DHANUSH BEGINS ‘THE EXTRAORDINARY JOURNEY OF THE FAKIR’
THE EXTRAORDINARY JOURNEY OF THE FAKIR, directed by Ken Scott and starring Dhanush, rolled in Mumbai this week. The film produced by Brio Films, Vamonos Films, M! Capital Ventures, Little Red Car Films, Impact Films, Aurora Global Media Capital, Scope Pictures, TF1 Studio & Aleph Motion Pictures, is based on “The Extraordinary Journey of the Fakir” who got trapped in an IKEA wardrobe” by Romain Puertolas. The film has a conglomeration of production houses from 3 different continents. The film is expected to be shot in Mumbai (India), Brussels (Belgium), Rome (Italy) & Paris (France). Producer Luc Bossi of Brio Films says, “This is also an out of the ordinary production adventure, creating through its producers, locations and talent a unique bridge between India, Europe & Hollywood. Its cast reunites actors from more than 15 countries and an International Indo – French – Belgian – Italian crew with a common passion & goal”. Starring Dhanush as Fakir, the film marks an extraordinary journey in the life of Aja aka Ajatshatru (Dhanush). After the death of his mother, the Fakir takes on a journey to track down his father, a man he never knew. From falling in love to brushing shoulders with a Hollywood star, to dodging hit – men and being held as a hostage in a bureaucratic war the Fakir’s life goes hilariously awry the moment he steps into Parisian soil. The film also stars French actor Bérénice Bejo (known for the Oscar Winner The Artist), American actor Erin Moriarty (last seen in Blood Father with Mel Gibson) & Somalian American actor Barkhad Abdi (Captain Phillips) amongst others. Amit Trivedi has also composed 2 Hindi songs in the film.
POSTER OF TIGMANSHU DHULIA’S ‘RAAGDESH’ RELEASED
Tigmanshu Dhulia’s RAAGDESH is all set to release on 28th Jul, 2017. Expected to be a crossover film, the film marries the historical authenticity with entertaining cinema, a genre much missed in Bollywood. Set in the backdrop of the famous “Red Fort Trials”, the film captures the courtroom drama of the trials conducted by the British government in 1945 against the top brass of the Indian National Army, established by Netaji Subhash Chandra Bose. The film poignantly portrays the battle travails, border sacrifices & trial of 3 heroes of INA who changed the course of freedom struggle. The film is produced by Rajya Sabha Television, who has joined hands with UFO Moviez as its strategic partner for a pan – India release. Starring Kunal Kapoor, Amit Sadh & Mohit Marwah in the lead roles, RAAG DESH is the story of 3 leading officers of INA namely Colonel Prem Sehgal, Colonel Gurbaksh Singh Dhillon & Major General Shah Nawaz Khan, who were captured & imprisoned in Lal Quila (Red Fort). Tigmanshu Dhulia said, “This was a great opportunity to showcase a very important chapter of independence struggle. It is a one of the most passionate films I have done because I really feel that the nation & the young generation must know about sacrifices of people achieve India’s independence.”
NARGIS FAKHRI TURNS SINGER TEAMS UP WITH SINGER – COMPOSER PARICHAY
Nargis Fakhri has partnered with singer – composer Parichay & Canadian musician Kardinal Offishall for a racy new track. American model – actress Nargis Fakhri who debuted in Bollywood with the film ROCKSTAR has been living it up in Los Angeles for the last 8 months. And now she is back in B town to promote her singing debut, an Indo – Canadian single, “Habitaan Vigaad Di“. Written by Kumaar, the song also features singer – composer Parichay, best known for his racy track “Aaj Phir Peene Ki Tamannah Hai“ from Loveshhuda, and reggae artiste & musician Kardinal Offishall, who frequently collaborates with Akon. Nargis features as a “fantasy chick“in the music video and has crooned the Punjabi chorus. Parichay had composed 2 tracks and had sent it to LA out of which Nargis picked up the track she loved the most. The duo filmed the video in Toronto, showcasing the city’s popular 1800 – feet high communication’s tower and other amazing views of the city. “To give the song an East – meets West flavor, the team brought mainstream Canadian rap – legend Kardinal on – board to record and film with Nargis & Parichay. Nargis, who doesn’t speak Hindi or Punjabi, insisted that she didn’t want her accent to sound disrespectful, so she rehearsed extensively“ For the main chorus line, she gave 100 takes because she couldn’t get the Punjabi lyrics right. She made sure to learn the correct pronunciation of every word from Parichay. Parichay & Nargis are again teaming up for another track, in which the actress will have a lot more vocals, and soon Nargis & Parichay will show up at clubs in the city and surprise revelers with a live musical performance of their track.
1ST SHOOT SCHEDULE OF HINDI MOVIE ;SACHIN: THE ULTIMATE WINNER BEGINS’
The 1st ever schedule for upcoming movie SACHIN: THE ULTIMATE WINNER has begun in varied locales in Chandigardh. Produced under the banner of J. S. R. Productions Pvt Ltd, the film will release in Dec, 2017. This film stars Dr. Ved Thapar, Shivani Sharma, Dhruv Raj, Dweep Raj Kochhar & Sushil Yogi. Dweep Raj Kochhar is the director, writer, lyricist & producer. Harish Mangoli, Yaman Mangoli & Yuvraj Kochhar are the music composers. The story is about how a young cricketer Sachin overcomes a major difficulty in life to become like his real life hero Sachin Tendulkar.
ARJUN RAMPAL LAUNCHES THE TRAILER OF ‘DADDY’ AT THE GOOGLE HEADQUARTERS IN CALIFORNIA!!!
Arjun Rampal was invited by Google to their headquarters in California to release the trailer of his upcoming biopic DADDY directed by Ashim Ahluwalia. Arjun & Ashim are happy with this special honor because the Bollywood superstar is just the 5th Indian film personality after Shah Rukh Khan, A. R. Rahman, Ajay Devgn & Kajol to be accorded a special invite by Google!!! Also, this is the 1st time ever a Bollywood film’s trailer was launched from the search – engine office’s HQ in USA. Arjun said, `It’s an honor to be invited to the world’s most -sought after platform to unveil the trailer of my film DADDY. DADDY is special to me because it’s not just another film that I have done. It has a lot of emotions associated with it on screen & off screen. By unveiling the trailer here I know I have created the maximum reach for it and I almost feel as if I have connected personally with each & every fan of mine. DADDY is the true story of Arun Gawli, who came from the rough streets and back alleys of Central Mumbai and then went on to script his own destiny by becoming one of India’s most – feared mobsters.” DADDY is an unforgettable excursion into the Mumbai underworld!!! DADDY starring Arjun Rampal & Aishwarya Rajesh, Nishikant Kamat, Rajesh Shringarpure, Anand Ingale, directed by Ashim Ahluwalia will release worldwide on 21st Jul, 2017.
KUMAIL NANJIANI’S BREAKTHROUGH COMEDY ‘THE BIG SICK’ TO HIT INDIAN SCREENS ON 30th JUN 2017
Based on Silicon Valley’s Kumail Nanjiani’s real life, Co – written by and starring along with his wife Emily V. Gordon, THE BIG SICK will release in India later this month. This rom – com is being brought to India by MVP Entertainment, read a statement from the production company. Director Michael Showalter’s film also features Anupam Kher, Shehnaz Treasury, Holly Hunter, Ray Romano, Bo Burnham & Aidy Bryant. THE BIG SICK narrates the story of Pakistan born aspiring comedian Kumail (Nanjiani), who connects with grad student Emily (Kazan) after one of his standup sets. However, what they thought would be just a one -night stand blossoms into the real thing, which complicates the life that is expected of Kumail by his traditional Muslim parents. When Emily is beset with a mystery illness, it forces Kumail to navigate the medical crisis with her parents, Beth & Terry (Holly Hunter & Ray Romano) whom he’s never met, while dealing with the emotional tug – of – war between his family & his heart.
DUBAI BASED ODINA MAKES HER DEBUT WITH ‘FAST TRACK’
Adarsh Jain Films & Sun Audio Pvt. Ltd’s new musical – action film titled FAST TRACK is gearing up to launch in a non – stop shooting schedule. Produced by Yamini Jain, the film is directed by Adarsh Jain. Dubai based actress Odina who hails from Uzbekistan makes her debut in this film. Apart from being a dynamic business woman, she is also a good singer, dancer & model too giving training classes for the young aspirants. “I met Adarsh Jain once and at that time he was looking out to cast a foreign actress who could speak English in the lead. I play myself in the film. My character’s name is also Odina and she is a business tycoon from Dubai who comes to India for some business and what & how she conducts it is what the film is all about,” says Odina Adarsh Jain who had earlier directed Mithun Chakraborty in Bengal Tiger is the owner of Sun Audio Company too. “FAST TRACK is a complete entertainer. The film is of musical action genre. We are commencing the shooting from 25th Jun, 2017 in Nainital with a start –to – finish shooting schedule. Meanwhile, the recording of all the songs are in progress. The film has 5 lead pairs and Odina is playing the central character.”
‘AAMAD’ STARS SAQIB SALEEM – ARIF ZAKARIA – CHARU ROHATGI – ABEER PANDIT
The short film AAMAD written & directed by Neeraj Udhwani stars Saqib Saleem, Arif Zakaria, Charu Rohatgi & Abeer Pandit. AAMAD is the story of a father & son and their shared inheritance of loss. Abhay returns home to find his father on his deathbed. Old painful memories resurface. Will he be able to make amends for the faults of his past? This is the 21st film which will be released by Terribly Tiny Talkies. “Most boys, during their teenage years, have a strained relationship with their father. AAMAD is the story of a son apologizing to his father and correcting the mistake of his boyhood before it gets too late. My 1st choice was Saqib Saleem with whom I have previously worked on MERE DAD KI MARUTI, a film I had written. Saqib rose up to the challenge & practiced kathak every day for hours & hours with the choreographer Ishita Sharma. For the father’s role, Arif Zakaria he agreed to come on board. Charuji, another fine actor, came on board as the mother,” says Neeraj. “When I read the script, I instantly fell in love with the story. It’s such a simple yet complex film as it speaks about the unsaid things in a father – son relationship”, exults Saquib
SUNNY LEONE’S NEW PALACE IN LA
The actress marked her 36th birthday by moving into a newly – purchased bungalow in LA. Sunny Leone recently brought herself a swanky bunglow in LA on her 36th birthday. Sunny recently had moved into a sprawling bungalow in Sherman Oaks, a 30 – minute drive away from the famed Beverly Hills, which she has bought recently. The area is known for its spectacular Hollywood celebrity homes. The house, which boasts of 5 bedrooms, a swimming pool, home – theatre, an expansive garden and outdoor dining area, is 5 minutes away from the iconic “Hollywood” sign. “Sunny & I had wanted this property for a really long time. We got possession just this week. We have shopped for all the artefacts in Italy, Rome & Spain. The house reflects our personalities & tastes. We have been travelling the world shopping for the décor,” Daniel said from Los Angeles. There’s a 2 foot bronze statue of Lord Ganesha at the entrance & 4 foot hand – carved stupas from Nepal in the front yard. “We’ve just moved in and are excited about exploring the neighborhood,” Daniel exulted. Sunny Leone is holidaying around in LA since last 2 weeks is working on an international production she plans to roll this year.
KANGANA RANAUT ANNOUNCES HER DIRECTORIAL DEBUT ‘TEJU’
Kangana Ranaut’s directorial debut TEJU jointly produced by her & her production house Manikarnika Films in association with Paramhans Films of Shailesh Singh, is expected to go on floors in Dec, 2017 and is targeting a 2018 release.
BOLLYWOOD’S NEW AGE OF OFFICIAL HOLLYWOOD FILM ADAPTATIONS
A number of Hollywood films have been remade by Bollywood filmmakers without getting official permissions. But lately, Indian filmmakers are progressing in the right direction. Official remake permissions or adaptation rights are being applied for. Films like DOBAARA, TUBELIGHT & CHEF are official adaptions of Hollywood films OCULUS, LITTLE BOY & CHEF. Bollywood is not only getting official permissions but also giving credit to the original filmmakers. The original filmmaker of the film OCULUS, Mike Flanagan, has supported & loved the content of the film from day one. He has agreed to go all out & promote the film. Produced by B4U Motion Pictures in association with Zahhak Films, the film stars Huma Qureshi, Saqib Salim, Lisa Ray, Adil Hussain, Madalina Bellariu & Rhea Chakraborty. The film is slated slated for 2nd Jun, 2017 release.
VIVEK OBEROI FOLLOWS FATHER SURESH OBEROI’S FOOTSTEPS!!!
Vivek Oberoi who was seen playing a tough cop in BANK CHOR, took inspiration from his father & veteran actor Suresh Oberoi. For his character in the movie, Vivek wanted to look tough & realised that his father’s disposition from his yesteryear films would be perfect. Sources suggest, Vivek discussed this idea with his father, who was surprised to know that his casual look had inspired him so much that he decided to emulate his style in his upcoming film. He informs, “My father has played the role of a police officer in several films. I was inspired by his towering personality, his rich baritone & the execution of these roles. Since I play a cop in my next, watching few of his films helped.”
WILL ‘PADMAVATI’ REESTABLISH SHAHID KAPOOR AS ULTIMATE GEN – X ROMANTIC HERO?
With fine performances in films like KAMINEY, UDTA PUNJAB, HAIDER , JAB WE MET, KISMET KONNECTION & RANGOON, Shahid Kapoor, continues to still remain most loved in roles of a romantic – hero. Then came JAB WE MET , a career – defining role, that established him as one of the finest actors of his generation. The star is now back to a genre & space that he has always aced in with Sanjay Leela Bhansali’s PADMAVATI, where he has been romantically paired opposite Deepika Padukone. Apart from Shahid & Deepika sharing screen space for the very 1st time ever, the 2 have finally been romantically paired opposite each other. Shahid essays the role of Raja Ratan Singh, a just ruler & a warrior who gave his all to the battlefield. Says Shahid Kapoor , “In the beginning, I used to feel claustrophobic about being called a “romantic hero” and the actor in me would retaliate violently saying, “There’s more to me than just being a cute boy”. Now that it’s been 14 years and I’ve done all kinds of films, I enjoy getting back into a mould that people have liked me in. I think PADMAVATI provides an amazing platform to play a romantic character & a lover again.”
R MADHAVAN TO WRITE A BOOK ON ORGANIC FARMING
R Madhavan’s extensive research on organic farming that he has been rigorously following since 3 years has been extremely rewarding. The garden of his spacious abode boasts of a wide variety of vegetables & fruits’ ladies finger, aubergine, broccoli, tomatoes & cucumber amongst others. Considering Madhavan’s vast knowledge of organic farming and his in – depth analysis, he has been approached by a leading publication of organic agriculture to write a book on organic farming and share his views & 1st hand experiences thereby creating awareness amongst the common man. “‘Try growing 1 vegetable to feed your family 1 meal in a week and you will understand the true worth of our farmers, growing you own organic food is the way of the future.”
‘PYAAR KA PUNCHNAMA’ TEAM REUNITE FOR ROM – COM ‘SONU KE TITU KI SWEETY’
Luv Ranjan, writer – director of the cult PYAAR KA PUNCHNAMA franchise is coming out with his new film called Sonu Ke Titu Ki Sweety. Kartik Aaryan, Nushrat Bharucha & Sunny Singh, who won the audiences’ hearts with their performances in PYAAR KA PUNCHNAMA 2, will essay the lead roles. Usually, the star cast happily announces that they are coming out with their film but that’s not the case with the cast of SONU KE TITU KI SWEETY. The star cast of this film is seen in a very unique & different video announcement of their upcoming film showing their disagreement on working with each other in a fun way. Produced by Luv Films & T-series, SONU KE TITU KI SWEETY releases 3rd Nov, 2017.
ANUSHKA STUNS IN THE 1ST LOOK OF ‘PARI’!!!
The 1st look of PARI, Anushka Sharma’s 3rd home production is out now and it awes & stuns with a layered, mysterious feel to this love story. Always one to take on substantial & interesting parts, Anushka’s look reminds one of the arresting quality of international cinema. PARI, co – produced by Clean Slate Films & KriArj Entertainment, is currently on the floors. Directed by debutante Prosit Roy, the film also stars Parambrata Chatterjee. Karnesh Sharma of Clean Slate Films said, “Here’s the 1st look of PARI, our next production. The film is on the floors now and we are looking forward to a memorable shoot. Prernaa Arora of KriArj Entertainment stated, “PARI is a fantastic story. It promises an intriguing & engaging cinematic experience for the audiences. We are very excited for this collaboration with Clean Slate Films and are certain that the content we create will further the reputation of our young companies and stand out from the crowd.” PARI is on floors NOW.
