Archives for January 2016

PEN INDIA LTD ACQUIRES ‘SHIVAAY’ RIGHTS ALONG WITH EROS INTERNATIONAL

Pen India Ltd is back with a bang this year after their film SINGH IS BLIING which released last year (2015). Pen India Ltd to co – produce Ajay Devgn’s magnanimous SHIVAAY which is all set to have a Diwali release this year. The film is directed by Ajay Devgn and has been making the right noise since the time the film was announced and has huge audience expectations ahead of its festive release. It’s known that Ajay Devgn the actor goes to extremes to get his act and character right. Now we are seeing him in action as a director once again and it’s a privilege for those who are part of his team.

‘ISHQ FOREVER’ TO RELEASE ON 19TH FEB 2016

A Friday Cine Entertainment Pvt Ltd production, produced by Ajay Shah, Himanshu Gandhi & Shabeer Boxwala, Directed by Sameer Sippy starring Lisa Ray, Ruhi Singh, debutante Krishna Chaturvedi & Jaaved Jafferi in lead roles, ISHQ FOREVER is all set to release on 19th Feb, 2016.

MORE & MORE CHANNEL PACKAGING BY KATALYST CREATES, THE CREATIVE ARM OF SRI ADHIKARI BROTHERS

The Creative arm of Sri Adhikari Brothers, Katalyst Creates has struck once again. The brand solutions hub has curated the channel packaging for ‘Nick HD+’ – India’s 1st exclusive HD channel for kids by the leading kids’ entertainment franchise – Nickelodeon. Katalyst Creates boasts of a specialized team that has expertise in VFX; motion graphics for film, broadcast & digital; channel packaging; video content editing; logo animation; infographics; animation et al. They have used this expertise to curate an immersive packaging for India’s 1st HD channel for kids ‘Nick HD+’. The agency is also credited for some magnificent work before, including the very recent ad film of FLYING MACHINE with Arjun Kapoor and the cult music video “Oopar Oopar”. The packaging & idents were curated considering Indian sensibilities while also aligning to international standards & brand guidelines of Nickelodeon. The endeavor with the engaging packaging was to provide children watching Nick HD+, a feeling of homeliness & sense of belonging such that they instantly establish a strong connect with the channel.

2ND SCHEDULE OF ‘SARBJIT’ GOES ON FLOORS IN MUMBAI

The 2nd schedule of the much awaited biopic of the year, SARBJIT goes on floors with its 2nd schedule this week. Actors Randeep Hooda, Aishwarya Rai Bachchan, Richa Chaddha & Darshan Kumar will be resuming work & getting back into their respective character roles. The Omung Kumar directorial has gathered a lot of eye balls owing to the leaked image of Aishwarya Rai Bachchan’s look as Dalbir Kaur (Sarbjit’s sister) in the film. The look was much appreciated by the industry and audiences’ considering the glamour icon that Aishwarya Rai Bachchan is. Along with a few crucial scenes, they will be shooting the one & only fun & much anticipated song of the film in this schedule. The actors Randeep, Aishwarya & Richa are looking forward to be filmed shaking their legs to the traditional Bhangda beats for the song as it is a folk song and everyone will be dressed in the traditional Punjabi attire. The credits of the film SARBJIT are produced by Sandeep Singh, Omung Kumar & Vashu Bhagnani, written by Rajesh Beri & Utkarshini Vashishtha, cinematography by Kiran Deohans, production design by Vanitha Kumar, creative director is Sandeep Singh & creative producer is Akshay Balsaraf & directed by Omung Kumar. SARBJIT is slated to release on the 20th May, 2016 with its premiere held at the well – acclaimed Cannes Film Festival.

MUSIC UNLIMITED AT THE MOHAMMED RAFI AWARDS NITE

Spandan is an NGO headed by Ashish Shelar, MLA & dynamic city chief of BJP. The Rang Sharda auditorium was packed to the hilt with people even squatting on the aisle to get a glimpse of the legends who graced the occasion and so also to enjoy the soul stirring yesteryear songs of Mohammed Rafi. Asha Bhosale waxed eloquent about the fantastic & extremely humble human being that Mohammed Rafi was and observed that he was one of a kind and very hard to emulate & replicate. Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis was the Chief Guest on this occasion and made a pertinent point when he stated that the number of singers & orchestras inspired by yesteryear singers like Mohammed Rafi and Kishore Kumar might be a world record in itself. Ashish Shelar acknowledged the unparalleled contribution of Mohammed Rafi to Indian music and also expressed his gratitude to the kith & kin of this illustrious family for their role in ensuring the success of the Mohammed Rafi awards night ever since its inception 8 years ago. Yasmin & Nasreen, daughters of the late Mohammed Rafi were moved to tears by Ashaji’s anecdotes on Mohammed Rafi. Amruta Fadnavis pleasantly surprised one & all by her rendition of “Tum Jo mil Gaye Ho”. Shantaben, wife of music director Anandji of Kalyanji Anandji fame, received the Mohammed Rafi lifetime achievement award on behalf of her husband who could not make it due to poor health. Amit Kumar was touched on also being conferred with the Mohammed Rafi award and declared that this was by far the most precious and coveted award in his lifetime. Amit Kumar & Asha Bhosale also sang and danced on stage to “Ek Mai Aur Ek Tu” much to the delight of the audience. Shrikant Narayan and his troupe had the audience grooving to popular Rafi numbers right through the evening. Melody filled the air. Whoever said “Music is food for the soul” probably visited the Mohammed Rafi awards night.

THE 61ST BRITANNIA FILMFARE AWARDS 2015: STELLAR BEGINNINGS

A new year brings new opportunities. It’s that time of the year when Filmfare celebrates & honours the best films of the year gone by. 2015 was particularly memorable because for the 1st time, Hindi films bridged the gap between the classes & masses. Films that earned big bucks at the box – office were also the ones that took home the critics’ & audience’s hosannas. One artiste who stands for the balance between art & mart is Sonakshi Sinha. To announce key details about the 61st Britannia Filmfare Awards 2015, Sonakshi took to the press conference stage in Mumbai. She expressed her opinions about the big films of the year gone by, as well as spoke with remarkable elegance about the Filmfare Awards. The young superstar cajoled the media present at the event. It was the perfect way to kick-start the Filmfare awards frenzy in 2016. The star studded announcement was made at the Westin Hotel in Mumbai on 4th Jan, 2016. Sonakshi was accompanied by Jitesh Pillaai – Editor Filmfare magazine & Vinay Subramanyam, Category Manager, Britannia Industries Limited, was also present at the event. Together, they lit the lamp marking the start of another stellar celebration of the best of Hindi cinema. Filmfare’s exclusive31 award categories will highlight the grand ceremony of the 61st Britannia Filmfare Awards 2015 to be held on 15th Jan, 2016 at the Dome, NSCI in Mumbai.

SUNNY DEOL TO RELEASE HIS MUCH AWAITED ‘GHAYAL ONCE AGAIN’ ON 5TH FEB 2016

One of the most anticipated sequels of 2016, GHAYAL ONCE AGAIN has been the talk of the town with its emotional & action packed trailer! Sunny Deol will now be releasing GHAYAL ONCE AGAIN on 5th Feb, 2016 as he has joined hands with one of India’s biggest studios for the film. The release date has been pushed from Jan, 2016 to 5th Feb, 2016 as the studio & Sunny’s team require an extensive period to efficient promote & distribute GHAYAL ONCE AGAIN, given the scale & audience expectations of the ambitious sequel. Dharmendra presents, written & directed by Sunny Deol, GHAYAL ONCE AGAIN stars Sunny Deol and 4 young kids – Rishabh Arora, Shivam Patil, Daina Khan & Anchal Munjal in lead roles. The movie releases on 5th Feb, 2016.

GULZAR & VISHAL BHARDWAJ LAUNCH KONKANA’S DIRECTORIAL DEBUT ‘A DEATH IN THE GUNJ’

Vishal Bhardwaj & Gulzar saab launched Abhishek Chaubey & Honey Trehan’s new production house MacGuffin Pictures at an event held recently. The media & the industry came forward in full force to support the launch of the duo’s new production house & their 1st production A DEATH IN THE GUNJ that marks the directorial debut of Konkona Sen Sharma. The film also sees the revival of IDrream Production as IDrream Motion Pictures with their new venture Studioz IDrream. The event was attended by Rahul Dholakia, Vipul A Shah, Satish Kaushik, Meghna Gulzar as well as the entire star cast of the film including Kalki Koechlin, Ranvir Shorey, Gulshan Devaiah, Tillotama Shome, Vikrant Massey, Jim Sarbh & Tanuja. The film will go on floors on 25th Jan, 2016.

THE BROOKE BOND RED LABEL 6 PACK BAND RELEASES ITS FIRST SINGLE “HUM HAIN HAPPY”

India’s ‘Hijra’ community, as they’re referred to, comprises of transsexuals & transgenders. The community is commonly ignored by most, tolerated by some & misunderstood by all. However, in spite of all the prejudice they face in our society, they choose to smile and remain ‘Happy’. Yash Raj Film’s youth films wing, Y – Films joins hands with Brooke Bond Red Label to give a voice to their indomitable spirit without trying to get preachy or patronizing, in a language and through a medium that our world understands & loves; the language of Music, with the launch of India’s and, possibly, the world’s 1st transgender band – the Brooke Bond Red Label 6 Pack band! It’s a theme that is extremely relevant, topical & important to make the world a warmer and more welcoming place for everyone, irrespective of religion, economic background or gender. The Brooke Bond Red Label 6 Pack band has been curated by composer Shameer Tandon and comprises of 6 transgender singers hailing from India’s ‘Hijra’ community that will be releasing 6 songs backed by 6 music videos. The album kick-starts with a single that captures their never give up, never stop smiling attitude, a fantastic cover rendition of Pharrell William’s global hit ‘Happy’, as ‘Hum Hain Happy’ which was unveiled by one of India’s most respected singers Sonu Nigam. One of the industry’s youngest & most talented actor – producers, Anushka Sharma, who introduces The Brooke Bond Red Label 6 Pack band in their 1st music video had this to say, “I believe that all living beings should be treated with the same respect & dignity. This song is one way to get everyone to tune in to that one thought and beat. Because often where words fail, music speaks.”

SAJID NADIADWALA & VISHAL BHARDWAJ COME TOGETHER FOR A BLOCKBUSTER IN MAKING – ‘RANGOON’

An intense love story set in the 1940’s, RANGOON will bring together the work of Bollywood’s finest talent in one of the most ambitious projects ever made. Produced by Sajid Nadiadwala, Vishal Bhardwaj & Viacom18 Motion Pictures the film stars national award winners Kangana Ranaut, Saif Ali Khan and the versatile Shahid Kapoor in an epic romantic drama with never seen before action. Set to release in 2016, the film is backed by the soul stirring symphonies of Vishal Bhardwaj. The ensemble only gets better with the addition of maestro lyricist Gulzar. As Viacom18 Motion Pictures continuous its success in producing content led cinema, RANGOON will put forward a larger than life period drama that will leave its audiences enticed till the end.

BRINGING IN THE NEW YEAR WITH PROMOTIONS FOR SANAM RE, DIVYA KHOSLA KUMAR AND HER CAST ARE ALL SMILES!

Divya Khosla Kumar’s SANAM RE is all set for a Valentine’s release on 12th Feb, 2016. The stunning director has commenced the promotion spree with her cast comprising of lead actors Pulkit Samrat, Yami Gautam & Urvashi Rautela.

TANUJ VIRWANI TO HAVE A BLAST IN 2016 WITH SUNNY LEONE

We have seen a lot of exciting Bollywood films in 2015 now New Year 2016 in Bollywood is going to have a lot of action, drama, thriller, suspense, love, comedy and much more in terms of movies releasing, with a fantastic star cast and some fabulous filmmakers. For the first time in many years, Bollywood will witness some big ticket releases with huge star-power some interesting names like DANGAL, RAEES, SULTAN, AIRLIFT, GHAYAL, SARBJIT, AE DIL HAI MUSHKIL, WAZIR, KILLING VEERAPPAN, and several others. Actor TANUJ VIRWANI who was last seen in LUV U SONIYO & PURANI JEANS is now ready to have a blast in year 2016 where he will seen with none other than super hot women of Bollywood Sunny Leone in ONE NIGHT STAND. Tanuj Virwani said, “Yes I am really excited & looking forward 2016 as wonderful year. New Year 2016 is going to be a roller – coaster ride for me. As every make resolution in New Year my resolution for this year will be to Entertain my audience who has excepted me a open arms.”

AJAY DEVGN USES MORE THAN 2000 CUSTOM – MADE TOYS FOR A SINGLE SCENE ON THE SETS OF ‘SHIVAAY’!!

The much anticipated film of 2016, SHIVAAY has left the audience surprised & overwhelmed with its 1st look! Well, we hear that Ajay Devgn has left no stone unturned for his ambitious directorial project! The perfectionist, we hear called for more than 2000 custom – made stuff toys for a particular scene in the film. Abigail Eames, who is making her Bollywood Debut, plays his daughter in the film, and to make sure that her room looked extremely pretty, he got these toys there. Lucky Girl! Ajay is putting renowned expertise and his entire heart & soul into making this movie as he plans every detail to the T. Hence, recently when we had to shoot in the girl’s room (Abigail), he called for more than 2000 custom made stuff toys so that the room looks extravagant”. It’s known that Ajay Devgn the actor goes to extremes to get his act & character right. Now we are seeing him in action as a director and it’s a privilege for those who are part of his team. Now that’s what we call a perfectionist.

GOVIND NAMDEO TO ESSAY THE ROLE OF MORARJI DESAI IN ‘SOLAR ECLIPSE’

‘SOLAR ECLIPSE’ is an action packed drama that focuses on the lives of 3 police officers, who well aware that Mahatma Gandhi’s life is at risk, must act according to what they believe is their responsibility and/or is best for their country. Will saving the Mahatma save the country? The story is a conspiracy theory, blended with fiction where facts are not available, but based on a solid fact that police was well aware of the plot to assassinate Mahatma Gandhi in 1948. Govind Namdeo is doing a movie on Anna Hazare which is currently untitled and is being directed by Shashank Udapurkar. PROJECT MARATHVADA is another movie he is doing that deals with farmer suicide case and is directed by Bhavin Mehta and features Om Puri in the lead role with Govind as the villain. He has signed a new movie Hollywood & Bollywood joint production which would have actors from both the industry while it is based on the last part of independence struggle and is directed by Karim Kedar in which he will play the role of Morarji Desai. He is also doing a movie titled as AMRAPALI in which he will play the father of the titular character which also stars Jimmy shergil, Ashutosh Rana & Vinod Khanna and is directed by Atul Garg. He recently completed a film titled as DUSSERA which is based on political backdrop of Bihar where he essayed as villain whereas movie is directed by Manish Vatsalya. Then there is another movie called JD which is directed by Shilendra Pandey, is based on the life of an Indian journalist, also features Amar Singh & Justice Karode, who are acting in this movie. CHAPEKER BROTHERS is another movie where he is playing a role of Bal Gnagadhar Tilak and filming of this movie has wrapped up, which is directed by Devendra Pandey.

GURMEET CHAUDHARY PLAYS A PRINCE IN ‘LAALI KI SHAADI MEIN LADDOO DEEWANA’

TV’s heartthrob Gurmeet Chaudhary who made his big Bollywood debut with KHAMOSHIYAN has bagged his 2nd film and will be seen playing the parallel lead in Director Manish Harishankar’s LAALI KI SHAADI MEIN LADDOO DEEWANA a twisted love story featuring Vivaan Shah & Akshara Haasan. A youthful film revolving around a love story, the film is a comic & emotional journey of Laddu & Laali portrayed by Vivaan Shah & Akshara Haasan with a twist. Gurmeet will be seen playing the role of a Prince who any girl would dream to marry. Director Manish Harishankar says “Gurmeet is the perfect guy to play the role of a Prince and the royal nuances come naturally to him. If Vivaan & Akshara make a fresh young couple to look out for, Gurmeet & Akshara are sure to be an enduring couple.” The shoot of the film is almost complete with only 2 songs to be shot with Vivaan & Akshara, Gurmeet & Akshara. Produced by T. P. Aggarwal & Rahul Aggarwal, directed by Manish Harishankar starring Vivaan Shah & Akshara Haasan is all set to release in summer 2016.

NEW POSTER OF ROMANTIC COMEDY ‘LOVE SHAGUN’ UNVEILED

The new posters of romantic comedy LOVE SHAGUN have been unveiled recently. The poster quirkily talks about the dilemma which today’s generation faces, to listen to his mother or follow what his heart desires! Anuj Sachdeva & Nidhi Subbaiah play the lead roles in the film which is scheduled to release on 26th Feb, 2016. Produced by Saanvi Pictures Pvt. Ltd & directed by Saandesh Nayak; LOVE SHAGUN features Anuj Sachdeva, Nidhi Subbaiah, Vikram Kochhar, Manit Joura, Taran Bajaj, Shamin Mannan & Simpy Singh. Recently, Zee Music acquired the music rights of the film which has some amazing romantic tracks!