OMUNG KUMAR’S ‘SARBJIT’ GOES ON FLOOR
The much awaited film SARBJIT which is a biopic on the slain prisoner Sarbjit Singh has gone on the floors with its 1st Schedule in Mumbai on 14th Dec, 2015 . The said biopic is the 2nd directorial venture of the National Award winning director Omung Kumar and stars the enigmatic Aishwarya Rai Bachchan as Dalbir Kaur, well celebrated actor; Randeep Hooda as Sarabjit Singh; the power packed performer Riccha Chadda as Sarbjit’s wife & Darshan Kumaar as Sarbjit’s lawyer. The film has been in the news lately owing to its strong casting progression; and the cast has finally after many months of intense pre – production taken their characters on floor. The film is divided into a vast schedule which includes shooting in Mumbai from Dec, 2015 then moving on to shoot in various cities of Punjab like Amritsar, Malerkotla, Bhikipind & Patiala in the month of Jan, 2015 and finally the last leg of the schedule will be shot in Delhi in the month of Feb, 2015. SARBJIT is Produced by Sandeep Singh, Omung Kumar & Vashu Bhagnani. The credits of the film are script by Rajesh Beri & Utkarshini Vashishtha, directed by Omung Kumar, cinematography by Kiran Deohans, production design by Vanitha Kumar, creative director is Sandeep singh, costumes designed by Shaahid Amir & Neetu Singh & creative producer is Akshay Balsaraf. SARBJIT is slated to release on the 20th May, 2016 with its premiere to be held at the well acclaimed Cannes Film Festival.
‘BAADSHAHO’ TO RELEASE ON REPUBLIC DAY – 26TH JAN 2017
Ajay Devgn will be seen in Milan Luthria’s BAADSHAHO presented by Super Cassettes Industries Pvt Ltd & Milan Luthria Films Pvt Ltd. The movie which is touted to be an action thriller, has sealed one of the most important dates of the year it is all set to hit the screens on 26th Jan, 2017. BAADSHAHO stars Ajay Devgn – Devgn & Luthria have previously worked together on KACCHE DHAAGE, CHORI CHORI & ONCE UPON A TIME IN MUMBAI. The film will see music baron Bhushan Kumar & Milan Luthria in their 1st joint production. However, the duo have come together earlier for brilliant music collaboration in the past with film like ONCE UPON A TIME IN MUMBAI & THE DIRTY PICTURE. Presented by Super Cassettes Industries Pvt Ltd & Milan Luthria Films Pvt Ltd, Produced by Bhushan Kumar, Krishan Kumar & Milan Luthria, directed by Milan Luthria BAADSHAHO is all set to release on 26th Jan, 2017.
UNITED MEDIAWORKS & K SERA SERA JOIN HANDS TO MERGE THEIR OPERATIONS
K Sera Sera (KSS) Digital Cinema Private Limited & United MediaWorks (UMW) have joined forces to become the 3rd largest digital cinema player in the country. The 2 companies have decided to integrate their full operations & technology and use their combined energies to develop & consolidate their market position. Post the merger across content, technology & operations, the new venture will serve their existing 600 digital cinema theatres across the country. KSS’s Satish Panchariya will be the Chairman of the new company & UMW’s Ashish Bhandari will be the Managing Director. To fuel their expansion plans, both the companies plan to invest INR 100 crores over the next 2 to 3 years. This investment will be used to build state – of – art & scalable digital cinema technology and on ground servicing, while assisting in digital content security & distribution of the films. Over the next 2 years, the joint venture is aiming to capture 25% market share with presence in 2000 screens across India. As part of their growth strategy, the 2 companies aim at reaching out to advertisers, targeting both, national & regional players and offer them pan India reach. Both the companies are working together to build a common technology platform for content acquisition, content processing & field servicing. The new platform will not only provide cost effective solutions to both multiplexes & single screen theatres, but also offer advertisers a wide reach across the country for better ROIs. Additionally, the companies will mutually work towards delivering best quality services and reaching out to the untapped market segments of India. They intend to serve the Indian cinema industry with best products & services. The existing workforce will remain unaffected in both the companies. United Mediaworks has a strong presence in Bihar, Jharkhand, UP, Gujarat, West Bengal & Karnataka. Whereas K Sera Sera is present in the entire Hindi belt including Delhi, UP, Punjab, Haryana, Uttarakhand, Gujarat, Maharashtra, Himachal Pradesh, Chattisgarh, Madhya Pradesh & Andhra Pradesh. Going forward the new venture will look at capturing more markets across southern & eastern India.
NASEERUDDIN SHAH & ARSHAD WARSI TOGETHER FOR ‘IRADA‘
Naseeruddin Shah & Arshad Warsi shared great camaraderie in ISHQIYA & DEDH ISHIQYA. The 2 talented actors who have given some power packed performances in the past, will soon be back on the silver screen together in a film titled IRADA. The man behind getting these 2 actors together who will be pitted against each other is none other than lyricist Sameer Anjaan. The film revolves around a social issue and will be helmed by debutant directors Aparna Singh & Nishant Tripathi. The movie is presented by Irada Entertainment & produced by Falguni Patel & Prince Soni & slated to release in the winter of 2016.
TISCA BAGS BEST ACTRESS AWARD FOR ‘RAHASYA’
Tisca Chopra has recently bagged “Best Actress” award for Most Entertaining Actor in Thriller for RAHASYA. “Doing a film like RAHASYA is a reward in itself. The “Best Actress” award (Most Entertaining Actor – female in a Thriller) is like the icing on the cake, more so, since it’s not for a big ticket film, but a small film that almost didn’t get released,” says Tisca.The versatile actress who made her mark with films like TAARE ZAMEEN PAR & QISSA, amongst others, has also proven her mettle in South & Marathi film industry, garnering accolades for her power packed performances with each big screen outing. Tisca will next be seen in GHAYAL ONCE AGAIN & LOVESHUDA.
‘DO LAFZON KI KAHANI’S TRAILER ATTACHED TO ‘BAJIRAO MASTANI’
Presented by Eros International worldwide DO LAFZON KI KAHANI directed by Deepak Tijori starring Randeep Hooda & Kajal Aggarwal’s upcoming trailer attached to BAJIRAO MASTANI. The film has a unique pairing of Randeep & Kajal which has extensively been shot in Malaysia. BAJIRAO MASTANI has hit the screens on this week and Deepak didn’t want to miss the opportunity of getting his film’s trailer attached to this magnum opus film. There were many films which were eyeing to get their trailer attached, but it was Deepak who made his films trailer to the final cut. The film is currently in its post production stage and is scheduled to release early next year.
SIDDHARTH MAHADEVAN CREATING WAVES ONCE AGAIN WITH ‘DILWALE’
After giving huge hits like “Pehli Baar” in DIL DHADAKNE DO & “Sarphira” of KATTI BATTI , Siddharth Mahadevan is all set to create waves with Shah Rukh Khans DILWALE song called “Tukur Tukur” . It is the next party anthem of the youth and is soon topping the charts with his magical voice. His high energy voice had created sensation with his debut called “Zinda” for Farhan Akhtar starrer BHAAG MILKHA BHAAG. Followed up with his quick contributions in films such as MALANG, DHOOM 3, DHUAN, D – DAY , HULLA RE, 2 STATES amongst others.
HIT SHARMA, GRAPHIC INDIA & ISM KOMIX PARTNER ON A NEW DIGITAL COMIC SERIES, “HYPER TYGERS” CREATING INDIA’S 1ST ENVIRONMENTAL SUPERHERO TEAM
Graphic India, UK based, ISM Komix & Cornerstone Sport, announced today that leading cricket sports hero, Rohit Sharma, are launching a new environmental superhero team called, “HYPER TYGERS.” The digital comic will be free to read on all devices from 1st Feb, 2016 through Sharma’s Facebook page & the Graphic POP! Mobile app. With the world and its leaders focused on the Environment and saving our planet, Mr. Modi has called for “Climate Justice” & “working towards a greener future” whilst UK PM David Cameron has said this is “a moment to remember and a huge step forward in helping to secure the future of our planet.” This calls for superheroes! Now India and the UK have teamed up to create India’s 1st environmental superheroes the Green Tyger & the Hyper Tygers. Hyper Tygers & the Green Tyger are looking for corporate (including CSR), commercial, digital & marketing sponsors who share their ambition of promoting environmental awareness & positive social change. Hyper Tygers is set in a futuristic India in the year 2077, charting the meteoric rise of a small Indian rural community and their cricket team, including their mysterious hero the Green Tyger. We follow the Hyper Tygers astronomic journey to become the greatest Hyper Cricket team in the world. It’s a rags to riches story, addressing many of the environmental & social growing pains that India & the world are undergoing as rural meets mega city, tradition clashes with future technology, class lines blur and corporations put profit over people and the environment. The enigmatic hero of the story is a masked & rebellious cricketer known only as the Green Tyger, with amazing super powers tied to the nature & the earth. Playing in the Hyper Cricket League, fighting against injustice & saving the environment from Mr. X and the monstrous terrors created from his dreaded Shadow Corporation, experience the rise of India’s new heroes & the birth of a legendary team. For Hyper Tygers, which will be launched in India & UK, Graphic India is partnered with ISM Komix, a UK based company founded by Thomas Ehret & Debbie Mason, focussed on producing digitally focused sports media to promote positive social change & awareness through sport. The Hyper Tygers characters & story were created by acclaimed UK creators, Steve Salem & Xan Morgan, with the comic series written by novelist & author, Sarwat Chadda & illustrated by acclaimed Graphic India artist, Edison George. Hyper Tygers is also developing original storylines with UK charity Elephant Family, founded by Mark Shand, brother of the Duchess of Cornwall who the Charity counts as it Royal President along with HRH The Prince of Wales. Hyper Tygers will launch in Jan, 2016 as a free weekly English & Hindi digital comic series made available on Rohit Sharma’s Facebook page, reaching his 7.5 Million fans, through the specially created, Graphic POP! Facebook app, which was created in partnership with Facebook by Graphic India. The comic series will also be available on the Graphic India iOS & Android apps as well as converted into a series of digital motion comics, which will be distributed on leading digital video platforms throughout India. A mobile game will also be released at the beginning of the year.ISM Komix & Graphic India will also be planning a worldwide animation, digital video & gaming strategy around Hyper Tygers to reach cricket audiences across numerous media platforms around the world.
UNIVERSAL PICTURES & AMBLIN PARTNERS ANNOUNCE MULTI – YEAR FILM PARTNERSHIP
Universal Pictures & Amblin Partners, a new company announced today by DreamWorks Studios, Participant Media, Reliance Entertainment & Entertainment One (eOne), will enter into a multi – year partnership in which Universal will market & distribute films produced by Amblin Partners domestically and in select international territories. The recent announcement was made by Chairman, Universal Filmed Entertainment Group, Jeff Shell; Chairman, Universal Pictures, Donna Langley; Amblin Partners Founder, Steven Spielberg & Participant Media Chairman, Jeff Skoll. Under terms of the agreement, Universal Pictures & Focus Features will handle distribution & marketing for approximately 4 to 7 Amblin Partners films each year. The 1st title, THE GIRL ON THE TRAIN, will be released in Oct, 2016.
CHHOTA BHEEM HAS A BRAND NEW AVATAR FOR HIS UPCOMING FILM ‘CHHOTA BHEEM – HIMALAYAN ADVENTURE’
India’s favourite laddoo loving superhero, Chhota Bheem is the country’s most beloved cartoon character and the apparel, toys, games, comic books, stationery and other merchandise is a testimony to the Chhota Bheem’s popularity. This winter, Chhota Bheem will be seen in a completely new and stylish avatar in CHHOTA BHEEM – HIMALAYAN ADVENTURE, the official trailer for which was recently released. The storyline follows Bheem to the snow capped Himalayan Mountains where he will not only enjoy some snow filled adventures but also take on the evil dacoit, Hidimbak. In keeping with the plot of the film, Chhota Bheem’s character was given a stylish new look and a lot of research went into this. The team who worked on the film even visited the Himalayas to study local customs & traditions in order to breathe life into the script. Not only will Bheem’s friends, Chutki, Raju, Jaggu, Kalia, Dholu and Bholu join him on this Himalayan Adventure but they will also have their own jacket, scarf & warm mitten clad looks. Audiences can watch Chhota Bheem in an action packed & thrilling mountain adventure when CHHOTA BHEEM – HIMALAYAN ADVENTURE releases on 8th Jan, 2016.
INDIAN CINEMA TO BE HONORED BY LUMINARIES OF THE FILM INDUSTRY: 11TH EDITION OF RENAULT SONY GUILD FILM AWARDS ANNOUNCED
Celebrating excellence in cinema, The Film & Television Producers Guild of India has announced the 11th Edition of Renault Sony Guild Film Awards. The Guild constitutes of the most influential luminaries in cinema who select winners, making it one of the most credible and much revered accolades. The extravaganza will unfold with New Year Celebrations in Jan, 2016 and will be broadcast exclusively on Sony Entertainment Television. Bollywood superstars Akshay Kumar, Priyanka Chopra, Shahid Kapoor, Ayushmann Khuranna, Kriti Sanon & Sonakshi Sinha feature among other star performers who will set the stage on fire with one incredible act after another. After a successful hosting stint last year, television’s superstar comedian Kapil Sharma will don the host’s hat once again and entertain the audiences with his unbeatable comic timing. Instituted to celebrate exceptional achievements in Indian Cinema, the film fraternity will congregate, once again this year, to celebrate & honour the best contributions & accomplishments in the industry and to celebrate their work in the previous year. The Sony Guild Awards honour excellence in the creative as well as technical categories. Conceptualized, produced, marketed & promoted by Wizcraft International Entertainment, the Awards will bring together the most celebrated stars of Indian Television & Cinema on one spectacularly star – studded stage. It is the only Award that does not allow the general public to be part of the voting process in keeping with its policy of ‘By the Industry, For the Industry’. The Guild consists of over 160 members, who constitute some of the most powerful & influential luminaries in its sector. The winners of the Awards are chosen by the Guild’s members, making it one of the most credible and much revered accolades. Established in 1954 by the stalwarts of the Indian film industry including B.N. Sircar, S. Mukherjee, The Film & TV Producers Guild is today the most progressive body in show business. From renowned film makers / production houses like Yashraj films, Ramesh Sippy, Mukesh Bhatt, Subhash Ghai, Vidhu Vinod Chopra, Rakesh Roshan, AB Corp, Prakash Jha, Eros entertainment, Excel Entertainment ; to the young brigade of Aditya Chopra, Karan Johar, Ashutosh Gowariker, Farhan Akhtar, Raj Kumar Hirani, Kunal Kohli, Rohan Sippy, Ritesh Batra, Guneet Monga etc. to stars turned producers like Aamir Khan, Salman Khan, Shah Rukh Khan, Anil Kapoor, Anupam Kher, Anushka Sharma; to new diversified media companies like Disney – UTV, Reliance Entertainment, Balaji telefilms, PVR, Viacom 18, Fox Star Studios; to the film makers of international stature from the East & the South such as Mrinal Sen, Goutam Ghose, D. Suresh Babu, etc., to leading TV production houses like Star TV, Colors, Sony TV, all are symbols of the Indian filmed content. Over the years, the Guild has also been instrumental in organizing fund raisers such as “Saath Hain Hum – Uttarakhand” & “Hum Hain…….Ummeed – E – Kashmir’ in aid of victims & seminars & conventions with influential trade bodies like FICCI & CII. Also, the Guild has instituted Annual Awards for excellence in film & television, an award by the industry, for the industry & of the industry.
PANORAMA STUDIOS & PEN MOVIES ACQUIRE ALL INDIA RIGHTS OF ‘MASTIZAADE’ FOR THEATRICAL DISTRIBUTION
Panorama Studios & Pen Movies have acquired the all India rights of theatrical distribution of Pritish Nandy Communications produced MASTIZAADE starring Sunny Leone, Tusshar Kapoor featuring a special appearance by Ritesh Deshmukh & directed by Milap Zaveri. Fresh from the success of PYAAR KA PUNCHNAMA 2, Panorama Studios have also distributed GABBAR IS BACK, ALONE, SINGHAM RETURNS & produced films like SPECIAL 26, DRISHYAM &PYAAR KA PUNCHNAMA franchise.
REGIONAL FILM NEWS
‘KHAKI VARDIWALA’ RELEASING ON 1ST JAN, 2016 IN MUMBAI
After success in Bihar, Avinash Film Productions KHAKI VARDIWALA is now going to be released in Mumbai on 1st Jan, 2016. The film is being produced by Dr. S. D. Gautam & directed by Meraj Khan. The film is written by Nanhe Pandey, music by Anuj Tiwari, lyrics by Jahid Akhtar, Durgavati & Pyarelal “Kavi”, choreography by Ashok – Mayank, Santosh Kumar & Ram Devan, action by Dilip Yadav, editing by Jitendra Singh ‘Jitu’, cinematography by Dilip John, Sahil Ansari & Jagvinder Hundal. Co – Producer: Maya Gautam. It stars Viraj Bhatt, Madhuri Mishra, Ayaz Khan, Sanjay Pandey, Manoj Tiger, Brajesh Tripathi, Rajkapoor Shahi, Gopal Rai, Kokila Yadav, Shankar Dayal Gautam, Prerna Sharma, Gaffar Khan & Seema Singh.
‘SHAHER MASEEHA NAHI’ SHAYMALA MUSIC ACQUIRED AUDIO-VIDEO RIGHTS
Shaymala Music has acquired Audio – Video rights of Omkaar Film & Television Production’s SHAHER MASEEHA NAHI (Based on Dr. Arunendra Bharti’s Novel). The film is being produced by Rajan Kumar & directed by Amar Vatsa from his own screenplay. It has music by Prekhar Verma, lyrics by Dheeraj Kumar & Dr. Arunendra Bharti, choreography by Rajesh Sharwana Padwale, Manoj & Kala Reddy, editing by Sandeep Mishra, art by Yogesh Shilke, editing by Sandeep Mishra, cinematography by Biswajit Das, action by Tinu Verma & creative head is Virendra Verma. It stars Rajan Kumar, Trisha Khan, Poonam Kapri, Riya Bharti, Asha Kapri, Shradha, Aatish Kumar Sinha, Ritesh Dhawan, Mohammed Hasim Khan, Inder Upadhyay, Komal, Rajesh Khanna, Jitendra Yadav, Yog Guru Swami Ranjan Ji, Baby Charmi, Baby Kalyani & Master Rajveer.
‘PILANTRRU’ RELEASED THIS WEEK
Shilpa S. Movies’ presentation PILANTRRU released this week on 18th Dec, 2015 at Imperial Cinema, Grant Road, Mumbai with a crowed opening. The film is being produced by Shilpa Subhash Duragkar & directed by Sanjiv Yashwant Kolte. This film is based on the story written by Gayatry Kolte Muley & screenplay – dialogues by Sanjiv Y. Kolte. It has music by Aman Shlok, lyrics by Nitin Naigaonkar, editing by Sachin Natekar, art by Nana Misal and cinematography by Raj Erani. It stars Prabhakar Aambone, Vatsal Polkarmvar Aambone, Mahesh Paturkar, Niranjan Kokar Dekar, Navin, Mahesh Raipurkar, Sachin Giri, Anand Deep Peshwani & Chinmay Deshkar as Pilantrru.
