Devgn To lend Support To Bulgarian Tourism
Of late Ajay Devgn has decided to lend his firm support to Bulgarian Tourism. After announcing southeastern European country Bulgaria as the shoot location for his next directorial film ‘Shivaay’, Ajay Devgn will now promote the country’s tourism. Devgn and his team are currently in picturesque Bulgaria for the film’s recce. Being the 1st within the industry to zero in the exotic location, Bulgaria tourism minister Nikolina Angelkova has announced that the actor-filmmaker will be lending his support to promote Bulgarian tourism. Devgn will take part in local activities and will also shoot a promotional video when he returns for the shoot, which will be shown in India. Along with directing the film, Devgn is also playing the lead in ‘Shivaay’. Sayesha, grandniece of Dilip Kumar & Saira Banu will be seen making her debut with ‘Shivaay’.
The 15th IIFA awards litigation continues
After the 15th annual IIFA in Tampa, Florida, USA, in 2014, the litigation over the economic proceeds which was commenced in New York City Supreme Court by Megha Bhouraskar of the Law Offices of Megha D. Bhouraskar, P. C., has now continued and been specially set for a 2 week trial beginning 7th Dec, 2015 in Tampa, Florida (“Tampa Lawsuit”). Attorneys from Gray Robinson, Florida, & Megha Bhouraskar from New York, are prosecuting the Tampa Lawsuit on behalf of the Claimant(s) Akarsh Kolarath, individually and as the principal of 7M TOURS, LLC, a travel & tourism company arranging International travel & tours. In particular, the litigation alleges a sophisticated financial scheme orchestrated by Wizcraft Entertainment USA, LLC; Wizcraft International Entertainment Singapore PTE Limited and its principals Andre Timmins; Viraf Sarkari; Joseph Sabbas, Noreen Khan along with the knowing participation by Dr. Kiran C. Patel; Dr. Pallavi Patel and their Drs. Kiran & Pallavi Patel Family Foundation, Inc and numerous others marches forward. Dr. Patel’s lawyers have failed to timely respond to the Tampa lawsuit and instead, have asked for an extension to respond through 10th Jun, 2015 onwards. The Tampa lawsuit seeks from these individuals & entities in excess of $7,000,000.00 (7 Million Dollars) USD in damages. United States Federal Bankruptcy Judge Michael Williamson will presently preside over the Tampa trial.
Venus Releases 2nd Short Film
Basking on the glory of film Production, film distribution & presentation, overseas & satellite distribution, VenusWorldwide Entertainment Pvt. Ltd. released its 2nd short film, directed by Nanndita Kothari named ‘Coffin: Revenge From 6ft. Under’ featuring Anusha, Melane, Ankit et al.
Jackie & Sandip Honoured
Jackie Shroff & Sandip Soparrkar were recently honored at Navi Mumbai International Film Fest. Senior Bollywood actor Jackie Shroff & choreographer cum ballroom dancer Sandip Soparrkar received special honours at the Navi Mumbai International Film Festival (NMIFF) 2015 for their contribution in cinema. The Festival showcased more than 400 films from all countries in its 2nd edition. Soparrkar was especially honored for his fantastic work in Hollywood & Bollywood films.
Burkina Keen For Collaboration
Burkina Faso seems very keen to collaborate with Indian film sector. Burkina Faso is looking at collaborating with an Indian filmmaker to produce a film in this country. This was stated by International Chamber of Media & Entertainment (ICMEI) president Sandeep Marwah after a meeting with Burkano Faso Ambassador Idriss Raoua Ouedraogo at the Asian Academy of Film & Television in Noida Film City. ICMEI has created a separate committee for the development & promotion of films, television, media and other segments of entertainment
Vidya Receives Doctorate From Rai University
Vidya Balan marks a decade in cinema; receives a Doctorate from Rai University. Vidya Balan, known to take on challenging roles & win laurels, has been conferred a Doctor of Arts Honor isCausa by the Ahmedabad based Rai University. Balan also completed a decade in the film industry this week. The honor was given earlier this week in appreciation of her contributions to Indian cinema over the past 10 years. Her endeavor to bring out the strong side of a woman in films has contributed to women’s empowerment in society. The University also announced an annual scholarship named Balan.
‘Hamari Adhuri Kahani’ Gets A Tax Rebate
‘Hamari Adhuri Kahani’ gets a Tax rebate. Even before its release, ‘Hamari Adhuri Kahani’ starring Emraan Hashmi, Vidya Balan & Rajkummar Rao has achieved a feat that many films manage to attain after weeks of release. The state of Madhya Pradesh declared that the Mohit Suri directorial will be tax free. Recently, Vidya Balan & Mohit Suri paid a visit to the state to meet the Chief Minister of Madhya Pradesh and now according to an official statement, the government has exempted ‘Hamari Adhuri Kahani’ from entertainment tax. What seems to be a moment of rejoice for the cast & crew of the film, however has turned out to be controversy, soon after the decision was made many Congress officials are upset over this fact and have apparently claimed that the Chief Minister of Madhya Pradesh is star-struck. Moreover, it is being said that they are accusing the government of taking such a hasty decision without reviewing the content of the film, considering that only films with historical, moral or ethical value to the society fall under the category of exemption and are miffed over the fact that this romantic drama has been given a tax exemption despite it being a complete commercial film.
Censor Board recently told Remo that Indians can’t be called ‘Beggars’.
The Remo Fernandes directed UTV Production’s ‘ABCD 2’ has been cleared by the Censor Board Of Film Certification with a ‘U’ certificate (for all ages) with just one verbal cut. The line “All Indians Are Neggars’ has been chopped off. Otherwise not a shot has been touched. The censor board, was mesmerized by Varun Dhawan, Shradha Kapoor & Prabhu Dheva’s dancing. The film is clean healthy family fare. And they all felt there was no reason to not give the film a ‘U’ certification. However one line had to go. It referred to Indians in a derogatory manner. Censor guidelines specify that no utterances insulting any nationality or community must be allowed. Remo seemed pleased with the censor certification though displeased with the film’s release date not been pre-poned by a day to June 18.
‘Mastizaade’ After Facing Censor Rejection Moves Appellate Tribunal
‘Mastizaade’ after facing censor rejection moved appellate tribunal. Filled with sexual innuendos, ‘Mastizaade’ was supposed to be one of the most unabashed sex comedies of the year. Unfortunately, the Censor Board is not happy with the subject and the film which was slated for release in May has been facing censor’s wrath since then. Initially ‘Mastizaade’ was waiting for certification from the Censor Board which resulted in the delay of the release. And later, the board refused to certify the film because of too much sexual content. Further, the film was sent to the Revising Committee for a change in the decision but faced the same fate once again since the committee too found the content too bold for viewing. And hence, the makers of the film have now decided to approach the Film Certification Appellate Tribunal. From one of the female members of the board had decided to pass the film with an ‘A’ certificate along with a few cuts but her decision, it seems, was not taken into consideration. Moreover, it is being said that Pahlaj Nihalani had told I&B Ministry that the decision for the film was taken by Nandini Sardesai, a member of Revising Committee. However, Pritish Nandy is apparently not convinced with the same since according to him, Nandini Sardesai was not present during either of the screening. As of now, the decision over ‘Mastizaade’, directed by Milap Zaveri, starring Sunny Leone, Tusshar Kapoor & Vir Das in the lead, is still pending, awaiting a reply from the Tribunal.
