Archives for 2017

Salman Khan & Katrina Kaif starrer Tiger Zinda Hai has been shot in 5 different countries across the globe to capture a gripping, explosive & entertaining story. An espionage drama, the film’s protagonists, Tiger & Zoya, travel to 5 different countries, fighting against the odds to fulfill their life – threatening mission. A dramatic journey of 2 intelligence agents, the film is huge in scale & the director Ali Abbas Zafar wanted the expanse of the movie to come out through Tiger’s adventures across Austria, Greece, Morocco, Abu Dhabi & India.

Director Ali Abbas Zafar explains, “To meet the scale of the film, we had to travel to 4 different countries for different reasons. Certain landscapes needed to become a part of the film, so we had to go to Austria to get the snow – covered mountains. We also had to go to Morocco to feature crucial fight sequences of horseback riding. The country’s landscape & topography brings a certain texture to these sequences. It also has horses trained for some fight sequences, as many Hollywood films like Troy & Mummy Returns. Greece was absolutely picturesque and was the perfect locale to shoot the celebratory anthem “Swag Se Karenge Sabka Swagat”. Abu Dhabi gave us desert terrain. We got great support from the Abu Dhabi Government be it locales, production, army & air – force requirement. They helped us create larger than life action drama sequences. We also shot a couple of scenes in North & South block, Delhi. Overall, each locale has a huge significance and is part of the turning points in the film’s script.”

Keeping in mind its aim to deliver the biggest action adventure of 2017 that are at par with international standards, Yash Raj Films (YRF’s) Tiger Zinda Hai team engaged with film crews that have handled major Hollywood films in each foreign locale. So expect some jaw – dropping fights & thrills in this Salman Khan starrer. Tiger Zinda Hai which will hit the celluloid siver screen on 22nd Dec, 2017.

Father – Son duo Sunny & Karan Deol have been quite busy shooting for Karan’s debut film Pal Pal Dil Ke Paas being directed by Deol Sr. The shoot is underway in Manali since a couple of months now and recently they were filming for a high octane action sequence. The weather conditions weren’t permissible for the shoot but Sunny being the hard taskmaster that he is, wanted Karan to use his best potential and make the scenes look a visual treat. Even the locals found it strenuous to work in that climate. And even though the conditions were extreme, Karan who is all geared up for his debut also wanted give his best and leave no stone unturned to attain perfection. Towards the end, Sunny was quite content with his son Karan’s performance. Karan has been preparing for the character from past 2 years and is practically living the life of a Manali Boy.

MUSIC & TRAILER LAUNCH OF ‘VIRAAM’

“In the recent past, many small budget films have created magic at the Box – Office turnstiles because of their superior storylines. On the other hand, a number of films with big names have failed miserably as they are low on content. Viraam falls in the 1st category as it uses fresh cinematic techniques to tell an interesting story,” said a well – known wrestler Sangram Singh who was the chief guest at the music & trailer launch party of Viraam in Andheri. Viraam is produced by Hari Mehrotra & directed by Ziaullah Khan. The story of the film revolves around Abhiraj Khanna, played by Narendra Jha, who had lost his wife 10 years earlier but still carries her memories with him and leads a sad & lonely life. When vivacious Matun crosses his path, his life is changed forever. Present at the launch were Narendra Jha, Urmila Mahanta, Monika Ravan, Annapurana Vitthal, Tripurari Yadav besides producer Hari Mehrotra, director Ziaullah Khan, Siddhant Madhav (music director), Tripti Sinha, Arun Singh & Amit Gupta (singers), Abdullah Khan (writer & lyricist), Azeem Shirazi (lyricist) etc.

ANGAD STARTS TRAINING FOR SANDEEP SINGH BIOPIC

Recently it was announced that actor Angad Bedi will soon commence shooting after completing the Abu Dhabi schedule of Tiger Zinda Hai for a biopic on Indian hockey captain Sandeep Singh. The film is set to be directed by Shaad Ali and also has Diljit Dosanjh & Taapsee Pannu in the film. Angad will be seen portraying the character of a hockey player & elder brother of Sandeep Singh which is being played by Diljit Dosanjh. Last week Angad starting his training as the hockey player with none other Sandeep Singh himself who has been flown down to train the actors. The game requires the high level of energy & stamina but for Angad, it comes handy as the actor has been trained as an athlete since a very young age. Angad was seen practicing hockey like any other professional player that impressed the hockey skipper. All the 3 actors will be seen playing sport players on screen for the 1st time. A source says, “Hockey is a tough sport and Angad is giving it his all. Bikramjeet himself will jump into the field soon to train Angad in his style of playing. For now, Sandeep is making him go through the drill of professional hockey, teaching him how to dribble and other techniques while sharing anecdotes about him and his brother,” informs a source. Angad will begin readings with Diljit & Taapsee soon and is expected to start shooting by month end.

KAPIL SHARMA OPENS UP AT THE TRAILER LAUNCH OF HIS MOVIE FIRANGI!

It was quite an afternoon filled with joviality to remember as Kapil Sharma along with director Rajeiv Dhingra & actors Ishita Dutta, Monica Gill & Kumud Mishra launched the trailer of Firangi. Seen at the trailer launch were Kapil Sharma, director Rajeiv Dhingra & actors Ishita Dutta, Monica Gill, Edward Sonnenblick & Jameel Khan & director duo Abbas – Mustan. The trailer of the film received a great applaud from the media & the trade fraternity present. The trailer witnesses a never seen before avatar of Kapil who plays the role of “Manga” in the movie. Along with showing the trailer to the media, Kapil and the entire team even had a fun banter & interaction with the media present. Slated to release on 24th Nov, 2017, Firangi is the story of Manga, a happy – go – lucky young man from the village Bahrampur, whose only aim is to join the police force. Produced by K9 Films Pvt. Ltd. & Kapil Sharma, directed by Rajiev Dhingra, Firangi starring Kapil Sharma in lead role is all set to release on 24th Nov, 2017.

SALMAN & KATRINA PROMISE NON – STOP ACTION THIS CHRISTMAS!

The 1st poster of YRF’s mega action entertainer Tiger Zinda Hai is out and by the look of it, both Tiger (Salman Khan) & Zoya (Katrina Kaif) are all set to return with a bang in their gun – totting avatars this Christmas! In what seems like a high octane action thriller, Tiger & Zoya are seen pulling off an insane action sequence in the poster as they wield their guns and shoot at will trying to take down forces of their nemesis. Shot across multiple countries around the globe, the super – hit pair of Salman Khan & Katrina Kaif return in this most awaited sequel that is all set to release on 22nd Dec, 2017.

RAJNIESH DUGGALL & KRUSHNA ABHISHEK TO SHARE THE SCREEN

Rajniesh Duggall has some interesting work coming up including a film alongside actor Krushna Abhishek. According to sources, the film is a comedy titled Luv In Goa. “It’s an out & out comedy drama. Rajniesh plays an assistant director, who eventually directs a film. The film is all about love that happens behind the scenes, during the making of a film. Besides Rajniesh & Abhishek, the film also stars Nazia Hassan & Mukul Dev. The film is already being shot. In fact, the cast is in Goa and will be there for a month now for the same.

SILK MARK LAUNCHES “SHRIMATI SILK MARK” BEAUTY PAGEANT ‘FOR MARRIED WOMEN’ ONLY 1ST TIME IN MUMBAI

The launch of “Shrimati Silk Mark” a beauty pageant for married women only in Mumbai saw the presence of K. S Gopal, Dr. Aneel Kashi Murarka, V. Ramesh Sr. Executive of Silkmark event, Govind Achari, Bharti Kadam, Bhuvaneshwari, Mahesh Chauhan, Utsav Dholakia, Disha Muchhala, Manish Reshamwala, Hetashree & John, C Singh, Shraddha Vora, Harshil Nuwal & Shikha Nuwal, Neha Banerjee, Shweta Khanduri, Smita Gondkar, Priyanka Khurana. K. S Gopal, CEO Silkmark Organization India said, “When I see the designers most of them being female designers I feel very proud promoting Nari Shakti & Women Power.” Vidya Balan, the brand ambassador for Silk Mark always dressed resplendently in gorgeous Silk Sarees has graciously accepted to judge the 20 finalists for Shrimati Silk Mark 2017 Mumbai. Shaina N.C, Rocky S., Neha Banerjee – Mrs. India have also accepted to judge participants. Known models like Ms. Dimple Patel – Miss Globe 2016 – Miss India Runner Up, Mrs. Priyanka Khurana, Mrs. India – Mrs. Earth, Smita Gondkar Marathi Movie Actress, Shweta Khanduri – Model will walk the ramp along with the participants and also be the showstoppers. Shrimati Silk Mark 2017, Mumbai Finale will be held on 14th Dec, 2017.

THE TRAILER LAUNCH OF ‘TUMHARI SULU’

All roads led to Andheri as Ellipsis Entertainment & T – Series proudly announced the trailer launch of their next and much awaited, Tumhari Sulu. While Sulu has been the talk of the town the trailer has just become the next big attainment for the makers. Gracing the occasion with a million dollar smile we spotted our very own #Sulu, Vidya balan with her reel life beau Manav Kaul along with the gorgeous Neha Dhupia and our Mumbaichi Mulgi, RJ Malishka. The producers Bhushan Kumar, Tanuj Garg, Atul Kasbekar & Shanti Sivaram Maini were seen posing in all smiles for the paparazzi. While we all have been blown away with Vidya’s performance in the past, our wait game for the much – awaited trailer of the year is finally over.

RANI GETS A SPECIAL MAURITIAN SALUTE – WINS OUTSTANDING CONTRIBUTION TO CINEMA AWARD

Rani’s cinematic career is testimony to longevity & excellence. Given her mass appeal, the Government of Mauritius honored her with the “Outstanding Contribution To Cinema Award”, as part of their run up to the 50th year of Independence celebrations. The honorable Prime Minister of Mauritius, Pravind Kumar Jugnauth, conferred this award to Rani during the course of Mauritius Cinema Week, a special film festival that Mauritius is hosting currently. This festival is part of the build up to 50th year of Independence of the Republic of Mauritius from British Rule. The film festival saluted close cultural & historical ties to both India & France on the awards evening. Rani received the award along with the popular French actress, Emmanuelle Beart who was also given the same honor. Rani said, “I am humbled, thankful & proud that Mauritius has given me such honor & love with this Outstanding Contribution to Cinema Award. This festival brings some really good cinema and also provides a rare chance for French & Indian cinema to be celebrated together. Many of my films like Bichhoo, Hello Brother & Kuch Kuch Hota Hain have been shot here”.

ULTRA GROUP LAUNCH THE DVD & VCD PACK OF ‘BAREILLY KI BARFI’

Ultra Group launched an attractive DVD & VCD Pack of the Romcom Bareilly Ki Barfi. Produced by Vineet Jain & Renu Ravi Chopra, the film is directed by Ashwiny Iyer Tiwari. Bareilly Ki Barfi is a family film high on comedy, romance & drama for all age -groups. It stars Ayushmann Khurana, Kriti Sanon & Rajkumar Rao. There had been much curiosity & eagerness for the DVD launch of this film. One of the main reasons is the touch of emotion & romance of the movie which makes for an ideal repeat viewing experience in one’s own drawing room along with their family. The film also makes for an ideal collector’s item for one’s own home library. The genre & treatment of this film also extends this attractively packed DVD’s & VCD’s to be an ideal gifting option for one’s friends & families. The other prominent DVD titles manufactured & distributed by Ultra are: MSD – An Untold Story, Jolly LLB 2, Force 2, Rangoon, Akira, Prem Ratan Dhan Payo, Kis Kisko Pyaar Karoon, Neerja, Traffic, Kya Kool Hain Hum 3, Great Grand Masti, Pardes, Maine Pyaar Kiya, Hum Aapke Hain Kaun, Hum Saath Saath Hain, Mein Prem Ki Deewani Hoon, I am Kalam. The company has marketed & distributed DVD’s & VCD’s of more than 80 prominent Films & TV titles till date.

ABHISHEK BACHCHAN SIGNED FOR PRIYADARSHAN’S ‘BACHCHAN SINGH’

After a long period of hiatus, Priyadarshan, who has been of late quite busy with his assignments in Malayalalm film industry is all set to make his grand come back in Bollywood as a director with the film Bachchan Singh in & as Bachchan Singh. The film will be produced by Rajat Rawail of Rawail Grandsons Entertainment in tandem with Arjun Dhanak of Kanz Films. It now remains to be seen whether the film will be a rehash of his own earlier Malayalam blockbuster or an original film in Hindi.

EROTIC THRILLER ‘HATE STORY IV’ WILL SIZZLE ON 2ND MAR 2018

The 4th installment of hit erotic thriller franchise, Hate Story, will hit the silver screen on 2nd Mar, 2018. The film produced by T – Series & directed by Vishal Pandya stars Urvashi Rautela as the leading lady along with Karan Wahi & Vivan Bhatena. The team released the movie logo along with Urvashi’s look from the film. The 4th installment promises Hate darker than ever. The actress who plays the character of Tasha says it is a unique & incredibly brave story. Hate Story IV, directed by Vishal Pandya, is being shot in London currently following a short schedule in Mumbai. Hate Story is the only erotic thriller franchise to have a 4th installment with a successful run at the Box – Office turnstiles each time. Hate Story 2 & 3 produced by T – Series & directed by Vishal Pandya was musically hit as well as had a good run at the Box – Office turnstiles.

FOOT-TAPPING KARAOKE KRAZINESS WITH CELEBS AT PLAY – THE LOUNGE!

Play – The Lounge played host to the Karaoke World Championships India Grand Finale & after – party this year. The Karaoke World Championships India saw a bevy of guests who walked in to congratulate Savio D’Sa, the brain behind KWC followed by the melodious & musically charged event that had some amazing vocals resonating the place. Devyani Shankar from Delhi & Milind Shegokar from Pune emerged the winners amongst the 25 final contestants, who with their power – packed performances gave the winners a run for their money. Spotted at the finale & then partying all night were celebrities & judges Arko Pravo Mukherjee, Shibani Kashyap, Terence Lewis, Ranjit Barot, Lesle Lewis, Kavya Vaidya, DJ Hardik, Shona Rajput, Sai Gundewar, Hrishikesh Chury, Parvati Khan, Brian Rub, Sameer Gandhi, Divyesh Thakkar & Harish Mehta of Play – The Lounge, Merlin D’Souza & Simran Ahujah, Narendra Hirani amongst others. The evening was emceed by Mario Andrade & Glynis Luan Simoes. The contestants set the stage afire with their mellifluous voice & amazing music to a jampacked audience that only kept asking for more. DJ Hardik owned the night that followed the event with some amazing hi – energy dexterity and everyone danced till they could dance no more. All in all, a night to remember!

The dedicated efforts of the Department of Culture & Tourism, Abu Dhabi to increase the numbers of tourists from India, has got off to a promising start when several 100 Mumbaikars witnessed the opening of the 1st ever “Abu Dhabi Week” in India.

The exposition ran last week from Fri to Sun at Mumbai’s sprawling MMRDA grounds, BKC and featured a collection of Abu Dhabi’s tourist & cultural attractions, which the organizers believe will encourage more Indians to consider the emirate as a holiday destination.

Before declaring the opening of the weekend festival, Mubarak Al Nuaimi, Director of Promotions & Overseas Offices at the Department of Culture & Tourism, Abu Dhabi addressed the media, members of the travel trade & distinguished invitees and averred that during the 1st 8 months of 2017, Abu Dhabi had seen a 9% increase in hotel occupancy by Indian guests.

A total of 223,000 guests from India stayed in hotels in Abu Dhabi for an average of 2.8 days during this period, he added. In a pre – event statement reflecting the increasing potential of India for the Abu Dhabi tourism sector, Mubarak Al Nuaimi averred, “India is a key tier – one priority for Abu Dhabi and it represents our 2nd – largest international source market for hotel guests.”

“Apart from positioning the emirate as a holiday destination, we will also underline the message that Abu Dhabi is an ideal business locale for the meetings, incentives, conferences & exhibitions, MICE, industry, with a superb selection of venues for delegations from India,” he added.

Celebrities like Amardeep Singh Natt , Music director Vickey Prasad, TV Actors – Bhavesh Balchandani, Reem Shaikh, Roshani Walia, Anushka Sen, Arishfa Khan, Ashnoor Kaur, Ekta Jain, Shree Rajput, Harshvardhan Joshi, Saloni Daini, Ashila Bhatia, Sanchiti Sakat & Ahsaas Channa, Aditya Kumar & Imran Shaikh of Travelegend.com who attended Friday’s inaugural ceremonies shared their views .

Writer – director Atanu Mukherjee’s debut feature Rukh which stars Manoj Bajpayee is the latest offering from Drishyam Films after the acclaimed Newton. Rukh which is directed by Atanu Mukherjee, produced by Drishyam Films & presented by Eros International got released in theatres across India on 27th Oct, 2017.

The film which is an emotional story of a father & son, also stars Adarsh Gourav, Smita Tambe & Kumud Mishra and features some soul stirring music by Amit Trivedi.

Keeping in mind the theme of the film, an innovative social campaign was recently launched to promote the film. Titled My Dad My Hero, the campaign was flagged off by Manoj Bajpayee and saw him & his co – stars from Rukh share fond memories of their fathers and the life lessons they have learnt from them.

The campaign has slowly & steadily gained momentum with each passing day as some of the biggest names of Bollywood have enthusiastically taken to social media to talk about the bond they shared with their fathers. These include Imtiaz Ali, Anurag Kashyap, Radhika Apte, Vicky Kaushal, Shweta Tripathi, Gulshan Devaiah & Shreyas Talpade amongst others.

A father is the 1st friend & hero of every individual who inspires them to bravely face the battle of life. The My Dad My Hero campaign sees celebrities talk about how their fathers inspired & helped them to achieve their dreams and become the successful individuals they are today. They also talked about how the quality of their fathers to face every obstacle bravely and not buckle under pressure inspired them to pursue their personal & professional challenges successfully.

Manoj Bajpayee, the lead actor of Rukh averred “My father never faltered & lost his cool even under the worst of circumstances. He wanted me to be a doctor since he couldn’t fulfill his dream of becoming one. He was a little disappointed when he came to know that I wanted to be an actor instead. But even after realizing that I am not interested in becoming a doctor, he wholeheartedly supported me in realizing my dream of being an actor.”

Director Anurag Kashyap averred “I was 8 – 9 years old when I was sent to a boarding school for the 1st time though I never wanted to go to one. And when I met my father for the 1st time after being in boarding for 6 months, he took me out & showed me movies. That was his way of expressing his love for me. He is not a very expressive person and this was the 1st time ever that he expressed the love & the affection he had towards me. Hence it’s a very special memory for me. ”

Actor Vicky Kaushal who had also featured in Drishyam Films’ much loved Masaan averred, “My dad always believed that one should give 100% to their present & their future will be better than what they want it to be. This has always been his motto and it is going to stay with me throughout my life. While I was growing up, he didn’t force me to excel in academics. But he ensured that I imbibed some great principles such as honesty & sincerity.”

Recollecting the memories he shared with his father, Director Imtiaz Ali averred, “My father has been a big influence in my life. He taught me to never follow money. He used to always say that if you follow money it will go further away from you. But if you do your work sincerely it will always follow you.”

Recollecting the life lessons that his own father taught him, Manish Mundra, the Founder of Drishyam Films & the Producer of Rukh, shared, “The most important thing my father has taught me since childhood is that a person never gets anything before it’s the right time & fate. And the important thing to remember when you move ahead in life is that you should not leave behind the people who need you. If someone needs you & you cannot help them, then you end up losing that person’s trust. When I think of my dad I remember that he taught me that there is a time that will come for everyone and this time keeps changing. So it’s important that we respect this time & remain humble. Nobody can get more or less than what fate has in store for them.”

Incidentally speaking Rukh was a part of the inaugural Drishyam – Sundance Institute Screenwriters Labs 2015 & also a part of NFDC India’s Film Bazaar Recommends 2016. A former Berlinale Talent (2015), Atanu Mukherjee is an alumnus of Satyajit Ray Film & Television Institute. He has also directed the short film The Gatekeeper, which was a part of South Asian International Film Festival, New York 2014 & even bagged the “Best Short Fiction” award at IDSFFK Kerala 2015.

The scripted scenario of Rukh reaveals: Away from home in a boarding school, 18 year old Dhruv is ignorant about the ongoing crisis in his family. His life takes an unexpected turn as he gets the news of his father’s death in a car accident. As he copes with the tragedy, hidden truths begin to unravel. Dhruv’s father Divakar went bankrupt before his death. Even as his mother Nandini struggles to shield him from the truth, Dhruv starts looking for answers. Was his father’s death an accident or a premeditated murder? The search leads to a series of unexpected revelations, as he discovers the shades of his father’s personality he had never seen before. Rukh is about the journey of a boy rediscovering his lost connections & familial ties, through the secrets & memories he must confront on his way.

Drishyam Films is a company born out of love for cinema, Drishyam Films aims to build a platform for unique voices of Indian independent cinema & create global content with rich Indian stories. Their international award – winning films include Ankhon Dekhi, Masaan, Dhanak, Waiting, Umrika & Newton (which is now India’s official entry to the Oscars 2018). Their upcoming films include Nila Madhab Panda’s Kadvi Hawa starring Sanjay Mishra & Ranvir Shorey. Drishyam Films partnered with the Sundance Institute, USA to organize a Screenwriters’ lab for Indian writers for 2 successive years. They have also set up a VFX studio specializing in post production & visual effects for feature films & commercials.