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I like Karan Johar's movies, says Ileana
By B. Anuradha, Indo-Asian News Service

Hyderabad, March 4 (IANS) Filmmaker Y.V.S. Choudary's discovery Ileana is going places after receiving a good response for her performance in her debut film "Devadasu". 

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Though it was not a big hit, the pretty girl was noticed and bagged films with top Telugu stars like Mahesh and Prabhas. 

She intends to explore all kinds of roles instead of limiting herself to glamorous ones. The actress says she plans to settle down in Telugu cinema as she likes the professional approach here - and may just give Bhoomika and Trisa run for their money.

She says: "I dislike to be slotted. I want to establish myself as an all-rounder by doing all kinds of roles."

The actress is a big fan of Bollywood director Karan Johar and also likes watching Saif Ali Khan and Hrithik Roshan on screen.

Excerpts from an interview:

Q: Are you happy with the response to "Devadasu" though it wasn't a sensational hit?

A: I am thankful to Choudary sir for giving me such a good break. But I have no time to celebrate as I am tied up with further commitments. I find the scene where I scream at my father the best in the film. 

Q: What is your role in "Pokiri" and how was it to work with Mahesh?

A: I am reluctant to reveal the storyline, but it is a good role with scope for acting. Contrary to his star image, Mahesh is down to earth and helpful. Initially, I was awed by him but he made me comfortable and dished out valuable tips. 

Q: Do you intend to remain a 'glam girl' or will you explore other roles too? 

A: I dislike to be slotted. I want to establish myself as an all-rounder by doing all kinds of roles. Preferably, I would like to visit my audience with a fresh role every time. Though I personally like to watch romantic comedies, I don't want to restrict myself as an actor.

I like Karan Johar's movies and admire Saif (Ali Khan) and Hrithik (Roshan).

Q: Are you looking forward to a break in Tamil cinema with A.M. Rathnam's bilingual "Jadoo"?

A: It's a good entertainer, and it was fun working with Ravi Krishna. Since I am getting good offers, including a film with Prabhas, I would give preference to Telugu films. But I am open to exciting roles in any language. Right now I just want to savour my success. 

'Lakshmi' stays ahead in Telugu film race
By B. Anuradha, Indo-Asian News Service

Hyderabad, March 8 (IANS) Despite new releases, "Lakshmi" stays ahead at the box office because of the large number of theatres in which it is running. 

The top five Telugu films are:

1. "Lakshmi" - This is a hit for actor Venkatesh and director Vinayak. The presence of big stars and good publicity has helped the film, notwithstanding the awkward blend of action and melodrama in it.

2. "Ranam" - The film is doing brisk business and macho actor Gopichand has joined the exclusive club of action stars. The success of "Ranam" sustains Eethram Films' good track record.

3. "Style" - With this film, actor-director Lawrence scores a maiden hit as a hero and his second success as a director. The producer's unusual promotional campaign has helped the dance drama cross 50 days.

4. "Happy" - The Allu Arjun starrer is not doing well despite hectic promotion by his father Allu Arvind, who has produced the film. Flop director Karunakaran should be content with an average grosser. 

5. "Rajababu" - Director Siva fails to make a successful remake of the Malayalam hit "Balettan" and actor Rajsekar's comeback plans go awry due to the contrived plot.

Keeravani scores super-hit with 'Sri Ramadasu'
By B. Anuradha, Indo-Asian News Service

Hyderabad, March 8 (IANS) Award-winning music director Keeravani continues to mesmerise Telugu music buffs with the enchanting album "Sri Ramadasu", which is still entrenched in the top position. 

The top five Telugu albums are:

1. "Sri Ramadasu" - Besides soulful 'kirtans' like "Nannubrovamani", the album also has romantic numbers namely "Chalu chalu". After "Annamayya", this is another masterpiece from the ace composer.

2. "Lakshmi" - Ramana Gogula makes a strong comeback even though he hasn't signed any new films yet. Fast-paced "Lakshmi baba" and "Dhaga dhaga" are front-runners in the countdown shows on TV channels.

3. "Ranam" - After "Style", well-known composer Mani Sharma comes up with another fast-paced album to suit a mass-oriented film. "Daga daga aaadara" is a very popular song.

4. "Happy" - Tamil composer Yuvan Shankar Raj arrives in style with energetic numbers in this album. "Egire mabubulona" and "Chal chal" stand out.

5. "Style" - the film's box office success has helped the sale of the album in the market. Composer Mani Sharma has relied on beat rather than melody to strike a chord with the youth. "Style style" and "Rock 'n roll" are catchy numbers.