Not wanting to disappoint his huge fan following, Telugu superstar Chiranjeevi has resolved to do only 'mass-centric' films, he said on the eve of his birthday on August 22.

He says his earlier attempts to do varied roles in films like Rudraveena, Swayamkrushi and Aapadbandavudu did not please his fans. "I received awards and critical acclaim but my fans were hugely disappointed."

The actor has now added a lot of commercial elements to his next release Tagore, a remake of the Tamil hit Ramana. But he is confident this will not dilute the film's core point -- 'anti-corruption'.

His other under-production film for his brother Nagababu will also be a 'good entertainer'. He describes his much-delayed project Anji as a 'trailblazer' in Indian cinema since it will be the first film with 3D animated characters.

"It will be released in January 2004," says the superstar.

Tarun's new avatar

"For the first time, I will play a mature and dignified role," says teen sensation Tarun, referring to his next yet-untitled film for producer Ravi Kishore. "I will not tease girls nor will my father scold me for being poor in studies!"

Tarun seems to be making an attempt to break away from his 'spoilt brat' image. Even in his last release Ninne Ishtapadanu, he had played a prankster. The film did reasonably well despite its poor storyline.

Tarun, who first became popular after his role as a child artiste in Mani Ratnam's unforgettable Anjali, arrived in style as a hero with the Rs 20 crore hit Nuvve Kavali. With huge hits like Nuvvu Leka Nenu Lenu and disasters like Chirujallu, Tarun is now much-sought after to play lover boy roles.

He describes his next release as a 'musical family entertainer' and says he enjoyed working with co-star Shreya and director Ramana. Now that there are many young actors in the Telugu film industy, Tarun wants to do something different to stay ahead of the competition.

Will Sridevi match up to her mother?

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After Preeti and Vanitha, veteran actress Manjula's third daughter is trying hard to mark her mark in the Telugu film industry. But Sridevi's last two releases, Eashwar and Ninne Ishtapadanu, do not seem to have appealed to the box office.

Manjula ruled Telugu filmdom in the 1970s with blockbusters like Mayadari Malligadu, Manushulantha Okkate, Bangaru Bomma and Jebu Donga to her credit.

A few years ago, Preeti debuted with Rukmini and Vanitha with Devi. While the former bombed, the credit for the latter was given to actress Prema. Though Preeti can find solace in her negative role in Preyamaina Neeku, which was a big hit, Vanitha vanished from the filmi scene. Now, it is up to Sridevi to match the success of their mother.

Despite playing contrasting roles of an arrogant girl in Eashwar and a timid girl in Ninne Ishtapadanu, she is still in search of that elusive hit.