CUPID STRIKES NANA & MAHIE DANCING TO “ITTEFAQAN” – THE VALENTINE WALTZ
Shekhar S. Jha’s film WEDDING ANNIVERSARY captures the essence of cupid this Valentine as Nana Patekar does exquisite steps with Mahie Gill in a dance sequence from this romantic drama. “Every lover meets by chance is this whole wide world and suddenly 2 hearts start beating together. So romance happens “Ittefaqan” says singer – composer of this Valentine Waltz, Abhishek Ray. The 3 beat rhythm of blues – jazz composition is picturised by the director in an old Portuguese bungalow by the Sea at Goa. Nana & Mahie form an interesting couple looking into each other’s eyes, cutting a cake and dancing away to glory celebrating the quintessential spirit of Valentine. This romantic film capturing the journey of an unlikely couple on one fateful night is all set to release on 24th of this month. By the way, the producers of the film have spent a fortune shooting the dancy trance number “The Rainbow Song” on the roof of a cruise ship at Goa. This EDM track features the sultry Mahie Gill & Abhishek Ray (also the singer – composer) performing with a trippy crowd of a thousand foreign dancers. The snazzy electro sounds used in this foot tapping track with tight vocals by Abhishek Ray & Bhoomi Trivedi is catching up with the youth as a trendsetter.
PRIYANKA RAINA MAKES SHORT FILM PRIOR ‘ZINDAGI’ STARRING SAHILA CHADDHA
This time it is romantic cult comedy between 2 girls falling for the same boy. Dialogues are written by Monjoy Mukherji & story by Amarjeet. The movie is produced by Tanmay Bharadwaj & Online Media Partners BCR News, FilmyTown, Just Bollywood, Universal Newsline et al. “I sat on dialogues for more than a week before we could lock our script. Also then came the cast, and I announced Auditions (Exclusive only for Theater actors) at studio to get my cast. My movie Love Lust And Locha is a performance based act and I am lucky to have got the best cast from my auditions. Lead actors are Sabir Shaikh, Nandini & Ankita”, Priyanka Raina adds.
WHY DEEPIKA & SHAHID WILL SET THE SCREEN ABLAZE WITH THEIR CHEMISTRY
We cannot wait for Deepika & Shahid’s sizzling chemistry in PADMAVATI. It will be very interesting to see them opposite Ranveer Singh who has wooed Deepika on screen in RAMLEELAA and off screen as well. Bhansali has officially clarified that there is no dream sequence or any objectionable scene between Rani Padmavati (Deepika Padukone) & Allauddin Khilji (Ranveer Singh). After Shahid posted his picture with an award Deepika commented “Congratulations” followed by “I love you.” Not to mention, Shahid had also attended the special premiere of Deepika’s XXX: RETURN OF XANDER CAGE and appreciated her on social media as well. Both the stars are looking in great shape right now and to see them paired together will definitely set the screen on fire. Both the stars are known for the extra effort they put in the roles they take up. Whats more? Bhansali is known for working out magic between his actors. Shahid & Deepika’s fresh pairing will give the industry a never – seen – before Jodi. Padmavati & Rawal Ratan Singh have got our hearts racing already!
SHEMAROO & GREEN APPLE MEDIA TO PRESENT ‘MIRZA JUULIET’!
The film MIRZA JUULIET is produced by Falansha Media Pvt Ltd and is being presented jointly by Shemaroo Entertainment Pvt Ltd & Green Apple Media. MIRZA JUULIET is a unique love story of the lead pair Dharshan Kumar & Pia Bajpai in the backdrop of Banaras and cast also includes Chandan Roy Sanyal & Priyanshu Chatterjee in important roles. Director of the film is Rajesh Ram Singh. Ketan Maru the Senior Vice President of Film Production Division says, “I saw the film and related with the genre of the film. We have presented films like DEDH ISHQIYA & HUNTER which were unique subjects. I believe in the content of MIRZA JUULIET and has the potential to click with masses. Neeraj Kumar Burman of Green Apple Media says, “It is a unique subject & I am co – presenting it with Shemaroo Entertainment and intend to make more films with Shemaroo. It is my 1st venture in the entertainment industry.” The film is slated to release in Apr, 2017.
MAHESH BHATT SAYS DON’T WATCH THE FILM ‘MONA_DARLING’
The industry is known to be a tight knit family but it came as a surprise when Mahesh Bhatt stated “dont watch” Anshuman Jha & Sanjay Suri’s MONA_DARLING which is releasing on 24th Feb, 2017. Mahesh Bhatt was overheard saying in an interview with Anshuman Jha, who stars in the film, to not watch this Social Media based whodunnit thriller. The irony being he had said the same thing for SADAK 26 ago where he quoted “that don’t watch my film SADAK if you dont have the stomach for it”. With actors backing each other and promoting their films, this one comes as a shocker with Bhatt Saab saying not to watch this young film by probably the youngest producer in Bollywood. On touching base with an amused Anshuman Jha, he stated, ‘I am shocked & happy – Shocked because he said “Don’t” watch MONA_DARLING & Happy because he compared us with SADAK. I would love to show him our film.”
CHANDAN ROY SANYAL IN NANDITA DAS’ ‘MANTO’
Chandan Roy Sanyal has been roped in to play a crucial role in MANTO, directed by Nandita Das. Last seen in Sanjay Gupta’s
JAZBAA where he was seen playing a rapist, Chandan will now be seen essaying the role of a very dear friend of Manto’s who affected his life majorly. “It’s a great opportunity to playing a pivotal role in MANTO. I have always been a big fan of his short stories. So when Nandita Das called me and offered me the role in her film I was ecstatic. I am trying to define my career now and give it a definite shape & structure.”
Nandita Das says, “Chandan plays a writer of great repute and I am convinced that he will bring great amount of authenticity & dignity to the character”. Chandan will also be seen this year playing John Leguizamo’s character from the film CHEF in the Indian adaptation of the Hollywood movie where Saif Ali Khan
will be seen playing Jon Favreau’s character. The actor also has a crucial role in Imtiaz Ali’s next REHNUMA which stars Shah Rukh Khan & Anushka Sharma in the lead. “The year starts with MIRZAA JUULIET which releases in Apr, 2017. Followed by Adhikari Brother’s film their first film production directed by debutante Ravi Adhikari. After which I have CHEF with Saif Ali Khan & REHNUMA by Imtiaz Ali and my very favourite Shah Rukh Khan. They are all roles of different kinds, age & emotional graphs.” shares Chandan.
MUSIC ALBUM ‘CHUBHAN – EK EHSAAS’ LAUNCHED
Ssan Media & Entertainment’s music album, CHUBHAN – EK EHSAAS, was launched on 7th Feb, 2017 at Wave & Frame Studios. It will be a compilation of 5 songs. The 1st song was rendered by Sa Ra Ga Ma 2010 runner up Nazim K. Ali under the supervision of music director Raj Inder Raj. The song was penned by well – known writer & poet Sanjay ‘Amaan’. The album is produced by Anita S. Sharma, Samiksha S. Sharma & Abdul Qadeer. The launching saw many celebrity guests like pop singer Parvati Khan, veteran ghazal singer Chandan Dass, actor & stand -up comedian Sunil Pal, actress Leena Kapoor et al.
‘HAADSA – BY CHANCE’ ANNOUNCED
Filmmaker Deep Sharma is all geared up to launch his maiden Hindi directorial debut with a racy new age cinema HAADSA – BY CHANCE under the banner of P. C. Entertainment. The announcement was made recently at Hotel Orritel. Deep Sharma has earlier made a Punjabi film, DAUD…….
RACE FOR LOVE. He was an associate writer with Lalit Mahajan and assisted director Raj Kumar Kohli too. After short stints in television & ad commercials, he is back with this film as a writer – director. Television actor Harshad Chopra mainly recognized for his role of Prem Juneja in Balaji’s KIS DESH MEIN HAI MERAA DIL plays the lead opposite new comer Aayat Sheikh. Umesh Rai is the director of photography. Karishma Ramnani & Rajkumar Singh of ATE (Academy of Training & Enhancement) are business consultants of this film. Other cast featuring veteran actors & technicians are under finalization. The shooting schedule for the film will be held from the end of Mar, 2017 in Agra and the balance portions will be shot in Mumbai.
MADHURI DIXIT NENE TEACHES VARUN & ALIA THE “TAMMA TAMMA” STEP
Alia says that she was “super excited & nervous“about her meeting with the dancing diva. “People don’t want you to mess with iconic songs and an entire generation has grown up on “Tamma Tamma“. It’s back again but the idea is not to recreate it but pay our homage to it. It’s integrated in the story. Fortunately, Madhuri was really cool about it. And I am so glad she found it to be cute & fresh, and said, “I like it”. We also had the privilege of learning the original hook step from her. It was too much fun,“ Varun says that It was amazing to see how she noticed which were the steps we took from the original and how the song has been shot. She really enjoyed the new mix and the mannequin challenge..She was happy with the way we presented it since we had our own take and then we asked her a lot of questions about how many days they shot the original in. She was really sweet & infected then we learnt the original step from her. Varun Dhawan & Alia Bhatt also showed them the video of the song “Tamma Tamma” Again, a re – created version of the latter’s original hit as a mark of love & respect, Varun Dhawan & Alia Bhatt showed the video of their song “Tamma Tamma” Again (from BADRINATH KI DULHANIA) to Sanjay Dutt, after showing it to Madhuri Dixit – Nene. The “Tamma Tamma” track was originally composed by Bappi Lahiri for THANEDAAR (1990), starring Sanju & Mads in the lead. Varun has grown up watching Sanju on the sets of his dad David Dhawan’s films. Dutt had done a cameo in Rohit Dhawan’s debut film DESI BOYZ, while Mads had done the item song “Makhna” in David’s BADE MIYAN CHOTE MIYAN. Alia, too, has a emotional connect with Sanju Baba as her father Mahesh Bhatt has been a mentor of sorts to him.”
THE RUSSIAN ACTION EXTRAVAGANZA ‘GUARDIANS – THE SUPERHEROES’ TO RELEASE IN INDIA
Following the Indo – Russian cultural pact sealed in Oct last year, many Russian films are expected to make their way in India. The 1st ever Russian film to have a day & a date release will be a superhero action extravaganza titled GUARDIANS – THE SUPERHEROES. The film directed by Sarik Andreasyan, the Armenian behind hits like EARTHQUAKE & AMERICAN HEIST; stars
Russian actors Alina Lanina, Sebastien Sisak, Sanzhar Madiyev & Anton Pampushnyy. Confirming the film’s release in India, Murli Chhatwani of Muviwale Entertainment, the firm that has acquired the film for its theatrical release in India, said, “We have received a huge response for the trailer of the film & will release the film in Hindi, English, Tamil & Telugu on 24th Feb, 2017. ”Jiten Hemdev, of Star Entertainment Pvt Ltd who bought the rights from the Russian Production house for India said, “The film was in news from the time of its inception and has been creating a lot of positive buzz. Hence we decided to bring it here for our Indian audiences.” Touted as one of the biggest superhero films internationally and in the same league as Hollywood superhero franchises, the film will release in around 50 countries including USA, UK, Germany, China, South Africa to name a few. Looking at the buzz the film has created, a sequel has already been green – lit”.
AMANDA SODHI DROPS DEBUT HINDI SINGLE “MAIN KHAALI” MALVIKA SUBHASH SIRUR
After a catchy R & B single “Behind My Sunglasses,” which even A R Rahman Tweeted about, singer – songwriter – filmmaker Amanda Sodhi has now dropped her debut Hindi single, “Main Khaali”. Malvika Subhash Sirur, which those going through heartbreak will relate to.”Main Khaali” is a song that will always be close to my heart for all it signifies personally & professionally – it took just a little under 2 years for this 3 – minute song to see the light of the day, but it has been worth it,” said Amanda Sodhi. “Main Khaali” explores the perfect fairy tale that never happens and the idea of setting yourself up for failure when you look for traces of your past in new people you meet.” “It has been a roller coaster ride in making “Main Khaali” reach where it is today” said Malvika Subhash Sirur, who has recorded guitar for the song and features in the music video.” She is currently in post – production for a documentary about the independent music scene called “Attention Please”, which she co – directed with K. J. Singh, and is gearing up for the release of another Hindi single and an English rap. Her earlier releases “Behind My Sunglasses” & “Jigsaw Puzzle” made it to OK Listen’s top charts within a matter of weeks.
CARNIVAL CINEMAS LAUNCHES ITS NEWEST 2 SCREEN PROPERTY IN MANDSAUR, MP
Dr Shrikant Bhasi led Carnival Cinemas launched its newest 2 screens property in Mandsaur on 10th Feb, 2017 in association with Tirupati Plaza. Renowned actress Sanaa Khan inaugurated it with much fanfare. Having the seating capacity of 310 seats, Carnival Cinemas Mandsaur is equipped with world class 2K Digital Projection Technology, Dolby 7.1 surround sound, high luminosity 3D screens, lavish interiors, luxurious seating arrangements, a wide array of F&B and the best – in – class services at pocket friendly prices. PV Sunil, Director & CEO, Carnival Cinemas, said, “With Carnival opening at Mandsaur with JOLLY LLB2, we are very happy to dedicate it to the citizens of the city. The residents of Mandsaur don’t need to travel long hours to get the premium movie watching experience. Our aim is to provide state – of -the – art technology & services to our patrons at a reasonable price. We are planning to open 150 screens in the state by 2017. In line with our international & national expansion plans, we have some serious growth plans in Madhya Pradesh as well. In sync with our current growth plans, we have signed up MoU’s with Governments of Jharkhand & Odisha for setting up 75 theatres – cum – recreation zones and 150 screens in the respective states. It will enable the Group’s vision of holding 1000 screens globally by 2017.”
ANUSHKA & DILJIT LAUNCH NEW ‘PHILLAURI’
POSTER!!!
The PHILLAURI trailer broke the internet with an unprecedented, more than 10 million views in less than a day on digital platforms (Facebook & YouTube), the highest for any romantic (genre) Hindi film!!! The entertaining & engaging said PHILLAURI’s
unique story got the audience completely hooked on. The most popular parts of the trailer are Anushka’s role as that of a friendly ghost who inadvertently gets entangled in a typically crazy Punjabi wedding & Diljit Dosanjh with whom the spirit has a deep, beautiful love story from the past. The 1st time on – screen pairing of Anushka Sharma & Diljit Dosanjh has become an instant hit. With PHILLAURI, Diljit Dosanjh acts in his 1st mainstream lead role in Hindi film, having made a huge mark in UDTA PUNJAB last year. Co – producers, Fox Star Studios & Clean Slate Films stated, “The PHILLAURI trailer has worked with audiences because it’s refreshing & entertaining. Together, their chemistry & spark extend the film’s reach and will appeal to audiences universally.” The makers have now released another poster of the film PHILLAURI, directed by debutante Anshai Lal & written by Anvita Dutt, has been produced by Fox Star Studios & Clean Slate Films (Anushka’s production banner with brother Karnesh Sharma), is set to release on 24th Mar, 2017.
AMOL GUPTE’S ‘SNIFF’ SLATED FOR RELEASE ON 5TH MAY 2017
The official poster of Amole Gupte directed, a Trinity Pictures franchise, SNIFF is slated to release on 5th May, 2017. A fun promotional video has been especially shot to introduce the lead character Sunny Gill and his squad, Agents of SNIFF. Sunny Gill, India’s youngest spy super hero is all set to hit theaters on 5th May, 2017 with the release of Trinity Pictures’ SNIFF directed by Amole Gupte. The makers got the cast of the film to shoot a fun promotional digital video on what it takes to sniff out crime. From the PM being on your speed dial to drug syndicates gunning for them, Sunny Gill and his agents of sniff make it look all too easy.
AYUSHMANN & BHUMI IN QUIRKY ROM – COM ‘SHUBH MANGAL SAAVDHAN’
2 years since their 1st outing, Ayushmann & Bhumi will come together again for another quirky love story titled SHUBH MANGAL SAAVDHAN, directed by R S Prasanna, that will be jointly produced by Aanand L Rai & Eros International. The film will be shot in Delhi & Haridwar in a start – to – finish schedule and will release in Aug this year. Coincidentally , the lead pair’s 1st film was also set in Haridwar. Producer Aanand L Rai says, “SHUBH MANGAL SAAVDHAN is a funny & layered story. These are the kind of stories I’ve identified with, right from the time I made TANU WEDS MANU. It is a simple narrative with an interesting bend and the reason I cast Ayushmann & Bhumi is that they fit the bill perfectly for this part. They are the sort of actors I could be friends with even if they didn’t belong to the fraternity. They are simple & humble.“
SIBLINGS COME TOGETHER FOR A PLAY ‘HELLO DARLING’
Shaad Randhawa, son of Sardar Singh Randhawa (younger brother of Dara Singh) who made his debut with Mohit Suri’s WOH LAMHE will be seen together with his cousin brother Vindu Dara Singh for the 1st time on stage. The actor who has excelled in varied roles is playing the lead in a hilarious comedy drama HELLO DARLING which is now becoming a play with a brilliant starcast.
DHOOM DADAKKA was Shaad’s 1st film where he played the lead. He was also seen in AWARAPAN, AASHIQUI 2, EK VILLAIN & MASTIZAADE which fetched him accolades & critical appreciation. Vindu Dara Singh who is remembered as Titu in SON OF SARDAAR too has an important role in this fun drama. The BIGG BOSS 3 winner in 2009 has featured in many films & TV series too. Both seasoned actors will have the audiences in splits with their comic timings. The play too has an ensemble of talented cast featuring Sheeba, Payal Goga Kapoor & Vibha Bhagat. Produced & directed by Yogesh Sanghvi, HELLO DARLING is a play which most married couples will co – relate with. It is a drama between a Husband & a Wife. The message that carries with this show is that a married couple should trust each other and should not be unfaithful.
DIRECTOR DINESH VIJAN WRAPS UP THE SHOOT OF ‘RAABTA’ IN AMRITSAR
One of the most anticipated romantic films of 2017, RAABTA staring Sushant Singh Rajput & Kriti Sanon recently wrapped up their shoot in Amritsar at the Golden Temple. Director Dinesh Vijan, who is a strong believer in Golden Temple wrapped the shoot of his film with the end shot at Golden Temple which was a high energy song – “Sadda Move”, choreographed by Ahmed Khan & composed by Pritam. Interestingly, the 1st shot of the film was also at Golden Temple. The cast & the crew had a great time shooting on the streets of Amritsar. RAABTA is produced by Dinesh Vijan & Bhushan Kumar & presented by T – Series & Maddock films. The film is all set to release on 9th Jun, 2017.
FARAH KHAN LEADS THE TALK ON INFERTILITY WITH MERCK’S “PARENTS OF FERTILITY” INITIATIVE
Farah Khan, ace director, actor & choreographer in association with Merck, pioneers & world leaders in Fertility recently released a video on infertility. The video, a personal memoir of Farah’s journey to parenthood is a vivid recollection of her fears, challenges, doubts and ultimately her story of hope, belief & positivity towards IVF that led her to become a mother. Merck released this video as part of their “Parents of Fertility” awareness initiative that helps & supports couples in India through this journey of parenthood. Talking about her experience of going through IVF, Farah Khan said, “IVF is a blessing and I am really thankful as it has changed my life. A lot of factors today make it difficult for some couples to conceive; but we have solutions in the form of treatments. And I strongly believe in IVF, it helped me conceive my angels. Being persistent, positive & patient towards the procedure paid off. And if IVF can change my life, it could change yours too.” Farah & her husband Shirish tried for 2 years for a baby but were unable to conceive naturally. However, with the help of Fertility specialists, at the age of 43, they were able to become parents giving birth to daughters Diva, Anya & son Czar safely through IVF. Since then she has been very vocal about the treatment being a fantastic option for those who have not been able to conceive. The video is a medium through which Farah Khan & Merck have come together to drive awareness around infertility.
BADRINATH, HIS DULHANIA & RED FM DRIVE AWAY MUMBAI’S MONDAY BLUES
Badrinath aka Varun Dhawan and his beautiful dulhania Alia Bhatt took Mumbaikars, stuck in traffic by surprise. Red FM’s RJ Malishka along with the stars decided to spread some happiness on Monday morning when they went on to the streets of Mumbai and made the people dance to the tunes of “Tamma Tamma”.The “tour” began at Bandstand where Varun, Alia along with their gang exited a car began to perform. People were astonished to find themselves suddenly amidst celebrities who had actually come to dance with them. The vehicle then went on areas around National College giving the students something to smile about on the usually mundane 1st day of the week and ended with a last dance at base outside the Dharma Productions office. A number of people got out of their cars and shook their legs to the beats of BADRINATH KI DULHANIA’s latest song “tamma tamma” which is slowly catching on as the number one song on all party playlists.
SIDHARTH MALHOTRA INAUGURATES THE NATIONAL INCLUSION CUP
Sidharth Malhotra, along with the senior management of Sony Pictures Networks India (SPN) and the founding team of Slum Soccer, inaugurated The National Inclusion Cup in Mumbai. Supporting the cause of empowering India’s underprivileged youth through sports, Sony Pictures Networks India (SPN) has partnered with the NGO “Slum Soccer” for this CSR initiative. The 5 – day football tournament is being held in Mumbai for the 1st time. This year, teams from Maharashtra, West Bengal, Assam, Tamil Nadu, Andhra Pradesh, Madhya Pradesh, Haryana, Jharkhand, Chhattisgarh, Karnataka, Vidharbha, Orissa, Gujarat, Delhi, Jammu & Kashmir & Uttar Pradesh are participating. Once the tournament in India concludes, the final selected teams comprising of 8 men & 8 women players each, will represent India at the 15th Homeless World Cup in Oslo, Norway from Aug, 2017. I truly believe in Nelson Mandela’s saying that “Sports has the power to change the world”. This is 29 to 5th Sept, 2017. Says Sidharth Malhotra, “”Everyone is equal in sport irrespective of your background a very exciting & empowering initiative and I really hope that our “Slum Soccer” team wins the world cup for us and makes India proud.”
