Pakistani singing sensation and actor Ali Zafar’s first Pakistani film “Teefa In Trouble” can now be viewed by his Indian fans as it will be available on the streaming platform Netflix from Saturday.

“Me and my team are more than delighted to announce that ‘Teefa in Trouble’, which went on to become the biggest non-holiday blockbuster of all time and is running in its fourth month in Pakistan, will now be available to audiences in India and all over the world on Netflix to watch and enjoy,” Ali told IANS.

“I can never let go of the love and admiration I have always received from fans and audiences in India and I am overjoyed that I could reconnect with them once again through ‘Teefa…’. I hope they enjoy it as much as people did in cinemas,” he added.

Ali has served as an actor, a producer, singer and writer of the romantic action comedy film, which hit the screens in about 25 countries in July.

He had joined hands with India’s popular banner Yash Raj Films for the international theatrical distribution of his home production.

Earlier in an interview with IANS, Ali had said: “I hope that it (‘Teefa…’) gets screened over there (in India) and makes a mark.”

After making a promising acting debut in India with the Bollywood film “Tere Bin Laden” in 2010, Ali featured in Hindi movies like “Mere Brother Ki Dulhan”, “London, Paris, New York” and “Dear Zindagi”.

Donbass Bags The “Golden Peacock” Award at IFFI Goa 2018 

The International Film Festival of India (IFFI Goa 2018) held a glittering prize distribution ceremony on 28^th Nov, 2018 in a magnificent stadium Dr. Shyama Prasad Mukherjee Indoor Stadium, Goa University, Teleigao, Goa.

The 1st ever prize went to a Ukranian movie named Donbass’ which was directed by Sergei Loznitsa, who bagged the coveted “Golden Peacock” award at the 49^thInternational Film Festival of India (IFFI Goa 2018), which concluded in Goa on 8^th Nov, 2018. The “Golden Peacock” award also carried a cash prize of Rs 4 million (Rs 40 lakhs Indian rupees) to be shared equally between the Producer & the Director, along with a special Trophy & the citation.

Incidentally speaking Donbass tells the story of a hybrid war taking place in a region of Eastern Ukraine, involving an open armed conflict alongside killings & robberies perpetrated on a mass scale by separatist gangs. In Donbass, war is called peace & propaganda is uttered as truth. A journey through Donbass unfolds as a series of curious adventures. This is not just a tale of 1 region or a political system; it is about a world lost in post-truth & fake identities.

Donbass is the official submission of Ukraine for the “Best Foreign Language Film” category at the 91^st Academy Awards to be held in the upcoming year 2019. It was selected as the opening film in the Un Certain Regard section at the 2018 Cannes Film Festival. At Cannes, Sergei Loznitsa won the “Un Certain Regard” award as “Best Director”.

The award winners were Lijo Jose Pellissery who was conferred with a “Best Director” award for his Malayalam movie Ee.Ma.Yau. The film was a stunning satire on death & how it affects the human lives. Set in Chellanam, a coastal village in Kerala, the film shows the plight of a son who tries to arrange a worthy funeral for his father; he is however met with unpredictable obstacles & reactions from different quarters. Lijo Jose Pellissery bagged the Silver Peacock Award & a cash prize of Rs 1.5 million (Rs 15 lakhs Indian rupees). He had also bagged the Best Director award at the 48th Kerala State Film Awards for Ee.Ma.Yau.

While the “Best Actor” (Male) award went to Chemban Vinod for his portrayal of a role in the same Malyalam movie Ee.Ma.Yau of “Eeshi”, a son who tries to arrange a worthy funeral for his father but is met with unpredictable obstacles & reactions from different quarters.

And the “Best Actor” (Female) award went to Anastasiia Pustovit  for her portrayal of a “Larysa”, a teenage girl in the Ukrainian movie named When The Trees Fall.

Both the “Best Actor” (Male) Chemban Vinod & the “Best Actor” (Female) Anastasiia Pustovit were honored with the “Silver Peacock” Trophy & a cash prize of Rs 1 million (Rs 10 lakhs Indian rupees) each.

Besides Milko Lazarov walked away with the “Special Jury” award for his movie named Aga; the film focuses on the story of Sedna & Nanook, an elderly couple from Yakutia & the particular challenges they face in the midst of a frigid landscape. The “Special Jury” award carried a cash prize of Rs 1.5 million (Rs 15 lakhs Indian rupees), a “Silver Peacock” award & a citation.

That apart Alberto Monteras II received the “Centenary Award for “Best Debut Feature Film” of a Director for his Filipino Movie Respeto.

And the movie Walking With The Wind, directed by Praveen Morchhale, won The ICFT–UNESCO Gandhi Medal instituted by the International Council for Film, Television & Audiovisual Communication, Paris & UNESCO. The criteria for the Gandhi Medal reflect UNESCO’s fundamental mandate of building peace in the mind of men & women, particularly human rights, intercultural dialogue, promotion & safeguard of diversity of cultural expressions.

Walking With The Wind’ tells the story of a 10 year old boy in the Himalayan Terrain, who mistakenly breaks his friend’s school chair. His daily 7 km long journey to school in the mountainous terrain on a donkey, turns mammoth & challenging when he decides to bring the chair to his village.

Los Silencios, the Portuguese, Spanish movie directed by Beatriz Seigner got the “Special Mention” under ICFT-UNESCO Gandhi medal category.

And over & above all Salim Khan, the celebrated actor, story-screenplay-dialogue writer of Hindi films was honored with the IFFI 2018 “Special Award” for his Lifetime Contribution to Cinema. The prestigious award consisting of a cash prize of Rs 1 million (Rs 10 lakhs Indian rupees), a Certificate & a Shawl & also a Scroll was conferred upon the master film writer for his “Outstanding Contribution To Cinema”.

Salim Khan revolutionized Indian cinema in the 1970’s, transforming & reinventing the Bollywood formula, pioneering the Bollywood blockbuster format & pioneering genres such as the masala film & the Dacoit in Western style.

Actors Jim Sarbh & Chitrangada Singh & Director Rakyesh Omprekash Mehra Get Candid About Their Acting & Directing Process Respectively

After raking in accolades for his performance in films like Neerja, Padmaavat & Sanju, Jim Sarbh is finding himself in the news for all the right reasons. The actor was seen in an In-Conversation session with the gorgeous & talented actress Chitrangada Singh to talk about ‘Unmasking the character actors’.

When asked if it has been an overwhelming experience to have made a mark for himself in a relatively short span of time in mainstream cinema, Jim Sarbh said, “I have acted in the theatre in the States & Mumbai for 4 years before I was cast in Neerja. The journey of acting has been an ongoing process. Getting cast in movies was just a matter of time. When I got cast in Neerja & the role was enough to sink my teeth in, I was very grateful. Sometimes, it is overwhelming – not because of acting, but because of the people that I suddenly had to deal with. It’s about managing this whole new world of egos, hierarchy which is not prevalent in theatre. I enjoy the acting part, I would like to be cast in everything always.”

Recalling the incident when popular filmmaker Ketan Mehta showered praises on Chitrangada for her performance in her debut film, Hazaaron Khwaishein Aisi, by saying that she reminds him of the legendary actress Smita Patil, Chitrangada said, “Till date I remember exactly how he said it. He was very close to Smita ji and he was very moved after watching the film. I couldn’t say anything at that point. But it was very special. It was one of the best compliments I have ever received.”

When asked to talk about character actors, Jim said, “Aren’t we all character actors? I don’t understand any difference between character actors or any other actors. In general, we make this clear distinction between, hero, villain, damsel in distress, character actor – it makes no sense to me! Heroes can be women, villains can be women, damsel in distress could be men and usually all people all 3 of those things at different times in their lives. I don’t know why we make these clear archetypes & continue to force people into certain gender stereotypes that really do not exist in the world.”

When asked Chitrangada Singh about her process of understanding the character that she plays on screen, the model-turned-actress said, “I don’t know much about a process. I try & get the energy of the character that I’m going to play. In Bazaar, I play this very rich woman who doesn’t understand things like ambition, creed – she doesn’t understand these things because she was born in so much luxury. I start from trying to understand the energy of that person & the lines then just come, after which I get an idea of the mannerisms & the body language that the character will have.”

Filmmaker Rakeysh Omprakash Mehra regales the IFFI audience with stories from his colourful journey

One of the most interesting sessions of the day had filmmaker Rakeysh Omprakash Mehra talk to a hall full of interested participants & share nuggets of wisdom from his long filmmaking journey.

“You make films the same way you live your life. You can’t fake it.” Mehra started with how he’s drawn from his life for every film of his. His first film Aks spoke about how good & evil are 2 sides of the same coin. This he said was based on the teachings of his grandmom who would narrate mythological stories to him & his cousins and stress on the 2 faced nature of good & evil.

“I used to study in this school in Delhi where most of the students came from Air Force families. My teacher’s husband was a Commander in the Air Force. We would run around MiG’s while playing. And then I went to Delhi University. The main characters in the film Rang De Basanti are all based on my closest friends. I borrowed from each of them for my characters.”

Even for Delhi-6 he borrowed from his childhood. He spoke about how he’s spent many days in old Delhi where all the communities lived next to each other. “There was a temple next to a mosque & a gurudwara. We would attend the Ram Lila events 1 day & then sit for qawwali sessions the next day. I wanted to bring this alive on the big screen and that’s what I did with Delhi-6.”

The packed hall threw questions at the filmmaker who answered each of them with patience. He exhorted the young crowd of filmmakers to draw from their lives and not be afraid to be brave. He said, “Every time I start a film I think it’s going to be a big disaster. That somehow frees me up. I feel less fearful. I feel braver.”

 Red Chillies Entertainment on Thursday moved the Delhi High Court against a legal notice sent by the Delhi Sikh Gurdwara Management Committee (DSGMC) alleging that an objectionable scene in the upcoming Shah Rukh Khan starrer “Zero” has allegedly hurt the sentiments of the Sikhs.

In the caveat, the Bollywood production house has requested the court not to take any action without informing and hearing the submission of the company.

The DSGMC has alleged that in the promo and poster, Shah Rukh has been shown in undergarments and wearing the ‘Gatka Kirpan’ (small dagger), a Sikh religious symbol.

Earlier, Bharatiya Janata Party MLA Manjinder Singh Sirsa, who is also the DSGMC General Secretary, asked “Zero” director Aanand L. Rai and Shah Rukh to remove the “objectionable” scene from the movie and urged Delhi Police to lodge a complaint against the two for “hurting” the sentiments of the Sikhs.

IANS

From Indian Filmmakers To International Filmmakers Marked Their Presence At The International Film Festival Of India (IFFI Goa 2018)

The 49^th International Film Festival of India (IFFI Goa 2018 marked the presence of Indian & international filmmakers who interacted with the media sharing their views on film making, storytelling & also their visit to India.

Rhea Kapoor the producer daughter of Anil Kapoor said “I am aware of the privileges of being Anil Kapoor’s daughter, but I have had only 1 father.”

Rhea Kapoor addressed nepotism & conducted a candid chat with father Anil Kapoor on his journey in the film industry, his positive approach & the secret of his evergreen image

I don’t understand any difference between character actors or any other actors, says Jim Sarbh while elaborating on the term “character actors”

I’ve taken inspiration from my own life for all my films: Noted filmmaker Rakeysh Omprakash Mehra at IFFI 2018

Industry leaders from India & Hollywood discuss the future of film business & possible co-productions at IFFI 2018

Undoubtedly the highlight of the day, the evening saw a candid conversation between superstar Anil Kapoor & his Producer daughter Rhea Kapoor. The actor was welcomed to a loud cheer by a packed house with some even dancing & performing his signature step as a sign of affection towards their icon.

After settling down, daughter Rhea took turns to ask her father about questions pertaining to his journey in the film industry, his positive approach, his fitness & more.

While speaking about his foray into the film industry, the Mr India fame actor said the decision to pursue a career in acting was easy. Anil said, “I was a horse with my blinkers on. From the moment I came to my senses I wanted to be an actor. I was very fortunate to get a break in the form of a young Shashi Kapoor’s role. Since then I have not wasted, constantly dreamt, worked on my craft & worked on being a people’s person. But I am still a work in progress.”

Daughter Rhea then asked her father about the qualities & traits necessary to be an actor, and asked if academic training in theatre & acting is important or whether instincts & practical knowledge matters more. While answering this question, Anil Kapoor said, “To have a foundation of academics is great. But it needs to be combined with the instincts. Everything cannot be studied & planned. I credit my success to my preparedness to fail. But now the stakes are much higher.”

The actor further elaborated, “There are no shortcuts to hard work. I believe that if you’re a trained actor in today’s times, it becomes easy for the director & the writer to mould you. Focusing too much on looks can stagnate you as an actor. It may work for a short period of time but soon there will be nothing left inside to give to the audience, to the writer & to the role. Try & increase your shelf life by being physically, mentally & spiritually fit.”

When asked about the secret of his young appearance, the actor who is a few days short of being 62 years old, said, “I need the energy & stamina to portray the characters. In the process I started looking after myself & working out. I believe you have to look after yourself. For me as an actor I have only one lifetime. I want longevity. I have always believed in marathon. I was never a 100 metre race person. I have been consistent, committed & worked hard, which is why I have been in the business for 38 years.”

When asked by an audience member about what her chosen career path would have been had she not been Anil Kapoor’s daughter, Rhea Kapoor in a frank fashion said, “I am aware of the whole nepotism debate, I know of the privileges of being Anil Kapoor’s daughter. But I have had only 1 father. I cannot help it.” The fashionista then added, “I have been interested in subjects like interior designing, fashion, visual arts & a multitude of other things. But for now I have my focus on producing films.”

 Actor Aamir Khan has taken full responsibility for the debacle of ‘Thugs Of Hindustan’, and has apologised to the audience for not being able to entertain them even though the team tried hard to give the high budget film its best shot.

Aamir interacted with the media at the second edition of Cinestaan India’s Storyteller Script Contest 2018 along with writers Juhi Chaturvedi and Anjum Rajabali here.

Acknowledging the failure of ‘Thugs Of Hindostan’, in which he united with megastar Amitabh Bachchan for the first time, Aamir said: “I think we went wrong and I would like to take full responsibility for that. We tried very hard to make a good film and we didn’t hold back from putting in our entire effort, but somewhere or the other we went wrong.

“There are people who have liked the film and we are thankful to them, but they are in a minority. Most people didn’t like our film — we are aware of that.”

Over the years, Aamir Khan has had a loyal audience which he has earned through films like ‘Taare Zameen Par’, ‘Ghajini’, ‘3 Idiots;, and ‘PK’.

“I want to apologise to my audience also as this time I wasn’t able to entertain them. I know people came in theatres with a lot of expectations but they didn’t enjoy the film.

“Audience is free to say what they feel about the film. What I can say is that we certainly tried our level best and I am feeling really bad that we didn’t succeed in entertaining the audience. So, next time we will try harder.”

Produced by Aditya Chopra under his banner Yash Raj Films and directed by Vijay Krishna Acharya, the film was one of the most anticipated Bollywood movie this year. It was widely panned by the audience and critics.

Asked if he had an intuition about the film’s failure before it released, Aamir said: “I don’t feel comfortable to talk about all these things publicly because when I am doing a film, I feel really close to it. It is like our own child, so if the film hasn’t succeeded to leave its mark, then also it will remain like my child.”

Aamir’s other two releases ‘Dangal’ and ‘Secret Superstar’ did phenomenal business in China.

What are his expectations from “Thugs…” in the country?

“The China release will be happening next month, so let’s see what happens,” he said.

IANS

The makers of Richa Chadha-starrer “Shakeela” have released a bold and feisty first look of the film.

The first poster of the Indrajit Lankesh-directed film features Richa as the eponymous adult actor who was one of the biggest stars of the ’90s from Kerala and acted in several adult films in languages spanning Tamil, Telugu, Malayalam and Kannada.

In the poster, which has the catchphrase “Not a Porn Star” inscribed on it, Richa is shown donning tons of gold jewellery.

“I’m looking forward now that the film has wrapped up for the release next year. We have kept the story to the most authentic version of her real life. Shakeela herself has been pivotal to making this film happen and helping us an in-depth knowledge into her life which has helped us tell the story in its most authentic version possible,” Richa said in a statement.

“She was a brave soul who defied norms of the business during her time and her story was much more than what people know of. To essay the role of a living being is additional responsibility on me as actor and team as the makers of the film,” she added.

The film also features Richa’s “Masaan” co-star Pankaj Tripathi, who is playing the role of a ’90s actor. It is set to release early next year.

PTI