Archives for 2017

HARD POWDER INTERNATIONAL RIGHTS ALMOST SOLD

Upcoming action thriller Hard Powder, starring Liam Neeson, has sold almost all international rights, with US under negotiation, European film – TV group
Studiocanal stated recently said. The sale of the Rocky Mountains set movie to 9 of the dozen biggest markets for international productions marks the 1st ever to independent distributors for a big title at this year’s Berlin Film Festival. Hard Powder, which is fully financed & sold by Studiocanal, will be distributed directly by the company in its 4 home territories: UK, France, Germany & Australia – New Zealand. The other major licensing deals comprise of. Italy (Eagle), Spain (A Contracorriente Films), Latin America (Leda Films), China (Bona Films) & Scandinavia (Svensk). Other territories sold include Benelux (The Searchers), Poland (Monolith), Eastern Europe (Freeman), Greece (Spentzos), Middle East (Salim Ramia), South Africa (Times Media), Indonesia (PT Amero) & Singapore (Shaw). Japan is in final talks. A number of other territories are still in negotiation, but Anna Marsh, Studiocanal’s head of international film sales, is confident that, apart from North America, Hard Powder will be sold out soon after the European Film Market. Hard Powder stars Neeson as a snowplow driver and pillar of his Colorado community whose life is up -ended by his son’s killing at the hands of a powerful local drug lord. The film is written by Frank Baldwin, directed by Hans Petter Moland & produced by Pulp Fiction’s Michael Shamberg. It is due to go into production next month, shooting at varied locales in Canada. Although the script was sent to buyers just a week before the Berlinale, international sales were boosted by Neeson & Shamberg’s visit to the EFM.

STALIN PROVES A HOT TITLE

On top of selling to IFC Films for North America rights, Armando Iannucci’s The Death Of Stalin has pre – sold to several other territories at EFM, where Gaumont is shopping the pic. Gaumont has inked pre -sales for Switzerland (Ascot Elite), Poland (Kinoswiat), Greece & Romania (Odeon), Israel (Lev films), former Yugoslavia (MCF Megacom), Baltics (Latvian Theatrical Distribution). Previous sales were closed with Madman in Australia & Concorde in Germany. Gaumont is in negotiations to close deals for UK, Latin America, Hungary, CIS & Portugal. The sale to IFC Films followed a bidding war that involved several distributors, including A24 & The Orchard, according to insiders. Adapted from the French graphic novel by Fabien Nury & Thierry Robin, The Death Of Stalin is a comic look at how Joseph Stalin’s stroke in 1953 threw USSR into chaos and inspired a mad power grab among his top advisers. Iannucci, who earned critical acclaim for In The Loop, Veep & The Thick Of It, wrote the screenplay of The Death Of Stalin with David Schneider & Ian Martin with additional material by Peter Fellows. The picture was produced by Main Journey, Yann Zenou & Laurent Zeitoun’s Montreal based banner & Quad Films, the Paris based outfit ran by Nicolas Duval – Adassovsky, Zenou & Zeitoun. The cast includes Jason Isaacs, Steve Buscemi, Simon Russell Beale, Rupert Friend, Michael Palin & Jeffrey Tambor.

SHUDDER ACQUIRES SLASHER MOVIE LAKE BLOOM

Shudder, the AMC Networks backed genre
streaming service, has picked up exclusive US, Canada & UK rights to the Finnish slasher film Lake Bodom in advance of its premiere at SXSW. Fabien Westerhoff’s Film Constellation is handling worldwide sales in Berlin. Wrter / Director Taneli Mustonen’s film, inspired by real – life events, follows 4 teenagers on a pilgrimage to Lake Bodom, the site of a brutal killing of a group of teenagers in 1960s, where they quickly find themselves repeating history. The film, nominated for 3 Finnish Film Awards including “Best Film”, will be available to stream exclusively on Shudder starting May, 2017. Aurelie de Troyer, VP, global acquisitions, averred: “Lake Bodom perfectly complements the service’s wide – ranging slate of exclusive content, as we continue to grow the variety of thrilling, suspenseful & horror film & TV content available to Shudder subscribers.” Don Films’ Aleksi Hyvarinen, Lake Bodom’s producer & co -writer, averred: “We are absolutely thrilled to be bringing Lake Bodom to a wider audience with Shudder following its successful festival run.” Shudder debuted its 1st ever exclusive premiere in Oct, 2016 with the supernatural miniseries Beyond The Walls. Recent & upcoming exclusives include Sadako vs. Kayako, Dearest Sister, Blind Sun, Always Shine & Prevenge.

FILM MOVEMENT ACQUIRES AMNESIA

New York based distributor Film Movement has secured North American rights to Amnesia, the latest film from Barbet Schroeder. The announcement was made at Berlin Film Festival. Film Movement will open Amnesia theatrically at the Cinema Village in New York before a VOD bow on 21st Jul, 2017 and then a home – video release. Film stars Marthe Keller & Max Riemelt. Film played in 2015 Cannes. “Barbet Schroeder is a master of character studies,” averred Film Movement’s president Michael E. Rosenberg. “And Amnesia is no exception.” Film Movement’s recent acquisitions take in Andrzej Wajda’s Afterimage, Koji Fukada’s Harmonium & Jan Hrebejk’s The Teacher. Amnesia is sold by Les Films du Losange, the company Schroeder established in Paris in 1963.

SODA PICTURES MAKES ITS MOVE

Soda Pictures has acquired UK rights to action thriller Your Move from Premiere Entertainment Group, it announced recently. The film, which marks the directorial debut of singer – turned – actor Luke Goss, is currently in post production. Also starring Goss, alongside Robert Davi & Patricia De Leon, it tells the story of a man who must go to extreme lengths to discover what happened to his kidnapped wife & daughter. Soda intends to launch the film to coincide with the reunion concert tour of Bros, the 1980s’ pop band Luke performed in with his brother Matt. The reunion was originally intended as a one – off concert at London’s O2 Arena on 19th Aug, 2016, marking the anniversary of the band’s last concert in 1989. However, when that show sold out within a minute of going on sale the tour was expanded to include 6 further dates at the O2 and at other venues around UK in Aug, 2016. “We saw an excellent opportunity to distribute Your Move in UK in concert with Luke’s UK arena tour this summer,” averred Ed Fletcher, managing director of Soda Pictures. Premiere Entertainment Group, which is handling international sales, has secured deals for the film in many other markets including VSC for Canada, DBS Star for China, F. I. P. for France, Notorios for Italy, Aya Pro for Japan, California Filmes for Latin America, Flins y Piniculas for Spain, Moby Dick for South Korea, Pictureworks for India, Major Kantana for Thailand, Olin Arts for Turkey, Eagle for Middle East & Daro for Eastern Europe / Africa.

WARNER BROS RESTRUCTURES UK TV OPERATION

Warner Bros. is restructuring & consolidating its UK television development & production operations by bringing together its 5 UK production companies with London based Warner Bros International Television Production. The announcement, made recently by president of Warner Bros Worldwide Television Distribution Jeffrey R. Schlesinger, will see CEOs of UK production outfits Wall to Wall, Twenty Twenty, Ricochet, Yalli & Renegade report directly to Ronald Goes, executive vice – president of Warner Bros Worldwide Television Distribution. Schlesinger stated the move would offer the individual companies better access to the resources of the global production & distribution operations unit already based in London. It will see the companies work more closely with creative & business executives across the global group, designed to offer a more integrated strategic focus and greater ability for the companies to grow & broaden their local audiences while also creating more local versions of their shows around the globe. “With this restructure, we can better empower the experienced & the talented executives of our production companies here in UK to do what they do best – develop & produce great programming & franchises,” concluded Schlesinger. Wall to Wall produces celebrity genealogy show Who Do You Think You Are? for BBC. Twenty Twenty produces reality dating show First Dates for Channel 4.
LA LA LAND BAGS TOP PRIZE

Damien Chazelle’s La La Land dominated the 70th British Academy Film Awards recently, claiming 5 prizes including “Best Film”, “Best Director” & “Best Leading Actress” for Emma Stone. The triumph maintained the musical’s momentum through this year’s awards season ahead of the Oscars on 26th Feb, 2017. “I think film, when at its best, reveals there is more that ties us together than tears us apart,” averred producer Jordan Horowitz. Fellow producer Fred Berger praised UK industry for “challenging us and setting the bar.” Stone also averred, “The film was “one of the greatest working experiences of my life” and went on to thank BAFTA for bringing the industry together to “celebrate the positive gift of creativity, how it can transcend borders and make people feel a little less alone.” Composer Justin Hurwitz scored La La Land’s 1st ever award of the night for “Best Original music. Linus Sandgren also won the BAFTA for the film as “Best Cinematographer”. Casey Affleck claimed the “Best Actor” award for his performance in Kenneth Lonergan’s Manchester By The Sea,” which also won Lonergan the BAFTA for “Best Original Screenplay”. “This is an honor I’ll never forget,” averred Casey Affleck. “The reason I act is when I was a young kid my mom took me to Al – Anon meetings for children of alcoholics. It was therapy but it was acting and acting has sort of been that for me ever since.” BAFTA chair Jane Lush took the stage ahead of the ceremony’s official start, hitting the 1st of many political notes of the evening as she commented on diversity issues within the industry.

NAZI THEMED THRILLER SS – GB INVADES EUROPE

BBC Worldwide has pre – sold thriller SS -GB, which receives its world premiere at the Berlin Film Festival this week, across Europe. The counter factual series, set in a Nazi – occupied Britain post – World War II, stars Sam Riley & Kate Bosworth. It has been licensed to Germany (RTL), Croatia (Pickbox), Sweden (SVT), Greece (Cosmote), Israel (HOT / Cellcom), Iceland (RUV) & Poland (Showmax). SS-GB, a Sid Gentle Films production, will appear on BBC First Channels in Africa, Australia, Benelux & Middle East, as well as UKTV in New Zealand. The series was adapted from Len Deighton’s 1978 novel by screenwriters Neal Purvis & Robert Wade, whose credits include Skyfall & Spectre. In the series, Hitler’s Germany has defeated Britain and the population of 1940s Britain struggles to adjust to life under German occupation.

MILLENNIM FILMS IN SALES TALKS

Avi Lerner’s Millennium Films / Nu Image may be in sale talks with Chinese financier Recon group, according to reports. Bloomberg News recently reported 2 unnamed sources close to Recon suggesting that Recon might attempt to buy Los Angeles based producer & sales agent Millennium. Bloomberg’s sources stated that Recon might use Shenzhen – listed subsidiary Recon Wenyuan Cable. Recon is headed by Chinese businessman Tony Xia (aka Xia Jiantong.) In 2016 Recon bought control of the English soccer club Aston Villa in a deal reported to have been worth $101 million. Millennium, which has previously produced The Expendables action franchise movies, is known to have been in talks with several Chinese firms over the past year. Sources in China have put the asking price north of $300 million. The company has regularly turned to China for movie finance. Parts of The Expendables franchise were financed in association with China’s Le Vision Pictures, part of the LeEco cluster of companies. Earlier this week in Berlin, it was announced that Chinese distributor & financier Hishow had come on board 2 of Millennium’s current movies, Hunter Killer & Escobar. Recon bought Aston Villa from American businessman Randy Lerner. The relationship, if any, between between Randy Lerner & Avi Lerner is currently unclear. Aston Villa reported that Recon is a “privately owned holding company that owns the controlling interest in 5 publicly listed companies on Hong Kong & Chinese stock exchanges.”

HISHOW SNARES HUNTER KILLER & ESCOBAR
China’s Hishow Entertainment has boarded a pair of upcoming movies from Nu Image /Millennium Films: Hunter Killer & Escobar. The deal is one of the biggest completed so far at the European Film Market, alongside the Berlin Film Festival, and also one of the biggest by a Chinese indie in recent months. The Chinese distributor – investor has paid more than $10 million to buy into 2 films. In both cases it is co – financing the movies and acquiring distribution rights for China. Nu Image / Millennium produces the Expendables series, which also has Chinese co – producers. Directed by Donovan Marsh, Hunter Killer features Gerard Butler as an untested American captain who teams with Navy Seals for a mission to rescue the Russian president. Butler has significant name – recognition in China after the success there of London Has Fallen. Gary Oldman & Billy Bob Thornton also star in the action thriller, which was previously set up at Relativity but shifted after the company’s financial meltdown. Escobar, starring Penelope Cruz, Javier Bardem & Peter Sarsgaard, is a fact based drama about a female journalist who strikes up a relationship with the notorious Colombian drug lord. Fernando Leon de Aranoa directs; Bardem shares the production credits.

XXX: XANDER CAGE DRIVES TO $60 MILLION

Released last week, Vin Diesel starring action movie xXx: Return of Xander Cage sped off to a blistering start at the Chinese box office turnstiles and never needed to look in the rear – view mirror. In 3 days of release it grossed $60.2 million, according to data from local tracking service Ent Group. Paramount reported the figure at an estimated $61.9 million. With an opening $20.6 million on Fri, followed by $23.2 million on Sat, it had driven past the North American total of $41.6 million inside 2 days. On Sun it enjoyed a further $16.4 million. The film played a total of some 85,000 screenings per day, more than double the 2nd placed picture, Kung Fu Yoga. Within the film’s 3 day haul, IMAX screens amassed $6 million, the 2nd biggest Feb, 2017 opening in China behind the recent The Monkey King 2. IMAX reports that 8 of the film’s top 10 locations were IMAX theaters. (Prior to this weekend, xXx: Xander Cage had an international score of $114 million and a global total of $156 million.) A long way behind in 2nd place, Jackie Chan starring holdover Kung Fu Yoga earned $15.6 million. That propelled its total to $217 million after 16 days on release, including the Chinese New Year holiday period. Cook Up A Storm, a comedy action romance starring Hong Kong’s Nicholas Tse, started with over 51,000 screenings on its opening Fri, but the number of outlets were sliced back to 42,000 by Sun as its scored slipped. In its 3 opening it managed $12.2 million.

NETFLIX FINDS LOEV IN INDIA

Worldwide rights to Sudhanshu Saria’s critically acclaimed debut feature film, LOEV, has been acquired exclusively by Netflix Inc. Starring Shiv Pandit, Dhruv Ganesh & Siddharth Menon in principal roles, the film follows 3 friends on a weekend road trip as they struggle to define the boundaries between love & friendship. Written & directed by Saria, the film was jointly produced by Arfi Lamba & Katharina Suckale through their company Bombay Berlin Film Productions & Saria’s Four Line Films.
“The only reason I was even able to write this film was because I was sure it wouldn’t get made. So to find ourselves on the cusp of this kind of a prestigious, worldwide release is surreal!” Saria said. The film has played at more than 50 film festivals around the world including SXSW, Jeonju, BFI Flare,
Frameline & Hong Kong. Arfi Lamba averred, “We listen to scripts all day long and when something this honest, relevant & emotional comes along, you jump and that’s what we did. It’s just a pure win for me. Our audience truly is everywhere & Netflix makes it possible for us to reach them all, in 22
languages, with the push of a single button.” The film will be released worldwide on 1st May, 2017.

THUMBS UP FOR ‘DEAR MAYA’ TRAILER

Rahul Mittra, Filmmaker & CEO, Wave Cinemas hosted a gathering to unveil the trailer of their forthcoming release
DEAR MAYA. Producers Shobhna Yadav & Sandeep Leyzell were seen in upbeat mood with director Sunaina Bhatnagar. Imtiaz Ali who was there to support the team, happily introduced all the members & unveiled the trailer. Manisha Koirala who came accompanied by her mother spoke about the film and were seen catching up with the team especially young actors Shreya Chaudhry & Rohit Saraf who were visibly excited about their maiden film. Also, present were lyricist Irshad Kamil & composer Anupam Roy. DEAR MAYA is slated to release on 2nd Jun, 2017

FATIMA SANA SHAIKH JOINS ‘THUGS OF HINDOSTAN’ WITH AMITABH & AAMIR

Fatima Sana Shaikh, who made an impressive debut with DANGAL, joins the star – studded cast of Yash Raj Films’ forthcoming mega project THUGS OF HINDOSTAN. Cobv-starring Amitabh Bachchan & Aamir Khan, writer – director Vijay Krishna Acharya will be directing the film. This is the 2nd time Vijay Krishna Acharya (Victor) will be directing Aamir Khan after the blockbuster DHOOM 3. THUGS OF HINDOSTAN unites Amitabh Bachchan & Aamir Khan on screen for the 1st time ever and promises to be a larger than life, grand cinematic experience.
Writer – director Vijay Krishna Acharya averred, “The role of the girl is pivotal to the film so it was crucial for us to find the perfect fit. Through a rigorous round of auditions & action workshops, we found in Fatima Sana Shaikh a truly dedicated actor and a gifted performer of action. We are very happy to have found the perfect girl for our film. “The film began shooting on 1st Jun, 2017. Watch out for more details on the film in this space and keep counting the time till its release date of Diwali 2018.

AN AMERICA FILM FOR SALONY LUTHRA !!!!!

Assistant director of MUNNA BHAI MBBS and many other Hindi films, Vibha Gulati went on to Hollywood and make films like THE WAITING ROOM, THE INTERPRETER & a few more short films. Vibha has announced her next American film FORBIDDEN with Salony Luthra playing the lead. Salony Luthra is a popular face in the South Indian film industry. Vibha Gulati was looking for someone who acts well as an Indian born in America and also perform some action sequences. “I was confident with all the other required elements for the role but wanted to get the American accent right. For that, I researched & spent 3 weeks in US.”​ FORBIDDEN is about a girl who goes by her heart & pays a heavy price for it. It is based on a true story and when I read it, it shocked me. This time via Skype when I was in Budapest for an international project. Once again, the makers felt that my body language suited the character but were not convinced by my accent. They offered me the role on the condition that I had to develop an accent in a stipulated time”, avers Salony.​

ANNU KAPOOR IN MADHUR BHANDARKAR’S INTERNATIONAL FILM FOR BRICS

Remember Annu Kapoor playing an old man in his very 1st film EK RUKA HUA FAISLA? The versatile actor is all set to collaborate with National Award winning filmmaker Madhur Bhandarkar for an international film titled MUMBAI MIST that is a story about a beautiful bond between an old man & an orphan kid. The film will be part of “The Magnificent Five—Directors Collaboration Project for the BRICS Film Festival” where Madhr Bhandarkar is representing India, alongside globally – feted storytellers, Brazilian Walter Salles (THE MOTORCYCLE DIARIES fame), Chinese director – screenwriter Jia Zhangke, Russian storyteller Aleksey Fedorchenko & South African filmmaker Jahmil XT Qubeka.All 5 filmmakers will make 18 -minute shorts on the theme, “Where Has The Time Gone?. Chinese director Jia Zhangke will work as executive producer to put all 5 short films on the same theme, together to make a feature film that will be premiered in China this 21st Jun, 2017, while it will see theatrical release in China in Sept, 2017 followed by other countries. Madhur Bhandarkar will attend the China premiere & starts shooting for the film in a few days in Mumbai.

MILIND SOMAN BACKS ONTHERUN – A NATURAL HEALTH FOOD START UP

The health food brand Ontherun announced their association with India’s ultra endurance athlete & fitness evangelist, Milind Soman over a brunch soiree in Mumbai. The affiliation will bring on the table a power packed combination of Milind’s nutrition insights & the brand’s core purpose of creating products that are natural & healthy and taste great! Hosted by Shilpa Phadke, Founder & Director, Stayfit Enterprize Pvt Ltd & Milind Soman, the event brought out interesting health food facts by both the health conscious enthusiasts on the forefront. Shilpa shared her experience on why she felt that creation of Ontherun was the need of the hour, Milind elaborated on how the product has been his choice of the food while on his long runs and other events. Milind Soman shared, “I have never taken any supplements or have ever succumbed to any fad diets. I do make changes to my eating regime depending on my activity & my schedule; however, I always keep it simple and most importantly natural. I believe in its core ideology, it is something I live by. Working with Ontherun, gives me an opportunity to communicate with my followers & demystify the complexity around health food”.

ARVIND BABBAL TO MAKE FILMS AFTER MAKING 25 TV SERIALS

What strikes you as different in Arvind Babbal the versatile maker of TV serials like MAHAKUMB & SARASWATICHANDRA is that he is equally comfortable in making all types of television shows from historical, sci – fi, thriller, romance & drama based on relationships. Aravind Babbal has till date made as many as 25 TV serials, each belonging to a different genre. Aravind confesses that he had left directing SARASWATICHANDRA after directing 76 episodes for producer Sanjay Leela Bhansali when yet another production house took over the reins of making the serial and the subject went for a toss. Not only did Zarina Screwala ask him to make a film for UTV when he was directing CHHOTI MAA for them but also Sanjay Leela Bhansali had asked him to try his hand at making a film when he was making SARASWATICHANDRA for his production house. Aravind Babbal adds, “Kavita Barjatya also asked me to make a film for their home production but I just bade my time. I feel that the time is right now for me to make my foray into films.” Right now, Arvind Babbal is busy completing 2 scripts which he will direct into films in the next 2 years.

YRF & ABU DHABI COLLABORATE ON THE BIGGEST SHOOT OF ‘TIGER ZINDA HAI’

Yash Raj Films will shoot TIGER ZINDA HAI for 65 days in Abu Dhabi and this longest Hindi film will be filming in Abu Dhabi. TIGER ZINDA HAI is a sequel to the blockbuster film EK THA TIGER will be directed by Ali Abbas Zafar. TIGER ZINDA HAI starring Salman Khan & Katrina Kaif has commenced filming in Emirate on 4th May, 2017. Over 150 workers will be on site for a total of 100 days to create the film’s main set, many of whom helped to build the Star Wars set in Abu Dhabi in 2013. The production will also film at several other locales around Abu Dhabi before moving onto the set. A crew of 300 is expected to work on the production, with Abu Dhabi based freelancers working alongside crew members from India, US & UK. The UAE military is providing military equipment, including choppers during the shoot. Ali Abbas Zafar averred, “A film like TIGER ZINDA HAI requires a certain scale,
which we found in Abu Dhabi.” Salman Khan averred, “TIGER ZINDA HAI is a film of sizeable scale & context.” Katrina Kaif averred, “TIGER ZINDA HAI shifts to different locales across the globe, and Abu
Dhabi fits in perfectly with our story.”

TARZAN FAME HEMANT BIRJE’S DAUGHTER SONIA IN COMEDY DRAMA ‘HELLO DARLING’

Sonia Birje, daughter of the Tarzan fame, actor Hemant Birje joins the cast of the Hindi comedy play “Hello Darling” and will rub shoulders with seasoned actors like Vindu Dara Singh, Sheeba, Payal Goga Kapoor & Shaad Randhawa. Sonia Birje, who looks like some neo – noir femme fatale en route to her next kill is vigorously rehearsing for her role of a gorgeous beauty with all the actors for the play, revolving around the relationship of a husband & wife. It is produced & directed by Yogesh Sanghvi on a script by Mir Munir. “Hello Darling” defines the sensitiveness in the relation of a couple of not being a tyrant and at the same time not to betray. Earlier she has done modeling and also featured in a film down South. Unfortunately, her debut Hindi film could not see the light of the day. Sonia, who is
playing the role of Lalsa averred, “Theatre is always helpful for an actor as it enhances the acting prowess. Unlike a film, here there is no chance of a re – take. I have signed a film which will roll in Jun, 2017. I want to play all kinds of good roles, including art films too and like to be known as a
versatile actor”.

EKTA KAPOOR – KAREENA KAPOOR – SONAM KAPOOR – RHEA KAPOOR COME TOGETHER FOR ‘VEERE DI WEDDING’

Refuting to all the rumours, Ekta Kapoor has taken to social media to announce her excitement about coming together with Kareena Kapoor Khan, Sonam Kapoor & Rhea Kapoor for VEERE DI WEDDING. Balaji
Motion Pictures is on board to produce one of the most – awaited films, “VEERE DI WEDDING starring the gorgeous Kareena Kapoor Khan & Sonam Kapoor. Going against the typical announcement, the producer
couldn’t hold back from taking charge and gleaming with pride on her newest film and decided to put this up on her Instagram even before the official announcement was made by Ruchikaa Kapoor, Business Head of Balaji motion pictures.

SUMAN NEGI RISES LIKE A PHOENIX

Joining the bandwagon of model – turned -actresses in Bollywood, is Suman Negi, who has won the title of “Miss Meerut”. Suman Negi plays the lead in the romantic, suspense drama titled as BEIMAAN AASHIQ.
The film is directed by Sandeep Kumar for producer Kiran Kumar Titoriya. The film’s post – production is underway and is scheduled to release in Jun, 2017. Suman Negi completed her BA in Meerut. During her
studies itself she participated in varied modeling shows and also won the title of “Miss Meerut”. During that period she got a chance to act in a Mollywood film titled as DHAKAD CHORA which was super hit. One such film titled as KISMAT EK ANOKHA MODH was screened at Cannes Film Festival. Suman Negi averrd, “I am playing a character named Riya. She is intelligent, dashing & bold who is ready to face all kinds of problem at any given stages.” Many also said that she will step into their shoes once
this film hits the silver screen.” Kabir Khan, Anurag Tomar, Sachin Chobe, Bhupendar Titoriya, Ramandeep Kaur, Nishant Dilip Jain etc are also in its star cast. Sameer Sen has provided the musical score rendered by Babul Supriyo, Sadhana Sargam, Tisa Nigam, Udit Narayan etc.

DIVYA DUTTA IS ON A SIGNING SPREE

Being one of the very few actresses that do not stick to one image that works for them on – screen, Divya Dutta has paved her way into the industry like the strong woman that she is. She plays around with characters and refuses to stick to one stereotypical image of an actress. Ever since the success of her
book “Me And Ma” , Divya has been on a signing spree and has signed not 1 or 2 but 8 films that are a mixture of commercial & artsy films. She will be seen working with Irrfan Khan, Nawazuddin Siddique & Arunoday Singh. She is also extremely happy to work with director Rakeysh OmPrakash Mehra. Divya will soon be seen in BABUMOSHAI BANDOOKBAAZ with Nawazuddin Siddiqui and has begun shooting for RAITA with Irrfan Khan & director Abhinay Deo.

ZEENAT AMAN SINGS FOR NIKHIL KAMATH’S TUNE

Zeenat Aman sung a foot tapping number for music composer Nikhil Kamath for the upcoming web series LOVE LIFE & SCREW UPS soon to be released by Aum Web Studio. The song ”Yeh Hai Joaana” is a foot tapping retro number which also has dialogues by Zeenat Aman. She was so impressed with the composition after she heard the scratch that she herself agreed to sing the song and be a part of the song penned by VImal Kashyap. The song has a fun element and will bring the house down with its retro
beat. Zeenat Aman also praised Nikhil Kamath’s title song ”I’ll be with you when you’re happy” which is the title song of LOVE LIFE & SCREW UPS. Directed by Kapil Kaustubh Sharma & produced by Yuvraaj
Parashar the web series has already garnered over a miilion hits on you tube and is the most awaited web series to come.

ANUSHKA SHARMA TO STAR IN ‘PARI’

Anushka Sharma will now star in PARI, the next co – production of her banner Clean Slate Films with KriArj Entertainment, this being their 1st from the many, they plan to do together. Bengali star Parambrata Chatterjee will co – star in the film. Clean Slate Films has promoted & empowered new talent behind the camera to make qualitative cinema. Taking that forward, PARI will be directed by debutant, Prosit Roy. The film goes on the floors in Jun, 2017. KriArj Entertainment has had a superb beginning with RUSTOM, now doing another with Akshay Kumar in TOILET EK PREMKATHA. They have surged ahead to have an enviable line up of upcoming films like John Abraham starrer, Vishal Bhardwaj’s production. Anushka averred, “At Clean Slate Films, we get to work with new talent on newer ideas & innovative concepts. PARI is a great script and I have complete faith in Prosit’s vision as well as this collaboration with KriArj Entertainment.” Parambrata Chatterjee added, “I was impressed with the script & team of PARI, and loved the idea of working with Anushka Sharma. This film holds great promise and I look forward to its shoot soon.” PARI will go on the floors in Jun, 2017.

Suriya Adds 1 Million

Suriya, who has wide popularity in Andhra Pradesh & Telangana as well, now has 2 Million followers on Twitter. He is amongst the most followed South Indian film stars. The versatile actor has got a large chunk of female admirers, thanks to his looks. Ever since Ghajini, he has become a household name in the Telugu States. On Facebook, he has got about 1.8 Million followers. It was only in Jun, 2015 that he debuted on Twitter. And he reached the 1 Million mark in Jul last. Suriya now commands almost double the number of followers on Twitter compared to Kamal Haasan & Vijay. On the other hand, he is at least 2 Million followers away from reaching the numbers of Superstar Rajinikanth, who has 3.83 Million followers. His fans love his charity & welfare works, which he does also by leveraging his massive reach on social media.

Shruti Haasan Turns Vegan

Shruti Haasan like her Western counterparts, has also turned vegan. Shruti Haasan avers, “It’s still an ongoing process. I haven’t eaten beef or pork for years. I choose not to eat them for environmental & practical reasons.” She adds, “I’m not comfortable eating chicken because of the way poultry farms are maintained. It’s a health related decision. Also, only God knows what the milk that we buy contains. So, it seemed like a good option to avoid it. Having said that, I don’t know what’s there in our vegetables either. One can only hope to make a healthier choice.”

Rajnikanth To Meet His Fans

Rajinikanth is planning to meet his fans from 15th May, 2017 for a photo shoot session. Fans from 15 districts including Karur, Dindigul, Trichy, Kanyakumari & Tanjore will be participating in the 5 days photo shoot with Rajinikanth. Earlier Rajinikanth had canceled the photo shoot as fans wanted individual photo – op and expressed their disappointment over the group pic idea suggested by the organizers. After completing the photo shoot, Rajinikanth will be commencing his new film with director Pa Ranjith on 28th May, 2017 in Chennai. To be produced by Dhanush’s Wunderbar Films, Santhosh Narayanan has been roped in to compose music for this new Rajinikanth -Ranjith film.

Dhanush Wraps Up Vada Chennai

Dhanush wrapped up the 2nd schedule of Vada Chennai, and left for Brazil for the shoot of his Hollywood film. “For the past few days, the shoot of Vada Chennai was happening in a large slum set with Dhanush & Aishwarya Rajesh in Chennai. Directed by Vetri Maaran, Vada Chennai has Samuthirakani, Kishore & Andrea Jeremiah in important roles. Previously, Dhanush had announced that he would be commencing his Hollywood film in Mumbai on 14th May, 2017 but now, it looks there is a change in the schedule as the actor leftl abroad for almost 3 months. Based on the novel “The Extraordinary Journey Of A Fakir Who Got Trapped In An Ikea Cupboard”, Dhanush will be seen playing a storyteller, who falls in love with a woman in Paris and gets accidentally deported to Africa as a refugee.

Vanamagan Release Postponed To 23rd Jun 2017

Jayam Ravi’s Vanamagan has been pushed to 23rd Jun, 2017 due to Tamil Film Producers Council’s strike demanding State & Central Governments to increase the ticket price and curb piracy. In an official statement issued by Vanamagan director Vijay, he mentioned “Though we are fully ready for the scheduled release of the film on 19th May, 2017, Tamil Film Producer’s Council President Thiru Vishal has advised us not to release the film, as the Tamil film Industry is planning for a shutdown of new films release & shooting from 30th May, 2017 which will leave hardly 11 days for the film theaters. Even our distributors have cautioned us against releasing the film without this clarity on the proposed strike. We are left with no option other than postponing the film’s release to 23rd Jun, 2017.” Touted to be a romantic action entertainer set against the forest backdrop, Sayyeshaa Saigal plays Ravi’s pair in the film, which also has Prakash Raj & Thambi Ramaiah in pivotal roles. Harris Jayaraj has composed the background score & songs of Vanamagan & National Award winning cinematographer Tirru is in charge for visuals.

Nagma Meets Rajinikanth

Yesteryear leading actress & All India Mahila Congress General Secretary Nagma has recently met her Baasha co – star Rajinikanth at his Poes Garden residence in Chennai. Calling it a friendly meet, Nagma tweeted “In conversation with my favorite #co – star and friend #Rajnikant from Baasha met him today was so nice to catch up wth him in various issues”. Addressing the media on her meet with Rajinikanth, Nagma averred, “I wish Rajinikanth enters politics and I’m sure he will be successful in it. But to be clear, I didn’t meet him for political reasons, it was a friendly discussion”. Of late, political leaders including Prime Minister Narendra Modi are trying their best to convince him to gain his support.

Ajith Or Pawan Kalyan Or Vijay Or Allu Arjun?

Baahubali 2 has proved beyond any doubt that South Indian cinema has a huge reception around the globe if the content is original & culture based. Director Mani Ratnam actually was the one who tried to make Kalki’s celebrated novel “Ponniyin Selvan” a few years back with Vijay & Mahesh Babu as Vanthiyathevan & Aditya Karikalan. However the project was shelved due to non – viability. Here we have published a poll as to which South Indian combo would do justice to the immortal characters of Ponniyin Selvan. Whether it would be Ajith or Pawan Kalyan, Vijay or Allu Arjun, Vikram or Mahesh Babu, Suriya or Prabhas.

Trisha’s Response To Charmee’s Marriage Proposal

Trisha recently celebrated her birthday and wishes kept pouring from all quarters of the Indian film industry proving how popular she is amongst her contemporaries. Popular Telugu actress Charmee Kaur in her wish also posted a marriage proposal to Trisha and here is her fun filled reply to the same. Charmee has asked Trisha that she is hoping for a favorable reply to her marriage proposal at least this year. And Trisha too has replied that she has already agreed 1st time ever. Interesting fun talk between the 2 buddies.

Karthick Subbaraj May Direct Prabhu Deva Instead Of Dhanush?

Its been almost a year & a half since the announcement came that Iraivi director Karthick Subbaraj would be directing a new film with Dhanush in the lead to be produced by Sri Thenandal Films. However there is uncertainty over whether the Dhanush -Karthick Subbaraj project will begin anytime soon considering the tight schedule the busy actor has with Vada Chenna and his Hollywood film that begins mid – May, 2017. But now it seems that Karthick Subbaraj has decided to direct another film with Prabhu Deva in the lead which will begin in the last week of this month. It is however unclear whether Prabhu Deva has replaced Dhanush or if it is an entirely new project.

Pooja Held For Vijay’s Statue

Kollywood is not new when it comes to treating actors & actresses like demigods. During the early 90’s the fans of actress Khushboo had a statue erected and they almost worshipped it. Joining the bandwagon is our Ilayathalapathy Vijay, a video grab of fans doing Pooja to the actor’s statue has gone viral. The fans are seen chanting Vijay’s name including reciting as Bhairava Vijay (happens to be the actors previous movie). The video shows fans reciting in a style similar to how Iyyapa devotees embark on a sacred journey, they are seen chanting “kadavule Vijay, anbe Vijay, amudhe Vijay, et al” . It’s unsure if the actor has actually seen the footage for comment.

Jiiva’s Next To Be Completed In Just 1 Month!!!!!

Michael Rayappan’s Global Infotainment banner which has produced super hit films Nadodigal, Eetti & Miruthan is currently producing Anbanavan Asaradhavan Adangadhavan which is the 1st ever 3ple role film of Silambarasan. Now the banner has started another project and this has been titled as Kee. The film stars Jiiva & Nikki Galrani in lead roles. Kee is being directed by debutante Kaleesh, who has worked as an assistant director with Selvaraghavan. The supporting cast of the film includes Anaika Soti, RJ Balaji, Padma Surya, Rajendra Prasad, Suhasini, Mano Bala & Meera Krishnan. Vishal Chandrasekar is providing the musical score. Anish Tarun Kumar is the cinematographer. Nagooran is taking care of editing. Baba Basker is choreographing dance steps while art direction is by Ashok. The shooting of Kee commenced on 21st Apr, 2017, and the entire shooting will be wrapped up within 20th May, 2017.The entire shooting will be wrapped up in a single schedule.

Court’s Reply To Kamal Haasan’s Request

A few weeks ago, the district Magistrate Court in Valliyoor of Tirunelveli district had ordered actor Kamal haasan to to be present on 5th May, 2017 for the hearing of a case filed against him for his alleged comments against the great Indian epic Mahabharatha. On Wed, he filed a petition in the Madurai bench of Madras High Court to be released from the case and also exempt him from appearing in person to any Court in relation to this case. Today, the Madurai Bench which took up Kamal Haasan’s petition has exempted him from appearing in Valliyoor Court and also stayed the hearing of the case against the actor. This will be a great relief for the actor who has recently undergone quite a few personal loses and is also busy with the post – production of his mega budget film Viswaroopam 2.

Vivegam’s Teaser Coming Much Earlier

The teaser of Thala Ajith’s much awaited Vivegam was earlier announced to be launched on 18th May, 2017 raising the expectations of the fans. Now comes the news from director Siruthai Siva that the teaser will be out a week earlier. The shooting of the film in Bulgaria is also expected to complete in a weeks time and Thala & the team are expected to return in time for the event.

Samantha Ruth Prabhu’s Marriage Forces Star Walkout

Young director Karthick Naren made a huge splash with his Dhuruvangal 16 which has been lauded by celebrities of South Indian cinema. His follow up movie Naragasooran has 4 central characters belonging to the 4 states of the South. Accordingly, Arvind Swamy from Tamil & Naga Chaitanya from Telugu signed on to play the leads in Naragasooran. Only within a couple of days Shirya Saran & Indrajith Sukumaran were added to the cast. However in an unexpected twist, Naga Chaitanya has reportedly walked out of the project citing dates issues which some sections interpret as his impending marriage to Samantha Ruth Prabhu soon.

Vikram’s Dual Roles For Saamy 2

Hari is gearing up to direct the sequel to his 2003 blockbuster movie Saamy with Vikram reprising his role of the kickass deputy commissioner Aaru Saamy. Trisha and music director Harris Jayaraj already signed the project to be produced by Shibu Thameens. Latest developments on this front is that Keerthy Suresh has been signed on to play another heroine. Vikram is playing dual roles in Saamy 2, one as the deputy commissioner Aaru Saamy and the other as a modern younger cop. It is said that the sequel will involve all modern gadgetry and edge of the seat thriller elements.

Karthika Nair Becomes Devasena

Popular Bollywood director Goldie Behl is helming a historical series titled Arambh written by Maghadheera, Naan E & Baahubali creator Vijayendhra Prasad. The series is produced with a huge budget. Karthika Nair of Ko & Purambokku Enum Podhuvudamai fame is playing the central character of queen Devasena in Arambh. The lanky actress is undergoing vigorous training for the role including horse riding, sword fighting & elephant manning.

Reason For Nayanthara’s All Of A Sudden Portugal Visit

Nayanthara is definitely the top most amongst the heroines of Tamil cinema. She is currently acting in many films and she plays the solo lead in most of her upcoming projects. At the same time she is also acting with Sivakarthikeyan in the multi – starrer Velaikkaran directed by Mohan Raja. Amidst this busy schedule, Nayan has just landed in Portugal. The reason behind her sudden visit to the European nation, is that Nayan has been signed up to play the female lead in Telugu film Balam with Gopichand. The film has been in the making for quite a long time. Recently the makers completed all the portions and they were waiting for Nayanthara to shoot a couple of duet songs. To fulfill her commitment, Nayan has taken a leaf out of her busy schedule in Tamil and went to Portugal for the song shooting of Balam.