Culture & Society

Yash Raj Films’ Sultan’s Music Out

June 1, 2016 by Shaheen Raaj

Yash Raj Film’s Salman Khan & Anushka Sharma starrer Sultan has been touted as the most promising film of the year. While Sultan’s trailer has become very popular with over 11 million views, it is now time for a special treat for all to enjoy the music album of Sultan which has been released recently.

Sultan’s music album is an elaborate & melodious amalgamation of folk, local & popular music with India’s most celebrated playback talents singing for the film. Vishal – Shekhar have composed for Salman Khan for the 1st time ever and keeping with the Yash Raj Films tradition of eternal film music, Sultan has varied & interesting collection of 9 songs. Irshad Kamil has penned the lyrics of this winning album.

From soulful & romantic to action packed.
Here’s a sneak peek in each of these numbers that appear in the film at crucial points.

“Baby Ko Bass Pasand Hai”: A typical peppy number by Punjabi pop star Badshah, this song has the enthusiastic Sultan woo Aarfa by gate crashing a wedding. Vishal Dadlani, Ishita & Shalmali Kholgade also join in this peppy track. It’s a foot tapping number that will make you want to dance wherever it plays.

“Jag Ghoomeya”: A romantic, gentle rendition by Rahat Fateh Ali Khan, this is a folk composition that talks about the purity & spirituality of true love. Meaningful & melodious, this song touches your heart with its sound. It also has a female version titled the same Jag Ghoomeya by Neha Bhasin .

“440 Volt”: Energetically crooned by Mika Singh, this high octane song delves into a love struck Haryanvi wrestler’s imagination. Sultan’s journey of falling in love is the crux of this catchy number.

“Sachi Muchi”: In the soulful voices of Mohit Chauhan & Harshdeep Kaur, this song focuses on 2 equals falling in love. It’s deep but happy & fun filled and is unique as it is about love that emerges from their profession of wrestling and their core life’s choices.

“Bulleya”: Sung by Papon, whose “Moh Moh Ke Dhaage” for Yasj Raj Film’s “Dum Laga Ke Haisha” is one of the most mellifluous numbers of 2015, this one is a heart touching qawwali about unrequited love. Poetically exploring the pain of longing & separation, this song has a pure & classic feel to it.

“Tuk Tuk”: A song about the celebration of life, Nooran Sisters & Vishal Dadlani sing about getting up from low phases and fighting back. It’s about life, in short.

“Rise Of Sultan & Sultan”: The thumping title track that has already become popular with the trailer. Shekhar Ravjiani and a chorus sing about the film’s central theme. It’s about rising against all odds and fighting difficulties from within. The haunting & extraordinary track “Sultan” by Sukhvinder Singh & Shadab Faridi completes the music album. This song brings to life the physical & spiritual transformation of the film’s central character.

Produced by Aditya Chopra & written & directed by Ali Abbas Zafar, Sultan will release this Eid 2016.

Natco Pharma – Set to take off

May 30, 2016 by Nasheman

Natco Pharma’s (NATP) Q4FY16 earnings hit a homerun with revenue, EBITDA and PAT catapulting 103%, 87% and 159%, respectively. The good show was primarily spearheaded by Hepatitis C portfolio where NATP enjoys first-mover advantage. Onco portfolio in domestic market jumped 30% YoY and it won a tender in Venezuela. The company guided for ~30% base business growth in FY17 without factoring any of the imminent upside from US opportunities like Tamiflu, Entocort, Copaxone, Nuvigil, Tracleer and Fosrenol. We believe FY17 and FY18 will be significant years for NATP as the US engine starts roaring. Maintain ‘BUY’ with target price of INR640. NATP is our top pick in the mid-cap pack.

Hep C franchise keeps beefing domestic business

Current quarter benefitted from Venezuelan tender win; however, revenue adjusted for this grew 61% YoY. India sales jumped 155% YoY and 31% QoQ driven by Hep C franchise (INR1.5bn versus INR1.1bn QoQ) as well as Oncology (up 30% YoY). Export sales surged to INR1.05bn versus INR360mn QoQ driven by tender sales in Venezuela and higher supply of Lansoprazole. Other expenses were higher due to royalties and profit share owing to Hep C franchise. EBITDA margin at 23.9% rose ~60bps QoQ. EBITDA catapulted 87% YoY and 51% QoQ. FY17 guidance of INR13.5bn sales factors the sale of SaveMart Pharmacy, continued momentum in Hep C franchise in India and current order book for export markets. It does not factor any upside whatsoever from US launches.

Exciting US launches ahead

Apart from Doxil, NATP filed 3 P-IV ANDAs in FY16, which includes Gleevec, Tarceva and 1 injectable. Over the next 12-18 months, a series of US launches are expected viz., Tamiflu, Entocort, Copaxone 20mg, Nuvigil, Tracleer and Fosrenol. A number of other interesting products like Doxil and Vidaza could also receive approval. The company is expected to file ~6-7 ANDAs in FY17, half of which will be Onco products. By FY18, Hep C franchise will also start unlocking in RoW markets, albeit the quantum will be much smaller than India where it has made the most of its headstart.

Outlook and valuations: No dearth of catalysts; maintain ‘BUY’

NATP’s filings will continue to be differentiated and keep valuations buoyant. We maintain our estimates and ‘BUY/SO’ with target price of INR640 (20x FY18E EPS).

“My latest musical album Ishq Anokha describes love in all its true colours:” Kailash Kher

May 30, 2016 by Shaheen Raaj

“Allah Ke Bandey” fame singer Kailash Kher also happens to be a prolific lyricist and a musical composer par excellence all rolled into one. He had originally arrived in the Bollywoodian Mekkah to gain name & fame as a successful lyricist in his own right. But fate had other plans for him as he first gained instant recognition as a singer with “Allah Ke Bandey” and then as a music composer (10 films till this date) and finally as a lyricist in musical albums composed & rendered by him and now there is no looking back for him. So his extremely talent oriented musical journey continuous with the release of his latest musical album titled Ishq Anokha.

Q: You have come a long way from your hit song “Allah Ke Bandey” to your latest musical album Ishq Anokha. So how would you describe this musical journey?

A: My Illustrious musical journey was really phenomenal, of course strewn with lots of ups & downs and lots of highs & lows. But at this stage I would like to make some clarifications that originally I just wanted to be the most wanted lyricist of Bollywood. But I became a singer first, then a music composer and finally my wish came true when I became a lyricist too. Besides “Allah Ke Bandey” proved to be my first hit song but my debut song was “Dil Machal Machal Jaaye Re”. It was a duet song with Sunidhi Chauhan for the film Baaz – A Bird In Danger.
Q: Please continue!

A: The journey to Bollywood was quite interesting too. I hail from Meerut. And I wanted to come to Mumbai to write some of the best lyrics as I said earlier. But from Meerut I came along with some of my friends to Delhi where I started singing advertisement jingles. Then the same friends decided to come to Mumbai to try their hands in films. So finally I ended up coming to Mumbai and become a part of this adda, I mean circle of aspiring filmy friends.

Q: Ok! Time to reveal about your latest musical album Ishq Anokha!

A: My latest musical album Ishq Anokha is an amalgamation of ode to love which traverses the varied emotions that a person goes through when they are in love. The musical album Ishq Anokha has a mix of varied moods and will make the listeners feel the true essence of Kailasa. In fact the title track “Ishq Anokha” perfectly describes the total intensity of being in love, from anxiously waiting for love to expressing undying love to experiencing severe heartbreak to finally feeling eternal bliss. So this particular song itself will ensure that the listeners have a tune to hum to all the times in all the situations.

Q: So what according to you is the USP of your musical album Ishq Anokha?

A: The USP of my musical album Ishq Anokha are all its song in totality. You see we all believe in love. We all fall in love with someone yet many of us do not know how to express our love and that is why every Ishq is Anokha. Which is so beautifully depicted in all its songs like “Ishq Anokha”, “O Jogi”, “Meherbani Teri”, “Berukhiyan”, “Vaari Vaari”, “Siyah Tara”, “Guru Ghantaal” & “Turiya Turiya” and all the songs have been written, composed & sung by me. Actually speaking I was planning to have the title of this musical album Ishq Anokha as Thagonki Basti as I totally believe that each & everyone of us cheats on his or her lover when in love at some time or the other.

Q: As a parting shot can you enlighten us about the highlights of your latest musical album Ishq Anokha?

A: My latest musical album Ishq Anokha solely written, sung & composed by me and released on music label Saregama with 9 lovable & enjoyable tracks also boasts of many firsts. As it is for the first time that I have seamlessly fused the modern with the traditional by using varied specialised forms of music pieces like Flamenco, Saxaphone et al. In fact Ishq Anokha describes love in all its true colours.

Movie Review: ‘Veerappan’ is one more damp squib film from the RGV camp which can be skipped easily

May 30, 2016 by Shaheen Raaj

Producer: Ram Gopal Verma
Director: Ram Gopal Verma
Star Cast: Sandeep Bhardwaj, Sachiin J Joshi, Usha Jadhav, Lisa Ray et al
Music: Shaarib – Toshi & Jeet Ganguli

Director Ram Gopal Verma’s earlier claim to fame have been films like Satya, Sarkar, Rangeela et al. But alas! his directorial downfall started with mad capper films like Aag, Satya 2 et al. But now with a film like Veerappan he seems to have gone completely off his rockers. May be taking a little sabbatical from film making will be good for his health including the audiences & the critics too.

The plotted scenario of Veerappan starts off with the ruthless & the brutal killing of police officers in the dense jungles of Satyamangalam, situated in Southern India. This is followed by a narration of flashback of events by STF officer Kannan (Sachiin J Joshi), wherein he traces the past of Veerappan (Sandeep Bhardwaj) and the incidents that led him to become the most notorious criminal ever. The flashback states that Veerappan made his 1st killing when he was in his pre – teens. Once he tasted blood & money, there was no looking back for him. Despite being an illiterate, his sharp mind & meticulous planning could put anyone & everyone to shame, so much so that, even the combined police forces of Karnataka & Tamil Nadu always ended up being unsuccessful in nabbing him. Looking at the recurring gruesome & heartless killings, the sole purpose of Kannan’s life becomes to nab Veerappan by hook or by crook. During one such search operation, even though Kannan and his team become unsuccessful in nabbing Veerappan, they end up getting hold of his dutiful wife Muthulakshmi (Usha Jadhav). That’s when Kannan hatches a masterplan with Priya (Lisa Ray), who agrees to be a part of the plan, because Veerappan had killed her husband as well. As per the plan, Priya poses as a landlord of a big house, where Muthulakshmi is brought in as a tenant. Priya then, befriends her with her sweet talks & caring nature. As days pass by, Muthulakshmi falls for Priya’s sweet talks and gradually discloses the whereabouts of her husband Veerappan. Around that time, she also discloses many unknown facts about Veerappan’s life to Priya, who becomes shell shocked after knowing the bare facts.

Director Ram Gopal Varma while making Veerappan has clearly forgotten to include the long drawn out kidnapping episode of Kannada Cinema’s matinee idol Dr. Rajkumar maybe the inclusion of this thrilling & captivating scenario of almost 90 days would have made the film worth wathing to some extent. All said & done Ramu may have made one more damp squib film like Veerappan but the devil must be given his due credit as Veerappan excels in the technical department. So a special noteworthy mention goes to R. D. Tailang for his script, John Stewart Eduri for his background music, Aniket Khandagale for his cinematography & Anwar Ali for his editing.
Performance wise Sandeep Bharadwaj has delivered an excellent performance. His looks, behaviour & body language matches perfectly with the original Verrappan and he is really convincing & resounding like the real Veerappan. Sachiin J Joshi is superb in his role of an STF officer. Usha Jadhav is okay as Veerappan’s wife. Lisa Ray is convincing in her role of a journo.

Tail Piece: Veerappan is a violent film that may not cater to the niche audiences but it will prove to be a delight for the comman man who relishes such films.

Movie Review: ‘The Angry Birds Movie’ is a delightful fare ever seen before on the celluloid silver screen

May 28, 2016 by Nasheman

Producers: John Cohen and Catherine Winder
Directors: Clay Kaytis and Fergal Reilly
Voice Over Artiste: Jason Sudekis, Josh Gad, Danny McBride, Maya Rudolph, Kate Mckinnon, Bill Hader etc

In the 3D animated comedy, The Angry Birds Movie, we’ll finally find out why the birds are so angry. The movie takes us to an island populated entirely by happy, flightless birds -or almost entirely. In this paradise, Red (Jason Sudeikis), a bird with a temper problem, speedy Chuck (Josh Gad), and the volatile Bomb (Danny McBride) have always been outsiders. But when the island is visited by mysterious green piggies, it’s up to these unlikely outcasts to figure out what the pigs are up to.

The director duo Clay Kaytis and Fergal Reilly have really assembled a delightful fare for kids, youngsters and matured people.

With a movie as enjoyable as this it is very difficult to pin point a particular flaw.

It is a harmless kid’s tale that kids and adults can easily find humour in.

Movie Review: ‘Alice Through The Looking Glass’ is certainly not to be missed interesting fare

May 28, 2016 by Shaheen Raaj

Producers: Tim Burton, Joe Roth, Suzanne Tod and Jennifer Todd
Director: James Bobin
Star Cast; Johnny Depp, Anne Hathway, Sacha Baron Cohen, Helena Bonham Carter, Mia Wasikowaska, Micheal Sheen etc

After slipping through a mirror, Alice (Mia Wasikowska) finds herself back in Underland with the White Queen (Anne Hathaway), the Cheshire Cat, the White Rabbit, Tweedledee and Tweedledum. Her friends tell her that the Mad Hatter (Johnny Depp) is depressed over the death of his family. Hoping to save his loved ones, Alice steals the Chronosphere from Time (Sacha Baron Cohen) to travel into the past. While there, she encounters the younger Hatter and the evil Red Queen (Helena Bonham Carter)

Direction of James Bobbin is impressive but amongst the actors it is Sacha Baron Cohen who stands out with his superlative performance and the next in line performer is Mia Wasikowska in the title role of Alice.

This fantasy character of Alice has been rehashed time and again but all the sequels of this franchise lack something or the other.

It is a good visual treat for kids at the end of the summer vacation.

Small Screen Trade Round Up By: Shaheen Raaj

May 28, 2016 by Shaheen Raaj

ZEE’s Akash Chawla Replaces Pradeep Hejmadi

ZEE has elevated Akash Chawla & Deepak Rajadhyaksha for key roles in Zee TV to drive the organizations goals. In addition to his current portfolio as Business Head – Essel Vision Productions Limited / Zee Studios, Chawla will now also take charge as the Business Head of Zee TV. In his earlier broadcasting stint, Chawla has successfully spearheaded the marketing function for the flagship & National channels like ZeeTV, Zee Cinema & Zee Classic. He has also played a pivotal role in the launch of channels like &pictures, Zee Anmol & Zindagi. All the functions of Zee TV like marketing, research & PR will align with Chawla. Meanwhile, Deepak Rajadhyaksha, who has been successfully leading the role as the Business Head of Zee Marathi, will now take charge as the Deputy Business Head, Zee TV. He will report to Akash Chawla. The entire programming, OAP & Operations team would align and report to Rajadhyaksha. The duo will work closely with ZEEL – MD & CEO, Punit Goenka to bring Zee TV towards its leadership journey.

Colors To Air Shakti…Astitva Ke Ehsaas Kii From 30th May 2016

Prejudice is a burden that confuses the past, threatens the present and renders the future inaccessible. But, what if a prejudice is so strong that it damages a family beyond repair; so harsh that it makes parents discriminate between its own blood relations; so forbidden that it changes the fate of 2 young children? Colors brings to viewers a tale of conscious prejudice meted out by a family against its own kin with Shakti…Astitva Ke Ehsaas Kii. Putting blood relations in a quandary, Shakti portrays the strength & power of a family to dictate the destiny of its children – Soumya (Mahira Khurrana) & Surbhi (Tasheen Shah). Produced by Rashmi Sharma Telefilms Ltd, Shakti is all set to unravel the truth behind their family’s behaviour towards them, starting 30th May 2016, every Mon to Fri at 8:00 PM on Colors.

Life OK Carries Sci – Fi Trend With Nagarjuna

At present, Indian television is going through a phase of super natural, mythical and larger than life shows. After the steaming success of many such shows, Beyond Dreams is all set to air the all new Mahabharata inspired show Nagarjuna – Ek Yodha on Life OK from 30th May 2016 at 900 PM. The show replaces Piya Rangrez. The makers have high expectations from Nagarjuna – Ek Yodha. Will this show work for the channel, fulfil these expectations – only time will reveal. Nagarjuna – Ek Yodha has been inspired from incidents from the Mahabharata. Explaining the connection, the makers say that there is an incident in the Mahabharata in which a fight between the Pandavas and snakes had happened. The show is a sci – fi fantasy take on this incident. Nagarjuna, played by Anshuman Malhotra, is a reluctant superhero in the show. He is half snake & half man, and the force between human land Amboli & Nag Lok. He is the man who stands between both the worlds.

Anil Kapoor Acquires Prison Break Rights

Anil Kapoor, who is currently busy finishing the 2nd series of his television series 24, has acquired the rights of another American TV series Prison Break. The actor, who had earlier taken the rights of Modern Family, said he normally went with a gut feeling that Indians would love a story when he acquires it to adapt it to Indian situation. Prison Break, of which the 5th season is about to commence, revolves around 2 brothers. One has been sentenced to death for a crime he did not commit while the other devises an elaborate plan to help him escape and clear his name. The actor said he had only acquired the rights of the 1st season. In a statement, Kapoor averred, “The show is about sibling love. It has just the right amount of emotions and of course some mind blowing action. In the past, films like Do Aankhen Barah Haath & Umar Qaid, which revolved around jailbreak, have been appreciated by the audience.”

Dr. Subhash Chandra Resigns

Subhash Chandra has stepped down from the post of director & non – executive chairman of Zee Media. According to a report on BSE, Zee Media announced that its board meeting held on 24th May 2016 took on record the resignation of Dr. Subhash Chandra as director and non-executive chairman of the company with effect from 24 May 2016. With this announcement, R K Arora has been appointed as the CEO as an additional director of the company with immediate effect. Zee Media has a lavish portfolio of news channels under it which includes Zee News, Zee Business, India 24×7, Zee Punjab Haryana Himachal, Zee Madhya Pradesh Chhattisgarh, Zee 24 Taas, 24 Ghanta, Zee Kalinga News, Zee Purvaiya & Zee Rajasthan News.

Vishal Srivastava Quits

Network 18 is seeing a major reshuffling with several elevations, appointments & resignations across its portfolio of channels. Adding to the list is CNBC TV18 executive VP & Head global business Vishal Srivastava who has stepped down from his position. In his past role, Srivastava used to head the Government & International sales for all the channels under the network. incidentally speaking Network 18 does not have a replacement for Srivastava as of yet. He has been associated with the company for more than 13 years.

300 Hours Eligibility Criteria For E – Auction Of slots

300 hours eligibility criteria for e – auction Of slots on DD National Doordarshan, which recently decided to invite eligible producers to create & market fresh content on the channel for a fixed tenure extending up to 3 years by buying slots through e – auction, recently said the offer was open for production houses which have produced at least 300 hours of Hindi General Entertainment Programming in the last 2 years. Moreover, the production houses should have a turnover of minimum Rs 5 crores per annum in regard to TV & film production in the last 3 financial years.
Successful bidders will produce fresh programmes in various genres of General Entertainment Programme for Doordarshan will be required to adhere to the programming / broadcasting codes of Prasar Bharati. Request for Proposal (RFP) of the Slot Sale Policy is available and can be downloaded from the website:
www.ddindia.gov.in. The policy encourages private entrepreneurs to produce cutting edge General Entertainment Programming with a commitment for providing wholesome family enjoyment.

IBN7 Launches Entertainment Show

Entertainment news is an important content area for news television. There are several shows in the Hindi News genre that garner high ratings and have a loyal viewership especially amongst female audiences. The show has started and airs every Mon to Fri at 2 pm. With a view to disrupt this space, IBN7 will launch a new show Bhabhi Tera Devar Deewana. Typically, most shows in this space are anchored & driven by female anchors who bring their perspective on the latest happenings from the world of television. In order to break away from this format, IBN7 will introduce a unique character – the devar who will look at the twists & turns of the most popular TV shows from a distinctly male perspective. Delving into the lives of the television celebrities, the devar will also aim to become an inseparable part of viewers’ lives. From characters’ on & off screen persona, and various events, to on – location shoots and highlights of TV serials, the desh ka devar will take the viewers on a captivating journey bringing them closer to understand their favourite characters better.

Reduced DD terrestrial Viewership Has Led To Decline In IEBR

Prasar Bharati has admitted that declining trend of terrestrial viewership, non -implementation of professional marketing division, aggressive competition, curtailment of advertisement budget of the erstwhile heavy spending by Government Ministries like Health & Agriculture et al, in Doordarshan had led to decline in the Internal & Extra Budgetary Resources (IEBR) of Prasar Bharati since 2014 – 2015.
The Parliamentary Standing Committee for Information Technology which goes into issues relating to Information & Broadcasting appreciated steps being taken to reverse this trend which include monetization of resources, reorganization of commercial revenue divisions, change in content sourcing model, exploration of new revenue models from auction of slots on DTH platforms, and Digital Terrestrial Transmitters having multiple channel capacity et al. The Committee recommended that Prasar Bharati should continue to explore avenues to augment revenue generation so that the public broadcaster achieves self – sustenance gradually and becomes less dependent on government support. The Committee also noted that during the year 2015 – 2016, the I & B ministry had spent Rs 2827.75 crore under Non – Plan fund to meet salary & salary related expenses. Separately, Prasar Bharati allocates Rs 200 crore annually from its IEBR for Content Development Scheme as per the 12th Plan Scheme.

Zee TV Brings Season 2 Of Dance Singapore Dance

Zee TV, the flagship channel of Zee Entertainment Enterprises Limited (ZEEL), has announced the return of its highly popular reality dance competition, Dance Singapore Dance Season 2. The open category competition is open to all residents of Singapore aged 16 and above, and aims to provide a platform for amateur & experienced dancers to showcase their talent. Pre – registration for the show has begun on www.apac.zeetv.com/dsd and auditions will take place on 28th May 2016 at 9 am onwards at the La Salle College of the Arts, 1 McNally St, Singapore 187940.
Zee TV Senior vice president International business Tripta Singh said, “We are delighted to return with Dance Singapore Dance S2 after a highly successful launch Season. This year we have increased the prize money for the winner to $15,000 and included cash and other prizes for the 1st & 2nd runners – up. After the finale of Season 1, we continued to groom the dancers and provided them with on – ground opportunities in the Asia Pacific region to perform & showcase their talents. Dance Singapore Dance is not just a TV show but a platform for aspiring dancers to take their talent to the next level”.

Bollywood round up

May 27, 2016 by Shaheen Raaj

REEL LIFE ENTERTAINMENT & PHANTOM FILMS TO PRODUCE VIKAS BAHL’S NEXT BASED ON SUPER 30!

After QUEEN & SHAANDAAR, Vikas is currently writing the script of this untitled film, which is a biopic on the Patna based mathematician Anand Kumar, who launched the educational initiative, Super 30. Super 30’s website informs, that they hunt for 30 meritorious talents from among the economically backward sections of the society, and shapes them for India’s most prestigious institution, the Indian Institute of Technology (IIT). Vikas Shares, “His (Anand Kumar) life has many interesting dimensions and weaving them into a film script would be really fascinating. We will shoot the film extensively in Bihar, so that we can capture the right essence of the story.” Anand Kumar adds, “It is true that talks were on for a biopic on my life for the last few years and some directors & producers talked to me in this regard, but I think this is the best team.” Vinay Sinha & Prilti Sinha’s Reel Life Entertainment will produce the film with Phantom Films. Vinay Sinha had earlier produced ANDAZ APNA APNA and had been on the lookout for a director and Vikas Bahl was unanimously the 1st & last choice for the said film. Sanjeev Dutta of LIFE IN A METRO & BARFI fame will be scripting the film. Priti said that “we are happy to produce the inspirational story of Anand Kumar with Phantom films and take our association further in future”.

FLORA SAINI SEEKS INSPIRATION FROM DIMPLE KAPADIA FOR NAGESH KUKUNOOR’S DHANAK!

Flora Saini, who will be next seen in Nagesh Kukunoor’s DHANAK, is a huge fan of Dimple Kapadia. Flora, who plays a tribal woman belonging to Kalbeila tribe in DHANAK, was awestruck by Dimple’s film RUDAALI. Like all Nagesh’s stories, DHANAK is inspirational and spells hope & triumph. Flora says, “Nagesh sir is a school in himself and I learnt a lot from him in LAKSHMI and in DHANAK, he totally focuses on keeping everything very natural like we speak and behave in daily life, no acting”. While shooting in the interiors of Rajasthan is an experience she is unlikely to forget. “Being a hard core animal lover I had the opportunity of shooting with a camel, my 1st time near camel ever an that’s something I will never forget, I even remember his name Thela, she added. Flora is still awed as she talks about the bright hand – woved clothes, beaded jewellery & bid belts worn by the tribes. Flora says, ” I have spend lot of time in the sun and used makeup to look tanned”. Flora has also played pivotal roles in movies like MSG, GUDDU KI GUN and also made a cameo in DABANGG 2.

BIOPIC ON FREEDOM FIGHTER CHRISTO SINGH

Eye Entertainment’s CHRISTO SINGH, a real freedom fighter (whose actual name was Shri Krishna Singh but the British gave him the name of Christo) was launched with the recording of 3 songs recently. The 3rd song was rendered by Antara Mitra at Krishna Recording Theatre. It was penned by Harsh Thayi and set to tune by Ricky Mishra who is also the director of the film. Amit Singh, the grandson of Christo Singh is producing the film which is written by Varadaraj Swami. The earlier 2 songs were rendered by Usmaan Meer & Krishna Bevra at Enzy recording Studio, Goregaon. A popular actor is being considered for the role of Christo Singh. The shooting will commence in Jharkhand locales, Bihar, Rajasthan and partly in Mumbai too from Jun, 2016 onwards with a 60 – day spell.

VIDYA BALAN LEARNS DRIVING FOR TE3N!

On 10th Jun, 2016 the Power of Three will be unleashed as the formidable trio of exemplary actors like Amitabh Bachchan, Nawazuddin Siddiqui, with Vidya Balan in a pivotal guest appearance will be seen together in Ribhu Dasgupta’s emotional thriller TE3N! As the chase to nab a murderer heats up, Vidya’s character has to vend her way to different localities in the city of Kolkata. Vidya reveals that polishing her driving skills was the only real preparation she did for the movie. “I know how to drive,” Vidya Balan said, “but I’ve never been a confident driver but for this film, I wanted to do it myself so I actually drove around Kolkata. Sujoy Ghosh was my driving instructor.”Well, nothing like a film experience that teaches you something new!!

CHOREOGRAPHING SARBJIT MOVIE WAS VERY DIFFICULT FOR ME SAYS VISHNU DEVA

Aishwarya Rai Bachchan, Randeep Hooda & Richa Chadda starrer SARBJIT has more of Vishnudeva’s catchy moves. The film has left us stunned with Aishwarya’s never before seen avatar especially in the “Tung Luk” song choreographed by Vishnu Deva, which makes each & everyone dance on their feet. The Punjabi number has been sung by Sunidhi Chauhan & Sukhwinder Singh, who are very well known for their Punjabi songs. Randeep Hooda & Richa Chaddha also make stunning appearance in the song, as they dance on the Punjabi beats. Vishnu Deva said, “Sarbjit was a difficult movie to choreograph because of its hard hitting story. “Tung Luk” is a fresh punjabi song and we’ve tried to give it a fresh look too. So far we’ve been receiving great response, and we hope everyone continues to like it.”Helmed by Omung Kumar, the film is a biopic based on Sarbjit Singh, which showcases a real – life struggle of an Indian prisoner Sarbjit who died after a brutal attack in Pakistan jail in 2013.

NAWAZUDDIN SIDDIQUI LEARNS BENGALI FROM VIDYA BALAN & AMITABH BACHCHAN

In Ribhu Dasgupta’s emotional thriller TE3N, Nawazuddin Siddiqui, who is sharing the screen space with Amitabh Bachchan for the very 1st time, even learnt Bengali on the sets!! The atmosphere on the sets, in Kolkatta was one of bonhomie, Bengali food and often lots of conversations in the Melliflous language, as director Ribhu Dasgupta, creative producer Sujoy Ghosh, Vidya Balan & Amitabh Bachchan (both of whom know the language quite well), would discuss the activities of the day in Bengali so much so that Nawazuddin over the course of the shoot learnt Bengali well enough to hold a conversation, unwittingly! Sujoyda, Ribhu, Mr Bachchan & Vidya, who feel quite at home in Kolkatta, would often slip into Bengali phrases in their conversations, so even Nawaz by the end of the shoot understood most of it and could speak quite well, helped by the actors. We are sure Big B & Vidya Balan must have made for amazing teachers!!

STANDING OVATION FOR RAHAT KAZMI’S MANTOSTAN AT CANNES!

Rahat Kazmi, best known for his hard – hitting films on issues that make a difference, is back with his next, MANTOSTAN, the film that has begun its global journey with the Cannes World Premiere on 14th May, 2016. MANTOSTAN is based on writer Sadat Haasan Manto’s short stories that seek their inspiration from the flames of the Indo – Pak partition. Rahat has through the camera lens, chronicled the chaos that prevailed, during & after the Partition of India in 1947, and brought to life on celluloid Manto’s most controversial works including “Khol Do”, “Thanda Gosht”, besides “Aakhri Salute” & “Assignment” in MANTOSTAAN. Raghubir Yadav, Sonal Sehgal, Shoib Nikash Shah, Tariq Khan, Virendra Saxena, Raina Bassnet & Rahat Kazmi star in the lead . The film is produced by Rahat Kazmi, Tariq Khan & Aaditya Pratap Singh. Renowned choreographer Sandeep Soparkar expresses, “What an amazing film… No wonder it is getting rave reviews from international press… Super work by Rahat, Sonal Sehgal, Shoaib Nikash Shah, Tariq Khan, Raina Bassnet… each artiste is a class apart.” French actor Jaques Roybin smiles, “This was one premiere where Sandeep Soparkar and I did not mind fighting for the premiere passes!”

JOURNALIST PRIYANKA RAINA IS READY WITH HER SHORT FILM

After the super success of her Sahila Chaddha starrer ZINDAGI, journalist turned director Priyanka Raina has also shot her next short film which is on social message.”My short film is on cold drinks and how injurious they are to our health. I
completed my shooting in Mumbai and will be releasing it in PVR after my film is censored”.

IT’S SEPTEMBER BABY FOR SHAHID & MIRA!

RANGOON is scheduled for release on 14th Oct, 2016 but Junior Shahid will definitely arrive before that. Mira’s date is around mid – Sept, 2016 but as it happens in most cases, the baby could arrive a few days before or after the due date. Mira is just 22 and keeping in mind that this is the 1st child, Shahid has been keeping a close eye on her and taking extra care. She has started getting cravings for particular kinds of food and he makes sure to indulge her. He has also been accompanying her for visits to the doctor and when they are out, he doesn’t let go of her hand or leave her side.” Shahid’s next, UDTA PUNJAB is directed by Abhishek Chaubey and throws light on dark drug scenes in Punjab. It opens on 17th Jun, 2017 followed by Vishal Bhardwaj’s Casablanca -like love story, RANGOON, in Oct, 2016. The actor has kept himself free to promote both films and also to be with his wife through her 3rd trimester. He’s not planning a paternity leave but he does want to spend some time with both Mira and the baby when it arrives and Shahid couldn’t be happier.

STEVEN SPIELBERG CALLS SANDIP SOPARRKAR “INDIAN DANCER” ON THE RED CARPET OF CANNES FILM FESTIVAL

Many popular films are being premiered at the ongoing 69th Cannes film festival and a lot of world famous faces are making their presence felt on the red carpet. Celebrated Indian dancer – choreographer Sandip Soparrkar who is at Cannes representing the Indian dance & Bollywood industry too made his red carpet appearance. Soparrkar swayed in wearing a Deepak Shah designed black & grey tuxedo matched with a red bow tie to see Steven Spielberg film THE BFG which was being premiered at the Grand Theatre Lumiere. The Oscar winning director Spielberg looked at Sandip post his red carpet walk and said “Indian Dancer”. Sandip graciously wished the director and looked completely thrilled by being recognised by the world – renowned filmmaker. Being spotted on the red carpet and being recognised for one’s work are 2 different things, it is sure a moment of pride for the graceful dancer as well as for the Indian dance scene for being acknowledged by world renowned person like Steven Spielberg.

AVIKA GOR & MANISH RAISINGHANI STEALS THE SHOW ON CANNES RED CARPET

A new face has been added to the Indian contingent at the Cannes Film Festival this year. After Aishwarya Rai Bachchan & Sonam Kapoor, the latest entrants Avika Gor & Manish Raisinghani were seen at the festival’s opening & launch their short movie poster. Avika Gor was looking gorgeous in her new & exciting avatar after a long time and becoming the bell of the Cannes in her floor length Blue, one sided ball gown with less jewellery add to that a pair of natural nude shaded lips, eyes with sparkling make -up, her new short hair look which was curled to perfection added to her classy & cute avatar. Manish Raisinghani is looking super hot in his black tuxedo with red bow tie charming away the crowd & photographers with his playful & fun nature. Avika Gor & Manish Raisinghani were at the Cannes Film Festival to represent the short film which has been selected for the Short Film Corner at the Cannes Film Festival 2016. ANKAHEE BAATEIN stars Manish Raisinghani & Barkha Bisht while Avika Gor is the Creative Director of the movie directed by Manav Bhinder.

ACTRESS ANCHOR PANKHURI AWASTHI WHO IS NOW KENISHA PLANS TO RELEASE NEW SONG “A BORDER DRAWN IN BLOOD

Singer, Actor, Anchor – Emcee, Poet, performer Pankhuri Awasthi, the multi -facetted daughter of Sapna Awasthi (who delivered iconic superhit Hindi songs such as “Chhaiyya Chhaiyya” picturised on Shah Rukh Khan & Malaika Arora Khan), has changed her name to Kenisha. Kenisha raps under the moniker ‘BomBaeb’. Kenisha says, “My new name Kenisha means ‘beautiful’, ‘pure’ & ‘prosperous’. My new name defines me to a tee in one single word and that’s essentially what a name should do.” Kenisha is a singing sensation with drop dead gorgeous looks; beauty with brains who takes up social causes such as rape, Indo. -Pak border strife and world change; a poet who wants to change playback singing in Indian cinema; a non – conformist who wishes to make Nikki Minaj style of ‘rap’ singing popular in India and become the female version of trailblazers Honey Singh & Baadshah as she charts a new trail. She says, “I wanted to be unique and didn’t want to share my name with anyone else in the entertainment & events world. My name has to be in sync with my prime attributes.” Kenisha is soon planning to release “A Border Drawn In Blood” which is not about violence but all about peace & harmony. Kenisha, who debuted with Girish Kumar in the romantic film RAMAIYA VASTAVAIYA is known more in event management circles & YouTube channels than in Bollywood. Kenisha is a trained singer in both Western & Hindustani classical music genres.

POOJA BATRA SHOWCASES “ONE UNDER THE SUN” TRAILER AT CANNES FILM FESTIVAL

Miss India 1993, Pooja Batra who set her Bollywood aspirations aside after she broke off to marry Los Angeles – based orthopedic surgeon, Dr. Sonu Ahluwalia, was spotted having her moment under the sun in Cannes. The VIRASAT actress might be missing from Bollywood for quite some time now, but the lady is a known face internationally, who is settled in Los Angeles for over 10 years now, is excited about her Hollywood debut in which she essays the role of an astronaut. The International world premiere & the trailer launch of ONE UNDER THE SUN took place at the 2016 Cannes Film Festival which had an overwhelming response where the star cast came to support Pooja’s Hollywood debut. Executive Producer Sunny Vachher is proud to have brought Pooja this breakthrough role. ONE UNDER THE SUN is the story of an astronaut Kathryn Voss (Pooja Batra), a sole survivor of a disastrous space shuttle mission. As a distraught mother desperate to reunite with her terminally ill daughter, she becomes a wanted fugitive after discovering she possesses an extraordinary gift. “It is a very proud moment for me to play a lead in my 1st Hollywood film. It is a great role. In order to prepare for it, I needed to really dig deep into myself & my feelings to find honest inspiration. For my physical appearance, I took hints from Indian – born astronaut Kalpana Chawla & American astronaut Sunita Williams” Pooja Batra said. The trailer launch took place at the Indian Pavilion of the Cannes Film Festival

1ST LOOK & MUSIC OF PURAB KI AAWAZ RELEASED BY KRK

The 1st look of a Biopic of a female freedom fighter from Northeast called PURAB KI AAWAZ was unveiled by Actor – Producer Kamaal Rashid Khan (KRK) in Mumbai. The film is set in 1942 with the narrative & message of today’s context of freedom. It is being released worldwide by distributor Mehmood Ali, Pen N Camera International on 5th August 2016. PURAB KI AAWAZ is made on the life of India’s female freedom fighter Birangana Kanaklata, a martyr of Indian freedom struggle in 1942, under the banner of LPKG Film Production. Kanaklata had embraced martyrdom at the tender age of 16 years on 20th Sept, 1942 for the love of her country. Indian freedom fighters like Shahid Bhagat Singh, Chandra Shekhar Azad, Mangal Pandey and others are well known & popular in India as well as globally. The film is a brilliant presentation of the fearless & daring freedom fighter of Assam, Birangana Kanaklata, who had boldly faced the bullets of the police during the freedom struggle of India in 1942 and laid down her life for the country. Produced by Loknath Deka, written by Chandra Mudoi, with music by Dr. Hitesh Boruah, Ajay Phukan & Tapan Kakati, and choreography by Naba Kumar Das, the film stars Nipon Goswami, Urmila Mahanta, Debasis Barthakur, Dr. Tapan Sharma etc.

Bhojpuri Films Round Up

May 27, 2016 by Shaheen Raaj

Teri Meri Aashiqi Bumper Opening In Bihar & Jharkhand

Ramvati Arts Teri meri Aashiqi’ bumper opning in bihar Jharkhand. The credits of the film are producer – written – directed by Sujit Kumar Puri, cinematography by D. K. Sharma, Choreography by Ashok – Mayank, music by Damodar Rav & Sujit Kumar Puri & lyrics by Sujit Kumar Puri, Rajesh Mishra & Santosh Puri. It stars Sujit Kumar Puri, Satinder Singh, Tanushree Chatterji, Munna Lal Yadav, Abhishek Giri, Santosh Shrivastav, Pooja Singh, Raj kapoor Shahi, Rahul Shrivastav et al.

Jaan Hamaar Editing Nearing Completion

The editing of Koyal Films’ Jaan Hamaar is nearing completion under the supervision of editor Susmit Mondal. The credits of the film are produced and directed by Kashinath Jaiswal, written & lyrics by Mritunjay Shrivastav, music by Raja Bhattacharya and cinematography by Shahbaaz Khan “Pappu” and creative director is Paras N. Singh. It stars Shahbaz Khan, Kalpana Shah, Ali Khan, Anand Mohan, Poonam Verma, Vandana Singh, Seema Singh and debutant Prem Singh.

Hitler Dubbing Complete

The dubbing of A. K. Creation’s Hitler is completed at Shakuntalam Studio. The credits of the are produced by Mohammad Nasim and directed by Santram, story -screenplay – dialgoues by Nanhe Pandey, Som Bhushan & Santram, lyrics by S. Kumar, Santram & Tasavur Ali, music by S. Kumar, action by Shahabuddin, editing by Kamal Sahgal, cinematography by Ram Sharan and choreography by Santosh Sarvadarshi & Bhoopi. It stars Viraj Bhatt, Monalisa, Sanjay Pandey, Manoj Tiger, Murlidhar, Bhoomika, Sanjay Verma, Tanveer Shaikh, Pooja, Anara Gupta, Janardan Rajbhar, Rinki Shukla, Dipti, Ashok, Jayraj Singh, Javed Rehman, Aman Samani and Mohammed Nasim.

Rangdaari Tax Post Production Complete

Shwetab Films Entertainment’s Rangdaari Tax’s post production is now complete. This film is based on a real story. The credits of the film are produced by Manoj Kumar & Pankaj Mishra, co – produced by Sanjit Shrivastava, associate producer is Abhay Ojha & Sonu Mishra, directed by Parah Patil, written by Rakesh Triapthi, lyrics by Rajesh Mishra & Munna Dube, music by Damodar Raao & Chote Baba & choreography by Mayank – Ashok. It stars Yash Kumar, Poonam Dube, Awadhesh Mishra, Ram Sujan Singh, Priti Singh, Baleshwar Singh, C. P. Bhatt, Soniya Mishra et al.

Nirahua Chalal Sasural 2 Bumper Opening In Bihar

After success of Nirahua Chalal Sasural the second part of this film Nirahua Chalal Sasural 2 garners bumper opening in Bihar . The credits of the film are produced by Nasir Jamal, directed by Premanshu Singh, written by Santosh Mishra, lyrics by Pyarelal Yadav, choreography by Rikki Gupta, Ram Devan & Venu, cinematography by Surya Prakash & action by Raman. It stars Dineshlal Yadav “Nirahua”, Amrapali Dubey, Prakash Jais, Sushil Singh, Awadhesh Mishra, Manoj Tiger, Gopal Ray, Maya Yadav, Kiran Yadav, Anup Arora et al.

Jungle Raj Dubing Starts In Mumbai

Om Series Moviez & Viganharta Films Jungle Raj’s dubbing has started in Mumbai. The credits of the film are produced by Arun Kumar, Om Kumar & S. K. Tripathi, directed by Rajesh Kumar, music by Damodar Rao, cinematography by Zahangeer Shaikh, editing by Govind Dubey, choreography by Firoz Khan & action by Riyaz Sultan. It stars Viraj Bhatt, Anjana Dobson, Som Yadav, Deepak Bhatiya, Ruchika Mourya, Poonam Srivastav, Gopal Ray, Awadhesh, Chunnu Pandey, Abhijeet Kumar, Dinesh Ray, Satu Prakash, Rakesh Pujara et al.

Icchadhari Releasing Very Soon

Tanvi Multimedia’s Icchdahri releasing very soon. The credits of the film are produced by Dipak Shah, directed by Dev Pandey, music by Chote Baba, cinematography by Prince & action by Dilip Yadav. It stars Yash Kumar Mishra, Rani Chatterji, Priyanska Pandit, Awadhesh Miahra, Brajesh Tripathi, Manoj Tiger, Vishnu Shankar Belu, Gauri Shankar, C. P. Bhatt, Aashutosh Khare, Karan Pandey, Radhe Mishra et al.

A Free Wheeling Interview With Extremely Talented Actor Prashant Narayanan

May 26, 2016 by Shaheen Raaj

Prashant Narayanan, an actor par excellence, needs no special introduction. He is too down to earth to be true. Time & again Prashant has proved his versatility in varied films that too in varied negative oriented albeit dark shaded characters and garnered critical accolades beyond imagination. Indeed he is an actor to be reckoned with as he tackles each roles with an effortless ease. And he has continued in the same veins by portraying the role of a human trafficker in his latest suspense thriller namely FREDERICK.

Right at the outset how about enlightening us with your as usual negative role in FREDERICK which is on the verge of release this week!

Frankly speaking my role in FREDERICK has violent shades beyond imagination but it has far greater depth. You just can’t term it as the same kind of typed and usual role that I or the other actors are compelled to do time & again. My character’s reactions in FREDERICK are out of love & angst. I have enacted the role of a person who gets involved in the racket of human trafficking. I have played many roles in different cinema but Fredrick has something which is unusually different. Cine goers will not be disappointed at all.

Can you narrate briefly what is FREDERICK all about?

Actually speaking FREDERICK is an emotional love story but on the other hand it can also be termed as an intense psychological thriller full of mysterious elements. Besides it is full of family values. There is lot of love & concern for the people. It will enthral the cine goers as well as keep them hooked with its edge of the seat suspenseful moments. It has lot of reactionary actions. You see Shaheen most of the films are action oriented but FREDERICK is mostly reactionary I mean it is reaction oriented. And that is what makes FREDERICK so exciting.

How was it working with a debutant director Rajesh Butalia?

I never had any qualms about working with a debutant director in my earlier movies too. As debutant director brings about a lot of volatile energy on the sets of the film & Rajesh Butalia was no exception. In fact he was more focussed and always acted as a cool dude and it inspired all the actors to give off their best. Rajesh maybe a new director but as far as his vision for the film was concerned they were perfect. He knew what he wanted and he got what he wanted from all of us I mean all the artistes as well as the technicians. Frankly speaking what I like about debutant directors is that they don’t come with fixed notions on the sets. And as I mentioned earlier there was a volatile energy everywhere and believe me Rajesh was very clear of what he wanted. Moreover as a director he brought about a lot of freshness throughout the film. I hail from a theatre background and working with debutant directors or for that matter even actors too was always a learning experience as they come out as extremely confident & talented especially actors who sometimes deliver some memorable performances in the film. For that matter I have played many roles in varied cinema but FREDERICK has something which is unusually different.

And what would you say about your producer Manish Kalaria?

First of all I would say that my producer Manish Kalaria also popularly known as MK is a perfect gentleman and above all a perfect businessman. It was a boon to have a producer like Manish Kalaria. Hats off to him for backing a new director I mean Rajesh Butalia and that too without any interference. In fact he had full confidence in all of us and also give a free hand to director Rajesh Butalia to make the film as per his vision and I believe MK is quite happy with the end product.

It seems that the music of FREDERICK has really impressed you a lot!

You bet! The music of FREDERICK has really impressed me. For the 1st time in my career I have really got carried away with the music of FREDERICK. I am really very happy with the music of the film that has garnered a lot of appreciation. The most interesting song is “Waqt Gaya Tham” sung by KK which has ultimately turned out to be my personal favourite. And you won’t believe it Shaheen when I confess that I have literally blackmailed & pressurised my director Rajesh Butalia, who has also written the lyrics of this song and composed beautifully by music director Sunjoy Bose, to picturise this song on me. Besides the other songs also composed by Sunjoy Bose like “Tera Zikra”, “Rangeeniyan” and above all “Khuda Tune” are also very melodious & foot tapping. And for a change the music does not prove be road block for a thriller film like FREDERICK. In fact it entertains and even enlivens the proceedings of the film FREDERICK.