Shaheen Raaj

Movie Review: ’10 Cloverfield Lane’ is an exciting thriller full of suspense drama

April 30, 2016 by Shaheen Raaj

Producer: J J Abrahams & Lindsay Weber
Director: Dan Trachtenberg
Star Cast: Mary Elizabeth Winstead, John Goodman, John Gallagher, Bradley Cooper, Suzanne Cryer & Jamie Clay
Genre: Suspense Drama
Verdict: GOOD

Plot: A young woman wakes up after a terrible accident to find that she’s locked in a cellar with a doomsday prepper, who insists that he saved her life and that the world outside is uninhabitable following an apocalyptic catastrophe. Uncertain what to believe, the woman soon determines that she must escape at any cost.

Aces: 10 Cloverfield Lane is good edge of the seat thriller especially because of the actor’s sterling & mesmerising performance aided and abetted by director Dan Trachtenberg’s excellent directorial treatment.

Minuses: The only thing missing in 10 Cloverfield Lane is lack of entertainment value.

Last Word: 10 Cloverfield Lane is a spiritual sequel to the 2008 thriller Cloverfield. In a way both the films live up to the expectations of the audiences who love disaster movies.

An Interview With Siddharth Nagar Writer, Producer, Director Of The Small Screen Arena

April 27, 2016 by Shaheen Raaj

Siddharth Nagar a director par excellence of the small screen arena

Siddharth Nagar, an extremely well – known writer – producer – director in the small screen arena to be specific on DD’s varied channel, is one cool dude guy who takes everything coolly in his stride. With his mere presence on the sets all the activities takes place in a smooth sailing manner as he makes everyone around him, right from the cast to the crew, feel so comfortable & relaxed. Incidentally speaking Siddharth Nagar had begun his filmic career as a drama child artiste for Akashwani, Theater, Doordarshan & films. Then gave up his acting career as a young man to don a producer’s hat with his debut serial namely Dadi Maa at the time of the inaugural of the afternoon session of Doordarshan. Later on he turned a director and directed many hit small screen serials. His latest directorial offering “Shiksha – Ek Majboot Adhaarshila” a daily soap is already on air, on Doordarshan’s Kisan Channel (from Mon to Wed 9.30 pm to 10.00 pm), and earning rave reviews and also garnering good TRP ratings besides being nicknamed as a popular farmer’s show.

How do you feel now on reflecting back on your past achievements down the years?

To be very honest I feel fully contented & totally enriched with all the experiences I gained 1st as a child actor then as a young actor and finally as a writer, producer & director of the small screen arena. But my filmic journey is far from over as I have many more milestones to conquer in the small screen arena. Besides I have this ardent desire to make my debut as a writer, producer & director on the big screen arena too. I think it is high time I take the plunge in this direction too. So in the end I would like to stress on the fact that I have no regrets whatsoever. I have made shows for varied kendras of Doordarshan and in varied languages. I can go on & on and even reams & reams of Papier Du Mache would be insuffice to recount everything.

You had quite a checkered career as an actor then why did you give up acting all of a sudden?

I had given up my flourishing acting career all of a sudden not because I did not think that I was not a good actor but because I always had more passion for writing & direction. This was the time when Doordarshan had just announced the inauguration of its afternoon transmission. I thought this was the right time to fulfil my passion as a writer & director. But to start off I produced a serial for them named “Dadi Maa” and then, as they say, there was no looking back. Besides producing I also started writing & directing serials & other programmes. My long standing association & my creatively dedicated journey with Doordarshan is still on after so many years. Till this date I have 2000 hours of televised programming to my credit. Now I planning to make inroads in the popular Sattelite Channels circuit too.

How did you build such a good rapport with Doordarshan officials as you have done scores of shows with them?

It was not at all easy to gain their confidence. Needless to say I had to struggle a lot. Of course my long standing association with them as a child artiste and then as a young actor stood in my favour. At first they were a little hesitant to give me a directorial break since I was just 23 years old. But finally I made my way in Doordarshan as a producer with “Dadi Maa”. Now all is well on the Doordarshan front. By now I have done serials, short series & music based programmes for them.

Time to give us a brief insight into your currently on air serial on Doordarshan namely “Shiksha – EK Majbut Adhaarshila”.

Actually speaking my latest offering on air is “Shiksha – EK Majbut Adhaarshila”.
It is on air since 4th April 2016 on DD Kisan Channel, you can call it a daily soap as it is aired every Monday to Wednesday between 9.30 pm to 10.00 pm.

So what is your latest offering “Shiksha – EK Majbut Adhaarshila” all about?

First of all my latest offering “Shiksha – EK Majbut Adhaarshila” has been written & directed by me besides being produced by me under my own home production banner namely Saarthak Chitram. It is a woman oriented daily soap which is mainly targeted to address the wholesome Edutainment needs of the farmers, in a full on entertaining way, through the main protagonist named Shiksha who has already earned the degree of Doctorate in Agriculture Science.

Briefly narrate the plot of “Shiksha – EK Majbut Adhaarshila”.

The plotted scenario of “Shiksha – Ek Mazboot Adhaarila” revolves around the main protagonist named Shiksha, her mother Soma, her father Nandkumar and his dream to make her daughter a Doctorate in Agriculture Science which he could not fulfil due to acute financial crises in his family. But Nandkumar dedicated his life to his land and decided to provide higher education to his children and when his 1st child was born he named her Shiksha. Much to Nandkumar’s happiness Shiksha is brilliant in studies and instead of wanting to become an engineer or a doctor, she expressed her desire to study Agricultural Science and instead of staying in the city she kept her promise to her father to return to her village and improve the overall conditions of not only her own family but the whole village and spread it on to the neighbouring villages too.

What according to you is the USP of “Shiksha – Ek Mazboot Adhaarila”?

First of all the subject of my latest directorial venture “Shiksha – Ek Mazboot Adhaarshila”, is the greatest USP of the serial. It is based on the varied issues of a farmer’s life. Besides it not only provides unlimited entertainment but also simultaneously educates & motivates our farmers to adopt the modern diversified techniques of agriculture along with the existing traditional agricultural practices. Honestly speaking I have to deal with such intriguing subjects and complex with a lot of sugar coating albeit in an entertaining way so that it reaches & is fully enjoyed by the mass audience and all concerned. You know what I mean!

You seem to have a very talented team of the cast & the crew. What say?

Yes you are right. The crew of “Shikha – Ek Majbut Adhaarshila” comprises of written, produced & directed by Siddharth Nagar, co -producer by Harender Singh Verma & Jaya Bhattacharya, creative head is Archana Saikia, production head is Pravin Sorte, cinematography by Mukesh Sharma, lyrics by Abhilash, music by Vivek Bakshi, singer is Pratiksha Vashishth, editing by Arun Pakal & Satish Sharma & art by Mahendra Raut, background score by Bhupesh Sharma. And the starcast includes eminent actors like Rakesh Pandey & Reeta Bhadhuri, Raju Shrestha, Sangeeta Naik, small screen’s well -known star Jaya Bhattacharya and other actors like Dinesh Kaushik, Avinash Sejwani, Shresth Kumar, Mukesh Nathani, Aparna Asaskar, Jugnu, Bhoomi Shukla, Anamika Jaiswal, Pratibha Kapoor, Rajiv Yadav, Yajupratap Singh, Ekta Methai, Arun Khanna, PP Kumar, Puneet Chaturvedi, Ramesh Goel, Priti Shukla et al. And the title role of Shiksha is played by the upcoming small screen talent Sarika Dhillon.

As a parting shot please enlighten us about ur future plans!

Well my future plans are, of course, to make more & more enligtening programmes for Doordarshan’s varied channels. Then as said before I want to enter the big screen arena where I would like to make commercially oriented meaning full films with seasoned actors like Big B & Nana Patekar to name just 2. And of course my next project will be based on journalists and I can’t reveal anything more about this at present.

Worldwide Films Round Up

April 26, 2016 by Shaheen Raaj

Mandatory Credit: Photo by Rob Latour/REX/Shutterstock (2925621n)
David Twohy
‘Riddick’ film premiere, Los Angeles, America – 28 Aug 2013

DAVID TWOHY DIRECT ICE MOON RISING

David Twohy, who directed Riddick & scripted The Fugitive, is to write & direct Ice Moon Rising, a major sci – fi movie that is set to be a US & China co -production. The film which could have a budget in the region of $50 million is being produced by Das Films’ Sriram Das and by experienced Greater China producer Steve Chicorel. The pair are also in advanced preparations for another China – US venture Money Plane, with David Hackl to direct. Ice Moon Rising is set in space when a Chinese & an American task force venture to Jupiter’s moon Europa to awaken an astronaut from a cryogenic stasis, some 24 years after he was attacked by alien creatures in Europa’s sub -glacial seas. Awake, he then has to be reunited with his wife & a daughter he has never met. Das, who recently produced November Man & India – set Heartbeats, is currently evaluating finance & casting options in China.

ASIA EXPANDS DOMINATION OF GLOBAL BOX OFFICE

Asia’s domination of the Global Box Office Turnstiles became stronger in 2015, according to the Motion Picture Association of America’s annual survey of the world’s theatrical business. With gross theatrical revenues of $14.1 billion in 2015, the Asia -Pacific region is now the largest single component of the Global Box Office. It far outstrips Europe, the Middle East & North Africa on $9.7 billion. Asia overtook North America for the 1st time in 2013 and has pulled away ever since. In 2015 North American grosses were up 8% at $11.1 billion. That makes Asia 27% bigger than US & Canada. And Asia also accounted for 37% of the $38.3 billion Global Theatrical Box Office that the MPAA reported for 2015. Both Asia & Latin America displayed 13% annual growth in 2015, but the much smaller base for Latin America, means that performance in Asia will still weigh more heavily on the global totals, as will its inevitable, eventual deceleration. Between 2014 & 2015, Latin American Box Office grew from $3.0 billion to $3.4 billion, a gain of $400 million. Box office in Asia grew from $12.4 billion in 2014, an increase of $1.7 billion. That contrasts with the slow pace of theatrical growth in North America (up 15% since the $9.6 billion score recorded by the MPAA in 2008) and the negligible, sideways performance of Europe.

ITV RECOMMISSIONS THE DURRELLS

UK commercial broadcaster ITV has commissioned a 2nd season of its hit family drama The Durrells after airing just 2 episodes of the 1st run. The series, produced by Sid Gentle Films, is ITV’s best – rating new drama of the year and its highest – rating new show since Sept, 2014. The 1st episode launched on ITV with 6.4 million and a 29% share, the channel’s best new drama since Cilla in Sept, 2014. The 1st episode has since consolidated to 8.2 million and a 33% share, making it the most watched ITV drama of this year. The Durrells, Simon Nye’s adaptation of Gerald Durrell’s trilogy of memoirs, tell the story of Louisa Durrell who makes a radical change and uproots her 4 unruly children, Larry, Leslie, Margo & Gerry, from Bournemouth, England to start a new life in Corfu in the 1930’s.
Keeley Hawes will return as matriarch Louisa alongside her fictional brood played by Josh O’Connor (Larry), Callum Woodhouse (Leslie), Daisy Waterstone (Margo) and Milo Parker (Gerry).

GOVERNMENT MULLS MOVE TO FORCE BBC TO SELL UKTV STAKE

The UK Government is all set to force state owned broadcaster BBC to sell its 50% stake in television network UKTV, according to Government sources. UKTV, which comprises 10 channels including Dave, Gold, Alibi & Really, is a joint venture between BBC’s commercial division, BBC Worldwide & US Company Scripps Networks Interactive. UKTV’s most recent financial results showed a 13% rise in revenue to £319 million ($452 million) and operating profits of £79.6 million ($113 million), which is 20% up over 2 years. Last year, Scripps was reported to have offered to buy BBC’s stake for £500 million ($710 million). The revelation, 1st reported in Sunday Times, comes as UK minister of culture John Whittingdale considers proposals for revising the rules governing how BBC operates, known as Royal Charter. He is expected to publish his proposals in a “White Paper” next month.

SKY SIGNS 1ST PAN – EUROPEAN MOVIE DEAL

Pay TV operator Sky has signed its 1st Pan -European movie deal. The exclusive pact with Sony Pictures covers the countries in which Sky operates, which are UK, Ireland, Germany, Austria & Italy. Sky has already struck Pan – European deals for TV series with HBO & Showtime, but this is its 1st pact with a Hollywood studio for movies. Sky’s movie deals in the past have been made on a country – by – country basis. The Sony Pictures agreement, which covers Sky’s subscription & transactional movie services, allows it to deliver new movies to its 21 million customers more than a year ahead of any other subscription service and only a few months after they have been released in movie theaters. The package comprises all new & future Sony releases, including Ghostbusters, Angry Birds, Money Monster & Inferno & also includes library titles such as Lawrence Of Arabia, Philadelphia & Close Encounters Of The Third Kind & franchises such as Men In Black & The Karate Kid. Following its £6.9 billion ($9.77 billion) acquisition of Sky Deutschland & Sky Italia 2 years ago the Company has been seeking to negotiate deals with content suppliers for all its territories.

VIACOM TO LAUNCH COMEDY CENTRAL

Viacom International Media Networks is launching Comedy Central in Middle East & Africa on the region’s leading pay – TV player OSN, 2 years after 2 companies forged an alliance that marked a significant strategic move for Viacom in an area where it has considerable room for growth. Comedy Central HD will be the 3rd brand for VIMN in the region, complementing the existing presence of MTV & Nickelodeon – Nick Jr. The channel’s offerings will include The Daily Show With Trevor Noah, which Noah will make the trek to launch in Dubai. Comedy Central favourites Tosh.0 & Inside Amy Schumer and a dedicated block of Spike content comprising Lip Sync Battle, as well as Catch A Contractor, the non -scripted series that sees host Adam Carolla on a mission to track down shady contractors and drag them back to the scene of their crimes. Internationally produced shows will include sitcom I Live with Models. All content, including animation, will be subtitled in Arabic. It will launch on 7th May, 2016 across the MENA region where there is a robust growth rate in pay -TV penetration expected to reach 19% of the population by 2019.

ELIE SAAB PARTNERS WITH MBC

Lebanese fashion designer
Elie Saab has partnered with top Arab free – to – air satcaster MBC Group to produce Project Runway Middle East which will air across more than 20 Arabic territories later this year. Saab, long known as the leading haute couturier in the Middle East and more recently as chief of a global fashion empire, will preside the reality show’s jury providing his expertise to aspiring designers from the region where fashion styles of the Western world have been known to clash with local mores. This aspect will be interesting to watch. In 2002 Saab became the 1st designer from the Middle East to dress an Oscar winner, Halle Berry. Other Hollywood stars he has dressed include Angelina Jolie, Beyonce, Gwyneth Paltrow, Charlize Theron & Catherine Zeta – Jones.
“My role in the program is an integral part of my constant desire to develop the fashion industry in the Arab world,” Saab said in a statement. Joining him as a judge on the panel will be well – known Tunisian -Italian fashionista, actress & TV host Afef Jnifen. The 3rd judge will be a surprise celebrity guest – star /expert for each episode. Saudi designer Faris Al Shehri, creator of the Maison BO – M label, will mentor the participants as they tackle weekly fashion challenges. The host will be Lebanese – Australian model Jessica Kahawaty. This will be the 2nd Arabic version of the show. The 1st had a two season run on Beirut based Future Television in 2006-2007.

DETECTIVE CONAN: THE DARKEST NIGHTMARE BOW AT #1

New instalments of 2 long running animation series, both distributed by Toho, bowed atop the Japanese box office for the weekend of 16th Apr, 2016 & 17th. Apr, 2016 while Spotlight debuted at #7. Entering at #1 was Detective Conan: The Darkest Nightmare, the 20th episode in a feature animation series about the cases of a clever teenaged detective trapped in a boy’s body. Released on 348 screens, the film earned a resounding $11 million on 934,000 admissions. This is 38% better than the previous “Conan” film, which went on to finish with $41 million last year. Premiering at #2 was Crayon Shin – Chan: Fast Asleep! Dreaming World Big Assault!, the 26th feature entry in an animated series starring a sexually precocious kindergartener. Released on 334 screens, the film recorded $3.7 million. This was slightly better than the take of the previous “Crayon” film, which ended its run with $21 million. Boosted by its best picture Oscar, Spotlight opened on 109 screens on Fri 15th Apr, 2016 through Longride, and recorded $810,000 in its 1st 3 days of release.

THEY CALL ME JEEG DOMINATES DAVID DI DONATELLO AWARDS

Offbeat superhero movie They Call Me Jeeg, a fresh riff on formulaic Hollywood franchises and on a 1970 Japanese cartoon series, was the big winner at Italy’s 60th David Di Donatello Awards, the country’s top film nods, scooping 7 statuettes including for “Best Debut Director”, “Best Producer”, “Best Actress”, “Best Actor” & “Best Supporting Female” & “Best Suppoeting Male” thespians.

The “Best Picture Prize” went to Paolo Genovese’s high – concept dramedy Perfect Strangers, which is about a dangerous game played with cell phones, is the only Italian film unspooling at the Tribeca Film Festival. Perfect Strangers, which has done boffo biz locally, also took the “Best Screenplay” nod. Matteo Garrone won the “Best Director” nod for the English language horror /fantasy Tale Of Tales, which also won in the “Best Cinematography”, “Best Production Design”, “Best Costume Design”, “Best Makeup” & “Best Hair Categories”. “I’m lucky that Jeeg was not eligible for “Best director”, Garrone quipped as soon as he got on stage.

GIUSEPPE TORNATORE TO SHOOT FOR ALIBABA PICTURES

Italy’s Cinema Paradiso director Giuseppe Tornatore has struck a deal to make a movie with China’s Alibaba Pictures Group, the film making arm of e -commerce giant Alibaba.

The deal was symbolically signed by Tornatore & Zhang Qiang of APG at the end of a forum on co – productions Sun on the 1st full day of the Beijing International Film Festival. Among the witnesses to the signing was Miao Xiaotian, VP of China Film Co – production Corporation. “The deal is an agreement in principal without a project that is yet agreed,” Tornatore told Variety. He said that it will likely happen within the next 2 to 3 years and be a majority Chinese financed picture. It was unclear whether the film will use the bilateral co – production treaty between Italy & China that was signed in 2014. The 1st film that used the treaty was Cristiano Bortone’s Coffee. Tornatore, who has other credits including Malena, A Pure Formality & The Legend of 1900, joins an expanding list of well – known talents who have signed 1st look or outline deals with APG. Others include Wong Kar- Wai & Peter Chan.

ITALIAN FILM INDUSTRY TAKING CANNES FILM INDUSTRY SNUB IN STRIDE

Italy’s film industry is reacting rather nonchalantly to the surprising absence of Italian movies in the Cannes competition for the 1st time in a decade and taking consolation in the expected presence of a robust contingent of young Italo directors set to screen across the fest’s other sections. “One year you have 3 films in competition, the other you don’t have any. It’s normal,” says producer Riccardo Tozzi head of Italian motion picture association Anica. “It doesn’t mean there aren’t good movies; it just means there aren’t any that fit the Cannes competition mold,” he adds. Of course last year Italy had new works by Cannes regulars Nanni Moretti, Paolo Sorrentino & Matteo Garrone vying for the Palme D’Or. This year veteran Italo auteur Marco Bellocchio’s Sweet Dreams didn’t make the cut.

SALSIPUEDES TELLS 3 GENERATIONAL TALE

The screening of Panamanian drama Salsipuedes, the feature debut of Ricardo Aguilar Navarro & Manolito Rodriguez, was one of the high – points of the 5th Panama International Film Festival, with an audience of 1,100 packing out Panama City’s Teatro Balboa. In International Film Festival of Panama’s closing ceremony the pic received the Audience Award for “Best Central American And Caribbean Film”. The film tells the story of Andrés who moved to Washington State aged 10 but returns to his local neighbourhood in Panama City, when aged 20, upon hearing about the death of his grandfather. At the funeral, he reunites with his father who is in prison, but allowed out for the funeral. At the funeral he escapes, and Andrés decides to stay home to protect his father. The pic then jumps back & forth between the past & present, through a series of flashbacks that explore the relationship between grandfather, father & son. Rodriguez says that the original inspiration for the story came from the double album, Maestra Vida, by Panamanian singer Ruben Blades, that tells of a story between grandfather, father & son in a local neighborhood.

THE CHEQUE TO HAVE COUNTRY’S BIGGEST EVER RELEASE

Arturo Montenegro, director of local comedy The Cheque spoke to Variety at the International Film Festival Of Panama about his film, that world premiered in the fest to a packed audience in the Teatro Balboa, and was released on 14 Apr, 2016 on 22 screens, the country’s biggest ever opening screen – count. “It’s a wonderful & unique experience, to be here in International Film Festival Of Panama,” said Montenegro. “Not only because I’m showing my picture, The Cheque, but also because Panama is increasingly positioning itself as a film capital for the Central American market.” The helmer admitted that he was nervous about the world premiere, since he had never screened the pic to a wide audience and wanted to know whether the comedy would click with spectators. But he said he was delighted by the response.

HIDE AND SEEK SHOOTS FOR VILLAGE ROADSHOW ASIA

Principal photography is now underway on Hide And Seek, a Chinese adaptation of the Korean suspense thriller of the same title. The film is the latest addition to the slate of Village Roadshow Pictures Asia, the local production arm of Australian Entertainment Multinational Village Roadshow Group. The original Hide And Seek was a breakout hit that earned $35.6 million in Korea in 2013 for writer – director Huh Jung. It told a tale of 2 families who believe that strangers are living in their homes and set about trying to decipher a series of codes & clues. The new film is directed by Golden Horse winner Liu Jie and stars Wallace Huo Jianhua & Qin Hailu. Regina Wan Qian, who won a “Best Supporting Actress” award for 2014’s Paradise In Service, also stars Ellen Eliasoph of Village Roadshow Pictures Asia, Gigi Qi of New Clues & Lizhi Chen of Spire Media are producers on the film.

ITV MULLS ENTERTAINMENT ONE. BID

UK broadcasting & production giant ITV is mulling a bid for Canadian production & distribution company Entertainment One. ITV has held preliminary talks with eOne about a deal, according to sources cited by Bloomberg, but no decision has been reached on the move. Responding to the speculation, Entertainment One, also known as eOne, said Thurs “no approach has been received” by the company. A spokesman for ITV said: “We do not comment on speculation.” Shares in Entertainment One on the London Stock Exchange, where it is listed, rose 16% at midday local time Thurs to 184.10 p, valuing the company at £777 million ($1.1 billion). Shares in ITV rose 1.33% to 243.40p. Entertainment One has been on the acquisition trail in recent years, buying majority stakes in Mark Gordon Company, the producer of Grey’s Anatomy & Astley Baker Davies, creator of Peppa Pig. This has forced it to take on further debt, which has dented its stock price.

The upcoming Marathi movie Dimakhilal mirrors a concrete solution to break the barriers of the age old myths & beliefs

April 25, 2016 by Shaheen Raaj

Dimakhilal entails the story of a 12-year-old boy who constantly struggles to solve the varied issues of society which also includes the age-old orthodox oriented traditional myths & beliefs. He tries varied means, tricks & ways to sort out the so-called societal issues. He also shows different ways to every human beings of how to be hopeful even under adverse & critical conditions at every stage & age of their life.

Sadiq Mukadam who has produced Dimakhilal, an experimental, enlightening & artistic movie avers, “In our soon to be released movie Dimakhilal we have also used varied technical machines to put across the varied issues relating to our society and also offers concrete solutions to solve them amicably. These kind of machines have never been used before in any other language movie. Dimakhilal also has several subtle messages on offer.”

Sadiq Mukaddam continued further by stating, “Actually speaking Dimakhilal entails my own personal story which had incidentally taken place 2 and a half decades ago when I was that high. I wish that Dimakhilal reaches each & every cine goers on a National level. It also stresses on the thought that even a 12-year boy, who is also a part of this universe, can offer a concrete solution for varied societal issues. We have made this movie with the sole aim that all the cine goers should feel that Dimakhilal is their very own movie.”

While the movie Dimakhilal’s, all set to release in the month of May, 2016, director Sunil Agesar avers, “The main highlight of Dimakhilal is its novel concept & its main protagonist namely Child Artiste Swaraj Phadtare who enacts the title role of Dimakhilal. And another Child Artiste Rahul, enacts the role of Dimakhilal’s close friend. Besides Dimakhilal mainly stars all debutant actors. In fact Dimakhilal is a perfectly different & out of the box movie and will prove to be beneficial for one & all.”

Movie Review: ‘The Huntsman: Winter’s War’ is a good costume drama which is good for at least one time watch

April 25, 2016 by Shaheen Raaj

Producer: Joe Roth
Director: Cedric Nicolas – Troyan
Star Cast: Chris Hemsworth, Charlize Theron, Emily Blunt, Nick Frost, Sam Claflin, Rob Brydon & Jessica Chastain
Genre: Fantasy
Verdict: Ok

Plot: Freya the Ice Queen (Emily Blunt) brings her sister Ravenna (Charlize Theron) back to life, and the powerful evil siblings plan to conquer the Enchanted Forest. Only the Huntsman (Chris Hemsworth) and his secret lover Sara (Jessica Chastain) can stop them in this sequel continuing the inventive twist on the Snow White fable.

Aces: The Huntsman: Winter’s War a sequel to the Snow White fable has all glitter & gloss with all the apt production values intact. Besides Chris Hemsworth & Charlize Theron are impressive.

Minuses: Instead of a continuation of a fairy tale, this movie turns out to be more mysterious adventure in which every character dies and is instantly reborn. Intriguing & Unbelievable!!!

Last Word: Fairy tale sagas have its own fans, coupled with mystery & adventure The Huntsman: Winters War may have a slow start at the Box Office turnstiles but has chances of pick up in the long run.

Love Day – Pyaar Ke Din is a rollercoaster ride of fun & frolic

April 20, 2016 by Shaheen Raaj

Harsh Nagar shown to user

Director duo Harish Kotian & Sandeep Chaudhary’s upcoming film Love Day – Pyaar Ke Din has been in the news and raising quite a few eyebrows because of the double entendre sounding title of the film. So much so that the film’s maker had to add a tagline to the title so now the film’s title stands as Love Day – Pyaar Ka Din. But one of the directors Harish Kotian avers, “I wonder why the film’s title is raising quite a few eyebrows whenever it is mentioned. But in reality, Love day is a fun film about 3 friends and the naughty and hilarious situations they face. It is a comic oriented rollercoaster ride which will be quite entertaining for the cine goers. And the Hindi sounding tagline was always there. We never added it to camouflage the erotic sounding English title.”

Be that as it may be Shaheen Raaj recently had a telephonic encounter with the two wannabe actors Harsh Naagar & Sahil Anand and the most talked about actor namely Ajaz Khan.

Ajaz Khan: I have done many films in my career till this date but my role in Rajlaxmi Entertainment’s Love Day – Pyaar Ka Din is quite an entertaining one although I pay a baddie once again after my baddie’s role in Shubbir Mukherjee’s Club Dancer. This is a hilarious fun ride about 3 friends but with quite a comic twist seeing which the cine goers will die laughing. And it is for the 1st time that I am working with director Jodi namely Harish Kotian & Sandeep Choudhary. And yeah I have also displayed my assets by wearing undies on the silver screen celluloid for the 1st time along with my 2 co – actor’s Harsh Naagar & Sahil Anand. The movie largely centres around my bad boy character and how the bad boy image lands me & my friends into trouble. Besides I play a total womaniser in this one. My antics bring upon me & my friends some dire consequences.

Sahil Anand: I am from Chandigarh and was a part of the reality show MTV Roadies and started my career from there. I have done around 35 TV commercials. My 1st movie was Student Of The year then I did Babloo Happy Hai and now my next upcoming movie is Love Day – Pyaar Ke Din. It’s a story about real friendship between 3 friends which I think doesn’t exist nowadays, away from materialism and any purpose. Love Day – Pyaar Ke Din will revive the concept of friendship which we used to have when we were in school. In fact Love Day – Pyaar Ke Din is a journey from childhood to older age showing the various stages of friendship & togetherness. I loved & enjoyed working with Harsh Naagar & Ajaz Khan who were superb. I also had great fun while shooting with both of them and besides we all went so much deep in the character that now we are all thick & fast friends, that apart Ajaz Khan also helped us to be more comfortable while doing some of the bold & daring scenes in Love Day – Pyaar Ke Din and hats off to our director Harish Kotian & Sandeep Chaudhary for making a superb film and due credit also goes to our cinematographer Amit and above all our producer Baldev Singh Bedi.

Harsh Naagar: Originally I hail from a theatre background. I had made my debut with Alway Kabhie Kabhie. Then I had done a film called The Wedding Gift. And now my upcoming movie is Love Day – Pyaar Ke Din which was originally scheduled to be released on Valentine’s Day (14th Feb, 2016) but due to unavoidable circumstances it is scheduled to release very soon. In Love Day – Pyaar ke Din I have enacted the role of one of the two friends namely Ajaz Khan & Saahil Anand. All three of us get involved in pranks and mischievous bouts and as a result all three of us have to face dire consequences. A lot of hoo haa was raised when the 3 of us had to perform a brief undy scene which was an essential part of the script of Love Day – Pyaar Ke Din. It was a real enriching experience while working with Ajaz Khan and also Saahil Anand and I would also like to extend my humble thanks to my director duo Harish Kotian & Sandeepm Chaudhary, to the entire cast & crew, and above all to our producer Baldev Singh Bedi.

Southern Films Round Up

April 19, 2016 by Shaheen Raaj

Kamal Haasan Confirms The Commencement Of His Next Film

In 2016 half of April has been completed, but Kamal Haasan is yet to start his next. This from the actor who gave as many as 3 films in 2015. The multi – talented actor has 2 projects one with director T. K. Rajeev Kumar and another with ‘Thoongavanam’ director Rajesh M. Selva in his hands this year. Now the legend has confirmed in his Tweet to actor Madhavan that he will start shooting for his next from from 29th Apr, 2016, thereby putting an end to the long wait. Kamal teams up with director Rajeev Kumar of Chanakyan fame after 26 long years for this film. Shruti Haasan will be acting in an important role in this film and this is her 1st film with her father after emerging as a top heroine. Ramya Krishna has bagged another important role in the film.

Rajinikanth Confirms ‘Kabali’ Release Date

Superstar Rajinikanth has received the Padma Vibhushan Award from Pranab Mukharjee, The Honorable President of India in the award ceremony held in New Delhi recently. The Superstar boarded the flight to the National Capital from Chennai Airport. He was thronged by reporters & media persons at the airport premises. Quizzed about the release of his upcoming film Kabali, Rajinikanth replied that the film directed by Pa.Ranjith & produced by Kalaipuli. S. Thanu will be hitting the screens by the last week of May, 2016 or the first week of Jun, 2016. This puts to rest, the rumours doing rounds for the past few days that the film’s release has been postponed to Jul, 2016.

Dhanush And…Laud Trisha’s First Attempt

One of the few heroines who has stayed right at the top in South Indian cinema for more than a decade is undoubtedly our own Chennai girl Trisha. In her forthcoming woman centric film Nayaki directed by Govi the ever green actress has made her singing debut for a song that is called the Bayam song. Leading Tollywood director Puri Jagganath released the single and those who have listened to the song are raving about how perfectly Trisha has nailed it. Dhanush, Varalakshmi Sarathkumar, Ganesh Venkatraman & Radhika Sarathkumar are among the many celebrities who have lauded Trisha on social media

RGV Says Powerstar 5 Times Better Than Rajinikanth

The King of controversies Ram Gopal Varma has stirred a hornet’s nest by tweeting that Power Star Pawan Kalyan is 10 times better than Chiranjeevi & 5 times better than Superstar Rajinikanth. Pawan Kalyan’s much hyped Sardar Gabbar Singh has turned out to be damp squib at the box office & RGV while criticizing Pawan’s choice of films had angered fans of the star and then he has tweeted the comparison obviously to pacify the hero. But fans of Superstar Rajinikanth are seeing red and are lambasting RGV on every existing social network.

Suresh Babu Gets Relief From High Court

On 9th Feb, 2016 D. Suresh Babu was adjudged disqualified for contesting any election or holding any post at the Telugu Film Producer’s Council by the City Civil Court, Hyderabad. The court made this ruling upon concluding that the ace producer & legatee of Suresh Productions hadn’t submitted the requisite documents. Appealing against the order, Suresh Babu & the Film Chamber moved the High Court. They said that Suresh Babu is not indebted to the Chamber and that it’s not appropriate to prevent him from performing his duties as he contested as per the rulebook. Today, the High Court has given interim relief by staying the City Civil Court’s order, which rescued him from performing his duties as the President of the Film Chamber.

Samantha’s Energy, Nithya’s Dedication

Actor Suriya, speaking at the audio release function of the Tamil version of 24, had specific things to share with the audience about co – stars Samantha & Nithya Menen. He said that he likes Samantha for her energy levels at any time. Curiously, Samantha is a big fan of Suriya and she must have been even more upbeat about working with her favourite actor. As for Nithya Menen, Suriya says that he admires the way she puts a lot of effort regardless of the longevity of her role. In this sci – film directed by Vikram Kumar, Samantha plays Suriya’s love interest, while Nithya is seen in an emotional role. Nithya has rendered the song ‘Laalijo..’ in this mega – budgeted movie.

Trisha Croons ‘Bayam‘

It’s known that Trisha has rendered a song in her forthcoming film Nayaki. Music directed by Raghu Kunche, this one comes as a promo -kinda song. Seen in the promo released moments ago is Trisha singing with gusto into the mike. Shot along with other crew members, it puts on display the camaraderie between Trisha and others like Raghu Kunche. The lyrics talk about the all – pervading “Bayam”. Since Nayaki is a thriller – horror where Trisha plays an actress, a song of this genre was in order.

Pawan – Trivikram Say Goodbye To Producer

Some months ago, Mythri Movie Makers, which is the producer of mega – budgeted movies like Srimanthudu & Janata Garage, had given an advance amount to Pawan Kalyan & Trivikram Srinivas for a movie in their combination. It was expected to go on the floors post the completion of SJ Suryah’s movie. However, latest update reveals that Pawan & Trivikram have decided to opt out of the project. Mythri Movie Makers were informed about the same. Later, the Power Star – Trivikram duo returned the advance to the production house. As reported by a media house, the decision owes to Mythri Movie Makers’ fault. It’s learnt that the duo is planning to do the movie under some other production house, details of which are not known at present.

Marubhoomiyile Aana’ 1st Look Out

The 1st look poster of the upcoming movie Marubhoomiyile Aana has been released. The poster shows lead actor Biju Menon in the garb of an Arab man. The scorching desert forms the backdrop. The movie was shot mainly in Doha. Biju Menon plays an Arab with a twist in the movie. Marubhoomilye Aana has been directed by V K Prakash. Samskruthy Shenoy & Sanusha are part of the cast. Y V Rajesh has scripted the movie. The shooting is on and the Thrissur schedule is being canned now.

Aparna Balamurali’ Wows With Her Stunning Looks

Actress Aparna Balamurali who hit the high note with Maheshinte Prathikaram is going places. Her girl next door looks and a gutsy performance for a bold role were all lauded. The actress seems to be quite busy these days. There is no doubt that more can be seen of her in the days to come. A recent photoshoot of the actress for a popular magazine is the talk of the town. Gone are the girl next door looks and Aparna looks all glammed up and looking stunning. The launch was also done recently and in the event the actress was spotted in a lbd, looking all poised & glossy.

Shubha Punja Double Dhamaka

A beautiful & performing actor Shubha Punja had a very good Ugadi Festival this year. She had 2 releases on the same day. In Siganduru Chowdeshwari Mahime she is in traditional devotee role while in comedy flick Jai Maruthi 800 she is in modern outfit and counterpart to very popular actor Sharan. With one Tamil & Kannada film in Hrudayashiva direction almost ready and one song has to be completed, Shuba Punja looking for some freak out in Kashmir & Rajastan with her friends. Looking in bridal outfit Shuba Punja says she has worked for 22 days for Jai Maruthi 800. It is comedy flick while Siganduru Chowdeshwari Mahime is very interesting in my career she adds.

Dandupalya 2 On Floors

Director Srinivasaraju created sensation from Dandupalya film a few years ago and he is back with some more stock on the cruelest gang that is moronic to the society. After the photo shoot of Pooja Gandhi & others the film Dandupalya 2 went on floor at Varaprada Sri Srinivasa Sri Shakthi Ganapathi temple. KFCC President Sa Ra Govindu sounded clap board for muhurt shot, SIFCC President HD Gangaraju switched on camera for the muhurt shot. Srinivasaraju has written story, screenplay besides direction. Arjun Janya music, Venkat Prasad cinematography add to the technical list.

Mantostaan is a film based on the burning stories of Partition by Manto

April 19, 2016 by Shaheen Raaj

Rahat Kazmi the director of acclaimed film Identity Card has recently completed Mantostaan; a dark satire based on 4 burning and the most controversial short stories namely Khol DO, Thanda Ghosht, Assignment & Aakhri Salute of Legendary Urdu writer Saadat Hassan Manto.

Of his works around the partition, Manto avers, “Hindustan had become free. Pakistan had become independent soon after its inception but man was still slave in both these countries, slave of prejudice…slave of religious fanaticism…slave of barbarity & inhumanity.”

Sonal Sehgal is super excited to play the character of Kulwant Kaur from Thanda Ghost, she admits that Mantostaan has been an entirely different experience and is a very powerful film indeed. Sonal avers, “My character is very dark & disturbing, somebody who doesn’t leave you long after you leave the sets It’s a character you haven’t seen on screen before”. Raghubir Yadav, Shoib Kazmi, Virendra Saxena, Tariq Khan, Raina Bassnet, Sakshi Bhatt & Rahat Kazmi himself have played key characters in the film.

Saadat Hassan Manto was heartbroken & shaken by the trauma the partition brought in its wake, and some of his best pieces revolve around what he saw during those horrific months. The stories of Mantostaan are about the single – minded dedication with which men killed men, the remorse felt by some and even the tears shed by the murderers.

In the riots, which preceded the partition in the Punjab Province, between 200,000 & 2,000,000 people were killed in the retributive genocide between the religions, estimates 14 million Hindus, Sikhs & above all Muslims too were displaced during the partition; it was the largest mass migration in human history.

Mantostaan is produced by Rahat Kazmi Films, Tariq Khan Productions, Aadititya Pratap Singh Singh Entertainments, Co – Produced by Zeba Sajid in association with Media Mark International Corporation, Canada.

Movie Review: ‘Fan’ is devoid of any entertainment value and may over all appeal only to die hard SRK fans

April 18, 2016 by Shaheen Raaj

Banner: Yash Raj Films
Producer: Aditya Chopra
Director: Maneesh Sharma
Star Cast: Shah Rukh Khan, Waluscha De Sousa, Shriya Pilgaonkar, Sayani Gupta, Deepika Amin & Yogendra Tiku
Music: Vishal – Shekhar & Andrea Guerilla

Director Maneesh Sharma has tackled a very sensitive subject of a so called superstar and his so called obsession for the superstar in his latest offering Fan. But he has certainly disappointed all the SRK fans with his so called convoulted plot. And both director Maneesh Sharma & screenplay writer Habib Faisal are solely responsible for this hotch potch scenario.

The scripted scenario of Fan narrates the story of Gaurav, an over – obsessive fan, whose life revolves around superstar Aryan. In his desire to meet his idol, Gaurav embarks on a journey to Mumbai. However, his interaction with the man he hero – worships & idolises But the superstar fails to meet his expectations. Resultantly, Gaurav decides to get nasty & malicious.

All said & done Fan may not be the most original piece of work as cine goers are bound to draw parallels with other films of this genre especially the Robert De Nero – Wesley Snipes Hollywood movie of the same name. Fan of course is not deviod of its share of flaws. The other minus point of Fan is that it is devoid of any entertainment value.

Performance wise SRK succeeds in holding his fort as an obssessively dangerous fan Gaurav, here too he shows more of his negative streaks as he had shown in Darr & Anjaam. He has just carried forward those roles. And as Aryan the real – life superstar he is just about ok. So if SRK is charming & believable as the superstar, he delivers a sterling performance as the fan with vengeance on his mind. While the other actors like Shriya Pilgaonkar, Sayani Gupta, Deepika Amin, Yogendra Tiku are really superb. On the other hand Waluscha De Sousa has simply been wasted. doesn’t get much scope.

Dilip Kumar stable, but not out of danger

April 18, 2016 by Shaheen Raaj

“Dilip Sahab’s condition is stable since the time of admission….. hasn’t deteriorated but is slightly better. Multiple investigations have been conducted, and we have roped in the concerned consultants. We have taken a consensual decision as regards to the investigations and the modality of treatment. Some specialised tests are still left, which we are doing. We will keep a close watch on him for the next 48 hours or so,” averred, Jalil Parkar, outside Lilavati Hospital, where Dilip Kumar has been recently been admitted.

Dr. Jalil Parkar also stated that the 93 year old actor had infection in his lungs, fever and had experienced a few bouts of vomiting, but was conscious and was having food. Dilip Kumar was suffering from pneumonia as well but his breathing condition has improved. “We can’t say he’s out of danger right now, we have to see for at least two more days, right now there is no need for an ICU for him, we have kept him in close observation. We can’t say about discharge, we’ll decide after 72 hours of observation,” he added.

Incidentally speaking Dilip Kumar was admitted to the hospital late on Friday, and his wife Saira Banu had earlier announced that his condition is stable and he is recovering well. Saira took to the actor’s official Twitter account to quash reports that Dilip Kumar is in ICU. She also issued a statement which read: “Dilip Sahab was admitted to Lilavati Hospital for treatment of high fever & chest infection on 15th April night. He was advised intravenous administration of antibiotics for speedy recovery.

“Oral drugs would not act as fast as the IV injections, the doctors advised. Hence it became necessary to shift him to a hospital. He is recovering well and is stable by the grace of God and the care of the doctors treating him. He is in a room and in the hospital and not in the ICU as spread by rumours.” added Saira Banu

Born in Peshawar, now in Pakistan, Dilip Kumar, whose real name is Yusuf Khan, entered the Indian film industry in the black & white era and became a name to be reckoned with in 1950’s & 1960s.

Apart from films like Aan, Daag, Madhumati, Paigham, Leader, Ram Aur Shyam et al, his cinematic gems range from the tragic story of Devdas, the historical love saga Mughal – E – Azam to the dacoit drama Ganga Jamuna. After working for about 6 decades, he stepped away from the arc lights in 1998. His last movie was Qila. Dilip Kumar was honoured with Padma Vibhushan, India’s 2nd highest civilian honour, in 2015. There is so much to write about the legendary thespian & tragedy king Dilip Kumar that even reams & reams of papier mache would be in suffice.