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Archives for July 2016

Karnataka govt announces judicial probe into DySp’s alleged suicide

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Siddaramaiah

Bengaluru: Facing Opposition heat, Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah today announced a judicial probe into the alleged suicide by a DySp, which has raised a political storm in the state.

As his government came under severe attack over alleged suicide by Mangaluru DySp M K Ganapathy, Siddaramaiah made the announcement in the Legislative Assembly, which has been rocked by the issue for the last three days.

Siddaramaiah said the judicial commission would be headed by a retired High Court judge and the report would come out within six months.

He rejected the demand for a probe by CBI, being demanded by BJP which is gunning for the resignation of Minister for Urban Development K J George, named by the deceased police official along with two top police officers for his extreme step.

Ganapathy(51) was found hanging from the ceiling fan in a room at a lodge in Madikeri on July seven, prior to which he gave an interview to a local TV channel, saying the minister and A M Prasad (IG-Intelligence) and Pranab Mohanty (IGP-Lokayukta) would be responsible “if anything happens to me.”

Rejecting the charges against him in the Assembly yesterday, George, Minister for Bengaluru Development, had said he was ready to face any punishment if an inquiry finds him guilty and was ready to resign if the Chief Minister asks for it.

The Minister had also claimed that he was being targeted for belonging to minority community.

Government had earlier announced a probe by CID into the incident, which came just three days after the body of another DySP of Chikkamagaluru sub-division Kallappa Handibag (35), accused of kidnapping a person for ransom, was found hanging in his father-in-law’s home at Murgod in Belagavi district.

Prior to that, Ballari district Kudligi DySp Anupama Shenoy had resigned her post over alleged interference by the then district in charge minister Parameshwar Naik, who was removed in the recent major ministry reshuffle.

(Agencies)

Maharashtra poll panel deregisters 191 parties including AIMIM

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Asaduddin Owaisi

Mumbai: The State Election Commission (SEC) in Maharashtra, which conducts local body polls, on Wednesday deregistered 191 local political parties including AIMIM for failure to submit Income Tax returns and audited accounts.

The parties which lost their registration also includes RPI-Khobragade faction, state election commissioner J S Saharia said here on Wednesday.

AIMIM has two members in the state assembly.

So far, 359 political parties have been registered with the commission. Of these, 17 are recognised parties, he said.

Notices were served to 326 parties for failure to submit necessary documents, Saharia said.

Despite sending reminders to them and extending the deadline on request of some of them, they have allegedly failed to submit any documents, he said.

“If the parties want to contest elections in Maharashtra, they have to register,” Saharia said.

(PTI)

“Stop the Media Trial and Vilification Campaign Against Dr. Zakir Naik”

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This is a Press Statement by Mission Possible for Justice & Rights

Dr. Zakir Naik is a world-renowned Indian Islamic scholar and speaker, who is a doctor by education. For more than two decades now, Dr.Naik has been delivering lectures and holding debates with numerous high-ranking figures of various faiths across the world from the likes of Dr. William F. Campbell, Pastor Ruknuddin, Prof Rashmi Zaveri and more.

In his speeches and debates, which are available on the internet, he mainly talks about comparative religion.  He makes sure he brings forward exact quotations of the prominent religious scriptures of various faiths as an attempt to put forth commonalities and bridge gaps between communities.

With regards to the topic of terrorism, he has delivered various lectures, answered various questions on stage, and also his written material is available on this topic.  He has explicitly put forward the Islamic point of view with regards to terrorism and he has always quoted the Quran mentioning “Whoever kills a person [unjustly]…it is as though he has killed all mankind. And whoever saves a life, it is as though he had saved all mankind.” (Qur’an, 5:32).

When questioned about ISIS, he has stated many times that ISIS is ‘un-Islamic’ and has called the terror group as enemies of Islam. He has in fact gone a step ahead to call them NISIS – Non-Islamic State of Iraq and Syria.  Doesn’t this give a clear view of what his thoughts are with regards to ISIS.

However, it is surprising that the Indian media is targeting someone like Dr. Zakir Naik and misleading the general masses of this country that Dr. Naik is a hatemonger, and is running a media trial against him.

Following the tragic attack in Dhaka, on 1st July 2016, against innocent civilians by a group of young men, allegedly affiliated to the terror group ISIS, reports have started to appear in Indian newspapers, which deliberately attempt to link Islamic Scholar Dr. Zakir Naik to the attackers.

Our question to media organisations in this country, who are deliberately concocting a public opinion and making a case against him, is how can a man, who denounces terrorism, be responsible for such heinous terror attacks?

What proof, do these media houses have against him?

Media reports claim that one of the Dhaka terrorists had shared Dr. Naik’s quote on his Facebook page, and have based their entire argument against Dr. Naik around that one statement. (Refer: http://economictimes.indiatimes.com/news/politics-and-nation/government-hints-action-against-islamic-preacher-zakir-naik-for-hate-speech/articleshow/53080185.cms)

This is Dr. Zakir Naik’s quote: 

“A terrorist is a person who causes terror. The moment a robber sees a policeman he is terrified. A policeman is a terrorist for the robber. Similarly, every Muslim should be a terrorist for the antisocial elements of society, such as thieves, dacoits, and rapists. Whenever such an anti-social element sees a Muslim, he should be terrified. It is true that the word ‘terrorist’ is generally used for a person who causes terror among the common people. But a true Muslim should only be a terrorist to selective people i.e. anti-social elements, and not to the common innocent people. In fact, a Muslim should be a source of peace for innocent people.”

How can this statement, inspire a terrorist attack? Can any sane person believe in such claims made by the media?

In fact, Bangladesh’s Daily Star newspaper, which first reported that the attacker had shared Dr. Naik’s statement, has refuted Indian Media’s coverage, clarifying that Dr. Naik did not inspire the terrorists.

This is what the Daily Star said: “The Daily Star categorically denies this allegation and wants to say it did not report that any terrorist was inspired by Zakir Naik to kill innocent people.” (Refer: http://www.thedailystar.net/dhaka-attack/the-daily-star-protests-dr-naiks-claims-1251064)

Arnab Goswami in his NewsHour program on TimesNow said that Dr. Naik should be banned because he says Islam is the only true religion. Yes, Dr. Naik says that. Every Muslim believes that Islam is the only true religion, just like the practitioners of every other religion, believe what they follow is true. (Refer: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iPtc61n-n9g)

He also claimed that “it has been proved that Zakir Naik inspired the terrorist strike in Dhaka,” without bothering to check how it had been proved.

How can someone’s statement, which does not remotely incite violence in any shape or form inspire a terrorist attack?

It has been reported that one of the attackers, was an admirer of Bollywood actress, Shraddha Kapoor. Does that mean, Shraddha Kapoor inspired him to carry out the horrible massacre?

Media’s arguments against Dr. Naik are absurd.

The media is also pitting Muslims against each other, by quoting internal fatwas against Dr. Naik arguing that Muslims are themselves against him. The Darul Uloom Deoband has slammed the media for ‘deliberately highlighting’ such fatwas and said that associating Dr. Naik to terrorism is wrong. (Refer: http://www.jantakareporter.com/india/deoband-objects-indian-media-quoting-fatwa-zakir-naik-says-wrong-objectionable/50301)

Dr. Zakir Naik has never said anything, which goes against the Constitution of India, in any of his speeches. Practicing and propagating one’s religion in a peaceful manner is a right every citizen of this country enjoys and that’s what Dr. Naik has been doing for more than 20 years now.

Lawyers confirm Chelsea Manning attempted suicide

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Legal team confirms that the 28-year-old US army whistle-blower tried to kill herself in prison.

Manning is serving a 35-year sentence after being convicted of sending classified information to WikiLeaks [US Army via AP]

Manning is serving a 35-year sentence after being convicted of sending classified information to WikiLeaks [US Army via AP]

by Al Jazeera

The lawyers of imprisoned US army whistle-blower Chelsea Manning have confirmed that she attempted to kill herself in jail last week.

Manning, the 28-year-old transgender soldier is serving a 35-year sentence after she was convicted in 2013 of leaking more than 700,000 secret military and US State Department documents to anti-secrecy website WikiLeaks.

The soldier’s legal team released a statement on Monday saying that Manning’s “attempt to take her own life was unsuccessful”.

“She wants everyone to know that she remains under close observation by the prison and expects to remain on this status for the next several weeks,” the statement said.

Manning’s lawyers also accused the US military of violating her privacy by publicly revealing that she had been admitted to hospital.

“The government’s gross breach of confidentiality in disclosing her personal health information to the media has created the very real concern that they may continue their unauthorised release of information about her publicly without warning,” the statement said.

Manning was an intelligence analyst in Iraq at the time that the documents were sent to WikiLeaks.

A tweet posted on Monday on her behalf read:

“For us, hearing Chelsea’s voice after learning that she had attempted to take her life last week was incredibly emotional,” her lawyers said.

“She is someone who has fought so hard for so many issues we care about and we are honoured to fight for her freedom and medical care.”

Initially arrested as Bradley Manning, the soldier later announced she would start living as a female and filed a transgender prisoner rights lawsuit.

She appealed against her conviction, arguing that her sentence was “grossly unfair” and that her actions were those of a naive, troubled soldier who aimed to reveal the toll of the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan.

The appeal contends Manning’s disclosures harmed no one, but prosecutors said the leaked material damaged US security and identified informants who helped US forces.

Iraq: Deaths in car bomb attack on market near Baghdad

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At least 12 killed and dozens wounded in car bomb blast at outdoor market in Rashidiyah, north of Iraqi capital.

The explosives-laden car exploded during the morning rush hour in al-Rashidiya [Ahmed Saad/Reuters]

The explosives-laden car exploded during the morning rush hour in al-Rashidiya [Ahmed Saad/Reuters]

by Al Jazeera

A car bombing has killed 12 people and wounded dozens more at an outdoor market in a district north of Iraq’s capital, Baghdad, according to police sources.

Police said a parked car packed with explosives blew up on Tuesday morning at a vegetable and fruit market in Rashidiyah town.

No group has claimed responsibility for the attack, which wounded at least 37 people.

Speaking to Associated Press on the condition of anonymity, a medical official confirmed the casualty figures.

Baghdad is on high alert for attacks after a blast in the central Karada district on July 3 killed more than 300 people.

This was the deadliest bombing in Iraq since US-led forces toppled Saddam Hussein 13 years ago.

The Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant group (ISIL, also known as ISIS), which holds territory in Iraq, claimed responsibility for that attack.

The bombing in Rashidiyah came as the Iraqi parliament was due on Tuesday to discuss security measures in the capital in the wake of the attack in Karada.

On Monday, visiting US Defense Secretary Ash Carter said Washington will send 560 more troops to Iraq to help battle ISIL.

On Friday, Iraqi Prime Minister Haider al-Abadi accepted the resignation of interior minister Mohammed al-Ghabban and sacked the city’s head of security operations and other senior officials, following the deadly attack in Karada.

DySP’s alleged suicide rocks Karnataka Assembly

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DySP Ganapathi

Bengaluru: The alleged suicide by Mangaluru DySP M K Ganapathy on Monday rocked the Karnataka Legislative Assembly, with the Opposition demanding resignation of minister K J George and action against two senior police officers named by the officer in his suicide note.

Launching an all out attack against government, BJP and JD(S) accused it of trying to “cover up” the case by handing over the investigation to state CID and questioning Ganapathy’s mental health even before the probe.

Ganapathy (51) was found hanging from the ceiling fan in a room at a lodge in Madikeri on July seven.

As the House met, Opposition BJP Leader Jagadish Shettar demanded that the issue be discussed first and Minister for Bengaluru Development George should resign.

Chief Minister Siddaramaiah said the issue was serious and “every one’s life is important, it is unfortunate that this incident has happened. This is a serious issue; Home Minister will make suo motu statement”, he said.

Objecting to this, Opposition members said they be allowed to raise the issue first and George must resign.

Shettar said, “By making a statement even before the discussion government is showing how much serious it is about the issue. It is an attempt to cover up the issue.”

Intervening, Speaker K B Koliwad said the issue will be taken up for discussion, but he will allow Home Minister to make the statement first.

This angered the opposition members with BJP and JD(S) MLAs entering the well of the House and shouting slogans against the government calling it “a murderer”.

Amidst pandemonium, Home Minister G Parameshwara read out a statement saying Ganapathy’s father Kushalappa in his complaint had said his son was under depression as he had family issues especially with his wife.

“When Ganapathy was working in Bengaluru his wife and children were in Mangaluru. After he was promoted and transferred as DySP to Mangaluru she continued ill treating him, because of this my son was under depression. Losing hopes in life, he has committed suicide,” Parameshwara said quoting from Kushalappa’s complaint in his statement.

(Agencies)

Worldwide Films Round Up

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KINO LORBER

KINO LORBER ACQUIRES US RIGHTS OF FATIMA

Kino Lorber has acquired all US rights to Philippe Faucon’s Fatima, which won France’s prestigious Louis Delluc award and has been nominated for Cesar nods (France’s equivalent to Oscars). The movie, which world premiered at Cannes’ Directors’ Fortnight, will have its US premiere early next month at the upcoming New York set Rendezvous with French Cinema, a festival organized by Unifrance and ilm Society of Lincoln Center. Fatima will then play at COLCOA, the Los Angeles based French film festival, in Apr, 2016. In addition to winning a Louis Delluc prize, an award given by film critics and headed by former Cannes president Gilles Jacob, Fatima won “Best Script” at this year’s Lumieres Awards, the French equivalent to Golden Globes. The movie competed in all major categories at the Cesar ceremony.

STREAMING & SUB SERVICES SUSTAIN VIVENDI’S UNIVERSAL MUSIC GROUP

Launching 2 of the top 3 US albums of 2015, Taylor Swift’s 1989 & Justin Bieber’s Purpose, Vivendi’s Universal Music Group, the world’s No. 1 company in recorded music, saw revenues edge up 2.7% in 2015 to €5.1 billion ($5.6 billion), thanks to a 43% hike in subscription & streaming revenues, Vivendi announced Thurs as it presented full – year 2015 results. Addressing an analysts’ conference Thurs evening in Paris, Vivendi CEO Arnaud De Puyfontaine reiterated chairman Vincent Bolloré’s insistence on a drive into content, plus distribution & media, in partnership with telcos such as Telecom Italia & Spain’s Telefonica asonference Thurs evening in Paris, Vivendi CEO Artone growth strategy at one & media groups. The elephant in the room remains Netflix. Driving into content, such as soccer rights, Vivendi is now attempting to ward off accumulating global competition, including Discovery – Eurosport, which snagged European rights to the Olympic Games in 2018 & 2022 in France & UK.

NEWS CORP SETS UP CONSERVATIVE WEBSITE

Rupert Murdoch’s News Corp is planning to launch Heat Street, a libertarian website that will serve a right – of – center audience in US & UK. It will be led by Louise Mensch, a former Conservative Party Member of Parliament in UK and Noah Kotch, a former TV producer for NBC & ABC. Mensch, who now lives in New York, said in a tweet that the site will be somewhere where “disagreement is encouraged.” Investigative journalist Miles Goslett, whose scoops have included reports on the Jimmy Savile sex – abuse scandal and the controversy surrounding children’s charity Kids Company, has been appointed Heat Street’s UK editor. News Corp spokesman Jim Kennedy said in a statement, “The field is wide open for diverse, provocative Internet – native content, so we’ll let it be judged by its uniqueness when it launches.” Kennedy added that Heat Street will “in a spirit of free speech and no ‘safe spaces,’ covers a variety of topics from a diversity of viewpoints.”

GRASSHOPPER FILM BUYS NORTH AMERICAN RIGHTS OF NICOLA CONSTANTINO: THE ARTEFACTA

New indie distribution shingle Grasshopper Film has acquired all North American rights to buzz documentary Nicola Costantino: The Artefacta, about one of Latin America’s most controversial artists. They are partnering with on -demand streaming Fandor for its combined day – and – date premium SVOD & theatrical release in the US this spring. Grasshopper Film is founded by Ryan Krivoshey, former acquisitions chief of New York based boutique distributor the Cinema Guild. His new company, which just launched at Berlin’s EFM mart, plans to release 8 to 12 titles theatrically per year and more than 50 pics on VOD, digital & non – traditional outlets. Helmed by Italian editor – turned – director Natalie Cristiani, Nicola Costantino: The Artefacta, world premiered at Canada’s HotDocs 2015 to a positive reception and more recently screened at BFI London Film Festival, during which it screened in a limited window in Europe on premium subscription streaming service Mubi.

DAVID ATTENBOROUGH TO NARRATE BBC DOCUMENTARY SERIES

David Attenborough has come on board to narrate natural history series Planet Earth II, which is being presented to international buyers at a BBC Worldwide sales event in Liverpool, England tomorrow. BBC Worldwide, the commercial arm of UK broadcaster, has inked its 1st sales on 6 part show, ahead of BBC Worldwide Showcase, which draws 700 international buyers. The series, which is a co -production between BBC, BBC America, ZDF in Germany & France Televisions in France, has just been picked up by Sweden’s SVT, Denmark’s DR & Italy’s Mediaset. Its launch comes a decade on from the critically acclaimed Planet Earth, which sold to more than 230 territories. David Attenborough will be in Liverpool for an event on Tues to launch the series. He will be interviewed on stage by documentary film maker Louis Theroux, and will be joined by the show’s executive producer Mike Gunton and the series producer Tom Hugh – Jones. Planet Earth II, previously known by its working title One Planet, explores “the characteristics of Earth’s most iconic habitats and the extraordinary ways animals survive within them.”

PETER BAZALGETTE FACES CHALLENGES

Peter Bazalgette, the new chairman of ITV, is as comfortable talking content as he is debating the more arcane aspects of media regulation. Few of British TV’s top brass are as experienced, or as well connected, as the 62 year old Bazalgette, or Baz, as he likes to be known. Bazalgette effortlessly rubs shoulders with US content kings, senior British politicians & fashionable independent producers. A food writer for the Financial Times and author of Billion Dollar Game, which contained an insider’s account of his one time boss, Endemol co – founder John De Mol, Bazalgette is a man of many parts. He once said his hobbies are opera & gluttony, an interesting insight into the TV topper who persuaded UK web Channel 4 to buy Big Brother. From setting up indie Bazal Productions, sold to what became Endemol, to Big Brother, Bazalgette’s career has mapped many of the changes in TV business during the past 3 decades.

UK’S PICTUREHOUSE ACQUIRES THE INNOCENTS

Picturehouse Entertainment has picked up UK rights to Anne Fontaine’s The Innocents (Agnus Dei), which premiered at Sundance. Set in Poland in 1945, the inspiring drama tells the true story of French Red Cross doctor Madeleine Pauliac who was on a mission to help World War II survivors when she crossed paths with a nun who sought help. She was then brought to a convent where several pregnant sisters were concealed, the victims of the Soviet soldiers’ barbarities. Unable to reconcile their faith with their pregnancy, the nuns turned to the doctor who became their only hope. Penned by Sabrina B. Karine, Alice Vial, Pascal Bonitzer, the French – Polish drama toplines French up – and -comer Lou De Laage & Agata Kulesza. The deal was negotiated between Films Distribution’s Sebastien Beffa & Picturehouse Entertainment’s Clare Binns. The Innocents is produced by Eric Altmayer & Nicolas Altmayer. Eliza Oczkowska & Klaudia Smieja are co -producers.

F&ME BOOSTS PRODUCTION SLATE TO 12 FILMS

London based production house Film & Music Entertainment, which is celebrating its 15th anniversary this year, has expanded its 2015 / 2016 active production slate to 12 pictures. The company has produced more than 50 feature films in – house. F&ME, which is headed by Mike Downey & Sam Taylor, has come on board Bodo Kox’s screenplay The Man With The Magic Box, produced by Iza Igel at Alter Ego Prods, and is in an advanced stage of negotiation with Polish partners to join Andrzej Jakimowski’s new production, as well as a collaboration with producers Radoslaw Drabik & Michal Kachinski, whose rom – com Planet Single has been blazing a trail at the Polish Box Office in the last 10 days. F&ME’s slate includes I Want To Be Like You, by writer -director Konstantin Bojanov, which is in post – production in Berlin. The road movie about a young artist’s journey to meet his hero stars 71’s Barry Keoghan, Kim Bodnia & Thure Lindhardt. A co – production between UK (F&ME), Bulgaria (Multfilm) & Belgium (Leftfield), the film is being sold internationally by Antonio Saura’s Latido Film Sales.

EMBRACE OF THE SERPENT FINDS SUPPORT FROM CARACOL TV

One of the staunchest champions behind Colombia’s 1st ever “Best Foreign Language” Oscar nominee Embrace Of The Serpent is Colombia’s Caracol TV, one of just 2 private broadcasters in this Andean nation where local film production has grown exponentially. “We’d been searching for years to find a story about the Amazon,” said Alejandro Bernal, General Manager of new channels & film at Caracol Television. After meeting helmer Ciro Guerra and his producing partner Cristina Gallego about their black & white Amazon set drama, they jumped in from the onset, putting up at least 30% of the $1.4 million budget. On top of that, it spent an estimated $500,000 on the film’s marketing & promotion at home & abroad.

GUILLAUME DE POSCH TO DELIVER MIPTV KEYNOTE

Guillaume De Posch, co -chief executive officer of RTL Group, Europe’s leading TV network with interests in more than 50 TV channels, will deliver a keynote speech at TV trade show MipTV, which runs from 4th Apr, 2016 to 7th Apr, 2016 in Cannes. De Posch will address the MipTV audience on 4th Apr, 2016 taking as his theme “The digital transformation of RTL Group.” De Posch was appointed chief operating officer and member of the RTL Group executive committee in Jan, 2012, subsequently being named co – CEO of RTL Group in Apr, 2012. In this position he oversees RTL Group’s broadcasting operations outside Germany and its content production arm, FremantleMedia, whose numerous hit titles include Idols, X Factor, Got Talent & The Price Is Right. De Posch is also chairman of the board of BroadbandTV, StyleHaul & SpotX, RTL Group’s recent digital investments in North America.

SUBURBICON SELLS TO FRANCE’S METROPOLITAN FILMEXPORT

Samuel Hadida & Victor Hadida’s Paris based distribution company Metropolitan Filmexport has acquired George Clooney’s Suburbicon, one of the hottest projects sold in Berlin. The deal, which is rumored to be for about $4 million, perpetuates Metropolitan’s relationship with Clooney. Victor Hadida told Variety that Metropolitan previously co -produced George Clooney’s Good Night & Good Luck and co – financed The Ides Of March. Currently in pre -production, Suburbicon spurred a bidding war for France, a highly competitive & key European market for prestige US indies. Penned by Joel Coen & Ethan Coen, Suburbicon has Matt Damon & Julianne Moore attached to star. The movie centers on a picture perfect family that turns to blackmail, revenge & betrayal after a home invasion. Pic has been sold worldwide by Alex Walton’s Bloom. Deals were inked for UK (eOne), Germany (Tele München / Concorde); Spain (Tri – Pictures SA); Italy (Leone Films); Latin America (Sun Distribution); Canada (Elevation); Greece (Odeon); Hong Kong,(Bravos); Scandinavia (MisLabel); Romania (Odeon); Turkey (Bir); Korea (Woosung);Japan (Tohokushinka Film Corporation); India (PVR); Taiwan (Filmware); Czech Republic (AQS); Poland (Monolith); Australia (Roadshow); former Yugoslavia (Blitz) & Middle East (Salim Ramia).

KEIRA KNIGHTLEY FILM COLETTE SELLS OUT IN BERLIN

Keira Knightley starrer Colette, based on the life of the French author who wrote Gigi & Cheri, has enjoyed robust sales in Berlin this year, with sales agent Hanway Films selling out the project. Pic, which is produced by Number 9 Films & Killer Films (both shingles behind Carol) as well as Bold Films, has inked deals in France (Mars), Germany & Austria (DCM), Italy (Good Films), Spain (DeAPlaneta), Scandinavia (Scanbox), Japan (Tohokushinsha), Australia /New Zealand (Transmission), Latin America (Sun Distribution), South Korea (Rollong & First Run), Poland (Monolith), Czech /Slovak Republics (AQS), former Yugoslavia (Discovery), Greece & Cyprus (Odeon), Portugal (Lusomundo), Baltics (Acme), Middle East (Front Row), South Africa (Ster Kinekor), Hong Kong (Suncream), Taiwan (Filmware) and airlines (Jaguar).

LEECO EXPANDS INTO US MARKET
New year’s celebrations are winding down in China this week, where the whole country has been at a virtual standstill for a little over a week. Lunar New Year is China’s biggest holiday, and the most recent one rang in the Year of the Monkey. “Monkeys are known as great leaders,” says Zhang Zhao, CEO of Beijing based LeVision Pictures. “Great leadership also (reshapes) what it means to be innovative by breaking down borders.” Zhang has been trying to break down borders himself ever since he joined LeVision in 2011, co – financing Hollywood movies like The Expendables 2 and distributing them in China, and also getting into the production business in a big way with the Matt Damon helmed pic The Great Wall, due to be released later this year. But Zhang and his colleagues aren’t just looking to make a splash with movies during the Year of the Monkey. LeVision’s corporate parent LeEco is getting ready for an ambitious international expansion that will also include taking the 1st ever steps into US market to sell smartphones, TV sets & content services.

UNIVERSAL & PERFECT WORLD PICTURES COMPLETE $500 MILLION DEAL

Perfect World Pictures & Universal Pictures have announced the completion of a $500 million slate financing deal running up to 5 years that will make the Beijing based maker of films, television programs & online games a major investor in one of Hollywood’s most successful studios. Word of the deal came in an announcement from Jeff Shell, chairman of Universal Filmed Entertainment Group and Michael Chi, chairman of Perfect World. It will cover the co – financing of 50 films or last for 5 years, with specific pictures within the deal to be announced later. The pact will not alter Legendary Entertainment’s co -financing of some Universal films. Legendary was recently purchased by another Chinese firm, Dalian Wanda. The cementing of the arrangement, the 1st time ever a Chinese company will invest in a multi year slate deal, comes a month after it was 1st reported in
Variety, marking another in a series of significant investments by Chinese concerns in Western Entertainment Operations. The deal came to light just days after Dalian Wanda revealed its $3.5 billion deal for Thomas Tull’s Legendary Entertainment. The $500 million investment is said to be split evenly between debt & equity contributions to the Universal movie slate.

THE MERMAID BECOMES HIGHEST GROSSING FILM EVER MADE

Stephen Chow’s fishy fantasy The Mermaid comfortably won its 2nd week at the Chinese Box Office and swam into the record books as the biggest film of all time released in China. At the end of the weekend it stood at $415 million after 14 days of release, overtaking the previous records of Monster Hunt & Fast And Furious 7, both set last year. Estimates for Mon (22nd Feb, 2016) see it extending that score to $431 million. In the past week it scored $139 million, ahead of $40 million for The Monkey King 2 and $32.5 million for The Man From Macau 3. Both films were released on the same day as The Mermaid, the 1st day of the Chinese New Year holidays and stand at $157 million & $152 million, respectively. Over the 3 day Fri – to – Sun weekend, The Mermaid was again on top, beating new release Crouching Tiger Hidden Dragon II: The Green Destiny, which opened with $20.8 million in 3 days. That puts The Mermaid on course to become the 1st half billion dollar scoring film in Chinese history.

Bollywood Round Up

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HARSHAVARDHAN

HARSHAVARDHAN GETS HIS ‘SANAM TERI KASAM’ TATOO INKED FOR REAL !!!

SANAM TERI KASAM’s intense hero Harshvardhan Rane has a new tattoo and it’s the same one that he sported in his debut film. Well, we’ve heard of fans copying the tattoos sported by their fave stars and Harshvardhan has had his share too of such fans. But it’s probably a first when an actor has got his own reel tattoo for real! The hunky star has his birth -date – 16th Dec – inked on his ring finger exactly the way he sported it in SANAM TERI KASAM. Harsha says, “Yes, this is my birth – date and it’s the same tattoo in SANAM TERI KASAM, just that I have it for real now. So, in a way SANAM TERI KASAM has become a part of me forever.” This is not the actor’s only tattoo. Harsha already has a tattoo, “Son of God” that has been copied by several fans.

‘PHILLAURI’ SHOOT WRAPS UP CAPTURING THE BEST OF PUNJAB

Fox Star Studios & Anushka Sharma’s home production, PHILLAURI, has wrapped up its shoot. Shot extensively in the picturesque & colorful state of Punjab, the film stars Diljit Dusanjh, Suraj Sharma, Mehreen Pirzada & Anushka. The shoot had begun on Baisakhi earlier this year. Co – produced by Clean Slate Films (Anushka’s production banner with brother Karnesh Sharma) & Fox Star Studios, PHILLAURI is a fun – filled romantic Hindi film set in Phillaur, Punjab. Directed by debutant Anshai Lal & written by Anvita Dutt, the film has a unique premise – it took almost 100 years, a crazy Punjabi wedding and rank strangers to complete this love story. Karnesh Sharma (of Clean Slate Films) said, “We have completed an exciting, at times exhausting yet fun shoot. We shot through the Punjab summer and explored some beautiful locations. PHILLAURI will now begin its post production in Mumbai, and we are looking forward to the process.” Vijay Singh, CEO, Fox Star Studios said, “PHILLAURI is a story that has its heart in the right place. It has a lot of fun, superb music & loads of desi color. PHILLAURI is an entertaining film with a lot of soul that will touch everyone’s heart.”

AMY JACKSON LET’S HER HAIR DOWN IN IBIZA

Amy Jackson who recently travelled to London on a professional commitment, got some much needed R & R as she took the opportunity to holiday with her Brit -model friends Alice Amelia & Hanne Matthijs. The former model turned actress then took off to Formentera – Playa de Es Pujols, an island off the Spanish coast, where she spent the weekend in Ibiza. Apart from spending their afternoons on a cruise, the lovely ladies also spent their time binge -watching romcoms but sticking to their diets as they only indulged in salads & smoothies. Says Amy, “I love Spain. It has a calming effect on me. Besides, I needed a break from my hectic work schedule. I will be back in Mumbai in the 1st week of July”. Amy and her friends even spent their last night dancing away at the Blue Marlin, a popular beach club. “These girls are my childhood buddies. One needs to be in the best company to have fun and I am lucky I have them,” she adds.

FOX STAR STUDIOS TO DISTRIBUTE ‘KABALI’ PAN INDIA EXCEPT THE SOUTHERN MARKETS

The Rajnikanth starrer KABALI is one of the most awaited films not only in India but all over the world! The film which is set to release in India on 22nd Jul, 2016 will be distributed Pan India except the Southern markets by Fox Star Studios. Despite the films’ core language being Tamil there is huge excitement & buzz in other parts of the country too. The film will be dubbed in Hindi & Telugu and will also be released with subtitles. Fox Star Studios will be releasing the film in more than 1000 screens in the Northern markets. Vijay Singh, CEO, Fox Star Studios says “It is a privilege to be associated with superstar Rajnikanth’s film KABALI. There is immense excitement for the film all over the country and we are working towards a pan India release excluding the Southern markets. Fans will not be disappointed as we will release the filmworld wide !!!

ZEENAT’S SELFIE TIME !

Yesteryears diva Zeenat Aman had a good time, while clicking selfies with her co – actors Kapil Kaustubh Sharma and Yuvraaj Parashar, on the last day of the shoot, on the sets of her web series Love Life & Screw Ups! Once as the trio was done with their selfies, the other actors & crew members lined up to click selfies with her. It seemed a helluva selfie day! Incidentally, Zeenat Aman makes digital debut with this series and along with Kapil & Yuvraaj, it also stars Mita Vashisht, Dolly Thakore, Sonali Raut & Diandra Soares. It is a feel good romantic comedy youth based show. Zeenat is playing a super glam spinster, Joanna, who is full of life, fun & positivity. She is a non -apologetic vain and part of a chilled out group. Zeenat has worked really hard to look her best in the series. For 3 months she has been on a strict diet and rigorously working out to get in right shape for the super glam Joanna. Director Kapil Kaustubh Sharma is tapping her crazy comical side again, like in MANORANJAN, HEERA PANNA & YAADON KI BARAAT. He had to wait for 2 months before he got to meet the veteran actress. He admits that she was unsure about going digital but was hooked when she heard the concept, even remarking that “this could have been a movie!” Zeenat has taken an active interest in her styling. Her look is inspired from the ‘70s; she’ll be seen in long skirts, scarves & large goggles. The show will be aired with English subtitles keeping the global audience in mind.

ATHIYA SHETTY’S DEBUT AD WILL BE AIRED IN SEPT 2016

Athiya is excited right now with her 1st ever advertisement. She endorses a make – up brand, a deal she bagged soon after the release of her debut film last Sept. Athiya says, “We shot for the ad in Bangkok (Thailand) some time back. It will be aired in Sept, 2016. It is a fabulous concept.”Athiya says her dad (Suniel Shetty) pushes her to make her own decisions. “I discuss a lot of things with my dad. But, at the end of the day, I have to take the decision. He tells me that it is okay to make mistakes. Doing so helps you evolve as a person.”

POSTER OF ANNA HAZARE’S BIOPIC ‘ANNA’ UNVEILED

Shashank Udapurkar is all set to translate Anna Hazare’s achievements on to the big screen. The 1st poster of the film ANNA was revealed in the presence of Anna Hazare, director Shashank Udapurkar, Tanish Mukerji and the rest of the cast. The movie has been shot in Ralegan Siddhi, Mumbai, Delhi, Kashmir, Ladakh & Rajasthan and is almost complete. The true story of the man of truth Kisan Baburao Hazare includes all true events. This biopic includes the events & character that influenced Kisan, a struggling village boy with his own thoughts & questions of the purpose of life. Kisan started his journey from service to Indian Army as Driver and then finds his only selfless and inclusive purpose of working for People of village by inspiring them to stand for ourselves using the weapon of Anashan & Shramdan. And thus we get to know the Real Anna, fighting for the people of the country against corruption at Ramlila Maidan, Delhi. The whole story, from Kisan to Anna is told to us through each Ideals & Psyche of Anna presenting at what so called the 2nd battle of Independence. This story of struggle, truth & battle inspires us to create more Anna in today’s times. This is the honest attempt to create the Inspiration through this film with the big heart.

‘RUSTOM’ TO BE THE HIGHEST MOUNTED TRAILER !

“3 – Shots that shocked the nations” and 1 trailer that certainly seem to be waiting to tip the scales for the box office, Akshay Kumar in & as RUSTOM will leave you anxious for more. The trailer has already been inching towards its 1st millions, setting it as a quickest trend -setter of recent times and it’s only been a day since the makers launched it. At 8.57 last night Zee Network showcased the trailer worldwide across 117 countries. Zee channels alone are set to take it across 960 million viewers, making it the highest mounted film in the history of Bollywood. Produced by Aruna Bhatia, Nittin Keni, Akash Chawla, Virender Arora, Ishwar Kapoor & Shiital Bhatia, RUSTOM is yet another in the league of Akshay & Neeraj Pandey collaborations that will have to sit up & take notice of all that the duo is capable of. Slowly & steadily, Akshay seems to have managed to walk the rope between massy masala & classy thrills, this one obviously borders on the later. Directed by Tinu Suresh Desai, RUSTOM will hit the theatres on 12th Aug, 2016.

VERSA – STYLE !

From the chocolate boy of ALWAYS KABHI KABHI to the rustic rascal of KERRY ON KUTTON, Satyajeet Dubey has come a long way. “When I did ALWAYS KABHI KABHI, I was a kid who just wanted to be an actor. After giving 127 auditions over a period of 8 months, I got several ads in a week. And then one fine day Shaheen Abbas, Roshan Abbas’s wife spotted me in one of my ad – films. At the same time, I got a call from Dharma Productions & Y Films. “I felt Red Chillies was the best option and went in for it. ALWAYS KABHI KABHI just happened. It took 2 years in the making and didn’t work at the box office. Later I gave audition for all the slice of life, coming of age films but nothing much happened but I never stopped trying. Then BAANKEY KI CRAZY BARAAT happened. I kept on doing a lot of ads & theatre in between. Then I got an option between two films, one a chocolate hero with a romantic twist and another film totally made in a rustic zone. I went in for the latter. It was completely different from what I have done before and honestly, I am proud I chose KERRY ON KUTTON, because this film showed me in a totally different look, the character required a lot of work and I could show my range as an actor and this was drastically different from ALWAYS KABHI KABHI.” Here is looking forward to more from this versatile actor.

DISTRIBUTOR & PRODUCER SHILADITYA BORA TURNS DIRECTOR WITH MAIDEN SHORT ‘WIFE NOT WIFE’

Shiladitya Bora, CEO of Drishyam Films, has forayed into direction with a short film intriguingly titled WIFE NOT WIFE. Having distributed & produced award -winning films such as COURT, MASAAN & DHANAK, Shiladitya, who has dabbled in all things filmy, crosses the final frontier by directing his 1st film, a comedy -drama. Starring Pankaj Tripathi of GANGS OF WASSEYPUR & MASAAN fame,
Anuritta K Jha & Gbolabo Lucas, the detective story with a surprise twist has been penned by Greek screenwriter Manolis Froudarakis. WIFE NOT WIFE has been produced by Shilpi Agarwal and was shot on 5 locations in Mumbai. Scored by music producer Kanishk Seth, with Pooja Gupte (RUKH & CROSSING BRIDGES) behind the lens, the film will be set to make its world premiere by Sept, 2016. A director, producer, distributor and a true-blue cinephile, Shiladitya is known for establishing PVR’s Director’s Rare, India’s leading indie release banner. At the helm of Drishyam Films, Shiladitya is working on high quality indie cinema which travels far & wide across the world yet also engages with audiences within the country.

Vested interests creating anti-Muslim feeling: CM Pinarayi

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PINARAYI VIJAYAN

Thiruvananthapuram: Saying terrorists have no religion, Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan on Monday said an entire community should not be blamed for the alleged links of some with the IS.

Extremist activities cannot be attributed to any particular religion alone, the Communist Party of India-Marxist leader told the assembly.

“Vested interests are creating an anti-Muslim feeling,” Vijayan cautioned. “This will not be allowed as a huge majority in our society is against such activities.

“It’s a very small segment which does this. To blame one particular community alone is not fair,” he said.

The Chief Minister spoke after three legislators raised media reports about several Keralites reportedly going missing to join the Islamic State.

Vijayan said the government would not be able to tackle the problem on its own.

“There has to be an overall awareness against terrorism and extremism and we need to take everyone into confidence.

“The state government will do its job and will work in tandem with the Centre to probe these reports,” he said.

According to Vijayan, 21 people, including children, were missing and this included 17 from Kasargode district, in the northern tip of Kerala, and four from Palakkad district.

Opposition leader Ramesh Chennithala said: “Overall Kerala is known to be a peaceful state. Even though we have no confirmation (that people are missing), it is disturbing and the need of the hour is to strengthen internal security and all of us would like to know the truth.”

Congress legislator P.T. Thomas pointed out a lady from his constituency was missing. She was working in Mumbai and had reportedly attended meetings in Andheri and was reported to be with the IS now, Thomas said.

“One way to bring an instant impact against these subversive forces is to see that this topic is introduced in schools in our state,” he said.

The Kerala Police and central intelligence agencies are said to be probing the issue, taking down statements from families which have alleged that their family members have gone missing.

(Agencies)

Media can convert a hero into villain: Read Dr Zakir Naik’s full statement

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zakir naik

Expressing shock over the hate campaign, false allegations and media trial against him in the wake of recent terrorist attack in Dhaka, Dr Zakir Naik, the most sought after Islamic orator, has issued a written statement to the press reiterating that he never supported terrorism or violence in any form whatsoever.

Dr Naik had earlier planned for a press conference on Skype from Saudi Arabia. However, after a few major India TV channels tried to twist his recent statements, the 51-year-old orator, who founded the Islamic Research Foundation in 1991, changed his mind and released the written statement.

Read Dr Zakir Abdul Karim Naik’s full statement below:

“According to me, the media is the most important weapon in the world. It can convert a hero into villain or even a villain into a hero.

I’m shocked at the media trial on me regarding the recent terrorist attack that took place in Dhaka Bangladesh on 1st July 2016. Most of the clips shown on the television of myself are either out of context, half statements or doctored. So are my statements in the print media.

I would have loved to give interviews whether for television channels or for the print media, but I fear that most of them will not publish it unedited or without twisting it. I came to this conclusion after I had given a few interviews, most of which were unfortunately mutilated and misutilised to serve the vested agenda of the channel or the newspaper.

If time permits, God willing, in the next few days I will give replies to some of the major allegations on video and give it to the media as well as put it up on social media as well as other public platforms so that the original answers are also available if the media misutilises it.

So far not a single official Indian government agency has contacted me for any clarification regarding this issue. It would be my pleasure to cooperate with any official Indian government investigation agency for any information they might require from me.

In conclusion, I repeat what I have always maintained –   I DO NOT SUPPORT TERRORISM OR VIOLENCE in any form whatsoever. I have never supported any terrorist organisations and have mentioned this over and over again in thousands of my public talks worldwide. I STRONGLY CONDEMN anyone taking my statements out of context and using it for VIOLENCE OF ANY FORM.”

Yours Sincerely,

Dr Zakir Naik

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