Star power in full force

With 2013 proving lucky to most top stars, all eyes are now on how the New Year would be for them. Barring actor Prabhas who would be shooting for ‘Bahubali’ throughout the year, the other top stars have their films in place for the year. A look at the possible game changers based on the number of releases they have and the expectations that are riding on their films:

Mahesh Babu: He has everything going in his career at this juncture. Be it his three hits on a stretch or his increasing pan India presence, Mahesh Babu is at the zenith of his career and if his look in ‘1: Nenokkadine’ is a sign of how much effort he has put in for the film, he would definitely be carrying forward the legacy of his father who earned the tag of Sankranthi hero. The suave actor’s earlier films like ‘Murari’, ‘Businessman’ and ‘Seethamma Vakitlo Sirimalle Chettu’ released during Sankranthi set the cash registers ringing. One who wishes to see the Telugu industry on par with international standards, the Superstar is working towards the same as ‘1: Nenokkadine’ boasts of action sequences that are on par with Hollywood action films. His fans are also in for a treat as his other film ‘Aagadu’ with Sreenu Vaitla is progressing on a brisk note. A year that would prove who among Mahesh and Pawan hold the No 1 ranking in Tollywood?

Ram Charan: If he started off with a bang last year with ‘Naayak’, his subsequent film ‘Toofan’ faced the wrath of the audience. His image has also taken a beating when his bodyguards allegedly manhandled two techies in Hyderabad. However, Charan has put everything aside and is eagerly awaiting the release of ‘Yevadu’ which after witnessing numerous delays will finally release on January 12. Although ‘Yevadu’ is lagging behind in terms of expectations, Charan is tipped to play spoilsport in the collections of Mahesh-starrer ‘1: Nenokkadine’ which is clearly the toast of this festive season. If the new teaser of ‘Yevadu’ is anything to go by, the film looks to cement his place as the Gen-X star. Immediately after the release, Cherry would be working on Krishna Vamsi’s family drama in which he reportedly plays an NRI returning to his home turf. It is tentatively set for a late summer release.

Pawan Kalyan: The one of a kind Gabbar will be back this year. With more ammunition and in all likelihood, a new hottie by his side. The sequel to the super cop action drama would be the only release for Power star Pawan Kalyan this year. Having established new records with ‘Attarintiki Daaredhi’, the actor, who hasn’t applied grease paint for almost six months, is fully concentrated on everything related to ‘Gabbar Singh 2’ (GS2), be it the script, the casting or the pre-production work, we hear. It would move on to floors after a formal pooja, set to take place after Sankranthi. To be shot in two long schedules; both Pawan and his friend/producer Sharat Marar are keen to pitch the film when the mercury levels are high this 2014. With ‘Gabbar Singh’ bringing him back to the top slot, ‘GS 2’ would only enhance his reputation as the undisputed king of Tollywood box-office. Any doubts?

Bala Krishna: He has been missing in action for more than 14 months but looks like box-office bonanza is gearing up for a powerful early 2014 if the first look of ‘Legend’ is a pointer. Looking imperial in front of a killer four wheeler, Balayya’s first look has not just caught the fancy of his fans but also the industry wallahs. Director Boyapati Sreenu, we are told, is leaving no stone unturned to make ‘Legend’ the perfect foil for the actor before he kicks off the election campaign for TDP all across the State. Except for ‘Legend’, the Nandamuri hero hasn’t signed any projects. His new plans on the acting front will be revealed only after elections, says a source.

Mohan Babu: He is back. He may not have the same arsenal that he used to have when he was at his prime, but Mohan Babu’s impressive filmography for the year has left many perplexed. If he is trying his hands at comedy with ‘Pandavulu Pandavulu Tummeda’, set for January-end release, then he has reserved his menacing best for Ram Gopal Varma’s new flick, based on Rayalaseema-backdrop. Mohan Babu joining forces with Ramu came as rude shock to many as both are said to be headstrong and at the face individuals.

Nithiin: He would undoubtedly be the dark horse of the year. He proved that ‘Ishq’ wasn’t a stroke of luck with ‘Gundejaari Gallanthayyinde’ last year and his lineup of films with top technicians proves that Nithiin has learnt his lessons the hard way. With ‘Heart Attack’ and ‘Courier Boy Kalyan’ scheduled to arrive in first half of 2014, his anticipated project with master of romance Karunakaran will move on floors shortly. If his three releases hit the bull’s eye, Nithiin surely will give other stars of his age a run for their money come next year. Watch out for this street smart guy.