Salman Khan & Katrina Kaif starrer Tiger Zinda Hai has been shot in 5 different countries across the globe to capture a gripping, explosive & entertaining story. An espionage drama, the film’s protagonists, Tiger & Zoya, travel to 5 different countries, fighting against the odds to fulfill their life – threatening mission. A dramatic journey of 2 intelligence agents, the film is huge in scale & the director Ali Abbas Zafar wanted the expanse of the movie to come out through Tiger’s adventures across Austria, Greece, Morocco, Abu Dhabi & India.

Director Ali Abbas Zafar explains, “To meet the scale of the film, we had to travel to 4 different countries for different reasons. Certain landscapes needed to become a part of the film, so we had to go to Austria to get the snow – covered mountains. We also had to go to Morocco to feature crucial fight sequences of horseback riding. The country’s landscape & topography brings a certain texture to these sequences. It also has horses trained for some fight sequences, as many Hollywood films like Troy & Mummy Returns. Greece was absolutely picturesque and was the perfect locale to shoot the celebratory anthem “Swag Se Karenge Sabka Swagat”. Abu Dhabi gave us desert terrain. We got great support from the Abu Dhabi Government be it locales, production, army & air – force requirement. They helped us create larger than life action drama sequences. We also shot a couple of scenes in North & South block, Delhi. Overall, each locale has a huge significance and is part of the turning points in the film’s script.”

Keeping in mind its aim to deliver the biggest action adventure of 2017 that are at par with international standards, Yash Raj Films (YRF’s) Tiger Zinda Hai team engaged with film crews that have handled major Hollywood films in each foreign locale. So expect some jaw – dropping fights & thrills in this Salman Khan starrer. Tiger Zinda Hai which will hit the celluloid siver screen on 22nd Dec, 2017.

Father – Son duo Sunny & Karan Deol have been quite busy shooting for Karan’s debut film Pal Pal Dil Ke Paas being directed by Deol Sr. The shoot is underway in Manali since a couple of months now and recently they were filming for a high octane action sequence. The weather conditions weren’t permissible for the shoot but Sunny being the hard taskmaster that he is, wanted Karan to use his best potential and make the scenes look a visual treat. Even the locals found it strenuous to work in that climate. And even though the conditions were extreme, Karan who is all geared up for his debut also wanted give his best and leave no stone unturned to attain perfection. Towards the end, Sunny was quite content with his son Karan’s performance. Karan has been preparing for the character from past 2 years and is practically living the life of a Manali Boy.

MUSIC & TRAILER LAUNCH OF ‘VIRAAM’

“In the recent past, many small budget films have created magic at the Box – Office turnstiles because of their superior storylines. On the other hand, a number of films with big names have failed miserably as they are low on content. Viraam falls in the 1st category as it uses fresh cinematic techniques to tell an interesting story,” said a well – known wrestler Sangram Singh who was the chief guest at the music & trailer launch party of Viraam in Andheri. Viraam is produced by Hari Mehrotra & directed by Ziaullah Khan. The story of the film revolves around Abhiraj Khanna, played by Narendra Jha, who had lost his wife 10 years earlier but still carries her memories with him and leads a sad & lonely life. When vivacious Matun crosses his path, his life is changed forever. Present at the launch were Narendra Jha, Urmila Mahanta, Monika Ravan, Annapurana Vitthal, Tripurari Yadav besides producer Hari Mehrotra, director Ziaullah Khan, Siddhant Madhav (music director), Tripti Sinha, Arun Singh & Amit Gupta (singers), Abdullah Khan (writer & lyricist), Azeem Shirazi (lyricist) etc.

ANGAD STARTS TRAINING FOR SANDEEP SINGH BIOPIC

Recently it was announced that actor Angad Bedi will soon commence shooting after completing the Abu Dhabi schedule of Tiger Zinda Hai for a biopic on Indian hockey captain Sandeep Singh. The film is set to be directed by Shaad Ali and also has Diljit Dosanjh & Taapsee Pannu in the film. Angad will be seen portraying the character of a hockey player & elder brother of Sandeep Singh which is being played by Diljit Dosanjh. Last week Angad starting his training as the hockey player with none other Sandeep Singh himself who has been flown down to train the actors. The game requires the high level of energy & stamina but for Angad, it comes handy as the actor has been trained as an athlete since a very young age. Angad was seen practicing hockey like any other professional player that impressed the hockey skipper. All the 3 actors will be seen playing sport players on screen for the 1st time. A source says, “Hockey is a tough sport and Angad is giving it his all. Bikramjeet himself will jump into the field soon to train Angad in his style of playing. For now, Sandeep is making him go through the drill of professional hockey, teaching him how to dribble and other techniques while sharing anecdotes about him and his brother,” informs a source. Angad will begin readings with Diljit & Taapsee soon and is expected to start shooting by month end.

KAPIL SHARMA OPENS UP AT THE TRAILER LAUNCH OF HIS MOVIE FIRANGI!

It was quite an afternoon filled with joviality to remember as Kapil Sharma along with director Rajeiv Dhingra & actors Ishita Dutta, Monica Gill & Kumud Mishra launched the trailer of Firangi. Seen at the trailer launch were Kapil Sharma, director Rajeiv Dhingra & actors Ishita Dutta, Monica Gill, Edward Sonnenblick & Jameel Khan & director duo Abbas – Mustan. The trailer of the film received a great applaud from the media & the trade fraternity present. The trailer witnesses a never seen before avatar of Kapil who plays the role of “Manga” in the movie. Along with showing the trailer to the media, Kapil and the entire team even had a fun banter & interaction with the media present. Slated to release on 24th Nov, 2017, Firangi is the story of Manga, a happy – go – lucky young man from the village Bahrampur, whose only aim is to join the police force. Produced by K9 Films Pvt. Ltd. & Kapil Sharma, directed by Rajiev Dhingra, Firangi starring Kapil Sharma in lead role is all set to release on 24th Nov, 2017.

SALMAN & KATRINA PROMISE NON – STOP ACTION THIS CHRISTMAS!

The 1st poster of YRF’s mega action entertainer Tiger Zinda Hai is out and by the look of it, both Tiger (Salman Khan) & Zoya (Katrina Kaif) are all set to return with a bang in their gun – totting avatars this Christmas! In what seems like a high octane action thriller, Tiger & Zoya are seen pulling off an insane action sequence in the poster as they wield their guns and shoot at will trying to take down forces of their nemesis. Shot across multiple countries around the globe, the super – hit pair of Salman Khan & Katrina Kaif return in this most awaited sequel that is all set to release on 22nd Dec, 2017.

RAJNIESH DUGGALL & KRUSHNA ABHISHEK TO SHARE THE SCREEN

Rajniesh Duggall has some interesting work coming up including a film alongside actor Krushna Abhishek. According to sources, the film is a comedy titled Luv In Goa. “It’s an out & out comedy drama. Rajniesh plays an assistant director, who eventually directs a film. The film is all about love that happens behind the scenes, during the making of a film. Besides Rajniesh & Abhishek, the film also stars Nazia Hassan & Mukul Dev. The film is already being shot. In fact, the cast is in Goa and will be there for a month now for the same.

SILK MARK LAUNCHES “SHRIMATI SILK MARK” BEAUTY PAGEANT ‘FOR MARRIED WOMEN’ ONLY 1ST TIME IN MUMBAI

The launch of “Shrimati Silk Mark” a beauty pageant for married women only in Mumbai saw the presence of K. S Gopal, Dr. Aneel Kashi Murarka, V. Ramesh Sr. Executive of Silkmark event, Govind Achari, Bharti Kadam, Bhuvaneshwari, Mahesh Chauhan, Utsav Dholakia, Disha Muchhala, Manish Reshamwala, Hetashree & John, C Singh, Shraddha Vora, Harshil Nuwal & Shikha Nuwal, Neha Banerjee, Shweta Khanduri, Smita Gondkar, Priyanka Khurana. K. S Gopal, CEO Silkmark Organization India said, “When I see the designers most of them being female designers I feel very proud promoting Nari Shakti & Women Power.” Vidya Balan, the brand ambassador for Silk Mark always dressed resplendently in gorgeous Silk Sarees has graciously accepted to judge the 20 finalists for Shrimati Silk Mark 2017 Mumbai. Shaina N.C, Rocky S., Neha Banerjee – Mrs. India have also accepted to judge participants. Known models like Ms. Dimple Patel – Miss Globe 2016 – Miss India Runner Up, Mrs. Priyanka Khurana, Mrs. India – Mrs. Earth, Smita Gondkar Marathi Movie Actress, Shweta Khanduri – Model will walk the ramp along with the participants and also be the showstoppers. Shrimati Silk Mark 2017, Mumbai Finale will be held on 14th Dec, 2017.

THE TRAILER LAUNCH OF ‘TUMHARI SULU’

All roads led to Andheri as Ellipsis Entertainment & T – Series proudly announced the trailer launch of their next and much awaited, Tumhari Sulu. While Sulu has been the talk of the town the trailer has just become the next big attainment for the makers. Gracing the occasion with a million dollar smile we spotted our very own #Sulu, Vidya balan with her reel life beau Manav Kaul along with the gorgeous Neha Dhupia and our Mumbaichi Mulgi, RJ Malishka. The producers Bhushan Kumar, Tanuj Garg, Atul Kasbekar & Shanti Sivaram Maini were seen posing in all smiles for the paparazzi. While we all have been blown away with Vidya’s performance in the past, our wait game for the much – awaited trailer of the year is finally over.

RANI GETS A SPECIAL MAURITIAN SALUTE – WINS OUTSTANDING CONTRIBUTION TO CINEMA AWARD

Rani’s cinematic career is testimony to longevity & excellence. Given her mass appeal, the Government of Mauritius honored her with the “Outstanding Contribution To Cinema Award”, as part of their run up to the 50th year of Independence celebrations. The honorable Prime Minister of Mauritius, Pravind Kumar Jugnauth, conferred this award to Rani during the course of Mauritius Cinema Week, a special film festival that Mauritius is hosting currently. This festival is part of the build up to 50th year of Independence of the Republic of Mauritius from British Rule. The film festival saluted close cultural & historical ties to both India & France on the awards evening. Rani received the award along with the popular French actress, Emmanuelle Beart who was also given the same honor. Rani said, “I am humbled, thankful & proud that Mauritius has given me such honor & love with this Outstanding Contribution to Cinema Award. This festival brings some really good cinema and also provides a rare chance for French & Indian cinema to be celebrated together. Many of my films like Bichhoo, Hello Brother & Kuch Kuch Hota Hain have been shot here”.

ULTRA GROUP LAUNCH THE DVD & VCD PACK OF ‘BAREILLY KI BARFI’

Ultra Group launched an attractive DVD & VCD Pack of the Romcom Bareilly Ki Barfi. Produced by Vineet Jain & Renu Ravi Chopra, the film is directed by Ashwiny Iyer Tiwari. Bareilly Ki Barfi is a family film high on comedy, romance & drama for all age -groups. It stars Ayushmann Khurana, Kriti Sanon & Rajkumar Rao. There had been much curiosity & eagerness for the DVD launch of this film. One of the main reasons is the touch of emotion & romance of the movie which makes for an ideal repeat viewing experience in one’s own drawing room along with their family. The film also makes for an ideal collector’s item for one’s own home library. The genre & treatment of this film also extends this attractively packed DVD’s & VCD’s to be an ideal gifting option for one’s friends & families. The other prominent DVD titles manufactured & distributed by Ultra are: MSD – An Untold Story, Jolly LLB 2, Force 2, Rangoon, Akira, Prem Ratan Dhan Payo, Kis Kisko Pyaar Karoon, Neerja, Traffic, Kya Kool Hain Hum 3, Great Grand Masti, Pardes, Maine Pyaar Kiya, Hum Aapke Hain Kaun, Hum Saath Saath Hain, Mein Prem Ki Deewani Hoon, I am Kalam. The company has marketed & distributed DVD’s & VCD’s of more than 80 prominent Films & TV titles till date.

ABHISHEK BACHCHAN SIGNED FOR PRIYADARSHAN’S ‘BACHCHAN SINGH’

After a long period of hiatus, Priyadarshan, who has been of late quite busy with his assignments in Malayalalm film industry is all set to make his grand come back in Bollywood as a director with the film Bachchan Singh in & as Bachchan Singh. The film will be produced by Rajat Rawail of Rawail Grandsons Entertainment in tandem with Arjun Dhanak of Kanz Films. It now remains to be seen whether the film will be a rehash of his own earlier Malayalam blockbuster or an original film in Hindi.

EROTIC THRILLER ‘HATE STORY IV’ WILL SIZZLE ON 2ND MAR 2018

The 4th installment of hit erotic thriller franchise, Hate Story, will hit the silver screen on 2nd Mar, 2018. The film produced by T – Series & directed by Vishal Pandya stars Urvashi Rautela as the leading lady along with Karan Wahi & Vivan Bhatena. The team released the movie logo along with Urvashi’s look from the film. The 4th installment promises Hate darker than ever. The actress who plays the character of Tasha says it is a unique & incredibly brave story. Hate Story IV, directed by Vishal Pandya, is being shot in London currently following a short schedule in Mumbai. Hate Story is the only erotic thriller franchise to have a 4th installment with a successful run at the Box – Office turnstiles each time. Hate Story 2 & 3 produced by T – Series & directed by Vishal Pandya was musically hit as well as had a good run at the Box – Office turnstiles.

FOOT-TAPPING KARAOKE KRAZINESS WITH CELEBS AT PLAY – THE LOUNGE!

Play – The Lounge played host to the Karaoke World Championships India Grand Finale & after – party this year. The Karaoke World Championships India saw a bevy of guests who walked in to congratulate Savio D’Sa, the brain behind KWC followed by the melodious & musically charged event that had some amazing vocals resonating the place. Devyani Shankar from Delhi & Milind Shegokar from Pune emerged the winners amongst the 25 final contestants, who with their power – packed performances gave the winners a run for their money. Spotted at the finale & then partying all night were celebrities & judges Arko Pravo Mukherjee, Shibani Kashyap, Terence Lewis, Ranjit Barot, Lesle Lewis, Kavya Vaidya, DJ Hardik, Shona Rajput, Sai Gundewar, Hrishikesh Chury, Parvati Khan, Brian Rub, Sameer Gandhi, Divyesh Thakkar & Harish Mehta of Play – The Lounge, Merlin D’Souza & Simran Ahujah, Narendra Hirani amongst others. The evening was emceed by Mario Andrade & Glynis Luan Simoes. The contestants set the stage afire with their mellifluous voice & amazing music to a jampacked audience that only kept asking for more. DJ Hardik owned the night that followed the event with some amazing hi – energy dexterity and everyone danced till they could dance no more. All in all, a night to remember!

The dedicated efforts of the Department of Culture & Tourism, Abu Dhabi to increase the numbers of tourists from India, has got off to a promising start when several 100 Mumbaikars witnessed the opening of the 1st ever “Abu Dhabi Week” in India.

The exposition ran last week from Fri to Sun at Mumbai’s sprawling MMRDA grounds, BKC and featured a collection of Abu Dhabi’s tourist & cultural attractions, which the organizers believe will encourage more Indians to consider the emirate as a holiday destination.

Before declaring the opening of the weekend festival, Mubarak Al Nuaimi, Director of Promotions & Overseas Offices at the Department of Culture & Tourism, Abu Dhabi addressed the media, members of the travel trade & distinguished invitees and averred that during the 1st 8 months of 2017, Abu Dhabi had seen a 9% increase in hotel occupancy by Indian guests.

A total of 223,000 guests from India stayed in hotels in Abu Dhabi for an average of 2.8 days during this period, he added. In a pre – event statement reflecting the increasing potential of India for the Abu Dhabi tourism sector, Mubarak Al Nuaimi averred, “India is a key tier – one priority for Abu Dhabi and it represents our 2nd – largest international source market for hotel guests.”

“Apart from positioning the emirate as a holiday destination, we will also underline the message that Abu Dhabi is an ideal business locale for the meetings, incentives, conferences & exhibitions, MICE, industry, with a superb selection of venues for delegations from India,” he added.

Celebrities like Amardeep Singh Natt , Music director Vickey Prasad, TV Actors – Bhavesh Balchandani, Reem Shaikh, Roshani Walia, Anushka Sen, Arishfa Khan, Ashnoor Kaur, Ekta Jain, Shree Rajput, Harshvardhan Joshi, Saloni Daini, Ashila Bhatia, Sanchiti Sakat & Ahsaas Channa, Aditya Kumar & Imran Shaikh of Travelegend.com who attended Friday’s inaugural ceremonies shared their views .

Writer – director Atanu Mukherjee’s debut feature Rukh which stars Manoj Bajpayee is the latest offering from Drishyam Films after the acclaimed Newton. Rukh which is directed by Atanu Mukherjee, produced by Drishyam Films & presented by Eros International got released in theatres across India on 27th Oct, 2017.

The film which is an emotional story of a father & son, also stars Adarsh Gourav, Smita Tambe & Kumud Mishra and features some soul stirring music by Amit Trivedi.

Keeping in mind the theme of the film, an innovative social campaign was recently launched to promote the film. Titled My Dad My Hero, the campaign was flagged off by Manoj Bajpayee and saw him & his co – stars from Rukh share fond memories of their fathers and the life lessons they have learnt from them.

The campaign has slowly & steadily gained momentum with each passing day as some of the biggest names of Bollywood have enthusiastically taken to social media to talk about the bond they shared with their fathers. These include Imtiaz Ali, Anurag Kashyap, Radhika Apte, Vicky Kaushal, Shweta Tripathi, Gulshan Devaiah & Shreyas Talpade amongst others.

A father is the 1st friend & hero of every individual who inspires them to bravely face the battle of life. The My Dad My Hero campaign sees celebrities talk about how their fathers inspired & helped them to achieve their dreams and become the successful individuals they are today. They also talked about how the quality of their fathers to face every obstacle bravely and not buckle under pressure inspired them to pursue their personal & professional challenges successfully.

Manoj Bajpayee, the lead actor of Rukh averred “My father never faltered & lost his cool even under the worst of circumstances. He wanted me to be a doctor since he couldn’t fulfill his dream of becoming one. He was a little disappointed when he came to know that I wanted to be an actor instead. But even after realizing that I am not interested in becoming a doctor, he wholeheartedly supported me in realizing my dream of being an actor.”

Director Anurag Kashyap averred “I was 8 – 9 years old when I was sent to a boarding school for the 1st time though I never wanted to go to one. And when I met my father for the 1st time after being in boarding for 6 months, he took me out & showed me movies. That was his way of expressing his love for me. He is not a very expressive person and this was the 1st time ever that he expressed the love & the affection he had towards me. Hence it’s a very special memory for me. ”

Actor Vicky Kaushal who had also featured in Drishyam Films’ much loved Masaan averred, “My dad always believed that one should give 100% to their present & their future will be better than what they want it to be. This has always been his motto and it is going to stay with me throughout my life. While I was growing up, he didn’t force me to excel in academics. But he ensured that I imbibed some great principles such as honesty & sincerity.”

Recollecting the memories he shared with his father, Director Imtiaz Ali averred, “My father has been a big influence in my life. He taught me to never follow money. He used to always say that if you follow money it will go further away from you. But if you do your work sincerely it will always follow you.”

Recollecting the life lessons that his own father taught him, Manish Mundra, the Founder of Drishyam Films & the Producer of Rukh, shared, “The most important thing my father has taught me since childhood is that a person never gets anything before it’s the right time & fate. And the important thing to remember when you move ahead in life is that you should not leave behind the people who need you. If someone needs you & you cannot help them, then you end up losing that person’s trust. When I think of my dad I remember that he taught me that there is a time that will come for everyone and this time keeps changing. So it’s important that we respect this time & remain humble. Nobody can get more or less than what fate has in store for them.”

Incidentally speaking Rukh was a part of the inaugural Drishyam – Sundance Institute Screenwriters Labs 2015 & also a part of NFDC India’s Film Bazaar Recommends 2016. A former Berlinale Talent (2015), Atanu Mukherjee is an alumnus of Satyajit Ray Film & Television Institute. He has also directed the short film The Gatekeeper, which was a part of South Asian International Film Festival, New York 2014 & even bagged the “Best Short Fiction” award at IDSFFK Kerala 2015.

The scripted scenario of Rukh reaveals: Away from home in a boarding school, 18 year old Dhruv is ignorant about the ongoing crisis in his family. His life takes an unexpected turn as he gets the news of his father’s death in a car accident. As he copes with the tragedy, hidden truths begin to unravel. Dhruv’s father Divakar went bankrupt before his death. Even as his mother Nandini struggles to shield him from the truth, Dhruv starts looking for answers. Was his father’s death an accident or a premeditated murder? The search leads to a series of unexpected revelations, as he discovers the shades of his father’s personality he had never seen before. Rukh is about the journey of a boy rediscovering his lost connections & familial ties, through the secrets & memories he must confront on his way.

Drishyam Films is a company born out of love for cinema, Drishyam Films aims to build a platform for unique voices of Indian independent cinema & create global content with rich Indian stories. Their international award – winning films include Ankhon Dekhi, Masaan, Dhanak, Waiting, Umrika & Newton (which is now India’s official entry to the Oscars 2018). Their upcoming films include Nila Madhab Panda’s Kadvi Hawa starring Sanjay Mishra & Ranvir Shorey. Drishyam Films partnered with the Sundance Institute, USA to organize a Screenwriters’ lab for Indian writers for 2 successive years. They have also set up a VFX studio specializing in post production & visual effects for feature films & commercials.

The 1st ever look of Shree Kamala Film’s Patnawale Dulhaniya Le Jayenge has been out recently. The film is being Produced by Keshari Nath, directed by Sanjay Kumar Sinha, written by Jeetendra Suman, music by Aman Shlok, lyrics by Santosh Puri, action by Pradip Khadka, editing by Govind Dubey, choreography by Kedar Subba & Cinematography by Saanu Sinha. It stars Gunjan Pant, Kalpana Shah, Kirshore Singh “Munna”, Kritn Ajitesh, Bipin Kumar, Ramesh Singh, Rahul Shrivastava, Om Kapoor, Jayant Kumar, Rupa Singh, Subodh Seth, Santosh Sinha, Ashok Gupta, Brijesh Kumar, Chhaya, Amar Singh, Ekta Verma & Seema Singh.

Dulhaniya 16 Saal Ki Announced

Sur Music Films have announced Dulhaniya 16 Saal Ki, to be produced by Dr. Dinesh Kumar Mishra & Santosh Tiwari, music by Akhilesh Kumar & Ravi Tiwari, lyrics by Pyarelal ‘Kavi’, Shyam Ji Shyam & Sagar Pardeshi, written by Dr. Dinesh Kumar Mishra. Cast & credits are being finalized very soon.

D. K. – An Untouch Love Story Musically Launched

Om Tapeshwariye Films’ D. K. – An Untouch Love Story has been launched recently with a song recording at Zeal Recording Studio, Goregaon (W), Mumbai on 26th Oct, 2017 under the supervoision of music director Arvind R. Naik. The song rendered by Rehan Khan & Dhanshree. The film is being produced by Lalan Lal Manohar Ram, directed by Devendra Kapoor from his own screenplay, lyrics by J. P. Mastana, dialogues by Pramod Mishra, choreography by Govind Anand, editing by Guddu Zafery & cinematography by Unni Nair. The cast & credit are being finalized very soon. The film is going on sets shortly.

Rathwa Saja Ke Saato Behna Launched On YouTube

Rohit Film Entertainment’s Bhojpuri Album Rathwa Saja Ke Saato Behna has launched with a song recording at Sur Music Studio, Andheri (W), Mumbai, on 25th Oct, 2017, under the supervision of music director Akhilesh Kumar & Ravi Tiwari. The song rendered by Seema Jaiswal & penned by Shyam Ji Shyam. The album is being produced by Rohit Prasad. The song launched on YouTube on the Eve of Chhat Puja.

Poomaram, the movie which is supposed to mark Kalidas Jayaram’s debut in a lead role is one of the most anticipated projects of 2017. The title song of Poomaram was released by the end of 2016, and it had instantly took the social media by storm. However, for the past few months, there is absolutely no news about the project which is directed by hit maker Abrid Shine. Soon rumors spread out that Poomaram has been put in cold storage. But now, for the 1st time ever, Kalidas Jayaram himself has revealed in a TV show that Poomaram will release in Dec, this year. Kalidas Jayaram also stated that the dubbing works of the film are in full swing. With the clarification that Poomaram will hit the celluloid silver screen soon, the expectation is building up amongst the movie buffs to watch this star kid in action. Along with Kalidas Jayaram, Poomaram will also feature a bunch of newcomers. Kunchacko Boban & Meera Jasmine will be playing extended cameo appearances. Written & directed by Abrid Shine, the film is bankrolled jointly by Dr. Paul Varghese & Abrid Shine under the banner Lime Light Cinemas.

Prithviraj’s Karnan Has Been Temporarily Shelved!!!

Prithviraj’s upcoming mega – budget movie Karnan directed by RS Vimal is one of the most anticipated movies of recent times. Though the movie was announced earlier this year, there have been no updates on the project. Apparently, the movie’s producer Venu had backed off from the project and announced another epic titled Maamankam featuring Mammootty in the lead. Talking about why he withdrew from the project, Venu clarified that the movie’s budget (Rs 60 Crore) exceeded after it was announced. This has led the movie to be stalled temporarily. However, the movie’s director RS Vimal affirms that Karnan is very much on the cards. He also added that another production company is likely to sign the project soon and the team is planning to make an official announcement within a month. Talking about the current status of the movie, RS Vimal averred that most of the pre – production is over.

Mohanlal All Set To Hit The Gym!!!

Mollywood’s superstar Mohanlal will be shedding close to 15 kilos to get into the skin of his character Manikyan in the upcoming ambitious project Odiyan directed by VA Shrikumar Menon. While the shooting of the movie is progressing with his current look, the actor will be sporting a younger trimmed avatar for another part of the film. As of now Mohalal is all set to take a 3 months break and hit the gym to lose weight for his much anticipated look. Mohanlal had earlier stated that he will go to any extent to lose weight, even if he has to starve!!! This will be the 1st time, ever that Mohanlal will be undergoing a drastic makeover for a film after so many years. In the movie, Mohanlal plays the last surviving member of a tribal community called Odiyan in Kerala. Mohanlal will be seen in the role of Manikyan, a man who is mastered in Odividya and will be featured in the age of 30 to 65 in multiple looks. Odiyan will have Manju Warrier in female lead along with Prakash Raj & Sathyaraj in important roles.

It’s A Baby Girl For Asin Thottumkal

Asin Thottumkal & husband Rahul Sharma, co – founder of tech company Micromax, welcomed their 1st ever child, a baby girl, on Tues, 24th Oct, 2c17. The news was confirmed by Rahul Sharma in a statement which reads as follows: “We are ecstatic to announce the arrival of our angelic baby girl earlier today. The last 9 months have been most special & exciting for both of us and we would like to thank our entire well – wishers and everyone who has been part of our journey for all their love & support.” Asin Thottumkal & Rahul Sharma got married last year on 19th Jan, 2016 in a Christian wedding ceremony followed by Hindu rituals near Delhi. Although her wedding made headlines, she kept her pregnancy under the wraps. On the acting front, Asin was last seen in 2015’s Bollywood release All Is Well.

A happy News For All Manju Warrier Fans

Here’s good news for all Manju Warrier fans. Manju Warrier’s upcoming movie Aami, directed by veteran filmmaker Kamal is all set to hit the celluloid silver screens. As per the latest update, Aami will reach the theatres on this Christmas. The news was revealed by the director himself in a recent interview. The movie’s shoot is on the verge of completion and has 1 more schedule pending, which will be shot in Nov, 2017. It is needless to say, the movie is high on expectations as it is the biopic of popular writer Madhavikutty aka Kamal Surayya. Manju Warrier who essays the role of Kamala Surayya looks pitch perfect in all the posters of the movie. Murali Gopy essays the role of Kamala Surayya’s husband Madhavadas in the biopic while Anoop Menon will be seen in a pivotal role. According to rumor mills, Prithviraj will be seen in a cameo role. Being produced by P T Rafel & Roban Rocha on a budget of 5 Crores, Aami has music by M Jayachandran & Thoufeeq Quershi.

Dileep plays a cameo role

After playing serious roles in films like Thondimuthalum Driksakshiyum & Varnyathil Ashanka, Suraj Venjaramoodu has bagged yet another solid role!!! Titled Savari, an upcoming movie which is based on the cultural activities of Thrissur district, directed by debutant Ashok Nair will feature the versatile actor in the lead role. Suraj Venjaramoodu will be seen in the title character Savari who is employed with the Dewasom Board. Reportedly, Dileep will be seen in an extended role in the movie which also stars Sunil Sukhada, Lena, Jayaraj Warrier, Chembil Ashokan, Manikandan Pattambi et al. The movie which is in its post production phase, is gearing up for release. Meanwhile, Dileep who is currently on conditional bail in connection for an actress’ assault case has resumed shooting for his upcoming projects that were stalled indefinitely.

Manoj Bajpayee recently hosted a special screening of his upcoming film Rukh which is written & directed by debutant filmmaker Atanu Mukherjee and & presented by Eros International & Drishyam Films.

Incidentally speaking Rukh is the story of Dhruv (Adarsh Gourav), an 18 year old boy who is away from home in a boarding school and ignorant about the ongoing crisis in his family. His life takes an unexpected turn as he gets the news of his father’s death in a car accident. As he copes with the tragedy, many hidden truths begin to unravel.

Rukh was a part of the inaugural Drishyam -Sundance Institute Screenwriters Labs 2015 and is the 1st script to be chosen from the lab.

The screening which was held at Sunny Super Sound in Juhu, Mumbai was attended by producer Manish Mundra & actors Adarsh Gourav, Smita Tambe & Kumud Mishra who enacts the pivotal parts in the film. Also present at the screening were actor – producer Sanjay Suri & Amit Masurkar who had directed the much acclaimed Newton which was the previous collaboration of Eros International & Drishyam Films.

Manoj Bajpayee averred, “This film is close to me because I love the manner in which Atanu has woven the scenes and narrated the story. It has intrigue, suspense and to top it all there is a father & son relationship which is the backbone of the film. The way in which Atanu has depicted the father & son relationship makes the film all the more remarkable.”

Manish Mundra, the founder of Drishyam Films & producer of Rukh avers, “Rukh is the 1st ever script which we picked up from the Drishyam – Sundance Screenwriters Lab. We loved the script and decided to produce it. We are looking forward to the audience reaction towards the film.”

Director Atanu Mukherjee avers, “This is the 1st time that we are showing the film to the public and I am really curious & excited. I hope people will like it.”

Actress Smita Tambe avers, “We have worked very hard on the film and finally now it is time to show it to the audiences. I am really eager & excited to see how they react to the film.”

Actor Kumud Mishra avers, “I enjoyed working on the film. We have put our best foot forward while making the film. Now it remains to be seen how the audiences respond to it.”

Director Amit Masurkar averred, “Rukh is an introspective, sensitive & suspenseful story about the loss & the growing up which is narrated with a very subtle & unassuming tone.”

Rukh, which is presented by Eros International & Drishyam Films will release it across India on 27th Oct, 2017.

Drishyam Films is a company born out of love for cinema, Drishyam Films aims to build a platform for unique voices of Indian independent cinema & create global content with rich Indian sentiments. Their international award winning films include Ankhon Dekhi, Masaan, Dhanak, Waiting Umrika & Newton (which also happens to be India’s official entry to Oscars 2018). Their upcoming films include Nila Madhab Panda’s Kadvi Hawa starring Sanjay Mishra & Ranvir Shorey. Drishyam Films partnered with Sundance Institute, USA to organize a Screenwriters’ lab for Indian writers for 2 successive years. They have also set up a VFX studio specializing in post production & visual effects for feature films & commercials.

by Faizan Rizwan & Shaheen Raaj

Bangalore Film Society in collaboration with Marupakkam & SIEDS Bangalore invites you to the Social Justice Film Festival from Thurs, 26th Oct, 2017 to Sat, 28th Oct, 2017 at SIEDS Library Hall.

The Programme: Films Screenings & Discussions, Poetry reading & Evening lecture & Social Justice Songs. Time: 9:00 am to 8:30 pm, Venue: No.33/1 -9, IVth Cross, Thyagaraju Layout, Jaibharath Nagar, M. S. Nagar P. O. Bangalore – 560033. Land Mark: Bharath petrol pump, Jaibharath Nagar.

​Entry is Free on 1st come 1st serve basis. All are invited! Kindly confirm your participation as we are organizing refreshments & simple lunch for the participants. Limited seats only!

Day 1 Thus 26 Oct, 2017

10 am Inauguration

11:00 am Our Gauri (opening film)
Dir: Deepu: 67 min: English (subtitles) 2017

Gauri Lankesh was one of Karnataka’s most prominent & fearless journalists. She was shot dead outside her house in Bengaluru on the night of 5th Sept, 2017. Gauri Lankesh spoke out against communal forces in the country & represented dissent & freedom of speech. The film is more than a personal tribute and follows her political journey, envisaging what she stood for & her struggle for communal harmony until her last breath. And her life story has become the history of Karnataka’s fight against right wing communal forces.

12:20 Interaction

1:00 Lunch break

2:00 Introduction to the film

2:15 Beerappa’s Angst

Produced by: Amrit Mahal Kaval Hitarakshana Horata Samithi with inputs from Leo F. Saldanha & Bhargavi S. Rao, 39min: English

Beerappa’s Angst depicts the struggle of the people of Amrit Mahal to keep 10, 000 acres of pastoral land for grazing their live stocks. The Governments of Karnataka & India secretively diverted about 10,000 acres of pristine grassland ecosystems in Challakere Taluk, Chitradurga district during 2007 -2013 for a massive military – industrial – nuclear complex. Local communities were rudely awakened to the diversion when they saw massive double containment high security walls came up all over the grasslands, thus completely blocking their access to their ancient grazing pastures. These grasslands have been protected & conserved by local communities for 100’s of years as grazing pastures for an indigenous breed of cattle called Amrit Mahal: thus the name Amrit Mahal Kavals (Kaval=grazing pasture). Beerappa is considered the God of the Kavals and is revered everywhere as the protector of pastoralists.

3:00 Interaction

3:15 Nuclear Hallucinations

Dir: N. Fatima: 54 min: Tamil with English subtitles

Nuclear hallucinations is a film, which claims to be a documentary, and it is centred around the anti -nuclear struggle against the kudankulam atomic power project in South India.

4:15 Interaction

4:30 18 Feet

Dir: Renjit Kuzhur: 77 min: Malayalam with English subtitles

Karinthalakoottam is an indigenous band that propagates the music of soul to connect people with a sense of historic resolution. 18 feet symbolizes the holy distance dalits & the downtrodden were to ensure for the sanctity of upper castes. P R Remesh, a city public bus conductor, is the man behind the exuberant squad that drums empathy for all in denial of historic untouchability attached to the disused community. The troop is the vanguard in redefining the identity of the people who are battered by senseless incorrectness through centuries. The downtown Kerala band rekindles the sense of sanity for all with a massage of love & harmony.

6:00 Interaction

6:15 Guest Lecture and poetry & songs

Day 2 27 October: Friday

10 am Our Metropolis

Dir: Gautam Sonti & Usha Rao: 87 min: Documentary: Kannada, Hindi, English: 2014

Bangalore is being refashioned as a “world – class” metropolis. Livelihoods & homes make way for flyovers, glitzy malls & a shiny Metro. Threatened with violent transformation of their city, residents confront the authorities. Beneath the State’s ideal of a “global city” lurks the intent to clear a pasture for big business.

11:30 Interaction

12:00 Framing Democracy 32’

Encountering Injustice: The Case of Meena Khalko

Dir: Maheen Mirza: 14 min: Chattishgarhi, Hindi with English subtitles

The film looks into an alleged encounter of a 15 year old adivasi girl, Meena Khalkho who lived in Village Karcha of Balrampur district of North Chhattisharh. She was killed by the police who alleged that she was a naxalite. Moving between the electronic news coverage of the incident & testimonies of her parents and other people from her village, the film investigates the claims of the police. Sexual violence, the attempt to suppress the truth of Meena’s murder & the impunity of the culprits gradually comes to light. We also get a glimpse into how difficult & long the struggle for justice is in the conflict zones of the country. This film is part of a series of films called Loktantra Hazir Ho produced by the Women against Sexual Violence & State Repression (WSS).

Meanwhile the killings continue: The Encounter at Rewali

Dir: Maheen Mirza: 18 min: Godhi, Hindu with English subtitles

In a combing operation in the Dantewara region of Chattisgarh an adivasi was encountered & killed by security forces. He & his wife had gone to a stream to bathe and collect material to make a baadi and were catching crabs when the security forces opened fire. Budhri, the woman hid behind a tree but Bhima Nuppo was shot & killed. The people from rewali village of which Budhri & Bhima were residents called the local leaders & media to investigate this incident and bring out the unprecedented violence that adivasis living in the area have to face regularly. A rally of about 7000 people set out to seek justice for Budhri & her 5 children. They were stopped & not allowed to go to the Collector’s office. Negotiations ensued between the people & the administration. The film documents the entire process.

12:35 Interaction

1:00 pm Nicobar, a long way

Dir: Richa Hushing: 65 min: Nicobarese, Hindi & English

Deep in the Bay of Bengal, the Nicobar archipelago, a tribal reserve protected under Andaman & Nicobar Protection of Aboriginal Tribes Regulation, was worst hit by the Tsunami of 26th Dec, 2004. Self -subsistent & relatively isolated, post Tsunami the aboriginal world was suddenly invaded.

2:05 Interaction

2:30 I am Bonnie
Dir: Farha Katun, Satarupa Santra, Saurabh Kanti Dutta: 45 min: Bengali with English subtitles

Bonnie (33) is again on the run. He has been on the run from his family & sports fraternity since failing “sex test” before the Bangkok Asian Games, 1998. A born intersex, raised by poor, illiterate & confused parents as a girl named Bandana, s/he became one of the finest strikers of Indian Woman’s football team in her/his short career. A Sex Reassignment surgery later transformed her/him to a man but left him without home or career. He left home, took up idol -making for a living. He met Swati (F24) then; they fell in love & married soon but had to move once again fearing social backlash. His fight to establish his identity, struggle for existence is met by a sarcastic society which is yet to learn to take “other genders” seriously.

3:15 Interaction

3:45 Mod (70 min)

Dir: Pushpa Rawat: 69 min: India; Documentary

Mod is an attempt by the filmmaker at communicating with the young men who hang out at the “notorious” water tank in their neighborhood in Pratap Vihar, Ghaziabad. The water tank is a space that is frequented by the so – called “no – gooders” of the locality, a place where they play cricket, play cards, drink & smoke up. When she enters the space with her camera, the boys are curious and at the same time wary of it & her. They sometimes resist, sometimes protest & at times, open up. As the film unfolds we get a hint of the lives the boys lead and the fragile world they create for themselves at the water tank.

4:55 Interaction

5:15 Invoking Justice

Dir: Deepa Dhanraj: 86 min: Tamil with English subtitles

In Southern India, family disputes are settled by Jamaats, all male bodies which apply Islamic Sharia law to cases without allowing women to be present, even to defend themselves. Recognizing this fundamental inequity, a group of women in 2004 established a women’s Jamaat, which soon became a network of 12,000 members spread over 12 districts. Despite enormous resistance, they have been able to settle more than 8,000 cases to date, ranging from divorce to wife beating to brutal murders and more. Award winning filmmaker Deepa Dhanraj (Something Like A War) follows several cases, shining a light on how the women’s Jamaat has acquired power through both communal education & the leaders’ persistent, tenacious & compassionate investigation of the crimes. In astonishing scenes we watch the Jamaat meetings, where women often shout over each other about the most difficult facets of their personal lives. Above all, the women’s Jamaat exists to hold their male counterparts & local police to account & to reform a profoundly corrupt system which allows men to take refuge in the most extreme interpretation of the Qur’an to justify violence towards women.

6:45 Interaction

7:15 Guest lecture, poetry & songs

Day 3: Sat 28th Oct, 2017

10 am Accsex

Dir: Shweta Ghosh: 52 min: Hindi & English

Within stifling dichotomies of normal & abnormal, lie millions of women, negotiating with their identities, Accsex explores notions of beauty, the “ideal body” & sexuality through 4 storytellers; 4 women who happen to be persons with disability. Through the lives of Natasha, Sonali, Kanti & Abha, this film brings to fore questions of acceptance, confidence & resistance to the normative. As it turns out, these questions are not too removed from everyday realities of several others, deemed “imperfect” & “monstrous” for not fitting in. Accsex traces the journey of the storytellers as they reclaim agency & the right to unapologetic confidence, sexual expression & happiness.

11:00 Interaction

11:30 Our Family

Dir: Anjali Monteiro & KP Jayasankar: 56 min: Tamil with English subtitles

What does it mean to cross that line which sharply divides us on the basis of gender? To free oneself of the socially constructed onus of being male? Is there life beyond a hetero – normative family? Set in Tamilnadu, India, Our Family brings together excerpts from Nirvanam, a one person performance, by Pritham K. Chakravarthy & a family of 3 generations of trans – gendered female subjects.

12:30 Interaction

1:00 Lunch break

2:00 Kakkoos

Dir: Divya Bharathi: 108 min: Tamil with English subtitles

The documentary, shot in 25 districts for over a year, conveys the message that even though manual scavenging was banned in India in 2013 it continues to exist & conservancy workers are involved in removing human waste. The film is dedicated to those who maintain a “false silence on manual scavenging”.

3:50 Interaction

4:20 Sikkidre Shikari & Illdidre Bhikari (Bird Trapper or Beggar!)
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