YAMADONGA TOPS THE TELUGU FILM CHARTS (TELUGU BOX-OFFICE REPORT)

The latest release, "Yamadonga", tops the Telugu film charts this fortnight. Starring Mohan Babu, NTR Jr., Priyamani and debutant Mamta Mohandas, the film has some scenes, including a song sequence, from NTR Jr's grandfather N.T. Rama Rao's "Yamagola".

THE TOP FIVE TELUGU FILMS:

1. MOVIE NAME: YAMADONGA

Cast: NTR, Mohan Babu, Priyamani, Mamta Mohandas, Khushboo, Rambha, Navneet Kaur, Preethi Jhingania, Archana, Narendra Jha, Brahmanandam, Ali, Raghubabu, Jayprakash Reddy, MS Narayana, Naresh, Rajeev Kanakala.

Screenplay and directed by: S.S. Rajamouli

Music: M.M. Keeravani

Release Date: August 15, 2007

BOX-OFFICE VERDICT: The film was released in 20-plus theatres on Independence Day. The Rajamouli-NTR Jr. combo seems to have worked at the box office. Though the reviews were not favourable, the film turned out to be a grosser in the very first four days. Rajamouli, known for the high success rate of his 'masala' entertainers, tries a social fantasy, which may work well in B and C centres.

2. MOVIE NAME: LAKSHYAM

Cast: Gopichand, Jagapati Babu, Anushka, Kalyani, Kota, Yashpal Sharma, Asish Vidyardhi, Amit, Raghubabu, Brahmanandam, Venu Madhav, Srinivasa Reddy, Chalapati Rao.

Story, screenplay and directed by: Sri Vaas

Music: Mani Sharma

Release date: July 5, 2007

BOX-OFFICE VERDICT: The film beats "Shankar Dada Zindabad" to the second spot.

3. MOVIE NAME: SHANKAR DADA ZINDABAD

Cast: Chiranjeevi, Srikanth, Karishma Kotak, Pawan Kalyan, Sada, Dilip Prabhavalkar, Allu Arjun (guest appearance), Ravi Teja (guest appearance), Kanta Rao, Rohit, Shayaji Shinde, Yana Gupta.

Screenplay and directed by: Prabhu Deva

Music: Devi Sri Prasad

Release Date: July 27, 2007

BOX-OFFICE VERDICT: It is surprising that the film's collections are dropping despite the presence of Megastar Chiranjeevi. Though the movie was adapted quite a bit to suit his image, including the song and dance sequences, it seems his fans are not too happy. Perhaps the subject is too serious for audiences in the smaller towns and villages. Also, a sequel is not common in Telugu cinema.

4. MOVIE NAME: DUBAI SEENU

Cast: Ravi Teja, Nayanatara, J D Chakravarthy, Neha, Sushanth, Shayaji Shinde, Raghu Babu, Narayana Rao, Brahmanandam, Sunil, Venumadhav, Krishna Baghavan, M S Narayana, Bhanuchander.

Story, screenplay and directed by: Srinu Vaitla

Music: Manisharma

Release Date: June 6, 2007

BOX-OFFICE VERDICT: A hardcore commercial entertainer, "Dubai Seenu" is ticking away at the box office. Director Srinu Vytla has tasted success twice within a few months. "Dhee" was his first release.

5. MOVIE NAME: AATA

Cast: Siddardha, Illeana, Sunil, Munna, Sunil, Jayaprakash Reddy, Shiyaji Shinde, Brahmanandam, Gundu Hanumantha Rao, Parachuri Venkateshwara Rao.

Directed by: VN Aditya

Music: Devisri Prasad

Release Date: May 09, 2007

BOX-OFFICE VERDICT: Though the critics wrote off "Aata", the film has raked in the moolah.