EXCLUSIVE: “Nitesh Tiwari's Ramayana will be a 3-part epic,” says Taran Adarsh; gives crucial details, watch

After the Adipurush fiasco, speculations about director Nitesh Tiwari's ambitious project based on the epic Ramayana have been buzzing around the internet. While official announcements are yet to be made, film critic and trade analyst Taran Adarsh recently revealed some essential insights about the upcoming film.

In a candid chat with Bollywood Hungama, Taran Adarsh shared his thoughts on whether a film based on Ramayana should be made in the future, considering the backlash Adipurush received. He replied, "I really don't want to get into detail because I've spoken to Nitesh. Let the media write whatever they want. Off the record, I can discuss a lot of things, but I don't want to disclose this right now."

However, Taran Adarsh did give a glimpse into what audiences can expect from Nitesh Tiwari's project. He revealed, "Itna jarur kahunga ki ye film Adipurush ki tarah ek part mai nahi aaegi. Yeh film 3 parts mai aaegi. Ramayan ki shurvat se leke end tak bataenge. Let it come out officially." Adarsh also clarified that the cast for the film is yet to be finalized

The film critic expressed his confidence in Nitesh Tiwari's storytelling abilities and praised the director's vision for exploring the entirety of the epic saga. 

Taran Adarsh emphasized the importance of filmmakers approaching mythological subjects with integrity and honesty. He stated that while films based on such rich cultural narratives should be made, they should not "fool" the audience, highlighting the responsibility of filmmakers to stay true to the source material.

Also Read: EXCLUSIVE: Taran Adarsh applauds The Kerala Story for defying expectations at the box office; says, “These numbers are crucial for the industry's health”

Supreme Court rejects plea to revoke Adipurush certification; says, “Everyone is touchy about everything now”

The Supreme Court on Friday rejected a plea seeking revocation of the Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC) certification of the film Adipurush. The film, which is based on the Hindu mythological epic Ramayana, has been facing backlash from some quarters for allegedly distorting the epic.

A bench of Justices SK Kaul and MM Sundresh said that the court is not inclined to interfere with the CBFC's decision to grant certification to the film. "Everyone is touchy about everything now...tolerance for movies, books is going down," Justice Kaul said, as per a report by Hindustan Times. 

The court also stayed the proceedings before the Allahabad high court which is hearing petitions challenging the depiction of the Ramayana in Adipurush. The high court had earlier ordered the makers of the film to appear before it on July 27.

The Supreme Court's decision is a relief for the makers of Adipurush, which was released in theatres on June 16. The film stars Prabhas, Kriti Sanon, and Saif Ali Khan. Adipurush has been directed by Om Raut and produced by Bhushan Kumar.

Readers may recall that earlier this month, Adipurush writer Manoj Muntashir also accepted that the film has hurt people’s emotions. He issued a public apology, which read, “I accept people’s emotions have been hurt by Adipurush. With folded hands, I extend my unconditional apologies. May Prabhu Bajrang Bali keep us united and grant us strength to serve our sacred Sanatan and our great nation.”

Also Read: Nitesh Tiwari is confident about Ramayana even after Adipurush backlash: “I’m very confident that I might not end up offending anybody”

Amitabh Bachchan launches trailer of Anand Pandit’s Gujarati movie Tron Ekka

Megastar Amitabh Bachchan launched the trailer of producer and good friend Anand Pandit’s upcoming Gujarati movie Tron Ekka on his official Twitter page. He captioned the tweet, “T 4711 - The Terrific Trio is back again with hilarious rib-tickling comedy. Get ready to get your mind blown. Wishing my dear friend @anandpandit63 loads of success.”

Sharing his bond with Bachchan, Anand Pandit said in a statement, “He willingly decided to do a cameo in my last Gujarati film, Fakt Mahilao Maate and took the audience by complete surprise. But even if he is not on-screen in one of my productions, his constant support and encouragement mean a lot to me. I couldn't be happier that he has launched the trailer of this very special film.”

Directed by Rajesh Sharma, Tron Ekka stars Yash Soni, Malhar Thakar and Mitra Gadhvi in pivotal roles, along with Hitu Kanodiya, Kinjal Rajpriya, Esha Kansara, Tarjanee Bhadla, Chetan Daiya.

T 4711 - The Terrific Trio is back again with hilarious rib-tickling comedy. Get ready to get your mind blown. Wishing my dear friend @@anandpandit63 loads of success. #3Ekkahttps://t.co/Oed8Dw6qbC

— Amitabh Bachchan (@SrBachchan) July 21, 2023

Sharing more about the film, Pandit added, “The announcement of the cast itself had created a huge buzz and now the trailer has added to the excitement. By now, the audience has an idea of the story too which revolves around three clueless young boys trying to make money by turning a simple-middle-class home into a secret gambling den. It is a situational comedy, and the trailer too radiates the fun and chaotic energy of the plot.”

Tron Ekka is Pandit’s fourth film with Vaishal Shah’s Jannock Films after Fakt Mahilao Maate, Chehre (Hindi film which starred Amitabh Bachchan and Emraan Hashmi) and Days Of Tafree. “Both of us share a common love for family entertainers and we had a great time making this film together.”  Vaishal said, “We want to bring back wholesome cinema that the entire family can watch together and as the trailer shows, this film is packed with pure entertainment.”

Tron Ekka will be releasing in theatres on August 18.

Also Read: Remakes of Rajesh Khanna’s Bawarchi, Amitabh Bachchan-Jaya Bachchan’s Mili and Sanjeev Kumar’s Koshish announced

Jaswant Singh Khalra Biopic makers oppose CBFC's 21 cuts; Bombay High Court to continue arguments today

The upcoming biopic on Jaswant Singh Khalra, which will star Diljit Dosanjh in the lead role while Arjun Rampal appears in a crucial role, has been in the headlines quite for a time now ever since the production company RSVP Movies, filed an appeal in the Bombay High Court seeking orders against the CBFC for the cuts that were asked to be done for releasing the film. In the latest update, the hearing that happened yesterday in the court, RSVP presented the remaining cuts and the court has asked to come today to complete the argument at 02:30 PM again.

As the Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC) cleared the film with an A certificate and asked makers for 21 cuts which includes the removal of certain dialogues, the movie's disclaimer, and its title and RSVP Movies by Ronnie Screwvala filed an appeal to the Bombay High Court under Section 5C of the Cinematograph Act, arguing that the cuts violated Article 19(1)(a) of the Indian Constitution and that the cuts were not covered under the Cinematograph Act.

In the latest update, the hearing happened yesterday where the RSVP team argued on the remaining other cuts and were presented to the honourable judge. Starting from the 5th cut the team took the honourable judge to the 21st cut and commenced the arguments by explaining how every cut is based on proper documentation, making sure it's a well-researched film. RSVP Movies truly stand straight while opposing the cuts to keep the premise of the film intact while CBFC was appealing that the cuts are important.

Further to this, as the additional solicitor general Anil C. Singh who was appearing on behalf of CBFC has retired from his office and therefore CBFC’s lawyer was seeking time, however, the court refused the same. Therefore, the court called the further hearing today at 02:30 PM.

The Jaswant Singh Khalra biopic is directed by Honey Trehan and while Diljit plays the titular role, Arjun Rampal also has a pivotal part in it.

Also Read: Arjun Rampal and Diljit Dosanjh’s film Ghallughara secures A certification despite 21 cuts from CBFC

Bhumi Pednekar to be honoured with Disruptor Award at IFFM 2023; says, "I strive to live a life of impact"

Actress Bhumi Pednekar will be conferred with the prestigious Disruptor Award at the Indian Film Festival of Melbourne 2023. In her career, she has etched a strong position for herself as a powerhouse performer working on films with strong subjects that matter. In addition, this recognition will also be for her relentless commitment to addressing climate change and promoting sustainability. The award will be presented to the actor on the festival's opening day, August 11.

The 34-year-old actress has solidified her position as one of the most socially-aware actors in the industry, consistently leveraging her platform and influence to bring about positive change. As a staunch climate warrior, she has used her wide reach and power as an actor to amplify the importance of confronting climate change and the reality that we confront today.

As part of the recognition, Pednekar will be engaging in a special fireside chat with a live audience on sustainability, further cementing her role as a catalyst for change.

Speaking of this honour, Bhumi said, "I am so grateful for having been awarded as the Disruptor of the year by IFFM. This recognition means a lot to me. Through my work, through the films and roles I take up, the causes that I support and stand up for and for everything I do to champion climate conservation, this is exactly what I strive for - I strive to live a life of impact. I aim at changing society for the better, by championing representation of women in cinema and fighting for gender inclusivity, and working towards achieving environmental stability."

She further added, "This acknowledgement by IFFM strengthens my belief that I’m following the correct course and making progress in the right direction. I’m thrilled to celebrate the power of cinema and creative spirit with everyone present at IFFM this year. The film festival’s unwavering dedication to promoting Indian cinema globally and providing a platform for artists to showcase their work is truly commendable."

The Disruptor Award will be presented to Bhumi Pednekar by a dignitary from the Victorian government, highlighting the collaborative effort between the festival and the government in promoting impactful work in the entertainment industry.

Also Read: Karan Johar to be celebrated at Indian Film Festival of Melbourne 2023 as he completes 25 years in the industry

Sanjana Sanghi appointed as UNDP India's Youth Champion; says, “A long-standing dream has come true”

In a moment of accomplishment, Bollywood actress Sanjana Sanghi has been officially appointed as the Youth Champion for the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) in India. The talented young star took to her Instagram handle to share the exciting news with her fans and followers.

The young star’s Instagram post featured two captivating photos, along with a heartfelt caption expressing her joy and gratitude for this prestigious appointment. She wrote, "With being officially appointed as @undpinindia's Youth Champion, a long-standing dream has come true."

The Rockstar actress continued to share her journey, explaining that this achievement not only marks the culmination of over a decade of commitment to working in the field of education but also represents her unwavering dedication to creating a better future for the youth. Sanjana's passion for empowering the younger generation has led her to this significant milestone, and she expressed excitement about this new chapter in her life.

The Dil Bechara actress expressed her gratitude towards UNDP India and its team, including a special mention of Shoko Noda, for recognizing her efforts and deeming her worthy of this honour. The appointment as Youth Champion fills her with strength and encouragement, motivating her to extend her impact on platforms worldwide.

 

View this post on Instagram

  A post shared by Sanjana Sanghi (@sanjanasanghi96)

The 26-year-old actress’ fans, friends, and colleagues from the film industry flooded her post with congratulatory messages and best wishes. Many expressed their pride in seeing the actress stepping into a role that allows her to use her influence for a greater cause.

Also Read: Women’s Day 2023: Sanjana Sanghi to fly qualified artisans to take a special workshop

Ticket rates of Oppenheimer in IMAX screens to remain high until Sunday, July 30; expected to come down to normal levels from July 31 depending on demand

Bollywood Hungama was the first one to report that PVR Lower Parel, Mumbai has set a record by selling tickets of Oppenheimer’s IMAX version for Rs. 2450. Directed by Christopher Nolan, the period drama has generated tremendous demand, especially in the IMAX screens. With just 5 IMAX theatres in and around Mumbai, the exhibitors decided to hike up the rates considerably. At the Lower Parel cinema, the normal row tickets are priced at Rs. 760 and 960 for morning and post-midnight shows and Rs. 1160 and Rs. 1360 for all shows after 3:00 pm. The rates for recliner seats for morning shows are Rs. 1850 and a record Rs. 2450 for the later shows. Interestingly, the most expensive ticket for Avatar: The Way Of Water (2022) in this theatre was Rs. 1750. Even in other IMAX screens in Mumbai, Oppenheimer’s cheapest tickets start from Rs. 700. The same is the case in Delhi though Bengaluru is cheaper. Pune has just one IMAX screen and taking advantage of it, the cheapest ticket is priced at Rs. 1050.

Bollywood Hungama has now learned that the ticket rates will continue to remain high for the first 10 days of the release at least. An exhibition source told us, “Usually, the ticket rates fall on weekdays. Hence, several moviegoers, who were upset with the insane prices, decided to watch the film after Sunday. But to their bad luck, the ticket prices have fallen on the weekdays but not much. The prices are much higher than the usual prices on weekdays for other films.”

Bollywood Hungama went through the rates of Oppenheimer’s IMAX shows in the weekdays in Mumbai and realized that the cheapest ticket is available at Inox R City, Ghatkopar for Rs. 350 and 390. But this is only for the early 7:30 AM show. In other cinemas, the least expensive tickets are in the range of Rs. 600-800 while the most expensive ones are between Rs. 800 and Rs. 1850. Interestingly, many of these shows are already fast filling, even the early morning ones.

The source continued, “The moviegoers who don’t want to shell out Rs. 1000 or Rs. 1500 are okay to wake up early in the morning on a Monday and spend Rs. 600 or Rs. 700 on Oppenheimer. It will still save a lot of money. Also, it’s rare to see shows being sold for Monday as early as Thursday.”

The source also revealed, “The prices will once again increase from Friday, July 28 and remain high till Sunday, July 30. From Monday, July 31, the rates are expected to come down. A final decision will be taken by mid-week or Friday depending on the demand.”

Also Read: Cillian Murphy on Oppenheimer: “If Christopher Nolan asks you to do something, no matter what the size of the part, you just turn up”

Shailesh Singh producer of Arjun Kapoor and Bhumi Pednekar starrer The Lady Killer reveals last schedule to wrap post showers in North India

Just yesterday, there were reports that the Arjun Kapoor and Bhumi Pednekar starrer The Lady Killer had hit a setback due to budget issues. However, denying the same Shailesh Singh, one of the producer of the much-awaited crime thriller revealed that it was the weather that had played truant causing a delay in the shoot of the film. No, it is learnt that post the monsoon showers that have hot various parts of the country; the project is set to finish its last schedule post the non-stop showers across North India.

“The last schedule of the film should wrap once the lashing of monsoon subsides in the North. It will have to be an outdoor schedule for the film because the location plays the perfect setting for this broody, crime thriller and the film has already been shot extensively in the North. So, as soon as the production house plans the last schedule, actors will wrap the film,” informs a trade source.

Talking exclusively to Bollywood Hungama Shailesh Singh revealed he real issue saying, “W were shooting and have completed almost the entire project and it is in post-production. About 3 to 4 days of patchwork shoot remains. But, since this shoot is an outdoor schedule in Uttarakhand we had to push it due to the weather and rains." Ask him about the shoot resuming and he continues, "We were to shoot in the first week of July, but with the rains and floods things changed. Now, since it is an outdoor shoot we have to wait until things return to somewhat it was like. We will resume shooting once there is a dry spell." As of now 80% of The Lady Killer has already been shot, with just a few days more shoot pending the film is expected to wrap as expected.

Talking about the project, The Lady Killer marks the first collaboration of Arjun with Ajay Bahl. The film was announced with a lot of fanfare and was keenly awaited by lovers of the thriller genre. Interestingly, the film will see Arjun Kapoor and Bhumi Pednekar coming together for the first time on the big screen as well. Directed by Ajay Bahl, The Lady Killer is expected to be a murder mystery and it is slated to release next year.

Also Read: The Lady Killer Arjun Kapoor and Bhumi Pednekar are painting the town red in these fun photos

BREAKING: Trailer of Sunny Deol-Ameesha Patel starrer Gadar 2 to be launched on July 27

Gadar (2001) is one of the biggest hits of Indian cinema and hence, a lot is expected from Gadar 2. The excitement over the re-release of Gadar on June 9 made it clear that even after 22 years, the film is close to the hearts of the people and that the sequel can open with a bang. Until now, the makers released the teaser of Gadar 2, which was incidentally attached to the prints of Gadar. This was followed by the rearranged version of the song ‘Udd Ja Kaale Kaava’ followed by the soulful number ‘Khairiyat’. Meanwhile, fans have been eagerly asking for the trailer for a long time.

Bollywood Hungama has got an update about when the much-awaited Gadar 2 trailer will be out. A source told Bollywood Hungama, “Exactly a week later, that is, on Thursday, July 27, the trailer will be launched. The makers feel that releasing it 15 days before the film’s release will work well and further enhance the hype of the highly awaited sequel.”

The source continued, “The makers have come up with an interesting promotional plan. The actors and director Anil Sharma are expected to ensure that Gadar 2 creates enough noise so that awareness is spread far and wide about its release on August 11.”

Just like Gadar, Gadar 2 also stars Sunny Deol, Ameesha Patel and Utkarsh Sharma. Directed by Anil Sharma, it is produced by Zee Studios and Anil Sharma Productions.

Meanwhile, the team of the film are also expected to release a few more songs before Gadar 2 hits the theatres. Anil Sharma said in an exclusive interview with Bollywood Hungama that besides ‘Udd Ja Kaale Kaava’, the dance number ‘Main Nikla Gaddi Leke’ will also have a reimagined version in the sequel. At a press conference involving Anil, music director Mithoon and singer Udit Narayan, it was announced that the makers will soon organize a musical concert where Udit Narayan, Arijit Singh and other singers will sing the songs of Gadar 2 live.

Also Read: BREAKING: Gadar 2 album to have two songs by Arijit Singh; one of the songs is called ‘Dil Jhoom’; live performance taking place this month

Alia Bhatt becomes investor and brand ambassador of sustainable baby care brand SuperBottoms

Furthering her bid on going “Aatma Nirbhar”,– Alia Bhatt is joining hands with Founder & CEO, Pallavi Utagi – the mother who’s revolutionizing the Baby & Mom Care industry in India, with quality innovation & empowering Parents to diaper their babies with 100% sustainable & organic cotton Cloth Diapers.

SuperBottoms has been leading the “Guilt Free Diapering” revolution in India – with the sole purpose of enabling Parents to make the Guilt-Free Diapering choice for their babies, and for the Planet. Powered by UNO, the 12HR Cloth Diaper, this mission presents Parents with the option to Ditch the Disposables – avoid plasticky diapers with harmful chemicals that are harsh on babies’ skin and on the environment – and Choose the Goodness of safe & sustainable Cloth Diapers.

Commenting on the same, Alia Bhatt said, “I believe in the power of a good story and the connection with SuperBottoms was instant. As a mother, I'm even more mindful that we owe our children a healthy planet and I'm so happy to partner with a fellow mom, whose vision of empowering conscious choices is aligned with my own. Their unique and innovative products prioritize safety and quality as much as sustainability, making it a truly guilt-free choice for all parents.”

In addition to being one of India’s biggest & most loved superstars, Alia has been an advocate of sustainable living and- is the perfect boost to SuperBottoms’ vision of curating a brand that is a dependable & valued Parenting Partner – focused on developing eco-friendly, skin-friendly & premium products for Moms & Babies.

Welcoming Alia into the SuperBottoms family, Pallavi Utagi, Founder & CEO said, “We are on Cloud No.9 to have Alia – who herself is a prominent voice championing conscious living – getting onboard our journey. Our entire raison d’être is to #MakeClothMainstream – Being a trustworthy Parenting Partner to every New Parent and help make Cloth Diapering their Go-To Choice. Innovation has made it possible to bring together the modern-day Convenience of Disposables with the age-old wisdom in the Goodness of Cloth. We could not have imagined a better Brand Ambassador for SuperBottoms than Alia – who not only shares our vision & values, but also personally trusts the brand for her baby. With her trust, love & support, we can see our vision turn into reality soon – where every household in the country will be able to forever bid goodbye to the menace of plasticky Disposables.”

SuperBottoms was born when Pallavi had her baby but didn’t want to settle for disposable diapers. She wanted something that would be gentle & safe for her son’s sensitive skin, while also being convenient for her, and something that would not choke landfills. By developing not just India’s, but the WORLD’s Simplest Ever Cloth Diaper – SuperBottoms created a product that brings together the Best of Both Worlds in one amazing UNO Cloth Diaper!

Also Read: Alia Bhatt looks chic in every way possible in an ombre saree as she promotes Rocky Aur Rani Kii Prem Kahaani in Delhi

Student of the Year 3: Karan Johar to launch Shanaya Kapoor; plans to turn next instalment into a web show

In an exciting development, Karan Johar is set to turn his hit film franchise Student of the Year into a web series. The series, which will be produced by Dharmatic Entertainment and streamed on Disney+Hotstar, will launch Sanjay Kapoor and Maheep Kapoor's daughter, Shanaya Kapoor, according to a report by Pinkvilla. 

This is not the first time that Karan Johar is launching a new talent with the Student of the Year franchise. The first film in the franchise, which was released in 2012, introduced Alia Bhatt, Varun Dhawan, and Sidharth Malhotra to the world. The second film, which was released in 2019, launched Ananya Pandey and Tara Sutaria.

With Student of the Year 3, Karan Johar is looking to take the franchise to the next level. The series is currently in the writing stage and is scheduled to go on floors in the last quarter of this year. The director for the show is expected to be finalised within a month. However, Karan has not made any official announcement to confirm the same. 

For the unversed, Shanaya Kapoor, daughter of actor Sanjay Kapoor and Maheep Kapoor, has been waiting for her big break for a while now. She was initially set to make her debut with Karan Johar's film Bedhadak, but the project was shelved due to script issues.

Having said that, it is worth mentioning here that Shanaya is all set to make her acting debut with Mohanlal’s recently announced Pan-India epic action entertainer, Vrushabha. 

Also Read: Anil Kapoor expresses delight as niece Shanaya Kapoor bags role in Mohanlal’s pan-India movie Vrushabha; says, “We are so happy to witness your dreams turning into reality”

Himesh Reshammiya returns as judge of Sa Re Ga Ma Pa for its upcoming season on Zee TV

Over the last three decades, Zee TV has introduced viewers to some exciting non-fiction formats like Antakshari, Sa Re Ga Ma Pa. After the success of Sa Re Ga Ma Pa Li’l Champs last year, Zee TV’s popular singing reality show, Sa Re Ga Ma Pa is set to make a comeback to give the nation’s aspiring singers an opportunity to present their melodious voices and build a career in the world of music. To make this season even more exciting and to help provide the right kind of guidance and training, Zee TV has roped in popular singer, music director, songwriter & producer - Himesh Reshammiya - as a judge on Sa Re Ga Ma Pa 2023.

One of the most loved judges of the show, Himesh Reshammiya will be seen donning the judge’s hat for the sixth time this season, making him the longest-serving judge of Sa Re Ga Ma Pa. Having contributed remarkable songs to the industry like ‘Tera Surroor’, ‘Aap ki kashish’, and ‘Mujhko Yaad Sataye Teri’ amongst others, he is all set to uncover fresh talent from across the country once again and help train them emerge as the next big singing sensations.

Talking about returning to the music reality show, Himesh Reshammiya said, “It feels great to be back on Sa Re Ga Ma Pa … I have judged multiple seasons in the past and I keep coming back for more as the show holds a special place in my heart. The show has provided several talented singers a platform to establish their own identity in the world of music”. He further added, “This season presents an incredible opportunity for the show's exceptionally talented contestants as every ‘singer of the week’ will have the golden chance to release their very own original song in collaboration with Zee Music Company. This remarkable initiative by the channel is truly commendable. Can’t wait to witness the extraordinary journey of the top talents of India as they battle it out to win the hearts of viewers across the country.”

While the show is all set to return to television, the on-ground auditions have already kickstarted across the country, especially in huge cities like Guwahati and Kolkata. With auditions yet to take place in cities like Bengaluru, Mumbai, Delhi, Chandigarh, Lucknow, Vadodara, Pune, and Jaipur, a huge number of talented singers will soon be vying for their spot in the Mega Audition round.

Sa Re Ga Ma Pa’s new season is all set to premiere soon on Zee TV but the makers are yet to reveal the date.

Also Read: Photos: Suniel Shetty, Himesh Reshammiya and others snapped on the sets of Indian Idol for Disco Dancer – The Musical promotions

President Droupadi Murmu honours The Elephant Whisperers couple at Rashtrapati Bhavan

President Droupadi Murmu bestowed a prestigious honour upon the remarkable couple, Bomman and Bellie, known as The Elephant Whisperers, on Tuesday, July 18, at the Rashtrapati Bhavan. The couple, who are the protagonists of the Oscar-winning documentary, were recognized for their unwavering dedication to caring for orphaned baby elephants.

For the unversed, directed by Kartiki Gonsalves, The Elephant Whisperers received acclaim worldwide and secured an Oscar in the documentary short subject category at the 95th Academy Awards. The official Twitter page of President Droupadi Murmu shared pictures from the felicitation ceremony and commended the couple for their tireless service in safeguarding the well-being of orphaned baby elephants.

President Droupadi Murmu's tweet stated, "President Droupadi Murmu felicitated Bomman and Bellie, the protagonists of the Oscar-winning documentary 'The Elephant Whisperers' at Rashtrapati Bhavan. The President praised the couple, belonging to the Kattunayakan tribe, for devoting their lives to taking care of orphaned baby elephants."

President Droupadi Murmu felicitated Bomman and Bellie, the protagonists of the Oscar winning documentary 'The Elephant Whisperers' at Rashtrapati Bhavan. The President praised the couple belonging to Kattunayakan tribe for devoting their life in taking care of orphaned baby… pic.twitter.com/Kd4V7BYsL1 — President of India (@rashtrapatibhvn) July 18, 2023

The Elephant Whisperers has made history as the first Indian production to win the Oscar for Best Documentary Short. The documentary delves into the unique bond between the couple and orphaned baby elephants, specifically focusing on Raghu and Ammu. It chronicles Raghu's journey of recovery and survival under the couple's compassionate care.

The documentary faced tough competition in the Documentary Short Film Category at the Oscars 2023, vying against other remarkable productions such as Haul Out, How Do You Measure A Year, The Martha Mitchell Effect, and Stranger At The Gate.

Also Read: The Elephant Whisperers’ producer Guneet Monga reveals why this Baisakhi is “extra special” for her; says, “I am married and have an Oscar”

IFFI 2023: Anurag Thakur unveils 'Best Web Series' award category

In an exciting development for web series creators, Union Minister for Information and Broadcasting, Anurag Thakur, has announced a new award category at the upcoming International Film Festival of India (IFFI) - the "Best Web Series" award. The announcement, made via Twitter, has generated enthusiasm and anticipation within the industry.

Thakur expressed his delight and shared his vision for the award, stating, "Delighted to announce the BEST WEB SERIES AWARD @IFFIGoa to be presented to an exceptional web series for its artistic merit, storytelling excellence, technical prowess, and overall impact. India is filled with exceptional talent; I encourage you to tell the story of a rising and aspirational New India – ready to lead the world, with a billion dreams and a billion untold stories."

The award will be bestowed upon an original web series available on an OTT platform that has been shot and produced in an Indian language. Its purpose is to incentivize and create investment opportunities within India's rapidly growing OTT sector, promote content in regional languages, recognize exceptional talent, and foster the growth and innovation of the industry. The "Best Web Series" award will be presented annually, commencing from this year's 54th International Film Festival of India.

Delighted to announce the BEST WEB SERIES AWARD @IFFIGoa to be presented to an exceptional web series for its artistic merit, storytelling excellence, technical prowess and overall impact. India is filled with exceptional talent; I encourage you to tell the story of a rising and… pic.twitter.com/aOBdIwKmHa

— Anurag Thakur (@ianuragthakur) July 18, 2023

Simultaneously, the National Film Development Corporation (NFDC) has invited entries for Indian films, both in the feature and non-feature categories, to be showcased under the Indian Panorama section at IFFI. This initiative allows filmmakers to showcase their works and contribute to the diverse cinematic landscape of the festival.

IFFI 2023, one of the most prestigious film festivals in India, is scheduled to take place from November 20 to November 28. 

Also Read: “OTT platforms were given freedom for creativity, not obscenity,” says I&B Minister Anurag Thakur; speaks on censorship complaints

Japan requests makers of Varun Dhawan – Janhvi Kapoor starrer Bawaal to dub the film in local language due to World War II connection

Varun Dhawan and Janhvi Kapoor starrer Bawaal will have its global launch on July 21 on Prime Video. The cast along with the producer Sajid Nadiadwala and director Nitesh Tiwari hosted a star-studded blue carpet celebrity screening on Tuesday. While the film arrives in two days, Japan has requested the makers to dub the movie in the local language as it has a connection to World War 2.

As reported by Pinkvilla, a source said, “The requests have come in from the Japanese audience. They have expressed their interest to dub it in the local language as due to the World War 2 connection, the film has the potential to resonate with the audience in Japan. There are conversations in Japan taking Bawaal as the subject matter of the film touches upon the themes and events surrounding World War 2, which also forms a part of Japan’s history.”

At the trailer, Nitesh Tiwari had spoken about the connection and said “World War II is humongous. There’s so much that had happened and you can’t take everything. You’ve to pick and choose things which would probably impact the journey of the characters and that’s precisely why it [World War II as a backdrop] has been taken. Hitler also happens to be a part of it and you can’t not have him in World War 2.”

Directed by Nitesh Tiwari, and starring Varun Dhawan and Janhvi Kapoor, Bawaal is a timeless love story by Sajid Nadiadwala’s production banner Nadiadwala Grandson Entertainment in collaboration with Ashwiny Iyer Tiwari and Nitesh Tiwari’s Earthsky Pictures. Bawaal will premiere exclusively on Prime Video in India and across 200 countries and territories worldwide on 21st of July. ALSO READ: Bawaal: Varun Dhawan and Janhvi Kapoor romance in the wedding dance number ‘Dilon Ki Doriyan’, watch video

SCOOP: Sharvari joins Alia Bhatt in YRF's maiden female-led spy film; Aditya Chopra bets big

Bollywood Hungama recently reported that Alia Bhatt will have some superpowers in her first collaboration with India's number one production house, Yash Raj Films. The actress is joining the YRF Spy Universe with a special female-led Spy Film joining super agents like Salman Khan, Hrithik Roshan, and Shah Rukh Khan. And now, Bollywood Hungama has another exclusive scoop on the YRF Spy Universe.

Alia Bhatt will be joined by YRF's homegrown talent, Sharvari, in the female-led spy film and the shooting will begin by the middle of 2024. "Sharvari impressed everyone with her performance in Bunty Aur Babli 2 but unfortunately, the film didn't do well at the box office. However, Aditya Chopra has identified the hidden talent of Sharvari and is betting big on her to be the next big star of the Hindi Film Industry, He will be reintroducing Sharvari in an action-packed avatar as a spy in the YRF Spy Universe. She will be joining Alia Bhatt in the female-led Spy Film of YRF," a source close to the development told Bollywood Hungama.

The yet-untitled film will be the 8th film of the YRF Spy Universe after Ek Tha Tiger, Tiger Zinda Hai, War, Pathaan, Tiger 3, War 2, and Tiger vs Pathaan. It will go on floors next year and the director's name has been kept under wraps for now. According to sources, Aditya Chopra is planning to mount this female spy film as big as any other in the franchise and will be making a statement about gender equality that his studio follows.

The film would mark the first collaboration between Alia Bhatt and Sharvari. Both the actors will slip into the prep mode soon and the prep would also include some combined workshops for them. The yet untitled film will be led by Alia Bhatt as a super spy, whereas the character track of Sharvari has been kept under wraps for now. "Sharvari plays a key role with Alia Bhatt on the mission," the source further told Bollywood Hungama.

The film will be produced by Yash Raj Films.

Also Read: Sharvari Wagh’s white crop waistcoat and ripped denims is the perfect summer style staple

Oh My God 2 actor Pankaj Tripathi REACTS to Censor Board putting Akshay Kumar starrer on hold: “The truth will be out”

Akshay Kumar and Pankaj Tripathi’s upcoming film, Oh My God 2, has been constantly in the spotlight ever since the makers announced its release date. Recently, it was reported that CBFC Chairperson Prasoon Joshi will personally watch OMG 2 after the Akshay Kumar-starrer was referred to the Revising Committee. While Akshay and the makers remained tight-lipped on the matter, Pankaj Tripathi has broken his silence. 

In an interaction with Zoom TV, Tripathi asserted, “All I will say is, please don’t believe what is being written about it. Log bahut kuch bol rahe hain. Lekin sachchai samne aayegi jab film release hogi (people are saying all sorts of things, but the truth will be out when the film releases).”

Coming back to the film, earlier today, Kumar released the latest track titled ‘Oonchi Oonchi Waadi’. For the unversed, Akshay was seen essaying the role of Lord Shiva, while Pankaj Tripathi was seen essaying the role of Kanti Sharan Mudgal, who is a devotee of Lord Shiva. Meanwhile, Yami Gautam will be seen as a lawyer in the film. 

 

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The teaser of the film suggests that the upcoming flick will revolve around Lord Shiva helping out his devotee with a big tragedy. It is slated to release on August 11. Having said that, it is worth mentioning that Sunny Deol and Ameesha Patel’s Gadar 2 is also releasing on the same date. 

Also Read: SCOOP: After the Adipurush episode, CBFC plays safe; refers Akshay Kumar-starrer OMG Oh My God 2 to the Revising Committee

Rashmika Mandanna partners with Crunchyroll to celebrate anime across India

Crunchyroll, the world’s ultimate home for anime, announced today that actress Rashmika Mandanna is partnering with Crunchyroll to celebrate her love of anime across India. Mandanna will join forces with Crunchyroll at various events and activations, helping share her enthusiasm and introduce more fans across India to the breadth and depth of what they can experience on Crunchyroll. Her well-known love for anime includes titles across romance, action and fantasy as well as iconic franchises like Naruto, Cardcaptor Sakura and Bleach.

“Rashmika Mandanna’s passion for anime is contagious, energizing, and impossible to ignore,” said Rahul Purini, President of Crunchyroll. “We are excited to partner with her and invite millions in India to dive into the fantastical worlds, rich stories and complex characters that are beloved by her and millions around the globe as we build the ultimate home for anime in India together.”

“As an avid anime fan, I am thrilled to join hands with Crunchyroll and become a part of their family. It is an incredible brand that is committed to promoting anime globally,” said Mandanna. “Anime transcends the boundaries of culture, uniting everyone through the power of stories, and I cannot wait for more and more people to experience and embark on this journey with Crunchyroll as they bring the best titles in multiple Indic languages. I am excited to meet and engage with my fellow fans and explore the infinite worlds of Anime together!” ALSO READ: Sreeleela to replace Rashmika Mandanna in Nithiin and Venky Kudumula’s film

Keerthy Suresh to make Bollywood debut opposite Varun Dhawan: Report

South Indian actress Keerthy Suresh is all set to make her Bollywood debut opposite Varun Dhawan. The two will star in an action-packed dramatic entertainer, directed by Tamil filmmaker Kalees. The film, which is tentatively titled #VD18, is being produced by Murad Khetani (Cine1 Studios) and Priya Atlee (A For Apple Studios). It will be presented by Jawan director Atlee Kumar.

"Keerthy was looking for certain elements in her Bollywood launch vehicle, and this Varun Dhawan film perfectly aligns with her preferences. She will portray a strong and glamorous character in this commercial flick filled with emotions, drama, and action. After establishing herself down South with her exceptional acting prowess and natural charm, Keerthy is all set to spread her wings pan-India, and #VD18 is just the first step towards that," a source close to the development told Pinkvilla.

As per the report, the shooting for the film is scheduled to begin next month in Mumbai. The makers have apparently planned a three-month schedule to finish the production by November to target a theatrical release on May 31, 2024.

Varun, who was last seen playing a werewolf in Amar Kaushik's Bhediya, will reportedly portray a police officer in this film. Currently, he is awaiting the release of his next film, Bawaal, directed by Nitesh Tiwari and co-starring Janhvi Kapoor. 

Keerthy, on the other hand, has a slate of exciting South Indian projects lined up. Her upcoming films include Bhola Shankar with Chiranjeevi, followed by Revolver Rita, Raghu Thatha, and Kannivedi, among others.

Also Read: Varun Dhawan to kick off the shoot for Atlee Kumar’s action-entertainer production on July 16 in Mumbai 

Kamal Amrohi and Meena Kumari’s son Tajdar Amrohi to sue Manish Malhotra and Kriti Sanon for announcing Meena Kumari biopic allegedly without his consent

The proposed Meena Kumari biopic, which is to be directed by Manish Malhotra and which will star Kriti Sanon in the eponymous role, seems to have courted trouble even before going on the floors.

After the severe backlash at what many see as an ethically and aesthetically wrong project, we now have Meena Kumari’s husband, the late and great filmmaker Kamal Amrohi’s son Tajdar Amrohi, threatening to take Sanon and Malhotra to the court.

Speaking to this writer, a very angry Tajdar lashed out saying, “Some industry walas have become absolutely bankrupt and thieves. They have no right to barge in and step into my territory and domain. They are not just thieves but also dacoits.”

Tajdar feels that no one has the right to make a film on Meena Kumari without his consent. “She (Meena Kumari) was my mom and Kamal Amrohi was my dad. Please ask those people to make a movie on their own parents and I’m sure they will not do so, for they were nobody. Anyway, what they will make would be based on all lies,” he added.

Tajdar feels that only he knows the real truth about his parents’ marriage. “Baba (father Kamal Amrohi) passed away 29 years ago and Choti Ammi (mother Meena Kumari) went fifty years ago. But they continue to live in people’s minds. I’d say Choti Ammi’s best (and) most successful films came after she married Baba. Before marriage, she worked in mythologicals. It was the advent of Kamal Amrohi in her life that brought on the best phase of her career. It is believed that Baba went and whisked Choti Ammi away from her home for marriage. Not so. It was Choti Ammi who came to Baba’s home. And let me tell you, they fell in love without meeting secretly. During those days, lovers from the film industry met in dark corners of studios. Not my parents. Their love blossomed on the phone. His voice was so magnetic that she fell in love with him,” said Tajdar.

Lashing out angrily at the proposed biopic on Meena Kumari, Tajdar Amrohi now plans to take strong legal action. “I'll go by what my lawyer will tell me. He said to wait. Both me and my sister Rushksar will file a suit,” he said.