Archive For The “bollywood” Category
Producer Viki Rajani known for backing innovative subjects in his films like Table No. 21, Phobia, R…Rajkumar, Munna Michael amongst others has now signed up writer-director Manish Gupta to direct two suspense films based on true events.
Manish Gupta who's presently riding high on the critical acclaim garnered by the recently released Section 375 written by him said, “Viki is a young, dynamic and visionary producer and has an interesting slate lined up for the next two years. I’m associating with him on a long-term basis. Both our films will create two separate franchises; one is a murder mystery franchise and the other a legal drama franchise”
Viki Rajani confirmed the news by saying, “I saw Section 375 and was blown away by the story, screenplay and dialogues written by Manish. I recalled that Manish had previously written the story, screenplay and dialogues for Amitabh-Bachchan-starrer Sarkar. Intrigued by Manish’s work, I saw Rahasya directed by Manish, I realised that Manish is a master in the genre of suspense and I immediately decided to back his vision. I’ve just launched my new banner Faith Films P.L. through which I’m tying up with various studios and distribution houses. One of Manish’s two films will be the first to roll amongst my current slate. The scripts of both films written by Manish are ready and the cast for both films is being finalized. The first film will tentatively hit the floors in a couple of months”
The suffocating smog that has shrouded Delhi for the past two weeks is taking its toll on Bollywood’s keenness to shoot films in the Capital. One hears from reliable sources that the shooting of the Karan Johar production Dostana 2 which was to feature Kartik Aaryan and Janhvi Kapoor has been called off due to the unfriendly climatic condition.
A source clued in to the unfortunate setback reveals, “The cast and crew couldn’t breathe. Visibility was so low that the camera couldn’t capture the shots properly. It was a no-win situation. The team decided to disperse until the weather improves.”
Interestingly a while ago, Priyanka Chopra, who starred in the original Dostana film in 2008, was shooting in Delhi with Rajkummar Rao for The White Tiger. She posted a message about the hostile climate of Delhi and got trolled for it.
But the suffocating air in Delhi has begun to impact Bollywood’s Delhi plans. A number of filmmakers are either waiting for the smog to clear or seriously thinking of re-locating their films to another city.
Also Read: Kartik Aaryan takes Karan Johar’s ‘ashirwaad’ as he heads to Chandigarh for Dostana 2
Telugu superstar Prabhas suffered a bit of a box office blow with the multi-lingual action thriller Saaho. The actor has now moved on to his next. Titled Jaan, it would be an out-and-out romantic film with Pooja Hegde as his significant other.
Sources in the know reveal Jaan, to be directed by Radha Krishna Kumar, would feature minimal action. “Prabhas feels his fans have had their fill of action in Saaho, at least for a while. Jaan will be a romantic film with a large number of songs to be composed by Amit Trivedi.”
More significantly there will be no Hindi version of Jaan. According to sources, Prabhas is done with trying to woo the Hindi belt for now. “He will focus on his primary market for the next couple of films. The Hindi market can wait. Prabhas won’t lose his core audience for a pie in the sky,” says the source.
The Hindi version of Saaho lost a huge amount of money, thereby providing a lesson to all actors from the non-Hindi language making a crossover into the mainstream.
Baahubali was an isolated instance.
Also Read: Prabhas gets a sweet birthday wish from Baahubali co-star Rana Daggubati
Ayushmann Khurrana’s eighth consecutive hit Bala was hit by a roadblock on Saturday when, anticipating unrest after the Ayodhya decision, theatres in some cities in Uttar Pradesh and Madhya Pradesh, specially Bhopal, decided to down shutters. The one-day hit has, however, not put this winner of a film on the back foot. Collections everywhere soared by 60 percent over the weekend.
Bihar’s prominent distributor Kishan Damani comments, “The collections of Bala are better and has opened stronger than Ayushmann Khurrana’s previous release Dream Girl with better reviews all across. Yes, collections were hit in Uttar Pradesh and Madhya Pradesh where theatres were closed to government orders.”
Another prominent exhibitor-distributor from Mumbai who wishes to go unnamed says Bala was initially affected by the release of a similar film a week earlier. “After Ujda Chaman last week audiences felt it was too much to see another film about premature balding. But they went nevertheless only because of Ayushmann Khurrana who has become synonymous with quality products.”
Also Read: “We are sending out a powerful social message with Bala,” says Ayushmann Khurrana who has registered his biggest opening with this film
The recently released film on Netflix, Drive, seemed like an exciting venture when it was launched with lot of fanfare in 2017. It was backed by one of the leading producers of Bollywood, Karan Johar and was helmed by Dostana director Tarun Mansukhani. The pairing of Sushant Singh Rajput and Jacqueline Fernandez also added to the buzz. However, soon this hype began to slip as the film’s theatrical release got pushed on some pretext or the other. Finally, it released on the streaming platform on November 1 and was met with terrible reviews. But even before it was out on the streaming giant, it was clear the film is not upto the mark due to the incessant delays. And a direct release on Netflix added to the film’s harm. The moment Dharma Productions announced about the plan to get the film on Netflix, it became apparent that the film is not well made and hence the makers are not taking the risk of releasing it cinemas, which also adds to the budget.
This phenomenon of films meant for theatrical release releasing directly on OTT platforms instead is already giving sleepless nights to the actors. One might argue that these platforms also stream web series featuring popular actors like Saif Ali Khan, Nawazuddin Siddiqui, R Madhavan etc. But that’s different since web series like Sacred Games, Breathe, Bard Of Blood, The Family Man etc were always meant to come directly online. It wasn’t like it was supposed to release in cinemas and that the makers then changed their mind. Hence, in that regard, these OTT portals can be quite lucrative. Even a mega star like Akshay Kumar is expected to soon come up with his Amazon Prime original. Also, blockbuster film director Ali Abbas Zafar is coming up with a web series, Tandav, starring Saif Ali Khan, which will be aired on Amazon Prime.
Coming back to Drive, sources say that Sushant Singh Rajput wasn’t happy with this development. He insisted on a theatrical release and tried his best to persuade them for it. But ultimately, Karan had to take a decision that was practical for him. Sushant was hurt and no wonder, that he never posted anything related to Drive on his Instagram handle. On Twitter, he merely retweeted three tweets of Tarun Mansukhani pertaining to the film. Jacqueline Fernandez, meanwhile, regularly shared updates of the film with her million plus followers.
Another source, who has seen the rise of OTT from the inside, says, “At the scripting stage, it becomes difficult for producers at times to know how the film will ultimately shape up. At times, they believe the script has potential and there are times when they refuse to see the reality and end up approving a bad script. It’s only when the see the final product do they realize that they have created a bad film that can entail losses. Earlier, a producer would have no choice but now, OTT platforms are giving them a chance to recover the costs.”
This source further adds, “The producer is relived that he didn’t make a loss, notwithstanding the immense trolling that he might receive, as it happened in the case of Drive. But in the process, the actors of that film can suffer. They sign a film with the hope that it’ll make it to cinemas. A direct OTT release harms the film and also their track record. Sushant, for instance, must have hoped that a film with Dharma Productions would add to his brand. And it was a given that the film will first release in theatres. Hence, he felt shortchanged but there’s nothing he can do about it.”
But going forward, actors will now be careful of this aspect. This source says, “From now on, most of the major and mid-level actors will add a ‘no digital release’ clause in their contracts when they want to do a film. It simply means that the producer will be legally bound to release the film in cinemas and not straightaway on Netflix or Amazon Prime, failing which the actor can sue the producer.” He also states, “The whole industry has observed what happened to Drive and don’t want to be in Sushant’s shoes. As a result, this clause will become commonplace in the days to come.”
Another row happened last year with Saif Ali Khan whose film on stock market, Baazaar, almost made it to Netflix directly. “The producer Nikkhil Advani wasn’t finding a studio to back the film as Saif had given back-to-back flops. But the actor was dead against skipping a theatrical release. Fortunately for him, his web series Sacred Games, which incidentally streamed on Netflix, did very well and improved his track record. Viacom18 Motion Pictures then came on board and released the film,” says the source and further adds, “The perception in the industry was that Baazaar is not getting buyers and hence, it must be a pretty bad movie. However, all that changed once the trailer was unveiled. It indicated that the film can be quite an entertaining ride. Even at the box office, it wasn’t a huge hit but wasn’t a flop either.”
Not just actors, even directors can soon add this clause in their contracts. Another recent case is that of Lootcase, a comic caper starring Kunal Kemmu, Rasika Dugal, Ranvir Shorey, Vijay Raaz and Gajraj Rao. It is directed by Rajesh Krishnan whose Soda Films is a co-producing banner along with Fox Star Studios. The source says, “Fox was happy with the film but had doubts over its commercial prospects. Hence they took the decision to cancel its theatrical release, scheduled for October 11. Rajesh Krishnan however wasn’t happy with this decision and protested. He also had the right to do so since he was a co-producer as well. This was also a reason why Fox Star Studios management then announced that they’ll go back to their original decision of releasing the film in cinemas as the tussle was becoming too ugly.”
The source then opines, “Even for a director, it can be a harrowing experience if his film, which was to hit cinemas on the big screen, is instead seen by viewers on their laptops or mobile phones. Also, it can affect his remuneration for his next project. And for a director who already has few hits or important films under his belt, a direct-OTT release of his film can be humiliating. A ‘no digital release’ clause will prevent such a situation.”
But isn’t it impractical for an actor or director to expect a theatrical release when the situation warrants a release on digital platforms instead? The source says, “That’s debatable. The producer might argue that actors should put themselves in his shoes and only then they’ll understand why he’d go for a release on OTT. But even the actors and director make the same argument. To avoid such problems and most importantly, to avoid any bad blood, signing the said clause is the best solution.”
Also Read: Post the Sushant Singh Rajput – Jacqueline Fernandez starrer Drive, Netflix to do a quality check
Ajay Devgn's hugely awaited film Maidaan which is based on the Golden years of Indian Football is all set to release on 27th November 2020. The film also stars National Award winner Keerthy Suresh opposite Ajay Devgn.
The shooting of the film s underway and will finish by March 2020. As the film is VFX heavy, the makers want to ensure that the film has top quality VFX. The VFX supervisor has been flown in from LA for this purpose.
Maidaan is based on the Golden years of Indian Football and will see Ajay Devgn essay the role of the legendary coach Syed Abdul Rahim who is also known as the father of Indian football for his achievements in making India a top nation in Football during his lifetime.
Produced by Zee Studios, Boney Kapoor, Akash Chawla, and Arunava Joy Sengupta, Maidaan is directed by Amit Ravindernath Sharma, screenplay and dialogues are written by Saiwyn Quadros and Ritesh Shah respectively.
ALSO READ: Ajay Devgn to kick start the third schedule of Maidaan in Lucknow in November
Shilpa Shetty is making her comeback in films after 13 years in Sabbir Khan's directorial Nikamma. The film stars Mard Ko Dard Nahi Hota actor Abhimanyu Dassani and debutante Shirley Setia. As the actors have been busy shooting in Mumbai, unexpected rains on November 8 ruined their set.
Sabbir Khan had three different sets prepared for the shoot - one in Madh Island, another at the Garden Retreat in Kandivali and one at Ellora Studios in Mira Road. Sabbir revealed that they had recreated interiors of the house at Madh Island but everything was ruined due to Friday morning rain. They had week-long stint to shoot but they have now postponed it. The set was insured.
Sabbir Khan revealed that they will now head for the Lucknow schedule. Upon returning, they will shoot the remaining portions that could not be shot due to the rains.
Nikamma is jointly produced by Sony Pictures International Productions and Sabbir Khan Films and is scheduled to release in the summer of 2020.
ALSO READ: Shilpa Shetty to make her comeback after 13 years with Abhimanyu Dassani and Shirley Setia’s Nikamma
Bollywood Hungama was the first to break the news that Akshay Kumar will be collaborating with producer Nikkhil Advani and Vashu Bhagnani in an action packed film. We had also revealed that the film will be directed by Lucknow Central (produced by Nikkhil again) director Ranjit Tiwari.
Now, it's been confirmed that Akshay Kumar will be starring in an 80s style rollercoaster action spy thriller titled Bell Bottom. Akshay shared the news on Twitter along with the first look poster. He is dressed in 80s style suit and diving major retro vibes. Along with the poster, the actor also revealed that the film will be releasing on January 22, 2021 ahead of the Republic Day. The shooting will begin in mid 2020.
Get ready to go back to the 80’s and hop onto a roller-coaster spy ride, #BELLBOTTOM! Releasing on 22nd January, 2021.@ranjit_tiwari @vashubhagnani @jackkybhagnani @honeybhagnani @monishaadvani @madhubhojwani @nikkhiladvani @EmmayEntertain @poojafilms pic.twitter.com/iQLR27uKo3
— Akshay Kumar (@akshaykumar) November 10, 2019
As per earlier reports, it was revealed that the film will be a mix of entertainment, drama and action and is apparently inspired by a real life incident. It will be reportedly shot in London. They are currently in talks with top actresses for the leading role part opposite Akshay Kumar.
#BellBottom is not a remake of any film, it is an original screenplay inspired by true events. https://t.co/u4ADS8jf9N
— Akshay Kumar (@akshaykumar) November 10, 2019
Bell Bottom is produced by Vashu Bhagnani, Jackky Bhagnani, Deepshikha Deshmukh, Monisha Advani, Madhu Bhojwani and Nikkhil Advani.
Also Read: EXCLUSIVE: Akshay Kumar-Nikkhil Advani’s next is a REMAKE of this successful Kannada film!
Bollywood Hungama was the first to break the news that Akshay Kumar will be collaborating with producer Nikkhil Advani and Vashu Bhagnani in an action packed film. We had also revealed that the film will be directed by Lucknow Central (produced by Nikkhil again) director Ranjit Tiwari.
Now, it's been confirmed that Akshay Kumar will be starring in an 80s style rollercoaster action spy thriller titled Bell Bottom. Akshay shared the news on Twitter along with the first look poster. He is dressed in 80s style suit and diving major retro vibes. Along with the poster, the actor also revealed that the film will be releasing on January 22, 2021 ahead of the Republic Day. The shooting will begin in mid 2020.
Get ready to go back to the 80’s and hop onto a roller-coaster spy ride, #BELLBOTTOM! Releasing on 22nd January, 2021.@ranjit_tiwari @vashubhagnani @jackkybhagnani @honeybhagnani @monishaadvani @madhubhojwani @nikkhiladvani @EmmayEntertain @poojafilms pic.twitter.com/iQLR27uKo3
— Akshay Kumar (@akshaykumar) November 10, 2019
As per earlier reports, it was revealed that the film will be a mix of entertainment, drama and action and is apparently inspired by a real life incident. It will be reportedly shot in London. They are currently in talks with top actresses for the leading role part opposite Akshay Kumar.
#BellBottom is not a remake of any film, it is an original screenplay inspired by true events. https://t.co/u4ADS8jf9N
— Akshay Kumar (@akshaykumar) November 10, 2019
Bell Bottom is produced by Vashu Bhagnani, Jackky Bhagnani, Deepshikha Deshmukh, Monisha Advani, Madhu Bhojwani and Nikkhil Advani.
Also Read: EXCLUSIVE: Akshay Kumar-Nikkhil Advani’s next is a REMAKE of this successful Kannada film!
Ayushmann Khurrana is on a roll at the box office and Bala, too, seems to be on course to become a big hit. Riding on positive reviews and good word of mouth from audiences and Ayushmann’s equity to deliver the best content at the box office, Bala opened to 10.15 crore on day 1. Bala beat Ayushmann’s personal best opening of 10.05 crores for Dream Girl. For a star whose two films have released back to back, this is a big feat.
Ayushmann says, “With Bala, we are sending out some really strong and powerful social messages in the most entertaining manner possible and I’m delighted that the film has instantly connected with audiences on day one. I only hope that the film entertains the whole of India because only this way we will be able to communicate everything that Bala is trying to say and spark a thought shift.”
The versatile actor who never fails to surprise with his choice of scripts and roles hails Bala’s script as precious. He says, “It’s one of my most precious scripts to date and I’m really happy with the love and adulation that our film is getting. I’m humbled with the response and delighted that I have again backed a film that has its heart at the right place.”
Ayushmann credits the entire team of Bala for the fantastic start. "I share this moment with my director, the supremely talented and intelligent Amar Kaushik, my producer Dinesh Vijan, my two leading ladies who really gave Bala a run for his money - Bhumi Pednekar and Yami Gautam, all the other fantastic cast members and the entire team of the film that believed in the vision and worked tirelessly to achieve it,” he says.
Also Read: Ayushmann Khurrana, Bhumi Pednekar starrer Bala leaked by Tamilrockers