Nearly a year after the demise of 44-year-old anti-freebie crusader-advocate S. Subramaniam Balaji, Tamil movie “Sarkar” has stirred a controversy over the freebie schemes of the state government.

Protesters outside theatres in Coimbatore, Chennai and Madurai have been
damaging the film’s banners and demanding the removal of certain scenes from A.R. Murugadoss directed political thriller that hit the screens this week.

The ruling AIADMK is angry at the Vijay starrer for criticsing their schemes. Many AIADMK ministers and party cadres expressed their displeasure over certain scenes by damaging banners of the film and cut-outs of the actor.

It is, however, neither Vijay nor Murugadoss, but the late Balaji, who deserves credit for this anti-freebie crusade. The political activist-lawyer died on November 2017, couple of months after meeting with a road accident and suffering head injuries.

Balaji had fought against the freebie schemes of the both the key Tamil Nadu parties — DMK and the AIADMK’s governments — going up to the Supreme Court.

The apex court in 2013, while not banning freebie schemes, had ordered the Election Commission to frame guidelines for political parties to announce freebies in their election manifestoes.

Balaji had strongly felt a golden opportunity was lost to reign in political parties from creating private assets out of public money to be in power.

The top court had observed that promising freebies in the election manifesto doesn’t amount to corrupt practice under Section 123 of the Representation of Peoples Act, while ordering the Election Commission to frame guidelines for political parties.

The court gave the ruling after Balaji filed the case against the distribution of free colour television sets by the DMK to the people as part of its pre-election promise in 2006.

In an attempt to outdo DMK, the AIADMK then under late J. Jayalalithaa promised mixers, grinders, fans and laptops and other freebies during 2011 assembly polls.

Cheap rice, free TV, free power, free stove, cash dole promises by political parties is nothing but “bribery”, Balaji had contended.

So, it is neither Vijay nor “Sarkar” director A.R. Murugadoss who could be termed as anti-freebie fighters but the young crusader Balaji.

A government cannot enrich private individuals out of consolidated funds. Giving free land or free TVs or monthly cash doles are precisely that, Balaji had said.

Hailing from a family of lawyers, Balaji’s father N. Sivasankaran is a High Court lawyer, his elder sister Mahalakshmi Ramaswamy is a lawyer, too.

IANS

The 49th International Film Festival of India (IFFI 2018) will be held in Goa from 20th Nov, 2018 to 28th Nov, 2018. The 49th edition of the fest will showcase 212 films from over 68 countries, which reflects diversity of taste. The “International Competition” section has 15 films out of which 3 are Indian. The “Competition section” itself will represent films produced & co-produced by 22 countries. The Fest’s Kaleidoscope section carries 20 critically acclaimed international films that have been to major film fests & the majority of them being multiple award winners. This is one of the most sought after sections of the fest that showcases the “Best” & the “Top” films of the year. The “World Panorama” section has 67 films, which are specially curated for the fest. This includes 4 World Premieres, 2 International Premieres, 15 Asia Premieres & 60 India Premieres. This year the “World Panorama” section presents 15 films, which are Oscar submissions from their respective countries.

Retrospective Of Ingmar Bergman

On the occasion of the 100th year anniversary of Ingmar Bergman’s birth, the International Film Festival of India (IFFI 2018) will showcase the 7 best films of his career. A documentary on Ingmar Bergman titled “Bergman Island” directed by Marie Nyrerod which presents the master behind the camera has also been included in this section. The official opening of this section is scheduled on 21st Nov, 2018 with panel discussion followed by the screening of Wild Strawberries.

The Opening Film: World Premiere Of ‘The Aspern Papers’
The Festival will open with the World Premiere of The Aspern Papers with international star cast. The Aspern Papers tells a story of obsession, grander lost & dreams of Byronic adventures. The delegation constitutes Jonathan Rhys Meyers (lead actor) Golden Globe winner, Joely Richardson (lead actress), Oscar nominated actress Julia Robins (actress), Morgane Polanski (actress & daughter of Roman Polanski), Nicolas Hau (actor) & Julien Landais (director).

Country Focus – Israel

Every year the International Film Festival of India (IFFI 2018) features a Country of Focus that brings out the cinematic excellence & contributions of that particular Country. In its 49th edition the International Film Festival of India (IFFI 20918), the Country of Focus will be on Israel. 10 films in collaboration with the Consulate General of Israel in Mumbai, has been selected for the country focus package. The opening film for the “Country Focus Section” is The Other Story by Avi Nesher. Important celebrities from Israel including the famous Israeli Actor, Alon Aboutboul, is the special guest from Israel, who has worked in several Hollywood films including, Rambo III, Munich by Steven Spielberg, Body of Lies by Ridley Scott & The Dark Knight Rises to name a few. The Indo-Israeli co-production seminar is slated to be held on 22nd Nov, 2018.

A State focus – Jharkhand
The movies in the Jharkhand Package include Death In The Gunj, Ranchi Diaries, Begum Jaan with others. Jharkhand has been selected as the “State Of Focus” for the 49th International Film Festival of India (IFFI 2018) & the “Jharkhand Day” will be celebrated on 24th Nov, 2018 as part of the fest.

The International Competition Jury

The International Competition jury comprises of John Irvin, Adrian Sitaru, Polish director Robert Glinski, Anna Ferraioli Ravel & Indian member Rakeysh Omprakash Mehra.

Indian Panorama – 26 Feature & 21 Non Feature Indian Films

Olu directed by Shaji N Karun as the Opening feature film of Indian Panorama Section. Kharvas directed by Aditya Suhas Jambhale as the Opening non-feature film of Indian Panorama. 26 feature films & 21 non–feature Indian films are selected by the Indian Panorama Jury to be screened as part of this section out of the 100’s of entries sent by filmmakers from varied parts of the Country. The feature film jury selected the film Olu directed by Shaji N Karun as the opening feature film of the Indian Panorama 2018. The non-feature film jury selected the film Kharvas directed by Aditya Suhas Jambhale as the opening non-feature film of the Indian Panorama 2018. The prominent feature films are as follows: Olu (Opening film) Malayalam by Shaji N Karun, Nagarkirtan Bengali by Kaushik Ganguly, Sa Bengali by Arijit Singh, Uma Bengali by Srijit Mukherji, Abyakto Bengali by Arjun Dutta
& Uronchondi Bengali by Abhishek Saha. The feature film jury of 13 members was headed by acclaimed film director & screenwriter, Rahul Rawail & the other prominent members included: Major Ravi, filmmaker & actor, Ahathian, director, Ujjwal Chatterjee, director, producer & screenwriter, Imo Singh, director & Utpal Datta, filmmaker & others. The non-feature film jury of 7 members was headed by acclaimed film director & editor, Vinod Ganatra. The jury constituted of the following Members: Uday Shankar Pani, filmmaker, Parvati Menon, director & film educationist, Mandar Talaulikar, filmmaker, Padmaraj Nair, film journalist, Ashok Sharan, actor & producer & Suneel Puranik actor, director & producer.

Sketch On Screen (Animation Film Package)
The sketch on screen (Animation Film Package) is a section which will screen around 3 International feature length films done in collaboration with Indian studios.

Indian Sports Biopics
The Indian spoirts biopics like Gold, Mary Kom, Bhaag Milkha Bhaag, 1983, MSD: The untold story & Soorma will be screened at the 49th International Film Festival of India (IFFI 2018) as an extension of the “Khelo India Branding”. The “Open Air Screenings” are organized during the fest where a large screen is put up in a vast open area, where these films will be screened.

The ICFT Prize

The ICFT prize consisting of the UNESCO Gandhi Medal to a film, which reflects the ideals promoted by UNESCO. This year 10 films will be showcased for selection of a film to be presented with this coveted award. The International Film Festival of India (IFFI 2018) collaborates with the International Council for Film, Audiovisual Communication (ICFT) Paris, to present a special ICFT prize consisting of the UNESCO Gandhi Medal to a film, which reflects the ideals promoted by UNESCO. This year 10 films will be showcased for selection of a film to be presented with this coveted award.

Masterclasses & In-Conversation Section

The masterclasses & in-conversation section will feature several renowned celebrities from the film industry including Prasoon Joshi, Dan Wolman, Sreekar Prasad, Anil Kapoor, Sumit Israni, Boney Kapoor, Arjun Kapoor, Jahnvi Kapoor, David Dhawan, Varun Dhawan, Rohit Dhawan, Jairaj, Kaushik Ganguly, Shaji Karun, Srijit Mukhrjee, Sridhar & Sreeram Raghvan, Anupama Chopra, Rajiv Masand, Bhawana Somaaya, Jason Hafford, Meghna Gulzar, Leena Yadav, Gauri Shinde et al. A retrospective of films of the recipient of the most prestigious film award of the Country, Dadasaheb Phalke Award is showcased during the 49th International Film Festival of India (IFFI 2018). This year Vinod Khanna received the award posthumously. The 49th International Film Festival of India (IFFI 2018) will be showcasing some of his best films including Achanak, Lekin & Amar Akbar Anthony. Retrospective of the Lifetime Achievement Awardee section recognizes the contribution of our Lifetime Achievement Awardee in the field of Cinema by showcasing some of his/her “Best Films”. This year Dan Wolman from Israel will be honored with Life Time Achievement award.

The “Homages” section pays tribute to the film personalities of our country who has taken refuge in the abode of God. This year homage will be paid to the Late Shashi Kapoor, the Late Sridevi, the Late M. Karunanidhi & the Late Kalpana Lajmi. in the International Homages this year the fest will pay a tribute to Terence Marsh, Milos Forman & Anne V Coates.
A special package for Visually Impaired Children’s special screenings with audio description will be organized for the children who are visually impaired. The fest will showcase the movies Sholay & Hichki under this section. This year there will also be a special presentation of the Tunisian films.

The Thugs Of Hindustan’s Song “Manzoor – E – Khuda” Is A Salute To Being Free. Katrina Kaif & Fatima Sana Shaikh Salute The Spirit Of Freedom

Films mega action adventure Thugs of Hindostan has wowed audiences worldwide with its larger than life, extravagant trailer & its lavish & catchy songs, making it the biggest ever Hindi film release. This visual spectacle about an epic war & adventure on the high seas, is releasing this Diwali. YRF is now releasing the teaser of its 3rd song that is surely going to light up the internet. Titled “Manzoor – E – Khuda”, this patriotic dance number salutes the spirit of freedom & has Aamir Khan, Katrina Kaif & Fatima Sana Shaikh dancing on it. Director Viktor (Vijay Krishna Acharya) says, “Manzoor – E – Khuda” comes at a very crucial turning point in the film & it had to be a moving & powerful song. I think it’s lyrics, composition & vocals have created an overwhelming effect, making this salute to being free an incredibly special song. We love the song & we are certain that the audiences will love the spirit of freedom in it.” The Thugs take on the mighty British Empire in the film. Thus, the significance of this song is immense. Chinni & Rekha Prakash, who are known for their unique choreography which always becomes a huge talking point, has directed it. Sukhwinder Singh, Sunidhi Chauhan & Shreya Ghoshal, 3 of the most brilliant singers of our generation have sung this powerful song. Composed by the talented duo Ajay-Atul, “Manzoor – E – Khuda” literally means “By The Will Of God”. This particular track talks about undaunting grit & determination of the Thugs. Standing up for freedom, of living as per one’s free will, is the message that’s embedded at the heart of this inspiring song. Visually grand, the powerful lyrics have been written by Amitabh Bhattacharya. Thugs of Hindostan brings 2 of the biggest icons of Hindi cinema Amitabh Bachchan & Aamir Khan for the 1st ever time the celluloid silver screen, making it a must watch movie for Hindi film lovers worldwide. The film is set to treat audiences with the biggest jaw -dropping action sequences seen on screen to date. With its edge – of – the – seat thrills & a visually immersive experience, Yash Raj Films (YRF) out & out Diwali entertainer, Thugs of Hindostan, is all set to release on 8th Nov, 2018, a national holiday, in Hindi, Tamil & Telugu.

Allah Rakha Rahman Thanks Keeravani

M M Keeravani is in for praise from musical genius Allah Rakha Rahman. It’s because the senior musician from Telugu cinema has rendered a song for the upcoming Rajinikanth-Shankar magnum opus. “Keeravani Garu …Thanks for singing ‘Bulliguva’ for #2point0 Telugu … Looking forward to the release tomorrow,” the Mozart of Madras today tweeted out. It will be interesting to listen to Keeravani’s voice in this much awaited movie. Many years ago, Allah Rakha Rahman had interned with Keeravani as a learner. He must have given a ting song to his one-time guru.

Government Passes An Order For ‘Sarkar’

Thalapathy Vijay’s Sarkar releasing on the festive occasion of Diwali day on 6^th Nov, 2018 is tracking for a staggering rupees 50 Crores opening day collection worldwide. Celebrations have already started in theaters screening the much awaited film as the posters & the banners have been put & fans too are decorating the buildings & the entrance arches. But the irony of the whole thing is that Panneerselvam the President of the Theater Owners Association has sent a circular to all the cinemas screening Sarkar to remove any poster or banners that have Vijay smoking in accordance with the Government’s order.

Rajnikanth’s Film ‘2.0’ Screening – Mind Blowing Technology Used 1^st Time Ever In The World

The trailer of Superstar Rajinikanth’s film 2.0 launch is taking place in a grand manner at Sathyam Cinemas Chennai.  It has been revealed that the new age technology of 4D sound has been used for the 1^st time ever in the world for this mega Sciene – fiction thriller.  Usually, the surround sound system consists of speakers on the ceiling & the side walls.  This innovative sound system will be placed under the seats to give a realistic & immersive viewing experience.

Rana Daggubatti – The Manly Macho Hunk

Hunk Rana Daggubati is on a roll. Only the other day, he signed up to do the Hindi comedy-drama Housefull 4. He got the role that Nana Patekar had vacated.  And now comes the news that the Baahubali villain will romance Sai Pallavi in a movie to be produced by Sudhakar Cherukuri. The big news about this project is that Sai Pallavi will be its heroine.   Venu Udugula, who directed the critically overrated Needhi Naadhi Oke Katha, will wield the megaphone. Now that he has impressed Rana Dagubatti & the Fidaa girl. Sai Pallavi awaits the release of Sharwanand-Hanu Raghavapudi’s Padi Padi Leche Manasu on 21^st Dec, 2018.

Rehamanan The Anchor Turns An Actor In Vanilla

Handsome, well built & eloquent speaker Rehmanan is making a big leap from anchoring to acting. He was a strong contender in Big Boss Season 3. He is all set to star in his 1^stever film titled Vanilla as a researcher & caring brother to female protagonist Swathi Konde in the film. A news reader in a very popular television channel Rehaman was picked for this film Vanilla by director Jayathirtha for his looks & Kannada diction. Rehaman has already acted in Gara Kannada cinema in the direction of advocate turned director Muralikrishna. In Gara he is hero with a negative shade. It is in post production stage.

Trisha Makes A Request To Sun TV

The pure romance film 96 starring Vijay Sethupathi & Trisha has appealed to all sections of the audiences & it is one of the biggest hits of 2018 considering its budget.  The film directed by Premkumar & produced by Nandagopal has been snapped up by Sun Group for Satellite broadcast. Sun TV has scheduled 96 as one of its high profile Diwali day telecasts on 6^th Nov, 2018 much to the chagrin of the fans, the cast & the crew.  Trisha has sent out a request stating “It’s just our 5^th week and we still have 80% occupancy in all theatres. We as a team feel it’s unfair to be premiering 96 this early. So it’s our request to push it to a Pongal viewing please. Will be grateful” It remains to be seen if the television giant relents or telecast the much loved movie as advertised.

Vishal – Tamannaah’s New Movie Launched

Vishal and Tamannaah Bhatia shown to user

Trident Arts, the popular production & distribution company celebrated its 25^th year anniversary recently in which many Kollywood celebrities were present. The 4^th production under the banner was jointly launched by Samuthirakani & Sasikumar. The untitled project has Vishal & Tamannaah as the lead pair reuniting after Kaththi Sandai. Sundar C is helming the project and this will be his 3^rd film with Vishal after Aambala & the unreleased film Madha Ghaja Raja.

‘ABCD’ In Last Schedule & Release Date Sealed

‘ABCD’ (standing for “American Born Confused Desi”), starring Allu Sirish as the hero, is gearing up for a release on 8^th Feb, 2018. The remake’s final schedule is currently on in India. “The entire shooting will be completed by 15^th Dec, 2018.” says debutante director Sanjeev Reddy. Rukshar Dhillon of Krishnarjuna Yuddam fame is the heroine. Famous child artiste Bharath will be seen as the hero’s friend. The son of Sirivennela Seetharamasasthri Raja, Kota Srinivasa Rao & Subhaleka Sudhakar is also part of the cast. Produced by Madhura Sridhar Reddy on Madhura Entertainments banner in association with BigBen Cinemas’ Yash Rangineni, its music is by Sandalwood music director Jodha.

Adah Sharma Upbeat About Rajasekhar’s ‘Kalki’

Adah Sharma, who was recently famously seen in Puri Jagannadh’s Heart Attack & the thriller Kshanam, has bagged a female lead’s role in Rajasekhar’s upcoming investigative thriller, Kalki. And the Commando actress is gung-ho about it.   “My next Telugu film will be Kalki. I always try to do something different & like Heart Attack, Son Of Sathyamurthy & Kshanam, I hope I can bring something new to this film too! I am super happy to be the leading lady in a film directed by Prasanth Varma,” she writes. Prasanth this year debuted with the multi-genre Awe!.   “I am doing a period film after 1920 & Rajasekhar garu & a producer like C Kalyan will bring the grand scale that is required for a film like this. I am thrilled that they chose me to play the leading lady. Can’t wait to start! Need all your love & blessings,” Adah further writes.

East Coast Vijayan’s New Film Announced

East Coast Vijayan, a well-known Malayali lyricist, is credited with changing the dynamics of Malayalam video album songs. The news is that he is going to direct a feature film In the past, he has done 2 movies, namely Mohabath & Novel. His new outing is titled Chila New Gen Nattu Visheshangal and it is expected to be yet another family entertainer. Written by S L Puram Jayasurya, it will have music by M Jayachandran. “Their combination has produced some of the most memorable melodies of Malayalam. Jayachandran has composed the songs for the film and this is a highly anticipated part. KJ Yesudas, P Jayachandran, Sankar Mahadevan & Shreya Ghoshal will render their voice to these songs,” a source says.

Jeetu Joseph Maker Of ‘Aadhi’ Starts His Bollywood Debut Film

Drishyam fame Malayalam director Jeethu Joseph has started the work on his bollywood debut film. The director informed the matter through social media .The bollywood actors Emraan Hashmi & Rishi Kapoor will play important roles in this film. The director shared a couple of photos from the movie’s sets on his social media Facebook’s page. The movie is being produced by Sunil Kheterpal & will be presented by Viacom 18 Motion Pictures. According to the makers, it is a crime thriller with elements of horror. It is said to be the remake of Spanish thriller The Body, which was released in the year 2012.

Anupama Gowda Doing Suhasini Role In ‘Bah’

The talented actress of the small screen arena namely Anupama Gowda is taking up a big task in a feature film. She had acted in Aa Karala Rathri of director Dayal Padmanabhan. She caught attention at Big Boss 5 competition. She was noticed prior to that for her Akka TV serial. A good performer today Anupama Gowda is doing the role of what Suhasini Manirathnam had done in K Balachander’s Kannada cinema Benkiyalli Aralida Hoovu. The title of this film is used once again & the character of Anupama Gowda is 21^st century’s Suhasini Manirathnam’s role. It is in this film that Dr Kamal Haasan played the role of bus conductor.

Mumbai Bollywood and television celebrities attended a grand Diwali bash hosted by producer Ekta Kapoor at her residence here.

The attendees on Tuesday night included Shraddha Kapoor, Arbaaz Khan, Giorgia Andriani, Nitesh Tiwari, Ashwiny Iyer Tiwari, Mona Singh, Shabana Azmi, Tusshar Kapoor, Sophie Choudry, Karishma Tanna, Tina Ahuja, Urvashi Dholakia, Nushrat Bharucha, Karan Johar, Kiara Advani, Shilpa Shetty, Raj Kundra, Shabir Ahluwalia, Kanchi Kaul, Anita Hassanandani and Rohit Reddy.

In the photos, Mouni Ganguly is seen wearing a beige coloured lehenga choli with a pair of statement earrings, while Krystle D’Souza donned a green floral print asymmetrical gown with trumpet sleeves.

Karishma wore a corset style blouse and golden lehenga skirt with a complimentary dupatta. Mona wore a black long kurti and palazzo pants whereas Urvashi looked pretty in a simple black lehenga and a pink dupatta draped in saree style.

The new lovebirds in town Himansh Kohli and Neha Kakkar were also present at the party.

Neha Dhupia also arrived at the party in her full pregnancy glow and accompanying her was husband Angad Bedi.

“Dilwale” actress Kriti Sanon reached the venue in a red outfit. Popular director and father of Varun Dhawan, David Dhawan also graced the party with his presence. The director was joined by his wife.

Meanwhile, the couples of television namely Divyanka Tripathi and Vivek Dahiya, Karan Patel and Ankita Bhargava, Karan Kundrra and Anusha Dandekar were snapped while making their way towards Ekta’s bash.

(IANS)

Delhi Sikh Gurudwara Management Committee (DSGMC) general secretary, Manjinder Singh Sirsa on Monday filed a complaint against Bollywood actor Shah Rukh Khan for allegedly hurting the sentiments of the Sikh community in his upcoming venture Zero.

In a complaint filed at the North Avenue Police Station, Sirsa has said that they have received a number of complaints from the Sikh Sangat.

In the complaint, Sirsa alleged that in the promo of the movie, actor Shah Rukh Khan has been shown wearing ‘Gatra Kirpan’ (Article of Sikh Faith) in their movie promo which has created an outrage among Sikh community worldwide.

The Akali Dal legislator told the police that according to the Sikh Rehat Maryada only an ‘Amritdhari Sikh’ can wear Gatra Kirpan. He further urged the police to lodge FIR against the movie.

He further said that in the promo, the film star not only appears wearing the Kirpan but also the poster shows the star in a lighter mood thereby further showing the Sikh article of faith in a lighter vein. He added that Sikhs cannot tolerate such mischievous acts either in films or in real life. Sirsa further added, “Sikh Guru Sahiban have given enough power and strength to the Sikhs to fight with such situations if they arise in their life.”

The film Zero is an upcoming venture of Shah Rukh Khan, and also features Katrina Kaif and Anushka Sharma. It has been directed by Anand L. Rai.