AVINASH DWIVEDI’S ‘NACHANIYA’ IS IN THE SPOTLIGHT

Men who dance are being labeled as Nachaniya and instead of being hailed as artists; they are subjected to heaps of insults. However, today the large numbers of men who take part in dance reality shows are not being called nachaniyas but instead applauded as the attitude of people has changed too. Avinash Dwivedi playing the role of a female dancer in Nachaniya. Though he is a good dancer and has also participated in a dance reality show, he trained himself for 2 months in kathak to prepare himself for his part in the film. After all, why is a dancer being insulted by being called a nachaniya? Avinash Dwivedi’s film Nachaniya will take the viewers on a journey to that era. Avinash Dwivedi is confident that instead of limiting his film to just the Bhojpuri belt, people from all walks of life belonging to different languages will come to see his film in large numbers and be able to identify with what the message the film sets out to tell and accept him as an artist. Avinash who has acted in both Bhojpuri films & Bollywood has already signed on 3 films even before the release of his film Nachaniya.

SHILPA SHETTY FLIES OFF TO THE MALDIVES TO UNWIND

Shilpa Shetty Kundra has been living out of her suitcase for the last couple of months, travelling to different cities for events & numerous brands appearances & promotions. Interestingly, the wellness entrepreneur has had a choc-o-block schedule recently as she had attended 11 events, including award ceremonies, brand summits & appearances amongst other professional commitments, all in 3 days in 3 cities, Delhi, Mumbai & Kolkatta. While everyone who has worked with Shilpa has always praised her professionalism, dedication & hard work, she always ensures to keep to all her commitments despite it being an extremely hectic schedule. Shilpa, who has been keeping extremely busy shooting non-stop for the dance reality show, Super Dancer 2 amongst other professional commitments for the last 8 to 9 months, has worked a way out to unwind. Doing so, the doting wife-mother has whisked her family off to Maldives for a week. Shilpa says, “The last few months have been pretty hectic and I have been running from pillar to post fulfilling my commitments including reality shows, brand summits, award ceremonies & brand appearances & promotions. So now It’s a well-deserved break.”

KAMAL HAASAN & SHANKAR REUNITE FOR ‘INDIAN – 2’ AFTER 21 YEARS

Filmmaker Shankar, who is all set to reunite with actor-filmmaker Kamal Haasan after 2 decades for the sequel to their highly successful 1996 Tamil film ‘Indian’, says the idea to make the movie had been on his mind for a while. On 30th Sept, 2017 Indian 2 was officially announced in the finale of a reality show Bigg Boss Tamil, which Haasan hosts.Shankar said, “Every time I wrap up a project, I used to think of Indian 2. For a long time, I wanted to make this film. 3 years ago, a line struck me and I developed it into an idea for the project. I’m glad we are finally doing Indian 2.” Haasan said he had never witnessed such a big launch for his film. “This is a great platform to announce the film to over 6.5 crores who are watching the show,” he said. In Indian, Haasan played a dual role. He played the father & son. As a 70 year old freedom fighter turned vigilante against corruption, Haasan won over audiences & critics alike.

POOJA HEGDE SPILLS THE SECRETS FOR A SEXY BIKINI BODY!

Girls looking to have a sculpted bikini body, help is on the way! Most recently, Pooja Hegde, who stunned on the cover of Femina magazine, has been approached by a popular lifestyle channel to provide tips to getting the perfectly toned body this summer. For a svelte figure, Pooja swears by aerial silk yoga & pilates and the result is there for all to see. The secret to the stunner’s grace is the practiced art of balancing in midair and a few minor tweaks in her diet. Soon enough, the gorgeous actress will take to YouTube to share tips and her workout routine with those who dream to don a bikini.

HARSHVARDHAN KAPOOR BATTLES SICKNESS A FOR SHOOT!

Lauded for his performance in his debut, Mirzya, Harshvardhan Kapoor has been in news for the tremendous amount of prep work he put in for his upcoming projects, one of them being Vikramaditya Motwane’s, Bhavesh Joshi. Recently caught in the grip of fever & a throat infection, Kapoor learnt that he was required to shoot a few portions for the highly anticipated vigilante drama. However, adamant to not cancel on the shoot, the dedicated actor did not want his ill health to interfere with the forthcoming film. Says a source, “Harshvardhan means to give his all to this film. Even with the sudden nature of his illness, he wanted no special adjustments to be made for him. He was on a dose of heavy antibiotics, but has reached on the sets of his next.”

Dulquer Salmaan – The Most Charming And Talented Actor

The ever smiling and the ever charming Malyalam star – actor Dulquer Salmaan, who also happens to be the son of Malyalam superstar Mamooty, is currently all set to make his Bollywood debut in Karwaan with another talented actor Irrfan Khan. Now it remains to be seen how the two multitalented actor’s comic chemistry works on the celluloid silver screen. Dulquer Salmaan was also seen in the recently released Telugu – Tamil biopic Mahanati wherein he had enacted the role of the late veteran star – actor Gemini Ganesan, and which was also based on the life and times of the late legendary South Indian actress Savitri.
*You have already made a mark as a Malyalam star – actor. You also did a Tamil – Telugu bilingual namely Mahanati which was recently released and now you are all set to make your Bollywood Debut with Karwaan. Right!
*Right Sir!!! I had indeed wanted to make my Bollywood debut, but the clichéd answer was that I had been waiting anxiously for the right script which I had ultimately come across. So now I will finally be seen in debutante Akarsh Khurana’s directorial debut Karwaan which also stars the talented Bollywood nay international actor Irrfan Khan. I think Abhishek Bachchan was initially chosen for the role but he had to opt out as his dates clashed with J P Dutta’s film Paltan. And the next thing I knew was that I was approached for the comic role by Akarsh Khurana. I just liked the script and also my role in it and I instantly signed on the dotted line before giving a chance to Akarsh Khurana to have second thoughts of casting me.
*Fine! So what is your Bollywood debut movie Karwaan all about?
*Well! Kaarwaan is a light – hearted comedy, and it features me and Irrfan Khan as friends on a road trip. I am enacting the role of a Bangalore based youngster, that’s all I can reveal as of now. Mithila Palkar is also a part of the cast. Akarsh Khurana has also co – written the script with Hussain Dalal and Ronnie Screwvala is producing it under his own banner. The movie is almost finished and will be shown to the censors soon. And incidentally speaking Karwaan was shot in Mumbai, Kerala and Bengaluru.
*Your performance as the Tamil matinee idol Gemini Ganesan in Mahanati has really been appreciated a lot. What Say?
*The entire team of Mahanati knew that we were doing something important and something very special. To tell the story of this Tamil-Telugu cinema’s legendary actress Savitri was something that I had really believed in. This was a role away from my home territory in Kerala; hence it was an added challenge.
*Why do you look at Kerala as your home ground?
*Well, I’ve to agree that the demarcation lines are blurring. I won’t say there was a divide. But clearly Malayalam cinema has a narrower market than cinema in some other Indian languages. I was happy to expand into the Tamil market. And now into Telugu also with Mahanati and into Hindi as well with Karwaan.

*It seems that you really enjoyed working in the recently released Tamil – Telugu bilingual Mahanati!!!
*Actually speaking it has been my ardent desire for a long time to be a part of a period film. Amazing period is being captured in films and even in small screen serials in the West. For a long time I have desired to be a part of a period drama. But fortunately or unfortunately, in the Malayalam film industry, we don’t have huge budgets to make such period films. But Mahanati was being made on a massive scale and I was lucky to be a part of this project. It has been directed by Nag Ashwin and besides me it also starred Keerthy Suresh as Savitri, apart from Samantha Akkineni, Prakash Raj, Mohan Babu and Vijay Devarakonda, I was indeed thrilled to be working with a young team. Both the director and the producer were younger than me. It was a young team with so much of energy. I had always been against the idea of bilinguals but it made a lot of sense to make this film in 2 languages. In Mahanati I had enacted the role of Tamil star – actor Gemini Ganesan but frankly speaking I did not even look like him. I can’t, honestly, and I did not want to wear the prosthetics. My approach was simple. I just wanted to be myself in the phase of 1950’s if I was a big movie star. I never thought that I should even attempt to play Gemini Ganesan. You don’t really have any off – screen footage of him. You don’t know what kind of person he was off – screen. We only know his persona on screen and I did not want to use that to play him off – screen.
*How difficult was it to speak your own lines in Telugu?
*It was far more difficult getting the Telugu dialogues right than the Tamil ones. I have been dubbing my own lines in Tamil for some time now. In Telugu I had to practice the words, understand and absorb what I am saying and then speak them in the dubbing. I would think I got them right. But the next moment I would be told that something was not right. I would wonder what was wrong. Still I would do it again and again until it came out sounding right for the experts in the language.
*So moving on you really share a very good rapport with Rana Daggubati of “Bahubali” franchise fame. It is rumored that this was just a ploy to get a right foothold in Telugu Cinema. Would you care to elaborate!!!
*Yes I am indeed sharing a very good bonding with Rana Daggubati and it’s very natural. Believe me there is no selfish motive behind this. May be it’s my down to earth attitude and my ever smiling countenance that attracts them. But my friendship with Rana Daggubati is for keeps no matter what the rumor mills churn out. In fact I share a good camaraderie with all my male co – actors then be they from Malyalam, Telugu or Tamil film industry. And my female co – stars need not get upset as I would like to share a healthy friendship with them too, both on a personal as well as professional level.
*That apart you were also really happy doing Parava released recently. How come?

*Parava was supposed to be a real game changer. Comedian actor Soubin Shahir had made his debut as a director with Parava. Although I had an extended cameo of only 25 minutes I think it was a terrific film and I also think it was supposed to be a real game changer. It was another huge blessing that I got to be a part of this film and I thank my Allah – The Almighty daily for every chance I have been given. But I think my ardent fans did not like the movie. So it failed to make a mark on the Box Office turnstiles. No problem, I wish myself better luck next time.

*Ok! How was it working in Solo which was also released recently?

*Yes Solo has been finally released. I had great expectations from Solo too, as for me working in Solo was like working simultaneously in 8 films. Solo had been packaged with 4 stories and I had 4 different looks. Since Solo was a bilingual film in Tamil & Malayalam, it was like acting in 8 films at the same time. In O Kadhal Kanmani & Vaayai Moodi Pesavum, I had a bubbly energetic image but with Solo it changed. The film had 4 heroines including Dhanshikaa, Sruthi Hariharan, Neha and Aarthi. And though we had 4 heroines in the film, there were no ego hassles. 3 cinematographers and 11 music composers had also worked in Solo, besides our film had 15 songs.

*You have often been labeled as an arty hero. Why are you hesitant on donning the mantle of a commercial hero?

*Frankly speaking again I am more scared to attempt an out and out commercial film. As I feel it can either click all the way or go down all the way. So audiences will either like it or hate it. Besides I have always entertained the audiences with memorable content. So doing a film like Solo gives me more courage because irrespective of its Box – Office turnstiles fate, people at least appreciate the intent, its effort or just the desire to make a good cinema.

*How would you describe your filmic journey right from your debut film Second Show to your latest film Mahanati en route Solo and Parava?

*I would not like to describe my filmic journey with mind blowing adjectives suffice it to say that right from day one it was effortless and smooth sailing. No doubt I have gained a lot of enriching experience too. I also got a chance to work with the best of people. I am most happy that I ended up making a lot of good friends and I don’t think any enemies whatsoever.

*
What is the main criterion for accepting a role?
*The right set up, the right script and the right role in defining my character that is the main criteria, I have for accepting a role. It has to offer me a challenge of some kind. Otherwise there is no point in doing a role. I would be very uncomfortable doing a safe part. Besides it would make me think something is wrong.
*Why have you chosen a career path very different from your father?
*It had to be different from his. I couldn’t possibly do what he had already done. He has a larger-than-life image. It made no sense to walk in his footsteps. There is a nothing like a “born actor”. It’s all about honing the skills. Duplication never works for anybody. Why would it have worked for me? I chose my own path because that was the only way to go. At the same time I’ve to admit there was an advantage in being my father’s son. The debut film came much easier to me than it would have if I was an outsider.
*Would you like to do a film with your father Mammooty?
*The thought has crossed the minds of many filmmakers. We’ve had quite a few offers to work together. But no, I don’t think that’s a good idea. The comparisons would be unacceptable to me. So unless it is something that offers a truly special challenge for us to come together it is unlikely that we will work together.
*Do you & your father discuss each other’s roles?
*I do talk to him about my work with him if I feel like. But nothing beyond the usual! We’d rather discuss other things when we are together.
*Name your 5 favorite films!!!

*I loved and enjoyed doing all the films of my career, so naming just 5 films will be an injustice to all my other films.

*Lastly name your forthcoming films?

*Oru Bhayankara Kamukam, Kerala Street and Bollywood film Kaarwan. There other films too which are still in on the floors.

Meghan Markle’s Sister Samantha Hospitalized

Just on the eve of the royal wedding of Prince Harry and Meghan Markle, her sister Samantha Grant has been hospitalized with multiple injuries following a car accident and it appeared to be a broken ankle and a fractured knee. What’s more, this comes after an alleged confrontation with the paparazzi, or at least one paparazzo. According to Samantha’s boyfriend, Mark, the two were driving in Florida near a toll booth when this happened. It is Mark who describes this as a “paparazzi confrontation.” Allegedly, a paparazzo veered in front of them in the hopes of getting a clear shot with his camera. Mark says that he then swerved to the left to avoid a collision. He was successful in avoiding the photographer, but ended up running into a concrete barrier. Mark also stated that that Samantha hit the windshield on impact, and then fell to the floor mat. Samantha has MS, and was unable to lift herself up from the floorboard.

Joseph Campanella Passes Away

Character actor Joseph Campanella has recently passed away at the ripe old age of 93. Veteran character actor Joseph Campanella, who has appeared in more than 200 TV & film roles over his 5 decades long career, has sadly enough recently left for his heavenly abode. He was just 93. He passed away at his Sherman Oaks, California, home. Joseph Campanella appeared across 5 Seasons in the late 1960’s & early 1970’s crime drama Mannix for which he earned a supporting actor Emmy nomination in the year 1968 & 6 Seasons of the 1970’s sitcom One Day At A Time.

Tori Spelling Walks Out On Dean McDermott

It seems that Tori Spelling & Dean McDormatt are still married. In fact, they recently celebrated their anniversary, vacationing together to “reconnect.” But apparently, it still wasn’t enough to mend their broken marraige. As per the latest news Tori Spelling has finally walked away from Dean McDermott, and is spending more and more time with her mother, Candy. The one who has never liked Dean. So Tori Spelling has now walked away from Dean and is seeking comfort in Candy Spelling’s home, according to both the friends of the couple. And while that might do wonders for Tori’s current issues, it may spell doom for her marriage. A lot of in-laws may have issues with their, well, in-laws. It sounds like Candy has found Dean to be a total disappointment. But Tori has five kids and has nowhere else to turn. Besides Tori has had a troubled history with her mother. That apart Over a decade ago, Tori’s father, TV mogul Aaron Spelling, had passed away.

Chris Brown Sued for Alleged Rape

Chris Brown is once again in trouble with the law. The often-violent singer has been sued by a woman who claimed that she was the victim of a sexual assault at Chris Brown’s house, alleging that she was forced to perform oral sex on a woman who was menstruating. She also says a friend of Chris Brown’s raped her twice. The woman, who has hired Glorida Allred as her attorney, has filed these legal documents under the name of Jane Doe. She further claimed that she attended a party at Chris Brown’s mansion at which cocaine, ecstasy & even marijuana were readily available. In official papers the woman explains that an unnamed female friend of the artist’s forced her and a few other women into a bedroom. This friend then blocked the door with a couch. The instigator proceeded to force women to hook up with Chris Brown and another man, named Lowell Grissom. Jane Doe also added that her cell phone was also taken away from her upon arrival at the gathering.

Cannes Chiefs Sign A Charter

Cannes film festival chiefs recently signed a gender equality charter. Cannes Film Festival chiefs have recently made a pledge for gender parity and inclusion. it was initiated by 5050 Pour 2020 organisation, a charter was signed recently by General Delegate & artistic chief Thierry Fremaux along with Edouard Waintrap & Charles Tesson, the heads of the Directors’ Fortnight & Critics’ Week sections respectively as well as Paolo Moretti who will take over the Fortnight next year.

Margot Kidder Passes Away

LOS ANGELES – 1985: Actress Margot Kidder poses for a portrait in 1985 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Harry Langdon/Getty Images)

The “Superman” actress Margot Kidder is dead at the ripe old age of 69. Margot Kidder, best known for playing Lois Lane in the “Superman” films in the 1970’s & the 1980’s, has sadly enough recently left for her heavenly abode at the ripe old age of 69, a funeral home in Montana said recently. The Franzen-Davis Funeral Home in Livingston, Montana said on its website that Margot Kidder had passed away on Sun at her home in the town. The cause of her death was not immediately known. Canadian born Margot Kidder also appeared in the movie The Great Waldo Pepper and the 2014 children’s TV series R. L. Stine’s The Haunting Hour, for which she had also won an Emmy award.

Bhuvan To Lend His Voice

Bhuvan Bam is now all set to lend his voice to Indian cab driver Dopinder. Comedian Bhuvan Bam is going to lend his voice to the character of Indian cab driver Dopinder in the Hindi version of Ryan Reynold’s Deadpool 2. The film tells the story of an adult superhero with a twisted sense of humor. Deadpool 2, is being brought to India by Fox Star India, and it opened on 18th May, 2018.

Ankoosh Bhatt’s 3 Dev Is Bollywood’s Most Quirky Casting Coup!

Ankoosh Bhatt’s 3 Dev Is Bollywood’s Most Quirky Casting Coup! Filmmaker Ankoosh Bhatt has landed himself with some of the quirkiest set of people and the crown of this casting coup of his upcoming film 3 Dev totally lands on his head!

Starting off with a gritty thriller Bhindi Bazaar, Ankoosh Bhatt picked up on raving reviews but realized over time that such films only get lauded by critics but to get the numbers up you definitely have to go in for something massy. “You don’t have to make meaningless cinema for that,” instantly clarifies Ankush Bhatt further adding, “You just have to make a decent film with appeals to the senses of the masses.”
And with that mindset he landed himself with 3 Dev, a one of its kind comedy with an ensemble cast comprising the likes of Prosenjit Chatterjee, Raima Sen, Tisca Chopra, Kay Kay Menon, Kunaal Roy Kapur, Ravi Dubey & above all Karan Singh Grover! Phew! That’s a huge list and ask him how he managed to pull off this casting coup, he says, “It wasn’t easy but I guess I got lucky with my script which appealed to all these actors and they graciously agreed to play the parts I had written for them without asking for any change.”

Staying true to the characters and not actors playing it seems to be Ankoosh Bhatt’s mantra, “There was no favoritism which is what worked with the actors and hence they took up the roles that were written for them. Additionally, there are a couple of side actors in the film too but you still won’t see them being wasted in a blink & miss role. Each actor who will come on camera in this film will have a part to play and ultimately it is going to be a satisfying experience for everyone,” says Bhatt.

This one of a kind comedy is all set to release on 1st Jun, 2018 and we can’t wait to see so many actors in one film. 3 Dev is produced by Chintan Rana of R2Phillum productions, presented by Ayub Khan of E4U Enterprises.

3 Dev Actors Shot For WWE Sunday Dhamaal

The 3 actors of the film 3 Dev namely Karan Singh Grover, Ravi Dubey & Kunaal Roy Kapur enjoyed shooting recently for WWE Sunday Dhamaal with anchor Salil Acharya.
Just recently Karan Singh Grover, Ravi Dubey as well as Kunaal Roy Kapur had gone went to promote their Hindi comedy film namely 3 DEV on WWE Sunday Dhamaal with anchor Salil Acharya.
All the actors namely Karan Singh Grover, Ravi dubey & Kunaal Roy Kapoor had great time as they love WWE.
Karan Singh Grover averred, “It was such a nostalgic moment for me to be a part of WWE Sunday Dhamaal. I remember watching Raw & SmackDown as a young boy and now we have come a full circle, with me being a part of WWE to promote my film 3 Dev.”

Ravi Dubey averred, “Doing commentary for WWE Sunday Dhamaal was a special experience for me because of the connection I share with WWE. Every time I am watching TV and I see WWE, there is no option to turn on another channel.”

Kunaal Roy Kapur averred, “Our film 3 Dev is releasing on 1st Jun, 2018 and being a part of WWE for the promotion was a fun experience for me. Being a commentator for the high octane match between Kevin Owens & Seth Rollins,with Karan Singh Grover & Ravi Dubey was exciting .”

The film is produced by Chintan Rana of R2 Phillum Productions & presented by Ayub Khan of E4U Enterprises. The film is directed by Ankoosh Bhatt.

The movie also stars Raima Sen, Priya Banerjee, Poonam Kaur, Tisca Chopra & Prosenjit Chatterjee. The movie is scheduled to release on 1st Jun, 2018.

Yash Raj Films to Distribute ‘Hanuman vs Mahiravana’ & ‘Chhota Bheem: Kung Fu Dhamaka’

Apart from its home productions, Yash Raj Films has successfully distributed films of other renowned filmmakers across India through its strong & vast distribution network. Adding to its ever-growing list of titles, YRF will distribute forthcoming Indian animation films Hanuman vs Mahiravana & Chhota Bheem: Kung Fu Dhamaka, across India.

Produced by innovative animation content company Green Gold Animation, these films will be released in Hindi & Tamil languages across India in stereoscopic 3D & normal 2D versions.

In the past, Yash Raj Films (YRF) has had a successful distribution collaboration with Green Gold Animation, while distributing their film Chhota Bheem And The Throne Of Bali across India in May, 2013.

Speaking about this twin film deal, Rohan Malhotra, Vice President, Yash Raj Distribution said, “Chhota Bheem & Hanuman are iconic animation characters among Indian kids today. Green Gold Animation has been able to build these inherently Indian animation heroes, Hanuman from mythology & Chhota Bheem as a fictional character and their films deserve a strong release.

Hanuman vs Mahiravana will release across India on 22nd Jun, 2018 & Chhota Bheem: Kung Fu Dhamaka will release later this year.

Elaborating on their distribution deal with Yash Raj Films (YRF), Rajiv Chilaka, CEO of Green Gold Animation said, “Yash Raj Films (YRF) is a big & strong partner for us and we have worked together in the past and we are happy that this partnership will bring 2 amazing stereoscopic 3D animated movies for Indian audiences. Hanuman vs Mahiravana is an Untold story from the Ramayana and is an action packed family movie and we are targeting teenage & older audiences with this movie.”

This collaboration with Indian animation for Yash Raj Films (YRF) will amplify the reach of these films to their widest possible audience; ensuring Indian audiences get the best of home grown entertainment.

Synopsis of Hanuman vs Mahiravana

The quest to rescue princess Sita is coming to an end as Rama & his army of monkeys makes their final push for victory against the demon king Ravana of Lanka. In the ensuing battle, Rama defeats & disarms Ravana but magnanimously spares his life. That night, Ravana unleashes his most powerful ally; his brother Mahiravana, a dark & powerful sorcerer who rules over the Underworld. Mahiravana’s shadow casts a blanket of deception over Rama’s army and the unseen enemy captures Rama & Lakshmana. Mahiravana intends to kill the 2 princes at day break to fulfill a prophecy that will make him invincible. Can Rama’s friend Hanuman save them before it is too late?

Credit Slate of Hanuman vs Mahiravana

a) Producer: Rajiv Chilaka, Samir Jain & Srinivas Chilakapaudi.

b) Director: Ezhil Vendan.

c) Starring: Animated Characters of Rama, Sita, Hanuman, Lakshman, Sugriva, Vibhishana, Ravana, Mahiravana, Sage Tamisra, Taka & Baka.
d) Writer: Narayanan Vaidyanatan.

Synopsis of Chhota Bheem: Kung Fu Dhamaka

On the emperor’s invitation, Chhota Bheem, now stronger than ever, is in the kingdom of China, participating in a prestigious martial arts competition. When Kia, the emperor’s daughter is taken by her uncle Zuhu, Bheem & team go after the kidnappers, but Zuhu is unlike any enemy Bheem has ever encountered. Steeped in dark magic & martial arts Zuhu is pure evil, Bheem may just have met his nemesis in the land of Dragon.

Credit Slate of Chhota Bheem: Kung Fu Dhamaka

a) Producer: Rajiv Chilaka, Samir Jain & Srinivas Chilakapaudi.

b) Director: Rajiv Chilaka

c) Starring : Animated Characters of Chhota Bheem, Chutki, Jaggu, Raju, Kalia, Princess Kia & Zuhu

d) Writer: Nidhi Anand & Teja Pratap

Green Gold Animation is a pioneer in creating original Indian animation content and has been entertaining the younger generation for over a decade. The shows produced by Green Gold have been hugely popular across all leading kids TV channels like Cartoon Network, Pogo, Discovery Kids, Hungama & Disney, drawing an active viewership of over 60 million kids. The popularity of the characters created by Green Gold has transcended over the years and it has helped the company establish itself as a leading player in Licensing & Merchandising, Movie Production & Distribution, Digital Business, Retail Stores & Events.

Raazi

Raazi Is An Interesting Spy Thriller

Banner: Junglee Pictures & Dharma Productions

Producers: Vineet Jain, Karan Johar, Hiroo Yash Johar & Apoorva Mehta

Director: Meghana Gulzar

Star Cast: Alia Bhatt, Vicky Kaushal, Amruta Khanvilkar, Rajit Kapur, Shishir Sharma, Jaideep Ahlawat, Aman Vasisth, Sony Razdan, Arif Zakaria, Ashwath Bhatt et al.

Music: Tubby & Shankar-Ehsaan-Loy

In the past few years, Bollywood has churned out some very exciting spy thrillers like Ek Tha Tiger & Agent Vinod in the year 2012, D-Day in the year 2013, Bang Bang in the year 2014, Phantom & Baby in the year 2015, Tiger Zinda Hai in the year 2017 et al. Most of these films also had the role of a female spy who looked like she meant business and would easily kick ass. Katrina Kaif’s portrayal in the “Tiger” series is the most apt example. But imagine a spy who’s completely feminine replete with long, flowy hair & salwar kurtas et al. Anil Sharma did slightly touch upon this aspect in the year 2003 with his biggie movie The Hero: Love Story Of A Spy. Now Meghna Gulzar attempts to make a complete film on this aspect with Raazi.

The scripted scenario of Raazi unfolds the story of a young girl from India sent to Pakistan as an undercover agent. The year is 1971. Pakistan is all set to make a surprise attack on India & the Indian intelligence is trying it’s best to get the details.

Hidayat (Rajit Kapur) lives in Srinagar and travels to Pakistan for business. He is a part of the Indian intelligence but has convinced Pakistani Brigadier Syed (Shishir Sharma) that he works for them.

Hidayat is terminally ill and he asks Syed if he can get his daughter Sehmat (Alia Bhatt) married to Syed’s younger son Iqbal (Vicky Kaushal). Syed agrees and surprisingly, Sehmat also gives her nod. Sehmat is obviously being married to Iqbal to spy in the house of the Syeds and she gets adequate training from Khalid Mir (Jaideep Ahlawat) from Indian intelligence. Sehmat gets married and she gradually gets attached to Iqbal, who gives her the space and doesn’t force himself on her. Meanwhile Sehmat begins her surveillance and finds out crucial information regarding naval attacks planned by Pakistan against India. However the challenges faced by Sehmat are immense and one wrong move can prove fatal for her. What happens next forms the crux of the story.

Meghna Gulzar’s direction is impressive. Despite the content being niche, she tries to tell the story in a commercial format. She does falter at places but overall, manages to do justice to the plot.

Raazi is based on Harinder S Sikka’s novella “Calling Sehmat”. The story is novel and stands out from the rest of the spy films as the lead character goes to any lengths, morals be damned. And this bit comes across very nicely. Bhavani Iyer & Meghna Gulzar’s screenplay is a mixed bag. In most of the scenes, it’s simplistic & engrossing.

Raazi doesn’t commence on a high note but grips the viewers very well. The characters are well established and Sehmat agreeing for the dangerous mission could have come across as not so believable. But thankfully that doesn’t happen. Her training sequence is interesting but the film gets better once she moves to Pakistan. Though the film drops for a while, it picks up brilliantly in the intermission point when Sehmat drives the Jonga jeep (military jeep). Arguably it’s the best part of the film. Post interval, the film has some engaging moments but at the same time, the film begins to slow down. There should have been a more gripping cat & mouse chase game but that never really happens. The manner in which Sehmat is able to escape suspicion most of the times is very unconvincing. The finale however makes up for the minuses to an extent. Some of the scenes however get complicated. For instance, some of the details provided by Khalid during Sehmat’s training is difficult to process as it is presented too quickly. Also the interest drops in some scenes. Meghna Gulzar’s dialogues are simple & neat and are very craftily written.

Shankar-Ehsaan-Loy’s music is very melodious but won’t be remembered, except for “Ae Watan”. The song has an anthem like feel and can get a longer shelf life if it’s played on the festive occasion of Independence Day & Republic Day celebrations in the country. The title track gets noticed while “Dibaro” is completely relegated to the background.

Shankar-Ehsaan-Loy & Tubby’s background score is quite exhilarating. Jay I Patel’s cinematography works big time. The exterior shots of Kashmir are simply breathtaking. Nitin Baid’s editing is nice but should have been more razor sharp. Subrata Chakraborty & Amit Ray’s production design is very authentic. Maxima Basu Golani’s costumes are appealing. Harpal Singh’s action is subtle and not very detailed.

Performance wise it is Alia Bhatt who delivers a powerhouse act and this is surely one of her most accomplished works. Her character is living a double life and she brings out this aspect very nicely. In the emotional & breakdown sequences, she shines! Vicky Kaushal has a limited screen time but he leaves a mark. His character is sure to be loved. Rajit Kapur is quite endearing. Jaideep Ahlawat is very good. This talented actor deserves to be seen more in movies. Shishir Sharma is quite dependable. Notice how endearing he looks when he’s interacting with Sehmat but transforms in another avatar altogether when he’s talking business. Amruta Khanvilkar as Munira is lovely. Arif Zakaria as Abdul plays a dynamic role with panache. Ashwath Bhatt as Mehboob has a small role but is effective. Soni Razdan as Teji is okay. Other actors also do a good job.

Tail Piece: On the whole, Raazi is an interesting thriller which has been brilliantly narrated by Meghna Gulzar that makes for mature viewing. It is a film that celebrates nationalism that is devoid of the colors of religion.

At the box office, it has the potential to grow with positive word of mouth and keep its makers happy. Period.

Akshay Kumar & Twinkle Khanna Served With A Legal Notice

Just recently Akshay Kumar & Twinkle Khanna have been served with a legal a legal notice. 11 serving defence officers & 8 others have sent a legal notice to actors Akshay Kumar & Twinkle Khanna, accusing the Bollywood couple of “playing with the sentiment” of the armed forces by putting up for auction a naval costume from the Hindi film Rustom.

The group, which also included the wife of a Navy man & 7 retired officers, said that it was offensive that the actors had listed the costume as an “original naval uniform”.

“Uniforms resembling those of the armed forces pose a potential threat to national security as the said uniform, insignia & badges could pass off for genuine service clothing and can find their way to anti-national elements who in turn can use it to foment trouble,” the notice stated.

A copy of the notice has also been sent to the auction house Salt Scout and the office of the defence minister. The officers urged the minister to take action against the actors and to stop the auctioning of the outfit that Akshay Kumar wore in the 2016 film, a fictional account loosely based on the real-life case of Naval Officer K. M. Nanavati, charged with & then acquitted of killing his wife.

“…by putting in auction “Akshay Kumar’s Rustom Naval Officer Uniform” you have shown no respect for national interest but have also played with the sentiments of armed forces personnel and their widows including my clients, who are retired, as well as serving armed forces officials & their family members,” the notice read.

Akshay Kumar had put the outfit up for the auction on 26th Apr, 2018 in support of an NGO working for the cause of animal rescue & welfare.

“Hi, all I’m thrilled to announce that you can bid to win the actual naval officer uniform I wore in Rustom. Auction’s proceeds will support the cause of animal rescue & welfare. Place your bid at http://www.SaltScout.com,” he wrote. The bid, which will end on 26th May, 2018, currently stands Rs at 2,35,000.

Vaani – The Seductive Temptress In Ranbir Kapoor’s Shamshera!

Vaani Kapoor is now the latest seductive temptress in Ranbir Kapoor’s upcoming movie namely Yash Raj Films Shamshera.

Vaani Kapoor after her most sizzling act in Yash Raj Films Befikre with Ranveer Singh is now all set to sizzle like never before in Yash Raj Films Shamshera starring Ranbir Kapoor in & as Shamshera.

This mega action adventure Shamshera starring Ranbir Kapoor is being directed by none other than Karan Malhotra. Vaani Kapoor will play the character of the most desirable & the most sought after travelling performer from heartland India.

Director Karan Malhotra avers, “Vaani Kapoor plays Ranbir Kapoor’s love interest in the film and is a very important collaborator in his character’s journey. Her character graph is interlinked to the plot of the film making her a crucial catalyst in our hero’s rebellious mission.”

Moreover Karan Malhotra adds, “Vaani Kapoor is a perfect fit for the role. She is a fine actor, a fabulous dancer & over and above a gorgeous Hindi film heroine. We wanted someone absolutely fresh to wow the audiences on the big celluloid silver screen and she beautifully fits that brief.”

Yash Raj Films (YRF)’s high-octane, larger-than-life entertainer will have jaw-dropping action sequences and Ranbir Kapoor in a never seen before avatar. Sanjay Dutt plays the merciless nemesis of Ranbir Kapoor in the project.

Shamshera is set to go on the floors by the end of this year and the entire shooting will be wrapped up by mid 2019.

Urvashi Rautela On A Clarification Spree

Urvashi Rautela recently stated that as of now she only want to focus on her work, and not to get involved in any more controversies. “No more controversy. Only Focus on work.” Seems to be the latest mantra of Urvashi rautela Urvashi Rautela.
Just like any other business, Bollywood also has people with conflicting opinions & false allegations. However, the difference lies in the fact that most of our snide remarks fade away in no time but the statements or false allegations on celebrities kick off controversies and become decorated headlines in no time.
Since few days many things have been said & written on none other than Urvashi Rautela, her manager Prashant as well as her upcoming untitled movie. Buzz is, a certain make-up artiste is miffed with Urvashi Rautela & her manager because of his behavior. It’s also written that Urvashi is throwing tantrums & irking everybody on the sets of the film, where she is playing a character of a middle-class girl, Bhanupriya.
When contacted Prashant, Urvashi’s manager, stated, “There wasn’t any offensive exchange between us. It’s a false story and every bit of the story has been twisted. It’s true that because of the unavailability of a certain make-up artiste, we had to hire another one for the movie, but it’s also true that ditching a film in the middle of it and taking up another work, is unprofessional. So I just asked him to give me in writing. It has been twisted & turned into a controversy which is really sad.
Talking about the real story, Urvashi Rautelas averred, “These things keep happening and people will say things, but that doesn’t mean it’s true and I don’t react to everything. I don’t want to put my focus & energy on anything else except my film. Even the movie I am doing because of the beautiful script though the director is making a debut with this film.”

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