra Babu aka Naga Babu (the younger brother of Chiranjeevi) tries valiantly to salvage the movie. The plot of the film

centres on the murder of a college lecturer and the investigation that ensues.

Strength: Naga Babu's effort

Weakness: Mindless masala

BO Verdict: Weak opening!


5. Nikhil: 'Happy' hour!

'Yuvatha', by newcomer Parashuram, tells the story of a group of youngsters who go out of the way (literally) to help a

friend in need.

Here is yet another success story by a member of the 'Happy Days' cast. Nikhil essays a difficult role with relative ease.

Ranadheer, Narasimha Uthkam and Subhash give him able support.

'Yuvatha' had a weak opening but is reportedly picking up at the B.O.

Strength: Good story, nicely told!

Weakness: Poorly etched characters

B.O. Verdict: Average