Devgn To lend Support To Bulgarian Tourism

Of late Ajay Devgn has decided to lend his firm support to Bulgarian Tourism. After announcing southeastern European country Bulgaria as the shoot location for his next directorial film ‘Shivaay’, Ajay Devgn will now promote the country’s tourism. Devgn and his team are currently in picturesque Bulgaria for the film’s recce. Being the 1st within the industry to zero in the exotic location, Bulgaria tourism minister Nikolina Angelkova has announced that the actor-filmmaker will be lending his support to promote Bulgarian tourism. Devgn will take part in local activities and will also shoot a promotional video when he returns for the shoot, which will be shown in India. Along with directing the film, Devgn is also playing the lead in ‘Shivaay’. Sayesha, grandniece of Dilip Kumar & Saira Banu will be seen making her debut with ‘Shivaay’.

The 15th IIFA awards litigation continues

After the 15th annual IIFA in Tampa, Florida, USA, in 2014, the litigation over the economic proceeds which was commenced in New York City Supreme Court by Megha Bhouraskar of the Law Offices of Megha D. Bhouraskar, P. C., has now continued and been specially set for a 2 week trial beginning 7th Dec, 2015 in Tampa, Florida (“Tampa Lawsuit”). Attorneys from Gray Robinson, Florida, & Megha Bhouraskar from New York, are prosecuting the Tampa Lawsuit on behalf of the Claimant(s) Akarsh Kolarath, individually and as the principal of 7M TOURS, LLC, a travel & tourism company arranging International travel & tours. In particular, the litigation alleges a sophisticated financial scheme orchestrated by Wizcraft Entertainment USA, LLC; Wizcraft International Entertainment Singapore PTE Limited and its principals Andre Timmins; Viraf Sarkari; Joseph Sabbas, Noreen Khan along with the knowing participation by Dr. Kiran C. Patel; Dr. Pallavi Patel and their Drs. Kiran & Pallavi Patel Family Foundation, Inc and numerous others marches forward. Dr. Patel’s lawyers have failed to timely respond to the Tampa lawsuit and instead, have asked for an extension to respond through 10th Jun, 2015 onwards. The Tampa lawsuit seeks from these individuals & entities in excess of $7,000,000.00 (7 Million Dollars) USD in damages. United States Federal Bankruptcy Judge Michael Williamson will presently preside over the Tampa trial.

Venus Releases 2nd Short Film

Basking on the glory of film Production, film distribution & presentation, overseas & satellite distribution, VenusWorldwide Entertainment Pvt. Ltd. released its 2nd short film, directed by Nanndita Kothari named ‘Coffin: Revenge From 6ft. Under’ featuring Anusha, Melane, Ankit et al.

Jackie & Sandip Honoured

Jackie Shroff & Sandip Soparrkar were recently honored at Navi Mumbai International Film Fest. Senior Bollywood actor Jackie Shroff & choreographer cum ballroom dancer Sandip Soparrkar received special honours at the Navi Mumbai International Film Festival (NMIFF) 2015 for their contribution in cinema. The Festival showcased more than 400 films from all countries in its 2nd edition. Soparrkar was especially honored for his fantastic work in Hollywood & Bollywood films.

Burkina Keen For Collaboration

Burkina Faso seems very keen to collaborate with Indian film sector. Burkina Faso is looking at collaborating with an Indian filmmaker to produce a film in this country. This was stated by International Chamber of Media & Entertainment (ICMEI) president Sandeep Marwah after a meeting with Burkano Faso Ambassador Idriss Raoua Ouedraogo at the Asian Academy of Film & Television in Noida Film City. ICMEI has created a separate committee for the development & promotion of films, television, media and other segments of entertainment

Vidya Receives Doctorate From Rai University

Vidya Balan marks a decade in cinema; receives a Doctorate from Rai University. Vidya Balan, known to take on challenging roles & win laurels, has been conferred a Doctor of Arts Honor isCausa by the Ahmedabad based Rai University. Balan also completed a decade in the film industry this week. The honor was given earlier this week in appreciation of her contributions to Indian cinema over the past 10 years. Her endeavor to bring out the strong side of a woman in films has contributed to women’s empowerment in society. The University also announced an annual scholarship named Balan.

‘Hamari Adhuri Kahani’ Gets A Tax Rebate

‘Hamari Adhuri Kahani’ gets a Tax rebate. Even before its release, ‘Hamari Adhuri Kahani’ starring Emraan Hashmi, Vidya Balan & Rajkummar Rao has achieved a feat that many films manage to attain after weeks of release. The state of Madhya Pradesh declared that the Mohit Suri directorial will be tax free. Recently, Vidya Balan & Mohit Suri paid a visit to the state to meet the Chief Minister of Madhya Pradesh and now according to an official statement, the government has exempted ‘Hamari Adhuri Kahani’ from entertainment tax. What seems to be a moment of rejoice for the cast & crew of the film, however has turned out to be controversy, soon after the decision was made many Congress officials are upset over this fact and have apparently claimed that the Chief Minister of Madhya Pradesh is star-struck. Moreover, it is being said that they are accusing the government of taking such a hasty decision without reviewing the content of the film, considering that only films with historical, moral or ethical value to the society fall under the category of exemption and are miffed over the fact that this romantic drama has been given a tax exemption despite it being a complete commercial film.

Censor Board recently told Remo that Indians can’t be called ‘Beggars’.

The Remo Fernandes directed UTV Production’s ‘ABCD 2’ has been cleared by the Censor Board Of Film Certification with a ‘U’ certificate (for all ages) with just one verbal cut. The line “All Indians Are Neggars’ has been chopped off. Otherwise not a shot has been touched. The censor board, was mesmerized by Varun Dhawan, Shradha Kapoor & Prabhu Dheva’s dancing. The film is clean healthy family fare. And they all felt there was no reason to not give the film a ‘U’ certification. However one line had to go. It referred to Indians in a derogatory manner. Censor guidelines specify that no utterances insulting any nationality or community must be allowed. Remo seemed pleased with the censor certification though displeased with the film’s release date not been pre-poned by a day to June 18.

‘Mastizaade’ After Facing Censor Rejection Moves Appellate Tribunal

‘Mastizaade’ after facing censor rejection moved appellate tribunal. Filled with sexual innuendos, ‘Mastizaade’ was supposed to be one of the most unabashed sex comedies of the year. Unfortunately, the Censor Board is not happy with the subject and the film which was slated for release in May has been facing censor’s wrath since then. Initially ‘Mastizaade’ was waiting for certification from the Censor Board which resulted in the delay of the release. And later, the board refused to certify the film because of too much sexual content. Further, the film was sent to the Revising Committee for a change in the decision but faced the same fate once again since the committee too found the content too bold for viewing. And hence, the makers of the film have now decided to approach the Film Certification Appellate Tribunal. From one of the female members of the board had decided to pass the film with an ‘A’ certificate along with a few cuts but her decision, it seems, was not taken into consideration. Moreover, it is being said that Pahlaj Nihalani had told I&B Ministry that the decision for the film was taken by Nandini Sardesai, a member of Revising Committee. However, Pritish Nandy is apparently not convinced with the same since according to him, Nandini Sardesai was not present during either of the screening. As of now, the decision over ‘Mastizaade’, directed by Milap Zaveri, starring Sunny Leone, Tusshar Kapoor & Vir Das in the lead, is still pending, awaiting a reply from the Tribunal.

Salman Khan Gets Special Permission

Salman Khan, who faced a serious charge of culpable homicide in the 2002 hit & run case, was sentenced to 5 year imprisonment on 8th May, 2015. But he soon got a bail and has resumed his shooting schedules too. Amidst the controversy & jam packed work schedule, the actor, recently was asked to perform at an awards night gala in Dubai. Though Salman Khan had received bail, the actor, however required the permission to travel abroad, for which, his legal authorities filed an application requesting the court to grant the permission. In a hearing that was held at the Bombay High Court, Salman Khan, received the permission to travel to the Arab city from 27th to 30th May, 2015. Public Prosecutor Abha Singh too revealed that the High Court has accepted his plea. Salman Khan is currently gearing up for the release of ‘Bajrangi Bhaijaan’ starring Kareena Kapoor Khan, Nawazuddin Siddiqui on 16th July, 2015.

NGO Seeks Ban On A “Lori” Song Lalla Lalla Lori’ from Welcome 2 Karachi

NGO Seeks Ban On A “Lori” Song “Lalla Lalla Lori” from ‘Welcome 2 Karachi’. The song “Lalla Lalla Lori” from ‘Welcome 2 Karachi’, which has gained a lot of momentum in recent times, is now caught up in a legal controversy,even a week before its release recently. The song has been facing charges for maligning a Hindi nursery rhyme and hence an NGO has sought a ban on the song according to a plea filed by them at a Delhi High Court. The Public Interst Litigation (PIL) has been filed by the NGO against the Central Government, Censor Board, the Delhi Government and producers Pooja Entertainment Pvt Ltd. As per that, the lyrics of the song “Lalla Lalla Lori, Daaru Ki Katori” fall under the objectionable category. They claimed that since this is a nursery rhyme which is very popular amongst children, they will be exposed to the word ‘daaru’ (alcohol) at the tender age and it is also against article 47 of the Indian constitution (duty of the state to improve the standard of living and to improve public health affairs).

‘Phir Se’ Release Delayed By Court

The release of Kunal Kohli’s upcoming film ‘Phir Se’ has recently delayed by court. Earlier this year, filmmaker Kunal Kohli found himself embroiled in a legal battle with writer Jyoti Kapoor, after the latter claimed that Kunal’s forthcoming film ‘Phir Se’ had been plagiarized from her work. In the ensuing battle the verdict kept tilting, but never settling the issue. But of late the court has ruled to delay the release of the film till a final verdict is reached. Tweeting about the same Kunal Kohli posted, “What I have learnt from this experience is that the free exchange of ideas is no longer permissible and I would go a step further to say it expressly prohibited. The debate on copyright & plagiarism is settled, it is neither. The industry has to move towards a more closed & protective environment with regards to work in progress. What is left to be decided is merely one principal aspect, what is the value of an idea which should be in direct proportion to the authorship.” However, Kunal refrained from talking about the matter itself, and resigned himself to saying, “The matter is sub judice, the court has granted an ad interim stay & kept the matter post vacations. We are hopeful justice will prevail.”

Digital Short Film Festival Commences in Film City, Noida

The AAFT Festival of short Digital Films at Marwah Studio has created a record of sorts. Throwing light on the same, Marwah Studio president Sandeep Marwah said, “We have created a world record by touching the 86th edition of our festival. There is no other festival in the World to reach to 86th edition so far.” “This is the only festival, which has given opportunity to more than 2000 directors from all over the world to showcase their debut film in the last 22 years,” added AAFT dean Kalyan Sarkar. The films that were screened during the festival were: ‘Taj Mahal – Crown Of Earth’ directed by Aamir Naqvi, ‘Maa Ki Aankhk by Hitesh Tandon, ‘Bloody Red’ by Anjali, ‘Sunaina’ by Parvesh Saini, ‘Side Effects Of Criticism’ by Alok Chaturvedi & ‘Masoom’ by Nikhil Kapoor.

Vivek Oberoi To Help Develop Robotics Centre

Vivek Oberoi to help develop Robotics Centre at Nagpur University. Vivek Oberoi will be sponsoring & helping the funding of the Advanced Centre of Robotics at the Rashtrasant Tukodoji Maharaj Nagpur University According to the proposed plan, the centre will be named after Oberoi’s family. Oberoi wants the robotics centre to be world class and for that he is in touch with the American based ASEA Brown Boveri (ABB), a robotic tech major, which will be the private partner and provide technical inputs and help set up the research centre. Vice Chancellor S P Kane had met Maharashtra chief minister Devendra Fadnavis in Mumbai last week to discuss the research centre and introducing diploma courses in the university. Oberoi is expected to visit Nagpur along with ABB officials in the 1st week of June.

‘Masaan’ Bags 2 Awards At Cannes

The Cannes Film Festival’s Indian entry ‘Masaan’ has bagged wins 2 awards at Cannes, including Un Certain Regard.
India’s ‘Masaan’ by Neeraj Ghaywan became a big winner in the Un Certain Regard section of the 68th Cannes International Film Festival by bagging 2 awards, even as the top award in this category went to ‘Rams’, a drama set among farmers and their sheep in a remote Icelandic valley. ‘Masaan’ also received the Promising Future Prize, apart from bagging the International Federation of Film Critics (FIPRESCI) award. Actress Richa Chadha, who features in a key role in the film, said the team feels “blessed.” “#MasaanAtCannes just got the FIPRESCI award. #blessed. Team, take a bow,” Chadha tweeted. The film even won a 5 minute standing ovation post its screening, leaving Chadha and Ghaywan in tears of joy. Ghaywan’s debut feature project, ‘Masaan’ is set in Varanasi and follows the stories of 4 people from a small town and how they fit in to the moralities. It also features Shweta Tripathi, Sanjay Mishra & Vicky Kaushal. The film is an Indian-French co-production with names like Manish Mundra of Drishyam Films, Macassar Productions, Phantom Films, Sikhya Entertainment, Arte France Cinema & Pathe productions.

No Tax Free Rebate For ‘The International Problem’

No tax free rebate for ‘The International Problem’, a movie on AIDS, even after 2 years. A feature film ‘The international Problem’ which focuses on AIDS and guides the youth on sex education and the truth behind Section 377 has not being made tax free by the Government even after more than 2 years of efforts. Made under Shri Education Films banner, the Writer-Producer-Director Dr. Jagdish Waghela has been running pillar to post at Revenue, Health & Health AIDS department. The move has received “U” certificate from the censor board. The makers have written a letter to the President urging the Health Department to review the movie.

‘Inside Out’s Premiere Brings Everyone To Tears At Cannes

The recently held premiere of ‘Inside Out’ at Cannes Film Festival brought tears in everyone’s eyes. Disney Pixar have made a sensational return at the Cannes Film Festival with their new animated film ‘Inside Out’ which has been described as “mind-blowing”.
The reception to the film after its premiere has been mind blowing leaving everyone teary eyed at the end. The film takes place inside the head of 11 year old Riley, where voices like Joy (Amy Poehler), Disgust (Mindy Kaling) Sadness (Phyllis Smith) and Anger (Lewis Black) compete for the girl’s emotions & memories in her psyche “headquarters”. “My daughter was about 9 when she did the voice of Ellie in Up,” said Director Pete Docter, referring to the movie which won him the Oscar for best animated film in 2010. “And then she turned 10 & 11 and at the beginning of this film I saw her looking a lot less energetic and more kind of quiet & reserved and I thought what’s going on in her head? And that’s what really started us working on this film.” Disney Pixar’s ‘Inside Out’ releases on 26th June in India.

‘Dead student’s’ Song Finds Way In Film

Back in 2011, a song entitled “Single Emptiness” was making waves all over the internet and the song continues to be a rage till date. The song was credited to an IIT student named Rohan Rathore, who apparently after being heart-broken in love composed the song for his girlfriend. Rohan was said to have died of cancer 15 days after the song. However, soon it came to light that the song had been composed & sung by Gajendra Verma and that Rohan Rathore was a phony name with an equally bogus story. Now, after releasing the hit in an album, the music composer has decided to lend his song for a film ‘Chor Bazaari’ that stars newbie Ankkit Narrayan. Ironically, the said to be ‘stolen’ song has been used in a film whose hero is a chor as the profession has been passed on to him in his genes.

Aishwarya Was The Queen Of The Red Carpet At Cannes 2015

Of late Aishwarya Rai Bachchan was definitely the queen of the red carpet at Cannes 2015. Wherein she posed with confidence & style. Aishwarya came to Cannes 1st with Devdas with Sanjay leela Bhansali. The film was screened at the 2002 Cannes Film Festival and was featured by Time in their listing of the “10 best films of the millennium”. And now again with ‘Jazbaa’ which happens to be her comeback film, she launched the 1st look with the director Sanjay Gupta. So she started with Sanjay Leela Bhansali
and this year with Sanjay Gupta.

‘Mohenjo Daro’ Release Date Announced

The release date of ‘Mohenjo Daro’ was announced recently. Hrithik Roshan’s upcoming film ‘Mohenjo Daro’s release date has been announced recently.

Disney & Ashutosh Gowariker Production Pvt Ltd (AGPPL) announced the release of ‘Mohenjo Daro’ on 12th Aug, 2016. Directed by Ashutosh Gowarikar, ‘Mohenjo Daro’ is an epic love story, set during the Indus Valley Civilization. The film marks the debut of Pooja Hegde in Bollywood, who stars opposite Hrithik.

Om Puri & Prashantt Guptha Honored At Rajasthan International Film Festival

The 1st Rajasthan International Film Festival at Jaipur saw veteran actor Om Puri & young talent Prashantt Guptha being felicitated with top honors. With the central theme of the festival being ‘The Common Man of Indian Cinema,” the festival highlighted the achievements of Om Puri for his contribution to Indian cinema with its equivalent of The Lifetime Achievement Award. Prashantt Guptha, being a Jaipur native who made his foray into Hindi cinema and showed immense progress over the last couple of years as the handsome villain in Pen India/Shailesh Singh’s ‘Issaq’, followed by 2 releases in 2014, ‘Identity Card’ & ‘6-5=2’ was bestowed upon the “Pride Of Rajasthan” Award. This award follows Prashantt Guptha’s awards at the San Francisco Festival and the National Awards for Excellence among others this year. Amongst several international, Hindi & regional films, the young actor’s critically acclaimed film ‘Identity Card’ was given “Best Feature Film” award at the hands of Padmini Kolhapure.

MPA APSA Academy Film Fund To Help Aspiring Filmmakers

The Motion Picture Association (MPA) & the Asia Pacific Screen Awards (APSA) gives an opportunity to aspiring filmmakers with the MPA APSA Academy Film Fund. MPA APSA Academy Film Funds is a unique initiative which has aided aspiring film makers in a lot of development in new film projects. A panel discussion was hosted at the 13th Pune International film festival on 10th Jan, 2015, to create awarness about the Asia Pacific Screen Awards & MPA APSA Academy Film Funds . The panelist for the discussion comprised of celebrated actor, Atul Kulkarni & Lohita Sujith, Director, Corporate Communications, Motion Picture Dist. Association (India) Pvt Ltd. Panelists also discussed how upcoming filmmakers/professionals can benefit from the MPA APSA Academy Film Fund worth USD 100,000. MPA APSA Academy Film Fund has been a hugely successful initiative taking the number of successful projects funded to a total of 20 feature films over the last 6 years. The projects now count amongst them winners of an Academy Award®, APSAs and an International Emmy Award. Grants have been awarded to projects from. India, Bangaldesh, Republic of Korea, People’s Republic of China, Iraq, Kazakhastan, Israel and the Islamic Republic of Iran. In 2014, over 100 submissions were received for the film fund. 4 grants were awarded to 2 documentary film projects from Israel & Denmark and 2 film projects from Bangladesh and the Islamic Republic of Iran.